Fables/Fairytales Fan Fiction / Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ An elfish tale: Dreams ❯ The first of many nights ( Chapter 3 )

Flushed with excitement Lily rushes to catch the Metro to Eighty-eight Street. Despite the balmy weather she was cool in her sleeveless green tunic and leggings. Only in New York would no one paid any attention to a brown skinned elf complete with a black Hun bow and quiver case.

 

Listening to her I-pod her hair sways. Her roommate convinced her use some imagination on her natural hair instead of sporting the usual ponytail or bun. Now wearing a crown of cornrows swept up by a ribbon the rest hangs just short of her shoulders in twists showing off her pointed ears. Someone touches her shoulder turning a gothic clad couple inquires about them.

 

Laughing she opens one of the many hidden pockets of the case and hands them her card. How else is a makeup artist is to get work in this town? Still chuckling she hops off the train heading for the Big Apple Fantasy Festival.

 

The buzz of crowd fades into the background as Lily concentrated on her target. The echoing quiver of the tense bowline was all she heard. As she released her breath the arrow took flight. Only after the loud crack of the arrow cutting into the pole and splitting the rope does she join the rest of the world.

 

Smiling the burst of cheers behind her tell her she met her goal to win the last of the Scoring competition. As the Lord and Lady of the Festival approach her the glint of the summer sun off their jeweled crowns made her think about myths and legends.

 

This year they changed the second grand prize from the simple parch paper and statue to a fable gold medallion of Nords. Winning nine of the ten events she was pleased with the prize although she would have preferred the grand prize, $1,500.

 

Slightly bowing she looks in the eyes of Lord Freyr, a chill passes through her as he placed the thick gold chain around her neck. Expecting the metal to be cool to the touch it almost pulsing with warmth. Blinking she almost stumbles into him.

 

Placing her cool hand on Lily's forehead Lady Geror delicately pulls her to the side as she spoke “The sun seems to have stolen your strength. My servant Beyla will escort you to the medical tent you probably need some water.”

 

Numbly she leans on Beyla as they walk to the end of the campgrounds. Opening the flap of tent her knees give way as spots form before her eyes. Feeling herself lifted by masculine hands her eyes flutter close.

 

From the fading colors of the sun Lily awoke to the chattering of the room. Feeling faintly weak she sat up. Wincing from the IV sticking out of her hand she becomes distracted by a man's voice.

 

“Sorry, but I need you to stay still.”

 

Looking up into the most brilliant brown eyes she has ever seen her mouth drops open. Contrasting from his rich dark skin his short-cropped white hair took away hardness of his looks. Broad but not overtly muscular she felt her mouth water. Feeling foolish she snaps her mouth close then nods. Bending over her he watches the rise of her chest as she breathed. She was more than he imaged. Quelling the need to kiss her he pretends to be indifferent.

 

Gently taking her hand he removes the needle. “Now I want you to grab a bite to eat. Right now you are weak but once you have something in your stomach you should be fine.”

 

A wolfish gleam passes over her face as she whispers, “When and where doctor?” Grinning he replies, “Now and I would recommend the Gaelic tent across the way.”

 

Flustered she chews on her bottom lip. Glad he was wearing a long shirt he shifted. Sliding off the cot she stretches her hand to him, “My name is Lily Freeman.” Covering her small-uninjured hand in his “My name Curu Taludann.” Awareness that she has never known passes through her.

 

Not knowing to run or stay she fidgeted. Deciding to make it easier he began to finger her necklace. Relief floods her as he looks into her eyes then over her shoulder.

 

“Rolear, I'm done.” From across the room a tall male brunette answers, “Thanks man for the help.” Bending close he picks up her things and takes her hand leading her out the tent.

 

The first of many nights.