Of Alfthane and Áriel

---

East of the River Fisch there was a king who would be known to be greatest of the elf-friends. King Alfthane was his name, for even in those days to be known as elf-like was to be known as wise. And Sílion knew him for his father was also a friend to his people. Thus when Alfthane rode through the Forest Egric in his youth he saw that the way to Lorn Duin was clear and lit. Thus he followed the glowing lights of beautiful purples that gave that realm a heavenly glow when sheltered by the trees at twilight. And for a long time he was a guest of those elven peoples, which was a grace Sílion sought to make custom among the Pedwarans in turn. And he spied among all the elven peoples a woman who stole his heart: Áriel she was called, and she was daughter of Sílion. Now in those days mankind had always found elves to be beautiful, but it had never been asked before whether a man and an elf woman should marry by either of those peoples. Thus when Alfthane made his intentions known with greatest respects, the elven court grew to outrage. They perceived the young king to be mad and bid that he be cast out from the haven. But Sílion was not so rash, for it seemed that he possessed a wisdom far beyond the years that he lived in, yet he loathed to part with his daughter to a man so untested. He then sat there in silence and even Alfthane grew daunted, fearing that he had caused this task. Thus he bid this task: “For my daughter I deem only a great life for her for she is a great woman. Thus you must prove to me that you are a great man: bring me the eye of the worm Morgadh that has tormented so many of my folk on their travels. And yet, I will then only grant my permissions if it is to her designs.”
And Alfthane was not deterred. In the following days he had prepared to sally forth with but two elves who believed in him. Norion and Redhron were their names and they were skilled foresters as well as warriors. But Alfthane also sought to speak with Áriel, for in his rashness he had wholly forgotten to know her designs. Áriel found that she too saw Alfthane as he did her, for he was a man of quality yet unseen in those ancient days of primitive mankind. Of the days he was given to prepare for his quest, half of this time did he spend with Áriel and always at twilight when she was at her greatest wit. At the final day of his preparations Áriel came to him in the daylight with a vial of shimmering liquid that was once all colors and none. And she said thus, “The worm Morgadh’s bite is that of venom. Those who are struck perish, but I have here fashioned, of my own masteries and arts, a cure. It is for you.” And Alfthane smiled and said in return, “That you have thought so highly of me as to do this thing propels me to greater joys. Yet indeed, it seems clear now that your father would have me die unwitting of this peril, were it not for your favor.”
Thus did Alfthane, Norion, and Redhron set out. Alone they made for the depths of the Alvswood, and it seemed to Alfthane that were it not for his companions's forestry the spirits of that wood would have long since torn him asunder. In the Alvswood the trees are at their tallest and thus the wood is its darkest; there they could not see neither day nor starlight and were guided only by the gentle purple fires that were the Aduialesse’s craft which burned brighter than ordinary flame. Until Alfthane grew so weary that he could go no more did they venture into those woods. They dared not camp in those accursed woods lest they be overtaken by wights.
So this was until they found a great hole in the earth: the lair of Morgadh. Norion lifted a horn of solid silver and blew on it when they were ready. And from that pit did Morgadh slither forth to the surface, so terrifying to look at that lesser men should freeze in fright. But the three were undeterred and they came at it with arms and fury. Here the elves realized their plight for the monster would never be harmed by arrows. Indeed, the worm would need to be hewed apart and in doing so come against its venomous bite. Redhron fled in shame but Alfthane came forward and Norion with him, and together they fought the beast in dangerous melee, for it was twice their sizes together. And Norion was struck by venomous bite and fell with a cry, but Alfthane returned this blow with his sword into the Morgadh’s singular eye, which shattered the blade and crushed that eye. An echoing shriek ushered from it that even Sílion’s elves could hear, and they rejoiced for they believed in Alfthane’s triumph. Morgadh was slain.

But here Alfthane saw that he had suffered a wound from the beast’s teeth on his leg. And already he perceived that he grew too weak to walk in that leg. He feared for his life and opened his cure, but heard Norion groan. For Norion was clinging barely to the world here as the venom threatened to slay him utterly. Alfthane knew then what he must do to be called righteous; he gave the cure to Norion wholly, and in doing so saved his life. And it became clear that his righteousness was repaid by the Aeth, for when Alfthane anticipated death it did not come. The venom had only taken his leg, for the wound had not enough venom to slay a man completely. Redhron returned to them and vowed to Alfthane that he should ever be guard and servant, eager he was to amend for his cowardice at that pivotal moment.
Norion and Redhron bore the lame Alfthane back to Sílion’s haven with grace and speed, and also had the eye. They were heralded with the celebrations and cheers of all those gathered. They looked upon Alfthane with pity yet were not surprised, for they had perceived that the quest should not be without trial. But the elven courts marveled all the more when Norion and Redhron attested that not only did Alfthane lead them to victory, but he saved Norion’s life even when the young king thought he would perish in doing so. For this Áriel grew to love Alfthane all the more, as did Sílion. And they were wed in the twilight in the havens, with all elves gathered in observance. Then it came to pass that Alfthane needed to return to his own kingdom and with him would come Áriel his wife and Redhron, who was sworn sword to him then. Ere he could leave, however, Norion approached Alfthane with a gift. Norion was the son of a great smith of the Aduialesse; in repayment for the saving of his son, Norion’s father Faumen worked a mighty blade, carved with runes of a sort wholly unknown to magicians of mankind. The blade was named Callon and it would be empowered with the deeds of many descendants thereafter.
Alfthane’s people marveled at his return, for it was at dawn when all were beginning to suspect a most evil of fates. He had with him both elves as well, which brought further wonder to the people. Thereafter he ruled not just well, but greatly. For Áriel was a counselor wiser than any other as well and Alfthane trusted her wholly. And Redhron was a warrior without peer, his oath to never again falter to flight binding him to fight with the fury of dragons. Alfthane and Áriel ruled together with ambition and strength, expanding their realm through war and wit alike. And at the end of their days before their Half-Elven children they would name their realm Camlond.