Book 2 - Ch 3: The Remnant

The Queen reached over and patted Ceridwyn’s leg affectionately and nodded.

”I know exactly what you mean, Ceridwyn. As I stated, fate has a way of shifting the winds of change in some f the most unlikely ways we would expect. Aeolis’ mother used to tell me quite often we could never be assured of anything when the sun sank at night. And as it rises each morning, do not assume it will be as the day before. I did not understand what she meant but as each day passes, I am understanding it more and more. I wish she were still here to see her own heartfelt wish come true. And that would not have happened if not for you. And while Aeolis and Tanjee do not see me as such, I try to be as much a mother to them as they will allow me. Trust me when I say this union is more than anticipated, it is welcomed with a revelry that has long been missing from our people. While my son and his beautiful wife has given us something to celebrate I have to say this union has our people more excited than the Princes.”

She took another sip of her tea then tilted her head slightly at Ceridwyn.

”Which brings me to my next subject. While I know you and Aeolis have forgone he usual frivolous celebrations, the next two days are absolutely necessary. I know you prefer the simpler things in life but allow me these indulgences these next few days and I will not force you into any such formalities again. As long as I can help it. I have planned the dinner celebration tonight for when my son and his family arrive and of course you and Aeolis will be required to attend. As well as the meals tomorrow. As the guests arrive, they will wish to greet you and Aeolis but the meals will also give them a chance to mingle among everyone in a less formal setting than the Union Ceremony. And of course you will be requested to stay here until you and Aeolis are joined. On that, I insist. Call me a bit old fashioned, but it is something I simply have to do as Queen. You will have my full staff at your disposal, of course. And do not be afraid to take full advantage of them. Trust me when I tell you this…..they are quite eager and excited to be helping you. As I said earlier, everyone is excited about this union. I have prepared a suite for you that captures the sunlight most of the day. And if there is anything else you need, please do not hesitate to ask. It would be my honor to see that it is taken care of.”



Pela set about cleaning the mess made by the wash basin and oil from the lamp that was knocked over when Shaer pulled the coat rack down upon himself. She felt bad about the toddler’s injury and promised herself she would make certain he would never hurt himself again while in her care.

She used her magic to crystallize the oil and water so it made it easier to clean up. It wasn’t easy to do with the oil, but she was slowly getting it picked up and the carpet was looking none the worse for the incident.

She had just finished the task when she felt eyes upon her. Pela looked up to see Ranewen standing there watching her with that nasty grin on her face again. Pela furrowed her brow.

”What do YOU want?”

Ranewen crossed her arms in front of her and leaned against the wall keeping her voice low as she spoke to Pela.

”Oh…nothing. I am just enjoying seeing you down on your knees cleaning up messes. It is where you belong, human. And now that you have caused Shaer injury, I will make sure you never get the chance to spend time alone with him….OR Olwa. You cannot be trusted. That much is clear now. And I will remind the Princess of that each chance I get. If I were you, I would make plans for leaving as soon as you could. It would be much easier if you left on y our own accord instead of being asked to leave by the Princess. Not to mention better for Olwa. He will lose his fascination with you and focus on what is important. Like his future among HIS people. Where he belongs. And of course, I will be at his side. Morning, noon….and night.”

Pela practically jumped to her feet. She was clearly angry right now and it was all she could do to control herself. She wanted to lash out at this elfess and freeze her in a solid block of ice so thick, it would never melt. Her breathing was erratic and she clenched her fists at her side.

”Do not think it is that simple, Ranewen. Olwa has feelings for me. Not you. And his future is what HE wants it to be. Not what his parents or you want it to be.”

Ranewen simply grinned even more and leaned ever so close and barely whispered.

”We shall see which one of us is right. I will be speaking to his parents while we are in Silvanost. Not you. And they will be quite interested in what I have to tell them. Especially after today’s incident.”

Pela blinked and had a look of panic on her face for a split second but it was long enough for Ranewen to see it. The elfess took a small step back and smiled brightly.

”I will forever remember that look just on your face, human. In particular when I become Olwa’s wife.”

Ranewen turned and walked away from Pela leaving the sorceress standing there looking at her retreating back once more. Ranewen was right. Olwa’s parents saw Pela as something less than worthy of Olwa. In fact, they saw Pela as an abomination. Something to be disgusted about. Not proud. With a hevy sigh, Pela walked over to her window and looked out at the grass fields surrounding Glen Durel. She could leave. She could make it on her own. It would be difficult, but she could do it. But if she left, she would leave Olwa behind. And she simply couldn’t bring herself to do that. She loved him. Of that there was no doubt now. But if she stayed, she would cause Olwa nothing but trouble.

There was no doubt she would need to make a decision.

Soon.

Ceridwyn was humbled at the Queen's words and for the first time in a very long time she felt that there was only one option available, "Though it is not my place to follow only the edicts of the royal family it is also not my place to defy them for no reason."

The Queen quirked a brow and Ceridwyn smiled softly, "I will allow you these indulgences, but under the knowledge that they are more for the people than for me. If I had my way Aeolis and I would sneak into the forest and exchange our vows with two witnesses and that would be it. I can understand why the people are so happy about it however, unfortunately there is deep prejudice within the hearts of most of the Silvanesti and your son marrying a human still hasn't set well with the populace overall. It is unfortunate, if they could see half of what I have seen they would find Rayann is more a champion of them than humans, but such is the way of hardened hearts, they can't see past the very tips of their stiff noses."

She sipped her tea and inhaled deeply. The Lady of the Stars would see the sadness in Ceridwyn's eyes as she spoke of the Silvanesti Elves. It had been her manner to speak in court often about uniting humanity and elfkind, that for the benefit of all they could learn from one another and be allies in a world that was full of so many other evils. As such Ceridwyn had often put her actions where her words were and spent most of her time in human lands instead of Silvanesti. She looked at the Queen and smiled, "I suppose all I can do is cling to the hope that someday things will change."

The Queen nodded her head.

”Some things are more difficult to change than others, Ceridwyn. What my son has done, in the eyes of some of the people, is unforgivable. But you and I both know it takes something as what he has done to plant the seed of change and let it take root so future generations can reap what has been sown. With the proper cultivating and care, that seed will take firm hold. And with others such as yourself, it will receive the proper attention it needs. Not to mention the fact it seems as though young Olwa is rather captivated with the young sorceress, Pela.”

There was something akin to a twinkle in her eyes as she sipped her tea then cradled the cup in her hands again as they rested in her lap.

Rest assured your efforts to draw the two races together is not futile, my dear. But this sort of prejudice did not evolve overnight and as such we cannot expect a cure overnight. As with all things, time will be the biggest factor. While I know patience is not something we are all well practiced in the art of, I feel as though there is no better fertilizer found on Krynn.”

She brought the cup to her lips but before it made contact, she added one more thing.

”But that does not mean we cannot do something to help aid the cause, hm?”

Ceridwyn nodded and was about to speak when a soft knock came to the door. Both she and the Lady of the Stars turned their heads as one of the Queen's aids stepped in and spoke, "I beg pardons my Lady, but one of your grand children has arrived."

Ceridwyn quirked her brow, wondering exactly how long she and the Queen had been speaking. She knew that Rayann and Myth'alas were expected soon but she didn't believe it was time yet. The young elfess stepped aside and spoke again, "She requested that she be allowed to join the two of you." With that the aid revealed a slightly disgusted look on her face as she bowed, Kali brushed past the young Elfess in Waiting and approached the two of them. Her robes were as black as Ceridwyn had ever seen them, they seemed to consume even the shadows that should have been present as the folds meet the curls. The Queen dismissed her Elfess and both of them stood to welcome Kali. Before either could speak she spoke first, "I understand that my presence is unexpected, and I do apologize for interrupting. Do you mind if I join you?"

Ceridwyn smiled warmly and approached Kali, embracing her as an old friend would and Kali responded in kind, though not as enthusiastically, "Of course you are welcome to join us. What friend turns away another, and a Grandmother never turns away a Grandchild."

Kali looked over Ceridwyn's shoulder at the Lady of the Stars and as she let go of Ceridwyn she walked over to her Grandmother and spoke, "Well, I have Ceridwyn's buy in but judging by the location I can only be left to assume that you were the one who called this meeting. Do you mind if I join you?"

It was the first time her Grandmother had seen her in over two years, and the first time her Grandmother had seen the scarring from the battle of Heartlund covering her grand daughters face. Kali watched her reaction, her lavender and crystal blue eyes focused intently on her Grandmothers face.

The Lady of the Stars was surprised when she saw Kali’s presence enter the room. To say the least, she was shocked by what she saw and for a moment, she was unable to prevent her shock from clearly being noticed. However, like the diplomat she was, and had been for quite some time, she pushed her shock aside and watched as her granddaughter exchanged warm greetings with Ceridwyn.

The Queen had been apprised of everything that happened in Heartlund, much like the Speaker of the Stars had been. And she knew of the supposed defection Kali had done….as well as the outcome of the towers destruction. And more importantly; why. Or, to be more precise; who. She also heard Kali's alignment had changed but there were no confirmed reports about it and as Kali wore the pitch black robes, the Queen knew the reports were not simply rumor but indeed fact.

As Kali turned her attention to the Queen, the elderly Elfess reached her arms out and drew Kali into a warm and heartfelt hug. Slowly releasing her granddaughter, she held Kali at arms length to study her even closer. Unabashed at how it may make anyone feel. After all, this was her grandchild and she had the right to see for herself the damages that had been done to her as a result of putting herself in such danger for others.

”Kali, you are always welcome to join me here. The invitation is always open to you, child. I must say, I was not quite expecting your visit. I did not expect you until tomorrow. But I am glad you chose to arrive earlier. I was just talking to Ceridwyn here while we had a few moments of privacy before the official celebration festivities began. Please….sit down. Would you care for some tea? And please….tell me….how are you….really?”

The Queen motioned for Kali to sit and join Ceridwyn on the sofa while she walked over to the table that held the tea pot and delicate cups on it. As with Ceridwyn, she didn’t wait for an answer; she simply poured then handed the steaming cup to Kali as she smiled warmly at her.

Kali accepted her grandmothers embrace and though it wasn't as heartfelt she did return the gesture. As the Lady of the Stars offered her a seat and a cup of tea Kali coughed into her handkerchief. She removed the small velvet bag that contained the mixture Ceridwyn had put together for her and put one spoonful into the cup. It hissed and bubbled before settling into the tea and she inhaled it's pungent smell with a small smile before sipping it.

Ceridwyn exchanged slightly concerned glances with the Lady of the Stars as Kali went through her ritual and after a moment Kali spoke, "My condition is not the topic up for discussion Grandmother, nor is it important. My choice is to accept the fate the gods whom I saved have handed me, and make the best of it."

There was a slight bitterness to her words, though it was true that she had accepted what had been handed to her, though it was true she had saved the entire heavenly spectrum and Mishikal had refused to give her the healing grace that would have restored her she was still angry at times for having made the choices that she had. There were moments when she had considered what things would be like if she had bought into Fifth's plan lock stock and barrel, if she had given allegiance to Piramay and truly merged shadow with fire, if their magic was the overwhelming and most powerful force to ever cover the face of Krynn and together the three of them had brought the rule of the land under their control. She was not after power and control at that time, but now she was and anyone who was paying attention would see it in her eyes. She craved power now, like the touch of a lover she anticipated it's touch on her cool skin, exposed to the night and beckoning to be caressed. Her thirst for the erotic feeling of each new spell caused small shivers to trace down her spine and she hungered for it more than sought it.

She sipped her tea again as she glanced over to Ceri, "Beside Grandmother, this conversation and this weekend belongs to Ceridwyn, not me. She should be the center of our attention."

Ceridwyn shook her head softly and spoke, "You know I don't desire attention Kali, in fact I like yourself would prefer to stay cozy in my own world and focus on the things that I desire most."

Kali grinned softly and responded, "That is one of the few similarities between us Ceridwyn."

The Lady of the Stars listened to the tone of her granddaughter’s voice and the bitterness in her words was like a rancid honey dripping from a hive of angry bees. To say she was concerned was an understatement. There were several things the Queen could have said to the statements Kali had made, but again her diplomacy rose to the occasion and she pushed her words away. Kali was a grown woman who made her choices and there was nothing the Queen could do to take back what had happened or steer her granddaughter in a direction that could have saved her from what happened to her. There were things outside the Queens control that made certain of that.

[i]”Very well then, Kali. I was just about to ask Ceridwyn about some specifics of her ceremony and let her know what sort of festivities I had planned for her and Aeolis. I expect the rest of your family in just a short while. When they arrive the official celebration will begin.”

Kali smiled to her grandmother and though she could see on her face she did not agree with Kali's words she could see that she would be respectful of them. Kali responded with words that took her and Ceridwyn by surprise, "Thank-you for respecting my words your highness."

Ceridwyn's eyes went slightly wide as did the Queen's, Kali did not respond, she simply sipped her tea and sat quietly. It was the first time she had ever spoken to her grandmother as one who had position over her, but she had reason. There was little time spent between them relatively speaking, however her grandmother had always treated her as family, despite the events that took place with her kidnapping and being raised under the authority of Tahkisis.

Kali nodded and spoke, "Mother and Father will be arriving within the hour."

Ceridwyn looked at Kali and spoke, "Oh? Have you spoken with your mother or father?"

Kali hid the most genuine happy smile either of them had seen in a very long time behind her teacup and simply spoke, "No, but I know they are leaving soon."

Ceridwyn and the Mistress of the Stars looked at her curiously and suddenly a bruise appeared on her forehead right above her right eye. Ceridwyn and the Mistress both spoke in alarm and Kali brought up her hand to stop them, she spoke softly, "It is fine, please. One of us has to feel the pain, not both, Shaer just bumped his head is all."

Ceridwyn sat back in her chair and spoke, "I don't understand."

Kali looked at her and the smile of absolute love hung on her face as she spoke, "You are a wizard, if there is anyone that understands not all things are meant to be understood it would be a wizard."

Ceridwyn laughed and nodded in agreement, "Well spoken Kali."

Simultaneously to all this going on, back in Glen Durel Rayann would see the goose egg and bruise on Shaer's forehead disappear as if nothing had happened and it had never existed.

The Queen inclined her head slightly to Kali letting her granddaughter know she they understood each other. As the news of the arrival of the rest of her son’s family reached the Queen’s ears, she couldn’t help the excitement that showed on her face.

”I have to say, I am anxious to see the rest of your family, Kali….your bro….”

Just as the bruise appeared on Kali’s forehead, the Queen was visibly concerned and she moved to stand when Kali assured her everything was OK and the connection she had with Shaer. As she watched the look that appeared on Kali’s face and in her different colored eyes, the Queen knew without a doubt her granddaughter loved her brother with all of her heart.

As Caridwyn and Kali spoke of the strange connection and shared a laugh, the Queen didn’t understand anything at first but as she heard the words Kali said over and over in her mind, she blinked and sat up a little straighter.

”Oh my…..but…..would that not be dangerous, Kali, dear? I mean….when he gets older, there is no doubt his father will be quite…..adamant about his training. I know Myth’Alas loves his children but I also know he is rather strict in his training.”




As Rayann saw the goose egg slowly reduce in size on Shaer’s head and the discoloration it had caused as well, she furrowed her brows and saw how the toddler basically healed and was ready for his next adventure. She had a suspicion what happened but for now, that’s all it was.

Myth had kept his eyes on the three youths before himself and Rayann. His focus was more on the body language of all who were present, but that did not distract him from the words that were soken. His focus was leveled upon Ranewen as she spoke and he frowned slightly. It had not taken either himself or Rayann long to reach the room after they heard Shaer. Ranewen was at the door to quickly for his liking if she had indeed left his son in Pela's care. Something about teh tone of her voice and her body language spoke of other things. He had onserved oddities in her behavior when she thought no one was paying attention. As Rayann took her leave he nodded to Rayann speaking to her mind.

"I will talk to Olwa... however be mindful of the words coming from Ranewen. I have a feeling there was more to this situation than we know and I think it has to do with her."

Myth gave Olwa a couple minutes to clear his thoughts before entering the room. He was not surprised to see the young elf staring out at the lands of Glen Durel. They had a captivating effect upon those who could appreciate the beauty. As he approached Olwa turned and spoke. Myth could see the emotions that Olwa was working to control. Myth reached out taking his vambraces from Olwa's hand and set them upon the table nearby. Myth took a moment to clear his throat before he spoke.

"I do not think a stern talk or a reprimand is in order here Olwa..." Myth leaned against the table and watched his young puil. "I can tell you have already taken measure of matters and are trying sort out the right way to explain yourself. I will say that you do not need to explain what we saw, but rather what led to it."
Myth pushed himself off the table and approached Olwa fixing his emerald gaze upon the boy. His look was calm and he appeared to only be looking at awaiting the young elf's words. There was not judgement or impatience in his eyes.

"Rayann and I know you and Pela better than to make assumptions despite how things appeared. I have noticed a few things over the past few months that cause me some concern and I think that this situation is related. That being the case I would wager I could guess why the door was locked but I think it would be better for you to explain to me in your own words."

While James was gone, Tara was left alone with her thoughts while she worked swiftly on the stag. She thought of how much James reminded her of Tynen and wondered if her brother could be saved from the darkness he'd fallen into. He was the only family she had left in the universe and to think that he was alive and yet forever her enemy was too much to bear. Finally, she finished when James returned with 3 strong horses to carry the meat back to Heartlund. He studied her, sensing that she was troubled.

"What is it, Tara? What is troubling you?"

"Tis nothing, James. I just be thinkin' about me brother, Tynen and what has befallen him."

James thought on this as he helped her tie the bundles of fresh meat onto the horses before answering her.

"You have told me some about what has happened to him. But, if the two of you were as close as you say, I would think that you would be able to use that to reach out to him and pull him back to you."

Tara stopped tieing the meat to the horse, her face hidden by the beast's body. She was hopeful, wondering if James was right. Finally, after a few moments she stepped over to him.

"Do ye think it be possible, James? Tynen and I were the youngest and the closest. Could our bond be strong enough to bring him back from the darkness he is in?"

James gave her a brotherly smile, laying a hand on her shoulder, "Your bond is strong....I think it warrants thinking on and possibly trying. I would help you in whatever you decided to do, Tara. But, don't move too rashly...think on it...and plan. I believe that if anyone can pull him back it is you....but the darkness still has a hold on him so it is best to have a good plan before going into this."

"Aye...James. Ye be right. I be thinking on it, to be sure. And, I thank ye....for restoring my hope in me brother."

All said and done, the meat wrapped and packed onto the horses, the two led them back to Heartlund, delivering the meat to a very grateful cooking crew at the dining hall.

James was grinning on the inside, knowing that the seed had just been planted to get Tara away from the keep and into Tynen's hands. Now....to just wait until she decided to attempt to save her brother. And he had no doubt that she would want to do exactly that and soon.

Olwa turned and looked at Myth, he swallowed hard as his Prince cleared his throat and braced himself for what was coming. The words however were calm and understanding. Olwa nodded and responded, his voice was still very nervous, "Master, there was an incident with Ranewen in the library. I... I don't know how to say it but she was pressing herself against me and I was uncomfortable. Pela had mentioned several weeks back that Ranewen was being very passive aggressive towards her and flirty towards me. I told Pela that Ranewen and I have been friends for almost 80 years and I doubted she had feelings for me. Pela however was right, what happened in the library was confirmation of what I have been more observant of the last few weeks. I left the library in haste and sought out Pela, she and Ranewen exchanged words in the hallway downstairs and then we left to go pack the rest of Pela's belongings for the trip to Silvanost. I locked the door so we could have privacy, not for anything illicit my Prince, but so that I could apologize to her without our being interrupted. I do realize now that was an extreme error in judgment, but I want you to know that I would never do such a thing as to force Pela into an uncomfortable situation, especially in my Master's home."

Olwa inhaled deeply, his paler than usual face was sincere looking and he bowed his head respectfully, waiting for his Prince's response.



Kali looked up at her grandmother and the loving smile as she spoke of Shaer never faded, "It is not dangerous grandmother, though I can see what he sees and feel what he feels I can choose to adsorb the physical effects of his suffering, as he can mine. In time he will learn this. I have already unlocked the mystery regarding our link, it is much more powerful than my mothers was with my uncle. They were one mind, Shaer and I are one body. I have also figured out that we can also easily block emotions, experiences and pain from one another, it is why he was unaffected by my experiences at the three towers, and I have locked those memories away so that he won't have access to them, not before the right time anyway."

She brought her cup to her mouth and sipped the tea again, closing her eyes and feeling the relief from it's healing properties thanks to Ceridwyn's mixture. She then looked to her grandmother again and spoke, "So grandmother, what festivities do you have planned for Ceridwyn to protest?"

There was a hint of the hold Kali peeking, it was slight, but Ceridwyn caught it. She was in a different place right now, she was not brooding, she was not the tip of a black spear or 'evil', she was teasing her grandmother and Ceridwyn in one small sentence and Ceridwyn smiled. Perhaps there was a shred of light still in her, perhaps someday she would show it to everyone.

The Queen listened to Kali explain this connection she had with her brother and while she accepted what Kali said, she was still concerned with all of it. But now was not the time or place to discuss such things. As Kali pointed out, there was festivities and celebrations that were about to take place and when Kali asked about them, The Queen could see the look in her granddaughters eyes and knew the young woman she used to be was just beneath the surface. With a genuine smile of her own, the Queen elaborate as much as she could without giving away too many specifics.

”Well, there will be the city wide feast that will take place tonight to cap off the beginning of the formal celebration. We have invited the outlying villages to join us as Ceridwyn once lived in one of them with her family and Aeolis made it his duty to insure the citizens who lived there were protected as well. And besides, why should any of Sivanost’s people be deprived of such festivities? Tomorrow morning there will be a formal breakfast and from there….well….let me just say Ceridwyn will not have time to protest much. She will be too happy to do so. But all of Silvanost’s people will be joining in the celebration that we have all waited a long time for. After all, Aeolis and Ceridwyn have been such an integral part of the daily lives of all who dwell within the forests and city proper the people want to join in the celebration with them.”

It was obvious the Queen wasn’t going to share the details of certain things with anyone. At least for now.

Tanjee watched everything below with a careful eye. Things appeared to be nothing more than friendly between Tara and James. But still….that nagging in her gut told her there was more. Much more. She just had to wait for the right moment when she would see it for herself. Then it would just be a matter of doing the right thing at the right time to get him to reveal himself to the others.

As the hunters made their way back into the Keep, Tanjee made her way back through the trees and as James and Tara went to deliver the meat, it gave Tanjee just enough head start so she could quickly change out of her forest like attire and into something more normal for her.

By the time Tara made it back to her humble but cozy chambers, Tanjee was waiting outside the door. When she caught sight of Tara, she smiled brightly and rushed towards Tara to hug her. Tanjee’s cheeks were quite rosy after spending so much time out in the open air of the trees but she could play it off easily with her excitement to return to Silvanost to join the others in celebration of Aeolis’ wedding.

”Well, it is about time you got back here young lady. We have to get you ready to go to Silvanost. The Prince will be arriving there soon and when he and his party arrive, the celebrations will formally begin! How did your hunt go?”

Myth simply listened and nodded his head as Olwa confirmed most of his suspicions. He had come across Ranewen trading barbs with Pela from time to time, but figured it had more to do with Ranewen's heritage than anything else. Ranewen came from a strong noble heritage, but Olwa's family was higher still than her own. Myth scratched his chin pondering what to do about the matter. If the girl was anything like her parents then this would be quite the mess in the long run, but there was little time in which to deal with it.

"I can understand your choices Olwa. As a matter of fact I was a bit suspicious of Ranewen's quick arrival to the room. If she had truly been tending to other details then she would not have arrived before either Rayann or myself. We were only a couple of corners away coming to see if Pela was ready to go. I dare say you probably had a little bird hanging outside the door. Granted this is just suspicion and I have no proof but..." Myth's voice trailed off as he let out a sigh.

"We leave for Sylvanost within the hour Olwa. Do your best to be mindful of your actions and Pela's. If Ranewen is anything like her parents, and I pray she is not, she will be looking for any situation she can exploit." Myth grinned slightly as he walked up to Olwa and clapped a hand on his shoulder. "Deception does not go unnoticed for long in the home of Rayann and Myth'alas."

Looking out the window Myth let out a long sigh watching the sun begin to set upon the horizon. "You are free to tend to the rest of the preparations Olwa. If anything comes of this you will have my backing." He raised his hand "The backing of a mentor and commander, not just that of the crown prince." Myth repaid loyalty with unwavering support and Olwa was more than deserving of it.

Ceridwyn looked at the Queen almost pleading to keep things to a minimum, but she knew there would ultimately be no compromise on the situation. Ceridwyn and the Royal family had been friends for hundreds of years, they had practically adopted her as family instantly when Nim'sul brought her to the Speaker and Mistress to be presented as his new apprentice. They had always trusted Nim'sul implicitly, after all he was one of the most upstanding and finest examples of Elfkind to ever walk Krynn. His word was enough to allow her instant access to the castle and Ceridwyn also felt that her connection with the Mistress of the Stars was instant as well. Though the Mistress had daughters she never hesitated to treat Ceridwyn like one as well, and as such she was ushered into a life of luxury and privilege that few Silvanesti ever were able to experience. That was also where her conflict arose, they 'why me' always lingering in her mind. As she looked at the Queen of the Silvanesti she felt her lip curl into a soft smile and she finally spoke, "I suppose there is no arguing with you on this matter, I will just have to accept that the next couple days events are beyond my control."


Kali sipped her tea as she looked over at Ceridwyn. The white wizards words caused her to smile herself and she spoke, "If it is a mandate from the royal family you will have to abide their torture." Her grandmother turned and looked at her with a mock shock on her face and Kali shook her head looking ever so much like her father as she did, "Let's face it, you Elves are stubborn."

The Mistress of the Stars and Ceridwyn could not help but burst out laughing at this comment, and even Kali felt a smile cross her face at her own wit. Kali then set her tea cup down and spoke, "If you don't mind, I would like to go to my room and rest, I assume the same room that has always been available is waiting?" The Mistress of the Stars stood and nodded, "Of course granddaughter." Kali nodded in thanks and as the Queen's embraced hit her she winced in pain but brought her hands up and gently patted her on the back. She stepped back and looked at Ceridwyn, "I will see you tonight... bride."

Ceridwyn smiled and responded, "Thanks for being her Kali."

Kali looked at her and nodded her head, "Though we don't see eye to eye on many things know that I respect you, and your choices, I just hope someday you might understand mine."

Ceridywn looked at her and responded, "I think I do."

Kali shook her head again and said in almost a whisper, "Not yet you don't... but with time I am sure you will."

Ceridwyn quirked a brow and was about to respond but instead she nodded and simply said, "I will see you this evening at the feast."

Kali inclined her head as she brought her hood up over her honey blond hair and turned, leaving the room with a slight limp.



To say Olwa was relieved by his mentor's words was the minimum that he was feeling. As he felt Myth'alas' strong grip on his shoulder he felt not only his own internal strength rising but also the knowledge that the Prince had his back... the PRINCE. Myth'alas was a legend among the military leaders, hundreds of stories and thousands of rumors regarding his prowess on the battlefield, his fall from the light and restoration, everything made this Elf who stood before him both a tragic figure and a hero among the Silvanesti. With relief on his face Olwa looked into his eyes responded, "I will be more tactful Master, and thank you."

Olwa could not help himself, he leaned forward without even thinking and grabbed Myth in a tight hug, the kind of hug that a son would give a father, the kind of hug that he never was able to give his biological father. He realized what he had done and he released his grip and took a step back, "I apologize my Prince... I will go finish putting my things together, there isn't much, I just need to double check that I haven't forgot anything."

He brought his hands palm to palm in the center of his chest and bowed respectfully before leaving the room.

Tara smiled at Tanjee and her exuberance at her return, but just as quickly the smile vanished when she mentioned packing to go to Silvanost. "Tanjee...tha' might not be a good idea. I mean....I be a simple farm girl....I doona want to embarrass you with my simple ways at such a grand event. Nor would I want to be embarrassing Aeolis on his special day." She was happy that she was considered a good enough friend to be there with her best friend, but she was still having feelings of not being quite good enough to be in the presence of the prince and princess. But she saw the stubborn glint in Tanjee's eyes and knew that she wouldn't have much of a choice in this. Smiling as she shook her head, she gave in. "Okay...but I warn ye now, Tanjee...I have nothing to wear to such an event and I can only be meself...I not be royalty. But, if'n it will please ye, I will come with ye to see yer brother wed."

She began to pack with Tanjee's help, but in the back of her mind she was thinking about Tynen. When she returned, she would seek out James and perhaps he would help her find her brother. Tanjee had also mentioned something not long after she'd arrived to Heartlund about not giving up on her brother. Upon her return she would begin the quest to save her brother....if he could be saved.

The Queen watched her granddaughter slip out of the room and when Kali was gone, she let out a soft sigh then looked at Ceridwyn.

”I worry about her, Ceri. I know she has been through more than others twice her age and I fear the damage it has reeked on her heart and soul. I pray the Gods will find favor with her again and restore her in all ways. Until then, I will treat her as I always have. Perhaps in some small measure, that will help bring her back.”

Even as the Queen spoke those words they seemed hollow. It was as though she knew there as no returning Kali to the way she used to be but like every female with maternal instincts, it didn’t stop her from hoping. With her smile renewed, she stood up and took Ceri by the hands and drawing her to her feet as well.

”Come, child….my son and his family arrives. I can feel it in my heart.”




Tanjee giggled and helped Tara pack her belongings. She chitted on about the celebration and put Tara’s mind at ease about her appearance. When they had their things ready, they walked to the portal in the center of Heartlund that still existed and Tanjee spoke the magical words that activated the portal. As the magical transportation device hummed to life, some folks gathered around to wish them safe travels. Tanjee waved to the good citizens of Heartlund and assured them they would be back in a few days. With a final glance around, she stepped through the portal and gently grasped Tara’s hand and helped her step through as well.

They had just cleared the portal when Tanjee noticed the Queen and Ceri standing in wait, along with her brother, who looked happy to see her and giving her that ‘hurry and move’ look with his eyes. As Tanje looked around she realized there was a royal contingent standing by and she realized what was about to happen.

Ushering Tara quickly to the side, the women had just settled into place when the portal hummed to ife once more and they could see Myth, Rayann, Shaer, Olwa, Pela and Ranewen standing, ready to step into Silvanost.




As the rest of the occupants of Glen Durel finalized their packing, Rayann gathered everyone where the portal stood. With everything ready, she glanced at the others one last time, received a final nod from each of them then turned to look at the portal. Holding her hands out before her, she uttered the spidery words of magic that seemed more like a song coming from her lips and the portal hummed to life.

Her lavender eyes glanced around at the waiting entourage and she glanced at Myth, smiled and nodded. AS her husband made the first step into Silvanost, she heard the trumpets resounding announcing his arival. Within a few short minutes, the rest of the party had stepped through and with the help of some fo the royal guards, the trunks and bags were transported as well.

As Rayann’s eyes lit upon Ceri, she smiled brightly. Drawing her attention to her mother-in-law, Rayann smiled warmly at the Queen, bowed respectfully then handed the Queen her grandson. To see the Queen’s eyes dance the way they did when her grandchildren were around did Rayann’s heart good. Of course next she greeted Ceri with a warm hug and spoke to her friends mind.

~I see Her Majesty would not let you forego some traditions. You look absolutely radiant. You’ll make a beautiful bride, Ceri.~





Pela stood next to Olwa as the portal was opened and Ranewen on his other side. The closer the time got for them to travel to Silvanost, the more nervous Pela became. So much so that the atmosphere immediately around her turned cold. It wasn’t until she felt the warmth of Olwa’s hand touch hers that she snapped her gaze to his and saw the smile he gave her. Almost instantly she relaxed and realized she had grown quite tense….and frigid.

Things began to warm around her once more and as Rayann opened the portal, she sucked in her breath seeing the beauty of the city all decked out in preparation for the celebrations that were about to get under way. Pela always thought Silvanost was beautiful naturally, but to see the multitude of colors from the many flowers that had been arranged just so, she felt herself falling in love with the Elven city all over again.

As the party stepped into Silvanost through the portal, Pela remembered her etiquite and bowed to the Queen and Speaker of the Stars then quickly took her place next to Rayann while Olwa took his place near Myth. As Ranewen stepped through, Pela thought she looked like a Queen who was coming home to pay respect to her people. Head held high, shoulders square and those eyes glancing all around making sure everyone noticed her. With a soft sigh, Pela did her best to ignore the Elfess. Focus on Olwa and the things around you, she kept telling herself. Do not let that conniver ruin this for you.