The Christmas Elf & I - 6. Chapter 6

We finally had the kids in bed. Well, Ariel and Drystan were still out. And that was fine. Lucien had walked me back to my rooms and joined me for some private time in front of the fire. I poured our glass of wine and handed his to him as I sat. We chatted about the evening when I picked up the bottle from under the table between us. Reading the label again. I laughed softly as I turned to Lucien. Handing it to him.

“I’m having a little trouble with the directions. Could you read them and tell me your opinion?” I asked innocently. He gave me raised eyebrows before he took the bottle with interest. I watched as he read it. I knew when he saw the part about, invite a friend to help. His smile and the fact his ears are flushing as he turned to me.

“Do you need help in the shower?” He asked. The lust in his tone answered my own question.

“I believe I do. Do you know where I could find someone to help me?” And his eyes brightened as I saw the white streaks through the gold again.

“I think I could. If that is acceptable to you.”

“Yes indeed. I would find that very acceptable.” I said as I set my glass down and stood, holding out my hand for him. It didn’t take long before we were walking hand in hand to my bathing chambers. Without the bottle of body wash.

* * *

We walked into the breakfast room the next morning. The children, those awake since it was 8 am, noticed the difference as we came in together. Walking side by side, as we had arms around each other's lower backs. Our appearance was different, too. Drystan was eying us carefully, as was Ariel.

“Did I mention? Ariel chose that gift for me.” I asked Lucien, as Ariel blushed.

“I figured as much as the adult presents had more… meaning than usual,” Lucien said to me before continuing to the room in general. “On that note. We will have a family meeting later. Once everyone is awake, to discuss the future.” Lucien said, as my hand slowly worked its way over to rub his stomach. He smirked down at me as Drystan roared out a laugh. Thalion and Iridessa weren’t sure what was going on.

“We’ll discuss it later.” I said to them as we sat to be served breakfast. Giving a wink to Ariel. Which made her blush again.

Anston and Riven practically crawled into the room 30 minutes later. Anston dropping into my lap and cuddled up to go back to sleep. I bounced my legs, and he yawned widely before he looked at me.

“Morning dad.” Then he turned his head to Lucien. “Morning, father.” Before he dropped his head on my shoulder again.

“Eat first. Then we are having a family meeting.” I said. He sat straight up and looked at both of us before he slid off my lap and into a chair.

* * *

Lucien went through the children, asking them if they have any problems with me moving into the family section of the royal house. Also that we will mate at sometime in the future. That had Anston and Riven practically jumping up and down. We still have to deal with the Council, but that is now just a formality. He finished and looked at me. I shrugged, then spoke.

“And that’s the story. Your father is pregnant and we are getting married.” What followed was a rather loud round of laughter and comments as Lucien gave me the Elven stink eye.

“Are either of you pregnant?” Asked Riven. Eyes gleaming with hope.

“No.” Said Lucien. Then he sighed. “Yes. There will be more children at some point. But. Not right now.” I smiled at him and batted my eyes. Which made him laugh as Anston hopped up on my lap again.

“I don’t want to be the youngest anymore.” Anston said as he cuddled on me. That made everyone laugh again. I mussed his hair before I kissed his head.

“We have all the time in the world now. There will be more children, so you can be the big brother.” I whispered into his ear.

Lucien: Magical Realm High Court

The Page entered the meeting chambers and everyone went silent. He looked around at all the Councilors in attendance. Members of the various groups of the Magical Realm of Earth. He waited momentarily to ensure he had everyone's undivided attention before he took a deep breath.

“Councilors of the Magical Realm of Earth. Rise for the High Elf King and King of the Magical Realm. His Royal Highness King Lucien BahrtironId’arqir of Ever North.” The Page finished and bowed towards the King before he exited.

“Good afternoon everyone. It has come to my attention that there is some displeasure surrounding my choice of mating partners.” I said gravely, to show my displeasure.

“You are correct, Majesty. You are the King and as such should have a mate of your own species. Not a human.” Said the Troll King as he eyed everyone in the council chambers. There were a few murmurs of agreement. Not enough to warrant my own distress. What bothered me is the other rumors. That my parents were here.

“And what would it take to persuade you that my love interest is the correct choice for me and the Realm as a whole? Having Lord Richard join us for discussions?” I asked.

“I believe some well-placed questions would show he is not the best candidate for your mate,” said the Troll King in a smug tone. I smiled as I had already expected this and informed Richard. He was busy in New York this morning but had returned minutes ago. I no sooner had that thought and the main doors opened to herald the Page’s entrance. Who looked a little flustered?

“Majesty. The King Father and Queen Mother have arrived and wish to join the council for the deliberations of your new mate.” The Page spoke quickly. I hid the grimace as I nodded my consent, which made the Troll King smile unexpectedly as the murmurs started up again. The page bowed and departed.

Moments later, another Page returned to announce the King Father, Queen Mother and Lord Richard’s arrival. My eyes were on Richard as we all rose for the entrance of my parents. Surprisingly, Richard walked between them as they stepped through the opened double doors and proceeded to the center of the Council Chambers. We bowed to them as Richard bowed to us. The look on his face was pure shock. My eyes glanced around. More than one person was shocked my future mate was walking with my parents.

“Rapshider. I’m sure the disturbance of my retirement is caused by you. Why?” My father spoke as he usually did. The soft commanding tone that could cut diamonds. Hardened eyes locked on the Troll King, who didn’t back down.

“He’s not Elven. He’s human.” He barked out. I watched as mom sneered towards the Troll King. And she was a professional at it. She never had problems putting people in their places with a look.

“So what? Anthony was human, and you all still accepted Lucien as my replacement. What’s different now?”

“We couldn’t stop it before.”

“You can’t stop it now, you confounded oaf. Listen carefully. You can whine and stomp your feet from now to eternity and back. You will not change the feelings of love once they settle into an Elf. And they do love each other. More importantly. My grandchildren love him and there are a few other children around the realm, including your grandchild Kelraz, that like him very much. Have you ever thought why that might be?” It lightened my heart that my parents liked him, too. Else they wouldn’t have come here. Still. Which of the children contacted them to inform them of this? The Troll King took a few minutes to think about that, as he obviously didn’t know that little fact.

“And you know this how, Majesty?” My father snorted.

“Because I asked. My wife and I have spent the past three days doing our own investigation into Richard Ricky Vanderhof. We are thrilled with what we have heard. And do you know what that is?” He waited for an answer and when none was forth coming continued on. “We found out that he is very determined and well educated, in terms of the Realm, as well as very well-liked by those that have taken the time to get to know him. There are several people, some in this Chamber, that believe he would make the perfect choice to sit on the throne with Lucien as he is not only strict when dealing with others, but he is compassionate too. If I understand correctly, you were at the gathering, sneering away, as Lord Richard held Orodreth after having him summoned. Would you have done that?”

“It’s not my job to tend to other children.”

“But it is his? He didn’t have to, but he did anyway to make a child’s day a little better. As far as I am concerned, he should probably be given a seat here, too. A few of you old dinosaurs need to retire out like I did and make room for the younger, less crotchety types. That might actually improve something with new ideas.” He took a sip from a drink a page had provided.

“Now. Back to the question at hand. Richard Ricky Vanderhof is not human. Not completely anyway. And all of you should know that. After several thousand years of our presence on this planet, there have been interspecies matings, and they have happened along his lineage as well.” He said as he turned to his wife.

“As you can see, he looks human, acts human, so he must be human. That would be an incorrect assumption.” Her hands moved, and she whispered some words. Richard smiled as he lifted his hands slightly and they were surrounded by an aura. “As you can see for yourselves. Human is the most prevalent trait, followed by Elf, Troll, Gnome, Dragon, and Dwarf. Interesting how those happen to also be the traits of the children that are drawn to him. And why is that?” She too paused, waiting for comment. “That is because children are drawn by instinct, not preconceived notions taught to them during life. They know, probably not understanding why, he is one of them and is a safe and caring person for them to be around.” The Queen Mother finished.

“That brings us back to the beginning. He isn’t human. A good percentage of the human population on Earth isn’t human, because it’s been mixed with elements of the Magical Realm since we arrived on this planet.” When the King's father finished, the chamber went silent. My mother nodded to Richard, and he spoke.

Richard

I turned to make sure I eyed each and every member of the Council and had their full attention before I spoke.

“Lucien and I have been together in one form or another for over a year in human terms. I love him and he loves me. I love his children, and they love me. We will mate on our schedule. Not yours.” There was an uproar of pandemonium that made the King Father sneer as he waved a hand, and it stopped. Much to the astonished faces of the Councilors. His magic still worked in these chambers. Not bound by the Wards. He nodded to me to continue. “I have read the various rules and neither of us needs the approval of the Council, or anyone else, for that matter. As I said. We will mate on our schedule. It would be nice if you approved of me, but I am not overly concerned if you do not. My future path is already set. With or without your support.”

I finished and bowed to the assembly, then the King, before I turned and bowed to the Queen Mother and King Father, who in turn bowed back to me. I could see the steel glint in the King Father’s eyes as he motioned for his wife and me to leave. To remain standing there until the doors closed behind us. Even from beyond the door, I could hear his blustering voice as he cowed the Councilors in a way only the King of the past millennium could do. Admonishing them for even thinking of getting involved in the King’s relationship. When he was finished, he stormed out and I could see my future mate trying so very hard not to laugh. Blowing him a kiss as the doors closed before I turned and escorted his parents to the family suite.

“That should solve the problems my grandchildren were complaining to me about,” said the King's father as he patted my back while we walked.

“I thank your Majesty’s for your assistance in this matter.” I said.

It wasn’t long before Anston and Riven appeared, as I expected. There were hugs all around. They both were at my sides as we entered the residence proper and found all the other children waiting as well. The grandparents were holding court as Michael snuck in to converse with me on the subject. An hour later, I felt the tug of my pendant and the call in my mind. To return. The Queen Mother gave me a lopsided knowing grin that now told me where Lucien got it from. I stood, informing everyone I had been recalled before I turned and left.

It took me five minutes to return to the Council Chambers, where the Pages waited with bated breath. Upon seeing me, one came forward and bowed to me.

“Lord Richard. The Council wishes to speak with you.” I nodded as the Queen Mother had told me to expect this. Another Page pushed open the door and stepped in to announce me as I followed. Standing in the center of the Chamber I bowed to the King before I spoke.

“You have summoned me, your Majesty?” I asked.

“I did. It appears that my parents have been busy the past few days. The Council has decided to ask you a question.” He said with eyes that were full of mischief as he spoke. I gave him a dip of my head and turned to eye the council. Alrik and Ordon smiled at me suspiciously. I was still learning the facial expressions of the various creatures of the Realm. When I settled on the King again, he saw my look and laughed before he silenced it.

“The Council has decided that you are to be the Human seated member of this Council to further the understanding of Humans among the members of the Realm.” Lucien said slowly as he let me digest that. I almost suppressed the sigh that escaped my lips… almost. It was another moment when I wished he wouldn’t pull me into the politics and extra work this would entail.

“On top of my other duties guiding the Elven-Human dating service?” I asked, causing a low rumble of chuckles around the Chamber. His head tilted at me. No doubt hoping I would treat this with the formality it deserves.

“Yes. On top of your other duties as my future mate, parental figure to the children, guide to the Elf and Humans dating. Now we want you to expand to guide the entire Realm.” I felt all eyes on me as I thought it over.

“You are lucky I like you so much, or I might get mad at being railroaded again.” I said softly as my eyes locked with his. He tinged slightly. Those ears just screaming to be stroked with my fingers. I sighed internally this time. “Fine. I’ll choose my own staff.” I said with a finality that this discussion was over.

“Of course… Your Majesty,” Lucien said to me, not entirely in jest as the others laughed softly. I bowed to him before I made my way to the seat by his side. Upon reaching it, I wrapped him in my arms. My lips crashed against his in a passionate kiss that caused the glow to happen again. Before I took my seat and gazed around the Chamber. Some counselors had scandalized looks, while others watched with smiling faces as they knew us.

“You should get used to that. There are times my mate to be deserves to be kissed by me and I will.” I said as I settled into my seat. “Now. What else is on the schedule for today?” I asked innocently as Lucien laughed next to me.

Lucien

There was not much to say after my parents left the Chamber. They had done their investigation and planted the seeds for what my father had said. In the end, whether I should mate with Richard or not was off the table. Permanently, and the issue of Richard rising to the position of a High Councilor came to the forefront. It wasn’t as near a vote as I had thought it might be. Again, my parents were at work behind the scenes. Apparently, a few councilors had grandchildren that had spoken on Richard's behalf. He garnered 9 of 13 votes. Majority rules and he is now part of the High Council. There were hints about the mating ceremony after he seated himself. He quickly slammed the door on the thought that anybody but us would be planning that. I don’t think he minds having the entire Realm be able to watch the ceremony, but he doesn’t want them there. I can understand. The actual guest list will be in the neighborhood of 400 people it looks like. We have time for those decisions. As Richard said. We are in no hurry. We have a lifetime together now. That saddened me and him as he realized what he said. He would most likely die before I do and then. I’m right back to being alone. Richard’s hand stroked my face, causing me to look up at him. His lips touched mine in a gentle, passionate kiss that he wanted to share with me. Telling me he was sorry for saying that. Deep down, I know what will happen. I just hope it will be later rather than sooner. Shaking off the thoughts as I pulled Richard tight to me. Lips touching his neck. The side of his face. The tip of his nose before they met his again. I released the magic and let the glow envelop us.

* * *

By summer, I noticed a change in one of the kids. Richard noticed too. Spending less time around the residence. Seeming in deep thought for no apparent reason. It was just a matter of time before it happened. Thalion has started dating. What caught me off guard was who he was talking with. Which I found out because he spoke with Richard. Not me. At first, I was upset that Richard had taken my place as his parental figure until my fiancée explained it to me. Thalion is smitten with a human. I have mixed feelings about that. Which surfaced again with Richard. We had talked about it and realized that whatever happens is going to happen, regardless of how we feel about it. It turned out that he was right. I just am not sure I want Thalion to experience the pain I have, but Richard reminded me there was the love that went with it.

Then there was the staff that Richard had assembled. There were rumblings about that behind closed doors. Apparently there was a… interesting mix from the various other members of the councilor’s people that were chosen to be on his staff. It wasn’t completely Elven. When I questioned him about it, he just said. You asked me to do a job throughout the Realm and I need people from throughout the Realm to do it. And that was the end of that discussion. He was going to do things his way, and that was it. If feathers, scales, or anything else got ruffled along the way, he’ll deal with it. As he deals with everything that has been dropped on him. With, sometimes terrifying, efficiency. Terrifying as Yavanna says, he has a way of bringing his full royal bearing to the forefront. Elves and Humans alike do his bidding. Never raising his voice, just changing the tone of voice and body.

Richard

I was working in my offices when Thalion came skidding into my office. Face flushed and panting harshly.

“What is wrong, kiddo?” I asked as I sat back and he dropped onto my lap. He took a minute to catch his breath.

“I can’t contact Carlos. He reached out to me, but only managed to partially say my name. I haven’t been able to reach out to him.” He said almost hysterically.

“Slow down and start at the beginning.” I said as I motioned out my door to Yavanna. I wrote a note on my pad. Tearing it off and handing to Yavi. Her eyes opened in shock before she nodded and left the room.

By the point Thalion had finished his story, one of my Royal Guards had entered. His eyes met mine, and he gave me a slight dip of his head as he raised one hand that had a duffel bag in it. My duffel bag. I returned the nod as I questioned Thalion. It took me twenty minutes before I had enough of the story.

“OK. You. Need to return to the family quarters and stay there.”

“But.”

“No buts. You stay in the castle. In the family quarters. I will take care of it.”

“You’re not magic.” He said, regretting it immediately after the words left his mouth, but I ignored him.

“And you don’t know New York City or humanity. Not like I do. Besides. I’m taking my own team and that includes a few of the Royal Guard.” I pulled him tight in my arms. Kissing the top of his head. “I’ll take care of it, my son. You stay here.” His grip on me tightened even more as I heard the mumble.

“Love you too, Dad.” I patted his back, and he stood as I asked one of my Royal Guards to escort him back to the family quarters as I went to change.

Lucien

High Council Chambers

There was a sudden flurry of staff activity as messages came into the Chambers. Which had me raise my head in concern. I looked at Ordon and then at Alrik. The dragon’s lips turn up in a very predatory grin before Alrik laughed. There were more reactions as the Troll King Rapshider had a very thoughtful look for a troll.

“Majesty. You do not know what your soon to be mate has just done?” Rapshider asked. Voice full of mischief. The entire chamber of Councilors and staff turned their eyes on me. Richard doesn’t join us all the time, but sends a proxy. Who switched to another Elf minutes ago? I turned to them.

“Proxy Murza. Where is Councilor Richard?” I asked.

“He has activated the Tactical Assemble Call.” He said. I glanced around the room and noticed several people nodded as they gave orders to staff.

“And that means what, Proxy Murza?” Who shrugged.

“I do not know, your Majesty. I am part of the administration team.” He said. I was going to ask another question when Alrik cleared his throat.

“Majesty. I think you should know that when your Richard chose his staff, he also made some specific requests from each group of people in the Realm. Specifically, to equip a small reaction force to enter the human world.” Said Alric, Prince of Dwarves. I couldn’t believe my ears. Richard has created a military force?

“Yes, Majesty. Your Richard asked for many things and many different members of our society. Two of the Fairy’s. Sundew and Nightshade have received the call to assemble 20 minutes ago. They were told to be prepared for an incursion into the human world.” Replied the Fairy representative.

“Tozan and Kylryss were called from the Dragons. Show of hands. Who else had people called to assemble?” asked King Ordon of the Dragons. Three hands went up from the Dwarf, Troll and Gnome Councilors.

“Your Lord Richard is going to the human world, and he is hunting for something. What or who is it and why? Is the question.” Said Rapshider the Troll King. I sat back just as a magical message flare popped in front of me. Only I or Richard’s Guard could do that. All eyes locked on me as I tapped the flare and the message appeared in the air in front of me.

Lucien,

I’m taking a team into the Human World to check on Carlos. Thalion is in the family quarters. I told him not to leave it. Stay in the meeting. I’ll be home soon.

Love,

Richard

Three hours later, I returned to the family wing of the castle. Thalion was being babysat by one of Richard's guards to make sure he stayed in the castle. I gave myself an internal pat on the back for choosing a boyfriend that would understand my children. Upon seeing me, Thalion rocketed into my arms, speaking so fast that I had to stop him and make him start from the beginning. He told me everything that had happened, including going to Richard as he was in the home office, as he liked to call it. Again, there was that feeling of unhappiness that he went to Richard and not me, but I quickly realized that would have been the better choice, as Richard had said. He knows the Human World in ways we do not. Besides. He didn’t go alone. The house was in an uproar as we ate dinner. Drystan wanted to follow after Richard, but I put my foot down. Using the same reasoning that Richard did. That appeared to calm them somewhat, at least until the staff came and interrupted me.

“Majesty. Lord Richard has requested you and Thalion meet his team at the Plaza Healers Hall.” That had Thalion on his feet before I could even respond.

“Stop.” Was all I said and Thalion froze at my tone. “You will calm yourself, Thalion. Richard has an entire team and is probably using the Plaza Healers Hall so he can use a large portal in the Plaza itself.” I said as I looked at the staffer.

“Possibly correct, Majesty. Royal Guards are moving to secure the area around the entrance to the Hall and a portion of the Plaza. Portal Specialists have also been summoned.” I nodded to myself. That would be what I would do if I wanted to anchor the Portal to this side after it opens from the other side instead of using the power of the Mage on that side. I smiled internally, Human’s, for all their insecurities are adaptive if given time. Richard has obviously taken the time to adapt to our strengths and weaknesses.

“Very well then. Thalion, let’s go see what Richard wants from us.”

Richard

It took us hours to find Carlos. The magic of his pendant was the only beacon we had to work with, and its range was limited when not in active use. Trolls are very good trackers, and I had one of the best with me. It may have taken us hours to pin down the location, but it took time to assess the situation. That was where my Fairies came in. Their ability to sneak around and map our target area is unmatched. It benefited us that there were thunderstorms today. Something that I was going to use to great effect when I clear this drug den. The feral smile I produced as I explained what I wanted to do garnered many a snicker from the magical creatures I had with me. It didn’t take long to get to Carlos once I had given the command. We had removed all the occupants of the building and were preparing to open a gate to step back, directly to Ever North and the Healers Hall. Our own Healer has stabilized Carlos and readied him for transport. I stood over the 7 individuals we removed from the premises. Kicking one in the foot to ensure I have his attention.

“Mani. Let’s speak a few final words before I leave you. Don’t bother with Carlos again or any of the other three I am taking with me.” I spoke in a low, commanding tone that lacked any form of compassion. Because I didn’t have any for people that used other people. Sometimes against their will. I waited until he nodded. “Very good Mani. Don’t cross paths with me again. Goodbye.” I said and turned away.

“Open the portal. Have the Portal Specialist at the other side anchor it.” I said as I raised my Mythril Staff and waved it before pointing to the building. With the sound of a muffled roar of a dragon, lightning streaked out of the clouds to hit the building in multiple places. Setting it on fire. I stood and watched as the great booms of thunder washed over us while the gate opened. I heard my orders being followed as the Portal was anchored on the other side before they turned to me.

“Move Carlos and the other three directly to the Healers.” I said, then pointed to one of my Guards. “Grab a few of the Royal Guards in the Plaza to monitor our new guests. Tell the King and Thalion not to interact with any of them until they talk to me.”