Erthrn nodded. San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ looked at Mil'der'in, “Mil'der'in, I would like you with us this eve. Uthrn, perhaps you could act as escort for her this eve, with Erthrn's permission of course."
Erthrn nodded, well appreciating that San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ was finding a distraction for Uthrn, “Of course, my Queen."
Uthrn looked at Mil'der'in, finding her very attractive, but not The Highest. Mil'der'in, however, had wanted to join with Uthrn, desiring her aggressiveness. She went to Uthrn and looped her arm through hers, “Would this be acceptable with you, Warrior?"
Uthrn caught the tone of Mil'der'in's statement, hearing the unspoken desires, and became interested. She nodded, “More than acceptable, High Counselor. I am most honored."
"And Ann'wn. Perhaps you wouldn't mind being our Healer's escort for the eve. She has informed Me that she takes the eve off from her potions. Would this be acceptable to you?"
Ann'wn nodded, surprised but well pleased by the request. But she worried what The Healer would think, “Of course, Highness."
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ then said, “We take our leave until later, then."
Just prior to re-entering the Caves, San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ looked at the sky, then at Sle'nel', “Just a moment, My Love.” She had heard a quiet noise well familiar to her.
She moved slightly away from Sle'nel’ so as to allow the great bird room to land, then held out her arm. The bird came diving down, pulling up at the last moment. When it landed upon her arm, The High Queen began to scratch the back of its neck while it gave her a message. The High Queen spoke to it using words and sounds that Sle'nel’ didn't understand, then said, “Find her. She must be found. Find both of them."
The bird replied, then cocked its head to Sle'nel'. The High Queen looked over to her, “Hold out your arm, Lover. The Great One has requested a meeting with you."
Sle'nel’ raised her eyebrows, but did as bid. The raptor jumped from The High Queen's arm to Sle'nel's with an easy effort then made a move to kiss her lightly upon her lips. With that, Sle'nel’ helped her to fly back into her own domain, far above from their cares in The Realm. Sle'nel’ had long prior made herself vow not to ask The High Queen about this bird. She observed that The High Queen used many sources for information, never informing the Mystics of the others, but always checking the information against other sources. Even not understanding the conversation between them, she guessed that The High Queen had asked the raptor to find either one of the Masters, or to find the leader of the Mungardies. She knew The High Queen hoped that if they could capture the Mungardies’ leader, they might avoid the battle. And Sle'nel’ knew, as few others did, that The High Queen was continually seeking and gaining information regarding The Realm, and using it to her advantage.
Once back in their room, Sle'nel’ began examining the new garments that had been provided to them for the eve. Her Queen had needed an extra moment with Erthrn, so Sle'nel’ had gone ahead to their room. She saw that the garments were informal, beautiful, yet surprisingly different from those in the Valley.
She saw the small package that had been given to her by the Women of the Trees. It was a small book now lying on the table. She picked it up and went to one of the long chairs near the fireplace, which had been started prior. She opened the book and saw that it was a book of drawings. An artist had penciled portraits of various figures throughout The Realm. She turned through the pages, finding one picture of the former High Queen. From the picture, she thought her a stunningly beautiful woman, but not as beautiful as San'lr'in'thel'ineln'. She thought that her eyes lacked in the intensity that her own lover's had, but didn't know if that was a trait of the former High Queen's, or the lack of talent in the artist. She turned the pages until she saw one drawing of an Elf. No name was given, but none was needed. As she looked upon the drawing, she felt she was looking upon herself. It was a drawing of her Mother. She wondered if Queen Torsn'dynl’ had given her the book so that Sle'nel’ could see this picture.
She closed the book, thinking about her Mother, drifting into a dreamlike state. She awakened to The High Queen leaning over her, almost laying upon her, kissing her gently. Sle'nel’ reached her arm around The High Queen's neck, drawing her closer to her, making her to lie down upon her.
As they lay in each other's arms, Sle'nel’ said, “These teachers of yours are hard on you, my Love. Even this turn, Torsn'dynl’ was commanding you to protect me. Are they always such as this?"
"They like to remind Me that I serve at their privilege. They know how I feel about this, however. But she was correct to remind Me of My duty to you in The Realm, My Desire. I couldn't follow all that she was saying to you, though."
In the Elfin language, but with as simple words as she could find, Sle'nel’ said, “She told me I had chosen well. That you have a true and unwavering heart, and are a most loyal of Mystics."
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ touched Sle'nel’ teasingly as she spoke, in the Elfin language, “If I must rule as High Queen, then My reward is you."
Sle'nel’ was focusing more on San'lr'in'thel'ineln's touch than her words, but managed to reply, “I knew not that you knew this much Elfin talk."
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ began touching her with more urgency, and Sle'nel’ groaned at the most desirous feeling. The High Queen laughed softly, kissing her breast, “I know much more than just the language, My Desire. I know where Elves like to be touched."
* * * *
Sle'nel’ took the book of drawings with her to the eve's meal to share with the others. After their attendants had prepared them, they were led to their next surprise. Ann'wn was waiting for them outside the doors, ever near her Queen and Elf.
She knelt and bowed her head, per her usual custom.
"Rise, My Warrior. Did The Healer not accept you as her escort?"
"She did, Highness. She waits inside."
Erthrn also waited inside the room, bowing as the guards opened the now familiar High Queen's doors to the room, “High Queen. Welcome to what we refer to as your warren, or den. What do you think of it?"
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ and Sle'nel’ examined the beautifully wood-paneled room. Like many of the other rooms, it had a large fireplace, but differed in its darkly-colored and padded furniture. It also had a dining table, several cases filled with books, small tables for placing items upon, a corner alcove for a small group of musicians, now already performing, and animal furs across most the floor for added warmth and texture. On one wall was a large, almost life-sized drawn likeness of The High Queen. Next to it was a smaller portrait of the Elfin Princess, with bow and arrow fully drawn.
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ examined the drawings, finding the one of Sle'nel’ captivating, but thinking she didn't really wish to look at herself in her own room.
Sle'nel’ came up beside her, “An exceptional likeness of you, my Love."
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ looked at her, “You think so?"
Sle'nel’ nodded, yet examining the drawing, “Indeed. Exquisite. It is how you look to me. Confident. Self-assured. The stance of a High Queen. Beautiful. Stunning red flowing hair. An intensity in your eyes that speaks to unending depths of intelligence. All combined with a soft grace that this artist captured so well."
"You cannot possibly see all this within this one drawing."
"Even if I knew you not, which the artist didn't, such could be seen. It is clear to see, my Queen."
"Well, I am unsure if I wish to look upon myself while in this room."
The Elf smiled, “I do. I wish it not to be removed. It is a beautiful likeness. But the drawing of me could easily be removed."
The High Queen smiled impishly, “Not likely, My Elf. It is striking at how this artist has captured you as well as this."
"Oh?"
The High Queen nodded, “Most definitely. It is as I saw you just this turn standing on the top-tier of the arena, with bow and arrow fully drawn. Your stance is fully Elfin-like now. Nimble. Quick. With eyes that draw the enti
re Realm deep into their love. A physical vitality that defies your body. And a strength of character."
"This surely cannot be seen in a drawing, my Queen."
Erthrn came up behind them, “It can and it does, Elf Princess. The artist does exceptional work, does she not?"
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ nodded, “Indeed."
Ann'wn had also been examining the drawings, admiring the skill of the artist, “These are most outstanding, my Queen. It is as if you are here, observing some event, thinking on it. Our Elf is most correct, Highness.” She turned to Sle'nel', “As is The High Queen, Elfin Princess. This drawing of you is exact in how I saw you this turn while I watched you practice with your bow."
Erthrn interrupted them, “How do you like your den, Highness?"
"It is beautiful, Erthrn. Who designed it?"
"The same artist. She designed all your rooms. We sent her to the Valley to observe you for the drawings. I think the drawing of you is magnificent."
The High Queen cocked her head, studying the drawing, “There is something almost quite decadent about a drawing of one's-self hanging upon the wall."
Sle'nel’ nodded her agreement, “Almost overly self-indulgent. Like one reveres one's own self."
"But you drew them not, had them drawn, nor had them placed here. We did. We wanted such likenesses of you for when you are not in residence. It is for all to see."
"But you said that this was her room, only, so how would others see it, then?"
"We will move them to another location when she is not here, Force Leader. We had originally planned to hang them in the main banquet hall, but I thought them not large enough for that room. It would take much larger drawings than these."
Meera, Sam, and Caitha had entered and were now also looking at the drawings. Caitha was impressed, “What wonderful drawings of you these are. Such an artist! These look just like you. It is amazing."
Sam nodded, “Caitha is correct. The artist has seen the changes in Jandra, I mean Sle'nel’ and has captured them well."
Sle'nel’ was surprised, for she knew that Sam knew her well, “I look this way to you?"
Sam nodded, smiling at her, “Ever as beautiful as this, but now even more poised than you were prior. And you have become this slender body. You were always thin, but now your body has become quick and lively."
Meera agreed, “The High Queen's drawing is exceptional, and has captured her facial expression overly well. Knowledge and strength shine in this drawing. And your drawing is just like you, Sle'nel'."
The Healer stood close by, “These are magnificent, High One."
The High Queen looked upon her, seeing that Ann'wn stood next to her, “You think so?"
"Oh, I do, my Queen.” She turned to Ann'wn, “And you?"
Ann'wn blushed at the attention from The Healer, “Amazing, in truth."
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ had moved over near the fireplace and sat on the deeply padded and soft leather furniture. She enjoyed the feeling of these seats, “Ah, wonderful!” The ones she was forced to sit in as High Queen were usually quite rigid and always uncomfortable. She relaxed back into her seat, gazing into the fireplace, placing her long legs over the arm of the chair.
Mil'der'in viewed the room and drawings, then sat across from her Queen. She bowed her head deeply, “Highness."
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ nodded to her, raising an eyebrow, seeing new marks upon her neck, “How was you late after-midturn?"
Mil'der'in blushed, “Most enjoyable, Highness.” She indicated toward the drawings, “The likeness of you is quite splendid. In truth, it is extraordinary and captures your intensity with brilliance."
The High Queen turned her head away from the fire, looking at Mil'der'in slightly sideways, somewhat intrigued, “Is intensity an attribute we consider as worthy?"
Mil'der'in gasped slightly, “I apologize, my Queen. I have upset you."
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ shook her head lightly, “No. It was just a question."
Mil'der'in relaxed a little, “I believe it to be so."
"What is your definition of intensity, Mil'der'in?"
Mil'der'in thought about it a moment, “Never satisfied. Keenly interested and aware. Passionate. Wise. Intelligent. A constant force. Powerful. Ever questioning, like now."
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ laughed quietly, “All these things, Mil'der'in? You make Me sound like someone I am not."
"The artist saw it also, Highness. It is there for all to see. You were the same when we were children. I saw it in you then and knew why they selected you for Queen all these cycles prior. None of the others were able to learn as quickly as you, and none were so bold to the teachers, either. They scared us, but they merely annoyed you."
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ didn't wish to relive her past, “What do you think of the drawing of our Elf?"
"Beautiful. A true likeness, is it not?
Without looking, she heard that Sam was speaking to Sle'nel’ of their past. She knew that Sam probably needed more connection to her than she had previously been given, so thought it might be good. She laid her head against the padded back of the chair, listened to Mil'der'in tell her of her lusty after-midturn, watched the fire, and thought of El'fs'nd'lle and her Elf's role in The Realm.
Drinks had been given to all. The High Queen had taken her usual tea, while Sle'nel’ had taken the drink they had given her upon their first eve. She was standing in one corner, listening to Sam.
While she would rather be sitting next to her Queen, after two sips of her drink, Sam's voice became a comfortable drone, “I've been thinking on Woden, Jandra."
"You miss it?"
"That is but the problem. I think not. Well, I do. But I know not how I can return now, knowing all The Realm exists so apart from it. I fear I may but become restless. And how do I return knowing I need to find a companion when I have become so comfortable with the ways of The Realm?"
Sle'nel’ laughed, feeling slightly hazy, “So comfortable with the ways of The Realm? In truth, Sam, you were ever this way and took me as a companion because I forced myself upon you. You have always enjoyed many partners, such as they do in The Realm."
Sam nodded, “Perhaps you be correct. And you always but wanted only one."
She was annoyed by Sam's statement, “I would word it differently."
The musicians were playing a beautiful, but sorrowful song in the background. It had begun with a gong that surprised all of them, and then began the melody with an instrument that used a wooden reed. The melody continued and ended with a haunting wooden flute, accompanied by soft, low tones from two string instruments. Sle'nel’ lost herself into the music, feeling somewhat saddened by it, and by the memory of her past.
Why is it that speaking with Sam always makes me feel as such? Why am I so often annoyed by her lack of understanding?
San'lr'in'thel'ineln', hearing the unspoken question, wanted to answer her, but refrained, leaving her Elf to discover the answer for herself.
"Is it not true, Jandra?"
"To love only one, and have that love returned, Sam."
Sam shrugged, thinking it all the same, “Do you find yourself thinking of Woden much? But you have changed overly, and it is as if I know you not any longer."
Sle'nel’ looked into Sam's eyes, remembering her love of looking into their deep blueness. She nodded, taking little notice of Sam's statement, “Just this turn while we practiced with the bow, I told Ann'wn about Keddi. It made me wonder about Keddi and Margeria. Then about May and Tadan. It seems like many cycles since we have seen them. Have you any word from Fornaith or New Apien?"
Sam took a drink while nodding, “I have commanded that a messenger from each town report to me at least once every ten turns. The reports are good. Tadan is busy turning Fornaith into an architectural paradise, so he claims. He has asked to be the messenger. I must ask my sister if this would be permissible. I think it would be but good for him to see the Valley, but he also would like to see Sele’
once again."
"Ah, you wonder if he will be permitted into the Valley because he is a male."
"Correct, but I would like to see him. New Apien grows as well. And Woden and Hengist have successfully incorporated all the new women and men. In truth, I would like to see Fornaith and New Apien, and plan to do so after my training. But all seems to be proceeding well without me."
"You are there in their minds, and you direct them from a distance, as The High Queen does throughout her Realm. It is much the same as this. She has many of the same issues. Upon each town and village we visit, it always seems more exciting than the home base, but it is always good to return home, is it not? At some point you will tire of all the excitement."
"Do you ever wish we could try again, Jandra? And make it correct this moment?"
She took Sam's hand and moved them back to the drawings, “What do you see in this drawing of me, Sam?"
Sam studied it carefully, “A woman like no other. A stunningly beautiful woman. One that had I not known prior, I would now wish to know, intimately. She looks brave. Her eyes seemed well focused. And she seems to know her path."
"Really? Such as this? At moments, Sam of Woden, your words surprise me."
Sam laughed easily, knowing the truth, “And at other moments, my words do nothing more than irritate you. But I speak truth. You have always been the most beautiful woman I have ever known, Jandra, as you are in this drawing. I but admit though, that had I seen this drawing first, I would have desired you even the more. My eyes were but closed to your specialness."
"You were concerned about Woden, as it so needed. You had not been Highest for long enough, and were yet unsure of your role within it. It truly wasn't the moment to take on the affairs of holding together a new companionship.” She looked back into Sam's eyes, smiling, “But I could no longer resist your eyes."
Sam placed her hand on Sle'nel's cheek, then rested it on her shoulder. Sle'nel’ allowed it, barely feeling it from the effects of the drink, “Do you know what I would see in such a drawing of you, Highest?"
The Realm's Mystics [Mystic Women of The Realm Series Book 3] Page 35
