As they spoke, San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ watched her students carefully, “Warrior Woman. Fight against your Highest. Use only your new small swings. Don't match her large ones."
Sam smiled, knowing she would win this easily as Meera was having a tough moment learning to keep her movements small. Sam drew her sword, glad to be involved. She felt frustrated just watching, and wanted to be a part of the lesson.
They touched their swords, then began their fight. Meera tried to remain to her new training. For every large swing Sam used, Meera held off the swing, moving quickly to a counter move. Sam did likewise, but Meera began to see that Sam took a split moment longer than she herself needed. She focused her movements even tighter and quicker. Within a few moments, she had her sword pointed to Sam's neck, clearly winning. She turned to her Queen, smiling.
"Good. Now you see the purpose. So now you can train your Highest."
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ took a sword, “Ann'wn, use your training against Me."
She practiced with Ann'wn a moment, watching her carefully, and countering every move Ann'wn made with even quicker speed. She kept the pace within Ann'wn's ability, but forcing Ann'wn to keep her movements quick and short.
The High Queen put down her sword, speaking to both of them, “There is some improvement. Now end with your meditation, holding the sword out from your side. I will tell you when to end."
The High Queen went to Caitha and her Elf. She quietly studied Caitha for a moment, not interrupting their conversation. Learning of the amber stones and of Caitha's slight fear of her, she sat down next to her, “Singer of Songs, did you find any of the amber stones?"
Sam also came over, sitting next to Sle'nel'.
Caitha smiled, surprised, “Oh yes, M'Love.” She took them out of her pouch, “Look. And they seem to be but large ones."
The High Queen picked out one of them, examining it, “They have small powers only, but most useful ones. If you place it on a joint that aches, it helps to rid the pain. They never seem to be depleted of these powers, so you can use them upon many moments."
"Thank you, my Queen. This be a wonderful gift for the healers."
"For you as well, Caitha. Keep at least one for yourself. It can also help in the birthing pains, some. Place it on the Birth-Mother's forehead, getting her to focus upon the stone. Do you know the song of these stones?"
"There is such a song?"
"A beautiful song, and another old one of many eons prior. These stones are said to come from the Ancients. I know not how, but it is an interesting song. The Sorcerer Women should know it well if you have no moment to learn it from the Valley's singers of song."
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ looked at her Elf, gazing into her golden eyes. She was about to say something when Sam began to speak, “Can the Sorcerer Women teach me of these sword skills that you teach Meera and Ann'wn?"
"The Old High Wizard Sorcerer can teach you a few of the lessons, as well as the meditations. It is good that you wish to learn them.” She rose, “Caitha, would you like Me to tell you a story of the Valley while you and I go to look for a few more of the stones?"
Caitha was surprised but quickly rose, walking alongside The High Queen. Sle'nel’ was glad that her Queen had sensed Caitha's need of a connection to her. She watched them as they walked down the beach, thinking that The High Queen was a most astounding presence.
As San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ passed by Ann'wn and Meera, she told them, “Rest your arm for a moment only, then change arms and begin again. Remain that way until I return. Focus and meditate to move away from the pain. Woden Warrior, I expect you to be able to do some of this by My return."
Sam looked at Sle'nel', “You remain overly quiet since our arrival here. I have never heard you this quiet."
Sle'nel’ shrugged, “It is a strange thing, but Woden feels distant while the Valley seems familiar to me, yet I spent my lifespan in Woden. I often feel like I was merely visiting in Woden only to return home to the Valley. Yet, I barely know the Valley. Do you find that you miss your Woden, Highest?"
"I wish I could return home now. I feel like I have left my life there, but Meera and San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ insist I remain throughout my training."
"What do you miss of Woden?"
"It is not as large as The Realm and seems more, well, convenient. I know most everyone, and feel useful. Here, I feel but barely accepted. But Woden remains upset with me for a while longer I but guess, so perhaps it be good I remain away for but a moment longer."
Sle'nel’ laughed very lightly, “They will get over it as soon as you return. You are yet their Highest, and they have great need of you."
"I was told that an Elf never betrays or leaves their mate or lover. Be that true?"
"This is truth, from what memories have been given to me."
"And that they never take another lover?"
"Apparently so."
"Am I not the lover that you would never betray or leave, then?"
Sle'nel’ rose, not wishing to continue the conversation, “I think you never truly loved me, Sam. But let us change the topic to something more pleasant. Tell me what powers you have been learning."
"Tell me, Jandra. What is it that you love of my sister?"
Sle'nel’ decided to let Sam hear of some of her reasons, thinking Sam needed to start reflecting on them, “Caitha and I were just discussing this. I told her that San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ expects me to make all of my own decisions. She makes none of them for me. It is like she wishes me to be exactly who I am."
"I would have thought that she would control all your decisions."
"None. It is most freeing, but will take a while to get used to, I think."
"Freeing? Do you think I controlled you?"
"Some. To protect me, I think. But you were most definitely The Highest. We were also dealing with me being your Second. The High Queen only expects me to love her. You expected the same, but without loving me in return. You liked me well enough, and you seemed to enjoy my body quite well, but it was different between us. The High Queen is unafraid to love me and for it to be known. And she is not afraid of commitment to me."
"I have thought of that since you left. I acted foolishly, but perhaps I was fighting that our wills had been bent toward each other. I know not. I wish I knew then what I but know now. I feel alone now for the first moment since Brett's death. And I no longer know how to deal with the fact that our Spirit Mothers had her killed. I often wonder how San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ would treat them now, if she were me."
"Ask her. She will tell you, but she will not tell you what to do. She will just tell you what she might do."
"Her powers and abilities are well enviable."
"Her quality of mind is most enviable and most powerful of all her aspects. It is her, Sam, not her powers that makes her powerful. She is fully committed to The Realm above all things. She has dedicated her life to it, even though it has taken away her own desires. She doesn't understand selfishness in others."
Sam raised an eyebrow at the statement, “Like me?"
Sle'nel’ smiled softly, “She is more gracious than this. She says that you have been overly protected, but is most glad that you have committed yourself to your training with the Sorcerer Women."
"I often hate my teachers. But I will do it, though.” She laughed, “If I do it not, Meera will skin me alive. It would be easier with you there, though, but I know this be no longer possible."
Sle'nel’ studied her for a moment, then suddenly laughed, truly beginning to understand Sam, “You know, Highest of Woden. I am beginning to see that you just love that which is no longer yours."
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ and Caitha were returning from their walk along the beach. As they came to Meera and Ann'wn, she said, “Place down your swords. Warrior Woman, I see that you have finally reached a moment through the meditation. Good. Now you know what is expected. Ann'wn, you are improving in this."
She gave them another meditation lesson, teaching t
heir second meditation of the series, “Practice both of these while you hold the sword out from you. After you learn the sixth meditation, you should be well able to hold out the sword for half a turn while displacing your pain. You must learn the meditations before we can move to different sword moves."
Caitha came up to Sle'nel', “Look Sam. Jandra. Look what San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ found for me."
Caitha had another two stones, some seaweed, and a starfish, “This sickly looking plant is supposed to be very healthy for us. She said to dry it and make a tea out of it, or to put it in our food after it be dried. She also said that we should have some on our coast. Do we, Highest?"
Sam nodded, “Much of it. We could gather some for you if you would like, upon our return to Woden."
"And look at this animal. Is it not beautiful? She said that this could be dried and the powdered insides could also be used in healing."
Sle'nel’ looked to her Queen, smiling. The High Queen returned it, going to her. As Sle'nel’ slipped her arm into her Queen's, she whispered, “You have made Caitha a most happy woman. Thank you, my Queen."
The High Queen squeezed Sle'nel's arm slightly as acknowledgement. She looked at all of them, “It is the moment for our eve meal, our last meal here. We will meet you at the banquet hall in a few moments. The Spirit Mothers and the High Wizard Sorcerer will be with us this eve, as will the Dungaras and A'lon'lden, so the eve should be interesting. Caitha, perhaps you might consent to entertain us this eve with some of your stories and songs."
Caitha was pleased and nodded, “The story you gave me, my Queen, be most excellent."
Sam looked at Ann'wn and Meera, laughing, seeing them rubbing their arms, “It looks like we all suffer in our training."
The High Queen and Sle'nel’ walked together back to their dwelling so The High Queen could change her garments, “Did you and Caitha have a good visit, my Desire?"
Sle'nel’ sighed, “I did, but I do miss her at moments."
"You seem frustrated."
"Sam."
"Ah."
"Did this Elf tell you how grateful she is for you, my Queen?"
"If you tell Me what I did to please you, I can ensure that it will occur again."
Sle'nel’ looked at her Queen, seeing her smiling, “That moment in the forest, when you first looked upon me? What did you sense when you touched me?"
"I fell in love with you at that moment. It took only that long."
"Do you know what I sensed?"
"No."
"I had found my peace in your heart. Just be who you are, my Queen. That is all you need do for me to be grateful.” Sle'nel’ turned her Queen toward her, then kissed her, needing to be close.
The High Queen looked into her eyes, “I love you more than I thought myself able. I am well afraid of this love, but will gladly live with this fear than not—"
"Shhhh ... I know, my Queen. I feel the same."
They walked to the dwelling, changed The High Queen's garments for the eve meal, then walked over to the banquet room for their last meal in The Isle. All were waiting for them, and the Spirit Mothers had made it a gala event. When San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ arrived, everyone knelt and bowed their heads, including the Spirit Mothers and the High Wizard Sorcerer. San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ was glad to see that they had decided to respect her position.
"Please rise. Let us begin our final eve in this most wonderful of lands. Spirit Mothers, thank you for all you have done for us this visit."
Their celebration lasted well into the late after mideve, with songs from Caitha, the Spirit Mothers and the High Wizard Sorcerer, and stories from Caitha, the High Wizard Sorcerer and Sam. The eve was mostly filled with talk amongst themselves, and even the Dungaras seemed to somehow enjoy Itself.
Sam humbled herself to ask a question of her sister, waiting until the Spirit Mothers were not listening, “My Queen, might I ask a question of you?"
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ looked upon her sister, studying her briefly, pleased in her progress. She nodded, “Of course, Sam'r'in'thel'ineln'. If I can answer it, it is My pleasure to do so for you."
Sam asked her the question she had discussed with Sle'nel’ regarding how she should deal with the Spirits of the Falls, “And I remain most angered at how they just planned to kill off all those that potentially interfered with their plans. I feel as if I should condemn them to death, as we do for any betrayer."
The High Queen sighed at the difficulty the Spirit Mothers had provided to The Realm, wondering as to their original role. She silently chastised herself for allowing the Spirit Mothers to remain apart from The Realm, and knew she would have to provide stronger expectations of them.
"My first instinct is always toward anger, and perhaps putting them to their deaths, but that is never the best solution if it can be avoided. Your main issues have been solved when we removed Far'lin'ter'il, and when Sle'nel’ turned the betrayers over to the Sorrows of the Stones. But I would most likely do as I did here, insisting that they accept Me as High Queen, as their ruler, and not the reverse, which is more to their liking. They like to think that they remain above a ruler's control. The Spirit Mothers have long been challenging. My Spirit Mothers know well that at any moment I could now return and expect to know the truth of their affairs. I will most certainly maintain a closer hold and contact. But even in all I say, I think much is yet withheld from Me."
"Considering the damage the Spirits of the Falls have done, I wish to ban them from Woden."
"If I did that, I would be no better than them. And perhaps I have enough experience to know that no matter what they have done, much good will come of it in spite of them. That, plus they are integral to the mystical aspects, as you will come to know. We cannot lose anymore Mystics in this realm.” She knew that Sam wouldn't be able to understand that, at this moment.
"You said that your teachers gave you their powers. How be this possible?"
"Much like Sle'nel’ and her Birth-Mother. Some Mystics are able to give their knowledge, skills and abilities to another as they die. Sle'nel’ inherited the Elfin language, the great Elfin weapon skills, and some of the memories. I inherited some powers that I wouldn't otherwise have been able to obtain. When such is done, it is considered as a great, great gift. For, like with Sle'nel', it provides us with something that could have been lost to The Realm."
"I will not have such powers, then."
"You inherited powers upon your birth, as did I. As you move forward with your powers, the Sorcerer Women will give you a few others that have been waiting for you. Other powers are often given along the way, and perhaps it will become so with you."
Sam nodded, then began to turn away. She was beginning to like her sister highly, but knew it wasn't returned, so didn't wish to impose. San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ sensed Sam's thoughts, surprised.
"My sister, I am sorry I disappoint you."
Sam looked back at her, also surprised. Surprised that her sister even cared about her feelings, “You disappoint me not. It is just frustrating in that our relationship is but highly strained."
"It will improve. Give Me more moments, Highest. Think of it as a lesson I teach you.” She laughed, “When in truth, I am the one with no patience."
Sam laughed, but said nothing. She was, however, grateful for the moment.
Chapter IV
Ambush
Hoping to avoid the rain from the oncoming clouds, they rose early for their return journey back to the Valley. Ann'wn and Meera had packed the horses and prepared the journey, while the High Wizard Sorcerer left prior to them, having decided to return directly to her mountains.
Sle'nel’ looked forward to the return journey, knowing that they soon would be traveling to her Elfin home. After saying their farewells, San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ mounted, then turned to Ann'wn, who was now awaiting The High Queen's leave to begin the journey.
"Force Leader. The journey is yours."
Ann'wn nodded, turned her horse toward the great sea, then
led them back toward home. The High Queen traveled quietly, per her usual, thinking on all that had occurred during their visit to the Spirits of the Valley. She wondered how she was to return the Elves to The Realm, per her sacred vow, but decided to leave that problem until her visit to El'fs'nd'lle. She was pleased in learning that a great flying horse was attached to each Elf, but chastised herself lightly for never having thought of such. She thought that Sle'nel's meeting with Sume'n'tinel'ti'non had been worrisome, but that it had provided some hope. And while she was greatly pleased over the events during their stay at the Sacred Isle, she frowned, knowing that all was not yet as was needed, and much was yet hidden.
They are yet able to hold their thoughts from me. But how?
They crossed the great sea, finally arriving upon their own landmass. Ann'wn had them rest their horses for a few moments prior to the remainder of the journey, giving the horses a chance to regain their land-legs. They dismounted, stretching from the ride, while Ann'wn, Meera and the guard watched the skies for enemies. Suddenly at the same moment that Sle'nel’ smelled and heard them, The High Queen sensed some Dungaras within the forest.
Without yet having seen them, she turned to Ann'wn, saying in a hushed tone, “Dungaras. In the forest."
Ann'wn looked quickly about, regretting they had halted in this spot, seeing that they now stood on open land with no defense about them. After quickly withdrawing their weapons from their horses, The High Queen sent them away from potential harm, telling them she would call them back when needed. Sle'nel’ removed her sword and sheath from Mor'inl', attaching it to her belt as the others also tried to look like they were not aiming for a fight. Sam had observed that Ann'wn was preparing, so did as well, also searching for the signs of their enemies.
"They are over there, my Queen, in the forest."
"Do you see them, My Love?"
"No, but I hear and smell them."
Ann'wn had been listening to their hushed conversation, “How many do you hear, Elfin Princess?"
The Realm's Mystics [Mystic Women of The Realm Series Book 3] Page 15