Elven Heir

Foric, the keeper of the crown and the same Elf that oversaw the three trials stood just in front of the large throne and beckoned for them to approach. His smile was soft and understanding. His heart knowing that Celestia should be the next queen. “Please, let us begin,” Foric said loud enough for all to hear and motioned for all to be seated once more. Celestia, Elsie and Crystalis sat side by side on the right side of the throne and watched those in the room take their seats once more. Everyone took their seats. All, except one. “I will not stand for this heresy,” an aged Elven male in finery belted out. “She has no business even being here.” He challenged, now moving toward the raised dais. “She was raised by inferior beings who know nothing of our ways.” Celestia kept her calm as the man approached, yet her pace quickened. Elsie slowly set her hand on her daughter’s shoulder. The other hand rested idly by her side. The Elven Lord came to within ten paces of the raised platform before Kenjog stepped down and stood toe to toe with the man. “This is madness to proceed,” the Elf argued again. This time turning to the Elven elite who were present. “She is just a child! She knows nothing!” “Belgria, she has passed the trials,” one of the Elite replied calling the man by name. “Trials!” the Elf spat. “Those are from a bygone era. We need true leadership. We need someone who knows how things should be governed!” “The late queen thought differently,” Elsie commented softly. “Quiet woman!” Belgria blurt out. “I was not addressing a human! Especially a human woman!” Elsie’s blood began to boil, yet she kept her calm knowing had Flyn been present the man would be bleeding for his quick tongue. “And whom would you choose to rule?” Kenjog inquired standing next to Belgria. “Bogdin, my son,” he responded and motioned to the seat near the windows. A young dark haired Elf with penetrating eyes stood and walked into the center of the room. Stopping next to his father he turned to face the Elven Heir; his costly purple cloak flowing behind him as he did. “What qualifications does your son have to lead us?” an unknown voice called out from the crowd. “He has been taught the ways of the Elves. He understands the role our race has with the other races. He understands the importance of building a strong defense and how to lead an army. He has been taught the ways of war.” This statement sparked Elsie’s interest and she stepped forward down two of the six steps and inquired. “So he knows how to defend himself?” Belgria shot her a disgusted look and gave no response. “What is your answer?” Kenjog questioned him. “Yes, he is well trained and would make a great leader of an enlarged army.” Belgria put a proud hand on his son’s shoulder. Before he could boast further Elsie cut him off. “What I propose is that we see who would be the better leader by a small trial here in this very room.” Elsie turned from Belgria and his son and spoke to the Elite Elven hierarchy. “I believe that Celestia would be a better leader both in her heart and mind as well as in the front of an army. As such, let’s see who is better by having a contest of arms right now.” Elsie turned back to Belgria and stared him down. “You have no idea what you just handed me.” Belgria smiled. “Does your brat wish to use toy weapons or those that can make one bleed?” Belgria now joked sarcastically. “Does your son know where to find the nearest healer,” Celestia now stood and pulled her fine curled hair into a ponytail. Bogdin glared in her direction, yet said nothing. He removed his cloak and requested an Elven long blade be brought in. The tone in the room grew silent. All eyes were centered on Celestia and Bogdin. Celestia and Elsie stepped down from the platform and joined Kenjog ten paces from Belgria and his son. “You will do well,” Elsie smiled and helped Celestia remove her shoes. “You have been trained by the best.” “And don’t forget your new training,” Kenjog input. “You are in the Elven capital. Magic is at your fingertips. “I will need a rapier and one of your long daggers,” she smiled at Kenjog who pulled a twelve inch dagger from an unknown location. Within moments both warriors were armed and the rules were set forth by Foric, the keeper of the Queen’s crown. “The winner of this contest will be the last one standing. The looser will either be dead, unable to proceed due to blood loss, or by voluntarily dropping his weapon in surrender. Is this understood?” Foric looked first to Celestia who nodded, and then to Bogdin who did the same. “All other parties will join me on the stand. No interference from anyone will be allowed.” The keeper motioned for Elsie, Kenjog and Belgria to join him. “Those of you witnesses,” he looked at everyone else present in the room. “You will sustain and support the winner as our new leader. You will also remain seated and silent during the contest. Agreed?” Foric looked to the crowd for its understanding. “Very well, Bogdin are you ready?” “Yes,” he replied. “Celestia, are you ready?” “Yes,” she answered and changed her grip on the dagger to one her father favored, where the blade was pointing backwards. The rapier in her right hand was held comfortably. She looked to her opponent and notice the knuckles of his right hand were white. He was holding the blade too tightly. She took note of her observation and changed her strategy. “Begin!” Foric stated and took his seat on the platform. Bogdin came at Celestia swiftly and with great control of his body. His long blade arced horizontally over her head as he jumped toward her. Celestia crouched low keeping her center of gravity and spun to once again face her attacker, her dress somewhat confining her movements. Bogdin was on his toes and leapt to the left, just as he landed he leapt forward lunging with the point of his sword catching the sleeve of Celestia’s dress and tearing it. “Yes!” Belgria cheered much to Foric’s disapproval. Celestia weighed her opponent, playing the defensive role until she decided how to handle him. Bogdin jumped from left to right and then leapt into a low roll bringing his blade in front of him, its tip jutting upward. Celestia brought her rapier down and pushed the larger blade to the side. She then took four quick steps backward away from her opponent. “Look, she retreats!” Belgria yelled out to the crowd. Elsie simply smiled and watched as her daughter used the dagger to slit her long dress from her thigh down, allowing her more range of movement. “Do not leave the ground more than is necessary,” she remembered her father’s council. “Once in the air you cannot change directions.” Celestia had seen enough of her challenger’s style and she was ready to finish the fight. Bogdin still had an air of confidence and a slight smirk on his face. Bouncing from foot to foot he came at her again. This time he leapt left, then right and then straight towards her, his blade held out wide and moving sideways. Taking two quick steps forward she also left the ground, slightly lower and with more forward momentum. Her rapier easily blocked the swinging blade as her right foot landed solidly in Bogdin’s chest stopping his forward movement and sending him backwards, landing on the solid ground lying on his back. Celestia now took the battle to him walking toward him on the balls of her feet, her torn dress flowing behind her as she moved. He stood erect by the time she was within range and met her fury. Her rapier blocked his counter attacks while her dagger drew blood. First on the left thigh, then the stomach followed by and long deep cut on Bogdin’s left forearm. Blood dripped to the floor in rapid succession. Bogdin leapt backwards trying to avoid her next attack but as he was once more airborne she lowered her weapons and used her Elven magics. “Broceni,” she called out and hurled the Elf against the far wall nearest two potted plants. Bogdin hit the wall with a thud and before he