Ashlin's Story Chapter 1-2-3

***~***~***Chapter One***~***~***1

‘What am I gonna do….oh what am I gonna do!’ Our little heroine thought to herself. Her skirts were ripped, dirty, and not fit for running away in. Ashlin was wearing the dress the cook grabbed for her and she had a bag of stolen money and a small knife tucked into her belt. A knife more used to peeling potatoes and beets, not for stabbing a perverted, old butler. 2

Ashlin’s breathing was ragged, and she was getting a stitch in her side from running. She looked back the way she came; back to the house that she had worked at since the cook’s husband had found her, abandoned by gypsies. Or so he said. It was the only way to explain her dark skin, hair and eyes. But not even blaming the gypsies could explain Ashlin’s pointed ears. The seamstress said it was from when her mother danced during a full moon. No one ever had any explanations, and when she had asked the lord, he had laughed at her and sent her back to the kitchens. 3

When she reached her seventeenth birthday the lord had held an auction for her virginity and had allowed the Stable Master and Butler to combine their earnings to buy her. Ashlin had snuck the paring knife into her dress and when she was presented to the Stable Master, he ‘generously’ gave her to the butler. Who took her into the barn so that the men could watch as he deflowered the ‘gypsy’. When she had stabbed him no one moved. The cook didn’t even scream when Ashlin ran into the kitchen, her white dress covered in blood. She just ordered the stable boys to move his body out behind the barn, and had brought Ashlin a bag of food and the money from her auction. 4

She had been running ever since, she slipped into a shallow spot in the river and didn’t even bother to get up, even though the water was freezing and her clothes were getting soaked. Tears that adrenaline hadn’t allowed to fall, gently streaked across her face, mixing with the fresh, cold water of the Green River. Her body slowly floated down stream, her arms and legs limp with exhaustion. Her dark green eyes watched as trees reached for the bright stars above. She could no longer feel the cold of the water, and her limbs didn’t ache from hours of running anymore. Her body was like another piece of driftwood, silently floating on the great river. 5

Ashlin awoke suddenly, scared because she didn’t know where she was. She was dressed in soft silk, and in a bed that must have been filled with the finest goose feathers. ‘well I must not be in trouble, but I’m defiantly in a better home than the old lords’ she thought lazily to herself. As her eyes appraised the exquisite carpentry and the fineness of the sheets and the embroidery on them, a man slipped into the room. Her eyes grew wide at the very sight of him. 6

He was dressed in a mixture of silks, leathers, and velvet. He had a light green silk shirt with the top three buttons undone and an emerald green vest on over it. His pants were a dark green material that she had never seen before. It wasn’t wool, that was for sure. In addition, his cream-colored leather boots looked beautiful and comfortable at the same time. He had long golden hair, tied back with a ribbon that was also green. When she finally got to his face she immediately noticed his pointed ears, and her startle gasp set him into action. 7

“Fear me not, friend of the river. I came only to ask of your wellbeing and if you were well enough to take a meal on your balcony with my friends and I.” his voice had a singsong quality, with a hidden laugh behind his courteous words. Ashlin have him a confused look, tilting her head to the side like a dog.
“wha…” she croaked, grabbing her throat and looking franticly for a glass of wine. He immediately rushed forward and grabbing a glass of water from behind a paper screen. Handing her the glass he softly sat on the bed, not far from Ashlin’s blanketed legs. Her slight blush only broadened his smile.
“what did you call me?” she asked shyly. As he shifted to get more comfortable, he told her,
“The river God, Nereus, carried you six miles away from the banks of his river, he brought your cold body to our guardian scouts, the Farvardin, and they sent you to the twins, Dismas and Aurora, the greatest healers in our race. That is when Dismas saw the amulet of Nereus, that shell around your neck. That amulet means that Nereus cares about your happiness and wellbeing. You are under his protection; no one can hurt you if you are near his domain. Nereus has given you a great gift.”
Ashlin's hands went to her throat, around her neck on a chain made of green hair was a large pearl tied to an abalone shell. When the man handed her a mirror the sight of it astounded her. The pearl and shell looked so white against her tawny skin, and the green in the hair matched her eyes almost perfectly. Instead of taking away from her beauty the amulet made it all the more obvious.
“It’s beautiful isn’t it? I wonder where the chain came from?” she asked.
“The chain is made of his hair, braided by the current, and tempered by snow. As long as you wear this you can not drown.” He explained. She thought about that for a moment and then remembered what he had first asked.
“Who are your friends? Wait, what’s your name?” she asked quickly.
“My true name is powerful and secret, but you may call me Conall. That’s what my grandfather called me when I was training.” Conall replied with a slight bow, and even though he was sitting, he made it look like everyone should be sitting down to have an elegant bow.
“I shall send for the dress maker and then I shall meet you out here for brunch,” he said as he got up and headed for the door. “I will be bringing a few people with me, but don’t get dressed up, wear something comfortable.” He said as he walked out the door, closing it softly behind him. Ashlin got out of bed, and threw on the cloak on a hook next to the bed. She slipped out on to her large white balcony, and her breath came out in a startled gasp. She was in a beautiful valley, giant smooth white-barked trees where encasing the houses, and that’s what gave the inside a rounded look. All over there were people walking or riding horses, and one was riding a unicorn! Everywhere she looked there were more sights to see. She could see beautiful animals everywhere. They were the farm animals that are at every farm, but they were the finest bred and most beautiful farm animals Ashlin had ever seen. The horses were so stunning that she almost cried at the sight of them. Moreover, the unicorns she could see sparkled like walking gems. She did not hear the seamstress enter her room, she was too caught up in watching a unicorn stallion chase a herd of yearling fillies.
The seamstress quietly cleared her throat trying to get Ashlin’s attention. “Excuse me, Asherah? I am the seamstress, Conall said you would need new clothes.” A tall white haired woman said. Ashlin noticed she had pointed ears too, and she was fair and beautiful despite being old. Her age did not make her seem tired or decrepit, she looked like she had more grace than a queen did.
“What is your…speaking name? and what did you call me?” Ashlin asked. The seamstress replied “My speaking name is Astraea, I am over a thousand years old. Which isn’t old for elves. Oh and that is what Conall said your name was, he said you are ‘she who walks with water’, Asherah. No one knew your name and to ask you for a true name would be rude. So he gave you a name that he thought you would be proud of.”
‘She’s over a thousand years old!! Elves…that must be what I am, and what everyone else is too. Conall, he gave me a name? She Who Walks With Water…he must mean the River God… I wonder what he’s like…” Asherah’s thoughts skipped around for the two hours it took to make a dress for her brunch. It was beautiful, yet comfortable.
Her brunch was with Conall, and the twin healers, Dismas, and Aurora and the High King Enlil. They smiled sweetly at her when she showed up, Enlil, the very picture of a good king. He wore only a single tread of gold, it almost looked like his hair glowed there. All had pointed ears and were light colored with blonde or white hair. She found that Conall was young compared to most, he was only one hundred and fifty years old, when most were several hundred, Enlil was also over a thousand, and he had a sad quality about him. When everyone left, Conall came back with hot chocolate and a few stories for Asherah.
“Conall, when can I leave the room and explore? I wish to see your town, maybe I can help with something. I used to help the cook back home. But that was before…” Asherah’s voice dropped of into a whisper, and her eyes widened. She looked at Conall with big brilliant tears in her eyes. "i must go, i can't stay here! Nereus shouldn't have brought me here, i have to -" “Asherah, shush calm down. Nothing is going to happen. Shush.” When Conall first wrapped his arms around her she fought back, trying to push him away but then she remembered all that had happened and finally burst into tears, letting her tears fall upon his shoulder. He held her for hours, rocking to and fro, whispering sweet nothings into her ear, and kissing her forehead while she told him what happened. That’s when he realized that she wasn’t very old. He thought she was at least a hundred, but according to her she was barley seventeen. When she finally dropped off into a deep sleep he laid her down, covered her up and went to find Enlil.
“I have come to speak to Enlil, its important.” Conall said hastily to the door man at the Elvin palace. “Enlil will see you in the garden, Conall.” The elf said directing him down the hall. Enlil was sitting on a large bench, under a freshly blooming cherry tree, the petals from the blossoms settling lightly on his hair.
“What troubles you Conall? I only saw you a few hours ago. Is it about our friend? The maiden?” Enlil was never surprised and he already seemed to know what was troubling Conall. “Sir, she is only seventeen, and with her dark coloring and the fact that Nereus has given her the amulet, I have a feeling that she is more than she seems. Also, she killed a man. She was on the run, the River didn’t tear her clothes, running through the night did.” Conall said in a rush of words and gestures. He was frightened, for the safety of his people and the girl. “Peace Conall, I knew these things already. I also spoke with Nereus today, he likes the name you have given her, and wishes to see her, tomorrow you will show her our city, and teach her our customs. Have Aurora fix up the blue house, the one next to the creek. I think she will like the soothing sounds there. She must also go with Hadad and learn how to fight. Don’t worry about your post, she is your new assignment. Keep her safe, and give her good company, she will hurt no one physically. Trust me." Enlil spoke softly, but Conall knew he had just been given a great assignment. 8

***~***~***Chaphter Two***~***~***
The weeks in __________ flew by for Asherah. She met the Weapons Master Hadad. Hadad was well over 7 feet tall and had the lithe grace of an elf but the heavly muscled body of a half giant. Asherah learned many things from Hadad, like how to fight with sword, fists, knives, spear, and bow. She learned to ride, she was naturally graceful. Enlil taught her Elvish history, starting with how Elves sailed across the sea and landed here, when Humans were still primitive, and how the Eves gave Humans fire. She grew strong, and she stopped wearing dresses, instead switching to the smooth leggings that most elves wore, freeing up her legs for running and jumping. She moved into the blue house, where she learned to relax and enjoy life. Conall became her closest friend, and when he wasn’t around she felt like her shadow was missing, and would soon find him just around a corner or coming up a hill to where she was.
Asherah was looking forward to the upcoming festival, it only happened once every seven years, and she couldn’t wait. No one would tell her what was going to happen; only that it would be in her mind forever.
She was riding one of beautiful palfreys near the banks of the river when she came upon a man sitting o a fallen log.
“Hello sir! Fine day isn’t it?” Asherah called out cheerfully. Her face no longer looked thin, or ragged, and she had a healthy glow about her. Her cheeks were red from the ride and the horse was impatient to keep going. When the man turned towards her she drew back a startled breath, his eyes were swirling with blues and greens, and his hair was a deep green, the same color as her eyes. He stood a good head over Conall, who was 6’6”. He had a necklace of sharp teeth around his neck and all he had on was trousers and a cloak.
“Do you know me maiden? Do you remember your journey through my home?” he had a strange voice, it was deep like a water fall and yet as dainty as the happy tinkle of a small stream.
“You…your Nereus aren’t you.” She stammered. “You are the one who gave me this” Asherah held up the amulet and when it caught the sunlight it sent a cascade of color across her face.
“Thank you for saving me, but why?” she asked timidly, letting her eyes trail over his body, the Elves didn't have a sense of modesty like humans.
The necklace was beautiful, yet the teeth looked as sharp as ever. His strange voice flowed across the space between them, “I saved you because you laid so gently in my waters, and your tears woke me from a deep sleep. When I awoke you were almost dead. I could feel the Humans anger towards you, so I brought you here. When I was carrying you, you snuggled into my arms, no one has ever trusted water or me so completely. The amulet is to protect you, and to remind you of me. I must go, I shall see you at the ceremony, don’t be frightened. No matter what happens don’t be scared, no one my hurt you without incurring my wrath.” Asherah watched him as he walked silently across the meadow, and then sank below the turbulent waters. 9

***~***~***Chapter Three***~***~***
Impatiently his horse pawed at the ground ready to be off, Hadad looked across the line of palfreys to where Conall was seated on a large white stallion. Conall caught the look and returned it with a wink; both instantly looked ahead, muscles tense for the sound of the bell. Suddenly everyone was silent, the horses stopped pawing and rearing, then so quiet they almost couldn’t hear it, the tiny chime of a bell. The surge of flesh thundered down the lane, manes and tails flying, mud and rocks were spewed up by the flash of hooves. One sorrel slipped and fell, but got back up, his rider barley hanging on. Conall and Hadad where in the front followed closely by Nereus, on his blue-black mount and Asherah next to him on her steel grey stallion, who she had affectionately named Hadad.
Rounding the final corner the riders asked for their mounts last bit of speed. Conall’s mount leaped over the over turned wagons and stumbled right after, Hadad’s horse wouldn’t go over the wagons, and it smashed into Nereus’ mount, causing it to shy away also. Asherah’s palfrey cleared the wagon and passed Conall, bringing her to the lead. Instead of crossing the finish line they jumped it, in one mighty leap for the skies.
The cheers of the huge crowd filled the air, as they threw petals over the winners. Asherah looked back at Conall who had an arm around Hadad and was laughing uproariously. Nereus guided his mount over to her. “That was a magnificent ride my dear, I have never seen so young an elf ride so well, you are a natural. Now for our bets…are you sure you want to keep this horse? He is mighty spirited you know.” Nereus spoke quietly, placing a hand on her shoulder companionably. “Ohh yes I want this Hadad! you just want him back because he won, you lost I get to keep my horse and I am allowed one colt from any of your mares with him as the father. Now quit being a spoil sport. Lets go celebrate!” Asherah knew exactly what Nereus wanted and enjoyed watching him squirm. “Asherah! Nereus! Come we must get to the ale tents before Hadad does! He will surely drink all the kegs dry, trying to wash away his loss!” Conall yelled to them and had somehow gotten a full mug and was spilling it on everyone within reach.
Nereus offered his arm to Asherah, “Come my lady, we shall drink to your success and our loss, and then wait for the main show!” Letting the stable boys take their sweating mounts, the four friends made their way to the ale tents, going over every detail of their ride. Asherah couldn’t hardly sit still, she was anxious. No one had told her what happened at the ceremony but Nereus had sent a Naiad to sew her a dress for the ceremony. Asherah still hadn’t seen it completed and she couldn’t wait for everyone to see it. It was made from some material that the mermaids of the sea make. They had sent tons of the shimmery material upstream, using strange, grey scaled creatures from the sea.
Finally they heard the chimes, indicating that another aspect of the Awakening Ceremony was about to begin. Elves from all over the country were there. They had traveled hundreds of miles, dodging humans and bringing with them more fey creatures.
They all came to the largest meadow in the Hadadine Forest, or ‘Thunder Womans’ forest. Hadad said that his mother was Hadadine’s youngest daughter, and had fallen in love with his father, but when his father died from a poisoned blade she ran away, leaving her infant son with his grandmother. Some said that she was with the centaurs, running free and wild.
When everyone had seated in the huge meadow, Hadad walked to the center, there was a platform, with four round stones, and in the center was a flat stone, shorter than the rest and made of black marble. Hadad was now clad in some of the mermaids cloth, it was stitched into a toga, allowing everyone to see his strong muscles as he spoke. He asked for the power of Fire, and Lightning to come, and suddenly a huge thunderhead rolled over the valley. Lightning struck the ground right next to him, but he didn't flinch. Where the lightning had struck a spry old woman stood. “Hello grandson, another Awaking Ceremony huh?” The woman gave Hadad a hug and then walked over to one of the stones that had been in the ground. Hadad once more opened his arms and spoke in a clear resounding voice. He asked for the Power of Water to come, and Nereus walked from the water also dressed in mermaid silk. He walked to another of the three stones and gave Asherah a wink and a smile. Hadad once again raised his arms, Conall whispered quietly into her ear, “You mustn’t worry about anyone, we have done this for years, and we know the steps like a popular dance. Trust Nereus and Hadadine, they will protect you from harm.” Then he quickly went into a small, heavly decorated tent, and came back in full armor, just as Hadad was asking for the Warrior.
“I am here.” Conall proclaimed. He walked to Asherah and laid a necklace at her feet. It had a small silver sword on a beautiful mithril chain.
“She gets my Armor, my Sword and my Loyalty.” He walked to the third stone followed by whispers. Asherah looked around wildly, confused.
Finally Hadad raised his arms again. “Each of you must chose, who shall you awaken? Hadadine spoke first “I choose the youngest male elf. I choose Ithiad.” Her voice was like thunder and her eyes had lightning in them. Nereus looked at her with a strange look, and then he said, “I chose the youngest female elf. I chose Asherah.” The sound of water cascaded over the congregations’ ears.
When Asherah was lead to the tent that Conall had walked into, she saw the dress that the seamstresses had worked all day on. The dress was long and it hugged her body like a second skin. The shimmery material was the color of water itself. Greens and blues swirled and shimmered around silver embroidery. It had tiny pearls dangling from the shoulders.
A young man was already inside, he had silver hair and eyes. He didn’t look very old to Asherah, but that did not surprise her, most elves didn't age until past their thousandth year. The young man had a toga simaler to Hadad’s, made of mermaid silk also. They could hear Conall’s voice. “I choose the newest Elvin citizen. I choose the maiden I named Asherah.” Her heart skipped a beat…she was pretty sure no one had been chosen twice for this ‘awakening’, because people had gasped at Conall’s choice. It was unspeakable for anyone to choose the same. It had never been done and probably wont after this.
“You dare to claim my choice? It is against the cardinal laws, you must challenge for her. You know what will happen if I win don’t you?” Nereus asked quietly, his hands were clenched and he had a look that would have frightened a Mountain Wolf. Conall straightened and looked Nereus right in the eye; “Yes. I challenge you, and I also know that if you win I will give you 7 years of my life. I knew that when I decided to choose Asherah.”
Asherah came running out of the tent, her dress whipping around her legs, “Whats going on? Conall, why are you challanging Nereus?” She stopped next to Hadad. Her hair was almost escaping the carefully tied braids that were holding her hair back. Her eyes filled with silent tears and she when she gazed at them with those tears perched ever so carefully on her lids; they both looked at their feet.
Nereus walked over, gently holding her hands he said, “Well if we don’t fight you must choose. You must choose who will teach you things outside of the school. You must choose who will teach you magic, and love. Who do you want to be your mate? Who ever you do not choose will lose seven years of his life to the other. Whose life are you giving away Asherah? Will you be the Warrior's Woman, or the Water's Wife?” The look in his eyes frightened her, he had this look of love, and sadness. On her neck the two necklaces burned, she looked down, noticing for the first time how beautiful both truly were. She also noticed how important they both were. Her eyes glistened, and then two tears droped, one tear drop on each amulet.
She stood up slowly. “I choose both or neither. For seven years you shall have me, until you both decide to release me from the bonds, but you must share. If you don’t share, I leave and no one will have me. Choose now, but no matter what you both chose, you will be friends. I will not end a century old friendship.” Her voice quavered but she spoke loudly so that everyone could hear her. Hadadine started to laugh and looked at them both closely, “just agree with it boys I shall chose who gets her first and it wont hurt either of you to share.” She cackled. 10