#aedriana

"I wonder how it's going..." "Well, you can't time these things. It could be another few hours now." "Fuck this... I'm leaving" The three elves conversed, the female grabbing hold of the red-haired male's sleeve to stop him from getting up from his chair. "You will do no such thing, Hel." his mother chastised him, her grip being yanked from his arm as he moved it. Helithius sat reluctantly back down and took hold of the drink in front of him. "If he's not here in an hour, I'll have a wander over there." Daladrius said seriously, swigging from his own drink.

The time slipped by as slowly as ever, and just as Dal pushed himself to his feet, a figure appeared in the short distance. The elves made a collective effort to identify the approaching person, making out a single frame with what looked like a bundle of cloth in their arms. "I think he's here..." Aedri said with a wide smile, standing up to greet the approaching male. As their friend reached a close proximity, Dal walked out to greet him. "Ben!" he called out, putting both hands on his hips. "We were worried we'd have to camp out overnight!".  Even as Dal called his name, Ben'theas did not meet the other's eye contact. His eyes kept stock-still on the precious bundle in his arms, which moved slightly every so often. Finally, his pace slowed. Ben'theas looked up and made out through blurred eyes the figure of his leader. Dal's small smile immediately fell. "Ben..." he murmured in a slightly questioning tone. To his left, Aedriana appeared and beamed at the tiny baby in Ben's arms. "Oh...” she cooed excitedly, moving closer to run the back of a finger against the little one's cheek “Aren’t you gorgeous?". As the silence grew, she looked up at the father, and withdrew immediately as she noticed his swollen red eyes.  "What is it?" she asked softly, placing a hand on the man's arm.  Ben’theas inhaled slowly, clutching his child tighter to his body. As he tried to speak, his throat cracked tragically. "She's..." The man paused, sniffing quietly and swallowing a breath. The words stuck in his throat as if covered in needles. "She's gone." Silence fell over the group. Aedri's grip instinctively tightened on the father's arm, both her and Dal's eyebrows furrowing in a mixture of shock and sadness.  "She... she lost too much blood, they couldn't do anything to-" Ben tried to continue, but his voice broke audibly in the middle of his sentence. Tears of sympathy threatened to break out into Aedri's eyes "Oh, sweetheart..." she whispered, covering her mouth with her hand. At his other side, Dal put a touch on Ben's back and guided him towards the upturned box next to an unphased Hel’ithius. “Come on… come sit down.” he muttered as Ben walked, seating himself down in a fog of emotions. The baby wriggled faster in his arms, making small noises of protest. Too much… this is too much. Ben’theas’ thoughts swirled like a tornado in his mind. “Could you…” he whimpered, looking at Aedri with downturned ears. “O-Of course…” she replied, immediately putting her arms out and taking the outstretched baby to her chest “There there, little one…” Aedriana’s hums turned into white noise as Ben’theas’s thoughts meshed into one. What do I do? How do I go on like this? How could this happen?! His eyes filled up with tears again How could she leave me? Why did she have to die?! Ben’theas swallowed his sobs, covering his face with his open hands. He felt a comforting hand on his back, and his friend’s thoughtful whispers of support. After the tears had flowed, the sounds of his gurgling child made it to his unreceptive brain. Ben lifted his head, watching as Aedriana rocked them gently against her. “I don’t…” Ben’theas spoke, voice still crackling. He stopped, clearing his throat before trying again. “I don’t know if I can do this…” Daladrius turned his head to the side, leaning forward to look Ben in the eyes. “Don’t be stupid. Of course you can.” “No, I-“ Ben coughed out, running his hands across his tear-stained face again. “I wasn’t prepared for this, I won’t be able to look after her-“ Clouds formed over his vision again. As he dropped his head, droplets fell from his eyes and onto the pavement at his feet. “Can’t Elle’s parents help you out?” Dal asked. Ben immediately shook his head, bitter memories of a few hours previously rushing to him. “They don’t want to see me… or their granddaughter. They said we’re to blame for her-“ The last word could not force itself form Ben’theas’ lips. “This is too much… I can’t do this.” he muttered. In stunned silence, Daladrius turned his gaze to Hel, and stared in surprise as the red-head got to his feet and stood in front of the weeping man. “Ben. Look at me.” As Hel spoke, Ben sniffed quickly and raised his head. In a swift movement, Hel smacked his hand across the man’s face, the sudden collision sending a stinging sensation that swept across Ben’theas’ cheek like a fire. “Helithius!” Aedrianna called out, enraged. The child in her arms began to cry softly. Ben’theas felt the collar of his shirt being yanked on violently. His hazy eyes adjusted to the sight of his friend’s anger-filled gaze mere inches from his own face. “Don’t you fucking DARE abandon her.” Helithius hissed each word through gritted teeth. His eyes burned with an outrage Ben had never seen before. He once again pulled on the fabric, prompting Dal to step forward in protest. “Woah, Hel, calm the fuck down!” he cried, grabbing his arm. Hel did not back down, and continued. “Your girlfriend died to bring her into the world” the rage-filled elf shouted, his hot breath felt closely on Ben’s own mouth. “So you’d better step the fuck up and be a father or I swear I’ll fucking kill y-“ Daladrius’ efforts finally paid off as he yanked the other’s grip away. “That’s enough!” Aedrianna cried out while trying desperately to calm the unhappy baby in her arms, its cries becoming louder. Ben could only stare in shock. The words swam lengths in his head. As his eyes bored into the other’s, they formed into pictures. At first, the pain burned too bright, too red to recognize them… but with a passing moment, they materialized before him. Pictures of his child fully grown, following in her mother’s footsteps. Pictures of himself, a proud father. Eleana wouldn’t want this…

A breath escaped his lips.

I have to honor her sacrifice.

A smile then formed on them. More tears fell from his closed eyes. “What the fuck is wrong with you?” Hel questioned, still uptight. Daladrius’ protective arms still held him back from the other. “You’re right…” Ben couldn’t help but smile as he muttered. “You’re right, Hel.” The three watched as Ben’theas pushed himself to his feet. He turned to the source of the noise, his daughter writhing and gurgling furiously in the woman’s grasp. “Come here, little one.” he spoke softly. Aedriana obliged, passing the child into his arms gently. As soon as the father pulled her to his chest, the crying ceased. “She’s my daughter, right?” he beamed, looking at Hel. A quizzical, yet calmed look remained present on his face. “I have to be her father.” Daladrius nodded once, a grin appearing on his face. “Man…” he sighed. “Never thought Hel would be the one to convince you of something.” “Fuck off, Dal.” Helithius retorted. Ben could not hold back a small laugh.

Things are going to work out, Eleana… As the baby’s eyes slowly shut tiredly, Ben’theas sat himself down again. The warmth soothed him, sending signs of fatigue through his own body. “So…” a female voice called out beside him. Aedriana sat herself down, reaching out to pull the linen over the baby’s exposed arm. “Have you thought of any names?”

A memory suddenly imposed itself, playing like a movie in Ben’s mind,. “What about Ana?” “Hmm, too short. Think of something longer.” “Well, I always liked Meliorna, you know, if it’s a girl.” “That’s cute… She’d have a little nickname that way. Mel” “Meliorna….” He spoke without a shadow of doubt in his mind. Beside him, Aedrianna made a noise of adoration. “I think that’s a lovely name.” she said quietly, looking up to the others for their input. Her son simply shrugged. “Guess it’s not as shitty as I expected.” Hel spoke flatly, arms folded. Ben could only smile in response, feeling the baby move slightly as she settled in his arms. “Hear that, Mel?” Ben whispered to the sleeping bundle. “Uncle Hel loves it!” As the redhead scoffed and threw another curse his way, Ben’theas laughed for the first time in hours. Pangs of sadness and anger still flashed in his heart, but the love and adoration unleashed at the sight of his daughter fanned their burning flames. With a small sigh, Ben’theas leant back, and wondered. Shit… how the hell do I feed her?! ========================================

Meliorna released a slow, stifled breath through her nose. Just as she was about to give up, a rustle sounded in the bushes across from her hiding spot.  There... it must be... Surely enough, the familiar silken ears of a fawn-furred rabbit slowly emerged from the berry bush a mere 2 yards in front of her. Its nose sniffed around consciously for food, eventually finding the target - a pile of freshly cut fruit that the waiting elf had placed nearly inside her rope trap. Come on... get right in there... Meliorna willed. The tension made every noise like a gunshot in her ears. Her breathing slowed and her muscles ached in protest against the position she had curled into behind a leafy tree root.. Finally, the creature’s slender front legs stepped into the circle trap, and without waiting for the rabbit to begin eating the elf swiftly pulled on the rope in her hands. The length of the circle wrapped tightly around the rabbits midriff and lifted it into the air. It wriggled and writhed violently, emitting tiny screeches of protest before Meliorna had it by the scruff of its soft neck. Ok... you can do it... Meliorna willed herself again. Just like Hel taught you...

Clutching the helpless being in one hand, her other moved to wrap around its neck tightly before swiftly twisting her grip in the opposite direction with a slight tug. Immediately the rabbits body fell limp, a final spasm running through their hind leg.

The forest fell motionless. Mel pulled she rope free of the dead creature and held it in front of her.  You did it... You did it... her head said over and over, and her legs fell from under her in a mixture of adrelanine and shock. The rabbit lay unblinking in front of her. She took a moment to examine the creature, using her previous knowledge to learn about the animal she had preyed upon. This one was male, newly matured but bearing battle scars from fights with other bucks. The girl let out a long sigh, kneeling up and placing both hands on her kill. Thank you for this gift., mother earth.. I promise I will give back what I have taken. "Meliorna!" A deep voice sounded out from the path behind her.  "Meliorna!?" The urgency within the voice grew as it repeated. Gripping the rabbit's legs tightly, the huntress pushed herself to her feet and into the view of her waiting father. "There you are." Ben'theas spoke in a gravelly, attempted strict tone. His deep black hair was scraped back into a small ponytail at the base of his neck, and a coarse layer of greying stubble peppered his cheeks and jaw. "I asked you to stay inside the ci-" His sentence was cut off as his eyes caught sight of the limp creature in her hands. "Is that... a rabbit?" Meliorna nodded. "I caught it." she spoke back, no worry in her heart. Ben'theas eyebrows raised. "All by yourself?" he asked, another nod from his daughter proceeding it. The male elf looked at her quizzically for a moment, before closing the distance between them. His hand reached for the rabbit, and Meliorna passed it to him trustingly. "What were you planning on doing with this?" Ben'theas spoke as he inspected the creature. Meliorna shrugged her shoulders animatedly. "Skin it, use the fur for something. Maybe cook the meat." Her father raised an eyebrow. His calloused hands ran over the sleek body of the rabbit, picking up the head and running a thumb across its ears. "Who'd have thought my daughter could be such a good little huntress, eh?"  At her father's words, Meliorna rolled her eyes, but smiled softly.  She felt her father's hand, warm on her back as he guided her onto the path back to the city. "Come on then." he exhaled, walking alongside her.

   As the two elves rounded the corner the three figures came into sight at their usual meeting spot.

Meliorna stayed close to her father’s side as he greeted his friends, only glancing and offering a sweet smile as they acknowledged her gently.

However, Mel’s shyness melted as she noticed Helithius. Her eyebrows raised as she observed the red-haired male rubbing subconsciously at the shoulder of his missing left arm. His deep burgundy hair fell lightly over his face, his remaining hand moving to flick it over an ear.

The girl did not know what it was about this man in particular, but his company was refreshing to her. Perhaps it was his quiet nature, but she did not feel pressured to converse or answer any questions like she did with any others.

As his emerald gaze met hers, she offered a small smile. He returned the gesture, putting the dagger on his lap carefully onto the ground at his feet. His eyes glanced to the item in Meliorna’s hands, and he raised one eyebrow curiously.

“You catch that yourself?” the red haired male asked. Meliorna nodded in reply. Helithius’ hand reached out, making a motion that indicated towards the rabbit in her hands.

Swallowing nervously, Mel handed her catch gently to the male, watching as he laid it over his lap and ran his only hand across it. Helithius’ eyebrows furrowed as he inspected the creature. “Hm…” he grunted, opening the rabbit’s eyes with a thumb and forefinger and feeling it’s neck lightly. “This your first catch?”

“Yeah…” she said meekly, wringing her hands in front of her as she awaited his appraisal. Finally, he looked up to meet her gaze.

“Good job.”

Helithius’ words made Mel’s heart flutter graciously, and a small smile crept onto her lips. “Thanks…” she responded, stepping forward to take the creature back as the man handed it to her. A hand gripped her shoulder from behind, and she spun around to see her father’s smile.

“So, are you going to show her how to skin it?” Ben’theas asked, directioning his words towards Hel. A questioning expression appeared on his features.

“Who said I know anything about skinning?” Helithius replied gruffly. Mel bit her lip to avoid chuckling while her father’s ears turned down. “Wait, seriously?” Ben replied in a disappointed tone. “Come on, I was counting on you!”

“Don’t assume I know everything.” Hel scoffed. His arm reached down to his bag, pulling out a smaller dagger sheathed in a brown hilt. “Give her a knife, she’ll figure it out herself.”

As he spoke, his arm flicked the knife up into the air towards Meliorna, and she caught it swiftly. A few noises of protest came from her father as he chastised the man for handing his daughter a weapon, but before her father could stop her, the huntress had unsheathed the dagger and started carefully slicing down the belly of her kill.

“See? She’s fine.” Hel grunted, raising an eyebrow at Ben. Meliorna looked up at the two, beaming with pride. Her father simply sighed, but then frowning in reaction to Helithius’ sharp response.