The Realm's Mystics [Mystic Women of The Realm Series Book 3] (79 page)

The Healer asked, “Why did they do this? Could they not reproduce by any other fashion?"

Caitha shrugged, “It is not known for certain amongst the storytellers, but they make guesses only that it was in their custom to form unions amongst all patterns, as there is rumor that there were as many men as women. The storytellers also say that their healing was far different than ours, relying on medicine they called drugs, instead of our healing practices."

"What is this thing they called technology?"

Caitha shrugged again, “It is not known, but it is known that they used it to create light and heat."

"It sounds like our magic, then."

Caitha nodded, “But they were not Mystics, although the storytellers say that their weapons, healing, and energy from their technology all resembled The Realm's mystical abilities."

Sam turned to her sister, “I thought you had never met our sister prior, and yet you have been to Sansthera."

San'lr'in', “You are correct on both. Sume'n'tinel'ti'non moved to Sansthera after I was there. I visited Sansthera in My youth, while I was being trained for The Realm. I know not what she has done to it."

"She is also my Aunt, is she not, High Queen?"

San'lr'in’ nodded to Sele', “In a sense, yes. In some other sense, no. But you and she are distantly related. Try not yet to make sense of this, Young One, as even I have not yet done so."

Two messengers arrived, kneeling and bowing their heads, “Great High Queen. Our Queen has pronounced that it is the moment we take you back to begin your preparations for the eve."

Sle'nel’ had agreed to go with Sele’ for both their preparations, leaving The High Queen alone to hers. San'lr'in’ guessed that the Skr'kinges had invited others when she saw that a new gown had been made for her. She guessed that they had also invited The Women of the Waters, who lived close to them, and perhaps the Women of the Winds as well. Without Sle'nel’ near, she felt oddly alone, a feeling she had been long used to prior, but no longer. Her attendants were chattering amongst themselves, excited by the eve's possibilities as they prepared her in her High Formal garments, something she thought she wouldn't wear until their return to the Valley.

When they had dressed her in her gown, they prepared her hair, jewelry, and High Queen designs upon her neck and chest, as well as a small one upon her forehead. They had also placed the Jeweled Stone of Power necklace upon her, the first wearing of it since she had received it, and her crown.

"Is My Elf being prepared in the High Formal fashion, as well?"

"All our, Highness. All have been provided with new gowns for the eve, including the Young One."

The Healer entered and bowed her head, “High Queen."

San'lr'in’ thought her Healer beautiful, knowing her well from their long prior union, and was pleased to see that The Healer's new garments suited her well, “Healer. They have chosen your garments well for you this eve. But why do you come?"

"To bring you more ointment for your back. How fares it?"

"Your new ointment works well. Very well. I have had few issues with My back in spite of all our riding and fighting."

"How do the new powers fit within you?"

"Slightly troublesome, but improving. I will try to tend to My meditations again this late eve."

"Might I suggest you wait until next eve? I will help you with them."

San'lr'in’ waved her hand in dismissal, “As you say, Healer."

"Your Private Guard and Black Guard arrived earlier and will be in attendance this eve."

"The Skr'kinges invited them to the celebration?"

"They said that it just supplied improved protection. Ann'wn waits outside the door, Highness. She wishes to escort you into the celebration and seeks your approval."

"It is fine, but what of Mil'der'in?"

"Best leave that between them, High One."

"Indeed. You look beautiful this eve, Healer. I thought long prior that you would find yourself someone well prior to when I did so. But here you are yet beautiful and yet alone."

"My potions’ ingredients scare most off, Highness.” She was laughing, thinking of her room where she kept all her experiments.

San'lr'in’ smiled, also recalling The Healer's row after row of containers filled with ingredients, knowing never to look or reach into any of them, “Please never tell Me of the ingredients in My back potion. I would never be able to use it again. Go now, Healer, and enjoy the celebration. I will see you there."

Ann'wn gasped as her Queen exited her room. She knelt and bowed her head, “My Queen. You are most stunning this eve."

"Rise, Force Leader. Is this a new Warrior's garment they give you?” She placed her arm upon Ann'wn's.

"For the celebration."

As they neared the celebration, San'lr'in’ saw that many guards were outside the main door, “This is to be another grand entrance, then?"

"Yes, High Queen. They have bid it so."

"Odd, are they not? These grand entrances?"

"My Queen?"

"What is their purpose?"

"To honor you, High Queen."

Laughing, but lightly so others wouldn't hear, she said, “Perhaps I should just have a large drawing done for every town in The Realm, such as the one in Rns'deln''. That way they could honor Me without Me having to be there. You could just carry the drawing into the room."

Ann'wn was surprised, “My Queen? It would not be the same."

"It was just an amusing thought, Ann'wn."

The door opened and Ann'wn stepped slightly forward, then turned and held up her and The High Queen's hand, presenting her, “The Great High Queen of The Realm."

Everyone in the room knelt and bowed their heads before her, “Great High Queen."

As they looked up, they marveled at her beauty. She walked beside Ann'wn to the front of the room where she was met by Queen Lrn'drn'.

We are most pleased and honored to have The Great High Queen of The Realm with us this turn. High Queen, you honor the Skr'kinges with your presence. To celebrate with us this eve are also the Women of the Winds and the Women of the Waters. Queen N'orn'nntil’ and Queen Ersh'delrin’ are here to honor you this eve, with us. Many cycles prior, the Deep Mystics placed much trust in you. And now, this many cycles later, you have more than repaid this trust, and it is now us that owe you, Great High Queen. You have served The Realm like no other. This eve, we honor you
.

She presented San'lr'in’ with a new crown,
Please kneel so that I may place this new crown on your head, High Queen
.

San'lr'in's attendants quickly removed her crown, then she knelt down so that Queen Lrn'drn’ could place the new one upon her head.

There is only one crown like this in the entire realm, Highness, and no other can wear it. The crown holds special powers of its own that will serve to protect you. Should another try to take it from you, the spells within will prevent them from doing so. This is The Crown of The Realm's True High Queen. Until the moment you no longer wish to wear this crown, you are The Realm's Great High Queen. No other can take it from you, and you no longer serve under the privilege of the High Council. This crown, along with the Jeweled Stone of Power will also help to keep you safe from mystical harm. With this crown, as with this necklace just prior, it is now displayed that you no longer serve us, High Queen. We serve you
.

San'lr'in’ was stunned, having thought that any such pronouncements were finished back at the Women in the Trees. She bowed her head to Queen Lrn'drn’ for a moment, then stood. She knew that the Deep Mystics had become pleased with her, but never expected any display of this sort, especially by them.

She wondered what they knew that they were yet not telling her.

Softly and slowly, she sent her thoughts,
Thank you, Queen Lrn'drn'. I am truly overwhelmed by your showing of respect and loyalty to the position. I hope that I live up to your expectations, but will strive to do so, for all of us in The Realm. I will wear the crown with honor.

Queen Lrn'drn’ responded,
It is not to the position we give our service, San'lr'in'thel'ineln'. It is to you. The position means nothing to us, and this you know well. It is to you, and you only that we give our full respect
. She turned to all that were present,
Long live San'lr'in'thel'ineln'. Long live our Great High Queen.

All those in attendance clapped, as was appropriate for the occasion. Then Queen Lrn'drn’ turned back to San'lr'in',
I understand that in the Valley, it is custom that The High Queen begins the evening's entertainment by being the first to dance. Would you honor us in this fashion, High Queen
?

San'lr'in’ bowed her head in acknowledgement,
I am pleased to do this for you, Queen Lrn'drn'.

The musicians began the music when Lrn'drn’ nodded to them, while San'lr'in’ looked about the room for her Elf. When she found her, she smiled gently, going toward her.

She held out her hand to her, bowing her head a little, “Will you do Me the honor of the first dance, My Desire?"

Sle'nel’ placed her hand into The High Queen's, smiling at her, her eyes twinkling, “It is my honor, my Queen."

San'lr'in’ held her gently to her, looking into her eyes, “You are beautiful, My Elf. And your gown is all Elfin. Shimmering in its own beauty."

Sle'nel’ returned the look, “It is you who are beautiful, my Queen. It is as if your beauty grows upon each turn."

San'lr'in’ pulled Sle'nel’ closer to her, speaking softly in her ear as they danced around the floor, “If what beauty I have pleases you, then I am well pleased. And I am grateful you are here with Me for this dance."

They danced while ignoring those around them, as if the music was only for them. When the dance was complete, San'lr'in’ held onto Sle'nel's hand, slightly apart from her, and said,
Let the entertainment begin for all.

As the next dance began, Sle'nel’ said, “I am most proud of you, my Queen. Who in all The Realm has accomplished such as you?"

San'lr'in’ ignored the statement, “Is this collar typical of the Elves, My Desire?"

"They tell me it is."

Her gown had the same long ‘V’ design, but also had a small standup collar somewhat around her neck, showing off her long neck. The High Queen bent over slightly, removing the collar just a little, and placed a tender kiss upon the Elf's neck.

"Intriguing."

"Great High Queen? May I have the honor of dancing with your Elf?"

San'lr'in’ looked at who was speaking, “Queen N'orn'nntil'. It is good to see you once again. Sle'nel', you have met Queen N'orn'nntil’ of the Women of the Waters.” She gave Sle'nel's hand to her.

Sle'nel’ bowed slightly, sighing, “Queen N'orn'nntil'. It would be my pleasure."

The High Queen sat at a small table, leaning back into her chair. An attendant brought her some food, but except for a few bites, she ignored it, watching the dancing. Queen Lrn'drn’ came and sat with her, speaking to her of The Realm.

"You are exceptionally beautiful, Elf. It gives great pleasure to dance with you. If you were not The High Queen's, I would ask for you this instant."

"Thank you, Queen N'orn'nntil'. You are most kind. Tell me of your domain."

Sle'nel’ looked over to her Queen, noticing that she was speaking to Lrn'drn'. She was disappointed that her Queen was so engaged, when suddenly, San'lr'in’ stole a glance at her, her eyes heated in their desire. Sle'nel’ was pleased, noticing her Queen's look, and knowing what it meant. She made some teasing movements with N'orn'nntil', but meant solely for her Queen.

Ann'wn and Mil'der'in were dancing together, yet trying to make sense of their feelings for each other, “I love your strength. I feel safe in your arms. Hold me tighter."

Ann'wn pulled Mil'der'in closely to her, wishing she were dancing with The Healer instead of Mil'der'in.

Mil'der'in placed her head against Ann'wn's shoulder, breathing in her odor, “And I love the smell of you. It has been long prior since I felt as such for another."

Ann'wn knew she desired The Healer, “You are beautiful, Mil'der'in, and in truth, I have great desire of you. But I cannot make such a commitment as this to you."

The dance ended, and Queen Ersh'delrin’ came up to Sle'nel', “It would give me great honor if you would dance the next dance with me, Elf."

Sle'nel’ sighed quietly, “Of course, Queen Ersh'delrin'. It would be my pleasure.” She looked back to her own Queen, comforted in seeing that San'lr'in’ kept watch over her.

As she danced, she stole glances at her Queen, amazed at her need of her.

"What is it like to be The Great High Queen's lover?"

"What is it like to be The Realm's only Elf?"

"Did The Great High Queen not take you from your former lover, The Highest of Woden?"

Sle'nel’ danced, politely trying to avoid Ersh'delrin's questions, answering them as briefly as possible. The dance halted, but Ersh'delrin’ demanded, “Please. Just one or two more, Sle'nel'. It would please me well."

Sle'nel’ sighed, but consented, not knowing how to handle this most demanding of Queens. The next dance ended, but another began right away, and Ersh'delrin wouldn't let her go. Sle'nel’ gave in, thinking that her own Queen was yet busy speaking with Lrn'drn'. She closed her eyes when she heard the soft, but sweet and sad refrains of the next dance, wishing she were with her own lover.

San'lr'in’ came over and bowed her head to Ersh'delrin, letting her know that she now wished to dance with her Elf. Without a word, Queen Ersh'delrin gave Sle'nel's hand to her. She took it and moved into Sle'nel's yet slowly dancing body, fitting into it as if they had been dancing the entire eve. Sle'nel’ opened her eyes for a moment, then closed them again as she leaned gratefully against her Queen's shoulder, now thinking the music perfect.

She looked up into her Queen's eyes, seeing that they stared back lovingly, “You save me yet again."

"I will always be here for you, My Desire."

The High Queen couldn't look away from her Elf's eyes, mesmerized by their golden twinkling. She stared at her lovingly, but also with great desire, “Why do I find breathing so difficult when I am with you?"