As Ann'wn and The Healer were near the fire trying to bring their relationship to understanding, The High Queen heard a voice while in deep sleep, So, High Queen. Do you think your powers stronger than mine these turns? We shall see. Your first test awaits you outside the west tunnel exit.
She sat straight up in her bed, shocked into full alertness, “NO!"
Sle'nel’ stirred, awakened in her sleep by San'lr'in's sudden movement. The High Queen looked at her, “Forgive Me, My Elf.” She got up and hurriedly threw on her garments, grabbing for her long hooded cloak as she half-ran out of the alcove where Ann'wn and The Healer were yet working out their relationship. Sle'nel', dazed, just stared after her.
"Please, Healer. Let me lay beside you this eve."
The Healer looked into Ann'wn's eyes, every part of her body and mind craving her. She drew in a big breath, then released it, sighing. For the first moment since being in The High Queen's bed many cycles prior, The Healer had decided to take a chance on love.
Just as she began to say yes, she saw San'lr'in', “High One! What is wrong?"
Ann'wn jerked around to The High Queen at The Healer's shocked expression, and saw The High Queen staring at them, looking confused. She didn't respond to The Healer, but instead gave a quick whistle, calling her horse to her.
Ann'wn ran over to her, “My Queen. What is wrong?"
"I must go. There are no moments to spare. But it is good that you are here."
Her horse came up to her and she began to mount it. Ann'wn stood holding onto the horse's mane, “My Queen. You cannot go alone."
The High Queen ignored Ann'wn's statement, “Force Leader. Prepare everyone. Now! Battle comes."
"I cannot leave you, my Queen. You must take someone with you."
The High Queen looked around, seeing that Sle'nel’ stood off to one side with a cover wrapped around her. Seeing no one else, she said, “I waste moments speaking with you. You must tend to all the forces, Force Leader. Prepare them, and quickly so.” She held out her arm, reaching down to The Healer, “Come!"
The Healer grabbed her arm and jumped up onto the back of The High Queen's horse. The High Queen looked at Ann'wn one last moment, “Bring Sam'r'in'thel'ineln'. And bring The High Queen's sword. Quickly, Ann'wn! Full weapons, Force Leader."
She began to leave, “Oh, and Force Leader, know this. Have the Elf well-guarded this eve."
"How will I know where you are?"
She took only a moment to think on the answer, then responded, “Tell Ern'seln’ to lead you to the far west tunnel. The one that exits into the valley far below. She will guide you to Me."
With that, she took one last look at Sle'nel', looking into her eyes, then made her horse to take off like thunder, moving as rapidly as she could through the tunnels, lighting them as they rode. The Healer held on tightly, as the ride was quick but filled with turns and narrow passageways, and a deadly steep descent. She thought that The High Queen didn't really know she was with her, and felt useless. She knew that the only reason she was with The High Queen at this moment was that no other had been available.
Of what use am I to The High Queen?
The High Queen heard The Healer's thoughts but ignored them, intent on what the voice in her head had said, Your first test awaits you.
She knew of no one who had powers such as hers, as the Deep Mystics had said that there were no other such powers. Now she saw that this statement was being challenged. She was troubled, knowing that whoever this enemy was, this enemy was now testing and watching her.
Perhaps they deceive, only. Perhaps they have no such powers, in truth. Yet...
She guided her horse through the countless tunnels, racing through them with little caution. She cast off the possible danger within the tunnels, well knowing that whatever danger within them was no comparison to what she now faced on the outside.
She recalled the feeling of the voice, This is the power that sent the long-dead to Erthrn's town to kill the Elf. And the same power that tried to kill My Elf in the battle against the Dungaras. But who is this power?
When they finally reached the ledge at the end of the long downhill tunnel passage, The High Queen reached her arm out to The Healer, helping her down. She then quickly dismounted and half-ran to the tunnel's exit that looked out onto the valley below. She stood staring out into the distance, hoping she wouldn't see what she expected to see.
But she did.
The Healer's voice was a strangled whisper, “By the mothers, what is that, High One?"
The High Queen's heart sank in dread. So softly that The Healer could barely hear her, she replied, “Sorcery that has been not in The Realm for long-prior. Someone has called the ancient arts to them."
"Sorcery, my Queen? Such as Sle'nel's?"
"No, not such as hers. What you now see is the Dark Sorcery long hidden from The Realm. Sadly, it has been found."
"Hidden? Found?"
The High Queen ignored the questions, knowing now what she needed to do.
Yet, it could be a mere deception. This could be the greatest of their sorcery, and are just using it to frighten us.
But she knew better. She knew that this was just the beginning. And she knew that this was frightening enough.
"What is it we now look upon, High One?"
Studying the scene before her through narrowed eyes, she replied, “That is the Dark Sorcery's legion. A thousand or more of the long-prior dead."
The Healer screamed her thoughts silently, A legion of the long-prior dead?
The High Queen stood staring at the sight far in front of them, knowing that whoever created this huge enemy force did so at great cost to their own sorcery powers, as this had taken much effort.
Much effort, indeed. But most skilled effort.
She closed her eyes and breathed in deeply, summoning her great powers to her as she waited Ann'wn's arrival. She knew that as she defeated this enemy, she would have one, but only one chance to discover the master of this sorcery.
Who is this? I must find who created this sorcery.
The Healer looked at her Queen, ever awed in her presence. Who wouldn't follow this woman? A thousand or more enemy approach, and yet she displays only assuredness. Who else could do as such?
The High Queen stood slightly taller than The Healer, and their stance in The Realm was as opposites. The High Queen held herself in an ever regal fashion, always fully formal in appearance, while The Healer knew herself to care more for her potions and spells than her own appearance. She admired how The High Queen looked in even this most alone of moments, but saddened that such a burden was placed onto this most extraordinary woman. The Healer looked out at the hundreds and hundreds of torch fires in the distance, wondering who controlled what her Queen had called the Dark Sorcery, never prior having heard of such.
There she stands, defiant, even if only to the lightly whispering wind. No enemy affects her stance. How is such an assured manner as this possible?
Feeling useless in the enormous magnitude of the situation, The Healer watched in amazement, wondering how her Queen appeared so calm in the face of such outstandingly overwhelming odds. She wondered what her Queen would conjure up to defeat this enemy, guessing that such would occur. As The Healer waited for Ann'wn and the others, and as she stared off at the distant yet approaching fires, she recalled her just-prior moments with Ann'wn, realizing that her Queen had interrupted them just as she was about to give Ann'wn her answer. She shivered at the thought, recalling Ann'wn's kisses and embraces. She was intent on her memories of the moment, but the movement of the lights then captured her attention. The sun's rise was yet far from emerging, so guessed that their battle was to be in the early morn, just prior to the sun's rise. She wondered if they would live to see the new turn, watching as the enemy thundered ever closer.
The Healer stood by her Queen throughout the late-eve, watching the lights slowly but steadily race toward them.
After many long moments, The High Queen's forces finally arrived, Ann'wn leaping from her horse and running to The High Queen. As Ann'wn came near, without any acknowledgement of having heard her, The High Queen held out her hand for her sword. Ann'wn placed its hilt in her hand, noticing that its red stones were now glowing and emitting small red sparks. It was as if The High Queen felt the nearness of her sword. Ann'wn had never prior seen it do as such, but saw that The High Queen's sword was actually trembling as it came nearer to The High Queen.
The High Queen spoke, but her voice was unlike ever prior, Ann'wn thinking it sounded as if it were from well outside their realm, “Bring Sam'r'in'thel'ineln’ to Me. Give her the Warrior Woman's sword, and stand well away from Me. Use no weapons unless it is commanded, but remain prepared."
Ann'wn finally turned toward the yet unseen enemy, her eyes widening at the size of the enemy's force.
Her eyes wide in shock, she looked back at her Queen, but kept her thoughts to herself, How can we possibly halt such a force as this? On the tip of her tongue was another question to The High Queen, Use no Weapons? but she also held that thought in. Her heart was beating with an intensity she seldom felt in battle—a beating of fear—of certain death.
The High Queen held the sword in both hands straight out from her with its tip toward the sky. She bowed her head and began to chant what Ann'wn thought sounded like some long-prior ancient chant in some unknown tongue.
Strn’ too non dey an noo doh ney...
Frn’ den-sto-ney an doo ny doh...
Dom stn’ non-ney an noo doh ney...
Sac’ tra’ fos-sen an tey no non...
Many moments passed, yet the chanting continued. All eyes moved back and forth between their rapidly approaching enemy and The High Queen. An'ther'on was one of the bravest women in The Realm, but even she stood shaking at the sight of the approaching enemy forces. A thousand or more were now riding quickly to them at full speed, and with full weaponry readied. The enemy forces were comprised fully of the long-prior dead, and were nothing more than skeletons. Even their horses were skeletons. And their sounds of death and war were fearful; their numbers stunning. Their war cries the chilling sound of terror unleashed.
The High Queen's sword began to hum a low droning sound as she chanted. None had ever heard such prior, and stood awed in the moment. Ann'wn saw that a small field of energy now glowed and circled around each of the stones. Suddenly, shocking everyone fully, lightning hit The High Queen's sword. As surprising, The High Queen continued to chant as if nothing had occurred. All watched as lightning bolt after lightning bolt hit The High Queen's sword, moving through it into her. All listened as The High Queen chanted in a soft but quickly cadenced monotone:
San’ rn’ Doc’ rn’ nl’ nin’ ae non...
San’ rn’ Se’ le’ Drn’ trn rn le'...
Dey niln San’ rn’ Doc’ rn nl’ nin...
Frn’ dern’ non-ney an noo doh ney...
The High Queen's five sorcerers listened to the chant, seldom knowing the powers their Queen summoned to herself. But on this turn, they gasped. Sle'nel’ tuned her ears to them, wondering what they had heard.
Sele’ confirmed their unspoken question, “She summons The Realm's Watchers; the long-dead High Queens. She summons their powers."
While Sle'nel’ believed that Sele’ had heard correctly, she looked at her lover in full disbelief, How is such a thing as this possible? Who *is* she?
The rhythmic chanting of The High Queen along with the droning sound of The High Queen's sword and the increasing intensity of the pounding horse-hooves gave an eerie cast to the pre-dawn moment, making all wonder and fear what The High Queen was calling to her.
Sele’ pointed off into the distance, “Look. It is the prior High Queens!"
To everyone's complete disbelief, Sele’ was correct.
An'ther'on could barely breathe, “By the mothers, this is not possible."
Far off to The High Queen's side began to emerge visions of the prior High Queens. They stood slightly apart from each other, looking as if half-spirit and half-real. They stood un-moving, each holding onto their own High Queen's sword.
The Healer gasped quietly as she saw that San'lr'in’ stood as they did—fearless. And that she looked as they did—powerful. To a one, The Healer saw that the long-prior, long-dead High Queens were stunning in their beauty, also appearing as uncompromisingly determined and intimidatingly intelligent. As San'lr'in’ began to complete her chanting, they began to come together slowly, as if there were no urgent moments about them.
When San'lr'in’ completed her spell, the long-prior, long-dead High Queens all raised their swords and touched their tips together. San'lr'in’ raised her sword and bowed her head to them, acknowledging their presence. The Healer heard all The High Queens’ swords droning the now wordless chant. Suddenly, as all their sword tips touched, and as San'lr'in’ held hers out to them, a red lightning bolt emerged from their swords and flew straight into San'lr'in's. With that done, they lowered their swords and waited.
The enemy was almost upon them. Standing nearby, Sam watched as the lightning finally halted, and saw her sister draw in a big breath, then lower her head. San'lr'in’ then looked up, and for the first moment since her arrival, looked about her, seeing all her forces prepared and waiting her command. She made eye contact with Ann'wn.
As if there were no concern or hurry, she raised an eyebrow and gave a mischievous grin, “Trust Me, Force Leader?"
Ann'wn bowed her head, unable to smile, “Always, my Queen."
The High Queen turned to Sam, “Trust Me, Highest?"
"With my life, my Queen."
"The pain will be great."
"I do as you need."
San'lr'in’ sent an unspoken message to her sister. Now knowing what was needed of her, Sam followed her sister's lead. Together, they raised their swords to each other, crashing them together and holding them as if joined. The impact was astounding, but the force of The High Queen's power flooded through Sam's sword, almost knocking her to the ground, but, while in great pain from the energy flowing directly into her, she held fast. The long-prior, long-dead High Queens did the same, making a sound of an earthquake when their swords came together. A giant arc of red lightning suddenly formed between them, San'lr'in’ and Sam.
"NOW, HIGHEST!"
Sam followed her sister's commands, using all her strength to remove her sword from the vibrating and humming red arc, striking it solidly into the ground, holding tightly onto it. The enemy was upon them and Ann'wn thought they would now have to fight. Any more moments, and they would surely die.
Abruptly, the enemy forces halted just in front of them, forced to do so by the strength of the spell Sam now held tightly to her, through her sword. The High Queen stepped in front of Sam, addressing their enemy, “I am San'lr'in'thel'ineln', High Queen of All The Realm. You belong not in our Realm. Our long-dead leaders have come to lead you home. Bow now before Me, or live forever in the eternity of torment."
Sam saw that her own sword's powers served as the force field that was now holding the enemy forces away from them, while the long-prior, long-dead High Queens and her sister's connection of the red arc had begun to silently spread over the enemies. The long-dead enemy forces looked between San'lr'in’ and the long-prior, long-dead High Queens. But none moved to bow to her.
One of the long-prior, long-dead High Queens stepped slightly forward and held up her sword. As an example to the enemy forces, a bolt of lightning attacked a small portion of the enemy forces. When the lightning bolt had disappeared, so had those enemy forces.
"I am Drn'rn'thel'ineln', First High Queen of All The Realm. Return with Me or be tortured throughout eternity. This is not our Realm. We no longer belong in it."
Sle'nel’ gasped, “The First High Queen."
She knelt down on her knee and bowed her head, as did all of San'lr'in's forces. All were in shock, The First High Queen.
San'lr'in’ turned back to her enemy, “Bow before Me, or never die. Bow, NOW, or suffer an eternity of torture."
Slowly, many of the skeleton enemies dismounted and bowed before her, as did their horses. Without hesitating or allowing any more moments, San'lr'in’ moved her sword to a horizontal position over the bowed enemies’ heads. A red lightning bolt flashed in a blinding flurry over the enemy before her. Each enemy who had bowed before her was suddenly consumed in a spark of fire, finally, after all these long cycles being returned to their mothers.
Ann'wn was horrified at the entire event, not knowing what to think of any of it, and now, up to half of their enemy were fully disappeared. And yet the other half yet faced them, more than ready to fight.
"Now, Highest! Let go of your sword."
Without hesitation, as their enemy was upon them, Sam followed her sister's command and let go her tight grasp on the sword. As she did, a great fog began to emerge from the ground around the sword. It grew rapidly, almost beyond understanding in its speed, and began to encase their enemy within its gray-cloaking. The enemy disappeared within the swirling and pulsating fog, and their tortured screams were loudly heard as the all-consuming fog ate its prey.
Her part in the dispersing of the enemy completed, San'lr'in’ turned to Ann'wn, yet needing to tend to many other events with haste, “If any of them emerge from the fog, behead them. It is the only way they die. But under no circumstances must our forces enter into the fog, as they will not return."
She went to Sam, knowing that she would be in great pain. Sam had fallen to the ground, no longer able to endure the pain of her sister's powers. San'lr'in’ placed her hand upon Sam's head and removed some of the pain, “Thank you, Sister. You have done great service to Me and to The Realm."
The High Queen stood, then raised her sword back up and faced her long-dead High Queen counterparts. The long-prior, long-dead High Queens did the same, touching their sword tips together, and once again, the great blood-red arc flew across the sky, connecting San'lr'in’ to them, as if connecting the eons together into a single moment. She chanted her spell once more and bowed her head. For many moments, the arc pulsed as if alive, humming its energy, and then suddenly shot across the sky to a spot well west of them, hitting the ground far from their sight. The High Queen lowered her sword, moved forward yet apart from her forces and slightly closer to the long-prior, long-dead High Queens. She bowed her head to them. They lowered their swords, also walking somewhat closer to San'lr'in'.
Drn'rn'thel'ineln’ came forward, bowing her head as well. Without a word, she raised her sword to San'lr'in', then laid it down on the ground in front of her. She and San'lr'in’ stared at each other for many long moments. Finally, San'lr'in’ knelt before her.
"First and greatest of all High Queens. I have not enough words to thank you for your assistance. But now I show you a Realm that is once again in turmoil. I stand ashamed before you, unable to show you a peaceful Realm for which each of you, in your turn, worked overly hard."
"It is the nature of The Realm, My daughter. You will see through it. You are made from the best of all of us."
"It is lonely, this affair of High Queen."
Drn'rn'thel'ineln’ nodded her head briefly, “It is as you say. But we have done better through you, as the Young One is now with you. And so shall it be from hereon."
"The humans come."
"We know."
"There is overly much killing."
"Find another way. You are High Queen. You have to accept not the ways of The Realm. It is up to you to inspire another direction."
"The burden is heavy.
"It is truth. It is. Stand up to it, San'lr'in'. It is your duty, and your privilege. You are of our line and were chosen to do as such. And your path is strong. You will return the Elves to The Realm. You will provide The Realm with a long lasting peace. Your name will be sung with praises for many reigns after you are long-gone."
"As are yours. But I seek not as such."
"What is it you seek, High Queen?"
"Peace."
"As did I. As did we all. Then make it as so, My daughter. The Realm is in your hands now."
San'lr'in’ stood, letting her tears fall silently. Drn'rn'thel'ineln’ raised her hand and caused a tear to come to her. She felt it and examined it, then looked back up at San'lr'in', “Life is more precious than you can know. Be good to yourself in your life."
She held up her hand, yet holding the tear within it, “Sele'm'tinel'ti'non'n is of such."
San'lr'in’ was surprised, “I am told it was a pairing of Sam'r'in'thel'ineln’ and the Elf."
She smiled gently, “Do you always believe as you are informed, High Queen?"
San'lr'in’ looked at her for a moment, saying nothing. She brought her patience to her, sensing that The Realm had overly many secrets, “Perhaps it best I know not."
"She knows. As do you. You just deny its presence. But I will hold this tear for you. Should you ever desire a Birth-daughter of all our line, call Me to you once more. I will come for such, as one is greatly needed."
"A Birth-daughter? Me? With the Elf?"
Drn'rn'thel'ineln’ looked over at Sle'nel', “It is strange to think of her as the only Elf remaining in The Realm. There were so many during My reign. Take good care of her, My daughter. I also wished for the love of an Elf, but it was meant not for Me, even though I was half Elfin. There is no better love than this. But no, My daughter. This Birth-daughter would be of our line, in the great part. Of the Elves only a little."
"You loved an Elf?"
"I did. For a short moment only. She died in the tunnels, along with overly many of the others."
"You risked much as High Queen and lost all the ones you loved. The story of the great beast of the UnderRealm is truly sad."
"It was so, but I loved well enough.” She smiled lightly, “Perhaps not all the stories survived, as I did manage to maintain one great love for a short moment, as you do now. And yours will be for far longer."
Having heard enough, San'lr'in’ knelt and bowed her head deeply, “Greatest of All First High Queen. High Queens."
Drn'rn'thel'ineln’ looked sadly upon her, “Think us no better than you, San'lr'in'thel'ineln', as we were not. You are perhaps the greatest of us, as you hold more true to your path than any of us managed, but you have much yet before you. All of us made our way the best we could. None no more than this. Each of us had to cut our own path. In truth, your path has been most difficult as The Realm meets a great crossroad in your reign, and for this I am sorry. I also faced as such, and it required much of Me. Overly much, at moments. Deep sadness seems to be a constant across us all, as we have all lost much more than we ever gained for ourselves, but we all gained much for The Realm, and that was our path and our purpose."
"But many of you gave your lives overly soon to The Realm."
And at such moments, it was often the easier path, to die overly soon. At least the burden was no more. As you said, the burden is great. It was for all of us. Each in their own way."
The long-prior, long-dead High Queens each looked at San'lr'in’ for a moment, knowing well what she now went through. They then all turned and walked off, disappearing into a mist. San'lr'in’ looked down upon the ground, seeing that The First High Queen's sword waited for her.
A great gift.
She walked to it and picked it up, So many cycles prior, and yet here it is. The sword that began the Era of High Queens.
She examined it, noticing its lack of refinement as compared to her own, in the present era, but admired its strength. She was slightly surprised to feel how correct it felt in her hand, pleased at its weight and balance. Even this old, the sword shone in its magnificence, and the red stones remained as shiny and beautiful as her own. She walked back to her forces, beginning to feel the exhaustion from her use of powers. Each step began to feel heavier than the last. She was so exhausted that she didn't realize the turn had passed and that it was now early eve.
"Force Leader."
If it were possible, Ann'wn and all her forces were now in even more awe of their High Queen. As The High Queen had spoken with the long-prior, long-dead High Queens, Ann'wn and her forces had been busy fighting against those that had escaped through the fog.
She knelt and bowed her head, “Great High Queen."
San'lr'in’ sighed, suspecting that the burden had been even greater for Drn'rn'thel'ineln', “Did you see the final lightning strike?"
"Yes, Great High Queen."
"On the next morn, after we bury our Master, we go to where it struck the ground."
"Yes, High Queen. My Queen?"
She looked down at her kneeling Force Leader, “Not now, Ann'wn. I can do no more this turn. I must rest.” It was seldom that The High Queen denied her Force Leader a moment, so Ann'wn easily accepted the depth of The High Queen's statement.
The eve passed quietly as The High Queen slept. The Healer remained nearby, worried over her Queen's condition. All the travelers now worked together to bring all their supplies down from the tunnels, as well as the great Master for her burial in the morn. Ann'wn's forces ensured that the Master's final ride upon her horse was as each would desire for their own funeral.
In the morn, The High Queen rose early so as to prepare herself for the funeral. As she began to prepare for her meditations, Ern'seln’ approached her, “Great High Queen?"
San'lr'in’ turned to the voice that sounded so new to her, “Ern'seln'. Daughter of the Great Third Master, Be'rn'. What is it you ask of Me?"
Ern'seln’ shook with fear at being in the presence of this most powerful High Queen. As The High Queen looked upon her, Ern'seln’ knelt and bowed her head, “It is as my Birth-Mother had told me."
San'lr'in’ wanted no more praise, but knew she needed to give this one-turn great Master her moment, “Tell Me."
"You are the greatest of them, my Queen. My Birth-Mother told me this story. She said that the long-prior High Queens knew that your reign was to be as such. It is in the stories. It is why they come when you summon them."
San'lr'in’ wondered about these stories, but wanted no part of them for the moment, “Ern'seln'. You need to prepare yourself. We approach the moment of the Great Third Master's funeral. Do you require My assistance in achieving your sixth meditation?"
San'lr'in’ noticed that the mention of this made Ern'seln’ look sad, “No, thank you, Greatest of All High Queens. The Future Supreme Sovereign will provide as such."
The High Queen was relieved, “Then prepare yourself to our task, as your Birth-Mother would desire. Prepare your bravery. Call it to you."
"Yes, my Queen."
San'lr'in’ began to turn away, but then turned back, “Ern'seln'?"
Ern'seln’ looked into her High Queen's eyes, “My Queen?"
"I am deeply saddened for your loss. And it is equally sad for The Realm. I knew her well. She was a great, great teacher, and perhaps the very best of the teachers. I will in truth, miss her."
Ern'seln’ was saddened, but pleased. She remained strong, “Thank you, Highness."
"Serve Me well, Ern'seln'. The Future Supreme Sovereign, The Realm, and I have great need of you and your abilities. You are the only one remaining who will be able to teach these skills to the ones that come after us. Your path is clear."
"Yes, my Queen. I serve your need only, Highness."
"And as you are now, you will ever be the guardian of the Future Supreme Sovereign. It is a most difficult of assignments."
She bowed her head to her and placed her fisted hand over her heart, “I give you my solemn vow, my Queen. To my death."
The High Queen nodded slightly, “It is the answer of a true Master. Be strong this turn, Master-Apprentice."
Ern'seln's heart leaped at the title, knowing it to be given only by another Master, and only when a student had achieved such an honor, “Yes, Master."
The High Queen sought refuge in her meditations as she awaited the funeral of Be'rn', knowing it her duty and desire to give the Great Third Master the funeral she was due. The Healer sat near by, ready to help The High Queen exit from her meditations when needed, relieved from the prior turn's terror. Her trust in her High Queen had once again proven correct.
Sle'nel’ had watched the entire prior turn's proceedings, wondering who San'lr'in’ truly was. Every moment she thought she knew her, San'lr'in’ became even more. Even as she knew that The High Queen loved her, she also knew that San'lr'in’ belonged exclusively to The Realm. She had spent the eve quietly watching over her overly tired High Queen, wondering as to her great powers.
In having displayed one of the great long-unused powers, San'lr'in’ had isolated herself even further from The Realm. Even now, her forces were stunned speechless in her great presence, afraid to approach her. Only in stories had they ever imagined that such could occur. Halting the legions of the long-prior dead had been an astonishing feat, but none had ever thought that anyone would have the powers to call the long-prior, long-dead High Queens to her—The Watchers of The Realm.
And then, as if all that wasn't enough, she had been given the First High Queen's legendary sword.
Ann'wn approached The Healer, “Healer. What do you think of this prior turn?"
Shr'dler'in's heart jumped at the sound of the voice, “Force Leader. You surprised me."
The events from the prior turn had proven so intense for The High Queen, as well as for all the travelers that Ann'wn was compelled to stand guard outside her tent during the eve. She hadn't been able to return to her discussions with The Healer, so now attempted to do so. She hoped with quiet desperation that The Healer would yet be open to her advances and desires.
Ann'wn sat down next to her, touching her cheek lightly as she did so, holding tight control on her growing desires, “I know not what to think of our High Queen. Her powers are beyond amazing."
Shr'dler'in nodded in agreement, “There were overly many enemy forces. This is truth."
Ann'wn shook her head, “I speak of the other. We guessed that The High Queen had such powers against an enemy as this, but to be able to summon the long-prior, long-dead High Queens to her is to control the long unknown powers. This has never prior occurred. There is no such story of it. I asked Caitha, and even she knows of none. All are shocked."
"The High Queen would tell you that she is as any other."
"And she would be wrong, then."
Shr'dler'in looked at Ann'wn, “If we treat her as such, Ann'wn', she becomes even more burdened and separate. We would make her stand alone as no other must endure. This must not occur."
"How can we treat her as every other, when she is not?"
"By knowing that you cause her more isolation in the doing of it."
"But she is the strongest that has ever prior been."
"And she will yet die upon one turn, Force Leader, as you and I. And she yet seeks solace and love, as any other. You cannot isolate her further in your adoration. You would make her reality overly harsh. You should treat her not as special, even if she is. To stand back and adore her is to make her stand alone. We do her greater honor and respect by treating her as High Queen, only. It is enough. She wishes no more than this. Treat her as every other turn, Force Leader."
They sat for a few moments in silence, tired, as was everyone, from the recent events, “You are correct, Healer. She is lucky to have such as you."
"As we are lucky to have her."
Even in her desire and need to return to their prior eve topic, Ann'wn didn't know how to approach it. She felt awkward in saying it, but did so anyway, “I would consider myself as lucky to have you."
"Have me, Force Leader? What does such mean? I am your Healer."
"I mean that—"
Sele’ toddled over to The Healer, “Healer. I sense that our Greatest of All High Queens is approaching the moment for our usefulness."
The Healer nodded, rising, forgetting that Ann'wn was there. Ann'wn saw that when it concerned The High Queen, nothing else mattered to The Healer. She was both pleased and saddened by this. The Healer looked at Sele’ and asked, “How can such a young one speak so? What meditation is she in?"
"She now returns to the third from her fourth."
They began walking toward The High Queen, “Do you wish to help?"
She nodded, “Yes, Healer. Thank you."
"She will appreciate this assistance, but take it overly slow, Young One. Her prior turn has been most difficult. We will need to keep her in her second meditation until the arrival of the Great Third Master. It will allow her to rest if we hold her there."
Sele’ thought hard on this for a moment, “Then you best help, Healer, as my youngness yet makes me overly energetic. I have no such control as this, yet."
The Healer began to go to her High Queen, then suddenly thought better of it, “Young One. I will be returned quickly. Wait for me."
She turned back to Ann'wn and saw that she was rising to leave. She called to her, “Force Leader."
Ann'wn turned to her, surprised, “Healer? Is something wrong?"
She stood before her, staring at her, then suddenly placed both her hands on Ann'wn's cheeks, kissing her fully. As quickly, she turned and went to Sele’ and her High Queen.
Ann'wn stared for a moment, once again surprised, then walked away to other affairs. If anyone had bothered to look, they would have seen a smile upon her face.
The Healer and Sele’ kept The High Queen within her second meditation until the final preparation of Be'rn's now dead form. Sle'nel’ continued to watch the turn's proceedings, yet wondering who San'lr'in’ truly was, as she was certainly more than just High Queen.
In having helped her sister, Sam was now fully aware of what it took to use her powers, and motivated to learning more of them while they waited. Ann'wn also watched the morn pass, watching The Healer as it did so, wondering if The Healer could feel for her what she knew she felt for The Healer. The five sorcerers used the moments to prepare for the funeral, collecting the wood needed for it.
By midmorn, Ann'wn's forces and the sorcerers had prepared Be'rn’ for her Great Master's funeral. The Healer and Sele’ were told that all was now in-readiness, so began to bring The High Queen back into The Realm.
Returning from her meditations, The High Queen looked around, sighing. It had been a long two-turns, but much more now faced them. She saw that the funeral was prepared, but also saw the rising of dust in the distance, from approaching riders.
To no one in particular, she softly said, “They come."
Ann'wn had heard her, “Who, Highness?"
"The Masters."
"But what if these be the traitors?"
She looked at Ann'wn briefly, then turned back to the growing image of the Masters, “It is their due, by all the Masters’ vow. Have My sword and crown brought to Me, Force Leader."
"My Queen, I cann—"
Very softly, she repeated, “Bring them."
"Yes, my Queen."
The High Queen remained standing, watching the riders come nearer. Ern'seln’ came and stood close to her.
The High Queen felt Ern'seln's presence, “They come for The Great Third Master's funeral, Master-Apprentice."
"Yes, Highness, but I wish them not to come. They are not worthy of this, and they fought against my Birth-Mother."
"Place your feelings aside. Think only of your Birth-Mother, these moments."
"I wish not—"
"It is a command, Ern'seln'."
The High Queen's tone was nothing Ern'seln’ wished to hear, and she was now sorry she had pushed her Queen, “Yes, Master. To your will."
San'lr'in’ well knew the patience this would take from both her and Ern'seln', especially if the ones who now came were The Realm's traitors, yet she also well knew that a Master's funeral was to be attended by all the Masters, as possible, and as solemnly vowed. She watched closely, wondering who now came. She saw that there appeared to be two separate groups, each with their swords raised against the other.
Ann'wn had brought The High Queen's sword to her, as well as an attendant to place on her crown. As the strangers approached the funeral site, San'lr'in’ saw that the Masters hadn't yet fought each other, but were prepared to do so as they dismounted. But they saw her first.
They dismounted, each group keeping a wary eye upon the other group. Eanna and her group of eight Masters went up to The High Queen, then knelt and bowed their heads, “High Queen."
The group of seven traitors remained at their horses, neither bowing nor kneeling to The High Queen. Eanna turned back to Ll'strin'll, “You traitor. Show some respect, you cowardly scum."
Ll'strin'll kept her sword at the ready, “She is not my Queen."
Ern'seln’ moved forward, raising her sword, “You are not welcome at my Birth-Mother's funeral. Leave, or die."
San'lr'in’ placed a hand upon Ern'seln's shoulder, “Remain quiet, Master-Apprentice. Be'rn’ may be your Birth-Mother, but she was also one of us, as a Master, and it is not your privilege to speak to another Master without permission. You know this is truth."
Ern'seln obeyed her Queen, but kept her sword readied. San'lr'in’ had felt Ann'wn and her Private forces come near her, readied for a battle. She looked at Ann'wn for a moment, but decided to say nothing. She then turned back to Ll'strin'll, sorry that U'Aine’ wasn't among The Masters that had come.
Giving no attention to either of the Masters, she said, “It is the moment for the funeral."
Eanna moved forward, challenging Ll'strin'll as she saw that she had not yet re-sheathed her sword, so, “Traitor. At least replace your sword so that the funeral can begin."
Ll'strin'll came forward to Eanna, “Prepare for your death, Eanna the worthless one. It is the moment that you need to die. I will take no more of you."
Eanna raised her sword, more than ready to fight against Ll'strin'll, “Gladly I do so, Traitor. You are an embarrassment."
They touched the tips of their swords and began the battle. Suddenly, another sword came down on both of theirs, breaking their swords in half. Shocked at such a feat, they looked to who now held the sword against them, knowing that the sword of a Master was amongst the strongest in The Realm.
Seeing that San'lr'in’ had halted their battle, they were yet surprised at her ability to break their swords. Both just stared at her, caught well off-guard at San'lr'in's quick move against them.
She spoke softly, but with her one eyebrow raised and her patience all but gone, “This is the Great Third Master's funeral. As is her due, we come to display our respect to her. No battle will occur among us this turn, or I will kill the one who next raises her sword."
Ll'strin'll looked at The High Queen with hate, and saw that she now held The High Queen's sword to her, “You no longer fight as a Master when you use such a sword against me."
The High Queen looked at her for a moment, raising her sword's tip to Ll'strin'll's throat. Softly and slowly, per her usual, she commanded, “No battle this turn, or you die. I have no regard for you, but it is your due to be amongst us for this moment. It is for this reason only that you now remain standing. Your opinions are nothing but as a traitor's words to Me, so waste not My moments."
"I challenge you, San'lr'in'thel'ineln'."
San'lr'in’ nicked Ll'strin'll's neck, drawing blood, then lowered her sword, “And I will accept at another moment. It will be good to have such as you removed from The Realm."
Ll'strin'll moved her hand to her wound, then looked at it, seeing blood. She was more than angry, but held it in, “My moment will arrive soon, San'lr'in'thel'ineln'. And be warned—I taught you everything you know, so I know all your weaknesses."
San'lr'in’ narrowed her eyes, wishing she could battle against this one at this moment, “I am a fool not to kill you upon this moment, but you are a fool to think you know so much as this. Prepare for your death, Traitor, and know that none of The Realm's true Masters will attend your funeral, as you are no Master amongst us."
Ll'strin'll was slightly surprised at San'lr'in's apparent strength. Never prior had Ll'strin'll seen her so strong in both deed and word, and never prior against her.
"You are strong upon these turns."
The High Queen glared at her for a moment, then turned to Ann'wn, “Let us begin.” She then moved to the funeral pyre. As she did so, she placed her hand on Ern'seln's shoulder, “Stand beside Me, Master-Apprentice."
When all was prepared, San'lr'in’ nodded to the warriors to begin, but Ann'wn suddenly interrupted her, “More strangers approach, Highness."
Having gone unnoticed by The High Queen, seven travelers neared, kneeling fully before San'lr'in', “Most Great High Queen of The Realm."
Ann'wn, Sam, Meera, An'ther'on and Uthrn were instantly present, swords already at the strangers’ necks, “State your purpose."
"We request permission to attend the Great Third Master's funeral."
The women lay fully upon the ground before The High Queen, as was their fashion. Their bodies were fully flattened upon the dry earth, with their arms straight out from their sides.
San'lr'in’ studied them carefully, recognizing their garments but not knowing the identity of the strangers. She spoke quietly to them, guessing as to their true identity, “How is it you knew of her death?"
The woman who spoke for the group glanced up for a slight moment at The High Queen, then cast her eyes quickly away, “We sensed it, Most Honored and Greatest High Queen."
All saw that the women covered most of their faces with a veil that wrapped around their head, shielding even most of their hair from view, yet the remainder of their clothes was scant. The High Queen saw an all-but-covered mark upon the hand of the spokeswoman for the group, recognizing the mark instantly. But she held the knowledge to herself.
"Rise. Tell Us who now stands before Us."
The women rose, with the spokeswoman standing before The High Queen, yet keeping her glance removed from her.
"We are just simple travelers, Highness. We met the Great Third Master long prior as she saved us from traitors of The Realm. We would like to give our final respects to her, as is her due."
"You are not a Master.” The remark came from a guard.
The woman suddenly and surprisingly removed one of the guard's swords from her grasp, moving it to just a breath away from The High Queen's neck, then as suddenly and quickly, tossed it up, catching it by the tip, offering the sword's hilt to The High Queen. The High Queen watched the woman's movements carefully, seeing great skill in her sword usage. The movements were so quick as to catch The High Queen's guards fully off-guard. Ann'wn made a move to kill the stranger, but The High Queen placed her hand on Ann'wn's arm, halting her.
She then nodded, “You may remain. Do you wish to provide the song for the Master?"
The woman bowed her head slightly, “We would be honored, Great Highness."
The High Queen motioned for Ann'wn and the others to relax their swords. As they moved back to their prior positions, The High Queen studied the eyes of the spokeswoman for the group, seeking her identity, but the woman yet kept her eyes averted.
San'lr'in’ turned back to the task at-hand, resting her hand lightly on Ern'seln's shoulder, sending her a message, Be strong, Master-Apprentice. Your Birth-Mother would have it so.
She saw Ern'seln strengthen her body against her sadness, and saw that Ern'seln also didn't seem to recognize the strangers.
The High Queen nodded to Ann'wn to begin the ceremony, thinking to herself, We bury overly many of The Realm's loyal daughters these turns.
The newly arrived strangers began The Master's funeral song, a slow, sad melodic dirge with whistles and drums. The Masters quietly fought between themselves to carry Be'rn’ on her last journey, each side carrying one side of the flat plank on which Be'rn’ was laid. As the music began, they carefully lifted the plank, then slowly began Be'rn's last walk in this realm, carrying Be'rn's body over their heads, her sword resting lengthwise on top of her prone body, her hands grasping its hilt. She had been prepared in her Master's uniform, and if no one knew better, it looked only as if she now slept.
The High Queen closed her eyes, trying to regain the emotional strength she knew she would need for this moment. When she opened her eyes, she watched Be'rn's last journey with great sadness.
I am sorry, Be'rn', Third Master.
Sle'nel’ watched her lover, seeing her stand rigidly unmoving, seeing her stand in her most formal of manners, seeing her stand as strong and unwavering, yet seeing her eyes cast a sadness that reached well into eternity.
The remaining Masters finally joined in the song, accompany the singers with drums giving forth their death roll. The song wailed and cried of the death of one of The Realm's great warriors, and The High Queen was pleased that Be'rn’ was receiving her proper due.
The procession lasted for many moments, at a slow pace and with great dignity. Sle'nel’ saw that her lover's eyes never moved away from Be'rn's body.
The Masters reached the funeral pyre and placed Be'rn's body gently upon it. The High Queen stepped close to the body, bringing Ern'seln with her. As the strangers and Masters continued Be'rn's final song, San'lr'in’ began her part of the ceremony by looking upward, raising her hands to the sky, then bringing them back to her, crossing them quickly, fisted, over her chest, as she bowed her head. With arms crossed over her breasts, she raised her head back to the sky.
As the strangers and Masters continued singing the Master's funeral song, she began her portion of the ceremony, “Spirits of The Realm. Watchers of The Realm. Hear Me, as High Queen. The Realm is forced to relinquish a Great Master to you this turn. As we are greatly and deeply saddened for her departure, we also now celebrate her service to The Realm she so loved. Take her quickly to you, as this is Be'rn', the Great Third Master of The Realm. Guide her swiftly across the winds to her rest. We now honor her from this turn on, singing praises to her fully loyal and selfless deeds. And we all struggle to follow her generosity and steadfastness to The Realm. Her unshaken belief in her direction serves as the example we uphold. Her strength and dedication were that of a true Master, and of the greatest of Warriors."
Unfolding her arms, she looked down at her, “Be'rn'. Master Teacher. Great Third Master. We are saddened in your departure from us. You have well earned your rest and our undying respect. You will be honored ever forward from this moment."
She looked back up to the sky, her arms once again folded across her chest, but keeping her thoughts to herself, You take the wrong one this turn.
She again unfolded her arms and returned her look to Be'rn', “I will miss you, Master Teacher.” As she kept her eyes upon Be'rn', all heard her say, “Here lies The Realm's most loyal of daughters. Here lies a life of dedication unequaled. Here lies a true warrior, and a true friend.” She raised her head to those who stood watching, “Who among you now takes her place? Who among you now completes her path?"
She touched Ern'seln's shoulder lightly. Ern'seln moved close to her Birth-Mother, then looked at her High Queen, “I take her place, High Queen. As my Birth-Mother displayed, so shall I.” She turned back to her Birth-Mother, bowing her head, “Birth-Mother. Great Third Master. Master Teacher. I will miss you greatly."
She moved back next to The High Queen. All the Masters and warriors then knelt onto one knee, clasped their fisted right hand to their heart, and bowed their head, “Master."
After they rose, San'lr'in’ looked at Ern'seln, who nodded slightly to her. San'lr'in’ nodded to the sorcerers, who brought forward the torch. They handed it to Ern'seln, who took it and lit the pyre in several places. San'lr'in’ moved her hand slightly, raising the intensity of the fire, ensuring that the fire would burn hot and quick.
When the fire engulfed Be'rn's body fully within it, San'lr'in’ closed her eyes for a moment, bowing her head, calling a spell to her. She opened her eyes, then reached into the fire with one hand, removing Be'rn's sword. She brought the red-hot glowing sword from the fire and held it close to her, holding it upright, while looking at it as if examining it.
"A Master's sword. A gift to The Realm. A great sword of a greater Master.” She turned to Ern'seln, “A Master's sword is among the finest of swords in The Realm. It is cast as the heart of a Master: True. Strong. Willing. Fearless. It is cast from metals known only to the Masters, and is as rare in The Realm as the Masters themselves. When a Master dies, it is tradition that their sword dies with them. But Third Master Be'rn’ asked a last request of The Realm, and upon this turn, I grant this request."
She touched the red-hot sword with her other hand, cooling it, then turned to Ern'seln, “This is the sword of a great, great Master. Your Birth-Mother's sword. It is now yours, Master-Apprentice, as this is your Birth-Mother's last request. Hold it ever close to you. Always use it as your Birth-Mother would, as the Great Third Master would desire of you. Make no errors with this sword, and depart not from what the Masters would have from you. With this sword, hold true to your path, as did your Birth-Mother."
She raised it high for all to see, “This is now Master-Apprentice Ern'seln's sword."
She lowered it and held the hilt to Ern'seln. Ern'seln took it, trying to clear the tears from her eyes. San'lr'in’ saw that Ll'strin'll looked well displeased about Be'rn's last request. She guessed that Ll'strin'll now knew that she would gain no hold on Ern'seln. While all waited, watching the funeral pyre take hold of the Great Third Master, the strangers and Masters continued their song until it was completed, providing the appropriate background for this most solemn and honored of ceremonies.
When the ceremony was completed, San'lr'in’ looked back to the burning pyre and softly said, “Farewell, Great Third Master. You performed your duty to The Realm in the highest of bravery. I hope I do as well."
As they watched the fire, the spokeswoman for the group of strangers began another song. It was a beautiful melody, and one that most of those present assumed was providing a story about the funeral of the Great Third Master. But as the song began, The High Queen jerked ever-so-slightly, being caught off-guard in the song's words:
San'lr'in’ listened to the song, watching as the singer glanced at her occasionally, showing dark eyes to her. The High Queen glanced around, wondering if anyone else recognized the long-prior unused words of the Masters’ Secret Codes. As the woman sang the song of warning, using the long unused words, San'lr'in’ finally knew of her identity, without question.
U'Aine. The Fourth Great Master.
When the song ended, the woman knelt, made eye contact with her, bowed her head, rose, then quickly and silently departed.
"Who was that, Highness?"
San'lr'in’ turned to the voice, “Just a long-prior friend of Be'rn's, Force Leader."
She placed her arm around Ern'seln, moving them away from the now raging fire. Knowing that the fire burned as needed, San'lr'in’ was now ready to leave. But she saw that Eanna and Ll'strin'll were once again preparing to fight each other.
"I challenge you, Eanna. Prepare yourself."
"I accept, Traitor."
San'lr'in’ knew that Ll'strin'll would most certainly beat Eanna in the challenge, killing her, as Ll'strin'll was the First Great Master.
She called to her long-prior former teacher, “Ll'strin'll."
Ll'strin'll looked at her with intense hatred, “Do you interfere in our affairs once again, San'lr'in'thel'ineln'?"
"Do I need remind you that you challenged Me prior to challenging Eanna?"
"What of this?"
"You must complete your challenge with Me, first, Traitor."
"You just know she will lose and now seek to save her worthless life."
"You are most certainly a traitor, and of this we know, but are you also now a liar?"
Ll'strin'll's eyes filled with loathing, “A liar? Why do you call me as such?"
"Did you not vow this, as a Master, that you must win your first challenge prior to beginning the next?"
She glared at her, “You both will lose, anyway. I am First Master."
"Then what difference will it make to fight Me first, Traitor? Or do you fear you will lose?"
Ll'strin'll pushed Eanna away from her, then mounted, pulling on her horse's reigns fiercely, “So shall it be, then. We will meet soon, San'lr'in'thel'ineln'. Be forewarned. You have ruled this realm for overly long."
She and Eanna watched as Ll'strin'll and her followers left, then Eanna turned to San'lr'in', “You had no need to do as such, Highness. I am well prepared to finally fight her."
The High Queen placed her hand lightly on Eanna's shoulder, “And you will lose. You know not her abilities. They are far beyond yours. Remain well away from her."
"But you will fight her, High Queen, and you should do not so, as we cannot lose you."
The High Queen smiled lightly, “You think I will lose, Eanna? Place not such a wager, as you will lose this as well. But go now, and be safe. And heed My words—keep your distance from her."
Eanna bowed her head, “Yes, Highness. We also make our way to El'fs'nd'lle, and will hopefully be waiting for you. My Queen?"
"Eanna. What is it you desire from Me?"
"Who was that stranger? The singer. She seemed most familiar, and she held the sword well."
"Sorcery. Only this. Just a woman who Be'rn’ had befriended long prior. But a good singer as well."
"She was not a Master, Highness?"
She laughed lightly, “A Master? Surely not. You have My leave, Eanna."
She turned away from Eanna, having had enough of the Masters, and examined the fire. Seeing that it yet burned with great intensity, The High Queen looked to Ann'wn, “Are we prepared to leave, Force Leader?"
"Yes, Highness. My Queen?"
"Tell Me."
"I am sorry for the loss of Be'rn', Highness."
She looked for a moment at Ann'wn, knowing well she knew about such loss as this, but finding little to say in response. Finally, she sighed, “Thank you, Force Leader. It is always a sad moment when we lose as such."
The attendants placed The High Queen's cloak upon her, then she mounted her horse as all others also prepared for their departure. Yet not fully recovered from the prior turn, she was weary, having used even further of her energies on the necessary funeral for her long-prior teacher.
She looked to her side and saw Sle'nel'. Without a word, she held out her hand to her, desiring the peace this Elf so easily gave to her. Sle'nel’ grasped her Queen's hand firmly, squeezing it softly, but also saying nothing, seeing the deep sadness in her Queen. For a brief moment, they looked into each other's eyes as their hands held firm, then San'lr'in’ closed her eyes, moving herself away from the moment for fear she might give in to it. They gently let go of each other's hands, as San'lr'in’ placed her cloak's hood over her head, grateful for the distance it afforded her from all others. She nodded to Ann'wn, and once again, the group continued overly their long journey.
Ann'wn had An'ther'on lead the travelers for the remainder of the turn, wanting to ride closer to her Queen and to The Healer. As now the custom, many of the Black Guard had already left to scout for enemies.
She came up beside The Healer, who rode slightly behind The High Queen, “The Elf is quiet these turns."
The Healer nodded, glancing over to Sle'nel', “She has spoken to no one these two turns, except to Sele', but observes fully. I have heard that it is an Elf's nature to stand at such a distance. Where do we now head, Force Leader?"
"We head to where the lightning struck."
The Healer looked surprised, “What is there?"
"The High Queen now searches for the Master of the Dark Sorcery."
"What does this lightning strike have to do with such?"
"The High Queen knows not who it is, but uses the lightning to find where this Master of the Dark Sorcery used his sorcery to call the long-prior dead forces to him. She also is quiet this turn."
"She will sleep this turn as we journey, as she used over-commanding powers prior turn. I felt her exhaustion while we helped her in her meditations. The weight of her exhaustion surprised even me. I know not how she continued through the funeral, as the eve gave her little rest in this regard."
Ann'wn looked at The High Queen, seeing that San'lr'in’ was beginning to slump over onto her horse, a sign Ann'wn knew well. They traveled for the remainder of the lighted turn, then made camp at the edge of what The High Queen had told her would be the last water they would see for many turns. As the horses came to a halt, The High Queen yet slept. Ann'wn and An'ther'on lowered her gently off her horse, and Ann'wn carried her to her already prepared tent. For such a powerful Queen, Ann'wn thought her a light woman, and admired her great beauty. She was amazed that The High Queen could sleep so soundly, noticing that The High Queen relaxed her head against her.
She laid her gently down in the already prepared bed, then left. The Healer examined The High Queen, concerned, “She sleeps overly deep."
Both Sele’ and Sle'nel’ were also beside San'lr'in'. Sle'nel’ placed her hand to her Queen's cheek, “She sacrifices much of herself to The Realm."
Sele’ touched her Queen's head lightly, “It is as you say, Healer. She seems to have moved herself into a state of deep unconsciousness. I think she lies heavy with sorrow, from the funeral."
The Healer looked at Sele’ for a moment, thinking of her words, then once again examined her Queen. Frowning, she looked back up, “Can you help me to bring her away from this place?"
Sele’ nodded, looking older by the turn, “I can try, if you guide me."
Sele’ and The Healer worked on bringing their Queen back into The Realm, and far away from the overly deep sleep she had placed on herself. It took much effort on both their parts, but they finally accomplished their task.
"Thank you, Young One. You did well."
"I followed your lead, only, Healer. You are as High Queen has said, a great Healer."
The Healer looked at Sle'nel', “I would guess that she will sleep until the morn. I am sorry, Elf, but she is over-exhausted."
Sle'nel’ nodded only, and knelt back down beside her Queen.
The Healer left the tent thinking that she also would just go to her own tent and try to forget the turn's overly many unexplainable events. As she exited the tent, Ann'wn held out a plate of food for her, “You need to eat. You also are well exhausted. Come. We will sit by the fire until you are finished. Then you need to sleep."
The Healer looked down at the plate of food, thinking she didn't want it, but noticed that she thought it smelled inviting. She placed a hand up to Ann'wn's cheek, “Thank you, Force Leader. Without this care, I would have gone straight to my bed. I am unused to such kind treatment."
They sat together on a log, quietly eating. For all their desire of each other, Ann'wn could tell that The Healer was overly tired.
"You are quiet."
"As are you."
"I have slept not in over a turn, as I have been tending to our Queen."
"You are beautiful when tired. Your hair has not been tended in over a turn, yet it lies about you as if it well cared for. And your eyes sparkle."
She laughed softly, “You are an easy flatterer, Force Leader. You have had one overly-many lovers."
Ann'wn looked offended, teasing her, “Me? Why, Healer, you stab me in the heart."
The Healer smiled, placed down her empty plate, and leaned against Ann'wn. Ann'wn's heart jumped at the pleasure of the feeling; at the easiness of it.
"And I love your strength. You are just always there when needed."
She looked up into Ann'wn's eyes, seeing that they were staring at her, “What are you thinking, Force Leader?"
Ann'wn placed her arm around The Healer and brought her more closely to her, “I was wondering what your answer was to my question prior to the interruption."
"Have you no doubts about this, Force Leader?"
"In full truth, no."
The Healer heard Ann'wn's response, but was enjoying the softness of the moment as she leaned against Ann'wn's shoulder. It had been many cycles since she had taken such comfort from another.
After a few moments of listening to The Healer's breathing, Ann'wn knew that The Healer had drifted off to sleep. She rose quietly, then picked up The Healer and carried her to her tent. After gently laying her on the ground-bed, she removed The Healer's outer garments and covered her. Ann'wn crouched near her and thought about this possible relationship as she stared at The Healer's beauty. She then finally made her decision. She rose, removed her own garments, laid beside The Healer, and wrapped her into her arms.
In the morn, in a tent close to The High Queen's, Ann'wn woke, sensing someone near her. She opened her eyes, recalling that she held The Healer in her arms. She recalled the long prior eve to her as she watched over her sleeping Healer. She desired this woman's touch beyond endurance, yet was strangely satisfied in lying next to her for the moment.
Shr'dler'in woke lightly in the early morn, interrupted in her sleep by Ann'wn's change in breathing. She woke her mind enough to know that her head was cradled between the Force Leader's arm and chest, her body burrowed in close to her. She moved her hand to Ann'wn's breast, holding it, knowing that even if she didn't think this a good idea of moving themselves together, her body would no longer be halted in its desire of the Force Leader's strong touch. She kissed Ann'wn's breast, while teasing the other one between her fingers.
Ann'wn moaned her reply.
The Healer needed no more motivation, and moved her hand between Ann'wn's naked and highly muscled thighs, touching deeply and urgently into her increasing moisture and warmth. Ann'wn also moved into the moment, and for the remainder of the early morn, they gave in to their long-prior cravings of each other.
After their first moments joined together, Ann'wn lay holding The Healer in her arms, desiring her further, yet fully contented in the partnership, “I love touching your body, Healer."
The Healer was thinking the same of Ann'wn's, “Why?"
"It is so soft and comforting."
"And I love yours, but for the opposite reason. Yours is so firm and strong. It makes me feel so safe and desired."
Ann'wn touched The Healer's face, yet enjoying her most welcomed softness, “You make me feel like no other ever has."
The Healer laughed, “Tired? Exhausted?"
Ann'wn moved her body between The Healer's legs, making her to open them widely, while she kissed her breasts and touched deeply and urgently into the place that she longed desired, “No. I cannot seem to tire of you. This is the feeling I meant."
But The Healer could no longer hear her, as she moaned in pleasure and need of her wonderfully strong lover.
After a much-needed quiet eve, The High Queen opened her mind to The Realm, wondering where she was. She sensed Sle'nel’ next to her, and was pleased. She sighed, then moved slightly into her.
"You are awake."
The High Queen opened her eyes, “My Desire."
Sle'nel’ moved on top of her, kissing her softly, touching her arms, “In truth, who are you, San'lr'in'?"
She examined Sle'nel's thoughts lightly. As she caressed Sle'nel's shoulder, she sensed her frustration and answered her question, “I am High Queen. Is that not more than enough?"
"You are more than High Queen. No one has such command over life and death as this. This is beyond the Deep Mystics’ powers. Who are you, in truth, and why is such hidden from The Realm?"
"Am I not a woman as any other?"
Sle'nel’ sat up, straddling San'lr'in', and looked down at her, “If so, then tell me it is so. Look at me and tell me that you are as any other woman."
"As Sele'm'tinel'ti'non'n is the same as any other, then as am I."
Sle'nel’ thought on the statement for a moment, “Is Sele’ of my background, in part?"
"Yes. This is truth. You are her Birth-Mother in all ways. She is, in part, Elfin background."
"Is she of Sam's line in the other part?"
"She is partly of the line."
"Directly?"
She hesitated, then said, “No."
Sle'nel’ looked shocked, “No? Sam is her mother, is she not?"
"In that you and Sam were joined in companionship, yes."
"Who is her mother, in truth?” She saw that The High Queen wasn't going to answer her, “I know not who I am. I know not who my Birth-daughter is. And I know not who my lover is. In truth, High Queen, what is it that I do know?” She lay back down onto her Queen and looked directly at her, “Who are you? Who is my Birth-daughter? Who is this First High Queen to you?"
"It is overly complicated. Even I refuse to accept what is so. Even I back away from this. I wish not to acknowledge these truths. I wish not to know who I am, Elf. It is overly difficult. I just wish to be as any other.” She looked and felt sad, knowing she was disappointing her Elf. She spoke very softly, “In truth, I wish only to be with you, in your arms."
The High Queen had spoken her truth, and Sle'nel’ saw it as so. Yet unsatisfied, she knew that this lack of knowledge that so frustrated her, frustrated her lover even more in the knowing of it. She nodded her acceptance, lying back onto their bed. She thought about it for a moment, then moved back onto her Queen, kissing her, “I know one thing, my Queen."
San'lr'in’ smiled at her, “And what is this that you know so well, Elf?"
Sle'nel’ kissed her fully, causing The High Queen to desire her. San'lr'in’ placed her hand softly on the back of Sle'nel's head, bringing her more closely and tightly to her, “This you know well, My Elf. Very well."
The attendants were finally allowed in to prepare The High Queen. They informed her that Ann'wn and her Healer had requested an audience with her. Both she and Sle'nel’ noticed the attendants’ giggles.
As they entered, The Healer bowed her head, “Good morn, High One."
Ann'wn knelt and bowed her head, “Highness. Thank you for seeing us."
The High Queen noticed that her attendants giggled once more, and saw that they were casting quick glances toward The Healer and to her Force Leader. She sensed their thoughts for a moment, then reached into the Healer and Ann'wn's thoughts. She smiled, but turned away from them so they didn't see her do so. Sle'nel’ watched her Queen, guessing as to what she now knew.
The High Queen turned to her attendants, “Thank you. You have My leave.” She then looked at her Healer, then Ann'wn, and saw that both were trying to appear as normal, “Force Leader. You requested My audience? By the way, where are we?"
"We are at the last water, my Queen."
She nodded, pleased in the report, “Is all prepared for our drought-like forced conditions for the next few turns?"
"Every water-holder we have has been filled, my Queen."
"Healer, are all well among us?"
"Except for some minor wounds from our prior fight, all are well."
"Force Leader, how far to the lightning strike?"
She bowed her head briefly, “A turn. Two at the most. It is hard to know the distances in this flatland, my Queen."
The High Queen looked at her, “Is something wrong, Force Leader? You look nervous."
She bowed her head once again, feeling very nervous, “No, my Queen. All is well."
"And Healer. Why are you so quiet this turn? Are you not going to pry into My affairs, per your usual? And why does your face look so flushed as this?"
"Uh? Oh, yes, my Queen. Will you be tending to your meditations this morn?"
"This eve. I am yet overly tired from the use of My powers.” She turned to Ann'wn, “Force Leader. We will turn north after finding our lightning strike."
"Yes, my Queen."
"Then we travel to the Sorcerer's Forest."
"The Sorcerer's Forest, my Queen?"
She nodded and laughed lightly to herself, winking at Sle'nel', “Where nothing is as it seems, Ann'wn. Much like those about Me."
They began their long journey into the vast wastelands, yet weary from the prior battle, weary of the overly long journey, yet willing themselves to remain watchful and alert. Although many of them had traveled much of The Realm's expanse, water was seldom an issue to consider except in terms of its vastness. Few of them knew what it was like to face such dryness, many of them looking back upon the river they now left behind, watching with a foreboding dread as it disappeared from their sight.
They traveled well into the eve, The High Queen wanting to turn north as quickly as possible, unpleased about not reaching the lightning strike within the turn, but mostly hoping to avoid a confrontation with the Grandmother. Ann'wn had a few guards scout all around them, with two of them reporting that they were within quick reach of the lightning strike in the morn. Finally satisfied, The High Queen allowed them to halt for the turn.
At the next morn, The High Queen rose early, anxious to discover who was able to call such dark sorcery to them. As Ann'wn had vowed, they reached the site of the lightning strike by midmorn, most fully surprised at the massive damage it had provided. A large crater now faced them as they rode forward. The High Queen dismounted and called her Healer, Sele’ and the five sorcerers to her, then walked to the middle of the large crater. She wondered briefly to herself, If they were here, then Grandmother must be near, for surely their forces are joined. But then, are we not a few turns from her dwelling?
Ignoring her growing frustration in the moment, she turned to the others, “It was here they stood as they sent their long-dead forces into battle to meet us. We must find a way to discover the Dark Sorcerer's identity. There always remains some residue from a spell, so this is where we must first begin. Sorcerers, cast a spell to open us to this Dark Sorcerer's leftover energy force. Sele', you must now help Me."
Sele’ bowed her young, but growing head, “I am at your service, Highness."
San'lr'in’ looked at her Healer, “Healer. Your service is most essential this morn. While you hold not the powers to help us in our search, you alone must ensure that the Young Future Supreme Sovereign and I remain in The Realm, as our search will now take us to its very edge. You will need to prevent us from stepping over into this OuterRealm."
"Yes, High One. How do I do this?” She remained outwardly calm, but her mind was screaming, OuterRealm? Surely this is far overly dangerous.
"I know not. Never has such been attempted, of which I am aware. But we now must trust in your ability to do so, as you know My meditations better than any other. Should we step over the edge, save our Young One first. We must then trust that I can return on My own."
"This sounds overly risky, Highness.” She thought her statement a gross understatement, at the very least of it.
San'lr'in’ looked at her, thinking on her words, “Indeed, Healer. It does, as you say. And so it is. But I must try to find this information. The Dark Sorcery must be removed from The Realm, once again; and as quickly as possible. Remain close in our minds, Healer, but not overly so. This you know how to do. If you require assistance, call the sorcerers or My sister to you and use what powers they have."
She looked down at the Young One, “Ready, Future Supreme Sovereign of The Realm?"
Sele’ looked up at her and nodded, unfazed by the potential danger to her, “Of course, Highness."
The High Queen nodded, pleased with Sele's detachment from the danger, “We will go to My eighth meditation together. I will guide our way. And then we will jump into another meditation, long from The Realm. One I have not used for long, long prior."
"The eighth, Highness? You will allow me there with you?"
"It seems the moment, Young One."
The High Queen crouched down so that Sele’ could place her hand upon her head. It was a difficult position to obtain such remoteness away from The Realm, but San'lr'in’ thought it necessary so that Sele’ could have a close attachment. She began taking them through the meditations, as The Healer placed her hand lightly on The High Queen's head, following their progress. Sle'nel’ watched from just outside the crater, hearing the sorcerer's chanting and watching as her Birth-daughter, her lover, and The Healer entered into a place far from her.
"What do they do now, Elf?"
She sensed Ann'wn next to her, but kept watching the intensity of her lover's concentration, “They move to the edge of The Realm toward the OuterRealm."
"The OuterRealm, Elf? What is this?"
"A place where few can go. The edge of all sorcery and magic. A most dangerous of places. It is said to be the beginning of much magic and sorcery."
"How do you know of such?"
"The memory of it was given to me, most recently."
"The Healer goes with them?"
"No. She is there to bring them back, if necessary. She watches over them.” She turned to Ann'wn, smiling gently to her for the first moment in many, “Concerned about your lover, Force Leader?"
Ann'wn looked at the gentleness of Sle'nel's face. It had been long since she had seen it provided to her. Her heart melted at its kindness, “It is as you say. That and The High Queen and the Young One's safety, my Elf."
"It is not easy to stand on the border, Ann'wn. It is something you will have to learn."
Ann'wn was surprised, “You know that we have come together, then?"
Sle'nel’ laughed lightly, “As do all in our camp. It is a small camp, after all. Treat The Healer well, Force Leader. Our Queen loves her well and would have it that nothing harms her. Not even you. Our healer is not wise in the ways of love, and has not ventured onto this path in many turns. Betray not her trust. She will take it as hard as I did with The Highest. Her heart is hard-won, but when given, is almost as strong as an Elf's. No Mystic can get closer to an Elf-kind than with this Healer."
Ann'wn touched Sle'nel's shoulder, “I have been a long moment in coming to this love. I am not about to throw it away. Lying in her arms is like lying on a cloud."
Sle'nel’ looked for a moment at Ann'wn's hand upon her shoulder, thinking she was hard on this Force Leader, “Much is required of you, Force Leader. And you give much, as well. You deserve this happiness. I am glad it has come your way."
The High Queen and Sele’ had moved their way into the eighth meditation, where sensing was the only awareness present. Sele’ had never prior experienced as such, anxious in learning more of it, yet having no fear of it. The High Queen gave her thoughts to Sele’ occasionally, guiding her along the long passage. The High Queen could also feel that The Healer remained observing, present, but distant, as needed of her.
As San'lr'in’ moved into her eighth meditation, she remained there for a moment, merely sensing. Sensing the crater. Sensing any sign of another's presence upon this land. Sensing any remainder of their sorcery. Using Sele's growing powers and strength, she sensed even deeper, trying to remain in the eighth meditation rather than jump to another realm, a place she didn't wish to go. After many long moments in this state, The High Queen sensed all she could, sensing far deeper than ever prior, with Sele's assistance.
She could sense the dark powers, but could sense nothing more. She could bring their smell to her, but nothing more. She knew the Dark Powers had stood upon this spot, and could sense their being, and their aliveness, but nothing more.
And she needed far more. She needed their identity. She needed to know what they looked like. She needed to see them. To know them. She moved back slightly from her sensing, moving to the far edge of the eighth meditation, taking a deep breath, something seldom done in this stage, then jumped her senses to the edge of The Realm, into the edge of the OuterRealm.
The OuterRealm was a place where the physical being was both slightly detached, yet attached to the mental being, but neither alive nor dead, and neither fully present or fully absent.
Where are we, Highness?
Think not. Sense. Move not from this moment.
Sele’ gave her senses over to her High Queen, now knowing The High Queen's concern. San'lr'in’ saw the edge of their realms collide together. She had been this far only one prior moment, but knew of its danger well. It was at this edge that long prior, one of The Realm's long-prior teachers of one of The High Queens had willingly stepped into the OuterRealm to rid The Realm of the long-prior dark sorcery powers. She had never returned, and no trace could ever be found. It was at this place that the recently returned Dark Sorcerer had to have come to retrieve the long-prior, long-hidden dark sorcery.
San'lr'in’ walked about, searching for what she knew not. She kept her mind opened for anything, hoping for any clue. She sensed Sele's slight fear, but moved away from it, as she moved Sele’ slightly back into their own realm so that she could remain connected to The Realm through her.
The OuterRealm wasn't a dimension understood to any. It wasn't a place, and it wasn't within understanding of the living. It was; and it wasn't. It had no appearance in any known regard, and it had no elements to sustain life, but it also had no elements to take life. It was a state of eternal nothingness, and a state of all. Life came from it, and life came to it, but it neither cared nor took notice. To enter into the OuterRealm was to remove oneself from everything sensed or thought. It was a state of stasis, yet of eternal change.
She stood where she was, far enough into the OuterRealm, yet connected to The Realm through Sele'. Without the powers of the Young One, she couldn't have come this far. To move further was to risk losing her way back to The Realm. So she stood, watching and sensing. As she merged slightly more into the ways of the OuterRealm, she began to somehow move herself into its way of being. She began to see some long-lost ones who had entered, but never re-emerged, and began to see paths. Paths that led somewhere, but nowhere. San'lr'in’ knew better than to think these paths as real, having learned through her teachers that these paths were simply of sorcery to compel the living deeper into the OuterRealm.
She could sense Sele's and The Healer's thoughts as they tried to keep her in her own realm. She knew they were there, so took one step further into the OuterRealm, hoping that Sele’ would be able to hold on to their connection. One step is all it took, and all that was needed.
She found the long prior lost teacher who had so willingly given her life to remove the Dark Sorcery from The Realm. The teacher came to her, neither seeing her, but seeing her. Neither speaking nor sending her thoughts, but giving her what had occurred with the one who came and stole-back the dark sorcery. Giving her in some unknown fashion to San'lr'in', the identity of the Dark Sorcerer. As the tale was completed, The High Queen reached out her hand, trying to take hold of the teacher, to lead her back into The Realm.
A clear message came into her mind, You are coming overly into the OuterRealm and are at great risk of losing your way. You cannot return with me. Go. Go now.
She tried to send a message, Take My hand. Come with Me.
She could feel Sele’ and The Healer pulling her, yelling at her to return. She kept her arm held out to the teacher, Take My hand.
She felt herself being pulled back, as she struggled against it. It was peaceful here, yet she knew she couldn't remain, Come with Me.
The long prior teacher held out her hand, struggling to touch this Mystic, this living entity in the place of the non-living, I cannot. Go. I am having forgotten how.
Try. Take My hand. Touch Me. I can hold you. The Realm needs you.
The long-prior teacher struggled. As she finally got near to San'lr'in', The High Queen moved forward slightly and grabbed onto her just as Sele’ used all her unknown powers to pull her beloved High Queen back to the edge.
As San'lr'in’ sensed herself now back at the edge, she also sensed that she was now holding onto the long-prior teacher. She sent her thoughts to Sele', Now, Future Supreme Sovereign! With all the powers you and The Healer hold, pull Me. Pull Me hard. I hold onto another.
The Healer had called The Highest and the sorcerers over to her and Sele', connecting into their powers so that Sele's were greater. The sorcerers gave up their powers easily, but Sam didn't know how to do this. Quickly, The Healer sent Sam into a state of unknowingness, and channeled into her powers without Sam's awareness. It was finally enough for Sele'. Using all their combined powers, she concentrated on returning her Queen to The Realm. She could sense the weight and burden of more than just her High Queen's, but ignored it as she continued to concentrate and struggle, sending her Queen her own powers, Feel my strength. Come to me, my Queen.
Uthrn was concerned, “What is happening? They look overly concerned. What do they do with The Highest?"
For many moments, all had appeared normal. The High Queen had remained in the middle of the crater, crouched next to the Young One, with Sele's hand upon her head, and the sorcerers had remained chanting. But suddenly, The High Queen's image began to phase out of The Realm, not fully in The Realm, but not fully gone from it. Her form shimmered slightly as if trying to decide where it should be. Yet she didn't move, nor did Sele'.
Sle'nel’ held her breath, knowing that her lover now stood at the very edge of The Realm and the OuterRealm, neither in one nor the other, but in both. From her Elfin memories given by her Mother and Birth-Mother, she knew that being nowhere in either realm, yet being in both realms at the same moment was as difficult in the sensing of it as it was physically. Now she understood why as she watched her lover move back-and-forth from one realm to the other. She thought that there must be great pain in this effort.
Black Uthrn was overly concerned for her lover, The Highest. Ann'wn was concerned for her lover, The Healer, as well as for her Queen, and Sle'nel’ was concerned for her lover and her Birth-daughter, knowing that The Healer and Sam would be fine. Caitha had come near to Sle'nel', just placing her hand on the Elf's shoulder, “Your lover is a strong one, M'Love."
Sle'nel’ raised her own hand to Caitha's in acknowledgment, but said nothing as she helplessly watched her lover's body shimmer in and out of The Realm. Everyone grew rigid as they watched The High Queen finally stand, holding herself as if in great pain, but with one arm fully outstretched, as if holding onto something, while the Young Future Supreme Sovereign held tightly onto The High Queen's other arm.
San'lr'in’ gave a groan as if in great pain at the effort of breathing, and Sele’ screamed as she brought both her Queen and the long prior teacher back into The Realm. Suddenly, The High Queen's body became whole once again, no longer shimmering and phasing in-and-out between realms, while another form emerged upon the ground in front of her. Sele’ let go of The Healer, breaking their connection, then, along with her Queen, fainted at their great effort, falling to sandy ground.
The Healer didn't know who to tend first. In front of her lay her High Queen, breathing slightly, unconscious and in great pain, the Future Supreme Sovereign, also breathing, but also in great pain and unconscious, and a new Mystic lying near The High Queen, breathing, but slightly so.
Sele’ began to stir, so The Healer made her decision and tended to her first, helping to remove the great pain from her. Sele’ was crying from the pain, but trying not to, not yet able to control this emotion. As she saw that Sele’ was returning unharmed yet in pain, The Healer motioned to the sorcerers to help remove her pain.
The Healer then went to her High Queen, trying to enter into her mind. It was an impossibility to re-enter The Realm from the eighth meditation without extreme consequences, but to re-enter directly from the OuterRealm was beyond all that was possible. Yet here lay her High Queen in front of her, yet breathing, and yet with them no matter how uneasy her presence remained. The Healer entered her mind lightly, removing pain as it came to her, for many long moments. When she had removed much of the pain, she removed herself from her Queen's mind, unable to help further. She knew that her Queen would have to rest before she could move fully back into The Realm.
She moved over to the other person that now lay unconscious in The Realm, realizing she had no clue as to the identity of this woman. She entered into her mind very lightly, sensing much pain. She drew her breath to her, removing her own pains gained from helping the others, then began to remove some of the pain from this unknown Mystic. As she did, she sensed that this woman's life yet hung between realms. She looked to Sele', hoping for help, but saw that Sele’ was yet far from being able to provide more of her own powers. The Healer entered into her first meditation, then her second, and into her third, in an effort to help this woman, who must be very important to her Queen. She moved more deeply into her third meditation, then helped the woman come more into her senses, helping her to come more fully back into The Realm. As she did so, and as the woman began to enter into The Realm, The Healer again sensed immense pain. She struggled for what seemed an eternity, working to remove the great pain, working to help keep her Queen's effort alive.
After many long moments, The Healer felt the woman breathe what seemed to be her first true breath in The Realm. As this occurred, The Healer began to back herself out of her meditations. The woman would live, so she would tend more to her upon a later moment. When she finally arrived back into The Realm, she saw that her High Queen yet lay upon the ground fully unconscious, with Sle'nel’ and the sorcerers about her. She rose, exhausted, but having great need to tend once again to her High Queen. She looked at the sorcerers, “Move away."
She had always prior felt them useless when it came to the healing arts, in spite of their great healing spells. Knowing of her distaste of their abilities, and of her high position to The High Queen, they complied without question. She crouched to The High Queen, moving back into her mind gently, so as to discover where her Queen now placed herself.
She touched her Queen's head, My Queen. Return to me.
Nothing. She could sense nothing. Her Queen was yet far removed from The Realm, in a deep unconsciousness.
She looked up at Sle'nel', “She is unconscious. She jumped from the OuterRealm directly back into The Realm, without having gone through her meditations. An impossibility."
"What can be done?"
Sele’ ambled over, feeling improved, but still with some pain, “I can help."
The Healer looked at her, “You have done all you can."
"No. This must not be so. The High Queen needs my powers to return. She holds not enough powers at this moment. She used all her strength to return with the long-prior teacher."
"Long-prior teacher?"
Sele’ looked at her Birth-Mother, “I will explain in a moment, Birth-Mother.” She looked to The Healer, “Connect me to her mind. You will have to control our powers to bring her back. She cannot remain where she now is. We must help her to return. Even then, she will have great difficulty for a long while. She is weakened beyond ever-prior. But we must also now leave this spot, as it holds great danger for us. Quickly Healer, use me."
The Healer nodded, doing as Sele’ had spoken. She connected to Sele's powers and used them to help restore her High Queen to The Realm. For many moments, she sent some of Sele's strength to The High Queen so that she could move fully back into The Realm.
"Talk to her, Elf. Compel her back to you."
As Sle'nel’ spoke to San'lr'in', The Healer used all the healing powers now available to her, through Sele', helping restore The High Queen. All The High Queen's forces looked on helplessly as they wondered who this new woman was that their Queen had returned with to The Realm.
When The Healer and Sele’ had given and done all they could, The Healer went to Ann'wn, “We are all in your hands, Force Leader. I can barely stand from the exhaustion now within me. The High Queen will remain in her unconscious state for at least the remainder of the turn, but will return to us. Young Sele’ will also sleep for the next turn, and this long-prior teacher will remain in her unconscious state for another turn. You are now the greatest strength we have about us."
Ann'wn held her healer to her, “We will camp here. You can rest."
The Healer moved away from her, startled, “No! We must not! There is great danger here. We must leave quickly. We will have to travel throughout the eve as well. Get us well away from this spot, Force Leader. It must be so before The High Queen can return to The Realm. We must leave now!"
Ann'wn was about to ask her lover of what kind of danger they now faced, but saw that The Healer was beginning to also faint from her exertions. Ann'wn caught her as she fell, then gave directions to An'ther'on to quickly prepare The High Queen, the new woman, and the young Future Supreme Sovereign and ride north with all possible haste. Ann'wn gave The Healer to a guard while she mounted, then two guards handed her gently up to Ann'wn. The High Queen was placed with the Elf, the new woman was placed with a guard, and young Sele’ was placed into Ern'seln's care. Then, without need of further motivation, An'ther'on led them away at a quick gallop.
They rode throughout the remainder of the turn, then throughout the eve, beyond their horses’ abilities to ride further, and beyond their own abilities to remain alert. As the sun's rise began to show them a new turn, The Healer woke, returning somewhat back into The Realm, “Where are we?"
Ann'wn had watched her lovingly, but with full concern throughout the long turn and eve, now gladdened for her lover's awakening, “We are well north of the spot you told as most dangerous. We rode with haste throughout the turn and eve. We must rest the horses now. Are we safe enough here?"
The Healer shook her head, returning back to exhaustion, “No. Ride until midturn. Then we can camp. We must be closer to the Sorcerer's Forest."
Ann'wn knew that The High Queen hadn't yet woken, as well as the long-prior teacher, but saw that Sele’ now sat upon the horse on her own, safely encompassed in Ern'seln's tender care. Ann'wn knew that their horses were exhausted, but the threat of great danger was the more urgent of the needs, so she made all to continue their hasty journey.
At midturn, and at the heat of the turn, Ann'wn halted all her forces near some great boulders, knowing that they would provide at least a minimum of shade, an improvement over the now glaring sun that had followed them throughout the turn. They made camp and ensured that the horses had the first drink of the now diminishing water reserves, knowing that they would have to rely on their horses for another full turn of overly dry travel.
Ann'wn's forces placed their tent covers over and between the boulders, creating enough shade for all to rest under, including the horses. One of the guards who knew something, but little, of dry conditions busied herself and a few others digging and lining small holes, and then covering them so as to try to collect some water. The High Queen and the long-prior teacher were placed gently under their own private shelters so that The Healer could tend to them as needed. Neither had made any movement back toward The Realm, remaining fully unconscious.
Sle'nel’ was worried, as was The Healer, but Sele’ reassured them, “She risked much and spent all her powers and energies to do as she did. No one has accomplished such a feat as this, prior. No one. Many have stepped into the OuterRealm, but none have returned. The High Queen returned, and also returned with this long-prior teacher. It took great effort, but she will recover. Give her the moments she needs, Birth-Mother. I know her mind, and she will return. She now has much desire to rid The Realm of this Dark Sorcerer."
The Healer listened carefully, “This is why she felt it necessary to return with this long-prior teacher."
Sele’ nodded, placing her small hand lightly on her Queen's head. She moved into The High Queen's mind for a moment, trying to learn where her High Queen had placed herself until her powers returned to her.
She looked back up, “She is yet far from The Realm, but is trying to move closer. Her strength is returning slowly. She could use some nourishment, Healer."
The Healer made some of her healing tea and made The High Queen to swallow it, little by little. She also gave some to Sele’ as well as the long-prior teacher. Ann'wn stood nearby, wanting to be with her lover, but knowing that The Healer's place was now with The High Queen until her recovery. Sle'nel’ sat nearby, waiting, and at some moments, speaking to her Queen.
Ann'wn came to The Healer for a moment, “We will leave in the mideve so as to travel in the coolest part of the morn. We will then camp by midturn to avoid this intense heat, once again. Hopefully, by that moment we will be near the Sorcerer's Forest. When do you think The High Queen will return to us?"
The Healer looked up at her, “I know not, Force Leader. I wish I did. She removed all but the very minimum of her life's energies to return with the long-prior teacher. Even when she returns, I know not how long before she can call her powers to her once again. Even now, it takes all her energy to breathe."
"The long-prior teacher?"
"She lives. The High Queen will need to help when she returns to The Realm. I am afraid to bring this one back into our realm overly soon. She is not of this era, and will face a disorientation even in the knowing of it. She is from a long-prior moment, Force Leader."
Ann'wn bent down and gave her lover a soft kiss, “I miss you, but am fully amazed at your abilities. I will bring you and the Elf's eve meal to you when it is prepared."
The Healer looked into her lover's eyes, wishing she had the moments to spend in her strong and overly desirous arms. She replied softly, “Thank you."
Both Sle'nel’ and The Healer were leaning against the boulders, on opposite sides of The High Queen. They had tried to remain speaking so as to give their Queen a direction and focus for her return, but had finally run out of words. And they were exhausted. While much of the camp rested, The Healer and Sle'nel’ remained awake, trying to bring their Queen back into The Realm. But now they just sat, staring at her. The Healer began to drift off to sleep, as did Sle'nel', when suddenly, Sle'nel’ felt a hand upon her leg, and The Healer sensed movement about her. They both jerked wide awake, seeing that The High Queen's eyes were open and that her hand was resting on Sle'nel's leg.
"High One. You return to The Realm."
"San'lr'in'. You are returned to us."
She blinked slowly, unsure of where she was, but somehow sensing this Elf that sat close to her was important. She breathed in deeply for one moment, and then began to close her eyes.
"High One. Remain with us."
"San'lr'in'. Look at me. Remain awake, my Love. Come to me."
San'lr'in’ heard her name and struggled to remain awake. She felt completely disoriented, not knowing where she was or who was with her. She did as commanded of her, and looked at the Elf.
Sle'nel’ could see that her Queen would be unable to remain awake for long, “Say something, San'lr'in'. Did you find the Dark Sorcerer?"
The Healer asked, “Who is this long-prior teacher that you bring back with you?"
After a moment of her Queen simply staring at her, Sle'nel’ tried again, “Speak to me, San'lr'in'thel'ineln'."
Having been taught to respond to all commands given to her during her long-prior cycles of training, she now struggled to obey. She wanted to speak, to answer, but couldn't find the energy. Sle'nel’ saw her Queen trying, but saw that she couldn't.
She placed her hand on her cheek, “It is not important, San'lr'in'. Rest now. We will try again later."
San'lr'in’ closed her eyes, grateful for the reprieve, but not knowing or understanding why. Her eyes shed a few tears as she closed them, for reasons unknown by any of them. Sle'nel’ gently dried the tears from her face, looking upon one of them, wondering what The First High Queen had seen in her lover's tear. As had occurred between her and Sam what seemed like so long-prior, she now wondered if the Mystics used tears such as these as the basis for new life. She wondered if she took this tear to her, she would bear her and San'lr'in's child.
The High Queen remained unconscious throughout the remainder of the turn, now making all those about her overly concerned. Even The Healer had thought that her Queen would have been a little more returned to The Realm. But regardless of The High Queen's condition, Ann'wn knew that they had to continue to move forward, hopefully toward water, as their supplies wouldn't hold much longer. True to her word, she had them leave at late after-eve, well prior to the sun's rise.
Once again they traveled with haste, determined to leave the dry lands behind them. They traveled until midmorn, while Ann'wn sought out a suitable place to camp. They had seen very little in the way of landscape except for sand and some dunes. Finally, as they approached the scorching heat of the turn, they began to see that the landscape was changing, however little. A few stunted trees and other assorted tree-like plants, but with spikes sticking out from them, stood before them offering some sort of shelter. They halted and made camp for the remainder of the turn, knowing they would once again have to continue their long journey during the late after mideve.
The High Queen hadn't stirred the entire turn's travel, so Sle'nel’ expected little change during their moment of rest. As she leaned against the trunk of a tree, watching her lover, she wandered into her own deep sleep, overly tired from their long journey. She again woke to The High Queen's hand upon her leg. She looked at her for a long moment, wondering if her lover was yet ready to communicate more fully than prior turn.
She bent down closer to her and softly said, “San'lr'in'. My Love. Can you hear me?"
She rose back up, allowing her Queen to focus on her, and waited. She watched as her Queen tried to swallow. She slowly gave her a cup of water, then waited once again, allowing The High Queen to re-enter The Realm at her own rate.
The High Queen moved her hand once again, trying to touch Sle'nel's hand. Sle'nel’ took The High Queen's hand into her own and held it, knowing that San'lr'in’ was trying to reconnect.
Sle'nel’ saw it said more than she heard it, as her High Queen finally spoke, “Elf."
The Healer had entered their shelter and also saw that her Queen was attempting to communicate. She sat on the ground next to Sle'nel’ and The High Queen, “She tries to re-enter The Realm."
Sle'nel’ thought the effort overly difficult, “Is there nothing we can do to help her?"
The Healer thought about it for a moment, then placed her hand gently on her Queen's head, entering her thoughts for a moment, “She is yet confused and cannot accept that she is in The Realm. The OuterRealm yet seems to have a slight hold on her."
"We need to break this connection. Can you not do this, Healer?"
"I can, but I fear to do so. She jumped from the OuterRealm back into The Realm, an impossible feat. It cannot be done, but here she lies before us, having done it."
"She might have done it, but she yet remains apart. Help her, Healer. She seems unable to do this thing, alone."
"I could try working through the meditations, then bringing her back through them. Perhaps this would help. But I cannot go into the final meditations. Only High Queens can enter the eighth."
"And Sele'. She can. San'lr'in’ took her through it as they went to the OuterRealm."
The Healer nodded, “This is so. I should have thought of this sooner."
They had Sele’ brought to them. When she arrived, she looked down upon her High Queen, “What can I do for you, Healer? I am more than ready to help our High Queen."
"Can you take us into the eighth meditation?"
Sele’ thought on this for a moment, “Ah. You think that if we bring her back through her meditations, as should have been done prior, then she will once again set foot in this Realm."
"It is a guess, but the only one I have."
"Let us try. I think I can, although I have been there only once. There might be pain in the process, Healer. Are you prepared for this, as we try to bring her back through them? Should we get to the eighth, and begin with her there, or begin with her at the first?"
Sle'nel’ knew little of the meditations, but took a guess, “I think she remains yet in the eighth, and the step beyond, so bring her into your thoughts at the eighth."
Sele’ nodded, “This makes much sense, and she certainly is far from the first few meditations, at any rate. Ready, Healer?"
The Healer nodded, and together moved through the meditations. When they reached the eighth meditation, Sele’ was somewhat uncertain about it, but took the risk and brought them into it successfully. At that moment, she removed herself slightly, then touched her Queen's head, awakening San'lr'in's senses and bringing them with her into the eighth meditation. The High Queen seemed stunned, but touched their minds, acknowledging their presence.
Sele’ sent her thoughts to her Queen, telling her that her mind refused to re-enter The Realm, and telling her that they now sought to help her return to The Realm by bringing her back through the meditations. Yet quite distant from them, San'lr'in’ thought it an interesting notion and agreed to the effort, thinking and feeling herself as an observer, only. Slowly, one meditation after the next, they brought The High Queen back into The Realm. At each meditation, they could feel their Queen's resistance, but Sele’ remained firm and convincing, assuring her Queen that they would only proceed upon her agreement. Sele’ could sense that The Healer's guess was correct, as each meditation brought her Queen closer and closer into The Realm. She could feel it as so.
When they finally, after many long moments, reached the first meditation, Sele’ halted briefly, informing her Queen that they would now proceed back into The Realm. She sensed no fear in her Queen, so was pleased, but did sense some displeasure at the thought.
Your Elf awaits your return, Aunt High Queen. She is sad without you.
Sad? Why is this so? She knows well of My love for her.
She cannot be with you.
But I am yet there.
No. Your mind remains apart.
It is more peaceful here.
Are you not bored? What is there to laugh at, here?
There is nothing here. No killing. No hate.
No love. No amusements.
There are no responsibilities here.
You would leave me alone to see over this realm, without you? And your Elf?
There was no response for a long moment, No. I would leave you or the Elf not alone, as I have felt all My cycles.
Ready to re-enter The Realm, my Queen?
She felt her Queen respond rather than heard it. She sent her thoughts to The Healer, and The Healer proceeded into their normal fashion of returning to The Realm.
"Breathe, my Queen. Focus. Hear my voice and return to me. Breathe. Listen to the sound of your breathing. Focus upon it. Slowly, Highness. Breathe."
The Healer waited a moment as she removed herself from the first meditation in order to watch her Queen. She didn't yet see any response, so tried again, “Breathe deeply, my Queen. Focus. Hear my voice. Concentrate only on this. Focus. Breathe. Return to my voice, Highness."
After many attempts, she finally saw the sign she longed hope for. The High Queen took a deep breath, then another. Sle'nel’ lay down next to San'lr'in’ and placed her arm over her. She spoke softly into her ear, “San'lr'in', I need you. Come home to me. Hear my voice. I need you. I will not make it to El'fs'nd'lle without you. The Realm needs you. I miss you, my Love."
She felt her lover breathe deeply for the first moments in many. She cried softly, making no sound, a tear falling down upon San'lr'in's face. The Healer watched, surprised, as The High Queen raised her own hand to her face and removed the Elf's tear from her cheek. She opened her eyes and looked upon it, “Why do you cry, Elf?"
Sle'nel', The Healer, and Sele’ all smiled, “She is returned."
"No. We cannot leave here. She must rest."
"We must leave, Healer. I am sorry, but we now run short of water. If we remain longer, we will die here. We must leave."
"No, Force Leader. She just returns to The Realm. We must give her one more turn of rest."
Ann'wn shook her head, “I am sorr—"
"Cut open the spiny trees. They hold much water in their base."
They all looked at each other, then suddenly realized that their Queen had made the statement. They looked down at her resting form, seeing that her eyes were yet closed.
Ann'wn nodded, “I have seen these strange trees. We will go do this now. I will report back to you what we find."
"Return with food, Force Leader. For all of us, including our Queen."
"Sele'. Connect yourself to Me."
Sele’ touched her Queen's head lightly, well pleased with herself for bringing her Queen back into The Realm.
You did well, Young One. I am proud of you.
Thank you, Aunt High Queen. At least I feel useful, which is more than I do with my teachers.
The teacher I brought back?
She lives, but remains as you did. I fear to bring her back, given how long she has remained apart from The Realm. We await your command in this regard.
Good. You have done very well. The teacher is also a Master. You and Ern'seln’ can return her first three meditations to her, as she has long prior forgotten these.
Yes, my Queen. It will be so.
The High Queen thought about her meeting with The High Queens, How old is your mind, Young One?
It regains its age upon every turn. Memories return to me often.
I must rest now.
You will take nourishment, then you will rest. But first, quickly send me your thoughts on what we should do regarding the Sorcerer's Forest. I have none of these memories as yet.
Wait another turn. There is enough water in the spiny trees to hold us. Then I can lead the way. Caitha will be most important for us. Have everyone prepare a blindfold.
Yes, my Queen.
As Sele’ sent her last thought, she could tell that her Queen had already returned to sleep, sorry that she would have to reawaken her when their nourishment came, but was pleased at their conversation. As a memory given to her even prior to her birth, Sele’ had been warned that none were certain if The High Queen would come to accept her as worthy. While she yet had much to prove to The Realm and her Queen, she now knew she had The High Queen's care.
As foretold by their High Queen, the insides of the overly spiny plants held enough water to sustain them far beyond one turn, with enough to refill some of their supplies, even given its strange but acceptable taste. Sele’ and Sle'nel’ woke the High Queen long enough to eat and drink, then allowed her to return to her needed rest. The Healer remained close by her Queen, waking her every short while, making her to eat and drink again in an effort to help restore her energies. All she could do for the long-prior teacher/master was to provide her with enough drink. Sele’ and Ern'seln’ had also reminded the long-prior teacher/master of her first three meditations, hoping these would help restore her to The Realm so that their Queen wouldn't have to do as such, later.
As they sat near their High Queen, Sle'nel’ looked upon her Birth-daughter, studying her for many long moments.
"Who are you, Birth-daughter? In truth."
"I am your Birth-daughter, in truth, and Future Supreme Sovereign of this Realm."
"Be not tedious, Birth-daughter. Which part of you is Elfin?"
"I hold most the Elfin powers, such as you, as well as other-than Elfin powers. I will be able to fight as an Elf, and hold these memories now. I have the acute senses of Elfin-kind, such as your hearing and sight. And I will live out almost the length of an Elfin lifespan."
"Which part of you is of Sam?"
"I am, in part, of her line."
"Directly?"
"No."
"San'lr'in’ is your Mother?"
"Yes, and some no. More than The Highest. One of my mothers is from long-prior. I have been crafted from a long-line, but will look as a cross between my Queen's line and your line, of the great Elf, your mother."
"How can San'lr'in’ be your Mother?"
"The Watchers of The Realm have their ways, Birth-Mother.
"Who is this Mother from long-prior?"
"I cannot share this with you, Birth-Mother, as I have not yet been given this memory."
"You have a guess?"
"Yes. As do you."
Sle'nel’ shook her head, “Has there ever been this much interference into The Realm's affairs?"
"It is the nature of Mystics, and why we think so differently than the humans."
"But if you are of Sam's side, in part, you must have some human within you."
"Far less than Mother, but enough to understand them. It must be so, as they are firmly attached to our future. It is why I have been so carefully crafted into a blend of many. Never prior was this able to be accomplished, but now it is so through me. But if you are displeased with an adult as a Birth-daughter, in mind, know that The First High Queen has offered you and our Queen a child together, if that be your desire."
"I am not displeased in you, Birth-daughter. I accept who you are, as strange as your growth rate seems to all, but have no need of another. You are quite enough in this regard."
"Thank you, Birth-Mother.” She rose, “I go to be tended by Ern'seln'. She awaits and has vowed a lesson by a Master-apprentice."
"Your Queen would have you to never fully trust anyone, my Birth-daughter."
"Yes, Birth-Mother."
They waited another turn, resting from the heat, re-nourished from their added water supplies, and less worried over their High Queen. During the late after midturn of the next turn, San'lr'in’ finally woke herself, feeling as if she could finally move in The Realm. She opened her eyes and fully saw her Elf for the first moment since prior to the crater. She rose, allowing her Elf to continue in her sleep, as she moved into her meditations, trying to recall some of her powers to her.
When she was completed with them, she saw that her Elf awaited her, “Would you like your attendants to tend to you?"
She nodded.
After the attendants left, she yet stood, saying little. Sle'nel’ pressed her to return more to The Realm, “Did you discover the identity of this Dark Sorcerer?"
"The long-prior teacher told Me of him."
"Him?"
She nodded again, “Both are from the era of The First High Queen."
"This long prior? She had a busy reign. It seems it was as eventful as yours is now."
"So it would seem.” She held out her hand to Sle'nel', “Walk with Me over to this long-prior teacher?"
Sle'nel’ rose and took her High Queen's arm, “How strong is this one?” They began walking over to where the long-prior teacher was now resting. Sle'nel’ could tell that San'lr'in’ was greatly weakened.
"The Dark Sorcerer? Very, it would seem, and he has all the Dark Powers called to him."
"Many?"
"Many, indeed. He will be a difficult opponent."
"But he has none of the Mystic powers, just the sorcerer's powers."
"But of long prior when the sorcerer's were much stronger, or so I have heard. He will have to be beaten once again. He has returned to prevent the Elves’ return."
"Is this long-prior teacher a teacher of The First High Queen's, then?"
"So it would seem. And she is a Master, as well. A true Master."
"How long before you can restore your powers to you?"
"Soon enough. He has used much of his, as well. No such spell can occur again so soon, if My guess is correct of his abilities."
"How long has he been returned?"
"Since your return as Elf-kind to The Realm."
When they arrived, San'lr'in’ bent down close to the sleeping long-prior teacher. She touched her head, sending her thoughts.
Fon'elnn'. Hear Me. Bring your thoughts forward to Me.
Fon'elnn’ heard San'lr'in’ and tried to move her thoughts into The Realm. The Young One had helped her, along with The Healer of the one that now spoke to her, but she was yet far from understanding The Realm, having been so long from it. She struggled.
Fon'elnn'. It is the moment you return to The Realm. The High Queen has need of your presence. You must return and tend to her.
Who being you?
Return to The Realm, Fon'elnn'. The High Queen needs you. She commands your return.
Fon'elnn’ struggled even further, trying to obey The High Queen's command. Of all the Mystics in The Realm, Fon'elnn’ was most loyal to her High Queen and loved her beyond all words or actions. It was the reason she had so willingly stepped into the OuterRealm to remove the Dark Sorcery from her High Queen's realm and reign. She never looked back or regretted having done so, and now here she was once again going to be in the presence of her High Queen. She struggled again, urgently desiring to see her High Queen.
Is The High Queen well?
San'lr'in’ knew that this long-prior teacher would be well disappointed when she finally awoke. After waiting so long, she would soon learn she was many, many cycles away from her beloved High Queen. San'lr'in’ used the motivation to bring her back fully into The Realm, knowing she needed some way to convince this Master.
Return to The Realm. Your High Queen has commanded it of you.
Who being you?
Your High Queen waits. Should I inform her that you return not to her?
I recognize your voice—you being the one who returns me to The Realm. I know of none such in The Realm aparting from Her Highness who could do so. None have these powers.
You rest. I will inform The High Queen that you cannot tend to her command.
NO! I come returning.
San'lr'in’ thought her language strange, having never heard this strangeness in the few moments she had shared her thoughts with The First High Queen. She saw that the long-prior teacher was beginning to breathe her way back into The Realm. From what she knew of The Realm's past, this long-prior teacher had desired to be The High Queen's lover beyond all reason, but according to the stories, The First High Queen didn't take any permanent lover to her fully until late in her reign.
San'lr'in’ began gently shaking her and patting her cheek, trying to disturb this one's long rest, “Come home to your High Queen. Return to her."
She kept touching her and disturbing her thoughts until she saw some movement, “Hurry. Your High Queen awaits."
After many moments, Fon'elnn’ finally opened her eyes and looked about, staring at San'lr'in', then at Sle'nel'.
San'lr'in’ kept pushing her to return, “Return now. The Realm needs you."
The High Queen knew that Fon'elnn’ couldn't remember her or who she was from their brief moments together in the OuterRealm, as she had existed overly long within the deep void.
Fon'elnn’ tried to sit up, but couldn't find the strength. San'lr'in’ turned to Sle'nel', “Call for The Healer. And have her bring food and drink."
The long-prior one looked at The High Queen, having no memory of her, “Who being you?"
"I am called by San'lr'in'thel'ineln'."
"San'lr'in'thel'ineln'.” She tried out the sound of it, trying to remember who this one was, “Why do you speaking in this fashion. Only The High Queen and those of her town speaking in this manner. You are being an attendant of hers? And you rescued me?"
"I brought you back from the OuterRealm."
"You look like The High Queen. You being a sister? And your name being of the same line."
"In truth, I am related to her."
"I have great thirst. I having been long in the OuterRealm?"
"Yes, in truth. Many cycles.” San'lr'in’ knew she would need to begin to bring her into the present realm, but also knew the shock would be great.
"Many? Telling me the number of cycles."
"Overly many to count. Allow Me to help you sit. The story of your past is long, and there is much to tell. But I have spoken truly. The High Queen needs your service, as you know much of The Realm's ways that are now well hidden to many. Are you prepared for this story? You must open your mind for this."
"You being as beautiful as The High Queen. Your eyes and hair being the same."
"Fon'elnn'. Listen well to Me. Are you prepared to hear your story?"
"You being most serious, One Looking as The High Queen."
"I am serious, Teacher. Most serious. The Realm has great need of your services. The High Queen needs you, but needs you to know of your story now. Strengthen your mind, Teacher. This is not an easy story."
"Telling me, then. I am Teacher of The High Queen."
"This I know, Teacher. But this story you know not. You have been in the OuterRealm many long cycles, beyond counting. Do you know what this means, Teacher?"
San'lr'in’ saw Fon'elnn’ frown as the reality began to come forward for her, “Telling me the cycles."
"I cannot. They are, in truth and as I have said, beyond counting. You are no longer in the era of your lifespan, Teacher. You are many cycles and eras forward in The Realm."
"What meaning you? This being not possible."
"I understand how anyone would think this as impossible, but in truth, it is possible, and you are that proof. You are no longer in The Realm that you left as you stepped into the OuterRealm. You are now in a far-forward realm, far removed from your own era. You are in a far forward Realm, Fon'elnn'. No one who you know remains any longer, except in the Spirit Realm. Those from your realm live no longer, Fon'elnn', except you."
"Who being you?"
The Healer and Sle'nel’ entered the small shelter, bringing food and water. The Healer heard them talking and saw the long-prior teacher sitting up, “Good. You are awake and up.” She turned to San'lr'in', “I have brought her a meal and drink, High One."
San'lr'in’ sighed, not yet ready for the long-prior teacher to hear of her title, “Thank you, Healer. Wait but a moment."
Fon'elnn’ had heard The Healer say High One, but it hadn't yet registered. She looked at Sle'nel’ and studied her for a moment, “You being Elfkind."
Sle'nel’ nodded.
"You being short for an Elf, but you look as N'lnin'thrn', the Great. Being you of her?"
Sle'nel’ looked at San'lr'in’ and shrugged. San'lr'in’ took back over the conversation, “Listen well to Me, Teacher. Hear Me. Your realm is long-prior. It is no further. You are now in another realm, far in your future. Do you understand this, Teacher?"
"Telling me more."
"The First High Queen's reign is long, long-prior. There have been many, many more High Queen's since her moment."
"You lying."
"No. It is truth."
"Who being High Queen now?"
"I am High Queen. I am San'lr'in'thel'ineln', High Queen of The Realm, far in your future. I am of Drn'rn'thel'ineln's line. She has spoken to Me. Her powers have been handed down to Me, High Queen after High Queen. Do you understand this, Teacher?"
"No way this truth. This is most bold untruth."
"It is truth, most certain, Teacher. I brought you back from the OuterRealm. Drn'rn'thel'ineln’ was unable to do so as it took many other powers to help Me do so. She had none such as these."
"She must eat, my Queen. She must take this liquid."
San'lr'in’ nodded, “Teacher. Eat and drink while we talk. You have much to hear."
The Healer and Sle'nel’ helped to feed the Teacher while San'lr'in’ told her the tale of her now long past. The teacher listened, trying to come to terms that she was no longer in her own era, that her High Queen had been unable to rescue her. And she had been so certain that her High Queen would have done so. The High Queen told her briefly of all The Realm's past, bringing her up to the present realm.
"And Sle'nel’ is our last Elf. We now head to El'fs'nd'lle to try to restore the Elfkind back to The Realm."
Ann'wn and An'ther'on walked in. Both knelt and bowed to San'lr'in', “Great High Queen. It is good to see you returned to The Realm."
San'lr'in’ sighed once again, closing her eyes for a moment to help restore her patience, “Rise, Force Leader. Private Guard Leader. Tell Me."
They rose, now seeing that they interrupted The High Queen and the long-prior one, “I apologize for the interruption, High Queen. And we are most pleased that you have returned to The Realm. But we would like to leave for the Sorcerer's Forest this eve, Highness."
The teacher laughed, “You being like my High Queen. She also sighing and closing her eyes when being without patience."
San'lr'in’ just looked at her, somewhat exasperated that she was seen like so many others. She then looked at Ann'wn, “How far to the Sorcerer's Forest?"
"An eve's ride. We will be at the beginning of it by midturn."
"Is all safe about us?"
"Our scouts report as such, Highness."
The High Queen rose, “I will return in a moment, Teacher. Eat and drink."
She left the small shelter and stood out under the star-filled early eve, looking out upon the emerging stars. She gave a soft whistle, then watched the skies, wondering if her flying predator would come to her. She waited many long moments, then finally heard her. Holding out her arm and waiting just a bit longer, the great bird finally came flying down to her, landing gently upon her arm. They spoke in their language for many moments, then The High Queen raised her arm slightly, and the great bird flew back into the high skies above.
She turned to Ann'wn, “We will remain another turn or two while the teacher grows in her strength, then we will leave at the sun's set when she is ready. I need her assistance with the Sorcerer's Forest, and beyond. There are no enemies about us, for the present, but keep your scouts looking to our east and north."
Ann'wn nodded, “Yes, my Queen. My Queen?"
San'lr'in’ had begun to return to the shelter of the teacher, but turned back to her Force Leader, nodding.
"Are your powers restored, Highness?"
"They will be soon enough."
"The Sorcerer's Forest, my Queen?"
"Plan a meeting for the late morn, Force Leader. I will explain it then."
She returned to the teacher and spent many moments explaining The Realm and all its present occurrences. When she felt that enough background had been provided, she began asking about the Dark Sorcerer.
"Tell me of this Dark Sorcerer."
"He being strong. Never did I thinking that he could return these spells to him."
"How was the Dark Sorcery captured in your era?"
"The High Queen using her sword and staff."
"If she held the staff, why, then, was he not sent to the Sorrows of the Stones?"
"He stepping into the OuterRealm just prior, saving himself. As you say, no one thinking anyone could returning from such. But I thought my Queen could returning me."
They talked for several more moments, enough for San'lr'in’ to know what she must now do to recapture the Dark Sorcery, “Rest, Teacher. Our journey is yet long before us, and we have few moments to spare. We must not give him the moments to grow stronger. We will speak again later. A guard will be placed outside your shelter."
"San'lr'in'thel'ineln'. Being you, in truth, High Queen?"
"It is so, Teacher."
The teacher moved so that she knelt before San'lr'in’ on one knee, bowing her head deeply, “I am being in your service, High Queen. While I am not being of this realm, I being for you, my Queen. Thank you for saving me from the OuterRealm."
San'lr'in’ touched her head lightly, thinking that it would be most difficult to be in this one's position, “We are glad that you are here with us, Fon'elnn'. I wish it were under better circumstances, but we have great need of your knowledge. We will try to make you feel as welcomed and comfortable as you did in your own realm, long prior. Good eve, Teacher."
"High Queen?"
"What may I do for you, Teacher?"
"It having been long since being with others. Would someone be willing to keep me company? I have need to speak and learn more of The Realm. This being all. Just being in the company of another."
The High Queen smiled, knowing just the woman to send in to her, “I will send you a most special woman who knows much of The Realm and is one of My most trusted advisors. You can learn much from her."
"Thanking you, High Queen."
San'lr'in’ stepped outside the small shelter and sent for her High Counselor. She explained about the teacher to Mil'der'in, then asked if she would mind spending her eve with this most excellent and strong Master and Teacher, imparting her knowledge of The Realm.
"Of course, my Queen. It would be my pleasure. Should anything be withheld from her?"
"The usual. But treat her as we would one of the Masters."
Sle'nel’ had left some moments prior, waiting near a small tree for her Queen, “You need rest. You cannot feel strong after such an event."
San'lr'in’ hadn't seen Sle'nel’ standing nearby, and was surprised at how quietly her Elf could blend into her surroundings. She looked at her for a moment, glad that she was there, seeing her as the most beautiful woman in The Realm. Her heart softened, both pleased and displeased at such, knowing that she should remain hard for The Realm, but loving the soft moments Sle'nel’ gave so easily to her.
She smiled a smile that was so gentle that it caught Sle'nel’ off-guard. The High Queen held out her hands to her, “My Desire."
Sle'nel’ placed her hands in her Queen's, studying her. She was always in awe that this most powerful of Queens could look so lovingly at her, “You look tired."
"I was weakened, but will return My powers to Me in the morn. It is only early eve, yet I must rest as you said. You are not obligated to come to My bed as early as this, My Desire."
Sle'nel’ moved and kissed her Queen on her cheek, “I know of no other place I would rather be."
The High Queen closed her eyes for a moment, realizing that she had forgotten about such feelings. She pulled Sle'nel’ close to her, kissing her. Sle'nel’ returned the kiss, fully. The High Queen moaned, surprising herself that she could feel anything after being so weakened. She pulled slightly away, then studied her Elf, enjoying the sight and feeling of her.
The High Queen thought that she might fall soundly asleep if she were to lay down, so remained as she was with Sle'nel', standing and enjoying the moment. She looked into Sle'nel's golden eyes, then saw that Sle'nel’ was wearing her tied shirt. She slowly untied it, thankful for the wondrous sight of Sle'nel's breast. She shivered, surprised at her own desire even this tired.
"You shiver. Are you cold?"
She raised an eyebrow, “Hardly this.” She began to move her hand to touch her breast, but thought better of it given that they were in full view of the others.
"I would have thought you well exhausted."
"My senses would seem to be fully awakened by your presence and great beauty."
Smiling, Sle'nel’ took her High Queen's hand into her own and began to guide her away, “Come. Your attendants await you. Your Force Leader has commanded that since there is enough water, you can enjoy being clean this eve, as can I since I seem to be the one that is meant to serve your most private needs. There was no complaint by anyone, all of them in awe of what you give to The Realm."