Flashes of steel gleamed in the morning light, the clang of swords against one another rang loud behind the Huntsmen's Hall. Our new training ground completed and having immediate use, veteran, novice and even elder hunters took the time to spare that day. Reveling in the glorious past and the potential future, my father even sat by and watched with great pride as the clashes began. His smile wide as he clapped and cheered for the winner of each bout, raising a cup as each match began.
"Why not give them a taste of your skills Wolfsbane!?" Norin, a young hunter yelled across the hall to me. I found myself chuckling and shaking my head slowly, "No, I want them to learn something and improve not feel the ground upon their asses before they can blink." The hall erupted in laughter, a few others pat my shoulders and gave comments I can not to this day remember. Its like their voices were blurred out, the conversations falling into the background of the winds. Until I heard my name, spoken from the most silken and deadliest tongue one could listen to. "Oh? My husband refusing to show off in front of the recruits? I dare say you are an imposter." Her subtle laugh bringing only a smile to my face as I turned, she stood as strong and as attention demanding as ever. Even as her belly swelled with child, her presence alone stopped most in their tracks as she passed.
"You know as well as I that they would learn nothing from fighting me my love, only how to be planted on the ground." A prideful answer though one not entirely false, the last time I aimed to train all that happened was the novices could barely walk by the end. At the very least if they spar with one another they can learn what best fits their stance and style. "Pff, Bullshit." She claimed rather harshly, stepping forward and taking hold of one of the sword. My eyes widened and I stepped in her path, One of the only time in our lives I would ever argue her words. "Lelienna...Our child...Please do not risk such a thing on prideful boasts." She looked at me and huffed. "If you are not going to teach them, then I will, so either take the blade or step aside." Her tone was sharper than the sword she held, her gaze already stabbing into mine as I sighed heavily and took the weapon from her hands. "Alright, you win my love, just please sit and rest." She nodded firmly and moved to sit albeit leaning in the chair with her feet on the table.
I chuckled and shook my head before turning to the sparring arena, a few of the veteran hunters began to chant as if this were a moment to remember. Towards the end it would be a moment I prayed I could forget. I motioned for two of the novice to enter the circle, they looked at each other and took a steady breath. I spun the blade in hand and lowered slightly as I prepared, they rushed together on either side. Though staggered, only by a couple footsteps but it was more than enough. I slide my leg beneath the first, and used the flat of the blade to bring the others leg up into the air. Both hit the ground hard with steady groans as I walked to the other end of the circle. "This is not a hunt, and I not a beast, I watch your every motions and use the slightest failings against you." A third novice jumped in and helped them to their feet, he nodded to the pair as they all set themselves against me. "Good, never show fear in the face of a great foe. Aiding your fellow huntsman can be the difference between living and dying for both of you. We are brothers, sister, each of us stronger with the next by our side!"
They all lunge for me as one, far better this time, one flanking wider then the other two. Cutting off one direction for me to move, though their stances were still staggered and not planted properly. In a flash of steel I parried one sword into the other, forcing the two in front of me to collide while the third was left with no coverage from the others as they collapsed to the ground. A simple side step and a shoulder to the chest and the third fell, each groaning at this point and holding a different part of their bodies. "Better, though you still are not caring for your steps! They are staggered! Off set! Were this a real fight the three of you would missing a limb or worse!" I could feel my irritation building, though I could not tell you why. They had done nothing truly wrong, their lack of learning pace for some reason...Enraged me..."Ysellian! They are boys...Ease yourself." Helika's voice boomed in the hall as everyone turned to look to him. I took a few steady breaths before nodding once. "Indeed they are, though the lessons should not be adjusted simply because of ones lack in age."
I motioned for them to stand, "Again!" Each looked at the other, a fourth joined the circle as I smirked and gave a nod. "Well now you may have a chance, remember, stance, motion, do not let a past failure rule your future victories." They took a moment to study the arena, moved to spread an even distance away. Not one of them took their eyes off me, they have begun to learn, One feinted...Poorly...Another lunged with a second at their back. The third flanked while the fourth rounded to secure the open side. Far better than before, though still they staggered a proper formation. Immediately I felt myself seethe, again I parried one into the other though this time I could not stop my hand. Slicing my blade across their chest guard, severing it down to their skin, The other I spun and cut his leather tunic from neck to waist, the third and fourth were far worse. A swift spin of my sword and force enough to not only disarm him, but remove a few fingers in the process. The fourth novice, a poor young boy who's days would never be the same. His sword swung above my head as I lowered to the ground, turning and impaling my sword through his leg. I stood quickly and turned to see each of them either howling in pain or crawling back in fear. The silence that overtook the hall was beyond deafening, it made ones ears ring were it not for the flicker of torches.
I lifted my gaze slowly as the anger for their failure subsided, and everyone within the hall was staring at me. A few veterans clutched their bows or blades, watching me as if I were a threat...Me...Their prime. I turned to Lelienna and my father who both stood with equal fear and pain in their eyes. I felt my heart sink in that moment, what have I done, this was not training. I staggered a few steps back and turned to leave, pushing my way past everyone until Helika stood a mountain as ever in my way. "Don't." He said simply, and I could feel the weight of his words. I stood in his shadow as I did when I was young, feeling small and as if I wanted to disappear. "Ysellian..." My fathers voice lifted above the silence, "A moment." He moved to me and Helika, placing a hand on his shoulder and nodding. "I believe, its time." Helika's eyes widened slightly and shook his head. "The time of such was agreed to never happen, this is not something you simply tell someone." Their voices low to one another as the others moved to help the four novice that I nearly killed out of petty irritation.
"And as his father and elder it is my decision to make on if it is time or not, or do you disagree Helika?" I could feel the conflict within the mountain of a man, my teacher and fellow Prime hunter standing at conflict with something I could not see. "Its not that simple, this is something that may very well destroy what has been made." My father sighed softly and nodded once, his gaze off into the mountain side as he stood in silence for a time. "And yet if he does not know, he may very well end up the same way." Without another word my father walked towards his home, my gaze moved to Helika who remained in his own silent conflict. "Damn it Dalyn..." Is all that he spoke before leaving himself, I stood in complete confusion. Looking back at the gathering aiding the four and the two who left me with a cryptic unexplained exchange. I took a deep breath and shook my head, choosing to head home before I could make a larger ass of myself today. Though when I arrived the hearth was not warm even though it was lit, the winds bellowed through the window as if giving a chilling reminder of what I had done.
I sat in silence for hours, thinking of why I could have been so angry with their missteps. They were novices, recruits, new to all of it and by my hand they very well may not lift a sword again. Steps upon the path outside began to come closer, I prepared myself for Lelienna's wrath as I slouched in my chair. The door opened slowly and closed just as soft, her steps grew closer until her hand reached to take my face gently. "My Wolfsbane...Are you alright?" Her voice was soft, calm, though her gaze was agonizing fear. I sighed and leaned into her touch like it was a lifeline for me. "I...Don't know..." I lingered in her touch for as long as I could while gathering my thoughts. "At first I did intend to train them but...As it went on and I continued to watch their missteps, their failures. I don't...Know why but it angered me, beyond anything I had felt before." She pulled me to her chest, my head turned to listen to her heart beat, the rhythm, the thumping beat. It was like a salve to any ill feelings in my very soul, my eyes closed. My arms wrapped around her waist, I don't recall how long I sat their holding her. Only that it was night when I opened my eyes again.
I explained it all to her, the feeling, what it felt like came over me. How the last year had felt as if it were forced, I even told her of the demon's deal. His final offer, as well as his ending threat. She was silent for a time, running her hands through my hair as she often did. Finding comfort in it as well as soothing me in one motion, she moved my hand to her swollen belly before she spoke. "Do you feel him My Love?" A simple question, I nod slowly as her hand rested on mine. "This is our future, -he- is our future. What was done today...Will not be easily forgiven. Though you must stand before them and accept what you have done. Admit to your lack of control and let others decide your fate, you have done a great deal for them. I believe they will be lenient, though to avoid and try to step aside from judgement will only make this worse." Her words both cut and cauterized in the same motion, the thought of others judgement upon me after all I had done was enough to anger. Though to hear it from her and the fact that she is right, made it far easier to hear. Perhaps though she is right, even if they do strip me of title and rank in the village. Perhaps it is for the best, I can step aside and become more for my son that grows in her belly. To be a better man, not some story or legend. One that he can look up to and aim to be better than.
I gripped her hand and nodded once, my eyes closing once again as we lay on our bed. My hand never leaving her belly as I felt sleep take me, though it felt as if I had only blinked before the chill of the morning dew pulled me from a dreamless slumber. Lelienna had barely moved, though she slept still in comfort. I stood slowly and covered her in our fur blanket, stepping out of our door quietly as I looked out upon the morning mist. The town was calm, barely anyone awake and the morning mist adding a perfect contrast to ones peace of mind. This was not simply a village or town, it was home, my home. In my path to make it better and thrive I had lost myself somewhere along the way. Let myself believe the being Prime was all that mattered and that the title alone would carry me and this place to greatness. I remember chuckling to myself and shaking my head as I walked to the town center, sitting on the raised platform where my father would address everyone of changes for celebration or worry. Slowly as the hours passed more and more began to show up, noticing me sitting on the wooden edge. Helika, the other hunters stood to the side, even the ones I had injured arrived in time. Bandaged and tended to which was a small relief to my mind as I stood slowly. I took a few heavy steps toward the center before calling for attention.
"A moment, if I may from you all. I am sure some are curious, others are knowing, though most are simply waiting in anticipation as to what I might say. For this is my fathers place to speak...Not mine...So what purpose do I have here? What could cause such an act that I would dare to take my fathers place to make an announcement of my own." I turn my gaze to Helika and the other hunters, especially those who met my blade. "I had broken a sacred vow I made years ago, when I stood in this town center and made my oath as Prime...I vowed to aid and protect those who call this place home..." The sight of crimson hair blowing in the mountain breeze caught my eye as Lelienna moved through the crowd to listen. Her gaze soft and knowing as her hands rested on her belly. "Yesterday, I failed that vow. To more than one of you, to all of you, Though to my fellow hunters most of all." I turned to them and sighed softly. "Most if not all of you know what had been done, though none know why...It was because I lost myself to petty emotion, allowed my irritation to grow towards novice who knew little of the blade. To the point that I not only injured...I perhaps ruined their life as a hunter for their future..." I stepped off the platform and moved to the gathering of hunters slowly. "This is something unforgivable amongst our brothers and sisters, I have not only wronged but betrayed the trust you all gave to me."
My gaze moved to Helika before I continued, eyes locked to his. "Which is why I hereby surrender my right as Prime Hunter, for I am not worthy of such a title anymore." The crowd gasped and began to whisper to one another, though in this moment all that mattered to me was the judgement of my brothers and sisters. I lowered myself to my knees and bowed my head in front of the four who's lives I threatened. As well as Helika who now stood in complete disbelief. "My life is yours to choose, your judgement mine too accept and your words law." I lifted my arms out to my sides to show complete submission to their judgement, I stare at the ground as the crowd began to erupt with arguments. Though not a single hunter moved or spoke yet, each of them silent and weighing my words as they should. At least the veterans were, most of the novice took a step back as if abstaining from the choice itself. Feeling it were not their place to give such a monumental decision. It felt as if hours had passed before Helika lifted his hand and the crowd grew silent, he took a steady breath before walking behind me out of sight.
"You have admitted to your failings, foregone your title and asked for forgiveness with which you do not deserve." His voice has heavy and commanding, everyone listening with held breath. "This decision is not mine to make." He said simply, motioning towards the four whom I had wrongs. The boys who's lives were nearly taken, they looked to one another. A silent conversation as I knelt in front of them at their mercy, until one stepped forward. The one whom I left my sword buried in his leg. "Your actions...For myself are forgiven." He said softly, then next stepped forward repeating his words. The two others stepped forward and spoke the same, each laying a hand on my shoulder in forgiveness that I did not deserve. I remember feeling the weight of their words on my shoulders, a thing I would find myself reliving for the rest of my life. A feeling that would grow in my nightmares and haunt my every step, though in this moment it was of small relief. I stood slowly and gave them a small nod. "I will forever owe you a debt I cannot repay, for breaking my vow...And for injuring each of you...I do not deserve your forgiveness." Helika's voice boomed above the rest as he moved towards us. "No...You do not...As of today, you are no longer Prime, your are henceforth removed from the Huntsmen's Hall...Until the day your penance is made complete in the eyes and heart of our Goddess...May she find mercy for you in her judgement." His words rang out as the crowd silenced once more, I knew at the time his heart broke. To see his little brother, the prodigy he aided in creating fall so far from where I once stood. Though what was done is done, I gave a final nod to him and the other hunters as I walked back to my home. The crowd parting as I moved, their hands moving to rest upon my shoulder as I passed in comfort. Though all it aided in was adding weight to a growing burden, one that I still to this day have never felt lift.
The door to my home felt heavy as I pushed it open, my boots clattered louder than usual to the ground as I removed them. Even the creaking of the wood beneath my feet sounded as if it were taunting me. Outside I could hear the town begin to return to normal, though as other passed my home I could hear small conversations of what transpired. -The rise and fall of the great Wolfsbane.- I heard one say, as if it were to be a story to be told. The day slowed to a crawl as if time were forcing me to remain in this day of ruin. Lelienna finally returned home, her steps soft as she crawled on the bed next to me with a soft sigh. Adjusting so that her belly was not in discomfort. "Im proud of you Wolfboy..." She said softly, her hand gliding gently along my chest. Resting on the brand over my heart as my arm wrapped slowly around her. "I wish I could say the same for myself, I feel as if I am only a boy again trying to earn my place in the world. Stripped of all but my leg furs and thrown into the cold night to survive..." She took a deep breath and kissed the brand on my chest. "If you wouldn't have done this they would have, in a far more unforgiving way. At the very least this way you can say that you admitted and will atone for your actions on your words...Not theirs." I sighed heavily and shook my head. "How can you stand to even look at me after what I have done...Everything that I was is now gone...All of it..."
I remember the look on her face as I spoke, that look of -your an idiot- she used to give me when I was young and chasing her around the village for her hand. She sat up and placed herself on top of me, straddling my hips as she grabbed my chin and forced my gaze to hers. "I stand to look at you because you are more than a title, Failure or not you have earned everything you have. Wolfsbane, Prime, Reagent defender of our home...My husband...Does all that mean nothing now that you don't have some silly title?" I blink a few times and lift my hand to take hers, my other moving to her belly as I take a steady breath. "No...In truth the only I care more for is being with you. The rest...I strived for because I thought it would get more of your attention. If I were someone then you would be more apt to...See me..." Her face turned to almost one of disgust, punching my chest softly before huffing. "Do you think me that shallow!? That I wanted you for your title and fame!? You think any of that mattered to me when I agreed to your hand? When we lay in this very bed and all I could hope was to bare you a son!?" She huffed and sat back slightly before her hand lifted to lay upon mine on her belly. "I saw you...Because you were all I could see...Everytime you walked by with Helika to go hunt I watched you prepare. Lace your boots...Settle your quiver...Hang your bow on your shoulder...And when you asked my father the first time for my hand I..." She laughed softly and smiled. "The rest you know, but you were not the only one looking at me Ysellian...We chose each other...Not One or the other..."
Her words sank into my chest like a stone in water, my hand lifted to cup her cheek and a smile lifted the corners of my mouth. Tearing away the actions of today as she lowered to rest on my chest. If only for a moment in her condition. "I love you My Wolfsbane..." Her voice was soft, silken, the sweetest of honey as I closed my eyes and melted into the moment. "I love you My Moonlily..."