The Prophecy Chapter Twenty-Eight
Feb. 19th, 2007 06:11 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
skieblueChapter Twenty-Eight: Alliance
Quiet conversation was going on in the common room after dinner, when Adrianna and Parein entered they were hand in hand.
As soon as someone saw them silence swept over the room.
"Look who finally decided to return." Ria stated.
"Welcome back." Fairin said.
"Thank you." Adrianna replied.
"So why did you two leave anyway?" Tolar asked.
"We just needed to get away."
"That's understandable." Lia answered. "Some people weren't very nice after all."
"Yes, well it helped to get away and clear our heads." She told Lia.
"Well…you are welcome here. And…while you were gone we made a decision to reform the alliance between the elves and the Mighty Dragons. Provided you get Minatar out of power." Fairin stated.
"I'm looking forward to that job. Maybe we can even find others who would be willing to join the new Mighty Dragons." Parein answered.
"You could continue in your role as allies to the circle of mages as well. Now that the rest of us know about you." Lunea said.
"This makes us very happy. You will not regret this. Thank you all so much!" Adrianna said with a smile on her face.
"Well at times like this, we all need to be united. We don't have time for bias and prejudice." Ayon told her.
"I definitely agree." She said.
Lia and Calyna both happen to notice that the two of them had gold rings on their left ring fingers. They knew why they left.
"It looks like you had a productive trip." Calyna said lightly.
Adrianna knew what she was talking about and her eyes widened slightly. "Um…yeah I guess. We shed some light on things." She said kind of nervously.
"Well, that's a good thing." Lia answered.
"Yes, it's definitely a good thing." Calyna responded.
"Well…yes we think so."
"So what was that exchange about?" Ayala asked.
"About us thinking things over and using our time wisely." Adrianna covered.
"That's why you were speaking in some kind of code?" Ayala asked with a quirked brow.
"I don't understand what you're talking about. There is no code."
"Except for the emphasis on the word good." Ayon answered.
Faedra noticed something glinting and noticed that they were both wearing rings. "Why are you both wearing rings?"
"Oh…that. It's…a symbol of…what we feel for each other." Parein answered.
"Has anyone ever told you you're a bad liar?" Aravan added.
"We're not lying. It is a symbol of our love for each other."
"If it really was he could have just came out and said it. It sounded like he was trying to remember a script someone wrote for him." Aravan retorted again.
"What are you insinuating? It is a token of our love. And if you don't like it than don't look at them."
"Or…maybe you bought rings to cover up what you were really doing."
"They weren't doing anything wrong. The rings are just what they say they are." Lia answered.
"I would never hurt my people so the fact that you insinuate other wise is rather disturbing." Adrianna retorted.
"Yes, but we're not your only people are we?"
"Aravan you seem to be the only one against this relationship. I am sorry if you don't like change, but I love him with all my heart and nothing is going to change that, not even you."
"And what would Elodin say if he was here."
"I am sure he would be very happy for me."
"Yes, after all he married a human too."
Adrianna bit her lip. "I am going to retain myself from dropping to your low. If you feel this way than your father is a better king than you could ever be, because he is at least open minded."
"And last I knew, it wasn't a crime to marry a human. My first wife was a human, and no one complained when we got married. In fact, Thranduil performed the joining."
"Yes, well, maybe Thranduil was just relieved that a mere guard wasn't trying to marry one of his daughters, after all, his heir had already married a guard."
Legolas stood. "That is enough. You will not insult my family. I don't know what has happened to you in the past few months but this behavior is unacceptable. Don't make me call upon your father."
"I didn't even say everything I could have said. I was merely saying that your father's blessing doesn't mean that he approved of elven-human relationships."
"Your father does." Luthan answered.
"Well, they aren't very common on Krynn. But I've never actually discussed the topic with him."
"Funny, you think there would be more." Luthan stated.
"Are we done having an argument on the side?" Calyna asked. "This isn't getting anything accomplished."
"Well, last I knew the conversation didn't concern you. Did you just decide to speak up because you didn't like to be reminded that he was married before?" Aravan retorted.
"I don't mind being reminded of Aine. She was one of the first friends I made."
"Well, you don't seem to mind taking her husband."
Ria stood up. "What the hell has happened to you? You know just because Aylis was a half-breed and all she did was lie to you doesn't mean that their all that way. I'm not…and half-breeds run in my family…I'm not one but some people in my family are." She turned and walked out of the room.
"You know why don't you just…stop talking before everyone in the room hates you." Calyna stated.
"Yeah…your giving orders now are you? Didn't like my insulting your fiancé?"
"Well, yes I didn't like that. I also didn't like you insulting Aine. Or, Adrianna. Or, all the others you've insulted."
"Well, let's see, so far I've insulted a half-breed, someone who spread Hazia to several people on Arda. And who, if I remember correctly, was involved with Intathin. SO going on from there, I also seemed to insult someone who seems to like taking the cast offs of the Dark Lord. And…a family who doesn't stop having affairs."
Luthan stood up and faced Aravan. "Well…let's see…your mother is a half breed and you are the result, you are not full blooded elven. How does that make you feel? Your parents married because she was pregnant with you. They were in love but not near enough, and not as much as they are now. Before you start making cheap shots, look at yourself and your family. Your brother was an incompetent twit and you are beginning to get on my nerves. You have potential to be a great king. Don't throw that away."
"Yeah well that's the same reason your parents got married. And they weren't even in love-"
"My parents are sitting right here and are very much in love. Yes, I had a birth mother but that doesn't make her my mother. Ayala is the only mother I have known and it will remain that way. You better bite your tongue or Adon save me you won't have one left."
"Well…I guess I'll just leave then." He turned and walked out with no specific destination in mind.
~*~
Ria looked out at the city. This was the best spot in the entire city. She loved this spot, still does. She let out a deep sigh and bowed her head. 'He still thinks of Aylis…he still loves her…I knew it was too good to be true…he is so full of rage and anger, I don't even think I can get through to him. I don't know how. Whatever is going on inside him he has chosen to keep it from me…does he not trust me?'
Aravan climbed the tower. He saw Ria sitting on the ledge with her head bowed and her feet dangling. 'I love her, so much. How can she still love me after what I did to her? How can she even stand to see me?' A part of him wanted to turn away but the other part of him wanted to take her in his arms and never let her go.
"Why? Why is he so angry? Did I cause this? Did I do something wrong? I have tried so hard to get through to him, but he hides something from me…he's guilty about something…what did I do Lorien? I love him so much it hurts. Why do you torture me so? You are supposed to help and give guidance, and I do not feel your presence. I will never leave his side, no matter what happens…I can't hate him, no matter what he does…All I can do is love him…I know we're meant to be together…I can feel it in every part of my being. When I am away from him I am miserable. When I look into his eyes I can see his love for me and I can see that we will truly be happy together…I will not loose him, not to anything or anyone, I will die first. DO you hear that? I will die first!" She semi shouted as she looked up into the sky, talking to her god.
Aravan stepped forward and walked into the room. "Ria" He almost whispered.
She turned and as she did so wiped a tear from her eye. "Avan…"
"Ria…I do love you. You mean more to me than anyone…but I don't see how you cou-could feel the same. Not after everything I did to you."
She turned completely around and faced him. "I-What are you talking about? You love me and that is all that matters."
"I remember everything now. I know what I did to you. Why did you stay with me? And why did you act like you didn't know everything I had done?"
"I knew you didn't remember and I didn't want to make you remember, you would when you were ready.-"
"Ready? You think I was ready to remember any of this? I would have been quite happy not knowing everything I did. I-you should have just let me…die."
She stood up and walked over to him. "How can you say that? You had no control over the things you did. That person wasn't you, it was Stefan…it's not your fault…if you don't want to remember any of this, you can have it removed from your memory…at least all the bad things…You don't have to live like this. I can't stand you being hurt. When you hurt, I hurt just the same."
"I remember it like it was me. I don't deserve you… I love you so much…but I can't…give you the love you deserve…when I…hate myself."
Her features softened even more. "I love you…the only reason you see the things you did as yourself is because he did them through you." She placed her hands on his face, stroking his cheek with one of her thumbs, looking into his eyes. "You were not the perpetrator, you were a victim just the same as everyone else. You have no need to feel guilty. I will help you through this."
"How can you just…forgive me that easily? You're the only one."
"Everyone here forgives you for what happened to Kaelea…even Kaelea…they all know that it wasn't you. It took me awhile to forgive you but when you saved me from Urus…I knew, I just knew that somewhere deep down in your heart you cared for me…I saw the changes in you and I knew something was going on…you acted as two different people…but I was able to tell them apart…you didn't do those things to me, Stefan did…that is why I can forgive you, because there is nothing to forgive you for."
He backed away. "How can you? When I can't forgive myself? The others feel about me the way they should."
"Nobody hates you. How could you even think that? Is that what all this has been about? You want everyone to hate you? Avan…you did nothing wrong…you have no reason to hate yourself…nobody blames you, so you shouldn't either."
"You shou-you should have…"
"I will never let you die. As long as there is breath in my body you will live. I will not lose you. I love you too much to lose you now. You will live a long time and you will rule Silvanesti, and I will be there, by your side every waking moment. Stop this! This is insanity. You are not guilty, so stop thinking that you are."
"Insanity? Is that what you think of me?"
"No! You are hating yourself for crimes which you did not commit, for things you didn't do. YOU have no need to hate yourself. Everyone knows what really happened, they know it wasn't you. Everyone can't be wrong and neither can Luthan."
"They hate me now."
"No they don't. You just pushed them to be angry with you."
"And maybe I deserve that. Just…"
"No you don't. What do I have to do for you to believe me? I am already going to marry you…what more can I do?"
"I still don't-I can't believe you could love me…you deserve someone who is strong enough to not be controlled by someone else.-"
She held her hand up to his mouth. "Stop! I love you. And nothing you do will change that. You could not have possibly fought off what he did to you, he is very powerful not even Karia would have been able to fight it as stubborn as she may be. Angel is the only one who could have…everyone would have fallen prey to it, you were just the unlucky one…you were more of a victim than anyone else was…I can't imagine what your feeling or how strongly but I do know that I will help you through this every step of the way. You can fight this, I know you can."
"Ria…why didn't…you just…I can't…"
"You can. I believe in you, trust that, trust our love to guide you through this dark cloud. Reach out for me…embrace our love and hold it dear to you. Love can break the darkest holds."
"I can't. I should have been stronger. Even that day when it all began. If I could have somehow saved Galarun none of this would have happened."
"You stop this right now! You are not trying to fight this. Fight it God dammit! There was nothing, nothing you could have done. You were lucky to get through that alive…you can make up for everything that this man did to you by proving that you are stronger than all of this. You can and will fight this, and that is strength, that is winning…that is saying that nothing can keep you down. This is just an obstacle, a test. Beat this, I know you can."
"I'm afraid it's too late."
"It's never, never too late. Do you hear me? Never."
"It is."
"What did you do? You tell me right now! I will not lose you!"
"I…" he backed up and leaned against the wall.
Her eyes widened. "You didn't! Tell me you didn't!"
"Ria…I-I love you." He whispered.
"If you love me you will fight this god damnit! If you love me you will not leave me!"
"I'm sorry." He whispered.
"When you wake up don't be surprised if I am mad at you. You selfish brute!"
"I didn't know that you-I didn't think you should still care."
"How could you not? I am your fiancée! I am taking you to the Inn. Even if I have to drag you there myself."
She threw his arm around her and helped him out of the tower. The poison had started to take affect, and he was fighting as long as he could. As soon as they made it, he collapsed.
She ran and found Wesley and Luthan. "You will help him whether you want to or not!"
Luthan didn't have to be told twice and Wesley knew something was wrong and they immediately went to Aravan's aid. Wesley scanned his body and found the source of his unconsciousness. He closed his eyes and held out his hands. He concentrated and called upon the power of Ierik. He then took the power and forced it into Aravan's body, the poison was drawn out and floated into the air, Wesley placed it in a bowl beside him…he then looked at it and set it ablaze.
Luthan knew what she wanted. He closed his eyes and removed all of the death and pain he felt. Removing the guilt and suicidal thoughts, removing the hatred he felt for himself and leaving nothing but peace of mind. He would have some explaining to do but everyone would understand. All he left from those 25 years was all the good that came of it and everything that transpired to lead up to it. He left a detailed explanation of the events that transpired afterwards and leading up to his suicide attempt, but he wouldn't know why. All Luthan left was that he was going through a difficult time and it was too much for him to handle at this time and so it was removed in order to help him function.
~*~
Karia's eyes shot open and she began to cough violently as if she was waking from drowning and had water in her lungs, a bit of blood coming up.
Vanidor immediately went over to her side. He helped her to sit up and leaned her against a nearby tree.
After she had finished coughing she looked around…she was no longer in Lomyn's lair…Vanidor had brought them to safety. She felt strange powers, foreign to her body, flowing through her blood. "Where are we?" She asked in a hoarse whisper.
"Some place safe."
"Lomyn?"
"He's…dead."
"How…Me?"
"Yes. How are you feeling?"
"Like I've been run over by a train."
"A train? Never mind. Do you need…blood?"
"Yes…but I won't be able to control myself so…not from you…at this time."
"How long until…you can?"
"I don't know…I am very weak…very dirty and very in need of clean clothing."
"Ummm…I…don't really know how to get that. I don't even know if we're even near a settlement. And we should…get back soon."
She held a hand up and beckoned him closer. When he was close to her she closed the distance and kissed him…transferring the ability to orb and all the knowledge to use it. She pulled back and leaned against the tree. That was all she could muster.
A moment later they were in an old abandoned house near Magia. He left her for a moment and walked throughout the house to find some clothing for the two of them. He returned back to the bedroom and helped her into the bathroom and into the tub. After the door was closed she stripped off her clothing and washed away the blood. She crawled from the tub and dressed. He then helped her out and placed her in the bed, the clothing was a bit loose on her and a sleeve hung off her shoulder.
She looked at him wearily. "Promise me that you won't leave me."
"I won't."
"Is there any water that I can drink? Ice water?" Her voice still very hoarse.
"Well, I know there's water. I don't know about ice though."
"Please get me some."
He left briefly to go and get her some water. He pumped some water and brought it back to her. She took it and drank it slowly, her throat burning.
"I should at least find someway of letting those in the city know that we're safe."
"They know. Gildor knows. Through the bond." She told him, quietly.
"How did…you keep Lia from knowing everything that happened to you?"
"I blocked the bond…used all my strength to do so…how did you…the bond."
"I know because apparently she knew enough about the bond to know there was someone else who would know exactly what was going on."
She smiled weakly. "Smart girl."
"Did you tell her about the bond and how it worked or did she just know because you did?"
"She just knew…after she opened it…she just knew." She began to cough again. When she pulled her sleeve back there was a blood stain where there wasn't previously.
"Are you alright?"
"I'll be fine…I think it will pass…its because I lost so much blood…how I lost it."
"Well, you should probably rest."
She shook her head. "Stay with me…please."
"Alright. But you still need to rest."
She eased herself down, and turned to face him. She looked up at him, and then reluctantly closed her eyes.
As soon as her eyes closed, his mask fell and he looked worried as well as a bit scared. 'I hope she's going to be okay. It's not normal that she's…coughing up blood. I don't want to lose her. And now there's nothing more I can do for her. Well…if I could leave…maybe I could go find someone evil…what exactly am I supposed to do with this new power anyway? And how long is it going to last? I need to learn more about the bond from her. Especially if…if the bond is the only reason he survived the loss of Isethia. Does that mean that if-if something ever happens…to me that he will …die? And then what would happen to Thea?' He looked down at Karia, she seemed to be sleeping peacefully, but he could never really know. Her hair was loose and some of it managed to fall into her face, he brought his hand over and gently moved her hair back into place. After he did so, he noticed that the scratches still remained on her face. He stroked her cheek with his thumb and had a small smile on his face. He wouldn't lose her, not if he had anything to say about it. He loved her more than anyone he has ever loved…or thought he loved…he loved her from the first moment he saw her. Why was his love for her so quick and deep? He thought. 'Is it possible? Are we…soul mates?'
~*~
Aravan's eyes fluttered open. He looked around and realized he had been brought to his room. When he looked down he saw Ria. She crawled onto the bed sometime during the night, and her head now rested on his chest, a hand next to her face. He brought a hand up and touched her face lightly. She stirred a bit, but remained asleep. He looked down at her. The love for her was the strongest emotion that he felt at that very moment, nothing else seemed to matter. For the first time in a long while, he felt at peace.
After some time she stirred again and awakened. She felt his hand on her cheek and knew he awakened as well. She reached up and touched his hand. She looked up to see him looking down at her.
"How long have you been awake?"
"Not long. I've just been enjoying the view."
She smiled. "Thank god you are alright." She sat up, her hair falling in her face.
"What happened after we got back to the Inn?"
"You lost consciousness…I thought I had lost you, but Wesley was able to take the poison from your body…and I didn't know if you would make it…and so I watched over you…and decided I needed to hear your heartbeat…I must have fallen asleep in the process."
"I'm sorry. I…Well that was probably the stupidest thing I have ever done."
She hit him on the shoulder. "And don't you ever, ever scare me like that again."
"I have no intention of ever doing that again. For one thing I don't ever want to leave you, my Ria."
Her features softened. "I don't want you to leave me either."
"I love you and I'm sorry I scared you. I didn't think about how much that might hurt you. Are the others…still angry?"
"No. They understand completely. Do me a favor, next time something is bothering you, come to me. I don't ever want to feel that scared again. I really thought I lost you…I never want to feel that hollow ever again…you complete me…"
He stroked her cheek. "I love you, my Ria."
She brought her hand to his, and leaned into his touch. She closed her eyes. "I love you too." She said softly.
"I've never felt like this before. I feel so connected to you. Like your part of…like our souls are joined."
"I feel that too…"
"I think we were meant to be together. I think the best decision I ever made was when I asked you to marry me. We…should…I don't want to wait much longer to be joined with you."
She smiled. "Me neither. Your father is still in Arden…maybe we should go ask him to perform the ceremony."
"Yes and as soon as possible."
"Let us leave tonight then."
"Alright." He leaned in and kissed her. She kissed him back happily.
~*~
Hours later, Aravan went in search of Adrianna. She was in the common room in a corner…sitting by herself, gazing into her drink. He walked over to her.
"Dara, I wanted to apologize to you."
"There is no need."
"Well…I do regret what I said to you, and a bunch of others."
"We all know what happened. It's okay."
"Nice to know everyone knows about the stupidest thing I ever did."
"They know the circumstances and why you tried…it's a good thing you didn't. This team can't take another hit right now."
"Plus I should have trusted Luthan. He did tell me I was supposed to live for several years still. I just had some reservations about seers. And about…well lets just say I had a bad experience."
"Yes, so I was told."
"What did he do? Tell everyone my whole life story?"
"No, he came to me and explained it to me. I won't lie to you, your words hurt me and it took me a bit of time to get over it, I am not completely over it but I understand…and with time I will be fine."
"Is something…wrong Dara?"
"I haven't seen Parein at all today and it worries me. He doesn't normally just disappear. I'm sure he will return but he didn't warn me of his disappearance…and I am trying to decide on something."
"Well…maybe he had something he needed to do."
"Maybe…"
Celebdhel walked up to the table. "Is he bothering you, chieran?"
"No. Please don't call me that."
"But it is true…I love you."
She put a hand up. "I am ma…involved with Parein and there is no us, never was. Go off and find someone who can treat you the way you deserve…someone who can love you. I value your friendship but that is all there will ever be between us."
Celebdhel bowed his head. "What did I do wrong?"
"It's not you. I fell in love, and there is nothing that will change that. You don't love me…you care for me a little too much, but you can take that and use it in a constructive way."
"I guess I'll be seeing you then…just remember if anyone ever hurts you I will be there."
"Celeb, that is not your job…stop worrying about me, and find someone else to worry about."
Parein and a young woman walked into the Inn, and towards her table. The woman had blonde hair, wearing it in a long braid which was weaved around her head. She was dressed like a warrior would be, wearing pants, and she carried a sword.
Adrianna stood. "Where have you been?"
He walked up to her and kissed her. "I was getting us some new allies." He gestured toward the woman. "This is my younger sister, Julina. She and the rest of the Mighty Dragons who remained faithfully have come to help us if needed."
"You never told me you had a sister. You really need to stop keeping things from me, especially since we're…well …involved." She turned to Julina. "Nice to meet you.."
"Nice to meet you as well. My brother has told me about you."
"I didn't tell you about her because I thought she was dead. Technically she would have ranked above Minatar, so I thought he had killed her as well. But he just made her the Junior member of his council."
"Well…I am glad one of us has heard of the other…it is nice to meet you and I am sure that you will be a wonderful addition to the group."
"So…who are these others?"
"Ah, sorry. This is Aravan….and that man gawking at you is Celebdhel…but he really is a sweetheart. You two should get to know each other."
"Nice to meet you both. I've seen you before, haven't I?" Julina asked Aravan.
"Yeah I…passed through Minatar's settlement several years ago."
"Wasn't there a woman with you?"
"Yeah…my fiancée."
"Oh. Congratulations."
"You were the one that Minatar called princess, weren't you?"
"Yes, he didn't believe in using real names."
Adrianna looked at Parein. "Rein…I don't want to hide this anymore…I think we should tell everyone…and if I get discharged from the group so be it. I can't hide it anymore…I don't want to."
"I don't think the group will…discharge you."
"I betrayed them…twice."
"Well…maybe we should just see what they have to say when they find out. Where is everyone anyway? There are usually more people here."
"I guess they all had things to do. We can tell them at dinner…unless we call a meeting…the sooner the better."
"Well, how do you call a meeting?"
She walked over to the other end of the room, picked up a stick. "Like this." And hit the gong.
Everyone gathered rather quickly and with puzzled expressions on there faces. A few people recognized Julina and went over to talk to her as everyone finished coming in.
"What is the meaning of this?" Faedra asked.
"Sorry…I have something that I am sick of hiding and wanted to tell everyone. I know, I am unconventional…but you will all get over it I am sure."
"Well…what is this news?" She asked her.
Adrianna held out her hand for Parein. He took it, as he stood by her side. "Parein and I are married. That is where we went off to a few nights ago…"
Lia and Calyna congratulated them. The rest began to mutter to themselves.
Luthan stepped forward. "Well, we did kind of push you into it. Congratulations."
"Yes, congratulations." Fairin muttered. "Your union will be a good symbol of the new alliance."
"Of course the important thing is that you love each other." Ayon stated.
"Yes. Love is the most important thing in a marriage." Fairin agreed as he smiled at his wife.
"I have something else to share with you as well. Earlier today I went to Mithgar and brought some allies back. Those of you who knew him will probably be glad to know that Minatar is dead. As is his third in command Valdar. I brought the loyal Mighty Dragons with me. And for those of you who don't know, this is my younger sister, Julina. Now second in command to the Mighty Dragons."
"Did you…what about …Amalia?" Lia asked.
"She is still on Mithgar. I don't know what will happen to her. She gave me this note for you." He handed her the note.
"Thank you, I'll look at it later."
"That is all…If you all hate me, I don't care. I am happy and to me that is all that matters…If you are against this joining maybe you won't be against our happiness. My appearance doesn't really reflect who I am, and you are see me differently from who I am…I have given up on anything else."
"I don't think anyone will be against you wanting to be happy. And it was wrong of us to act the way we did…about elven-human relationships." Aravan answered. "And everyone deserves to be happy." He smiled as he looked at Ria.
"Speaking of happiness and news…Avan and I will be leaving this evening and returning within a few days. We will be going to visit Silvanos in Arden."
"To get married you mean?" Legolas teased.
"Yes. We decided we didn't want to wait any longer."
"Well, congratulations are in order. Hopefully by time you return…the others will have returned." Faedra stated, head bowed slightly.
"They will probably return soon. They are very close now. But they are waiting until she recovers to return." Gildor answered.
"How could…if Lomyn's lair was so far away…how could they be…close?" Calyna asked.
"That's…kind of a long story." Gildor stated.
"She transferred a power to him…orbing to be precise. She got all of Lomyn's power when she killed him, unbeknownst to her of course." Luthan answered.
"What…powers? And are they going to keep these new powers?"
"That will be up to them. She can give the powers to whomever she wishes or she can keep them. And unless Vanior knows how to get rid of the power, which is unlikely he will keep his. The only one Vanidor got was the orbing ability…Karia now has the power to manipulate the weather, the power to steal or borrow powers, the gift of sight…which will be clearer than her premonitions…the scenes will play out in her head instead of just getting pieces, the power over ice, and fire, as well…" Luthan answered.
"So she has my powers now?" Dakkon asked.
"No, she is pyrokinetic."
"How does the ability to borrow powers work anyway?" Calyna asked.
"Karia will give you that knowledge and advance your powers and then you will have no questions."
"And what is this ice power that she has?" Celebdhel asked.
"Well…she can do anything with the ice…if you make water appear in front of her she can turn it to ice and manipulate it into a shape…she can make ice walls, in a way to protect us…anything really…it will also work with Lia's powers…and Kaelea's as well."
"So she'll still…I mean all three of us will still need to work together?" Lia asked,
"You will always have to. That will never change. But now you have more powers at your fingertips."
"What exactly do you mean by controlling the weather?" Ayala asked.
"She can create storms…work with all of the elements and manipulate those as well."
"Weren't there people on earth who could do those things?" Calyna asked.
"Yes…but now we have the advantage."
"Ummm…you know I have no idea what your talking about…or who." Julina asked.
"I will help to fill you in." Adrianna suggested.
"Oh and Karia is my twin sister. We were separated."
"Oh. So you found out about that."
"You knew I had a twin and you never told me? And how did you know, your not that much older than me?" Lia asked her, a bit angry.
"Your mother told me."
"Amalia is not my mother. My mother is right here." She gestured toward Faedra.
"Well…I see we all need to digest everything so…let us go back to whatever it was we were doing. You are all dismissed."
The group broke up and everyone went their separate ways, while some stayed together and caught up.
~*~
Several more days passed and Karia's strength had semi returned to her. She was able to walk a bit on her own and decided it was time to return. Vanidor and Karia orbed back and were instantly crowded. After several hours of being crowded the two of them snuck out, Vanidor following Karia after she left.
When she got outside she walked to the beach, that she used to go to by herself. Vanidor followed her there. She sat down on the sand and allowed the breeze to sift through her hair.
"That was a bit overwhelming wasn't it?"
"A little? They were a swarm of bees…hovering around me as if I was the queen. That is way too much attention."
"They were worried. Especially your sisters."
"Yes, I know. I just…I can't take it right now…I don't want to be fussed over."
"Well…I guess it can be a little bit overwhelming, but it's just because they care."
"Sometimes I think it's too much. You forget I'm not used to this."
"Never?"
"Only once…but it was only by one person. Not twenty."
He sat down beside her. "It's beautiful here. When did you find this place?"
"Some time ago, I guess four months ago. I didn't want it to get overly crowded so I kept it to myself…although Lia knew…and now Gildor will know."
"Well…I don't think they will tell too many people."
"I don't either."
"Is it true that the bond is…the only reason that …he's still alive?"
"One of them yes."
"Because I know people can't survive the loss of their soul mate…and it kind of got discussed while we were gone."
"I know…I also know what was said about us." She looks at him.
"Yes…does it seem strange how two other people know exactly how we feel?"
"Very much so…I still don't know…I mean I do, but I didn't."
"How can she know something that you don't know? And does that mean you can know things that she doesn't?"
"I have always known, but pushed it to my subconscious. We can only know what is in each others hearts and mind…I guess she knew what was in my heart before I did. I mean I never thought it would be possible for me to love again…and as much as I did, but it seems that I can and have surpassed my own limits."
"And I love you more than I have ever loved anyone. How do you know so much about the bond?"
"One day I decided to research it…because I felt I had one…knew I had one…and that it would attach to someone else…a twin…which I also just knew I had, so I studied up on it and found out everything that I could. I had always wondered why I felt pain when I was never physically hurt…and that is when it hit me that I had a twin…A first I thought it was Kaelea because we look so much alike but then I found out her age…and was once again lost. I never dreamed that I had two sisters…its uncanny."
"I…it's strange…I've always known but I know nothing about it. It's just something we had. When we were younger…we used to be best friends…but then…well…"
"I know that too. And I also know that you too became best friends again…If you want to know everything that I do, I can give you the knowledge you seek…or at least I can now."
"There is just one more thing I want to know. If something ever happens to me-"
"Yes…unless his bond to his child is stronger but it is unlikely…I would rather not think of that."
"And if something happens to him?"
"Yes…but again I would rather not think about it."
"It would be the same with you and Lia? Right?"
She nodded.
"Can you teach me…how to close off the bond like you did? Just in case I ever need to know."
She took a hand and touched it lightly to his temple. The knowledge of everything she knew of the bond…instantly transferred to him…this way he would have no questions.
"Well, that answered my questions." Vanidor replied.
"That was the point." She paused as she looked up at the night sky, the stars twinkling brightly. "I have been doing a lot of thinking lately…and I think I may have an answer to your question…the one you asked me several weeks ago."
"And…what is your answer?"
She looked at him. "Well…I realized after I passed out and while you were taking care of me, just how much I really loved you, and I could see how much you cared for me. You make me happy and keep me safe and give me a sense of security…I trust you and love you with all my heart…so as soon as you are ready to get married, I will be ready as well."
"Soon then. What kind of wedding do you want to have?"
"Something simple. Not overly extravagant but not underly so."
"So…maybe in a couple weeks?" He asked.
"I can be ready in days."
"Well, then…I guess days. How many?"
"Let us marry by sunset in two days time."
"I assume…you want Fairin to perform the ceremony?"
"Either him or Eldarion, yes. Who would you prefer?"
"Well…Fairin is closer to our family and I've known him for longer. We haven't always been on the best of terms but I think we've worked that out."
"I will speak with him tonight. Who shall be our witnesses? Lia and Dakkon? Or would you rather your brother be there?"
"Well…I would like to have my brother there. Although I didn't get to be at his wedding. But yeah I would like to have him there."
"Okay, Lia and Gildor it is. I don't want a huge guest ceremony so I think I will keep it to the group instead of the entire town…maybe just half the group…"
"Well, who out of the group do you want to invite?"
"Well Angel has to be there…my sisters will be there…and maybe Faedra and Calyna…I mean I guess the whole group could go…I just don't want a fuss."
"Well we could keep it to those people, and possibly their partners."
"Is that all you want? I mean we can have everyone there if you want. It doesn't bother me…I just want it to be in a peaceful place…maybe here…"
"This is a nice place…and I like the idea of keeping it small. And there is no one else that I really feel close enough to, to want to make sure there here."
"Then it is settled. I shall go and ask Fairin to perform the ceremony and see if Faedra can work on my dress."
"Alright. Do you want to meet later, so we can…make some more plans, and spend some time together?"
"Wait for me here…I will be back in thirty minutes…and then we can spend some time together." She kissed his forehead and took off.
When she arrived at the Inn there was only a few people in the common room, as if they were waiting for a meeting to start. She saw Fairin over by the table and approached him.
"Excuse me, I hate to interrupt but may I talk with you for a moment.?"
"Of course. And you're not interrupting. The meeting won't start for a few minutes. We're still waiting on Faedra."
"What meeting?"
"About part of the prophecy."
"Oh…the circle of love?"
"Yes."
"I wasn't aware that Aravan, Gildor, Dakkon, Ayala, and Celebdhel were involved."
"Yes well at the moment neither are they. That's why we're having this meeting."
"Oh. Well, I have a favor to ask of you and not just as my brother in law but as the High King."
"What is it?"
"Vanidor and I wish to be married in two days from today at sunset. We want a small ceremony and we were wondering if you would preside and be the one to join us."
"Of course I would be honored."
"The ceremony will be held at the beach…"
"Oh…Okay."
"Lia will show you…anyway I see Faedra has arrived. I am going to borrow her a quick moment and then you may start your meeting. Thank you, by the way." She stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek before running off.
~*~
After the meeting broke up, Ayala approached her son. "I need to speak with you about something."
He turned to face her. "What is it mother?"
"Have you…talked to Julina? Almost anyone can see you have feelings for her."
"What is this? I thought you would be happy that I have gotten over Adrianna."
"I…I am. I just worry about you."
"Well, stop. I am a grown man and can make my own decisions."
"But have you really thought it through? Have you considered the risks with getting involved with a mortal?"
"Mother, I have thought about this. And I don't know where this relationship will go but if it does go as far as marriage then I am more than willing to take that risk."
"I just…don't want to lose you. We've already lost one child."
"Yes, well he's back isn't he? If you lose me it will be many years from now." He stated a bit coldly.
"Are you…envious of Luthan?"
"I have always been. You treat him like a God. The prodigal son has returned. I have been nothing but left behind. I am surprised that you care for me at all." He retorted.
"How could I not care for you? You're my son."
"Maybe by blood. But you clearly treat him better than I. You never question him…always think I am doing something wrong. Just be happy for me and leave me alone. Stay out of my life!"
"Celebdhel…I didn't mean it like that."
"Good night, Mother." He replied with no emotion and he turned and walked towards the door, only to be greeted by his father. "Great, here comes the calvary."
Legolas looked to Ayala and then to Celebdhel. "What did you say to your mother?"
"Like it's any of your business." He walked past him. Legolas grabbed his arm.
"You will go nowhere. Sit down!"
"And why should I listen to you? If you truly loved my mother you wouldn't have made Emer pregnant with Luthan." He said with obvious disgust.
"That is enough. There were extenuating circumstances behind that. Now sit down."
"Why so I can receive another lecture?"
"Sit down, Celeb."
He walked away from his father and chose the farthest chair from both of them to sit in. he crossed his arms and stared at the door. Legolas walked over to Ayala.
"Chieran, what seems to be the trouble?"
"I just…I asked him if he talked to Julina…and it turned into an argument. He's…envious of the way we treat Luthan. We're…did we do such a bad job as parents that he could think that? And how…what if the same thing happens again?"
He hugged his wife. "We did a great job…there is no need to fret, my love." He pulled back. "Again? Does that mean…"
"Yes. I'm…with child."
"This is marvelous news!" he hugged her again.
Celebdhel stood and ran from the room. Legolas looked at him as he fled, and sighed.
"It will take him some getting used to…but he will come around…I promise."
"I'm afraid he hates me now."
"He could never hate you. You're his mother, he could never hate you…he may get angry with us as parents…but he could never hate us."
"He told me to stay out of his life."
"I am sure he was just mad about something. I will talk to him."
"I just don't know what to do anymore."
He brought a hand up to her cheek. "We will fix this problem…I promise. He is just going through a phase."
She smiled weakly. "Thanks."
"What are husbands for?" He smiled and kissed her forehead. "Come, you will need your rest."
"Yes, I know. And don't worry I know the limits of what I can do."
"I'm not worried."
~*~
Celebdhel found himself sitting beneath the waterfall in the small cavern behind it. The water was sprinkling against his skin and he enjoyed the cool feeling.
Julina had been looking for him for quite sometime. She needed to speak with him, she had to tell him…She stopped at the bridge and looked at the waterfall, it was quite beautiful. She checked the entire city and there was no sign of him. She thought she saw a silhouette behind the waterfall but she wasn't sure.
Celebdhel looked over and saw Julina staring at him through the waterfall. He stood, with catlike reflexes and walked to the edge of the waterfall. The water seemed to move away and run around him, as if it was a curtain, opening to let him through.
"Celebdhel. I've been looking for you!" She called out over the roar of the waterfall.
He beckoned her inside, turned and went back inside the cavern, the gap remained open as if welcoming her inside. Julina looked around and found her way in. She walked up the path and climbed down some of the rock until she got to the waterfall itself. She walked in and remained dry amazingly. When she came inside she saw Celebdhel sitting down, leaning against the rock with his head back and his eyes closed. His muscles visible through his clothing, and his hair dampened against his skin, wet strands in his face.
She stood there for a moment, staring at him. She never knew how sexy he could be until that exact moment.
"What did you wish to speak to me about?" He asked her, his eyes still closed. His voice deep and silky.
Nervousness came over her but she suppressed it before he could see it. "There's something I need to tell you. And I don't know how your gonna take this, and …I didn't intend for it to happen. I think I've fallen in love with you."
He opened his eyes, and looked at her for the first time since she came into the cavern. The water and the light silhouetted her exquisitely. Her braided hair fell to her mid back. "You…what?" He asked softly with a touch of surprise.
"I think I love you." She said a bit fast.
"I never thought this could be…we have only known each other a little over a month…and I wasn't sure if you would be able to reciprocate my feelings for you…when did you realize?"
"I felt something for the last week. But it took me awhile to figure out what it was. I've never felt like this before. It's not exactly encouraged where I grew up."
"It seems that you are indeed your brother's sister." He smiled softly.
"I hope you mean that in a good way."
"I do, my dear, I do." He patted the matted rock beside him. "Care to join me?"
"Yes." She walked over and sat beside him. His knee was still bent up and his other leg was out and his arm still rested on his knee, as she sat down next to him. "Do you feel something too then?"
He looked at her. "Yes. I too, love you."
She looked down, somewhat nervously. "What happens now?"
He lifted her chin up with a finger, forcing her to look up at him. He leaned in and kissed her. She returned it. He pulled back with a smile.
"That is what happens next."
"Oh. I liked that." She said lightly.
"Good, because there will be many more where that came from."
She smiled. "Giving me something to look forward to are you?"
"But of course, my dear."
She laughed. Her expression became serious. "Will they…will everyone let us be together? I mean…I know how everyone reacted to…my brother and Adrianna."
"Most people accepted it, and I think now everyone is used to it. They will accept it." His gentleness suddenly disappeared and his face became somewhat saddened, touched with a tinge of anger and envy.
"What's wrong?" Julina asked him.
"My mother."
"Did something happen?"
"She's worried about me, supposedly. And she is pregnant again." A touch of distaste in his voice.
"Is that a good thing…or a bad thing?"
"Bad, very bad. I was ignored once do to their prodigal son returning and now they will have another child and forget about me all together. My mother says she doesn't want to lose me…because of the risk of a relationship such as ours."
"Is there a risk?"
"Just to me. But I am willing to take it. I can lose my life early on…when your life span ends…."
"You mean if we get involved, you'll die?"
"No…it is a possibility. It is said when an elf marries a human that the elf may die from the grief of a broken heart and losing their loved one. But I know we can bypass that. There is a way that if one of us dies so does the other. That way we can truly be together forever…Two ways actually."
"Has that ever happened? I mean…ending that way? I got the impression that relationships like ours are disapproved of by both sides. In fact the people who raised me, would definitely not approve."
"They let their prejudices get in the way. But that is over now. Thanks to Kaelea and Fairin…there will be a great re-enactment of an alliance. This alliance will change this world as we know it. And…it has only happened once."
"But…are you saying…you want to do that? I mean…that kind of ending. I don't want to be the cause of…your death."
"This is my decision to make. There are two options we can discuss after this relationship goes to the next step…if of course it goes that far."
"I can't imagine feeling this for anyone else. I know it's kind of soon, to be making a decision like this but you're the one I want to be with."
He smiled and pulled her into an embrace. "Then so be it." He whispered into her ear.
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