Through The Years -Part Two-

Tír na nÓg

When the princess turned eleven, the news that the Dark Prince attending the Lights festival for the first time broke through Tír na nÓg like a wild fire. However, the Princess kept to her training and potion studies and refused to go. Despite that the festival has been her favorite time of the year and it held a special place in her heart, she was willing to stay in and sacrifice that day. Lady Erina and Lord Aragon tried consistently to convince her. They even sent Ovia to try to talk her up. Nothing worked.

On the day of the festival the princess stayed in her room. She sat by the window looking outside. The distant sound of music could be heard from afar. Everyone must be having fun. A heavy sigh escaped her. At least, she could see the fireworks from here. 

"You know you could still join the festival", a familiar voice interrupted the silence of the night.

She jumped nearly falling out, "Jarle!", she exclaimed,"What are you doing here?". Then she exhorted, "You should be at the festival".

Jarle crossed his arms over his chest, "My duty is to be by your side". He was standing by her window looking at the same bright spot the held the festival.

She shook her head, "Not today. You're supposed to have fun tonight. Not babysit me".

"Are you having fun?", he asked turning her question at her.

She looked down at her hands, then looked to where the festival was held saying nothing.

He asked after a long moment of silence, "If you wouldn't mind indulging my curiosity, why wouldn't you meet the Dark Prince?",

The good thing about Jarle is that he knew exactly when not to look you in the eye. This was one of those times and she was grateful. "Will it matter if I met him or not? A bargain is a bargain after all. We will be hand twined in a few years whether we met or not".

Jarle was silent, but the she could sense he was waiting for more.

"It's just... ", she looked away for a moment, her mind putting what she felt in words, "It's just I'm not ready to meet him yet. I mean... even though I know it's happening, it all seems like a dream. Like some day I will wake up and it all will turn out to be some nightmare". Then she shrugged as she continued, "Meeting the Dark Prince will make it all real and I'm not ready for that yet".

"Then, do you hate the Darks?".

She thought for it for a moment, "Laigh always said that, in the end we are all faeries. Lights and Darks complete one another. We share the same fey blood. I guess I don't hate them. It's just that... I don't know if I can trust them".

He kept watching her with the corner of his eye, "I understand".

She playfully punched him on the shoulder, "Not you of course, silly. You're different".

He wasn't angry. He was a Dark after all. Not to mention that she won't be the first to distrust him. Nevertheless, he sure would like to know how she was going to dig herself out if this hole after her declaration towards the Darks.

She smiled warmly at him and said, "You're family. I trust you with my life".

Jarle silently looked at her for a long moment. He let out a deep breath, "It's when you say things like that it makes others rethink their choices".

The princess tilted her head puzzled, "What do you mean?".

Jarle pushed off the wall, "It doesn't matter", and then he offered, "How about some sword play since both of us have nothing better to do".

Her face brightened, "Really!", she jumped out the window, "Let's go!". They took a few steps before she asked, "Um... could you not tell Ovia that I jumped out the window. She'll get angry".

Jarle patted her shoulder, "Don't worry about it". Then secretly glanced back to that lingering shadow. Ovia knew.

********

At twelve, the Dark Prince, visited Tír na nÓg for the first time, on the behalf of Lord Glendon. He attended his first Lights festival. He heard fascinating stories about Tír na nÓg. He heard exquisite stories about their festival. And most importantly he heard from some of the Darks how much they longed to go back. They secretly spoke of how the lands felt like it called on them. How it felt like they belonged. He didn't understand that until he stepped foot in Tír na nÓg and felt it himself. The surge that seeped from the ground to his body felt like a silent blessing. A gentle caress to the heart. There was an unmistakable hushed joy that tickled the senses that was short lived when it was time to leave.  

Alrik met the Light Lord and Lady. Mingled with the Lights and saw the Darks enjoying their time outside Shadow Mountains for the first time. It was an exquisite and at the same time an absolute contrastive thing to witness. The understanding of Darks and Lights being united fell into prospective. And even though colorful, joyous, eventful and mirthful, it somehow seemed tasteless when she didn't show up.

He felt that longing that the Darks talked about. Yet he felt it in many ways than he could  explain.

Tír na nÓg

By the age of eleven, the princess was following Laigh, the Light apothecary, like his shadow. He was one the eldest faeries in Tír na nÓg and the most knowledgeable in potions and remedies among them. He taught many faeries the ways of apothecary. Lady Erina was one of his apprentices. And since the princess wanted to follow in the footsteps of her mother she too became an apprentice. She worked hard and with endless dedication.

She dug out dirt and searched for herbs. She learned how to grow them and to store them. She learned to mix healing remedies and potions and carefully measure their quantities and examine their quality. She learned the effects and side effects. 

She read the books that Laigh put out for her and took notes. She wanted to keep her thoughts off the hand twining to the Dark Prince. So focusing on apothecary, reading and training was helping. Most of the time.

That year she was allowed to visit to land of man. Of course, with a terribly long set of rules. Most important of all rules was that she would -at all times- stay close to Ovia and Jarle. That day, her Light-Lady-Like-manners flew out the window. She wouldn't stop skipping or jumping despite Lady Erina's constant reminder. At some point her mother gave up and started laughing.

That was the first time she tried on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. "Does humans know how noisy those... what did you call them...", she asked Ovia while looking in the mirror.

Ovia smiled, "They are called jeans. And I don't think they cared if they were noisy or not. They are surrounded with noise. I think, how loud their pants are is the least of their problems", Ovia stood up wearing the same style as the princess did but in different colors, "Put on your cap and jacket and let's go. Jarle is waiting".

That was the first time she rode a car, saw humans and learned the definition of using money to buy something. The more she saw the more fascinated she was. Her eyes couldn't move fast enough to capture everything. She walked with Ovia pointing at stuff while Jarle walked behind them. In her eyes, this day was the best day ever.

Shadow Mountains

Alrik was twelve when he attended his second Lights festival. She didn't show up this year too. Before he and the Darks took their leave to Shadow Mountains he stood before the Light Lord and Lady.

"Lord Aragon, Lady Erina. Please accept my appreciation and gratitude towards you hospitality and generosity", he bowed. Then he continued, "And please inform the Light Princess to enjoy the festivals from now on. I promise that I won't show again unless Her Highness wanted me to". With that he bowed and left Tír na nÓg and he kept his promise for the years that followed.

Tír na nÓg

The year that the princess turned thirteen was the hardest on her, her father and the Lights. It was the year when Lady Erina decided to join the Ancient One. She'll become part of it and it will become part of her.

The Princess knew that that was inevitable. She heard stories how difficult giving birth to her was. How her mother became weaker and how her health began to deteriorate. Faeries would live many years. They develop fast when they are young, and then live most of their lives as adults. After that aging happens fast. Years catch up really quickly. But the princess didn't expect it to be this soon as her mother was still young.

"You'll be strong", Lady Erina said and she held her daughter's hand. "You'll continue to be the kind heart Princess that you are".

Princess did her best to hold back her tears as she nodded.

"You know that I'm not really gone, mo iníon milis", she smiled, "You can talk to me anytime. I might not be able to answer you sometimes, but I'll always be there for you".

The Princess nodded again, "When will you...", the words failed her and she stopped.

Lady Erina patted her hand, "After the festival".

The Princess felt as if a cold hand closed over her heart and squeezed. She wished she could tell her to stay longer. To not go at all if that was possible, but she couldn't. It was the day she dreaded the most and it was happening sooner than she thought.

Shadow Mountains

"How is she doing?", Alrik questioned the moment he saw Jarle cutting through the forest.

He didn't stay long this time. His visit consisted on only reporting to the Dark Lord and he was on his way back as soon as he was done.

Corwin was the one who informed him that Jarle was leaving earlier than usual. That was enough to have him cut his training and send him in a wild chase. However, he had to grab something first.

Jarle knew that the Alrik will be awaiting him, but it wasn't as the usual annual set up, his gaze was intense,"Your Highness", Jarle bowed.

"Drop the formalities Jarle, you know I don't care for that", he said as he took his regular place under the old willow tree.

Those words reminded Jarle of a specific someone. He joined Alrik under the tree where what became his regular spot.

"How is she holding up?", he asked again.

"She's heartbroken. I've never seen her this sad", he sighed. It was the first time he heard her cry. Only this time, he had nothing to say that could ease her pain. "But she's strong. She puts her duties towards the faeries above everything. As she promised the Light Lady, she allowed herself to cry for only one day and by the next day she was back to her training and apothecary".

Then Jarle crossed his arms over his chest. The image of that hidden sadness she kept to herself was on his mind, "But there are moments when she's aloof and distant before she secretly wipes her eyes and smiles".

They sat in silent for a long moment. Alrik had his thoughts running in every direction. He knew how it was to lose a mother. He was young when the his mother passed away. That pain of losing her never left. Then a few days later he lost his brother too. The memory was still clear in his mind when they brought Brendin's lifeless body back to Shadow Mountains.

"Do you think she despises the Darks?", Alrik dropped the question that never departed his thoughts.

Jarle was calm as usual, their was no mockery in his voice, but the truth itself was sarcastically painful, "Do you mean the endless wars between the Lights and the Darks? Or countless times that we tried to take Tír na nÓg from them? Or when we attacked them during their festival? Or when the First Prince went after Lady Erina? Maybe, when Lord Glendon ordered to have her killed in front of the Light Lord? Or when I stabbed Lord Aragon? Perhaps, you meant when Lord Glendon forced Lord Aragon and Lady Erina into hand twining their daughter to spare the lives of the Lights including theirs. I could list more", he stopped letting his words sink in.

Alrik hands closed into tight fists. He heard stories of the previous wars. He's been told of how the Darks invaded Tír na nÓg that day. Deceiving and cunning their way in. He couldn't blame her if she would wish death upon every single Dark faerie including him and his father. No wonder she wouldn't want to meet him.

"Would you trust the Darks if you were in her place", Jarle started again pulling the Prince out of his thoughts, "However, that girl doesn't know how to hate". He was watching him with the corner of his eye. Jarle saw his posture relaxed a little and something almost hopeful had him lift his head up.

Alrik moved to stand with his sword in his hand. He didn't take his leave like he always did. Instead, he moved to stand in front of Jarle who was still sitting with his back to the tree. The Prince's face was expressionless and so were his eyes.

"Where does your loyalty stands, Jarle?", Alrik's voice was calm and low.

Jarle looked at the Prince without flinching. A slow smile crept to his face. He knew that this day would come eventually. Keeping his silence, he shifted until he was kneeling in front of the Dark Prince. Jarle kept his head down prepared to receive his punishment for what was considered an ultimate betrayal. He betrayed his own kind. But how could he not?

For years he was stated to guard the Light Princess. He held her when she was a youngling. Watched her grow. She called him family even though he was Dark. Trusted him with her life. He knew what he wanted cannot be granted. It could only be rewarded with death. For that, he was ready.

"Give me your hand", Alrik said in the same low voice that held the undertone of authority

Jarle lift his head in surprise. The sword Alrik was holding flashed in front his eyes. Nonetheless, he complied, holding his hand out and lowering his head.

The sword sliced his palm easily. Like cutting a peach. His blood dripped red on the brown leaves on the ground. "I, Alrik, the Prince of Darks of Shadow Mountains", the Dark Prince stated while he ran the sharp edge against his own palm before clasping his hand to Jarle's. His fingers closing tightly behind Jarle's thump. "Release you from your oath of loyalty to the Dark Lord".

Jarle's head jerked up. He was met with the fire in Alrik's eyes and he felt the hum that tingled through the open wound as the bargain was sealed with the Dark Prince's blood, "In return, from this day onward, your loyalty is solemnly for her".

This sudden gesture fazed him. Him, the warrior. The Dark who has been in countless battles. Who was known to be ruthless and callous was stunned. He was granted his silent wish without asking. He gave a single nod accepting. The mark of the seal started to slightly burn his skin.

Only then the Dark Prince released his hand and took his leave. Alrik was a few feet away when he stopped, "And Jarle", he looked over his shoulder.

"Your Highness", Jarle knelt in a new profound respect for the Dark Prince.

"Guard her with your life".

"I will", Jarle vowed.

Alrik knew that, just like her, he didn't own his fate, and for that he ordered, "You guard her even from me".

"I will".

Jarle knelt for a long time even after the Dark Prince has left. When he finally stood up, he turned his hand palm up. On his wrest the was the sealed bargain between him and the Dark Prince. He was going home.

Before he left he walked to the spot where Alrik was sitting and picked up the usual pouch he left there. He didn't need to peek inside it. It was never for him after all. He was tying it to his belt when he said, "Maith thú a fheiceáil arís, Corwin".

Corwin appeared from the shadows walking lazily towards him, "Good to see you too", he watched as Jarle secured to pouch on his belt, "It blooms every full moon".

Jarle caught him looking at the pouch and nodded.

Corwin eyes got a glimpse of the markings on Jarle's wrest. He stared long at the red droplets on the forest ground before his gaze followed the path Alrik walked. Jarle might have been granted what he desired, but it came with a price. The price of defying the Dark Lord and no one will bear his wrath but the Prince.

Tír na nÓg

At the age of sixteen, the Princess was arguing with her father about inviting the Dark Prince to the Lights annual festival.

Lord Aragon said calmly, "He visited twice and it's a Princess's duties to be present".

"Then maybe he shouldn't come. He already said that he wouldn't. What brought this up?", she wanted to cross her arms over her chest, but that wasn't polite. Instead she fidgeted with the bracelet on her wrest.

"The Dark Lord requested that you attend the festival in the presence of his son", Aragon explained.

She shook her head, "The bargain consisted of hand twining when I reach the proper age, which is in another seven to eight years from now. I'll meet him then".

"Nonsense!", he chided patiently. 

She saw a flash of grieve in his eyes and hated that she was the cause of that.

"Dìreach mar a thuirt thu, the bargain didn't consist of meeting him before reaching the hand twining age. If I could release you from that I would have years ago", he couldn't look her in the eye, "The bargain is unbreakable. The hand twining will last as long as you both shall live. Sadly all I could do is advice you to make good out of a bad situation. Start with meeting the Dark Prince, even if it was for a short while. At least get to know whom you will be hand twined to. Remember, we have duties towards faeries".

She felt her blood boil and her hands closed into tight hidden fists. Her nails dug in her palms. Why the sudden pressure? Why now? She never took her duties toward faeries lightly. Since the day she was born she did everything she could to fulfill her duties.

If only her father knew how much she couldn't stand the idea of being in the same place as the Dark Lord. Let alone accompanying the Dark Prince during to the festival. She wished she could take a break from all this.

Then an idea hit her out of nowhere. "I will meet the Dark Prince", she announced all of the sudden. Before her father could breath in relief she continued, "In one condition".

"Only if it's within reason", the Light Lord negotiated.

She silently begged that he wouldn't reject. However, keeping a strong front she placed her condition, "I want to spend a year in the human world just like mother did before she became the Light Lady". He was about to say something so she slipped the second part of her condition, "And, there will be no guards. Sentries or warriors. And to put your mind at ease, I only ask for Ovia and Jarle to accompany me".

"Cha bhith sin a 'tachairt", he blasted losing his calm for a second, "Tha sin cunnartach".

"Even if it was dangerous, it couldn't be more dangerous than anywhere I go", if she had learned anything from her father, it that reasoning was a two sided weapon and she was going to use it until she gets what she wanted. "You and mother already allowed me to visit every once and awhile . Sometimes even for a few days. Why is it different if I stayed for a year? You didn't send me out there alone and even now you won't. Two of the best faeries are going to be there with me".

The Light Lord opened his mouth, but then closed it with a deep frown. Conn glanced at the Light Lord before looking the other way hiding a smile.

She was getting there. Her hopes stirred inside her chest. So she continued, "All I'm asking is for a year in the Land of Man. With school and everything. Mother said it helped her see the world in a different perspective and I want the same thing. Father, I'm willing to bargain on that if you want". She waited, almost impatiently.

"Chan eil", Lord Aragon interjected. He took a deep breath and clasped his hand behind him, "You will meet the Dark Prince".

She almost danced with happiness, but it was too early to announce her victory. First she has to do some adjustments, "For a short while and not until the end of the festival".

"And if I allowed what you requested. If there were any signs of trouble you will come straight back to Tír na nÓg?".

"It's the Land Of Man, what could happen out there? I will be just a regular teenager going to school"

"Ovia and Jarle will be in charge".

"As long as they won't be attending classes with me", she threw that in as a joke at first, but then there was a possibility of that actually happening.

"You will visit Tír na nÓg when being requested".

"I will"

"And you will attend next years festival".

"I will not miss it".

"Then you should go and inform Ovia and Jarle".

Lord Aragon sighed deeply, his eyes pinned on the door his daughter just used to leave, "She takes after Erina",

Conn agreed but with a mischievous grin that made the Light Lord laugh, "And she takes after her father too. She got you good".

Aragon nodded, "That, she did".

Shadow Mountains

At the age of seventeen, the Alrik received a letter with the Lights white and gold seal. The letter was sent in the name of the Light Princess addressing him. It was an invitation to the Lights Annual Festival.

Hello sweet readers, 

I thought I would pop up every few chapters to check on you :D

What do you think so far? And how the first time they'll meet will turn out?