Ann'wn and Sle'nel’ had returned, “I only hear the noises from the others, overly far off. They begin to come, though."
The High Queen nodded, “Then we leave."
They rode as quickly as they could through the forest, The High Queen knowing that they had evaded the remainder of their enemies. To them, she thought, We will meet again upon another turn.
It was now well late after late-eve, having spent the remainder of the late-eve in battle. They rode on, tired, but no longer as concerned, knowing that they were now close. Mor'inl’ had to lead the way, as even The High Queen no longer knew the direction to the Skr'kinges. The closer they got to the Skr'kinges, the slower they had to travel, the forest becoming denser upon every moment.
As they first began to ride after their battle, The High Queen asked Sele', “Grumpy? You think Me as grumpy?"
Sele’ giggled softly, “Not as grumpy as my teachers, though."
San'lr'in’ laughed to herself, silently, “You did well with the windstorm. Tell your teachers that I wish you now to learn your powers of weaponry, and quickly so."
Sele’ looked up and back at her, “Really, Great High Queen? Thank you. I can now play with the powers of weaponry. Personally, Great High Queen, I think they are afraid that I will turn these weapons against them."
The High Queen laughed softly, “If I were them, I would fear as much Myself. You are quick with your opinions."
Sele’ had fallen asleep in her High Queen's arms by the moment they arrived to the Skr'kinges. As they arrived, all saw that many of the Skr'kinges guards were waiting for them.
One came up to The High Queen, Welcome. We feared our enemies caught you. We are glad to see that you are arrived, and safe. We have your rooms prepared for you.
With little fanfare or introduction, given the lateness of their arrival, all were quickly escorted to their individual rooms. The High Queen handed the sleeping Sele’ to the sorcerers, then went to meet with Queen Lrn'drn', the Queen of the Skr'kinges.
Queen Lrn'drn'. Thank you for meeting us upon our late arrival. We had a little difficulty in our journey, or would have arrived much sooner.
We heard of your battles, and are glad to see you safe, my Queen. As well as your Elf. Have you suffered any injuries?
No. We are all safe and well.
Then let us save our merriment until the late morn so that you may rest. Come. I will show you to your rooms. You will be safe here and well guarded, so you need have no worries over this.
Throughout the eve, Sle'nel’ held her lover close to her, hearing her Queen's deep moans of great pain yet left from the installation of the great powers.
* * * *
When Sle'nel’ and San'lr'in’ awoke at late morn, they woke to Sele’ in the bed between them. She had entered in the early morn, wanting to be with her Birth-Mother, sitting quietly until they woke. As San'lr'in’ had begun to waken, she tried to move next to Sle'nel', reaching for her. Not being able to do so and feeling something different, she opened her eyes and was greeted silently by another pair of eyes besides Sle'nel's.
"What are you doing here?"
Trying to whisper, but having little luck, Sele’ responded, “Good morn, High Queen. Everyone else was yet asleep, so when I awoke, I placed on my garments and came here. I wanted to be with you and Birth-Mother."
Yet sleepy, San'lr'in’ laid her head back down, “Why am I so lucky as this?"
"I thought the prior turn very exciting, High Queen."
The High Queen repeated the word, having thought it the most understated of statements, “Exciting."
They both heard Sle'nel’ laugh.
"Birth-Mother. You are awake. So am I."
"So I hear.” She was yet laughing.
The High Queen just closed her eyes, “What do you find so amusing in all this?"
"Apparently I have a much better developed sense of humor than you."
"You are rather grumpy this early midmorn, High Queen."
"I had other plans."
Sle'nel’ raised up on her elbow, looking at Sele', “Do they know you have escaped?"
Quietly, she shook her head, “No."
"Have you seen your Mother yet?"
"No. Her door was closed and I could not reach the handle."
San'lr'in’ became interested in the conversation, “Do you not know the spell for opening doors?"
"I think I do."
"Show Me."
Sele’ showed The High Queen, “Good. You know it well."
Sle'nel’ laughed, “Go try it out on your Mother's door. Tell her we sent you. And make certain you go into their bed as well. Your Mother will most enjoy it."
"Will you be coming soon to the morn meal?"
The High Queen nodded, helping Sele’ off the bed, “Very soon. We will meet you there. Thank you for coming to us this morn, Young One."
She toddled off, closing the door behind her, and Sle'nel’ laughed, moving close to her Queen, “Sam will hate me for this."
San'lr'in’ reached for her Elf, feeling her, “But I thank you for it."
* * * *
A little while later, they all met at their morn meal, where hundreds of waifs were waiting for Sle'nel's appearance. As she entered with her Queen, she could hear their high-pitched voices all talking at once.
"She is here."
"She finally arrives."
"Look, she looks like an Elf."
"Can she hear us?"
"Of course she hears us. She is the only one to hear us."
"No. Her Birth-daughter hears us, as well."
"Who will be selected as her Waif?"
"I hope it is me."
"It should be me."
The talk was endless, high-pitched, and irritating, yet Sle'nel’ tried to push it from her mind.
Queen Lrn'drn’ greeted them as they came in, Welcome to Skr'kinges. You are the last to arrive this morn, and we have all waited for you. Sle'nel', our Elf. We welcome you to our home. It has been many, many cycles since I have been able to say as such. Following your morn meal, we have a ceremony for you, as we held onto something that we now wish to give back to our Elf.
Sle'nel’ nodded, Thank you, Queen Lrn'drn'. I am honored to be in your presence.
Queen Lrn'drn’ bowed her head to San'lr'in', Great High Queen. Thank you for coming. I was pleased that you used your powers well prior turn.
San'lr'in’ nodded, They worked well and saved us from harm.
We are hoping you will remain until next morn, so that we may celebrate with you this eve. Would this be acceptable, Great High Queen?
The High Queen nodded, but wishing they could leave this turn, We thank you for your hospitality, Queen Lrn'drn'. We could use the rest during this turn.
Queen Lrn'drn’ was pleased, Come. Enjoy your morn meal.
They sat near Sam and Uthrn. Sle'nel’ asked, “How was your morn, Sam?"
Uthrn answered for her, “Interrupted."
Sle'nel’ laughed while San'lr'in’ nodded, “There is something wicked in Me. I must apologize, but I could help not myself."
Sam smiled, laughing lightly also, “I think we will survive the experience."
Caitha and Meera came and sat down near them, with Sele', “Good midturn, Jandra. Good midturn, M'Love. Sele’ would like to sit with all of us this morn. Is this acceptable?"
Sam shrugged, “Why not? It is not like there are any secrets among us."
Sele’ sat next to her Birth-Mother, “Did you meet your Waif yet, Birth-Mother? One has been assigned to me for the remainder of my life. Is this not exciting?"
As San'lr'in’ had done earlier, Sle'nel’ thought this an understatement, “Indeed. Most exciting. I can barely wait."
San'lr'in’ laughed lightly, “Perhaps the pairing works better from an early age."
Sle'nel’ just looked at her Queen, “Now you find your sense of humor? I see nothing amusing about this. Perhaps you could speak to Queen Lrn'drn’ for me, or I will go crazed
at this pairing."
"We will need to allow the pairing, but whoever it is will remain in Skr'kinges. If you lived in El'fs'nd'lle, it would be another issue, but a Waif cannot go around The Realm with us, and would be unhappy living in the Valley."
Ann'wn was sitting just down a few seats from her Queen, sitting next to Mil'der'in, who was holding tightly onto Ann'wn's arm. The High Queen noticed that Ann'wn looked somewhat displeased and embarrassed about it, “High Queen. When do we leave for Sansthera?"
"In the early morn. The Skr'kinges would like to have a celebration for us this eve. Have My Private Guards and My Black Guard arrived as yet?"
"They are expected at midturn, Highness."
The noise-level at Skr'kinges was intense for Sle'nel', as the chattering between all the Waifs was non-ceasing. She was gladdened when Queen Lrn'drn’ finally began the ceremony.
We are fortunate that our Great High Queen has brought our Elf to us this turn. After many long cycles of holding patiently onto that which we return to her this turn, the moment has finally arrived, and her mother would be pleased. Sle'nel', our Elf, will you please come up next to me?
Sle'nel’ left the table and went to stand next to Queen Lrn'drn'. Sele’ got up from sitting with Caitha and went to sit in The High Queen's lap, “She is a beautiful Birth-Mother. Will I be as pretty when I grow up?"
San'lr'in’ studied her Elf, thinking the Young One correct. To herself she thought, Sle'nel’ is indeed most beautiful. She had studied Sle'nel's eyes in the morn as Sle'nel’ had lain on top of her. She was mesmerized by Sle'nel's perfect dark eyebrows that drew her into her shimmering golden eyes, “She is beautiful. And you will be every bit as beautiful."
Prior to this, however, we must first assign you, as an Elf, your Waif. As we are all aware, each Elf is assigned a Waif from the moment of their birth. Tron'lrn', please come up.
Tron'lrn’ came up, excited, but quiet, which was a surprise for Sle'nel'.
Tron'lrn', meet your Elf. Sle'nel', meet your Waif.
Tron'lrn' knelt and bowed her head to Sle'nel'. In the Elfin language, she said, “I am most honored for all of Skr'kinges, my Elf. I am now yours."
Sle'nel’ made her to rise, then bowed her head to Tron'lrn', “I never knew of the Waifs, but am pleased to have you as our partnering, Tron'lrn’ of the Skr'kinges."
Since most those present didn't understand the Elfin language, Queen Lrn'drn’ spoke her thoughts, instead, Perhaps unknown to you, our Elf, when a Waif is selected for an Elf, every effort is made to match the personality of the Elf. You are a quiet Elf, as Tron'lrn’ is a quiet Waif, an unusual thing in a Waif, so the partnering wasn't a difficult decision. Tron'lrn', you may have the pleasure of presenting your Elf with the present we have long held for her.
Me, my Queen?
Yes, Tron'lrn'.
Excited, Tron'lrn’ retrieved the present and brought it forward. She held out a magnificent set of bow and arrows to Sle'nel'. Quietly, she said, This is your Elfin-Mother's bow and arrows. We have held them for you until the correct moment.
Sle'nel’ looked upon them in amazement. They were truly magnificent. The carvings on the bow were of Elfin lore, and the crafting built especially for an Elf.
It has Elfin powers of its own, and will enhance your own ability many-fold.
Sle'nel’ admired the bow and arrows, sincerely moved at the present, Thank you, Tron'lrn'. I have never thought that such would be saved for me. To touch this is to recall my Mother. She would have been most grateful for your deed.
Queen Lrn'drn’ concluded the brief ceremony, The bow and arrows have finally been returned to their rightful owner. We are pleased. Our visitors now need the turn so that they may rest and then prepare for the eve's celebration of their visit with us. The celebration is to begin at eve's meal.
Sle'nel’ was testing the bow's strength when Tron'lrn’ interrupted softly, “May we speak, my Elf?"
Sle'nel’ nodded, looking down at her, “Of course, Tron'lrn'."
"I have just a question. Are you expecting me to travel and live with you, as was often done prior?"
"What is your desire, my Waif?"
Tron'lrn’ held out her hand to another, who came over to her, “This is my partner, and I would like to remain here with her. But I would most gladly come whenever you have need of me."
Sle'nel’ laughed lightly, placing her hand on the small Waif's shoulder. “Worry not over this. I require no Waif with me at all the moments. It is enough to know that we have each other. Remain and enjoy your life in Skr'kinges, my Waif. When you would like to visit with me, then please come. You have an open invitation. And your partner, as well. But I must say in truth, I thought all Waifs spoke at all the moments. I am glad for our pairing."
Tron'lrn’ smiled, turning to her own partner, “See. I told you that all would be well. She is a most exceptional Elf.” She turned back to Sle'nel', “Thank you, My Elf. We will see you at this eve's celebration. I understand that The Great High Queen likes to walk in gardens. We have an extraordinary one that I think you and she might enjoy. You are all welcome to enter it. There are many small waterfalls throughout it.
"Thank you Tron'lrn'. Until this eve, then."
* * * *
The Skr'kinges lived hidden from The Realm in a small valley surrounded by great forests and small mountains. The travelers had entered the valley in the deep of the eve, overly tired to study their surroundings. They had to trust in Mor'inl's directions, unable to determine anything around them. The Skr'kinges’ Waifs were tiny, living in small dwellings both up in the trees as well as in small, separate dwellings. But since all of these either tree-top or on-land dwellings were overly small for The High Queen and her companions, there was also one great hall with a few guest rooms for their larger visitors, where all the travelers had remained during the late eve.
Queen Lrn'drn’ came up to The High Queen, bowing her head, Great High Queen. I know all of you need your rest this turn. Do you recall the waterfall I took you to long prior?
The High Queen nodded.
A small dwelling is there, overly small for you to remain within it, but nearby it we have placed refreshments and drinks for you. We thought perhaps that you would all like to rest and bathe within the waters. You will be well protected, so have no fear over this, and I will send a messenger to retrieve you so that we may prepare all of you for the eve's celebration. Is all this acceptable to you, Highness?
Yes, Queen Lrn'drn'. It is most excellent. Thank you for this consideration.
The High Queen told her companions that the turn was theirs, until the eve, and told them about the gardens, waterfalls, and the prepared refreshments. Ann'wn released the other guards, but she, Sam, Uthrn, Meera, Caitha, Shr'dler'in, and Mil'der'in all decided to go with Sle'nel’ and The High Queen.
"May I go, Aunt High Queen?"
San'lr'in’ was unsure if she wanted such a young one with her for the entire turn, when the sorcerers came up to her, “Please forgive our interruption, High Queen, but Sele’ needs to practice her lessons."
One sorcerer put out her hand to Sele', “Come, Sele'. We must go an—"
"I think her lessons can wait a turn."
The Sorcerer was insistent, “But, Highne—"
San'lr'in’ looked at her with her eyebrow raised and her eyes narrowed, “It was no question on My part, Sorcerer. Do you forget to who you speak?"
The Sorcerer gasped, suddenly kneeling and bowing her head, “My apologies, Great High Queen. It is just that I know her lessons are urgently needed for The Realm."
"It is as you say, Sorcerer, but she learns lessons from Me as well. Even prior turn, her power of sound became useful, did it not?"
"Yes, my Queen."
"Leave us, then. We will see you at the celebration this eve. The Young One will remain with us for the turn."
The sorcerers left quietly, silenced by The High Queen. Sele’ had watched the interchange with amazement, “I would like to learn
that also, High Queen. I very much would like to tell them to leave me."
San'lr'in’ laughed, “Not until you reach your majority, Young One. Until then, you are nothing more than a student captive of The Realm."
Sam and Uthrn took Sele', and they all went to the waterfalls within the gardens. As they walked, San'lr'in’ and Sle'nel’ laughed as they heard Sele’ practicing what she hoped to be her future commands.
"Leave me."
"Leave me."
"Leave me!"
The High Queen and Sle'nel’ followed slowly behind with The Healer, laughing quietly, while Meera and Caitha walked nearby. Caitha was telling Meera and the rest of them her thoughts on their just prior battles against the evil sorcerers and Mystics, while Sle'nel’ walked arm-in-arm with her overly silent Queen.
"You have been here prior?"
She nodded, and softly replied, “In much quieter moments."
"The Realm weighs heavily upon you this turn."
San'lr'in’ halted, looking at her Elf, smiling to somewhat mask her concerns, “These are just uneasy moments. In truth, if we succeed, there will be tales of this moment for eons to come."
"You believe you will not live through these moments."
San'lr'in’ ignored the statement, bringing Sle'nel’ to her, kissing her for a long moment. She then placed her hands on Sle'nel's arms and moved them slowly down to her hands. When she reached Sle'nel's hands, she held them firmly, squeezing them gently. Sle'nel’ shivered at the feeling, arching her head slightly upward, moaning softly. San'lr'in’ then placed one hand on Sle'nel's breast and moved her other hand to the back of her head, bringing her firmly to her as she kissed her once more. Sle'nel’ could feel the urgency in her Queen, but knew that they could do nothing with it at this moment. After the desiring kiss, San'lr'in’ moved gently away from her.
Both were left longing more, “Just looking upon your beauty makes Me need you, My Desire."
Sle'nel’ blushed, “A good way to ignore my statement, my Queen."
The Realm's Mystics [Mystic Women of The Realm Series Book 3] Page 60
