DISCLAIMER: I don't own anything : (
A/N: I really love Terry Brooks' novels although I prefear "The sword of Shannara".
But the couple Triss/Wren is too cool not to write about it.
So here is my story, sat 4 years after "The Talismans of Shannara".
Direct speeches are contained in " " while personal thoughts are written in italic
Enjoy!
Hidden Love
By: Smiling Cat
Chapter one
Wren Elessedil, Elf Queen of the Westland, Scion of Ohmsford and holder of the Elfstones, sat under the shadow of the Ellcrys in the Gardens of Life in Arborlon, reading by the sunset light a private letter that came from the Shady Vale.
Par is getting married!
She thought enthusiastically, bursting into laugher as a child, amazing the Home Guards hidden at the foot of the Hill that were used to the gloomyness that pervaded her soul when she visited the Tree at sunset. She was always that way since her come back after the Shadowen's defeat four years ago.
Four years….. How Time flies!
It seemed yesterday to her, but things had radically changed: the free-born had freed Challaorn with the Trolls' help and praised their chief Padishar Creel as their new King; now they were supporting the Dwarves that were still fighting against Federation to drive the Men of the Southland out of their cities with the fundamental help of Morgan Leah.
The Elves on their part helped their allies and the Four Lands everytime they could through their soldiers and healers. Nothing was known about the Druids; Walker Boh was sleeping the Druids Sleep in the reborn Paranor and hadn't left it since the last battle.
Instead she kept in contact with Par: he and Damson went to visit her sometimes on their way to Callahorn when they were headed to meet Padishar, that had publicly recognised his daughter.
Coll on the other hand prefeared to remain at the Shady Vale to take care of his Parents and the Inn.
And now their dream will come true… I'd love to be present at the cerimony but they will never let me go!
She fumed thinking at the obsession for her safety that everyone in her realm seemed to share: her People as well as her Ministers; and than there was Triss who appointed himself as her protector.
But not only!
The Captain of the Home Guard had become also her right hand and councelor….. as well as the only shoulder she let herself rely on the rare times she felt she couldn't make it alone.
She smiled thinking at his serene steel-gray eyes so sincere but at the same time unreadable that never let something slip by, always watchful at what surrouned them.
Her thoughts were cut by the object of her ruminations, who sat silently beside her admiring the last rays of the sun: It was a ritual for them to meet under the Ellcrys, sometimes talking about the daily events, or simply enjoying each others company in silence.
Wren enjoyed the serene atmosphere for a long time, than she remembered the letter that was resting on her lap and happyness overtook her again.
"I have news for you!"
She exclaimed joyfully with a happy smile on her face.
Triss couldn't help but smile back, too happy to see her so elated to recall for the hundredth time their respective positions: It had been a long time since he last saw her smile like that.
"What about My Lady?"
He replied regaining his composure.
"My cusin Par is getting married!"
"That's fantastic My Lady!"
Exclaimed Triss, sincerely happy: he had always liked the Ohmsfords.
Then an annoying thought crossed his mind:
"You're not going to visit the Shady Vale, are you?"
Quod erat demonstrandum!
Wren thought sighing.
"Surely not! I know it's impossible: you'd never let me go!"
Her annoyance was clear.
"Please try to understand My Lady! We do it on the behalf of your person and of the
Elf Nation….. What will happen to our People without you?"
He asked worriedly
"…. And you even promised me not to run away!"
He said bringing them both back in the memories of that long gone night in Morrowild.
"Yes I promised….."
She wishpered sadly.
"….and I will never do it. My place is here, I know it….. But sometimes I wish I could be free to follow my heart…"
"I'm sorry for recalling such sorrowful rememberances……. And it's not true you can never do what you want, it's simply you have a restricted range….but with the right manouvers you can obtain quite everything My Lady!"
"For example?"
She dared him in disbelive. Triss thought for some minutes with unnerving calm.
"Well… in this case you could suggest to Par to celebrate the Wedding here….. he's half-elf and considered as a hero….. and he's your cusin!"
Wren immediatly objected
"Par will be the first to refuse!"
"Not if you will present it in the right perspective. Damson is Padishar's only daughter!"
"So!"
"What a better occasion to consolidate the relationship between Elves and Mankind?"
Her eyes shone bright with excitement.
"Yes! And more over between all races… they would be a symbol of Peace! And Creel wouldn't deny us his help to convince the Couple…."
Tons of possibilities flashed trough her mind.
"Thanks for your clever suggestion Triss!"
She practically screamed with enthusiasm, reaching out impulsively to hug him, making him blush.
"It's nothing My Lady!"
He tryed to remain impassive and immediatly broke away.
Wren stood up a little mortified and wished him Goodnight, leaving him alone with his thoughts to watch her slim figure retreating down the hill.
"No! Send someone else!"
Triss yelled, too irritated to pay attention at the tone he was using to address his Queen.
He was bitterly repenting the advices he had given her the previous evening.
Wren was astonished to see him losing control like this, but didn't bother his tone, they were fortunately alone and she could avoid formalities.
"But Triss! It would be only a day, riding a Roc it won't take you long to reach Callahorn and Padishar won't let you wait…… you'd be home for sunset!"
He didn't give up.
"Last time I left you alone was enough for you to get kidnapped and quite killed My Lady! I won't repeat the same mistake!"
"Nothing will happen!"
She answered exasperated.
"I learned my lesson too, I won't be so irresponsable again… be sure!"
"But!….."
"Enough! It's useless to talk about it, we will never come to an agreement… I promised you Not to run away, that I would have been careful, that I'd have let the guards do their job…… What else do you want me to do!"
Wren had lost her temper and flushed with anger: she didn't remember ever being so mad at Triss.
What's going on? He's always so controlled!
They faced each other for a long time till he remembered who was standing in front of him:
He bowed not beliving at what he has just done.
"I-I'm sorry My Lady! I don't know what got into me to behave in such a rude and disrespectful way towards you!"
His apologies annoyed her even more and she spoke with a hard and formal voice.
"Don't think about it! The question is over; I'm not asking I'm giving you an order: You will go to Callahorn tomorrow as my ambassador and convince Padishar to help us. Now go and summon the High Council, I must inform them of my plan!"
A dark satisfaction took possession of her seeing him shiver at her harsh tone
"Yes My Lady, I'm at your service."
He exited the room unaware of the sorrow caused by his words, too caught up in his own pain.
I have always known what was my place, so why should it be hard on me to hear her say it!
She's the Queen, I'm her Guardian…… that's all!
Wren looked around the High Council table with satisfaction: it seemed her Ministers agree with her intentions for once. The Prime Minister in particular was very kind today.
"Your idea will be very useful for our diplomatic relations and image, My Lady!"
"I'm happy to have your approval Eton Shart! I've always regarded your opinion."
She complimented him to Triss' disgust, but aware that the politician was up to something.
"Thank you My Lady. And…. Now that we are talking about weddings…..when are you going to choose your future husband?"
The queen flushed and gaped at him, than recollected herself and tryed not to lose her temper in front of the whole Council. She gave a look to Triss but he was as calm as ever.
Seems he regained his composure very quickly.
"What do you mean Prime Minister?"
"Well My Lady, I'll be earnest: you're the last of the Elessedil and you should know that if something happens to you the Kingdom would remain without a rightful Leader; the People worries about the absence of a heir to the throne! I don't want to sound indiscreet but this is the right moment for you to have children..…"
Wren wanted to scream but restrained herself and used a low and dangerous voice:
"So you're suggesting I marry the first decent elf I find to have children….. Do you know how is called such a woman!"
Everyone in the room started blushing or laughing at her hot reply; Shart in particular was shocked and quite scared.
"I'm sorry My Lady, I didn't mean it like that, I swear!"
She sighed in exasperation and the people around her relaxed.
"I know. And I understand perfectly what you meant….. but I can't say I will consider it….
I won't marry without love, or at least affection!"
"Yes My Lady, but it will be better if you tryed to know someone, you don't seem interested in such things at all!"
He insisted, and fortunately noone noticed Triss flinching on his seat.
I can't make myself to imagine her in the arms of a man!
"You're right… ok, I promise I will try… but that's all! Oh and how should my husband be like?"
She asked with false innocence
"A straight, loyal, hard-working men….. and very patient!"
Exclaimed General Oridion blushing, making everyone, even Wren laugh hard.
"Thank you Bar!"
She said with affection winking at him. He blushed even deeper if possible.
"And he MUST be an elf!"
Added Fruaren Laurel with a calm but resolute voice.
"Is it a law I wasn't aware of?"
She tryed to sound thoughtless.
"No, but our people won't accept otherways….. you should know it by now!….. My Lady."
It was the first time Triss spoke to her from their previous quarrel.
"Other than that you can choose as you wish….. wisely!"
Finished Shart while asking himself what was going on between the queen and her captain, he had never felt tension among them.
"Coming back to business…. Are we done for today?"
"Yes, your Majesty!"
They answered in chorus.
"Than this session of the High Council is over. You can go!"
They stood up and bowed, than went for the exit, leaving her alone with her new problems.
Triss turned by the door and gave her a look, as if wanting to say something.
Instead he shrugged and left.
So? What do you think about the first chappy? Send me your comments via-review!
I'll update as soon as I can….. I'm busy at the moment with the beginning of the lessons at the University.
Bye : )