The Elf Queen - Part 3 - Rorc

After their night of magical lovemaking, Elenya stood a moment facing the east. She turned her head and smiled at Seth and said, “Come, Lover, I will show you my kingdom, which you long have sought.”

“You will see many wonders and also face dangers. My warriors do not easily welcome strangers. Are you brave?”

“I am not, my Queen, but I will try to be.”

She took my hand, and we stepped through a portal I could not really see. In but a moment, my eyes were dazzled by all I now saw before me. Sunlight peeking through green foliage made me blink. As I looked about, I saw beautiful creatures all about me going about their busy lives. Mostly elves did I see, but there were other mysterious beings also, which I could not describe.

Almost everyone was scantily clad or outright naked, and none seemed ashamed. In fact, most of the people I saw smiled and were most friendly.

Elenya led me to an open pavilion, vast and grand. She dropped my hand and strode confidently up to a throne in the center of the place in which I was standing. She stood a moment before sitting, and all present bowed low to her.

Elenya smiled upon her subjects, and the room seemed filled with multicolored light.

As I rose (for I had also bowed), I felt the presence of many elves about me. All were males, clothed in black armor with their hands upon their sword hilts. The most powerful looking of these warriors blocked my view of the queen and thought (he did not speak) to me, “Man from the outside world, why are you here? Who are you?” His vibe was clearly hostile, and he scowled at me fiercely.

Elenya spoke loudly for all to hear:

This man is my friend and lover. His name is Seth, and he is a friend to all elves.

The dark elf smiled (but was not friendly) and thought to me,

“So, you have seduced our queen. This shall not go unchallenged by me. I am Rorc; your enemy until you have proven yourself an elf friend!”

Elenya spoke again: “I have read your thoughts, Rorc. Stand down.”

Rorc obeyed the queen immediately and stepped back and around to face her.

I spoke out for the first time. I spoke to all present, but especially to Rorc, “I have come in true friendship, and my heart has only love for the elf people. I am no warrior but am only a poet and singer of songs.”

Elenya’s thoughts touched my mind; “My love, be brave. Rorc can only be satisfied after he has tested your skills in combat.” A strange vibration suddenly passed into and through my body. I looked down to find I was now clad in silver and leather, the clothes of a warrior.

“Seth, I have given you elf strength and reflexes. You are now a physical match for any who would challenge you. Be brave.”

Rorc now beheld my visage, and a wan smile appeared in his steely eyes. He spoke for the first time, “The queen has gifted you with warrior strength and skill. But, your courage and resolve have yet to be tested. I shall be that test!”

Rorc turned slowly to Elenya and bowed low. “I have long loved you, my Queen, but have not spoken to you. I wish to challenge this man to personal combat to win your heart and your hand.”

“This isn’t the way to my heart, Rorc; I will test your thoughts and watch what you do. I desire more than a warrior!”

Rorc nodded his understanding but turned now to face me. His visage was steel and controlled rage.

Before I realized my own actions, my own sword was drawn, and my stance at the ready for his charge. Apparently, I had no other recourse than combat with Rorc.

The speed of his blade was nearly invisible, but I somehow parried his first and then his second blows.

My heart leapt into my throat as we began to battle blow for blow, blade against lethal blade. He was as fast as lightning, but somehow, I was his match, at least defensively.

Long did we fight, his face terrible in his rage. Our blades locked, and we faced each other as the steel threatened both our necks. Straining with all his might to overcome my strength, Rorc whispered, “You shall not have my queen!” His eyes blazed with the lust of battle.

We pushed away momentarily, each gasping for air. I looked at the Queen’s face. A single tear trailed down her cheek, and her mouth hung open as she watched the terrible combat. His mind reached out to both warriors, “I cannot bear to lose either of you!”

We began to circle one another again, more careful and measured this time. Rorc spoke aloud, “You are brave and fight well, human. I almost hate to kill you.” He gave a brief nod of his head before he gathered himself to lunge at me again. Even as I parried his fierce slash, I marveled at his words and his smile. Surely, I was no match for this dark elf warrior.

All at once, he spun around in an unexpected direction and raked his blade across the leather covering my belly. I felt pain as I was cut deep, and my blood flowed onto my broken armor.

At the same time, his blade flashed; his other arm shot out and dealt a blow to my shoulder, knocking me off balance. I stumbled and fell back. Instantly, the point of his sword was at my throat, and I lay helpless, awaiting the inevitable.

I looked up into his fierce eyes and sent my thought, "You have won. Strike quickly and end this."

Rorc hesitated and glanced at the Queen’s face, which was ashen white. Almost imperceptibly, she shook her head; ‘no!’

Rorc backed slowly away and lowered his sword to his side. I had not the strength, nor the will to rise again.

“My Queen,” Rorc spoke slowly. “I do not wish to kill this brave warrior who has fought well.” “I beseech you heal him with the sacred magic and spare his life.”

The entire throne room collectively held its breath and watched as Elenya rose and strode across the room to my side. She put her white hand on my wound and softly spoke words I did not understand. Her eyes closed as warm and then hot power flowed from her hand into my pierced belly. My eyes also closed as a white wave of heat washed over me.

In but a moment, I stood between the Queen of the Elves and the Dark Warrior. I felt impressed to step back a pace and allow the couple to speak softly to each other.

“Rorc, your merciful compassion has touched me deeply. I am undone. I will have you as my Lover if you will have me.” Rorc knelt on one knee, taking her hand in his to kiss it. The Queen then said, “Rise and kiss me better.” A faint smile could be seen on her radiant face. Rorc stood and embraced Elenya, giving her a proper, passionate kiss. All the elves roared in mirth and joy.

The Queen turned to the crowd and spoke aloud, “Behold our new Elf king!” She paused briefly and proclaimed again, “Welcome, Seth, Friend of the Elves.”

As Rorc and Elenya strolled away arm in arm, the dark elves surrounded me to clasp my shoulder. One elf I would come to know as Ginji said, “We must get you new armor, friend.”