Forums » Fantasy Roleplay » Elves of All Kinds (1x1)

(RP with me and Sage-Thorne)

Raeliel was not so fond of her current situation. As daughter of the lord of her elven town, she was sent to be the bridge between the two groups. Her own cultured, civilized Elven group, and the...natural elves. Far less cultured than her own people, they probably played in the dirt and mud and made a mess of things. But an alliance would be profitable for both groups, so she had no choice in the matter.

Raeliel was on horseback, with an escort. She was nearing the place that she would be calling her home, and it'd probably be a matter of minutes before the guards would intercept her. IF they had guards, that is. Raeliel was dressed in traveling attire, brown riding pants and a dark green blouse, with a brown cloak. Her hair was let down, and it flowed in the wind. Honestly, she loved riding. But not when she was going to a savage's home.

Saelhil smiled broadly as he watched the village children play near the lake just outside the village. He was the son of the leader of their tribe, the Chieftain. He had been told about his duty a week or two previous to that day, and honestly, he wasn't too pleased about it. His tribe was a simple people--very family oriented, who loved just being out on the land--and he had heard stories of the tribe to the north. They sounded... Well, it wasn't his place to be disrespectful to them, seeing as he had been raised to be respectful to everyone, but he wasn't the least bit happy about being forced to marry one of them.

He glanced over his shoulder as someone called his name, telling him of the arrival of his future bride. He dropped out of the tree he had been lounging in, landing on his bare feet silently on the soft earth, and turned for the village, reluctantly leaving the happy children behind. Sael had of course let himself be cleaned properly that morning, so that his blonde hair was silky and his skin was fair and free of any cuts or dirt he would have acquired from various sports and hunting with the other villagers. So now he wore his plain garb of a green sleeveless tunic and loose brown pants, not at all very impressive, but it was crisp and clean.

Just out of sight of the village, two of the watchmen had spotted the girl and her escort. They dropped out of the trees (as the natural elves spent much of their time there, and were at ease travelling in the trees) and stopped the travelling group.

"Lady Raeliel, greetings," one said, not making a move to get out of their horses' way. The other remained silent.

Raeliel and her escort reigned in their horses, coming to a halt as the watchmen came out. "Greetings. Will you be escorting us to your village from here on?" Whether they escorted her or had her go on her own, she would keep along with her escort, until she reached the village. She groaned inwardly. People in the trees. With all the dirty twigs and leaves in your hair.. Raeliel looked around. Where was Saelhil? The one that was to be her husband? No doubt he was wrestling in the mud.

Raeliel dismounted, as did her escort, a male elf with the crest of her family on his belt. "Lady Raeliel, I must leave once you have met your betrothed. Your father needs me back at our land." He bowed to her. Raeliel touched his shoulder. "Thank you, Mirathin. I appreciate everything you have done for me. I will miss you." She sighed softly, but he touched her face. "Smile, m'lady. Remember. Smile." Raeliel nodded a bit and smiled. "Yes. Yes, I remember. I'm sorry."

"Aye, m'lady. It isn't far from here, and the Chieftain is eager to meet you." The watchman hesitated, deciding not to mention Saelhil's uneasiness about the whole marriage. "Please, come." He looked to his partner, then motioned for the lady and her escort to follow them. The two natural elves walked in silence, knowing full-well that the Chieftain Throtharion would speak more than enough to fill the woman's ears.


Saelhil entered his family's home. The natural elves' homes were open and airy, letting in natural sunlight and the warm, fragrant breeze of the forest. He moved silently towards his father's "study," which was more of just a room where his father liked to entertain guests and speak of nature with the other elders of the village. His mother had died a few years prior due to a serious illness, but the home remained cheerful thanks to Saelhil's younger sister, Talainna. She had dark hair and eyes, a strange feature for their people, but she was pretty and could cheer anyone with simply her smile.

As Saelhil entered the study, he spotted his little sister sitting on her father's lap while he read a map. Thortharion looked up to his son, but Talainna spoke first.

"Brother!" the child exclaimed, hopping up and nearly pushing Saelhil down with the force of her hug. "Brother! Would you please braid my hair? Father cannot do it as well as you." She gazed up at him with her large brown eyes. However, Thortharion stood.

"Saelhil's bride is arriving soon," he told her. Saelhil frowned, sighing softly as he picked up Talainna, holding her close.

"I will braid my sister's hair if I wish," Saelhil said simply. "This new woman will not stop me from that." He then smiled and kissed Talainna's forehead. "Is she not to look beautiful for my bride's arrival, Father? I do not wish to have the woman think my sister is a little honey badger." This earned an amused grin from the young girl, and Saelhil smiled wider. "You may inform that woman... Raeliel, is it?...that I am with my sister in her room. Now, if you excuse me." He dipped his head and backed out of the room, carrying his sister with him.

Raeliel followed the men into the village. It was a homely little place. She didn't like the idea of running around like a silly person. She was led to the house of Saelhil, her husband. Well, it may be considered Thortharion's house, truly. Raeliel was not sure if she and Saelhil would get their own home upon marriage or stay in the family house. She wasn't sure if they were civilized enough to know it was proper to get your own home upon marriage. She walked into the house with the watchmen, who would surely announce her arrival to the Chieftain. Tch. Chieftain. Just the title showed how savage this village was. Her father was LORD, not 'chieftain'.

Raeliel was led to Thortharion's study, and was incredibly put-off when she saw only the father there. Still, she gave a curtsy, best she could with riding trousers at least. "Chieftain Thortharion. It is a pleasure to meet you in person. I am honored to be part of this alliance." Honored, disgusted...same thing. She couldn't believe that her betrothed was not meeting her personally, however. "This is my escort, sir Mirathin. My father sent him to ensure my safety on our travels. It would be most kind if you could provide him with food and drink before he starts his return journey home."

Mirathin bowed to the chieftain, but said nothing. He would prefer to be more of a shadow than an actual presence in the room. Though he, too, was disappointed that her betrothed was not there.

Thortharion clenched his jaw as Raeliel entered. He sighed, and nodded. "Welcome, Lady Raeliel. My sincere apologies for my son's absence... I have no excuse for him." He glanced at an elf that hovered nearby--a servant. "Prepare a meal for our guests, and retrieve my son," he ordered. Thortharion took a deep breath as the elf quickly left, then looked at Mirathin. "You will give my thanks to Lady Raeliel's father, will you not?" He glanced briefly to the door, and not seeing his son yet, shifted his gaze back to Mirathin.

Mirathin bowed again and answered. "Indeed, chieftain. He sends his thanks as will, and bid that you watch over m'lady as if she were your own child." Raeliel was his only child, after all. Parting with her had been difficult. Raeliel spoke calmly. "I think he needs no excuse, chieftain. If he wishes to make one, then he can tell me one himself." She smiled, so that her words would not seem so full of animosity. "I look forward to learning about your people, chieftain Thortharion. While I am sure the transition may be a bit difficult, I hope that you will be patient with me as I learn your customs."

"Of course. I would do no less for her." Thortharion smiled as best he could at her comment. "I am positive you will find yourself at home... in time, of course." His eyes shifted to the door again, and his eyes flickered upwards in a brief thanks to the gods. "Saelhil."

Saelhil entered the room reluctantly, Talainna clutching his hand, her black hair braided neatly with a few flowers tucked into the plait. He approached his father, then turned to face Raeliel. "Greetings, Lady Raeliel," he said, smiling gently at her. He moved forward and rested his hand on her arm, kissing both of her cheeks, as was one of the many greetings that was custom to the natural elves. "I trust your trip went smoothly?" Talainna watched Raeliel cautiously, keeping behind her brother and keeping a firm grip on the hem of his tunic.

Raeliel stiffened a bit at the kissing to her cheeks. DEFINITELY not her custom with her people. She shook it off though as something that she should get used to, since he was her betrothed. "Greetings, Sir Saelhil. My trip was just fine, thank you." The courtesy didn't last long, however. "Would you care to explain, Sir Saelhil, why your father had to fetch you to meet me?" She was smiling, but that question couldn't bode well for him. She glanced at the child, but paid her no real attention for now. Raeliel's business was with the adult, not the child, and so she only gave her attention to the adult.

Saelhil's smile merely grew wider at her inquiry. "Ah yes. My... sincerest apologies for being late. I had to ensure my younger sister was presentable. It isn't everyday that a lady from the north graces our doorstep." He rested a hand on Talainna's head, reassuring her. "We care greatly for our family here, Lady Raeliel." He glanced at her, something in his eyes looking slightly... malicious, though it was pushed back by his cheerful grin.

The servant returned at this moment. "I have prepared food and river wine for our guest," he said timidly. "Will you be staying long enough to dine, or shall I prepare it for travel?" He gazed at Mirathin.

Raeliel listened to his excuse and nodded. "She is a very pretty young girl. You needn't have worried." She noticed the look in his eyes, her own narrowing just slightly. "Family is always valuable, no matter where you are from." she commented, making it sound like she was agreeing with him. But, in truth, she was defending her own homeland.

Mirathin was watching his lady carefully, until the servant spoke. "Please, prepare it for travel. I was given orders to return straightaway once m'lady met her betrothed. From my capable hands to yours, Sir Saelhil." He bowed to him, and straightened. Then he took a couple steps forward to speak quietly with him. "I trust in your honor, sir, but it is mine own that brings me to utter these next words. Harm my lady Raeliel, and I will personally make sure that you will pay dearly for it." He bowed again. "But I trust in your honor, sir, and know you to be a capable man." He then knelt and took Raeliel's hand, kissing the back of it. "Blessed be your new life, my Lady Raeliel." He stood, gave her a hug, and then left with the servant to get his meal.

Raeliel watched him go, a hint of sadness in her eyes. Her only friend here had just walked out the door. Now she was left with....them. She turned to Saelhil and his father, her spirits slightly dampened by the departure of her escort. "Well...what shall be our first course of action, sirs?"

Saelhil watched the escort leave, then glanced to his father. "Might the wedding put off a day or two, Father?" he requested gently. "If I were in Lady Raeliel's shoes, I would prefer to at least settle down and get to know the village before marrying... I could show her the forest, and perhaps even trek to the hills beyond the lake and out to the meadow."

Thortharion hesitated. "I would not mind the slight delay," he said slowly, "but I am not exactly sure Lady Raeliel would enjoy your activities, Saelhil."

"Why not, Father? If she is to live here, she should learn our ways, should she not?" Saelhil glanced briefly at his bride-to-be, and smiled charmingly. "It is only fair that she gets a head start before we bombard her with our wedding customs."

Thortharion shifted. "If Lady Raeliel agrees, then you have my permission."

Raeliel listened, and as much as she did not want to go gallivanting through the forest, he had some good points. She needed to know the customs, it would help make things easier to learn the wedding customs. "I think Sir Saelhil has made an excellent suggestion. It'd be nice to get to know the land, the people and the ways before we marry. Just a day or two won't interrupt things too terribly, I believe."

She glanced at him, but then looked back to Thortharion. "Though, if I may ask, where will I be staying until the wedding ceremony?" With the cheek-kissing, she wouldn't be surprised if they put her in a room with Saelhil right off the bat! This was definitely going to be a difficult adjustment.

"You may stay in Talainna's room," Thortharion said with a nod. "I believe it is comfortable enough for you until the wedding. Your new home is already finished, but I do not wish for you to be alone on your first few nights in a new place. I will have Rainaeis take your things to your temporary room."

"Does that mean I may sleep with Brother?" Talainna asked, an excited tone in her voice.

Saelhil picked her up and touched his nose to his little sister's. "I would have it no other way, little raven." He spun her around, then set the giggling girl down. He turned his attention to Raeliel. "Do you need rest, after your travels? If not, it would be a wonderful time to go out."

Raeliel listened and gave a nod. "Indeed, you have made a wise choice, chieftain. Thank you for your consideration." She watched the brother and child, and smiled slightly. She was an only child, so she'd never had that kind of connection with someone. When Saelhil looked at her though, she wiped the smile away quickly. "I do not require rest so much as a light meal and a drink. After that, I would not object to going out." She was already in her riding clothes, so getting them a little more dirty wouldn't be so bad.

"Will you show me to the dining hall, then, Sir Saelhil?"

(Just a warning, going to bed now I'll respond tomorrow before work!)

{Good night!}

"Of course, m'lady." Saelhil dipped his head, then motioned for her to follow him. He led her into the dining room, which was actually a room on the outer part of the home, with a large window on one wall facing the forest, and another window in the roof so sunlight could shine through. In the middle of the room was a low table and cushions surrounding it. The reason for this was that natural elves ate as the Romans did: semi-lounging in a very casual environment. A small meal of some sort of purple fruit had been set out, and a pitcher of semi-transparent red liquid rested on the table near a few goblets. "Have you had river wine before, Lady Raeliel?" he questioned, gesturing for her to sit on one of the cushions.

Raeliel knew better than to expect some fancy carved table, but even she didn't foresee actually sitting on cushions to eat. This was ridiculous! She sat down carefully, rather...uncomfortable. It was hard to believe these people were elves. No wonder her own people called them fairies. They lived like them! "I have not." she said carefully, eyeing the wine. With her luck, it was probably a super-potent drink and she'd be a bumbling idiot five minutes after sipping it.

"With all due respect, however, I would prefer some water at the time being." Raeliel looked over to her fiance, to watch and see how he sat down at the table. She felt very uncomfortable, sitting on the cushion on her knees. There was no support for her stiff back and straight shoulders. After all those years, however, it wouldn't be so easy to just slouch.

"Of course." Saelhil nodded, and after a moment the servant brought a pitcher of fresh water and poured it into a goblet for Raeliel. Saelhil lowered himself onto the cushions, sitting cross-legged and leaning mostly on one arm. He poured two goblets of the reddish liquid, then gave one to Talainna, who was still standing. "Be careful to not spill," he warned her gently, and the young girl nodded, carefully sitting down beside her brother, leaning against him in a very natural way.

Saelhil reached and took a slice of the violet fruit. The inside was a rich magenta color, with plump, fleshy seeds. "Since you have never had river wine, I suppose you have never tasted most of our produce, either." He raised the fruit in a gesture to show her. "This one is a bit tart, but turns sweet after a few bites. You chew the seeds first, then the flesh."

Raeliel watched as he handed the wine to the child, staring for a few moments. That was CERTAINLY improper! She tried to ignore it, and just sipped from her goblet of water. At least the water tasted nice and fresh. She still felt rather stiff, though, with sitting so awkwardly on this pillow. This wasn't a table, it was a lazy excuse to lay down and eat at the same time!

"I have not." she agreed as he held up the fruit. She watched him and listened as he spoke of the flavor, taking one of the fruit for herself. She bit into it, chewing and swallowing. It did taste rather good, even if it was tart. But this was incredibly...relaxed. She passed it off as just being a snack, not an actual meal. So it probably wasn't formal like a meal would be. Hopefully.

Saelhil watched her, smiling, rather amused. But he didn't speak while he thoughtfully ate his food. He was, of course, aware about how awkward Raeliel was feeling right now. He knew that in her village, wine was purely alcoholic, and that Raeliel was disgusted that he had given some river wine to Talainna. In fact, "river wine" was named so solely because the fruit grew by the river and it tasted like wine, but it wasn't in the least bit alcoholic.

"What do you usually do, in your village?" he asked, sipping at his goblet casually and eyeing the woman over. He silently took note of how stiffly she held herself, and how Raeliel ate so hesitantly. He decided that she was like a housecat in the midst of a pack of dogs (at least, she most likely saw his people that way). She was so refined, so hesitant, so... haughty, even if she didn't mean to be. Saelhil was not looking forward to their marriage.