The sun; if she looked really hard, she could almost see it through the leaves. Her mother had told her stories about places where there were no leaves to block the sun�s light from touching the ground. She often dreamed of seeing the sun, to look straight at it, and feel it�s warmth against her skin. She had heard that the sun turned skin dark, and wondered what her skin would look like if the sun darkened it. Like most of her people, she had a skin tone that resembled the trees she lived amongst, a soft, pale shade of brown that seemed to glow from the inside out. Her hair was almost the same colour as the bark of the branch she was resting on. Unlike most of her people, though, she had eyes a shade of light blue that resembled the sky at midday.

�Black, are you up there?� a familiar voice called up from the platform below, disturbing her train of thought. It was her younger sister Tabaisu, and the only person that knew of her secret place: a branch to which she could climb and be alone to contemplate anything that floated through her mind. She didn�t want to come down, but knew her sister would not bother her here if it wasn�t important.

�What did you want Tab,� she finally called back down. She sat up and started to climb down the tree trunk to the platform where her sister was standing waiting, and looking excited.

�The new recruits are being selected! I knew you wouldn�t want to miss getting to see who gets picked.�

She had almost forgotten! Today was the day the guilds selected which aspiring new members were recruited for the following year of training. Among those to be selected where friends she had grown up with and she had wanted to see if they were chosen.

�We had better hurry then if we want to be there in time to find a good spot. I need to go change, race you home?� and without waiting for an answer she took off toward the house where she lived with her family.

�That�s not fair, you didn�t give me any warning!� cried Tabaisu as she sprinted to catch up.

The two sisters ran along the bridges and down the ramps to the platform where their house was, and burst through the door panting.

�Blackbast! Tabaisu! You both know better than to slam the door like that! What if someone had been behind it about to leave?� scolded their mother, as she glanced out of the kitchen to see what all the noise was about.

�Sorry mother,� the sisters intoned in unison. Then they both hurried off to the room they shared to get changed into nicer clothes.

Blackbast rummaged around in the trunk at the end of her bed, trying to find something appropriate: slightly fancy, but still comfortable. She didn�t want to over-dress and be stared at by the other girls her age, but she didn�t want to look like she didn�t care. Today was special for her as well, because a dear friend that she and Tabaisu had grown up with was among the possible new recruits. His name was Wuldain and over the course of the last month or so, Blackbast had started to see him in a different light. He was no longer just a boy she could wrestle with, now he was somehow much more than that. She actually noticed the fact that he was a male these days, whereas before he was just a friend.

Tabaisu was already dressed, and stared at her sister with a look that was becoming a little too common lately: a look that was part annoyance, and part �I know what you�re really doing�. She continued to hold this look while Blackbast desperately tried to choose an outfit. �We�re going to miss him if you don�t hurry!� she stated, knowing exactly why her sister way acting like this.

�Alright, alright�do you think this will look good?� Blackbast asked, holding up one outfit that she had kept returning to during her frantic search.

�It�s fine, now can we go?� Tabaisu wined as Blackbast quickly changed.

The two hurried off to the main platform, making sure not to slam the door this time. As she ran, Blackbast thought about how much Kelethin resembled a maze, even though the only walls were the houses off to the sides of the platforms, so you could see the next platform over, and the one above or below. She thought about how strange it would be to travel to a city where there were walls all around you, and nary a tree in sight.

Blackbast and Tabaisu had lived all their lives in the tree tops of the forest known as the Faydark, called such for the large colonies of Fay creatures that called it home, and for how the thick canopy blocked all but the faintest amount of light. Kelethin, home of the Feir�dal � or Wood Elves as other races called them � was a city that consisted of varying levels of platforms high up in the trees that were connected by bridges and ramps, and was situated at the centre of an area known as the Greater Faydark. The girls had seen glimpses of the ground from the lower platforms, but were forbidden from going down on the lifts. They had also seen the reason why, when one day they witnessed a bold attack by the Clan Crushbone Orcs against the city. The guards had been able to defeat them, but the threat was still there.

They arrived at the main platform and weaved their way through the crowd to the front so they could see. �I wonder which guild Wuld will pick. He never told me his final choice,� Blackbast said, trying to start a conversation so she wouldn�t seem so nervous. Wuldain had been trying to choose between the different professions that Kelethin had to offer, but hadn�t made a decision yet as far as Blackbast had known. Bard, Druid, Ranger, Rogue, Warrior � they all had something that called to him. She guessed he would favour Warrior since his strength was his best quality.

�I don�t know, he didn�t tell me either. I think he�d make a good Rogue, he�s always stealing my journal on me,� Tabaisu stated thinking back with annoyance to the last time he had done so, and read something that was embarrassing for her to admit in public. He had teased her about it relentlessly for weeks, until she had threatened to tell his mother how he would sneak out at night when he was supposed to be sleeping.

�I think I see him! Over there, with the Warriors. I thought as much, he would almost always win in a wrestling match.� They tried to get Wuldain�s attention, but he was too busy trying not to look nervous and didn�t notice.

�Ladies and Gentlemen, could I have your attention please!� cried one of the Bard Guild Masters. The Bards guild always hosted the events on the recruiting day, and always turned it into a big festival. �Today, as you know, is the day when we choose the best and the brightest of our youth to enter training: to become our future protectors, healers, and entertainers. First up this year is the Warriors guild with a gruesome looking obstacle course.�

Blackbast hadn�t taken her eyes off Wuldain, and was therefore able to catch his slight flinch at the word gruesome. �Maybe he�s still not sure about this. He looked so determined when we arrived, but now he looks a little. . . green. Well, he has always had a green tint to his skin, but today it looks more noticeable that usual. I hope he does well, and gets recruited into the guild. I bet he would look really good in all that platemail.� At that thought Blackbast started to blush, and then quickly lowered her head and hoped that no one noticed.

But someone had noticed � Tabaisu had turned to ask Blackbast a question about last year�s obstacle course, and had seen her staring at Wuldain, and then blush. She wondered what thoughts could possibly be going through her sister�s mind at that moment, but decided to wait and ask later when there wouldn�t be as many people around.

�You all know the course,� one of the Warrior Guild Masters was addressing the potential recruits now. �I expect each of you to do your best, but if any of you think you can take any �short-cuts�, know that I have guild members watching every part of the course. Anyone caught cheating will be black-listed. That means that no guild will take you for training this year, and you will have to prove you are trustworthy all over again.� The Guild Master turned to face the crowd, saying �I know some of you have choice locations you want to watch from, so I recommend you make your way there now. You might want to hurry, though. This group looks to be promising, and I�m anticipating a fast race.� He turned to face the young men and women again, and said �Proceed to the starting line!�

The whole group moved over to the lift, took it down to the ground, and then hurried over to stand between a pair of poles with flags on them, which marked both the start and finish line for the course. There were four sections to the course, the last of which was a sprint to the finish line. It was meant to test speed, strength, stamina, and determination. Not everyone made it to the final section, and only the first five to cross the finish line would be accepted into the guild.

�Follow me,� Tabaisu said, grabbing Blackbast�s arm and pulling her off to a different platform, �I know the perfect place. You can see most of the race from it, and we�ll be able to hurry down to the finish line to cheer Wuld on when he crosses it!�

�Ok, ok. You can let go of my arm now.� Blackbast followed her sister to a place behind one of the buildings that afforded a view of the entire race except the start of the sprint. As Blackbast leaned over the edge trying to see that part of the course, she noticed a knotted rope tied to the railing that went all the way to the ground. �What is this?� She asked her sister.

�That is our way down to so we can be at the finish line in time. Don�t worry, I�ll remove it as soon as the race is over, I just wanted to be sure we�d make it in time to be there when Wuld finishes.�

�Just how long have you been picking out this location? You seem to have planned it out to the last detail.�

�Well, if you would spend less time up on that branch, you would know that I spent all morning finding this spot, and that I stocked it with snacks! Would you like some juice?� Tabaisu offered a waterskin full of a delicious fruit juice their mother had made for them a few days ago.

�Thank you,� said Blackbast as she quickly took a sip of the juice. �I think they�re about to start!� she stated as she pointed toward the starting line, where the would-be warriors had assembled.

They watched as the flag was dropped, signalling the start of the race. Wuldain was one of the leading group to the first obstacle, and managed to gain some ground there. Blackbast and Tabaisu cheered as he ran to the next obstacle and climbed over it like a cat. He ran to the ropes, and started to climb but his hands slipped and he fell to the ground. He got up and tried again, this time making sure his grip was true. It had cost him though, and now he was slightly behind the leaders.

�Wow, that was fast, I was expecting them to take a little longer. We had better start climbing down now or we�ll never make it to the finish line in time!� Tabaisu said excitedly as she but the juice away and started down the rope.

The leaders of the race where just starting to climb down the ropes at the opposite end of the obstacle that marked the third leg of the race when Blackbast made it to the ground. Wuldain was in the middle of the pack, and was desperately trying to make up for the lost ground.

The sisters ran over to the finish line in time to watch Wuldain climb down the rope and sprint to the finish line. They cheered him on as he passed several other runners who were looking fatigued, but Wuldain was looking rather tired as well.

�1 . . . 2 . . .� the official at the finish line counted as runners crossed. Blackbast cheered louder for Wuldain, hoping he would hear her voice and find some inner strength to finish in the top 5. �3 . . . 4 . . .� He was so close, just one more person to pass, and he would be automatically recruited by the guild. They were running side by side, stride for stride, but there was no more room. The other runner stretched her stride at the last moment, and was across the line first. �5!� the official counted, and herded the group over to the side. Wuldain stood catching his breath, with a disappointed look on his face. Blackbast and Tabaisu hurried to his side and tried to comfort him.

�That was an amazing race!�

�You were so close!�

�Are you ok? You look like you�re about to faint!� Blackbast took on a look of concern as she noticed how pale Wuldain looked at that moment.

�I�ll be fine . . . I just need . . . to catch . . . by breath,� Wuldain said between gasps. �I would have made it . . . but my hands were all sweaty . . . from being nervous . . . and I slipped on the rope.�

�We saw. I�m so sorry Wuld, are you going to be ok?� Blackbast asked. Tabaisu gave her a disgusted look. She couldn�t see why her older sister always got so weird around Wuldain and hated being around her when she did.

�I�ll be fine. I can still try for one of the other guilds.� Wuldain looked up, a gleam of hope in his eye. Blackbast smiled in return. �Well, I need to go wash up if I�m going to be presentable for the midday meal. I�ll see you two there, save me a seat?�

�We will. See you there,� Blackbast replied. As she watched Wuldain walk toward the lift back up to the platform, Blackbast suddenly realized where she was. She had never been on the forest floor before, and now that she thought about it, she decided to look around a little. �Tab, do you realize that we are on the ground!�

�So? It�s not like we were going to spend our whole lives in the trees. Even the creepy old drunk comes down here now and then to pick berries.�

�But we�re unsupervised! No one around to tell us we�re too young to be down here; no one to lead us by the hand and tell us where to step!�

�The guards are still here, and most the people who watched the race.�

�I know, but I want to explore a little. We haven�t found all your colours, let�s see if we can find a few more?� Blackbast suggested referring to a child�s game. Upon reaching the year of awareness � the time when a child becomes aware of his or her surroundings enough to make decisions about his or her life � each Feir�Dal child would receive a special box. The child would then spend many years exploring the world around him or her trying to find what colours of the forest were used by the goddess Tunare to make up his or her body, then the child would collect a small piece of that colour, and place it the special box. After the child became an adult, he or she would give the box back to the goddess by burying it in a special place, in hopes that some of the colours would be passed on to his or her child. Most children found all their colours somewhere around the city, but others spend their entire childhood searching. Some had to wait for adulthood and explore deep into the forest in hopes of finding a missing colour.

�Ok, we never found where your hair came from, Tab,� Blackbast suggested looking at her sister�s long blue-green hair. It was such an unusual colour, but not unheard of, so there must be something of that colour nearby. �Maybe we can find it down here?�

�Fine, we�ll look. But we can�t take very long, the next event will be starting soon, and I don�t want to miss it.�

�Do you know what is next?�

�The Druids from what I heard. I saw some of the plants; I think Sylvandove will have some stiff competition.�

�I hope she gets in, she took such good care of her plant. She even managed to get it to bloom and bear fruit, despite that cheater Nadria trying to poison it.� Blackbast took on a sour look as she thought back to the event.

Those seeking to become Druids were assigned a potted seedling to nurture until the recruiting day: those with the healthiest plants were recruited for the guild. Nadria had been jealous of how well Sylvandove�s plant had been growing, so she had stolen some poison from one of the merchants and poured it onto the soil. Luckily, Sylvandove had caught Nadria in the middle of the act and reported her. It had taken months to bring the plant back to good health, but you would never know it had ever been sick.

�Alright, back to why we�re still down here: we want to find something to match your hair. We�ve looked up and been unable to find a match, so let�s try looking down,� Blackbast suggested as she crouched to look at the grass and vegetation growing at her feet.

�That�s all too light; we need to find something dark,� Tabaisu stated, pulling forward a few strands of her hair and staring at it.

Blackbast stood up and walked over to the base of the nearest tree. The same vegetation grew all the way to the tree, and she couldn�t see any change in colour. She started to walk under the platforms where there wasn�t as much traffic from people and animals to tread down the vegetation. Scanning the ground as she walked, Blackbast slowly made her way further under the city. The grasses died down and mosses took over, and still Blackbast could not find the right colour.

Tabaisu hadn�t noticed Blackbast wander off at first, and was a little surprised when she turned around to find her sister was gone. Then she saw Blackbast between the trees a ways off. Tabaisu walked over to her saying, �We should be going. We can do this again tomorrow, when we have more time. I can use the rope again so we won�t get in trouble.�

�Alright,� Blackbast replied, looking up at Tabaisu. As she did so, she noticed a different moss growing on a tree directly behind Tabaisu. It was so dark, at first Blackbast thought it was just a shadow on the trunk, but then she noticed a touch of green. �Hold on a moment, look at this.�

Tabaisu followed her sister�s gaze, and noticed the moss on the tree. It was so dark, but it was more than just shadows. Blackbast reached out and pulled a small piece off the tree, and held it to Tabaisu�s hair. In the shadows it looked like a match, but it was too dark where they were standing to be sure.

�Let�s take this with us, and we can see if it matches in the light,� Blackbast said as she handed the piece of moss to her sister.

Tabaisu stood there staring at the moss, then at the tree. This really was turning into a special day. She turned to see Blackbast waiting, and followed her over to the rope they had used to get down to the forest floor. They climbed back up so none of the guards at the lift would notice that they had not come down with an escort, and gathered up the rope so no one else would notice it.

�Leave the snacks, this will also a good spot to watch the archery contest later this afternoon,� Tabaisu said as Blackbast started to gather the food and drink.

�Wow, you really had this planned out! How long did it take you to find this spot, and how do you know where all the events are taking place anyway? They are supposed to be a secret so no one can tamper with the field,� Blackbast said as she looked suspiciously at her younger sister.

�Wuldain told me. I guess he has been checking out the fields since very early this morning. He woke me up at first light to help me find a spot from which we could watch every competition, except of course the Bard and Druid events.�

Blackbast was a little surprised at that, but she let it drop. Wuldain had always treated Tabaisu as if she was his own sister, and ended up spoiling her in the process. Looking around, Blackbast realized something. �This might become Tabaisu�s �secret place�; like my tree branch. It�s a little more out in the open, but she could sneak down to the ground from here, and do whatever she wanted. Maybe this IS her secret place, and she just never told me about it. There are a lot of snacks here for just the two of us, and on a day when we will be eating so much at the feasts that we would not even need snacks. Not to mention the fact that the rope looks to have been here a while, and she looked like she�d had some practice climbing up and down it. Come to think of it, she seemed rather calm about being on the ground. I was all excited when I realized we didn�t have to worry about the adults, but she seems almost used to being down there. I wonder . . . I�ll have to ask her about it later. The midday feast is about to start, and Wuldain said he�d meet us there.�

�We better hurry if we�re going to find enough seats for all three of us,� Tabaisu suggested as she started toward the platform where the tables had been arranged. �We�ll be able to see the druid plants from there, and they are announcing the recruits for both the Druid and Warrior guilds during the feast.�

The two sisters hurried over to the tables and were lucky enough to find four seats together. Blackbast decided to see if Sylvandove was sitting with anyone, so she saved the extra seat and went over to the plant display.

�Wow, Dove, your plant looks amazing! Is that a second bloom starting?� Blackbast asked as she approached Sylvandove, and noticed the buds on her plant.

�No, third! I still can�t believe how well it recovered. Isn�t it beautiful?�

�Yes. Are you sitting with anyone for the feast? We found a spot with an extra seat and were wondering if you would like to join us?�

�First of all, who is �we�?� Sylvandove asked sceptically. She knew that Blackbast liked to be around Wuldain and his friends, and one of those friends had been very rude to Sylvandove on several occasions.

�We includes Tabaisu, Wuldain, and myself.�

�Are you sure HE is not with Wuld?�

�No, HE is not,� Blackbast replied, knowing exactly who Sylvandove was referring to. The two had discussed this many times before.

�Alright then, if HE is not with you, I�d be glad to join. My parents are busy preparing for the archery contest after the feast, so they won�t be able stay and eat. They said they would come and watch when the recruits are announced, but that�s as long as they would be able to stay.�

�Perfect then! Can you join us now, or do you have to stay here a while longer?�

�No, I can leave now. The judges have already been by, so I don�t have to guard my plant anymore.�

The two walked back to where Tabaisu was sitting, chatting about the day so far. When the got to the table, they noticed that Wuldain had already arrived and was pestering Tabaisu as he usually did.

�Why, hello there Dove. How are you today?� Wuldain asked when the two girls sat down.

�I�m fine, thank you. I heard you just missed being number five across the finish line. I�m so sorry; I really thought you would be a Warrior.�

�It�s alright; I still have the Ranger, and Rogue competitions left. I decided that I don�t sing well enough to be a Bard, and you�ve seen me try to grow a plant. I think I managed to keep the last one alive for a week. Is there such a thing as a black thumb?�

�If so I want you are to stay a good distance away from my plant!� Sylvandove joked. She knew the problem was not with the colour of Wuldain�s thumb, but with his lack of patience.

�Ladies and Gentlemen, may I have your attention!� the Master of Ceremonies was standing by the head table now, and there was a line of people with trays standing to either side waiting to serve the food. �The new recruits for the Warrior and Druid guilds will be announced after the feast, and the aspiring new Bards will be performing throughout for your enjoyment. Let us all take a moment to thank Tunare for the bounty we are about to share.�

Everyone bowed their heads in silent thanks for the bounty of the year, and for the bounty of their lives: that of friends and family.

�Now, let the feasting and singing begin!� The servers started passing out the food, which looked so delicious it had Blackbast drooling as she waited for her plate. At the same time, the potential new Bards started walking around the tables, taking requests or just singing random songs. They would perform throughout the feasting, and would provide other entertainment during Rogue event. This would give the would-be Rogues a better chance at sneaking past everyone to accomplish their task.

Blackbast watched one young woman playing for the table beside her, wishing she had a voice as lovely. Like most children, Blackbast had loved to sing, but as she grew older, she became more self-conscious of her voice and how she tended to screech a little on the higher notes of some of the folk songs.

�Would you look at all the food! I don�t remember there being so much last year!� Sylvandove exclaimed as she watched the servers carry trays past her.

�Yes, but last year you were too busy flirting with that boy � what was his name again?� Blackbast teased as she struck a pose of someone desperately trying to remember something important.

�I remember,� Tabaisu stated as a plate of steaming food was placed in front of her. �You couldn�t stop looking at him! You�d stare into each other�s eyes like there was some great secret hidden there, and if you looked hard enough, you�d find it.�

�Tearnik, and you are one to talk, Blackbast! You have barely taken your eyes off Wuldain long enough to keep from walking right off the platform!� Sylvandove shot back. Blackbast and Wuldain both blushed, though for different reasons.

Each now having a plate in front of them, the talk turned to food. There were three separate courses, and each was more spectacular than the last. As everyone sat enjoying the delicious deserts, the Master of Ceremonies stood and walked to his former place by the head table.

�Ladies and Gentlemen, may I have your attention once again. I know you are anxious to hear the final decisions of the guild masters, and I ask you to bear with me but a little longer. I have been asked to request that all participants of the Warrior and Druid competitions please make their way to the side of the platform.�

�Well, see you two later. Good luck to both of you!� Blackbast said as Sylvandove and Wuldain stood and walked to the area where the rest of the contestants were gathering.

When all the contestants were standing with the guild masters of the two guilds, the Master of Ceremonies called everyone to attention once again. �We will begin with the Warriors. I will call the name of each new Warrior, who will walk to the centre of the head table to receive his or her honours.� He unrolled the scroll in his hands and began to read from the list of names.

Blackbast recognized the faces of the first five to cross the finish line as each of their names was called. She especially recognized the face of the girl that had beat Wuldain for the last spot. She looked very excited as she walked over to the centre of the head table, and received her scroll. She tried to look calm and serene as she bowed to the head table, but her face was all a-glow as she turned back to face the rest of the tables. After the new recruits were called, the Master of Ceremonies called up the next three to cross the finish line so that they could be given a scroll of recommendation. This would give them a head start if they decided to try again next year, or if they tried to join the guild between festivals.

Wuldain looked proud as he accepted his scroll, but Blackbast wished he had been just a few strides faster. She wished he had received the scroll for recruitment instead of a just a recommendation. Her mind returned to her earlier thought of how he might look in platemail, and she decided to alter the image. He had mentioned thinking of trying out for the Rangers, so she tried to imagine him in chainmail instead. The thought was still attractive, but then she altered it again, this time to the leather armour typical of Rouges. That image brought a warm flush to her cheeks, and she quickly dispelled the thought for fear of Sylvandove seeing her and teasing her further.

By this time, the Warriors had moved to the other side of the area, and the Master of Ceremonies was preparing to call the new Druids forward. Blackbast watched anxiously as first one, and then another of the contestants was called. She was a little surprised that Sylvandove wasn�t called first, but that wasn�t important. A third name was called, and Blackbast was starting to worry that Sylvandove hadn�t been chosen at all. Then finally she hear a familiar name called for the forth recruit.

�Sylvandove, of the house of Gweniay,� the Master of Ceremonies called. Sylvandove looked like she was about to faint with relief. She walked to the centre of the head table and graciously accepted her acceptance scroll, turned and made a graceful bow to those seated at the head table, then turned and quietly stood as the final name was called. As with the Warriors, once the five new recruits were announced, the three contestants that came next in the judging were called forward to receive letters of recommendation.

�You may take your seats once more,� the Master of Ceremonies said to the two groups. �I know that you would all like to sit and chatter like squirrels about the choices made so far, but I must remind you that the Ranger contest will be starting soon. I would ask that you each move to a location that will afford you a good view of this year�s course before all the choice locations are claimed!�

Everyone stood and started to make their way back to places previously occupied for the Warrior competition. Blackbast and Tabaisu led Sylvandove back to their secret place so they could all watch Wuldain and cheer him on.

The Ranger competition consisted of a much shorter obstacle course that ended in a test of marksmanship. The would-be Rangers would race over the first obstacle, then take up bow and arrow. They would each have three tries to hit the bull�s eye of the targets. The first five to fire all three arrows, sprint to the finish line, and hit closest to the bull�s eye would be recruited.

By the time the three girls had made it to the rope, Wuldain was already at the starting line. �I think we should climb down to the ground now, since this race is so much shorter,� Tabaisu suggested as she glanced over the course.

�What are you talking about?� Sylvandove asked, confused.

�We have a rope tied to the railing so we can climb down to the ground and cheer Wuld on when he crosses the finish line,� Blackbast explained as she watched her sister start down the rope. �Don�t worry, it�s safe. There are plenty of guards around to keep any orcs or anything else away from the course.�

�Oh fine, as long as we don�t get caught. If you two get me in trouble, they might decide to reverse their chose!� Sylvandove said worriedly.

�If you�re so worried about it, then stay up there and watch!� Tabaisu shouted up at her friend. You�ll still be able to see the whole thing from there, and you can pull up the rope so no one will notice it. Just don�t forget to throw it back down before you run off!�

�Ok, I�ll stay up here. I really don�t want to do anything that might get me into trouble,� Sylvandove stated nervously.

�You never did have a stomach for thrills. Alright, we�ll meet you back up here after the race,� Blackbast reassured Sylvandove as she started down the rope.

The two sisters hid in the shadow of the platform and watched as the contestants lined up on the starting line. Wuldain didn�t look as nervous this time, but Blackbast feared that he had eaten too much at the feast to be able to run fast.

Once the flag dropped, everyone was too busy watching the race to notice the sisters move to the front of the crowd, cheering frantically.

Wuldain paced himself this time, since speed was not the only thing necessary to win this competition. When he got to the archery range he was slightly winded, but not as bad as the others before him who here breathing so hard they completely missed their first shots. He drew back, aimed, and let fly his first arrow. Thwack! It hit the outer-most ring of black: not good. He drew back his second arrow, aimed a little to the side, and let fly. Thwack! This time it hit midway between his last arrow and the centre. He drew back his last arrow, aimed further to the side, and let fly. Thwack! This time it went too far to the other side of the centre, but there were no more chances. Now his only hope was to sprint to the finish line and be one of the top three or better.

Blackbast was screaming at the top of her lungs. Wuldain had done better than most on the archery, but he still had a lot of ground to cover. As he sprinted toward the finish line, he was passing most of his competition easily. Tabaisu and Blackbast were both jumping up and down and screaming for Wuldain to go faster. The excitement was so strong they didn�t even notice that Sylvandove had climbed down to join them.

�1 . . . . 2 . . . . 3 . . . .� the official at the finish line called as the runners crossed. �4 . . . .� he called as Wuldain stretched to try and beat the person in front of him. The three girls were jumping and hugging each other, and nearly knocked over the group of people next to them. They ran over to Wuldain where he had collapsed on the grass.

�You did it! You made the top five!� Blackbast exclaimed, almost as out of breath as he was.

�You must be so happy!� Tabaisu said as she continued to bounce.

�This is so exciting, you must be so excited!� exclaimed Sylvandove, whose face was flushed with the thrill of it all.

�I would have preferred making the third spot. I didn�t do as good as I was hoping at the archery part,� Wuldain explained after he had caught his breath again.

�That may be, but you still have a good chance of being recruited!� Blackbast reminded him. Then looking around she said, �The race is over now, so we had better sneak back up to the platform. We�ll meet up with you on the main platform to watch the jugglers!�

Sylvandove gave a sudden gasp which caused the other three to freeze. �Would you look at that? There are flowers on the ground over there!� She pointed to a spot under the main area of the city.

�I can�t see anything,� Blackbast complained as she squinted into the shadows.

�That�s because you don�t know what you�re looking for! Quickly before someone sees us, I want to collect some for my garden!� Sylvandove had a one-track-mind when it came to interesting or unique plants. She ran off to where she had seen the flowers, and didn�t even care if the others followed her.

�I have to go up with the group; don�t let her get into any trouble!� Wuldain said in a tone that sounded much to grown-up for Tabaisu�s liking.

�See you up there,� Blackbast called in parting as she chased after her friend.

Tabaisu and Blackbast hurried to catch up with Sylvandove, who was now bent over the plants examining them closely.

�This is Theradrii, the same plant they had us grow for the competition this year!� exclaimed Sylvandove when the sisters stopped beside her.

�Well, where did you expect them to get the plants from?� Tabaisu said, slightly irritated at all the fuss over some flowers she�d seen many times before.

�I don�t know, I guess I just assumed they had special plants just for the competition or something,� Sylvandove muttered, slightly embarrassed. She looked around at the patch of flowers, a little disillusioned that the plant she had worked so hard to keep alive was growing in such abundance right below the city. Then she realized that her plant was a small bush, whereas these plants were barely a hand�s span at their tallest. Her plant had sweet smelling flowers that produced large berries that were even sweeter tasting, while these plants had small berries that were slightly tart. She was about to explain her revelations to her friends when she heard Blackbast suddenly gasp.

�What�s wrong?� Sylvandove asked as she turned and started to rise.

Blackbast was in such shock that she couldn�t bring herself to put two syllables together to form the words she needed. In the centre of the flower patch was an anomaly: a single blossom that was very different from the rest of the dark, purplish flowers. It was blue!

Tabaisu and Sylvandove couldn�t figure out what had Blackbast so upset, and exchanged a worried look. Finally, Blackbast found enough willpower to move her legs, and began to slowly walk over to the spot of sky resting on the forest floor. She bent down to get a closer look, and to touch the petals; to make sure it was really there, and not her imagination.

When Sylvandove and Tabaisu noticed the flower, they both let out gasps of their own. There had been stories past down over the years of a special plant that bloomed every so many years, and that it had the most unique coloured flowers. Sylvandove could not take her eyes off the delicate petals, and strangely shaped leaves. She had to have this plant! She had to be the one to make this fragile miracle grow strong and tall, just like her Theradrii bush. As she glanced up at Tabaisu to ask for her help, she changed her mind.

Tabaisu kept looking from the flower, to her sister�s eyes. Everyone they knew had always speculated as to how Blackbast had gained such strangely coloured eyes. Few had seen the colour of the sky, and fewer still thought that Tunare would ever use a colour that could never be seen within the forest. As Tabaisu continued to watch her sister�s face, she realized that this one flower would be Blackbast�s most valuable treasure.

Tabaisu then realized why Blackbast could not move, why she hadn�t already picked the flower and run home to carefully preserve the tiny blossom so she could add it to her box of colours. This was probably the first time anyone had seen one of these flowers in many years, and Tunare alone knows how long it would be until there would be another bloom. That moment of understanding would end up being the most influential moment of her life.

�Dove, I need your help,� Tabaisu stated as she looked into Sylvandove�s eyes. There she saw exactly what she needed to see: determination, and support.

�I will go get what we need. Are you sure you want to try this? You know she�ll never forgive you if it dies,� Sylvandove said worriedly as she glanced at Blackbast.

�I�m sure,� Tabaisu reinforced as she, too, glanced at her sister. �If we can make this work, she might actually collect the flower. Otherwise, she will not touch it for fear of destroying it, and will be haunted by it the rest of her life.�

Blackbast was completely oblivious as to what the others were discussing. For the first time in her life since she became aware, her mind was completely still. She was mesmerized by this tiny plant that looked like to would snap if she so much as sneezed at it. She wanted nothing more than to hold it in her hands, and feel its velvety petals against her skin. At the same time, she dare not touch it for fear that she would kill it. In her mind, this single blossom was the most beautiful thing in the world, and the thought that she might never see it again in her lifetime nearly made her cry out in agony. She would guard over this tiny plant and never move from this spot.

As Sylvandove rushed off to get the supplies she needed she was surprised at how much Tabaisu had grown up in the last few moments, but she didn�t have time to think on it too much. There would be time to discuss it later.

Sylvandove sprinted back to the lift, not caring who say her come up from the forest floor alone, and paced as the lift traveled up to the main platform. After what seemed like hours, the lift reached the platform, and Sylvandove set off at break-neck speed for her house. Several people gave her nasty looks as she wove her way through the crowds. Once she reached her house, she went straight to the place where she kept her spare pots and some special fertilizer she had made for her Theradrii plant while it was so sick. She figured if it could make her common plant thrive when it should have died, then it should be able to at least keep a rare plant alive.

Finding a shoulder bag to carry everything, she carefully placed the pot and fertilizer in it, along with her spade and a waterskin. With a quick glance around the room to see if she had forgotten anything, Sylvandove ran back out the door. Hurrying back to the lift, but going a little slower this time so she didn�t break the pot in her bag, Sylvandove wove her way back through the crowds gathering to watch the start of the Rogues� event.

The guild master was explaining to the potential new recruits the rules of the competition. They had each been assigned a certain object that they needed to find within a certain building. Each contestant was assign a different object and area to find it in, and no body knew what the other person�s object and area were. The contestants were expected to make their way to their assigned areas, obtain their assigned objects, and return to the main platform without being noticed by anyone, all before the end of the evening festivities. Guild masters, and Rogues who had been in training for a few years, were stationed around the city at key locations. They were on the lookout for the potential rogues, who would be judged on their stealth in finding the object, and their speed in returning to the main platform. The five with the best combination of scores would be recruited.

Meanwhile, down on the forest floor, Tabaisu was carefully trying to remember everything she had heard about the rare flower, and if anyone had ever tried to grow it before. �Maybe I should have talked to one of the Druid Guild Masters first� thought Tabaisu anxiously. She glanced over to where her sister had slumped to the ground by the tiny flowering plant. The look on her face reminded Tabaisu of when a family friend, who was an Enchanter, told Tabaisu about the look a monster gets when it is mesmerized. The only difference Tabaisu could see was that instead of a grimace, Blackbast wore a strange smile that made Tabaisu start to worry.

Tabaisu had grown up watching her older sister drift off into trances as she dreamed up wonderful fantasies, or puzzled over questions the likes of which a scholar would be proud of. Never before had Tabaisu seen her sister be so still of mind and body at the same time. The thought that Blackbast might stay like that frightened Tabaisu. This was something Tabaisu couldn�t distract Blackbast from by begging for her to come play. This was an all-consuming obsession that would rob Blackbast of her every thought.

Giving herself a shake to stop the shiver that was running up her spine, Tabaisu looked around to see if Sylvandove was back yet. She was just about to walk over to the lift to see if a distraction was needed for her friend to get back to the forest floor, when Sylvandove came into view sprinting over to the flowerbed.

Sylvandove skidded to a spot, panting, and handed the shoulder bag to Tabaisu while she caught her breath. Tabaisu took the bag and walked over to where Blackbast was sitting. She opened the bag and started taking out the contents, and placing them on the ground by the small plant.

�Dove, do you think we should use some of the soil from this spot?� asked Tabaisu as she took up the small spade.

�I think that might be a smart idea, since there is obviously something about this spot that it likes. Put some of the fertilizer in first, though,� replied Sylvandove.

Tabaisu shovelled some of the special fertilizer from the jar into the pot, then turned to the small plant. Glancing around to Sylvandove she thought aloud �Maybe you should get Black out of here, in case something goes wrong. She might go berserk if she sees up digging it up.�

�I think that might be a good idea. She seems to be in such a trance, I could probably move her without her noticing. Well, for a while anyway.�

Sylvandove walked over to Blackbast, and helped her to her feet. �She�s like a zombie or something,� stated Sylvandove. �At least she�s walking on her own, though!� Sylvandove walked Blackbast over near the lift and let her slump back to the ground again. She truly did seem like a zombie, and completely unaware of her current surroundings. Then Sylvandove returned to where Tabaisu was starting to cut a chunk of soil out around the delicate plant.

�Shake some of the soil off the roots at the bottom,� Sylvandove suggested as Tabaisu pulled the soil clump containing the plant out of the hole she had made. �That way the loose roots will be encouraged to grow into the fertilizer right away.�

Tabaisu did this, then carefully placed the soil and plant into the pot, and added more fertilizer. As she patted down the loose dirt, Sylvandove picked up the waterskin and started to slowly pour some water onto the now-packed mix of fertilizer and old soil.

�I don�t know how much water this little one will what, so you will have to keep a very careful eye on the soil and the leaves,� Sylvandove lectured.

�Alright, anything else you can suggest?� asked Tabaisu.

�Not until I have talked to the Guild Masters. They may have some information on this plant, or at least be able to give better advice from their years of knowledge.�

�Alright, but I would rather they didn�t know that we actually have a potted sample. I need to grow this myself, and I don�t want them to come and take this from me,� said Tabaisu determinedly.

�I understand. There is one elder Druid who I could ask to keep our secret while giving us advice. She is the one that helped me create that special fertilizer so my Theradrii would have a chance in the competition. She never expected the mix to work so well though, or she would have left me to my own devises.�

�Let�s go get Blackbast and take this up to my house before it gets damaged,� said Tabaisu as she put the tools and the jar of fertilizer back in the shoulder bag. �How are we going to get this and my zombie-like sister all the way to my house without anyone noticing?�

�All we have to do is let Blackbast see the pant, and she�ll follow us of her own accord, I believe. The plant will not attract much attention if we are seen taking my Theradrii back as well,� suggested Sylvandove as she started walking toward where she had left Blackbast.

�That�s a good idea, no one will notice this scrawny thing beside your monster, especially if I hide this behind yours.�

Sylvan nodded her agreement as she hoisted Blackbast back to her feet. Blackbast seemed to be coming back out of her trance-like state, and was looking around her. As soon as she noticed the potted flower, all the colour drained from her face. �What have you done?� Blackbast almost screamed in horror.

�I have decided to give this poor plant the chance to flourish with loving care in the hopes that I may one day be able to harvest it�s seeds and grow a second generation within my lifetime,� stated Tabaisu in a way that sounded selfish and uncaring.

Blackbast looked up at her sister�s face ready to scream at her for the sacrilege she had just committed, when she noticed the look in Tabaisu�s eyes. Blackbast realized that Tabaisu just wanted to snap her out of her trance. She also realized that though the reasons Tabaisu stated might be true, they weren�t the most important reason. A great wave of love washed over Blackbast as she came to understand the true reason her sister had transplanted this sacred flower. She had done this out of love, and so that one day Blackbast could take the flower and preserve it without feeling guilty for wanting to keep that treasure for herself.

The three girls walked back to the lift, which was luckily still vacated, and rode it up to the platform. Sylvandove ran over to her Theradrii plant and carried back to where Tabaisu and Blackbast were standing off to the side of the lift, hiding the plant behind them. Once she reached them, Tabaisu hid the plant behind the Theradrii�s bushy branches, and the three of them started walking toward Tabaisu and Blackbast�s house.

As they walked Sylvandove noticed that the juggling had already begun, and some of the contestants were doing quite well. She wished she could stay and watch, but they needed to get the small plant to a safe place first.

Blackbast could not take her eyes from the pot in her sister�s hands except to keep from bumping into anyone. Not only was there strange wonder at finally finding where the goddess had taken the colour for her eyes, there was now a warm feeling of hope that if Tabaisu succeeded in keeping the plant alive and healthy they would be able to share this wonder with the rest of the community. Such a great responsibility for someone so young, but Tabaisu seemed to have aged by decades in the last hour or so.

Once the girls had left the crowds Tabaisu voiced something that had been bothering her �You know, we don�t even know the name of this plant. We can�t just keep calling it �The Plant�, we should think up a name to call it until we find out what its real name is. Maybe something we can use to refer to it when we are around other people without them being able to figure out what we�re talking about.�

�I agree,� said Sylvandove, �but what would we call it?�

�Salistrene,� came Blackbast�s dream-like whisper.

Sylvandove and Tabaisu stopped and looked at Blackbast. �Where did you get that name from?� asked Tabaisu. It sounded strangely familiar, yet at the same time, oddly foreign. It reminded Tabaisu of listening to the old drunk when he started babbling in Koada�Dal after several drinks.

�I don�t know. . . it just sort of popped into my head. . .� Blackbast replied.

Finally the three made it to Tabaisu and Blackbast�s house, thanking Tunare that nothing had gone wrong along the way. Sylvandove especially thanked Tunare that no one had spotted them around the lift, for there was usually at least a guard at the top who would have been very upset that they were on the ground without any adult protection. She also wondered why there had been no guard. Maybe Tunare wanted them to find this plant, and help it grow strong so that everyone could enjoy its rare beauty instead of just them. She hoped that one day they would be able to reveal to the rest of Kelethin a strong, healthy, and flowering gift from the Goddess.

�We�ll place it by the window behind your stacks of books, Blackbast,� Tabaisu suggested. �That way Mother won�t see it when she comes in, and she never touches your books.�

�Alright, that sounds good,� Blackbast said absently. She was still somewhat mesmerized by the flower, but now that she knew her sister would take good care of it, and she would be able to see it everyday without risk of getting into trouble, she was better able to think of other things.

�Let�s hurry back to the festival before we miss anymore. I want to try and see the potential Rogues bring back their items,� said Sylvandove by the door. �We can come back and check the Salistrene after they announce the new recruits.�

With one final check to see that the Salistrene was not visible from the centre of the room or the doorway, Tabaisu headed outside. Sylvandove started to follow, then turned and asked �Are you coming Black?�

�Yes. . .� Blackbast let her eyes drink in the beauty of the Salistrene then, with great effort, turned and followed Sylvandove.

The three friends walked back to the main platform in time to watch some of the juggling. As they watched, Sylvandove noticed the first of the Rogue contestants place an object on the head table and pointed this out to Tabaisu and Blackbast.

�Are you sure that is the first one?� asked Tabaisu.

�Yes. See, there are no other objects on the table, just the one he placed there,� stated Sylvandove.

�If he was that fast, I wonder how many of the spotters saw him,� mused Blackbast.

�Good point. They are judged on speed and stealth, right?� inquired Tabaisu.

�That�s right. The ones to be recruited have to have a good balance of the two scores to get chosen. If he was too sloppy in finding the item and returning it he may not get picked, even if he WAS the fastest to get it back here,� explained Sylvandove.

�I think I see another contestant,� Blackbast pointed to a girl trying to seem as though she was just leaning on the table as she placed her object beside the first.

�You�re right, she must be. She�s doing a better job at being stealthy than that first guy. I noticed him without even trying,� Sylvandove snickered.

They all giggled over this while keeping an eye out for the next possible contestant. It didn�t take long before they all got a bit of a surprise.

�Hey look, is that Wuldain?� asked Tabaisu, pointing out a figure in the shadows behind the table that was trying to sneak his object onto the table without anyone noticing.

�Well, he did say something about trying for the Rogue�s Guild,� murmured Sylvandove, remembering back to the feast. How long ago that seemed after all the excitement of finding the Salistrene.

�I�m impressed! He�s stealthier than the last two, and he�s in the top three for speed! I bet you he gets chosen for sure!� exclaimed Blackbast.

�Well he was always good at sneaking up to the window in the middle of the night and sneaking me out of the house so we could go exploring,� stated Tabaisu.

Both Sylvandove and Blackbast stared at Tabaisu in shocked amazement.

�How did you sneak out without waking me up?� wondered Blackbast.

�That�s easy, you sleep like a rock. We just had to wait for you to fall asleep, and we could have had a philosophical debate without you waking up.�

�I do not sleep that deeply! More importantly, where exactly did you go exploring?�

Tabaisu laughed. �Wouldn�t you like to know? I couple years ago we explored the city. This, by the way, is how I found that prime location to get to the forest floor! Once we found that place, we would go down and look around a bit. That didn�t last long though, since we could only do it at night without getting caught, and at night is when all the skeletons would be walking around. After we had explored as far as we dared on the ground, we decided to see what other kinds of mischief we could get into. We would try to sneak into the guild halls and pretend that we where in training. You know, Wuld and I had so much practice sneaking around the city at night, I�m not really surprised he�s trying for the Rogues. I might even try to join them when I�m old enough,� stated Tabaisu.

Blackbast was still staring in amazement, imagining her sister and her friend slinking around in the shadows at night, and planning grand adventures to go on. Then a thought came to her, �Why didn�t you guys ask me if I wanted to come along?�

�Well, you never seemed like that type that would want to go traipsing around the city at night. We didn�t think you�d want to risk getting in trouble if we got caught by a guard. Besides, by the time we were heading out on our little adventures, you were usually exhausted from all that thinking you do,� Tabaisu said, a little guiltily.

Blackbast felt hurt. �You could have at least asked it I wanted to join you,� she accused.

�I�m sorry, I�ll be sure to ask the next time we head out,� promised Tabaisu, slightly ashamed.

�No, I think you were right. I would be too scared of getting caught, and would probably just slow you down,� sulked Blackbast. �I doubt I would make a very good rogue at all. I never could hide very well.�

�This is true,� piped up Sylvandove, remembering the games of hide-and-seek they would play as children. �Though you were pretty good at tracking us down, I have to admit.�

�I guess so,� Blackbast grudgingly admitted, �but that�s beside the point.�

�Look, if it makes you feel any better, I�ll teach you how to be less obvious about getting from one place to another,� offered Tabaisu.

�Alright,� Blackbast cheered up a little at the thought of sneaking out of the house without her mother asking her where she was going, and what she was doing. As she imagined being able to get to her secret branch without having to wait for everyone to be out of the area Blackbast glanced over at the head table. �I think another contestant has arrived,� she announced.

�Oh, I think you�re right,� said Sylvandove. �Hey, where did that other one come from?� �What�s that?� Tabaisu asked as she turned to see what Sylvandove was referring to.

�Look, she�s just placed her item at the end of the row, but it�s the fifth item there. Where did the forth one come from? I didn�t even notice anyone approach the table!� Sylvandove exclaimed.

�How many more do you think there is?� wondered Blackbast.

�I think I saw ten people standing in front of the guild master when he was explaining the rules,� answered Sylvandove.

�When did you see that?� asked Tabaisu.

�When I was returning with the supplies,� replied Sylvandove.

�Well, the juggling is going to be over in a minute. What do they have planned after that?�

�I think they are doing some more singing.�

�Is that all a Bard has to do to get recruited? Sing and juggle?�

�No, I don�t think so. I heard once that part of it is how well they can distract a person so that someone can sneak up behind that person and startle them.� Sylvandove shrugged, �I don�t know if that is true, but I guess it sort of makes sense. Distracting a monster so that someone can walk up behind it and kill it would be a handy skill.�

They decided to give up on trying to watch the would-be Rogues add their objects to the growing collection on the head table, and found a place to sit and enjoy the music. Sylvandove had been right, after the juggling was over the potential Bards took up instruments once again. This time they sang prearranged songs instead of requests, though. They sang of ancient legends, and more recent achievements; of love, and of loss; of happiness, and of sorrow. They sang until there were no more commonly known songs left, then they all bowed and stepped aside as the Master of Ceremonies took the stage.

�Well, what do you think Ladies and Gentlemen? Do they deserve to be recruited and acknowledge as true Bards?� the Master of Ceremonies shouted. There was a roar of cheers and clapping, and a few whistles. �I don�t envy the guild masters having to make a choice between them. I think they all did wonderfully! Now, if I�m not mistaken, the Ranger guild masters have made their decisions. Would the participants of the Ranger competition please line up in front of the head table?�

There was a pause as the contestants formed a line. Blackbast watched as Wuldain moved from the spot where he had been standing with the other potential Rogues, and joined the line in front of the head table.

When they had all lined up, the Ranger guild master handed a scroll to the Master of Ceremonies, which he unrolled and began to read aloud. Five names where announced, and five excited contestants walked up and received their scrolls from the guild master, then five new Rangers lined up to the other side of the Master of Ceremonies. When the last new recruit had accepted his scroll, the Master of Ceremonies called Wuldain�s name, and Wuldain walked up to receive another letter of recommendation from another guild. Two more names were called, then the Master of Ceremonies rolled the up scroll and handed it back to the guild master.

�Congratulations to our newest Soldiers of Tunare!� boomed the Master of Ceremonies, and the crowd cheered and clapped and whistled again.

�Now, if the participants of the Bard competition would please line up in front of the head table!�

Another pause as the Ranger contestants went and sat with family or friends and the Bard contestants lined up. The Bard guild master handed the Master of Ceremonies a scroll, and the process repeated. There was much cheering as each new Bard was announced. The crowd always had their favourites, and the volume of the cheers would change depending on how much they agreed with each choice.

Once this was done, the Rogues were asked to line up. Once again there was a pause as one group went to sit down, and another formed a line. Somehow, all ten potential Rogues had managed to place their objects on the head table and were now lined up awaiting the final decision.

The Rogue guild master had just finished talking with a group of people that must have been the spotters, and was scribbling down some last minute notes on a scroll. She then walked over and handed the scroll to the Master of Ceremonies.

�Alright, the moment you have all been waiting for!� announced the Master of Ceremonies. The Rogue event was probably the second most popular, for everyone loved to hear how many times each participant had been seen by spotters. �We will start at the bottom of the list, just so you can all be fidgeting with tension by the time we announce the recruits.� Everyone laughed at this statement.

Ten names where announced, with the number of times they where spotted. The worst score when to a girl named Donadrielle, who had been spotted a total of eight times, by three different spotters. The best was a girl named Lahnayia who had only been spotted once. Wuldain ended up having the second highest score, as he was seen twice, but he had been faster than Lahnayia. Blackbast was sure he would be chosen this time.

�Now that you know the stealth scores, let us get on with announcing the chosen recruits, shall we?� teased the Master of Ceremonies.

The first name was called, and a small boy walked up to the guild master to accept his scroll. The second name called was Wuldain, who walked up looking very proud, and a little flustered. The three girls screamed and cheer as he walked over to join the other boy. As he turned to face the crowd, he gave a little wave to his friends.

The next person called forward was Lahnayia, then it was a very skinny girl, and last was a boy who looked so bulky it was a surprise he had only been spotted four times. Then the three who would be getting recommendations were called forward to receive their scrolls.

�Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you the latest to join the ranks of the Scouts of Tunare!� announced the Master of Ceremonies, and the crowd roared and whistled. �Congratulations to all the new recruits, and I wish you good luck with your training! This concludes the competitions, now let the dancing begin!� And with that, the entire Bard�s Guild began to play a lively jig. Everyone got up and moved the tables aside so there was room to dance.

Blackbast, Tabaisu, and Sylvandove rushed over to Wuldain to congratulate him.

�I always thought you would make a good rogue, but second on the list? I am impressed!� Tabaisu said proudly.

�Yeah well, with all the practice I got trying to get away from my mother, can you really be all that surprised?� joked Wuldain.

With that they all joined in with the dancing and singing. The rest of the night was spent talking about the competitions and the choices, and dancing until Bards had to stop from sheer exhaustion. At this point, a sort of midnight snack was served, consisting of sweet cakes, and berry juice.

As the people of Kelethin sat and ate and continued to discuss the day�s events, four young friends excused themselves by claiming they were tired and were off to bed. Tabaisu, Blackbast, Sylvandove, and Wuldain were not as tired as they claimed, though. The three girls had decided that Wuldain deserved to be in on their secret, and were taking him to see the Salistrene they had hiding in Tabaisu and Blackbast�s room.

When they arrived at the house Tabaisu carefully lifted the Salistrene from its hiding place behind the stacks of books. As she showed it to Wuldain, he�s eyes bulged and his mouth fell open in amazement.

�I�ve never seen a flower that colour!� he exclaimed.

�Neither had we, until today. What makes it even more special is that this is the first time we have found something that matches Black�s eyes,� stated Tabaisu.

Wuldain glanced from the flower to Blackbast�s eyes and back again. He did this several times, he eyes growing even wider as he did so, which caused Blackbast to blush. The three girls giggled at his antics, but they couldn�t blame him.

�Oh, would you put your eyes back in your head already?� Tabaisu finally said. �And close your mouth, you�re going to catch flies like that!� This caused Sylvandove to laugh outright.

�We have decided to try and get this scrawny think to grow big and strong,� Tabaisu continued. �I�m hoping I can get it to bloom again so I can collect the seeds. Maybe I�ll be lucky enough to convince a second generation to grow.�

�You? You are going to keep this plant alive? You are going to convince this tiny little thing to produce a second bloom?� Wuldain almost accused of Tabaisu.

�Yes, me! Why? You don�t think I can keep a plant alive?� Tabaisu sounded slightly offended. �Unlike you, I am very good with plants!�

�I�m sorry. I just. . . I never thought you were the kind of person who would want to spend all your time nursing a sick plant back to health,� Wuldain apologised.

�Well, maybe you don�t know me as well as you thought.�

�Hey you two, stop this,� Sylvandove said, stepping between Tabaisu and Wuldain. �There is no reason for this fighting.�

�Well, I don�t know about the rest of you, but after all the excitement today I�m exhausted,� proclaimed Blackbast.

�Hey, you didn�t have to run two races and try to become a shadow!� teased Wuldain.

�No, but you would be surprised how tired you�d be after trying to sneak this thing up here through a crowd of people!� exclaimed Tabaisu.

�I agree though, we should all be off to bed,� added Sylvandove.

�Don�t forget your Theradrii,� Tabaisu reminded her. �You left it here when we dropped off the Salistrene.�

�That�s right, I nearly forgot!� Sylvandove went to retrieve her bush from by the outside door.

�What did you call it?� asked Wuldain, confused.

�Salistrene,� Blackbast explained. �We don�t know its real name, but that is the name we decided to call it for now.�

�Salistrene,� Wuldain repeated the name. �It sounds familiar somehow, but I can�t seem to remember what it reminds me of.�

�I thought the same thing,� said Tabaisu.

�Well, I guess I�ll escort Sylvandove home so she doesn�t have to worry about any freak attacks on her Theradrii bush. I still can�t believe how big she got it to grow!� Wuldain said in parting.

�Good night Wuld, good night Dove,� called Blackbast and Tabaisu in unison as Wuldain opened the door for Sylvandove and the two of them left.

�What an amazing day!� said Blackbast, as she started started to change into her nightgown.

�Yes, it was. I have to wonder if Tunare wasn�t watching out for us today, though,� responded Tabaisu as she replaced the Salistrene behind the books.

�Maybe. I just hope she�s watching over the Salistrene. I really hope it survives the transplanting and grows strong,� Blackbast replied as she flopped on her bed.

Blackbast was asleep by the time Tabaisu had changed and was crawling between the sheets. It had been a very interesting day indeed. While she had been removing her clothes, Tabaisu had found something she had completely forgotten about in all the excitement over Blackbast�s find: it was the piece of moss they had found growing on the tree. They never did see if it matched in the light. �Two blessings in one day,� mused Tabaisu as she quickly lit a candle. �First we find my last missing colour, then we find the miracle that Tunare had used to colour Black�s eyes. I doubt we�ll be able to match this day in importance for many years to come!� Tabaisu held up the moss and pulled forth a chunk of hair. In the light of the candle, they were a perfect match. She pulled the special colour box out from under her bed and added the moss to the collection. �So that�s a piece of heartwood for my skin; a dried new leaf for my eyes; a piece of the darkest part of rosewood for my lips; and this strange green-blue moss for my hair. I�ll have to find out the name of this moss from Sylvandove.� Then Tabaisu placed the box back under her bed, blew out the candle, and turned onto her back thinking of her sister�s colours. �Let�s see, she has a piece of inner bark for her skin; a piece of outer bark for her hair; a piece of the lighter part of rosewood for her lips; and now this strange blue flower for her eyes. Such a strange colour, I wonder if it means Black will be as special as the Salistrene. . .� And with that though, Tabaisu drifted off to dream of all the wonderful things her sister might be destined to do one day.