Legends of Belariath

Dalahlaleeah

Winter. The snow fell in fat, wet flakes to cling to the branches of the bare trees and form the thick blanket that covered the frozen ground. The only sound heard amongst the tree village that of the weaker branches snapping under the weight of ice and snow. Picturesque.

“Such a divergence in her personality Adanessa. Incapable of sitting still at times and unwilling to let something distract her from what holds her interest at others. Interesting really.” The conversation was muted, spoken softly from lilting voices that flowed like water over stones, so as to not bring the attention of the child who sat across the room. “At times it is more straining than interesting Calanon. The older she gets, the worse it gets. And the way she can simply slip into masks to hide her emotions from everyone. It is disturbing at times.”

The subject of the conversation was fully immersed in the piles of small stones, flowers and lengths of ribbon in front of her, no attention given to the two adults in the doorway. Weak, pale sunlight filtered through the iced window of the house to shine up the tousled red curls of the girl, catching that vibrant color and making it seem as if flame topped her head instead of hair. It was her fifth birthday and no amount of prodding and pleading from her mother had budged her from the task she had set for herself, no thought given to the sounds of her brothers and numerous relatives gathering to celebrate her natal day.

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“Dalahlaleeah! Come down from there this instant! You know you are suppose to be with the teacher..” The lean male stood at the base of the tree, glaring up into the leaf covered branches, green eyes scanning the thick coverage for glimpses of that telltale red hair. The only answer given to the scolding was a giggle and a ruffle of leaves as the lithe female shimmied further up the tree. “I’m serious! Mother is going to be angry that I did not get you to your studies.” The tone of the male had changed, more to a pleading in hopes that his stubborn sister would give in and come down.

“Beinion you are no fun! It is a beautiful day and I have no desire to sit and listen to old Erumollien today.” The lilting voice came from far above his head, near the end of the thick branches, and had him turning to try to spot her. He knew the chances of getting her out of the tree without the help of their parents was slim but he had to try.

“Do not make me go get Idhrenion to knock you out of that tree Dalahlaleeah. This is not the time for play.” As irritated as Beinion was, he did not mind being in charge of keeping an eye on his sister. She was the baby of the family. The only girl and ever a fount of surprise and challenge. It was only times like these, when he was suppose to have her somewhere and she refused to cooperate, that he bemoaned his chore.

“He would join me in the tree and laugh down at you for being so stuffy!” That teasing voice called back down, this time lower within the branches and he moved, trying to anticipate her next move. It was almost humorous that of the four children Calanon and Adanessa had, it was the daughter that was the most willful. The one that was the most daring and apt to land herself in trouble.

“That’s it. I’m going to get Idhrenion and Father. They can deal with you and lo your backside for disturbing them while they are busy!” Beinion turned to move off, hoping that the ploy would work else he be stuck for the rest of the day trying to get her out of the tree. Another giggle sounded, a snap of a twig and rustle of leaves before the small form of the ten year old elfling came sailing out from the branches, clinging to a vine till she was out over the crystal clear water of the lake. Only then did she let go of the vine, falling with a shriek into the cool water.

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“Suiadan! Do you see them?” The words were hushed, quiet despite the cacophony coming from the soldiers marching in full armor. Hidden amongst the bushes along the road, she lay flat on her belly, turquoise eyes watching the barbarians on the move, her youngest brother just inches from her watching as well.

“They are so huge! Do you think the elders know they are moving this close to home?” Suiadan was the one brother she knew she could count on to follow the wild schemes she came up with, and it was clear in his voice that he was glad they had snuck out of the tree house tonight.

“Shh! Not so loud dunderhead!” Her eyes darted to her brother and the grin that flashed let him know she was not mad at him, just picking as usual. “Possibly. It would explain why Father, Idhrenion, Beinion and Glanhelmion are so uptight right now.” Restrictions had been placed on all the children, making life dull within the village, keeping them well within the boundaries of the sentries that guarded the village area.

“Perhaps we should go back Dalahlaleeah. It is not safe now.” Worry had pinched the brother’s voice, made it higher pitched, and made her sigh. They were well hidden and had a perfect spot to watch all of this!

“We are safe, we blend in with the foliage perfectly! Besides, remember what Erumollien said. Round ears cannot hear as well as we do, so they will never know we are here.” She wanted to see this. Had to see this! It was perhaps the most exciting thing of her life! She had heard the stories of other races but never had she seen them. At least not till now.

“Hear you they may not, but trained they are to scout and find you.” The deeper voice of her father made both stiffen, two sets of eyes rolling upwards to look at the angry visage of their father and three brothers. “Get up quietly and get home. Beinion make sure they get home.”

“Father, we did not get into anything..” She tried to lessen the severity of their infraction but dropped silent when angry eyes turned towards her fully. She knew when to keep quiet and accept that she had made a mistake.

“Dalahlaleeah, you are fourteen winters old now. I had hoped that you would have outgrown this wild streak you have and learn to behave yourself. You will return home and await my return.”

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“Do not overfeed the falcons dear. They will end up sick if you give them too much.” The elderly elf stood to the side and watched as the young female tended to the two falcons that jostled for attention and food, a smile on her weathered features. She enjoyed the time she had with her only granddaughter and found that it made her feel young once more.

“Grandmother, do you think I will ever see the world outside this forest? Perhaps the high Elvin cities or maybe where the high humans live.” Curls the shade of red that painted the sky at sundown, scarlet with highlights of gold, fell around delicate shoulders as the girl fed treats to the falcons, hiding the pale features of the female so close to maturity. Seventeen winters had passed and her wild streak had finally tamed a little though her fanciful imagination had not.

“Dalahlaleeah, I think you should worry less with seeing the other cities and be thankful for what you have here. The other races are not as you would think them. They can be cruel, cold and dangerous. You are not meant for such people. As the daughter of the House of Leaf and Bough, you should be focusing on learning our heritage and preparing yourself for a marriage to another great and noble house.” It was a quiet reprimand, a reminder to the girl that she was entering a time of her life where she would have to place duty before her own desires

A sigh sounded, deep and full of resignation, a lovely mask, blank of emotions dropped over dainty features. “Yes Grandmother.” She longed to be free like the hawks. Longed to experience life in all it’s glory. She did not understand the lack of desire to see the world that her family held.

The elderly woman moved slowly to where the young girl stood, one aged hand dropping to rest on the younger’s hand to pat gently. “You will see lirimaer, soon you will meet the man of your dreams and will find your life with him amongst the forest that has been our home for centuries untold.”

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A swish of long skirts, a rustle of untamed curls, and the soft boots padded back and forth over the floor in agitation. The room was shadowed, the lights from the lamps holding the dark at bay though not illuminating enough to allow her to see the expression on her parents’ faces. “I am nineteen winters old now. Should I not have a chance to find my own life?” She turned to give a beseeching look to her father, the person she was the closest with.

“Dalahlaleeah, a`maelamin, we tell you that we do not wish you to go because we worry for you. The cities of man is not what you think it is. They are dangerous and you do not understand how they think and act.” Her mother’s voice was quiet, pleading with her daughter to listen to the words she spoke. An anxious glance was given up to her husband, hoping that he would be able to say something to keep their only daughter safe in the forests with them.

“You are correct that you are of age to make your own decisions daughter. We cannot force you to abide our rules should you choose to go. You do not listen to us when we warn you of the dangers and well we know of your stubbornness. If your decision is made, then you will learn for yourself how vastly different life is outside of the forest.” The deep voice went silent in time for the sound of her mother’s soft cry to be heard, her father wrapping his arm around her tightly in comfort. “I ask that you allow Suiadan or Beinion to journey with you, so that you will have someone there for protection.”

Excitement flooded her and lit her eyes up like gems. She was going to get to go to the city of men! She could barely believe that her father was conceding the month long battle of wills and it was all she could do to keep from dancing right then and there. The request to bring one of her brothers with her dampened her spirits somewhat, but she knew that he would not force her if she wished not to have them with her. It wasn’t that she didn’t like having her brothers around, they were her best friends, but she knew they would make it hard for her to experience anything with their overprotective natures. “No Father. Beinion will be marrying soon and will not wish to leave with me and Suiadan is so love lost for Valainistima that he would be sore with me for taking him from his attempt at courtship. I will go alone and return before my natal day.”

A heavy sigh of resignation was given, a nod of his head before he stood. “Then we will prepare for your departure my dearest daughter.” He could see how excited she was and wished that she would have found something to hold her here. They had all tried to find something that would keep the strong willed girl within the bosom of the forest, but the more they tried, the more she sought to leave. He could only hope that once she had seen the cities of man she would return and be happy for once.

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The sun was just cresting the horizon and her farewells had been said amongst many tears and tight hugs. No one pleaded with her to remain this time, all knew her mind had been made up. With a spring in her step, she headed off down the path, glancing over her shoulder one last time to wave goodbye. Her intentions were true, she would return before her natal day with stories to tell her family and wonders to describe. She was sure the city of Nanthalion would be the glorious place she had dreamed of!

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