Chapter 26

Elf slipped away from the boisterous gathering of relatives and hid behind a wagon. Sitting, she buried her face in her hands. Keka pressed himself against her side and rested his chin on her shoulder.

:Elfling?: Dayna nosed her hair away from her face. :What's wrong? Aren't you happy to see your family?:

Elf nodded and raised her head. Tears had left gleaming tracks down her cheeks. :I am, it's just I half expect Calum to being playing with the others or to see my mother swapping tall tales with the other mercs or for my father to be sitting with the men discussing their routes. But they aren't there. It's like they were never there.:

Dayna craned her neck around the side of the wagon. :Should I have Ryn'shya suggest a ceremony or something?:

Elf wiped her eyes on her sleeve. :No. That would just ruin the mood.:

:They didn't get much of a memorial at Haven, maybe that's what you need.: Dayna suggested.

Elf frowned thoughtfully. :A memorial? You're right, that's exactly what I need.: She stood quickly and her right knee nearly buckled forcing her to grab the wagon for support. :I need my saddle bags.

Dayna looked confused. :What in the Havens for?:

:For a memorial.: Elf answered. "Keka? Can you get my bags?" She asked.

Keka sat back on his haunches and just stared up at her. "Keka, paper." She ordered.

Keka's ears twitched and he scampered off for her saddlebags.

:Won't he just bring some paper?: Dayna asked in confusion.

:I sealed the bags magically to keep him out so he'll have to bring the bag.: Elf explained.

Carefully putting her weight on her right leg, she let go of the wall and picked up her cane.

:Do you want to talk to them or should we take a less direct route?: Dayna asked curiously.

:No need.: Elf assured her.

A frustrated Keka dragged her packs around the wagon and tried once again to pry the flap open. Elf removed the magical seal and it opened easily. Keka chirped happily and dug out a sheet of crumpled paper.

Elf scratched his ears and praised him dutifully. "Do you want to go for a ride?"

Keka leaped to Dayna's back, careful not to hurt her with his claws.

"Uh-uh, me first, remember?" She reminded him.

Keka hopped down with a sigh and allowed Elf to scramble rather awkwardly onto Dayna's bare back. She winced at the pull in her right leg but ignored it. Setting her saddlebags and cane on her lap she gestured for Keka to take his place.

:Where to?: Dayna asked.

:Kata'shin'a'in.: Elf answered.

~ * ~

The tent was right where she expected it to be. Its neighbors offered the kinds of services that catered to mercs; weapons, armor, beasts, good luck charms, and temporary company. Elf had been to this section many times with her mother, twice to visit this very man.

She rang the bell outside the door and waited patiently for an answer. Almost immediately, the door flap was pulled aside and the most extraordinary man stared down at her. His skin from his neck down was covered with the images of a menagerie of animals, each was a permanent picture dyed onto his skin. Elf's mother had only one such mark, a flaming sword on her back.

"Can I help you?" He asked uncertainly.

"Yes, I want to buy one of those marks." She pointed to his bare chest.

"A tattoo?" He asked dubiously. "Aren't you a little young? Where's you're parents?"

"Dead, that's why I want one." Elf explained. "My mother had a flaming sword on her back to remind her of her friend that had died due to friendly fire."

He looked thoughtful for a moment. "Right, Corili?"

Elf nodded.

"She was a good lady, sorry to hear about her death." He said uncomfortably.

"Can you make me a tattoo? I'll pay well." Elf said hopefully.

Dayna was still staring at the man's chest and not paying attention to their conversation until Elf said she'd pay well.

:You want to do that to yourself?: Dayna looked dubious.

"Come in." The tattoo artist requested, holding the door open for her.

Elf stepped in to the brightly lit tent. Keka hopped off Dayna's back to follow her.

"So, what did you have in mind?" He asked as he sank onto a foldable chair.

Elf sat carefully on a less that sturdy looking stool. "I was thinking a bird or something. We had birds on the wagon as symbols of the freedom of the road."

He nodded slowly. "Just a bird? What color? How big? Where do you want it?"

Elf frowned. "I don't know."

He pulled out a piece of paper and quickly sketched a small bird of prey in flight. "Something like this?"

"No, song bird or a dove."

He sketched a small bird.

"That's it." Elf leaned over to study the bird. "Can you do it different shades of bright colors?"

"Of course."

Elf tilted her head to the side. She could picture the gaily-painted wagon they had shared with its cheerful songbirds and ribbons trailing from their beaks. "Can you make it carry four ribbons?"

He looked amused at her request but sketched them in. "Do you want them just hanging there?"

"Fluttering a little, like they are being tugged by the wind. They'll be the only ribbons I'll ever own that don't get tangled." Elf scratched Keka's head affectionately.

"What is he?" He finally asked.

"He's a Cuna." Elf improvised.

He eyed the large creature curiously. "I haven't got one of them yet. Will he sit still long enough for me to make a sketch of him?"

"Afraid not. He's a little energetic." Elf explained.

He put the last touches on the sketch and handed it to her. "How does this look?"

Elf studied the sketch closely and nodded. "Can we make this ribbon blue, this one green, this one yellow, and this one purple?"

"Certainly."

"With no black edge." Elf added.

He nodded. "Now, where would you like it?"

~ * ~

Elf and Dayna made their way back to the Lytharean campsite much later.

:I can't believe you did that.: Dayna said for the tenth time. :Especially since I can't get one.:

Elf laughed and scratched Dayna's neck. :Your family is alive and well, you don't need a memorial.:

:But it's so pretty!: Dayna sighed.

Elf had to agree. The little bird with its ribbons was beautiful. The ribbons twisted together in an illusory wind; one ribbon for each member of her family, including the unborn baby. She had it placed below her left breast on the thick, scarred skin that still had no feeling. She felt closer to her family now; nearly as close as when Raiken had allowed her a glimpse of them.

"Elf, there you are!" Her aunt Asis hurried towards her and practically dragged her from Dayna's back. "Are you alright? We couldn't find you for marks."

"I needed to think." Elf hedged. She didn't want to tell anyone about her new tattoo. "I never meant to worry anyone."

"It's all right sweetie, actually I wanted to talk to you alone." She draped her arm over Elf's narrow shoulders. "We know how hard it must be for you to be alone so we discussed it and we've decided you should go to grandmother." Asis informed her.

"No." Elf said firmly.

Asis was startled by Elf's answer. "Your place is with your family."

"My place is with Dayna." Elf countered. "For now that means I am going to live on the plains. In the future, I will live in Valdemar. My place is being a Herald."

"Elf, surely you don't actually believe that outsiders are going to welcome you as your family would." Asis protested.

"Has anyone told you that you are prejudiced?" Elf asked in exasperation. "My dearest friends are outsiders. Friends I would gladly die to protect. As for anyone deciding my future, I would say I am the best suited to make that decision."

Someone chuckled and clapped behind them. Turning Elf was surprised to see a white clad Herald and a Companion that had some how snuck up on them.

"And here I was worried I'd find a scared little mouse." The Herald laughed. "You must be Kayvia."

Elf grinned at Alberich's name for her. "And you must have been speaking to Alberich, he's the only one who still calls me that."

"I'm Herald Skif." He extended his hand to Elf. "Alberich wanted me to check up on you."

Elf accepted his hand. "Dirk told me about you."

Skif rolled his eyes. "I swear, only half the stories are true."

"Excuse me young man, but we were having a private conversation." Asis huffed.

"I know, I heard you." Skif said dryly.

Elf glowered at her aunt. "It's hardly worth calling a conversation. If you'll excuse me, I have to talk to Herald Skif."

Asis hesitated before retreating.

Elf sighed and turned back to Skif. "Sorry, my family has been trying to convince to become a trader or to go to grandmother ever since I arrived. They mean well but I don't need their meddling."

"I understand." Skif assured her. "I was hoping I'd catch you away from the others. First, according to Alberich, I am to ask how you're feeling. And according to Dirk I am to discover if you need any more books sent down. And both demand I find out how your teacher is doing. I also have some letters for you."

"Letters?" Elf said hopefully.

Skif offered her three letters. Elf snatched them out of his hand and stared at them for a second before tucking them in her saddlebag for later.

"Now, which teacher did you want? The insane one or my new one?" Elf asked seriously.

Skif laughed. "Whatever one is teaching you. We can meet tomorrow if you wish. Let you get back to your family."

"That would be great. If you go to the Crosswinds Inn and tell them you are a friend of Elflet Lytharean he'll let you have a room." Elf informed him. "Oh, and tell the stable boy that your Companion is a sister to Dayna and she'll be treated properly."

Skif's mare dipped her head in a gesture of gratitude and head butted her rider to get him going. "Until tomorrow then." He said as he swung into the saddle.

Elf hauled herself clumsily back on to Dayna's back. She didn't notice the calculating expression Skif had as he watched her stiff movements. "Actually, I'm staying at the Crosswinds so I might see you sooner."

Skif nodded and his Companion, Cymry, cantered easily back towards the tent city.

Elf and Dayna managed to get back to the camp with no further interruptions. Veki and the Shin'a'in had been absorbed by the mercenary members of the clan and where embroiled in some great debate, probably about fighting styles. The other mages were at the adult fire listening to tall tales that had more fiction than truth to them. The children were at the smaller fire and from all appearances swapping similar tales.

Elf frowned slightly as she tried to figure out which group she belonged with and finally decided upon the mercs. She took a seat on the stair to a wagon and listened to the debate about swords and which styles were best all round. She had no opinion to contribute but nobody noticed.

Silverdoe came and sat next to her. "Are you following any of this?"

"Not really." Elf admitted. "It's just fun to listen to them."

"Where'd you go?" Silverdoe asked trying to hide her concern.

"To think." Elf said bluntly.

Silverdoe rested her elbows on her knees and watched the group's animated debate. The Lythareans were an energetic, friendly group. The description of a clan full of Elfs wasn't too far off. What was surprising was to see Elf actually hold back from them. When she vanished the entire group was ready to start a hunt for their missing member that would leave no rock unturned before Ryn'shya reminded them that she probably needed some time to herself and she wouldn't appreciate them interfering.

Silverdoe watched Elf out of the corner of her eye for several minutes. A student like Elf was a treasure, unlike a few of her previous students who had been trials. She was respectful, intelligent, eager to please, and creative. Silverdoe would miss her when she had to return to Valdemar but she would make certain that Elf was as trained as humanly possible before she let the girl go.

~ * ~

Elf pulled out her letters and curled up next to a lantern to read them later that evening. The first was written in Karsite and addressed to Kayvia. Alberich's letter contained no real news but he was obviously upset over Darkice's actions and assured her if she wasn't happy he would find a place for her elsewhere. The second was from Dirk and filled with amusing stories of the trainees. He even dedicated an entire paragraph to Wind and how his son was winning races with her.

The third was actually from the hand of Queen Selenay. The wax was a bright blue with the royal crest of Valdemar embossed upon it. The letter was short and to the point, Elf was thanked for her efforts on behalf of the Circle and she was now ambassador from the Heralds to the Plains. She was even granted certain powers and a stipend that she was to collect from Skif.

:Can you believe this!: Elf asked Dayna.

:Interesting that you are ambassador from the Circle, not Valdemar.: Dayna observed. :That would mean that the Council doesn't have say over you but your authority is limited too. That also means they aren't sending anyone else. Oh, this is so exciting! My father must not have had any say in it. Or he thinks you will keep me in line. I can't wait to tell Ryn'shya.:

:Just wait until morning. I think he was having enough problems coping with sleeping within solid walls.: Elf requested. :Apparently I am just supposed to take copious notes and bring it back with me since the small bits I am sending back is confusing. That's good, every time I had to stay up late to copy them out I missed a lesson with grandmother.:

:When do you think we'll go home?: Dayna asked.

:I'm not sure. I think when I can walk without my cane for an entire day we will discus it. I have to be trained first of course.:

~ * ~

Elf kept one eye on the too innocent looking Keka and another of the pretty ribbons and scarves on the table; many of the trader's wares were silk, not the fine silk her family dealt in but certainly good enough for tying her hair back. She just needed something other than ribbons since Keka tangled them all.

"Have you noticed this ribbon?" The woman behind the counter asked as she held out a pretty silver ribbon.

"I can't use ribbons." Elf admitted with a sigh and brushed her long hair out of her eyes. "My pet keeps tangling them."

The woman nodded thoughtfully. "Perhaps a scarf would be more your style then." She chose a blue scarf with flowers painted along the edge. She rolled it then gestured for Elf to turn around. With deft fingers, she wound the scarf through Elf's hair until she had a bun holding half her hair on the back of her head allowing some wavy strands of hair to frame her face. "There, quite charming." She said, obviously pleased with herself.

Elf gingerly touched the bun then tried shaking her head and it remained in place.

"It looks good." Veki said as she pulled Keka away from the table.

"I'll take it." Elf said impulsively then quickly chose a dozen of the scarves, all the brightly colored ones, in addition to the bright blue ribbon for Dayna.

"Good thing we didn't bring any of the men. They'd be dragging their feet and whining by now." Veki commented. "I think you better call it quits before you have more stuff than your barge can hold."

Elf frowned but looked at the heavy pile of fabric and fur they had draped over Dayna's back. Dayna kept nosing through the pile and admiring Elf's purchases.

:Oh, you'll look beautiful in this purple, I love purple.: Dayna said eagerly.

Elf winked at Veki, Elf had ordered a hackamore of purple leather with silver accents and detachable reins for Dayna without the mare noticing.

Reluctantly, she left the familiar territory of the fabric merchants and led the way to a tailor she had met earlier. He had given her a list of how much fabric was need for each item she requested. She just multiplied it by however many of each she wanted.

"Think you're buying enough?" Veki asked teasingly as they made their way back to the tailor.

"I think so, I am getting lots of winter gear too so it's not as much as you think. You know how long it's been since I got to go shopping?" Elf asked dramatically. "Way too long. And it will be a year before I can again."

"Which explains why you are determined to bankrupt yourself?" Veki teased.

"I am not going to go bankrupt." Elf protested. "This is barely a drop in the bucket. Here are the best prices on fabric unless you go to each country individually. I should know."

Veki laughed. "Of course you would."

"But wait till you see my choices." Elf said eagerly. "They are going to be so pretty."

Veki smiled warily. Knowing Elf it was going to be a kaleidoscope of colors and styles that hopefully look well paired together. Considering her parents both preferred earth tones it was always a surprise to see her and her brother both draped in color, the more the colors the merrier in their opinions judging by the way they dressed when they had a choice in what to wear.

And those Valdemarans were going to put her in white?

Veki wished she could see that but she settled for the expression on the poor tailor's face when Elf delivered her Companion load of fabric and began happily detailing which outfits were to be made out of which fabric. All of his protests died quickly when Elf paid half up front. He even promised to have some prepared by the end of the week.

Elf was practically bouncing with excitement as they returned to the inn. "Isn't it going to be wonderful?" She asked.

"I still believe there is a reason your mother did not let you dress yourself." Veki commented and earned a whack on her leg from Elf's cane. "Careful where you swing that thing."

"I was careful. I hit exactly what I was aiming at." Elf informed her. "So, what do you think of Ryn'shya?"

Veki gave Elf a confused look. "He's nice, why?"

"Don't you think he has a cute bum?" Elf asked.

Veki's face flared red. "He is much too old for you." Veki informed her hotly.

"Oh, I know that!" Elf waved away Veki's worries negligently. "I just mean he would be good for you."

"For me?" Veki repeated.

Elf nodded. "He moves around a lot, he respects your skills, you make him smile, there's all sorts of reasons you're good together."

"Elf, don't you dare play matchmaker." Veki said in a threatening tone.

"I'm not!" Elf protested. "He hasn't had a lover in a long time. E'draen told me. And he certainly isn't going to find one in that camp where nineteen out of twenty are male!"

"Enough Elf." Veki ordered.

"I still can't believe you invited Sa'vin to go hightailing all over a dozen countries or more and barely even welcomed Ryn'shya who has been looking forward to seeing you again. You know how shy he is about anything personal? Very. If it's a Shaman's duty he has no problems but if it requires talking about himself he gets as tight as a clam." Elf waved her free arm about as she ranted. "Of course I wish he was as tight on his thoughts but he isn't."

Veki stopped in her tracks. "You heard his thoughts about me?"

Elf looked innocent, she hoped Veki would catch that line. "Sometimes. Like when I'm excited and I forget to strengthen my shields. I am getting better at that."

"What did he think?" Veki asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

"He thinks you have very nice legs and breasts." Elf whispered. "But he also thinks you're smart and very talented with a sword. He really enjoys talking with you."

Veki started walking again slowly. She was silent until they were nearly to the inn. "You did that on purpose." She accused. "You deliberately tried to make me curious."

Elf looked innocent.

"I am not buying that for a second." Veki informed her.

:But she's right. And I know you like him a great deal, you told me.: Dayna pointed out.

They rounded a corner and found Ryn'shya shaking his head over something Sa'vin said looking severe.

Elf grinned and strengthened her shields. "Ryn'shya, Sa'vin, were you just going for supper?"

"We thought we'd get some food from the vendors. Apparently the cook had a tantrum." Sa'vin explained.

Ryn'shya's face relaxed minutely. "Did you enjoy yourselves?" He asked.

"Elf bought out half the fabric district." Veki informed him. "Food sounds good. Why don't we let my father deal with the cook and get something to eat."

"I'm tired." Elf shook her head. "And so is Dayna. Why don't you three go?"

Sa'vin glanced at Elf and Veki was certain she saw a smile tug at his lips. "I'll take care of Dayna and you can go sit down. You two can go get enough to feed everybody, right?"

Veki was tempted to glare at the heavy-handed conspirators but decided there was no point.

"We'll see you in a bit then." Ryn'shya said as he started towards Veki and led her out towards the tents and stalls again.

Elf and Sa'vin quickly hurried out of sight before they were seen gloating.