Blessings Of A Curse - 2012 USA Edition - chunk 04 (standard:fantasy, 7980 words) [4/6] show all parts
Author: Wayne Edward Clarke	Added: Apr 23 2012	Views/Reads: 2016/1482	Part vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
Part 4 of Blessings of a Curse.

Click here to read the first 75 lines of the story


When he stopped, she continued to thrash and cry out for another moment,
then she suddenly relaxed exhaustedly and panted to catch her breath. 

Mark then realized that her reddened cheeks were almost completely
exposed, as most of the white strips that had covered her there were 
awry.  He also realized that the ‘dress' of gauze strips was the 
entirety of her clothing. 

“Stars above!  You're practically naked!” he exclaimed in completely
mortified embarrassment, and whipped his hands away like her skin had 
burned them, then slapped them over his own eyes. 

Talia actually chuckled a bit.  She rose to her knees, still catching
her breath as she tried to hug him, but her arms went less than halfway 
around him.  She giggled and stood, so she could wrap her arms around 
his neck and lay her head on his shoulder. 

“Thank you.” she murmured sincerely.  “It's over.  For now at least.  I
know it will be back, though I know not when.  But for now I am free of 
the curse.  Thank you so very, very much.” 

“Please, don't thank me for that.” he muttered, embarrassed and ashamed
at what he'd done.  “I'm glad you feel better.  I'm sorry I lost my 
temper.  I'm glad I didn't have to... you know... do the other.   Ahf!  
I feel like a clod!” 

“I'm so sorry, Mark.  I'm sorry that I struck your face.  I'm sorry that
you have to do this for me.  I did not enjoy the spanking you gave me, 
but the powerful relief I felt when you took the curse from me was 
heavenly.  It's as if you had a dislocated shoulder that hurt a great 
deal, and you went to a Healer who resets the joint for you.  The 
moment when the joint is popped back into its socket is when the pain 
is greatest, but then it fades almost completely and the feeling of 
relief is strong and pleasurable. 

“You have to be my Healer, Mark.  You have to give me pain, because it
is the only way to end the other pain, like you were setting my 
dislocated joints.  And my joints are weak, so you will have to set 
them regularly. 

“You must accept this!  We must keep the curse from acting!  The very
best we can hope for is that we find a way to live with this, and 
accept it, and somehow find a kind of happiness together.  Only then 
can we know that we are still wholly ourselves, that the curse is not 
influencing our thoughts and behavior without our realizing it!  In 
order to prevent that, you must...  You must give me my treatments as 
soon as I notice the activation of the curse within me.” 

“Well, thinking about it that way, I guess I can spank you when you ask
me to, if you wore a bit more clothes.” he mused, his rumbling voice 
still muffled behind his hands. 

“No, that will not be enough.” Talia told him firmly.  “I will need you
to spank me sometimes, and I think I will need you to do... other 
things.  I do not know what, and I do not know why.  But I know that 
most of the time they will not stop the curse.  Most of the time you 
must rape me.  You must, I know it, for that is the crux of the curse 
that we both suffer from.  If you do not, the curse will torture me, 
and cause horrible things to happen, and still, somehow, one way or 
another, you will end up raping me anyway. 

“If you can do this of your own choice, the curse will only directly
affect us in one way.  It will give us immortality, for I am cursed to 
be raped by you until the end of days.  We have eternity, and if we can 
find happiness at least most of the time, it will be a blessing.  And 
we will not grow old, for that was not what was in Alilia's mind when 
she cast the curse.  She pictured the person I am now being raped by 
the person you are now, until the sun no longer rises, and that is how 
it shall be.  The curse is deep down in my bones now, and I feel the 
truth of that.  Already I have proved that it will not let me die.” 

Mark was softly crying behind his hands now, overwhelmed by the enormity
of what she was revealing.  “But it all makes no sense!” he sobbed.  
“How can I rape you if you're willing?  And what else will I have to do 
to you?  And why was I chosen for this?!  I don't understand that at 
all!” 

“Those are fair questions.” Talia murmured after a moment's
consideration.  “Alilia?  Can you answer them for us?” 

Alilia had to clear her throat and swallow twice before she softly
spoke, her tear-flowing eyes downcast..  “I'm not sure.  It was... 
impulsive, and over in a moment.” 

“You must try, Alilia.” Hilsith gently prompted.  “Try to remember
exactly what you were thinking at the instant you cast the curse, at 
every level of your mind.” 

After a moment Alilia whispered: “I will try.  I will need to think
about it awhile.” 

Minutes passed, then Talia murmured into Mark's ear.  “Please don't hide
your face from me.  This garment is perfectly acceptable among my 
people, if a little daring, but I promise I will wear more clothing 
after this, so you will not be uncomfortable.” 

Slowly, Mark lowered his hands, to gaze into Talia's eyes from a few
inches away. 

Talia gave him a brave little smile and tried to brush some of his hair
away from his forehead, but it fell back to the same place, and she 
giggled a bit.  “You have beautiful eyes.” she whispered.  “You are so 
big, and so male, and your voice is wonderful.  Would you give me a 
hug?  Please?” 

Moving slowly, as if mesmerized, he carefully placed his arms around her
and closed his eyes.  “Ahh, Talia, you are so tiny and soft and warm 
and pretty and young.  Your scent is wonderful.  How will I ever be 
able to hurt you... that way?” he asked, speaking privately and 
intimately, as she had done. 

“The curse protects me from all injury.  I will be all right.  We both
will.” She assured him.  “We will face it together.  It will be hardest 
at first, but one can get used to anything, after a while.  Besides, I 
am not that young.  I am twenty-nine years old.” 

“Twenty-nine?!  Yazadril said you were about the same age as me!  But
then, I guess we are about the same age, compared to him.” 

“Yes.  And elves mature more slowly that your people.  I am at the age
when I am most like a human girl of about seventeen years.  And I judge 
you to be about twenty-five, so we are fairly well matched that way.” 

At that moment, Mark did not feel like telling her his age.  Then he
marveled again at what he'd learned. 

“We'll truly be together forever?  I mean, really, for all eternity?” 

She nodded, and placed her palms on his beard-covered cheekbones,
looking intently into his eyes.  “Always.” she whispered.  “I swear to 
you, Markhan Reginus Longstrider the Fifth, I shall always do anything 
and everything I can do to bring you happiness.  For I fear you will 
never be rid of me.  Ever.” 

He shared her gaze for a long moment, and smiled.  “You glowed brighter
when you said that.” 

“It was an elven vow.  It has it's own power, and it was not given
lightly.” she told him seriously. 

He closed his eyes and gently moved his arms, and his hug became the
embrace given to one who is truly cared for.  They spent a long time 
like that, with the rest waiting silently, before he spoke again. 

“I think I'm starting to accept it.” he murmured.  “It's a beautiful
feeling, knowing that I'll never have to be alone ever again.  These 
past few months have been very hard that way.  And it's another 
beautiful feeling, knowing that in the strangest way, I've found the 
girl I'm going to spend the rest of my life with.” 

He shook his head, then looked into her eyes again.  “Talia, I was
raised to believe that certain things are honorable, and necessary.  I 
know it's not fair to ask you this, as we hardly know each other, 
but...  if we're going to be together as we've discussed, I need for 
you to be my wife.” 

Talia stared at him, thunderstruck. 

Just then Alilia spoke.  “I know what I was thinking.  And they are ugly
thoughts.” 

“Just a moment Alilia, if you could hold that thought please?” Mark
asked as he rose to one knee and took both of Talia's tiny hands in his 
huge ones.  “Talia, I would be forever honored if you would be my wife. 
Will you marry me?” he asked sincerely. 

Talia paused for a moment while a smile grew on her face, and fresh
tears gathered on her eyelids.  “Yes, Mark.” she softly answered.  “I 
will gladly marry you.” 

They threw their arms around each other in happy and emotional embrace. 

Alilia stood and approached them.  “Please, let me give you this.” she
said as she held her palm up.  There was a bright flash from her hand, 
and then she was holding a tiny and exquisitely beautiful ring with 
five diamonds in a delicate and swirling gold setting.  “It is 
magically enhanced, in it's sparkle, and in that it always fits 
perfectly.  It cannot be scratched or marred, and it is almost 
indestructible.” 

“Thank you, Alilia.” Mark told her as he carefully took the ring between
his fingertips, and gently slid it onto the third finger of Talia's 
left hand.  Her breath caught at the beauty of it. 

“I deserve no thanks, as you will know when I tell you what I have
realized.  It is truly the least I can do.” Alilia said as she resumed 
her seat. 

Mark also resumed his cross-legged seat on the grass, and Talia settled
sideways in his lap.  He gently put his arms around her, and she put 
her arms around one of his and leaned the side of her head against his 
chest.  He marveled again at her delicate beauty, then Alilia regained 
his attention. 

“When I cast the curse, foremost in my mind were the words I spoke; I
curse you.  Beneath that were the terms of the curse; I curse you to be 
raped by him until the end of days.  As to exactly what I pictured 
happening when Mark raped Talia, I was thinking of Yzandra. 

“Yzandra was a young elf of my people, in her second century, when she
mysteriously disappeared without a trace about fourteen hundred years 
ago.  When she finally returned, I became intimately involved in the 
case, because there were diplomatic repercussions. 

“I learned that she had been kidnapped by one Milishak the Blue, the
Royal Wizard to the Court of the Kingdom of Iktra, the human realm 
bordering on the lands of The People of Life to the north-west.  
Milishak abducted Yzandra so that he could give her as a sex slave to 
his liege, Melcom, then the reigning king of Iktra.  She was chosen for 
this because she lived beside the border and she sometimes crossed it 
to gather herbs, and because she was among the weakest of my people in 
her ability with the power, lacking enough strength to even light a 
candle with it.  It was done by Milishak in order to turn Melcom to 
evil ways, and in this it partially succeeded. 

“Knowing that this abduction could lead to war with my people, a war
they had no hope of winning, Milishak and Melcom held Yzandra in a 
magic cell with no physical entrance, deep beneath the deepest dungeons 
of their palace, reachable only by a keyed Translocation plate in the 
royal apartments.  Her cell was luxurious, but small, and lacking any 
windows or doors.  Only they knew she was down there, and the 
Translocation plate was made so that it would function for Milishak or 
the reigning monarch of Iktra, and no others. 

“Melcom used Yzandra as his sex slave for the rest of his life, some
forty-three years, and upon his death, he gave her to his heir in his 
private will, like she were a possession!  And when the next king died, 
he passed her down as well!  Damned Source above!  They did this for 
nine generations!  For two hundred and seventy-one years did the kings 
of Iktra hold Yzandra in that sunless cell, raping her and tormenting 
her regularly!!!” 

Alilia fell silent, her fists and face clenched in rage, and the rest
waited patiently while she regained control of her emotions. 

“Finally a king of Iktra died leaving no male issue.  His eldest
daughter, Rellin, was strong and at least half-decent in character, and 
she had cultivated the commanders and officers of her royal military.  
Milishak opposed her, favoring a male cousin with militia of his own, 
and they were backed by the other nobles of the realm.  Rellin 
countered Milishak's power by hiring wizards from the human wizards' 
guilds, down in the empires.  Though there was civil war for almost two 
years, in the end Rellin held the throne, and Milishak and his 
contender were dead.  Only then, after Yzandra had dwelt in her cell in 
absolute solitude for two more years, did Rellin read her father's 
private will, and learn of Yzandra's long imprisonment and torment.  
Rellin set her wizards to freeing Yzandra, then personally escorted her 
home. 

“After that, we spent many days counseling and interviewing Yzandra and
treating her, and many were the hours she told me of her torments.  In 
the end, it was decided that there was little else to be done about it, 
since all the guilty were dead, though Rellin did offer sincere apology 
and any restitution we might ask for her family's crimes.” 

Alilia fell silent, then she continued, her eyes still downcast.  “When
it seemed that Talia had raped my son by trickery and caused his death, 
Yzandra's ordeal seemed a fitting punishment.” 

Now she resolutely lifted her tearful gaze to meet Mark's.  “I chose you
as the instrument of Talia's punishment because no elf could do such a 
thing, and because you were fresh in my mind, since I had been 
discussing you with Yazadril only moments before.  As well, I now 
realize that I wished to prove to Yazadril that you were just like 
almost every other human male I have ever met, and that your seeming 
decency was an act, concealing a core of cruelty.  When I gave her to 
you to rape, I thought that you would consider it a prize beyond 
measure, and thus would your evil heart be revealed to Yazadril. 

“So, I am forced to realize that I am not only vindictive, I am petty,
and a bigot.” 

Mark considered her words before replying.  “No, I think you were
vindictive and petty.  I think that realizing the enormity of your 
mistake has cured you of those traits.” 

She nodded.  “Perhaps you are right about that. 

“Though Talia has the worst of it, she is right in that I have cursed
you as well.  And everything I said to her of the inadequacy of my 
apology, and my desire for atonement, all applies to you as well.  I am 
so very, very sorry.  And if there is anything at all that I can do for 
you, you have only to ask.  If you desire to see me punished...  I will 
endure what you decree.” 

“So the fulfillment of the curse is based on the ordeal of Yzandra? 
Everything that was done to her, I'll have to do to Talia?” 

“Yes.”  Alilia nodded tearfully.  “Each and every detail of it is too
much to hold in one's mind all at once, still it is true to say that 
the totality of her experience, as she told it to me, and most 
importantly, the impressions and thoughts of it that my mind 
experienced as she told me of it, form the basis of the requirements of 
the curse.”  She paused.  “Though perhaps not exactly.  When I cast the 
curse, I did not picture you keeping Talia in a cell, so you will not 
be required to do that.  I pictured her with you as you went about your 
life.” 

She suddenly stomped her foot a bit like a child in anger.  “Damned and
broken Source above!  This language is so completely inadequate!  Were 
you anyone else, I would simply cast Tongues upon you so you could 
speak Elvish!” 

Mark shrugged a bit in embarrassment.  “Sorry.” he mumbled. 

“Please do not apologize to me!” Alilia told him in exasperation.  “You
are like a good child, and I have wronged you horribly, damn it!” 

“Alilia!  I need to know how long I will be free of the curse!” Talia
stated determinedly.  “What was the frequency of Yzandra's torments, 
and what did you imagine mine to be when you cast the curse?” 

Alilia's brow tightened in concentration.  “The kings of Iktra were not
consistent in their depredations.  The worst of them was at it almost 
every day, and for hours at a time.  One, only once or twice per month, 
and another was satisfied after only a few minutes on each occasion. 

“To be as specific as possible, I would say that Yzandra was tormented
on more than half of the days of her captivity.  Make it three days of 
every five, and over the years ahead, I expect that to be the average 
of days that the curse will come upon you.  Over the short term, you 
should have until tomorrow at least, and most likely you will not feel 
it for two days, though you may have as long as a month. 

“When the curse does come upon you, it may be satisfied with a few
moments of torment, as it was this first time, though it may demand as 
many as six hours. 

“It may be wise to completely hold the curse at bay by fulfilling it's
requirements before it activates, rather than waiting until you begin 
to feel it's effects, in case it starts to affect reality before that 
becomes apparent to you.  In order to be at all certain to do so, you 
should have him torment you for an hour and a quarter, every second 
day.” 

Mark considered that, and the thought almost moved him to tears again. 
Talia sensed this, and caressed his face reassuringly to soothe him. 

“As I said, I know that most of the time he will have to rape me, and
that sometimes he will have to spank me.” Talia stated as she turned 
back to Alilia.  “What else will he have to do, and how often?” 

Mark's gruff interjection came before Alilia could answer. “Now hold on!
 No offense against the rest of you fine people, but these will be the 
details of...  I mean, it's bad enough that I have to do these things, 
things that no decent man could be proud of doing, but I don't see why 
anyone else needs to know what Talia and I will be doing during our 
intimate moments as man and wife!  If we don't have to do anything else 
till tomorrow, I don't see why Alilia can't tell us the rest of that 
later, with only her and Talia and me present!  And I ask the rest of 
you to avoid learning the details of what happened to Yzandra, and to 
not let anyone else know that Alilia's curse is based on Yzandra's 
ordeal!” 

“Quite right.” Yazadril nodded.  “We understand completely.  You can be
certain that we will do as you ask in this.” 

The others nodded agreement. 

“You should know this too, for I have wronged you more than you
realize.” Alilia stated bitterly.  “We were in the Council Hall of The 
High People today when Yazadril asked of the nature of the curse I had 
cast upon Talia.  Though I gave no other details, I loudly declared 
that I had given her to you, to be raped by you until the end of days.  
There were many present, of The High People and my people as well.  By 
now everyone knows of it.” 

“Well, isn't that just great.” Mark bitterly declared a moment later. 

Hilsith cleared her throat, and spoke.  “I am here in my role as a
Healer, to try to minimize the suffering that will be caused by the 
curse.  As our people have an innate ability to heal normal physical 
injury, most of my work deals with the healing of minds, and emotions, 
and injury caused by magic.  I welcome you to seek my council on these 
matters, and recommend that you do so.  If you do, you can trust my 
confidentiality as a sworn Healer. 

“Beyond that, there seems little more that I can do here right now. 
Though there is a treatment that may help a little, I need to do some 
research before I reveal or apply it.  The course you have set for 
yourselves is likely the healthiest possible way to deal with the 
curse, over the next few days at least.  And so, I will offer my 
congratulations on your engagement, and take my leave.” 

“Thank you, Hilsith.  I hope you come to my wedding.” Talia said as she
turned on Mark's lap to exchange a fond embrace with the Healer. 

Then Hilsith hugged Mark as well, or rather hugged his neck, saying: “Be
well, young Mark.  Though you could not have foreseen this fate, you 
could not have found better to be your wife than Talia, or any better 
than Yazadril and Nemia to be your family.  All of you will need all 
the care that you can give each other, to recover from your losses.  If 
not before, I will see you at your wedding.” 

“You won't have long to wait.” Mark told her, and tried to smile.  “We
have to be married before the sun sets.  We can't take the chance that 
the curse will strike again before we're married.” 

“He's right.” Talia nodded. 

“In that case, is there anything I can do to help with the
preparations?” 

“We just want something small, I think...” Mark mused, then stopped at
Talia's hurt expression. 

Then she realized how she looked, and dropped her eyes.  “Ah, that would
be fine.” she murmured. 

“Uh, then again, I've always wanted a wedding that was more... uh,
traditional?” he ventured. 

She lifted her eyes to his, smiling hopefully. 

“Perhaps something grand and beautiful?” he continued, his growing smile
matching hers.  “It's hard to describe.  And us men don't really care 
much about the details of such things anyway.  Perhaps if you have 
something nice in mind, my intended bride, you could help me out with a 
few ideas about it?” 

“Oh Mark, you are so sweet!” Talia beamed, and knelt up on his lap so
she could throw her arms around his neck and kiss him full upon the 
mouth. 

“He will be a great husband for our daughter, Nemia.” Yazadril chuckled
as he hugged his wife.  “You must admit that was a brilliant bit of 
husbanding just now!  Masterful diplomats could not have done it 
better!” 

“I agree!” Nemia laughed.  “He is indeed a perceptive gentleman.” 

Suddenly Mark broke the long and deep kiss by gently but quickly lifting
Talia a bit and sitting her back in his lap.  Before she could ask what 
was wrong he whispered in her ear; “I'm sorry, but your kiss has... 
aroused me, and I didn't want everyone to see it.” 

“Oh.” she said in surprise.  Then, struck by curiosity, she wiggled in
his lap a little like she was trying to get more comfortable, so she 
could see what it felt like.  “Oh my!” she said, and upon realizing 
that he was blushing scarlet, buried her face in his chest and giggled. 


“Who traditionally plans the wedding in your culture?  And do you hold a
reception afterward?” Mark asked the group. 

“The mother of the bride plans the wedding.” Nemia chuckled.  “And I
already know what Talia would prefer in that regard.  And if by ‘a 
reception' you mean a huge celebration with feasting and music and 
dancing, we do indeed do that. 

“You must realize that among our people, weddings are a very rare and
special event, because of our low birthrate and longevity.  And because 
elves almost never divorce, and so almost never remarry unless they are 
widowed.  You should also know, Mark, that the vow of an elf is 
magically binding, and that the vows of marriage are the most profound 
and powerful of all.  The presence of other elves adds power to the 
binding.  It helps to insure the happiness of our marriages, that the 
power of the attendees adds to the power of our vows to love each other 
and to strive to bring happiness to our marriage.  For all these 
reasons, we tend to invite as many as possible to the wedding.” 

“That sounds like good thinking.” Mark nodded. 

“The wedding that all of us have always envisioned for Talia,” Nemia
continued, “Would be attended by all of the High People.” 

“But... Yazadril said that there's thousands of you!” 

“That is correct.” Nemia smiled.  “But only a few thousands.” 

“Don't worry.” Yazadril chuckled.  “I'm the one who has to pay for it,
and not you!” 

Mark laughed, and shared a smile with Talia.  “Then that's the way it
must be.” 

“Thank you. “ she whispered, and drew his head down for another kiss. 

“Well, since they must be married tonight, we are short of time.”
Yazadril stated.  “To save a bit of it, I will send a Speaking to all 
of my people, rather than inviting each of them in person.  And since I 
lack the power to cast a Speaking to so many, Alilia, could I presume 
upon you to lend me a bit?” 

“Certainly.” Alilia nodded. 

Talia had ended her kiss and was smiling up at Mark, and he noticed at
that moment that Yazadril's glow became markedly brighter. 

“Source above!  Not so much, Alilia!” Yazadril laughed.  “I don't need
to shout their ears off!  Though I must say, that always gives a 
feeling that would be easy to get used to!” 

Alilia slowed her flow of power to him, and his glow diminished a bit. 

“That's about right.” Yazadril nodded, then hummed a short melody, and
cast the Speaking. 

He spoke in his native tongue, and Talia quietly translated for Mark. 
“People of The Nine Valleys, it is I, Prince Yazadril.  We have 
concluded an investigation into the deaths of my daughter Dalia, and of 
Bezedil, son of Alilia, Princess of The People of Life.  It was 
overseen by Theramin of the Council, and by Dilimon, Second Captain of 
the Sentry Corps, as neutral parties, and witnessed by Hilsith.  We 
have found that my other daughter Talia is entirely blameless in those 
deaths.  She has agreed to become the wife of Markhan Reginus 
Longstrider the Fifth, invested Ranger of the Forests of Shinosa Valley 
in Finitra.  Due to necessities of honor, they must be married this 
very evening, despite our grief at our recent loss.  Though all our 
hearts are sorrowed, we ask that sorrow be set aside for a few hours, 
and that you all attend, to join us in making this evening's nuptials a 
happy and joyous event.  The ceremony will of course be held in the 
wedding chapel in Laylas Valley, one hour before sunset.  Your 
attendance will mean a great deal to us.  Thank you, we hope to see you 
there. 

“Thank you Alilia.” Yazadril nodded, as his glow faded to its previous
brightness. 

“You are welcome.” Alilia nodded wearily.  “Now, I think I will go, and
take Bezedil home.  I will...” 

“No.” Talia thoughtfully interjected.  “Please, you must attend my
wedding.  And call all of those you care for, and extend them my 
invitation as well.  You will be my bridesmaid.  Actually, you will be 
my maid of honor.” 

“Your maid of honor!” Alilia gasped.  “Surely there must be one you care
for who would be a more appropriate choice for that honor!  After what 
I have done to you, it would not be right for me to even attend!” 

“This marriage is of your doing, Alilia, and if it brings us an eternity
of joy and happiness, then that is of your doing as well, and to your 
credit. 

“Though it should help you to know, my intentions in this are not as
purely noble as that.  Diminished you may be by the casting of the 
curse, still you stand an order of magnitude above any others of our 
peoples in pure power, and I think your recovery is almost complete 
already.  I would have you be right beside me, so that your ambient 
power can most effectively reinforce our vows. 

“Mark, my father would usually conduct the ceremony, as Prince of our
people, but tonight he has his role as father of the bride, so by 
procedure and by my preference, Theramin will conduct our wedding. 

“It would please me if you would have Dilimon as your best man.  He is a
good friend, and he is strong in the power.” 

“Sure!  He and Theramin and I struck up a friendship last night, and I
would be pleased to have him if he agrees, and besides, he's the only 
other male elf I know besides Theramin and Yazadril!” 

Suddenly he sobered, and his countenance fell.  “Actually, he's the only
other male I know.” 

“You poor boy.”  Talia softly caressed his face.  “I am shamed that I
had forgotten until now, that your tragedy was so much worse than 
ours.” 

The others silently reflected on the truth of this, for where they had
each lost a loved one, and Talia had lost two, Mark had lost so much 
more, for he had lost all, and in a far more horrible manner.  All his 
loved ones, his friends, acquaintances, his home, his entire people.  
Now that they knew him somewhat, they empathized with his loss much 
more powerfully. 

“But now, we must try to find happiness.” Mark said, and smiled bravely.
“You were saying?” 

“I was agreeing to be your best man, and thanking you for the honor, I
think.” Dilimon laughed. 

“Yes.” Talia agreed as she resumed her train of thought.  “And thank
you. 

“Mother, we are allowed twelve bridesmaids and twelve groomsmen.  I ask
you to choose them and to offer them the honor, selecting the most 
powerful of those who will attend. 

“Father, when all of our people attend a wedding at the Laylas chapel...
Drat!  I have translated that word so badly!” 

“Then break it down by concepts, my child.”  Yazadril advised fondly. 
“For there is no exact word match in this language.” 

“Ah” she nodded, then turned to Mark.  “It is; ‘The Place of Gathering
with Greatest Joy and Deepest Respect For The Joining Of Lives In Love 
and Harmony'.  But ‘chapel' doesn't really apply, both because it is an 
open place of trees and moss, and not a building, and because it has 
nothing to do with gods or divinity or worship.  It is beautiful, and 
used for weddings almost exclusively, and it has become... charged... 
with the power and the joy of the many elven ceremonies and vows.  It 
is highly magical, and lends it's own power to the gathering.  But I 
will refer to it as ‘the chapel' in this language, for convenience. 

“As I was saying, Father, our people do not fill the chapel or even
close to it, even when everyone dances.  How many could attend?  How 
many is there room for?” 

“Well, that's hard to say.  I see where you're going with this.  Under
normal procedures, we are limited by the number that can be seated to 
feast, about three thousand.  If feasted in a picnic buffet style, with 
only a few tables for the main party and the rest reclining upon the 
moss, perhaps six thousand if everyone must dance at once.  If we set 
aside a dance floor for perhaps half to dance, we could have eight 
thousand, without diminishing their enjoyment of the event.” 

“I think you're being conservative, Yazadril.” Theramin mused.  “Our
people won't mind mingling a bit closer than that.  I'm quite sure that 
over ten thousand could have a grand time as you've described it, 
especially at such a unique event.  And there's plenty of room to dance 
beneath the trees.” 

“You're likely right.” Yazadril smiled, picturing it. 

“Alilia, there are over four hundred thousand of your people.” Talia
pointed out.  “Perhaps eight thousand of them would be willing to 
attend a wedding upon such short notice?  Preferably eight thousand of 
the most powerful among you?” 

By now Alilia had caught Talia's line of thought as well, and she smiled
smugly.  “Perhaps they will.” she agreed.  “If it was necessary, I 
would command them to do so, but they will be glad to come.” 

“Uh, Talia, you're starting to make me nervous here.” Mark admitted.  “I
mean, ten thousand of the most powerful elves?  Why?” 

“My betrothed, this marriage must save us.” Talia told him earnestly and
hopefully.  “Without it, perhaps we can be happy in a way, despite what 
you must do to me for the curse.  Perhaps you will not come to resent 
having to do it, or to resent my constant presence and needs, or come 
to hate me.  Perhaps we can do that for an entire human lifetime.  
Perhaps we can do it for an entire elven lifetime.  Perhaps we could do 
it for a hundred thousand years, or a million!  But we must find a way 
to be happy together for eternity.  I have a horrible fear that sooner 
or later the worst may happen, and we would be trapped in a completely 
hellish existence together for millions of centuries, hating each 
other. 

“And if your people shared our customs, and placed no disapproval on
mating outside marriage, you would never have asked me, despite the 
curse, and I never even imagined that you would.  For though there may 
be something special growing between us, we do not love each other. 

“But when I stand upon the podium with you and take the vows of
marriage, I will swear to love you.  And even if I do not love you 
before I take the vows, as long as I am sincere in truly wanting to 
love you, and I am truly and honorably determined to do so, the power 
of the vow will make it so, and I will love you, I truly will, with all 
my heart! 

“But magic does not affect you.  You may not be bound by the vow.  Yet
you can see our power glowing, so the power must affect you at least a 
tiny bit in some way.  And so I hope that with so many of the most 
powerful elves in attendance, lending their power to the vow, that you 
will be affected by its power, enough that you will truly fall in love 
with me. 

“And since we will be married, you must see that we should love one
another.  And we will be saved from a hell of our own making, no matter 
how long we are together.” 

“Wow.  That's good thinking.” Mark nodded.  “All this power and magic
still strikes me as very spooky and strange, but you're right about all 
of that. 

“I just hope that you forgive me if I get really shy.  I've never even
seen more than fifty people in one place before.” 

“I, of all people, understand shyness, my betrothed.” Talia smiled,
ruffling his hair.  “Though I think this ordeal has cured me of most of 
it.  My former fears now seem so inconsequential.” 

A moment later Nemia briskly broke the silence.  “Well, there is much to
do.  Mark, you must be barbered and tailored, and the rest of us must 
prepare as well.  There is a feast to be prepared, and the chapel must 
be made ready.” 

“And I must pass on eight thousand invitations, and prepare my wedding
present.” Alilia thoughtfully agreed.  “Perhaps if Theramin will assist 
me, it can be a present from both of us, for I intend to build them a 
home.  Mark cannot spend his wedding night in one of ours, for he could 
never stand up straight in one.” 

“I would be delighted, Alilia.” Theramin beamed.  “I take it you have
something in mind?” 

“I do, and it will take both our talents.  And don't worry, it will fall
within the construction strictures of The Nine Valleys. 

“Yazadril, Link with me please.  I send you an image of the home we will
make for your daughter and Mark.  Tell us where we should locate it.  
And the front entrance must face south.” 

“Ah!  Beautiful, and so perfect for both of them!” Yazadril exclaimed at
their private vision.  “The land already set aside for Talia's hometree 
will be perfect!  See!”  He hummed a note, and sent her and Theramin 
his image of the land with the home complete upon it.  “And if you were 
to accept my help, and Nemia's, we could do it thus!” he said, and 
modified his image. 

“Ahh!  Yazadril, you are a masterful artist!” Theramin breathed in
admiration. 

“Indeed.” Alilia had to admit.  “Your grasp of complexity and detail
astounds me yet again.” 

“Pardon me for interrupting.” Mark said as he stood, effortlessly
holding Talia in his arms.  “I'm sure that most of what needs to be 
done can be better accomplished elsewhere.  Why don't we go to your 
house, Yazadril, so these ladies can prepare in comfort?” 

“Why not indeed?” Yazadril nodded with a smile. 

“An excellent idea.” Nemia agreed as she stood and began bustling about,
collecting the cups.  “Here Mark.  I feel a need to do a bit of 
mothering, so I will pack your possessions, and you can continue 
cuddling with Talia.” 

“Thank you.  I appreciate that very much right now.” he quietly rumbled,
and took a moment to close his eyes and concentrate on the wonderful 
sensations of the tiny elfess in his arms, seeming so trusting, so 
affectionate, so obviously and desperately hoping to find love and 
happiness with the completely unusual stranger who was now destined to 
be her eternal tormentor. 

He opened his eyes at the same time as she did, so that he just saw her
eyelids finish opening, and then their gazes seemed to fall into each 
other, and the eyes of the other seemed to take up all of reality.  It 
seemed a fateful moment, and Mark felt a need to say something good and 
right, something as profound as this moment.  And as he recognized the 
need, he said the first things that came to mind, before the fated 
moment was past.  “Talia, I will never fail your trust.  Ever. I swear 
it. 

He turned and carried her to the edge of the glade, under the shade of
the trees, and spoke intimately.  “And I would not have us start with 
any hidden truths of importance between us.  I did not tell you my age 
because I was a bit embarrassed that you're older than me.  I've lost 
track of the date.  My birthday is the second day of the ninth month.  
If that hasn't passed yet, I'm still sixteen.  If it has, I've turned 
seventeen.” 

“It is the twenty-eighth day of the eighth month.” Talia told him with a
smile, still holding the intense eye contact.  “In four days you turn 
seventeen, and that seems just right to me.  Are you still growing?” 

“I think I am, but I think it's almost finished.  Your father asked the
same thing.” he revealed with a smile as bright as hers.  “And there's 
something else you need to know.  Something I ask you to keep between 
you, me, and Yazadril, who already knows because he discovered it.  
Yesterday he found a way to make magic affect me a little bit, though 
he had to use a lot of effort.  He said that no one else would ever 
think of it.  I don't want anyone else to know because I've never 
encountered real magic before yesterday, except for the disaster at 
home.  You elves have such amazing power, so much that you take it for 
granted, and... it frightens me.  As long as they all think that I 
can't be affected by magic, then we're even, because I have no magic to 
affect them either, and I can be comfortable among them.  But if they 
find out that there's a way to affect me with magic, then I'm 
defenseless.” 

“I understand, and I will keep your secret.  You realize that you can
still be affected by magic indirectly?  That a rock thrown at you by 
magic is not in itself magic, and will hit you the same way as if it 
were thrown by hand?” 

“I know.  But I'm fully trained as a Ranger, and I have my own ways of
being physically dangerous, so we're still even. 

“The most important thing is, Yazadril might be able to do it at our
wedding, so that the magic of the vows affects me.  Hopefully, without 
anyone else realizing it.” 

Now she finally took her eyes from his so she could hug him tight in
thankful joy. 

“Take your father aside as soon as you can go someplace private to talk,
and ask him about it.” Mark advised as he carried her back to the 
group. 

“I will, right away.  Don't worry, no one will think it unusual or
suspect anything.  Set me down, please.” 

He did so as he noticed that the rest were gathered around a huge padded
brown leather reclining chair, more than big enough for him, mounted on 
a slightly ornate hardwood platform that was polished to a deep shine. 

“Yazadril pointed out that you could be neither Translocated nor
Levitated.” Alilia told him as Talia made her way to her father's side 
and whispered in his ear.  “And I do not wish to walk, and we are short 
of time.” Alilia continued.  “Thus, I have made you a conveyance, to 
your measurements, which Yazadril provided.  The chair is mundane, but 
the platform it is bound to has had a keyed permanent Flight spell cast 
upon it, which is Levitation combined with Movement.  And to answer the 
question I can see on your face, it is easier to cancel the weight on a 
body by Levitation and then Move it, than to lift the weight with 
Movement while also using that spell to direct your motion.  Since it 
cannot be keyed to you, I suggest that Talia be given control of it.  
The seat is big enough for you both, or she can sit in your lap.” 

“Thank you, Alilia.” Mark said as he nervously inspected the flying
chair.  “I'm not sure if I can use it, though.  I'm not afraid of 
heights, as long as whatever's supporting me seems solid and safe.  But 
if it doesn't, I have a big fear of falling.  When you're my size, even 
a short fall can be dangerous.” 

“Well, we can fly along just above the grass.” Talia assured him.  “It
will take slightly longer, but we'll get there soon enough.  You can 
trust Alilia's work to function safely, and I'm an experienced flyer, 
with good control of my own Flight spell.” 

“I will key it to you now.” Alilia told her, and nodded. 

“Thank you.” Talia nodded in return as she felt control of the platform
pass to her.  She turned her right palm up and lifted it a bit, and the 
platform smoothly rose a foot. 

“My betrothed, your chariot awaits!” she announced with a giggle and a
sweeping gesture of presentation. 


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