The Realm's Mystics [Mystic Women of The Realm Series Book 3] (46 page)

Sle'nel’ took another drink, then laughed with her, “In truth, this is so. But far more than this."

"You tell me."

"A woman of immense capability to do well. A bright woman, and a woman that is willing to give herself to her role in The Realm, as Highest. A woman warrior, assured of her ability to fight. And a striking figure, full of fire and passion, and beautiful beyond words. But a woman who is fearful of love."

Sam was interested, “All of this within one drawing?"

Erthrn had come over, wishing to be closer to her lover. Sam removed her hand from Sle'nel's shoulder as Erthrn looked at her, “I agree with the Elf, Highest, except for the last statement. A warrior is unconcerned about love. A warrior has other commitments."

The Elf frowned, staring at Erthrn, “With highest respect, Queen Erthrn, I think the Warrior Women of the Sword can say as such with the strong foundation that the Women of the Soul give freely to you. Without this, being such a warrior would mean nothing. You are given love upon every moment, without question. It is not the same that others must face. In Woden, without a companion, a warrior has no love or support. But please forgive my insolence. I mean no ill-words."

Erthrn bowed her head, smiling, “No such intent is taken, my Elf. It is my fault, as I stepped into the conversation. But perhaps you make a good point. We do have the Women of the Soul to support us in all our needs. Much like a—"

Sle'nel’ answered for her, “—Birth-Mother."

Erthrn laughed. She placed her arm around Sam's shoulder, making Sle'nel’ grateful, as it provided her with an easy exit.

Erthrn said, “Well said, my Elf."

Sle'nel’ bowed her head to Erthrn, “You are a good Queen, Queen Erthrn. You have my respect. I take my leave now to be with my Lover."

She went to the low table in front of her lover's chair, retrieving the book she had laid upon it. She then looked at her Queen, seeing that her eyes were closed. She bent over and gently kissed her, startling San'lr'in'thel'ineln'.

"You were deep in thought, my Queen."

She blinked, then smiled at Sle'nel', “Meditating. The fire provided a good backdrop for such, and the music and conversations blended into a solitary atmosphere for Me. What book do you have, My Desire?"

Sle'nel’ sat on the very edge of the chair, opening the book to the drawing of her mother. She handed the book to her. The High Queen took it with one hand, studying the picture, then looking up at Sle'nel'.

"I knew not that such a drawing existed. Who gave you this?"

"Queen Torsn'dynl'."

The High Queen looked back to the drawing. Sle'nel's mother was standing near one of the Ancients, with her hand placed against it. She was looking at the tree. Her other hand was holding onto her staff. The High Queen recognized it as the one that Sle'nel’ now used. The woman was undeniably the most beautiful woman in The Realm. She was perfect, and beyond measure. And she looked as if she knew only of peace across her entire lifespan, which San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ well knew that she hadn't known much of, at all.

"It is as if she were returned to us, through you."

She rose, making Sle'nel’ to do so also. She took Sle'nel's hand, the book in her other, and led them back to the drawing. She held the book up alongside the drawing, comparing the two. The High Queen had moved with such haste that all the others had wondered what was occurring. They all crowded around the two drawings. None except The High Queen and Sle'nel’ knew that the drawing in the book was of Sle'nel's mother.

Caitha exclaimed, “I knew not that there was another drawing of you, Jandra. It is beautiful. Look at your expression. The Ancients must have given you much peace at that moment."

Ann'wn was shocked, “It is like your twin, my Elf. This couldn't be you, though. Is this a drawing of your mother, then?"

The Healer placed her hand upon Ann'wn's shoulder, using Ann'wn to steady herself as she peeked over her shoulder to see the picture, “Like you, Elf, she is beyond beautiful."

Ann'wn closed her eyes for a moment at the feeling. She wished for more of it, but knew that The Healer just used her to become steadier, knowing that The Healer had absolutely no interest in her.

Sam looked at both drawings carefully, noticing the slight differences between them. She saw quickly that the mother had been astonishing in her beauty, almost unreal in it, “The woman in the drawing is quite a bit taller than Jandra. But her eyes appear to be the same color. And look at the staff. It is identical to yours, Jandra."

San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ was gladdened that her sister had such an astute sense about her,
She will need this as she becomes more powerful. Discernment of information is always critical
.

Meera looked at it carefully, “This be not a drawing of our Elf. As The Highest has stated, this must be of your mother, or another close relative we know not of. But look at the other's ear. They are shaped ever-so-slightly differently."

San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ nodded, “A good observation, My Warrior Woman. Caitha probably has a story or song about such. It is told that long prior, by many, many tens and tens of lifespans, far from this Realm, that the Elves had pointed ears."

Sam moved Jandra's hair away from one of her ears, “Forgive my intrusion, Jandra. I am just comparing the ears."

San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ already knew the answer to what her sister was searching for. Sle'nel's ears were ever-so-slightly differently shaped, but almost imperceptibly so. It was one of the first things that San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ had quietly looked at once she had learned of Sle'nel's past.

Sle'nel’ spoke so softly that only San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ heard her, “She was so beautiful. And she looks so very wise."

San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ tenderly placed her arm around her, “As are you so beautiful. And as you also will be so wise when you reach her number of cycles."

She returned them back to the seat. San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ sat first, leaning well into the well-padded seat, then had Sle'nel’ lay upon her. They rested comfortably, half lying, half sitting, The High Queen laying her head against the side of the chair, and Sle'nel’ leaning her head against her Queen's shoulders.

The others had now gathered around the low table that sat between all the seats. All were sitting comfortably around the fire, waiting for the eve's meal, talking amongst themselves.

The High Queen looked sideways to Caitha, “Caitha, singer of songs. Sing us one of your songs of the long lost Elves."

Caitha smiled, nodding. She went to the musicians, asking them if they knew the song she was to sing. Two of them nodded, and gave her some background music. Meera was, as usual, enraptured by her companion's ability. The High Queen was well pleased in Caitha's choice, and Sle'nel’ was captivated by the story of her past.

It was a song of the bravery and love of Elves. It told how, in the face of battle they showed and felt no fear, their assurance of their path well known to them. The song told of how in their love, a gentleness shined like no other across the skies. How even the fierce animals across the lands would wait peacefully for their love and attention.

After the song, Caitha asked, “Is it true, M'Love? Do the fierce animals turn peaceful in your presence? This seems not possible."

San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ nodded, “It is most true, Caitha. I have seen it for myself. That was a wonderful song, Caitha. You are a master and skilled artist. Have you another?"

She once again turned to the musicians. They all nodded and began the song for her. When she began her melody and song, her voice was clearer than Sle'nel’ had ever prior heard her sing. She knew Caitha to be a great singer, but it was as if her voice were improving with each song.

This song was of the Elfin passage to this Realm from far off. It told the tale that San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ had told to Sle'nel'. The Elves, like here, had been dying from contact with the humans, far off on another realm. A greater power than any of them now knew of, took pity upon the Elves, bringing them to this realm. The tale made little sense, telling of how the Elves flew across the great skies, finally arriving upon this realm.

When the beautiful song was completed, San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ asked, “Were you told of the cycles of this song, Storyteller?"

"I learned this from your singers of songs in the Valley, M'Love. They told me that they could but trace the song back to twenty-three Elfin Leaders prior. That sounds like not overly long, though."

San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ laughed lightly, “Perhaps not to us, but Elves live an impossibly long lifespan. Longer than the Mystics and far longer than that of humans."

Erthrn rose, “Our meal is ready.” She bowed to her Queen, “If you would honor us by leading us to your table, my Queen?"

They moved to the table and were presented with a beautiful bountiful delight of tastes. Having missed their midturn meal, Sle'nel’ was hungry, but per her usual, The High Queen ate very little, choosing instead to taste a little of all of the different selections. She quietly hoped that the conversation wouldn't return to a discussion of Elfin lifespans, sorry she had raised it.

Sle'nel’ saw that San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ had leaned back into her chair in her usual fashion, observing the conversations and the making of the eve's partners. Meera and Uthrn paired off for a quick sword contest in the far corner, as Caitha and Mil'der'in sat closely by, watching their loves. Erthrn gave Sam a shortened but intense lesson of one of her powers. And Ann'wn had become the object of affection to one of the Women of the Soul who had presented their meal. She was now sitting next to Ann'wn, near the fire. But Ann'wn's attention seemed to be solely upon The Healer, while The Healer's attention seemed to be upon the Woman of the Soul.

The High Queen held out her hand to her Elf, blinking slowly, resting. Sle'nel’ held it gently. San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ was becoming frustrated that only one of her searches had been successful in finding the Masters. She needed another source, soon. And now she had her raptors busy trying to locate the leader of the Mungardies. She knew that the other Masters, her Masters, couldn't have gained entrance into El'fs'nd'lle, yet knew that they were waiting there for her.

And what of them? What do they now have to offer The Realm? Why haven't they come sooner than this? Or have they turned to the dark powers, also? The split in their ranks must be great, indeed, for such silence as has occurred
.

And what to do about Sume'n'tinel'ti'non? But I shouldn't worry over her as she can be bought when the moment is there, if necessary. But perhaps if the Mungardies were to turn against her, then...

"Where are your thoughts, my Love?"

San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ had been deep in thought, far away from the eve's party, “I just find myself anxious regarding certain events. Not being in the Valley makes Me frustrated, as I cannot seem to act quickly enough."

She looked over to Erthrn, seeing her yet engaged with teaching Sam a lesson. She rose, taking no regard for the eve's purpose and walked over to Erthrn. When Sam and Erthrn saw her, they halted.

Erthrn bowed her head, “My Queen?"

"I have need of your scouts. Are any available?"

Erthrn knew that The High Queen didn't ask for the scouts lightly, “I will send for them, Highness."

"It is a dangerous mission."

Erthrn nodded, “All their missions are dangerous. They are yours to command."

"Erthrn, do we know where the leader of the Mungardies is at the moment?"

"I sent out four scouts far prior, commanding them to be returned by next turn's War Council meeting with this information."

The High Queen studied Erthrn, “How good are your scouts, Erthrn, and please refrain from telling Me that they are the best in The Realm. I hear this overly often."

Erthrn nodded, knowing The High Queen's need of her truth, “In truth, Highness, my best are the ones that are presently out on their mission. But there are four others that are of extremely high quality, most capable, and well experienced. They will serve any need you have."

"And the others?"

"Young. Not as experienced, but eager and willing. Swift, but not as keen. More likely to stand in the face of danger, such as a warrior."

"I have need of the four experienced ones, only."

Erthrn nodded, “As you say, my Queen.” She sent for them.

Ann'wn, Uthrn, and Meera had all overheard. Ann'wn stepped forward, “My Queen?"

The High Queen turned to her, “Tell Me?"

"I can serve whatever need you have."

"And I,” said Meera.

"I as well, my Queen.” Uthrn wanted to serve this most powerful of High Queens.

Erthrn nodded to her, “Uthrn is an exceptional scout as well as an exceptional warrior. Whatever is needed, she can do. And she knows The Realm's lands well."

"I cannot risk the three of you on such a mission."

Ann'wn bowed her head, “With respect, Highness, perhaps if we knew of the mission, we might be able to judge better for ourselves."

The High Queen turned to the three of them, annoyed, “I don't recall asking for such a debate, Force Leader."

Ann'wn knew she had overstepped her bounds, but felt strongly, “My Queen, we—"

The High Queen looked at her with such anger that Ann'wn halted. But Meera didn't. She knelt before her, bowing her head, “Think what you may, my Queen, but Warriors know the risks better than you can know. At least allow us the information. I vow that I will make Ann'wn to look at it objectively. I would be honored to serve you in any fashion, and mean no disrespect.

San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ looked down upon her most fearless of warriors, who continued to surprise her. The Warrior Woman of Woden was certainly no Mystic, and as such, had no powers with which to combat against the other Mystics, and yet she faced them squarely without fear.

Uthrn began to also protest, but The High Queen raised her hand to halt her, “I have heard the protests enough, Uthrn. I will think on this.” She looked back down at Meera, “Rise, Warrior Woman of Woden. I will give consideration to your request."

The scouts had arrived. Erthrn dismissed the inexperienced ones, leaving only three. She explained to The High Queen, “One of our best scouts is quite ill, Highness. She only returned from a mission a few turns prior, with many wounds and high fever."