The High Queen thought about A'lon'lden's somewhat irrational commitment to her observation of the Dungaras. After all these cycles, she thought that perhaps A'lon'lden was slightly disturbed from having been so singularly focused. She continued to listen, however, intrigued at the thought of a peaceful Dungaras community. She well knew the pain they each had gone through after the death of her lover, A'lon'lden's Birth-Mother. And apparently, A'lon'lden had never fully recovered from it.
"Finally, one of the leaders I recognized from the warrior communities arrived. It remained several turns inside one of the dwellings of the Dungaras. This in itself was strange because Dungaras live alone in their own dwellings, unless they keep slaves, which are usually seldom Dungaran. One eve, curious as to what was occurring, I went into the town to spy into the dwelling. After four cycles, I hadn't believed what I saw was possible, but it was. A Dungaran was mating with another Dungaras."
The High Queen and Ann'wn well knew that Dungaras had no need to mate, being able to mate within themselves. As A'lon'lden had watched the unusual mating, she saw that while it looked most painful and unpleasant for the weaker Dungaras, they subjected themselves willingly to it.
"I had seen the Dungaras Warriors rape their captives upon many occasions, but at this moment, it was the only occurrence of overt sex between Dungaras I had seen. Finally, the Dungaras Warrior departed and the town continued on in their peace. I watched for another two moons as this practice repeated several more moments. And then it dawned upon me. This was a town of Dungaras whose sole purpose was to be there for mating by their Dungaras Warrior Leaders. Each moment one of the warriors entered the town, they would bring many supplies. Apparently it was a kept town. I began to explore for more of these towns, finding six more prior to being seen.
"While in the last of these peaceful towns, one of the Dungaras saw me as I watched them. Each turn as I watched the town, this Dungaras watched me. Not being a warrior, Its instincts were not to kill me, but I knew that not, yet.
"But It remained curious. One turn, I finally saw that It saw me. For many more turns, we knowingly watched each other. While I was frightened in having been seen, I saw that It had no ill will against me. Then, one turn, it came close enough to touch me. We did this for many turns, and then one turn, It did touch me. Then It sat on the ground, making a motion for me to do the same. I already knew its language, so as It spoke, I responded. It was surprised to hear me speak their language, smiling at me. We had remained hidden from the others, yet afraid I would be seen. But for many turns, we would sit together, speaking and learning of each other's ways. At first, I did this to learn more about the Dungaras, but over the moons, I became fond of this Dungaras. In four cycles, I had never been surprised about the Dungaras’ ways until this moment. This Dungaras showed feelings other than violence and brutality, something I never thought a Dungaras could show. It had been a long while since I felt any affection from another, so when the Dungaras asked me to touch it, I did so. For several moons we were in each other's arms. I came to love It and Its gentle ways."
"How is this mating possible? They are of a different build than our own."
A'lon'lden blushed, “I thought the same, my Queen, but it is not entirely so. They have a part similar to our males, but long and slender. It was a feeling like no other. As It entered my body, It was able to touch every sensitive part, moving up inside where It eventually took my birthing possibility and removed it to Its own. They do breed with each other upon occasion, but it does cause them pain to do so amongst themselves. It causes us no pain, as in truth, it is most pleasurable. And also, while they cause each other pain, when they mate with us, it is the most pleasurable feeling they have ever felt.
"Then I was captured, as I was no longer being careful. Yyeoiraa was gone to get some supplies. When Yyeoiraa returned, It saw them taking me away. Yyeoiraa followed, risking Its life to do so, as Yyeoiraa was one of the Warrior Leader's favorites. They took me to one of their Warrior villages, torturing me to find out what I knew. I know not how much I told them as the pain sent me insane, I think. I must have bitten my tongue to keep myself from speaking. I remember nothing of Yyeoiraa rescuing me, but It did. And you know the remainder of the story. It tells me that my mind is still confused and distorted. All I know is that we are together, finally safe."
Sle'nel’ moved over next to Yyeoiraa, holding It. Yyeoiraa looked upon the Elfin Faerie with great love, “My Queen, I think they need to live in El'fs'nv'lle. I think A'lon'lden has suffered enough, and has done enough for The Realm."
The High Queen nodded, “It is so, Elf. You are correct. A'lon'lden, I am truly astonished. Perhaps this one finding will be enough to change the course of how our two races interact. I would like you to tell Ann'wn of where the Warrior leaders’ towns are located, though, and of the peaceful settlements so that we attack them not. Perhaps if more such matings occur, we can send them to be with the two of you in El'fs'nv'lle. Perhaps it will become a community of mixed races. Not likely, but now I see that it is possible. And what will the baby become like?"
Yyeoiraa answered, “Know not, but will love all."
The High Queen smiled and rose, “I am most certain that it will, Yyeoiraa. You are truly the bravest Dungaras I have ever met.” She turned, “Kneel before me, A'lon'lden."
A'lon'lden did as she was bid, truly fearful at this moment. After being tortured, her ability to take any pain was long past. She shook noticeably as The High Queen placed her hands lightly on top her head, “Shhhh, My Love's Birth-daughter. Have no fear. I will cause you no pain."
The High Queen closed her eyes. For moments the only movement Sle'nel’ could see was The High Queen's head moving back slightly as her eyes tightened, as if in great pain. After many more long moments, The High Queen moaned. She removed her hands from A'lon'lden's head, moving one hand to her own forehead, staggering. Ann'wn helped place her carefully in her chair. For many more moments, she remained inside herself, focusing on removing the intense pain and memories that had driven A'lon'lden so insane.
A'lon'lden was feeling much improved, both mentally and physically, but became concerned, “My Queen, what is wrong. What have you done?” She looked wildly to Ann'wn, “What has happened? Why did she do as she did?"
Ann'wn saw that A'lon'lden was frantic, making her to sit next to Yyeoiraa, “Take care of her. Tell her that her Queen will be fine."
Yyeoiraa nodded to Ann'wn, speaking to A'lon'lden in her Dungaras’ tongue, trying to calm her.
Sle'nel’ became concerned over the length of the healing, hearing her Queen moan occasionally. Bending down toward her, she placed her hand upon The High Queen's cheek, My Queen. Feel me. Take my strength. I am here for you. Remember our stars, my Queen?
There was no response, so she tried again, Feel me. Feel my hand upon you.
Feel me, my Queen.
Finally, after many moments, The High Queen took a deep breath, moving her hand to Sle'nel's, looking fully depleted of all her energies. Her face was completely white, Thank you, My Elf. I felt you and knew you were there. I heard you, My Love. I saw our stars.
The High Queen yet had her eyes closed and her hand to her own forehead. Sle'nel’ knew well that her Queen was in great pain, “Why did you do as such? You are a queen and should not risk this."
She sent her thoughts to Sle'nel', Worry not. I will be fine after I rest a short moment. Her thoughts are most confused and pained. I took what I could from her, but the memories of her torture will bother her for yet a long while. She is My lost lover's Birth-daughter, My Desire. It is the least I could do for her. She is so lost in this Realm, and now chooses this harsh reality.
Sle'nel’ crouched down in front of her Queen, yet touching her cheek, “Focus, my Queen. Remove your pain."
The High Queen bowed her head down, covering her eyes with her hand so as to avoid the light. Her head ached with a great intensity, and she felt her stomach beginning to react against it. The horrors she had s
een in A'lon'lden's mind were overly terrible to endure. It made her rage all the greater.
"Breathe deeply, my Queen. You take only shallow breaths. Breathe!"
Sle'nel’ well knew the depths that such horrors would take one, even just guessing as to what The High Queen was now facing.
"Breathe, my Queen. Breathe deeply."
The High Queen made one great effort to breathe. She focused upon her breathing as she had been taught. She remembered her teacher's voice, Remove yourself from the pain. Focus only on your breathing. Its sound. Breathe deeply and slowly. Feel nothing else. Think nothing else. Focus.
Sle'nel’ watched carefully, finally seeing her Queen move away from the shallow breaths. Slowly, her Queen's breathing improved, becoming more normal. She watched, seeing her Queen's face change from sheer white to a more normal coloring.
Ann'wn had never prior seen her Queen look as ill as this. She also was concerned, and angered that her Queen had done as such for another. It was difficult enough to keep her Queen from harm, but Ann'wn became frustrated when The High Queen placed her own wellness in jeopardy.
The High Queen finally removed her hand from her eyes, opening them slowly. The first thing she saw as she returned to The Realm was her lover's concerned expression. She then saw that Ann'wn was equally upset with her. She laughed lightly, yet feeling some of the pain from her head. She would clear that pain in a moment.
"And what is so amusing, my Queen?"
"The two of you. You remind me of My teachers when I had done something wrong."
"Good. And what did they do to you for punishment?"
She laughed lightly, again, “What? You think I will tell you of this?"
Ann'wn stepped forward, yet frustrated, “My Queen. It is difficult enough to ensure your safety in this realm, but for you to—"
She held her hand up toward Ann'wn, “Silence, Ann'wn. You make My head to ache further."
The High Queen rose for a moment, then thinking better of it, sat back down, “A'lon'lden. We will have you and your love moved to your new home in a short while. Ann'wn will have the details tended to, but it will take a moon or so, as we also must see to your living arrangements and supplies. I will have you well tended and cared for, though. You have done The Realm a great service, as has your love. We will reward you well. Rest in the care of the Spirit Mothers until one of Ann'wn's guard's return. We will first have a dwelling built for you, and then you will be moved. Once there, you will have no further fears."
A'lon'lden came over kneeling next to her Queen, “My Queen, I am most indebted, and I have missed you well. I will never understand what you just did for me, but am grateful for it. I feel like a fog has been lifted from me. Thank you, my Queen."
"Go now, A'lon'lden, with your love and child. Remain well and safe. I will be here when you need Me. A messenger will be arranged for you. Thank you for all you have done for The Realm."
A'lon'lden and the Dungaras left, leaving The High Queen to rid herself of the last of her pain, and to deal with Ann'wn's frustration and her own lover's scolding.
"Which is worse, facing the two of you, or dealing with My pain?"
Sle'nel’ turned to Ann'wn, “It is midturn. Can you bring our meal to the beach? We could all eat, and The High Queen can give you another lesson. Then we can go to our last banquet this eve, and prepare to leave in the morn. Is that acceptable?"
Ann'wn bowed to her Elfin Princess, “It is. I will have the Spirit Mothers arrange a most excellent of midturn meals. I will meet you there, as first I must speak with A'lon'lden for a moment. I will also tell the others where to meet you."
Sle'nel’ offered her hand to her Queen, “Come, my Queen."
As they walked to the beach, The High Queen spoke of the Valley, “There is yet much in the Valley that you have not yet seen, My Desire. I would like to show you it. I think it a most beautiful Valley."
"Yes, my Queen. I would like this."
"What is it you would like to do upon our return?"
"I have been thinking on this. First, I must visit El'fs'nd'lle. Like everything else in my life, it seems to call to me. And I have been informed that it is the purpose for my life to restore the Elves. I know not much about being this Elfin Faiere except the memories and powers that have been given to me, and I would like to know more."
"Then to El'fs'nd'lle it will be."
Ann'wn had made the midturn and after midturn a wonderful celebration of relaxation and enjoyment of each other's company. There was more food and drink than they could consume, Caitha entertained them with some of her stories and songs, and Sam made them all laugh by reminding San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ of her own prior training with ‘those awful and mean teachers'. Sam did her imitations of them, mimicking their yelling at how terrible her skills were. Then another lesson was given to Meera and Ann'wn, while Caitha and Sle'nel’ sat and spoke to each other.
During the lesson, San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ made them meditate first, then hold out their sword again, hoping they could move away from the pain for a moment. Ann'wn was able to manage it for the moment only, but it was enough. San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ knew that now Ann'wn was able to see what she aimed for. She had them practice many new sword moves, trying not to be as the teacher that her sister made fun of. Sam stood near her sister, watching intently.
"Keep you movements small."
"No. Smaller, Woden Warrior. Keep the movements smaller."
Sam interrupted with questions occasionally, “More powerful moves often win the fight, though."
"Watch. You will see why in a moment."
"Ann'wn, you are overly stiff. Loosen your shoulders."
"Quickness, Woden Warrior, not strength. You waste overly much energy in the large swings. Another will be able to kill you twice for every large swing you take."
"Up on your toes, Ann'wn. You stand on the backs of your feet overly."
"Warrior Woman. It is not a test of strength. It is a test of smartness and quickness."
Sam interrupted again, “She has but won most of her fights with her strength."
"Most is not enough, Highest. She must win all the moments. It only takes once to lose a life."
While she made them practice over and over again, Caitha spoke to Sle'nel', “I am pleased in this love The High Queen gives you. She seems to love you with strong emotion, M'Love."
"I can imagine nothing better. I don't think Sam even loved me."
"Maybe she did in her own way. Sam is not used to loving and doesn't know how."
"And San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ is? She had a mate for even fewer moments than Sam did. No, I don't think Sam did, and she certainly never said so that I can recall."
"Does this one treat you well?"
"Better than I deserve. She tells me that she willingly died a thousand deaths to be with me."
Caitha laughed, “I think she but has a little of the storyteller in her. Did she tell you that she but told me to look for the amber stones on the beach?"
"No. Did you find any?"
Caitha opened her pouch, bringing out six large amber stones, “They be beautiful. She told me that they are with healing qualities. I wish I but knew more about them."
"Why don't you ask her, Caitha? Are you afraid of her?"
"In truth, she is a most powerful queen. And commanding. I think her not mean, but why would such a queen as this have any moments to spare for me."
Sle'nel’ laughed, “No. She is not mean. How could I love as I do if she were? And she would be glad to answer your questions."
"Doesn't she scare you at moments, though?"
"She should, as she is as you say, a most powerful queen, but no, she doesn't. I knew not of this and have found her strength most amazing. Even her strength of character. And her dedication to The Realm is absolute, without question. They made a wise choice for her as Queen."
"I think our Sam misses you, though."
Sle'nel's response was quick, the memory yet painful, “Only because sh
e doesn't have me. She needs to find someone she can love. Not someone that her will was bent towards."
"I think she finally has found that woman, M'Love. I think she truly fell in love with you most recently. She spoke of it briefly, saying how she loves the woman you now become. In truth, Jandra, your change is quite surprising. You even no longer look as you used to. Are you but aware of this?"
"Sam used to question what difference beauty made. I think I agree with her."
"Maybe, M'Love, but it is easy for you to say as such as you as so beautiful. It is not easy to say that when one is not so.” She studied Sle'nel’ for a moment, “Your life has certainly changed, M'Love. It must be quite confusing for you. I hope you can take some comfort in your friends, though."
"I am most pleased you are here, Caitha. I surely never wanted to be the High Sorcerer who oversees the Sorrows of the Stones. It is most depressing at moments. I should focus on what I have gained, and never have I had a love such as this. It is as a dream. She seeks not to control what I do, but allows me my free will in all things."
Caitha was startled at the possibility, “Did Sam control you?"
"Never in a bad way, but yes. She always had to make the final decision. San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ expects me to make my own decisions on all matters. It is as if she wants me to be who I am to be."
Caitha shook her head, “I think she is just wise, M'Love, and trusts you. She knows you well, and knows of your potential and abilities. I think it be the same she wishes for The Highest. Do you think she but likes The Highest?"
"She hopes Sam accepts her role within The Realm. She says nothing about her to me though, unless she is brought up by someone else. I think it difficult for the both of them, as they must now learn how to become sisters."
The Realm's Mystics [Mystic Women of The Realm Series Book 3] Page 14
