San'lr'in’ nodded, closing her eyes, falling into an unrestful, but needed sleep. The Healer kept trying to remove some of the pain, feeling mostly useless.
"It is most difficult to remove the mind's deepest of pains, as the pain really exists not. And yet it is genuinely felt."
"Will she feel such pain forever?"
The Healer shook her head, “No. She is the strongest of all in this regard and will shake it off soon enough. But we should watch carefully over her for a few turns. She thinks that she is free from such issues of the mind, but she is not."
As they waited for The High Queen to rest some, they spoke quietly between themselves, “I am glad you came into her life, Elf."
Sle'nel’ looked at The Healer, wondering, “She told me that you were lovers once, long prior."
The Healer laughed softly, “For a few moments. But she needed someone like you. She was amused by me, but whenever she needed me, I was off working my alchemy, and unavailable to her. And I have no such personality as you. You are able to make her laugh when all others run from her in fear."
"You fear her not, though."
She shook her head slightly, looking down at her long-prior former lover, “No. I know her heart well enough. In truth, I have never halted in my love for her. And if one could ever make her speak of it, she would tell me that she yet loves me, as well. But the kind of love we had and have for each other is not the kind either of us needed. It is you who she needs."
Sle'nel’ looked down to her exhausted and well-beaten love, “I can only hope that I am able to give her even just a portion of all that she gives to me."
"Leave them alone for a moment, and they tell all the secrets that one holds sacred.” San'lr'in’ had finally woken, hearing them speak quietly. She tried to rise, but felt bruised and broken across all her body, “Help Me."
The Healer nodded to Sle'nel’ and Ann'wn, and together they moved her to a sitting position, “Remain sitting for just a little while, High One. It will help you to reorient yourself. Keep all movements slow and constrained for a few more moments. How do you feel?"
Yet speaking very softly, she replied, “Like I was dragged by a rope across the Great Plains. Like I have never prior known pain until this moment."
The Healer placed her hands on the now sitting High Queen's head, “We need to continue to remove your pain, High One. Focus with me. Tend to your breathing. As you were taught, breathe."
Sle'nel’ had noticed that her lover always did as The Healer commanded in this regard. It was one of the rare moments that she saw San'lr'in’ submit to completely. The High Queen closed her eyes, following her Healer's commands.
"Focus ... breathe ... make your breathing even ... slowly ... move into your first meditation..."
Sle'nel’ watched as The Healer moved her Queen into her fourth meditation, then slowly out again.
"Remain focused ... breathe deeply ... slowly ... hear only your breathing ... hear only your heart ... remove your pain..."
When the healing was completed, San'lr'in’ opened her eyes. Sle'nel’ smiled at her, asking, “May I call in the attendants? They wish to prepare you for this eve's celebration."
She nodded, “Is it yet this turn, then? Is it not next turn?"
The Healer laughed, “No, High One. In truth, it is only just early eve. The transfer took not overly long. It just felt as such to you."
Ann'wn and The Healer left, while the attendants arrived and prepared their High Queen. She looked at Sle'nel', “Are you not preparing, as well? Is it only Me that must be prepared so?"
The attendants quickly replied, “We have garments for her as well, Highness, but she resists them."
San'lr'in’ turned to her Elf, “Why is this so?"
Sle'nel’ didn't answer, just staring at her lover. San'lr'in’ studied her carefully, “Leave Me for a moment."
The attendants left. Sle'nel’ stood where she was, unmoving, “You sensed my thoughts. This is not fair."
San'lr'in’ came near to her, “It is fair when there is an issue that is difficult to discuss. It makes it all the easier. I am fine now, My Love. You need not worry further about this. I am just a little weakened from the experience."
Sle'nel’ moved away slightly. San'lr'in’ followed her with her eyes, “I know I upset you, but it had to be done. Of this you know."
"It makes it no easier to know this to be so. You sent me away."
"You heard the transfer, did you not?"
Sle'nel’ nodded her head.
"Was it something you could endure?"
Softly, “No. It was most terrible to have to listen to you scream so. I felt so useless."
"I heard you. You gave Me your support. I heard your thoughts. You were there with Me."
Sle'nel’ said nothing. San'lr'in’ once again probed her thoughts, “Come to Me, My Desire. Come here to Me."
She opened her arms out to Sle'nel'. Slowly, yet hesitantly, Sle'nel’ went to her. San'lr'in’ enfolded her arms about her, holding her firmly to her, trying to soothe her fears. She held her as Sle'nel’ cried softly.
"You give everything to The Realm, only to find that it expects even more."
"Shhhh ... , My Love. I am fine. See? I am recovered."
"Those screams. I have never heard as such."
"Erase those from your mind. They are over. Do I look any different from this experience?"
Sle'nel’ raised her head and looked into her lover's face, “You look tired and beaten."
San'lr'in’ rolled her eyes, “Who would not? And yet I am the one to now hold you."
Sle'nel’ placed her head back on her Queen's shoulder and continued to cry softly, “I know. I am pathetic. But I cannot help myself. It was overly horrible. Must you always give your life as easily as this? It seems most unfair. They are the ones to make the error, yet you are the one to suffer."
"Oh, I think I was not the only one to suffer. What occurred in the meeting room was the most embarrassing of moments for the Deep Mystics. Never have they admitted to such as this. At that very moment they submitted themselves to Me like never prior to any other High Queen. I had no choice but to trust them. They just gave away the greatest of their powers, My Desire. And they submitted to Me for the remainder of My turns. Never will I have issues with them further. It is done. It is the first moment in all The Realm's past in which the Deep Mystics have submitted and pledged their allegiance, thus."
Sle'nel’ nodded, keeping her head to her Queen's shoulder, “I accept this, but allow me to remain in our room this eve. You go. It is you who they celebrate this eve, anyway. I need not be there."
San'lr'in’ wondered what Sle'nel’ was thinking but didn't wish to intrude into her thoughts further, “Tell Me of this, My Desire. Are you yet angry with them?"
Softly, she said, “They probably hate me now. I said terrible things to them."
Suddenly, San'lr'in’ understood, and began to laugh, “Hate you? They cannot hate an Elf. It is impossible. An Elf only speaks the truth, so they know that they should be well embarrassed. In truth, My Love, it is why they wanted you not in the room. They wanted you not to hear of their error of judgment. They think themselves flawless in this regard, and wished you not to see that they are not. You only acted as any Elf would act."
"Elves were always as angry as this?"
"Elves always held everyone to their word and consequences. It is not just anyone who can place the Deep Mystics in their place. I almost laughed when I heard you demand your place on the High Council."
Sle'nel’ looked up her, feeling improved. She moved closer to her lover's face, tracing her lips, then looking into her beautiful eyes. San'lr'in’ did the same, “I never tire of these golden Elfin eyes. You are so beautiful, My Desire."
Sle'nel’ kissed her gently, then urgently and passionately, moving her hand to the back of her Queen's head, holding it firmly against her. She heard her lover moan and continued to kiss her, showing her need of her. Sle'nel’ t
hen moved slightly away, staring at her Queen.
San'lr'in’ reached for her, bringing her back into her. She returned the kiss, “You make Me crave your touch."
Moving the gown away, Sle'nel’ moved her lips to her Queen's breast, kissing and sucking it gently, then with more demand. The High Queen moaned yet again. Sle'nel’ removed San'lr'in's gown then placed her gently onto the bed.
She lay on top of her, kissing her, whispering into her ear, “I need you. This moment. I need to hear you moan in pleasure instead of deep pain."
She moved gently down her Queen's body, kissing it as she went, reminding her Queen of pleasure instead of pain, moving to between her legs. Sle'nel’ was desperate in her need of giving her Queen pleasure, while San'lr'in’ was desperate in her need of feeling Sle'nel's sweet touch. Sle'nel’ knew that their moments were short, but also knew of her Queen's great need. Gently and urgently, she brought her Queen to her moment of release, feeling her body first becoming rigid, then relaxing into a great sigh. Sle'nel’ lay on top of her, kissing her again, softly, laughing.
The High Queen looked at her with sleepy and tired eyes, “Tell them we come not this eve. Let us just be together. I have need to give you pleasure as well."
Sle'nel’ rose gently from her, touching her cheek, “You give me pleasure always. But let us go to this affair. Our eve has just begun, and they wish to honor you."
* * * *
They were quickly prepared once San'lr'in’ agreed to allow the attendants back into the room. The Healer had returned for a moment to pick up an ointment she had left behind, and examined her Queen carefully, guessing as to what occurred between The High Queen and her lover.
She went over to where Sle'nel’ was being prepared, “You are a wise healer, Elf."
"Oh?"
"I can recommend only one thing that helps to relieve the mind of painful memories. Our Queen looks much improved."
Sle'nel’ blushed, but smiled, then said softly, “I know not who received more of the pleasure."
The Healer touched Sle'nel's cheek softly, “I am glad she has you, Elf. Please tell her that I now go to the ceremony and will see you there. There is to be a grand entrance upon her arrival."
Sle'nel’ raised an eyebrow, “And so should it be, after what they have done. Who will you be with this eve, Healer?"
The Healer nodded, but said, “No one. I go alone, as usual. But I think they seek to make all of it right now, Elf. Have patience with them. They have come a long journey upon this turn. There has never prior been a High Queen that commands the Deep Mystics, until her.” She motioned her head toward San'lr'in'. “Never prior have they given their full allegiance to a High Queen. It may help that you know this."
"Never?"
"Never. It was always meant that The High Queen ruled only at their privilege. Now, she rules over them. The cost was high, but if you were to ask her, she would say it was worth the pain. They gave much this turn, including their allegiance and all their high powers. It is a gift like no other."
Sle'nel’ turned thoughtful, “I knew not."
The High Queen came over, “What did you not know, My Love?” She gave Sle'nel’ a deep but short kiss, yet feeling her pleasure, wanting more.
Sle'nel’ was about to respond when The Healer replied first, “It is nothing, High One. Just talk between healers."
San'lr'in’ guessed there was more between them, but left it where it was, “Are you yet prepared, My Love?"
The attendants came running over, “My Queen. You yet need your crown and jewelry. Please."
"I leave now, my Queen, and will see you at the celebration. Enjoy your eve."
"Thank you, Healer. Find someone worthy of you, this eve."
The Healer sighed, “It is always such that whoever interests me is not interested in return."
The High Queen smiled gently upon her, “Patience, Healer. It will occur, in due moments. Of this I know well."
When they were finally ready, they began walking toward the reception, “Do you feel different with these new powers?"
San'lr'in’ shook her head, “Not as yet. I think it will take a turn or two prior to My body realizing that they have been installed."
Sle'nel’ looked at her lover, admiring her beauty and garments, “You are stunning, My Love."
"In truth, I am overly weary to notice. Are the garments acceptable, then?"
"Have you not noticed that you are in High Formal garments? And your crown, adornments, and markings are astonishing. They will take everyone's breath away."
"I care only for your thoughts, My Desire. Only yours."
The High Queen looked at her Elf, trying to focus upon her garments. She felt extremely drained from the turn, from the experience, but now somewhat relaxed from their recent union, “Forgive Me, My Desire. But I had noticed not your garments. You are more like an Elf on every turn. Did they supply these Elfin garments to you? I am always amazed at your beauty. You truly are the most beautiful in all The Realm."
Sle'nel’ nodded, “They gave me these garments. I only guessed that they are Elfin. I have little memory of them."
They approached the door to the great hall, and Sle'nel’ halted her Queen, “With your leave, I would like to go inside so as to watch your grand entrance. Would you allow this?"
San'lr'in’ shook her head, “I have had to endure much this turn, My Elf. It would please Me to have you at my side."
"Are you certain? Ann'wn awaits as your escort."
"Indulge Me, My Love. I need your strength, as I am well tired."
"So it shall be, then. As you wish."
As they entered, San'lr'in’ was surprised at the number of Mystics in attendance. She whispered to Sle'nel', “They must have invited many of the other Mystics for this eve. I have never seen this many prior in one location. And look. Even the Spirit Mothers are among us this eve.” She frowned for a moment at the thought, wondering if they had been the traitors.
As they reached the center of the great room, and as San'lr'in’ and Sle'nel’ stood in front of all of them, the audience all knelt and bowed their heads.
Torsn'dynl’ came up to her before The High Queen could say anything, “May we rise, my Queen?"
San'lr'in’ bowed her head slightly to her, in acknowledgement of her request. Torsn'dynl’ looked out to all the audience, “We are gathered this great and wonderful eve to bestow our loyalty, devotion, and honor to our greatest of all High Queens. Never prior has a High Queen of The Realm commanded and deserved as such, until this moment. Never prior has a High Queen invoked such loyalty from the Deep Mystics. This eve is that moment. San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ is truly the greatest of all The High Queens. As evidence of this, she has finally been bestowed with the greatest of all our powers. We now entrust our powers to her care, to use them wisely and knowingly. She no longer reigns at our privilege. She now reigns as the one true High Queen. No further will she have issues of trust from any of us. What we know is now hers, freely and openly. Always."
Torsn'dynl’ looked to San'lr'in', “Please kneel before us, Great High Queen."
San'lr'in’ wondered what this was about, but knelt as requested.
Torsn'dynl’ continued, “The Greatest of all The High Queens. We present you with the Jeweled Stone of Power. With this jewel, all the great powers of The Realm are at your command.” She held up the necklace that had one large deep-blood-red stone embedded into a silver mounting, and many smaller stones throughout, “We know you will use it wisely, and for The Realm. No longer will we question your actions. Our knowledge is at your command."
Torsn'dynl’ placed the necklace on San'lr'in'. She was surprised as to its great weight.
"Please rise, Great High Queen. Please accept our gift, Our One and Only Great High Queen of all The Realm. We are honored and humbled in your presence."
Torsn'dynl’ then knelt and bowed her head, as did once again all those in attendance.
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ moved to in fr
ont of Torsn'dynl', and with great dignity and some sadness, answered her audience, “Queen Torsn'dynl', all the great Mystics of The Realm, and honored guests. I accept this Jeweled Stone of Power on your behalf, as My charge to protect all the Mystics of The Realm. I am deeply honored at your gift and actions. It is with no small understanding that I now accept this Jeweled Stone of Power, and am grateful. Your trust will not go unrewarded. Now, please rise, and let us enjoy our eve in the wonderful company of our gracious hosts."
Torsn'dynl’ rose and nodded to the musicians. The dancing and merriment were instantly begun.
"High Queen. Please feel free to do as you wish this eve. The eve is yours. We have supplied you with comfortable seating should you need further rest, or you may dance, or eat, or whatever suits your privilege. Should you have need of anything that is not here, please let us know and it will be made instantly available to you. We will place no duties on you this eve."
"Thank you, Torsn'dynl'. It is nice to have the eve off. I think I will just enjoy the company of all My good Mystic friends.” San'lr'in’ turned to her lover, “I know not how long I will feel up to dancing, but would you like to try one dance with Me? It will allow us the pleasure of holding one another."
Sle'nel’ nodded and bowed deeply, “Of course, my Queen."
The High Queen took Sle'nel’ into her arms. They danced close together, The High Queen cherishing the feeling. She looked deeply into her Elfin eyes, seeing the glowing as they looked back lovingly upon her.
"So, My Elf. What is it that I now owe you, since I lost this wager of yours?"
"I am embarrassed, my Queen. Never have I known about the Deep Mystics and their power over you. And now, you command even them. I stand in a truly great presence, and do in truth, know the most intimate details of this great one."
San'lr'in’ laughed. She whispered into Sle'nel's ear, “I hope you jest. Can you imagine if I must listen to this formal chatter at all the moments? If I had not someone to turn to for a normal presence? Come now. Tell Me. What is it I must now give to you? Nothing could surprise Me, My Elf."
As they continued to dance, Sle'nel’ looked at her and said, “Would you consent to go through the Elfin Lour'den’ Ceremony with me? Do you know of this, my Queen?"
The Realm's Mystics [Mystic Women of The Realm Series Book 3] Page 53