The Realm's Mystics [Mystic Women of The Realm Series Book 3] (50 page)

"Have the delegation make mention of how easy it was for us to capture their leader, should we have so chosen. And yet out of the goodness of our warm, warrior hearts, we but provided them with a display of our abilities, only. But a question, my Sister?"

She nodded, “Tell Me."

"Would they have recognized Sle'nel’ as Elf-kind?"

San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ looked at Sle'nel', “Were you able to observe the leader examining you with such a possible question in her mind?"

"She was in shock at the quickness of our attack, Highness. It occurred overly quickly for her to even think on. As Uthrn grabbed the Master, the leader and Uthrn looked at each other for moment, and then we left. I think she had no moments to study me."

San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ questioned the moment to herself,
Yet, they certainly saw R'lodin'lindor.

Ann'wn stood, “My Queen?"

San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ nodded.

"Meera, Uthrn and I request your leave. We must prepare for battle this eve. We begin our final combat against the Dungaras late this eve."

She nodded her consent, “When do you expect their surrender?"

"By this moment in two turns."

"You know my expectations. And be mindful of the Mungardies. They are not going to approve of the Dungaras’ surrender. I suspect they will offer their revenge upon the Dungaras, and most fiercely so. Be well prepared for this."

"Yes, my Queen. I understand. You expectations are foremost in my head."

Sam rose, bowing her head to her sister, “I would like to take part in this battle against the Dungaras, my Queen."

"You are a Highest. You shouldn't risk yourself on this."

"Then I would at least like to be part of the center of command. I have much experience I can offer, my Queen."

San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ looked at Ann'wn and Meera, “Does this meet with your approval?"

They both nodded.

"Then, I wish you all well in your command. Keep Me well informed."

"You will be escorted to the surrender, my Queen, when it is the moment."

She bowed her head in acknowledgement, then Ann'wn and Meera helped Uthrn out of the room to their command center for the soon-to-be final engagement against the Dungaras. Sam decided to spend a few more moments in Erthrn's presence, planning on going to Ann'wn and Meera a short while later.

San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ watched them leave, becoming more pleased with the recent events. The Realm was changing, and she felt it. She had shaken the Mungardies to their core, undeniably, and in two turns the Dungaras would surrender. Yet standing, she looked at the meal before her. She sat, looking at her lover, proclaiming, “I am starved. Let us eat. This is the beginning of a great moment for us for we have surely shaken the Mungardies’ belief in their superiority."

She took a bite of food, but found herself uninterested in it. She said to Erthrn, as well as to the others, “We have now embarrassed them beyond measure. I am certain that they feel not overly arrogant this eve."

Erthrn nodded, “And I would guess that those guards are now dead, my Queen."

San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ nodded, fully knowing the truth of it. She looked at her Elf, saying quietly, “This happy accident, My Desire, may be the best moment in My entire reign. It may just give us the illusion we needed them to have."

She turned to Erthrn, “Have the musicians begin the music. This is an eve to celebrate."

Sle'nel’ had never prior seen her Queen so publicly animated, “My Queen. We haven't yet won the war against the Dungaras."

"I celebrate your success this eve, My Desire. We have the Dungaras near surrender and the Mungardies most confused. I would also dance this eve, but you are injured in your leg. How is your pain, My Desire?"

Sle'nel’ could displace her pain if she didn't make any movement, “Not like the prior battle. Much improved from that. These will heal quickly."

"Our Healer was beside herself when you pulled out that arrow."

Sle'nel’ winced at the reminder, “How stupid was this of me! What made me do as such?"

"What made you question leaving the Master's lover behind?"

She thought about it for a moment, then said, “The look upon her face. It wasn't fear. It was shock. A mere lover would have been merely fearful of us, I think. She had a look of wonder about her. That, and she was extremely beautiful."

"How many cycles do you think she has?"

"Many. She is not young. Have you never prior met with her?"

"No. Neither of us knows what the other looks like."

"How is R'lodin'lindor?"

"The Healer and animal healer removed the arrow and provided some stitches. Very few were needed, and R'lodin'lindor was very brave about it. They wanted her to remain for a few turns, but she refused. I spoke what Elfin I could to her, but she wanted to leave. The Healer thinks the wound will do fine on its own, but insisted R'lodin'lindor return in two turns. I asked her to do as such, and she agreed."

They ate their meal, listening and responding to the other conversations as necessary. The sweets and tea were brought in at the end of the meal, and San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ had her usual tea. Sle'nel’ ate both their sweets, making The High Queen take a few bites. In spite of her wounds, Sle'nel’ now felt pleased with the outcome, even if she hadn't taken the leader of the Mungardies. Ann'wn was correct,
We certainly do well-know what the leader of the Mungardies looks like
.

The High Queen sat back in her seat, a habit of hers that Sle'nel’ was fond of. The High Queen reached for Sle'nel's hand, settling in to watch the others enjoy their moments. Feeling some relief from the strains of The Realm, The High Queen looked over to her sister who was being well entertained by Erthrn. She could see that they were building a relationship of some sort, but decided to remain well apart from her sister's private affairs, whatever may occur.

But feeling somewhat playful, an unusual feeling for her, she used some of her powers to send an object to Sam, wondering how her powers were developing. Sam sensed it coming, averting it in another direction. San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ instantly halted the object, sending it back to her with more force, observing Sam's ability with energy forces. Sam hadn't expected the object's return, but as Erthrn had trained her, she used the object's own energy to once again avert it. Sam looked at her sister. San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ smiled, bowing her head. Sam could tell she was pleased at her progress. Sle'nel’ leaned back into her seat as well, staring at her Queen now that everyone else was otherwise engaged in other conversations.

Sle'nel’ smiled at her, knowing the answer, but wanting to hear her Queen talk to her, “Are you yet upset with me, my Queen?"

San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ looked into her eyes with a heated intensity that Sle'nel’ hadn't seen for many turns. She stared directly into her eyes for many moments, saying nothing. The look was of pure desire, as well as an odd mixture of emotions that had been difficult to control.

San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ found herself overjoyed at their good luck, angry at her Elf for having taken such a risk, and relieved that her Elf was going to be fine. Suddenly, she stood, facing the long table, “I take My leave from you for the remainder of this eve. Thank you for attending this wondrous eve, and let us hope that by this moment in two turns we will have even more reason to celebrate. Please continue your own celebration for as long as you desire."

She motioned to a guard, then motioned to her lover, “Carry her to My chambers.” Sle'nel’ knew that there was no moment for negotiation in the command.

Sle'nel’ had guessed as to what The High Queen's intense stare had meant, but hadn't been fully prepared for the enormity of passion that San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ had worked into through the previous eve's worry over her. After many aggressive physical moments of intensity fulfilling each other's needs, Sle'nel’ looked at her Queen, “Does this mean you are no longer upset with me?” She had never prior experienced her Queen as demanding as at this moment, but could yet see the look of desire in her eyes.

San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ stroked her cheek, “How is it that you became so playful in the middle of this mission? Do Elves not select the moment when this playfulness will come upon them?"

"Playful? How do you mean?"

"Do you truly believe that Uthrn would have done as such, on her own?"

Sle'nel’ recalled Uthrn's frustrating willingness to give up on the search, “No. In truth, I had to convince her that this would make a nice present for you."

The High Queen ran her fingers down Sle'nel's ribs to where the arrow had hit her side. She pressed it gently, making Sle'nel’ wince from the pain, “Yes, My Love. Playful. As I do now. Willing to inflict a little risk for a greater pleasure. Seeing the humor that exists within a serious moment."

She pressed a little harder.

Sle'nel’ moved slightly away from it, holding her Queen's hand to make her halt, “Yes, my Queen. I see your point. Playful. And this seems to be what has made you angry with me. For taking such a risk, but was it not for a much greater pleasure?"

The High Queen ran her finger down lower, moving slowly to between Sle'nel's legs, “Perhaps. We shall see."

The High Queen rose in the midmorn, allowing her Elf to sleep after their most pleasurable yet exhausting of eves. San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ had vowed her services to The High Queen's Audience for the turn, so had risen early enough so as to prepare. Her attendants had dressed her in the high formal garments fitting for the serious occasion. She wore her crown as well as her ring, earring, and design upon her neck. Mil'der'in was waiting for her in the Great Hall.

Mil'der'in knelt and bowed her head, “High Queen."

"Rise. Good morn, Mil'der'in. Thank you for scribing this turn. Your insight and wit make for a much more pleasant duty. How many await Me this turn?"

"You look majestic this turn. Your garments are most elegant. One hundred eighty-nine await your audience, my Queen."

San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ nodded to her, “Erthrn has done well trying to win My favor. It would appear that the Rns'deln’ can host The High Queen quite well."

"I will share all this information with your High Counselors. Are you ready, Highness?"

She nodded.

Mil'der'in nodded to the musicians, and they began the ceremonial processional. Queen Erthrn went first down the long carpeted aisle toward The High Queen's chair, carrying the ceremonial banner of The High Queen. Warriors, for display as well as for protection, lined The High Queen's path on each side. Many guards in full dress warrior garments followed behind Erthrn, then Mil'der'in. With some space between them, The High Queen walked the long runway followed by yet more guards and many more ceremonial banners. The effect was stunning, even for The High Queen. Caitha stood by watching, wanting to see this celebrated ceremony. All of Rns'deln’ had come out to watch, having never had such a ceremonial occasion as this, and for many of them, never prior having seen The High Queen. Caitha was surprised at the large number waiting to see The High Queen this turn.

Caitha, in awe over the music, particularly liked the pageantry and ceremony of the event. A full compliment of musicians was present, with many drums. The processional music was very stately and unexpected in its regal-ness from the Warriors of the Sword and the Women of the Soul. San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ saw Caitha as she went past, nodding and smiling to her. When she arrived to her High Queen's chair, she turned and faced her audience. On this occasion, all but The High Queen stood.

Mil'der'in saw that all was ready, then looked at her Queen. The High Queen nodded to her, then Mil'der'in announced, “The High Queen."

All those present knelt and bowed their heads, “High Queen."

Mil'der'in again looked at her Queen. San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ nodded to her, then Mil'der'in announced, “All rise. The High Queen's Audience is begun."

As Mil'der'in came to The High Queen to scribe for her, San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ said softly, “Have Caitha come up to help you this turn."

Mil'der'in nodded, then turned and spoke briefly to a guard. The guard retrieved Caitha and brought her up to Mil'der'in, “The High Queen requests your assistance this turn. Would you be willing to help me scribe for her?"

Caitha was excited by the prospect, nodding. “Thank you, High Queen. Mil'der'in. It is my honor. Just tell me what you would like of me, M'Love."

Mil'der'in called for the first complaint of the turn. She came up toward The High Queen, kneeling and bowing her head before being allowed close.

Mil'der'in whispered into San'lr'in'thel'ineln's ear, “This is Bro'dithia from Rns'deln'. She is a Woman of the Soul and claims that Queen Erthrn demands that they each have three children."

San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ jerked back slightly at that statement, “Be this truth?"

Mil'der'in shook her head, “I have spoken with many of the women, and each has said the same. There are no expectations from Erthrn for such."

"I thought not. Then what of this complaint?"

"Erthrn says she is crazy and always makes the same complaint, either to her, or now you. When she complains to Erthrn, she says it is Uthrn that makes such a demand. Queen Erthrn apologizes for this one, my Queen."

San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ shook her head slightly, laughing quietly at Erthrn's apology, “This doesn't bode well for the turn. Have her come forward."

Sle'nel’ woke at late morn, knowing that her lover was attending to The High Queen's Audience. She prepared herself, then retrieved a walking cane.

Slowly and painfully she managed to walk by herself. Wanting some moments to herself, she went to The High Queen's Gardens, then to the first island. She had brought her staff, her bow and arrow, her walking cane, and the book with the drawing of her Mother in it. She wanted to see if the drawing could talk to her, knowing it was a ridiculous notion, but wanting to study it more closely.

She sat on a log stump by the quiet lake and admired its beauty for a moment while she reflected on how her life had changed so quickly. And yet, to her, it felt as if she had ever been in the Valley, Woden had been but a dream, and that the woman named Jandra was someone else.