The Sun Sets In The East

On a planet named Gaia, there are two species, the Humans and Elves. They are separated due to a long, bloody war, until two younglings lose their way.

A guard opened the small prison door and the man emerged. After the door closed behind him, the man stood quite still and looked at the empty street. It was early in the morning and he breathed deeply. Five years in prison had been a long time. He glanced up at the sky, blinking, like a blind man who has been shown it for the first time. The coarse, cheap material of his new clothes felt strange and unfamiliar. He put his hands into his pockets and gripped the few notes and coins that were there. Then, as if he had suddenly made up his mind about something, he walked briskly down the street.

A thousand years ago on a planet named Gaia, there were two dominating species, the Humans and the Elves. Both were strong, determined, clever, and brave, which may have been the unknown reason for their falling out.  During those thousand years past there was a great war between them, an outlandish feud over power. This war lasted a hundred long and bloody years. Each population was sliced in half by the end, the surviving healthy numbers were dangerous and the lives needed to be protected. In order to protect the remaining members, the Humans moved to the Western Hemisphere and the Elves the Eastern. The gap between them becomes unbearably slim with the sudden decision of two young boys.

In the Eastern Hemisphere with the Elven species the Prince was nearing his 17^th birthday, the marrying age for Royal and noble Elven boys. The King summoned his son Saron to his to throne room with urgent news. Unaware of what information was about to be bestowed upon him Saron hastened to his father. He approached the large entry doors and was let into the hall. Approaching his father he bent down onto one knee and bowed his head in respect.

In his Elven tongue Saron spoke, “Father, I received word of an urgent matter.”

In response, “Yes my son. Like myself, you grandfather, and ancestors before, your time for a woman has come. You are to marry Lady Avalon.” Saron raised his head quickly stunned by his father’s words.

“I beg your pardon Father but I have not yet reached my 17^th year. I have three months remaining before I to have a woman by my side for the rest of my being. Why Lady Avalon? For you know she is such as a sister to me. Such love for her from me could not exist!”

“Silence! I will hear of no such thing from you!” The King roared, “You, like all other noble males will follow the tradition of being wed on the night your 17^th birthday to the woman of your parent’s own choosing.”

“I refuse to listen to such a ridiculous thing!” Saron rose fully from the ground, “I will marry no one if it is to be of your decision and not from my own love!” He turned and stormed down the hall and out the great doors. Standing in front of Saron, his younger brother Vincent, who had just heard the quarrel between his brother and father.

“Avalon is a nice lady Saron. She will make you happy.” Said Vincent, the poor thirteen year old boy, sad and confused by his brother’s impulsive actions.

“Vincent, as of now you would not comprehend my thoughts and actions. For you are too young”. Saron turned away from his brother with a set mind as he headed up the grand stairwell.

                In the Western Hemisphere where the Humans reside, Prince Henry was readying himself for his weekly hunt. In his chambers he was being robed for his outing and was determined to come back with something great to impress his father. Many times before Henry had failed to return with a suitable trophy and today he was sure it was in his favor.

                The door creaked slightly, Henry’s head turned quickly, the door opened more and a small girl with light blond hair and innocent eyes entered the room, Henry’ sister.

                “Ello Henry. You’re going on your hunt?” The soft spoken girl questioned.

                “Hello Lorelei. Why yes I’m departing soon” replied Henry.

                “You’re to bring something grand for father?”

                “But of course. Though it will be quite a surprise for him as to how grand it shall be.” Henry’s servant backed away from Henry as he finished preparing him.

                “Wonderful. Good luck! I’m to be off myself. Mother and I are to get a new dress!” Lorelei turned and left the room with a large smile on her face. Henry followed to head toward the stables. His horse was diligent and glorious, to lay an eye on her was but a gift for a commoner. Her silky black color, flowing mane, and strong legs made her the best horse for the Prince, no other would do. Henry readied his saddle and was accompanied by his servant out the gate until the beginning of the forest. The sun was bright in the sky and it was season for herds of strong mammals, what could possibly ruin this?

                Prince Saron, angered with his father left the castle and headed west. He was much unprepared to be on his own, but his mind was clouded with disappointment and furry to be able to think clearly. The only thorough thought he had was to get as far away from “that wretched place” as he could. He walked quickly and then would run his endurance after a few hours began to fail him. Being an Elf his body was in sync with the nature around him, Saron made the ground move him across the land and then the ocean. Hours later he reached a new land, he was unaware as to his whereabouts. Night was falling he was hungry and weak from the massive relocation. Sleeping was no option until food could be found and the area was confirmed secure. Dragging his feet across the cold hard floor of the forest he searched for water.

                Prince Henry exhausted from the long day and angered by his failure once again, searched for a place to rest before heading back. He came across a small river filled with fish, it was becoming too dark to see and Henry was desperate for sleep. At that sudden moment there was a sound in the trees, Henry alone, was startled and too tired to fight for his life stood in fear. About 500 meters from him a human shaped figure stood, this figure had not yet noticed Henry. The figure moved toward the water and snatched a fish with their bare hands, Henry watched closely while trying to stay out of sight. The figure bit into the fish, obviously starving. Backing away more he stepped onto a branch, it cracked just loud enough for the figure to hear.

Their face turned and in worry and said, “Ποιος είναι εκεί?!” Henry recognizing the language as of not the humans had adrenaline rush through his body. It was the language of the Elves. Why was an Elf in the Western Hemisphere?

“Who are you?! How dare an Elf enter this side of the world!” Henry forcefully let out.

“Oh a human, how interesting.” The figure began to approach Henry.

“How can you speak the language of the Humans?” Henry pulled out his sword for protection.

“I learned as a child, every Elf learns your language. Humans do not learn ours? How odd.”

“What business have you here? And tell me who you are!” Henry stood his ground and the mysterious Elf continued to move closer towards him.

“My name is Prince Saron first son of the King of the Elven lands. I have left my home in anger of my father for a personal and political matter. For who might you be?”

“For I am Prince Henry, son of the King of the Human lands.”

“How ironic the first human I meet is the Prince. Have no fear of me, I have nothing towards you. I believe the hatred from the war is too old and to be forgotten.”

“How am I to trust you? You Elves being able to control the nature around you. How shall I be able to be sure you mean what you say?”

Saron’s face was now in complete sight. The only physical difference from a Human to an Elf are an Elf’s glowing purple eyes, Henry looked into Saron’s eyes intrigued by them. For Saron was the first Elf he had ever met and was just as curious in Henry. Elfs and Humans are never meant to meet and information about each species is only of what remains from before the war, the information is quite outdated and is of little assistance. Saron raised his hand to Henry.

“Touch my hand. We will not be able to harm each other if we make this contract.” The appearance on Saron’s face told no lie. Hesitant, Henry began to lift his hand. Slowly he moved it to Saron’s until they were joined. A powerful force ran through both their bodies causing temporary paralysis, Henry quickly pulled his hand away as soon as he regained the ability to move.

“What did you do to me?!”

“I connected our energy forces. It now flows as one. We cannot kill or hurt each other, but if one of us dies the tie is cut and your original energy is returned to you.”

“What was the point of that?” asked Henry dumbfounded.

“So you can trust me. You agreed to a contract you did not understand? How very dimwitted”

“I understood!” Exclaimed Henry trying to protect his dignity, “But I wasn’t told the full details, which was of your error!”

“Ok, fine. I apologize. But it cannot be broken as long as we are both living.” Saron’s face was calm.

“OH! THANK YOU FOR ALSO LEAVING OUT THAT DETAIL!” Henry was confused and unsettled.

“May I ask a favor of you?” questioned Saron.

“What on Gaia could you want?” Henry huffed.

“Would it be permissible for me to return with you to your castle until I am ready to return to my home?”

Henry looked into Saron’s bright purple eyes lost by the question. “Are you mad? What makes you assume it’s safe for me to take you there when you’re not even allowed to be in this part of the planet?”

“You made a contract with me. You also agreed to protect and assist me in my time of need.”

“Well seems I only have a single option then. If we’re to make it back early enough to sneak you in we must leave immediately.” Saron bowed his head in agreement.

The sun was beginning to rise after many hours of traveling towards the Human castle. Henry’s eyes grew more and more exhausted as he had not slept in almost 24 hours. The gate became in a viewing distance, this was the moment that Henry needed all the luck in the world. During this hour the guards would be at the gate and trying to get Saron in would be a quite a trick. Henry’s breathing became more uneasy, he had reached the gate and stopped to think.

“Saron, hold onto my horse and close your eyes. If we hide your eyes I might be able to get you through, I can say you’re blind.” Said Henry, this was all he could think of doing. Saron did so and was now very unsure of this idea. Henry called out to have the guards open the gate. The gate opened and the guards welcomed the prince but stopped him momentarily to question Saron.

“Who is this you bring with you Sire? Why does he close his eyes?” One guard questioned.

“He is a young blind boy I found in the forest, he does not wish to open his eyes as it will make no difference to his sight” replied Henry. The guards nodded acknowledging the Prince’s words. The horse walked forward to head back to the stables. Saron relieved opened his eyes and not thinking turned around to look at the guards.

Immediately the guards reacted after seeing his glowing purple color. “He has deceived you Sire! He’s an Elf! Get away from the Prince!” The guards ran and grabbed Saron, Henry was wide eyed and in fear of what had just happened. Henry was unable to speak and Saron struggled to be released. “Forgive us for letting this thing get past us Sire! He will be imprisoned right away!” Feeling betrayed Saron was taken to the dungeon waiting for something to happen. Henry, unknowing what to do went to his chambers to think of a solution but quickly fell asleep from his exhaustion.

In the new morning both boys awoke with heavy minds. Saron lay in his cell on the cold stone floor thanking for being able to see the sun again. Henry was dressed by his servant then went to confront his father about Saron hoping he wasn’t too late to voice what he had to say.

He walked towards the large door to enter the throne room where his father sat, the doors were opened and he entered the room with a nervous stomach. He stood at the end of long carpet looking at his father who had seen him enter. Henry walked forward praying the correct words would leave his lips.

“My dear son!” Henry’s father exclaimed. He stood from his throne to hug Henry, “I’m so happy you’re safe”.

“Why would I be unsafe?” Henry questioned.

“That horrible creature may have...”

“The creature’s name is Saron father and he & I have a contract. He has been no threat to me, the Elves mean us no harm anymore.”

“Silence! Guards bring me the Elf.” Two guards left to fetch Saron.

Henry was stunned, his breathing became heavier and his heart was racing, there was nothing he could do at this point.

The guards returned with Saron in shackles, he was shaking not wanting to hear what the King had to say. He was forced onto the ground on his knees, as all prisoners were. He stared at the ground trying to avoid eye contact and keep his fear under control.

“You have entered the Human hemisphere of which is forbidden. For your crime you are sentenced to death.”

“Your highness crossing the hemisphere was an accident! I meant no harm!”

                “Take him out of my sight! To the guillotine immediately!”

                “Father no!” Henry called hoping for a miracle.

                “How dare you try to save an Elf!”

                “He hasn’t hurt anyone! You’re assuming things!”

                “I will not listen to suck mockery of me and support for those thing. Take him away as well!” The King was filled with furry for a hate he was raised to have. He would consider no alternatives then his own ideas.

                The village was notified of the execution to be the first of an Elf in 1000 years. The center was filled with every last person that could fit. Saron was placed into the guillotine, terrified, his “crime” and other ones the King claimed he also committed were read to the crowd. There was cheering and booing, a drum roll, the crowd fell silent, and then the blade fell.

                Henry felt suddenly paralyzed as Saron let out his last breath. His heart fell and he heard the final cheers of the crowds from his cell, his father put him in. He was unable to handle the amount of things that had happened in only 24 hours. He felt betrayed and a betrayer. Two things he was able to think of clearly, an Elf was no threat to a human and that he would forever loath his father.

The hours turned into days, days into months and months into years. Henry sitting in his cell still aged more every day away from the world he had known. A guard opened the small prison door and Henry emerged. After the door closed behind him, he stood quite still and looked at the empty street as he was headed out of the Dungeon. It was early in the morning and he breathed deeply. Five years in prison had been a long while. He glanced up at the sky, blinking, like a blind man who has been shown it for the first time. Then, as if he had suddenly made up his mind about something, he walked briskly down the street to find himself a new life away from the Humans, in the land of the Elfs.

 

Author's Note

This is a story I wrote for my English class while living in Germany. I had to write the story from the first paragraph prompt. I realize some of the dialogue is silly between the conversations of the two boys.