Caitha smiled at her. She spoke softly so as to not disturb The High Queen, “Jandra, you awaken."
Sle'nel’ looked at her, “Jandra?"
Caitha thought on it for a moment, “Oh. They call you Sle'nel'. You were not always called as such. For many cycles you were known as Jandra. Our Jandra. Do you remember anything of Woden, M'Love?"
Sle'nel’ closed her eyes, as if a memory pulled at her, “Woden?"
"Woden, M'Love, used to be your home. Now your home is here, in the Valley, with your Queen. Do you remember our Highest, Sam?"
"Sam?"
"It is short for Sam'r'in'thel'ineln'. She is San'lr'in'thel'ineln's sister.
"A sister. Who is San'lr'in'thel'ineln'?"
"The High Queen. That be her name."
She tried it out, “San'lr'in'thel'ineln'."
Sle'nel’ did remember the name, but not the woman, “Who are you?"
"I am called by Caitha. I am Meera's mate."
Tired of asking who everyone was, Sle'nel’ just looked at this woman.
"I am a storyteller. Would you like me to tell you a story?"
Sle'nel’ was uncertain if she did or not. She didn't mind listening to this woman, but would rather try to bring her memories to herself. The High Queen, whoever she was, helped by giving her some images. She wanted to think about them for a while, but Caitha began her story. It was a story of Woden, of the great battle between one called The Highest and a powerful and violent intruder by some name as Buron. Sle'nel’ became interested as the story was told, but found no memory of her own within it even though her Jandra name was often mentioned.
When the story was completed, Sle'nel’ asked, “Did you fight in this battle with me against the Dungaras?"
Caitha nodded, “Would you like me to tell you the story?"
The High Queen had just awoken, “Perhaps later, Caitha. Would you mind helping Me to rise? I cannot do it by myself."
Caitha helped San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ rise from her resting place, helping her to sit in another chair close to Sle'nel', “I have not had the moment to thank you for getting us home safely, Caitha. If it were not for you, I doubt if Sle'nel’ or I would have made it home at all."
Caitha blushed, “And if not for you, my Queen, we all would have been killed by the Dungaras. I have never seen such fighting as within you. But I am now to ensure that the both of you eat."
"Tell My attendants to bring more substantial food. It is the moment. And I would like a small sweet brought in for Sle'nel'. If you would like to return to your Meera and My sister, I understand. The attendants are around if I have need of anything. Are Meera and Sam'r'in'thel'ineln’ able to move about as yet? If they are, please have them come to Me for a visit. I would like to place My praises upon them, and you are to return with them, if you would."
"Oh, they would be most pleased to come, Highness. Is there anything else I can get for you before I leave?"
"Thank you, Caitha. Please have one of My attendants come in. Could you also make sure that they bring some food for Ann'wn, in case she awakens."
"Yes, my Queen. I will see you later, Jandra. I hope your memories but return."
After Caitha left, Sle'nel’ began to try to rise. The pain was great, especially at her stomach wound, but she was determined to get out of the bed.
"Wait a moment, Sle'nel'. We can get someone to help you rise."
An attendant entered, kneeling and bowing her head, “My Queen?"
"Help Sle'nel’ to rise. She would like to get out of this bed."
"Be it wise, my Queen?"
The High Queen looked at her attendant, not pleased, “Everyone feels free to question Me now that I am unable to halt them?"
"I beg your pardon, my Queen."
The attendant helped Sle'nel’ to rise so she was sitting on the side of the bed facing The High Queen. Sle'nel’ nodded, weakly saying, “Thank you. It be far enough.” The amount of pain she felt just getting out of bed startled her. Feeling slightly nauseous and now breathless, she decided to wait a while longer before standing.
The attendant turned to San'lr'in'thel'ineln', “My Queen, is there anything else?"
"Please call Mil'der'in to Me. I have need of her."
She bowed, “Yes, Highness. I will return when your food arrives."
Sle'nel’ sat upon the bed in some pain, studying The High Queen. She looked at her eyes, and then her dark red hair, wondering when the memories would return. Sle'nel’ thought her red hair wonderful.
The High Queen said nothing, just watching, hoping that Sle'nel’ would return to her soon.
The High Queen's chair was close enough that Sle'nel’ could bend over to touch her face, excepting for her injury. She thought about this Queen for a moment, then slowly reached out her good arm toward The High Queen, trying to reach her. She couldn't do so without great pain, and became frustrated.
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ could tell that she was discouraged but left her alone to her own desires, knowing what it felt like to be overly controlled. Sle'nel’ stood. With some difficulty she moved herself to standing in front of The High Queen, moving her hand to The High Queen's good shoulder. She looked at it, and then looked in The High Queen's eyes. Slowly, she moved her hand down San'lr'in'thel'ineln's shoulder and arm. The feeling made The High Queen moan slightly, not expecting it, surprised at the touch's intensity.
Come home to Me, My Love.
Sle'nel’ looked at her quizzically, somewhat recognizing the voice in her head. The memories were returning, but not enough to be clear. She remembered the feeling of this, but couldn't yet connect it to this most beautiful woman. The Healer entered with the food, needing to change The High Queen's bandages. She stood quietly, watching as Sle'nel’ tried to make sense of herself in this realm.
"We have lain with each other?"
The High Queen only nodded.
"You are called by San'lr'in'thel'ineln'.
The Healer interrupted, “Seldom, though. She is called by Highness, as she is The High Queen."
Sle'nel’ looked over to The Healer, “May I try this touch upon you?"
The Healer placed their food upon the table, then came to Sle'nel', “Of course."
Sle'nel’ placed her hand upon The Healer's shoulder, moving it down her arm as she had done with The High Queen. She studied The High Queen again, wondering why the feeling was so intense with the beautiful red-haired one, but felt like nothing with this Healer.
The Healer saw her expression and laughed, “Not quite the same, was it?” She looked to The High Queen, “I apologize High One, but I have some food for you, and I must change your bandages. Sle'nel', why don't you sit upon the bed for a moment while I do this, then I can check yours as well when I finish with our Queen? I am glad to see you up though, as it is the moment. Both of you are looking much improved. I have brought juice. Please make sure to drink it as it will serve to replenish all the blood that you lost."
She helped Sle'nel’ sit upon the bed, gave her some juice to drink, then helped The High Queen to rise. After removing her outer top garments, The Healer unwrapped the bandages. One layer after another, the bandages came off until the wounds were fully exposed. Sle'nel’ watched, studying the woman's body, realizing that she knew it well and that it excited her. She saw the wound upon The High Queen's shoulder and arm, amazed at its length. As The Healer gently moved her to do so, The High Queen turned slightly around, her front away from Sle'nel'. Suddenly, Sle'nel’ saw The High Queen's scar upon her back. She gasped. Her eyes opened widely as she just stared at it. The memories of the story behind the scar came flooding back to her, of her Queen's fight against the Mungardies, of the song the musicians sang of the event, of her former love falling over the cliff, and of Mor'inl'.
The High Queen turned her head, noticing that Sle'nel’ was staring at her scar. The Healer also halted and watched, sensing that something had stirred in Sle'nel'. Sle'nel’ rose with great pain and went toward San'lr'in'thel'ineln'. She
touched a finger to the scar, gently and slowly. She moved down it, feeling it, seeing that it was slightly inflamed, “She needs her potion."
The High Queen smiled, not moving, not wanting to interfere with Sle'nel's memories that were returning to her. She made a slight motion for The Healer to leave.
Softly, The Healer said, “I will return in a few moments, my Queen."
The High Queen nodded. Sle'nel’ touched the scar once more, with a gentleness that surprised The High Queen. Then Sle'nel’ moved to stand in front of The High Queen, staring at her. Both of them stood, just looking upon one another. Sle'nel’ studied this woman once more, moving her hand to The High Queen's now bare arm, and once again, moving her hand down until she met The High Queen's hand. Sle'nel’ was looking down at their hands when The High Queen squeezed Sle'nel's gently. Surprised at recognizing the feeling, Sle'nel’ looked up into her eyes. She moved her hand and touched The High Queen's cheek, leaving it there for a moment.
She frowned, trying desperately to bring her memories back, yet not remembering clearly. She knew this woman was familiar to her though, feeling the emotional intensity between them. She moved her hand toward The High Queen's breast, wanting to touch it, hoping that the feeling would bring back some memories, but hesitated, knowing it not correct to do so in such a moment. Instead, she moved closer to this Queen, giving her a soft kiss, only.
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ watched Sle'nel's movements carefully, knowing the moment wasn't about passion, but about hoping to restore some past memories. But The High Queen couldn't help but desire her, as her touch seemed most sensual. They held the kiss for a moment, then Sle'nel’ moved more into it, recognizing the kiss as very familiar and desirable.
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ was careful not to interfere with Sle'nel's process, knowing it might take many turns for her memories to be fully restored. While she certainly allowed the kiss, she made no move to take it further. As they parted, Sle'nel’ looked upon her, smiling softly, but looking somewhat confused and dizzy.
Sle'nel’ began to stagger, losing her grip on The Realm. The High Queen quickly grabbed her with her one good arm, seeing that she was fainting.
"Healer! Hurry!"
The Healer came running in, then helped lay Sle'nel’ upon her bed. Before she fully passed out, she looked at San'lr'in'thel'ineln', “To our stars, my Queen."
The High Queen touched her cheek, “I love you, My Elf."
The Healer frowned, looking upon The High Queen's wounds that were bleeding slightly from the exertion. She pointed to them as The High Queen whispered to The Healer, “She is returning to us."
The Healer nodded, beginning to rewrap the bandages. When she was done, she placed the garments back upon San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ and then whispered that her High Counselor awaited her in her bedroom. The High Queen followed The Healer to the room in which Ann'wn had slept, but was now gone.
She saw Mil'der'in, “High Counselor. It is good to see you again."
Mil'der'in knelt and bowed her head deeply, “My Queen."
"Rise, My treasured one. How have you kept My lands?"
Mil'der'in rose, “My Queen. I am most relieved to see you. It is never the same without you. And I no longer wish your duty. It is most overwhelming, and it would seem that I am never able to do it as well as you to everyone's satisfaction."
The High Queen sat upon one of the chairs at the table, “You just are not as demanding. It is why I have become as such—to control their demands. Would you mind if I ate while we speak? Healer, could you retrieve My food? I suddenly find Myself hungry."
The Healer smiled, knowing it was because Sle'nel's memories were returning.
Mil'der'in was a trusted friend and advisor of The High Queen's, and it was she who The High Queen would often eat her meals with prior to Sle'nel'. Mil'der'in was a beautiful woman, having a few more cycles than The High Queen, being slightly shorter than her, but having a perfectly proportioned body. The High Queen liked her because while she had an amazingly sharp mind, she made her thinking known only in the most gentle of fashions, often catching others unaware of where she led them. They were old friends, and in truth, The High Queen trusted no other to mind the affairs of the Valley whenever she was gone. It wasn't easy for The High Queen to trust, but through many cycles and many intense moments in which Mil'der'in's loyalty was tested, she had proven herself as worthy of such trust. Upon many occasions, she willingly stepped into the face of danger in order to protect her Queen. But The High Queen also liked her for her understanding. More than anyone, Mil'der'in knew the pressures of what it meant to be queen. Because of such, she was The High Queen's strongest advocate against the Counselors whenever they wanted The High Queen more protected, and more kept in the Valley. Mil'der'in and The High Queen had also been trained together in preparation for their future roles. If The High Queen had ever been allowed a friend during her youth, it would have been Mil'der'in.
"How are you feeling, Highness?"
"Improved, I think.” She laughed, “Actually, I lie. It hurts. But the pain just tells Me that I live."
"The Counselors want you to remain more at home."
"I have heard this. I also know that you will tell them why I cannot."
"I already have done so. I hear there were over two hundred-fifty Dungaras and that, after using many of your powers, you personally killed over twenty-five with your sword. Your powers are most strong these turns. I am glad to see such. There is also rumor that you now use sword skills that have been long gone from our realm. And one of the older guards reported that they saw a long-dead master walking about in the town."
"Rumors are strange. I can never understand why they appear so."
Mil'der'in knew more than she needed to say, “The two guards that battled alongside you tell amazing stories of your sword abilities. There is rumor that a Master yet exists in The Realm, and that you are that Master."
The High Queen was well aware that Mil'der'in knew of her past abilities, but also knew she would never speak of them, understanding The High Queen's need for silence, “What do they know? They are just bragging and need to have a reason why an old woman such as Me would have better sword skills than theirs."
"I understand, Highness, but please know that the rumors will not easily die. How are the companions that accompanied you?"
She knew that Mil'der'in was correct, but let it go, “All seem to be recovering. I have not yet seen four of them, but hear good reports. Sle'nel's memories seem to be returning."
"You should bring her to your meetings with your counselors. You could use another on your side. Plus, she is intelligent and most capable."
"Why don't you speak with her about this?
Mil'der'in nodded, placing it in her mind for later, “The Counselors would like to meet with you as soon as you are able."
"Perhaps next turn. I leave the arrangements to you. But now I wish to discuss something with you."
The High Queen told Mil'der'in of A'lon'lden, her lover, and their baby. She then told her of the Spirit Mothers and their deceit, as well as the High Wizard Sorcerer's. She told her of their battle against the Dungaras. And finally, she told her that she would like her to push the forces to apply more pressure to the Dungaras.
"I want them defeated. Ann'wn now has the location of the villages that are the main holdings, so now is the moment for us to increase our efforts."
"I will see to it this turn that our efforts become our primary focus. Highness, I have a question."
The High Queen waited, curious. She knew that Mil'der'in kept on an issue until she was satisfied, which was seldom.
"You said that the Dungaras you just battled were waiting for you—that they knew you were traveling at that moment and would pass that location. Is that correct?"
The High Queen nodded, now even more curious.
"How is it that they knew you were going to be there? The guards found no signs of either a short or a long-term encampment."
&nb
sp; The High Queen startled, knowing she had missed the obvious, “I should have thought of this myself. You catch Me unthinking and stupid."
Before The High Queen could answer, Mil'der'in responded, “I think you were overly busy with the Dungaras to yet put this together. It is only a guess, but why did the High Wizard Sorcerer depart alone? She may not be at fault, but someone must be."
The High Queen raised an eyebrow, “I trust you will manage this for Me."
Mil'der'in nodded, “The Spirit Mothers will need to be approached again."
"Give Me a report as you can. Discount not Sume'n'tinel'ti'non, but I think you most correct about the Spirit Mothers. I trust them not."
Their visit had been an extended one, but The High Queen had many affairs that needed attending. As usual, she had enjoyed her visit with her High Counselor, and had also tended to the most urgent needs of the Valley. When they completed their visit, The High Queen returned to her room, wanting to see Sle'nel'. She walked into the adjoining room only to find the bed empty. Wondering where Sle'nel’ was, she went to one of the guards outside the door.
"Where is Sle'nel'?
Upon seeing The High Queen, the guard knelt and bowed her head, “I know not, my Queen. I just came on duty."
Her panic instantly rose, “Get me Ann'wn and My Healer, quickly."
Within a few moments, both had appeared, “Highest? What is wrong?"
"Where is Sle'nel'?"
The Healer looked puzzled, “She was in her bed not some moments prior."
The High Queen looked at Ann'wn, but she only shook her head. The High Queen was most displeased, “I have My lover in the adjoining room, injured in battle, and now she is missing? What kind of protection is this? FIND HER!"
Ann'wn gave orders to the guards, calling for an all-out search. She gave them mere moments or threatened them with the worst of punishments. Many dozens of guards were instantly brought into the search, “We will find her quickly, my Queen. She couldn't have gone far."
The Realm's Mystics [Mystic Women of The Realm Series Book 3] Page 18
