What Lies Beneath

As the days passed Aedael remained by Verya’s side. He guarded her, advised her though Trikan sometimes refuted it. But he also sat with her in her chambers. Spoke to her and shared what he could about his life. He could tell by how she acted around him and by the bond that she wanted...more from him but he simply wasn’t ready for that though they did kiss and hold one another close sometimes. However he spent time with Galara too when he was able which included more of the same.

Through Verya and Galara he began to understand the point of views of the Wood Elves and how the High Elves had been regarded. The war had indeed lasted far too long. Prolonged by their elders who could not seem to ever put the past behind them. It was odd to think that they were still young but that was how Aedael saw it. The border between the Wood Elves and the High Elves had been unusually quiet of late. They saw guards on the High Elf side but they never moved from their posts and no patrols. It is as if the High Elves were waiting for them to do...something, anything.

Authiel’s and Rhazien’s love grew though he continued to portray Trikan. Now more than ever his true identity had to remain secret or Authiel’s position would not only be compromised but she might be considered a traitor allowing a Dark Elf to love among them. Morwen’ could no longer sense Rhazien’s dreams and Rhazien had broken his ties to his people. For the first time he had discovered love and though he was considered an enemy of Wood Elves and High Elves Authiel had allowed herself to bond with him. Not only that, she had chose him to be her mate.

Authiel lay entangled in Rhazien's arms in her bed. Outside, the sun was just beginning to set. Authiel felt complete with Rhazien. He had filled a part of her that she had not known was missing. He loved her for who she was and she loved him the same. Their love was deep and true and had grown even more so since becoming mates. She didn't care that he was a Dark Elf...and not only that but a great enemy of the Wood Elves. She knew in her soul that he truly loved her and would protect her with his life. They had to be careful though as to not reveal his true identity. When out in public he disguised himself as Trikan and they barely acknowledged one another. However, behind closed doors their passions would erupt into frenzied love making. But once the love making was complete and their passions sated, they would talk in whispers about their plans for not only ensuring the continuation of the war and the destruction of the High Elves, but also of the assassination of her cousin, which would make her Queen.

"Killing Verya will be no easy task," Authiel said as she got up completely naked and walked over to retrieve a bottle of wine. "Aedael seems rather...protective of her." Suddenly a though came to her and she looked over at Rhazien as he lounged on her bed. "You don't suppose that they are...together do you?"

There was to be a full moon that night. Verya stood out on her balcony looking up at the darkening sky. She could sense Aedael nearby and a small smile came to her lips. Wordlessly, she left her chambers, knowing that he would follow her. She told him not where she was going and kept him out of her mind. His frustration at that caused her to smile. She walked with him out of the palace and into the darkening forest. Above them, glimpses of the full moon could be seen through the tree tops, causing a soft glow. For half an hour they walked in silence, deeper into the forest. Suddenly, they came across a rocky slope and they began to walk downwards. Thick brush enveloped the area, but Aedael would be able to hear it...the sound of water. Then, the brush ended and before them lay a lagoon. A waterfall spilled down into the lagoon and the entire area was aglow from the moon, which could be seen in it's entirety overhead. Fireflies danced around them, giving the area an enchanted feel.

"This is my favorite place in the entire world," Verya said softly, breaking the silence. "It is where I truly feel at peace and where I came after my father was killed. I..I have shared this place with no one...until now."

Rhazian doubted that. High Elves were so dispassionate. “I shall have to set Yuma to observe them,” he said. He knew Authiel didn’t like Yuma and the feel was mutual but she was a great asset. “But I doubt it, High Elves...are so stiff necked,” he said as she traced a line across her bare shoulder with the tip of his finger. “And he would have to be protective of her, he gave her his fealty yes?” he said. “I’m not certain even I can kill him,” Rhazien said as he thought about it. His abilities were best employed by surprise. “We will need to plan this carefully,” he said as his finger crossed over her back to her bottom. His flesh was very dark, almost black in the dim light. His hair was a stark white and his eyes a deep violet. Authiel loved his eyes and often stared at them when he wasn’t looking. Rhazien loved Authiel’s lips and mouth. He thought them perfect for her face and so soft to touch and to kiss. He squeezed her left buttock playfully and she slapped his hand away. He giggled happily and she giggled back.

Aedael watched the fireflies, light flies and the water fairies play together in and around the waterfall. Aedael gestured for Verya to sit and she selected a large rock that, by the marking upon it she had selected before. He sat beside her and leaned toward her on his hip as he supported himself by his right arm. He watched the lights and the glow of the water. Taking it all in and appreciated its beauty and soothing qualities.

“Our world is changing Verya,” he said almost sadly. There were not many light flies left. The pod that obviously lived here was probably one of the few left anywhere. “The human kingdoms are expanding, wiping out the lesser tribes and the Dwarves are retaking their mountain homes from the Orcs. “Somehow, someway we need to stop fighting or Elvenkind might not endure,” he said. He hadn’t meant to speak of that here and now but it had been foremost on his mind of late. He sensed she was thinking about Galara and he turned to look at her. He needed to try and focus more on her right now and so he let those thoughts go and concentrated on the moment.

“I’m not here with Galara, I’m here with you Verya. Kiss me, let me feel your lips on mine,” he said boldly. He didn't do this often but when he did she seemed to like it. He had sworn himself to her. Sworn to go where she said to go and do what she asked of him. Sometimes though he was demanding like now. His desire for her lips was strong.

Authiel strongly disliked Yuma. It was obvious to her that Yuma was in love with Rhazien and extremely jealous that Rhazien was now mated to her for life. Yuma had tried to attack her once because of it and Authiel would have killed her if it hadn't been for Rhazien's intervention. However, she could not deny that Yuma was a great asset...when she behaved and did as she was told. She still would not take orders from her...only Rhazien...even if she had said the same thing he had.

Authiel grinned as she felt Rhazien's finger tip slowly trace down her back. As he reached her bottom she laughed and playfully slapped his hand away. She then became much more serious again. "I'm not so sure about that," she said speaking of Verya and Aedael again. "I...I can sense something between them that goes deeper than just fealty." She poured some more wine into his glass and handed it to him. She then did the same for herself. However, mid sip she stopped as an idea came into her head. "If we could only prove the existence of such a relationship then we would not have to kill Verya...her people would do it for us. Can you imagine what would happen if the Wood Elves learned that their Queen was involved romantically with a High Elf? And not only that but one she has employed as one of her Guardians? The response would be a riot. I could then take control of that coup and encourage, without right doing so, the deaths of my cousin and Aedael. Then," she said with a gleam in her eye, "I would then assume the throne and become Queen of the Wood Elves...with you by my side."

Revealing this place to Aedael was like revealing a piece of her soul to him. This place meant more to her than any other spot in all of the Wood Elf realm and she was now entrusting it's continued secrecy to him. This was not a small feat for Verya.

At his gesture she slowly took a seat. The rock was well worn and clearly her favorite spot to sit. She felt Aedael sit close beside her. She kept her eyes forward, watching the fireflies as they danced above the water of the lagoon. However, she listened as Aedael spoke. Every word he spoke was true and she felt the true weight of their task fall upon her shoulders. She wasn't even certain if peace was attainable, but she had to try. She could not give up because she knew Aedael was right...without peace the High and Wood Elves would vanish from this world.

A quietness settled between them and for a moment Verya thought of telling Aedael that she loved him, but then thoughts of Galara filled her mind. It would break her heart if he did not say those words back to her and so she kept her mouth closed. However, she had forgotten to shield those thoughts from Aedael. His sudden demand for a kiss took Verya quite by surprise, however, she was also intrigued by his boldness. Only on occasion had he been so bold, but Verya quite liked it. As the one giving the orders all the time it was a nice change to have someone command her instead...particularly to do something she wanted to do.

"As you command," she replied with a slight grin before kissing him deeply and passionately.

They shared a moment together there at the waterfall. Aedael hoped Verya understood that love sometimes took years in the making for High Elves. Such emotions were based on many things, genetic compatibility, status, age, family history and general ability. When he looked at Verya or rather, when she looked at him she didn’t seem to consider those things. The raw emotion that she sometimes filled the bond with drew him at times to want to feel that too. As they walked back toward the palace it would have been grand to hold her hand and walk beside her but the world was not ready for that. Neither of their people were for certain. He fell back behind her and took up his usual guard stance. It was then that Verya’s senses suddenly became keener. The bond trembled as Aedael turned to thrust his sword into the neck of a Night Gaunt. Another dropped behind the one he had attacked and yet another one dropped in front of Verya. Before she could rush toward it however it opened its mouth and began to sing to her. The moment it did that she wanted to go to it, surrender to its enveloping arms. Everyone who knew these creatures knew that its kiss was death. Long before it feasted upon your blood it devoured the soul. As she saw its black batlike wings open up for her Aedael’s blade appeared over her left shoulder to stab it in the neck. The moment it’s song stopped he saw Verya react.

Rhazien had already set up a few surprises for the queen and if those failed then he’d think about what Authiel suggested. But he did frown. “That might bring about civil war though. Some of your people want peace and don’t believe the High Elves are the enemies that’ve been made out to be. If anything we need to stop them from getting together I think,” he said as he took a sip of his wine. Authiel had long, nut brown hair that she usually kept in a braid and bluish-violet eyes that was a family trait of her mother. She had full lips and a pale complexion that had never suffered a scar. Rhazien reached out and touched her lips with a finger that he dipped into his wine. When she sucked on it and bit it playfully he opened his mouth as the pain of it made his insides tingle. Their flesh was so different and yet the differences between them only made them want the other that much more.

“I’ve never experienced love before Authiel,” he said more seriously. “Such things are a commodity, something that can be bought and sold where I come from. You give of yourself freely and I feel it filling me up. But I must warn you. Our bond has shielded my thoughts and dreams from my sister Morwen. She will want to know what has happened to me...and will come soon I think,” he said worriedly. Morwen was a ruthless, vain woman with great power. Not so physically adept but what she lacked there she gained in the magical and mystical arts. They all should worry.

Yuma cried as she looked down at her reflection in the small fountain pool. She had small red glowing eyes and her smooth face was a pale alabaster. She had no tears but she sobbed as she came to the realization that Rhazien was truly lost to her. In many ways she knew this would happen but now that it had...That...that two -faced chit Authiel! Well, she wasn’t done with her, not by a mile. Morwen will come, she knew that for certain and she’d give that...that...pretty thing what for! She smiled thinking about that. And then Rhazien would be hers again. She wasn’t one who liked to share her things.

Verya was glad for the time they could share at the waterfall together. It had been something small perhaps, but she felt that times like those were what was bringing them closer together. The air was warm but with a light breeze as she walked with Aedael back towards the palace. They walked in a comfortable silence, each of them lost in their own thoughts. However, Verya's peaceful mind was suddenly shattered as her senses picked up on something that wasn't right. She could feel the bond tremble between them as she turned and saw Aedael thrust his sword into the neck of Night Gaunt. She saw another drop behind them and then heard one drop before her. She quickly pulled out her long daggers, but before she could kill the beast it began to sing. Verya's mind tried to fight back against the feeling of wanting to be in the beast's arms, but to no avail. She began to move towards it, as feelings of warmth and happiness filled her. She saw it open up it's wings but before she could take another step Aedael's sword was thrust from over her shoulder into the creature. Verya felt her mind freed and she blinked as she realized what had almost happened. She looked over at Aedael and knew he had saved her life.

"Thank you."

It worried Authiel to see Rhazien worried at the thought of his sister coming to find him. From what she had heard from him his sister was no one to be trifled with. She was extremely powerful and thus quite deadly. She could tell that Morwen held power over Rhazien, but did not know the extent of his relationship with his sister.

"How do we stop her?"

As Yuma continued to cry the water in the pool suddenly began to ripple. A face began to appear in the water and Yuma would see it was Morwen. Morwen had not been able to communicate with her brother for several weeks and she could no longer sense him. She knew that something had happened and she was prepared to travel to the Wood Elf realm if necessary.

"Yuma, why do you cry? Tell me what has happened. I am no longer able to communicate with my brother and can no longer sense him. What has happened?"

Yuma was completely loyal to Rhazien. But her heart hurt for him. That and she believed he wasn’t in his right mind. She believed that these elves have put some sort of magics on him. Her wonderful, beautiful Rhazien! The only creature she knew she’d ever love.

“He’s been...compromised mistress,” she said into the wall. “These elves...especially this...this ugly wench Authiel!” She said. “They’ve done something to him!” She wailed. “What do we do Mistress?! How can we save him from himself?!” she asked desperately.

Guardians came running, alarms went off when the first Gaunt was seen. Under heavy guard she was escorted back. Trikan, Authiel and Galara were also roused, the alarm was sounded all through the palace, and in their armor with their weapons donned they made their way to the throne room. Soldiers filled the halls and began to form outside too until whatever was happening was announced.

Aedael’s calm shone brightly in the bond but he knew how upset and angry Verya was. As the doors to her throne room were cast open 3 of her generals were there, two were out near their west and southeastern borders. Trikan and the rest bowed though Rhazien knew full well what had happened. Night Gaunts were never that intelligent. Deadlier in many ways than most creatures and yet little smarter than regular bats. Authiel might be aware of his aggravation through the bond at his plan failing. He wanted the queen to die and through her death there would be solidarity. Aedael was going to be a serious problem he decided.

“My queen! I was worried for your safety, what has happened?!” Trikan said worriedly. Like the Worms, Night Gaunts hascen't been seen in several hundred years. Three laid dead just on the outskirts of the palace grounds.

Morwen knew then what she must do. Rhazien had failed and she grew angry knowing she would have to travel to the Wood Elf realm herself. "I never should have sent him. He is weak minded. I shall have to come there myself and fix this mess we now find ourselves in and I am not happy to have to do it. Do not tell my brother I am coming...I want to surprise him." The water then rippled again and Morwen's face disappeared, leaving Yuma staring at her own reflection once more.

Verya knew now that at least one Dark Elf was among them. Worms and now Night Gaunts! She knew that she had been the ultimate target and if Aedael had not been there with her she would have been killed. Her plan for peace was now compromised. What if this Dark Elf also knew about her relationship with Aedael? She began to sense that his life was now in danger as well. As Trikan came running in her mind began to think. Trikan had been at the scene of the Worm attack and his behavior as of late did not seem entirely normal. She had believed at first it to be because of his attack, but now...now she began to worry that perhaps this Dark Elf was in that very room!

"Night Gaunts attacked," she replied, not wanting to let on that she was beginning to suspect him. "Had Aedael not been with me I would have been killed." She watched Trikan's face closely for his reaction.

Trikan looked...worried and if she had been watching Authiel she would have seen her eyes glance briefly at Trikan. Aedael saw that but he said nothing. That and he looked up above them again as if he sensed something. The bond trembled with confusion and then hardened again to resolution of not detecting anything. The remained of the day was tense. The guard had been tripled and the halls were filled with soldiers. Galara was speaking to Aedael in hushed, quiet tones. Though his awareness of the room was on high alert.

“They dropped down from a height and blended into the night. Their song does not affect High Elves apparently. I have never seen one but scholars know of them,” Aedael said. Galara touched his hand and for an instant had a worried look in her eyes. “You could have,” she began but he stopped her. “That is my purpose Galara. Now and always her life before mine. All that I have left is purpose,” he said and though the bond flooded with loss and sadness his face and his words were cooly neutral. “No Aedael, that is not all that you have,” Galara said and Aedael’s eyes shifted down to hers for a brief moment. She squeezed his hand and stepped away before she said too much. To the onlookers they were not paying attention to him. Their attention was on the queen who seemed particularly angry right then. Somehow beasts had slipped past everyone.

“If memory serves creatures of this kind have to be controlled or their commands explicit enough that there would be no room for mistakes,” Brelnith said as she looked at the body of a Night Gaunt as it laid dead on the large table in the throne room. It didn’t have eyes as such and large, pointed ears much like a bat. But as large as a man, if not much thinner all around. Its flesh was a brown so dark it looked black, hairless with a coarseness to it that deflected light.

“But who was it’s target,” Toralin asked and sneered at Aedael as he stepped up to him, Aedael did not look at him or even acknowledge that Toralin was there. He narrowed his eyes at the high elf. “Worms and now this...and all as soon as this...high elf appeared. I say having him as your guard is a mistake,” he said then Galara spoke.

“You forget that if it wasn’t for Aedael, the queen would be dead, her soul consumed even before they feasted upon her blood,” she said plainly and looking at Verya with a concerned look. “I think this does call for increased protection my queen. Your rooms searched and your food and drink tested,” she said. “Such measures haven’t been taken in 100s of years but if Dark Elves are involved…” she said and shrugged not knowing what else to say.

Seeing the glance between Authiel and Trikan was enough to cause Verya to strongly believe he to be the infiltrator. It would make sense for him to take up as her advisor. An advisor was a trusted confidant of the Queen and one that she relied on for advice. She knew she needed to be careful so as not to make him too suspicious of her while she tried to find a way to prove it was in fact him. She began to wonder, if he truly was a Dark Elf, if Authiel knew the truth for that one look was all it took for her to know that he was the one she was sleeping with. Either way things were not going to end well for her.

As the beast was brought in, Verya stepped up to examine it more closely. She had never actually seen a Night Gaunt before, but had heard about them and had known of their powers. Believing Aedael to be near her she looked over to speak to him, but he was not there. Instead, she spotted him standing with Galara. They were talking softly and Verya saw Galara take Aedael's hand and give it a squeeze. She masked her feelings from Aedael so he would not know she had seen, but she felt a twinge of pain in her heart.

"No," she replied rather firmly when it was suggested by Galara that her rooms be searched by guards and her food and drink tested before consumption. "I will not live my life in fear. Whoever this...Dark Elf is he or she wants me to live in fear but I will not. I do, however, want security increased throughout the realm. Somehow these beings slipped in undetected and that should NOT have happened. We must remain vigilant and discover where this Dark Elf is hiding. Perhaps they are hiding in plain sight." She glanced once again over at Trikan. The look was brief, but her eyes were hard and determined.

Galara nodded and gave one last concerned look to Aedael before she turned around to look at the Gaunt again. This disturbed her greatly. “Double the terrace guards then at least. If they can simply drop out of the sky we’ll have no warming if they manage to drop onto a terrace,” she said and exposed a major flaw in the design of the palace. “Unless we could simply lock the terrace gates?” She asked but that would mean a change in how the queen lived. The bond suggested that Aedael approved of her suggestion too and Verya’s knee jerk reaction to go against anything Galara said due to jealousy.

It was then that one of Galara’s scouts that had been patrolling their southern border asked to speak to Galara. She bowed politely to the queen even though she wasn’t looking at her and moved to speak to him. After a few moments she turned back to address the room.

“Pardon the interruption my queen but it appears that a delegation from the Gisiae Holme requests an audience with you. Keryn Caldoren Jentru and your sister Suoress are among them,” she said and raised an eyebrow at her.

The humans had once been at war with the Wood Elves but that had ended long ago when Verya’s youngest sister Suoress married Prince Jentru after his betrothed had been killed by a vicious attack by the elves. The marriage was political but after a few years love had grown between them and she bonded the Prince. They had 4 children, the first half elves to exist.  

“As to why they’ve come,” she said then gestured to the door. When it opened two guardians brought in a Dark Elf male. His clothes were like no design they had ever seen before but bedraggled and bruised, dried blood in places all over his body. He was in chains and they tossed him to the floor before the queen and he fell onto his knees. Galara only glanced at the Dark Elf but Trikan’s hand went to his long knife as if by instinct and his face contorted in disdain. “Shall I have their apartments prepared for their arrival or send them away?” Galara asked smoothly. Aedael looked down at the dark elf and his eyes looked as if he was studying him.

Verya was not going to live her life in fear and remain hidden inside the palace. She was the Queen and her duty was to protect her people. She could not do that hiding within the palace walls, nor could she negotiate the peace that she wanted with the High Elves. However, before she could respond one of Galara's scouts appeared and asked to speak to Galara. As Galara left, Verya went back to looking at the Night Gaunt. It was quite an ugly thing. It sickened her to think that it was able to so easily hypnotize her.

A moment later Galara returned and Verya was quite surprised when she announced that a delegation from Gisiae Holme was there and had requested to speak to her. It surprised her even more to learn that her sister and her sister's husband were among the delegation. She had not seen her younger sister in many years, since her marriage to the Prince of Gisiae Holme, ending the war that had existed between them. She had missed her sister greatly. The two had been very close and it had broken her heart to see her leave. Then, after the death of their father, she had found herself truly alone. She was about to ask as to why they had come, but before she could open her mouth Galara answered that question for her. A male Dark Elf was brought in, bound in chains and he was tossed to the floor before her. She was visibly surprised and glanced over at Aedael and then to Trikan.

"Prepare their apartments and then have them brought to me upon their arrival. I would like that Night Gaunt taken away and destroyed and this Dark Elf placed down in a cell until I can figure out what has happened. Everyone else may go."

Even as the Dark Elf and Gaunt were removed and a servant came in to clean up after them, a hawk was released to deliver the message to allow them safe passage into Silverlake forest. Aedael was...conflicted. Galara’s words had affected him and for whatever reason she seemed to have affection for him. He felt something for her but it was Verya that occupied his dreams. Those eyes held him, those beautiful golden eyes and her fiery red hair.

Suoress was very beautiful as well though she had light violet eyes and jet black hair. A bit taller and lither than Verya, with that same, fiery spirit. Caldoran was a large man that towered over most elves at 6’4” and was a good deal stronger. He wasn’t thin with just enough body mass not to slow him down. He had short dusty blonde hair with twinges of gray on the sides and piercing blue eyes. Their children came with them, Forganna, their eldest had long, black hair and her father’s blue eyes, Hargus, their eldest son was a smaller version of his father. Rickill was only 9 and looked the most like his mother and the baby of the family, Therese who was 6 looked very much like her father.

The moment the doors of the throne room opened, the 2 younger children ran toward Verya as she stood up from where she had sat on her throne. They held Golden Ferrel flowers and Red field blossoms in small bouquets for her as they all but jumped on her. “Aunt Verya!, Aunt Verya!” they cried as they both hugged her at the same time and kissed her cheek. The others were much more reserved than last time they were here. A sign that they had matured into well mannered young adults.

Caldoran and Suoress were dressed in similar colors, blue and silver like their banner held by a handsomely faced bannerman who held the banner of the High King, Blue and silver with a stylized hand that held a fist full of wheat crossed by a sword. As the children listened to what she told them and accepted her kisses the others made their way inside. Now the room was filled with people, their personal guard, hers, Aedael, her sister and her family and Verya. To her surprise Caldoran and Aedael shared a smile when they saw one another though the hair on Suoress’s neck stood up as she saw him.

As Suoress got close to her they all bowed regally, the women curtsied perfectly and then Suoress moved up to kiss her cheeks. She had unshed tears of happiness in her eyes. “Oh Verya, look at you,” she said and looked her over. Living with the humans and the bond had forced humanity onto Suoress and though she was younger than Verya she looked older. Even so she was beautiful. “It has been too long sister,” she said. To everyone’s surprise Caldoran stepped up to Aedael and they clasped one another’s forearms in friendship and respect.

“Aedael...I hardly expected to see you...here,” he said and spared the women a short glance. ‘It is a long story my friend,” Aedael said. “We shall speak later if it is permitted,” he said and Caldoren’s eyes wanted to pop out of his head. “So it is true,” he murmured then left him to move up to the queen.

“Queen Laurelen, you are ravishing as ever,” he said and greeted her as was their custom by kissing each cheek once though he barely touched her in reality. The two children presented themselves and did the same now that they were considered adults. “Let us sit and speak of the moment,” Caldoran said, Another custom that they observed and there was ample seating for everyone. Caldoran was almost always proper and demanded propriety though from what Suoress had said on more than one occasion, that all changed in the bed chamber. Caldoran had ‘voracious’ appetites she had said.

Verya did not know what to feel about Aedael. It was true that they were bonded, but the way he spoke to Galara caused her to feel more and more that had a bond not formed between them that he would not have even looked twice at her. She suddenly wished that she had the power to cut the bond between them and to just let Aedael be with Galara instead of having to watch them from the corner of her eye. It was very nearly maddening for her and yet she didn't understand why it was so. She barely knew Aedael and they had not been bonded for very long. Why should she feel this way then?

Thankfully, she was distracted by these thoughts when the doors opened and in stepped her sister and husband and family. She smiled happily as her youngest niece and nephew ran up to greet her. She crouched down so she could hug them and she whispered something loving into each of their ears as they kissed her cheeks. She had not seen them in several years and was surprised by how much they had grown since last she saw them.

As her sister drew close Verya felt a wave of loneliness come over her again. She loved seeing her sister and her family, but it only served to remind her of what she did not have. She felt a few tears come to her eyes as she embraced her sister.

"I have missed you so much Suoress," Verya told her quietly as they hugged one another. It pained Verya to know that Suoress had lost her immortality and she could already see a bit of aging in her face. However, she was still as beautiful as ever.

As Verya pulled back from the embrace with her sister she noticed a look of recognition between Aedael and her brother-in-law. She was surprised, however, when he and Aedael clapped each other's arms in a show of friendship. She glanced at Aedael and he would see a look of curiosity in her eyes. However, she did not question him at the moment, but turned to greet Caldoran. She smiled and allowed him to greet more formally than she would have liked, but it was his custom and she respected it. "It is good to see you Caldoran."

As seats were brought out, Verya took hers and sat next to her sister. Although Verya had inherited her mother's fiery locks while Suoress had inherited her father's raven locks, the pair of them still looked very similar. Their cheek bones and noses were almost the same and it would be clear to Aedael that the sisters were very close.

"I trust things are well in Gisiae Holme?" Verya asked as some wine was poured. Verya was of course very curious as to why they had come unannounced, but decided against immediately asking them why.

Suoress’s eyes glanced to the children who whispered to one another and for a moment, a brief moment she looked...sad before she turned back to Verya all smiles once more. Their elder son and daughter held no expression and Caldoren took a mug off one of the trays that had been proffered to him that held ale. “We are well sister but it would agreeable to speak more in private. The children are tired from their journey,” she said diplomatically. It meant that Suoress needed to speak to her and that something had happened.

“So, the rumors involving Aedael Caemaere are true. The King of Maht’Silme has stricken his name from the honored scrolls and if it hadn’t been for his father’s honors his families name would have been stricken altogether,” she said. Aedael was watching them and heard what she said. He made no outward motion or expression that he had heard though the outrage and a profound sense of guilt filled the bond. As Verya turned to look at him Suoress took in her sister’s obvious concern for him. She raised an eyebrow at that though no one else seemed to notice.

“Dark Elves have infiltrated our borders,” Caldoren said out of turn. Suoress nearly scowled at him. “Cal, not in front of,” she began but Caldoren spoke right over her. “It was their lives that were almost taken Suoress,” he said annoyedly and looked at Verya. “Two of my Generals and if it wasn’t for Suoress, our family as well would have fallen to those monsters,” He said in a growl. The two children hopped off their chairs and ran to hug up against their mother. She winced when they ran into her skirts. Apparently she was recovering from the attack. They weren’t crying but they were obviously afraid. “They seem to be able to look like anyone and men I trusted tried to kill me!” he said angrily. Suoress looked at Egwana. “Egwana, take them please,” she said softly. The eldest daughter moved and scooped them up, one on each arm and guards opened the doors to allow her out into the hallway. She disappeared from sight murmuring soothing words to them.

Verya had been able to sense from the moment her sister had entered the room that something had happened. They had never come to the Wood Elf Realm unannounced, not that she would not always welcome them. No, something serious had happened and she suddenly began to fear for her sister and her family's safety. She nodded when her sister suggested that they speak after the children had left, however, before she could say anything her sister went on to tell her that because of what he had done, or rather not done, that his name was tarnished among the High Elves. It seemed, from what her sister said, that his family was being made to suffer as well. Through the bond she felt Aedael's anger, sadness and deep guilt and she glanced over at him. Souress might detect a look of compassion and perhaps even something more in the eyes of her sister...though it was brief. She would speak to Aedael later in private on the matter though she knew there was little they could do. Perhaps once peace was established his name could be cleared.

As Verya returned her attention to her sister and brother-in-law, Caldoren spoke up and revealed that Dark Elves had infiltrated their borders. The look of shock and concern was plainly visible on Verya's face. To hear how close her sister and her family had come to death pained Verya, particularly seeing how it had affected the two youngest children. She waited until all the children had left the room before speaking.

"Dark Elves had infiltrated the Wood Elf realm as well," she admitted. "I believe that at least one is posing in disguise here in the palace. Several weeks ago my advisor was attacked by a Worm and just tonight I was nearly killed by a Night Gaunt. Thankfully, Aedael was there and stopped it. I am trying to negotiate peace with the High Elves and I believe that this Dark Elf is trying to stop me."

Suoress’s eyes grew large and Caldoren’s face looked grim at her words. “A Night Gaunt...disgusting beasts,” Suoress said. Caldoren looked...worried but also angry. “Apparently the Dark Elves have a mind to destabilize us all,” he said. “Everything, we’ve worked so hard to build is at risk,” he said and Suoress shifted to rest her hand on his. He seemed to lean slightly toward her when she did that. A sign that they both relied heavily upon one another.

It was well known that the humans were some of the best negotiators and diplomats in the world. They lived dramatically short lives yet seemed to do so much in that time. They strove to learn and experience their world and Caldoren was of their most ancient and Noble line. The only thing the Wood Elves and High Elves had in common was that they both had peaceful relations with the men and women of Veldair.

Caldoren in his own right was a magnificent swordsman and warrior. He did not possess the inhuman abilities Aedael had but among his own people and even the Wood Elves he was formidable. “Tell me Verya...does Aedael guard you always...I desire to speak to speak with him,” he said and looked over at him. Aedael was watching them and likely he heard everything they said but didn’t show that he was listening. The bond had a feeling of curiousity more than anything else.

Verya watched her sister and brother-in-law. While their marriage had not begun out of love, love had grown between them and Verya found herself wishing for a companion she could rely on as they relied on each other. Verya held a high regard for Caldoren. He was an excellent warrior, as she knew first hand, but also a loving father and husband. Any hard feelings between them had long since vanished and she truly considered him apart of her family.

When Caldoren expressed his desire to speak to Aedael privately she glanced back at Aedael slightly. She could sense his curiosity and was curious herself as to what Caldoren wished to speak to him about.

"Most of the time, but not always," she responded. "He is free to go and speak with you now if you so desire it."

Suoress nodded and  Aedael gestured to one of the other guardians who shifted toward them when he moved away with Caldoren. Caldoren’s hand moved to touch Aedael’s back as they stepped out of the room and moved down the hall to the large, Terrace that led out from the hallway. Invisible and silent, Yuma followed them out.

Suoress watched them go, fondly looking at her husband’s backside before she turned back to her sister. “He has barely left my side since the attack...he has been difficult to live with since...I crave a moment to speak without him right there beside me,” she said and smiled at her own words.  And then her expression changed.

“Are you mad woman?” She asked. “What have you done?” She asked and narrowed her eyes. “Have you lost your wits! He is your enemy,” she said as if Verya didn’t know that. She hadn’t seen much pass between them but she knew her sister enough to know something profound had happened between them. She felt that Verya was...distracted and knew Aedael had something to do with that.

Verya watched as Aedael left the room with Caldoren. She always felt more relaxed whenever he was near her, but she knew he could not always be by her side. It would also give her a moment or two to speak to her sister alone. She expected the conversation to remain on the Dark Elves and was visibly surprised when her sister instead began to question her relationship with Aedael. She had not realized that her sister had seen the glances between them. She thought at first to simply lie to her, but she knew she could not. Her sister would see right through her and she trusted her sister entirely.

"I am not mad and he is not my enemy," she replied. She sighed and took a sip of her wine before looking at her sister again. "We are bonded Suoress." She saw her sister's eyes grow large and Verya quickly continued on. "It happened without...it happened very suddenly and much to both of our surprise. We both want peace between our peoples and we are both willing to do whatever it takes to end this bloodshed. I trust Aedael...I trust him with my life."

Suoress felt almost sick and did look paler. If Verya’s relationship with this elf was ever found it it would not help matters at all. Who knows what it would do to her own marriage and she suddenly worried about her son though he had gotten up with his drink to have a look outside.

“Verya, why didn’t you send him away? Anything, anything but keeping him only a few feet away from you. How do you know that he is not manipulating you in some way? Caldoren trusts them but I’m not certain I do...and neither should you,” she said moderating her tone.

“How is it that ‘he’ is here? I don’t understand what is happening Verya,’ she admitted annd looked visibly shaken by this.

Verya hesitated, but decided that her sister deserved the whole truth. "He was sent to kill me. I knew that the moment he was brought before me. I gave him the opportunity, but he wouldn't do it...couldn't do it. It was in that moment that we were bonded. He swore fealty to me and is now an exile from his own realm. He saved my life tonight from that Night Gaunt."

She paused and took another sip of her wine, this time a much larger one. She closed her eyes for a moment and steadied her nerves. She then opened her eyes and looked at her sister. "I'm in love with I'm."

This time Suoress did feel sick and she leaned forward and held her head. “This can’t be happening,” she said and tears came into her eyes. She shook her head. “You risk everything Verya. If anyone finds out...it’ll be, they’ll kill you if it doesn’t cause civil war,” she said. Suoress was the politician of the family. She knew well that many noble families wanted peace with the high elves but their father would not have it. She took a rather large sip of her wine and it seemed to relax her. They were silent a few moments and then Suoress began to speak.

“Aedael had saved Caldoren’s great grandfather’s life. When they were at war with the Crag Orcs. He says Aedael is somewhat of a hero to his people but not to ours Verya. Send him away if you know what’s good for you,” she suggested.

Verya shook her head when Suoress told her to send Aedael away. "I won't...I can't Suoress. I know that the risk is great, but I must take it. I cannot allow another generation to grow up amid this pointless war. So many have already died because of it. I cannot allow it to continue. And may I just point out that your very husband was once our enemy as well. I fought him. That scar on his right side was caused by my blade. And now we are at peace and you have four beautiful children with him."

She looked away and was quiet a long while before speaking softly. "I'm lonely Suoress...deeply lonely. I no longer have Father...you...or any of my friends. I...I'm jealous of you...of your life...of the love you and Caldoren have for one another."

There was another bout of silence between them as Suoress took in what Verya had said to her. So, there would be no dissuading her and she couldn’t have him killed, she thought as she sipped her wine. After almost a minuted she shrugged.

“Alright Verya, you are in love with him, but you know High Elves do not feel love like we do,” she explained. The only choice she had now was to help her sister get what she wanted. She loved Verya and now she knew she would not be turned aside from Aedael so she would help her win his heart if she could.

“He must see you to be intelligent with a keen mind. And beauty...High Elves appreciate beauty in all things. Do something to make yourself the most beautiful thing in the room so he can’t stop looking at you. Do that as often as you can,” she said and smirked at Verya. She knew that would not be easy for her. Verya was less interested in fashion and more interested in utility. Suoress almost grinned at watching Verya squirm in her chair and decided that if they were going to do this that she may as well have a little fun.