The Realm's Mystics [Mystic Women of The Realm Series Book 3] (39 page)

Queen Erthrn had provided new garments to Sle'nel’ as well, designed and made especially for the Elfin Princess. The material wasn't the Elfin material that she had worn upon a prior occasion, but similar. They had prepared Elfin pants that were half-covered by her knee-high boots, and a light and mostly see-through top that tied loosely in the front, forming the customary ‘V’ shape to the middle of her breasts. The sleeves of the top were long and to her wrist, but were also light and mostly see-through. Sle'nel’ also wore her earring. The cloak provided to her was a soft full-length black cloak.

"What is this we attend this eve?"

"I know not. Erthrn always supplies wonderful surprises, however, and even better meals."

They were escorted to the theatre and given special seats. The audience was a small one for only those invited. The High Queen's traveling party was in attendance, as were a few selected leaders from close-by villages. San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ saw that Erthrn was fully engaged in persuading Sam to her for the eve, and looked like she was succeeding. Meera and Caitha were sitting nearby to The High Queen's seats, with The High Queen noticing that Meera never remained far from her. Ann'wn was also seated near by, and like Meera, never far from The High Queen's side.

She saw The Healer was seated next to Ann'wn, thinking them a good pair, but knowing they yet remained far from such consideration. She saw also that many Warriors of the Sword were making much effort to win Ann'wn's favors. She guessed that Ann'wn was considered a prize catch for them, thinking them probably correct. She had never really thought of Ann'wn as a possible lover for herself, but conceded that Ann'wn was a beautiful woman in her own right. She noticed that her Healer, Shr'dler'in, was being well entertained by one of the Warriors of the Sword, as was Mil'der'in. But she also saw that Ann'wn was quietly and secretly keeping her eyes on The Healer. The High Queen guessed Ann'wn's look was one of hope.

As they were escorted to their seats, San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ looked upon her own Elf, yet in awe and amazement that one such as her, and one so beautiful, would even consider being with her. She knew that as High Queen she could have any lover she desired, but never did she imagine that one such as Sle'nel’ would truly love her, apart from her as queen.

Sle'nel’ was looking around, but turned briefly toward her Queen, catching a look of reflection from her that she seldom saw. She knew the meaning of the look, bringing The High Queen's hand to her lips and kissing it. Prior, she would have wondered differently about the look from The High Queen.

She let go of The High Queen's hand, smiling at her, “It is not always a good thing to give away your devotion so, my Queen. Your lover will know she doesn't need to try as hard, knowing that you are already won over."

The High Queen placed her hands on Sle'nel's shoulders, speaking softly but with great truth, “She knew I was won over when I first saw her."

"Your lover just thought you were considering her as a passing lover, only."

"Only in that a lifespan is a passing moment, My Love."

"Come, my Queen. Let us sit prior to you slipping further into this reflection. I was jesting only, my Lover. Only this."

The High Queen wouldn't allow the moment to leave, “Do you know, My Love, that while I often have physical desires, I am relieved that I have one lover only? That I am relieved that I no longer must experience the frustrations of having strangers in My bed every eve?"

Sle'nel’ placed a finger to her Queen's lips, “Shhhh, my Queen. You need not concern yourself over this. Enjoy the moment, as you well know that I am yours."

"Do you not desire these women, My Desire?"

Sle'nel’ looked at the Women of the Sword, finding them interesting to interact with, but finding them much like Sam. She looked back to her Queen, “Even my Mother wasn't tempted, and she lived among them for many moments. Now may we sit and enjoy this play? All wait upon us, my Queen."

San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ looked around, seeing that Sle'nel’ was correct. She sat, pulling Sle'nel’ close to her, gladdened that Erthrn had provided them seats in which they could sit together. Erthrn came over, kneeling to The High Queen, and bowing her head, “High Queen of The Realm. We are overjoyed at your presence in our village and would like to display to you our ability to bring the high culture here that is needed with your reign. This eve, we provide you a play. The play was written and developed here. We hope you find it to your liking. Food and drink will be provided to you during the play, and our main meal will be given after."

San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ nodded her appreciation, “My Most Special Erthrn. I first have a few requests of you."

Erthrn desired that The High Queen could count on her to deliver her needs to her, “Anything, Highness. All you need do is ask and it shall be made so."

"You make a wine that I had prior, that is unlike other wines. One that I may drink. Could that be provided this eve?"

Erthrn nodded, smiling, “For you only, my Queen. And your Elf."

"I need you to teach My sister some of her powers. And to help her improve the ones she already knows. And some of your sword skills."

"I am pleased to do this for you, my Queen."

"I would like some of your Dungaras leader captives to be at the War Council next turn."

"As you say, my Queen. Would you be willing to share with this one as lowly as me why you would like this, Highness?"

"I will tell you at our morn meal."

"And your next request, my Queen?"

"If I were to consider moving My reign here for part of the cycle, I would need a space for My meditations."

"It has already been designed and built, my Queen. You will see them soon. It is your next surprise."

"Erthrn. You know how much I respect you. But you need to know this. My sister could do no better than you, but The Realm has great need of her. The best you can do for her is to teach her to be such as you. To teach her your strengths and your ways of leading. She needs to become more committed and understanding of the ways of The Realm. This is the greatest gift you could give to her and to The Realm."

Erthrn nodded her head, “I will consider it as my duty, then, my Queen."

The High Queen placed her hand upon Erthrn's shoulder, “You please Me well, Queen Erthrn. I often think that The Realm would have done better by choosing you as its High Queen instead of Me. If there is anything I may do for you as well, ask freely for it. If it is in My powers to give, I will do so."

Erthrn couldn't show a display of emotion other than strength, even though she loved this High Queen greatly and had long desired to be her lover. But it wasn't the way of the Women of the Sword, so she had swallowed this great love and loss of it long prior, “Just your presence, my Queen. All else is unobtainable. With you here, my life and our village would be complete."

"I am considering such, Erthrn. What is this play to be about?"

"It will be explained, but I think you will enjoy it, Highness."

San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ laughed, “I never would have wagered that the Warriors of the Sword would ever provide a play to The Realm."

She sat, and Erthrn returned to Sam. If she couldn't have San'lr'in'thel'ineln', the sister was a most excellent replacement.

The play was as great a play as any in the Valley, and San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ thought it perhaps even more witty and astute. The play was in four parts. Each of the parts told the same story from a differing perspective. The play told the story of Erthrn's rise to Queen of Rns'deln’ from a warrior's, a lover's, a politician's and a comedienne's perspective. But each act was also given a cynic. The cynic, or chorus was provided so that no matter how convincing the actors in the scene, the cynic spoke otherwise. The audience was saddened during the lover's portion, as a love was torn apart because of the ascent to power, but the cynic reminded the audience that power became more important than the love. The audience was mesmerized by the warrior's tale of the feats of fearless battle, while the cynic reminded them that killing was easy, but sparing of life, which seldom occurred, was the more difficult. They were spellbound by the politician's view as they explored the treachery and various factions over the ascent, as the cynic laughed at the politician's belief in themselves as incorruptible. But the comedienne's tale made them laugh hysterically, casting a dry wit on all such leaders, events and issues. And the cynic laughed with them, as well.

Sle'nel’ found the play inspired in its ability to tell one story from such differing views. Meera liked it in that it helped her to understand how politician's and others viewed such events, knowing and understanding her own view as a warrior. Caitha was especially moved by the lover's tale as well as the comedienne's tale, feeling as if she related to these views, but, like Meera, appreciated the other tales that helped her to gain understanding of how others might think. Sam also appreciated the play for the same reasons, beginning to view the Warriors of the Sword in a different fashion than she had originally. Because of the play, she now saw that they were much more keenly intelligent and witty than she had thought them possible. Ann'wn liked it in that it helped her to understand her Queen further.

Erthrn hadn't seen the play prior, liked it well, and was most pleased to see that San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ also seemed to like it. Throughout the play, finger foods and drink were provided to the guests, as the play lasted a long while. At its conclusion, Erthrn stood and announced that their meal was being readied for them and to follow her to their dining hall.

She also added a surprise for The High Queen, “I hope you enjoy this banquet in your honor, High Queen, and we hope you also enjoy the dining hall, as it has been built for only your use."

Extending her hand to Sle'nel', San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ nodded and rose. They all followed Queen Erthrn as she led them to the dining hall down several flights of stairs, descending to the ground level, but from inside the caves, and fully toward the far end of the entire complex. After many moments, they arrived to another pair of doors that were identical to The High Queen's chamber doors as well as her bath doors. Two guards opened the doors, and once again, San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ was surprised. The dining hall was immense, providing a space for large gatherings, as was often needed in her position, and containing beautifully carved dining furniture of deeply polished lightwoods. She noticed that there was room for musicians, who were also now playing for her, dancing, and for many other tables.

Sle'nel’ looked at her, “Look toward the outside."

The High Queen looked at her, then to where she was looking, and saw it. The dining hall was connected to the outside where gardens had been constructed for her. The dining hall itself had full length windows from one side to the other so that the gardens could be seen, but as one stepped outside the glass walls, a large wood and stone patio had been constructed that allowed more room for the dining hall's enlargement, if needed. From the patio's edge, the gardens began. From what she could see, she could tell that they had worked long and hard on these gardens, providing a paradise in this most amazing of places.

"How have you created such as this?"

Erthrn saw that The High Queen was pleased, “With many hands, long effort, a talented gardener, and much desire to bring you here. Like your gardens in the Valley, there are many paths through them, and there is a small lake at the end of a few of them. The lake is not as such as yours in the Valley, but it does have a spectacular view, and a few other amazing features as well. But you can view this next turn, or late this eve. Now we would like to provide you with the meal from our kitchens and entertainment. We think you will be pleased."

The High Queen was seated at the end of the table in a large, massive yet beautifully carved and most comfortable chair. Erthrn sat at the opposite end of the table that had been arranged so that it held just this group, and no more. The musicians were playing, and dancers were providing background entertainment, but the main focus was on the food, drink and company. As in all settings within Rns'deln', much of the focus centered on fighting or pleasure. This eve, the entertainers were providing the mood for the latter, being scantily dressed and displaying exotic and highly suggestive movements. The women who waited upon the group were displayed so as to attract attention, and were also there so as to provide possible partnerships for later in the eve, as desired or needed.

Erthrn had placed Sam next to her so that she could entice The Highest to her own bed. She didn't know what The High Queen's sister felt about Uthrn, but Erthrn was highly interested in this Highest from Woden, finding her beautiful, skilled in the sword, and a warrior within her own right.

Erthrn looked at Sam, “You have beautiful eyes, Highest. And I hear that you are well skilled with the sword. Did you know that your sister has asked me to teach you some of your powers, and to help you to learn more skills with the sword?"

"You are able to teach me these?"

Erthrn saw that Sam was pleased, and was gladdened for it, knowing that she now held her attention to her, solely, “I have taught many warriors their powers, and most are still alive to attest to my teaching abilities. Would you like me to begin one of these lessons after this meal?"

Sam nodded, “Very much. How is it you know of these powers?"

Erthrn began eating, not really interested in the question, but not wishing to ignore Sam, “Some of these are basic, and it is where most begin. Soon enough, you will know more than just these basic powers. How do you like our food, Highest of Woden?"

Sam took a few bites and was fully amazed at the texture as well as spiciness of the food, “It is most delicious. You seem to but live well here, Queen Erthrn."

"We do. It is our small paradise. Tell me of your Woden, Highest."

Sam began to tell Erthrn of Woden, Hengist and its past, while The High Queen looked around, wondering if she could live among these Warriors. The Women of the Soul were present, being the musicians and presenters of the meal. They wore very little on their tops, and only the shortest of skirts upon their legs and hips. Sle'nel’ saw them mostly as without clothes, wondering about their name.