Fan Fiction ❯ Starrlei ❯ Chapter 1: Acorith ( Chapter 1 )

Starrlei

Chapter 1: Acorith

By Selenity Jade

 

"Why am I doing this again?" Dylyan asked himself for what was probably the sixth time since he first laid eyes on Acorith. It was a run-down little village, small even compared to his own. Sighing, he braced himself and made his way inside the small wooden gates. He wrinkled his nose at the smell; horse was the dominant odor and underneath he could smell rotten meat and goats.

 

He hated goats. Why am I doing this?!

 

He stopped a local man and asked for directions. He needed to find a horse, as he wasn't used to traveling on foot all over the place. Receiving the direction to a local stable, Dylyan quickly made his way there.

 

Pausing outside of the run down barn, he grimaced. He could only imagine the type of horses that this man sold. He took a deep breath and entered the barn. He didn't notice any one right away, his eyes still trying to focus on the dark. He made out several stalls and one of them opened to reveal a small shadow that made its way over to him.

 

"May I help ya, Mister?" a small, very feminine voice asked politely. Looking closer, Dylyan noticed the dirty little shadow was a little girl of about fourteen years.

 

He smiled a little at her. "Yes, I need to buy a horse, little one. Is the Stablemaster here?"

 

"Yes. I'll go grab my father, sir. If you want to look around, I'll be right back."

 

Dylyan grinned ruefully as she scampered out the large door. He walked down the long barn, carefully looking over the horses he saw. They were well cared for he saw, but none suited his fancy. He was startled out of his observations when the door opened again; an older man now accompanied the teenage girl. He was limping slightly as he walked carefully towards Dylyan. He surmised it was from a horse-related injury.

 

"You be looking for a horse, sir?" the man's raspy voice asked him.

 

"Yes, sir. Mine foundered two days ago." Dylyan noticed the man's disapproving frown and decided this was definitely the man to buy from in this town. "I didn't really have a choice in the matter, sir. I was being hunted in the Laryn Forest. It definitely a shame that. I liked that stallion."

 

The man looked Dylyan over carefully, noticing his sword. He frowned deeper at that, but seemed to approve of him otherwise. "I see. Well, have you found anything you like here?"

 

"They are very well cared for, sir. Unfortunately, I haven't found one to my liking yet."

 

The man actually grinned. "Good boy," he said placing a rough pat on Dylyan's shoulder. "I have the real treasures out at pasture right now. Come, I'll show you." He led the way out the side door, Dylyan following closely behind.

 

Dylyan gasped as he saw the beauties grazing out along the field. All of them were gorgeous. Dylyan was in heaven. His eyes caught on the midnight stallion grazing off a little from the rest of the herd. "What's his story?" he asked nodding his head towards the horse.

 

The man grimaced. "A beauty, ain't he? He wandered into my herd last month. No one can catch him or ride him. Ill-tempered beast. Doesn't even get along with the others. He's taller than your average horse by four hands, sir. If you can catch him and ride him, I'll give him to you, free of charge. He isn't even good for mating purposes. He ignores the mares when they are in season."

 

"He's free if I can ride him, eh?"

 

"Yes."

 

Dylyan grinned and made his way over to the horse confidently. He knew horses. Maybe it was some kind of empathy with them. As he approached the equine's ears swiveled toward him, yet the horse didn't seem to be paying attention to him. He slowed down and cautiously drew near the animal.

 

When he was only a few feet away the horse lifted his head and looked over at him, curious. Dylyan locked eyes with the stallion trying to project a calm confidence to him. The horse continued to let him approach. When he had reached the horse's side, Dylyan stopped. The stallion was huge he realized quickly. "I hear you're an 'ill tempered beast'," Dylyan whispered softly to the horse, which still looked at him calmly and curiously. "I'm sorry, my friend, but I have need of a steed. This nice gentleman was kind enough to offer you to me if I could ride you." Pausing, Dylyan looked back over at the Stablemaster, who stood there gaping. Laughing, Dylyan turned back towards the stallion. "You sure are a beautiful horse, aren't you?"

 

::I am not a horse, human,:: a voice replied into his head.

 

Dylyan started back, tripping over a protruding rock and falling onto his backside. He gaped openly at the animal. "I'm losing my mind... You did not just talk into my mind. You didn't. It can't happen. Impossible," he rambled.

 

The not-horse snorted. ::I most certainly did. I have been waiting for you, human.::

 

"Me?" he squawked out.

 

::Yes, you. Why else would I be here in a horse pasture? Posing as a horse, no less?::

 

"I have no idea," Dylyan mumbled warily.

 

::Well, ride me, human. I am then yours then, correct?::

 

"Uh, yes." Dylyan continued sitting there, gaping.

 

::I meant now.::

 

Dylyan rose semi-gracefully off the ground and dusted himself off. He warily watched the animal as he put a hand on the flank. The stallion continued to start at him, although Dylyan could have sworn the animal was silently laughing at him. He moved his hand from the flank across the soft fur until his hand reached the base of the mane. He grabbed carefully and hoisted himself up onto the not-horse. "Sorry," he mumbled. He knew that didn't hurt regular horses... yet as this beast had already told him, he wasn't a horse.

 

::I am built like a horse,:: the voice came into his mind, silently laughing at him.

 

Dylyan carefully steered the stallion towards the gaping man and his daughter. He gently urged the animal into a swift gallop. In all the years Dylyan had ridden, he had never felt such a smooth gait. He could get used to this.

 

::You'll have to,:: came the voice again.

 

As they had arrived in front of their audience, Dylyan was prevented from replying. He laughed at the expressions on their faces. They were shocked to say the least.

 

Finally coming out of his shock, the Stablemaster grinned ruefully. "A deal is a deal. He's yours."

 

"Thanks, sir. Here," Dylyan tossed a gold piece at the older man, who caught it handily. He deserved it, he figured. Especially with having to part from such an animal as this.

 

"Thank you, young man."

 

"Do you know where Amaris lives? I was told she lives close to here."

 

"The Zuni? She died last winter of the fever. Her apprentice took up the house. She lives about a quarter league north."

 

"Thanks again, sir." Dylyan nudged the stallion forward and out of the pasture gate, heading for the north gate. He soon realized he would need tack for the stallion. Even with as smooth a gait the stallion had, it was sure to be hard on the poor animal to have him ride bareback.

 

::Thank you for your concern, human,:: the voice said again.

 

Dylyan looked around for anybody close enough to hear him. "Okay, you and I need to have a talk."

 

::That we do. You can just think at me. I will hear.::

 

::Like this?::

 

::Yes; only you don't have to scrunch up your face so hard. It doesn't need so much concentration.::

 

Dylyan laughed and made his way to the tack shop, after receiving directions. He was in and out of the shop quite quickly, finding exactly what he needed. While he was saddling the stallion, he decided now was as good a time as any to start the 'conversation'.

 

::I agree.::

 

::Are you always in my head?:: Dylyan asked nervously.

 

::I apologize, but yes.::

 

Dylyan didn't know if he liked having someone know him that intimately. ::Do you have a name? I mean, I can't call you 'horse'. Because you aren't one, to begin with. What are you, anyway?::

 

::I am an elven steed.::

 

::Elven steed? There are such things as elves? Or elven steeds? I always thought they were just myths and legends. Um... I thought elven steeds choose their riders for life and they only let that person ride them. And that person is always an elf.::

 

::Yes, elves are real and so are elven steeds. You are correct in that they only have one rider whom they choose. Well, not really choose. They are born to have one rider. Destiny if you will. And until now, all riders have been full elven. You are my choice. My reason for being born.::

 

::Um, I don't know about that.::

 

::It's true, nonetheless. And I do have a name. My name is Lyrian.::

 

::Lyrian? Nice name.::

 

::Thank you.:: Dylyan might have been mistaken but the steed seemed to preen under his praise.

 

::Why did you choose me then? I am human, no elf.::

 

::I don't know. I just knew when I met you. It clicked. I was surprised at first but when you rode me, it didn't matter. I was complete after looking for my life for so long. I am older than most when they choose.::

 

::I see. The name is Dylyan, by the way.::

 

::I know. Now, you have finished with my gear, correct? Let us see this Zuni apprentice. Then I would like to get some real tack from my home.::

 

::Real tack?::

 

::Horse tack does not quite fit me. We will need to venture into the lands of the elves. It will not be easy. They dislike humans. However, my presence should be enough of a deterrent from their usual 'kill first ask questions later' sense of justice.::

 

::How reassuring,:: Dylyan drawled. He quickly swung up into the saddle and headed north.

 

::I never meant it to be.::

 

x

 

Looking over the small cottage home, Dylyan smiled. It definitely looked welcoming. He trotted Lyrian over to the small house and dismounted. He peered around and cautiously walked up to the front door.

 

::Look out!::

 

Dylyan swung around to barely block a well placed kick to the back of his knee. He swung his leg under his assailant's legs, knocking them down. Lightening fast, he drew his sword and placed it at his attacker's throat. Looking down, he nearly dropped his weapon and gaped. A woman had attacked him?

 

Sure enough, a little silver haired woman, possible 20 years old, looked up at him in surprise. Her blue eyes shown with defiance.

 

"Why don't you kill me already?" she demanded angrily.

 

"Why did you attack me?"

 

"I don't like visitors."

 

He blinked. Visitors? "You must be Amaris' apprentice."

 

She started. "How?"

 

"I was sent by Galan to look for Amaris. I found out she has passed on earlier, so I came looking for you."

 

"Galan? The wizard?"

 

"Yes."

 

She closed her eyes. To Dylyan she appeared to be thinking. "Will you let me up?"

 

"What is your name?"

 

"Starrlei."

 

"My name is Dylyan." He sheathed his sword and held his hand out to her to help her up. She accepted it and sprung to her feet quite gracefully. Dylyan took some time admiring her curves as she brushed off the dirt. She was beautiful; he'd give her that.

 

"Amaris died last winter."

 

"I know. I decided I'd see if you would know how to help me as Galan said that she would."

 

"I don't know." She looked down and Dylyan saw tears in her eyes that she bravely blinked away. She isn't like ordinary girls, he thought to himself.

 

::See something you like, Lyan?::

 

Dylyan grinned at the nickname his steed had bestowed upon him. And at the comment. ::Oh, I like.::

 

Silent laughter was his only reply. He could get used to having someone so close to him, he decided. Especially a horse. ::I'm not a horse.:: Dylyan smiled again.

 

"Well, that's just wonderful. I come all this way for nothing. I swear. Galan is senile."

 

Starrlei looked up at him in shock. "Galan is not senile. He's a powerful wizard, you dolt."

 

"Oh, really? Then why the hell did he send me to Amaris when she's dead and her only apprentice has no idea why I was being sent here?"

 

"Well, excuse me! I didn't finish my training! She died unexpectedly."

 

Dylyan snorted, absently noting how beautiful her flushed face looked as her blue eyes snapped at him in anger. "Sorry, I know it isn't your fault. I'm just frustrated right now."

 

She looked a little mollified. Straightening up, she looked over at his steed before turning back towards him. She then took a double take at the 'horse'. "What are you doing with an eleven steed?"

 

"You know what he is, eh?"

 

"Of course, moron. I was trained as a Zuni remember?"

 

"I don't know what I'm doing with him," Dylyan began with a sigh. "I was in the nearby town looking for a horse and noticed him right away. The man who had him said I could keep him if I ride him. Lyrian there shocked me into falling on my ass by speaking into my mind and said he chose me, sort of. So, there he is and here I am."

 

She looked at him in shock.

 

"What?"

 

She then started to laugh. A rich, full laugh that sent shivers down is spine in pleasure. "I guess I do know how to help you after all, Dylyan."

 

"Say what?"

 

"Before she died, Amaris told me that I am to look after her home. Until such a time as a 'human chosen by an elven steed' appeared. I am to now accompany you. To where, I do not know. She told me that great things would follow you, as well as terrible pain. Yet, I must do my duty as a Zuni and follow where Destiny may lead me. And it seems it leads me to you."

 

Dylyan looked at the young woman as if she was crazy. "Accompany me? Great. Not only do I get chosen by an elven steed but now a Zuni woman is to come with me in my newly found madness that Galan has bestowed upon me." Dylyan threw up his hands in frustration. "Fine, come with me."

 

She looked at him. "How about we leave at dawn?"

 

She obviously saw right through him. He was exhausted.

 

"Good plan. I'll let Lyrian loose. Where do you wish me to crash?"

 

"I have an extra bedroom. Dinner is already done, eat first, and then sleep."

 

Dylyan smiled at the girl. She was definitely a woman after his own heart.

 

x

 

After a very satisfying meal and a well-earned rest, Dylyan was ready to go a bit before dawn. He hadn't seen or heard his host since last night. He waited patiently outside of her home, gently brushing Lyrian. ::What do you think of our new comrade, Rian?::

 

::Nice name. I like her. She knows how to take care of herself. She also has a good heart, Lyan.::

 

Dylyan thought he sensed something within Lyrian's mind voice. ::What are you hiding from me?::

 

::You'll find out soon enough.::

 

::I don't want to find out 'soon enough'. I don't like surprises, thank you.::

 

::I'll only say this. She's connected to you, Lyan.::

 

Dylyan snorted.

 

"Ready, Dylyan?"

 

He turned to look over his shoulder and found himself staring. Starrlei was wearing very form fitting riding leathers. And she had some form.

 

"What are you gaping at?" she demanded mischievously.

 

"Flirt. You know exactly what I'm gaping at."

 

"Well, put your eyes back in your head, mister. We have a long ride ahead of us."

 

"You have ordinary clothes packed in your saddle bags, right?"

 

"Yes, of course."

 

"Good. I am not riding into a village with you dress like that."

 

"And why not?"

 

"Because I'll end up having to kill every man that stares at you, that's why." He then swung up on Lyrian.

 

"You think so?"

 

"I know so. Come on."

 

"Where are we going anyway?" She ran over to her already saddled mare, quickly attaching her saddlebags.

 

"Hmmm, Lyrian, where was it this village of yours is?"

 

::Head east, Lyan.::

 

"We're going into elven lands? Have you lost your mind?!" she demanded, shocked.

 

"No. Lyrian insists we pick up some proper tack for him."

 

She snorted. "Fine. Let's follow the horse to our deaths, then."

 

::I am not a horse!:: he said in Dylyan's mind, obviously annoyed.

 

"Lyrian says he isn't a horse," Dylyan commented laughing. "Besides, he said his presence might stop the elves from 'shooting first and asking questions later'."

 

"How reassuring." She quickly swung up into the saddle and turned her chestnut towards him.

 

He laughed and led Lyrian out of the little yard. She followed shortly behind. Heading east, he urged the steed into an easy gallop. This might be some adventure, Dylyan thought to himself. He hoped it wouldn't lead to their deaths. He rather liked the girl. It would be a shame to have her life cut so short because of him.

 

::Lyan, I don't think I am leading you to your deaths. They will not kill you. You are riding an elven steed. The elves cherish their steeds. Killing you would kill me. It will be fine.::

 

::Thanks, my friend.::

 

Lyrian pranced under his rider's praise. Dylyan laughed and patted the stallion's neck affectionately. He did like the animal, he supposed. He wasn't sure if he liked the idea of someone knowing him that intimately at first. Now, he almost liked the idea.

 

"Dylyan!" Starrlei yelled at him from behind.

 

He turned to look over his shoulder and grinned to see her lagging so far behind. ::You're faster than a horse, eh?::

 

Lyrian snorted in his mind. ::Of course.::

 

::I think it might be wise to slow to a horse's pace. Otherwise, Starrlei there will have our hides.::

 

Lyrian snorted again. ::Your hide, you mean.:: He complied though and slowed his pace. The young woman caught up with him soon after.

 

"What was that for?" she demanded.

 

"Sorry, Starrlei. I forgot Lyrian is faster than a horse." Dylyan fought to keep a grin off his face. She was a fiery woman and he wanted to keep his body parts until a ripe old age.

 

She grunted but didn't comment. "Does Lyrian have any suggestions on how to approach the elves? Hell, do you know anything about these elves?"

 

He grinned abashed. "Nope. I always thought they were just myths, actually. I don't know anything besides elves have elven steeds."

 

"Not all elves have elven steeds like Lyrian. Only the forest elves do."

 

"There are different types of elves?"

 

"Oh, yes. Probably more than are known. There are forest, meadow, ocean, fire, lightning, snow, and lake elves."

 

"Oh."

 

She giggled. He grinned at her over his shoulder. "Forest elves are known for their fierce hatred of man, actually. They all ride elven steeds, only the forest elves are shaped as horses."

 

"Really?"

 

"Yes."

 

"What do you know of the Forest Elves?"

 

"They are very oriented on surviving with the natural forces of our world, like all elves. They nurture the trees, the plants, and the life of all forest inhabitants. They are the reason the forests are so plentiful. It is also why few humans venture into the forests. All forests contain elves. It is only when you venture into their homes that you will be in trouble. Each forest is cared for by a specific clan. They allow humans in as long as they don't venture too far. Whether by accident or not."

 

"If they hate humans so much, why not kill all who enter the forests?"

 

"They are not stupid, Dylyan. They know if all humans were killed, someone would be suspicious, and eventually the general population will know elves really do exist. They like being known as myths and legends. Killing only the few who venture too close only causes humans to be cautious and wary of the forests."

 

"What about Galan? I wouldn't think they would like a human living in the forest, yet he does."

 

"He is a wizard. Although they hate humans, they respect wizards. They use magic almost as elves do. He is tolerated. And he is aware of this."

 

"I see."

 

::Lyan, they will follow us immediately. As soon as we enter the forest. Do not use fire. Do not draw your weapons. They will be invisible. I will lead you as close to the village as I can. They will stop us, but I know they will not kill you or the girl. It will be difficult.::

 

::I figured that, Rian.::

 

::Good, because the forest is right over those hills.::

 

x

 

Dylyan had never been so nervous in his life. He felt eyes on him and they were not exactly friendly. He itched to draw his sword or do anything! Lyrian's earlier warning, however, prevented him from doing just that. Starrlei rode beside him silently and she appeared to be just as nervous. She jumped at the slightest sound, her hand on the small dagger at her hip. He grunted. At least he wasn't the only one.

 

::Rian? Are we getting close to being stopped?::

 

::Sort of. The other steeds are demanding to know why I bring humans here. Why I am allowing one to ride me.::

 

::I'm sorry,:: he began.

 

::Don't be. You are my reason, Dylyan. I wouldn't have been born otherwise.::

 

Dylyan grinned. ::Thanks, my friend. This watching is driving me nuts, though.::

 

::You and me, both.:: His steed stopped suddenly. ::Looks like this is it.::

 

Dylyan looked up to see a figure materialize out of thin air it seemed. Tall and pale, the figure was most definitely an elf. Pale white hair. Stunning blue eyes. And his face showed nothing.

 

"Why have you brought this human here, Lyrian." The elf seemed to think it was beneath him to speak to a human, Dylyan thought.

 

::He does. He is addressing me; even knowing I will only answer through you. He is hoping that I will speak to him, meaning I have not chosen you.::

 

::I see. What do you want me to say?::

 

::Tell him that I have come seeking my tack. I have bonded. Knowing I have bonded outside of all tradition, I choose to leave the Clan and travel with my purpose. Say that, Lyan.::

 

Dylyan looked down at his new friend, sadly. He didn't realize what being human would cause his friend so much. He looked at the elf standing there, patiently it seemed. Although, he was sure the fellow was anything but. "Lyrian says," the elf grimaced at that. So, Rian had been right. The elf had been hoping he would speak directly to him. Dylyan finished what the steed had relayed to him.

 

The elf looked disturbed. Well, as disturbed as an elf could possible look, Dylyan supposed. "It is true then. A steed has bonded a human." The elf finally looked Dylyan in the eyes. "You and Lyrian may come to the village. The girl must stay here."

 

Dylyan glanced at Starrlei and immediately cringed. The elf is going to get an earful, he knew. "I will not stay here! I am Zuni, apprenticed to Amaris. I will not be separated from Dylyan."

 

Grinning, Dylyan had to admit the girl had guts. The elf nearly gaped at her. "You are Zuni?"

 

She nodded.

 

The elf looked at her closely. "You do not look Zuni."

 

She snorted. "If I looked Zuni someone would be trying to kill me. We are still hunted by the old ones."

 

"How do I know you speak the truth?"

 

"Who else but Zuni would claim to be one?"

 

The elf grunted. "Point. You may accompany the human then. Zuni have never been enemies of the elves."

 

She smiled warmly at the elf. "Thank you."

 

He turned and led the small group towards the village, Dylyan assumed.

 

::That was easier than I thought.::

 

Dylyan grinned. ::I thought so, too.::

 

x

 

AN: Blah.

 

Thanks: Rodel and James!

 

Lovies!