▪️G O L N A R▪️

Fated to the Fae King?

My mind raced with the implications of such a revelation and what that would mean for me. How could any of this be possible?

Tilting my head slightly, I allowed myself to really take in Alaric's appearance. As the evening light danced upon his raven-black hair, it was imbued with a subtle sheen that seemed to mirror the depths of a moonless night.

His countenance exuded a regal air, a captivating blend of strength and grace. Every movement was deliberate, every step measured, speaking of a man who held the weight of his realm with a steady hand. His finely chiselled features bore the traces of wisdom earned through trials, and a noble bearing that hinted at a lineage steeped in ancient tradition.

Alaric's eyes, a vivid shade of green, were like lush oases amidst the dark pools of his hair. They held a depth that seemed to hold the secrets of forests untamed, a gaze that could pierce through the veils of deceit and discern the truth within. They sparkled with an intelligence tempered by the harsh realities of ruling a kingdom.

To my dismay, I found myself unable to deny the handsomeness that accompanied Alaric's presence. I had never in my life found anyone attractive before, yet here I was, admiring the Fae King standing in front of me.

As someone who had never experienced sexual attraction before, I had always navigated the world with a unique perspective. While physical attraction was a foreign concept to me, I could still appreciate the captivating essence of a person, and Alaric exuded a commanding presence that was impossible to ignore.

It was more than just physical appeal though; he had an aura that drew people in, an indefinable magnetism that made him a figure of both admiration and respect. For me, however, there seemed to be an added layer to this allure. Deep within my chest, I felt the thrum of a connection that transcended mere admiration.

A part of me wondered why I felt a certain awe in his presence. Was this a side effect of being his fated mate?

I did not know much about the Fae and their traditions, at least not in depth. Yet, one thing I was aware of was the sanctity they placed upon the concept of a mate bond. Stories had circulated, cautionary tales of mates who, despite being bound by destiny, did not always find affection in each other's company.

Before I could make sense of it all, Alaric's voice, resonant and commanding, cut through my swirling thoughts like a beacon in a storm.

"Why are you hesitating to come to my side, Golnar?" Alaric enquired.

Frowning slightly, I took a moment before formulating my reply, "I just want to make sure that you won't go back on your word, especially since your past negotiations with my kind have been full of trickery and lies."

"Enough blood has been spilled," the Fae King admitted. "I promise, the devastation ends here, today. There is a way to cease this senseless war and spare your realm from further destruction."

"And what is this way?" Baldur asked, his tone demanding.

Alaric's answer hung in the air, heavy and foreboding. "As I just said, hand Golnar over to me and everything will be fine. She is my fated mate, bound to me by ancient ties. In return, like I promised, I will order my forces to stand down, and the conflict will end. Your kingdom will be spared."

I felt a shiver race down my spine as his words settled in.

Even though he had said it earlier, the revelation of our fated bond was now settling in and it hit me like a tidal wave, a mixture of astonishment and uncertainty surged through my body, leaving me momentarily breathless.

My gaze flitted to the faces of Izara, Baldur, and Khagra, their trust and hope palpable, but so too was the gravity of the choice I faced.

Knowing that I was Alaric's fated mate stirred a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. The pull of destiny was undeniable, an unbreakable tie that bound us together. Yet, there was the weight of responsibility placed on me, for the lives and well-being of the orcs.

As Alaric's voice reverberated, I grappled with the enormity of the decision ahead. The path I chose would not only shape my destiny, but that of two kingdoms entangled by fate. It was a burden I had not anticipated, a choice that demanded every ounce of strength and wisdom I could muster.

"You ask us to sacrifice one for the many," Izara noted while focusing on the Fae King. "But there can be no true peace built upon such a foundation of betrayal."

"I assure you, there is no betrayal," Alaric retorted.

Momentarily pushing my thoughts away, I stepped forward and huffed out, "And what assurance do we have that you will honour this agreement? After everything you've done, how can we trust that you won't turn your army on my people once you have what you want?"

"My word is all I have left to offer, which I know is not much right now," Alaric's voice held a solemn resonance.

Upon hearing his reply, I felt another surge of conflicting emotions. There was a pang of empathy, a recognition of the immense burden he carried as a King in the midst of conflict. I understood that he was offering what he could, even if it seemed like a small assurance at the moment.

Yet, alongside that empathy, there lingered a sense of wariness. Trust was a fragile thing, especially in the midst of such strained relations between our people. I could not help but wonder if Alaric's word alone would be enough to ensure the safety and well-being of the orcs.

So, as Alaric's words hung in the air, I understood the weight of his promise, but I also knew that I needed to prioritize the protection of my people and their interests. It was then that I found myself grappling with the harsh reality that I was going to have to say goodbye to my friends.

Izara and Mahala had woven themselves into the very fabric of my life, becoming more than just friends; they were my family. The bond we shared was a connection deeper than mere camaraderie. Their presence had filled a void I had not even known existed, and the prospect of parting was a heavy weight on my heart.

In them, I had found confidantes who understood me in ways no one else ever had and as I stood on the battlefield, the realization of what lay ahead settled like a stone in my chest. The prospect of leaving Izara and Mahala behind was a bitter pill to swallow.

The sound of Alaric saying my name forced me to refocus.

"You are my fated mate, Golnar, even if I wanted to betray you, it would be an impossibility. So, when I give you my word that I shall never lead an assault on the orcs again, know that it is a vow I hold with the utmost sincerity," Alaric declared, his voice softening. "Our destinies are intertwined, and it is in both our interests to forge a future of peace and unity,"

"Peace..." I murmured.

His declaration was like a suffocating weight that draped over me like a leaden cloak. Fae blood coursed through my veins, a revelation that sent tremors through the foundations of my already burdened identity. When I met Alaric's gaze, it was as if his eyes held a blend of empathy and regret, as though he understood the weight of this truth and the impact it had on me.

"I never thought I would find my mate," he confessed, his hand hesitating near my face before he thought better of it.

Oddly, a sense of disappointment washed over me when he did not make contact and I found myself whispering a reply, "I don't understand. How is this possible?"

Alaric stepped closer, his hand resting gently on my shoulder instead, "Long ago, before the time of Queen Nissa, there were bonds forged between our worlds that transcended our conflicts. Love, friendship, alliances that were buried in the annals of history. Your blood, orc, Fae, and human, carries the legacy of those connections."

"That's why your earth magic has always been different! It's rooted in a deeper, older source. Fae magic," Izara suddenly exclaimed.

My head snapped up, meeting her gaze, and in the depths of her eyes, I saw a mirror of my own turmoil. We were bound now, not just by the threads of friendship, but by a shared struggle intertwined with a Fae lineage that stretched back through the annals of time. It was a revelation that unravelled the very fabric of my understanding, leaving me teetering on the precipice of a new reality.

"I know that you may not believe me, but there are those among my kind who seek peace, who remember the bonds that were once shared between humans and Orcs," Alaric said.

"If that were true, we would not be at war now," I argued.

Letting out a sigh, he replied, "The Fae have their own factions, just as the orcs do. While some remember the old alliances and yearn for peace, others have grown bitter and resentful over the passage of time. Especially now with the mysterious resurgence of our magic, many saw it as a sign to reclaim the land that was once ours and forgot the ties that once bound us."

I frowned, trying to process the complexity of it all, "So, it's a matter of perspective? A rift born out of grievances and misunderstandings? But you're their King, surely you had a say in all of this?"

Alaric nodded solemnly while answering, "In many ways, yes. But it's a rift that has caused immeasurable suffering on both sides. Which is why I have taken up my rightful place as King, even though it was a title I did not want. I've been trying to work towards bridging that gap, towards finding common ground and rebuilding the bonds that were lost. I never intended for things to go as far as they did, but had I not gone to war, I would have been seen as weak."

A derisive snort escaped Izara. Having felt the force of Alaric's magic firsthand, she knew better than to underestimate his power. The idea of him being weak was nothing short of absurd and I was inclined to agree, having seen his powerful magic with my own eyes.

Knowing what needed to be done, my agreement came with a sincere condition.

"I will go, but you must promise me this: that the sacrifices we make today will not be in vain. That the future we forge will be one of unity, not just for our sake, but for all those who call the Isle of Wrobel home."

Alaric, his brow furrowed in contemplation, finally nodded, "Your request is not unreasonable, Golnar," he conceded, his voice gruff yet tinged with a newfound solemnity. "I give you my word that we will strive for a future that honours the sacrifices made today."

Baldur stepped forward, his voice resonating with a mixture of gratitude and determination. "This is a turning point for us all," he asserted, his gaze shifting between Alaric and myself. "Let us not forget the lessons of today, and let them guide us towards a more harmonious tomorrow."

After the ink had dried on the treaty, a collective exhale seemed to echo through the assembly, as if we had all been holding our breath in anticipation. The weight of tension lifted, replaced by a fragile sense of hope and cautious relief.

Before leaving, Izara and I stood together, silent in the weight of unspoken words.

Our gazes met, carrying a depth of understanding that needed no verbal exchange. Despite it being merely a year since she arrived at the castle, it felt as though we had traversed lifetimes together. The bond we had created during that time alone could not be measured.

Izara's eyes held a mixture of pride and sadness, her hand finding mine in a gentle squeeze. "Take care of yourself, Golnar," she murmured, her voice laced with emotion.

I nodded; my throat tight. "You too, Izara. Keep our kingdom strong, and remember what I said, make sure that Mahala behaves."

We dawdled for a moment longer, letting the gravity of our parting sink in before we hugged each other tightly. Then, with a final, lingering look, we each turned towards our separate paths. Though we walked away from each other, I knew that the friendship we shared would endure, a beacon of strength in the challenges that lay ahead.

With a final nod from Alaric, he marshalled his troops, taking the dead along with them, and began the steady march away from the orc kingdom. His army moved in disciplined ranks, a powerful force that seemed to echo the determination of their leader.

I rode alongside the Fae King, a mixture of emotions swirling within me. This was a new beginning, a chance for peace to take root in both of our lands. With every moment that passed, I left behind the familiar and stepped into the unknown, my heart pounding with both trepidation and resolve.

As we rode, I felt an uneasy sensation settling in the pit of my stomach. Alaric's presence, though reassuring in its strength, was also uncomfortably close. His arms wrapped around me securely, his breath warm against the nape of my neck.

It was a proximity that stirred unfamiliar reactions within my body.

Every movement of the horse seemed to amplify the awareness of his nearness. Each step, each shift, sent ripples of awareness through me. It was a closeness that felt both foreign and intimate, a reminder of the intricate connection fate had woven between us.

I stole a glance out of the corner of my eye, catching a glimpse of his face. His expression was focused, his attention on the path ahead, but I could not shake the sense of being scrutinized, even in his silence. Which I suppose made sense given that we were practically strangers.

"Alaric," I began, turning my head slightly to address him, "may I ask why we need to share a horse? Is there a specific reason?"

His response came as a low rumble, his voice carrying a hint of pragmatism, "Time is of the essence, Golnar. We need to move swiftly, and it's more efficient for us to share a mount. It will allow us to cover ground quickly and reach our destination without delay."

As another horse paced alongside ours, a voice rang through the air, "Not to mention, it would save us the hassle of having to run you down should you try to escape. We've not been introduced, I'm Kieran."

I glanced at Alaric once again, catching the subtle shift in his demeanour.

The Fae King's deep exhale carried a hint of exasperation, a sigh that spoke volumes. It was as if the mention of escape had struck a nerve, a reminder of the delicate trust they placed in me. I could sense his underlying annoyance, buried beneath a veneer of composure.

Turning my attention back to Kieran, I acknowledged his introduction with a nod, "Golnar," I replied, keeping my tone steady despite the unease that lingered beneath the surface.

Kieran sat tall in the saddle, a figure of rugged authority against the backdrop of the quiet forest. I had gotten glimpses of him on the battlefield and he had been impressive in the way he had wielded his magic. His presence commanded attention, exuding a confidence born of experience. With piercing eyes that held a keen intelligence, he surveyed the surroundings with a vigilant gaze, seemingly always alert to potential threats.

His attire spoke of practicality and efficiency. Strands of dark hair framed his face, swept back in a utilitarian manner that revealed a no-nonsense approach to his duties. There was a certain air of quiet competence about Kieran, an unspoken assurance that he was a force to be reckoned with. His movements were deliberate, every action purposeful and calculated.

Even though I had just met him, I could tell that Kieran was more than just a second in command; he was a pillar of strength at Alaric's side, a trusted ally in the trials they faced. My initial impression was affirmed by his next words.

He did not seem to hesitate in being candid with Alaric as he probed, "Are you sure you made the right decision back there?"

There was an air of mutual respect in the question, a testament to the trust and camaraderie that ran deep between them. It was clear that Kieran's role extended beyond that of a mere advisor; he was a voice of reason, unafraid to challenge and question when the need arose.

With only the three of us riding ahead, our conversation remained shielded from the prying ears of the others.

"You know very well that I never wanted this war..." Alaric muttered.

"I know, it seems that destiny was on your side today after all. In more ways than one at that," Kieran replied, his eyes glancing over me.

I could not help but be taken aback by the candidness with which they spoke, especially considering the sensitive nature of their discussion. The fact that they were willing to address such matters in my presence spoke volumes about the level of trust and transparency that existed between Alaric and his second in command.

The Fae King's arms subtly tightened, enveloping me in a shield of warmth and security. In that moment, it was as though he sought to encircle me in his steadfast protection, a silent promise of safety in the face of uncertainty.

It dawned on me that, as his fated mate, I held a significance he had not dared to hope for. The uniqueness of our connection seemed to amplify his instinct to safeguard me. I could sense the weight of that realization in the way he held me, a mixture of awe, gratitude, and a newfound sense of purpose.

I was still struggling to come to terms with it all, to be honest. By all intents and purposes, Alaric was my rival, with him being a Fae and me being half orc. We were sworn enemies and it had been the natural order of things for the last few centuries.

After a few more words were exchanged, Kieran fell back with the rest of the army.

The world around us seemed to blur in a whirlwind of motion as we rode and the landscape stretched out before us, a vast and ever-changing canvas that seemed to unfold with every passing moment. Rolling hills gave way to lush valleys, their colours shifting and melding like strokes of a master painter's brush. The earth beneath us felt alive, each footfall of the horse resonating with the heartbeat of the land.

We rode through the night, never stopping to rest and as we approached the area where a Fae encampment was rumoured to be, I could not shake a sense of anticipation.

I expected something modest, envisioning a scattered community, their makeshift dwellings a testament to a life of impermanence. Tattered remnants of faded banners might flutter in the breeze, whispering tales of a time when their glory shone brighter.

The Fae themselves were rumoured to be nomadic people, their attire reflecting the practicality of a life in constant motion. But given the size of Alaric's army and the resurgence of their magic, not to mention their ethereal appearance and fancy clothing, I had a feeling that I was in for a surprise.

"We're here..." Alaric said.

"Huh?" I balked, my head spinning around in confusion.

In the early morning light, all I could see were towering trees and rugged mountains, stretching out as far as the eye could see. There was no sign of the expected Fae encampment, no trace of the familiar surroundings I had anticipated.

As we drew nearer, my anticipation gave way to astonishment. Instead of finding the expected encampment, our path led us through a narrow mountain pass. The walls of stone rose high on either side, their rugged faces giving way to a yawning abyss that seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly light.

I turned to Alaric, my eyes wide with surprise, "This isn't what I expected," I stammered, struggling to find words for the unexpected turn of events.

"No, it wouldn't be," he replied, his voice carrying an undertone of self-assuredness.

It was clear that he relished in my surprise, perhaps even took a certain satisfaction in the fact that my expectations had been so dramatically overturned.

With every step deeper into the mountain pass, the sensation of stumbling upon something extraordinary intensified. It was clear that this was no ordinary encampment. The air itself seemed alive with an ancient magic, a palpable energy that pulsed through the very earth beneath my feet. It was as though the land held secrets and stories that stretched back through ages untold.

The world around me took on an almost surreal quality. Colours seemed more vivid, and the play of light and shadow took on a heightened intensity. Trees stood like sentinels, their branches reaching towards the sky as if yearning to touch the heavens. The very rocks and stones seemed to hold a silent, ancient wisdom; their surfaces etched with patterns that hinted at a language of ages past.

It was as though we had stepped into a realm beyond the boundaries of the known, and I found myself wondering what secrets awaited me. One undeniable truth loomed large in my mind: we, the orcs, had grievously underestimated the Fae and the formidable power they wielded.

What had I gotten myself into? I thought, my eyes striving to grasp the surreal landscape unfolding before me.

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A/N: Adventure awaits...