Aelfheim – page 13
by AndyOH! from on (#422R2)
The cat strode up to Hans as well. He held a hand up weakly and it moved under it so he could pet it.
She smiled a lovely smile.
aHe seems friendly enough. But I hope that's not his normal level of intelligence.a
"I'm a--, a dark elf, if you will. You may call me Seidr."
"A dark elf? I thought dark elves were, well . . ."
"Wicked and evil? I guess you could say that. Our society is self-serving, and only currying favor from those more powerful. All too often, the weak and useless are allowed to die. If they're lucky. But then, I guess there's nothing more evil than that. Is there?"
Hans started to rise but she pushed him back.
"Silly Man, don't worry about me. I'm a sort of rebel outcast. A bit wicked, maybe. It was in my own interest that I saved you. But I don't think you'll have many complaints. I plan you no harm."
"I'm Hans, Hans Madison," he stammered.
"You do me great honor, Hans Madison. Names have power in Aelfheim, and I have enough power over you as it is."
She sighed softly. Hans thought briefly that he could get used to hearing such music.
aOoh, he likes you.a
"Where am I?" he asked.
She smiled. "This is my cave and you are safe here. That's all you need worry about for now. Please trust me on that."
Curiosity warred within him against the desire to see more of her smiles.
Wiping Hans' brow, she said, "Such a fine young man you are. Have you seen even twenty summers?" She put a finger to his lips. "Don't say anything. There will be time for questions later, and that goes for my own as well. For now, you need, we need, to rest."
She looked at his handsome, young face, as she thought, "Whatever shall I do with you? No, I know what I have to do. I know what I wanted of you. Now I know the price. But, can I pay it?"
aJust what are you planning, Seidr?a
She sighed once more. "Hans Madison, I have to tell you the truth. I am, was, a necromancer in my old world. When a creature is dying, I know it. I've bound your wounds as best I can, but your light yet fades. I can save you, but in return you must, well, give a life to me."
"My what? You don't mean my soul, do you?"
The question seemed to shock her. "No, not at all. Taking souls is a forbidden craft even among my kind."
aOnly an idiot would try to take his Ka anyway. He's got one hell of an aura, Babe!a
"Rather, what I need you to give me the bit of life that any man gives to his lover. I will save your life, but I need you to love me. Look at me, Hans Madison. Look at me and tell me you love me."
"Um, I love you."
Seidr poked him on the forehead and smiled. "Silly Man, you have to mean it, even if it's for the moment. Really look at me and truly tell me you love me."
"I . . ." Hans looked her in the eyes. He saw something, something special. Mystified he said, "I love you."
aUh oh. I don't think you meant for that to happen.a