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Chapter 50: Sunshine after the Storm
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Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 1: And So It Begins
The birds stopped singing.The silence echoed down through the empty skies into the deep, green forest below. It spread across the long, winding river that ran eternally through the Elven land, and continued onto the hill-covered plains of a neighboring kingdom.It was this silence that caused a slim, fire-haired Elf to turn her face away from the river to the sky, and listen. She cautiously scanned the riverbank from where she sat. There was no wind, no rustling of leaves. There was only the sound of the rushing river."What is it, Niamh?" her honey-blond companion asked, pulling her hand out of the water, slight concern in her sapphire-blue eyes.The sky began to dim as clouds began to form.Niamh frowned, sniffed, and slowly stood up. She raised a finger to silence the noble elfmaiden beside her.Three dark riders appeared at the top of the far hill, and a threatening rumbling began rolling on behind them. The three figures sat silent and still, swiftly surveying the field, trees, a
Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 2: Decisions in the Dark Hall
Lady Enid whispered, looking Niamh directly in the eyes."Go get my daughter."Niamh hurried down the now silent halls to Eithne's chambers. She found the young elfmaiden looking at a selection of dresses laid out on her bed.Eithne turned at the sound of the door opening."Oh Niamh," she sighed gratefully. "Please help me choose a dress."Niamh stood in the doorway, "King Lorcan is coming."Eithne gasped, but Niamh softly waved a hand. "He's already here," she said casually.Niamh controlled her nerves and calmly helped Eithne dress. Then there was a knock on the door."Lady Eithne, Lady Niamh," a mild-spoken servant nodded. "Your presence is requested by Lord Tigherneach in the Great Hall."With a mixture of interest and dread, Niamh and Eithne made their way through the Keep. Niamh looked down at her dress, wishing she had the time to change. Her blue dress hid the dirt well, however, she could still smell the smoke from the burning forest still clinging to her.Two guards were st
Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 3: Restless Winds
The doors opened and the dark hall began to empty.King Lorcan turned, meeting Niamh's gaze, "I'll see you at the evening meal."To Niamh's surprise, her heart skipped a beat.Eithne slipped her hand into Niamh's, and Lady Enid came up beside them."Oh, Niamh," the Lady shed some tears. Lady Enid wrapped her arms around the young elf maiden and held her tight. "Let's collect your things," she sniffed.Lord Tigherneach blocked their way."Niamh Aidhne," He swallowed hard. "My heart is so grateful, but also heavy. There are no words that will comfort me now at your leaving. I promised your father those years ago I would keep you safe. How can I when you are so far away?"Niamh smiled, "We both knew this day would come, but don't worry. I will be Queen, and I will be able to visit you whenever I want."Lord Tigherneach smiled weakly, then left the hall. The three elf maidens made their way to Niamh's room and found servants already packing clothes."I've heard he has a violent temper,"
Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 4: A Complicated King
"It's going to be quite the ride," King Lorcan said to Niamh."I've never been one to sit still," she replied.King Lorcan gave a half-smile, before signaling to his men and then taking off at a slow gallop. Niamh, without looking back, charged along with them into the restless wind of the darkening twilight.They rode solidly for a few hours, the setting sun beating them to the far horizon. When the moon rose high enough to light their way, King Lorcan signaled the group and left the road to make camp for the night. "We will rest for the night," King Lorcan's voice was low. Niamh turned to him, but the king was already walking away. "The grass is soft and the trees broad. Your tent will be up shortly.""He never planned to travel through the night," Niamh thought with surprise. Waiting for her tent, Niamh watched the Elves by the fire. They moved swiftly, but respectfully when the king joined them. She noticed however, he didn't speak to them much. "My Lady, your tent is ready," a
Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 5: Dinner with the King
The group continued through the village without any more trouble and returned to the main road. They pushed their horses into a quick but steady trot and made it to the castle by the late afternoon.Niamh did not see much of the king after dismounting at the elegant castle by an evergreen forest. Lorcan was rushed into the castle by the scar-faced general as soon as he dismounted. Captain Aengus calmly introduced Niamh to two servants, Maeval and Moidrin, her new personal servants. He left them to show Niamh to her chambers to unpack and get comfortable.She didn't feel much like talking, and the servants did the unpacking, so Niamh went out on her balcony. The dark green of the forest was soothing, reminding her of the Tigherneach Keep. As she watched, she saw King Lorcan, the general, Captain Aengus, and a host of elves with scrolls and tired faces come out into the yard below. One elflord, richly dressed in a clean, red robe, was gesturing grandly. Lorcan simply nodded. The red-robe
Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 6: The Unexpected Wedding Gift
When Niamh left her chambers, she discovered all the castle servants had lined the halls to see her. A soft, warm glow began growing in her chest as she smiled through her nerves, giving a slight wave as she passed. Niamh was led through the halls and into a long covered walkway with open, arched windows. At the end of the walkway, elves from the nearby villages and towns had come to catch a glimpse of the future queen. Niamh stepped out into the brilliant sunshine and paused. A path was laid out before her, both physical and in her heart. Captain Aengus appeared and nodded, motioning for Niamh to begin. Taking a deep breath, Niamh stepped forward. Niamh's two handmaidens followed behind, and Captain Aengus remained close as they walked from the castle to the great temple at the far end of the castle grounds. She couldn't help but notice although the music was joyful, the faces of those watching showed less enthusiasm. There were mumbles and whispers as she made her way down the pat
Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 7: Rumbling Thunder
"I'm being summoned to a council meeting.""On your wedding day?" Captain Aengus asked quietly."Shall I come with you?" Niamh stepped forward.Loran nodded at the messenger and sent him away."I was summoned to the council, not you."Niamh went silent. The king was no longer smiling and began walking back to the palace. He did not wait for his bride, but strode so purposefully that Niamh had to push herself to keep a close distance between them. Captain Aengus looked like he had done this many times before, and kept up with little trouble.King Lorcan paused at the top of the path."Don't make me late," he snapped.An angry screech came from the sky.The new queen jumped, and looked up at Fergal. The captain caught her glance and motioned with his arm. Niamh imitated the action and called the falcon's name. For a moment, Fergal circled slowly, then dove to his new master's arm. Walking with the bird of prey on her arm was a little difficult, but Niamh adapted quickly, earning a fleeti
Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 8: The Calm Before the Storm
Naimh gave two or three big sobs before taking a deep breath. As she exhaled, she stood up and made her way to her balcony to watch the stars appear in the evening sky. The colors of twilight spread over the Elven kingdom like waves on the faraway ocean. Niamh leaned over the edge of her balcony and movement caught her eye. She saw two children playing outside of the castle wall. The young elflord was trying to reach an apple hanging on a branch out of his reach. His smaller, rosy-cheeked sister watched hopefully, wiggling with excitement. The fruit was obviously out of reach, but the brother wasn't going to give up. Niamh could only watch the struggle for so long before her heart made her act. "Are you hungry?" she called out.The pair of elflings, startled, turned to run. "No, wait!" Niamh ran back into her room and grabbed two shining apples from the small fruit basket on the table. "Wait!"With apples in hand, Niamh ran back to the balcony. The elflings were obediently waiting,
Latest chapter
- Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 50: Sunshine after the Storm
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- Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 48: The Strength of the Storm
- Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 47: The Queen's Command
- Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 46: The Plains of Kren Ennore
- Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 45: Gathering Clouds
- Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 44: When Traitors Come Together
- Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 43: Council of Traitors
- Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 42: The Offer
