The Prophecy Chapter Twenty-Seven

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Chapter Twenty-Seven: Family

"Joyous Union. Now go forth from here together and share thy joys and thy burdens in equal measure until thine individual destinies determine otherwise."

Dakkon and Lia kissed, smiles on their faces. They walked past everyone and went to their carriage, waving to everyone as they left.

"Bring the children forth." Kaelea said.

Faedra and Gildor brought the babies up, Lunea, Vanidor, Eldarion stepped forth as the godparents. They blessed the children with the 5 different elements: water, fire, air, earth, and aethyr. They sprinkled water on the children's forehead, representing the water, the dirt to represent earth, touching the hands and feet, a branch of laurel to represent air, using it to bring the smoke of smoldering eld shavings to the babies, they then illuminate the babies' face with the light from a torch to represent fire, and used a lodestone to touch the babies' hands, feet, temple and heart to represent aethyr. Fairin did this to Althea and Kaelea to Eloian. After they did this the godparents of each child pricked their finger and held it over the babies heart, allowing one drop to fall. This representing their love and devotion to the child as well as protection.

They then in unison said, "From this day forth the children shall be formally called Dara Althea and Alor Eloian."

Everybody clapped and the babies were returned to their parents. Faedra turned and looked at the people's faces who had attended. One person was missing, she didn't attend the wedding either. She walked up to Celebdhel.

"Where is Adrianna?"

"I couldn't get her to come…she is upstairs sulking over a broken heart."

"Who?"

"Some Merk." He said with slight contempt.

"Celeb, that is uncalled for. All people are equal and should not be treated as anything less." Legolas told him.

Celebdhel bowed his head. "A thousand pardons father."

"Who is he?" Faedra asked.

"I don't know I didn't recognize him."

"Is that where she disappeared to almost every night?"

"Yes she snuck out of the city." He told her.

"How long has she been doing this?"

"I don't know, but by the looks of it several months. I have never seen her like this. I would never hurt her like that."

"You have feelings for her?"

"Yes, father. I love her. I have loved her for many years now, just never had the nerve to tell her so, until recently."

"And does she love you?"

"I don't know… All I know is that she loved that…man who broke her heart."

"Maybe you should tell her how you really feel." He added.

"Father, I highly doubt that now would be the time for that."

"You may want to tell her sooner rather than later. Why did she feel she had to sneak around with this man?" Legolas stated.

"She may have known how our people tend to look down on Mercenaries and maybe she was afraid. Celeb, why did he break her heart? For what reason?" Faedra asked.

"From what I can gather, she told him she was half elven."

Faedra closed her eyes. "He broke her heart because of what she is, that is the hardest thing to get over…it's not something that can be changed…it's as if her spirit has been ripped from her limb by limb…poor girl."

"So your…in love with her? Where did the time go? I can remember when…"

"Mother!"

"Sorry. I just can't believe how much you've grown up." She turned to Faedra. "You might want to keep your eye on him. Sometimes they grow up quicker than you realize." She teased.

Faedra smiled. "You don't have to tell me that. My daughter just got married. I never thought it would come so fast, and she couldn't have done a better job. She makes me proud. Besides I already know who my little one will marry."

"Let me guess it's our newest herald?"

She nodded.

Celebdhel and Legolas exchanged looks. "A herald?" They asked in unison.

The women just smiled.

"Getting back unto topic someone should go talk to her." Legolas chimed in.

The women looked at Celebdhel. "You're the one who loves her. Go show her just how much."

He nodded and headed to the Inn.

~*~

Adrianna saw the ceremony from her window and it made her ache even more. She returned to the window sometime after she knew the ceremony would end. Everyone was still there talking and mingling. She heard footsteps coming up the stairs and the next thing she knew her door was open and Celebdhel was walking toward her.

"Celebdhel…what-" He cut her off with a kiss. She pulled back. "What are you doing?"

"Showing you how much I love you. I will never break your heart. Please give me a chance."

She looked in his eyes and saw purity and truehearted spirit. She knew he spoke the truth but how could she just throw away what she had with Parein.

"I don't know if I can. I still…"

"You still love him…I don't care about that. Let me show you I love you and maybe in time you will grow to love me."

"Celeb, now isn't the best time to get involved with me. I will just end up hurting you in the end."

"I don't care. Any time spent without you is torture. I would rather have 5 minutes with you then none at all."

"You're very sweet, but I can't…I don't want to hurt you."

"I accept you for who you really are. I don't want you to change…I love you just as you are."

Those words hit her hard. He really did love her but she had no feelings for him…she considered him a good friend but never really thought of him as anything else, he was younger than her and she just didn't see him in that way, not that she was against it. He was a very good looking young man…sweet, just wonderful but it was not who her heart belonged to.

"Celeb, I really don't know-"

"Please just give us a chance, I won't disappoint you."

She sighed. "I will have to think about it."

He nodded and embraced her. "You won't be sorry, I promise."

"I said I would think about it."

"Yes, well that is enough for me." He smiled and left the room. She sat on the bed and began to think.

~*~

"So why are we going out of the city? Where are you taking me?"

"Well, I just thought it would be nice to go for a walk. We haven't had much time to talk lately."

"Yeah it has been a bit hectic." Karia told him as they continued to walk.

"So…there's something we should talk about soon. We…need to start thinking about…setting a date."

"A date? For what?"

"For the wedding."

"Oh that."

"Yes, that."

"I-I know I love you, I have no doubts but I'm…afraid to take the next step…I'm afraid the past will repeat itself. I know it sounds silly, but…I'm scared." She stopped walking, looked down and watched her foot shuffle across the ground.

"Well…I wasn't going to suggest getting married tomorrow." He joked. "I'm just saying…that we should start thinking about it."

"I suppose your right…" She sighed. "When do you think we should?"

"I wanted to know what you thought first."

"I don't know, Vanidor, I really don't. I mean I want to…I just don't know when…what do you want to do?"

"Well, I prefer it be sooner than fifteen years from now." He teased.

She smiled weakly. "I…yeah I guess I could see that, but I mean realistically, how soon do you want to get married?"

"Not before you're ready."

"You're not answering my question. I know you don't want to pressure me. I want to know what you anticipate as a good time for you."

"Sometime within the year."

"Oh…well that sounds reasonable. I mean there are about 3 months left and I guess we could do it before January."

" Well I was thinking before, at least, next September."

"Oh." She smiled.

Suddenly a man appeared in front of them. "Ahh, Kaerilee, my wonderful niece, you have grown up and might I say you are a very stunning young lady. Too bad it won't last."

"Who are you and what do you want?"

"I am your Kelan Lomyn. I want your power."

"I'm sorry but you can't have it."

"Sorry you feel that way." He raised a hand and a red light shot out at her and she flew a few feet before hitting the ground.

"What do you think your doing coming here and…attacking my fiancée?"

" Fiancée? Hmm…You can come and watch her die."

"That's assuming I let you take her anywhere."

"And just how are you going to stop me?"

He drew his sword. Lomyn laughed sinisterly. "Please." He held out a hand and use a slight different spell with the same effect, it hit Vanidor and he fell to the floor. He picked them up, using his levitation power and orbed them out of there. He put them in the same cell and locked it behind him, leaving them to their uncomfortable and forceful slumber.

~*~

Lia and Dakkon were on their way back to Magia after there three day honeymoon. On the way, Lia felt something…something was wrong. The next thing she knew she was balled over in pain gripping her stomach.

"Chieran what's wrong?" He placed a hand on her back and bent down a bit.

"I-I don't know." She sat up. "Something's happened."

"Happened? To Karia?"

"Yes. She's hurt…and unconscious."

"Adon! We better hurry and get to the city." Dakkon grabbed the reins again and made the horses go faster. When they got close to the city they noticed something glinting, Dakkon got out and picked it up. He looked to Lia.

"It seems they took Vanidor as well. He must have dropped his sword…I would know this sword anywhere I had it made for him as a birthday gift 20 years ago." He hopped back in the carriage with the sword and they entered the city.

~*~

Gildor was sitting down and preparing to eat when he noticed that his brother's thoughts had ceased. Something was wrong. He paled and instantly everyone knew something was wrong.

"What's wrong?" Celebdhel asked.

"I-felt something."

Luthan raised an eyebrow as he took his seat. "What did you feel?"

"I don't know how to explain it. It's like…I can't sense…"

"Can't sense your brother's thoughts but know that he is alive?"

"Yes."

"He's unconscious. Lomyn took them." Luthan explained.

"Lomyn? You mean…my father?"

"Yes, Lyna, your father. He wants to strip her of her powers. He is a power thief, just as you are a borrower. That is how you escaped Kris you borrowed a power…it has resurfaced again."

"That was what I used against Intathin too wasn't it? That was a power he had."

"Yes. I don't know exactly where he took them but I know it is dark and they are in a dungeon or cell of some sort. It has a wooden door, a bed or two, and nothing else."

Kaelea dropped her fork. Her face was pale and she began to shake. "I…know…" She trailed off in a whisper.

Fairin looked at her concern, crossing his features. "Are you alright?"

"He's taken them…to his lair…"

"We've got to do something." Gildor stated.

"I don't remember how we got there. I know it is surrounded by forest and deep in a mountain…but it isn't accessible by foot, unless of course you're Lomyn and his minions."

"Well, we can't just leave them there for him to…"

"They won't die. They will escape…it may be a few days but they will survive this…although Karia will come very close to death." Luthan explained.

"What…what do you mean?" Lia asked as Dakkon entered the room behind her carrying Vanidor's sword.

"You guys are back! How did it go?" Faedra asked, trying to change the topic.

Lia and Dakkon exchanged looks. "It went well…obviously…we're still kind of in the honeymoon stages. Who knows we may never leave this stage. I like this one personally." He smiled.

"In other words you two are going to give us competition." Fairin stated.

"Not necessarily I mean you guys are still going strong after months of marriage."

"Yes…well…that's the way love works. For that matter, look at some of the people who have been married for years."

"True."

Kaelea stood up. "Excuse me." She walked briskly from the room.

Fairin stood a bit concerned and went after her.

"So are we going to do anything?" Lia asked.

"We won't have to. All we have to do is wait." Luthan replied.

"Yeah, well I don't want to wait while my sister is in the hands of the person who had our parents killed."

"Lia I realize how much you are upset right now, but Vanidor and Karia will be able to free themselves. And they will return here as soon as they do."

"But you-you said she was…going to…"

"She will not die. And that is the main point here. She will survive, she will come close to death and she will take time to recover because of what he does to her. The only way he can steal a power is to go into her blood stream and extract it and it is rather painful."

"We have to do something. I can't just wait here knowing that…you don't understand. I …it's like part-part of-"

"I know. It's like you're afraid of losing apart of yourself." Gildor stated. "I don't like waiting anymore than you do."

"The only person who knows where she is and how to get there left this room and can't remember. All she can remember is that it's a suicide mission, unless your Lomyn and his minions." Legolas added.

"What about his family?" Calyna asked.

"Killed on sight I am sure, unless he has taken them prisoner of course." Luthan answered again.

"But maybe…if we knew where it was…maybe I could…do something." Calyna added.

"No. You will never make it up to him. His minions are creatures that have no distinction between family and enemy; they kill everyone, it is how they eat."

"But maybe…people I'm connected to have already, hurt all of you enough. I can't let my father hurt them."

"Calyna you have no ties to your father except blood. But that doesn't make him family…in name yes but that is all, your real father was Xan, he raised you and so thus he is the father you know. I will not allow you to go there and try to save them when you will just die. If his minions do not kill you, he will."

"I-I have his power don't I?"

"You have a minor version. You are no match against him. Believe me when I tell you this. You have not been trained and so you have no idea how to control your power and use it on command. I can see altered futures and changed pasts, he will kill you."

"You mean that's actually become what will happen?"

"Yes. If you don't change whatever plan you think you formed and rid it from your mind it will lead to action and thus to your death."

"Well, maybe that's better than witnessing the deaths of everyone else."

"They are not going to die, even in the altered future. She will use her power to release Vanidor from his bonds but Lomyn is resistant against it due to a protection spell, that given time she can break. But she won't have that time until Vanidor can knock him out or distract him long enough for her to get herself together."

"Will she still be hurt if I go?"

"Yes. Besides you wouldn't know how to get there or where to find her. How would you get there?"

"Apparently I would find a way in a future in which I do."

"The only way you will go is if I tell you the location and I am not going to send you to your death."

"Well, how did I get there in the altered future I saw?"

"Calyna get this absurd and rashness out of your mind. It is stupid to throw yourself into an impossible situation, yes you feel guilty for how you used to treat her but she is over that, yes your guilty for killing your baby but you had that right…it's your child who would have grown to destroy everything that we would have known. And yes you are upset Kris died but he did not die as the man you loved. The man you loved is long gone, he died 5 years ago."

"Calyna I am not going to let you go. I have every right to hold you here, magically or otherwise. And I will if I have to." Wesley stated.

"Well if my child would have been so evil, what does that make me? You all say that my baby would have been evil because his father was, well my father's evil to so what does that make me?"

"Calyna you are nothing like your father. Yes, you had a strange past, but that has nothing to do with whom your father is or you. There are extenuating circumstances to everything. Your child would have been taken by Kane and made in his image…you would have had no control over that. You wouldn't have been able to protect him from Kane. No one could have. He has the power to create portals and can come and go without being seen or heard. It was out of your hands, and I wish you would stop being so damn stubborn…because you would have seen that. I understand you want to try to make up for what happened in your life, but it was all out of your hands…you are a wonderful person who has all of us who care for you. None of us want to see you throw your life away and that is exactly what you would be doing if you went on this mission, by yourself or not."

"Well…I've known since I was a teenager that I can never be part of the light." Calyna stood and walked to the door, and as she heard what Wesley said she stopped to face the group.

Wesley slammed his hands on the table. "Damnit Lyna!.You make your own goddamn future. You have been in the light for sometime now. If you can't see that I suggest you do soul searching. We would not be here with you right now if you were not in the light. Yes you had a few obstacles but so has everyone sitting here, and some were worse than yours. You don't see any of us trying to throw away our lives. Kaje didn't sacrifice himself to save our people so that you could throw his sacrifice away and throw away your life. He cared for all of us so much that he died for us, even without seeing his child born. That in itself was a huge sacrifice. Stop being so goddamn selfish and try and think of what he did for us and what we are all trying to do as a team, which means you. We cannot do anything with anyone dead, everyone counts, even you."

"Yeah well, maybe it's time I did something like my sister."

"Your fate is not to die. Everyone dies for a reason and at the right time. It is not your time. Your future contains nothing but happiness; you will marry Ayon and have several kids. You will make a wonderful mother and you mean a great deal to all of us. Your sister killed herself because she had no other alternatives. What you don't understand is that your sister and I were soul mates and were married. Nobody knows because we did it in secret. Our joining was special, our souls not just our lives were joined. One cannot survive without the other. When I sacrificed myself I did it for the good of the people. Yes, I didn't think of what would happen to her but the only way to save them and everyone else was to sacrifice myself, trust me, I know."

"So it was…real. The vision. When Elfarran came to us that day…I saw that the two of you would get married some day. That you would be bonded, even more than your father and I are."

"We knew right away as soon as our eyes met that we were meant for each other and no one else. I loved her more than life itself. So we made the decision that if one of us die we both go together knowing we wouldn't be able to live without each other. It is so hard for me to look at Kaelea without embracing her. She has Elfarran's spirit and reminds me of her. She was reborn because of how she died, she was given a second chance, but has no memory of the past, or her past life. She is happy with Fairin as happy as she was with me, we must never tell her, she must never know."

"What? You didn't…say she was completely reborn." Calyna stated in surprise.

"But the life bond couldn't have remained as well. Or she would know. The loss of a soul mate, a bonded soul mate, is almost impossible to survive. As far as I know, Only two people have survived the permanent loss of that bond." Aravan stated.

"The only reason Faedra survived the soul bond is because he became reborn as Eloian, making the soul bond transfer to the child. So if anything happens to her or her child the other will die. Unless he attempted to only make it a life bond…but no one knows what he did. And Gildor only survived because of his bond to his brother. Because Karia helped Vanidor reopen the bond, it became stronger, and Vanidor would not let him go."

"Are the soul bonds similar to those of the twins?" Ria asked.

"The twins are soul bonded they are born that way, nothing is stronger than the bond between twins."

"So you mean…if one dies…the other dies as well." Calyna stated.

"Yes…this means that because Karia will get close to death so will Lia. She will wake up and just not be able to move, she will be way too tired, she won't feel anything that Karia goes through, and if she does it won't be nearly as bad as it is with her. Her whole body will ache and tingle, when Karia will be screaming. And based on what I can see….she will be blocking most of the bond to save you. You may not even become close to death because of her doing so. I never share this with anyone, so you should all feel rather privileged. It is not easy to have my gift. I see everything whether it be tragedy or happiness, and most of the time I am not allowed to interfere, but enough is enough. No more throwing lives away and no more sacrifices things must happen as they happen…Everyone here is destined to live for quite sometime so let's make that happen."
"But you said that you see alternate futures every time someone makes a decision." Calyna stated

"Yes, I did but it doesn't mean the alternate will happen. Your mind has already been changed. You will live and be happy."

"Okay and I even know who I will marry." She said lightening up the subject.

"Yes…you do…the only reason I told you was to show you what I was talking about…I had no other alternative but to tell you."

Ayon stood up and walked over to her. "I was planning to wait a little while to do this, but since it's kind of come up…" He kneeled down in front of her. "Lyna, will you marry me?"

She smiled. "Yes, I will."

Ayon stood and they embraced.

"Awwwwww." Everyone said together, as if they planned it.

~*~

"There's something I…want to talk to you about."

Legolas clasped his hands behind his back as he walked beside her. "What a coincidence, me too. But you can go first."

"Well, do you remember when we became engaged and we talked about having a family? Well…I was wondering how you would feel about having more children?"

"Are you sure you're up to it?"

"I…yes."

"Well, then I see no more need for discussion."

"So what did you want to talk about?"

"Oh…well you know how Dakkon and I have the same last name?"

"Yes."

"Well, I found it odd so when they returned I decided to talk with him. It turns out that we are brothers."

"Well that explains why you have the same last name."

"And it explains why we are good friends. I mean we had a lot in common to begin with, and I mean he did look a lot like Thranduil…I guess I never put two and two together before."

"Well, you didn't hear his last name until the joining. Do you know what happened to his mother?"

"Well…she got tired of watching Thranduil chase other women and so she left and took him with her. He refused to allow her to take me. I can't imagine why. It's not like I ever loved the man."

"Well he…was a little much at times."

"At times? No my dear he was like that all the time."

"And it did cause some problems. Remember in Minas Tirith at that gathering, when he had two women fighting over him?"

Legolas rolled his eyes, "Don't remind me."

"Sorry."

Celebdhel walked up to them. "Good morrow."

"Ah Celeb, how you would feel about having a few siblings?"

"You guys are going to have more children? Good for you."

"Yes we are. So, did you talk to Adrianna?"

"Yes I did…actually I kissed her."

"That wasn't what we meant when we asked you to talk to her."

His smile faded. "Well…what exactly did you mean?"

"Well not that."

"Well, I think it may have worked…She has agreed to go to the river with me tonight. I have set up a nice romantic evening for us. I can't believe this is happening. It is a dream come true."

"Celeb, be careful. If the Mercenary ever comes to his senses she may leave you."

"I don't want to think about that."

"But you should."

"Why can't you ever just let me happy? Is that so hard a request?"

"We both want you to be happy." Ayala chimed in.

"Well, he could have fooled me."

"Sorry, that wasn't my intention. I just want you to be aware. I don't want you to get your heartbroken."

"I would have rather been with her for five minutes than not at all."

"You love her that much?"

"Yes, I do. I want to marry her and I want her to be the mother of my children."

"Isn't that moving a little quickly? You just got her to agree to go out with you. You should wait until you've known her a little longer before you make a decision like that." Ayala asked.

"I will wait as long as it takes."

"Well, just sometimes it's not a good idea to commit that fully with the first person you fall in love with."

"And why not? You and father have been together for ever…and he was your first love and you were his."

"Yes, but it almost didn't work out for us. I may have been his first love but I am his second wife."

"Well, I will see how this goes. I couldn't be happier than I am right now…at this second."

"Just be careful. I don't want to see you hurt."

He smiled, kissed her forehead and ran off.

Legolas looked at his wife. "He is recklessly in love and she is bound to break his heart."

"I know. I would do anything to prevent him from knowing how that feels."

"I guess that is the price when you are young and fall in love for someone quickly and so deeply."

"Well someone you've known forever could break your heart too."

"Chieran, I was under a spell…I would have never left you if I could have prevented it. I regret every second of the time we were apart. I love you so much that sometimes it hurts but I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. My life would be incomplete without you."

"I love you too. And…as hard as that time was for both of us there was one good thing that came out of it."

"Yes…Luthan, where would be without him?"

"I don't know that's not something I want to contemplate. I'm so glad he's back."

"You and me both. I feel as if a part of me has returned to make me whole again."

"So…are you going to ask him how he would feel about having more siblings?"

"I am sure he already knows. Nothing gets past him these days." He teased.

"I noticed."

He wrapped an arm around her and they continued their walk, reminiscing of old times and trying to figure out how many children they wanted and how many of each sex. And then trying to name them.

~*~

Tears began to stream down Karia's face, the amount of pain she was feeling right now was indescribable. She had already managed to loose several pints of blood, and could no longer struggle or fight it. He was standing over her with his arms raised, the power trying to escape her but it was too deep within her. Her blood came out of her arms and it felt as if every blood vessel in her body had burst in order to allow it to happen, which is exactly what happened. The blood was pouring out of her and she didn't know how much longer she would be able to hold on. She looked for Vanidor and met his eyes, by this time, her tears began to come out as blood and one had just begun to fall down her cheek.

Vanidor saw the pain in her eyes, and began to struggle again. He couldn't let her die, he couldn't watch it. She was weakened and getting closer and closer to death, it was amazing she held out as long as she did. She spent half a day fighting Lomyn as well as death and he could tell by looking at her that she couldn't do it much longer.

Minutes passed and Lomyn still didn't have her powers but her blood supply was running very low. She began to fall in and out of consciousness…and at this point began to welcome death. She had been through so much pain that she just wanted it to stop…her entire body felt numb and she could feel her body temperature dropping rapidly…she didn't have much longer…she couldn't hold on for much longer.

By some kind of miracle Vanidor was finally able to break free of his restraints. He had to stop Lomyn before his beloved died…he looked around the room for some kind of weapon, he was in luck the whole room was filled with them. He grabbed one of the swords and snuck up behind Lomyn, even though Lomyn wouldn't have heard an elephant approaching, and hit him on the head with the hilt of the sword, hard. Lomyn fell limp immediately and fell to the floor. The restraints that had held Karia released automatically and she fell to the floor, face down.

Vanidor rushed to her side. His heart skipped a beat. Was she dead? He turned her over, and pulled her away from the puddle of blood she had fallen into. He knew she was dying and had to act quick if he was to save her. His thoughts repeating over and over in his head. He couldn't lose her, he wouldn't. He scanned her body and found what needed to be healed internally and did just that. He went way beyond the normal limit of his powers and it was all possible because of his love for her. He healed everything he could, but she remained non-responsive. She was alive but she was very near death. All of the color was gone from her body and she began to look like a corpse.

Vanidor remembered that she needed blood and that she would have to kill…his glance immediately fell upon Lomyn. He dragged Lomyn's body over and knew he would have to get her to drink. He slit Lomyn's wrist and brought it to her mouth, allowing his blood to fall upon her lips. Moments passed before any reaction occurred. Without her eyes opening her body just reacted. Her hands sprung up and clasped on the wrist and her mouth opened, bringing the wrist to her and she drank. As she did so some of the color returned to her face, making her less corpse like but she was still very pale. After she finished her hands and Lomyn's hand fell limp and she began a deep slumber, just barely escaping death.

Vanidor knew he must get them to safety but knew that they couldn't possibly travel back to Magia until she returned to full health. He picked her up and scanned the room for an exit. He found the door.

As exhausted as he was he was he somehow managed to get them by the minions unnoticed and into a safe zone within the surrounding area. As soon as he managed to build some sort of shelter he was unable to stay awake any longer and he passed out beside her.

~*~

The moon had just risen and Celebdhel and Adrianna were making there way toward the forest and stopped at a nearby tree, but somewhat secluded, so that no one from the Inn could disturb them.

"Thank you for coming out here with me."

"I need some fresh air. I have been stuck in that Inn for nearly three weeks. I hope it does me some good."

"Well, I went to the liberty of having a few things prepared for the occasion."

At that moment she stopped walking. She spotted the blanket and candlelit meal that was set up and waiting for them.

"Celeb this is very sweet, but I can't. I am not ready for another relationship…I'm sorry."

"It's only dinner."

"No, it's a romantic dinner for two. If you don't mind I think I will walk a bit on my own. I am flattered really but I can't." She turned and ran from the scene. She went until she found a bench near her favorite place. She sat down and looked up at the sky.

Parein just arrived in the city and he saw her sitting by herself and looking at the night sky. He was thinking of how badly he messed up and how he could make it up to her. He watched for a while and then he decided to approach her.

"Anna."

Her eyes widened and her heart ached. He came back for her. She wanted to turn around and embrace him but at the same time she wanted to kill him. "What are you doing here?" She asked quietly without looking at him or turning to face him.

"I realized that I made a big mistake. And I could not allow my pride to rule my actions again. I came back to try and make it up to you."

"Do you have any idea what you put me through?" She turned to look at him, pain in her eyes.

"I-I'm sorry."

"You're sorry? You're sorry? You're a little late…to be sorry." Anger tinged her voice.

"I know what I did was wrong and I want to do whatever I can to make it up to you. Earlier, I acted against what was in my heart and I could not go against it anymore. I love you Anna, and I want to do whatever is in my power to become someone worthy of you."

"You have a very interesting way of showing your love for me. You broke my heart in to tiny pieces and the wound is so fresh that it hasn't even begun to heal. I love you more than life itself…I went against everything my people believe in just to be with you and to see you and this is how you repay me?" She stood up and her fists were clenched by her sides.

"I left the company. I could not allow the prejudices of what we are get in the way of how I feel for you. I want to help you and your people to win this war."

"It's a little late. Your prejudices did get in the way. I mean did you honestly expect to receive my forgiveness? What you did to me hurt so much that I thought I would die, it still does. It feels as if you threw all the time we spent together away and treated it as if it was meaningless to you. I mean was it? Am I really that horrible of a person? Was I just an assignment for you?"

"No. I know what I did was wrong. And I know I hurt you. And I don't know if I have any right to expect you to forgive me, I just know I have to try and make it up to you."

Every thought and every feeling in her body told her to run to him but her head told her no. And her heart betrayed her. She still loved him and indeed wanted more than life itself to run into his arms and forgive him completely.

"I… don't know if you can. I don't know if I should kill you or if I should love you…Why? Why did you do it? I don't understand."

"It is a long story and there are things in my past that I prefer to leave buried. But whatever decision you make…there is something you need to know. My former company has been hired by the Dark Circle, along with several other companies and as many foul folk as they can muster. They are preparing to mount a big attack on the city."

She thought about this for a moment. "How do I know that this isn't a setup? I don't know if I can even trust you anymore…I hate you but at the same time I still love you."

"I have no proof that I can show, but if you will trust me enough to arrange for me to meet with some of the others, then I will give them what information I have to allow you to prepare for this attack."

She bowed her head and thought about everything they just discussed. She knew that she trusted him and knew he made a sacrifice for her…but was it enough to overshadow the pain? "How do I know that you will never hurt me again? What is my guarantee?"

"I…don't know if I can promise that. I love you and I will never turn away from you like I did before. But I know that people can hurt the one they love with out meaning to. But I will never intentionally hurt you."

"I want you to prove to me you love me and that you will never turn away from me, that you can accept me the way I am, for who I am."

He looked around, picked a red flower, walked up to her, brushed the hair from her face and placed the flower behind her ear, by her hair. He dropped his hand to her cheek and looked into her eyes. "I love you."

She looked away for a moment, but knew what she saw in his eyes was truly love and that he meant every word of what he said. She looked back up at him and met his eyes again. "That's a good start." She said quietly.

He stroked her cheek and smiled. He then leaned in and kissed her, putting all of his love into the kiss. She melted into it and had to place her hands on his shoulders to prevent from falling.

~*~

"Celebdhel…where is Adrianna?"

"She's-"

"I'm right here." She said as she came in holding Parein's hand, and walking in next to him.

Gasps spread through the room.

"What is the meaning of this Adrianna?" Faedra asked.

"Parein has some information that would be very beneficial for us to hear."

"So you bring a Mercenary into our private dining quarters?" Dakkon asked.

"He is on our side. He left his company to come and help us. The Dark Circle hired his company to wage a war against us."

"And how do you know he is not going to betray us?" Ria asked.

"Because he loves me."

Another round of gasps spread through the room.

"I do have one thing that may be considered proof that I was once on your side." He lifted up his sleeve, revealing a dragon tattoo on his upper arm.

"You-that's the symbol of the… company that Minatar took over." Lia stated.

"Yes, he did take it over…but before that we did fight on the side of good. In fact several generations ago our company was started by one of the mages, one by the one of Ierik."

The murmuring stopped as they heard of the name of one of the good mages. Luthan had remained quiet throughout. For he knew that Parein was indeed speaking the truth.

"He wants to help us. I know what everyone thinks of Mercenaries and usually it is met with the same feelings but not in this case. He is on our side. Ask Luthan I am sure he could tell you whether Rein is speaking the truth or not."

"You-you were the leader. But…you died in a battle." Lia paused as a strange expression came across her face. "No, that battle never happened…that was the same battle where they said my father died. But he didn't for several years. There was no battle was there?"

"No. Only betrayal from Minatar." He looked at Lia. "You're Amalia's child aren't you? You're Kalia."

% as dead. That must have meant that Minatar betrayed him and was the one to kill him. Which means that he forced his control over the group, which also means that Parein wasn't part of it."

"Yes, but look at what happened to your family because of all that. After all he took your uncle's wife with him."

"Yes, I am aware of the events that transpired, I am also aware that my parents were ridiculed for what they did, but it is not because of what happened it is because they defied the beliefs of our people, they became unbiased, which is how they raised me and how I am by nature. I want to re-enact that alliance, even if it means I do it alone."

"Entering into an alliance like that, is a big step though. How do we know their aren't others like Minatar out there."

"We don't. But I know that my parents wouldn't have taken that huge step if they didn't believe in what they were doing. Minatar killed Parein as a means to prevent such an alliance, I will not have it happen again. The fact that the two groups have two members who have fallen in love, will set a precedent that anything is possible. It will help our cause not harm it. And I am sure if his original clan knew that he still lived that they would join him. Power can be broken. It is only magic after all. It does not rule our lives. Yes, I am sure that there will be obstacles but that is what life is all about. I am ready to take the risk because I feel the cause is worthwhile."

"Yes, but if your parents hadn't given that company as much freedom as they did within the kingdom then they might have had a chance to see one of their other children grow up."

"So we negotiate with them and set boundaries. It is easy enough. If they want this alliance they will work with us. Adrianna and Parein seem to want it."

"Alright. After we win this war then we will see about an alliance."

She smiled and bounced on the bed. "I knew I loved you for a reason."

"And maybe this time, more of the elven people will be willing to join it."

"I am sure they will." She smiled and reached up to kiss him. "See why it is a benefit to have such an unbiased wife?"

"Yes. Definitely one of the best benefits of the job." He teased. "This is the first time since becoming king that I have understood why so many of the kingdoms use heralds. Sometimes I miss my sister so much."

"She left something just as wonderful as she was behind."

"I know. I was wondering how you would feel about asking one of the heralds not currently attached to a kingdom to come to Gelan."

"I would think that a wise decision. We should probably ask Ayon. Seeing how Tolar is currently not attached to someone it would be wise to keep him in the field."

"Yes. We can talk to him tomorrow morning."

~*~

A guard entered the common room and walked up to Fairin. "Coron, I thought you might like to know that Adrianna and that mercenary left the city last night and have yet to return."

Silence over took the room. Luthan stood. "Before you get any ideas she will be back this evening. She did not go off and betray anyone."

"Yeah right. They probably went to find his company and tell them our plans." Aravan muttered.

"I have shared much with all of you these past couple days, I cannot share anything else. Her news is for her to tell you."

"Well how do you know what your seeing is right? You said you see altered versions of the future." Aravan replied again.

"You must stop questioning what I see. Once something is acted upon it becomes the future and the other is wiped out. I-"

"Then why did you say that you see altered futures and changed pasts?"

"Because I do. It is very complicated to explain to you."

"Just out of curiosity, if you're not going to trust Luthan, who exactly would you trust?" Ayala asked him.

"I have seen no proof that seers can always be trusted."

"Everything he has told us has been proven time and time again. Are you just going to disregard that? Just because Aylis lied about most the things that she told you doesn't mean that Luthan is. He has no reason too. He is on our side and always has been." Faedra stated.

"And since when did this turn into attack seers anyway?" Lia asked.

"When did this become attack Adrianna for being a half-breed? This whole situation has gotten out of control." Tolar chimed in.

"Yeah and as someone who was raised believing they were half-elven I don't like how you or the humans treat these so called half-breeds."

"Which is more reason for all of us to change this prejudice…this will be one of my priorities, and I know Gelan will go with it, they did once and will again. Now all we need is to let it spread throughout all kingdoms. It may be against what we believe in but it shouldn't be beyond us to change it and make it right. We should consider all to be equal, we are not superior by any means. We will live the longest of all the races and so we should set a precedent that will last along with our people."

"Lorien will go along with your decision." Lia answered.

"And Arden Vale will as well." Faedra chimed in.

"So will Mirkwood." Legolas answered.

"And so will Gondor." Wesley answered.

"Well, it sounds like you have your alliance." Aravan muttered.

"No, we do not, not completely. For this to work we need all kingdoms, that includes Silvanesti and Rivendell." Kaelea answered.

"Yes, for the time being you don't have the support of Silvanesti. And unless my father gives it, you won't."

She smiled. "Your father has been protecting refugees from Gelan for many years now, I am positive that he will. Your mother is a distant relative of mine, how do you think you got your dark hair? My mother and yours were first cousins."

"Yes, and you saw how my brother felt about that. See on Krynn, with the exception of my mother and I, only elves from the lowest class, the Kaganesti have dark hair."

"Your brother is dead, so his opinion doesn't matter." Luthan jabbed.

"Are we fighting…again?" Calyna asked as she entered the room, wearing a star jewel and sitting next to her fiancée.

Ayon turned to her. "Where having more of the discussion from last night. There's something I want to ask you. How would you feel about living in Gelan?"

"So are we- I-I don't know. Does that mean you wouldn't go away all the time." Calyna asked.

"He won't be going away at all. We have field heralds for that."

"Well…I can't promise that I'll never have to go anywhere, but I can promise that I'll always come back to you."

Calyna looked at him with a slight smile on her lips. "I'll make sure you keep that promise. If you don't I might have to come find you."

"As touching as this all is, can we get back to the matter at hand?" Aravan asked.

Dakkon stood. "First of all, Aravan, this isn't a matter for the masses to be discussed. It is the High kings decision, as well as the Queens. They have already agreed to re-enact the peace within the two people and I am sure it won't end there. As for what happens when Adrianna gets back that is for them to decide as well. We have all heard you're extremely bias and prejudiced remarks and I for one won't hear any more."

"Or are you just supporting them because your wife does?"

"That has nothing to do with it. I support them because I believe them to be right and they don't abuse their power. I suggest you go and think about everything. You are overreacting and being a big jerk right now. You need to get past your prejudices and biases, especially if you are to be king. If we can so can you."

Ria put a hand on Aravan's hand and put some pressure on it, as if to pull him down.

"You know maybe I should have just left back in Gondor. That was what your High King wanted wasn't it?"

"That was in the past Aravan and you had been under a powerful influence. Please stop throwing everything out of proportion. All we are asking you to do is think about things."

"How many of you have actually met the Mighty Dragons?"

"We have…and most of them weren't bad. It is Minatar who needs to be stopped; he is the one holding the influence. You of all people should understand what that can be like, to have no control. They are merely his puppets." Wesley chimed in.

"And if he can't control someone with mind control he finds other ways, such as destroying any chance of independence they may have." Lia added.

Ria looked at Aravan. "Avan, please, sit. Let us think about this and then talk about like adults. We are all friends here. There is no need to insult anyone or argue about this. I don't want to see this group torn apart by this let alone this war. Please." She told him gently, compassion in her voice.

"You know when we find more Heralds, maybe there's another kingdom we should send one too." Ayon teased, trying to lighten things up.

"Or maybe you should go there. Instead of taking the job of someone who hasn't even been… gone for three months." Gildor exclaimed.

"We are aware how fresh her death is, and yes the position was supposed to be hers, but because of her death we are forced to find another, and like it or not we have chosen Ayon. We cannot wait for Thea to come of age. We have a kingdom and we have inhabitants thus we need a complete hierarchy." Kaelea told him gently.

"It was a very hard decision to make. Your not the only one who mourns for her. She was my little sister."

"We all mourn for her." Luthan added.

"I know. It's just…" He sighed. "I miss her so much. It's like…I've lost part of myself."

"I would understand that more than anyone here. I lost Kaje about 7 months ago and it is still as fresh as the day it happened. The only thing pushing me through this is little Eloian. I would be lost without him, just as you would be lost without Althea. They are gifts of the love we shared with our mates, take that and know she was forged from that love and thus Isethia will always live in Thea and your heart."

Gildor looked down at his child, asleep in his arms. "I know. She is all I have left."

"That doesn't mean to get all overprotective on her either." She teased.

"I think it's a little late for that." Fairin stated.

"Not if I can help it." Faedra answered.

"And by the way Fairin, you're in no position of accusing someone else of being overprotective." Gildor teased.