The Lightbearer's Gift

Mingling with the many lords and ladies wasn’t as droll as I thought it would be. With Allyssia, and her vassals as an entourage, many of the lower nobles who would pester me were filtered out. Over the course of an hour the massive chamber was flooded with people. Somewhere music was being played and humans laughed and danced. There were few people that really interested me, but I maintained politeness. While this sort of large gathering wasn’t to my taste, I was determined to understand how to navigate such circles.

Eventually hunger started to set in and I slipped away from my group to the large table containing food. Allyssia was in the middle of a conversation with a wealthy merchant about the possibility of increasing trade with her duchy. She knew I was going to do this eventually to allow the elves to approach me, so she didn't react when I made my leave. Benny was off somewhere mingling. Quite a few of the younger noblewomen and men found her fascinating. Though I assumed it was just another method of getting close to me.

The cabal almost never interacted beyond the barest of pleasantry. For all intents and purposes on the outside they were distant from each other. There was even a rumor that Allyssia and Shorecast were enemies. It was amusing to watch the mummers play, that was this celebration.

Taking a small plate, I began to load it with a few small finger sandwiches.

“Well, you certainly are the life of the party.” Xalia said.

I had heard her approach and wasn’t surprised.

Without looking up I said, “Humans are easily entertained with curiosities.”

I picked up a cube of what appeared to be a strawberry suspended in red gelatin, and popped it into my mouth. I enjoyed the sweet and sour flavor, and added some to my plate.

“Yes, they are.” she said.

After adding a few cubes of an odd cheese, that vaguely reminded me of cheddar I looked up at her. She, Kerelia and the males were standing off to my left. So, I leaned my back against the table and started eating.

“You didn’t come all the way from Isran for me, did you?”

“Yes, let's just say many of the matriarchs are displeased by the news they have been getting.” She said standing close, so we weren't overheard. Kerelia and the other elves stayed quiet.

Xalia’s voice was almost as deep as Endali’s and still distinctly feminine. Was that an effect of aging? Would my voice get that deep, or even deeper since I was a male?

“Ah, more disappointment from the matriarchs, I can’t wait to continue ignoring it.” I said, popping a small sandwich into my mouth and chewing.

She chuckled and said to Kerelia, “He is exactly as you described.”

She nodded and all evidence of the bold elf I had met was gone.

“Really now? I’m sure her description was filled with flattery.”

Xalia smirked and almost mockingly said, “Of course.”

I didn’t like her tone.

“Enough banter, what do you want from me.” said flippantly. I was uninterested in continuing this farse of a conversation. I had done enough of that through the night.

The rest of the elves stiffened. Xalia’s eyes became steel for a moment before it disappeared, and her calm demeanor returned. I wonder if I just offended her.

“I was warned of your personality, but it is another thing to see it in person. There is much you do not know about our culture.” She had an almost warning tone in her voice.

I sighed. While I could play politeness with the cabal and the rest. I had no interest in doing it with Xalia. Mostly because there was no profit to be had. This delusion people tend to have that they deserve respect was irritating to deal with.

“I assume that some delusions of grandeur makes you believe that I should show you some respect.” That was the problem really, she clearly didn’t see me as an equal and that irritated me, thus my belligerence. Somewhere along the line I developed an inflated self-worth that couldn’t tolerate being talked down to.

The elves looked at me as if I had grown a second head. Xalia’s calmness remained, though there was some ice in her blue eyes.

“Typically, a duel to the death would be the response for such irreverence.” That wasn’t a warning, that was an outright threat.

“If you want a quick death then you are welcome to challenge me.” I can easily sense that my power outclassed hers, though that doesn’t guarantee victory.

The elves’ eyes flicked back and forth between us, as if expecting us to start fighting. I was on full alert for even the slightest fluctuation in the ether, just in case.

Then she started chuckling and it progressed into laughter. “Not in my 300 years of life have I been so boldly challenged, by a male no less.”

“There is a first time for everything, was gauging my personality really your only intention?”

“Partially, I also wanted to learn about your abilities, and by glancing at Duchess Shorecast, and your dear Duchess Hearthaven. You have some unique gifts. Humans lack the depth of sensitivity that elves do. Any elf worth their salt can see that your apprentice and those two noble women are much more than normal humans.”

I smiled. “So, you have gleaned a bit deeper into my gifts, what of it?”

“Do you intend to serve humans perpetually?” It was a simple question, but every elf was laser focused on my response.

I thought about what to say and decided to go with the truth.

“I serve only one person Xalia and that is the elf I see in the mirror.”

“Is gold the only thing that can sway you.” She asked.

I smirked and said, “There are other things.”

She followed my gaze and realized I was staring at Allyssia’s shapely rear end. Allyssia smirked as she caught me watching. She should come over in a minute and cut off the conversation. An excellent display for the watching nobility. It should calm them, spreading the belief that an elf wouldn’t come along and seduce me away. It was a stupid game, but my bank account stands to grow rather fat after tonight. I knew Allyssia was ruthlessly leveraging our ‘relationship’ to make deals. I was collecting thousands upon thousands of gold just standing around being pretty. I might have a need for it later; right after I find some land to conquer.

As Kerelia stated, Xalia didn’t seem to care about my desire for human women.

Returning her gaze to me she said. “I see.”

She paused for a moment then continued. “You are too human. Lilian should have dragged you to us the moment she found you. Shame you reached your majority without guidance. It is too late now.”

Xalia didn’t even seem to be looking at me anymore. Then her eyes refocused. “Sianna however is still interested. Though she is likely to be disappointed.”

I shrugged, “You're probably right, I’d sooner burn the world down before I become some demure husband.”

“Ruling beside her is not desirable in any fashion?” she asked.

What was she searching for with these questions? I wasn’t even thinking when I responded since I was distracted by a particularly well-endowed brown-haired woman. She must have serious back pain.

I flippantly said, “Ruling beside her? Sharing power? Ridiculous. If I took power, then everyone would have to kneel, including her. But that sounds like a lot of work for little benefit.”

Allyssia started to walk over.

“No interest in Arlathan? I mean your ancestors once ruled from this very castle?”

I laughed, “Why would I have interest in a bunch of failures that couldn’t see a betrayal coming? Even more, the elven coalition who couldn't hold on to their rule after taking power from the royals. The past is dead and gone and I have no interest in it. This castle is little more than a monument to elven stupidity. Not something to be desired. Best to tear it down and start over.”

She was silent for about ten seconds, so I turned to look at her. The pupils were almost completely black, similar to when I was feeling extreme emotions.

“Moon, a Lord Grantham has an interesting proposal you might like.” Allyssia’s words were enough to break whatever emotion had possessed Xalia and her eyes returned to normal.

“Let’s continue this conversation another time, Xalia. I have important business.” I said setting my plate down and walking away. Meeting Allyssia halfway between us.

“Very well.” Xalia said and turned to leave. Her frosty demeanor and hasty exit made it look as if my abandoning her for Allyssia was an offense. Excellent.

After locking arms with Allyssia, we watched her leave the hall.

“How was the conversation?” she asked.

“Mostly as expected though the last question was strange.”

“What did she ask?”

“If I was interested in Arlathan and the royal elves that ruled it?”

She chuckled and said. “I assume your answer was along the lines of, there are a bunch of failures and Arlathan could be blown up by a meteor spell for all you care.”

“Essentially yes.”

“So, what was strange about her response?”

“She lost control of her emotions. I am sure you have seen my irises dilate wildly at times.” I said.

“Yes, though that’s often in bed.”

“Rage, fear, wrath, desire, bloodlust can all cause them to dilate wildly. Why did my response cause such emotion in her.”

Allyssia considered. “We should keep eyes on her movements and the movements of her clan.”

“Agreed. I also want as much information about Xalia herself as you can find.”

We continued mingling for another quarter hour before the imperial family finally made their appearance.

“Announcing her grace, First Princess Morriane Vendalia.”

At that proclamation everyone turned their eyes to the stairs. Slowly the entirety of the audience moved forward to get a better view. We were relatively close to the base.

A woman with black hair and ice blue eyes walked down the two flights of stairs. She had a pretty face, but so did most noble women. A small scar ran across the bridge of her nose, thin and almost imperceptible under the glow of the magical lights. She wore little makeup, with the exception of some shadow around her eyes. Her hair, like most noble women, was tied into a complex network of braids that trailed along her back.

She wore a tiara of pure mithrite with glowing etheric gems for every attenuation. Including shadow, which was the first I have seen. Finding etheric gems that powerful and that small was difficult and I couldn’t imagine the coin it took to create that tiara. She wore a dark blue strapless dress made of a shiny material that reminded me of silk. As she stepped down it reflected the lights of the chandeliers hypnotically. She wore long gloves of the same material that terminated a few inches below the shoulders. Around her neck was a waterfall of diamonds, there were dozens in the complex interconnected necklace.

What was most enthralling about her wasn’t the diamonds, her beauty, or even her position as first princess. It was the power that rolled off of her. She was around the same level of power that I was before my second transformation. She was more powerful than both Elven matriarchs I had met. Benny still had years to grow into her power, and the duchess, after she stabilized fully, would come close, but not equal. And that is why I was so impressed. Her abilities were not due to artificial enhancement. She was that powerful innately. What kind of monster would she be if I pushed her through an evolution? I didn’t have to guess she would be more powerful than me. In that moment I resolved to never, under any circumstances, agree to empowering her.

Following behind her, were four mages. One woman, and three men, I guessed. They all wore matching enchanted steel armor. With three amplifiers each. A fire mage, earth mage, water mage and a light mage. They had no distinct color scheme; however, each had an etheric gem embedded into the center of the breast plate matching their primary affinities. The other two were embedded in their gauntlets matching their secondary affinities.

They were all of course powerful. At least none matched the power of the gem Duchess Shorecast gave me, but the ones on the breastplate wasn’t far off. Everything they wore was enchanted, even the leather beneath their armor. They all wore full helms that hid their faces, though one man had cut outs for his ears. They weren’t as large as a normal elf and he was too tall, so I had to assume he was a half elf.

Not much was known about her personal guard except that they were all master mages. As prideful as I was, I had to concede; facing those five was not a battle I could win. As she stepped closer, I noted the well-toned muscles in her arms. The sureness of her steps carried the grace of a career warrior.

“She’s beautiful,” Benny said.

“Feel free to pick your jaw up off the floor Moon.” Allyssia teased.

I rolled my eyes; humans lacked the sensitivity I did. I could literally feel her power from this distance.

“It appears the stories did not exaggerate.” I said.

She finally completed her journey to the bottom of the stairs before several Dukes and men who were dressed like generals rushed over to her and she began to converse with them. I couldn’t see her beyond the crowd of people.

Denerif approached us and said, “The rumor that she was willing to accept a husband seems to be driving them wild.”

I turned around to look at Denerif, he nodded towards the food table. It was empty of people since Morianne had garnered all the attention.

After finding a secluded position, he asked. “What happened with Xalia?”

“Exactly as expected however, I recommend looking into her deeply, something about her reaction to my opinions on Arlathan didn’t sit right with me.”

He raised his eyebrows in surprise. “I can assume you disbarred the royal elves and their empire. Was she not relieved by it?”

“Whatever emotion she felt wasn’t relief. I assumed it was my continual irreverence to her position. But that doesn’t feel right.”

He rubbed his well-groomed chin. “I do know Xalia is one of, if not the most powerful matriarchs mostly due to her clan size. One would assume that your apathy to the elves along with your poor opinion of the elven dominion would please her. Since you would not threaten her position, yet it had the opposite effect. Something is missing here.”

“Exactly. That is why we should keep her monitored, though I know that elves are difficult in that regard.”

There was a roar of laughter from the masses. Allyssia and Benny were lost in the crowd while Halloway and Shorecast were on opposite sides of the room with their vassals.

“So, what do you think of Morianne?” Denerif asked.

“Powerful, and her guards are impressive.”

“How does she compare to your own power; I lack the senses you do?”

“I outclass her in terms of raw power, but she has the backing of an entire empire and has access to the greatest smiths, enchanters, and magical teachers in the world. Not to mention every one of her guards is a master mage.” I said truthfully.

“What would you think of your chances of victory against her in direct combat?”

I thought about it for a moment. Assuming she fires literal bolts of lightning I should be able to defend against it with a shield. The shifts in the ether would be enough to predict her attacks. How fast could she attack? And how often was unknown? I have taken strides to not fully reveal how advanced my casting ability was. I had oceans of stamina so I doubt she could break through my shield with raw power, especially when I have an amplifier.

I doubted a normal human could cast faster than I could, but there is the question of her unique abilities. It is a large unknown that I have no interest in learning about in the moment.

“Hard to say. If she can get through my shields then it is her victory, if she can’t then I can out last her. Though if those mages are with her, I can say with confidence I would lose.”

Denerif nodded as if he expected that answer.

“What would you do if a confrontation was inevitable?” he asked.

I thought about it for a moment and answered.

“I would exploit a weakness. Friends, family, or something to force her to not engage me. Then I would flee.”

Denerif chuckled and said. “Not interested in testing yourself. Some even might call you a coward or dishonorable.”

I laughed, “I’m sure there are plenty of graves filled with brave and honorable men. I, however, intend on living a long life.”

Denerif actually laughed rather loudly as I finished talking. That drew a few eyes to us, but they quickly returned to the Princess.

The crowd of people started to disperse, which allowed me to see that Allyssia and Benny were actually talking to her and laughing. Allyssia pointed at me and continued talking, they laughed once more and began to walk in our direction, with the crowd following. It was clear she was coming over to us.

“Well, it would seem you’ve finally caught their attention. I’m sure this will be interesting.” Denerif said.

Benny, Allyssia, and Princess Morianne were walking side by side, followed by her guards and nobility. She stopped a few feet in front of us and Benny introduced me.

“Princess, may I present My master Moon, the Lightbearer.” The half elven man made the faintest sniff at my name, but no one noticed.

Then Allyssia continued, “Moon, May I present Princess Morianne Vendalia the first.”

Morianne smiled, showing straight white teeth, and said, “May I say it is a pleasure to finally meet the Lightbearer. When I heard of your attendance, I was eager to separate the Elf from the rumors.”

She offered her hand, her voice was softer than I had expected, almost delicate. The offered hand was likely a power play. I would have to bow down and symbolically kiss it, without actually touching it my lips. Not doing so would be seen as disrespectful. I had no reverence for her or the aristocracy, but I was in her seat of power. Most noblewoman would never approach an elven male with her hand, let alone asking a royal elf. In Arlathan no less? Not a single noblewoman offered me her hand due to the nature of elves being known. I couldn't tell if it was supreme confidence or arrogance.

My first interaction would be me bowing to her. I will concede the victory. There was nothing substantial to gain from denying her. I would have to feed my pride later. I bowed and brought her hand close to my lips without actually touching. A murmur went through the crowd.

Would my theoretical ancestors be turning in their grave at the sight of a Royal elf bowing to a human in Arlathan?

How amusing.

I straightened and released, the very picture of grace by my own estimation.

“Let it be known that I am equally pleased to finally meet The Princess. Even as far south as Vernon there are unending stories.”

“Such is the fate of those with power. Tell me how do I measure up to the stories?” she asked.

I imagine she has been told her entire life that she is a great mage. The best that humanity had to offer. Might as well poke a little and see how she reacts.

“The stories of your beauty don’t do you justice. The stories of your power, however, I believe are perfectly accurate. Your power is beyond peer...for a human. Now I must ask you the same, how do I measure to the rumors?”

More murmuring, Morianne's smile widened slightly.

“They say you are the most powerful light mage in history, thus your name Lightbearer. I must say they are correct. They say you are as beautiful as the sunrise. I must agree no woman here could match such a delicate beauty.”

So, she was the type to always go for victory.

There was some chuckling at that. I suppose that tactic would work with humans. I could dress a bit more masculine but that would also imply that I am self-conscious about my looks. I refuse to show such obvious weakness. Besides, I long have come to terms with my appearance, so her tactic meant nothing to me.

She continued. “Sumnar, il sumlar von epis. As your people would say.”

I apparently didn’t hide my confusion well.

“Ah, my mistake, I forget that you do not speak elven.” Our audience, including her elven guard, chuckled.

Damn, she got me there. How did she even learn the elven language? Her guard perhaps? Maybe I should use some English, that would surely throw her off her game. But no, it wasn’t worth it. There was no real way to win a battle of words with such a biased audience. Even if I did ‘win’ it wouldn’t serve me. This was likely the same reason why Denerif had to give up the armor to her during that auction. Speaking of him, he was largely silent. Benny was looking back and forth between us like she was watching a great duel. She was smart enough to know not to interrupt. Allyssia was much the same.

I let the tension ease from my body. Now was not the time to compete with her. I still had more to do in the city, and I didn’t want roadblocks to start rising like they did in Vernon. I took that prideful part of myself, the part that hated to bend, bow, and kneel; I shoved him down deep. I had ambitions to fulfill so I wouldn't let him have his way.

Not yet.

With my most heart-breaking smile I said. “You have me their princess, I know nothing of my own language. I would love to know what you said.”

“Power of Sun and the mysteries of the Moon" is the best translation. Quite appropriate, don't you think?”

“Indeed, I bow to your wisdom.” I said, inclining my head.

Her smile widened with genuine pleasure. That’s what she wanted isn’t it? A bit of public supplication. Benny looked at me then at Morianne, her smile fading then tightening.

“I am not so great; I have only been practicing for a year. But where are my manners? We are at a celebration and while it is my name day, all should enjoy it. After all I have the honor of hosting another Unique mage.”

The crowd mumbled.

Well, she was being rather forward, wasn't she? Is it a tactic or arrogance?

“Indeed, I’m not going to lie, one of my motivations for coming was seeing another unique mage. Our kind is so rare.”

“Quite so, there are some who do not believe I am one and that I just use complex air spells to generate lightning. Some of those are here right now?”

She brought her hand up and opened her palm.

“Tell me Moon, do you believe I am a unique mage?”

Then with no spell circuit or casting of any kind. Lightening began to jump between her fingers. There were strange fluctuations in the ether. I instantly flipped my vision to the ether. And as expected, there was nothing to be seen. The ether around her had just looked rather strange but it was nothing I would attribute to a spell. The lightning attenuated ether was invisible to me after all.

“Without a doubt.” I said. She cut off the lightning.

“Would you do me the honor of showing me yours. I hear you can mold flesh as easily as clay.”

Why was she doing this in such an open space? What did she stand to gain? Is it just to show dominance or was she looking for something else? I suppose after today everyone in the empire will know that I am a unique mage. Though I don’t want to continue this line of inquiry. Might as well be shocking about it, after all she wanted a demonstration. It would be impudent for me not to fulfill her wishes. It is best to have them focused on that and Noire, than the enhancement.

“Oh yes” I said, then raised a hand the same way she did. Slowly my fingers lengthened, becoming thicker. The tendons and muscles grew larger, and my fingernails lengthened into claws. My delicate hands transformed into a monstrous and catlike appendage.

There was a collective gasp as I brandished my hand. Then slowly I returned it back to its natural state.

“If all flesh is clay, then I am a master sculptor," I boasted.

“Ah, so the mystery reveals itself. I have seen some of your work and it is quite impressive. Perhaps the empire can procure your services.”

Would she really try to make me her creature? It is certainly possible, but it was never going to happen. If the stories about her were true. She was the type to demand subservience from her retainers. My pride wouldn't allow that though. I must always be at the top of the pyramid.

“I'm available at your pleasure.”

This performance is getting annoying, and I almost slipped. Hopefully, it was satisfactory enough to reinforce her superiority over me in the eyes of our audience. The damage to my pride at this prostration would heal in time.

“Announcing his Grace, Emperor Margrave Vendalia the V, Empress Beatrice Vendalia the III, Second Princess Lucinda Vendalia the I, First Prince Reginald Vendalia the I.” The crier shouted.

That was enough to break the apparent standoff that was happening between us. And much of our audience was beginning to move towards the stairs to watch the precession of the rest of the imperial family.

The emperor himself was 82 years old, He wore a luxurious blue tunic and robe, His hair was completely white and thin. The Deep blue was a theme for all of the empirical family's garments. Empress Beatrice was wearing a voluminous dress similar to Morianne's, with blonde hair with green eyes and looked to be half the emperor's age. Princess Lucinda was practically a younger carbon copy of the mother. Prince Reginald was a thin man with black hair and green eyes that had dark circles from lack of sleep.

“Until next time Moon. Do enjoy the festivities. Benny, I must say it was a pleasure to meet such a skilled young mage, your master taught you well.”

We bowed and she walked away heading towards her family, the crowd of sycophants following behind. Allyssia followed, giving Denerif and I a subtle nod.

After we had some amount of privacy Denerif asked. “Well, what do you think of our dear princess.”

“Bold, though expected from one with her power.”

I turned to Benny, “What do you think of her?”

“She’s strong. Very strong. That one guard, he’s a half elf, isn't he? I'm fairly sure he hates you.”

I chuckled. “I did get a feeling.”

Denerif added more information. “He is the son of a prostitute in the lower city. His mother died while giving birth to him and most of his life was spent in toil. Until he discovered he was a mage. His talent and perseverance even through the hatred and discrimination half breeds usually receive awarded him the position of royal guard.”

He almost sounded like he admired him.

“And his hatred for me?” I asked.

“Elves usually kill half breeds. A few have tried including his father, or at least that’s the rumor. Therein lies his contempt.”

“Do you think they have intentions to recruit me?” I asked Denerif.

“Morianne, most likely. She likes gathering the talented. As for the emperor. Not sure, supposedly he’s becoming senile, so most are just waiting for him to die and for Morianne to take control, even if her brother is technically the heir.”

I considered the opportunity for a few moments and rejected it. With the cabal I had flexibility and the assurance that I could handle anything they threw at me; If they were foolish enough to betray me. With the Imperial family that wasn't the case.

“Perhaps we should take our leave. Neither of us are part of the nobility so it shouldn't be too much of a problem. I have no interest in getting into bed with the imperial family, literally or figuratively.”

Denerif almost looked relieved.

“Yes, lets, the festivities will go on for some time and I've done all the networking I wished to do.”

The Imperial family finished descending and Morianne joined them. It looked as if a speech was about to be given.

“What do you recommend is the best way of avoiding any imperial summons without it causing any roadblocks.” I asked Denerif as he, Benny, and I began making our way to the exit.

“Hmmm. How long before your study is complete.”

I estimated how long it took based on how fast I was learning.

“Two months at most.”

“The best way is to never receive them. The imperial city is a large place and finding someone would take time. Not to mention how slow the imperial family is to react to things. You should be done by the time they really try to invest resources into recruiting you.”

I shrugged it's not as if I had any other plan, so I would trust the obvious displeasure he has with the imperial family.

We headed towards the exit. I took one last glance back to the imperial family before locking eyes with Morianne for an instant. I turned away not liking the smile she gave me. I would see her again eventually.