Redemption(Closed RP)

[Lady Elestirne]

Elestirne jerked awake abrubtly from the uneasy sleep she had been in. After coming to the inn she had allowed her elves to bring her up here and tend her..and then she must have drifted off from exhaustion and pain. But rest had brought her no peace. Only memories recent and long past. Telamon's blank, dead eyes had haunted her, accusing her. Aegruth's malicious, dying voice had hissed in her ears and mind;cursing and tormenting her. Holy Araira's voice had echoed softly chiming;gently chiding her to finally accept who and what she was. The now-familiar image of a softly glowing star hung before her teasingly. And the same messages, over and over. You are not at fault for what has happened. Forgive yourself, and accept who and what you are. If you deny who you are, you will never know peace with yourself.

Elestirne flinched reflexively as the goddess's words echoed yet again in her mind. She felt lost-as lost as she had felt when she had first learned the prophecy and the truth of her lineage; as lost as the night she had killed Aegruth, and stained her hands with the blood of her own kind; as lost as when she had been coronated and first felt the weight of the crown on her head and Gildin had glowed at her touch...

With an effort, the elven-queen wrested herself out of the grip of her memories. The instant of Telamon's death and the softly glowing silver star lingered insistently yet. She shook them away. Or tried. They remained stubbornly on the fringes of her mind. So did Olore's words. And a disturbing sense of...something. Something promised... Shaking her head faintly, Elestirne reoriented herself and tried to discern what had woken her. Unable to-yet knowing sleep would have no peace for her if she tried to go back to it-she rose carefully with a soft hiss of pain. Gingerly,she dressed and settled slowly into a meditative position. Kneeling, head bowed she settled into trance and tried to sort through her dreams.

Some time later-she had no way of knowing how much-she was disturbed by a soft knock. Authnor's voice hailed her. Tiredly,she called for him to enter, opening her eyes and raising her head slightly as he did. She could feel great anger and frustration from him palpably, and the rawness and intensity of both made her wince and flinch reflexively. He saw the reaction-and that he had obviously interuppted her-and a slightly chagrined look passed over his stony features. The anger did not diminish though.

Elestirne rose slowly from her kneel with a wince and soft hiss of pain, swaying just a little, but keeping her feet. She waved away Authnor's apoligy and question both before either had left his lips. "What is it Authnor?"

The knight's features grew stonier yet. "There is one here who would talk to you, and insists its very important. Tsukasa brought him." He scowled. "But you are weary and sorely injured from your ordeal. You need your rest. I shall tell him to go away again, for you should not have been bothered at all." He turned to leave.

She stopped him. "No." Moving to the small mirror, she studied the reflection presented to her. The numerous bruises,burns and nicks of her captivity had faded considerably, but there remained the mark on her cheekbone-distinctly silver-where the demon-sword had cut her. The silvery star-mark on her brow was mostly hidden by her crown, but its points showed faintly around the moonstone at crown's center. Her silver eyes held a faint, bitter sadness. Elestirne shook her head faintly as she turned away from the mirror back to her knight. "No, Authnor. If he seeks me so urgently he is not likely to leave just because you tell him to. All of Mittelmarch will know I am back and Telamon is dead before long. I will go down. It is better to find out what he wants."

[Tsukasa]

While Authnor was upstairs, Tsukasa turned to face Tigron.

"Tigron-san, from what I have seen of elves, they are very similar to the samurai caste. I have learned that they are a honorable race and that they believe that it is honorable to show the proper respect to those of a higher position. They also have a hatred of the undead. I know I said that we should tell him the truth, but some things are better left unsaid. I understand the need to talk to her as soon as possible about your situation. You are a trusted ally and that is why I brought you here. Authnor-sama is Lady Elestirne-dono's most trusted protector. I believe that you might have under estamated him. What would have happen if you were to fight him and you were to be defeated. I do not know if you would have been able to present your case to Lady Elestirne-dono. You are lucky that Olore appeared and confronted Authnor-sama. Some things can not be solved with sword and claw. Some things needs some diplomacy to get it done. It might help your situation if you give admit that you errored and ask for Authnor-sama's forgiveness. I am going to meditate now. You are free to join me if you wish."

Tsukasa sat on the floor and started to meditate

[Lady Elestirne]

Moving to the door Elestirne-with a look-ordered Authnor to follow. The veteran knight hesitated-clearly torn-then gave in resignedly and slipped out ahead of her to lead the way down the stairs. Elestirne came slowly behind him, one step at a time. Authnor reached the floor before her and instantly turned to help her if she needed it, but she made it without mishap and shook her head at the offer. The moment her bare feet touched the floor there was a shimmer of silver. Olore materialized right next to her, his deep eyes focusing immediently on Tigron and Tsukasa where they waited. Elestirne's eyes went to them too and she frowned just slightly;recognizing Tigron vaguely from the battle with the bandits, and the time he had talked to Nichtmar after the failed attack on Ravenswood. Slowly, she started forward, the magnificent silver stallion pacing her every step and Authnor slightly behind her on her left.

Even abruptly awakened and sorely injured, Elestirne's beauty and poise were undiminished. She moved gracefully towars them, the hem of her silvery gown trailing on the floor;long sleeves floating out behind her. She looked faintly tired true-her eyes weary and holding some deep sorrow and bitterness- but the silver orbs still held a luminous luster and sparkle no mortal maiden's eyes would ever achieve(and few even of elvenkind), and her midnight black hair still shone with faint silver sparkles all throughout its length. The intricate filigree crown of moonstone and diamonds glinted with soft silver light, as did the starjewel at her throat. She herself seemed touched with a soft silver radience.

As she came up to them, they noticed that her left arm was bandaged and bound up in a sling, its wrist and hand both heavily bandaged and splinted. The wrist of the other arm was also bandaged, and that hand went gingerly to her right side-where they could make out the bulky form of more bandaging under the gown. As she stopped they also made out an odd mark-distinctly silver-on one cheekbone, below her eye. Her melodic voice chimed as softly and sweetly as falling rain as she spoke, but it too, was shaded by faint weariness and pain.

"Greetings again Tsukasa-friend. I am told you have someone that wishes to speak to me-urgently, if what I was told is correct. May I learn what was so important that you convinced Authnor to disturb my attempt at rest?" Her tone was calm-light and courteous-yet they sensed a faint, polite rebuke underneath it.

[Tsukasa]

Tsukasa arose as Lady Elestirne came down to the common. Once she was done addressing him he bowed to her.

"Lady Elestirne-dono, this is Tigron-san. He has a request of you that is of the most importance to him. He felt it could not wait, even though I felt the wise course of action was to wait till morning. He is a honorable fighter, even if he can be a little uncultured at times." Tsukasa glanced over to Authnor. "I believe it would be wise for him to tell you the reason for him coming here."

Tsukasa bowed once again to Lady Elestirne.

[Lady Elestirne]

"A 'little uncultured'??" Authnor repeated darkly in disbelief. "A little?? More than that! He-" The red-haired knight fell silent abruptly as Elestirne turned her head very slowly to level a reproachful look on him. No word she spoke, but neither did she blink. Chagrined, Authnor looked away after a moment;unable to bear the rebuke in the calm silver gaze.

Turning her almond-shaped orbs back to Tsukasa and the stranger known as 'Tigron', she nodded faintly as the samurai finished speaking and bowed to her a second time; carefully concealing her surprise at his shows of respect. Her expression unreadable, she turned her gaze fully on Tigron. Her silver eyes flickered briefly to the jeweled dagger on his belt;sensing magic there and..something else. Sensing power as well, to the strange man himself. A faintly thoughtful look ghosted across her fair features as she brought her gaze back to rest on the two men.

"Then let him speak," she responded serenely. Olore snorted in agreement;sapphire eyes unblinking as he watched the two.

[Page Tigron Ciryandil]

Tigron instantly took a knee as Lady Elestirne came down the stairs. He could see the bandages on her and could feel the pain she had endured. Tigron gathered his thoughts and spoke "Lady Elestirne, I apologize for my extreme actions to get a meeting with you. I acted accordingly due to lack of time for respectfulness and patience, as my brothers soul could fade away at any moment." Lady Elestirne had a slightly confused look on her face, having not yet heard what all had happened during her captivity. Tigron then proceeded to explain the whole story as he had done twice already to Tsukasa and Authnor. "I beg of you.....Please help me save my brother.....he was completely helpless under the lich's control, unable to stop the lich at all and was forced to witness all the horror than ensued. I blame myself for this due to my inability to stop the takeover of my brothers body by the lich. He does not deserve the fate laid before him..........I do." Tigron had to stop speaking for a moment to force his face to keep the sadness hidden.

[Lady Elestirne]

Elestirne was silent for a long, long moment. Her fair face was expressionless and her lovely, almond-shaped silver eyes revealed nothing of her thoughts. Olore besides her snorted…but said nothing.

“As the lich, your brother was slightly responsible for my capture and injuries,” the elven-queen said quietly at last, her melodic voice faintly shaded with pain. “He was in league with Telamon and it is from him that Telamon learned of my presence here and decided to make sure that I could not stand and help Mittelmarch when the lich attacked. He was responsible for the deaths and sufferings of many whom need not have perished or suffered. And he is responsible for nearly turning my friend Sir Nichtmar to his side, and would have succeeded had I not arrived in time to purge the taint and heal him.” Elestirne paused a moment, then went on. “And you should know that we of elvenkind abhor the undead more than anything else almost, in this world. Liches and other undead are perversions of nature and life-both of which we revere-and upset and threaten the balance of both. As children of nature, and caretakers of it, we cannot suffer undead to exist and will destroy them when we can.”

Authnor had been standing silently by while Tigron had spoken and his lady-queen had answered. Though a bit mollified by the strange mortal’s great show of respect-and his apology and obvious awe and shock upon seeing Elestirne and Olore-he found that his anger and indignation was still hot within him. Taking Elestirne’s words as a subtle-but definite-refusal of Tigron’s plea, he broke his silence.

“No self-respecting elf would help a lich, the perversion of nature that should not exist!” He heard murmurs of agreement from the rest of the escort, who had gathered closer upon their queen’s appearance. “And as my queen says, as the lich your brother was partially responsible for her capture and sufferings. You cannot expect her to agree to healing such a foul creature! It cannot be done! Once a lich, always a lich! Her magic and healing are very great but you cannot change that which is evil! Why should she agree to help you? Why would she try?” There were more faint noises of agreement from the escort, but all had their eyes trained on the queen.

“Authnor!” Elestirne’s melodic voice was not raised in the least, but the startlingly icy tone in it-almost never heard- shocked him. It could not have stung him more than if she had slapped him. Stunned he fell silent instantly; lowering his gaze as she trained her penetrating silver eyes on him. “Do not speak when it is not your place to do so,” she admonished. “If you cannot hold civil and let go your anger at my being awakened for what you see as a waste of time, you may leave until you can control your tongue- and your anger. You are not helping me by letting it get the better of you.”

The proud knight bent his head slightly, chagrined, remembering his lady’s ability and the weariness and pain she must already be enduring. “I apologize, my Queen,” he said softly. She kept her gaze on him a moment longer, then shifted it back to the two men. With a small gesture, she requested to see the dagger. She did not take the item when presented it, but instead looked at it intently. After a moment, she reached out a single, slender finger; her eyes closing briefly. The moment her finger touched the dagger’s jewel however, her eyes opened and she let out a gasp and hiss of pain; flinching back. Authnor immediately put his hands on her shoulders to steady her, as Olore moved to do the same. He looked at her with deep concern, then shot a hard look to Tigron, his eyes glittering.

“What you say is true,” Elestirne murmured softly after a moment. Her eyes had taken on a faintly haunted cast. “Your brother’s soul is in the gem, and so is a remnant of the lich. The lich is evil...but your brother is not. As you said, he was helpless, and cannot be blamed for what he was forced to do. And a lost soul deserves another chance. But you must understand the enormity of what you ask of me, and Authnor is justified in saying you have no right to do so.

"Bringing your brother back can be done, but it will be exceedingly difficult and will require very strong magic. I have never heard of it being done successfully before, and very rarely has it ever been attempted. I have not the strength, nor magic, to try right now and would need time to contemplate what might be required in any case-for such a risky working of unknown magic-if I were to agree. And I cannot, will not, make such a decision hastily. I sympathize with you,” Elestirne said compassionately, gently. “And I understand your urgency…but such a decision cannot be rushed. The magic you placed on the dagger will hold your brother’s soul safe for another day at least, while I contemplate what you are asking of me, so you need not worry for that.

"I know how you desperately you want and need this done," she added; noticing the mortal's dismayed expression-and raising her hand at the same time to stay Authnor's predictable interjection without even looking at the knight-"but even if I were to agree to this right now, it could not be done. Proper preparations must be made if it is to be done and I must be rested and regain at least some of my strength and energy before I even think of attempting such strong,unknown magic. You were right to come to me so swiftly though, even if Authnor does not like you for it, and for disturbing my rest. Come to me again this time tommorow, after I have had time to properly contemplate things." Her silver eyes watched him calmly;waiting serenely for his answer, and for the reactions of those around her to her words. She swayed a little once, and a shadow of pain darkened her face as her hand went to her injured side again.

[Page Tigron Ciryandil]

Tigron listened to all that Lady Elestirne had said. Then he rose back to his feet "I will be here the moment you are ready....I can communicate through my thoughts, so it won't be hard to get word to me. I thank you for hearing me out again and hope your sleep heals you well.

[Lady Elestirne]

Elestirne managed a nod of acknowledgement, and started to turn to make her way back across the room to the stairs;clearly communicating that the meeting was at an end. Authnor shook his head witha faintly stunned air-as though he had been slapped-then moved swiftly to intercept her, after casting another dark look Tigron's way.

"My queen you cannot seriously be considering this?!"was his incredulous question. "Helping him? And the abomination he calls his brother??"

"My decision will be my own when it is made and you will respect it,"the elven-queen returned, just a trifle edgily. "I have examined the dagger and found no evil in his brother's soul. His words are truthful and his distress genuine. A lost soul deserves another chance. For now, I will rest as well as I might, and carefully consider consider things between now and tomorrow evening. It is not a decision to be made lightly, and I am much more aware than you of the risks that shall be involved should I agree. Kindly allow me to rest now dear friend. I am in sore need of it." Briefly, she placed her hand on his shoulder-her silver eyes still holding a faintly haunted cast-before continuing up the stairs haltingly.

When she had disappeared, the knight rounded on Olore. "What will she decides??"

The silver stallion shook out his mane; seeming serenely unconcerned. I could not tell you. I do not know. We shall all find out this time tomorrow. Have some faith knight-protector. She will not make a decision she knows to be wrong. In the meantime I suggest we leave her to her much-deserved rest and, perhaps, find some of our own. It has been a long journey for Tsukasa and I both Authnor. Try to control your impatience and trust in you queen. With that, the silver stallion dipped his muzzle very faintly to the knight, then faded away in a shimmer of silver.

[Lady Elestirne]

Hours later, Elestirne woke abruptly for the second time that day; jolted awake by memories, voices long past, and vague, disquieting images she could put no name or label too. Uneasily, she got up, trying to block out the memories, whispers, and images that flitted through her mind. Resigned to finding no more rest, at least for the moment, she paced the room softly;feeling trapped and stifled. Suddenly, she felt an urge to see the stars and breathe the free air. If she could find no rest in her room, perhaps she could find it under the stars. She went to her door and slipped out;carefully stepping past and around Authnor whom-she was touched to see-had stubbornly decided to sleep at her door;guarding her from any further intrusion that might have come.

Reaching the floor below, she took equal care moving past her escort, almost all of whom seemed to have decided to sleep where they were and not in their rooms as they ought to have been. Slipping out the front door, she was startled to come across Tsukasa. Soundlessly she moved past him. A fold of her gown brushed him for the briefest of instants but it would have felt like the night breeze to him.

Once past him, her eyes fell on the grand central fountain, but she shook her head. It was too obvious a spot in case any should wake and come looking for her-Authnor especially. Turning, she followed the path of her memory behind the Silvermoon Tavern to find a deep well. Moving to it, she seated herself on the rim carefully and stretched her good arm out so that her slender fingers just touched the water's surface. Meditatively, she watched the ripples;deep in thought.

One action influences or leads to another, she mused pensively. I did not want to kill Telamon, but if I had not many, many more would have suffered. I did not act for myself in that moment, in my own defense. My concern and actions were all for my friends and the people of Mittelmarch, my anger for noble Tatsumura's fall, and not what Telamon has done to me personally,or who he reminded me of. And if I had to relive that moment, I would not take back my fatal strike even though I would rather have not had to give it-for he was beyond redemption. And yet the shame and guilt will not let me go. My actions haunt me, even as they did when I slew Aegruth-though I acted as I was forced to... She bowed her head, her long hair falling forward to screen her face.

You cannot change the past Elestirne, just as you cannot change who and what you are, a familiar, chiming voice whispered in her ears alone. Until you accept the truth of both my dear child, then you will never be at peace with yourself-nor fully at ease with others. If you hide from the truth of yourself, then you hide from others, and that is not fair to your friends and subjects that love you. You are a Queen, and an elf, but you are so much more, and you should embrace that rather than hide from it. Mark me, there will come the day where you have no choice between hiding and revealing all that you are..

Elestirne made no answer to the voice of the goddess, but remained silent and still;poised on the well with head bowed, haloed in soft silver light as she tried to find her answers

[Tsukasa]

Tsukasa was finding it hard to sleep so he went down to the common room to mediate. He was deep into his mediation, when he felt a strange but fimliar presence. He came out of his mediation in time to see Lady Elestirne walk out the door.

That is very strange. What is Lady Elestirne-dono up to.

Tsukasa followed Lady Elestirne outside, but lost sight of her. He was about to enter the inn when he thought he caught a sight of her heading to the back of the building. He proceed to the back of the building. There he saw Lady Elestirne sitting by the well. He noticed the glow about her.

It is a similar glow as the one with her fight with Telamon.

Tsukasa continue to walk toward Lady Elestirne.

"Lady Elestirne-dono, I am sorry to interupt, but I do not think it wise for you to be out here alone." He paused for a moment in thought. "I have notice that you are not like the other elves that you travel with. You seem to have a aura that is not of this world. I have only heard of one other having that type of glow, and that is Empress Iweko. She was chosen by the Jade Sun and Obssidden Moon to be the empress. I have a feeling that you are chosen by a diety."

[Lady Elestirne]

Elestirne's head snapped up at the voice; silver-touched night-black hair flying back. The whispers of Araira's voice faded on the breeze. She tensed initially, but relaxed a little as she registered the familiar form of Tsukasa approaching her. Still wary, she watched him.

"I am safe enough my friend," she replied quietly after a moment. "Olore is never far,and ever-watchful-twice as much now I am sure-and there is no one in Mittelmarch who would harm me. With the lich gone, and Telamon dead," she winced, a shadow crossing her face as if even speaking the name brought her pain. Her silver eyes took on a shadowed,haunted cast "-there is no danger in my being out by myself. My elves are close by in any case. I could find no rest. It is denied to me." That last was faintly bitter.

She took her gaze from the samurai and returned it to the water;her expression becoming pensively thoughtful. "There is much for me to think about, and elusive answers to seek. Sometimes it helps to sit on my own near water. It is soothing to me." Her long fingers dipped to the water again.

She flinched at his next words as though they had struck her, but fought to keep the reaction from showing. She tensed visibly though, wincing as the action reawakened the pain of her injuries. The only answer she gave was a soft, "No, I am not like the rest of my elves. Or any elf." Soft, chiming laughter seemed to echo in her ears but she pushed it away. Her expression did not show her thoughts but inwardly she was worried. Far too close of a guess for my liking-and partly the truth. But if he does not ask I do not have to answer...

[Tsukasa]

Tsukasa walked a little closer to Lady Elestirne. He noticed how she kept flinching as if she was in some type of internal pain.

"I hope that I am not over stepping my bounds, but every since the battle with Telamon, you have seemed troubled. It seems the death of Tatsamura-dono weighs heavy on the hearts of everyone that was there, but especailly on you and Storm-san. I did not knew him as you did, but he was a honorable samurai. If you wish to speak of what is troubling you, I am willing to lend you an ear that is unbaises and I will not speak of anything spoken between us."

Tsukasa sat there silently for a moment.

"If this next quesiton breaches etiquette, I wish to say sorry in advance, but what makes you are different for any other elf?"

[Lady Elestirne]

Elestirne could not help but flinch again when Tsukasa brought up Tatsumura and Telamon. "Tatsumura was Storm's lord," she said heavily after a moment, not raising her gaze from the rippling water as she tried to calm both her inner turmoil and the rising worry. "And he was my friend. He helped me my first visit here;even accompanying Olore, Storm and others to free me the first time Telamon-Telemachus then-took me captive. I healed him later from the wounds he recieved in the battle between the two that resulted.

"The last time I was here-when the Jovians threatened Mittelmach-I and my elves saved the kyuden from the enemies that attacked it, saving the lives of Tatsumura and his Shogunate, for they were too few to have won on their own. Yes, his loss weighs heavily on me, for this is the first time I have experienced the loss of a morrtal friend-though it shall not be the last-and I feel it to be my fault he fell. Had I not been captured, he would never have felt it necesary to come with all of you to try to help. And, as I told you shortly before we reached the city, it was not necesary for any of you to have come. Olore and Storm I could not have stopped-and I'm surprised Authnor was not also with-but you, Tatsumura and the dwarf Zigler each made your choices to. None of you needed to risk yourselves though. Telamon and Banith could not have killed me." There was something faintly bitter in her melodic voice and her silver eyes were shadowed and dim as she raised her head at last to look at Tsukasa. Almost relexively, her hand left the water to touch her injured side and her eyes took on a haunted cast. "No matter how much they wanted to-or tried."

[Tsukasa]

Tsukasa smiled for a moment.

"Lady Elestirne-dono, I understand that you feel that you are responsible for Tatsamura-dono's death, but he was a samurai. It would have been his duty to come rescue you. As for I.... I swore to protect Mittelmarch and all of those inside her walls. When Nichtmar-san asked me to join the party to search for you, I could not refuse. He thought my skills at a magistrate would be useful."

Tsukasa looked down for a moment.

"You mention that Telamon or the demon he was with could not kill you. Why is that so?"

[Lady Elestirne]

"No,"Elestirne corrected, her tone faintly and briefly sharp. "It was not for that that he came. He came for friendship and perhaps a life-debt he felt he owed me. And he need not have. I would have dissuaded him if it had been in my power. Now the Shogunate is leaderless and it is-partly at least-my fault. Yet they refused to hold me responsible."

His question froze her in place with shock. Her blood ran cold and she tensed before she could help herself. Araira's laughter chimed gently in her ears;borne on the wind. Elestirne shook her head faintly, but it persisted. Sighing faintly, she rose in a shimmer of silver, and came around the well to where Tsukasa stood. Her voice was soft and sad, but resigned. "I was afraid of this..." She faced the samurai squarely, but her eyes seemed to see past-through-him. "You ask what I cannot refuse to tell." The elven-queen hesitated, then continued.

"I am...more than I seem, than what you see. Far more." She sighed again, not without bitterness. "My goddess has reminded me of who I am..of what I am. It is not something I wished to be-or wanted-but it is something I cannot change. And the longer I deny or try to hide it, the more it will haunt me."

Slowly, Elestirne reached up and carefully and slowly removed her glittering crown. The star-mark shone glimmering silver in the exact center of her forehead, faintly luminous in the night. "I am chosen by my goddess, as you guessed-chosen and marked-but there is more to it. Not only am I a prophesied monarch, and chosen by Araira, but...I am myself divine. The first monarch of my line, so the legend ran, had to wife the daughter of the star-goddess Araira. Naturally, the divine blood became diluted down the generations, but every once in a while it shows true in a select few-and as strong as the elven blood. I am one of those rare few."

Elestirne shook her head faintly. "It is why my eyes are silver and there is a constant silver glimmer in my hair. And it is why, as I know you have seen, that I glow at times-ussually when using magic. I glowed when battling Telamon because the divine in me...reacted to the demon in him. Without that part of my lineage-and the strength it lent me-I could not have bested Telamon without a great deal more effort, and more severe injuries.

"As to your question...neither he nor Banith could kill me because my curse prevents it. You need not know the details but when I fought and killed a dark sorcerer-another fallen elf and my father's killer-before being made Queen, he cursed me with his dying breath." The elven-queen paused, her face and voice both darkening somewhat.

"Part of that curse is enduring great torment and torture for those I care about and would wish to protect. The other part...is that I may not-cannot-lay down my life until so weary from a lifetime of pain, sorrow and sacrifices that either Araira herself calls me to her side in pity-if allowed/able to-...or I fade to nothing more than a spirit, and be forbidden to leave this mortal earth. Forever. Any other attempts to end my life will always be diverted or prevented, seemingly by chance. The rest of the curse does not concern you, but know that none of it is pleasant. Thus my blessing...and my curse."

There was a deep, bitter,sadness in Elestirne's eyes, a resigned look on her fair features. The elf sighed heavily. "And thus do you have the answers to your questions, young Tsukasa."

[Tsukasa]

Tsukasa sat and listen as Lady Elestirne told him about her lineage and about the curse. As she told him about it, a look of of sorrow and concern came across his face. As she finish Tsukasa bowed to her. As Tsukasa started to speak, a sorrowful tone filled his voice.

"Thank you Lady Elestirne-dono, for answering a few questions from a curious samurai." Tsukasa paused for a moment in thought. "As for what was shared here today, you do not have to worry. I will not share it with anyone. I am willing to help you in any way possible to ease your suffering. The curse is a burden that a weaker being would be driven mad by. Lady Elestirne-dono, you have a great strength that I feel has not be full reveal to you. At last, I am here if you need a friend to confide in."

Tsukasa was about to ask Lady Elestirne something when he heard a slight russel behind him. He put his hand on the hilt of his katana and turn to face the source of the sound.

[Lady Elestirne]

Elestirne laughed softly, but the sound was one of sadness, not mirth. Carefully she replaced her crown, hiding the glimmering star-mark of Araira's chosen. "No, for you are honorable. And thus do you know my secrets-for I could not-by the words of Araira herself-refuse telling my friends if they asked. But you may tell Storm if I do not myself before I leave. He has earned the right to know what his oath-sister truly is. Perhaps then he would understand why I refused to stay safely out of the way when the Kyuden was threatened and my elves fought with the Shogunate to save it and those within. As for your offer..."

She shook her head faintly."I do not know what help you think you could give. The curse cannot be lifted, is irreversible and eternal. It will be with me always. Like my lineage. I cannot change either, even if I would wish to."

The elf paused a moment, thinking over her next words. "I have no choice in the matter Tsukasa. I cannot change the curse, so I must endure it. I am no stranger to hardship and sacrifice. One learns to live with it and not let it rule you. I cannot choose my end,and I cannot change what is in store-save by a miracle-but I can choose my present and how I spend it. Why think you that I have never revealed the secrets of my full lineage and the curse? I need not have it sully what enjoyment or friendship I may find in life, and I do not need to be worshipped or feared. Nor used or manipulated, as some would try,if they knew the secrets I keep."

The elven-queen drew herself up tall and straight with a wince;glimmering with silver subtly. "My burdens and pains are my owns to carry, my secrets my own to keep-save for those that win them from me. It must be so, for I have bigger responsibilities than myself. I have a realm and people that depend on me to lead and guide them. My personal sufferings and pains I cannot let show, or interfere with that... Which is why I keep them secret and enjoy life as I might-in the ways I am allowed to-and not dwell on the twin burdens of lineage and curse that I carry." She looked at him, seeming surprised, then shook her head faintly. "A fine offer, but why would you do such?"

She tensed faintly then, hearing the rustle before Tsukasa did, and remembering her injuries and the fact she had only her hidden dagger. After a moment she relaxed and a variety of emotions flickered across her face. "Come out Authnor. How long have you been there." Her tone was resigned,accepting.

[Tsukasa]

Tsukasa smiled weakly at Lady Elestirne. He then took a deep breath. When he heard her call out Authnorr, he moved his hand from the hilt of his katana.

"I will allow you to tell Storm-san. It is your secret to tell. As for why I do this, it pains me to see someone in pain. It is my nature to try to do all in my power to try ease that pain. It is one of the reasons I became a magistrate in my homeland. Some find that just having a trusted companion to share one problems with does ease the pain, if only a little bit. I know you can not change who you are. I just wish to be of aid in any way possible."

When Authnor revealed himself, Tsukasa bowed to him.

"Greetings Authnor-sama."

[Lady Elestirne]

Authnor acknowledged Tsukasa's bow with a nod as he came out of the shadows he had been in. "Tsukasa." Reaching Elestirne, he bowed deeply to his queen. "I woke and you were not in your room," the knight said by way of explanation. "Nor were you in the common room. I could do nothing less than come in search of you. You should be sleeping, not wandering weaponless in the dead of night. You need your rest."

The slight rebuke in his voice disappeared as he added softly. "I heard nearly everything. So that is why you wanted to meet Telamon alone with just Olore at your side when he approached you the last time you were here, and why you refused to stay safely away as Storm and I asked you to when the Jovians attacked the Shogunate. My queen..why did you never tell me any of this?"

Elestirne eyed the knight for a moment, before shaking her head and sighing."You would not have understood old friend. It would have tainted our friendship. Had you known at the moment of my coronation of the curse and what I really was it would forever have changed how you looked at , treated, and thought of me. I will not have that. I will not have either the curse or my full lineage shape how others interact with and see me. Let me be judged and measured by my own actions, my own choices. And my burdens are my own. You can do nothing to help me or lessen them, much though I know you wish you could."

Her gaze shifted back to Tsukasa and she shook her head faintly; her voice taking on a wistful,regretful tone. "Nor can you help, though I appreciate your concern-and your desire to. As for trusted companion...Olore is that, and even he has no power to help ease the burden. As I said: it is mine alone to bear. And so it must remain. I will not have others taking on my burdens,even to help me." Elestirne put her hand to her side with a wince and briefly glanced to the sky. "The night is waning. We all should go back to our rests. I especially-what little I will get. I speak with Tigron to give him my answer, and must meditate heavily on it before I am ready to do so.. Tsukasa...thank you. I will think on your words."

[Tsukasa]

Tsukasa bowed to both Authnor and Lady Elestirne. He rose up and sorry filled his eyes.

"I believe you have a lot to talk about with Authnor-sama, Lady Elestirne-dono. I will return to the inn and let you two be."

Tsukasa bowed once more and left Authnor and Lady Elestirne.

[Lady Elestirne]

Elestirne watched as Tsukasa bowed and left them, heading back for the front of the inn. Her silver eyes were weary but thoughtful as she watched the departing samurai. When he had disappeared around the corner she turned to Authnor;already raising a hand to stop him with a faint shake of her head. Her tone was gentle, but firm and brooked no arguement. "No Authnor. Not tonight. We will talk dear friend, and soon-I promise you. You have more than earned it. But, as you said yourself-I should be resting. I will need every moment of what little sleep I will be allowed Authnor." She sighed faintly. "Come my friend."

For all of the next day-after rising late in the morning and having her injuries checked and re-tended-Elestirne did not leave the room. Authnor took it upon himself to stand sentinel at her door, in case she called for something, but realized it was in vain and soon came down to the common room to sit with Tsukasa and his elves. Through it all, Elestirne sat undisturbed in her room; deep in trance,with head bowed as she meditated.

Many thoughts swirled around and chased themselves while she sat thus. Subconsiously, her mind brought up issues and concerns with Tigron's request, analyzed them, then discarded them one by one. There were reasons to refuse...but most were based in predujice and discarded as worthless. There was a good reason to accept-a soul deserved a second chance, as she had told Authnor. Whatever had been wrought/done at his hands/orders as the lich he could not be blamed for,as he had been only a helpless prisoner in his possessed body.

The body may have been used and corrupted...but the soul was stilll good and did not deserve its fate. It deserved a second chance at life and the healer in Elestirne could not ignore the plea for help she had heard when she had touched the dagger's jewel. Could not ignore...and did not dare refuse. She may not have been able to draw Telamon back from his dark path and choices..and may have been forced to kill him, but perhaps..if she could redeem this soul, heal it of its taint...perhaps then she could forgive herself Telamon's blood on her hands. That had been what she had sensed in her meditations yesterday, before Tigron had come. A promise...an opportunity to redeem herself after an action she could not forgive herself for..

She had spoken nothing but truth to Tigron. This... type of 'healing'...would be very difficult-more difficult than anything she had ever done. And, as far as she could remember...it had never been succesful before. Risky to attempt it-and very unpredictable and dangerous, given the lich-taint that still lingered with the trapped soul-but...possible. Perhaps more possible for that fact that she was not exactly mortal...and could not possibly be killed from backlash if it failed. There was only one thing, one ritual that she had read of long ago, that might help in this... But it required strong, natural magic, pure ingredients and surroundings, and a touch of divine influence. The soul would have to be purified first-and any having contact with it-before it was fit to walk the earth again... A frown touched the fair features of the tranced elf..

The first shadows of evening had begun to fall when she at last stirred and opened her eyes. Rising, she opened her door and padded barefoot down to the common room. She looked perhaps a little strained-with what might have been a haunted,distant look of mingled worry and pain in her silver eyes-but that was all that showed as she glided over to where the others waited. "Summon Tigron here," she said softly, a hint of command in her melodic voice. "I have his answer."

[Page Tigron Ciryandil]

Tigron Hadn't gone far when he left the tavern so he could be there the moment Elestirne was ready to answer. Sleep was not possible for him tonight as thoughts of his brother possibly not making it flew through his head. As he sat on the roof of a nearby cavern, he thought to himself.

I shouldn't have left so quickly. I am still lacking the patience my father would have wanted me to achieve. I know if he were still here he'd say I am not ready to be a king. I can still remember all the storms I've had to sail through, barely keeping the ship intact, and that tiger i had to defeat, and saving mittelmarch from that liche

As he said the last sentence the dagger twitched a little. Tirgon sighed before saying "I know brother. I should not worry. If anyone could help you, Elestirne could.....Her aura....was amazing....much like Olores....it seems to me that she is more than just an elf, but i am not sure what it is. Only time will tell."

Tigron heres his name being summoned nearby. He instantly appears in front of Elestirne's servant. "Is it time then. Is lady Elestirne ready to answer." Tigron bows to the servant to show his respect, waiting for the servant to lead him to Elestirne.

[Lady Elestirne]

The elf that had been sent-one of the escort-did not startle as the strange man appeared before him soon after he had spoken the name. He had been warned about him and he too, like the rest of his bretheren, could sense that this man was no normal mortal. He had seen him transform when confronting Authnor, so he knew the power that lay hidden. His face was carefully expressionless but even in the first shadows of evening his golden hair shone and shimmered with a luster no mortal's would ever have. His eyes studied Tigron intently a moment before acknowledging the bow with a slight nod.

"My queen will speak with you now. Follow me, if you would. She waits." Turning he gestured for Tigron to follow as he strode back across the square to the Silvermoon Inn. He opened the door and continued immedietly to where his queen waited with Olore, Authnor and the mortal Tsukasa. The rest of the escort were also gathered and waiting. He bowed deeply as soon as he had reached his monarch; rising only after she bade him to. "Tigron is come my queen, as you asked." She only nodded slightly and he was disturbed to see the slightly haunted look of pain and worry still on her features.

Discreetly, he melted back among the rest of the escort; trying to avoid Authnor's eyes, but noticing how his superior's gaze darkened when it fell on Tigron. The Knight-Commander it seemed, had still not forgive the mortal for his behaviour and words from the evening past. And it was well known he thought little of Tigron's request, thought it a waste of time and not worth bothering the queen. His eyes went to her and Tigron now, as did everyone else's; waiting to see how this second meeting would play out, and what the lady's response would be.

[Lady Elestirne]

For a long moment Elestirne was silent, then she spoke softly. "Welcome Tigron. So you return again, as we had agreed. It is good to know that your determination to help your brother has not lessened. After much meditation and thought I have both your answer...and my decision-both of which I know you have been eagerly awaiting. Niether came easily." The elf-queen sighed,and seemed to flinch subtly as her gaze dropped briefly to the dagger. "And it was not a decision made lightly, though I hope it was the right one, and made for the good of all involved."

Her silver eyes flickered briefly to Authnor and her escort, all of whom were tense with anticipation. Authnor was stiff with it;holding his breath as he awaited her decision and alternately throwing Tigron a hard,burning look and her concerned,worried ones. He did not trust Tigron she knew-especially not after the man had challenged him and demanded to see her-and he thought this whole thing a waste of time and unnecesary. She did not blame him, but she hoped what he had learned last night would help him accept her decision better. Her gaze shifted to Tsukasa.

As for him...she could still not be sure what he thought of what he had learned last night, nor what he would think of her decision. He was the one that had brought Tigron to her,even though he had communicated that he would rather have waited to do so, to allow her to rest from the journey. Inwardly she shook her head. Her right hand,still wrapped but healing, pressed gingerly against her side and she carefully kept the pain from showing as she turned her gaze back upon Tigron,;waiting patiently for his answer. Whether Tsukasa had convinced Tigron to wait or not would not have mattered. Nothing would have changed. And by custom, it was Tigron's turn now to speak, and ask her for her decision,and the answer she had found. It would be rude for her to speak without being asked for them. He may not know the elven ways, but she counted on curiousity to lead him to ask.