Cat put her hands on Trestan’s shoulder, “I care for Petrow and his family, yet the whole realm is at risk, Tres. Are you sure we have the time to go to Troutbrook?”
Trestan nodded, “We have a few months to go before it will get cold. The tribes will come when it is near winter. That will give us the time to visit and then go through Kashmer. We will need help from there, and I must return.”
Cat noticed the golden glow of his ring. “Your ring is whole!”
Abriana’s champion held up Faithful’s Companion for her to see. Not a single symbol marred its surface. “I passed the final test today. I was tempted to bring arms against my enemies…and I very nearly did so had not Savannah disarmed me…yet I held back in honor of this holy day. I held my faith in Abriana, and thus my trials of faith are over. I am ready to go back to Kashmer, become a full paladin, and do what I must. The realm is at stake, we will need to get help to face the threat. The best place to look might be there.”
Cat leaned over, hugging and kissing Trestan at his accomplishment.
When they separated, Cat fished a few items from her belt. In one hand she held the leather scroll that had been with the relics. In the other, she held her father’s rune block.
“I finished translating this, if anyone wants to finally know about the history of the Earthrin Stones.”
“The Earthrin Stones?” Lindon tested the name on his tongue, already wondering how the name would fit into verse. “That is what we have been chasing?”
Cat nodded, “Aye. This scroll was a record of their creation and use in the Godswars, as well as information on why they were separated after the war. It also tells us which other deity may be helping DeLaris with her plans for conquest.”
Lindon placed his hat back on his head, “Well now, I’m in the mood for a good story.”
Sondra reverently set aside the artifacts she had been examining. “I am interested in a good tale, especially if it offers answers as to the loss of Ganden’s vessel.”
Montanya still said nothing, but her eyes lifted in curiosity.
Trestan assumed a more comfortable sitting position, one in which he could view Cat better. He smiled, “Abriana waits patiently to be enlightened.”
Cat seemed to blush, as all the attention focused on her. She spread the scroll out before her eyes, setting the rune block beside it. She paused only to clear her throat.
“Know ye elves that this be one of the three Earthrin Stones, entrusted to your care in the hopes that they are never again used in war. Yestreal chooses you to safeguard this terrible relic; a source of prosperity to some, and to others a means to destroy enemies. First, ye all should know about the history of these stones.
“They were fashioned from an unlikely alliance during the Godswars. Three gods commissioned their creation: Yestreal, DeLaris, and Mothrok…”
CHAPTER 35 “In the Gardens of Serud’Thanil”
Katressa Bilil leaned closer to her reflection, though she marveled more at the mirror than her image. The magical creation offered testament to the craftsmanship of the elves of Serud’Thanil. The druids had woven their natura to somehow trap liquid water against a vertical frame. If one blew on it or touched it, ripples would spread across the surface. Once left undisturbed, the water quickly reformed back to a smooth surface. Katressa idly wondered how much it would cost to keep one. Even as she did, she knew the Faer’Seelie would never allow such a wonder to leave their lands.
Returning her thoughts to her own reflection, Cat was critical yet pleased with her appearance. At forty-one years of age, she appeared in the early spring of her life, thanks to her elven heritage. Of course, the down side was that elves would still consider her more as a youth than an adult.
She looked over the strands of her raven hair, approving how it flowed underneath the Taef’ Adorina. Her hair finally felt vibrant and clean after so much time in the wild and the fight which had taken place only days ago. She ran her fingers over her cheeks, feeling the softness granted by elven bath soaps. Even as she felt over her skin, she approved her newly-trimmed nails.
Cat had gone through a lot of effort to look her best today. Her dress was made locally, purchased from elf merchants willing to overlook her Agora’Seelie ancestry as long as she had valuable goods to trade. Her dress glowed with the warmth of a spring garden, and a perfume gave it a scent to match. The half-elf fidgeted with her top, trying to show the perfect balance of cleavage to tease her lover. She also looked down to judge how much, and how little, the dress covered her legs.
Montanya’s voice interrupted her thoughts. “You look lovely; I wouldn’t worry about the dress. Still…I don’t see why you persist in wearing your sword as well.”
Cat glanced up at the mirror to see Montanya still standing behind her. The red-haired youth also dressed more formal than usual. She still wore clothing similar to the loose-fitting attire of the chiaso, yet she had added a decorative sash and wore her locket in the open. The youth’s long hair hung braided again, held in place by an elf-made clasp.
Cat grinned at her, “You probably know more than me. I don’t know what Trestan has planned, but he merely suggested that I be dressed for a special dinner. So, I am wearing a very nice dress and I am wearing my fancy silver rapier. I am an adventuress first and a lady second.”
Montanya smiled, “Is that why you also hid a dagger between your thighs?”
It was unknown when Montanya last displayed any kind of smile, seeing her do so now brightened Cat’s evening. The infiltrator laughed, “You saw that as well? It never hurts to be too careful.” The thoughts of why she had to be careful sobered her mood slightly. “Trestan and I seem to be part of a secret war between the gods, so it’s best to stay prepared for anything.”
Montanya snorted at that, “I’m supposed to be your escort and bodyguard for the evening. Let me worry about your safety.”
Cat smiled again. She busied herself a few more moments in front of the mirror, unsure what Trestan planned and why the strange requests had been made.
“I suppose I am as ready as I will ever be,” Cat arose from the magical mirror with a twirl, allowing her dress to spin fancifully. “Lead me onward, my fair escort.”
Montanya took the lead as they exited the room reserved for Cat and Trestan in Assiernae. The magnificent structure was built high in the canopy over Serud’Thanil. Only a few honored guests of the city got the invitation to stay within its lovely confines. Cat wasn’t sure if they qualified as honored guests, or if this was more to keep them secluded from most of the elf population, but she enjoyed it all the same. The druids and artisans of the city constantly added to the design. Sculptures of living wood surrounded garden terraces. Waterfalls ran down the gardens, dropping into pools, feeding a network of descending waterways. Cat knew from experience that the water came from specially designed leaves fostered by the elves. The leaves would catch much more water than needed by the tree during the rain, and then the branches could direct the runoff to feed the gardens. Indeed, many plants bloomed at this time of year. A myriad of flowers and scents grew as part of Assiernae.
Montanya led Katressa through the elf wonders to a vine-covered gate. This portion of the elevated garden could be, and currently was, cordoned off for private gatherings. Trestan seemed to have found a wonderful place to enjoy the nature of the elves’ dwelling yet retain some sense of seclusion. Montanya stepped up to the gate, rang a bell, and with only a small pause opened the way for Katressa to pass.
Trestan stood in the garden, facing them with a smile as they entered. Like Cat, his choice of attire mixed formal and practical. He wore some of his armor, yet left portions uncovered to display an elven tunic and breeches. Cat noticed flowery designs adorning the tunic sleeves. Male elves wore such styles to display fertility and their closeness to nature. Trestan had his dark hair combed back. His necklace, bearing the coraross of Abriana, displayed openly. The only blemish upon his outfit was the empty scabbard he chose to wear.
/> His eyes greeted her warmly and brought forth a smile to match. He evidently liked what he saw when he looked at her, and her lover appeased Cat’s tastes as well. Cat had the urge to take him to an even more secluded room, but he had gone through all this trouble for something important. The garden had been reserved, and food laid out on a table. Even the fact that Montanya had dressed for the occasion had Cat’s interest kindled.
Montanya remained beside the gate as Cat went to greet her man. The half-elf thought to give him a quick kiss since they had company, but once she came close Trestan enfolded his arms about her and kissed her until she was breathless. They stayed in the embrace, whispering sweet greetings back and forth. They left behind the worries of the road. Their thoughts focused on how little time they had been able to enjoy together since Trestan left the seminary.
When they did pull apart, they did so slowly, hands trailing each other to extend their contact. They sat down together for their meal. Before getting started, Trestan turned to Montanya. “Montanya, could we have a little entertainment please.”
The chiaso nodded with a smile. Cat found herself nervous and excited as she simply waited to see what Trestan had planned for the evening. Only he made her feel this way. Montanya opened the gate to admit Lindon Taleweaver. The minstrel entered with mandolin in hand, strumming the notes of a tune. The gates closed again once he swept in the garden. He didn’t go directly towards them, opting instead to idly wander about the terrace as he played some romantic tunes.
Cat giggled as she and Trestan enjoyed the food. They talked more than ate. Lindon switched playing between both of his flutes as well as his mandolin in the background, as Trestan and Cat conversed. For Cat, it seemed to be the romantic time they were deprived of after the Embarking, due to the sad news she had for Trestan about his home.
It was also a time in which they could express their feelings. Trestan said, at one point, “Cat, I know you have worried about the future. As Abriana is my witness, I can see nay other future than spending my life with you if you’ll have me.”
She paused briefly, deciding how best to respond to such a strong emotional statement. “It took me some time to understand my own heart. I don’t mean that my feelings were in doubt, only that I hesitated about where my feelings would lead me. I was reluctant to get too close to you Trestan, and yet I was already too close. I couldn’t go forward or back without risking my heart.”
Cat paused again, letting her emerald eyes look towards the greenery of the forest canopy. Trestan patiently waited for her to finish her message. She probably underestimated how much his emotions clung to every word. His heart and his feelings were on the line, but he had to know that Cat had come to a decision about their relationship. He trusted that she would answer in the way he expected, yet the small grains of uncertainty in his mind gave him stress.
She looked back to him, reaching out to squeeze his hand between her own. “Jentan cast that spell on me, one designed to make my worst nightmare come true. I saw your grave, and mourned my loss. If anything, it helped make me see that you are already a part of me. I can’t turn away from you now to save myself pain years down the road. I’ve come too far with you, and I want to go further down that road together. Even if it means watching you grow older while I stay young…I want to spend that time with you or I’ll only be killing my heart. I love you.”
She looked at him, begging for his acceptance of her feelings. Trestan leaned across the table and answered her with another kiss. They remained in that pose, becoming a statue of two lovers, losing themselves in their feelings.
“I love you faunlessa, and there is one thing that needs to be done to show you how much.” Trestan turned towards Montanya, “Montanya, is there a spiritual guide around here somewhere? Maybe a priest of sorts?”
The youth smiled back, “I think I know where I can find one.”
Lindon changed songs slightly to one often performed when a priest enters an assembly. Montanya opened the door, but then merely stood aside for the new guest. Sondra entered, wearing her official priestly vestments. These were the ceremonial robes she had tucked in her bags during her escape from the Doranil Star, though she wore several accouterments that had been stored in her healing satchel. Her look greatly differed from the rugged clothes stained across exploration of this land. As with the others, she had responded with Trestan’s request to dress her best for a special occasion. Sondra had already guessed at what was coming; the chosen of Ganden was honored to fulfill Trestan’s request.
Sondra glided forward, stopping a respectful distance from the feast table. “As I have been summoned, so I stand. I take my place as a representative of Ganden, and as such I place his blessings on all here. Ganden stands as your witness.”
“Witness?” Cat repeated, wondering about the use of that word.
Then the meaning of it all hit her. She recalled the questions Trestan had asked about elf relationships. She had told him all about their customs regarding certain events. Trestan had gone through a lot to arrange a special evening, and it was no longer a mystery to Cat’s mind. In fact, her mind and heart fluttered with the realization that this was about to become a very special moment.
Trestan nodded to each of their companions. “Here in Laedelious’ homeland, the tradition of the elves will now be honored. We now have a male friend as witness.” Lindon continued to play nearby.
“We also have a female friend as a witness.” At his words, Montanya stood straight and tall.
“And now we have a spiritual guide.” Trestan gave a slight bow to Sondra.
Cat had trouble figuring whether she was hot or cold. Her heart raced with nervous excitement. She suddenly felt like a little girl, trying to figure out whether to smile or cry, where to put her hands, and what, if anything, she should say.
As smoothly as he could, Trestan slid off his bench and went down to one knee before Cat. He reached out, and took one of her smaller hands in his.
“Katressa Bilil, I pledge to remain faithful to you forever if you will have me. You fill my heart of all the longing I could ever want. I dream day and night of the moments we spend together. I ask for your hand in marriage, that we be joined in spiritbond before a year ends.”
Trestan withdrew a curved piece of caleocht wood from a pocket. The workmanship on the bracelet was priceless. It detailed several images of Laedelious, Cat’s goddess, sprinkled in gold dust. Emerald gems sparkled within the carvings…a gem Cat knew Trestan favored ever since looking into her eyes.
“I know that elves do not give such gifts for the oathbond. Among humans, it is expected to give a piece of jewelry that signifies the engagement. Please wear this if you would be my wife.”
Trestan’s heart laid bare for all to observe. Cat tried to hold a smile, but her emotions were choking her up. The proposal left the half-elf privateer quivering like a newborn fawn. She opened her mouth a few times, but seemed to have trouble forming words. Some sniffling and quick intakes of breath were the only sounds she could make as her hand rested in Trestan’s. She finally grabbed a piece of linen from the table, dabbing her eyes and trying to swallow.
Her voice squeaked out, “Aye…I accept with all my heart, faunlessa. I would be yours for all the days if possible.”
They rose as one. Lindon’s mandolin strummed into an uplifting tune. Cat was still breaking down in tears, but she buried them against Trestan’s chest. They embraced tightly, loosening only long enough that Cat could slide the bracelet over her wrist. Trestan helped dry her tears as she looked longingly into his eyes.
Sondra announced, rather quietly, “As Ganden has witnessed the offering of the oathbond and its acceptance, he offers his blessing unto this union. May you never forget your responsibilities to each other, and may your years be happy and prosperous.”
With that, Sondra rejoined Montanya over by the garden gate, where they chatted happily in low tones. Cat and Trestan lingered in their embrace for a long time. When Lindon played some
happy music, they shared dance after dance.
As Petrow had once told Trestan, “…Life comes on two sides of a coin, Trestan. You can’t have the lucky side without the unlucky side, and if the lucky side happens to shine in your favor and brightens one day, you should live that day to the fullest.”
For each of them: Cat, Trestan, Lindon, Sondra and Montanya, they had that one day to hold a celebration of life. They smiled together, shared jokes, and lived every moment like they hadn’t in a long time. The merriment lasted well into the evening.
If they were worried about the battle that would soon begin, they hid it well. If Trestan and Cat were troubled that they wouldn’t live to seal their spiritbond, they kept it shielded deep in their hearts. They hid any fears of the blood and fighting that awaited them down the road.
At least for a time, the newly engaged couple could enjoy the spirit of the moment, under the canopy of the sylvan city...and temporarily bury any fears arising from the plots of gods.
Bonus material: Lindon Taleweaver’s song, “A Tenth”
A powerful lord with lots of land sat unhappy in his keep,
One day he encountered a gypsy offering him something to foresee,
“For a tenth of your lands, just a tenth!...I’ll give you the future in a glance.
You’ll see what’s destined for you, isn’t that worth a chance?”
The lord agreed and saw himself happy on one island out of ten,
And contented himself the vision would serve him well in the end.
The lord hunted his lands often but found the game amiss,
The taxman came on behalf of the king and offered him this,
“For a tenth of your lands, just a tenth!...The courts will offer a way,
We’ll use the king’s guards and laws to keep the poachers at bay.”
The Earthrin Stones 2 of 3: Trials of Faith Page 53
