Chapter Text
Elaina stared at the vanity in her room as she brushed her long curly white/silver hair, her blue eyes bright against her pale skin. She platted the hair in a braided bun. She dressed in a black dress shirt and brown riding pants and starts to head up the staircase to her parents living quarters. She sighed, brows furrowed.
"This is a waste of time," she says to herself as she headed towards the double doors of her parents room, spotting her older twin brothers talking. They took note of her foot steps, "You're almost late!" Falon'din said smiling. Falon'din and Dirthamen took after their mother Mythal, aside from their eyes which were a lazy grey color with specks of purple in them. Dirthamen smiled quietly, patting her head. Elaina returned the smile, "What are you two doing here? Don't you guys have inventions or something to work on?" Falon'din shook his head, black hair moving like silk behind his head. He beamed at Elaina and said, "How could we not be here with our little sister to wish her luck? You are old enough to be discussing what you will be doing for the next few years." Dirthamen chimed in, "And the fact you're talking to Father and Mother that will need all the support you can get." Falon'din puts his hand on his chin nodding to what Dirthamen said and adds, "I agree our parents can be a challenge to speak to." Elaina frowned. "I'd rather be left alone. Father and Mother have enough children who know the art of warmongering. I'd rather be reading something or walking the forest befriending Ghilan'nain's new creatures before Andruil kills them." Elaina looked around. "Where is Ghilan'nain and Andruil? I am sure my eldest sister wouldn't miss a chance to knock me down a peg or two." Falon'din laughed and Dirthamen shook his head and says, "We may or may not have given Ghilan'nain some ideas on new creatures to create to distract Andruil with a hunt." Elaina took her brothers into a quick embrace, giving a small smile and says, "Well, thank you for that. I'd better head in, I'm sure Father is already pacing." The twins bid their farewell and wish her luck one more time. Elaina closed her eyes and took a deep breath and knocked. She heard the low voice of her father say "enter" but before Elaina had the chance to touch the handle, the doors opened for her. Two of her fathers slaves stood on either side of the door. Elaina gave a small smile and thanked them but the never look up from the floor.
Elaina walked into the sitting area and saw her mother sitting in a long plush sofa dressed in her white gown, her hair is shiny black going down in perfect waves down her back. Mythal's yellow eyes light up and she gave Elaina a warm smile as she gestured to the open chair across from her. Elaina sat down, about to speak but was cut off by her father Elgar'nan. "You are late." He stood by the window with his hands firmly gripped behind his back. He is a tall man with dark skin and shoulder length blackish-grey hair. He is dressed in golden robes that shimmered in the sun. He turned to Elaina, brows furrowed with his black and gold eyes staring in disapproval. He walked away from the window and took a seat next to Mythal. He grabbed Mythal's hand and looked at Elaina. "It's time to talk about you about going to go learn and train to be a leader." Elaina frowned. "Father, I'd rather not. We are at peace, there is no need for me to go learn anything." Mythal laughed and said, "My dear, when have you ever turned away a chance to go learn something new?" Elaina shook her head and said, "All your other children already know the art of war along with their partners. Do you really need to add another to the fold? I'd rather do something more u-" She is cut off by Elgar'nan. "Enough Elaina, you are going. This would bring me shame if my little moon didn't follow suit and learn to become disciplined leader. We need to prepare, especially when there are deliberations going on about are titles and ascension. When this is done and we are to take are rightful place as gods, you will need to be able to bring something to the table to become an Evenarus. My general Elgara’mi is more than ready to take on the task. I've given him a explicit details on what I want you to learn." Mythal then chimed in. "I am still working on getting my general to agree but I assure you, I will succeed so you have options." Elgar'nan frowned. "Vhenan, why are trying to convince him? You are his queen, command him! That dog needs his chain pulled harder." Mythal frowned at him and said, "He is a dear friend of mine vhenan. I will do no such thing but I am confident he will this time." ELgar'nan raised a brow. "He refused for Anduril, why would he for Elaina?" Before Mythal answered, Elaina chimed in. "I think I've heard enough. Two options. That gives me a week to thin-" Elgar'nan cut her off again. "No. This evening." Elaina's eyes widened. "This evening?" Mythal smiled and said, "We will be having a soiree with the generals and the lower nobles and you will choose then." Elgar'nan smiled. "Yes, you will leave tomorrow." Elaina angrily stood and said, "What? That isn't fair, I still-" Mythal cut her off this time. "You may go now. You need to get ready. I had the servants place a dress in your room and are ready to dress you." Elaina stood in stunned silence for a moment then turns to walk out. Right before Elaina leaves the room, Elgar'nan chimed in. "Don't forget to do your hair correctly. Not this mess you have your hair in now. It is not becoming of a god."
Elaina walked to her room. She saw the dress on her bed and all of her mothers slaves walked in. She bowed and said in a quiet voice, "I am sorry miss, but we need to help you get ready. We only have two hours to get you ready." Elaina grabbed the bridge of her nose and sighed. "Yes, thank you for your help." The slaves froze in shock as they are almost never thanked. They all look at each other, the eldest slave with grey hair gave a small smile and cleared her throat and says, "Ah yes! Dress first," she snapped her fingers and they pulled out the blue and black silky dress. Elaina gets undressed and they slip the smooth silk over her head. Elaina looks at it in the mirror noticed the black dress has a shimmer of blue at the bottom like water when the light hits it, her whole sides are bare showing her curves with high slits. The ladies began fastening the dress with little diamond moons and silver chains down the sides and arms to secure what little dress there is. They placed silver cuffs and bracelets on her arms. Elaina sits as they added silver chains down her legs in intricate designs, fastening the silver to crystal rings to her toes. They add silver rings, jewels and chains to her ears. They started to take her hair down and brush the curls. They brushed and styled two small half braids that join at the back and waterfall down her back with her rest of her hair. They add small silvers chains weaving her braids that made her hair glint in the light even more. They applied light silver makeup on her eyes with a Smokey black liner to make her blue eyes pop and a soft glossy pink to the lips. The slaves all smiled and gave compliments. "My lady, you look like a goddess." Another slave chimed in, "Yes, you glow like a pearl being hit by the moon." Elaina gave them a small smile. "Thank you ladies. It is only because of all your hard work." The elder shook her head. "No, that's nonsense. We just heightened what was already there." Like clockwork, the bell chimed. The elder gasped, "Look at the time! We need to get you to the balcony."
The maids quickly rushed Elaina through the hall to the main balcony of the palace. It was a warm evening, the sun setting with streaks of purples and oranges in the sky. There was a low hum of music being played along with the chatter of nobles. Elaina spotted a tray on the table filled with sweets cakes and spiced wine. She picked around the food taking a small chocolate and a glass of wine. She sipped on the wine and all of a sudden heard a stressed cry from an animal and spotted three young noblemen in a corner stifling their laughter. The one on the left was short with slicked back sandy blond hair, the one in the middle was very tall and skinny with curly black hair and freckles splatted all over his face. The one on the right was tall and well built. He had his hair dark brown hair brushed back. Elaina walked over to them and cleared her throat. "Good evening gentlemen. I couldn't help but hear some laughter and was interested to see what the fun was." The men turned to spot Elaina. The short one with sandy blond hair said, "We are just playing with a cat." They moved slightly and she saw the cat locked in place with a seal and its tail singed. Elaina frowned. "Release it now." The men snickered and the one in the middle chimed, "Why should we? The party is boring and we need entertainment." The men laughed. Elaina clenched her glass. "I won't ask again." The one on the right raised his hands "Oh my, she's serious boys." They all snicker. "Ok, we will release the mangy thing but you have to replace it." The men all smile. "Yes, it is only fair. We still need entertainment." The one to the right waved his hand and the seal broke. The cat hissed and ran off. Elaina smiled. "Thank you for releasing the cat. Have a good evening." The short boy on the left grabbed her arms. "Hey, we are serious. You need to come with us over there." They point to a wall with bushes in front of it. Elaina frowned. "You don't really want to do this ser. You have one chance." She saw the man on the right about to cast what looked to be a paralyze spell and quickly splashed the wine in his eyes, causing him to shriek in pain. Elaina then smashed the glass in the face of the one grabbing her. As he lets go to grab his face, Elaina swiftly kicks the back of his legs and he fell with a hard thump. The one in the middle yelled "You bitch!" and cast a frostbolt. Elaina quickly moved away, the bolt missed and hit the table of food behind her. Elaina muttered under her breath, casting a binding spell. Purple chains rose from the ground and wrapped around the man binding him tightly. They heard a roar behind her and turned to face it. The one she spilt wine on charged to tackle her. Elaina side stepped and grabbed the man by the hair and bashed his face against the wall. Blood began to spill from the mans face. Elaina let go of his hair with a disgusted flick.
Elaina looked up to see everyone watching. She heard the boom of her father's voice. "Elaina, what are you doing?" Her father walked towards her and the man who is a head shorter than her father, has short, pale and greasy hair that is slicked back. His eyes were like two dark pools that seemed void of any light or kindness. She recognizes he is wearing her father's colors. She assumed this was her father's general, Elgara’mi. He followed beside him, but before Elaina could say anything the boy in the chains squeaked. "Please your majesty! Get her away from us, she is mad! We were just minding our business, playing with a cat and she attacked for no reason." Elaina twisted her wrist and the chain tightened against him and he groaned. Elaina looked at Elgar'nan. "Father, he also forgets to mention that they were burning the cat alive and when I asked them nicely to let it go they suggest I go entertain them in a dark corner then proceeded to try to take me there by force." Elgar'nan closed his eyes and pinches the bridge of his nose. "Elaina, why would you start this ruckus over a damned cat? Tonight of all nights?" Before Elaina could answer, the man next to her father spoke. "If I may your majesty, perhaps she should just apologize and we should continue." Elaina gets red in the face. "Apologize? Absoult-" Her father waved his hand silenced her. "Unfortunately, that will not work. Elagara'mi they did intend to force themselves upon my daughter and that will not stand." The sandy blonde elf rushed to locate the feet of Elgar'nan in a groveling attempt. "We are sorry my king! We didn't know she was your daughter, please have mercy!" Elagra'mi nodded. "These boys have seemed to learn their lesson. They were just made an embarrassing example and I am sure their fathers will do more to them for disgrace." Elagara'nan looked at the boys then looks for his wife Mythal who is stood across the way under a gazebo with a man half covered in shadows. Mythal locked eyes with him and turned her head sharply in an unspoken agreement. "Elaina," he says. "I suppose this can be a good first lesson. What should their punishment be?" Elaina was taken aback for a moment but quickly composed herself. "I've done enough. Let their fathers take care of the rest." Elgara'nan sighed and shook his head, his eyes glow red and all three men caught flame, instantly turned to dust. The crowd gasps. "Wrong. Never show mercy to those who oppose you." Elaina looked in shock. Elgar'nan looked to his general. "As you can see, you will have your work cut out for you." The general bowed his head. "Don't worry my king. We will break her yet." Elgar'nan gestured towards a nearby slave. "Clean this mess up." Elaina just stood there, not sure what to do. Elgar'nan shot a bright smile. "Let the music and merriment continue! Please excuse this small disagreement." "Disagreement father?!" "Shouldn't Elaina also be punished?"
Elaina saw Andruil walking towards them, her long straight blonde hair flowing behind her. She was wearing a long dress shirt fastened together with a gold belt and delicately decorated hunting pants. "She has shamed us with spectacle and for what? A cat?" Elaina looked at her sister and said, "Protecting something innocent is not small." Elaina looked at her father. "Cats play a vital role in the kingdom, do they not? They keep rats and other pests that are unwanted and could carry diseases out of the city. They help prevent sickness and plague from spreading to your subjects. Surely you see that they help us protect the ones who worship you?" Andruil snapped. "Aren't you overstepping?" Andruil then placed a hand on her chest. "I am the hunt and the one who fells great beasts to keep sickness and disease at bay." Elaina snorted and retorted. "Dear sister, you should only see fit to hunt creatures befitting of your station. The glorious hunt of the sewer rats should satisfy you, no?" Andruil face turned red with anger. As she is about to speak, Elagar'nan cut her off. "Enough of your bickering." He looked at Andruil. "There is wisdom in your sister's words, Andruil." Andruil gave Elaina a look full of daggers and swiftly turned, flipping her hair and stomping towards Ghilan'nain. "Vhenan, Elaina" Mythal chimed. Elaina turned to her mother and walks over there with her father, his general walking behind. Elgar'nan grabbed Mythal's hand and kissed it. He smiled and greeted her with a 'vhenan'. He then looked over to the tall man standing next to her. He has a glass of wine in one hand with the other hand behind his back, his face void of any emotion his long auburn hair is shaved down the sides of his face. Elaina caught a glint of annoyance in his purple eyes. "I see you've brought your dog." Elager'nan smirks at Mythal. "I thought he was to good to take time out of his plotting to teach her? You must've had to pull that leash hard to drag him here." Mythal pulled her hand away and gave him a look. The man took a breath like he was about to speak but Elaina cut in, looking at her father. "Father that was rude. Didn't you always say we should speak with our guests with respect?" Elgar'nan looked at her and snorts. "I have had enough. Return to me when you are ready to speak to a real general." He walked off with his general in tow.
Elaina turned and smiled at the man. "May I ask your name?" The man set his glass down and gave a small bow, his auburn hair slightly falling to his face. "Solas." Elaina gave a small bow in return. "It is nice to meet you Solas." Solas grabbed his glass and looks at Elaina. "It was brave of you to protect the feline." He lifted his glass to his lips to hide a smirk. "Your comment to Andruil was quite...amusing." He took a quick sip, his face returned to unreadable. Mythal looked at him disapprovingly. "Elaina, you need to get along with your sister." Elaina frowned and said, "I don't care to be kind or get along with any who thinks they are better than others and are cruel for not reason. Even if they are blood." Before Mythal could reply, Elaina bowed to her mother. "I've had enough. I should leave before I sour the festivities." Elaina looked at Solas. "It was nice to meet you." She turned to walk to the door, Solas stopping her with a last remark. "An observation before you retire?" Elaina turned around, cocking her head to the side. "I couldn't help but notice the indomitable focus under which your spells were cast." Elaina placed a hand on her hip. "Indomitable?" Solas took one last sip of his wine. "Presumably. I have yet to see it dominated. Though I imagine the sight would be...fascinating." Elaina gave a mischievous smile. "Should I decide to choose you, you are welcome to try." Solas stares at her as she walks away. He gives a light snort trying to not to laugh. Mythal gives him a slight nudge with her elbow and gives him a disapproving look. "Interested in dominating, are you? I would tread lightly my friend. She is Elgar'nan's favorite." He looks at Mythal. "I would have to agree with you after all my friend. She is interesting indeed." He took one last glance at the sway of her hips. "Very interesting indeed." The party goers noticed as she stopped at the door of the balcony. Elaina said, "Father. Mother. I have decided I would like to learn under Solas as long as my focus is now worth the time." Solas give a nod. "It would be an honor to teach you." Elaina nodded and left the party. Mythal turned back to Solas. "It would seem my Elaina has a quarry of her own." Solas was stopped from another drink from his glass. "What do you mean by that?" Mythal smiled. " You shall see in time."
Elaina could hear the party start to buzz with chatter but she didn't care. She headed to the brooding grounds where they kept the dragons. Elaina passed through the eluvian and down the stairs, heading to the cave where she spotted her dragon. "Urthemiel," she called. The small red dragon popped her head up. The dragon spotted her and ran up to her, blowing smoke in Elaina's face. Elaina smiled. "How is my girl?" The dragon rolled onto her back, exposing her belly. Elaina rubbed her stomach. Her blue-green underbelly is smooth but warm to the touch. Elaina chimed. "What are we feeding you? You are growing like a weed! You're the size of a horse now!" The dragon quickly rolled again and assumed a playful stance. Elaina stood and dusted her legs off. "Would you like to go for a run?" The dragon chirped in delight, jumping in place. Elaina laughed and started to run. As she ran, she shifts into a giant snowy fox. Elaina ran and weaved through the trees, her dragon running and bobbing behind her. The sun had fully set now and the stars are shining brightly. Elaina ran back to the nest and shifted back to her elven form. The little dragon slowly trotted behind her as she headed to the nest. The dragon rubbed against Elaina and climbed into her nest and curls in it. Elaina bent down and sat. "I have some news." Urthemiel lifted her head and placed it on her lap. "I have to leave tomorrow and I'm not sure when I'll be back." The dragon just snorts and starts to snooze. Elaina smiled with tears in her eyes and petted the little dragon's head. "Please be good I know Falon'din will continue your training while I am gone." The dragon nudged her head into Elaina one more time and then laid it back into the nest. Elaina stood up and chuckled. "Farwell my friend." Elaina turned and headed back to her room. As Elaina walked the halls back to her room, she walked by her parent's quarters where she could hear muffled bickering. Elaina walked closer and heard Andruil say, "Why is she getting to go with Solas? What did she do to get him to agree? He had the gall to refuse me and my training! She should be going with father's general." Elaina heard her father hum in approval. "I agree. It is very odd that he would suddenly agree to take her in. He must want to use Elaina as a tool or a hostage." Andruil chimed in, "Or is trying to find a weakness among us. Even though she is the weakest link." She heard Mythal sigh and say, "You are all speaking nonsense. You can put your minds at ease, this was Elaina's choice." She continued on. "He came with an open mind and agreed because I asked. That is all." Elaina had heard enough. Elaina walked to her room to find her bags where already packed for the morning so she plopped down in her bed. She put an arm over her eyes and sighed. Elaina thought to herself how irritating it is to be forced to live a life she doesn't want. She grunted and rolled over. "I don't care to be an Evanurus." She thought about how she didn't like how her father's general looked at her and how he said he would break her in like she is some animal to be trained. She closed her eyes and sighed again "I hoped I chose right..." She thought about how expressive Solas' eyes were and how his hair brushed his face. She smiled a little. "At least he is handsome." Then she drifts off to sleep.