2: ACROSS THE PLAINS OF AZANULBIZAR

Lac listened as Beldegir told him of his regretted departure. "We will miss your conciland axe Master Beldegir. But I understand that you must honor your duty to your clan and people. Gather strength in their resolve and inform them of our quest to unite all the races against this evil that threatens all of us. Tell them when the time comes they have my sword and bow and the bows and swords of the people of Oron_D_Narr." Lac said as he grasped the dwarf's forearm. "Now my the Gods give you speed and a safe journey, my friend." Beldegir departed, escorted by a company of elves. The elves would see him safely to the borders of Lothlorien.

Lac then turned to the dwarf Othargren, "Now Master Othargren, Son of Barldren of the House of Ironfist let us see what we can do about filling that cavern that you speak of." As they turned, three Elf maidens entered Lac's chambers bearing platters of fruit, fresh breads, a pitcher of malt and honey mead and a platter of roast pork. They placed them on the table and bowed as they left. Lac said to them quietly "Isti tynhiemartnaykar yilothune osnay brineldhiemarthulonfal othfin moryid forrunistiethnaeday athnirdae minyilsorestlaefay. Wenothuthulirdel yaoruthay andavorinasoreth lonathdilya Glinathalonandarelinestalir olfor moryir glinrenarttaeimtaruthaedaeev othnelcireth angolarthistnar farossarae hirethrin artanirdel hilestrin paleldothpanlonevasil halorstarpiristitarastrilorintiryil, Pernlorethaansataest." (Translation: I thank you on behalf of my friend and myself. Would you advise lady Galadriel of my gratitude once again for her and her peoples hospitality, Please)

Otharagen, grunteed and began to eat as an Elf maiden poured him a taankard of the mead. She them turned and floated towards the door. As she closed the door she smiled softly at LAc and said "Isti saehiemartlorlor cirothnaevaleldyil yorosuthrel wynothrindaystar tinossa Lorartdilyil Galarthalayaldayrelistethalin Lonothrinda Layartacur'Nelanlinan. Inatil insat athnae hinossanorolrin torol halalvayest yinosuthu isanae ossauthrae lisannaedaesil Moryil Lorolrilda. (Translation: I shall convey your words to Lady Galadriel Lord Lac'Nala. It is an honor to have you in our lands My Lord.

Lac then sat down across from Otharagen "Tell me how fares Barldren, is he well? I have not seen Barlden for many years, not since the Orch wars, when we stood side by side in battle. ..... What of the troubles that plauge your lands, Master Dwarf. What are the nature of the forces that attack your people? Are they Orc and Urakih or have new forces joined the Dark Lord? What is their strength and numbers?"

There was a soft knock at the door, Lac arose and opened it. A young elven boy bowed and said softly ..."Lisossarunday Othrelartdarelesttynhil sarisarun, yaothuthay hilathavirelda astra valkistsoristtilossaril. Ista brinethaglin yilolunerin perastririldaeolnel fayosrae taehuretha innaetaerayuthsayistiolnay, bearuthaytor hameld wilastrisil quinuthisttaeetha innelsayisastartayannirtor . ....... Laealdilyid Glinarthalinartdilrilimevlir istnorsaetayrenuthceltilevdae maeeva tiroth ethasaeciruosruntyn halisamay tynor yironuthae wisistatayhir morolsattar hirarthsattynev." (Translation: Lord Oradreth sir, you have a visitor. I beg your pardon for the intrusion, but he was quite insistant ........ Lady Galadriel with most haste. Suddenly the elvish boy was shoved forward stumbling into the room. There behind him stood Shape with his tail swinging lazily from side to side.

Lac knelt as Shape trotted over to him stopping briefly to lick the boys startled face.

Lac smiled as he hugged his old friend "It brings me joy to see you are safe my old friend." Lac said He then turned to the boy, smiled and said "Celolmaeeth yironuthaynarglin maeastrinay arthunelday morestaevtyn Starhurarthpaleld art glinothothdel alnayday lononnelglin tynithmirev faerinistethanelda annordel panrinoltaeethacirtynolrin. Wynhirarttyn isasata yinosuthu nirartmayev starothnel Translation: Come young man and meet Shape a good and long time friend and protector. What is you name son?"

The boy smiled faintly as he reached out and touched Shape's thick soft coat of fur. "Ist arthamor kelneloswelnay arthsar Starathdayraeolnae. (Translation: I am known as Sadron.' he said softly

Othargren leaned back in a chair in the quarters of Lac'Nal and scrutinized the platter of meat set on the table. He hacked off a slab and after a brief taste nodded approvingly and chased it down with a swig of mead. While he ate he listened to the Half Elven Lord and the others babble on in Quenya or Sindarin, it was all just Elvish to him and his kind didn't care in the least to learn it.

When Lac'Nal joined him the Dwarf slid a tankard of mead across the table which the ranger caught and accepted graciously. Othargen then sat straight and belched. "Their meat could use some salt." He commented, "Tis better fare than I've had for the past few day of travel mind ye."

Lac'Nal then asked of his father and Othargren remembered that over a hundred years ago the Lord of Oron_D_Narr was at the 'Battle of Lithui' when the Orcs of the Ash Mountains threatened the Eastern Clans. "My father told me of ye, Lord Oradreth. We've nay forgot of your assistance during those dark times and I'm honoured to at last meet ye." The Dwarf then hopped off his high chair, wiped his hand on his shirt and clasped arms with the Half Elven Lord.

Orthagren returned to his seat and between bites of his meal told Lac'Nal of his father and of the new dangers plaguing the land. "Me father's arm is still strong, but winter's in his beard now and he no longer steps onto the battlefield, although I know he'd gladly stand by your side to swing his axe once more." The Dwarf mentioned with low rumbling laugh." He spends much time now talking of those days of glory." He paused as he took a bite of an apple and proceeded to talk while chewing, "Our mountains are yet safe but our cousins in Dunland have felt the sting of Orc raids of late. Stone giants stir in the Misty Mountains and Uruk Hai, have been amassing once more around the ruins of Orthanc, in Isengard but we've not a clue who may be rallying them. From Orocarni, we can see fire raging once more across the Ash Mountains and about the toppled tower of Barad-dûr where once His eye ever watched. It is these signs that made me decide it was time to unite the Dwarven Houses and so I struck out to Dunland, but the people of Durin are yet too proud to accept our help." He grumbled.

Orthargren went back to eating. When the Wolf wandered into the room, the Dwarf watched curiously as the ranger spoke to the beast in the fashion that one usually reserved for those who walked on two legs, then it was not long after, that yet another visitor intruded upon Othargren's meal. "By the Pillars of Belegost, laddy! Your chamber's busier than a hall at supper!" Roared the Dwarf when the Dunedain woman entered the room.

Nevtherra returned with a tray of tea and bread for her husband and placed on a low table beside him. Hísleverya bowed politely to his wife in thanks then returned his attention to Sorrelwind.



"Thank you for being truthful of your heritage. I admit to you now that I am aware of your kind, as I have had the pleasure of learning much of your world from Nevtherra." Hisleverya revealed to his guest then turned and smiled at his wife. "I am happy that I was so fortunate to return from my journey to meet you, Sorrelwind. My wife and I are pleased to have you as our guest. Our home is your home." he offered with a subtle gesture to all about them.



Tiphereth bowed his head with gratitude to their hospitality, and while Hisleverya ate his meal, the Deithir displayed a form of his fighting style, entertaining them with spectacular kicks and graceful defensive maneuvers. As a grand finale he requested that his host take up his bow and loose an arrow toward him, which the Elf reluctantly did but was amazed when the Sidhe moved with such speed that he caught the arrow. Afterward, while Nevtherra and her husband left to take a walk about their island, Sorrelwind remained behind in the guest room and wrote down the events of the day in his book.

The storm of emotions that filled Jin while gazing into the mirror took the Drowess’ breath away. As she leaned over the large bowl, her hands held the sides with a death like grip. Hatred. Sorrow. Grief. Fear. Anger. And…..Happiness. Likes waves thrown to shore as the angry sea lashed out at land, Jin felt the waves of these emotions crash down upon her as well. As Verin came into view she wanted to reach through the scrying pool and choke the life out of him for murdering her Mother and Sisters. HIS Mother and Sisters. He wasn’t female, but he had it much better than most other males born into the houses of her beloved city. But the look of sheer pleasure on his face told her he WANTED to do it and let everyone know it was he who did it. The BASTARD!

Over and over again it was this way for Jin. With each new scene she was permitted to see, the emotions that came with that scene were felt 10 fold by the Drowess as though she were there all over again. Especially when Alrick plummeted to the depths below her as she lost grip on the young mans hand.

“No…Alrick…please…”

Jin’s voice whispered into the pool, filled with the agony she felt at loosing the young wizard to the forces that haunted the mines. If she could have just been a little stronger and held onto him as she cast a stronger spell then he would be here now with all of them.

Tears filled her eyes unwillingly and try as she may to stop them there was just no way she could. Warm, moist trails formed on her cheeks as the salty liquid spilled from her eyes. All Jin could do now was hope the young wizard was at peace and suffered no more.

When the images changed to show Lac’s face as she returned to the group after setting the enemy on a false trail, Jin felt her heart skip a beat then begin beating a little faster when it resumed. The wave of the emotion she felt then hit her so hard she felt as though she had been physically struck by it. Could it be possible? It was difficult to say for she had never been taught what the emotion really is and any mention of it was quickly cast aside in the world she emerged from. So how can she say what it really is when she never experienced it before?

As Jin saw the homecoming Lac received from his people with her beside him wearing a crown, she felt confusion fill her. What did that mean? Was it customary for guests to wear golden crowns on their heads? Something told her deep down it was reserved for only the ruler of Oron-D-Naar….but….she was no ruler of such a grand and opulent kingdom.

All too soon that scene faded and what came after it put such a fear in the Drowess’ heart she was certain her heart had ceased beating. The beautiful kingdom of Lac’s home was destroyed. Nothing but death and suffering lay in it’s ruins. There was only one way that could have happened….and before that thought was completely done, Jin saw what she knew to be true. Verin…and his Master, the Dark Lord.

The screams and cries of the survivors still echoed in her ears as the scene faded and the pool returned to water. Jin trembled with the after affects of the emotions that had filled her to overflowing. The Drowess’ troubled, brown eyes slowly drifted to Galadriel’s gaze as Jin heard the Elfess’ voice in her mind.

“I cannot fail, Lady Galadriel. I simply cannot…fail.”

Galadriel stepped over to Jin and reached out to gently take the Drowess’ hand in her own.

“Then you must believe in what your heart tells you. Even your name tells you what you must do, Sweet Child. You are no more of the world you were raised in than I am. All your life you were trained to despise the surface dwellers yet the first chance you got to aid them, you did not hesitate. But….because of your actions, you angered the Goddess that took so much time to groom you as her own. And it is because of this vengeance she feels towards you that you will be tested at every turn. Remember the Dogma you live by now. Do not lose sight of that and you can change the future. Your….future. And the future of those you love and care for.”

Jin tore her gaze away from Galadriel’s but the Lady of the Woods would not hear of it. Gently placing her finger on Jin’s chin, she eased the Drowess’ face back to look into her eyes.

“It is never easy to admit you love someone, but when they are gone, it is too late.”

“But….how do I know if it is love or merely physical attraction?”

Galadriel smiled knowingly.

“When your thoughts dwell on him more than anything else, it is more than physical attraction. Even if the thoughts are somewhat…..heated.”

Jin actually blushed and Galadriel chuckled softly.

“What if he does not feel the same way as I do?”

”You will never know until you take the first step.”

Galadriel slowly stepped back away from the Drowess and released her hand. Giving Jin a soft smile, Galadriel turned and walked to the door then turned to look at Jin once more.

“The guards have been dismissed, but remember what I requested. Lac shall be to see you shortly. I believe you two will have much to discuss. Take this time to talk with him. Truly…talk.”

With that, Galadriel slipped out of the house, leaving the door open for Jin to see she was indeed free. Jin peered out into the forest beyond her door as she moved closer. There was no doubt it was positively beautiful. Perhaps she would see more before they left. But for now, she needed time to sort through the things Galadriel had shown her and talked to her about.

Jack would continue to rest for another couple hours. The whole time he would see flashes from a past he could not recall. It made for a very fitfull sleep. The ghostwalker would toss and turn, muttering in his sleep. From the ethereal realm Jack was watched by the stranger that had caused the injury in the first place. He dared not cross and attack here. The elves would likely stop him before he could do anything. For now he would just watch and wait. Meanwhile, something seemed to frighten Jack as he suddenly sat up and opened his eyes. He was breathing heavily and looking around frantically.

Lac smiled as Brianna approched Shape "Beldigir has been summoned to his home ....... This is Master Othargen, Son of Barldren, of the House of Ironfist.....Beldigir has requested that he join us in his absence and Master Othargen has graciously agreed to do so. His father and I have stood side by side in battle before and if his arm and courage are half as strong, as I have no doubt it is more so, then he will prove a worthy companion." Lac said gesturing to the Dwarf

"And this is Shape a friend, protector and trusted companion for many years." Lac said as he smiled with affection and respect while ruffeling Shapes fur.

"I pray you have found your accomidations adequait and to your liking. There is much here to see and learn ........ and you will find your strength renewed quickly." Lac said as there appeared the same Elven boy, Sadron, that had come before "Eldxaecurayuthusaeeth mayev Lisosrendae Osrayarthudayrayevtynhin.(Excuse me Lord Oradreth) he said with a bow "Tilhamev Layaldayyin Golanlinaldarinisaevalon wilimsatahurethasay yinolune tinoth jarlossaithnay hineldrel innay celoluthaynaeciruisalin. Sirhiemetha hilansay satevneltor mayetha tayor eststarcelossaraetyn yidoruthae." (The Lady Galadriel wishes you to join her in council. She has sent me to escort you.) the young elf added.

Lac turned to Brinanna and Othargen "If you will excuse me." he said with a bow, motioned to Shape to stay and then turned to the young Elf "Isttyn wenosuthaylisda boreld alnor hiemossanarothrun Mayastrasaetorethrin Sataldaraeossanae." (It would be an honor Master Sadron) Lac then left with the young elf.

Orthagren acknowledged the woman with a subtle nod and continued to eat. A gesture that a Human could only perceive as being rude. Only those accustomed to the manners of Dwarves could understand and tolerate their gruff demeanor and although Orthagren was aware of this he'd be damned if he were going to make an exception for a 'Woman'. As wily and surreptitious as Elves could they could be, Men could hardly know their hearts let alone a Dwarf.

When the wee cherub came and called away his Lord, Orthagren was none to impressed to be left with this woman that hailed from two houses but he forced himself to make conversation. "So, Brianna. Which are thee then? Rohirrim or Dunedain? How can I converse with ye not knowin' which ye are. Ye 'ave the look of a Dunadan about you." He commented, his eyes remaining fixed on his plates of food.

Sadron, led Lac'Nala to a garden, where Galadriel stood silently. The young elf gestured towards Galadriel and backed slowly away.

"Ah Lac'Nala I trust your companions have found their accommodations and are resting comfortably. ...... It saddens me that Beldigir has been summoned to his home. I have sent an Elven Honor Guard to accompany him to the borders of his lands. ..... I have also granted The Drow Priestess Ssinjin liberty to travel about Lothlorien. But only when accompanied by a guard or yourself. This is not that I fear, that she will cause any trouble, but more so for her safety and the peace of mind of my people." Galadriel said softly "I trust your strength is returning to you as well."

Lac bowed and said "I thank you once again for your hospitality. ..... Yes my companions have found their accommodations quite to their liking. ..... I also thank you for providing an escort for Beldigir and the liberties you have afforded Ssinjin."

Galadriel looked upon Lac'Nala and said solemnly ...... "Go to Ssinjin now, you and she have much to discuss. Listen to her words Lac'Nala of Oron_D_Narr, the task that has been appointed to both of you, only together can be brought to fruition. ...... Do not let your heart be filled with sorrow ....... Hope is never lost my friend. ...... Now go Ssinjin awaits you."

Lac lo0oked at Galadriel with a touch of confusion on his face. "Thank you M'Lady." he bowed then turned and walked to Ssinjin's chambers, the guard came to attention as he stood beside the open door. Lac knocked softly on the door jam.

After a moment Jack gets off the bed. He stands there trying to get his bearings. The lady elf that had tended to his wounds earlier returns. "You need your rest, warrior. Please sit." Jack shakes his head and starts to head out. "Too many questions. I cannot rest until I know what is happening." He is hit with a wave of dizziness and leans on another bed. "Why is it this place seems so familiar but I have no memory of it?" He turns to look at the healer for an answer. "Because you have been here before. Whether you remember or not this is not your first visit to the elves. I know because I treated your injuries then too."

Jack finally sits down at her words. He is confused now. "I don't understand. How can this be?" The elven woman places a hand on his shoulder. "Do not worry about that just yet. Get some rest and eat something. We will talk later. Promise." She walks off and another elf comes with some food.

Jin lost herself in her thoughts and it wasn’t until Lac knocked a second time that she actually heard him at her door. Her back was to the door but there was no doubt she heard him that second time for her head lifted and her shoulders squared a bit more. It was also apparent that even before she turned around, Jin knew who was at her door.

Taking a deep breath, the Drowess turned to let her gaze meet Lac’s. Already she could feel her heart beat a little faster but she wasn’t sure if it was due to the anxiety she felt after Galadriel’s visit or if was indeed something more. While Galadriel had offered Jin some insight to this question, Jin was still uncertain. Nothing like this had ever happened to her before and she had never had to worry about it in the past.

But this wasn’t the past. This was the present and quite possibly the future. As much as she didn’t want to talk about it, Jin knew she HAD to. Either way, she would not abandon the Ranger or the others now. It was clear they were much stronger together than any of them were apart. That still didn’t make this task before her any easier to handle.

Realizing she had been standing there staring at the Ranger as he stood in her doorway waiting for her to invite him in, Jin blinked and walked towards the door. The silky folds of the dressing gown she wore swished softly with each step she took.

“Please. Come in Lac’Nala.”

As Lac walked in, Jin closed the door softly behind him to give them a bit of privacy. Walking over to the tray that had been delivered to her earlier, Jin poured two glasses of the wine then handed one to Lac before taking a sip of her own hoping the Ranger didn’t notice the slight trembling in her hand.

Jin noticed how Lac watched her every move and knew the Ranger was aware of something. It didn’t make this any easier on her. Of all the times for him to be so attentive, now was not the time she wished for it. Or did she? Another sip and she set her glass down on the small table near the wall then walked back over to stand before Lac, looking up into his gaze with her own steady one.

“Galadriel came to visit me. Her hospitality has been most gracious. I have never been welcomed as much as I have been by her. She has my eternal gratitude.”

Jin could tell by the look on Lac’s face he knew there was more to the story but he also knew it was rude to pry and ask questions.

“We discussed many things, Galadriel and I. She showed me that it is only together can we defeat the evil that has raised its head in these lands once more. Many races have come together in a united front to fight the darkness and I know now that we must not lose sight of that which we hold most dear.”

The Drowess took a deep breath and swallowed hard before she continued on.

“She also tried to help me with other things as well and even as I stand here, I find myself still unable to determine if what I question is one answer or another. But….the answer, either one, cannot be answered by just me alone. It must be answered by you as well.”

Jin took a small step closer to the Ranger and let her gaze slowly slide to his chest before she let her eyes drift to his once more.

“I have never experienced love for anyone but my Mother before, Lac’Nala. But…..I know that these feelings I have for you go beyond anything I have ever felt before in my life for another. No one has ever done for me the things you have done for me. Even under condition of a favor returned. And yet you did these things of your own free will. I know your heart is generous and giving. And it is through your gentle kindness and stern principal that I have been able to feel these new emotions I am experiencing. For that, I shall be forever your friend and ally.”

Again Jin’s eyes drifted to Lac’s chest and she grew silent for a moment. When her eyes drifted back to his, they were filled with tenderness. Her voice was soft and filled with emotion when she spoke this time.

“Tell me , Lac’Nala Oradreth. Is this what it feels like to love you? Or have I become infatuated with you and find myself reaching for something that can never be for you do not feel the same for me?”

Lac, . reached out and took Jin's hands in his. "Only you know what you feel in your heart. I am sure what I feel for you goes beyond infatuation and beyond friendship. I know that together we are more stonger than we are apart. What the future holds for us ........ Only the Gods, time and our destiny knows. .....I do know that we were meant to meet and out feet were meant to be placed on the same path." Lac brought her hands gentle to his lips and placed a kiss upon them. Then he looked into her eyes and continued ....."What I am sure of is that we must complete this task set before us, we must not loose sight of it and not just for us but for all of the races in these lands and the lands yet seen. Not just for The Elves, the races of man, dwarves and those of Tipereth's lands, but for the child Sardron and his generation and those peoples yet unborn.

When this task is over then we have another to complete, if you will but take it. That task will be more difficult for you than for me. That will be the task uniting our peoples and of ruling together as one voice. But before you accept that task there is something you must consider.

You are Elf kind and immortal I am only half Elf and although blessed as I am with long life, am mortal. One day the ravages of time shall claim my body."

Jin felt the heat of Lac’s fingers close around her own when he reached out to take her hands in his. As she listened to him talk she knew he was right. No one but her could say for certain what it was she felt for this Ranger. And now, there was no doubt left in her heart or mind what it was she felt.

The soft press of his lips to Jin’s slender fingers brought forth a soft gasp from her. Once more the Ranger’s gentle nature engulfed her and she felt her heart skip a beat before beating irregularly.

Knowing what he spoke of was true, Jin knew, even before he was done saying it, she would rather have what ever time she could have with him than none at all. Even if it meant she would continue on without him after he had departed this realm. Her fingers slowly uncurled from his hands as she cupped his face gently in her hands. Jin’s eyes never left Lac’s now as she stood before him, so close yet still so far away.

“Fate is a fickle mistress, Lac’Nala. To be brought together like this and discover there is much between us that is yet to be spoken and wanting to say it all, yet not having the time to do so. It is cruel and unkind. How ironic I would be the one to make such a claim.”

“There is no consideration for me. Should we survive this task and live a peaceful life after it is complete, I would never give up the chance to share my life with you. And should you pass on to the other realm, I would rather live with the memories we will make with each other than never know what it was like to live….and love….with you.”

“There is no task that will be too difficult for me to face should I face it with you by my side. I am Drow, yes, but my life, I now know, is not to live the Drow life, but to live my life with the man who has shown me cruelty and deceit is a fast path to sure death. It is only through patience and kindness….and love….that I can be the ruler my people need me to be. Now…and in the future. But I can only be that person with you. If you will have me.”

Tiphereth's room was secluded a from the rest of the Elfin dwelling. It was a separate building all together sitting upon the water, connected to the main house by an ornate white bridge across which lush green vines grew and covered the pillars of the circular structure. He stretched out his long muscular form on a sofa designed to accommodate the taller Elves and thus found it very comfortable. Lying their listening to the songs of birds and crickets, the Deithir allowed his mind to wander across the Golden Wood and see the happenings of his new companions. It was an ability he had always had, but one that he could not use intrusively. As his mind meandered through and around the beautiful structures of Lothlorien he saw only glimpses of the Elves and only if the hearts of his companions were content and receptive would he be able to see them.

In the room of Lac'Nala, he spied a glimpse of Brianna speaking with a red haired Dwarf then he drifted onward and found the quarters of the Drowess, Jin. His mind hovered for a moment and was allowed but for a brief moment to see her happy, and it warmed his heart. There was another form with her, one he could not properly see, but he knew it could be none other than the ranger. Tiphereth was pleased that the two wayward warriors had at last admitted their feelings to one another. Since their meeting the tension between the two had been obvious and as it is the nature of his kind to dwell upon the feelings exhibited by those of the material world he could hardly turn a blind eye to their story.

As if waking from a day dream, Tiphereth's consciousness returned to him and decided to take stroll through the Golden Wood, since his hosts had yet to return. He donned his purple half coat and strode across the water to explore the depths and the mysteries of the ancient forest.



"I am sorry to hear of your loss, lassie. I hope your Father died well and your Mother quickly." Offered Orthagren, in his gruff Dwaven manner. He finished off the last of his mead and belched.

"Well, I best be off to find me own quarters." Stated the Dwarf as he dropped to the floor off of the high chair and gathered his gear. "As much as Master Lac'Nala would be privileged were I to stay it is best I not offend our hosts and use the room they have provided."

Orthagren made his way out of the room. "Rest well, Lady Brianna, that is, if I don't see ye before night fall." Then he looked up at the dense tree tops. "I say!" he exclaimed, "if it doesn't appear to be dark already. A Dwarf cannot tell whether it be night or day in these woods!"

Lac, , looked into Jin's eyes and embraced the Drow Priestess as he had not embraced another being in a very long time.
After a few moments Lac eased his embrace and said "Let us walk, I have something I wish to show you here in Lothlorien." He then took her hand and they walked to the door. Lac nodded to the gaurd as they walked out and towards the gardens. The Elven guard snapped to attention and bowed his head respectfully as they passed.

As they walked along a pathway several Elves of both genders glanced at them. Some bowed their heads in respect while others watched warily as the Drow Priestess passed. Lac returned their respectful nods with some of his own and a few soft words of greetings and thanks. As the passed over a stone bridge a shimmering water fall was on one side and river passed under it tumbling over moss covered boulders. A soft white light filtered through the trees. Passing over the bridge, Lac guided them to a lone stone monument. Kneeling before it, Lac bowed his head placing his right hand to his heart and spoke in a tounge, Jin did not understand and so softly that Jin could not percieve his words. Lac then rose and said softly. "This monumet is in rememberance of my mother Gilraen, she now rests beside my father in the familt tomb in Oron_D_Naar. One day I too will lie beside them and my brother and if destiny and the Gods will it our Son will rule over Oron_D_Naar."

Jin was apprehensive about leaving the sanctuary of the apartment she had been given and when Lac took her hand to lead her outside, her hand gripped his just a little tighter. There was no lack of self confidence in her, but she was in a strange place where magic circulated all around her and she knew that magic could easily be used against her if she should do the wrong thing. While Jin had no intentions of doing anything but be respectful to her hosts, she still felt out of place among these beautiful, light skinned surface Elves.

As they walked among the locals and Jin received more than a few stares, she held her head regally and walked with the pride she felt at being both Drow and at Lac’s side. She would never be ashamed of her heritage. No. Instead she would show these surface cousins of hers she was the exception of her kind, not the rule.

That apprehension left, though, the moment they began to leave the more populated area of the woods behind and venture into a more secluded location. The beauty of the Golden Woods never ceased to amaze her and when Lac led her over the bridge near the water fall, she stopped to take in the beauty of the area. The cool air washed over her skin as the water cascaded down the side of the incline to travel under the bridge they occupied.

Finally forcing herself to move from this spot, she continued to walk along with Lac until they reached the statue. Knowing the statue was of some significance to the Ranger when he knelt before it and whispered strange words she didn’t understand. Jin bowed her head to say a silent prayer to her Goddess thanking her for her graciousness and hoping Lac would find the strength he needed to complete this task as well as herself.

When Lac stood back up to explain what the statue represented, Jin felt something stir within her. Like her, he had lost his Mother as well and knew the heartache it caused to know she was no longer with him. While Jin knew who her father was, she had no real relationship with him and could not relate to the loss of him but she knew what it was like to also lose her siblings. Now, more than ever, Jin realized how similar their lives really were.

But the last words Lac spoke took Jin completely by surprise and there was no hiding the fact as she blinked and her eyes grew wide turning her shocked expression upon his handsome face. Her mind was completely blank. The only thing she kept hearing echoing over and over in her head was the words OUR SON.

When at last she could recover slightly, the first thing the Drowess did was take in a deep draw of air. So shocked had she been that Jin forgot to breathe. After a few more deep breaths, she felt her knees grow weak and instinctively reached out to Lac for support. When she felt the Ranger’s arms steady her, Jin looked down at the statue then back up into Lac’s face.

“O-our….son?”

Another glance at the statue and Jin licked her suddenly parched lips and took another deep breath to try and calm her racing heart. Slowly turning her gaze back to Lac’s, Jin spoke with a near breathless voice as his words finally sunk in and hit her hard.

“Our….son. A life created by you and I. A perfect union between two people….between two worlds. A beautiful being to unite the world.”

Thoughts began to slowly take shape in the Drowess stunned mind once more.

“But……That would mean we would have to……and you have not once warmed my bed, Ranger. And even if you had, there are but two times within the seasons your seed will take hold and grow.”

Jin’s mind began to work once more and her eyes narrowed slightly.

“I tried to entice you many times before and you refused my invitations. I thought you…..did not wish to enjoy the pleasures we could give each other. Do not tease me now, Ranger. I fear I shall surely wilt and die if you do.”

"To tease or mislead you is not in my intention nore would it be my nature or capabilities." I assure you. "But before these things I have spoken of can come to pass. There is a task you and I must complete. I fear that the path of this task we walk is as the edge of a knife. Stray but a breath and we will fail. The consequences of our failure are too terrible to imagine."

Tiphereth glided through the woods, leaping like a deer over thickets or soaring as a silent owl over low branches. It felt good to run and take in the air of such a magical place. His powers had began to wane so quickly under the strain of this world, but in the Golden Wood he felt strength return to his limbs and his will had been renewed.

Flying into the air, Tiphereth found himself lightly falling to the pale stones of shallow stream that flowed beneath a picturesque bridge. As he landed lightly upon a broad flat stone amidst the sparkling water the Deither surveyed the beautiful scene and found at the center of the bridge, Jin and Lac'Nala.

He thought to quickly continue on his run and leap away, but he was as obvious as a snowflake on a pile of coal. As their eyes fell upon him, he sheepishly waved. Not sure whether to leave or stay he remained still as a child who had unwittingly stumbled into an adult moment.

Jin couldn’t help but chuckle softly at Lac’s words.

“Somehow I feel as though you do tease me just to see how far I will go to try and seduce you into my bed, Ranger. Worry not. While practicing patience in this matter is not something I am used to, I am learning you will no doubt make my waiting, wanting and yearning well worth it.”

Her smile faded as the weight of their task settled about her once more.

“To walk the edge of this knife is difficult indeed, but when we see each other teetering and about to fall all we need do is reach out and pull each other back up to restore the balance.”

As Jin spoke, she reached out and took Lac’s hand in hers, bringing it up between them and lacing the fingers together to symbolize what she meant as she took a small step closer to close the slight gap that existed between them. It was then her eyes caught movement from the far corner of her vision.

Taking a step back away from Lac and snapping her head to the direction she noticed the movement, she saw Tiphereth as he landed on the rock near where she and Lac stood. Seeing the look that crossed his face and the way he waved, Jin knew he had unwittingly stumbled upon their privacy and couldn’t help but chuckle at the way he looked at them. Casting her gaze to Lac, there was no doubt the meaning behind her words with the heated look she gave him. Grinning, she spoke softly to him.

“We shall discuss this another time, Ranger. When we are behind closed doors and able to talk….in depth about such things.”

Looking back to Tiphereth, she still held Lac’s hand and waved the Phaerie over to join herself and the Ranger.

“Join us, Tiphereth. Please.”

As Tiphereth flitted upon the air currents to join them, Jin smiled a genuine smile as she watched him more or less frolic.

“I take it you are regaining your strength. Or out having fun. Perhaps both. But I can see your eyes are glowing just a little brighter than the last time I looked upon them. It is good for us to rest here in this place.”