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He thought for a moment the had an epiphany. “I just realized… since the men of your homeland have such stamina and vitality, are you an active participant in the making of love?”
I did a double take, “… yes… are you not?”
Driveal shook his head, “The exertion is too great as is. Matrons bear the responsibility of exerting themselves sufficiently to… drive the love making forward. This allows them to manage their first time as they are able. If you are to be an active participant, be careful not to overwhelm your matrons.”
“Noted.” I muttered.
“Is there ought else I can help you with in preparation for your matron selection?” Driveal asked, finishing his drink.
I too finished my drink, my food long since finished, “No, I think that’s about it. Unless there is more to the process. I’ll be taken to a room full of women dressed to impress. I’ll pick the ones that look the most appealing, then give up a drop of blood while we participate in the bonding ceremony, then go back to my house and gently start performing my duties as a new master of the house?” I was very much looking forward to that last bit.
“That is my understanding.” Driveal agreed, “I believe the elders wished to give you a few weeks to settle with your matrons then seek how to best utilize your abilities to our benefit.”
I shrugged, “We’ll see how this goes.”NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.
Driveal rose and clasped my hand, “I’ll send for your escort.”
“I’ll be glad to have Tavorwen at my side for this.” I breathed, shaking his hand.
Driveal pressed his hands together, “Ha amari yo utrail”, then after a moment, his mouth moved as he spoke, but the words could not be heard. A moment later his eyes shifted as he listened to words I could not hear. He said one more thing, then allowed his hands to separate.
“Your escort will be here shortly. I was informed however that Tavorwen is still otherwise occupied, so Sergeant Elloevier will take you to your congress of maidens.” Driveal informed me.
I was disappointed and slightly worried about Tavorwen, but then immediately felt bad. Tavorwen was a grown woman and could take care of herself. She had taken care of herself her entire life without me. A few hours away from me wouldn’t hurt either of us.
Driveal and I were able to chat for a little bit more, me telling him a little about the world I had come from. He found Earth to be a strange and fascinating place. It was mind boggling to him how much we were able to accomplish without magic. He was just latching onto the idea of an airplane when one of his matrons I had met yet came in to tell me that Sergeant Elloevier had arrived.
Elloevier was as fair skinned as the rest of the elves I had met, with long ears curving around her head and her auburn hair trimmed short, not quiet reaching her chin. She had two swords at her waist, a shorter bow on their back, and now that I knew to check hems for rank, I saw the mark of a golden flower, which made me believe Elloevier was of high rank.
“Thomas, it is my privilege to be your escort at this time in Tavorwen’s absence.” Elloevier bid me with a salute.
I mimicked her salute, “It is my pleasure to follow your lead.”
“This way, we are expected shortly at the hanging gardens.” Elloevier motioned and we started to walk.
There was a noticeable decrease in the number of elves going about their daily activities, and several of the she-elves almost gazed longingly at me as I passed. It was kind of uncomfortable.
The stares continued until we reached a large cedar, entering it, the ceiling was almost invisible, only the slight areas of texture or odd growths in the wood making it perceptible. The light inside was amazing. The room was full of flowering plants and had hanging vines and creeping plants with flowers. Every color imaginable was flowering and the scent was delightful. I didn’t think it was possible to be sad among these scents and flowers.
However, the flowers were put to shame by the beauty and grace of the ocean of elven maidens. Their dresses were as varied in colors as the flowers were, with so many different cuts, styles and forms I didn’t think a single maiden looked even close to another. Most elves had long hair, and now these maidens had their hair done up in an array of styles and techniques as varied as the styles of their dresses. The beauty before me took my breath away.
Gledril greeted me just inside with two she-elf soldiers. “Welcome. I hope your visit with Driveal was enlightening.”
I nodded my head in greeting to the elder. “Thank you, Gledril.”
Gledril smiled, “So, the Council has decided to begin by allowing you to select four standard matrons and two battle matrons. We have not had battle matrons in ages but Elder Balinis had studied their existence extensively and believes the practice would be a good compromise, enabling you to have matrons who may still partake in reproductive acts with you while you are out doing whatever you must do. So the maidens you see here are warriors who wish to be your battle matrons.” She motioned to a smaller group of she-elves. “And these are those who would wish to be matrons of your household.” Gledril declared, motioning to the larger group of females.
She held up six silver bracelets, “These have been created to ensure clear communications as to when you have selected a maiden to join your matrons. By placing one of these bracelets on the wrist of a maiden, she will know that you have chosen her. Once you have chosen your maidens, you will be allowed a few minutes to visit with each of them, and then you will choose one of your battle maidens to become your head battle matron, and one of your the maidens to become a household matron to become your head household matron. You may choose to change these elections later, but for now it will provide order in your household.”
She handed me the bracelets, which I slipped on my wrist to hold them, then Gledril stepped out of the way and motioned to the group of at least 30 battle maidens all hopeful. I could feel my arousal rise as I turned to view the crowd of women hopeful to be the one of the ones selected to bear my children.
I took a deep breath then approached the first group of she-elves. There were definitely signs that these elves were fit. Their wiry muscles were well defined and there were a few that had scars. Most of the dresses were vibrant and colorful, and there were a few signs that the dresses had been stored for years, many have been only recently brought back out. My guess was that these maidens had long ago decided their place was on the battlefield not in a master’s house, but now they could be a matron while still serving on the battlefield.
None of these elves where what would be considered well endowed, but I knew that would change as they bore children. Their hips were similarly not yet the wider hips of a child bearer, but the dresses hugged them to accentuate their figure as much as possible. Lace and embroidery embellished and drew the eye to their favorite parts of their bodies.
I looked over them for a place to start and my eyes latched on a veiled warrior female in white. Where all the other elves were dressed to favor their skin and hair, this elf’s dark brown hair, done up in a crown of braids that held up her veil, and her fair skin were not nearly so complementarity shown beside the white dress. The dress showed no sign of being stored, almost looking brand new. The veil was so translucent I couldn’t make out the face of the elf underneath it. There were a few other veils, but they were far thinner and made the faces of the maiden wearing them almost tantalizing, where this one was thick enough to hide the wearer’s face.
The dress was lovely. It had lace leaves, but minimal embroidery. The elf’s shoulders and collar were bare and the veil came halfway down her neck. She had white gloves that covered her from fingertip to biceps. The skirts of the dress where simple, with large panels in the front and back and side panels that covered her legs above her knees. Compared to some of the other dresses, it seemed this elf was hardly trying. The white color, instead of something more vibrant, and the tame, but tasteful cut of her dress did little to truly make her stand out. I couldn’t put my finger on what drew me to her.
Then I noticed a distinctive scar, notching her ear.
I smiled, “This is where you went to.” I greeted Tavorwen, as she began to tremble. “If you really want it, I would be honored to choose you as my first matron.” I told the elf as I took a bracelet and gently settled it on her wrist as Tavorwen put her other hand over her mouth.
“Why me?” She choked, “Surely, there are others more worthy.”
“You are the reason I am here, and you have my trust more than anyone in this world.” I told her gently, “There is absolutely no one more worthy. I am honored.”
Tavorwen curtsied, “Then I am happy to accept.”
A ripple went through the assembled maidens, some slightly disappointed, but none surprised. It was clear that they had all expected Tavorwen to be chosen.
I squeezed Tavorwen’s hand and she smiled then walked over to stand by Gledril. I was slightly bummed she wouldn’t help me choose the rest of my matrons, but Driveal had said that almost all these elves could happily co-exist, so Tavorwen’s guidance would simply be a potential source of discontent about bias.
I walked among the battle maidens, not sure what to look for among all these appealing options. The maidens stood still, hopeful as I walked among them, I circled once, then having looked at all of them once, I looked again. It was so hard. Not because they weren’t appealing, but because they all appealed so much! I could hardly stand the thought of rejecting any of them, but I knew I was currently only to select one more. Finally, my eyes settled on a honey-haired beauty. Her deep green eyes captured me and I felt strangely drawn to her.
“What is your name?” I quietly questioned her.
“Creadean, Hero.” She replied with a curtsy.
“I believe you should be my second matron. Do you accept?” I asked, retrieving a bracelet from my wrist.
Tears of joy filled her emerald eyes and she nodded happily, extending her hand so that I may place the band on her wrist. She stood on tip toe and kissed my cheek, leaving a joyful tear as well, before hurrying to embrace Tavorwen. Tavorwen seemed very pleased by my decision and smiled happily at me.
“Do not give up hope, sisters.” Gledril encouraged the disappointed maidens, “This is but the beginning if our understanding of our hero, Thomas, is correct. We will call for more daughters of battle to join him again in the days to come.”
Determination filled the eyes of many of the she-elves who had been passed over, while others seemed to despair, however they all bowed to Gledril and retreated to the walls.