Post by Lady Elestirne on Apr 29, 2007 21:16:44 GMT -5
Eleventh Chapter
It did not take the two very long to retrace their steps, and in about a half-hour they were back at the grove. Amaurea was relieved-upon glancing at the sun to gauge the hour-to see that it was late afternoon, but not as late as she had anticipated or feared. There would be time now, she saw, to work in her garden before the advent of nightfall. This gladdened her, for she wanted to plant cuttings of some herbs, harvest others, and dry some of the ones she had just gathered. Also, it would be something to keep her mind off what she had just witnessed between Elestirne and the fawn in the forest; an event she was still not sure she could believe, and she had just the slightest doubt about having seen it in the first place.
Yet, Amaurea could not delude herself. She had seen what had happened and knew undoubtedly that it had been real-undeniably real. Wood elves were largely a sensible and practical people. What magic they had was tied in with nature and such spells as they had all involved nature. Amaurea herself did not possess any real ability for magic, and what she had witnessed in the forest between the fawn and Elestirne had shaken the elven-woman; rattled her to the core of her being. The reason the encounter with the fawn shook her so badly was that it had been magic she had witnessed, between Elestirne and the fawn. But it had not been the typical wood-elven 'druidic magic that Amaurea knew and was familiar with. There had been an element of that sort of magic in what she had sensed during the encounter-but Elestirne had spoken no word when she had healed the fawn's leg. It was the same magic; Amaurea was sure but…different. She had heard of this aspect of the wood-elven magic but never had she…
"Ama?"
Elestirne's voice jolted her out of her thoughts. She blinked, and looked at her daughter-who was still holding the sprigs of elenloth and agrimony. "What should I do with these Mother?"
Amaurea smiled faintly at the child. "Press them into a book my dear. That way, they shall always be preserved and their color and beauty will never fade. And, years from now, you can look at them and remember." Elestirne smiled and nodded then ran off; disappearing into the house. Amaurea however, did not smile. Instead, she went to work in her garden with determination. I have a lot to discuss with Elentirmo when he returns, she mused to herself. Much to discuss. And no doubt Elentirmo will have things to tell me also-especially the reason behind his leaving the grove so early this morn… Amaurea paused a moment in her work; frowning slightly as she took in the fast waning afternoon. Dusk was approaching. I hope he returns by nightfall-wherever he has gone. He has never been away from grove longer than a day and I do not know what I shall tell Elestirne if he does not return by tonight… Amaurea resumed working, but her worried feeling remained; try as she might to dispel it.
Elentirmo rode through the forest at a steady trot. He had long since ceased the headlong gallop he had left the grove at; realizing that it made him look foolish as well as feel foolish-and that there was no need for such a pace. A glance upward told him that the afternoon was waning and night approaching. However, he was in no hurry to return to the grove. His mind was in turmoil. Many thoughts whirled through it and the words of Galion seemed to echo continuously; haunting him. 'She will live through the attack, when it comes. But you will not.'
When?, he could not stop wondering. When will the attack occur? Ironic that I am a seer-one of the best maybe-yet did not see this, had no foreknowledge of it. I wonder if seers and others are allowed foreknowledge of their doom. He thought on this for a moment, then shook his head. No. It would be a terrible thing, to be granted that; to know when and how one will die. Better to live ignorant of that knowledge. What a terrible burden that would be, if you had that sort of knowledge. Your life would be robbed of all joy; ruled and dominated by fear, as you waited for your doom to take you. Better to live well and happily, with no knowledge of what your doom will be…Amaurea and Elestirne must be getting worried , he realized; noting the darkening sky. A slight frown touched his face as new thoughts assailed him. How will I tell Amaurea? Contrary to what Galion said I believe the knowledge would destroy her. At the least, it cannot do aught less than impact her greatly emotionally, and I do not know how devastating a blow that would be… He reined in his stallion. The great horse halted obediently, but snorted in puzzlement at the odd actions of his master. His ears flicked back, then forward, then back again as he waited for Elentirmo's next signal; stamping a hoof lightly.
Suppose I do not tell Amaurea aught of what Galion said… Elentirmo mused momentarily, then shook his head. No…I cannot do that to her-not even to spare her the great distress this revelation of Galion is bound to cause her. She is my wife-I cannot keep things from her, it is unjust. And I certainly cannot keep something of such import as this from her… And she knows me too well. If I were to seek to keep this from her she would have it from me eventually; despite what I might do or say…
His dark stallion snorted once more; champing at the bit. His bridle jingled as he shook his long mane out; stamping a hoof. The pointed gesture was a hint, and one that Elentirmo would take. The dark-haired elf patted the stallion's muscled neck. "So, my friend, you wish to be back home with your fair companions and I with my wife and daughter? Too long standing and thinking, you say-with nightfall coming? Time to be at home, warm and well-fed eh?" The stallion nickered and nodded in unmistakable agreement; stamping a hoof a second time, more firmly.
Elentirmo laughed softly, smiling. "Point taken my friend. Our places are home, not here; brooding in the gathering darkness." He gathered up the reins. "Well, lead on my friend. Take us home-where we belong-and leave worries where they belong, in the night." The dark stallion whickered eagerly and sprang into a canter with a toss of his head.
With a sigh, Amaurea reluctantly straightened from her work and looked to the sky. Twilight was deepening and true night was beginning to fall. And Elentirmo still had not returned. Amaurea was beginning to worry. Not that he had met with danger or had come to harm-there was no evil in this forest and no beast dwelling herein would harm or molest him. No, Amaurea was not worried for her husband's safety; it was more that she worried Elentirmo had not found what he had gone in search of this morning and was still searching it, or…had found it and was being kept back by it or from it for some reason that Amaurea could not even begin to imagine.
Elentirmo never was absent from the grove for longer than a day unless it was something pressing, and, if he was, there was always a very good reason. Where are you Elentirmo my love; you should have been back long before this… Amaurea stood gazing into the forest; her eyes piercing through the deepening night as she searched anxiously for a glimpse of Elentirmo's familiar figure, and that of his tall black stallion-but neither could be seen. What am I to tell Elestirne when she asks of her father-as I am sure she will…Amaurea worried. No doubt he will have a reason-and a good one-for why he is so late but at this point I would rather have him here at home telling me that reason, than to have him wandering the gods know where, whilst I wait here and worry…
"Ama?"
The elf-woman turned to see Elestirne. The child's bright grey eyes were dark with worry and her fair face was troubled. She too, scanned the edges of the grove for signs of her father or his dark steed and her face grew only more troubled when none were forthcoming. "Where is Ada?"
Amaurea sighed; answering with reluctance. "I do not know dear one. He has not returned yet."
Elestirne's eyes darkened more; confusion mingling with the troubled look. "What would keep him so late from us and the grove Ama?"
"I do not know dearheart but you can be sure it is not for naught. Your father has a reason for most all that he does. If he is late returning to grove there must be a good reason."
"Do you think he is lost or hurt Ama?"
"No dear, he is well. The forest watches over him. If aught ill had befallen him I would know-and at once."
"How? The thoughtspeech Mother?"
"Yes my daughter."
The confusion in Elestirne's eyes deepened. It pained Amaurea to see it-for ever before she had had good answers for anything the child would ask. But this thing-this one thing alone-she could not give an answer to. How could she, when she herself did not know the answer? Her response to Elestirne's question about the silent mind-speech-or thoughtspeech as it was sometimes called-had not been entirely true. Yes, if she used the telepathic speech she would find out very quickly where Elentirmo was and why he had not yet returned to the grove; for he would never ignore her, nor neglect to answer if she contacted him in such manner-but she did not need it.
Elestirne was far too young to know this yet but, when two elves fell in love and married-if they were soulmates and meant to be together-they became lifebonded, joined forever; mind, heart and soul. Elven-couples joined thus- lifemated-always knew roughly where the other was, and felt at once if they were in danger or hurt, because of the deep bond between them.
Elentirmo was well, and not far away. Amaurea could sense it. Wistfully, she gazed into the trees ringing the grove-as if by doing so she could will Elentirmo to appear. After a few moments of this, she reluctantly shifted her gaze to look at the rising moon, and the stars that were beginning to twinkle into existence. "Come little one. Let us go in. The night lengthens and I have done all I could in the garden for this day."
"What of Ada Ama? Shouldn't we wait for him?"
"No, my child. To wait only prolongs the agony of anticipation felt when the thing or person one is waiting for comes not when looked for, but overdue."
"Will he come back?"
"Of course child. Come now, into the house with you. If you are good perhaps I shall tell you a story ere you go to bed."
Elestirne's face immediately brightened a little at that, though worry was still plain to be seen. "A story? You tell the best stories. What will it be about?"
Amaurea smiled faintly. "That is only your opinion my child. Storytelling is an art-one I have only average skill at and less than average patience for. As long as you feel I am a good storyteller though, then I am content. Now into the house with you youngling or you'll not have a story this night." Quick as anything, Elestirne was gone; disappearing into the house in the blink of an eye.
The tall elf-woman breathed a sigh of relief for having been able to distract Elestirne and congratulated herself on her quick thinking. She started to walk to the house but halted and turned after a few steps; looking back with longing to the edge of the grove; desperately hoping for Elentirmo to appear and materialize out of the growing darkness. Her eyes glanced all around; searching for the slightest hint or sign that her love was returning. But she saw nothing. Only a horned owl perched in a tree at grove's edge; readying for his evening hunt. Good hunting silent one, Amaurea bade silently as the owl flexed its pinions and launched into the night; gone without a sound. And, if your far-roving eyes should espy my absent husband, guide him home to me… No answer she received, but the wood-elf had expected none.
"Ama, are you coming? You promised me a story." Elestirne; calling from the door.
"Just a moment dearest. Go to your room-I will be there shortly." Amaurea responded without even looking over her shoulder. For a few minutes longer the elf-woman stood unmoving while the night fell deeper about her. Almost she thought she saw something, a darker shadow against the faint outlines of trees-but it might have been a trick of the night, or a wolf. The creatures of the forest had no fear of her or the grove, nor Elestirne-though they were shy of Elentirmo and generally stayed out of sight when he was around, or at home. With a sigh-and one last longing glance to the grove's edge-Amaurea turned and inside to Elestirne. Later, after the child had been put to bed, the elf-woman stood at her window for a time-yet hoping to see Elentirmo returning-before blowing out her candle and turning in for the night herself.
Elentirmo sighed with regret, watching Amaurea blow out the candle and the house go dark. He hated causing her and Elestirne worry. He should have revealed himself the moment he had returned to the grove, but fear had made him hang back and kept him from going to his wife. So he had stayed hidden at the grove's edge; yearning to go to his wife and tell her all, but afraid of her reaction and the effect the news would have on her. Suddenly, an unexpected nudge from behind sent him stumbling forward. A glance back revealed his stallion. There was an accusing look in the horse's eyes. The midnight-haired elf looked from the horse to the dark house and sighed again. "All right Duath, I'll go to her. But I was going to wait until morning to tell her." Duath snorted, but his accusing look lessened slightly.
"To wait is to increase her distress. And time is against you. Why prolong the inevitable?"
Startled at the voice, Elentirmo looked for the speaker, but nothing met his eyes. Only his stallion, standing with ears flicking back and forth. Once more Galion's words echoed in his mind. 'Do not allow yourself to be ruled by fear. Life is too precious a thing to waste in fear.' The faintest of smiles touched his lips. How right you are ancient one. He turned to his stallion. "So…sooner told better than later eh?" The dark horse snorted and nudged Elentirmo again, pointedly. "Well enough my friend." He patted the stallion's neck. "Off with you then. I go to face fear. I only hope that Galion was right when he said that Amaurea would be strong enough to take what I must tell her." Duath snorted again, and nuzzled him before turning away and disappearing into the night.
Elentirmo sighed reluctantly, but his step was steady and unfaltering as he crossed the grove and slipped into his house. He made no sound as he went up the stairs and down the hallway; pausing at Elestirne's room to check on her. She slept soundly, undisturbed.
How long?, he could not help but wonder. How much longer will she sleep thus peacefully? How much longer until she no longer sleeps so soundly? He had no way to answer these questions. Closing his daughter's door softly, he proceeded on to his and Amaurea's room. Here, his heart nearly misgave him and his hand shook as he began to open the door. Silently cursing his indecision, he steadied his resolve and entered the room; closing the door as quietly as possible behind him. I will not be ruled by fear…he vowed.
Turning from the door, he looked at his wife. She looked so peaceful sleeping, like an angel-her hair spread out about her like a golden halo. So peaceful, so untroubled she looked, that he was loathe to disturb her. But…he had to-there was nothing else for it. Reluctantly, he lightly touched her shoulder. "Amaurea?"
"Elentirmo?" Amaurea was awake in an instant; sitting up and hugging him once she saw him. She was instantly alert. "You come home later than expected my love…what made you leave grove so early this morn and return so late this eve?"
"I…went to seek Galion." He hesitated; his next words coming slowly, reluctantly. "Elestirne sensed magic this morning dearest. I did as well-but it wasn't ordinary magic. It was his; borne on an ill wind. He's found me Amaurea. And Elestirne. I had to consult Galion immediately."
His wife's face went white. "You're sure? What did Galion say love? What are we to do?"
Elentirmo shook his head. "There is nothing we can do, but to let things run on as they are meant to. Galion says that the faithless one will not strike yet-that we shall have a few years of time because he will want to be sure Elestirne is the child of prophecy."
"Years as we reckon time or as mortals do?"
"I do not know,"Elentirmo answered; sounding almost hopeless. "Galion did not say. But he did say that, when the attack comes, that Elestirne would live though it but…"he faltered now; unable to tell her or look her in the eyes.
Cool fingers-trembling slightly-slipped under his chin and lifted his head up. "What is it Elentirmo? Tell me. Did Galion say something else?"
Elentirmo sighed, but he could not lie. "Yes…"
"What did he say?"
"Elestirne shall live through the attack, when it comes…"he trailed off, then forced himself to go on. His next words were barely above a whisper. "But I will not…"
There was a strangled gasp. When Elentirmo met Amaurea's eyes he found her face had gone paler; tears streaming unchecked down her cheeks. Instantly he took her in his arms; stroking her hair as she fought to control her tears. "Amaurea…beloved…shh…Eles will hear dearest." The golden-haired elven-woman shuddered as he continued stroking her hair. "Amaurea…"
"Is...is Galion sure of this?"
"No." Elentirmo mustered up resolve; trying to appear strong for Amaurea. "He said that some of the things he sees never come to pass, and also that life was too precious a thing to waste in fear; that one should live as though there was no past or future, only the present."
Amaurea smiled tremulously, though tears still ran freely. "He is wise indeed…are…are we to tell Elestirne of the prophecy?"
"No, she is to learn it on her own. And we are not to warn her about the faithless one either. Galion said so."
Amaurea sniffed and whimpered; wiping her eyes. "Then we must trust him…"
Elentirmo was amazed at how well she was taking this, and looked at her with admiration as she continued. "I have things of my own to say my love…this morning while we were in the forest Elestirne healed a crippled fawn just by touching her. No words, or spells-just by touch alone. And, when I was telling her about the healing properties of plants I had her full attention-she remembered it all without fail. She's a natural healer...or will be. The child has a gift for it. I'm sure she's an empath-a healer that heals without spells."
Despite himself, Elentirmo was intrigued. He had never heard of an empath before. "How is this dear?"
Talking seemed to be calming Amaurea. She still shook in his arms, but her tears had lessened. "Empaths do not need spells, words, or even the use of herbs to mend wounds-they have the ability from within; innate natural magic that they can call upon in need. They can take from their own strength even, to heal others-if the situation is dire." Amaurea took a deep breath, and stopped shivering-though a few tears still meandered down her cheeks; shining in the starlight like diamonds. Elentirmo held her close; letting her take her time before speaking again-as he knew she would. He stroked her hair softly; amazed at the immense strength she was showing. Galion was right… The news very nearly did break her, but she is stronger than I thought her…
Amaurea's eyes glittered with tears, but there was a solemness in them that Elentirmo had seldom seen. "An empath has not been born to the wood folk in many years. Not for two generations, or longer. It is a rare occurrence, but they are considered a very good sign. That Elestirne will be one…it is a high honour, a good omen to my people." His wife smiled faintly. "The child of prophecy she will be to your people, the child of healing she will become to mine. A symbol of hope also, to both kindreds. It is good to have hope." Amaurea began to cry again. "Hope amid sorrow." Elentirmo could say nothing to this, so he merely held his wife as she cried; stroking her hair until she fell asleep. For a time, he remained awake, thinking. But after a while, he too drifted into sleep; these last thoughts in his mind. Yes…hope amid sorrow…and she is the hope of both kindreds…the only one that can make everything right…
It did not take the two very long to retrace their steps, and in about a half-hour they were back at the grove. Amaurea was relieved-upon glancing at the sun to gauge the hour-to see that it was late afternoon, but not as late as she had anticipated or feared. There would be time now, she saw, to work in her garden before the advent of nightfall. This gladdened her, for she wanted to plant cuttings of some herbs, harvest others, and dry some of the ones she had just gathered. Also, it would be something to keep her mind off what she had just witnessed between Elestirne and the fawn in the forest; an event she was still not sure she could believe, and she had just the slightest doubt about having seen it in the first place.
Yet, Amaurea could not delude herself. She had seen what had happened and knew undoubtedly that it had been real-undeniably real. Wood elves were largely a sensible and practical people. What magic they had was tied in with nature and such spells as they had all involved nature. Amaurea herself did not possess any real ability for magic, and what she had witnessed in the forest between the fawn and Elestirne had shaken the elven-woman; rattled her to the core of her being. The reason the encounter with the fawn shook her so badly was that it had been magic she had witnessed, between Elestirne and the fawn. But it had not been the typical wood-elven 'druidic magic that Amaurea knew and was familiar with. There had been an element of that sort of magic in what she had sensed during the encounter-but Elestirne had spoken no word when she had healed the fawn's leg. It was the same magic; Amaurea was sure but…different. She had heard of this aspect of the wood-elven magic but never had she…
"Ama?"
Elestirne's voice jolted her out of her thoughts. She blinked, and looked at her daughter-who was still holding the sprigs of elenloth and agrimony. "What should I do with these Mother?"
Amaurea smiled faintly at the child. "Press them into a book my dear. That way, they shall always be preserved and their color and beauty will never fade. And, years from now, you can look at them and remember." Elestirne smiled and nodded then ran off; disappearing into the house. Amaurea however, did not smile. Instead, she went to work in her garden with determination. I have a lot to discuss with Elentirmo when he returns, she mused to herself. Much to discuss. And no doubt Elentirmo will have things to tell me also-especially the reason behind his leaving the grove so early this morn… Amaurea paused a moment in her work; frowning slightly as she took in the fast waning afternoon. Dusk was approaching. I hope he returns by nightfall-wherever he has gone. He has never been away from grove longer than a day and I do not know what I shall tell Elestirne if he does not return by tonight… Amaurea resumed working, but her worried feeling remained; try as she might to dispel it.
Elentirmo rode through the forest at a steady trot. He had long since ceased the headlong gallop he had left the grove at; realizing that it made him look foolish as well as feel foolish-and that there was no need for such a pace. A glance upward told him that the afternoon was waning and night approaching. However, he was in no hurry to return to the grove. His mind was in turmoil. Many thoughts whirled through it and the words of Galion seemed to echo continuously; haunting him. 'She will live through the attack, when it comes. But you will not.'
When?, he could not stop wondering. When will the attack occur? Ironic that I am a seer-one of the best maybe-yet did not see this, had no foreknowledge of it. I wonder if seers and others are allowed foreknowledge of their doom. He thought on this for a moment, then shook his head. No. It would be a terrible thing, to be granted that; to know when and how one will die. Better to live ignorant of that knowledge. What a terrible burden that would be, if you had that sort of knowledge. Your life would be robbed of all joy; ruled and dominated by fear, as you waited for your doom to take you. Better to live well and happily, with no knowledge of what your doom will be…Amaurea and Elestirne must be getting worried , he realized; noting the darkening sky. A slight frown touched his face as new thoughts assailed him. How will I tell Amaurea? Contrary to what Galion said I believe the knowledge would destroy her. At the least, it cannot do aught less than impact her greatly emotionally, and I do not know how devastating a blow that would be… He reined in his stallion. The great horse halted obediently, but snorted in puzzlement at the odd actions of his master. His ears flicked back, then forward, then back again as he waited for Elentirmo's next signal; stamping a hoof lightly.
Suppose I do not tell Amaurea aught of what Galion said… Elentirmo mused momentarily, then shook his head. No…I cannot do that to her-not even to spare her the great distress this revelation of Galion is bound to cause her. She is my wife-I cannot keep things from her, it is unjust. And I certainly cannot keep something of such import as this from her… And she knows me too well. If I were to seek to keep this from her she would have it from me eventually; despite what I might do or say…
His dark stallion snorted once more; champing at the bit. His bridle jingled as he shook his long mane out; stamping a hoof. The pointed gesture was a hint, and one that Elentirmo would take. The dark-haired elf patted the stallion's muscled neck. "So, my friend, you wish to be back home with your fair companions and I with my wife and daughter? Too long standing and thinking, you say-with nightfall coming? Time to be at home, warm and well-fed eh?" The stallion nickered and nodded in unmistakable agreement; stamping a hoof a second time, more firmly.
Elentirmo laughed softly, smiling. "Point taken my friend. Our places are home, not here; brooding in the gathering darkness." He gathered up the reins. "Well, lead on my friend. Take us home-where we belong-and leave worries where they belong, in the night." The dark stallion whickered eagerly and sprang into a canter with a toss of his head.
With a sigh, Amaurea reluctantly straightened from her work and looked to the sky. Twilight was deepening and true night was beginning to fall. And Elentirmo still had not returned. Amaurea was beginning to worry. Not that he had met with danger or had come to harm-there was no evil in this forest and no beast dwelling herein would harm or molest him. No, Amaurea was not worried for her husband's safety; it was more that she worried Elentirmo had not found what he had gone in search of this morning and was still searching it, or…had found it and was being kept back by it or from it for some reason that Amaurea could not even begin to imagine.
Elentirmo never was absent from the grove for longer than a day unless it was something pressing, and, if he was, there was always a very good reason. Where are you Elentirmo my love; you should have been back long before this… Amaurea stood gazing into the forest; her eyes piercing through the deepening night as she searched anxiously for a glimpse of Elentirmo's familiar figure, and that of his tall black stallion-but neither could be seen. What am I to tell Elestirne when she asks of her father-as I am sure she will…Amaurea worried. No doubt he will have a reason-and a good one-for why he is so late but at this point I would rather have him here at home telling me that reason, than to have him wandering the gods know where, whilst I wait here and worry…
"Ama?"
The elf-woman turned to see Elestirne. The child's bright grey eyes were dark with worry and her fair face was troubled. She too, scanned the edges of the grove for signs of her father or his dark steed and her face grew only more troubled when none were forthcoming. "Where is Ada?"
Amaurea sighed; answering with reluctance. "I do not know dear one. He has not returned yet."
Elestirne's eyes darkened more; confusion mingling with the troubled look. "What would keep him so late from us and the grove Ama?"
"I do not know dearheart but you can be sure it is not for naught. Your father has a reason for most all that he does. If he is late returning to grove there must be a good reason."
"Do you think he is lost or hurt Ama?"
"No dear, he is well. The forest watches over him. If aught ill had befallen him I would know-and at once."
"How? The thoughtspeech Mother?"
"Yes my daughter."
The confusion in Elestirne's eyes deepened. It pained Amaurea to see it-for ever before she had had good answers for anything the child would ask. But this thing-this one thing alone-she could not give an answer to. How could she, when she herself did not know the answer? Her response to Elestirne's question about the silent mind-speech-or thoughtspeech as it was sometimes called-had not been entirely true. Yes, if she used the telepathic speech she would find out very quickly where Elentirmo was and why he had not yet returned to the grove; for he would never ignore her, nor neglect to answer if she contacted him in such manner-but she did not need it.
Elestirne was far too young to know this yet but, when two elves fell in love and married-if they were soulmates and meant to be together-they became lifebonded, joined forever; mind, heart and soul. Elven-couples joined thus- lifemated-always knew roughly where the other was, and felt at once if they were in danger or hurt, because of the deep bond between them.
Elentirmo was well, and not far away. Amaurea could sense it. Wistfully, she gazed into the trees ringing the grove-as if by doing so she could will Elentirmo to appear. After a few moments of this, she reluctantly shifted her gaze to look at the rising moon, and the stars that were beginning to twinkle into existence. "Come little one. Let us go in. The night lengthens and I have done all I could in the garden for this day."
"What of Ada Ama? Shouldn't we wait for him?"
"No, my child. To wait only prolongs the agony of anticipation felt when the thing or person one is waiting for comes not when looked for, but overdue."
"Will he come back?"
"Of course child. Come now, into the house with you. If you are good perhaps I shall tell you a story ere you go to bed."
Elestirne's face immediately brightened a little at that, though worry was still plain to be seen. "A story? You tell the best stories. What will it be about?"
Amaurea smiled faintly. "That is only your opinion my child. Storytelling is an art-one I have only average skill at and less than average patience for. As long as you feel I am a good storyteller though, then I am content. Now into the house with you youngling or you'll not have a story this night." Quick as anything, Elestirne was gone; disappearing into the house in the blink of an eye.
The tall elf-woman breathed a sigh of relief for having been able to distract Elestirne and congratulated herself on her quick thinking. She started to walk to the house but halted and turned after a few steps; looking back with longing to the edge of the grove; desperately hoping for Elentirmo to appear and materialize out of the growing darkness. Her eyes glanced all around; searching for the slightest hint or sign that her love was returning. But she saw nothing. Only a horned owl perched in a tree at grove's edge; readying for his evening hunt. Good hunting silent one, Amaurea bade silently as the owl flexed its pinions and launched into the night; gone without a sound. And, if your far-roving eyes should espy my absent husband, guide him home to me… No answer she received, but the wood-elf had expected none.
"Ama, are you coming? You promised me a story." Elestirne; calling from the door.
"Just a moment dearest. Go to your room-I will be there shortly." Amaurea responded without even looking over her shoulder. For a few minutes longer the elf-woman stood unmoving while the night fell deeper about her. Almost she thought she saw something, a darker shadow against the faint outlines of trees-but it might have been a trick of the night, or a wolf. The creatures of the forest had no fear of her or the grove, nor Elestirne-though they were shy of Elentirmo and generally stayed out of sight when he was around, or at home. With a sigh-and one last longing glance to the grove's edge-Amaurea turned and inside to Elestirne. Later, after the child had been put to bed, the elf-woman stood at her window for a time-yet hoping to see Elentirmo returning-before blowing out her candle and turning in for the night herself.
Elentirmo sighed with regret, watching Amaurea blow out the candle and the house go dark. He hated causing her and Elestirne worry. He should have revealed himself the moment he had returned to the grove, but fear had made him hang back and kept him from going to his wife. So he had stayed hidden at the grove's edge; yearning to go to his wife and tell her all, but afraid of her reaction and the effect the news would have on her. Suddenly, an unexpected nudge from behind sent him stumbling forward. A glance back revealed his stallion. There was an accusing look in the horse's eyes. The midnight-haired elf looked from the horse to the dark house and sighed again. "All right Duath, I'll go to her. But I was going to wait until morning to tell her." Duath snorted, but his accusing look lessened slightly.
"To wait is to increase her distress. And time is against you. Why prolong the inevitable?"
Startled at the voice, Elentirmo looked for the speaker, but nothing met his eyes. Only his stallion, standing with ears flicking back and forth. Once more Galion's words echoed in his mind. 'Do not allow yourself to be ruled by fear. Life is too precious a thing to waste in fear.' The faintest of smiles touched his lips. How right you are ancient one. He turned to his stallion. "So…sooner told better than later eh?" The dark horse snorted and nudged Elentirmo again, pointedly. "Well enough my friend." He patted the stallion's neck. "Off with you then. I go to face fear. I only hope that Galion was right when he said that Amaurea would be strong enough to take what I must tell her." Duath snorted again, and nuzzled him before turning away and disappearing into the night.
Elentirmo sighed reluctantly, but his step was steady and unfaltering as he crossed the grove and slipped into his house. He made no sound as he went up the stairs and down the hallway; pausing at Elestirne's room to check on her. She slept soundly, undisturbed.
How long?, he could not help but wonder. How much longer will she sleep thus peacefully? How much longer until she no longer sleeps so soundly? He had no way to answer these questions. Closing his daughter's door softly, he proceeded on to his and Amaurea's room. Here, his heart nearly misgave him and his hand shook as he began to open the door. Silently cursing his indecision, he steadied his resolve and entered the room; closing the door as quietly as possible behind him. I will not be ruled by fear…he vowed.
Turning from the door, he looked at his wife. She looked so peaceful sleeping, like an angel-her hair spread out about her like a golden halo. So peaceful, so untroubled she looked, that he was loathe to disturb her. But…he had to-there was nothing else for it. Reluctantly, he lightly touched her shoulder. "Amaurea?"
"Elentirmo?" Amaurea was awake in an instant; sitting up and hugging him once she saw him. She was instantly alert. "You come home later than expected my love…what made you leave grove so early this morn and return so late this eve?"
"I…went to seek Galion." He hesitated; his next words coming slowly, reluctantly. "Elestirne sensed magic this morning dearest. I did as well-but it wasn't ordinary magic. It was his; borne on an ill wind. He's found me Amaurea. And Elestirne. I had to consult Galion immediately."
His wife's face went white. "You're sure? What did Galion say love? What are we to do?"
Elentirmo shook his head. "There is nothing we can do, but to let things run on as they are meant to. Galion says that the faithless one will not strike yet-that we shall have a few years of time because he will want to be sure Elestirne is the child of prophecy."
"Years as we reckon time or as mortals do?"
"I do not know,"Elentirmo answered; sounding almost hopeless. "Galion did not say. But he did say that, when the attack comes, that Elestirne would live though it but…"he faltered now; unable to tell her or look her in the eyes.
Cool fingers-trembling slightly-slipped under his chin and lifted his head up. "What is it Elentirmo? Tell me. Did Galion say something else?"
Elentirmo sighed, but he could not lie. "Yes…"
"What did he say?"
"Elestirne shall live through the attack, when it comes…"he trailed off, then forced himself to go on. His next words were barely above a whisper. "But I will not…"
There was a strangled gasp. When Elentirmo met Amaurea's eyes he found her face had gone paler; tears streaming unchecked down her cheeks. Instantly he took her in his arms; stroking her hair as she fought to control her tears. "Amaurea…beloved…shh…Eles will hear dearest." The golden-haired elven-woman shuddered as he continued stroking her hair. "Amaurea…"
"Is...is Galion sure of this?"
"No." Elentirmo mustered up resolve; trying to appear strong for Amaurea. "He said that some of the things he sees never come to pass, and also that life was too precious a thing to waste in fear; that one should live as though there was no past or future, only the present."
Amaurea smiled tremulously, though tears still ran freely. "He is wise indeed…are…are we to tell Elestirne of the prophecy?"
"No, she is to learn it on her own. And we are not to warn her about the faithless one either. Galion said so."
Amaurea sniffed and whimpered; wiping her eyes. "Then we must trust him…"
Elentirmo was amazed at how well she was taking this, and looked at her with admiration as she continued. "I have things of my own to say my love…this morning while we were in the forest Elestirne healed a crippled fawn just by touching her. No words, or spells-just by touch alone. And, when I was telling her about the healing properties of plants I had her full attention-she remembered it all without fail. She's a natural healer...or will be. The child has a gift for it. I'm sure she's an empath-a healer that heals without spells."
Despite himself, Elentirmo was intrigued. He had never heard of an empath before. "How is this dear?"
Talking seemed to be calming Amaurea. She still shook in his arms, but her tears had lessened. "Empaths do not need spells, words, or even the use of herbs to mend wounds-they have the ability from within; innate natural magic that they can call upon in need. They can take from their own strength even, to heal others-if the situation is dire." Amaurea took a deep breath, and stopped shivering-though a few tears still meandered down her cheeks; shining in the starlight like diamonds. Elentirmo held her close; letting her take her time before speaking again-as he knew she would. He stroked her hair softly; amazed at the immense strength she was showing. Galion was right… The news very nearly did break her, but she is stronger than I thought her…
Amaurea's eyes glittered with tears, but there was a solemness in them that Elentirmo had seldom seen. "An empath has not been born to the wood folk in many years. Not for two generations, or longer. It is a rare occurrence, but they are considered a very good sign. That Elestirne will be one…it is a high honour, a good omen to my people." His wife smiled faintly. "The child of prophecy she will be to your people, the child of healing she will become to mine. A symbol of hope also, to both kindreds. It is good to have hope." Amaurea began to cry again. "Hope amid sorrow." Elentirmo could say nothing to this, so he merely held his wife as she cried; stroking her hair until she fell asleep. For a time, he remained awake, thinking. But after a while, he too drifted into sleep; these last thoughts in his mind. Yes…hope amid sorrow…and she is the hope of both kindreds…the only one that can make everything right…