We are accepting poetry from individuals who would like their works to be critiqued constructively for the sake of improving their pieces and their writing abilities.
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Prompt: write a poem with things you love about yourself. Banned words: Me, myself, my, and mine.
Thanks @foreveratlas this was a challenge for me with the way I’ve been feeling lately. It’s not exactly what I wanted to do, but it’s a start. Here’s to not accepting less than I deserve, being kind without taking shit, and healing. Thank you again, my friend, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Episode 4 of Chronicles of an Elf. Use these links to read Episode One, Episode Two, and Episode Three! (Sorry it took me a while to post this! PS there is a slight formatting issue. I don’t plan to fix it, it’s just indentions.)
Episode 4: The Priestess and the Blight
Luka had dozed off where she was sitting next to the store front that faced the Grand Gate. She managed to stay awake throughout the night and mid-morning. By the time noon came around, she was asleep. Before she let the need for rest take her, she had the fleeting suspicion that she should have found a safer place to sleep. But being within sight of the guards at least told her she wasn’t going to be openly attacked in daylight. That is until a nudge came, waking her.
“Umbran,” An unfamiliar voice whispered in her ear. “Umbran, wake up.” Luka startled, reaching first to her daggers, but stopped when she realized that it was one of Delaney’s Fire Dragon Guards who crouched before her.
“You’re not invisible,” she murmured while blinking away the dust that had collected in her eyes. Just like the first time she saw the guard, the individual was covered from head to toe in dark armor. The individual wore a facemask that also obscured their voice. Luka was unsure if she was looking at a male or female and their voice gave no indication either. The red sash from shoulder to waist seemed to glow in the daylight.
The Fire Dragon Guard considered her for a moment before saying, “We must go. It is not safe for you to remain here.”
Luka shook her head. “I have to wait for someone.”
“It’s not important. They can come find you.”
Luka shook her head again. “I can’t leave. I promised Whilsk I would wait for her.”
The Fire Dragon Guard paused for a moment. Luka wondered if the name was familiar to them. After a moment, the Fire Dragon Guard stood, “We must go. We can always search for tomorrow. Right now you’re weak and exhausted.”
Luka stood up slowly, deciding it better not to argue. “Where are we going?”
The Fire Dragon Guard began to walk down the road toward the large spire that sat opposite of the city to the Dragon Fortress. “The Citadel.”
The Citadel was the tallest structure on the eastern end of Dragonopolis. Spires of glass and steel twisted up into five towers surrounding a larger central tower. Each tower was a different color representing all six of the Dragon Gods. The central spire which the others twisted around was red and orange to represent the Fire Dragon God who was the Patron God of Draconia. Save for the Fortress that sat on the western side of the city, The Citadel was the largest structure Luka had ever seen.
The Guard directed her through the main archway. They moved past rows upon rows of candles and down the steps into an amphitheater. At the center was a tall platform and a large scroll. A glass statue of a sleeping dragon lay wrapped around the platform, allowing only a small space to move between snout and tail in order to reach the pulpit. A service was being held, and the Guard told Luka to sit on one of the many stone benches that wrapped around the amphitheater. The Guard disappeared after she had sat. Luka noted how all of the stone seats combined to look like giant steps.
Delaney stood on the pulpit in robes of gold and red. She read from the large scroll before her and directed the people to rise, to sit, and to sing. Luka wasn’t sure if she was supposed to follow along. The concept of religion wasn’t something that Tetra and Whilsk pushed upon her in her youth, so it wasn’t like she was too enraptured. The Draconians around her were relatively versed in it, and if it made them comfortable, then Luka wasn’t about to rain on their parades.
As Delaney ended her sermon and thanked the parishioners for joining her, she looked up to see Luka sitting idly, waiting for the amphitheater to clear out. After almost an hour of attending to every congregant, Delaney ascended up the steps of the ampthitheater toward Luka. Luka watched her quietly and as Unicorn Girl made it level to her row, she sat down next to her on the stone bench.
“You seem exhausted,” Luka said after listening to Delaney yawn loud enough to show fangs.
Delaney smiled. “Not as exhausted as you, I hear.”
“Did you have your guard come find me?”
Delaney waved her hand dismissively. “Of course. I just wanted someone to stay with you through the night.” Delaney turned in her seat, placing one hand upon Luka’s shoulder and using the other to pull her hood back. “Now the question is, little one, what next?”
Luka thought on it for a moment. The next stop would be the Dragon Fortress. To find Tetra. She looked to the side and let her eyesight focus on the glass dragon at the bottom of the amphitheater. She let her thoughts wander until she felt Delaney’s hand upon her cheek, pulling Luka’s attention back to her, as well as her eyes. Luka sighed. “I have to go to the Fortress then.”
“What do you hope to find there?”
“Not what,” Luka corrected. “Who.”
“Who, little one.”
“Tetra.”
“Tetra?” Delaney repeated.
“Tetra the Sylvarian.”
A long smirk crossed Delaney’s lips. “Tetra the Blight of Sylvanaria.”
Luka cocked her head to the side. “The Blight?” she repeated, unsure of what Delaney meant. Tetra didn’t seem like the kind of person who deserved to be called such, but then again, he did keep her in complete ignorance for a long time.
“The only Sylvarian in the entire country.”
Luka looked to the side, “I didn’t know.”
“As well as a ranking officer of the military.”
“I knew that.”
“Doesn’t that bother you? What is Tetra the Blight to you anyway?”
Luka shrugged. “He kind of. . . raised me.”
“He?” She put an emphasis on the pronoun and Luka flinched for some reason. Her crimson lips mouthed the word ‘interesting’ before she continued, “He and this Whilsk you know?”
Luka nodded. She saw the intensity in which Delaney was staring at her and she wondered if offering the truth was the wrong thing to do. She didn’t know why else she would need to enter the Dragon Fortress, and as far as she knew she didn’t have the capability of lying. Tetra always told her that the thing that set them apart from humans wasn’t their long lives or their ears, but their inability to lie. The secret was to hide the truth. That didn’t make it lying. Unfortunately, Luka wasn’t in the right of mind to do such.
“What do you know of Tetra? And for that matter, Whilsk?”
Delaney leaned back on the stone she sat upon and brought a thoughtful finger to her chin. Luka noticed how her nails not only looked sharp, but were painted with the colors of fire. “Rumors. Tetra the Blight of Sylvanaria. Whilsk, the elusive Shadow Arts and Weapons Master.” She tilted her head to the side. “Knowing one can save you. Knowing the other could end you. Knowing both could result in a tug of war on the universe itself. And what of you, little one? Where do you fit?”
Luka bit her lip and stood up. “Whilsk told me to find Tetra. That he could protect me.”
Delaney giggled. “Protect you? Little one, beneath the folds of your cloak lies an arsenal that might even make the Prince blush.”
“The prince?”
“Ultima Thule, The Dragon General.” Luka recalled Tetra radioing Ultima not long ago when they were on the road. Was this the same person? She had heard Tetra speak of the draconian before but she was unaware that the individual was a prince, let alone a general. In fact, when she heard him in that brief communication, he seemed more exasperated that he was having to deal with Tetra.
Luka didn’t see the Fire Dragon Guard appear. Her only way of knowing they weren’t completely alone was through a feeling, a slight tremor in the wind so to speak. She turned to see the guard lean over slightly between her and Delaney and whisper something in the Priestess’s ear. Luka watched intently, slightly annoyed that her sensitive elven ears couldn’t quite pick out the conversation between them. She furrowed her brow when she noticed Delaney frown, and speak up enough for Luka to hear. “Are you sure?”
The guard nodded, “Yes, Priestess.”
“Very well. Get Finch, Canary, and Crow. They want to play that game, we can meet them head on.”
Luka was taken aback. The guard bowed and melted back into the shadows. “Finch, Canary, and Crow?” Luka finally asked as Delaney stood up.
“Their names. Did you think my guards didn’t have names?”
Luka remained silent for a moment and shrugged. “What was his name?”
“Her name,” Delaney corrected, “Is Hawk. Well, I guess. That’s what she goes by.”
“Are all of your guards are women?”
Delaney smiled. “Never trust a man to save a woman’s life.” She moved past Luka and toward the steps leading out of the amphitheater. “We must go now, little one.”
Luka followed her. “Why?”
“The Dragon General learned of an Umbran admitted within his gates. By order of King Laon we are to hand you over.”
“Can’t say I’m a fan of that.” Delaney moved across the large entryway and past the many lit candles. She beckoned Luka to follow her. She stopped before a large wall and pressed against a piece of the stucco that was a slightly different shade of orange than the pieces around it. A hidden door popped open. Delaney motioned Luka inside as Luka continued. “Why doesn’t he just storm the Citadel?”
Delaney closed the door behind themselves and made her way up a spiral staircase. “He doesn’t dare. Attacking the house of the gods would result in a riot and break laws that go back to when humans owned the entire continent. No, he’ll just have his brother wait outside and block people from entering or leaving until you show yourself.” Luka followed her closely until they came up through a trap door into what looked like a very comfortable apartment. It wasn’t tight, but it was certainly filled to the brim with just about anything; from books both ancient and modern, to robes thrown about lazily, to a modest mattress placed against the far wall, a desk near a stain-glass window, and two chairs that sat opposite of everything else where a pile of yarn and a half-knitted scarf lay in a basket between them.
Delaney stripped of her robes almost immediately, and Luka hitched her breath when she was met for the first time with Draconian semi-nudity. Though Delaney’s back was turned to her most of the time, Luka stared long enough to see how her tail connected to the base of her spine. Light ridges lined her shoulders, and she assumed on other draconians those would be spikes, just like on the ears or forehead. Her physique was slender, and her muscles were incredibly toned and pronounced. Luka looked her over with a curiosity she never knew she could experience. Finally, she turned to face the opposite direction, coughing loudly. “Uhm, what are you doing?”
“Changing into something suitable to meet the King of Dragons.”
“Weren’t you wearing something already suitable?”
Delaney laughed, “Those robes were just for services. There is order to all of this.” Luka felt a hand grip her shoulder and force her to turn. She was suddenly facing a mostly naked Delaney who held up two sets of robes: one black with red and orange adornments; the other the color of smoke that bled down into waves of orange, red, and yellow that looked almost like flames when draped properly. “Which is more impressive?”
Luka had to focus on the robes for the sake of not staring at Delaney instead and finally pointed to the smoke one. Delaney smiled, ruffled Luka’s short hair, and began to dress, leaving Luka to turn and face the wall once more. After what felt like a fair hour, Delaney turned Luka to face her once more. “How do I look?”
“Not naked.”
“Is that what’s bothering you?”
“It’s not something I’m used to.”
“Get your head in the game, little one. You’re about to step into the political arena. Now what are you wearing?”
Luka looked down at her outfit and patted it once for good measure. “This?”
“You sure?”
“It’s what I have.”
“Fine.”
As Luka and Delaney descended the steps of the Citadel, Luka noted how her robes billowed magnificently about her. She looked like the physical embodiment of fire floating with a determination on its own. Standing ten feet away in a perfect line at the base of the steps were ten armed soldiers. Standing before them was the tallest person she had ever seen. Ultima stood at seven feet tall. His horns curled backwards behind his head giving him an extra several inches of height. His brown hair was peppered with streaks of crimson, and his ears had horned ridges, unlike Delaney’s. His tail rested against the ground with a spike the shape of a scorpion’s stinger upon the tip. As he waited for them to appear, he was standing resolute with his sword drawn, the tip stabbed into the concrete. The blade was a typical broadsword, but the handle itself was that of two axe heads upon the pommel. Luka didn’t need to see the other weapons on his uniform and armor to know he was packing.
“Prince Ultima, what a pleasure to see you again.”
Ultima huffed. “Delaney, don’t make this into another religious matter. I need to take the Umbran into custody.”
“Religious? My guard is being asked to appear before the King. I felt compelled to be with her during her time of need.”
Ultima sighed loudly, as if this was more of a pain in the ass than he wanted it to be. “Delaney, please?”
“That’s Priestess Delaney Ulbrand,” she recited almost gleefully.
Luka stepped forward and called out to Ultima, “Excuse me, Prince Ultima?”
Ultima looked up to her and nodded for her to continue. “I need to see Tetra. If I go with you can you guarantee that I will see him?”
Luka watched as Ultima’s brow twitched. “I’m not sure that is possible,” he said almost unsure. The way he carried himself seemed a complete contradiction to how Delaney made him appear to be.
“I was there when he contacted you about the road and the ambush last week. This has to do with that. I need his help. Whilsk is in trouble.”
Ultima bit his lip and Luka watched how his eyes went to Delaney as if signaling something. Whether there was a silent exchange between the two or not, Luka was unaware, but she did see the Unicorn Girl smile. Ultima’s response was to lift his blade, and lower it horizontally to the ground. “Priestess Delaney Ulbrand. Would you allow me to escort you and your entourage to the palace for an audience with King Laon?”
“That seems like a better approach to the situation, doesn’t it, Prince General?” Delaney smirked.
As if on cue, four of the Fire Dragon Guards appeared from nothing. The one whom Delaney referred to as Hawk, gently pushed Luka close to the Priestess. The group slowly continued their descent to the concrete ground. Ultima’s soldiers then parted to let them past and traveled a respectful 5 feet around them throughout the city. The procession was slow and caught a lot of people’s attention. But eventually the group found themselves at the foot of the massive Fortress that stretched up for miles into the sky, across a wide gap cut deep into the earth. It was essentially a mote, dug for the purpose of keeping attackers out, even though the fort was so tall that the only entrance was several hundred feet up. Luka could see dragons flying in out of the wide entrance, stories above.
The ground rumbled beneath them, and a slab of stone several yards wide cut itself from the ground and began to rise. Whether it was magic or an elevator mechanism, the group of 17 was lifted with ease through the air. The slab began to slowly pull toward the fort as it rose until it was level with the only entrance. Being hundreds of feet in the air gave Luka the ability to look out over the city. The view was impressive, but at the same time reminded her of how separated she felt from Whilsk. However, she was closer to Tetra and that was the goal, wasn’t it? Find Tetra, save Whilsk?
They were led through large cavernous hallways and up through several floors until they found themselves in the open air at the top of the gigantic structure, leagues above the rest of the city. In the middle of the winged T shape that the fort created was where the Crystal Palace sat. Luka could only consider it a marvel as the entire structure was made of opaque crystal and gigantic natural precious stones carved into the vague shape of a castle. At long last, Luka, Delaney, and the Fire Dragon Guards found themselves standing before an empty throne.
Ultima had to excuse himself as he went to go look for his brother. As they waited Luka looked around cautiously. The interior was relatively plain, save for Draconian and Dragoon banners that hung between pillars of crystal, emerald, and ruby. Beyond the throne which stood at the top of five steps overlooking the hall, there was no where to sit. A red carpet was drawn out on the ground, and the high vaulted ceilings showed a prism of color caused by light that managed to bleed through the crystal overhead. Iron chandeliers hung with flickering candles in four places: One above the throne, two above the main hall, and one just above the entryway. Luka shuddered when she realized it was iron. Her skin began itch and it took everything in her system not to begin scratching absently in response.
It wasn’t the king who entered the throne room from behind the throne itself. The group turned as the large doors they had entered through at the front of the hall swung open. In stomped a small figure. She looked like she was about the same height as Luka. Long platinum blonde hair billowed out around her form. Distinct, pierced pointed ears framed a beautiful face. Luka noted certain similarities, such as the same color of green in her eyes, how her armor was the same style, how her left arm was covered in the same set of mithril plates as—
“Tetra, the Blight of Sylvanaria,” Delaney announced.
Luka began to choke on her own spit. “I’m sorry, what?” But that was the moment she saw it. The long scar that marred the woman’s left cheek was exactly the same as Tetra’s. The tattoos that incorporated magic on her bare arms were all there. This was Tetra. It must have been. But how?
“Lukanay Fial,” the woman breathed. “They better not have hurt you,” there was almost a pain in the voice. Luka realized that the woman thought the people around her had brought her as a ransom.
Two of the Fire Dragon Guards moved forward to block the woman’s approach. Tetra’s response was to raise a palm. One of the tattoos on her arm began to glow. She was summoning that pocket dimension. She was pissed. Luka jumped in front of the guards and held her hands up, “Wait, wait.”
Tetra stopped the summon and lowered her hand, instead rushing across the distance to grab Luka and pull her into a tight embrace, collapsing with her on the floor. “Sweet little Luka,” she whispered. The hug was different but familiar. She smelled like Tetra, her dialect was Tetra. How she walked and held herself was Tetra. Even the confident rage she permitted was Tetra. But how was this Tetra?
Luka pushed the other elf away gently and narrowed her eyes. She reached up and gripped Tetra’s face with both hands. She traced Tetra’s scar and pinched her chin. She was softer, but the idea was still there. The feeling was there. “How are you Tetra?” she whispered.
The other woman smiled and stood up for a moment despite Delaney and the Fire Dragon Guards watching. She reached up to her hair and pulled gently with one hand. With her other hand she unsheathed a dagger from her hip and sliced through the platinum blond strands of hair and tossed the length to the ground. The woman’s body transformed almost instantly, growing several inches taller. The shoulders bulked in response, her features became more angular rather than rounded. Her hips narrowed, her fingers grew, and her chest became a compound of muscle rather than softness. As the transformation completed, Tetra’s hair returned to its normal darker blonde hue.
“The blight have a unique gift,” Delaney said with a grin. “They have no physical gender to call true. They can choose what to represent themselves as. Tetra’s trigger is the length of hair.”
“You’ve read up on me,” the masculine voice that Luka was familiar with spoke.
“It’s best to know where the end of times will be coming from.”
Tetra frowned just before Luka sucker-punched him in the jaw, sending him to the ground. “You asshole!” Luka cried. Tetra gave a, ‘What did I do?’ look. “Whilsk warned you. Whilsk knew they were coming and you left us anyway. Now she’s gone!”
Tetra attempted to stand but Luka pushed him to the floor. “What are you going to do about it!” It wasn’t a question and more of a demand. When Tetra didn’t answer she repeated herself, “What are you going to do about it!”
Finally, he responded. “Find her.”
“And then what?”
“Bring her back.”
“What if she’s dead?”
It was both Delaney and Tetra who laughed at that. “The Weapons Master dead?” Tetra spoke. “There is no way that could ever happen.”
Luka scoffed. “How can you be so sure.”
A new voice rang from the other side of the hall, one that caused Luka’s insides to squirm. “That’s because Whilsk is the only living creature to wound Tetra so grievously it left a permanent scar upon his face.” The voice wasn’t necessarily deep like his brother, Ultima’s, but it contained a kind of power. He wore a formal suit made of black mythril. Pieces of silver plate-armor was sewn into the shoulders and chest of the suit jacket. He was the first and only Draconian Luka would ever meet who lacked any horns upon his head. A silver circlet sat comfortably upon his brow. His tail was draped over the arm of the chair, it’s large club like spike tapping listlessly against the throne’s crystal exterior. Luka, along with everyone else, turned to find Laon, the King of Dragons, sitting upon his throne, one leg crossed over the other.
