She came over to her Queen, I cannot halt the pain upon this transfer. Our thoughts be not alike.
The High Queen nodded, “I am aware of this. I trust you not to open My thoughts, so will not place My energies blocking them."
I understand. Have no concern over this matter. I vow this to you.
The Honored One placed her hands upon The High Queen's head, The High Queen doing the same. Once again, both their heads jerked backwards from the jolt. Suddenly, all were able to see the true form of these Spirits. As the Most Honored One focused solely upon giving her thoughts to San'lr'in'thel'ineln', she was unable to mask her own shape.
Caitha was amazed. Like the Spirits of the Falls had attributes of water within them, these Spirits contained the attributes of the fires. While no fire showed upon them, some of their colors showed the colors of fires, while their shapes molded in and out as the smoke and flames of fire.
To everyone's surprise, both The High Queen and the Most Honored One began to cry out from the pain. The High Queen finally removed her hands and broke the connection. The Most Honored One fainted and fell to the floor, while San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ struggled to remain standing. Ann'wn placed The High Queen in her chair while two of the Spirit Mothers and Sle'nel’ went to help the Spirit Mother. She quickly came back into The Realm, and they helped her to sit. Both The High Queen and the Spirit Mother remained motionless, going deep inside to focus upon their pain.
It took many moments, and most became concerned that something was wrong. The Most Honored One returned back into The Realm first, going quickly to The High Queen to help heal her. She placed a hand on The High Queen's head for a brief moment, sending some relief from the pain.
When The High Queen opened her eyes, The Most Honored One said, I knew not you were dealing with two pains. Your displacement of pain was most difficult, and your back pain, while well disguised, was great indeed.
The High Queen was back in The Realm, but was yet struggling. Having to sense into a Spirit Mother's mind was most difficult, and having to do such after sensing the High Wizard's caused much more strain upon her.
She focused on her breathing for a moment, then said, “Thank you, Most Honored Spirit Mother. I can accept your indiscretions and consider them to be minor ... at this moment. I expect that such will not occur again, but I also have no need to speak of them further. I am well pleased that you have provided this opportunity to regain My trust in you, as it should be."
She turned to the High Wizard Sorcerer, “I accept your guilt, and while your indiscretions are of more pronounced measure, they have yet to do harm, and certainly had no evil intentions within them. I thank you in your willingness to remain open in your advice and knowledge. And while you have graciously offered to resign your position so as to provide better for My needs, I cannot accept your resignation. I need you as My High Wizard Sorcerer. If you cannot see this, then now hear Me. The Realm and I have much need of you. But I also expect no further deceit in any fashion."
Unexpected to The High Queen's friends and escorts, the High Wizard Sorcerer and the Most Honored Spirit Mother both kneeled and bowed their heads to The High Queen, High Queen.
The High Queen, however, had expected such. And with this display, she hoped their trials between them finally over. “Please rise. I accept your apologies and thank you for your compliance."
Sle'nel’ saw that her Queen looked tired, but was proud of her, knowing that it couldn't be an easy task to face down the Spirit Mothers or the High Wizard Sorcerer. She had done it patiently, yet forcefully.
Sam was unbelieving at what had occurred. She knew that never could she had done as much with the Spirits of the Falls. She realized more than ever what her sister kept trying to tell her, Trust no one, not even your own thoughts. Question everything, including yourself. And see nothing as simple.
Meera wasn't as surprised as she was pleased. This Queen truly was a Warrior Woman, and it warmed Meera's heart to be with such a one as this. Caitha had no idea as to what occurred, but was glad it was over.
In an effort to change the tone, San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ asked, “My Most Honored Mother, I have a small problem. My Love tells Me that she adores sweets, but I now find Myself outside My Valley and cannot call for them. Do you happen to have a sweet for this eve?"
The Most Honored One smiled, grateful to return to an easier moment, Oh, we do. It will be brought out now, especially for you, our Elfin Faiere.
The High Queen nodded politely, yet thinking to herself, They withhold something. I know this as truth, but I cannot learn of it. How do they withhold this from Me? This should not be possible.
She wasn't pleased, but held it to herself.
She smiled politely, “And My Most Honored Mother, could one of our other Spirit Mothers perhaps sing us some songs of the Valley's past?"
The eve passed in a more relaxed fashion, with songs sung and stories told of the Valley and of the Spirit Mothers. Food was provided throughout the eve, but Sle'nel’ watched her Queen carefully, noting that she said or participated little, smiling only, to mask her emotions. Sle'nel’ saw that she looked weary.
When she thought the moment appropriate in the after mideve, Sle'nel’ asked, “What are the events next turn, my Queen?"
The High Queen looked at her, hoping she knew where Sle'nel’ was going with her question, “We will take the turn to go through all our events, I think. And I believe that My sister requires a few more moments, perhaps alone, with our gracious Spirit Mothers, and I have vowed a sword lesson."
Sle'nel’ stood, offering her hand to her Queen, and looking upon all the others, “Then we take our leave, as I am tired. We will see all in the morn."
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ was grateful, as it was never fully appropriate for a queen to leave any function sooner than very late eve. She stood, taking Sle'nel's hand. She bowed her head and provided a small excuse for her own rudeness of the infraction, “Please forgive My tiredness. The recent events have been exciting, but challenging. Until the morn."
They left, returning to their dwelling, with Ann'wn following. The High Queen felt Ann'wn behind them. Once outside the banquet hall, she asked, “Force Leader? Why do you accompany us?"
"With your leave, my Queen?"
The High Queen turned, and nodded.
"Your bet with the Warrior Woman, Highness?"
"It is as you think, Ann'wn. Please now bring her into your fold."
Ann'wn smiled, “Well done, my Queen."
"She has vowed to ensure that My sister remains true to her path. It is the task I have assigned to her. She is well pleased, I think."
Ann'wn nodded, “I understand, Highness."
"Good eve, My Warrior."
"My Queen?"
The High Queen looked at her, waiting.
"It was good to see you display your Warrior traits, once again."
At first The High Queen frowned at the comment, but her mouth slowly turned into an impish grin, “Never underestimate a queen's abilities, Ann'wn. Surprise is always a good weapon."
"Even to your own warriors, my Queen?"
"Especially to them, My Ann'wn. Even you, My Treasure, never wish to see a weak side of Me."
"I wasn't aware you had a weak side, my Queen."
The High Queen felt the presence of her raptor, far overhead. She gave a soft sound, moved away from Sle'nel’ a bit, and held out her arm. She waited for it to land before responding to Ann'wn. When it landed upon her arm, she petted its head softly, “You are overly kind, I think, Ann'wn, as I well know you know Me better than this."
"No, my Queen. You have tender moments, but you have no weak side."
The High Queen half-listened to Ann'wn as her raptor delivered a message. As it did so, even Ann'wn saw the change in The High Queen's expression.
"My Queen?"
The High Queen ignored Ann'wn as she spoke with her raptor. When the message had been delivered, The High Queen began to lift her arm, then suddenly wait
ed as the bird continued. She listened, hearing a language neither Ann'wn nor Sle'nel’ knew.
The High Queen finally nodded, then lifted her arm, helping the raptor return to the skies. The High Queen turned to Sle'nel', “It would appear that your presence is being felt throughout The Realm, My Desire. There are some that request an audience with you at the sun's rise. Would this be acceptable?"
Sle'nel’ had an idea of the nature of this audience, nodding her head.
The High Queen looked to Ann'wn, “And there was another message. A'lon'lden and Yyeoiraa's babe has been born, early, but It lives. And A'lon'lden returns her mind to The Realm."
"Does the High Wizard Sorcerer know of this, my Queen?"
"No. And she is of no use to us in this regard as she is here with us. But I now fear for A'lon'lden and Yyeoiraa's lives, as well as this babe's."
"Would you like my guards to retrieve them, my Queen?"
"Yes, but there are few moments for such. I fear they will be dead before we might reach them. Sume'n'tinel'ti'non appears to want this union dead, as well as the baby, and now makes a move."
Ann'wn looked surprised, “Are her forces such that they can enter the Sorcerer's Valley, my Queen?"
The High Queen frowned, “I am uncertain. Now perhaps you can see, Ann'wn, that I do have a weakness. I know not everything."
Sle'nel’ quietly said, “I can take care of your urgent need if you call your raptor to me, my Queen."
The High Queen studied her for a moment but didn't search her mind, trusting her. She looked up to the skies and gave a soft sound, then waited. In a few moments she saw the raptor circling far overhead, “Place out your arm, My Love. She will come to you."
Sle'nel’ did as her Queen said. Suddenly, the raptor flew down, landing softly upon Sle'nel's arm. She put her lips to the bird's beak, and they kissed. “Tell R'lodin'lindor I have urgent need of her services. Fly swiftly."
She gently raised her arm, helping the large bird to fly off. The High Queen looked upon her Elf, “R'lodin'lindor will do this for you?"
"Ann'wn and I will do this together. We will return by the morn.” She turned to Ann'wn, “Bring my staff with me, Ann'wn, and my weapons. Prepare us, as we leave in only a moment."
The High Queen nodded to Ann'wn, “Give her My weapons.” She didn't like Sle'nel's solution, but understood the necessity of it. Ann'wn left at a run.
"I must change."
They went inside their temporary dwelling. The High Queen watched, displeased, as Sle'nel’ changed into her High Sorcerer garments.
"The Warrior Woman of Woden should go instead of you, My Desire."
"As you like to say, my Queen, ‘Perhaps.’ But I now go as Meera has no idea of such powers and cannot fight against them yet. Will the Spirits in the Valley agree to having such as the Dungaras and her babe with them?"
"I will tend to that. You will have to make two return trips."
"I will send Ann'wn back with the Dungaras and the baby. R'lodin'lindor will return for your A'lon'lden and me. She knows the way without a guide. It will give me the opportunity to check upon Sele'. I have missed her."
"Your forest will be waiting at sun's rise."
"I hope to be returned by then."
When Sle'nel’ had finished changing, they returned to the porch. Standing slightly apart, they just looked at each other for a moment.
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ whispered, “My Love, I ca—"
Sle'nel’ knew that no words were better than bringing forth their fears, so she just moved into The High Queen, kissing her. The kiss wasn't a moment of physical passion, but of desperation. One feared the other's death, as had occurred in a prior love, and the other feared her growing role within The Realm, wishing only to remain with her Queen. Ann'wn returned with the weapons. Seeing them firmly intertwined, she waited quietly so as not to disturb them. R'lodin'lindor landed, waiting patiently.
Sle'nel’ spoke softly to her Queen, “I love you."
"This is always what I have wanted to avoid between us. Such partings are My weakness, My Desire."
"We do this for The Realm, but I have but one desire only. I will be returned to your bed soon, my Queen."
"Remain as safe."
Sle'nel’ turned to R'lodin'lindor. In her Elfin language that The High Queen knew so little of, she spoke to R'lodin'lindor, telling her of the need and request. When she finished speaking to the great unicorn, R'lodin'lindor moved up to her, nudging her own face into her Elf's shoulder. Sle'nel’ laughed lightly, petting and scratching her ears. R'lodin'lindor then looked briefly at The High Queen, nodding her massive head up and down. She moved back, kneeling her front legs to the ground. Sle'nel’ took her weapons from Ann'wn, strapped them onto her waist, then mounted her great unicorn. Ann'wn waited a moment, unsure of getting up on this horse.
Finally tired of waiting, Sle'nel’ laughed and teased Ann'wn, “Finally found your own weakness, oh great warrior?"
The High Queen laughed lightly, wanting neither of them to leave. The horse began to turn as Ann'wn got settled upon her. Sle'nel’ held out her arm to San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ while The High Queen held out hers in return. As R'lodin'lindor took to the skies, their energies connected, each feeling the other's love.
R'lodin'lindor flew faster than Sle'nel’ had experienced with her prior. There was to be no sightseeing this journey, as R'lodin'lindor understood well the urgency of the mission.
Sle'nel’ laughed at Ann'wn, “Ann'wn, you hold me as if you wish to squeeze out my insides. Relax. R'lodin'lindor will not let you fall."
"Yes, my Faiere Princess. I was just ensuring your safety."
"Most certain, Ann'wn. Most certain."
They flew in silence for the remainder of the way, Ann'wn stunned at the feeling of flying upon the great horse, and Sle'nel’ focusing upon the mission. She noticed that R'lodin'lindor flew high, well above notice from the ground. As a bird flew, the line straight to the Sorcerer Women of the Mountain wasn't an overly long distance for the likes of R'lodin'lindor. By mideve, they had arrived quietly in the village of the Sorcerer Women.
Sle'nel’ turned to Ann'wn as they dismounted, “I will retrieve the Dungaras and the baby. You will travel with them back to the Isle. R'lodin'lindor will return for A'lon'lden and me. Remain here and watch for signs of our enemies.” She turned to R'lodin'lindor, “Should any approach, fly swiftly from here. You must take no risk."
Sle'nel’ went quickly to the main hut. Ann'wn watched the skies silently, seeing nothing. She unpacked her Elfin Faiere Princess’ staff, then waited for her.
Sle'nel’ spent more moments explaining the situation to the Sorcerer Women than she had planned. Once they understood, she then had to explain it to the Dungaras, and then to A'lon'lden, who didn't know of Sle'nel'. The Dungaras trusted Sle'nel’ however, and explained the plan to A'lon'lden. Finally, Sle'nel’ said to A'lon'lden, “I am taking you to see The High Queen. Your lives are at risk here, and we must take you to safety."
A'lon'lden wasn't entirely well from her injuries, or from her deeply hidden and tortured memories, but felt safe in Sle'nel's company, so finally agreed to the journey. After many more moments of explaining what they would be traveling upon, and ensuring their safety once again, it was agreed. The Dungaras gathered up the baby and some of their belongings. It turned to A'lon'lden, embracing her. Words passed between them that Sle'nel’ didn't understand, and then the Dungaran walked with her outside to R'lodin'lindor and Ann'wn. R'lodin'lindor knelt down on her front legs, waiting patiently. Only two races in The Realm were able to deal with the Dungaras without prejudice. The Elfin Faiere was one, and R'lodin'lindor's race was another. Ann'wn gave Sle'nel’ her staff.
Once they were mounted, Sle'nel’ spoke softly to the Dungaran, “Fear not the warrior who rides behind you. She is there to protect you, with her life if necessary. She is my friend, Dungaras. Trust her as you would trust me. If she holds onto you, it is only for your safety. And know that this horse is of t
he Elfin Faeries."
The Dungaras looked down upon Sle'nel', “It thanks Its Princess."
"I will bring your Love to you soon, Yyeoiraa."
Sle'nel’ went to R'lodin'lindor, speaking to her in her own Elfin language. R'lodin'lindor knew not to return until called upon.
Ann'wn bent down from her seat upon the flying horse and held out her hand to Sle'nel'. Knowing it as a warrior's pact between them, she took it. Ann'wn could tell that Sle'nel’ sensed that danger was approaching.
"I like not leaving you here, Princess."
"Take care of my lover, Ann'wn.” She petted R'lodin'lindor's neck, “Fly high and swift. Remain well out of sight. They come."
R'lodin'lindor nodded her head, then ran, quickly jumping into air, flying straight to the moon. Sle'nel’ watched, sensing that Sume'n'tinel'ti'non was almost upon the Village. As much as all those in the Valley thought the High Priestess to be evil, Sle'nel’ sensed that the Sorrows of the Stones had no interest in her. And although she could command the Sorrows to take the High Priestess from The Realm, she refused to abuse her powers in such a fashion, guessing that The Realm needed Sume'n'tinel'ti'non to help prevent the Others from returning. She stood, watching the skies. The Sorcerer Women began to come out to stand with her.
As she saw the High Priestess approach from the ledge side, Sle'nel’ took hold of her staff, holding it close to her side. She didn't wish to kill all these Dungaras, but would if she must, knowing that they were also innocents and pawns, only. The Sorcerer Women were prepared to take their stand against the High Priestess if necessary. Sele’ was also outside, being held by one of the Sorcerer Women, ready to use what powers she now held.
Sume'n'tinel'ti'non arrived with well over thirty Dungaras. She dismounted, sensing that Yyeoiraa and the baby had already been removed, and carefully studied her opponents. She looked upon Sele’ from a distance, sensing well who she was, then moved her eyes to Sle'nel', looking upon her with great interest.
The Realm's Mystics [Mystic Women of The Realm Series Book 3] Page 8