Our last chapter...

Writing Prompt: Fantasy / Romance - Years have passed since two warrior companions had to part ways out of duty despite their feelings for each other. Levala, elf, has finally tracked down Kallin at the place he now calls home.

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Levala, rounded a bend in the road, reveling the small town of Big Rock. It was immediately apparent how the town got its name. There was indeed a “big rock” towering over the town in the distance; some 300 feet tall, half as wide and covered with bits of moss, sparse patches of grass and a hand full of small shrubs that had been able to find purchase, but mostly it was just bald gray stone. As she slowly approached the town she could see that the main road cut straight through seemingly straight to the rock. In the midmorning hours the town was relatively quiet, with a few inhabitants coming and going, merchants calling to familiar faces, the clanging of a black smith coming from the direction of a column of black smoke in the distance.  Levala rode slowly on, taking it all in. Humble shops lined the main road with small roads and alleys here and there leading off to the left and right. The forest here was patchy but the town had cut a clear hole, eating it back for building materials, a meager defensive wall as well as farming and grazing fields. It was not much to look at but had a pleasant and welcoming air to it. As an elf, Levala was not always a welcome sight in all towns but Big Rock was surprisingly diverse for a town this far out in the middle of nowhere, and the only looks she was getting were of general curiosity at a new face in town and maybe a tinge of concern considering she was wearing her traveling armor and two elven blades strapped to her back. 

She was about half way between the town gate and the rock when she saw a sign for a tavern called the Cup and Quill. She pulled her horse to a stop staring at the sign for a moment then taking in the building itself. She had a strong sense that she had seen this tavern before but that couldn’t be possible as she had never stepped foot in this town before and nothing else about the town seemed familiar. She shrugged it off and decided to go in, after all she was looking for information and there’s no better place to start than the local tavern.

After tying her horse to the hitching post out front Levala walked through the door and into the tavern. As soon as she stepped inside and saw the interior a memory hit her; a bar brawl that she was a part of nearly 20 years ago. It seemed like a lifetime ago but the interior layout and decorations were nearly identical to the building in which she was currently standing. She let herself indulge in the memory, almost hearing the shouts, crashing tables, breaking mugs, and clang of metal against metal as she danced through the crowded room. She was knocking out member after member of a group of thugs that had been terrorizing the town. But there were so many of them, more than she had barged for, and yet she knew she would be okay, the memory of a broad back against hers brought a smile to her face, The man doing just as much damage as her and protecting her back as she protected his. Kallin. Levala’s smile instantly dropped and she snapped out of her memories right as the barkeep spoke.

“Afternoon mum, can I help you with anythin’? Food, drink, perhaps a room for the evenin’?” He had a slight look of confusion on his face and Lavela realized that she didn’t know how long she had been standing in the doorway but it had definitely tipped into the “unusual long” category. It was still early in the day so the bar was empty of patrons, and the barkeep, prepping for the day, the only other person.

“Ah yes, actually I am looking for someone who is suposed to live in town.” Levala said, setting her memories aside, and focusing on why she was here in the first place.

“Well, you’er in luck then, cause there ain’t a soul livin’ in Big Rock that I don’t know. Who you lookin’ for then?”

“I’m searching for a man by the name of Kallin of Talver.”

“Kallin of Talver? The bar keeper looked up rubbing his bearded chin. “Kallin of Talver huh? He a friend ah yours?”

“Yes. I haven’t seen him in a long time but yes he is a good friend.”

“humm… No Kallin of Talver but I do know a Mr. Kallin Gray. Intresting, I wonder… what’s this friend of yours look like then?” the bar keeper said with squinted eyes and an inquisitive head tilt.

“Ugh, well, like I said it’s been a long time but last I saw him he was a bit shorter than me, well muscled, broad shoulders, shoulder length reddish brown hair, and green eyes. That sound like your Kallin Gray?” Levala, edged closer to the bar top, trying not to get her hopes up.

“Well now, that does in deed sound like Mr. Kallin Grey, though the hair is a bit more gray these days. Never heard him go by Kallen of Talver though.”

“Where can I find this Kallen Grey?”

“Mr. Gray don’t much like surprise visitors an I would like to keep me job seeing as he owns this tavern and honestly most of the town, so I should probably check with him first.” 

“That sounds like Kallin, but I promise he will want to see me.” Levala tried to look as gentle and nonthreatening as she could which was impossible for the 6 foot 2 inch, scared, muscled, elf, wearing battle worn armor and two swords strapped to her back. She knew she wasn’t going to get anywhere with the bar keeper until she noticed a his glance drop to a gold ring on her right hand.

“Listen, um… sorry what’s you name?” Levala said leaning on the bar top with one hand retrieving two silver coins with the other.

“Names Dorren, pleasure to meet you….errr” Dorren gestured to her waiting for her to fill in the blank.

“Levala.”

“A Levala… same as the queen of the Empire. Beautiful name for a beautiful lady.”

“Uhh, yes, thank you. Perhaps we can come to some kind of a deal, as I would really enjoy being able to surprising my friend.” She set the two coins on the bar top and slid them half way to Dorren and smiled.

“Well, mum I’m not sure if this information is something I can share.” he took a deep breath and shrugged leaning his head to the side. “Not for less than a gold piece anyway.” He shot Levala a sly grin, and she let out a “huh.”

A gold coin was worth twenty times a silver coin. It was tantamount to highway robbery but she had been traveling for over a year trying to track down Kallin and didn’t want to waste any more time on trying to haggle now that she seemed so close to her target. She retrieved the two silver from the bar top then stepped back and in one smooth motion tossed the gold coin in the air pulled a single sword from her back as sliced the coin in half and returned the sword to its sheath as the two halves bounced to a stop on the counter. She reached forward and grabbed the peaces of coin as Dorren stood frozen in place mouth hanging open.

“Elven steal is impressive isn’t it?” Levala calmly stated as she placed half of the coin in front of him holding the other between her thumb and forefinger. “Well Dorren, you take this half and I will keep the other. If this Kallin Gray is indeed the person I am looking for then I will come back and give you the other half. Sound good?”

“Kallin lives northeast of town by a small lake.” Dorren went on, with a slight tremble in his voice, to give a short list of instructions on how to find the house and finished up with “Now stick to the paths or you might get lost. Oh, and I would appreciate you not mentionin’ where you came by the information, if you please.” Levala replied with a simple “Thank you.” and with that she, turned and walk back out to the street. 

As soon as Levala was a comfortable distance down the main road Dorren barred the front door of the tavern and sprinted out the back. He ran through the back streets and alleyways of town until he came to the town stables near the north gate.

“Ms. Rose! Ms. Rose!” Dorren yelled for the Stable Master. “Ms. Rose I need a horse now! Quickly, someone is looking for Kallin and I need to warn him.”

Rose, a woman with long black hair pulled back into a braid, in her late 20’s was brushing down a horse in a sunny part of the stable pen.

“What? Who is looking for him?” Rose had already sprung into action grabbing a bridle for the horse she was just grooming.

“A very suspect lookin’ elf woman named Levala.” Dorren had jumped the fencing and had grabbed a horse blanket and saddle from the tack room while talking. “She wanted to “surprise” him and was willing to give me a whole gold coin to do it. Something doesn’t feel right.”

“Levala? Like the Queen? What is so suspect about her?” Rose questioned as she helped Dorren attach the saddle .

“Yes. She was wearin’ armor and swords on her back and she very much knew how to use them. She cut a gold coin in half, in the bloody air!”

“Shit, that’s not good. Where is she now?

“Headin’ to Kallin’s house. I need to get there first and warn him.”Dorren stepped into the stirrup and swung his leg over the horse as Rose ran to open the gate for him.

“What? How does she know where he lives?”

“I told her. She didn’t look like she was going to take no for an answer and I would rather the chance to warn him then be dead on the floor of my tavern.” he shouted over his shoulder as he galloped toward the town’s north gate. “I sent her on the long way around!”

“Do you think this is what Kallin warned us about? I will gather the guard and meet you there!” but there was no answer Dorren was already too far away to hear her.

“Shit, shit, shit!” Rose said to herself as she closed the gate and ran to find help.

About an hour after Levala left the tavern she took the last fork in the road to Kallin’s property and though she had followed Dorren’s directions exactly, she was pretty sure he had sent her on the most round about way possible. It annoyed her and she was starting to wonder if there was actually anything at then end of his directions but the day was sunny and warm and the ride had been through a truly beautiful landscape of forest steams and pastures. Despite the relative remoteness of Kallin’s suposed property the path was still well worn and wide.

As the path made a final slow turn she saw a massive wooden arch way through which she could see a house, barn and the lake in the distance. On the top beam of the arch she could see Elvish writing carved into it’s smooth polished surface. Though it was made of massive wooden timbers, as opposed to stone, it was made in a style that looked exactly like those of her home land. The inscription read “Though I Walk Alone” which Levala recognized as the opening line of a well known elven song about two lovers that were never able to be together due honor and responsibility. Levala had always hated the song because it reminded her of how much she had given up for her own duty and responsibility. 

Levala passed under the arch, got down from her horse, stretched for a moment, and then started walking toward the house leading her horse behind her. She was about 50 feet from the house when she heard the rumbling of horses coming from behind her. She paused and turned to see a half dozen armed men and one woman thundering down the path towards her. As soon as they come under the arch they veered wide giving Levala plenty of space as they passed her then veered back to the house. They all quickly jumped off their horses and made a wall between her and the house. The young black hared woman collected the horses tying them to a nearby hitching post then walked to stand in front of the men and drew her sword holding it at her side. Levala gave a look around again see if she could see or sense any other individuals. She couldn’t detect anyone other than the seven at the house so she started to slowly walk forward again.

Moments later two men came out of the house and walked to the armed group. One was Dorren from the tavern and the other, without a doubt, was Kallin the man she had been tracking down for over a year. Levala broke her stride for just a moment when she realized it was him. She regains her composure immediately and kept slowly walking with her horse towards the group.

“Can some one tell me what the hell is going on here” Kallin’s familiar deep voice boomed. “Rose, why have you brought half the towns guard to my house?”

“Dorren, told me there was a suspicious woman and…” Rose was cut off.

“Your Hi… Levala.” Kallin had followed Rose’s gaze and just now noticed Levala wasn’t just another guard or towns person. “I… I can’t believe it’s you, but what are you doing here?”

“Good to see you too Kalin.” Levala scoffed.

“It’s good to see you too, it's just a bit unexpected that’s all.” 

“Well, I wanted it to be a suprise.” Levala mock shouted at Dorren. “So, Surprise!” Raising her arms and giving a shrug.”

“Ha, Surprise indeed.” Kallin said as he walked up to her and pulled her into a deep familiar embrace. Levala’s body stiffened at first and then complete relaxed as she wrapped her arms around him in return and she soaked in the feeling of his embrace. He even smelled the same. 

The group of onlookers relaxed, realizing there was no danger here. Levala and Kallin caught themselves both suddenly aware that they were being watched. Kallin stepped back cleared his throat and turned to the guards, Dorren and Rose all standing slack jawed starring at the two of them.

“Everyone this is Levala, she is a very dear friend of mine since before I came to this town. Please everyone show her the same kindness you have shown me over these years. And Rose, you can put your sword away, there will be no need for it today.”

Rose was still standing with her sword by her side and suddenly felt very foolish that she had rallied the guards for no reason. She quickly sheathed her sword cheeks burning bright red. Kallin continued.

“Everyone, I know this has been a lot of excitement and I thank you for coming to protect me but I assure you I am completely safe, you can all head back to town now, please.” Kallin said patting the closest guars on the shoulder as they all retrieved their horses with, “yes sir”, “sorry sir” and “have a good day sir”. Rose however did not budge.

“Oh, and Dorren please return Levala’s money.”

“Yes, of course sir.” Dorren said has he hurried over pulling the half gold coin from his pocket. “Sorry mum.”

“Keep it, and here…” Levala pulled the other half of the coin and a second gold coin from her pocket. “A deal is a deal and you put your neck on the line to get word to Kallin when you though he was in danger, you deserve it. In fact…” Levala dug in her coin purse again. “Here is another twelve silver, if you wouldn’t mind seeing that each of the guards gets two of them with my thanks.”

“Of course mum, thank you mum, very generous of you mum.” Dorren couldn’t contain his excitement as he hurried to his horse. Rose turned as he unhitched his horse.

“Dorren, after you give out that coin take that horse back to the stables, put its tack away, brush her down and feed and water her… Please.” Rose tried to soften the command. She wasn’t going anywhere until she learned more about this mysterious “dear friend” she’d never heard Kallin mention in all the years she has known him.

“Yes, of course Ms. Rose, will do.” Dorren called over his shoulder riding swiftly away to avoid any more last minute chores. Besides he needed to get the tavern back open and start encouraging the guards to come in and part with their newly acquired coin. 

Levala walked the few paces left between her and Rose. Pulling out two gold more coins.

“Ms. Rose, you are quite brave, and sincere in your desire to protect Kallin please accept this as a token of my appreciation for looking after him.” Levala held out the coins with both hands. Rose didn’t budge.

“There is no need for that, Kallin is special to me and I would protect him with my life if need be.” Rose stared Levala strait in the eyes. She didn’t know how she felt about Levala yet but to offer coin for protecting Kallin was an insult to her love and appreciation for him.

Levala nodded and pulled the coins back putting them back in her purse.

“I understand, my apologies if I have offended you, that was not my intent. I do however still want to genuinely thank you and let you know that a friend of Kallin’s is a friend of mine and if you should ever need anything please let me know.”

Rose, bristled thinking to herself, Who does she think she is acting all formal and hight and mighty, having the same name as the Queen doesn’t make you the bloody Queen. Rose continued to stand motionless watching Levala with a slight scowl. 

Even though it had been over ten years since Levala had last seen Kallin and knew there was a good chance he had found someone and settled down, she couldn’t help but feel some pangs of jealousy and not a small amount of disappointment in Kallin, Rose was young and beautiful and Levala could see the appeal of course, but she was young enough to be his daughter. They aren’t together are they? And if they are, to hug me like that right in front of her? This is not the Kallin I remember, Levala thought to herself.

“Dad? Can I come out now?” a young girl that looked to be around eight or nine years old stepped out of the door she had long black hair and looked exactly like a young version of Rose.

“Yes of course sweetie, come here I want you to meet someone.” Kallin beamed a huge smile and held an arm out to her as she ran to him. She stepped up beside him as he hugged her to his side and leaned down and kissed her on the top of the head.

Levala’s stomach dropped as the picture of what she was looking at became clear and thought after stomach churning thought raced through her head. If this girl is eight or nine that means Kallin has been with Rose since Rose was in her late teens or early twenties. Levala’s throat tightened. And that would also mean that Kallin was with her almost immediately after they had to part ways. Levala’s cheeks started to burn. He obviously loves them. Did he forget about me so easily after all we had been through after all of his words of undying love and devotion? Levala was becoming furious. How could I have spent all this time looking for him when he obviously does not care about me the way he said he did.

“Levala, I would like you to meet Raven” Kallin gave Raven another kiss on the head eliciting a groan and a reprimanding “Dad!” Shifting slightly and reaching back Kallin pulled Rose to his other side putting his arm around her shoulders and said. “and you have already met the wonderful and brave Rose. Girls can you keep a secret." directing it to Raven more than Rose. Raven knoded her head, Rose just stared a hole into Levala jaw clenched. “This is my dear dear friend Her Royal Highness, Levala Vilarin, Queen of the Empire. Your Highness you honor us with your presence.” Kallin gave a head nod then beamed at Levala staring into her eyes with a look she knew all too well. But what does that look mean now as he holds his beautiful family. Levala was about to explode in anger and jealousy and only years of stressful diplomacy as Queen was allowing her to keep her calm.

Raven cocked her head to the side “Are you really the Queen?” before Levala could answer Rose blurted out. “We don’t have a queen anymore. The people rule the country now.”

“Yes, that’s true.” Levala said through a tensed jaw. “I stepped down from the throne three years ago when I brokered the transition to a republic. But yes Raven I was Queen once but now I am a citizen of the republic just like you.”

“Girls, I know you have always wanted to know about my past and I have always kept it from you in hopes of protecting you but I think it is about time you learn a bit more about me considering the person who shaped my life is now standing right in front of you. But first why don’t you two go get some food and drink and set the table on the back porch as it is such a lovely day. Besides I would like to have a moment alone with our guest.”

“Really,” Raven cooed. “Dad never tells us anything about himself before he moved here, this is going to be so great. I have so many questions.” Raven ran off back in the the house as Rose’s scowl had turned in to a face of confusion and disbelief but wordlessly turned to follow after her. Kallin watched them over his shoulder waiting for them both to go inside then he turned back to Levala.

“There were times when I didn’t think I would ever see you again. That all those years together were just a dream or a delusion. Huh. But I can not tell you how happy I am to see you here. Here, let’s get your things from your horse and get her comfortable in the stables. Rose is amazing with animals your horse will be will taken care of.

Levala seethed. Was he blind to how angry she was or how angry his wife was. Staying here would be horribly uncomfortable and awkward, let alone just plain humiliating.

“I shouldn’t impose on you and your lovely family. I will just get a room at the tavern.”

“Nonsense, we have plenty of room here and I am sure the girls would love to spend time with you and get to know you.”

There it is again, Levala though to herself. “the girls”, who the fuck lumps their wife in with their kid and calls them girls? Daughter okay sure but how demeaning for his wife. Kallin was the one who championed with me to make sure that women had an equal vote and right to own property and so on, when we were planning out how the republic would work and now he calls his wife a girl. I mean she is a girl probably barely half his age and was less then half his age when they had Raven. Who the fuck is this guy. Levala clenched her jaw and tried to compose herself.

“I would like to catch up with you but I will stay at the tavern, thank you.”

“Levala, what’s wrong? You seem upset about something, what is it?”

“I am not upset in the slightest I just think it would be best if I stayed somewhere other than your house.”

“Lev, cut the shit, I know I haven’t seen you for a long time but I could always tell when you were upset about something even when others couldn’t, so what is it, come on you can be honest with me.”

Levala had only ever let Kallin call her “Lev” and only in private. That he would have the balls to use now made something snap. 

“Ha, Honest!” Levala’s ire rising in her voice. “You want me to be honest! Fine, I don’t think I want to spend the night in a home with you and your child bride, who obviously fucking hates me.”

“What? Wait wait…” Kallin tried to intrupt but Levala was what about to stop until she said what she wanted to say. 

“You told me you loved me and that you would always wait for me and I was stupid enough to believe it. And here I am the dumb ass that spend that last year of my life tracking you down, which was really fucking difficult by the way, to find you in this idilic little town with a house on a lake just like we always fucking talked about but instead of with me you have a family with a beautiful young sexy thing that half your age. Was I not good enough to wait for. I’m a fucking queen you asshole.” Levala trailed off now feeling completely and utterly embarrassed that she let a man make her feel this angry and slightly wishing she was still the queen so she could have him put to death or something.

“Lev, are you talking about Rose?” Kallin said through stifled chuckles as he stepped forward and gently put his hands on her shoulders. “Rose isn’t my wife, she’s my adopted daughter and so is Raven.” Levala had gone completely silent. A look of horror slowly materializing on her face as she realized she had it all wrong.

“When I got to this town about nine years ago Rose and Raven’s parents were kind enough to befriend me and helped me get settled, always checking in on me. About 2 years after I settled here both Lilly and Gregor, Rose and Ravens parens became sick with an illness that ended up killing them and almost half of the towns population. Because this was back before you changed the laws that allowed women the right to own property and business, their parents asked me to adopt them and take care of them in return for all of their assets. I agreed, but as soon as you changed the laws I gave all of there parents assets back to Rose. I have raised Raven as my daughter with Rose’s help but she knows I am not her real father. Rose has been the full owner and operator of her family’s stables and feed supply store for three years now in no small thanks to you.” 

Kallin, brought her hands up to his chest and then pulled her into a loose hug. “Lev, I have never married and this house?… I built this house on this lake just like we always talked about in the slim hope that one day you might show up and want to live here with me and grow old together. Hell, I even became mayor of the town and used some of my wealth and influence to sponsored elven refuges and others from around the content to make this place the most diverse community as possible so you would hopefully feel at home here. I love you Levala, I have always loved you and I will always love you.”

“I am so sorry. I am such a colossal jerk. I am sorry Kal”

“Well, you really let me have it, and if you had been right I would have totally deserved it, but luckily for both of us you weren’t right this time.”

“Ugh.. “ Levala sighed heavily” I love you Kallin.”

“I love you too Lev.”

They stood there and held each other for a moment as Kallin kissed her forehead.

“Wait.” Levala pulled her head back to look Kallin in the eyes. “Then why dose Rose keep giving me dagger eyes?”

“That is because she is over protective and possibly even more stubborn as you. Once she gets to know you a bit better, you two are going to be great friends.”

“So, does the offer still stand for me to stay her tonight?”

“For tonight, and tomorrow night, and every night after that. I built this for you and it is yours forever if you want it.”

Levala drew Kallin back into a full hug nuzzling into his neck as he did the same to her. 

“Well forever is a long time so I will definitely, have to check out the construction quality and amenities first.” she delivered completely deadpan.

“Well that’s only fair your Royal pain-in-the-ass.” He delivered back in the same way.

“Also, we are gong to have to change the inscription on your archway.”

“Now that your here, I agree.

“I love you.” She wisperd”

“I love you too.” he whisper back.