there was no other evidence of upheaval. Yes, there are always appearances of goblins and other miscreants in the wood, that is why we elves remain situated here. But the attack on your party was by far the heaviest weve witnessed in a long time.
Tamrissa looks down into the gray tea, handed to her moments ago, as Willem and Marlwa converse informally of formal subjects over the open brazier at the center of the room. The chamber lies two floors above the Gathering room where they started from, according to the climb of stairs she had taken. Five others had seemingly invited themselves along at first, both servants and retainers. The servants had lit the stones on the walls, kindled the brazier to comfortable warmth, laid out a small pick of food and then swept themselves out the door. The retainers waited until Willem had charmed their ears off and then were quick to follow his suggestion of having a celebration this night in the Gathering room
after all they had saved the Queens brother and two of his very important guests. If only they had saved the remaining two
Ailaric is losing much support in Eire
she hears Willems low voice mention.
Where are Matthias and Damien? her thoughts quickly voice themselves. As I recall, it was over an hour ago that your people went to find them and there is still no news? If they are not back at my side soon, I will go out there myself.
Miss Roshan is obviously feeling her fatigue, Atara. Please excuse her interruption, Willem frowns in her direction.
I am very serious, Mister Ailoki. Fatigue has nothing-
No, no, Willem. Nevermind it, Marlwa looks at Tam with a pleased smile. I am intrigued by her boldness and in total agreement with her. We should have had notice of that rescue before this.
The Ataras hands come together in three claps and she turns her plumed head to the door. A servant enters confidently and gives the same strange sign of fealty as the elf girl, Elise, had. These servants and retainers behave as if she is merely a wise great-grandmother rather than a leader of her people.
Volin, is there news of the search party that went out after the other two travelers?
The servant replies in the elvish dialect, though his head swivels back and forth in the universal gesture of negative answer. Marlwa questions further, language switching to his. Her eyes dart towards Tam and she sends him off with a brief command.
What is it, my lady? Tam stands, setting her untouched tea aside.
Morchiant, Willem answers before Marlwa can.
I am sending out ten more of my people to bring them safely back, Miss Roshan, the old elf moves to intercept her before she can head to the door. The best you can do is wait here. You do not know the forest and the forest does not know you. Trust in these mens survival abilities, it is what you hired them for
hmm?
Tamrissa, please, they are bounty hunters, not children. Let the elves help them. If they are anything special, that is all the help they need, this from Willem.
I do not like leaving things to other hands, she glances at both of their faces. But I will wait to act. If I do not see them within this hour, I will go, approved or not.
That is all I will ask of you then, Marlwa nods.
Willem shakes his head to himself and takes a mouthful of his tea.
Sit, my dear. While we wait for news, I will reveal the reason for me asking you to be here with us.
She sits reluctantly and presses her hands to either side of her hips on the chair, watching the elfs gown fluttering as she walks towards a locked chest set upon a specially made table in the corner.
There are some things Cydia wished me to give you before you entered the Court. She is awfully worried that you will be unprepared, a key is suddenly in Marlwas hand, its previous location unknown. I think she underestimates how bold and intelligent you are, but that is probably because she has never met you in person.
Cydia
now that name is familiar, Tamrissa remarks dryly. My mothers name. My father spoke it in his sleep frequently when he was dying.
Willem blinks and looks towards the embers in the brazier, a sign to her eyes that he is uncomfortable.
Yes, your mother, the elfs voice is muffled as she leans slightly over the chest. Willem, we will speak more later. I would prefer to give these items to Miss Roshan alone. My own private bath house is at your disposal, as I am sure you know.
The sidhe lets out a small cough and then offers a short bow, Thank you, Atara.
He strides across the room and quietly lets himself out the door.
How long have you known that young man?
Tam raises a brow and looks back towards the stooped over elf.
I met him not long after I left my home world. He was very close to me in the Umbra
before he left.
Ah, it is true then. Cydia had an effect on the boy.
What did my mother have to do with Willem leaving me?
I suppose she convinced him that he was fighting for the wrong side, Marlwa turns, carrying a long narrow box under one arm and an armload of books on the other. You know very little of Court intrigue, yes?
I know the pains and lies of intrigue, my lady, but I do not the Courts. No.
She leans the box against the wall near Tam and takes a seat in a nearby chair, books on her lap. It is a strange sight to such an elegant one lean over those books and perch her thumb beneath her chin so comfortably...and normally.
No matter how painful, it needs to be said then. Willem chose to keep too much from you I think
but only to spare you, the elf sighs. Do you know why your mother left you as a babe?
To protect me. It was all I was ever told, though Ive always supposed it had something to do with my mortal father.
Mm, aye. It runs even deeper here in Eire, the woman hands her a book with tattered pages and a thick leather cover tied around it. The History of Eire and the Tales of The Goddess Kemen. Read it thoroughly, my dear, and learn why the sidhe disregard and torment those of uncomely blood. Perhaps you, as one of those they have pushed aside, might pull more meaning from it.
Tamrissa begins to pull at the strings binding the book, but the Ataras withered hand comes down atop hers.
No, child, there is more. What do you remember of your childhood?
I was different, strange
but my fathers status kept questions at bay. I lived a normal childhood, though I developed more slowly physically.
Another book falls into her hands.
The Rites and Passages of the Sidhe. It will explain all the strangeness, she continues. And your powers?
I knew them when on the mortal world, but grew into them better once I was taken into the Upper Umbra. They are of the earth and air.
They are of all five elements actually, earth being your strongest. No half-blood has ever been without all five. It will take practice to bring out the other three and even more practice to tone them all into something worthwhile. Of course, the book will tell you more, she points to the case. And there is a weapon in that box that was designed for you and your powers. A sword. But I suggest you do not touch it until youve learned to harness your energies. Instead, I will give you the item that entitles you to call on it.
Her tapered hand unfolds slowly in front of her, a carved wooden ring box resting on her palm. She holds up her free hand as Tam takes the intricate object.
This
this is something the vampire cannot touch. He will unwittingly taint it with shadow if he should ever try to wield the sword. And through that, you will be tainted beyond the bond and beyond his reach, no matter how much control you believe he has over his beast. Do you understand?
Tam frowns deeply but nods, folding her own hand around the gift.
And one final present, the old elf hands her yet another book. Your mothers journal
your history.
She is more free with her emotions than she should be, I think, Tam takes the book as if it might have the plague. You are sure she wishes me to read her thoughts?
Marlwa nods with a small chuckle and then gestures to the door.
That is all I have for you, other than my best wishes and the hopes of seeing you back in this forest again some time soon. Please go and relax awhile in the bath. If your men have not returned within this hour, you may go after them. I will not stand in your way.
Tamrissa pauses halfway off her chair and sits back down.
Tell me what you know of Willem and my mothers involvement together. Please.
The Clan Mother breathes in deeply and reaches for a cup of tea.
Read the journal, child, and find out what you do not truly wish to know.
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Elise pointed towards a faintly lighted building across the way.
There, my lord Serumen, she motioned him along the platform that could be called a courtyard if it were on the ground, with its size and the amount of plant life spreading itself over it. I should probably clean up a bit too.
Her eyes went back to the Gathering House behind them, noticing the sounds of chatter that had built again.
I believe we will be left in peace while they re-convene to celebrate the rescue, she glanced slyly at him and then her face went back to being the professional tour guide.
The bridges swayed and rattled beneath their steps, but she was gracefully accustomed to it as she led him.
It is very difficult to know anything about vampires in Lond, my lord. All the tales are based on death and the eventual return of the Bloody One, she slowed her pace as they neared the bath houses platform. But that woman they claim you take blood from. The half-sidhe. She did not look dead to me.
She spun around to confront him softly, pulling her auburn braid to the side.
Why does she not flee from you like the rest of my kin?