Hi guys,

I just want to say thank you for choosing Blood & Bargains. 

Just to give you a bit of a heads up, English is not my first language so you'll find... well... mistakes. 

Yeah, I edit. 

Yeah, you'll still find them. 

Yeah, I wouldn't know what to do with me either. XD

Some chapters are a bit lengthy so I had to split them into two parts. However they are eventful, so I hope that that will keep you tuned. 

Beware, no editing has been done so prepare to be surprised.

Lastly, I hope you'll enjoy and I would appreciate your feedback. <3 Love you all!

Now, let the fantasy begin!     

*************

The Beginning

There are no good outcomes from war. It's such an ugly word with horrendous results. The battles between the faeries of Light and Dark were aggressively growing. Blood has been shed by no one but their own kind. What once started in a dispute over rights, spiraled to a clash over power. 

The Lights sealed their realm from outsiders. Sentries guarded the lands keeping Tír na nÓg safe from covetous eyes. The Lights surpassed in elixirs, potions and remedies. Everything from growing the first sprout to a full grown producing tree in the matter of hours, to curing diseases and healing injuries in seconds, to using their potions in war against their enemies.

while the Darks, who walked the Land of Man, took home in the mountains. Sliabh Scáth, Shadow Mountains. Living in the human world, the Darks exceeded in warfare and battle. Wielding weapons of all sort and kind. There was no target impossible to hit and no trace difficult to track. They were hunters and trackers unlike any other. Killing came easily to them. They tamed beasts to follow their orders. The Darks believed in their eligibility to profit off the lands of Tír na nÓg. 

After decades of conflict, separation and hatred, rulers from both sides decided to put an end to this war. However, the lack of trust was vast at such time. Therefore, a bargain was struck and sealed with the blood of the rulers. 'Fabhair do fhabhair' or ' Favors for favors'.

The bargain consisted of making use of the fields that each excelled in. The Lights would supply the Darks with necessary potions and a significant share of the lands production. In return for  the Darks' skills in tracking and the protection against Orcs -fairies mortal enemy-. In addition to a share of the minerals that was dug from the mines of Shadow Mountains. 

One last crucial condition was added to the bargain before it was sealed. In order to maintain the peace, the Darks will be invited to walk the lands of Tír na nÓg once a year for the annual festival. 

Consignments were exchanged from Tír na nÓg to the Land of Man and vice versa. Acrimony was buried for the sake of truce, however, it was never forgotten.

Sixteen Years Ago

Tír na nÓg

The whole realm buzzed with preparations for the annual festival. The sounds of children's laughs and the joy of elders filled the streets of Tír na nÓg. Fountains were set to stream endlessly with various colors of luscious honey and all sorts of nectar. Fruits of every color and shape were on display like some sort of colorful paintings. Vines were being manipulated to intertwine and twist by the weavers in the process to turn them into canopies. Trees and flowers were treated with special potions made by apothecaries to last long, blossoming all day and illuminating like candle lights at night. Pyros were preparing their fireworks to show their remarkable work when darkness kissed the lands. Melodies played in every corner, discreetly attracting walkers to join the dancing rings. In was a matter of days before the festival began.

Light Faeries Palace

"How are the preparations going?", Lord Aragon asked. He stood by the window looking outside with his hands clasped behind his back.

"Everything is going according to schedule, Your Highness", Conn, the royal adviser, answered respectfully.

"Did we send the annual invitations to the Darks?".

"We did".

"What about supplies, potions and medicine?".

"Twas prepared and sent".

Lord Aragon glanced at his adviser, "The Dark Lady's remedy?".

"Laigh prepared it himself. Twas sent to Shadow Mountains by one of their own".

"What does he think of her illness?"

"He is still doing his researches on what might have caused her illness. He said that the remedy he prepared will stable her for a while", Conn's voice was as unsettling as the Light Lord's thoughts.

He turned away from the window, brow knotted tightly, "Our sentries and casters?".

"Prepared and ready. They've been informed to mingle and interfere if needed. Their main focus is to keep the Lights safe", Conn nodded.

"Maith... maith", Lord Aragon breathed, speaking in his Gaelic tongue.

Conn studied him for a moment as the silence stretched, "What's worrying you, Aragon?". There were moments in the royal courts where lifelong friendships took over royal titles. Conn knew that this was one of them.

Aragon's back stiffened, "Once a year we open our lands for them as accustomed by the rulers before us. And once a year we are vulnerable. The only thing that is holding the Darks back is a blood sealed bargain", his voice lowered as he kept looking over the green lands of Tír na nÓg. His fingers clinched tightly until his knuckles turned white, "Sooner or later something is ought to happen. Níl ann ach am".

Part Two

Battalions of Lights and Darks silently patrolled the area for the arrival of the Dark Lord and members of the Dark clan. Escorted by a flock of Lights dressed in long white hooded ropes, embroidered with golden threads, and embellished with gemstones that glimmered under the sunlight that seeped through the tall trees of the forest. They walked in flawless formation of two straight lines ahead of the Darks. Their hands grasped spears in utmost dexterity. Even though marching in faultless strides, their moves were as fluid as a stream. Guiding the Dark clan to the entrance of Tír na nÓg.

Faeries, whether Dark or Light, took pride in the side they represented. Even if it was in the simplest form such as clothing, and the Darks stood out of place in the Lights lands with their hard features and dark ropes and cloaks. Despite the years of truce, a long lived animosity was not easy to erase and it showed clearly the eyes of the faeries. The Lights watched the arrival. Abide the orders of Lord Aragon, the Darks were met with nothing but respect and hospitality. Although, fear was clear in the eyes of some of the gazers. After all, the Darks did ride beasts to wars.

In a hall full of the highest ranks of Lights, silence fell upon them as the heavy carved doors opened. The Dark clan stepped through the threshold to the wide rotunda. High pillars engraved to look like vines, engrossed with gems and diamonds that reached the sunroof ceiling. Mosaic windows cast colorful shadows when sun shined behind them. The white floors were embedded with gold that formed the Ancient One, the great white oak tree, its trunk extended from the hall entrance to the throne and its branches spread climbing the walls. Behind the throne, statues carved impeccably representing two sentries standing with a closed fist over where their chest.

"His Highness, Lord Glendon of Dark Fey of Sliabh Scáth", the royal herald announced.

As the Dark Lord walked into the hall, whispers stirred between the Lights. 

With feature that appeared as if they were cut of stone, ruthless and intimidating. His gray wings folded behind him. Lord Glendon bowed his head in a greeting. His voice was as skin crawling as his ice cold eyes, "We thank your hospitality, Light Lord and Lady".

Lord Aragon and Lady Erina bowed in return.

"His Highness, the First Prince of Dark Fey, Prince Brendin", the royal herald announced.

A younger splitting image of his father, but with steel blue wings, stepped into the hall. The Prince knelt before the Light Lord and Lady followed by the rest of his clan.

Aragon nodded. He held out his hand for Lady Erina to join him. He smiled at her affectionately when she placed her hand on top of his. Turning his eyes back to his guests, "Fáilte, cairde ó Shléibhte Scáth. ", his voice rose to fill the hall in Gaelic. "We welcome you in Tír na nÓg. May our harvest be blessed. And may this year's festival pleases all of fey-kind. With the arrival of our guests, let the festival begin".

With the Light Lord announcement, cheers filled the hall and a melodic tune started to play. The Darks started to mingle with the Lights before they all step outdoors for the festival. Lord Aragon couldn't dismiss the feeling that something wasn't right. His eyes scanned the faces in front of him everything seemed in order. His glance lingered briefly on Conn. He appeared to think the same.

"Spectacular festival, Aragon, as always", Lord Glendon said. Though there wasn't anything spectacular in his voice nor the dead stare of his deep grey eyes.

None of Aragon's suspicions were unfazed under his solid front. He smiled while admiring the gathering around him with a pleased eye , "Tá sé cinnte go bhfuil".

"Lord Aragon", someone said to catch his attention.

"Ah, Prince Brendin, glad you could join us this year", Aragon patted his shoulder.

The Prince bowed his head, "My pleasure, You Highness".

For the briefest moment Prince Brendin met his eye straight ahead when he lifted his head. And for that briefest moment Aragon saw nothing but sheer hatred and hostility. That look dissolved right away to nothing.

"I would want to see the festival, if you may grant me your permission to leave", he asked courteously.

Lord Aragon kept his features in check, the smile never left him. He gave a single nod then clasped his hands behind his back, "Of course. A young fey like you should enjoy the festival. I could imagine how boring it must be here".

"Thank you, Your Highness", the prince bowed his head before turning around.

"My apologies that the Dark Lady wasn't able to join us today", Lord Aragon expressed his sympathy, but the Dark Lord face explicated nothing and he said nothing.

In Aragon's peripheral vision he could see Lady Erina being escorted casually through another door by Conn, the royal adviser and two of the secret sentries. Others were in position. As he turned to the Dark Lord he saw the Lights and Darks starting to leave for the festival.

Loud noise came from the door behind him making him spin around. It was the same door Lady Erina used just a few minutes ago. The Light sentries were on full attention. Five of them were out that door in a second. "Drop your swords", was heard clearly.

A loud thud echoed through the hall from the other side as the main entrance was closed shut and guarded by three of the Darks.

In a blink of an eye dark ropes fell to the ground and swords, knives and daggers were pulled out. In return the Lights sentries and casters drew their weapons and potions too. Fearful screams erupted and whatever conversation or music was going came to a stop. As the Darks charged, the Lights met them head on. Weapons clashed fiercely. Casters threw vials of potions and pouches that soon dissolved to smoke. Numbers of Darks started to fall paralyzed. Their bodies cluttered the floor and their weapons fell with loud clunks from what was becoming loose finger.

Three of the Light sentries surrounded Lord Aragon in an instant with swords and spears drawn in front of them. Instantly met by the Darks. Aragon drew his sword too and joined his sentries. A tall Dark Faerie with long brown hair and even darker eyes pulled out a knife in each hand and charged. Fighting two of the Lights swiftly. While the third was handled by another. One by one, the Lights around Aragon dropped.

"What's the meaning for this, Glendon", Aragon voice boomed as he charged at him.

Before Aragon could reach the Dark Lord, he was met with the knives of that tall faerie. In one instantaneous move he disarmed him. Only then Glendon moved. He pulled out a dagger and held it to the Light Lord's neck.

Two Light sentries rushed to Aragon. "Release Lord Aragon", one of them hissed.

"Protect Lady Erina", Aragon yelled ignoring slicing pain in his neck.

Just as soon the sentry pointed her sword at the Dark Lord, a knife was aimed to her chest by the tall, stealth Dark faerie. "Drop your weapons and potions or your Lord's head will be rolling on the ground", the tall Dark smirked. His other hand held a gleaming knife in the Aragon's direction.

Lord Glendon remained calm. Sure of his tactics. He had three of his clan surrounding them. Leaving the Lights out numbered and easy targeted. Slowly, swords, spears and potions were being dropped to the ground.

"Glendon, stop this madness this instant", Lord Aragon demanded.

"Madness?", Glendon spat, "You haven't seen madness yet". A humorless laugh ripped out of throat, "If you call the death of the Dark Lady madness then this is it".

Aragon eyes widened. Stunned into silence for a minute. "How...?".

Glendon eyes flashed silver with anger, and he pushed the dagger further until blood trickled down Lord Aragon neck, "Don't act as if you didn't know. It was your doing. You had a hand in her death. The messenger that carried the remedy was murdered by one of yours. He was impaled to death with one of your weapons and without the remedy".

Aragon face paled, "This cannot be".

"She died", Glendon sneered madly, "The Lights caused her death". Then a horrible grin slowly stretched across his face, "But now, now you will get to witness the Light Lady's death".

As soon as the words left his mouth, the doors swung opened and Lady Erina was pushed through. She cried out when she hit the floor. Blood stained the sleeve of her white dress where it was ripped. A Dark guard pulled her roughly to her feet and held a knife to her throat.

"Take your hands off her", Aragon belted. Then he met Glendon stare for a stare and his voice thundered, "The Lights did no such thing".

Glendon roared in rage and grabbed him by the neck of his rope. The dagger biting deeper into his skin, "Lies... lies", then he pushed him to the floor.

The Light sentries around them flinched to move but were met with a Dark warning that tied them in place.

Aragon's rage met his as he ripped the blood stained fabric by his neck, "My clan did not break the bargain". He exposed his shoulder showing the white markings of the bargain. The seal moved unbroken. "We kept to our end. If it was the Lights' doing then the seal would have  broken. The bargain would have abolished".

Glendon, brow furrowed as he studied the seal.

"Lord Glendon", a Dark faerie rushed through the doors.

The Dark Lord looked at her. Mai. One of the Faeries he assigned her to accompany Brendin. She stood alone. Blood seeped through her black tabard coloring her hand that was pressed to her side. Her eyes were wide and her skin paled. His chest tightened, "Where is Brendin? Cá bhfuil mo mhac?".

Mai's gaze fell and so did his heart. "He didn't follow the plan. He insisted on avenging the Dark Lady himself. He went after Lady Erina and...", her voice trailed off unable to finish.

Lord Glendon stared at her in disbelieve. He wasn't to go after the Light Lady. He wasn't suppose to engage in any of this. A grief stricken outcry echoed through the hall. The pain of loss gripped him until his chest ached. He lost his wife a few days ago. The dearest faerie to his heart. And now, now he lost his son. His first born. The heir to the throne. The one who was to rule the Darks after him.

His gaze fixed on the door that Mai came through in hopes that the Dark Prince would cross the threshold, but to his grief a Dark warrior walked in carrying the Dark Prince's body. His limbs dangling lifelessly and his head rolled to the side. The black tabard torn and soaked with blood. His wings stained red. Another cry ripped through him. The air shifted in the hall under the Dark Lord cries. The Dark warriors held their stand nonetheless.

"Kill them...", the Dark Lord spoke in a low voice, his gaze went berserk as he turned to Jarle "Kill them all. Start with the Light Lady and make him watch".

Jarle bowed slightly, "My Lord".

The faerie holding Lady Erina pushed her forward towards the Light Lord in a repulsive mock of a better view. Her beautiful eyes were wide in terror. She wasn't afraid for herself and neither did the Light Lord.

"No...", Aragon reached for his sword but before he pick it up, sharp pain shot in his shoulder as the sharp edge of a knife was drove in to the hilt. A cry of pain escaped him. Sentries around them tensed to moved but held in place.

"Don't kill him!", Lady Erina screamed, "le do thoil".

"Any move and you die", Jarle looked him in the eye before wrenching the knife out. Lord Aragon grunted in agony. The red stain on his shoulder widened and ran down his arm.

His eyes moved around. His sentries have fallen. What once was a white floor was now colored with crimson. The few sentries he had left were on their knees with weapons pointed at them. He was more concerned protecting his clan that he failed protecting the one he loved. The 'two' he loved. He looked back at her with an apology that weighed as heavy as mountains. A knife was held right above her heart. The tears in her eyes broke him.

Aragon folded his legs under him turning his back to her. "Spare Lady Erina and the Lights, and kill me", He bowed his head, but his voice boomed strong.

Gasps erupted. The Dark Lord glanced to his warrior that grasped Lady Erina's arm to wait.

"Níl...", Lady Erina shouted, "Aragon, le do thoil", she begged.

Glendon placed his dagger under the Light Lord's chin and used it to lift his head up, "Why would I want to do that?", he spat.

Lord Aragon met his stare with an aggressive one, pressing his neck to dagger. The sharp edge biting his skin. "Because in order for the Darks to survive, you need the Lights. Tír na nÓg was and forever will be the lands of the Lights", he moved to stand not caring of the sharp ends that pressed on his neck. "If you murder all the Lights, the Darks are as good as dead. You know that. Killing me won't break the bargain hence it was an offering. The seal will remain untouched".

Aragon met him eye to eye. Determination in every move he made. The gaze that met him was lifeless. If Lady Maarika meant anything for him as Lady Erina holds his heart, then nothing short than death will fill that void. Perhaps, not even that. "I entrust in my clan that my death will not break the truce. Fabhair do fhabhair".

"Your Highness", one of Lights yelled followed by another. Above that, the sobs of the Light Lady tore him apart.

Lord Aragon held out a strict hand to silence the sentries around him, "I request of you, as the Lord of the Lights, to spare the lives of the Light Lady and my clan and take mine".

"Impím ort, Aragon", Lady Erina broke, "Ná lig dár n-iníon maireachtáil gan athair".

Lord Glendon flinched a little as he heard her words. His brow furrowed as his gaze moved to Lady Erina where she was sobbing. Her hands covered her middle protectively. "You're bearing a child", his voice was more of a statement than a question, "The First Light Princess". Followed by a string of endless sadness.

Glendon's gaze came back to the Light Lord. The hand that was gripping the dagger lowered slowly. This changes everything. The situation gave him the upper hand. He was a man of strategies and tactics and this was an opportunity. "I'll spare the lives of the Lights for a bargain". His eyes alternated between the Light Lord and Lady."A hand twining. The second Dark Prince and the Light Princess".

Lady Erina gasped. The hope that was written on her face vanished.

"There will be no such thing", Lord Aragon spat in fury. His hands balled into shaking fists. "I would fall to my death with open arms before I agree...".

The Dark Lord interrupted, "Then it won't end with your death alone", he stepped closer his eyes gleaming with anger, "I will kill every last Light . Males, females, and children, then burn Tír na nÓg to the ground". He couldn't take his eyes away from his deceased son. The image of his mate taking her last breath didn't part his mind for a second. Grief consumed him without an end. "I have nothing left to lose".

Lord Aragon shook his head in disbelief, "Do you know what you're asking? Lights and Darks can never mix... And to force a hand twining on a faerie could...".

Lord Glendon cut in again, "Yes, but it won't kill them. I give you my word; the Princess will be cared for as one of my own, shall you accept. In return your life and Lady Erina along with the lives of Light clan will be spared. The Darks will live up to their part of the bargain".

Then he used the sharp edge of the dagger he was holding and ran it across his palm in one swift move. The dark Lord held out his hand as blood trickled to drops falling to the floor, "Shall you not accept, I will not rest until every last one of you seize to exist. Even if it took every single Dark faerie, I'll make sure to wipe out all of you. Starting with Lady Erina then all the Lights at the festival".

Lord Aragon knew that the Dark Lord will stop at nothing. He knew that he'll follow through every word he said. If he to accept the bargain, his soon to be born child will be sentenced to be wedded to the Dark Prince. If not, the death of the Lights, his wife and daughter will be on him. Their blood will be on his hands. If the Darks considered attacking the festival, many lives will be lost. Even with the sentries protection, there will be a great number of casualties that the Lights cannot afford to lose.

He stared down at the dagger Lord Glendon offered him with an opened hand. Then he turned to Lady Erina who was as torn as he was. His gaze drifted to Prince Brendin's body and his own pain stirred. Across the hall his sentries' eyes were on him. Waiting for his orders. He knew, on his request they will give their lives for the Princess, but that he could not ask.

Staring again at the Dark Lord's dagger, Lord Aragon sent a silent, remorseful plea. Forgive me daughter that I have failed you. Your destiny has been made by other. The fate of the Lights rests on your shoulders. 

With that, he clossed his finger overthe dagger and ran the sharp edge across his hand. Blood pooled in his palm then he clasped his palm to Glendon's sealing the bargain. The burn of the seal started to mark their skin.