Chapter 56

Someone for Them

~o~

The trip had gone as well as they could have hoped. They were attracted to each other. Each was the only one of their kind, ending in the same place. Inariel had an adventurous spirit. She even liked A'mash. This could last.

But great pressures were pushed to the fore: Their lives were completely changed in a single week. They were bound by sorcery from a bygone age. They hardly knew each other. Nag Kath thought of Florice, also beautiful, also available through curious circumstances. Marrying her too soon still haunted him. He would stay close to Inariel expecting things to go wonderfully. It was a question of timing.

Inariel had loved him since before she knew why. Now he was here. He saved her. He had shown great care in her arms. He was very nice, not at all the sort one thinks of as a dark lord. If half of his reputation was true, would he leave and break her heart on some great quest? There was her family too. She was not your everyday farmer's widow.

They reached Alas Forten in the mid-afternoon two days later. Grooms stabled the horses and A'mash. Servants took their bags. The Princess followed them to her quarters and looked at herself in the dressing mirror. Miss Told knocked on the open door and entered when Inariel turned and nodded. As if trying to start the most innocuous conversation, the lady's maid said, "I hope Your Ladyship enjoyed your country trip."

"Yes, thank you Miss Told."

"Will you be needing anything ma'am?"

Inariel just looked at her reflection. Miss Told waited. The Princess looked her long-time servant and asked, "I am sorry, what did you say?"

"I asked if your Ladyship needed anything."

Inara pleaded with her eyes, "Tell me what happened when Nag Kath came to my aid."

That was not how Miss Told thought this would go. She said, "He examined you and then spoke to Dr. Tan. He said this might take all from him. Kneeling over you, he placed his hands on either side of your face and kissed your forehead ever so gently, almost like a prayer."

Inariel looked at her maid in anguish, "What should I do?"

In twenty years that was the most personal thing the woman had ever asked Tirra Told. She replied, "If a prince kissed me awake from a terrible curse, I would live happily with him to the end of my days." She realized how forward she had been and added, "Ma'am."

Inariel stood and touched the woman's face, also a first. "Thank you, dear heart."

~o~

Nag Kath was nibbling Lembas on the east garden bench. The Lady of the House joined him with two mugs of tea and said, "What happens now, Lord Kath?"

"I am not sure. The great evils are gone. I travel and heal and help. But I had given-up meeting someone like you."

She said, "You had met me." He was about to remind her about past recrimination when she added, "I brought you the flower."

"Yes, yes you did."

"Miss Told said if a prince kissed her awake from a spell, she would live with him happily for the rest of her days." She choked-up, "What, what do you think?"

"I think Miss Told is a very wise woman. She loves you, you know."

Inariel said softly, "I know. Do you love me?"

He nodded, "I do."

"We return to; what happens now?"

Nag Kath turned to the lake and mused, "We wait for you to fall in love with me and live happily to the end of our days. It is that or I have to kiss Miss Told."

Try as she could, she could not stop the smile that became a grin, one of few expressions Arwen failed to break. "You are terrible! And yes I do love you. Miss Told is a romantic, a reader of lore and heroes. You see, they do come true."

"I believe so. My great, great grandson writes lore of lordly deeds. Oh … of course you know him, Prince Barahir."

"He is kin? How?"

He matched her grin, "Remember I said I was fine step-da? Talienne is one of my first wife's line, now long in Dol Amroth. I keep a home there."

"So those absurd tales of you dashing about are true?"

"Most of most of them. Your da knew a few. He was very kind to me."

She became still, "Mother did not know what to make of you."

"You've hit the peg with the mallet there, Your Highness. I was told that in Elvish measure, a century is nothing to gauge someone. Legolas was the same. Now Gimli; we had roaring good times together. I miss him."

She stood up and demanded, "Nag Kath, tell me right now that you are not a dark lord or some fell creature!"

"I am not."

She sat down again but was anxious. His ability to say nothing saved him again. The Princess said, "Then we will marry and live happily to the end of our days."

Nag Kath said through a mouthful of Lembas, "That went well. I suppose we should pay your brother a visit."

"Umhmm. How well do you know the King?"

Well, I think. We rode together in Angmar, which would have seemed futile until the Witch-stone was destroyed. I like his wife very much, and I get along famously with your sister. She comes to my Syndolan parties."

Another of Her Ladyship's habits was drinking her tea quickly when it was the right temperature. She drained half the mug and said, "Milli is a dear woman. I know her children from the farm."

"Lossarnach?"

"Yes, brother might be there now. It belongs to Milli and me, but one hardly throws the King out for trespassing. Let us take our leisure." She smiled with her eyes, "I enjoyed our last trip."

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

They made plans to ride to Dol Amroth. For propriety, she would stay at the citadel and he would stay in town. Then they would take a ship to Pelargir and a ferry to the Rammas Dock. The horses would go too. A'mash could be spoiled here at Alas Forten until the farm manager found use for him.

Nag Kath glanced at her. The touch and gaze of Her Ladyship excited him. He would have to banish thoughts of her mother, who would surely have gone off like a Syndolan rocket knowing her baby girl was bedding the Uruk-hai in Hobbit pants. Arwen and he had a working relationship towards the end but this was not in the mirror, or was that Inariel he saw? Inariel saw him smiling. She didn't need to know why.

~o~

This was a state visit - no Auntie Inara seeing the sights. A troop of six, led by the Lieutenant made their way along up to the Durnanrim River and then into Rama the same way he came. They stayed in the same inns or with regional officials the whole way, in separate rooms. Promising looks were all they exchanged on the Princess' stately progress. They arrived in the late morning. Inariel rode to the citadel with her escort while Nag Kath knocked on Caladrion's door. Cal answered himself and said, "Well, come in, come in. Did you catch anything?"

"Two odar. I quickened a broken leg, delivered a baby, healed a blood disease and got engaged."

The retired ambassador knew the Elf generally understated things. "Engaged, eh? That was quick. Anyone I know?"

"The Princess Inariel."

Cal shook his head and said, "Lovely lass. It is too early for wine, but I think a toast is in order." He got two mugs of tea from cook and raised his.

Nag Kath told him the basics, leaving out the transfer of the King's life force to the infant. There was enough sorcery already.

Cal sipped gently and said, "I thought she hated you."

"Me too. She said she was crushed. I am not sure I understand that part."

"How long will this be a secret?"

Nag Kath touched his chin and answered, "Not long. I just wanted to tell the family before the shopkeepers do. She went up to the Prince's when we rode in."

"Come, let us visit your great, great granddaughter. Raniece is hosting a family dinner tonight."

~o~

Cal walked slowly but he made it the whole way. They had to wait a half bell for Rani to return from a friend's but she gave her grandfather his hug first and then Uncle Nag. Wondering if the old man's memory was failing she floated, "I thought we were having dinner on Wednesday."

"Change of plans, my dear. We need to organize a fine family dinner here tonight. Everyone must come. Nag Kath has an important announcement and it will not wait."

She looked at the both of them, "Food?"

The Elf offered, "I will go to the Blue Crab and have them bring everything here."

No one ever really questioned Uncle Nag Kath but she deserved a bit more. Cal volunteered, "He is getting married. Family will learn it here or learn it from strangers."

Raniece was fifty seven but had kept her looks and could still crack a wry smile with the best of them. She sized-up Uncle Nag, "For you, anything. Grand-da, go tell your daughter's brood. Nag, make sure they include refreshments. I'll have Borond issue the summons and we'll see you here at the seven-bell."

~o~

The Blue Crab is an expensive place. It was barely lunch but they were already busy preparing the evening meal. Nag Kath walked in and said to the owner, "Hello Mr. Sanguire."

"Good day, Lord Kath."

"Mr. Sanguire, I need you to organize a full dinner for twenty people with wine and ale and cold tea tonight."

"Tonight?"

"At seven, sir"

"That might be difficult. We …" a Florin appeared on the counter; " … are always glad to accommodate."

~o~

Callistra arrived by man-cart. Except for the toddlers, their entire clan was coming. One of them had to be reminded where her diamond came from. Nag Kath was generally liked but as the generations rolled by, they were less and less sure what he did. That would get even more confusing shortly.

At six and a half bells, two man-carts arrived with tubs and platters of steaming foods and demi-casks. There was a box of plates and dishes and two more with mugs. Men quickly brought them in the kitchen door, smiled, and left three of their number to serve while the others got back to the restaurant.

Nag Kath's old home was large and with the extension for Ranice's mother Grenda, there was plenty of room. Nag Kath didn't arrive until just before seven with a lovely, well-dressed woman. He said hello to everyone and she smiled before they sat at the middle of the table.

Caladrion, as instigator, got the first word, "Dearest family, please charge your cups." They did. "Nag Kath has something to say and wanted everyone to hear it from him first." He looked at the guest of honor.

The Elf looked around the room and slowly said, "Thank you for coming on short notice. As Cal said, I would like to share something. I am here to introduce you to my fiancée."

Cups were raised around the table. He added, "May I present the Princess Inariel Telcontar?"

A hundred thoughts nearly bubbled through the thick silence. Nag Kath took a sip of the pale wine and continued, "We formed an attachment after I healed her of a serious ailment. What makes this significant is that in the healing, she is now an Elf, an immortal like me." The table was treated to a Nag-Kath grin when he added, "Cal sent me on a fishing trip and My Lady was who I caught. I did not imagine this, but there it is."

Inariel said, "I look forward to meeting all of you privately. You are not sworn to secrecy at all. This will be all over the city shortly. We just wanted you to know from our lips before you heard it in gossip."

Halita, who had watched the Elf clear her daughter Sciorcia's stomach ailment and then turn Sciorcia's own child with magic ventured, "Nag Kath, what manner of healing was this?"

"Sorcery and Elvish medicine. She is half Elf and half woman. The combination was killing her. It runs in her family."

The Princess added, "I am fine now."

The changeling looked around the table. The old people were eating but the young ones were just staring. Uncle Nag insisted, "Do not let this get cold."

Derissa's husband Haldaro raised the toast, "To our splendid Uncle Nag and his lovely bride!"

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

The next morning Nag Kath reserved space on a reliable ship for Pelargir leaving on the morning tide. They would take the Brittanal cousins as far as Pelargir and let the other four return to the farm. It was the men's first time on the sea. That did not go well. Both were green as lennas leaves when they made port. If they didn't have their horses on board, the Elf thought they would rather walk home than sail.

Guards gone, the couple took a nice ferry up the river with adjoining rooms. Current slapping against the hull disguised small noises. With low flow and a favorable wind, the boat pulled into the Rammas dock on the afternoon of the eighth day. Coins changed hands and a man-cart took her things to the palace with them riding ahead. No passwords were needed. A Lieutenant was fetched forthwith and took them to the royal apartments. She had her own suite. A lady's maid was found. Inariel bathed and sorted through courtly garments while Nag Kath looked at pictures on the wall. One was a Lentillar. Another was one of his before he signed them.

The moment she arrived at the seventh, an attendant was sent to tell King Eldarion his sister had returned. Now, should she do this alone or should they go together? They decided together. What could the King say? The last thing Eldarion heard was that his baby sister was dying. Now she was here? A terrible weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He waited while she made herself presentable, as their mother would have insisted.

~o~

He was not expecting Nag Kath to be shown in with her and looked primarily at him as they approached. Ten few feet away, he stopped in his tracks. Not only was she not dead, she was twenty five again. As they always did, both hugged closely and he drew away for a longer look at the revived Princess. She said softly, "I have tidings, dear brother."

Eldarion silently showed them to the same seats Aragorn always used around the low, polished table. Tea was brought instantly. The King probed, "Dear sister, I heard terrible news two weeks ago and, and now, you are returned!"

Inariel folded her hands in her lap and looked at them saying, "I was very ill and near to death. Nag Kath restored me to health using some of grandfather's healing."

The King kept looking at her face, "More than healing, sister. He has taken your cares away."

The Princess pushed her hair past one of her ears.

Kings are taught not to leap in the air with unexpected news but this was close. He gently touched the ear as if it was a flower. Eldarion looked at the Elf and said, "I haven't even said hello, Nag Kath. We never meet without some extraordinary tale."

"Hello, Sire. It was a problem between the blood of men and Elves that ran in your family long ago. Your Lady Sister should not be half-Elven. I suspect your father had enough in him that the strength grew. Spells of the wizards broke the impasse and now she is of your mother's kind."

Eldarion clapped his hands together and said, "She was always the most Elvish of the three. I must tell Milli and Anthrala at once!"

As he rose, Inariel said, "There is something else, dearest brother. Nag Kath and I have formed an attachment."

The King studied their faces closely. His first thought was the same as Nag Kath's that Queen Arwen would be shouting down the Halls of Mandos. His second was the same as Nag Kath's that there was no one more perfect for his little sister in this land where everyone else must come to grief. He held his chin in his hand and said, "Perhaps this was meant. I am happy for you."

Nag Kath rose to shake his hand. Dinner was at seven.

~o~

The Elves retired to her quarters. He flopped in a chair saying, "Fair so far."

"He is a good man and knows as well as any that second chances are rare. Now, have you met my nieces and nephews?"

"The Prince when he was five and Lady Anthrala several times."

She said practically, "I do not know who is coming. You won't cast fire or raise demons, will you?"

"Never among my betters."

Inariel sat in his lap, "I am sorry." She gave him a long kiss. "Please give me time to adjust."

"We have all the time in the world."

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

Princess Millicend and Lord Balthralas had planned to leave for Lossarnach in the morning but that would wait. Both of their children were present. Older daughter Anthrala was there with her husband Nendalron. Milli's unmarried son, Stephandir, came too.

Queen Aranthal brought two of their three. Prince Elhidron and his wife Lorilan came with daughter Arowyn. Princess Palisenne's husband was with his troop but she brought seven year-old daughter Gwendothal. Most of the conversation included sneaking peeks at Auntie's ears. Since talk of sorcery was unavoidable, King Eldarion steered the flow and asked, "Nag Kath, tell us about grandfather Elrond's teachings and cure."

"I found one of his notebooks in a private collection in Dale. Accounts were thin but I think there were those in the line of Eärendil, else Lord Elrond would not have studied the malady. I would not have known of it otherwise. It was incurable then but I used one of Gandalf's spells to give our Lady Inariel some of my Elvish line to break the deadlock. It was still a near thing."

Lady Gwendothal, Gwennie to family, proclaimed precociously, "There are no wizards. They all sailed away."

He could be Uncle Nag here too, "Gandalf sailed with your great grandfather. The brown wizard Radagast became one with the forest and grows things ever on." He left out Saruman.

Undeterred she continued, "Then why are you here?"

"I missed the boat."

Lady Arowyn, a ladylike ten, asked, "Will Auntie have to sail away?"

Inariel answered, "I cannot say, dear child. Your granna said the Elves were called over the sea. I have not been one long enough to know, so you will see me many more times, I am sure."

The lass smiled, glad her Inara was not ill anymore. Prince Elhidron was forty now and more interested in military history. He asked, "You rode with my Father King in the Angmar Campaign. Can you tell me of that engagement?"

Nag Kath smiled and said, "I am afraid I can't. I was in the advance scout troop and we were ambushed before the King's assault."

Eldarion didn't think the girls needed to hear about sorcerous disease so he added, "Nag Kath cleared the orcs away so I could ride to victory." Prince Elhidron thanked his father already knowing most of the story.

Dinner was a modest success. That Auntie was well mattered most. Her man was interesting. With no Elves, a male Elf was a man. As promised, he did not summon trolls or cause landslides. Her man walked her to her apartments and kissed her on the forehead saying, "Tomorrow, my place. The six-bell?"

"Umhumm."

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

The next morning Nag Kath walked over to Reyalder and Heuris' home after giving them a reasonable time to rise. Rey was eighty next month and moving slowly. The Elf simply told them that he had found a new lady friend and more details would emerge very soon. He told Fieldar the same thing. It had been forty-four years since Phylless died so in some ways this was striking. In others ways, he had done this before. It was of no matter. They were sure they would meet the mystery woman shortly.

Two of the King's best escorted Her Ladyship down to the fourth level on a warm autumn night. She came inside alone where dinner was waiting after cook left for home.

Food was simple fare with fish, vegetables, grain and a pitcher of Dorwinion with cold tea. They did not say much. Nearing the end he said, "I have a special evening planned for us."

Inariel was dubious, "With my two shadows out front?"

He grinned, "No, this is much more personal than that." That got him an arched eyebrow that was no rival to Tal's, but better than his.

The special evening was going through his folio, reordered this afternoon to tell his story cohesively. She had heard bits and pieces about him, almost certainly wrong, and it was time to show her what she had bitten-off. It was a test as well, one that he had to do.

They sat on the couch and he flipped through, starting like he would do with children first learning of their Uncle Nag. She saw her parents and Dornlas, the wizards and what he looked like before being captured. There were Tal and Eniece. This is Burry shouting at recruits, orcs and Elves in their forest realms.

The Princess Inariel was nearly silent for the hour and a half it took to go through the abridged life history of her chosen man. She had absolutely no idea he had done so much, been so many places and dead at least once. He described his sorcery and Elvish healing. He told her about his many relatives from the Dale line. There was a picture of Phylless in Dol Amroth, Eniece gazing at the lake.

He closed the folio with a sigh. That was his life. Those were the things he needed her to know and could not have possibly explained. Pictures gave a living history of his impossible journey.

She was still. She was in love. Like the women who had accepted him for what he was and became, she could live with that. Inariel came hoping for intimacy. She got it. He kissed her in the entryway and nodded to the guards.

~o~

After a few days of meeting and greeting the Conaths, the couple planned to visit Barahir and Talienne. Getting from the White City to Emyn Arnen through Osgiliath was the long way around and took all day. When Nag Kath was working on the aqueduct, Aragorn asked him to do the rough design on a bridge from Harlond at the Rammas dock that would have made the trip about fifteen miles. After long consideration, King and Prince agreed it was worth the ride.

Nag Kath preferred not to have bodyguards with them. He knew they would likely be in the way during a split-second decision. Inariel was getting used to that, although she did not carry a sword like her mother when riding. She asked, "Now, who is this handsome steed?"

"This is Orlon. I have had him about, mmmm, six years now. He is one of yours as well, aren't you, big fellow?"

Her fiancée suggested a small detour through Osgiliath to visit the water pavilion. Pigeons had done the Dunlending no favors but he stood resolute and proud. Inariel hadn't laughed that hard in years. On the road to Emyn Arnen was the first time they had been truly alone in a while. She asked softly, "Have you thought about children Nag?"

"I have. I could not have them with mortal women. You did not have one with a mortal man. That might change, though it could be a long time."

She said with conviction, "I would like to have children."

"I would like that too. Elves are supposed to know when they are ready." He grinned, "I might not, so I will always be preparing."

Inariel smiled too, "I am enjoying that."

Sometimes they glowed silver in the joining. Nag Kath thought there might be something to the Elvish model of perfection, but hundreds of years in-between was too long to wait.

After another hour, he said seriously, "My love, it is not my habit to give unasked advice, but I think in our lives together we should visit the Elvish places, especially Lorien. That is your heritage more than ever. You will have questions and may find answers."

"I have considered that but I feel I am not quite ready. As a way to start, brother goes to Annúminas in the spring. Perhaps we should go too and see the Hobbits and Rivendell."

Her intended said, "I told Barahir about the Hobbit book. The copy Pippin brought here was incomplete, as I remembered reading it nearly a hundred years ago. Our Lorist Prince would dearly like a look now that he doesn't have to mind the store."

She giggled, "Then let us conspire to bring him along."

~o~

Barahir and Talienne already knew about the romance. Raniece sent her sister a letter on the same ship Nag Kath and Inariel took. When they arrived, it was like old times. Barahir knew the Princess but had not seen her Kolland died. Talienne knew her less owing to distance and the difference in their ages. They arrived just in time to wash for dinner.

Many times in his long life, Nag Kath had to repeat the same story several times to different people, sometimes in different languages. It usually got shorter. The Prince and Princess of Ithilien were both friends and family so they got a more detailed version.

Talienne was quiet throughout and then asked, "Wherever did you find the book, Nag?"

"It was in your great uncle Carstor's library above Lake Town. I have it in my saddlebag. People collect books, even when they can't read them. In the Second Age there were few children of Elves and men, with none since. Some of them could not take the strain of such different bloods. I cheated with one of my wizard spells."

Barahir wondered, "Inariel, you were a woman-grown. Why would it wait until now?"

She looked at the physician who said, "King Elessar had a healthy dollop of Elf. It might be that the draw of Valinor gave it strength."

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

The next day, Nag Kath spent time with Talienne to tell her all about the family. He smiled to say, "It seems the new generation is less leery of old Uncle Nag. I am far enough away in time that I don't have to be a relative, just an old friend. It is better that way."

"Your bride is lovely. I am happy for you Nag. You won't have to leave her behind."

He said thoughtfully, "Thank you, my dear. That weighed on me. I have not bound myself to women I would have loved." She knew he meant Earmina. "Some was because I would not leave them alone on my long quests. In my secret heart, some was the pain of saying goodbye. I meant what I said about the draw of Valinor. Someday the power that remade Inariel may claim her. Then I will go too.

The heiress of Queen Nepthat added, "Setting a cat among the pigeons."

~o~

In another part of the palace, Prince Barahir poured Princess Inariel a mug of cold tea. With streams so pure they did not have to boil water but it was a custom that brought comfort. She took it elegantly, "As you can imagine, this comes as a surprise."

"Yes, I can imagine. You were rescued several ways."

Inariel sipped her tea. "A curious set of coincidences, and that you should know the rascal as well."

"That was mostly my doing. Nag Kath has been more places than anyone on earth. He reads and speaks many languages. I am just as curious, but with responsibilities at home. Your intended is a library of lore and facts."

She brightened, "Well then, Retired Steward, my husband-to-be suggested I go north with him to the Elvish places of my ancestors. We will start by visiting the Shire. He also said that since you are not staked to this place at all times, you might like to see the archives of those lovely people."

Barahir smiled before saying, "Talienne will miss me terribly. I think I have one more adventure left." The Prince became more serious, "Your Kingly brother is a very brave man. This union is not without risk."

"Why brave, old friend?"

"A son would be fourth in line to the throne. Nag Kath could easily destroy the others and claim the kingdom for himself. Eldarion knows that and gives his full blessing to your marriage. That is extraordinary faith."

Inariel was stunned. It had never entered her mind. She countered, "That would take quite some doing, My Lord."

Barahir shook his head, "He need only clench his fist. Nag Kath is reticent, shy almost, but he can kill with a thought. Three times he has contrived the death of a ruler to manipulate the succession. And yet in Dale, he almost died to preserve the kingship of Bard against Talienne's folk. He protected the rule of Prince Imrahil the same way."

The Prince looked her straight in the eye. "His instincts are pure, but you must counsel him to care for your subjects in ways second daughters are seldom asked. Be wise and strong for your people, Inariel. Put them above all else."

The Princess sat still. Nag Kath had described most of those things but it took Barahir to give it political context. Yes, she would marry him, and she would see to her family's realm in the doing.

~o~

Barahir talked to Talienne about joining the King's Progress to Annúnimas. At fifty-five, the refined daughter of courtly Dol Amroth could do without another ride to Arnor and back. She understood her husband should go once more or never. Talienne would watch the children and pray for his safe return.

~o~

In the White City, Inariel had all manner of help planning the nuptials. She met the Conaths several times. This would not be a state wedding. Prince Brego of Rohan was here and would come. So would the Ithilien family, but the couple would return to Dol Amroth rather than haul everyone up here. It was a typical Nag-Kath marriage where all he had to do was be there.

He did rummage through his diamond bag to find a perfect Traybor stone. Mr. Gregith was more than glad to fashion a ring with it in the center and the constellation of the eagle Soronúmë in smaller stones. He also gave the jeweler a handful of diamonds to make presents for new generations plus a few as payment for the jeweler's craft. Understandably, the man wanted to know if there were any more of the blue diamonds.

The wedding was held in the reception hall on the sixth-level on November 16th. The bride looked the same as she had twenty years before. The ceremony was mercifully brief. In second (or more) weddings, the assumption is that most of whatever needed saying has been said. Both the royal and princely families made the Conaths welcome.

By no accident, Mr. Weathercraft of the Shire and his wife sat close to the Prince of Ithilien. Nag Kath and Barahir made a point of speaking with the Ambassador and said they hoped to see the books that had been entrusted to the Gamgee family. The Hobbit was delighted and would send a letter home without delay saying persons of the highest character were interested in their august history!

~o~

The royal sisters spoke quietly and agreed it was time. Aragorn had Eldarion go through his office before he died. Arwen's small study was for the girls. They chose to leave it alone until the shock of her leaving passed. Then Lord Kolland died and Inariel had not been ready.

A few days after the wedding, they entered Arwen's room for the first time since before their father died. Most of the Queen's jewelry and clothing had been given to heirs or the King's Charity. What she kept here was not valuable by royal measure. One of her hair circlets was on a stand. Milli insisted that Inara take it. Arwen never kept a diary that the sisters knew of, but sometimes their mother would come here to read and contemplate. They found nothing written in her hand.

As they were leaving, Millicend saw a small picture hanging in the corner and asked, "Ina, do you remember this?"

It was the garden Inariel painted under the patient guidance of her future husband. Her mother had kept it all these years.

Inara could not stop crying.

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~