A soft sound from a lone owl whispered in my ear, the wind caressing my shivering skin with its tender touch. The evening was far from cold, but the chill belonged to my heart. A lonely heart, sore from losing those who meant everything.

Two years were not enough to dampen the grief, not on this day. While everyone else raised their glasses in celebration, this day would forever hold the stale flavor of a broken promise. My mother and father had promised to return from the war, and even if it wasn't their promise to make, I hoped until the end. With one brutal strike, I had lost the family that kept me rooted in a changing world.

A twig snapped behind me, announcing a deliberate interruption.

"Ailen, you should not be alone out here."

I turned around, bowing before our leader. Taurel had a warm soul—a mother's soul. She cared when others forgot, but she also held the qualities of leadership necessary for her task. 

"Forgiveness, wise one."

Her delicate hand clasped mine. "This is a night to open your heart and your eyes."

I sighed, hoping she wouldn't hear the strained reluctance. "I will try."

It was time for me to find a partner with whom I would share my life, and she was kind enough to remind me. Her lover had a less obtuse way of expressing his opinion, demanding that I should woo the elves still unattached in the village and those beyond. He was running out of patience and quickly draining mine.

"Our guests are soon to arrive, you should join in greeting," Taurel continued, her voice just shy of commanding.

A tired smile forced itself upon my lips. "Of course, wise one." I had no other choice, regardless of my feelings. Of course, they would never force me to marry, but their worry concerning my loneliness made them work hard to prevent it.

She led the way through the forest, her quiet steps careful as they touched the ground. Instead, I caught the sounds of voices from the village, traveling between the old trees to reach us with a warm embrace. The village had been my home for sixty odd years, a short time in the eyes of an elf. Had I been a little bit older, I would have followed my parents into battle. I could have died at their side, or maybe even kept them alive. My heart carried resentment toward Taurel for keeping me locked up in the village while my loved ones fought for their lives.

"Dark thoughts are not allowed tonight, Ailen," Taurel commented, not breaking stride or looking back over her shoulder.

I disliked the way she could read my mood as if my thoughts were spoken out loud, but it was one of her many talents. It was also wrong of me to fault her for caring about me when others tried hard to ignore my grief. Most told me to forget and move on, or that time was a great healer. How wrong they were.

Embers glowed in the distance, brought by fireflies circling the clearing in their nightly dance. They kept close to us during evenings, drawn in by the spirits of Eld. On nights like this one, more of them joined as the spirits were strong. It was as if they knew the Eldafyr would pay us a visit.

The lights flickered back and forth, scattered by the undergrowth until we reached closer. As we did, scents of roasted nuts and vegetables reached through the ever-present fragrance of the breathing forest. The preparations appeared to be well on their way, and I blushed at the realization that I should have helped Eurin with the flowers. She asked me a few days ago, probably to spend some time with me alone. She tried that occasionally, never quite revealing her agenda although it was clear enough for anyone who paid attention. Indeed, she was a beautiful elf and a kind soul, but as Taurel had implied, my heart was not yet open.

Taurel slowed her step. "They should arrive shortly. Stay close."

I blushed again, well aware of the chastisement. I shouldn't have strayed from the village, not even to reach a moment of peace. This was a day of kinship and celebration, not a day to brood alone. 

As she took her place at the center of the preparations, I tried my best to keep my promise and not stray too far away even if it meant that I had to raise a false smile on my face.

The moon shimmered behind a thin veil of clouds as the elves of Eldafyr appeared between dark stems. Their characteristic feather-clad braids reached down low on their backs, and their eyes shimmered with the intensity of seasoned warriors. Their leader was an imposing male, tall beyond all others with hair black as ink and a face void of warmth. He stood in front his elves, not moving the slightest until Taurel and her mate inclined their heads in respect.

Receiving the Eldafyr to our village was a great honor as they rarely traveled outside the borders of their ancient forest unless in times of war—others came to them instead. The celebration of Freden was an exception. The battle between humans and elves had raged for too long when it finally ceased, and the final day would be celebrated for as long as elves remembered. Men would soon forget, but that was their nature.

Taurel continued to greet our guests while I sank into the background, hoping to stay out of sight and obligations now that Taurel was preoccupied. I had no wish to weave small talk with potential partners beneath her watchful eyes. Receiving attentions from one of the Eldafyrs was unlikely, however. It was perhaps a pity since they were known for their ethereal beauty. 

Other elven communities arrived while the moon traveled across the sky, and soon, the village could barely contain us all. Finding a seat proved to be impossible, so I stayed on my two feet, tapping one of them to the music. The festivities would last throughout the night with entertainment and dancing to keep everyone happy. That was the part I feared the most, knowing that I stood defenseless if anyone should ask me to dance.

As if she heard me, Eurin appeared, hands clasped in front of her as to hide their trembling. "Will you not join?" I should have made my intentions clear to her long ago, but it was hard to do so while knowing that it would break her tender heart.

"Not tonight. I beg for more time." It was a cowardly reply. She deserved far better, especially after the words I received from Taurel mere hours ago.

Eurin gave me a gentle smile, bless her heart, and bid me goodnight. As she stepped away, I happened to meet Taurel's displeased gaze. Her lips formed a silent command to join her side. Reluctantly, I stepped out from the shadows and strode toward the crowd.

Two steps later, I paused, unable to move as a tall figure stood in my path. My eyes traveled from the broad chest to the sharp features of his chin. I didn't dare meet his eyes. The intricately braided hair and black feathers were enough to discern his identity.

Nywendor, leader of the Eldafyr.

I had heard him speak on rare occasions and was afraid to hear his voice again. It always sent shivers down my spine.

Seconds passed, and I realized that it was my responsibility to step aside and let him past. Unless...he wished to talk, but that could not be. Unsure of what to do, my eyes traveled to his steel gray ones, hoping to find an answer. His features were unreadable, his eyes cold but not angry.

I blinked once, twice, unable to read the situation. His eyes seemed to glow beneath the chill, burning with barely contained power.

"What is your name, young one?"

Inhaling a strained breath, I lowered my eyes and fought to find my voice after hearing his. "Ailen, son of Faulon."

When nothing further was said, my heart raced until I couldn't remain for another second. I bowed and fled, shaking from within until I stood in front of Tauren. "You called." My voice trembled.

"What is wrong?" she asked, clearly sensing my warring nerves.

"Nothing." It was a sad lie, one I knew I wouldn't get away with.

"Do your duty, Ailen. Don't sulk in corners and stay out of trouble."

"Yes, wise one." To her I was still a child, it seemed.

She dismissed me, and I struggled with the urge to hide within the forest after my embarrassing conduct. Instead, I weaved through the crowd, greeting those who greeted me and those who deserved my respect. My parents had brought me up with manners, and I tried my best to honor their memory even though I would rather spend the night alone.

I was lucky, however. No one demanded my attention for too long, and when I had greeted those I recognized, I finally found a place to stand where few would bother me. From my spot, I viewed the festivities, slowly calming down until my eyes were drawn into Nywendor's gaze. I couldn't look away, not when he eyed me with such determination.

Again, more seconds than appropriate passed until I was able to look away. When I braved to look again, his attentions had shifted, lips moving as he spoke to a female I did not recognize. She eventually bowed and sprang away, making me wonder if she had asked for a dance. It wasn't unheard of to ask Nywendor for a turn, but he was known to decline every offer. He was the only leader still unattached. Some said his first love had died before her time, leaving a broken heart behind that refused to reattach.

His eyes met mine again, and I wished to disappear into the shadows when he caught me staring. I turned and walked away, burning with fear that coiled around my racing heart. I fled until I reached the silence of my home, slamming the door behind me in hopes to keep others out.

How could he possibly destabilize my center in such a way? I asked myself. Clearly, I was nothing but a cowardly fool.

I sank to the floor, arms circling my knees in a futile attempt to calm down. Sounds from the crowd reached inside my small room, reminding me how lonely I was, and how much damage I caused myself by refusing to seek solace with a mate. Eurin would be a lovely companion, but I continued to refuse her even though I longed for someone to fill my hollow heart. It was stupid of me to decline.

An unknown amount of time passed before I could contemplate to move from my spot on the floor, but I knew I should have counted hours rather than minutes. Listening to the music and laughter outside, I moved to the bed, grabbing a book from my nightstand. I needed escape, and nothing brought me escape more than a novel.

I dove into the pages, reading about adventure and companionship I would never experience. The war was over and as long as I refused to love again, I would remain alone. It was a sad thought, but I gained nothing by lying to myself.

A sharp knock broke my focus. I shook my head and straightened my clothes, preparing to receive another scolding from Taurel or one of her minions. She would not forgive me for running away a second time, but it was time to face her wrath instead of hiding in a dark corner.

I opened, losing my breath at the sight before me. It wasn't Taurel, but I would have received her gladly in exchange for the male who stood there. He took a step forward as I took one back—my heart running a wild chase in confusion.

A slender hand cupped my cheek, urging me to meet his eyes. As I did, the door closed behind us with a soft click.

A brief silence passed until I found my breath. 

"Ailen," Nywendor said as if tasting the name on his tongue.

"Yes..."

His thumb ran across my chin, igniting a fire somewhere deep inside of me. Not understanding what was going on, I forgot how to think, forgot how to move. That was the reason I didn't take a step back as he stepped closer, touching my chest with his. His free hand ran through my hair, caressing it in a way no one had done before.

"You seem afraid," he said, his breath fanning my shivering skin.

"Should I be?" I asked, finally finding my voice.

His hand paused between my shoulder blades, pressing lightly. "Perhaps."

Shallow breaths passed my parted lips until they sealed beneath his touch. Chaos ensued, chaos inside my heart and my mind. I must be dreaming, I thought, ashamed of the inappropriate sensations grasping me from within. Desire for another male was not allowed. Absolutely forbidden.

His lips continued to explore, his arms holding me steady as I shook with crumbling need. It's all a dream, I told myself again. And, if it was a dream, I could let go. I could allow the passion searing through my core. No one would know. Perhaps I could find the release I so desperately needed.

My fingers grasped his hair as I deepened the kiss. A low moan breached the silence, a moan that resonated with the swirling emotions warming my chest.

Nywendor paused, his steel gray eyes searching mine. The chill in them absent, replaced by a ravenous heat. His elegant fingers pulled the silk from my shoulders, exposing my bare skin to the evening air. Warm lips trailed light kisses along my collarbone, igniting embers in their wake.

My shirt fell to the floor, and even though I allowed the dream to continue, I remained self-conscious of my nakedness as his hands caressed my skin.

"You're beautiful," he said, pressing another kiss on my tingling lips before pulling back.

Feeling bold, I touched his cheek and met his gaze. "So are you."

He smiled. A rare sight, but a sight that sent butterflies roaring inside my stomach.

"Undress me," he whispered in my ear.

My hands shook, but I managed to obey his command, blushing fiercely as felt the need to run my hands along his tempting chest. Perfectly defined muscles played beneath my touch, warm and firm. A long line ran across the otherwise flawless skin, a scar earned in battle, no doubt.

"What happened?" I asked, running my finger along its length.

"Sword."

I leaned in to kiss it, feeling grateful that he had made it out alive. His arms circled around me, embracing me close. We stood like that for a while, breathing slow against each other. When I looked up again, he inclined his head toward the bed.

I took his hand and led the way. Once there, I paused, unsure of what to do next. He turned me around and unlaced my breeches. They pooled to the floor, exposing my straining manhood. Assured that I was still within my dream, I let him guide me to lay down, watching with anticipation as he undressed himself entirely.

Lewd thoughts swirled past, only dispelled when Nywendor's body covered mine.

"Still afraid?" he asked.

"No." How could I be afraid when my body was singing?

We kissed again, hands clasped as his hips ground against mine. His manhood nestled along mine, caressing with a need that only seemed to grow as we continued. I cried out as I peaked, ashamed that I fell so easily.

A deep chuckle broke our kiss. "I'm not done with you yet." It was a promise, and I received it gladly.

Not versed in the ways of love, I allowed him to lead the way, listening to his commands without fear. He guided me down, pressing his erection to my lips. Tasting him, I forgot my worries and decided to please him in any way I could. He deserved it after the pleasure he gave. Hand tangled in my hair, he helped me through the motions, showing me just how he liked it.

Before he lost control, he steered me from my task and allowed me to lie down beneath him. Loving hands ran down my chest and along my legs, grasping below my knees to place them on his shoulders.

He paused, glancing at my nightstand. "Is that oil?" he asked.

"Yes." I wondered why he asked, but gave him the glass vial.

He poured some on his fingers. "Just relax."

My breath hitched, but I closed my eyes and allowed him to continue. I wasn't prepared for the unthinkable, but my protest ceased as his finger curled inside and pressed a spot that blinded my sight with white hot pleasure.

I writhed and moaned beneath him, begging for more. My pleas were answered, and soon he lay on top of me, sheathed inside. I burned from the invasion, but the burn was laced with pleasure that drove me toward the edge of completion.

He held still, placing soothing kisses on my lips and forehead. "Gorgeous," he breathed out, giving me another numbing kiss as he began to move inside of me. If I thought he spent me before, I couldn't have been more wrong. With every thrust, he pushed me further, allowing me to fly beneath him.

Mumbled words reached my ears, but I barely heard them. Whispers were not enough as I moaned louder and louder, trembling with heat and hunger until he lured me over the edge and beyond.

I fell apart, crying out as he slumped on my chest. He mumbled something again, but I dozed off, unable to keep the dream alive.

Content, waiting for confusion to hit me upon the morrow.

When I awoke, sunlight filtered in through the window. As predicted, I was alone, but once I sat up, my body ached in a way that chilled my core. It couldn't be true.

Scared, my eyes searched for signs throughout the room—signs to show me if my dream was more than just a dream. My heart skipped a beat as I saw the golden ring resting on the nightstand.

No note, just a ring.

Tears of fear and confusion ran down my cheek as I read the inscription.

promise of days and nights, of love and life

My hands trembled as I placed it on my finger, not knowing if I had received a curse or a blessing. It was a ring telling me that I held his heart in my palm.