Warriors in love

A big round of applause and a very big thank you to my wonderful, talented and ever patient beta: Vittani.
Girl, you are number 1 in my book.

Everything Changes

It was an hour before the Rituals would be done, when the Mairn became dark.
A sense of foreboding settled over the elves in FeyholdMairn.
They had no idea what was happening, but it didn’t feel natural.
After a few moments a very high pitched sound descended upon the Mairn and it was accompanied by twelve flashes of iridescent light, which were quite noticeable in the darkened Mairn.
Before anyone could react there were standing six male and six female elves, looking back at the gathered elves around them.
They were all dressed in traditional Bonding attire.
Six of them in golden and brown colours, others in ice blue and silver.
The black haired men were wearing their hair tied back and held in place with a golden clasp, the blonde haired men the same but with a platinum clasp and the women wearing their hair braided in intricate patterns down their backs.
Their clothes seemed to be made of the finest wool and silk and all of them wore soft leather boots.
Not one female wore a dress, as the Elvin race were a warrior race and it did not do to wear clothing that would restrict movement, or belie their origin.
To hide ones ancestry was the greatest offense amongst elves.
They were a proud race and it showed.
There was something off about the twelve arrivals though, as they seemed to be a bit transparent.
There were other differences too, like their height.
Although the kings were the tallest elves around, next to these elves they looked smallish.
Gabriël looked at them and noticed something else very strange…three males and females had the same jet black hair and dark eyes like the king of White Elm, where as the others looked like duplicates of his own king. Who were these elves and what were they doing here?

Lucius came to his senses, when he remembered what the huntress had told him.
Bending down on one knee and bowing low in an ultimate show of respect, he welcomed the strangers in the ‘Old Language’ of the Elvin race.
“Bereth’o, Tûr, lîn maethorea lye’n. Yassen gothea megril lye that atost. A lîn ataremma oio daed. Mae govannen”
Gabriël looked up sharply, after he had translated the phrase in his head.
The blonde king had said; “Queens, Masters, your warriors we are. With enemies we will cross swords. In your presence ever shadowed. Well met.”
There was only one occasion, where such an extensive greeting was needed… when meeting The Founders face to face.
Gabriël was in awe and sank to his knee, as did every other person inside of the Realm.
The Realm rustled her leaves and light filtered through the canopy once more.
One of the Founders came forwards and told them to stand up.
“We thank you all for your heartfelt welcome. There is no need to speak the Old Language, for we are amongst friends. Feel free to speak with us. You may address us by our ‘mortal’ names, which, as you should know, are similar to the twelve months of the year. I am archer Narvinye or January, whichever one you prefer to use” the Founder said.
He gestured to the other Founders and continued “This beautiful lady is huntress Nenime or February. That strong warrior over there is Sulime or March, next to him stand healer Queen Viresse or April, swords master Lotesse or May and spell caster Cermie or July…”
His eyes grew a bit warmer while he walked over to the next Founder, “my Queen Seer Narie or June as you may know her” he spoke softly as he kissed her hand.
Another Founder spoke up, introducing himself as Archmage Urime or August.
He also introduced the last of the Founders, the druid prankster Yavanni, diplomat Narquelli, confidant Hisime and Ringare, the Founder with the healing voice.
January and February were dark haired, March and April were blondes, the next two months were dark haired again and so on, each complimenting the other, as the even months were female and the odd months were male.
Ringare motioned for everyone to follow her and said it was almost time for the Bonding to take place and that it would not do for them to make the couples wait, earning herself a round of laughter and the breaking of the ice between all of the Founders and their people.

***************************

Harry felt a presence behind him and turned his head around to see an ethereal being looking back at him with an intense gaze in his eyes.
“I am here to bestow a gift upon you, young one. There is something on your mind, however, and it needs to be addressed first” the dark haired being said, his voice sounding concerned.
Harry nodded his head in acknowledgement to the statement.
“I have been thinking of Malae. She told me I could make a wish, but I do not wish for anything. I have all I will ever need and Malae should be getting this wish, not me” Harry said softly.
The being walked around Harry and took a seat in front of the young prince.
“My name is Cermie, more commonly known as July. I know why you think of your Watcher. She is the last of her kind. And though she is still young for a dragon, she will eventually die. That is your concern, is it not?” Cermie asked.
Harry chuckled and said “You sound a lot like my father” when he saw the confused look on Cermie’s face and the Founder found himself hard pressed not to laugh also.
“No wonder, as your father is one of my descendants” Cermie answered lightly.
Harry’s brows shot up to his hairline in surprise.
“That means you are…you are a…Oh bollocks…oops, sorry” Harry said, blushing profusely.
At this Cermie did laugh out loud and answered amusedly that it was quite alright.
Turning serious again, Cermie asked what Harry would wish for, if he looked deep into his heart.
Without hesitation Harry answered that he would wish for a male companion for Malae.
At this Cermie smiled proudly at the dark haired man in front of him and said to Harry that he should make that wish come true then.
Harry asked if that was even possible, for Malae was the one granting the wish, would that not be like asking something for herself, was it acceptable.
Cermie nodded his head and said that such a wish would be granted, because it was made by someone else, not by the dragon herself.
Harry’s heart felt light, when he heard the Founder’s words.
He still had thirty minutes, before the Bonding started and he would make good use of them.
“Malae…can you hear me?” Harry sent to the dragon and in an instant she appeared inside the site.
“Young Prince, are you alright?” the white dragon rumbled worriedly.
Harry beamed at her and said he was ready to make his wish.
“Very well. Ask and your wish will be granted” she said.
“Malae, I wish for a suitable male dragon companion for you” Harry said in a clear voice.
The dragon looked shocked…this could not be true, could it?
“My Prince…are you sure?” she asked hesitantly.
Before Harry could answer, there was a crack like thunder and a mighty roar was heard.
Malae’s head whipped up longingly towards the direction where the roar had come.
“Go, Wise One. Be happy. You were not meant to be the last” Cermie said softly.
Malae looked at Harry with gratitude, and the prince told her to go and have a look at her mate.
With one mighty movement from her wings she soared upwards towards the skies, to let out a triumphant answering roar.
Harry followed her with his viridian eyes and that was when he saw the other dragon.
The male was bigger than Malae was, but just as beautiful.
White scales were reflecting the sunlight, and the creature held its head up proudly.
He would make Malae very happy, Harry was sure of it.
“Harry, I think it is time you receive your own gift. As you gave our Watcher her long desired wish, I ask you what you would like to receive”
Harry didn’t have to think about that at all.
“I know I am going to change through the Bonding. Can you make sure I do not turn into a female version of myself. I don’t care if I revert to my former self, but I really don’t want to look like a girl” he answered in a tight voice.
“My prince, that is a given. You are not meant to become effeminate. You are still the prince of your Realm and destined to become king. Isn’t there something else you want?”
Harry shook his head, he really couldn’t think of anything else.
“Let’s make a deal. If you happen to come across something you do want, then come back to FeyholdMairn and call for me. Is that acceptable?”
Harry sighed, he didn’t want anything, but nodded his head anyway.
After that Cermie said goodbye to the groom and left the site.
There were some things to discuss with the other Founders.

Meanwhile at Severus’ site

“Aran Zarath, mae govannen” a dark haired elf spoke softly.
Severus almost jumped out of his skin, for he had not heard anyone enter his site.
Instantly he knew there was something wrong with this situation.
It wasn’t only in the greeting, but also in the elf he was looking at.
”Lle Yaaraer?” he asked cautiously.
The elf laughed softly and answered; “It depends on what your definition of ‘Ancient One’ is”
“I’d rather hear you call me Narvinye, or January if you so desire”
“I apologise for my appalling manners, Narvinye. I was a bit surprised to see you” Severus conceded.
“No need for apologies, King Zarath. It is understandable after all” Narvinye answered.
“I am quite pleased with your decision to get bonded again. You have been alone too long”
Severus bowed his head, he still felt a bit like he was cheating on Lily’s memory.
Narvinye knew what the king was feeling and clucked his tongue.
“No Zarath, you are not being unfaithful. You need to go on with your life” the words were spoken softly, but Severus heard them nonetheless.
“I am here to gift you with something. In my opinion this gift is needed and it will be for the better” Narvinye said and pointed his finger towards the ground.
The spot where the Founder had pointed to seemed to shimmer and Lily’s ghost appeared.
Severus, look at me. I have not much time. Mela en’ coiamin, lle a voronwer.
Yallume taana tampa rima. Re naa menle nauva. Tenna’ ento lye omenta. Amin mella lle.she looked at him lovingly, blew a hand kiss and disappeared.
Severus sobbed while he heard her say the words; “Love of my life, you are loyal. At last it is time to stop running. She is your path. Till we next meet. I love you”
Drying his eyes Severus decided that Lily was right, it was time to go on with his life and he was grateful for this last moment, it gave him much needed closure.
He thanked Narvinye for the gift and said he understood now, that he would enter this Bond with a lighter heart and clear conscience.
Narvinye knew then, that he had done the right thing for the king and took his leave.

at the same time over at Draco’s site

“I know you are there…show yourself” Draco drawled lazily and was subsequently shocked into a stupor, when he saw an almost transparent elf walking up to him.
What in the blazes… ”Relax, young prince. I am not here to harm you. My name is Hisime and I am one of the Founders. I have come here to congratulate you on breaking the Curse”
Breaking the curse? What curse? Draco was confused, to say the least.
Seeing the look on the blonde’s face, Hisime explained that Draco had broken the curse of the two princes in earlier times, by not following in the footsteps of the Dominant that had run so cowardly from his mate, when the sub had been in danger.
Draco snorted at that and muttered that he wouldn’t be worth being called a warrior, if he left his mate at the first sign of trouble.
Hisime was proud when he heard the prince mumble those words.
“For that I will give you a present. Is there anything you would like?” Hisime asked.
Draco looked pensive for a moment, then shook his head.
“I have all I will ever need in this world, when I’m bonded to my Harry” he answered sincerely.
Hisime nodded and said he would grant a wish at a later date.
He turned towards Eve and his demeanor changed almost instantly.
“Elder, you are to be bonded with the king of the White Elm Realm…you do realize what you are getting yourself into, do you not?” he couldn’t entirely withhold the icy tone in his voice.
Eve was on guard right away and answered in a tight voice; “If you are referring to the role of Mother, I can tell you now I will not take on that responsibility. If you have not noticed, the real Mother is still alive. I will not challenge her”
Draco listened to the conversation and was even more confused.
Severus was alone, Lily had died, so who was the Mother in that Realm then?
Was there a relative of his godfather that had survived, without anyone knowing?
He turned his attention to the conversation again and saw Hisime make a few fast gestures with his hands and Eve’s response to the gestures.
“You do realize it is quite rude to have a conversation and ignore the groom, right?” Draco drawled.
Hisime and Eve looked at him startled and extended their apologies to the blonde prince.
Draco chuckled and turned towards his assistant who was polishing his nails.
“Braéll? What do you think? Should I let them off the hook?” he stage whispered at the Elder mischievously.
She looked pensive at the Founder and Elder, turned her head towards Draco to wink at him and answered; “My prince, I think a ‘punishment’ is in order here”
Draco nodded his head serenely at her and flicked his wrist slightly.
Eve and Hisime were instantly picked up and dropped in the spring, leaving Draco and Braéll guffawing, when they saw the shocked faces resurfacing dripping with weed and water.
Eve wanted to give an angry retort, that this was no way to treat a Founder and an Elder, but held her tongue when she heard Hisime roar with laughter right next to her.
It was not as if they were still in the middle of the Ritual, they were just grooming and a drying spell was cast easily enough, the oils would hold anyway.
She laughed herself, when she took a look at the Founder and saw his less then unblemished attire.
Draco spelled them both dry and clean and Hisime, still chuckling, took his leave.
He was dying to share this with the others.


still at the same time, now at Poppy’s site

“Poppy? May I speak with you for a moment?” a soft melodic voice asked.
Poppy looked up and saw a beautiful elf, with long blonde hair standing beside her.
Nodding in acquiescence, Poppy looked on as the elf sat in front of her.
“I want to thank you, Poppy, for looking after our king and princes. I know they have not been the easiest people to take care of, but in their heart of hearts they do love you. For that I will grant you one wish. Think carefully of what you want to ask for, once granted it can’t be reversed” the elf said softly to the medi-witch.
Poppy didn’t want to think of a wish at that moment, but she had a few questions and said as much.
Poppy wanted to know if Shanya, the elf assisting her in the Bathing ritual, had been right.
The blonde elf nodded, smiling knowingly.
Poppy was at first startled at the admission, but soon started to fire of her questions.
Where did she come from, how had she not known, who were her parents, did she have relatives, to which Realm did she belong, where was that Realm, why did she not act like an elf, why did she not look like one, was there anything she needed to know before she went out there, was she in danger…on and on she went.
“Poppy…POPPY…please, you are giving me a headache. I will show you. It will take but a few moments, as I don’t need to merge with your mind. I copy the knowledge into your mind and the answers will all be available to you” the elf laughed softly.
Laying a hand on top of Poppy’s head, she copied the information, but left certain things alone.
Poppy did not need to know how her parents were killed.
The medi-witch was startled at all the information she received.
She was, for all intents and purposes, an elf, but not just any elf.
She was, what was referred to as, the Mother of the White Elm Realm.
Understanding dawned on her, when she found out that she was Severus’ aunt, on his father’s side.
That was why she always had a soft spot for the dour Potions Master of Hogwarts, they were related.
It made sense to her that she always was the best with healing spells, while attending Hogwarts.
Finding out that her real parents had lived in the Realm, but had put her in a wizarding family was quite a shock to her.
There was no information about how her parents were killed, but Poppy assumed they had died in the war and it made her feel sad.
Poppy had loved the family she was raised in, but there had always been a kind of void in her heart.
That void was now being filled with love for and understanding of the Elvin population and for the first time ever, Poppy felt whole.
Her breath hitched in her throat when she stumbled on a piece of knowledge about her appearance.
There were many spells that had been cast on her, to prevent her real appearance from showing, when she turned seventeen years of age.
Poppy wondered what she really looked like, but it had to wait until a more opportune time.
Today she was getting ready to attend the Bonding of her three most favorite charges.
The unknown elf was ready to leave, but Poppy stopped her.
“I don’t have a wish, but can you tell me your name?” Poppy asked.
The elf nodded her head and said;”My name is Viresse and you, my dear, are one of my descendants. I want you to know that your parents are very proud of what and who you have become. They were great Healers themselves and are glad that part of your Elvin traits were saved”
At hearing those words Poppy shed a few tears, but soon pulled herself together.
Today was not a day for sorrow…it was a day for celebration.
She thanked Viresse and the Founder left with a sense of accomplishment.

**************************

With only five minutes left, the Founders set up barriers to divide Dominants and subs.
There would be no fighting today and the ceremony was too important, not to go smoothly.
Cermie, Narvinye, Hisime and Viresse told the others how their meetings had gone.
It was Narquelli that told Viresse that it would be a good thing to break the spells on Poppy.
If she was to know, now was the best time, while surrounded by her own people.
Humans would possibly react very hostile towards her and there were till a lot of things Poppy had to learn about being an elf.
Viresse admitted it had been her initial plan, but that Poppy had not asked for it.
The other Founders all agreed on breaking the spells, it would be for the best.
Yavanni, always the prankster, said it would be wonderful to break them just before the ceremony started and was surprised to find Hisime in his corner this time.
Hisime was always so stuck on rules, but after his replay of the happenings inside Draco’s site, they all admitted it would be a good idea.
It was the ever gentle Narie that pointed out, that there were certain things to be considered.
Poppy was king Zarath’s witness and it might become a bit hazardous to break the spells in front of a big gathering of Dominants and the strongest one being next to her.
Yavanni had given it some thought already and said it was merely a matter of timing.
Once king Zarath started his Vows, there was no turning back and Poppy would not be in any danger from him and the other Dominants were behind the unbreakable barriers.
The other Founders had to admit it was the best option.

The bride and grooms were finished with their Rituals and emerged from their bathing sites.
They did not see each other, until the last moment, those were the rules.
The assisting Elders placed blindfolds on the four and led them to the clearing in the middle of the Mairn, where the Founders stood waiting.
The Founders were going to lead the ceremony, but none of the Bonded-to-be knew about that.
Soft music played, when the blindfolds were taken off and the two happy couples were totally confused at seeing the twelve Founders in front of them.
Was there something wrong?
Before either of them could voice their questions, Lotesse spoke up for the first time since the Founders had arrived.
His strong deep melodious voice carried over the assembled group.
“Vee’er lye tessa, vee’er lye aman.
Mela en ten’oio, sina lye vesta.
Poldora, amele e rangwa lle khilo.
Mani quena lle, lle lavae?”

The four listened to the wonderful voice, of the Founder in front of them which was soon accompanied by the voices of the other Founders:
“As one we stand, as one we bind.
Love is forever, this we pledge.
Strength, compassion and understanding you share.
What say you, do you accept?

The entire group of assembled elves held their breath…this was it.
This was the point where everything could go sour in an instant.
The Dominants behind the barrier started to send their strongest thrums towards Harry, but the barrier was too powerful to break and their efforts were pointless at first.
That was until Poppy stood next to the king of White Elm and her spells were broken to reveal a very regal looking female elf and a very strong one at that.
Her scent sent the Dominants into a state of frenzy, even if it had been toned down, while they tried everything to break the barriers.
They were trying to get to either Harry or Poppy and the barriers started to crack under the onslaught of thrums being sent its way.
The Founders looked at the four elves in front of them and it was Ringare that urged them on, to finalize their vows.
Severus was having a hard time controlling himself, as his son stood only a foot away and another powerful sub stood next to him, as his witness.
He rasped out, together with the other three, ”Uma, yassen naur, alu, sul, kemen e corm. Amin lava”
Severus knew he had pledged himself to Eve, when he had answered; ”Yes, with fire, water, wind, earth and heart. I yield”, but he didn’t feel different and looked at the Founders to see their reaction to the situation.
They seemed to be waiting for something and then he felt it…a slight tingling on his skin.
Severus glowed for a moment as his Vow took hold.
He noticed the difference right away, he could feel Eve intimately in his mind, as if she had always been there and he felt relaxed now.
He turned to look at his mate and saw her love for him shine in her eyes and he knew he had the same look in his eyes, only meant for her.
He kissed her softly and almost lost himself in the emotion, when he heard Harry cry out.
At the same time that Harry cried out, the magical barrier broke and all the Dominants came running towards them at high speed, shit…not this again, Severus thought.
Gabriël was the first to reach them, though.
He wrapped his arms around Poppy and shimmered away with her, leaving the rest to fend for themselves.
He could only save one at a time and this one was his for the saving, repercussions be damned.
Malae came flying into the Mairn with her mate right after her and shielded Harry from getting attacked, while he was going through his Cala’quessir stage.
Harry would not be able to defend himself, before his change was completed and Draco looked as if he was too dazed to do anything himself, either.
The blonde was surrounded by a strange pulsing blue light and went through a similar change as Harry, although it wasn’t a ‘normal’ occurrence.
It was usually the sub that went through the Cala’quessir stage, as the Dominant had already reached his final stage, when going through the Peredhil stage.
Harry was encompassed by a pulsing orange light and his light slowly merged with Draco’s.
Both princes opened their eyes and the strangest thing happened.
Their eyes were pulsing with the merged light surrounding them and a third colour mixed in.
It seemed their unborn child was happy with the joining and gave her blessing to the two mates.
Draco’s hair grew longer, well beneath his upper legs and turned snow white, with two streaks of jet black running through it on either side of his face.
Harry went through the same change, his hair just as long as Draco’s, jet black with two snow white streaks running alongside his own face.
Both princes grew taller, as tall as their fathers and filled out a bit.
Their musculature build more pronounced and well defined.
They were creatures of beauty and elegance, beyond what the elves had ever seen.
This was their true gift from the Founders, for the Ancient ones were proud of them.
Draco felt a change inside his heart too…a deeper understanding of the people around him.
Feelings were clearer, emotions more understandable.
Harry was having a different ‘change of heart’, as he came to understand the way people would and could manipulate, or hurt others for their own profit.
Both princes were still the same men, they were before, but a bit more enhanced.
The pulsing light receded from around and within them, then the changes were complete.
“Gods…Harry, you are beautiful” Draco choked out.
Harry thought the same applied to Draco and kissed his mate soundly, forgetting everything that was happening around them.
The clearing of a throat brought the two princes back to the here and now and they found twelve very amused looking Founders standing in front of them.
“Erm…well, sorry about that” Harry said sheepishly
“Well, I’m not” Draco said grinning wickedly as his mate blushed a bright red.
Sulime looked at the two men in front of them and nodded.
He was pleased with the results of the blessing they all had given to the princes.
“You need to end your Vows, by exchanging your names. Otherwise the Dominants will not accept your Bonding and this situation will get out of hand” Sulime said seriously.
As ‘The Warrior’, he was more receptive to the danger that was coming from the Dominants, although they were being held back at the moment by the two dragons.
Harry nodded his head and stood in front of Draco, holding out his right hand in an offering gesture.
“I, Prince Talynd, heir of the Realm of White Elm, offer my heart, my soul and my spirit to thee. What say thee, will thee accept?” Harry spoke in his clear, deep and melodic voice.
Draco looked at his mate, made the same gesture as Harry had and spoke just as clearly;
“I, Prince Yuraish, heir of the Realm of Blue Oak accept you and offer my heart, my soul and my spirit to thee. What say thee, will thee accept?”
Harry grabbed Draco’s hand and his answer came without hesitation; “Yes, I accept you” as he fell into Draco’s waiting arms.
A round of cheers erupted around them and the strong undercurrent of tension dissipated in an instant and the Dominants and subs could mingle freely, as the Founders had spelled the scents away and a great celebration commenced.
Severus and Eve had spoken their Vows earlier in private and had accepted each other in a matter of seconds.
Leaving his son with only a little message to enjoy the celebration of their Bonding and to wish him luck, he left to enjoy his own private celebration behind closed doors.
Severus shimmered away with his new mate and brought her to his own Realm to make good on his promise of showing her what exactly he had meant, when he told her their first kiss had been ‘nothing’ in comparison to what he was able to do.