The Mage and the Rogue Pt. 02

Hey! This is first story, so I apologize if it's a little rough. You'll learn about the characters first, then we'll get into the naughty bits.

I appreciate any comments, questions, or advice!

Thank you!

*****

The humans woke one by one and began their preparations for the morning. Caindri began preparing a simple, but hardy breakfast for everyone. Hauke and Bhann tended to the horses. Cassandra was filling in Aria on the disguise she created for the group. "We'll get stopped less if we look like simple merchants. Unfortunately, it's not the most comfortable way to ride or even the fastest, but I think we'll be asked the least amount of questions."

"Who would stop us?" Aria asked. Her picture of the world was simply and extension of her life in the clan. She couldn't picture not being able to move freely as long as you had pure motivations.

Cassandra frowned slightly, "The world is not as peaceful as it once was, and it's getting more and more dangerous each year. Many people have enemies, real or perceived, and they're terrified enough to project their fears on anyone that they come across, sometimes with deadly results. But that's something we're hoping to change!" Cassandra finished on a happier note.

Aria was absorbing that information when Cassandra added, "Elves are kind of conspicuous on the road we're taking. We'll have to pretend that you and Oliver are laborers." Aria's eyes darted over to Oliver and back before she nodded. "And you'll have to travel in the back of the wagons with the merchandise." Cassandra looked bashful, "I'm sorry"

Without a word, Aria rose and walked to closest wagon. She peeked in the back of it.

Turnips ... Piles and piles of turnips.

"You've got to be kidding me." Aria turned to Cassandra and opened her mouth to protest, but was interrupted by Hauke.

"Everyone ready to head out?" Aria glared at him, but dutifully climbed into the back of the wagon.

"At least there are two wagons, so I can have some time alone." Aria grumbled to herself.

"No such luck." Aria head whipped up as Oliver climbed into the back of the same wagon.

"Why?" Aria asked, angrily.

"I want company." He said, matter of fact, as he rearranged some turnips to make a sort of chair. Aria moved to get up, but a jolt of the wagon set her back into her chair. Oliver chuckled and closed his eyes. This gave Aria an opportunity to study Oliver in earnest.

He was a bit taller than her and lacked the muscle that Aria saw in other elves. Elves were trim by nature, but most mages spent their days studying old texts rather than the physical training that Aria was subjected to. He had long slender fingers that were always drumming on something. His long, dark eyelashes fanned over his cheeks. One eye popped opened open and wide smile spread across his face. Aria looked away quickly, pretending to be deep in her own thoughts.

"Like what you see?" Oliver asked as he sat up and leaned forward.

"You must still be dreaming." Aria answered without looking at him. Oliver laughed and settled back into his seat.

--

Their voices rose to incredible volumes. The birds in the trees along the road scattered as the party approached.

"What kind of Gods would disappear as soon as their people are enslaved?! They're sadistic maniacs that enjoy nothing more than to see their people suffer!" Oliver boomed, his eyes wide and angry.

"They were punishing us for our sins! It's not their fault your people didn't flee to the woods when they had the chance!!" Aria retorted, her voice growing louder and louder.

"Oh, so running cowardly to live as a recluse in the woods would have been better than standing up for our right to live alongside the humans?! Many didn't even have the chance to run! Dragged from their homes amidst flame and smoke. Surrounded by blood-thirsty humans. And the elves with children: what were they to do? Abandon them to save themselves?"

Aria fell silent. Every time they rehashed this argument, she was never able to respond to this. *Centuries later, that's what my parents did when it came down to it,* she thought, sadly. *What's stopping anyone else?*

"Filthy knife-ear." Aria whispered. Oliver's face turned an unnatural shade of red that extended down his neck and to the tips of his ears. They began hurling insults at each other. Most were centered around being an elf, because that was the easiest vantage point, despite the fact that it was trait they both shared.

Caindri rubbed her temples as the argument grew louder and louder.

"Will they ever cease?" Caindri groaned, turning toward Hauke who held the reins.

"It will be over soon," Hauke reassured, staring at the large castle on the horizon. Caindri wasn't sure if he meant this particular argument or their arguments in general. He was prone to being vague, especially when he thought his knowledge might affect the future.

--

Aria couldn't take it all in fast enough. Her eyes darted everywhere trying to remember every detail. Who knows when she'd be in a place like this again.

The castle was the biggest thing that Aria had ever seen. There were some old trees that towered above the others in the forest, but nothing even came close to the enormity of the castle. Like most kingdoms, she was told, the castle was surrounded by a bustling town. Traders and merchants came through to buy and sell goods, always trying to come out on top. Inns were scattered throughout the city, boasting soft beds and strong ale. Bhann eyed these with a mix of nostalgia and longing. Aria got the sense that he was a well-traveled warrior and that he had frequented inns like these often.

They rode to a central area. It was circular and surrounded by roads jutting off in all directions: the largest of which led to the castle. On Hauke's command, they exited their carts and left their horses with an attendant "I'll see to it that we deliver these turnips and that the King knows we're here. Feel free to wander around but be sure to be back here in an hour or so. Try not to get into too much trouble." He looked pointedly at Oliver who had the sense to look a little bashful.

"I could use some herbs." Caindri said quietly to no one in particular. She had already begun to walk in the direction of the market. Aria followed, eager to see what a real market had to offer.

The market was more chaotic and wonderful than Aria could have imagined. It resided in a small, well-lit alley, and every possible square foot was occupied by someone buying, selling, or haggling. Aria had never seen so many bright colors in one place. The tents and banners were dyed bright yellows, purples, and oranges to attract passersby to them. Aria was bombarded almost immediately with a cacophony of smells from the herbs, produce, and meats that were available for purchase. Aria walked slowly through the market. Her hands were clasped gently behind her as to not disturb anything in the booths. She saw Caindri haggling with a merchant in front of spice spots stacked high with bright and fragrant spices and salves.

Aria took the longest at the last booth. It was small compared to the others and filled with hand made jewelry of different sizes and materials. There was a section of necklace pendants made from hand-blown glass. Some were intricate designs, and other looked like small, colorful mushrooms. There were broaches made of quartz and crystals with silver or gold wires twisted around them to hold them in place. What really caught Aria's eye was the simple, metal jewelry. The pieces were cheaper than the rest, so they were kept loose in a wooden bowl tucked deep in a corner. Among the various rings and bracelets was a bronze, handmade ring. It was in the shape of a leaf, almost identical to her necklace. It wasn't quite as worn, but it looked as if it was part of a matching set.

"This is beautiful" Aria whispered.

"Thank you!" She hadn't heard the shopkeeper enter. It was a short elven woman. She appeared to be the same age as Hauke, which meant she must be a couple hundred years old. Age had brought some wrinkles to her face and some softness to her waistline, but it wasn't hard to see the beauty that she possessed. "My son made it," she continued, "before he passed. He was creative, but he never had the delicate touch that many other jewelry makers had. It never stopped him though, Gods bless him."

Aria smiled at the shopkeeper and carefully placed the ring back into the bowl. "Someone will purchase it soon, I'm sure." She bowed slightly and turned to leave.

Oliver was standing in the shop entrance. "I could buy that for you, you know, if you can't afford it. I've heard Clan Chief's don't pay well. You'd have to pay me back, of course." He was grinning. Aria rolled her eyes and pushed past him. She began to walk back towards the central area. She glanced back just in time to see him slip into the shop.

--

As soon as they entered the castle, they were split up. It happened so quickly, that Aria didn't realize she was without her companions until it was too late. She was brought to a small room with a hot, foamy, fragrant bath in the center. She eyed the bath, then the attendants, then the bath. "Oh no." She shook her head frantically, "I bathe alone."

"Nonsense." One of the attendant answered without looking in her direction. "This is going to happen whether you cooperate or not." Aria pursed her lips and clenched her fists, but acquiesced. She was bathed and dressed in clothes much cleaner and fancier than what she had been had been wearing. She was dressed in a green tunic with a black leather vest. She thought she looked pretty sensible until she saw the rest of the party. Hauke was dressed in gleaming silver armor. Bhann was decked out in steel chainmail that glinted in the candlelight as he moved. Caindri and Cassandra were dressed in velvet dresses in colors that complimented their hair and eyes.

Aria couldn't help but chuckle when Oliver came bursting into the foyer. He was dressed in the same outfit that she wore, but he looked disheveled and a little worse for wear. *It must be an elf thing,* she thought. "Didn't enjoy the bath?" Aria was now laughing at Oliver waved her off with a sour look on his face.

Now that they were all assembled, they were allowed audience with the King. As instructed by their attendants, they all stood in a line and bowed for the King. Aria's bow was awkward and unpracticed. She could hear Oliver laughing under his breath beside her. She elbowed him, and he cleared his throat to hide the groan of pain. Hauke ignored both of them and stepped forward to speak.

After exchanging pleasantries, the King and Hauke launched into a long discussion about their mission and what they were to do. Aria got the feeling that Hauke was not disclosing all of the details. She glanced at Caindri. Although she was convinced that Caindri knew of the mission, she could read nothing on her face. "We're mostly looking for access to your library. I have it on good authority that there's a passage contained in one of your volumes that will greatly aid us on our journey." Hauke stated.

"What's mine is yours, Good Sir! How long do you expect to be staying here?"

Hauke pondered for a moment, a gloved hand tapped his chin. "It depends on how quickly we find the information that we're looking for. I'd say a few months, maybe more."

"Months?!" Aria thought, incredulously. "I was brought on, because I'm a skilled fighter, and I'm going to be reading for the next God knows how long?!" Oliver sighed beside her, probably thinking the same thing.

"Well, that's great news! You'll be here for our annual ball!" Hauke and the King exchanged more pleasantries that seemed to be more tradition than substance. The party was shown to their quarters shortly after.

Oliver was walking beside Aria. He leaned towards her slightly. "Notice all the elves?" He whispered. Aria glanced around. She hadn't noticed them before, but now she that she saw them, she didn't know how she missed them. They were everywhere. They were bustling about, in a hurry to get where they needed to be. They stayed to the side of the hall and kept their eyes low. "Any elves that lived through the massacre were kept as slaves. Although they were liberated a century or so ago, most remain part of the servant class." Aria turned to ask Oliver about what it, but he must have been pulled down a different hallway.

Aria also couldn't miss the posters that occupied every wall. They were hand painted and were advertising the ball the King was talking about. It depicted a wealthy looking human couple smiling as if they were enjoying themselves. It also stated very clearly that this was formal affair. Aria thought to the clothes she had in her pack and looked down at the outfit she was done up in. *I'll probably skip it.* She thought morosely.

--

They all occupied various places in the castle's large library. Hauke was perusing the titles in the bookcases lining the walls. He would spot one that he thought was worth researching and toss it in the ever-growing pile of books on the table in the middle of the library. Caindri was sitting at that table, reading a large book filled with sprawling, spidery writing. Whenever a book landed in front of her, she would throw an unnoticed or ignored glare at Hauke before continuing reading.

Bhann took up both seats in the love seat that he was occupying. His back was straight, his legs folded underneath himself, and his face was serious. He was reading a comically small book. Frequently, he would grumble in frustration when he couldn't turn just one page. Cassandra was lying with her back on the floor. She had been slowly migrating downwards as the day wore on. Currently, her legs were resting on the chair where she started. Her hair was spayed out around her head, and her book was held up over her face.

Oliver was pacing around the room. Occasionally, he would have to step over Cassandra or dodge a book thrown by Hauke. One hand rested on his chin; the other held a small book. Oliver said that pacing helped him think, but Aria had a suspicion that he was pacing, because Aria was taking up all of the remaining seats. She was sprawled across a couch meant to seat three people. In order to accomplish this, she had to lay flat on her back and point her toes as far as she could. It was quite uncomfortable, but if Aria moved, Oliver might sit down. That would be tragic.

Aria glared at Oliver from over the top of her book. "Of course, the only other elf in the group is a city elf," she thought with contempt for the thousandth time. Aria's practiced hand moved slowly down to the hilt of one of her knives, strapped securely to her thigh, "I could end it now. The world would be rid of one more elf that's forgotten the old ways."

She could feel rather than see eyes boring into her. A quick glance in the direction of Caindri confirmed it. Her eyes were a cold, steely gray and were conveying one simple thought; No. Aria's eyes darted back to the page of the book she was reading; her hand absentmindedly scratching her thigh as if that was her intention all along. After a moment or two, Aria chanced another look at Caindri; she was still observing her, but her eyes had softened considerably.

Aria returned to her reading and looked for any mention of "The Prophecy."

--

Aria couldn't remember what they were looking for in these ancient texts. Her brain was so overtired, the pages shimmered and the words and letters devolved to gibberish. She rubbed her eyes and yawned. Oliver was sitting in the corner, a slim finger lowly tracing the lines as he read them.

They were both sent up to this smaller library that contained almost exclusively Elven texts. Since Aria and Oliver were the only ones that had some understanding of the ancient language, they were tasked with researching text from this library. The humans had given up their search a long time ago, too tired to be of any use. All except Hauke had retired to their quarters leaving Hauke alone in the main library and Aria and Oliver alone in this wing of the castle.

Aria rose from her seat at a small table in the center of the circular room, taking the large, dusty volume with her. She sank into the old chaise next to the chair Oliver occupied.

"I'm having trouble with this word," She pointed to a long word scratched out on a yellowed page, "I thought it was 'blanket', but that's doesn't make sense in the context." Oliver leaned in close to look at the book. Aria could see that he was tired. He had dark circles under his eyes accentuated by the flickering light of the candles in the room, and his hair was out of place and a little wild. "He still smells nice though." The thought pushed itself to the forefront before she could shake it away.

Oliver's brow furrowed, "No, you're right. That is the word blanket, and it definitely does not make sense there." He smiled, "These were mostly written by crazy elves who spoke enough truth to be considered a prophet, but I'll bring this to Hauke to see if it means anything." He grabbed the book from her lap and headed down the stone staircase towards the main library.

Aria grabbed another, smaller volume from the pile Hauke had created for them. She laid back on the chaise and cracked open the book. Another with sloppy writing in a barely understood language. She started to read when her eyes got heavier and heavier until she finally drifted off.

--

Aria woke unsure of where she was. She kept her eyes shut and tried to orient herself. She was moving. She could feel an arm under hers and another under her knees. The right side of her face was pressed against someone. She could hear a heartbeat. She inhaled deeply. "That smell ..."

"I'm up now. You can put me down." Aria tried unsuccessfully to get the sleepiness out of her voice.

"Are you sure?" Oliver answered with a hint of amusement in his voice. He did put her down though. Aria looked around. It was easy to get lost in a castle this size, but she thought she wasn't far from her living quarters. Aria started to walk in that direction, and to her surprise, Oliver was following her down the hall.

"I can make it on my own." Aria glowered at him over her shoulder. He grinned stupidly at her but kept following.

"Oh, I know. I promised some very important people that I would get you to your quarters safe and sound, and I intend to do just that."

Aria thought for a moment. "Hauke?"

"Yup." Oliver answered, following just a few steps behind her. Aria let out an exaggerated sigh and crossed her arms in a childish gesture. A few silent minutes later, they arrived at the door to her quarters. Aria patted her pants pockets, not feeling the key.

"Looking for this?" Oliver asked. Aria turned to see the key dangling from his finger. Without waiting for an answer, he reached past her to unlock the door, leaning in close. Aria could feel his breath and was once again enveloped in his now familiar scent. She heard the click of the lock unlatching behind her. Oliver stepped back.

"Goodnight, Arialora." She was tongue-tied. As he walked down the hall and turned the corner, she was able to shake herself out of her trance and enter her room. *What was that about?* She thought as she flopped down on the bed. Before she had time to really think about it, she was drifting into a dreamless sleep.

--

Aria was woken by the sounds of fighting that grew louder and louder. Aria bolted upright, immediately awake and focused. Something was going on, and she needed to find out what. She was still dressed, so she was able to quickly strap her daggers to her back.

She pressed her ear against the door. She could hear steel clashing with steel, but it was still a ways off. It was safe to leave her quarters, for now. Aria opened her door slowly and slipped into the dark hallway. The fighting was coming from the direction of the Mess Hall. She ran quietly along the side of the hallway toward the noise. Her bare feet made a soft padding noise on the stone floor. The sounds of fighting grew louder and louder as she approached a stairwell. She could see flickering shadows of the fighters cast by the candlelight below. They looked exaggerated and morphed, but it was definitely the source of the commotion.