U'Aine yet watched The Highest, finding herself compelled toward Sam's quiet intensity, her easy laughter, and her astounding beauty.
Mil'der'in held out her hand as she stood at U'Aine's back, “Dance one dance with me, Master?"
U'Aine quickly stood and took Mil'der'in's hand, “This is not required on your part, High Counselor. I can well see that you are quite pleased in your pairing. I accept this as so."
"As a friend, U'Aine. Only this."
U'Aine bowed her head once, “Then I am most honored, High Counselor."
As they danced, Mil'der'in maintained the conversation, “You have been distanced from The Realm for overly long, Master. I am most pleased to see your return. Have you been with a pairing across all these long moments?"
U'Aine laughed quietly, “Of course, High Counselor. All wonderful and beautiful, but none that have moved to a commitment. But I am pleased to see that you have paired well. Tell me of your long-prior Master."
Caitha asked Uthrn to dance with her during the third dance, while Fon'elnn’ had returned to Mil'der'in. As U'Aine began to return to the table, she looked up slightly and met eyes with Sam, who was also returning so as to sit.
"Highest."
Sam smiled lightly, “Master."
"Are you enjoying this eve's entertainment?"
Sam laughed, mocking herself, “Hardly this."
U'Aine held out her hand, “Perhaps a dance with a stranger might provide more light-hearted entertainment for you?"
Sam stared at her for a moment, “I am uncert—"
"It is just a dance, Highest. Nothing more. Perhaps you could continue in your tale of Woden. I find myself most fascinated in this town."
Sam spoke easily of Woden while they danced, enjoying the moment. She and Uthrn had been arguing once again, and Sam was most displeased in doing so. She began to relax as she spoke of Woden, taking comfort in the memory of her favored town. Sam found U'Aine an excellent partner and a most attentive listener, acting as if she were truly interested in the town.
U'Aine enjoyed Sam's tales of Woden, finding herself genuinely interested in this small and mostly human community, “Does it have difficult moments, Highest?"
"It has had many battles."
Sam shared the tale of Woden's most recent battle against Buron. U'Aine nodded, “I recall this event. It has been shared across The Realm of this fight. Are you the one, Highest, who defeated this most corrupt leader?"
"I am, but Woden had to fight the remainder of the battle. It was a most dif—"
"Master. I would like to dance with my partner."
U'Aine and Sam halted their dance, both looking at Uthrn.
U'Aine began to hand Sam's hand over to Uthrn, “Of cour—"
"Uthrn. Not now, please. We must end this."
Uthrn was upset, knowing that Sam didn't wish her to come to Woden, “She has no right in this dance, Sam. She has stolen you from me."
Sam spoke softly, “Uthrn. Do this not. You know this is not so."
U'Aine looked at Sam, “Highest. I mind not. I can see that ther—"
Uthrn had turned jealous, seeing that Sam wouldn't even allow her the dance. She pulled her sword from its sheath and raised it to U'Aine, “I challenge you, Master. You have stolen my lover from me."
As Uthrn shouted this, all the others halted the dancing, as the musicians also halted their music. Sle'nel’ began to go over to them, but San'lr'in’ held her back, “Let it be, Lover. U'Aine will take caution in this, as this is a typical stance of a Warrior Woman of the Sword."
"Poor Sam."
U'Aine raised her hands, “I have no weapon, Warrior Woman."
Uthrn moved her sword to U'Aine's throat, “She is mine, Master. You interfere. Now go."
Seeing no resistance from U'Aine, Uthrn began to resheath her sword, when suddenly, it was removed from her hands. She jerked back in surprise, then saw that U'Aine held it, now pointing its tip at her throat. Never prior had a warrior ever stolen Uthrn's sword from her, and she didn't know whether to be amazed or angry.
"You are quick, Master. You make this seem easy."
U'Aine made a quick move of her hands, tossing the sword in the air and catching it by its tip. She offered the sword back to Uthrn, then spoke softly so that only Sam and Uthrn could hear her, “This argument is between you and The Highest, Warrior Woman, but this wouldn't seem the best of moments or places for as such. I have no quarrel with you, as you are honored as a Black Guard in The High Queen's forces. Disgrace not this honor, Warrior Woman. This is the greatest of honors. Act as such.” She held the sword to Uthrn, who had yet not taken it. But she saw that Uthrn was wondering how to move out of the situation.
U'Aine placed her hand on Uthrn's shoulder and began to laugh, speaking loudly enough so that all could hear, giving Uthrn a way out of the embarrassing moment, “An excellent attempt against a Master, Black Uthrn. Allow me to teach you this trick next turn. You are strong and will learn it easily."
Once again, she spoke softly, “Take this as a gift. All will think we have a contest, only. Take your sword, Black Uthrn. Take it and leave graciously, as has been given you the opportunity. Disgrace not your High Queen's trust in you."
Uthrn nodded and took the sword, looking saddened in the moment. She resheathed it, then looked at U'Aine, “You are correct, Master. I give you my apology.” She bowed her head in respect, then turned to Sam, trying to hide her feelings of hopelessness, “And you as well, Highest. Perhaps we can speak more on this at a more appropriate moment."
She turned and left. Sam turned to U'Aine, “And you have my apology for this—"
San'lr'in’ nodded to the musicians to begin the music. As they did, U'Aine held out her hand, interrupting Sam's apology, “May we continue in the dance, Highest, as I believe you were yet telling me of the great battle. This has well captured my attention."
* * * *
Uthrn didn't return to the dance, and Sam was grateful. She danced with U'Aine for the remainder of the eve, feeling free from her most troubled pairing with Uthrn. She had forgotten how enjoyable a relationship could be. This is what Sle'nel’ provided, but I didn't see what a gift her easy presence was, until Uthrn.
"U'Aine dealt well with that situation."
San'lr'in’ nodded, “To be a great warrior, one must know which battles to fight and from which to walk away. Uthrn has much to learn, as she knows only the way of the Warrior Women of the Sword. But she will learn."
Roen and Ern'seln’ danced the eve with Sele', enjoying the Young Future Supreme Sovereign's company, as she always made them laugh. After the sorcerer women took Sele’ to her eve's sleep, Ern'seln’ held Roen more tightly to her as they danced, wondering if Roen would yet come fully to her bed. Roen was yet healing from her ordeal with the grandmother, but seemed to desire Ern'seln’ as much as Ern'seln’ desired her. Yet neither knew how to move into the moment.
"What do you think of the Master U'Aine, Roen?"
"You are much like her, Ern'seln'. You will be as such upon one turn. You are as good as this, in all fashions."
Ern'seln’ blushed, “How would you know this? You are not a Master."
Roen had spoken little of her past, acknowledging no suggestions toward it, “I have observed this much. And besides, I can tell this. You remain most gentle with me, in spite of your great desire. You have not pushed."
It was perhaps the most words at one moment that Roen had yet spoken, and Ern'seln’ was shocked. Roen halted her dancing and pulled Ern'seln’ to her, kissing her with every bit of passion she had withheld from Ern'seln'. Ern'seln’ blushed when they had finally broken apart, then pulled Roen to her, no longer hiding her need.
Roen took Ern'seln's hand, “I have had enough of the dance. Take me to your bed, Ern'seln'. I am ready."
Overly consumed in their own need of each other, they didn't notice that all those now about them were smiling their knowing smiles, pleased that Roen was finally returning to The Realm.
San'lr'in’ looked into her Elf's eyes as they continued to dance, ever thinking them the most beautiful in The Realm.
"You yet find my eyes intriguing?"
San'lr'in’ raised an eyebrow as she stared at Sle'nel', “Yes, but not just your eyes, My Desire.” Her eyes showed an intensity that Sle'nel’ well understood.
"When do you plan to leave El'fs'nd'lle, San'lr'in'?"
"In three turns. I must tend to the Mungardies, and a War Council is needed for this. You?"
"I know not, but soon."
San'lr'in’ pulled Sle'nel’ close to her, not wishing to think on the necessary separation, “I will miss you. Elf, are you pleased with your role and in our union?"
Sle'nel’ frowned, “I am sorry you are not aware of this.” She placed her hand on her lover's cheek, “Hear me well, San'lr'in'. If I had the choice to begin it all again, I would do it all the same so that I may be with you."
"As much as this?"
They began walking away from the eve's celebration, returning to Sle'nel's dwelling, holding hands, “Will you perform the Elfin Lour'den’ Ceremony with me prior to your leave?"
San'lr'in’ drew Sle'nel’ to her, kissing her fully, displaying her need, “If this truly be your desire, so shall it be."
Caitha and Meera were also at the eve's entertainment, enjoying themselves. Caitha had been overly busy gathering Elfin stories, songs and events to her, so had few moments for Meera since their arrival to El'fs'nd'lle.
Meera held her tightly, “Are you yet planning on remaining in El'fs'nd'lle until Sle'nel’ leaves?"
Caitha nodded, “I must, M'Love. There are no other storytellers about us. Must you leave with The High Queen?"
"I know not. Someone must remain with Sle'nel'. I will speak with Ann'wn in this regard."
Caitha ran her fingernail down Meera's neck, teasing her senses, “I have missed you with me, M'Love."
Meera smiled, shivering slightly at the feeling, “Then it will make the eve all the better."
* * * *
After their eve of togetherness, San'lr'in’ woke to the continual shifting of Sle'nel', “You move about in this bed as if you are running."
Sle'nel’ sighed, moving close to her lover, “I am sorry, San'lr'in'. I didn't mean to wake you."
"Are you concerned over your former lover's departure?"
Sle'nel’ moved in even closer: “No, not concerned. It is just a strange feeling. We will finally be separated throughout all the moments."
"You will see her again."
She sighed, “It is not even Sam, in truth. It is as if I finally leave Woden behind."
"Yet you see it in one moon."
"But now in a different fashion. It is no longer as returning home. Upon that moment, I will return as a visitor."
"Does the Valley feel as your home, now?"
Sle'nel’ placed her arm across her lover's breasts, “No."
"No?” She was truly surprised, “What does feel as such?"
Sle'nel’ began to tease and touch her lover, “You are my home. You feel as such."
Meera had gone to Sam early, hoping she would have a few moments to speak with her prior to her departure. Sam was glad to see her, and placed her hand on Meera's shoulder, “Meera, I will miss you most deeply. What will I but do without you?"
Meera looked into Sam's bluest of eyes, knowing that one part of her would ache wildly upon Sam's departure, “And I you, Highest. I will recall our lives in Woden with great fondness. Never will I forget all our moments together. We have been through much together, and I greet this parting with great sadness. But I know you will fare well."
Sam looked at her friend with deep affection, “Woden will be far different without you, Caitha or Sle'nel'. It has faced but many changes within itself, now that Apien and Fornaith have become part of Woden. If I have but learned nothing else, I have learned that all things change."
"You will need to find a companion, Highest. I worry over this for you."
"In truth, it will be difficult to return to my dwelling, but May will help, as will all of Woden. I will think seriously on the notion of a companion."
Meera felt great uneasiness in the conversation, “I know not what to say, Sam. We never prior parted in such a fashion as this. Never prior did one of us leave, to never return in the same way."
"And it will be but most difficult for me to return to Woden's simpleness. For many moons now I have feasted in the newness and excitement of The Realm. Yet, in some strange fashion, I am but excited to return. I do miss Woden and Hengist. Much now faces them, and I know that I can help in this."
"They most certainly miss you, Highest. In all my cycles in Woden, no Highest has come close to your abilities. They need you, Sam."
Sam looked deeply saddened for a moment, “What will I do without your council, my friend?"
Meera told her truthfully, “Keddi and Margeria will be most excellent leaders for you."
Caitha came up to them and saw the sadness between them, “Both of you, halt these overly sad feelings. We must be happy for each other, and besides, Highest, we will see you in but a moon's passing. We know not what will now occur, so we shouldn't dwell on the downsides. And M'Love, given that Sam is of The High Queen's line, I remain certain that we will but see her quite often."
Meera looked at her companion, knowing her as correct, “It makes it not easier, Caitha. Sam and I have been great friends for long prior."
Sam nodded, but also felt sad, “She is correct, Meera. But Caitha, Woden will miss you deeply."
"And, M'Love, they will replace us just as easily, as must occur. As with all our prior battles, there was loss, yet newness grew out of the loss."
Sle'nel’ and The High Queen also went to Sam to say their farewells, “Sam'r'in'thel'ineln'. I look most forward to visiting your community at moon's end."
"All will be prepared for you, Sister."
"We all will miss your great presence."
"As I will miss The Realm, Highness."
Sam looked at Sle'nel', knowing that the distance between them would now grow even further, “Will you come with The High Queen upon her visit?"
"Of course, if you would desire it as so."
"I do."
She nodded, feeling strangely saddened in the moment, “Please give my regards to May and Tadan."
Sam laughed, “They are both anxious to see you again, and to meet The High Queen."
Sle'nel’ also laughed, looking at her lover as if examining her, “Tadan and San'lr'in'. I would like to see this moment. And I would wager that even May will most surprise our High Queen."
The High Queen looked confused, “Your first lover's son? He is a mere boy, is he not?"
Sam tried to control her laughter, “A boy, yes, and he is most anxious to meet you. He would like to be in your service, my Sister."
"My service? A boy such as this?"
Sle'nel’ touched her High Queen's arm, “The Spirit Mothers said that the future tales told of how Tadan and Sele’ were deeply connected."
San'lr'in’ raised an eyebrow at that comment, “In truth?"
"Perhaps you should ask them upon our journey to Woden, San'lr'in'."
"Perhaps, as you say.” She turned to Sam, “I look forward to this visit with you, Sister. Until then, I will have messengers sent between us every few turns.
Sam smiled at the report, “Excellent, Highness. Having reports from The Realm will help show Woden that you but protect them."
San'lr'in’ shook her head slightly, “Would they not think this interference on My part?"
"No, Highness. They have long felt isolated in The Realm. This will but enhance their anticipation of your arrival."
Sle'nel’ nodded, “She speaks truth. They have long wished for connections to others, but have had no way in which this might occur. Woden has long prior thought themselves as alone in this realm."
"Do they know you now return, Highest?"
Sam nodded,
“They do. They have informed me that the celebration has been long prepared for this moment."
Sle'nel’ hugged Sam, “I will see you in one moon, Highest of Woden. We will miss you."
Sam looked at Sle'nel', a lifespan of thoughts crossing through her mind, “It seems but strange, does it not? All our cycles spent in Woden, yet we knew nothing of The Realm. Now, in just a short passage of our moments, our entire lifespan has changed. It seems not real, in some ways."
Sume’ had also come to wish her youngest sister farewell, “Leave it to The High Queen to turn every event into a solemn and boring one."
San'lr'in’ laughed lightly and easily, no longer taking Sume's words as the real intent. She merely shook her head while smiling, and said nothing.
"Has our useless middle sister provided you with enough guards?"
"Yes, High Priestess."
"Has she prepared you with enough provisions?"
"She has, but Woden is not that far distant, High Priestess. We will travel quickly."
"And Sele'?"
Sam looked around, “I thought she would be here to say her farewells, as well."
"I am here, Mother. I come.” Sele’ had been running ahead of Ern'seln'.
Sam bent down, letting Sele’ run into her arms. She gave her a long hug, “I want you to do as all your teachers tell you, Sele'. Make me proud of you. And make but certain that your High Queen brings you to Woden to see me. All of Woden waits for you, Daughter. They knew you prior to your birth."
Sele's head bounced up and down in its excitement, “I recall Woden, Mother. I recall all those who were near you prior to my birth. Birth-Mother would inform me of whoever she spoke to, and I recall them well."
"And Tadan is returning from Fornaith to see you once again. He has missed you, and wishes he could be near you."
The High Queen's Vow [The Mystic Women of The Realm Series Book IV] Page 43
