The Prophecy Chapter Twenty-Three
Feb. 14th, 2007 02:02 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
Chapter Twenty-Three: Love
Karia opened her eyes and sat straight up. She looked around and realized that she was safe. She eased herself back into a sitting position and began to breathe a bit slower.
"Are you alright?"
She looked over to see Kaelea sitting beside her on the bed. She nodded.
"I think so." She answered.
"What did you-do?"
She looked at Lia with a quizzical look on her face. "When?"
"When you came back. I saw you leaving."
"I gave you some energy."
"Oh. Thanks. But why did you run away?"
"I had to do the same for Kaelea and I wasn't in the best condition…I am still not."
"You probably need to rest some more." Vanidor told her.
"No…no I don't" Her tone somewhat fearful.
"Is there anything we can do?" Kaelea asked.
"Um…Yes, actually. If you don't mind I would like some time alone."
Kaelea smiled reassuringly, kissed her forehead and left the room, looking back at her in the doorway. Lia smiled as well, kissed her cheek and walked from the room as well.
"I need to change and clean up a bit. If you will excuse me." She swung her legs over the side of the bed.
"If you want to go to your own room that's-that's alright."
She eased herself off of the bed and she walked to the door, placing a hand on the wall to keep her balance.
"You need to feed again, don't you?"
She paused in the doorway and looked back at him. "Yes."
"Well…ummm…"
"No. I cannot. Your blood has not fully returned to you. But thank you for the offer." She turned again and walked out into the hallway and headed to her bedroom. Vanidor got up and followed her to make sure she got there alright. She opened her bedroom door and walked in, closing it quietly behind her.
She drew a bath and eased into it, wincing as she did so. Was it really all over? Was he really dead? Yes. She thought. I killed him myself. She looked down at her hands, and then put them down into the water. She felt very dirty and began to scrub her skin. She scrubbed it until it was very red and raw, before she stopped herself. She then began to sob. She sobbed until there were no more tears to cry. She eased herself from the tub and walked over to the closet. She pulled out a dress and stepped into it. She was still weak but managed to walk out of the inn and over to the bridge. She leaned up against the railing and let the breeze go through her loose hair. This was a peaceful place…she could stay here…after all there was nothing for her left on Earth. It was all taken from her.
Gildor saw her leave the inn and decided to follow her. He saw her lean against the railing and decided to approach.
"Hello."
"What do you want?"
"I wanted to apologize for what I said. I admit I overreacted a little."
"A little?"
"Okay maybe a lot. I was afraid you were putting my brother in danger."
"I was…but that's over."
"The danger or your relationship?"
"Possibly both. I doubt he will stay with me when he finds out what happened."
"I don't think he'd care about what happened. I can tell that he loves you."
"Yes well…what I did was unforgivable. I am a whore."
"Is that another word for a vampire?"
"No. It is word for someone who sleeps with another out of wedlock and while being involved with another."
"Did you sleep with this person willingly?"
"Yes, at first…to save my sister…"
"Then it wasn't completely willing. You were forced into a corner and that was the only way out you could find."
"I should have killed him sooner. I waited until he forced me to…" She bowed her head.
"He has tormented you for years hasn't he?"
"Yes…6 to be exact. How did you know?"
"I was shown."
"Shown?"
"Yes…when…I accused you of attacking your sister. Luthan made me see what your life has been like."
She stepped away from the railing. "Just how much did he show you?"
"A lot."
"You know everything don't you? I don't want your pity."
"It's not only pity. I admire you for being able to get through all of that as well as you did."
"I haven't gotten through it…I have just buried it."
"Which isn't always a good idea. Sometimes things have a way of being unburied."
"Yes, as you have so kindly stated. I am not willing to face my past…it still haunts my dreams and every waking moment. You all call me cursed and I am starting to believe it."
"I don't consider you cursed anymore. That is just the word we…use…for what on Earth would be called Vampires and Werewolves."
"Yes well you don't have to." She went to walk over to the railing and almost stumbled she grabbed the railing in time and caught herself before she fell.
"What's wrong?"
"I'm still weak."
"Maybe you need to rest some more."
"No. What I need no one can give me."
"What is that?"
"Blood."
"Oh." There was a long pause. "C-could um…Is there anything…"
"Are you trying to offer?"
"Yes."
She thought a moment. "I don't know if that would be wise."
"Why wouldn't it be?"
"I wouldn't want to be accused of attacking you."
"I-I don't think anyone would be accusing you."
"And why is that?"
"Because there is no one around here…so no one would know…so no one could accuse you."
"How will you explain the mark on your neck?"
"I'll come up with something when I have to."
"Are you absolutely positively sure about this? This isn't a trick?"
"I'm sure."
"I won't lie to you. This will hurt."
"I know."
She walked up to him slowly tilted his head and leaned in. Her canines pierced his skin and she began to drink. She made it as pleasurable as she could for him. When she finished she sealed the two puncture holes and pulled back. The color returned to her skin.
"You don't think I'm a monster anymore, do you?"
"No. And it wasn't your fault I thought you were a monster. It was because of…Linara."
"She was the vampire that bit you before wasn't she?"
"Yes…she was…I loved her. She was…one of…she was learning to be a warrior and she was out on a mission…when she was attacked. I-I knew she was killed because I received her death rede. Then she came back…and she was…changed."
"You killed her didn't you?"
"Yes. Or at least I killed the thing she had become."
"How can you not feel ill will towards me? After all I am one of those things."
"But your-good. And she wasn't."
"I guess we're even now. We both know more about the other that the rest do not."
"Yes, I guess we are."
She held out a hand. "Friends?"
He took her hand and smiled. "Friends." They exchanged fare wells and he left. She turned back to the waterfall, and allowed the breeze to sift through her hair.
"Are you going to stare at me all day or are you going to make your presence known?"
"How did you know I was here?"
"I have good ears. I can hear your heartbeat."
"Oh. I wanted to make sure you were okay but then I didn't want to bother you."
"You're no bother. As for being okay, I'm not sure one is ever okay?"
"I'm not sure either actually. I meant physically though."
"I will heal."
"Yes, especially now that you fed."
"I hope you don't mind…he apologized…he would apologize to you but…he's embarrassed."
"Well, you were probably the one whom he owed the bigger apology. I never knew why he was acting that way before. I remember Linara but-we most of us…just heard that she was killed on a mission."
"He never told a soul…except for myself and your father. It wounded him terribly…"
"I can imagine. He had to kill the person he loved. And she attacked him…didn't she?"
"Yes. Just as I had to kill the one I hated and loathed for 6 years…he drove me to the edge. I have never killed my own kind before…I never want to feel that way again."
"So…that…couldn't have been easy could it?"
She looked down at her hands. "No…it wasn't…he drove me to do it…I was almost afraid that I would turn out like Dru and go insane…I almost did."
"Who's Dru?"
"Another vampire that Angel turned…he drove her insane first…she's been that way ever since…but that was of course before he turned good."
"I was going to say I can't imagine Angel driving someone insane?"
"He was capable of a lot worse…I think that is where Stefan got the idea. He took everything I had on Earth and destroyed it…or shall I say everything I had left."
"He tried to do the same thing here."
"Yes, which is why I went with him. I needed everyone here a live…I would have gone insane if I would have lost everyone…I really would have."
"That…you went with him to save your sister, didn't you?"
"Yes. I lost her once; I wasn't going to lose her again. There is nothing like the bond between sisters…but it is stronger when you are twins. I need her to survive…just like you need Gildor and he needs you."
"I don't think our bond is like that anymore. We have grown too far apart. I don't think we've ever managed to go longer than a month without managing to get into an argument about something."
"You need to find that bond again. It is still there…waiting for you to open your heart to it. No matter how far apart you are your bond will be just as strong as the day you were born. Don't let petty stuff come in between you. You never know when your time has run out."
"I've only felt one thing in that bond since this war began and I wouldn't have known what it was if you hadn't suggested it."
"Embrace it and you will know…he will…as soon as you have."
"I don't know if I can. Sometimes it seems like more like two strangers who just happen to look like each other."
She walked towards him. "Close your eyes."
"What…"
"If you trust me you will do it."
"Do what?"
"Close your eyes."
He closed his eyes. "Okay…now what?"
"Clear your mind and open your heart." She allowed him to do so. "Now look deep inside your self…and find that bond…reopen it with the love you feel towards him…the protection you want to place on him…" She again allowed him to do so. "You should be feeling warm and tingly, you should feel immense love and know your brothers every secret…he in turn will know yours…no judgment will be passed…just acceptance."
His demeanor changed a bit and a smile came to his face. He opened his eyes.
"Thank you."
She smiled. "Your welcome."
~*~
It had been several days since Eiron had arrived. And it was a week after everything happened before he came. Today was the day of the ceremony…the joining of Kaelea and Fairin, and the crowning of the new king.
Kaelea looked in the mirror…she was very nervous. She was wearing a beautiful white dress. The dress was tight to her waist and flowed down to her feet. The dress had a small train that flowed past her feet. Blue diamonds and silver vines intermingled with each other and wound around the bottom of her dress. Her hair was pulled into a long braid with a blue ribbon weaving in and out of her, the circlet of flowers around her head. Her dress exposed her shoulders but there was a strap on each side holding the dress up.
"You look beautiful." Karia told her from behind who was wearing a beautiful blue dress with cascading diamonds on it.
"You as well. Shall we?"
She nodded and followed her sister out. Fairin was waiting for her on the bridge. He was wearing blue slacks, matching top, and a cloak that had his family brooch as a fastener. His eyes lit up as he watched her walk towards him. She approached him and they joined hands. Vanidor was beside Fairin and Karia beside Kaelea. They looked into each others eyes, smiles on their faces.
Eiron stepped forward. "Ye have come here to make a pledge of joining." He turned and addressed those in the crowds. "Among human kind two who are joining together pledge to remain bound until separated by death. However, til death do us part is not used in elven vows…for death is a stranger unto our kind. Instead we ask a pledge of the two that they will tend the common ground between them and keep it fertile. We believe that vows should no longer bound one to a relationship where there is no common ground. This common ground is the basis for all relationships. And for a relationship to become strong, to remain strong, both parties must work more or less in equal measures in tending the common grounds and nurturing the vows between. For when one tends the ground and the other does not the ground suffers, becomes less fertile, the things planted in common weaken, mayhap to whither all together. After a span of this behavior when one nurtures and the other does not a time will come when the ground will lie fallow, perhaps becoming barren as those involved go there separate ways. Or perhaps it will become ground supporting naught but bitter weed should they sow enmity there upon. To there may be times when the ground disappears all together. When individuals no longer have ought in common and so to keep the ground fertile an the vows planted within robust, each must do a goodly part of the work to make it sow.
"Hence, to keep thine own relationship strong ye must share equally in the cultivation of the common ground and in the nurturing of the vows between. And ye must sort among all duties and participate willingly and fully in all which can be shared. Do you understand the meaning of that which I say?"
"Yes." They replied in unison.
"Then speak true. Do ye vow to one another to tend the common ground and to nurture the pledges given and received?"
"I do vow." They replied in unison again.
"Then speak true. Will ye plight thy troth to one another forsaking all who will come between?"
"I do vow." They replied in unison.
They were given a cup of wine to drink together. Fairin drank and passed it to Kaelea who then gave it to Karia who the gave it Vanidor. Afterwards it was destroyed so that no one else could drink from it. They then kneeled facing each other. Eiron drew a ceremonial knife and cut a gash in each of their left palms. The palms were brought together, fingers interlaced, while Eiron tied a silver lace around their wrists symbolizing the unseen ties that surrounded them. Fairin and Kaelea then met in a deep passionate kiss while there blood mingled and they were drawn closer together.
After awhile Eiron untied the cord. Fairin took the flowers from her hair and replaced it with a silver circlet that had blue diamonds set in it. This was a symbol that she belonged to him, and was now apart of his family. He in turn was crowned the ruler of the elves…that matched hers, only it did not close it remained open.
"Joyous Union. Now go forth from here together and share thy joys and thy burdens in equal measure until thine individual destinies determine otherwise."
They stood and embraced her. He thanked Eiron, Vanidor and Karia for taking part in their ceremony. A horse drawn carriage was awaiting them.
~*~
After several hours they reached the city of Thardaos. A guard approached the carriage. Kaelea put her head out the window. He bowed and immediately let them in.
"The Queen has returned!" He shouted.
The palace could be seen from a far and it was indeed beautiful. Plain and simple
yet extravagant. An elderly elven woman met them at the entrance as Fairin helped Kaelea from the carriage. The woman bowed. "My Queen."
Kaelea bowed her head. "May I ask you your name?"
"Mariana"
"Well…Mariana I would like you to meet my husband Coron Fairin, he is the Elven High King."
"Milord." She bowed again.
He nodded his head.
"May I show you in side your highnesses?"
They nodded. They walked in and saw many ancient things. They were shown the throne room and the bedrooms. When she saw her old bedroom she remembered coming up with fairytales of her own and dressing up and practicing being a Queen. A smile came to her face.
"I remember playing here as a child."
They then went into the dining room. A huge table with many chairs was placed in the center of the room. She remembered the gatherings that they used to have. Her memories began to return to her rather quickly; a sense of who she was began to return to her. They were then taken to the Galanian hall. She walked in and looked around her. They were hundreds of books adorning the walls, her father's desk and the furniture for which they could sit upon. Something about this room seemed hauntingly familiar. She walked in and placed a hand on her father's desk. Her hand stopped on the middle of the desk. 'The ink spilled over the desk.' She shook her head. 'A woman screamed.' She looked around and shook it from her head again. She walked back over to the entrance, looked back one more time and walked out. Something about the room gave her an eerie feeling.
"Are you hungry Alor, Dara?"
"Yes, very much so." Fairin stated.
Kaelea nodded as well.
"What would you like? Shall I send it up to your private quarters? I am sure you would rather eat together on a smaller table."
"That would be fine, thank you." Fairin answered.
"Shall I send your favorite, Dara?"
She nodded. "Yes, that will be fine…what is my favorite? Since I left I have been having trouble remembering who I am."
Marianna smiled. "Ternalla."
She nodded. They walked arm in and arm and took the stairs to their quarters. Their trunks awaited them. She walked over and opened the trunk. She took out a lavender dress and went behind the screen to change. She came out a few moments later, her hair down, with one singular braid.
"Sorry. I felt I should change…that dress was a little hard to get comfortable in."
"Yes…you look beautiful."
She blushed slightly. "Well…out of all fairness you would probably say that no matter what I wore."
"Yes I must admit to being biased."
She smiled. "I would hope so."
Fairin removed the brooch and laid his cloak and placed it on a hook.
After some time dinner arrived and they sat down and ate dinner. After wards she walked over to the window and looked out at their kingdom…her home. It was beautiful. The sun was setting and cast a pink glow in the sky.
Fairin stood and joined her at the window.
"Isn't it beautiful?"
"Yes, but not as beautiful as you."
She smiled again. "You flatter me so. But then again I guess that is your job."
"If so, it is the easiest job I've ever had."
She leaned against him; he wrapped his arms around her, her arms resting on his. "This is a perfect night. I must be the happiest woman alive."
"And I am the happiest man."
~*~
The wedding party began to break, they had just watched the newlyweds ride off.
"Wasn't that a beautiful wedding?" Karia asked Vanidor.
"Yes. It was one of the most elaborate I've been to."
"Well, she is a Queen and he is now King so it is only fitting."
"Yes. Twas a beautiful ceremony though wasn't it?"
"Her dress was stunning. She really is a beautiful bride. I hope they have a wonderful time in Gelan."
"They should. From what I have heard it is a beautiful kingdom."
"A lot has happened since I first arrived here. It feels like I have been here a year. I know it has only been about half of that, but nonetheless, I feel like this is home."
"Yes, a lot has happened."
"I hope that I look that wonderful and that happy when I get married…"
"Yes… I am sure you will."
Karia stopped walking and bit down on her lip. "I think there is something I should tell you. It has been bothering me for awhile…I just don't know how to tell you."
"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to."
"You have the right to know…it kind of may change things between us…I hope it doesn't but it may."
"I can't think of anything that would change the way I feel for you."
"I can…when I left a few weeks ago…well…I had to…I slept with Stefan." The last part of what she said was a bit rushed. She continued to bite her lip and looked down.
"I would imagine he didn't give you much of a choice. And what you did… leaving with him…you did what was necessary to save the people you cared about."
"I…I didn't…want to…and then he forced me…and that is when I killed him…and that is why I came back the way I did…I will understand if you don't want to …well if you want to end our relationship."
"You didn't do anything wrong. What he did to you…can do nothing to change the way I feel for you. What happened is his fault not yours."
She looked up at him. "You…you really-your wonderful. You really are."
He rested his hand on her cheek. "I love you. Nothing will change that."
She smiled and placed her hands on his. "I love you too."
He leaned in and they kissed.
~*~
Dakkon walked beside Lia with his hands behind his back. "Yes that was a wonderful ceremony. I don't think I have been to one so formal. You can tell that they are truly in love. They will be very happy together."
"I hope so. They do make a good couple."
"You would know. Didn't you help get them together?"
"Well…I told her he had feelings for her…after she got tired of waiting for Vanidor."
"How did you know that he had feelings for her?"
"Well…actually I overheard my mother and her best friend talking about it."
He smiled. "You eavesdropped? Tsk, tsk."
"Not in…tentionally…I just overheard something…and then listened."
"So you accidentally overheard and then after you realized what it was about you eavesdropped."
"Yes." She said reluctantly.
"It seems as if I have rubbed off on you." He teased.
"Well…I don't do that for a living." She teased back.
He bent down and picked a white flower. He then placed it in her hair. "A gift for you. A beautiful flower for a beautiful woman."
She blushed. "Thank you."
"No thanks needed, Dara. I am but a humble servant to you. Your beauty is blinding and I must obey." He sat down in the middle of the meadow. He patted the ground next to him. "Come and sit beside me."
Lia sat down beside him.
"May I ask you a question?"
"Yes?"
He pulled out a star jewel and held it out to her. "I know this may be sudden, but we have known each other many years…Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
"I-Yes."
He smiled, and placed his brooch on her dress. "This engagement can be as long as you wish. I am in no hurry. I love you and I will wait."
"I love you too. And…whenever the time is right I guess."
"We are indeed kindred spirits, Chieran." He leaned in and kissed her.
~*~
"What a wonderful ceremony." Wesley exclaimed.
"Yes…it is one of the best that I have seen. They will go down in history I am sure."
"Royal weddings are usually like that."
Eldarion kissed his wife. "I am getting in the mood to renew our vows." He smiled.
"You guys are just too sweet." His thoughts then went to Cordy. How was she doing? Would she return to him? He thought of her often since she journeyed back to Earth.
"Father, Mother…is Cordy coming back?"
Eldarion glanced at Lunea and then to their son. "I am afraid she cannot. She is not of this world and so she can not stay."
"But I love her…"
"There is nothing we can do…she can stay but her aging will accelerate and she will die."
Wesley bowed his head. "Who am I to make my queen now?"
"You will have plenty of time to meet someone, son. I know you do not want to hear that…but it is the best we can do."
After a moment he looked up at them. "What is my birth name?"
"Gabriel." Lunea stated.
"That has a very earthy sound to it…not sure if I can get used to it…I don't have a cool elven name huh?"
"Yes…I was born on earth before I became a mage."
"Oh…okay so Lunea, Eldarion and Gabriel…I guess it works."
His dad smiled. "It will have to. Let us go and eat."
"Good I am absolutely positively famished."
They laughed as they led there son to the Inn.
~*~
'She walked down a hallway and stopped by a door. It creaked open and she found her mother between the two cradles, crying. "Mother what is wrong?"
"Nothing child. I just miss them."
"Why did you give them up mother?"
"I do not know…because it seemed right at the time."
"Tell me, what were their names?"
"Kalia and Kaerilee."
"Where are they?"
"I gave Lia to Kelan Denmil and Kaeri to Rosemary and they took her to Earth."
"Can't you get them back?"
"They are comfortable where they are…it is better that I forget about them. Come."
She followed her mother out of the room. She turned to the door. "Gilarye" Kaelea could hear the door locking and chains sealed the front.'
'A crash could be heard downstairs. She got out of bed grabbed a candle and ascended down the stairs. She followed the sounds until she saw some men and drow ransacking the castle.
"What are you doing?" She asked.
They turned to see A teenage girl standing behind them. They smiled. "Looking for something."
"You are not welcome now leave."
"Wish we could."
She closed her eyes. "Ventari!"
The men flew backwards and crashed into the wall.
"You will leave now." The men began to get to their feet. The next thing she knew a pair of cold hands grabbed her from behind her.
"We have her now…no more trouble will come from her."
She dropped her candle and let out a scream. "Let me go!" She shouted.
"Let her go."
The men turned to see the King and Queen bracing themselves for combat. "You are not welcome here and I suggest you leave."
The men gathered around the two of them. They fought for some time until her mother screamed. One of the men had killed her father. She struggled to get away from the man. Nothing worked. She bit the man's hand and he let her go. She ran over and kneeled down by her father, tears coming from her eyes.
"Wake up! You cannot leave us here. Father! Father!"
"Kaelea, Dilarra…get out of here! You are not safe."
"Denmil…they killed him…they killed Gindar."
"Hurry! I will hold them off as long as I can…go."
Dilarra grabbed her daughter's hand and they took off running. They ran until they got to the hall.
"We must leave this castle it is not safe."
"We cannot leave our home…it belongs to us."
"Yes, but we cannot fight the Drow by ourselves Lea."
"How will we get out?"
"There is a passageway that will get us out of here safely."
Her mother went to the bookcase and began to search for the entrance. The door was broken down. "There they are. Get them!"
The men stormed the room and grabbed both of them. "We should have some fun with them before we bring them to him."
"But he said-"
"Yes, but the Dark One isn't here right now, is he? He will never know."
The men smiled and circled the two of them. They pushed Dilarra on the floor. She struggled. They hit her. They managed to get her down, and they ripped the clothes from her body as they raped her. Kaelea struggled to try and help her mother. The man's grip tightened.
"Don't worry you'll get your turn." The man chuckled.
Her mother continued to struggle and one of the men grabbed her by her throat. She grabbed his hands and tried to break free of them…after several moments she went limp. Her mother's death rede sent to her youngest child.
Denmil rushed into the room…sadness crept over his features. He lost two of his nieces and he would not lose his last. He rushed in and began to fight. He managed to kill half of the men. Kaelea escaped and began to run towards the door. The man pulled out a dagger and threw it at her…
"NOOOO!!" Denmil jumped in the way as he managed to push her out of the way. She crawled over to him.
"Please…please don't leave me too…your all I have left."
He smiled weakly before fading away. She too received his death rede.
She began to cry as one of the men grabbed her and took her out of the castle.'
Kaelea woke with a start. She sat up and looked around. It was okay she was safe…she saw Fairin was still asleep, she eased out of bed and wrapped a robe around her and crept out of the room. That's why the hall seemed so eerily familiar…She went down the hallway and passed her sisters' bedroom. She peered inside. Everything had remained the same as her mother had left it. The cribs were still on either side of the room and there was the rocking chair…She pulled her eyes away from the room and continued down to the hall.
She looked through drawers and books…who was the Dark One? Marianna would know, wouldn't she? She would have to ask her tomorrow morning…but it was morning…she thought…just before sunrise. She remembered everything that happened in her past…even the death redes that she received.
'Get to safety and find your sisters…tell them who they are…'
'Find Lia, keep her safe…be strong…our love and strength reside in you…'
Fairin got out of bed, put his robe on and went in search of Kaelea. He finally found her in the hall; she was sitting at the desk, a book in her hand.
"Is everything alright?"
She jumped. "You startled me. Did I wake you?"
"I-heard the door. Is everything okay?"
"I'm remembering…everything. It is as fresh in my mind as if it just happened."
He walked over to her and placed a hand on her shoulder gently. "Do you want to talk about it?" He asked gently.
"I saw my parents murdered. They raped my mother in front of me, before they killed her. Then my uncle saved me. He died…to keep me alive…then they took me to their leader…I remember his cold eyes…they chilled me to the core…I never heard his name but I could never forget his face. He looked at me with such contempt…treated me like…a slave. Allowed his followers to do what they wished to me…they would call me names…laugh at me…hit me…touch me…" She shivered, a distant look on her face.
Fairin kneeled in front of her and pulled her into his arms. She wrapped her arms around him and rested her head on his shoulder.
"Thank Valar I have you. I do not know what I would do if you were not here with me."
"I will be here for as long as you need me."
She pulled back and looked up at him. "I must tell Lia and Karia…I must get a message to them. We are full sisters not half."
"What?"
"My mother used to sit in their room and cry because she missed them so. Kalia and Kaerilee were there birth names…she would tell me of them often. I knew magic the night they died…I knew…I was trained…my mother taught me…that is why it has been so easy for me…"
"Do you have any good memories of your parents? What were they like?"
She smiled. "They were very much in love. I could see it in their eyes. My mother's name was Dilarra…she was beautiful. I have her dark hair…her eyes…I look a lot like her. My father, Gindar, was strong, nothing frightened him. He had beautiful golden hair, and the greenest of green eyes, he was so light hearted, and had the warmest smile. There is a painting of them…" She looked around. "Right there." She pointed.
Fairin looked at the painting. "They were a beautiful couple. And they must have been wonderful to have a daughter like you."
She smiled. "They were…my painting is on the other wall…next to the baby portraits."
Fairin looked at those. "Beautiful."
"Yes, well you are biased my dear."
"Yes, I am." He kissed her.
"We should get a portrait done…follow the tradition…that one over there is my Kelan Denmil and Lomyn. Denmil was my mother's twin."
"Yes…we probably should. Was it your mother who was royalty then?"
"Yes…my father made portraits of his brother and sisters…but his parents died before he could get there's…"
"Your father painted these?"
"All except for the one with them together…I painted that one…my father wanted me to learn. But of course he finished it."
"Artistic ability must run in your family."
"My mother had a beautiful voice…I think one of the others received it, I am only mediocre."
"You are definitely not mediocre."
She smiled again. "When we have children what do you hope they are?"
"Well…I do hope that if we have a daughter that she looks like you."
"And if we have a son, I hope he looks like you, and if we should have more than two that they be a mix. After all…we are a beautiful couple as were my parents…our children should be just as beautiful. How many children do you want to have?"
"At least two."
"Me too. But seeing as how we both have families of three…it would only be fitting.
"Do you also realize we are the only ones in our family that aren't twins?"
"How fitting. When would you like to have children?"
"When the time is right. It might not happen right away either."
"I would be okay with that. Now is probably not the best time to bring a child into this world…too many wars."
"Yes, just don't tell my sister that. She's nervous enough as it is."
"She's our sister now. I am related to her by marriage. I can picture the little child being so perfect, so tiny and not to mention adorable."
"Yes. And depending when we have children the cousins can grow up together."
She smiled and leaned back into his arms. "That would be wonderful. I cannot wait until we have a child of our own. I mean I can…but I cannot…if that makes any sense at all. Do you know how much I love you?" She asked as she tilted her head to the side in order to look up at him
He kissed her in answer to all of that.
She smiled after they pulled away. "I guess you do."
~*~
"I have a message for Lia and Karia from there sister in Gelan."
The guards let the messenger through. He rode on to the Inn.
Karia and Vanidor were walking back from their afternoon of leisure, when approached by the messenger.
"What is this?"
"Message from the Queen." He handed her the parchment with her seal.
"The Queen? Why is she sending me a message after being gone for less than three days?"
"I don't know."
"Thank you…tell her I say hi."
The messenger rode off.
She looked down at it and pulled it open.
'Dearest Kearilee (Karia), I have joyous news. We are of full relation…not half…your room still stands in the palace exactly how mom left it. When we get settled you should come and see their portrait…maybe we could get ours painted. Much love, Kaelea.'
She folded up the parchment and thought about that for a moment. Full relation? She shrugged and looked back to Vanidor.
"What were you trying to say when the messenger approached?"
"There was something I wanted to ask you?"
"And what would that be?"
"Do you remember a few days ago when we were talking about weddings?"
"Yes, very well."
"Well…I…wanted to ask you…if you would…consider possibly becoming engaged?"
"Engaged? As in eventually marrying? Yeah I suppose…seeing how I would like to get married and have children of my own."
He smiled and kissed her on the cheek. "Well then I will be asking you soon."
She smiled. "I-you will? Okay…normally a person doesn't warn the other…they just ask…but okay it's original…I think."
"I did not want you to think I was moving to quickly."
"I would have told you…Just try to surprise me when you ask me." She teased.
"Oh I'll make sure to do that."
She kissed him and they walked into the Inn.
~*~
The messenger stopped his horse. "Aravan of Silvanesti?"
He turned to face the messenger. "Yes?"
"Message from the Queen." He handed him the message.
He took the message with an expression of curiosity on his face. The messenger took off once more. Aravan opened the letter.
'Dearest friend, I would like to apologize for my rash behavior…I was under the influence of some rather powerful magic…and emotions. I was out of line. I forgave you long ago and I had no right to do what I did. I also wanted to thank you for attending my joining. It was a joyous day and I am glad that you were there to share it with us. You are welcome in Gelan at any time, Ria as well. I wish you all the happiness that life can bring to you. See you soon. Kaelea.'
He folded the letter back up, with a strange look on his face.
"That was nice of her." Ria stated.
"Yes it was. She will make a good ruler. She has a good heart."
"That she does. So…where were you taking me before the messenger interrupted you?"
"You'll see we're almost there." He took her hand and led her through the city until they reached the tower of the sky. They climbed the stairs of the tower and climbed to the top. She saw a view of the city and the beginning of the setting sun. She also noticed that he had laid a blanket down, a basket sitting beside it. She looked over at Aravan.
"I didn't think you were the romantic type." She teased as she sat down on the blanket. "This place is beautiful, how did you find it?"
He sat down beside her. "I found it while exploring the city a few days ago. It reminds me of the tower of the stars, at home." He took some of the food out of the basket…as well as a small box.
"Home? I haven't heard you consider Silvanesti your home in years. But yes it is quite beautiful. I would like to see it again sometime."
"Perhaps we shall go there when the war is over." He handed her the small box.
She looked up at him. "What is this?"
"It's something I bought for you. Go ahead and open it."
She looked back down to the box and lifted the lid. A star jewel glimmered inside the box. She put a hand on her mouth. "It's beautiful."
"Not as beautiful as you. Will you marry me Ria?"
She looked up at him. A happy tear in her eye. "I-yes of course I will."
He leaned in and kissed her. After wards he placed the brooch on her dress. They ate there meal and spent the night under the stars.
~*~
The messenger halted his horse again. "Message from the Queen." He handed it to her and took off for Gelan.
Lia looked at the letter and opened it.
'Dearest Kalia (Lia), I have found out wonderous news. We are of full relation. Our mother (Dilarra) was advised to give both you and Kaerilee (Karia) away as infants…trouble began to stir and so she agreed. She gave you to Kelan Denmil…he and his wife were unable to bear children of their own. Shortly thereafter, Amalia fell under the influence of Minitar, and so she took you from him. Then you were taken from her by Dantor. When you were finally rescued she decided to send you to be raised by the elves of Arden Vale. Our father would have loved to see a child of his reflection…his golden hair and his wonderful smile. You may come any time to Gelan, your home, and visit us. I will show you the portraits…and maybe we can get ours painted. Much love, Kaelea.'
She folded up the letter, with tears in her eyes.
"Are you alright?" Dakkon asked.
"I got a letter from my sister. My full sister…she-she said I look my father…and the person I used to think was my mother took me from them."
"It's good that you know. Your parents must have loved you deeply…and they must have loved each other just as much…I can tell that they must have been a beautiful couple because they made beautiful children."
"Thank you. Why did they give us up?"
"Well…what does the letter say about it?"
"That she was advised to…and there was…trouble?"
"It is said that twins being born in a kingdom is bad luck…people are afraid that the twins will challenge one another for the crown…that could be why she was advised…but I think the danger is what made her agree…she may have saved your life."
"Why? So I can…can spend three years as a prisoner of Dantor, grow up with someone who I thought was my cousin who was no relation, betreated like I wasn't even worth anything by Minitar and then the whole thing with Derek?"
"I don't think she counted on Denmil's wife betraying him and stealing you away. Yes, you went through a few hardships but you made it through and you are still alive. You are a strong woman, who has surpassed the obstacles put into your path. If you ask me it is commendable."
"Sh-she didn't want to go. Do you remember during the mission against Dantor when I told you about that dream I had where Amalia was talking to someone who she said had taken her away from…something? I think that is what she meant. Although I think you were right too. She wasn't ready to be a good parent."
"Yes…well…she did do one thing right when she gave you to Kaje and Faedra. They have been wonderful parents to you."
"Yes. And I love them as if they were my real parents. I wish father was still here…to know about us."
"He is here." He raised a hand to her heart. "He is right here in your heart. And I am sure he knows…and he is probably smiling down upon us right now. He is proud of you."
"I-I just wish he could be…with us when we are joined."
"He will be…he will be there to see it. His spirit lives on even if he doesn't."
She smiled and they continued to spend there afternoon together and watched the sunset.
~*~
Kaelea looked over some of the documents that she recently received. "Okay…Darda Galion and Lothlorien need rulers…I know Lothlorien has been abandoned but I think with the right leadership people will move back. What do you think?"
"Possibly. I know there has been talk about recolonizing it for years now."
"Well…both my sisters are princesses and this is a family matter….seeing how this land belongs to this kingdom or has rule over them…so I figure that maybe we should give them each one kingdom and whomever marries them becomes the King making them Queens. How does that sound to you?"
"It is an interesting approach. Seems like you have been thinking a lot about this."
"Well…yes, I have given it some thought…I am still trying to figure out who should get what kingdom. Maybe you could help me with that."
"Well…what have you considered so far?"
"I have considered both options and reversed roles and either way it works."
"Hmmm…this is a difficult decision. Do we have any special considerations that need to be kept in mind with either kingdom?"
"Well I suppose who they betroth would play a part in it."
"Well…I know that Vanidor is interested in Karia, but I don't know how serious he is."
"Well…I know Lia and Dakkon have had feelings toward each other for quite sometime and I believe that Dakkon acted on them. I see them becoming betrothed, potentially of course. And if that is the case…then I would consider giving them Lothlorien. It does not seem to be too difficult a responsibility and I think he would be able to get the kingdom recolonized with Lia's help of course."
"Yes,I don't really know the situation with Vanidor and Karia though. If they do get engaged, I think he could handle being king."
"Okay then it is settled. We find out if they have been betrothed. If so, everything is settled. Then we could try to work out dates for their weddings and coronation ceremonies…with their acceptance of course."
"Yes, it might be a good idea to get that first."
"Shall we send Lindar the messenger then? He seems to be very dedicated and not to mention fairly swift."
"Yes he…would be a good choice."
"What of the Silvanesti situation?"
"Well…a little worried by who is left in charge there while Silvanos has left to deal with Arden. Actually, the last report I received indicating that there is a senator temporarily in charge. Sithel has seemed to have gone off some place."
"Yes…how odd. I know that they captured Inarion and that Sithel is currently under suspicion. That leaves Aravan to inherit the throne. Is Sithel the jealous or greedy kind? If so, he may try to go after his brother."
"I don't know him very well actually. I know he's the younger son., but has gained a lot of support for the years his brother has been gone most of the time. I don't think Aravan has spent much time in Silvanesti since Galarun's death. He's become to busy hunting for the killer. I think according to what I heard from someone he was with Galarun the day of the murder. But I don't know if there is anything to that."
"Well…he won't have to worry about hunting him anymore. Karia took care of that threat. Speaking of which, I think we need to try and get the best defenders for this kingdom that we can. As of right now we stand unguarded, except for the guard at the gate, but even he needs a day off. What shall we do? We have no one at the posts and anyone could come in unexpectedly."
"Well now that people are starting to come back there are some warriors among them. It might be a good idea to reform the guard."
"So then we should put up a notice. Should there be a test of skills or should we take them at their word? And if we do decide to test their skill whom would their opponent be?"
"It might be a good idea to do some testing, but mainly as a method of deciding ranks. As for the opponent question…we could hold the test the way weapon masters do. Put them in groups and have them fight each other with foils. And as for the archers we could test them by having them shoot at targets."
"I shall leave it to you to set up then, if that is alright. That is not one of my areas of expertise."
"That will be fine."
"You seem to be learning very quickly what is needed of you as High King. I think you were born for this."
"I wouldn't go that far. I still find it hard to know if I am making the right decision."
"Well, what does your heart tell you?"
"My heart tells me that the best decision I ever made was marrying you."
She smiled. "Yes, well then it should also tell you that you are doing your best and that that is all that is expected. We listen to the people and act on that…I think that is good ruler ship, in my opinion of course." She half teased.
"Yes, good ruler ship should always have the interest of the people foremost."
~*~
A week after the messenger was sent from Kaelea, Vanidor and Karia went for their daily walk by the river. The only difference was that Vanidor suggested that they make more of an outing out of it by bringing a picnic lunch and leaving earlier than usual. Karia agreed. When they arrived at the river they ate their lunch and sat and discussed whatever came to mind.
"So, have you heard anything from your sister lately?"
"Yes…actually. Lia and I have been given a kingdom of our own. And after we marry we start rule. I got Darda Galion and Lia got Lothlorien."
"Ahh, Darda Galion is one of the most beautiful places on Mithgar."
"I haven't had the pleasure of seeing it. I am just surprised that she would be giving me, an outsider, any kind of rule over anything. I am not quite sure how well I would do."
"Do you remember on our way to the Greatwood when we saw that big waterfall? That's- that waterfall is called Bellon falls and Darda Galion is at the top of that."
"It sounds quite beautiful."
"Yes, it is. I've only been there a few times. But I would consider it the most beautiful place on Mithgar."
"Based on what I know of this world…the three continents are Thardaos, Mithgar and Arda…and I know Kaelea and Fairin reside on Thardaos. So…and I am only guessing here, but I am given land on Mithgar…so is Lothlorien on Arda?"
"Yes. It is a couple days journey from Gondor. It used to be ruled by Celeborn and Galadriel, but then it was abandoned when they went over seas after the war of the ring. And when they returned for the war of the Anachron it was recolonized for a short time, primarily with refugees from Rivendell, and then it was abandoned again when Celeborn went off with Celendrea."
"Wow…sounds kinda complicated. I think it's weird how the three sisters each get their own land…I wonder why…not that I mind or anything it's just a bit…sudden. I wasn't expecting to become a ruler of any sort. I was looking forward to sitting on the side lines and enjoying life."
"I'm not sure that people who become rulers usually want to. Sometimes it's just something you have to do for the good of the people."
"Would you want to become a ruler? I mean if given the opportunity. And if so what position would you want?"
"I'm not sure. I find it difficult enough to be temporary assistant Warder. I would not…I guess I would…have to make a decision based on the situation."
"This may be a weird question, and I am aware that this is out of the blue…but…when I leave for Darda Galion what will you do?"
"Well…that kind of brings up the subject I would like to speak to you about."
She quirked an eyebrow. "Oh, and what subject might that be?"
"I know we haven't known each other very long …but in this short time I have come to care about you very much. And I was wondering if you would do me the honor of becoming my wife."
She sat there a moment a bit shocked. She knew he had wanted to but she didn't think he had seriously been considering asking her. "Umm…me? You want to marry me?"
"Yes. I love you."
"I…well…I never thought about that before…I-are you sure? I am not entirely sure you know what you're getting yourself into."
"I know enough and yes…I am sure."
She thought a long while about this. Could she love him forever? Yes, she thought. Could she pledge herself to him? She could she thought. Then what was holding her back? Fear…the fear of the strongest commitment there is…what if something happened to him? Could she bear the pain? She would have to. She did not want to live her life without someone to love and she didn't want to spend the rest of her days alone. She would rather have loved one hour than to not have loved at all. She looked at him and a smile crept on her face. "As the saying goes on earth. It is better to have loved and lost then to have not loved at all. I do not want to turn into a cold and bitter old maid just because I made the fatal mistake of never loving again. I will admit that I am deathly afraid of this serious a commitment but I do love you and I do want this more than anything. I am not sure if I will make the best wife or if I am an easy person to live with but I know that I love you very deeply and will continue to for as long as I live. I would be a fool to say no."
Vanidor took the star jewel from his pocket and presented it to her. He placed it on her dress and then leaned in and kissed her passionately. "I love you."
"I love you too…so does this mean you're accepting the position of king?"
"I…guess it does."
"Good, then I don't have to worry about leaving you behind." She teased as she leaned in and kissed him again.
And no, posting this chapter on Valentine's Day was not planned in advance. This chapter was supposed to have been posted on Monday. And an additional disclaimer: the words used in the wedding ceremony are taken from one of the Mithgar books. (I can't remember if it's the version from Eye of the Hunter or Into the Fire, but I borrowed the ceremony from one of those books.)