Post by Lady Elestirne on Apr 19, 2007 14:57:49 GMT -5
Fifth Chapter
Eventually, the three began to walk back; heading in the general direction of their home. Elestirne skipped ahead gaily without a care; running to and fro chasing butterflies or stopping occasionally to pick a few more wildflowers-but never straying too far ahead of the two adults, who followed at a more leisurely pace. Elentirmo smiled to see his daughter cavorting and dancing ahead; oblivious to the adults.
Ahh….to be so young, to be a child, free from all worries, cares and troubles; to be obvlious to all but the simple joy of being a child and enjoying life. What Elentirmo wouldn't give to have that experience again. But everyone must grow up eventually and it had moreover been a long, long time-some six or seven centuries roughly-since Elentirmo had been a child, and so blissfully innocent, so unaware of anything but his own pleasure in the world around him. Now he understood part of the enjoyment of being a parent; enjoying, having and getting pleasure from their child's enjoyment and pleasure.
Suddenly remembering something, Elentirmo turned to Amaurea as they walked as they walked together "Why is it that you seemed unsurprised and reacted not and said naught when I told you of the child unknowingly prophesying, and having the sight-and at so young?"
"How should I have reacted my love, and what would I have said to you in comment of it?," his wife reasoned; voice serene as she answered. "And why should I have been surprised? She has as much of your blood in her as she does mine, so it is no surprise to me that she should have the sight nor that she should have it so early. For she is your daughter as much as mine love and you are a great seer e'en if you will not admit to being such. And it is a good sign love, that she is foresighted. For her to be queen is good, and I would have been content even if she were not fated to become such, but for her to be a foresighted queen is a good omen indeed-for it symbolizes to me that she shall be a strong queen, and able to protect her realm well. Knowledge of what lies ahead-or might lie ahead-is a very great gift and it can also be a weapon, since foreknowledge can be a dangerous thing to possess."
"I saw her… "Elentirmo said softly, lest Elestirne happened to overhear him, "a few minutes ago, when she unknowingly prophesied."
"As did I," Amaurea answered, her voice equally soft, "but on the night of her birth, not here. I saw the kindreds unite and bow before her as one, and saw her crowned before them in the city as I have been told it was of old, not as it is now. I saw peace and prosperity return to the land during her reign. I saw the realm return to and surpass its former bliss and majesty. I am not of your kindred love, but even my people can possess the sight sometimes, though seers are rarer among us than they are amongst your kindred my love.
"And though I personally possess not the sight," continued Amaurea, "it is known that all elven-women –regardless of what kindred they may be of-have a measure of foresight when it comes to their children and I am no exception. I saw when she was born what she would be, what our mingled blood would make her and I named her accordingly." Amaurea paused a moment, then spoke again
"Fate has chosen what she must be and I should be happy, for Fate has chosen for her, through our mingled blood and lineage, to unite the kindreds and be queen. I am blessed, to have been chosen to be the mother of such a child, who will grow to be so great among our kind and do so much, who is destined to be the child of the prophecy but, all the same, if I could be granted a wish I would have it so that her life is her own to choose and so that she is allowed the freedom to choose who she wants to be-though what she is was chosen and pre-determined in advance for her."
Elentirmo hid a half-smile from his wife. Amaurea had, unknowingly, wished for the very thing Elentirmo had earlier requested in his prayer. It heartened him greatly that his wife wished the same for the child as he: that she grew up to be her own person, with her own life-instead of just what Fate had made her.
The throneless king smiled as he watched the carefree child skipping happily ahead of them. Whatever she grew to become, whoever she chose to be, in the years ahead Elentirmo would forever keep in his heart the image of his daughter as she appeared in that moment: a carefree young elf-child enjoying the bright summer day, innocent face alight with happiness and laughter, untroubled by any cares or sorrows.
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Sixth Chapter
Elentirmo was quiet as he and Amaurea walked with Elestirne the rest of the way to their home. As a noble-well,actually,unknown king-of the high kindred he could and probably should have a home in the city but Amaurea, being a wood-elf was uneased by the high walls and stone structures. And Elentirmo, though a high elf also disparaged living in the city, both because Mirenan had fallen from the glory it had possessed of old, when the two kindreds had been united and also because he feared for the safety of Amaurea and little Elestirne - Amaurea because, as a wood-elf and due to the tensions between the two kindreds because of the long-ago blood-feud, she was not looked upon with favor in the city and Elestirne because he feared any ancient enemies of his family that still lived, or any others that might, for some reason, bear him ill will, would realize that the child was the one prophesied to unite the kindreds and end the feud and try to harm her in some way. Especially him, he whom Elentirmo had been warned against since childhood, who had already tried to kill Elentirmo no few times and who Elentirmo had been evading all his life.
And this brought Elentirmo to his next reason for not living in the city. His family's great enemies sought his life still for he- excepting little Elestirne of course, for they did not know about her yet, or at least he hoped-was the last of his line. Besides that, he found it far more peaceful and comfortable to live outside the city than in it. And if such a life -simple and hidden though it was - had been good enough for those of his family that had been before him, then it was quite good enough for him.
The elf shook his head slightly. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Amaurea glance at him and knew she wondered at his silence and wanted to ask what troubled him- but dared not. And he dare not tell her yet. Later. He would tell her later- when there was no chance Elestirne might hear.
The child was some ways ahead of them and seemed totally obvlious to anything other than what was currently occupying her attention, but even so, Elentirmo was not willing to risk the chance that she might hear.
He would tell his wife later what troubled him-if she did not confront him herself before that. If truth was to be told, Elentirmo even did not know why he was so troubled by what troubled him.
It was not long before the trio reached their home. It was a simple structure-nothing at all like the grand, largely abandoned houses or the many times grander, empty royal palace-where Elentirmo and his little family would be housed in splendor had the blood-feud never happened, or the betrayal and he sat the throne as was his ancient birthright. But that was not the way of things, though it was what should be.
It was of wood, his house; two stories tall and built with cunning craft, by his own hands, standing in a secluded clearing in a forest far from, yet near the city. Far enough that they were isolated near enough that Elentirmo could journey to the city and procure things if they were needed.
To Elentirmo, the simple house was a reflection of himself. He, the throneless king, hidden in plain sight. His house, in plain view for all to see-yet invisible to those that did not know what they looked for. Not that anyone came near the forest that was their home.
A ghost of a smile touched his lips briefly, but then the tall elf sighed and it disappeared. It seems more and more that no one knows what they look for. Times are not what they were before the feud. The time of kings is forgotten, only a select few, like Galion and Mardil e'en recall it and those twain are the most ancient among us, as far as I am aware. The history of the realm, and its greatness, fades from memory. Mirenan is fallen from its glory and majesty of old. Already the realm of Taraer is forgotten in lands beyond the mountains. If it survives, it survives as barely more than a name and a legend: something which-if it is spoken of at all-the elders of men tell at night to their young ones.
We are a forgotten land and realm in the world of men and the mortal lands without. How long before we become forgotten by ourselves? Ignorant of our history, our heritage, our antiquity? I would not live to see those times. Sad days would they be indeed, if such came to pass; if, forgotten by the other races we forgot ourselves, forgot what we are and completely and utterly faded away from the world.
But my daughter shall change all that, he realized. Elestirne shall be the one to make everything right again. She shall absolve the feud and unite the two kindreds again; she will be the hope unlooked for and the long-awaited fulfillment to the prophecy-which already has been forgotten, just as the royal line and the name of the house of kings have been forgotten. She shall lead us out of our darkness and make us known again, make the realm known in the world of men and mortals once more. She shall do what I and Amaurea- nor all my ancestors before me- could do: she shall claim her ancestral birthright, take the throne, rule, and restore the time of kings and the glory and peace of old. The gods bequeath a heavy burden and high expectations to her, my child, my little one-but she shall meet them.
"Ada?" Elestirne's sweet, clear voice broke his reverie. With a start the elf realized he had been standing as though entranced for some minutes- Amaurea had already gone inside. Only little Elestirne stayed outside with him, her bright grey eyes worried. " Ada , what is it?"
Elentirmo shook his head, clearing it. "Nothing little one. Come, let's join your mother." He took his daughter by the hand and led her inside. The interior of the little house was relatively sparsely furnished, but it was cozy, and welcoming and made one feel instantly at home upon crossing the threshold. Immediately, Elestirne scampered off- to amuse herself until Amaurea called her for the evening meal.
Entering on his daughter's heels, Elentirmo shared a long glance with Amaurea; that one look speaking volumes where mere words would have faltered. They were bonded, life-mated, joined forever, he and Amaurea. They did not need the use of words or even the silent speech to communicate with one another-one look between them said more than any words could express.
In just that one look between them, that one shared glance-brief though it had been- Amaurea had managed to convey her worry and concern at his silence and, without saying a word, had asked: Tell me? And in the same glance Elentirmo had answered her: Later.
Hours later, long after the three had had their evening meal and Elestirne had been put to bed Elentirmo stood alone on a special platform outside his house, stargazing. The night air was slightly chill but he hardly noticed or felt it as he stood there watching the stars turn slowly in the sky; thinking and reflecting again on what troubled him.
Soft footsteps sounded behind him, disturbing the quiet. Elentirmo did not need to turn to know it was his wife as she slipped her arms around him in a brief embrace ere moving to stand beside him. After a few minutes of silence she spoke.
"I woke and you were not beside me. So I knew you must be here."
"I could not sleep and so, came out to look at the stars."
"Have you found answers?", asked Amaurea. Her voice was tinged with worry.
Elentirmo turned to face her; a frown creasing his forehead. His face was etched with the same worry that had tinged his wife's voice. "No. The night is clear, the stars bright-yet they are veiled to my sight and I cannot divine their meanings. I do not understand it."
His wife took up one of his hands in her own and squeezed it lightly. "But the stars are not the only things that trouble you this night. Tell me love, and tell me truly, what troubles you, and why you have been so quiet all this day. Is it to do with Elestirne my love?"
Praised be the Powers that Be for giving him such a perceptive wife!, Elentirmo thought to himself. "Aye, beloved," he answered.
"What is it then Elentirmo? Is it her having the foresight? I would think you'd be proud love."
He waited a long moment- collecting his thoughts. At last he spoke. "It is not her having the foresight-not entirely," he answered truthfully. "That she has it so young does trouble me some for it is very unusual to develop the sight so young-but it is not the main reason I am troubled."
Amaurea said nothing, only waited patiently. Elentirmo studied a shooting star for a long moment, then continued. "I would say that it is what might come of her having the sight so early that troubles me but that is not right either. That she has it so early hints she might have a great gift for the sight, a gift greater than mine and that does trouble me-for I do not know what it may portend. Will having the sight-and a gift for it-at so young, so tender an age aid her somewhat in her destiny? Will it show her glimpses of what is to come, warn her from our enemies-now her's as well? I do not know and it does trouble me."
"Why should this trouble you love?"
" Because…"Elentirmo's voice dropped now to a bare whisper, as if the tall, midnight-haired elf feared naming the thing would bring it to pass," because there have been cases in history where those with such a strong gift for the sight have been driven to madness trying to understand the visions and glimpses of the future it showed them. I do not want that to happen to Eles, our daughter, our little one-not when so much depends upon her."
"It will not," Amaurea answered. "Of all the things that lie in store for our daughter madness is not one of them. Who knows? Having the sight may very well aid her love. That is true, and to be hoped for. It may indeed show her clues to her destiny but it is impossible to tell. As to warning her of and/or away from our-now her's also-enemies, that I know not. That also is hard to tell. Most of your line's ancient enemies-those of the rebel houses that caused the feud and the sundering of the kindreds-are dead or long gone. Those that remain, or their descendants-if any still live-are banished, forgotten, or deemed as no consequence. This you have told me love."
"One there is of the traitors at least, who lives still," said Elentirmo grimly. "Out of the wilderness he came long ago, before I had met you, when I was still a youth. Relatively recently he has raised once more the standard of his house and has begun to gather followers to him. His House-and its part in the feud, sundering of the noble houses and the downfall of the royal family-has largely been forgotten, but I have not forgotten, nor has Galion. Galion it was who was first aware of him, and warned Mardil and I about his presence. And my father, who was still alive then, knew as well. I do not think that the faithless one is aware that I know of his presence, but he knows that Galion at least is aware of him, and knew my father had discovered him. Of Mardil I cannot say. It is possible that he is aware that Mardil has discovered him as well.
However, the faithless one is cunning, and skilled at deceit and trickery. No few times he has sought my life since returning and discovering that some of the royals lived still. No few times he has tried to kill my family and me, and accomplish his goal of decimating the royal family and ending the line of kings. I know his mind: he would see himself as ruler, as tyrant king. I have tried to kill him after he killed my family, but cannot-dark magic cloaks and shields him. He is the last of his accursed house and line and thinks the same of me. But he does not know yet of Elestirne. Though he has no doubt heard the prophecy he likely thinks little of it and does not understand its meaning, which is good."
"And how is this connected with you being so troubled?" asked Amaurea. "There is more to it dearest. You do not tell me all. Tell me truly Elentirmo-and at once-what troubles you so."
He sighed; loathe to tell her but unable to refuse her. His wife waited patiently; resolve and determination in her face. He knew that look. She would not leave until she got an answer.
"Love…I am troubled because I wonder if Elestirne having the sight so early is an indication of other things, for instance, that she might develop other talents…like magic-innate or learned. In the use of the sight I can instruct her a little in the beginning but eventually we would have to take her to the city, or to Galion to be instructed. This would come to pass one way or the other but if she develops an ability for magic it becomes an inevitability. And then I fear for her. I fear that she will become vulnerable to our enemy-especially if she develops an ability for magic along with the foresight. I fear that our enemy will become aware of her and realize she is the one prophesied, the one meant to put all to right and absolve the feud; the last of the royal line, child of my blood-and yours. I fear for her should the faithless one realize what she is and bend his will and magic upon her. Though I trust Mardil and Galion to watch over and protect her I still worry. Though powerful, Galion is ancient and to Mardil the same-though he is not as old as Galion. And neither-save perhaps Galion-knows aught of magic. The traitor though is skilled in the arcane arts, is a sorcerer of great power-learned in dark magic. And I…"Elentirmo faltered here; stumbled over his words. "I…I have no way to protect her from such, to keep her safe. I…I know little magic and what I know would be of little use or help. I fear for her love…but am unable to protect her," he finished; sounding almost helpless.
Compassion, sympathy and understanding filled Amaurea's face as his wife looked at him. She fingered the amber amulet that graced her neck; a spark of gold light flaring briefly in the stone's depths as she did so. "We will provide her with what protection we can my love, and the prophecy and gods shall see to the rest. Of all things, a parent's love is the strongest type of magic and protection existing in the world. Have faith my beloved."
Amaurea kissed him lightly, then turned and descended back into the house. Elentirmo lingered a few minutes longer, gazing into the star-sprinkled sky; searching for an answer. The stars twinkled back brightly; shining jewels in the luxurious cloak of night.
One star seemed to shine more brightly than the others; radiant and beautiful and Elentirmo's eyes were inevitably drawn to it. It seemed to him that this star seemed to shine more brightly than all others upon the throneless king's house. The faintest ghost of a smile-or hint thereof-touched the tall elf's lips and Elentirmo Starwatcher, the hidden king, went silently at last to his rest and wife; having his sign, and his answer.
Eventually, the three began to walk back; heading in the general direction of their home. Elestirne skipped ahead gaily without a care; running to and fro chasing butterflies or stopping occasionally to pick a few more wildflowers-but never straying too far ahead of the two adults, who followed at a more leisurely pace. Elentirmo smiled to see his daughter cavorting and dancing ahead; oblivious to the adults.
Ahh….to be so young, to be a child, free from all worries, cares and troubles; to be obvlious to all but the simple joy of being a child and enjoying life. What Elentirmo wouldn't give to have that experience again. But everyone must grow up eventually and it had moreover been a long, long time-some six or seven centuries roughly-since Elentirmo had been a child, and so blissfully innocent, so unaware of anything but his own pleasure in the world around him. Now he understood part of the enjoyment of being a parent; enjoying, having and getting pleasure from their child's enjoyment and pleasure.
Suddenly remembering something, Elentirmo turned to Amaurea as they walked as they walked together "Why is it that you seemed unsurprised and reacted not and said naught when I told you of the child unknowingly prophesying, and having the sight-and at so young?"
"How should I have reacted my love, and what would I have said to you in comment of it?," his wife reasoned; voice serene as she answered. "And why should I have been surprised? She has as much of your blood in her as she does mine, so it is no surprise to me that she should have the sight nor that she should have it so early. For she is your daughter as much as mine love and you are a great seer e'en if you will not admit to being such. And it is a good sign love, that she is foresighted. For her to be queen is good, and I would have been content even if she were not fated to become such, but for her to be a foresighted queen is a good omen indeed-for it symbolizes to me that she shall be a strong queen, and able to protect her realm well. Knowledge of what lies ahead-or might lie ahead-is a very great gift and it can also be a weapon, since foreknowledge can be a dangerous thing to possess."
"I saw her… "Elentirmo said softly, lest Elestirne happened to overhear him, "a few minutes ago, when she unknowingly prophesied."
"As did I," Amaurea answered, her voice equally soft, "but on the night of her birth, not here. I saw the kindreds unite and bow before her as one, and saw her crowned before them in the city as I have been told it was of old, not as it is now. I saw peace and prosperity return to the land during her reign. I saw the realm return to and surpass its former bliss and majesty. I am not of your kindred love, but even my people can possess the sight sometimes, though seers are rarer among us than they are amongst your kindred my love.
"And though I personally possess not the sight," continued Amaurea, "it is known that all elven-women –regardless of what kindred they may be of-have a measure of foresight when it comes to their children and I am no exception. I saw when she was born what she would be, what our mingled blood would make her and I named her accordingly." Amaurea paused a moment, then spoke again
"Fate has chosen what she must be and I should be happy, for Fate has chosen for her, through our mingled blood and lineage, to unite the kindreds and be queen. I am blessed, to have been chosen to be the mother of such a child, who will grow to be so great among our kind and do so much, who is destined to be the child of the prophecy but, all the same, if I could be granted a wish I would have it so that her life is her own to choose and so that she is allowed the freedom to choose who she wants to be-though what she is was chosen and pre-determined in advance for her."
Elentirmo hid a half-smile from his wife. Amaurea had, unknowingly, wished for the very thing Elentirmo had earlier requested in his prayer. It heartened him greatly that his wife wished the same for the child as he: that she grew up to be her own person, with her own life-instead of just what Fate had made her.
The throneless king smiled as he watched the carefree child skipping happily ahead of them. Whatever she grew to become, whoever she chose to be, in the years ahead Elentirmo would forever keep in his heart the image of his daughter as she appeared in that moment: a carefree young elf-child enjoying the bright summer day, innocent face alight with happiness and laughter, untroubled by any cares or sorrows.
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Sixth Chapter
Elentirmo was quiet as he and Amaurea walked with Elestirne the rest of the way to their home. As a noble-well,actually,unknown king-of the high kindred he could and probably should have a home in the city but Amaurea, being a wood-elf was uneased by the high walls and stone structures. And Elentirmo, though a high elf also disparaged living in the city, both because Mirenan had fallen from the glory it had possessed of old, when the two kindreds had been united and also because he feared for the safety of Amaurea and little Elestirne - Amaurea because, as a wood-elf and due to the tensions between the two kindreds because of the long-ago blood-feud, she was not looked upon with favor in the city and Elestirne because he feared any ancient enemies of his family that still lived, or any others that might, for some reason, bear him ill will, would realize that the child was the one prophesied to unite the kindreds and end the feud and try to harm her in some way. Especially him, he whom Elentirmo had been warned against since childhood, who had already tried to kill Elentirmo no few times and who Elentirmo had been evading all his life.
And this brought Elentirmo to his next reason for not living in the city. His family's great enemies sought his life still for he- excepting little Elestirne of course, for they did not know about her yet, or at least he hoped-was the last of his line. Besides that, he found it far more peaceful and comfortable to live outside the city than in it. And if such a life -simple and hidden though it was - had been good enough for those of his family that had been before him, then it was quite good enough for him.
The elf shook his head slightly. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Amaurea glance at him and knew she wondered at his silence and wanted to ask what troubled him- but dared not. And he dare not tell her yet. Later. He would tell her later- when there was no chance Elestirne might hear.
The child was some ways ahead of them and seemed totally obvlious to anything other than what was currently occupying her attention, but even so, Elentirmo was not willing to risk the chance that she might hear.
He would tell his wife later what troubled him-if she did not confront him herself before that. If truth was to be told, Elentirmo even did not know why he was so troubled by what troubled him.
It was not long before the trio reached their home. It was a simple structure-nothing at all like the grand, largely abandoned houses or the many times grander, empty royal palace-where Elentirmo and his little family would be housed in splendor had the blood-feud never happened, or the betrayal and he sat the throne as was his ancient birthright. But that was not the way of things, though it was what should be.
It was of wood, his house; two stories tall and built with cunning craft, by his own hands, standing in a secluded clearing in a forest far from, yet near the city. Far enough that they were isolated near enough that Elentirmo could journey to the city and procure things if they were needed.
To Elentirmo, the simple house was a reflection of himself. He, the throneless king, hidden in plain sight. His house, in plain view for all to see-yet invisible to those that did not know what they looked for. Not that anyone came near the forest that was their home.
A ghost of a smile touched his lips briefly, but then the tall elf sighed and it disappeared. It seems more and more that no one knows what they look for. Times are not what they were before the feud. The time of kings is forgotten, only a select few, like Galion and Mardil e'en recall it and those twain are the most ancient among us, as far as I am aware. The history of the realm, and its greatness, fades from memory. Mirenan is fallen from its glory and majesty of old. Already the realm of Taraer is forgotten in lands beyond the mountains. If it survives, it survives as barely more than a name and a legend: something which-if it is spoken of at all-the elders of men tell at night to their young ones.
We are a forgotten land and realm in the world of men and the mortal lands without. How long before we become forgotten by ourselves? Ignorant of our history, our heritage, our antiquity? I would not live to see those times. Sad days would they be indeed, if such came to pass; if, forgotten by the other races we forgot ourselves, forgot what we are and completely and utterly faded away from the world.
But my daughter shall change all that, he realized. Elestirne shall be the one to make everything right again. She shall absolve the feud and unite the two kindreds again; she will be the hope unlooked for and the long-awaited fulfillment to the prophecy-which already has been forgotten, just as the royal line and the name of the house of kings have been forgotten. She shall lead us out of our darkness and make us known again, make the realm known in the world of men and mortals once more. She shall do what I and Amaurea- nor all my ancestors before me- could do: she shall claim her ancestral birthright, take the throne, rule, and restore the time of kings and the glory and peace of old. The gods bequeath a heavy burden and high expectations to her, my child, my little one-but she shall meet them.
"Ada?" Elestirne's sweet, clear voice broke his reverie. With a start the elf realized he had been standing as though entranced for some minutes- Amaurea had already gone inside. Only little Elestirne stayed outside with him, her bright grey eyes worried. " Ada , what is it?"
Elentirmo shook his head, clearing it. "Nothing little one. Come, let's join your mother." He took his daughter by the hand and led her inside. The interior of the little house was relatively sparsely furnished, but it was cozy, and welcoming and made one feel instantly at home upon crossing the threshold. Immediately, Elestirne scampered off- to amuse herself until Amaurea called her for the evening meal.
Entering on his daughter's heels, Elentirmo shared a long glance with Amaurea; that one look speaking volumes where mere words would have faltered. They were bonded, life-mated, joined forever, he and Amaurea. They did not need the use of words or even the silent speech to communicate with one another-one look between them said more than any words could express.
In just that one look between them, that one shared glance-brief though it had been- Amaurea had managed to convey her worry and concern at his silence and, without saying a word, had asked: Tell me? And in the same glance Elentirmo had answered her: Later.
Hours later, long after the three had had their evening meal and Elestirne had been put to bed Elentirmo stood alone on a special platform outside his house, stargazing. The night air was slightly chill but he hardly noticed or felt it as he stood there watching the stars turn slowly in the sky; thinking and reflecting again on what troubled him.
Soft footsteps sounded behind him, disturbing the quiet. Elentirmo did not need to turn to know it was his wife as she slipped her arms around him in a brief embrace ere moving to stand beside him. After a few minutes of silence she spoke.
"I woke and you were not beside me. So I knew you must be here."
"I could not sleep and so, came out to look at the stars."
"Have you found answers?", asked Amaurea. Her voice was tinged with worry.
Elentirmo turned to face her; a frown creasing his forehead. His face was etched with the same worry that had tinged his wife's voice. "No. The night is clear, the stars bright-yet they are veiled to my sight and I cannot divine their meanings. I do not understand it."
His wife took up one of his hands in her own and squeezed it lightly. "But the stars are not the only things that trouble you this night. Tell me love, and tell me truly, what troubles you, and why you have been so quiet all this day. Is it to do with Elestirne my love?"
Praised be the Powers that Be for giving him such a perceptive wife!, Elentirmo thought to himself. "Aye, beloved," he answered.
"What is it then Elentirmo? Is it her having the foresight? I would think you'd be proud love."
He waited a long moment- collecting his thoughts. At last he spoke. "It is not her having the foresight-not entirely," he answered truthfully. "That she has it so young does trouble me some for it is very unusual to develop the sight so young-but it is not the main reason I am troubled."
Amaurea said nothing, only waited patiently. Elentirmo studied a shooting star for a long moment, then continued. "I would say that it is what might come of her having the sight so early that troubles me but that is not right either. That she has it so early hints she might have a great gift for the sight, a gift greater than mine and that does trouble me-for I do not know what it may portend. Will having the sight-and a gift for it-at so young, so tender an age aid her somewhat in her destiny? Will it show her glimpses of what is to come, warn her from our enemies-now her's as well? I do not know and it does trouble me."
"Why should this trouble you love?"
" Because…"Elentirmo's voice dropped now to a bare whisper, as if the tall, midnight-haired elf feared naming the thing would bring it to pass," because there have been cases in history where those with such a strong gift for the sight have been driven to madness trying to understand the visions and glimpses of the future it showed them. I do not want that to happen to Eles, our daughter, our little one-not when so much depends upon her."
"It will not," Amaurea answered. "Of all the things that lie in store for our daughter madness is not one of them. Who knows? Having the sight may very well aid her love. That is true, and to be hoped for. It may indeed show her clues to her destiny but it is impossible to tell. As to warning her of and/or away from our-now her's also-enemies, that I know not. That also is hard to tell. Most of your line's ancient enemies-those of the rebel houses that caused the feud and the sundering of the kindreds-are dead or long gone. Those that remain, or their descendants-if any still live-are banished, forgotten, or deemed as no consequence. This you have told me love."
"One there is of the traitors at least, who lives still," said Elentirmo grimly. "Out of the wilderness he came long ago, before I had met you, when I was still a youth. Relatively recently he has raised once more the standard of his house and has begun to gather followers to him. His House-and its part in the feud, sundering of the noble houses and the downfall of the royal family-has largely been forgotten, but I have not forgotten, nor has Galion. Galion it was who was first aware of him, and warned Mardil and I about his presence. And my father, who was still alive then, knew as well. I do not think that the faithless one is aware that I know of his presence, but he knows that Galion at least is aware of him, and knew my father had discovered him. Of Mardil I cannot say. It is possible that he is aware that Mardil has discovered him as well.
However, the faithless one is cunning, and skilled at deceit and trickery. No few times he has sought my life since returning and discovering that some of the royals lived still. No few times he has tried to kill my family and me, and accomplish his goal of decimating the royal family and ending the line of kings. I know his mind: he would see himself as ruler, as tyrant king. I have tried to kill him after he killed my family, but cannot-dark magic cloaks and shields him. He is the last of his accursed house and line and thinks the same of me. But he does not know yet of Elestirne. Though he has no doubt heard the prophecy he likely thinks little of it and does not understand its meaning, which is good."
"And how is this connected with you being so troubled?" asked Amaurea. "There is more to it dearest. You do not tell me all. Tell me truly Elentirmo-and at once-what troubles you so."
He sighed; loathe to tell her but unable to refuse her. His wife waited patiently; resolve and determination in her face. He knew that look. She would not leave until she got an answer.
"Love…I am troubled because I wonder if Elestirne having the sight so early is an indication of other things, for instance, that she might develop other talents…like magic-innate or learned. In the use of the sight I can instruct her a little in the beginning but eventually we would have to take her to the city, or to Galion to be instructed. This would come to pass one way or the other but if she develops an ability for magic it becomes an inevitability. And then I fear for her. I fear that she will become vulnerable to our enemy-especially if she develops an ability for magic along with the foresight. I fear that our enemy will become aware of her and realize she is the one prophesied, the one meant to put all to right and absolve the feud; the last of the royal line, child of my blood-and yours. I fear for her should the faithless one realize what she is and bend his will and magic upon her. Though I trust Mardil and Galion to watch over and protect her I still worry. Though powerful, Galion is ancient and to Mardil the same-though he is not as old as Galion. And neither-save perhaps Galion-knows aught of magic. The traitor though is skilled in the arcane arts, is a sorcerer of great power-learned in dark magic. And I…"Elentirmo faltered here; stumbled over his words. "I…I have no way to protect her from such, to keep her safe. I…I know little magic and what I know would be of little use or help. I fear for her love…but am unable to protect her," he finished; sounding almost helpless.
Compassion, sympathy and understanding filled Amaurea's face as his wife looked at him. She fingered the amber amulet that graced her neck; a spark of gold light flaring briefly in the stone's depths as she did so. "We will provide her with what protection we can my love, and the prophecy and gods shall see to the rest. Of all things, a parent's love is the strongest type of magic and protection existing in the world. Have faith my beloved."
Amaurea kissed him lightly, then turned and descended back into the house. Elentirmo lingered a few minutes longer, gazing into the star-sprinkled sky; searching for an answer. The stars twinkled back brightly; shining jewels in the luxurious cloak of night.
One star seemed to shine more brightly than the others; radiant and beautiful and Elentirmo's eyes were inevitably drawn to it. It seemed to him that this star seemed to shine more brightly than all others upon the throneless king's house. The faintest ghost of a smile-or hint thereof-touched the tall elf's lips and Elentirmo Starwatcher, the hidden king, went silently at last to his rest and wife; having his sign, and his answer.