The mob marches through the dark forest-- wind and rain whipping at them but not slowing them down. The trees moan softly in fear as the group passes beneath their boughs. The tall leader raises his hand up, his form wrapped in shadow, and the group halts for a moment. Pale eyes narrow, and then the hand waves them forward again.
The group picks up speed as they emerge from the woods and descend upon the small cottage, walking turning to jogging�jogging turning to running�the sound of haunting, angry chanting rising up from their midst.
A short, stout form appears at the front door, shielding eyes temporarily unaccustomed to the darkness.
The small, dark, slender being at the mob-leader's side makes a move faster than the eye can track with his hand, and suddenly the stout form in the doorway of the house gives a yelp of pain and falls back into the house.
The leader gives a growl low in his throat and bolts towards the house followed closely behind by his cohort.
The owner of the cottage lies on the floor with his hand curled around a dagger protruding from his ribs. His face is pale and he's shaking with fear. When the tall, shadowed form emerges into his warm home, he feels all strength flow out of his limbs.
"Wh-what d-do you w-want??" he stammers between paralyzed lips.
"Sir Iolyn, for crimes against humanity we sentence you to death." An icy, slightly-familiar voice rasps.
"C-crimes against humanity?? Whatever can you mean??" Sir Iolyn cries, trying to back away from this tall, thin spectre on his elbows with his heels against the floor.
The Sluagh who threw the dagger steps from behind his leader. "For the loss of my brother." he whispers with deadly eyes.
A Troll steps from the other side, brandishing his axe. "For my family who were trapped in the mortal world because of your decree that the gates be destroyed with only two days to recall them."
Two Pookas crawl through the Troll's legs to stand before the Nocker. "For our cousins who were killed by the guards because of you!" they cry in unison.
More and more commoners emerge from either side of the tall, thin figure in the center.
"For my father!"
"For my mother!"
Each Changeling lists those who were lost in the Shattering of the gates until the room is nearly filled with angry people.
"For my aunt and uncle!"
"For my friends!"
Finally the tall leader steps forwards and bends down into Sir Iolyn's face, throwing back his hood. Sir Iolyn's eyes widen in fear.
"For my sister." Corrander reaches under his cloak and draws an iron sword.
"Lord Corrander! No!" Sir Iolyn shrieks in terror.
Corrander's eyes stay hard and don't flinch for a moment as he brings up his sword-- point down-- and then thrusts it downward through Sir Iolyn's heart. Sir Iolyn gasps and gurgles in tremendous pain for a moment, and then finally slumps back and dies, the cold iron ending his cycle of rebirth.
The group stands around in silence until the corpse has ceased to bleed, and then Corrander pulls his hood back up and walks from the house without turning back. One by one the Changelings file through the doorway until the warm, cozy house is left without a living soul within.
Meanwhile in Amenti...
The great throne room of the sleeping god Osiris gleams in its golden rays upon the city. The court stands singing his praises to deaf ears as Osiris sleeps. Isis and Anubis stand by his side, ever vigilant. Isis motions and two slaves open the double doors. Amon-Ra steps through, and strides towards the dais.
He bows deeply. "Merciful and great god of all, you have summoned me?"
"We have, son of our favored," says Ma'at, who also sits next to Isis. "You inquired about the Fae ones."
Amon nods, "I did, mother of fate." Ma'at looks to Isis.
"Their gates have closed. No longer will those of Arcadia stride through our lands." She says.
Amon looks up, "Closed, why have they closed?"
"Their motives are not our providence, son of the favored. We know only that their gates have been sealed and destroyed. Many have been trapped here in the land of the wakened. But not the one you spoke of," Ma'at finishes.
Amon clenches his jaw and nods. He turns to leave. Isis holds up her hand languidly.
"Wait, child. There is more. You are to waken soon?"
Amon nods, "Yes, I feel it will be within the next few suns."
"Your body has been captured and an amulet has been placed upon it."
"Mehetma!" he hisses.
"Yes, my child...but fear not...I have placed your body in the path of those who would journey with you." Ma'at says. "Go now and rest...and be ready to awaken..."
Back at Castle Moonglow�
Ellowyndriel sits on her throne in the great hall with one elbow resting on her knee, hand propping up her head. Her eyes stare intently towards the doors at the far end as her counselors rattle on and on in front of her.
"My lady, we really MUST do something about the morale of this cantrev!" Mrs. Galloway insists, bringing her hands together. "Ever since the Shat�" Mrs. Galloway winces at Ellowyndriel's face, which has hardened suddenly, "�well, ever since THAT day, the people of the cantrev have been dismal! They go about their tasks lifelessly! And it hasn't stopped raining in over a month! I suggest we have another ball. It's been quite a while since the last one."
"Mrs. Galloway, the people may be resentful of festivities at this time. Many families suffered losses on that day, and the sight of celebrating and smiling may incite a rebellion, or worse!" an elderly Sidhe suggests.
Ellowyndriel sighs and lets the sound of the voices drone on around her. The first week after the Shattering found her family in shock. They spent the hours standing by windows-- hoping for the sight of a gateway opening up, or for word of Gwendolyn's return.
When that didn't happen, Ellowyndriel finally got the initiative to go with Corrander to the royal surveyor's office and get a list of all the people in the cantrev, and then start marking off the names of the people who were still in the human realm when the gates closed. From that list they created the List of Missing Fae, and then took it around to the families and friends of the Missing Fae to ask what part of the world each Fae was in when the gates were destroyed.
Ellowyndriel didn't really know how this would help, except that she needed something to do so she wouldn't go crazy while waiting for her daughter to come back. She reasoned that if she knew where all these Fae were, she could estimate how long it would take Gwendolyn to find them all and return with them. The task would be long and tedious.
While she had been doing complicated mathematical equations, Corrander had sat across from her, staring at the list of names. Ellowyndriel would catch him staring, ask him what he was thinking, and he'd make a witty joke or silly excuse and then ask her how her calculating was coming, and then after Ellowyndriel would go back to her tables, Corrander would slowly fall back into staring intently. Ellowyndriel had wondered what her son was up to�especially after yesterday when the list went missing altogether, and so did Corrander.
"Countess? Lady Ellowyndriel??"
The sound of her name being called brings her back to the present.
"Oh�yes, Mrs. Galloway?" she asks distractedly, raising her eyes to meet those of the energetic Boggan's.
"Mr. Comfrey, here, was just saying that perhaps we ought to poll the people to see if they'd like a celebration, and if so, what type to arrange. That should make everyone happy, to some degree." Mrs. Galloway informs Ellowyndriel.
"Yes, yes- -we should definitely ask the people. But I'm inclined to think they won't want any celebration of the sort!" Mr. Comfrey states, folding his arms.
"Oh no, Mr. Comfrey! Give the people their celebration! There is much to celebrate!" Corrander's voice booms out across the great hall as he strides in, black cloak flowing out and dripping rain behind him.
Ellowyndriel quickly stands from her throne, hand to her chest.
"Corrander Moonglow, you gave me quite the scare! I do not need to hear that BOTH of my children have gone missing!" she scolds, but then rushes down the stairs to hug him, not minding the wet cloak.
"What have you been up to, Corrander�" she whispers.
Corrander smirks, tucking a strand of hair behind his mother's ear and patting her shoulder.
"You do not have to worry about your people revolting any longer, friends!" he calls to everyone in attendance while keeping his eyes on Ellowyndriel's. "I spoke with a group of those directly impacted by the Massacre-- as I call it-- and they agree that tomorrow night a grand ball would do good for the soul of the cantrev! So Mrs. Galloway, start the preparations! Mr. Comfrey, write out the invitations! On with the show!" he calls, flourishing his cape with one arm.
Ellowyndriel narrows her eyes, not moving.
The advisors look from mother to son for a moment-- waiting for the Countess to say anything-- and then when she doesn't, they nod and bow quickly to the two and hurry from the room to make their preparations.
Corrander turns back to Ellowyndriel. "Oh! Here is your list, Mother. I'm sorry-- I borrowed it without telling you, but here it is back again!" He hands the List of Missing Fae back to Ellowyndriel with that infuriating smile on his face.
"What did you do, Corrander??" Ellowyndriel asks in a low voice. "You've been out in the rain all evening-- where did you go??"
"Ah-ha-ha!! Let us just say that there is a little vacant cottage in the woods between here and Mount Snowdon. Oh-- but the previous owner HAS left a rather disgusting mess, so the selling-price should be lowered considerably." Corrander folds his arms and taps his chin with one slender finger, trying to keep from laughing.
Ellowyndriel's mouth falls open, and she finds herself speechless for a moment.
"Corrander�" she begins slowly, trying to control her voice. "�what you did�that did not bring her back�COULD not bring her back! So why�WHY did you do it??" she whispers harshly, gripping his upper arms.
Corrander's smile drops from his face, and he leans his face towards Ellowyndriel's.
"It may not aid her in returning, but it guaranteed that HE would not be returning! Not to this life or any other!" he hisses, and Ellowyndriel notices for the first time the iron sword hanging at her son's waist. She closes her eyes and tries to keep from going light-headed.
"How could you?? How could you use cold iron on one of our own kind??" she cries in horror. "He only read the omens, as was his job!! You committed murder, my son!!"
Corrander's lips come together tightly. "When you see the people laughing and rejoicing tomorrow at the celebration�when you see our cantrev return to its care-free nature�then you will see why. Vengeance-- no matter misplaced or not-- alleviates suffering. THAT is what his destruction brings to our people! And to me!"
Corrander's lips begin to tremble and his eyes to shimmer, and he quickly turns away.
Ellowyndriel's mind whirls. The people HAVE been increasingly moody and slow to go about their lives, and she'd secretly feared that at any moment they would target she and her family as the cause of their misery, and something tragic would happen. If Corrander was able to convince them that it was poor Sir Iolyn's fault that the Fae were trapped or killed, perhaps the innocent Nocker's death WOULD bring her people resolution�until Gwendolyn's return, of course.
As Corrander moves to take his first step back towards the door, Ellowyndriel quickly wraps her arms around him and lays her head on his shoulder, holding him tightly and stopping him in mid-stride.
"And there is nothing that could trace his death back to Castle Moonglow?" she whispers into his ear. "I, myself, know nothing about it at all." She says in a forced airy tone, and Corrander hears, understands, and suddenly loves his mother more fiercely than he ever has in his life.
"No�nothing. We erased all signs of our passage as we left�" he whispers, trying to keep his voice calm so his mother will know that he speaks true.
Ellowyndriel nods slowly, takes a deep breath and exhales, kisses the side of his head, and pulls back. Corrander turns to look over his shoulder with a little smile on his face.
"I will make this the most magnificent spectacle this cantrev has ever seen!" He closes his eyes and bows his head quickly in his mother's direction, and then strides back out of the great hall.
Ellowyndriel smiles and wipes water-drops from the paper she's holding, and then also leaves the great hall.
Upstairs�
Loviander watches his son hurry across the drawbridge back to the palace and heaves a sigh of relief. Ever since losing his daughter to the mortal-realm when the gates were destroyed, he has felt a sense of panic whenever his wife or son leaves to go anywhere-- he now being heavy with the realization that they could possibly never return�something unforeseen could happen�just like with his daughter.
For the first few weeks after the Shattering, he had held to the hope that his wife was right�that the amulet she and their children had crafted would bring his daughter and the trapped commoners back. But then after a month's time passed with no sign of her return, he fell into a state of muddled despair-- neglecting his duties and wandering about the palace like a sleepwalker.
The night of the Shattering he had gone to his chambers to stare out the window in a state of shock while his son wept and his wife lay unconscious in her bed. But then the next night his heart was once more filled with the love he'd admitted to his sleeping wife, and-- realizing how much Ellowyndriel really meant to him-- he had crept to her room after the palace had gone to bed and watched her sleep until he, too, fell asleep in the chair. He had still risen before she had, and had snuck away before he was discovered.
The next night the count had repeated his previous watch over his sleeping wife, and had-- again-- fallen asleep in the chair. This time Ellowyndriel awoke in the middle of the night, caught him sleeping in the chair, and-- following the urges of her own heart-- had pulled him stumbling back to her bed with her, laid him down, and slept with her limbs entwined around him.
This routine continued for a week-- the two distraught parents finding comfort and peace in holding one another as they slept. Loviander didn't disrobe�didn't even get under the covers�but Ellowyndriel didn't seem to mind. She had him in her arms and woke up with him every morning, and Loviander felt no pressure to perform "husbandly duties," as she called them.
When the new week began, Loviander came to a heart-felt decision. He and his wife had been married for over 3,000 years, and in all that time they had maintained separate chambers. He knew it would make his wife very happy if he agreed to her pleas and agreed to share a bed with her permanently, and-- much to his surprise-- he realized it would make him very happy, as well. Compromises would have to be made, of course, but he was certain she would be open to them!
He walked to her chambers-- feeling his heart lighter than it had felt in ages-- but when he opened Ellowyndriel's doors and entered, she'd risen from her bed and ordered him out in stony resentment! When his astonishment had subsided enough that he'd found the voice to ask her what was wrong, she'd flown into a rage.
She told him it was his fault that Gwendolyn was gone. She said she was infuriated that he'd dared to use cantrips against his own wife to forcibly hold her from her quest. And finally she'd informed him of her suspicion that he was only coming to her room because of his temporary need for comforting, and once that need was ended, he'd go back to neglecting her-- citing the fact that he'd never once gotten out of his clothing to come to bed OR laid under the covers. She said she'd had her hopes raised so many times over the millennia only to have them dashed just when she'd started believing in their marriage, and she didn't want to have to go through the pain anymore. At that point she'd taken a step towards him, filled herself with the glamour of sovereign majesty, pointed towards the doors, and commanded him not to enter her chambers again.
Loviander had opened his mouth to argue, but the power of her countenance was so overwhelming that he'd felt the truth behind each of her accusations, and had left without protest. How close Ellowyndriel had come to the healing of her marriage she would never know.
This was two nights ago. Now his wife sits in the great hall with their counselors. Wanting to give Ellowyndriel her space, he paces the halls while she meets with them alone.
When Corrander comes through the doors at a brisk pace, Loviander catches up with him, walking at his side.
"My son-- was a decision made regarding the cantrev?" he asks quickly, placing his hand on Corrander's arm.
Corrander jumps a little. "Ah�Father! What are you doing lurking about in the hallways, hmm? Readying yourself for another glorious night in Mother's arms?" he smirks.
Loviander looks at his son with surprise, and then his eyes fall with hurt.
Corrander takes this in without comprehending. "Am I mistaken? Do you not sleep in Mother's chambers now? The palace walls have eyes and ears, you know!" he grins.
Loviander releases his touch from Corrander's arm and pulls his robes about him, continuing to walk. Corrander hurries to stay by his side.
"If the walls have eyes and ears, they would know that your mother has forbidden me from entering her chambers again." Loviander says in a voice low and smooth like thick silk, but frayed at the edges.
Now it's Corrander's turn to grab his father's arm. In the past month, he and his father have slowly grown to conciliatory acquaintances, and-- against Corrander's willingness to admit-- a huge burden of years has been lifted from his shoulders by having a father he can talk to�even respect�and all because of the overheard declaration of love Loviander made to Ellowyndriel on the night of the Shattering.
"Wait�Mother ordered you out of her chambers??" Corrander asks incredulously. "Why??"
Loviander heaves a great sigh. "Because she believes that I did not mean to sleep by her side permanently, and does not wish to be hurt again by the hope that I would."
"Are�are you saying you DID mean to sleep by her side permanently then?" Corrander asks quickly.
Loviander closes his eyes and rubs his temples. "It does not matter, my son. She has ordered me from her room, and all past intentions no longer have potential. In any case, you have not told me what was decided in the great hall."
Corrander lowers his eyebrows and sets his jaw stubbornly for a moment, deep in thought. Perhaps he and Gwendolyn had poisoned their mother against their father for so long that they had-- unknowingly-- helped to destroy a marriage that really COULD have been repaired! The thought frustrates him to no end! He makes a quick vow to himself that he will do what he can to right all the wrongs the years have wrought.
Then he realizes his father is looking at him expectantly.
"Ah yes�I do apologize, Father. It was decided-- by the people of the cantrev-- that a grand celebration tomorrow is in order, and I was on my way to set about the preparations. You may take control of them, if you wish?" he asks with a raised eyebrow.
Loviander nods while listening to his son speak, and then quickly shakes his head and raises his hand.
"No, no-- you and your�mother are much better at arranging parties than I am. Go right ahead, my son. I will be�in the library."
Is it Corrander's imagination, or does he detect that his father is near to tears?? Ever since Gwendolyn's disappearance, anything seems possible.
Corrander nods and claps his father on the back. "All right then. I intend on the celebration starting at noon and lasting well into the wee hours of the night. Don't stay up too late tonight!" he jokes, then claps his father's back once more, and hurries off towards the kitchens.
Loviander stands watching as Corrander disappears down the hallways-- a look of the broken-hearted on his face-- but then he's startled back into awareness by the sound of his wife's voice approaching, and quickly vanishes.
The next day dawns cloudy, but the rain has stopped at last. Commoners scuttle about the great lawns and fields surrounding the castle walls to set up booths and decorations. There's a feeling of anticipation and excitement in the air, and people smile and nod or call out greetings of hello as they pass.
When at last noon arrives, all the people of the cantrev-- dressed in warm clothing in case it begins to rain again-- stand surrounding a great platform that was erected near the moat on the outside of the castle.
Corrander-- wearing bright yellow and turquoise tunic, hose, and boots-- ascends the platform and raises his arms. Instantly the people quiet down, all faces turned up smiling to Corrander.
"Good people of Cantrev Snowdonia! We have all just endured a period of mourning the likes of which we have never before known, and while the sadness in our hearts at the loss of our loved ones will never diminish, we will rejoice in celebrating their memories, today and forever after that!"
The people all raise their arms and cheer-- knowing the secret of what Lord Corrander and the mob had been about the night before-- but not a few of the Fae give one another secret looks. Lord Corrander was right-- the sadness in their hearts would never diminish.
Corrander continues. "And so let today and every day after that see a return of the magick that makes Cantrev Snowdonia flourish! The glamour that imbues our land, making it the most beautiful of all lands! Behold!"
And with that Corrander turns and sweeps his arms up in giant whoosh until his hands are stretching towards the clouds, and suddenly the empty land in front of him bursts open with a great choir of unearthly voices, and out pours tiny elementals of all types!
Nearly-transparent Wind Elementals rush through the sky, clearing away the dark, menacing clouds, followed by soft, white Cloud Elementals who form up into fluffy, cheerful clouds that float lightly in the sky. The sound of high-pitched singing and giggling fills the air. Light Elementals dance on sunbeams as the Sun is finally free to extend his rays down to the ground.
Water Elementals run and jump into the moat, changing the pallid-gray waters to bright, inviting blue. Fishes of all shapes, sizes, and colors suddenly appear, and the Water Elementals swim happily alongside them. Mermaids swim to the sides of the moat and wave invitingly at a group of Satyr, who instantly throw off what sparse pieces of clothing they have on and jump into the moat, splashing and laughing with the mermaids.
Fire Elementals crackle through the air, lighting cooking fires for the cooks, and warming the air to a balmy, comfortable temperature. Dragons fly from out of the wide crevice in the earth to soar in circles above the castle, followed behind by pegasuses, who-- after stretching their wings in flight for a few moments with sighs of relief-- glide back down to earth to let the Fae take turns riding through the air on their backs.
Benign Creatures of all sorts and of every imagining come out of the crevice, having been in hiding for so long, and the Fae weep and embrace them, welcoming them home. The last of the creatures to emerge are the mystical and sacred unicorns. Approaching the maidens of the cantrev, the unicorns nuzzle them trustingly before making for the fields to run and exercise long-cramped limbs.
Flowers of exotic colors suddenly pop up all across the fields, quickly attended by butterflies with wings painted in dizzying patterns. The trees sing in their great baritones, and birds fly out of their branches to flitter amidst the towering dragons and graceful pegasuses.
Corrander stands grinning with his arms folded and one leg crossed over the other. Then he turns and nods to a group of Pooka standing around him, and one by run they run shrieking excitedly into the crowds, changing the clothing on everyone's bodies into fashions out of only the most active imagination-- clothing of every conceivable style, color, and fabric. Then they set about changing people's hair and skin-colors, as well, for good measure!
The people-- suddenly giddy with renewed energy and joy-- dance�sing�make love�look around at everything with pleasure�eat�drink�talk-whatever comes to mind. Summer has returned to Castle Moonglow!
The day slowly grows into night, and the one by one little Star Elementals pop out in the blanket of the deep blue sky. The Sun bows to his consort the Moon, and then descends below the horizon-- the brilliant sunset of his train slowly departing behind him. The Moon rises in majesty and elegance, her face bathing everything in a silvery glow, and the Stars all sing in worship to her. Then random Stars start swooping and falling in glittering arcs across the sky.
The Fae ooh and aah, and then exclaim in delight when they look at one another and see that those rascally Pooka have changed their clothing and hair into formal ball-attire! They all make their way across the drawbridge and up into the palace for more dancing and merriment.
Corrander bursts through his mother's chamber doors and enters, closing them quickly behind him. "Ah! There you are, Mother! Getting ready for the ball-- good!" he grins, walking into the room.
Ellowyndriel sits at her dressing-table in her corset and undergarments while her maids work at her hair and make-up. The maids gasp when Corrander enters unannounced, and then giggle and blush, glancing at him under their eyelashes.
"Ah yes-- do come in and make yourself at home, Corrander!" Ellowyndriel smirks sarcastically.
Corrander picks up the heavy black gown laying across the bed, studies it disdainfully, and then looks at his mother with a raised eyebrow.
"Surely you're not wearing THIS to the ball, Mother." He tilts his head to the side and regards her as a parent might a child.
Ellowyndriel sniffs and turns back to her mirror. "I will wear black gowns in public until Gwendolyn returns."
Corrander lowers his eyebrows, takes the gown in his hands, and then rips it down the center. The maids gasp, and Ellowyndriel turns to face him in outrage.
Corrander tosses the ruined dress to a maid standing nearby, and then walks casually into his mother's giant closet. Humming to himself, he rifles through the hanging gowns until he sees one he likes. Taking it from the rack, he emerges from the closet and holds it up.
"There were are! Deep red, to match the color of your eyes at this very moment!" he grins. "No, no-- you can't protest! There will be no black at my party."
"All right, my son. Then I will not attend." Ellowyndriel announces, standing and walking towards her bed.
Corrander rolls his eyes, grabs her shoulders, turns her, and walks her back to the dressing-table, pushing her down into her chair.
"Father will be very disappointed if you do not�" he says in a sing-song voice.
Ellowyndriel gives a bitter laugh. "I highly doubt THAT, my son!"
Corrander moves to stand behind his mother, grabs a brush, and begins to brush her hair. Calling to the maids standing around awkwardly, he asks for them to hand him various strings of jewels, pins, and brushes as he arranges his mother's hair.
"Mother�it is to my great displeasure that I must renounce myself. I am a fool. Do not keep Father from your room, Mother. I believe his intent was to come to your bed every night forevermore."
Ellowyndriel gapes at her son in the mirror. It takes her a moment to find her voice.
"Where is this sudden turn-around coming from, Corrander?? You�you're ENCOURAGING me to be with your father?? Have you gone mad on faery-wine this afternoon??"
Corrander gives his mother a little smirk, and then his face turns serious.
"No, I'm not mad, and no, I did not drink any faery-wine." He takes a deep breath. "Father and I have�reconciled. I do not hate him anymore. I want to help fix this rift in your marriage."
Ellowyndriel continues to stare at Corrander in astonishment for a minute. "Why, Corrander?? Why?" Then she gives a bitter laugh. "Aah�I see now. You are suffering from the loss of your sister and wish our family to be whole, and so you're focusing your attention on your parents, hmm? Very sentimental, but I'm afraid your project is futile-- as you only-so-recently knew. Why do this, Corrander? You know I don't want to be hurt any longer!"
"Then what will you do, Mother?? Stay married to him until the end of time, having no physical relationship�no companionship?? Why would you condemn yourself to that?? Why would you condemn HIM to that??" he exclaims, pausing in his brushing.
Ellowyndriel's eyes slowly fill with tears. She hadn't thought of that�that by sending Loviander from her room she was also condemning him to an existence devoid of being held and comforted. She looks down at her lap and twists her fingers together.
"I just don't want to be hurt anymore�" she whispers in a quivering voice. "�not again�"
Corrander nods and holds her shoulders. "I know, Mother. But what if I told you that Father wants to change? That the night you sent him from your room, he was coming to you to make a compromise? What would you say then?"
Ellowyndriel wipes her eyes and shakes her head. "How would you know that, my son?" she asks weakly, still not convinced.
"There is much about Father's feelings that I know, and this is why I choose to take his side."
Corrander moves to stand beside Ellowyndriel, and then squats down and takes her hands.
"Mother�make me a promise. Promise me that you won't give up on Father. Promise me that you'll go to him tonight and invite him back into your bed. And in return, I will get a promise from him that he will not dash your hopes if he's allowed to return. The promise of the Sidhe count. What do you say?"
Ellowyndriel watches her son with eyes too tired to allow the glint of optimism to give them life.
"It is a lovely, thoughtful gesture, my son�I will allow you to try to get this promise from you father, but I will promise nothing until I am convinced it is safe to."
Corrander looks at her for a moment, and then a smile curls up the corners of his mouth.
"All right. Fair enough."
And he goes back to fixing his mother's hair.
An hour later�
Just as the most recent song ends, trumpet-fanfare fills the great hall. Corrander steps into the hall wearing rich formal attire in deep blue, turquoise, and gold, and on his arm is Ellowyndriel. Her hair is hung with strings of rubies that match her gown, and pearls that match her hair and skin. She wears a gorgeous ruby and pearl choker that spreads across her upper shoulders and chest, and her gown is low-cut with sleeves that hang down to bare her shoulders. The deep red of the gown sets off her pale skin and hair dramatically, and matches with her red-painted lips. Every eye lingers on the pair in stunned appreciation.
Loviander's hand begins to shake when he sees Ellowyndriel from across the great hall, and he has to set his goblet down. He looks at her for as long as he can bear to, and then he quickly turns away to regain control over his emotions.
Ellowyndriel is amazed by the sight before her eyes. Every noble and commoner is dressed extravagantly in bright, stunning colors, and every one of them looks to be bursting with excitement and joy!
She glances at Corrander with wide eyes, and Corrander nods at her and grins a crooked grin.
"I will leave you to the ladies, dear Mother, while I speak with Father." He whispers, releasing her arm and bowing gallantly to her.
Ellowyndriel nods a little distractedly. She hadn't attended the festivities of the day because she'd consigned herself to her chambers-- did she just hear someone say that there were unicorns out in the courtyard??
She's quickly snatched up by the ladies of the court, who are eager to tell her everything!
Corrander walks quickly over to his father, who's trying to move off into the shadows of one of the corners of the great hall. He taps Loviander on the shoulder, and when Loviander turns, he hands him his goblet back.
"Aah�thank you, my son�" Loviander says haltingly, taking the goblet.
"Doesn't Mother look enchanting this evening??" Corrander purrs.
Loviander's eyes turn down sadly. "She does." He murmurs.
"A magickal night like this-- who knows what could happen? Perhaps even hearts turned to stone can be softened, eh Father?" Corrander whispers, leaning in towards his father.
Loviander's eyes shift over to study Corrander for a moment, and then return to the goblet. "I wouldn't hold anything past you, my son. I saw what you did for the cantrev, and you have my eternal gratitude." Suddenly his eyes lift, and he looks at Corrander. "If I cannot have the conversation of my wife, I am grateful that at last you share yours with me. I have�" Loviander quickly lowers his eyes. "�I have missed so much."
Corrander nods and falls silent for a moment, trying to push his emotions down so he can continue to speak.
Finally he takes a deep breath.
"That is how Mother has felt for all these thousands of years, Father. She longed for-- CRAVED-- your attentions, and when you denied her them, she took solace in her children�for which we are grateful, of course. But all along, Father�all along your children dreamed of a blissful marriage between their parents, as all children do."
Loviander looks up and watches Corrander intently as he speaks.
Corrander sighs and straightens his shoulders. "I heard you tell Mother you loved her, and I've heard Mother tell us SO many times how much she loves you. Why can't you both tell each other? When you're AWAKE, for the gods' sakes!?"
Loviander opens his mouth to speak-- his eyes bright with tears-- but Corrander quickly raises his hand.
"I must have a promise from you, Father. Mother told me within this hour that she doesn't want to condemn the both of you to a life apart, but she's wary from years of being abandoned. Wary to rescind her command that you stay out of her chambers. I must have the promise of a Sidhe count that if she allows you back into her chambers�if you do come to a compromise that both parties agree to�that you will not go back on that compromise. Do I have that promise, Father?"
Loviander's shoulders droop as he absorbs his son's words. How many years he wasted on his little quests! How much time he spent away from his family-- that group of people he always told himself that he treasured above all! And now he has a wife who no longer trusts him�a daughter he may never learn to know�and a son who grew to admirable manhood without the assistance of a father. Loviander quickly grips the arm of the chair near him, and sits heavily in it.
"You have my promise, Corrander." He says in a quiet voice.
Corrander feels his heart leap in his chest, and he bows deeply to his father.
"I will speak with Mother." He turns and goes, and takes with him his father's last hope.
Corrander approaches Ellowyndriel, bows to the ladies she's standing with, makes many melodramatic apologies that cause them to titter and smile at him forgivingly, and then he takes his mother's arm and leads her over to a corner to sit at a table with him.
He takes her hands in his and speaks with her, their faces close together. Not long after Corrander begins speaking does Ellowyndriel pull out a handkerchief and start dabbing at her eyes.
When Corrander finishes, he sits back and regards his mother, who looks like she's going through an internal war.
She stands and paces�then sits motionless and holds her fists on the table�then she stands and folds her arms with her back to the ballroom, head hanging�then finally she returns to sit at the table.
Corrander watches her every move, body still and eyes following her.
"So, Mother. What do you say." He asks tentatively, all bravado gone.
Ellowyndriel looks across the great hall where Loviander still sits, head resting against one hand and goblet forgotten in his other.
Then she turns back to Corrander and takes a deep breath.
"Tell him�" she closes her eyes for a moment. "�tell him that if he wants me at his side, he must win my heart and my trust. He must woo me. We will start all over-- as if we were young Wilder again who had not sealed an engagement ceremony�not ever been betrothed at birth�never laid together. Just two Fae who have caught one another's eye, and want to pursue the mutual attraction between them. That is�if there IS mutual attraction. Tell your father that. Tell him that I wait here to see if he can win my heart, himself."
Corrander's face tightens for a moment. He hopes with every fiber of his being that his father is up to the task, but he knows that what his mother asks for is appropriate and right. He swallows and nods quickly.
"All right. I will deliver your message, and then bow out. Once your words have been communicated, I will no longer interfere." He stands, looking down at his mother.
"I�" he stops, shaking his head, and then turns and walks back over to Loviander.
Ellowyndriel watches Corrander approach her husband with fear in her heart. She knows that if Loviander leaves this room�leaves this challenge�that their marriage is ended. She DOES love him! She WANTS this marriage to work! But after so many, MANY years, it finally comes to this: how badly does HE want it to work??
Corrander speaks with her husband for a few minutes kneeling beside him, and then finally stands, bows, and slowly backs away�turning with hesitation and walking out of the great hall as if he can't bear the tension of staying to watch what unfolds.
Ellowyndriel shifts in her chair, gripping the arms tightly and watching Loviander-- frozen in anticipation.
Loviander looks out across the great hall, gazing at his wife who he barely knows. His face is a mask of torment. He rests his elbows on his knees and holds his face in his hands for a moment. Then he brings his face up and looks out at Ellowyndriel over his fingertips.
Finally he stands.
Ellowyndriel feels her heart trying to leap out of her chest. Her hands tighten on the arms of the chair, and she sits forward breathlessly, watching Loviander with longing in her eyes.
Loviander takes a step forward�one, and then another�eyes locked on Ellowyndriel with fear behind them.
'Come, Loviander�please come to me�keep walking�don't falter�' she mentally urges, bringing her hands together and clasping them as if in prayer. 'Come to me�call my name and take my hand�please�please�'
Loviander looks at his wife, and then starts walking towards her intently.
Ellowyndriel feels a burst of joy rush through her, and her mouth falls open a little.
Suddenly Loviander stops. He looks at the side-doors for a long moment, and his face is filled with conflict.
Ellowyndriel falls back in her chair. "No�" she barely breathes.
Loviander stands in the center of the great hall, seeming not to know what to do. He looks from the door to Ellowyndriel�his face twists in fear�then he looks back at the door for a long moment. Finally he turns and strides quickly out the doors.
Ellowyndriel lets out a sob, hand coming up imploringly towards his departing back, and when he finally disappears through the doorway she falls back against the chair and cries as if her heart would break. She brings her hands up to cover her face, and her form shakes with sobbing.
Damascus the Satyr notices this out of the corner of his eye and quickly motions to the Satyr-band to play louder-- play to bring ecstasy to the listeners-- but it has no effect on Ellowyndriel, except to drown out her sobbing.
She bends forward and holds her stomach in her arms, not caring if anyone sees her, but the Satyr-music seems to be doing its job, and everyone is so wrapped up in their enjoyment that no one notices her crying or rushes to her side.
What will she do now?? There's nothing for her now-- no one! No husband�no daughter�no Amon�her son must marry someday and start his own family�she closes her eyes as the tears pour down her cheeks. She will fade away�
A man clears his throat, and Ellowyndriel slowly opens her eyes. There stands Loviander holding a single white rose, freshly plucked.
"I know this is your favorite flower, for you had the bushes planted all the way around the palace." He says in a soft voice. His fingers that hold the rose are bleeding.
Ellowyndriel's hands fly to her mouth and her head grows light. Is this real??
Loviander stands there awkwardly for a moment, and then holds out his hand to her.
"Ellowyndriel�will you�dance with me." He asks, hand and voice shaking slightly.
Ellowyndriel begins to cry, and then reaches out and takes his hand.