A Bond of Light and Dark

"It wasn't until recently I remembered. Two years ago, I was dealing with an ambush of goblins on Shadesong territory. Everyone was fine but i was fighting a goblin on a steep clif and he pushed me off. Had serious head trauma but i remember everything except that night i fell. I felt panic surge in me when i realized i forgot Rosaria all these years. I felt sick. I demanded Callum let me go to her. I...told him the truth...I love her. He accepted my leave and i came once i was recovered. I...also had to break Holly Riverflower's heart. We were engaged...even courting rather closely...but she wasn't Rosaria. We only kissed, i wanna make that clear..." He said as he sighed and rufgled her hair. "Do you think she loves him? I don't want to get in between them if she is happy.

Zaleria was quiet as he explained that it was only recently that he had regained his memories. "Well, that explains why it took you so long to come back. Still, better late than never. And you're not too late to stop this marriage from happening. The wedding details haven't even been discussed yet because Rosaria's been delaying them. I think secretly, she was hoping that you would show up and proclaim your love for her again."

She then looked at Quinton as if he was crazy. "Love him? Oh no, Quinton. She can't stand him. The only reason she is going through with it because it would be beneficial to our family. She knows Ailuin isn't forcing her, but she felt it was her duty to accept. Honestly, I don't know what she's thinking these days but I can assure you that she doesn't love him and is just looking for an excuse to end things with him. Not to mention, none of us can stand him. Even little Elduin doesn't like him and that kid likes everyone."

Zaleria thought for a moment before smirking. "We have to get the two of you to talk privately. I think I can distract Neivan while you talk to her in private. I can arrange it, just let me know when you want to talk to her and I'll make it happen."

Quinton chuckled in relief that Rosaria wasnt interested in him. "I appreciate this secret mission you're planning but can you just tell Rosa to meet me in the library at midnight? I doubt Neivan will be around at that point... I just really miss her, Zal. Even when i saw here i wanted to pull her in and kiss her. I wanted to just hold her and never let go..." Quinton sighed as he sat back in the couch tiredly.

Zaleria looked disappointed that she wouldn't be able to torment Neivan while distracting him for Quinton. "Okay, I will tell her to meet you there." She then paused, feeling sympathetic as she placed a hand on his arm. "I know she loves you, too. If she didn't, she wouldn't have gotten so depressed when you forgot about her but it was difficult for her because you were a child at the time. I don't think she knows how much she truly loves you, though."

She then paused and looked at him seriously. "I will warn you, though. She may not be so easy to convince to break off the marriage. Although she loves you, she is a bit stubborn and doesn't like going back on her word. However, I know that you can convince her that you're better for her."

"Zal, i will admit my feelings but if this marriage is what she truly wants i will respect it. I will not act as a common rat and tear her away from a life she has chosen for herself. Ultimately, it is her choice whether or not she wants to leave him." Quinton said rather properly before walking to the door. "Thank you for your time, Princess Zaleria." He smiled and bowed graciously to her before leaving the room.

Meanwhile in Asvoria, a boy runs down the alleyways of the city until he reached a pleasure house. The boy was desensitized to the sounds and visuals around him that he seemed to ignore them completely. A pretty strawberry blonde beauty strode over to pick the boy up. "What have you got? A note? Give it here Alduin." She asked as the boy obeyed. "No! We had one more day!" The blonde gasped and hurried out of the room with the boy on her hip. She knocked vigorously on the door. "Madame! Urgent news!" The young blonde yelled as the door swung open and a ethereal beauty with the finest endowments of curves and hair kissed by the gods of fire glared. "What? Is Molly drinking all our ale again the little drunk. Go throw her out-" she was about to say until interrupted. "They're coming! Hallowshade and his men! What do we do?!" She said as Ros stared at the boy. "Take him to Elvhenan. Now." Ros grabbed the womand by the wrist as there was suddenly screaming and pulled her to the back of the building. "This is a letter to Ailuin. You only give this to him. You refuse to see anyone else with this matter." Ros said to the girl. "Yes Madame Ros." The girl nodded as Ros led her to the stables in the back.

"Clarabelle, you must ride hard. No stops! You bring him there safely!" Ros looked at the girl sternly. Clarabelle got on the horse and took the boy from Ros. "Yes..." Clarabelle said as Ros looked at Alduin. "Do i have to?" The little boy teared up. Ros sniffled and nodded as she kissed his cheek. "Yes...be good. I love you..." She said as she jumped at a shriek. "Go!" She said as she smacked the horse on its rear as Clarabelle took the back alleyways to get away. 

Ros sighed as she entered the the pleasure house to find Adrian smirking at her as her gorls were being hassled by the knights. "Lady- oh thats right you arent a lady anymore. Madame Fyreheart, you are under arrest..." He smirked as the other prostitutes howled and growled at Adrian as his guards begun to restrain her and bind her hands. "What charges! I have done nothing!" Ros growled angrily. "Since of last week, King Callum as issued all brothels to be registered with the kingdom and profits to be shared yet you refuse!" Adrian smirked as Ros spat by his feet. "I will never share my girls' earnings with a worm like you! I rather die!" She growled as Adrian pulled her head back and whipped a back hand across Ros's face so hard her lip split. "Take her and her girls to the dungeons..." He growled before grabbing Ros's coin purse from her belt.

Time-Skip

A few days had passed in the kingdom of Elvhenan since the arrival of Quinton. Former queen Ilayana was currently attending to court while her son and daughter-in-law were with their children. She didn't mind taking over for them every now and then. Elduin was seated on her lap, taking another nap against her bosom. Ilayana was quite fond of her youngest and didn't mind caring for him while also attending to royal affairs, especially since he was peacefully napping.

She had just finished seeing someone and dismissed them when a small yawn caught her attention and she looked down to see her young son blinking sleepily up at her. "Are you still playing court, mama?" He asked, rubbing his eyes. She chuckled and kissed his head. "Yes. Why don't you run along and go find your father?" The boy nodded and climbed off of his mother's lap to go search for his father.

Meanwhile, Ailuin was spending time with his three children. He stood outside next to his horse, watching as Thalion perched ontop of the creature's back. "You remember what I told you about steering him?" He asked, tilting his head. He figured it would be wise to start them early on learning how to ride a horse in case they were ever in need of riding one. Belle had already had her turn and Aisling had already learned. Thalion was a little behind as he was nervous about being on the horse's back.

He glanced down at his father, a worried look in his eye. "Are you sure he won't throw me, father? I don't think he likes me very much." He flinched as the horse snorted, restlessly pawing at the ground with his hoof. "Nonsense, son. He is a gentle creature and will not throw you."

Clarabelle had been riding for several days straight. She only stopped for food and small breaks, nothing else to get Alduin to the elf king. "Clara, when do we get to play?" The boy begged as Clarabelle sighed. When we reach the kingdom. There it is! In the distance! After we talk to the King, we get rest, and properly cared for then we can play i promise!" Clara galloped faster as the city gates drew nearer until she slowed and entered. Alduin looked curiously at the elves and the city. It was prettier than where her grew up, no trace of mud or homeless beggar walking the streets. Not whores calling for clients and no violence in sight. "Clara, are we staying here?" He asked curiously as she smiled. "Yes little one, your mama wanted to run a pleasure house. In fact, we were moving here the day after what happened. Later though, i need to concentrate." She said as she found stables near the palace a paid the stable boy to care for her horse. The elven boy glanced at Clara with lust and intrigue as Clara reciprocated with a bat if her eyelashes and her giggling a thank you flirtatiously before grabbing the boy's hand to lead him up the steps.

They made it to the line of people seeing the former queen which made Clara wary abouth the letter in her hands. "Is that the queen?" Alduin tugged on Clara's skirt. "Former Queen, the King's mother." Clara frowned as she waited her turn with a worried impatient look. When they were next Clara walked forward and curtsied as Alduin hid behind her skirt and peeked behind her at the former queen. "Your Grace, i may sound very improper than your people. I apologize but...do you know when i may be able to speak to the king? Its urgent. I have a letter but im not allowed to give it to anyone except his hands. Not even allowed to not watch him open the letter. Oh and the name's Clarabelle your grace. I forgot that bit. Sorry." Clarabelle said nervously while fiddling with the letter nervously.

Ilayana gazed down at Clara from her seat on the throne, a curious look showing on her features as she noticed that a human was before her. She noticed the little boy hiding behind her skirt and offered a kind smile before looking back at Clara. "You wish to speak to my son? Excuse me for a moment." She stood up and waved over a servant, whispering in his ear to postpone court for a bit. He nodded and went to take care of that while Ilayana focused on Clara.

"Very well, I will personally escort you to my son. He is currently spending time with his children, but if the matter is as urgent as you say, he won't mind. Please, follow me." She gestured for Clarabelle to follow her, leading the way out of the courtyard and to where her son was with his children.

As they stepped outside, she immediately spotted her son talking to his only son who was sat upon his horse. Ailuin didn't long to notice his mother who had company following her. He raised an eyebrow but moved to gently pick Thalion up and place him back on the ground. "We will continue later." He waved for a servant to take his horse and moved to meet his mother and their guests. "Hello, mother. Is something the matter? Who is this that you have brought with you?" He asked, glancing at the human woman and the boy that clutched to her skirts.

"Darling, she said that she has a letter for your eyes only and that it is urgent. I wasn't sure what to do with her and figured it would be best to let you handle it. I'm sorry for disturbing your time with my grandchildren." She pecked him on the cheek and turned to look at Clarabelle. "Clarabelle, this is my son, King Ailuin." Ailuin smiled politely at her. "You have a letter for me? From whom?"

"Please forgive me, your Highness. I would wait but it is quite urgent. I'm Madame Fyreheart's maiden of purity, she teaches me everything i need to learn and sells my pure heart to the highest bidder." She spoke shakily as the red haired boy looks up curiously at Ailuin with pretty green blue eyes. "Adrian Hallowshade, our king's advisor, has her and my fellow courtesans imprisoned early for crimes that have yet to be in place. She requested for me to give you this letter." Clara said as she handed the letter over to Ailuin.

The letter reads: "Hello Ailuin, I hope you can forgive me all those years ago when I disappeared. It was merely that i feared I would have made your life more complicated and i couldn't bear it. I only pray now that you may help me once again. I took over the pleasure house and became the wealthiest business in the city. Now my business and girls are under threat by the King's advisor but I'm afraid thats not the only leverage he wants. Nine months after you...I gave birth to the boy before you. Normally whores sell or drown their young, but i couldn't bare it. I know he's yours, i never lain with an elf before or after you. In fact, i hadn't laid with a man five years later, i felt guilt and a lack of interest in selling my body. But now i do to ensure our son has a roof over his head and food in his belly. I was planning on leaving for Elvehenan but Adrian beat me to it. He'll probably torture me, angry that he didnt get our son first. I'm allowed for a royal member to claim my name and servitude. If you may come to the Kingdom, claim me and my girls so we can build a life of our own there. You need not to be in Alduin's life, i just thought you had a right to know. Best regards, Rosalind Fyreheart."

Ailuin's green eyes widened at the mention of the woman he had fallen for only for her to disappear on him. He hadn't expected to hear from her again after her departure. And now, she was in trouble. Still, he couldn't be upset with her after not contacting him until now. He didn't mind helping her. He accepted the letter and quickly read it.

As he read the letter, a look of surprise showed on his face and he paused in reading to look at the boy in surprise before returning his gaze back to the letter. As he finished it, he crumpled it in his hand and took a moment to steady his breathing.

He then turned to look at his mother who looked puzzled. "Mother, can you please take your grandchildren to their mother. I have business to attend to with this woman and child." Ilayana was curious but didn't pry. "Of course, darling." She moved to gather the three children and guided them away. Once they were gone, Ailuin turned to look at Clarabelle.

"Thank you for riding out here to bring me this letter and to deliver him safely to me. I will keep him safe and I will do everything in my power to assist Ros and her girls. I will arrange for a room for the two of you. I am sure that you both are tired after your long journey." He then glanced down at Alduin, unsure if he should introduce himself as his father or not. He hadn't expected to have another child, but he wasn't about to shun this boy. After all, he still loved Ros.

"Alduin, you do not need to be afraid. I will make sure that nothing happens to you. You have my word as king." He then looked at Clara. "I will prepare to go to the kingdom and speak with Callum about this matter. I know I can help her."

"Your Highness, Callum...doesnt speak to anyone anymore. He never leaves his tower unless for public events, Adrian speaks for him now. He refises to even appear at court. Adrian sits in his place...the royal families never speak to him ever. I fear you...wont see him. I heard that every letter written in Callum's name is written by Adrian." Clara frowned as Alduin looked at Ailuin with a nod. "I miss mama..." The boy whimpered as Clara bent down and pulled him onto her hip as he nuzzled into her neck. "I know..." Clara sighed as she looked frightfully at Ailuin. 

"We may sell ourselves...but we refuse to be slaves. Many girls go to Madame Fyreheart because she pays us fair and we are always safe. Many girls in other places go missing, get ill, or used til they are broken. I fear for what happens to those girls in the dungeons, i fear for their safety. A knight would happily rape and maim her gorls because to them, they are forgettable...sadly...they aren't wrong. No one defends for us...except Madame Fyreheart." Clarabelle teared up and swallowed roughly. "Im sorry, i just had to warn you..." Clara whimpered as tears streamed. "Please get our Madame back..." She begged to Ailuin.

"I see." This was troubling news indeed. He had no idea that things were so bad in Avinora. It seemed strange that Callum would disappear and turn his back on his people like that. Something wasn't right and Ailuin intended to get to the bottom of it. "Rest assured, I will get your madame back and her girls. I will also get to the bottom of what is going on with my brother-in-law and find a way to fix this mess."

He then gestured for them to follow him. "Come, I will personally escort you to the kitchens to get you a meal while I have my servants prepare rooms for you and the child. Would you like separate rooms or do you want to keep him close to you? I understand that he does not know anyone here."

"If i may stay close to him, Ros wanted me to care for him." She said as she walked with him and helped Alduin to his feet and held his hand. As they walked to the doors both male elves stared at the maiden in trance and forgot their ling was there. Clarabelle giggled and flaunted a little as she swayed and batted her lashes at them. They both gazed at her chest before she cleared her throat and they jumped into action to open the doors for them. "I apologize, i can be...distracting..." Clara giggled slightly.  "Hence why i wear light blues and pink to symbolize my purity, it drives the men mad and they don't get it." Clarabelle said with a blush.

"Then I will arrange for a single room, then." He headed towards the doors and waited for the elves to open them for him, but frowned when they got distracted by Clarabelle. He shook his head at them as they finally opened the door and looked at Clarabelle. "It is quite all right." His gaze towards the men said otherwise, though.

He then continued walking, leading the ways to the kitchens. As they arrived, he headed inside and noticed a familiar face there. "Elas! I did not know you were back. Why did you not inform me?" Elas looked up and lowered the meat pastry he was snacking on. "I am not here for long." He then noticed the lovely woman beside his king and couldn't help but stare with his blue eyes. "Who is this lovely creature?" He asked, unable to help himself.

Ailuin gave Elas a funny look but looked over at Clarabelle. "This is Clarabelle. She has just come in from Avinora. I wanted to treat her to a meal while I arrange for her a room to stay in the castle."

"Tis a pleasure, my Lord." She curtsied and then locked gaze with Elas as she checked out the rugged elf. She then sat down at the kitchens and leaned forward so Elas could examine her perky and unviolated milky white breasts that were snug in her corset. "Thank you for your generosity, your Highness..." She teased Elas by looking away occasionally to tempt him to stare and come closer. Alduin rolled his eyes. "Your Highness..." Alduin tugged innocently at him. Could i...play with your...children? Grownups are boring...." He blushed slightly.

Elas couldn't keep his gaze off of the lovely woman beside his king, his gaze dipping down to her generous chest that was partially exposed due to her outfit. He swallowed thickly and quickly averted his gaze back to her face, his cheeks turning slightly pink. "It is a pleasure to meet you as well, my lady."

Ailuin watched the interaction with a perplexed expression. He had never seen Elas react so strongly to a woman before and honestly, it was kind of weird. He shook his head and looked down at Alduin. He thought for a moment, not sure how he was going to break it to Elayne about this child being his. Still, how could he say no to that innocent face? The only reason he was reluctant was because he didn't want to offend Elayne by allowing Alduin to play with his children, but he knew that she would have no room to judge him.

"Of course. I will take you to them. Elas, will you keep Clara company?" He glanced at Elas who nodded and took another bite of his meat pastry while waving for the chef to bring some food for the pretty woman. He then offered his hand to Alduin. "Tell me, do you know anything of your father?" He asked once they were outside of the kitchens.

Alduin took it cautiously but relaxed after a moment as Ailuin asked about his father. "Yes, you're him. Mama, told me. She told me in case i had to find you. She says you were one of her kindest clients, also most handsome." Alduin spoke rather well for a child. Growing up in an adult environment matured him more so than others. "She also said you were the only man she ever had feelings for." He mentioned as he looked up at Ailuin curiously.

Clara crossed her legs to show off her form. "You're very rugged for a lord, there must be a story..." She giggled as the kitchen staff served her a fine soup and a salad. Her body moved only slowly and meticulously as she tried to seduce him. "What kind of lord are you?" She asked curiously as she licked her lips as she slowly brought the sppon to her lips and softly moaned at the flavor so faintly.

Ailuin was relieved that he did not have to go through telling Alduin who he was. "If I had known about you, I would have come for you and your mother. I was going to ask her to stay with me before she left the kingdom, but she disappeared on me before I could tell her how I felt about her. I love her very much and honestly, I never expected to hear from her again."

He looked down at Alduin. "I hope you can forgive me for not being around while you grew up. As I said, I had no idea of your existence. I will do everything in my power to make up for my absence and reunite you with your mother. If you want me to be a part of your life, I will gladly do so but I respect if you do not want to get to know me." It made him happy to know that Ros had returned his feelings. It made him even more anxious to find her and save her.

Elas paused and looked at her, looking embarrassed for a moment. "Well, I wasn't born a lord. I was more or less adopted by the former queen, but I never had a title. I became a scout because I like being away from the city life and out in nature." He kept his eyes on her, unable to look away.

"I had to accompany the king's wife on a mission to save him when he was poisoned by a servant. When we got back from the mission, she was so pleased by my performance, that she awarded me the title of lord and gave me an estate, despite my protests. I never wanted to be a lord and even after all these years of technically being one, I don't feel like one. I still do scouting and other jobs for the king."

He then focused on her. "What about you, my lady? What is your story? Why have you come to the kingdom with a child? Is he yours? You look too young to have a child around that age." Elas was finding it rather hard to concentrate on conversation when she was teasing him so. He knew that he shouldn't get involved because women were trouble, but she was just so enticing and he was finding it hard to resist her charm. Damn hormones.

"I...dont know." Alduin looked down as he thought about his father being in his life. "Mama said it was rude of her to get involved. She blames herself for falling for you. That's what she told me but...i want to know you. I dont want to go back to Avinora. Its not fun. Mama is unhappy. She sometimes gets hurt or upset with patrons. Men are not nice. The elf patrons are nicer to her. I think thats why she was to move here." Alduin frowns a bit as he sees a red haired woman but frowns as it wasnt his mother. "My love? Who's this?" Elayne says as she was taking a stroll. She looked down and smiled at the child.

Clarabelle giggled as she licked her spoon and gathered more. "Oh no, he's my Madame's son. Your king knows my employer a bit, she wanted to strike some business with the king..." Clara switched crossing legs and looked at him curiously. "I'm a maiden of purity, when it is my time, my Madame will offer me to the highest bidder and i will be a full courteasan. My Madame wants to open a pleasure house here in the kingdom..." She gave a shy smile and a blush

"If you want to know me then that is fine. I would like to get to know you as well." He then frowned at that, not liking that Ros had gone through so much. "Do not worry, I will make sure that you and your mother can stay here without worrying." He then paused at the sound of footsteps and turned his head to look at Elayne.

He was quiet for a moment before he glanced down at Alduin. "This is Alduin. He is... my son," He said quietly after making sure no one would eavesdrop on them. "Ros is in trouble and something is going on with your brother, Callum. I was just coming to find you. Where are the children?"

Elas blinked before nodding as he finished his meat pastry and brushed himself off before leaning towards her. "Is that so? I'm not sure what Ailuin will think of that but he is quite open minded." He couldn't help but be more interested in her, especially knowing that she was pure.

"You are quite lovely. I am certain that you will attract a lot of people wanting to buy your first time."

Elayne froze at the information of Alduin being Ailuins son. "Ailuin, i would be careful of saying that just anywhere. Come...the children are in the tower. I was going to order a few items but that can wait." Elayne said as she turned around and hurried as she looked back occasionally to see if both of them were following.

Clara giggled and leaned closer to him. "Why? Would you bid on me?" She batted her eyes and twirled her curls in her fingers after finishing her soup. "You know, its a dishonor to defile me before my bidding. I cannot become a full courteasan without being pure first. In fact, men are not allowed to touch me." She pullled away with a smirk. "If they do, I'm considered a common whore and only allowed to serve lower men of no title." Clarabelle frowned slightly.

"You are right, I apologize. I do not think anyone is around to have heard us, though. If word reaches unwanted ears, I will take the measures to ensure his safety." He then let go of Alduin's hand so that he could pick him up. "I apologize, but it will be quicker if I carry you." He balanced him on his hip and quickly followed after his wife.

He couldn't help but be worried about Ros and his brother-in-law. Just what was going on? This didn't make sense. How could Callum have become a puppet to this man? It didn't seem like him at all. Something was going on.

Elas stared at her as she leaned closer, causing him to swallow thickly. "I...perhaps. I am not normally that kind of man, though. But if it would help you, I would," He said, slightly distracted by her close proximity. "Why not choose some other form of work?"

"My mother sold me to the pleasure house so her and father could pay their taxes when i was nine. Ros gave me a roof over my head, new clothes, food, and a sisterhood. Why would i want to leave? To get ill on the streets and beg for money? To starve and be unprotected? In the pleasure house, I'm respected by my peers and I make my own money by playing my harp to the gentlemen. They love to watch me. Yes sometimes men get mean, but Madame Fyreheart makes sure we are not harmed. She removes nuisances from the premises. Our bartenders and guards remove them usually before someone gets harmed." Clara smiled as she took a sip. Of wine offered to her and licks her redish lips. "Honestly, this life isn't horrible. We get to give into our pleasures and get paid for it. Not all pleasures are sexual. Some men just want conversation, some men want to gamble, some just want a pretty lady to sing to them, dance, paint for them, some just a pretty thing to sit and listen to their poems. It's more about company...because some men dont have the luxury of time or looks." Clara explained as she looked at Elas dreamily. "Its rewarding to make others happy and satisfied. To know we made their life a little happier and fulfilling." She smiled gently as sheallowed her sleeve to fall from her wrist to expose the skin of her arm as she lifted the dribk to her lips.

Elas was quite stunned as he listened to her talk about her chosen profession. Honestly, he hadn't really visited a brothel so he had no idea that it wasn't just all about sex. "I had no idea that there was more to such a place than sex. I have never visited one, so I didn't know anything about beside what I heard."

He shrugged and then moved to sit down beside her. "Thank you for opening my eyes, my lady." He was quiet for a moment before speaking again. "You're not the other women I've been around. Most women are troublesome and I usually stay away from them which is why I became a scout and why I still stay away despite being made a lord. There are women who want to be my lady, but the one I wanted, I was rejected. It's a bit awkward being around her. But you, I like you. I feel at easr with you."

"Well, elves seem to not have brothels here. I suppose since our races are still a little at odds, rumors are skewed." She smiled as she sipped her wine. "We are trained to put men at ease. Men feel admired by us, comfortable, and safe. Our first lesson is how to pour drinks and converse. If we did that wrong, we'd be punished, clean up messes anyway and chores that weren't fun. Then it came other things...like how to sound when... " she blushed a bit.