I always wondered what would happen from the moment Taran and Eilonwy would step out the door, at the very ending of The High King.
Of course I don't own even a single harp string from Prydain.
Many thanks to ZosiaDetroit for proof reading, correcting many minor and major mistakes, making suggestions and keeping up the spirit!
Chapter 1 is revised at January 18th 2020.
1. Arianllyn
High King Taran of Caer Dallben, The Wanderer, son of unknown parents and former Assistant Pig-Keeper, woke up early the next morning in the familiar farm where he had lived his whole life and felt confused. Outside the cottage the land of Prydain was waiting for him, including a crowd of its residents at the doorstep. Inside, he looked at High Queen Eilonwy, daughter of Angharad, daughter of Regat, princess of the House of Llyr. She was sleeping on her side, breathing calmly and seemed to have no plan of waking up any time soon. He smiled.
Yesterday, they had gotten married. Eilonwy had given her magic to stay with him. The others had sailed to the Summer Country, never to return again. The farewell beforehand had been brief. When he'd taken Eilonwy's hand and walked through the cottage doorway, the Companions had waited only a short moment to watch them before taking their horses and riding away from Caer Dallben. Following them to Avren Harbor had been impossible with so many people, gathered from all over Prydain, cheering and calling out at he and Eilonwy. Everyone had wanted to be near them.
He had been overwhelmed and wondering what he should do, until Eilonwy pulled him close to her and said, "You are squeezing my hand as if you would squeeze juice from it! They are waiting for a word from their new High King; say something, you silly! "
So he did. He had tried to release tension and stumbled over words such as, "Thank you for coming to Caer Dallben," and, "Please watch out for the garden."
Soon King Smoit had stepped forward to congratulate them and to say some cheerful words to the growing crowd. As they had stood there, the personal congratulations had been endless. Everybody had wanted to say something nice to them or express their gratitude. Slowly, Taran eased a bit and just let it all happen. Suddenly, it had seemed, there were food and drinks, music and dancing, campfires, and tents. It had gone on until midnight. He had forgot for a while about his parting friends, his lost friends, and the new unknown future. No dreams had bothered him that night.
Now, his memories started to tumble into his head again. "You saved my life" he finally thought, looking at his sleeping wife. She moved a little and murmured something in her sleep.
The next days continued with more cantrev lords and more folks from the Free Commots arriving. Caer Dallben became more and more crowded. Somehow, all seemed to fit in the area, and men and women were goodhearted enough to accommodate each other and share food and drinks. Hen Wen the once oracular pig, was happy to receive her portion of all the attention. Taran and Eilonwy slowly began to wonder what their next step should be, when a grey haired woman dressed in a black robe stepped forward and bowed deeply to them.
"Hail, High King of Prydain. Hail, Queen Eilonwy. You don't know me for we have never met. My name is Arianllyn, daughter of Bran. When I heard about the defeat of Arawn and the return of the Sons of Don to the Summer Country, I travelled to Caer Dallben at once. Even though I could have gone, I refused the journey to the Summer Country. My once-betrothed Adaon, son of Taliesin, found his final rest in Prydain, and so will I when my time comes. I would like to offer you my service."
Eilonwy and Taran's eyes widened and tears began to run at the memory of Adaon, and they embraced the Lady Arianllyn, like a long-lost friend.
Long did they talk together that day, under the apple trees, and shared memories about Adaon, Taliesin and Caer Dathyl.
"Why did we not meet earlier?" Eilonwy cried out at last. "Adaon was, in a short time such a trusted friend for us."
"So I have wondered many times myself, Queen Eilonwy, why we did not meet before," Arianllyn answered, smiling at her. "That day when Prince Gwydion and Taliesin came to our home at Harlech Castle, I knew their tidings already. I let them speak, but the news they brought was only a confirmation of what I had been dreaming. Right there, I collapsed to the floor and it was not until a few days later I woke up. My father Bran was beside me and took care of me. I must have had a fever and wild dreams, for he told me my silver hair had turned grey."
Taran was watching Arianllyn closely. He saw her eyes narrow, and the faint tremble of her lips, the slight agitation of her hands. "If only Adaon could have decided how to lead on back then at the waypost of Gwystyl," he said with a sigh.
"If I had met you I could have explained that Adaon sensed many things when wearing the brooch," Arianllyn answered. "I Just could not face you both and feel again the sting of his loss. I was unable to face that again. One of the things he must have sensed was his nearing end. He must have known it would not matter anymore what decision he made, the result would be the same. Besides, he must have known that there was on each one of you in the quest. He might have foreseen things Dallben was only hoping for at that moment."
"At first I did not know what to do at Harlech Castle, and I locked myself up; I simply could not enjoy my life anymore. The thought of being without Adaon was unbearable. Years later, I found the courage to make the journey to his final resting place. It was actually Fflewddur Fflam who guided us there, and Gwydion and Taliesin joined us. I did request of Gwydion that he ask Dallben to let you both join me. But you, High King Taran, were on a journey of your own and it was unclear where. And you, Queen Eilonwy, I heared you were learning how to behave!" Arianllyn took a breath while Eilonwy opened her mouth to say something, then continued quickly. "The place must have been as beautiful as it was when you were there. We spent some time there with food and drinks and tales. I remember Fflewddur had to repair his harp more than once that night." Her face became more lively again and her eyes were drifting away with the memory. "We spent the night there and told tales about Adaon, and we tried to celebrate the happiness we once had. When we woke up the next morning, the surrounding trees were covered with birds, small colorful birds, singing songs together. And we heard the songs and knew they were honoring Adaon. After singing, they flew away together as a bright cloud high up in the air. It was the most beautiful thing we saw. I felt at peace for the first time and made my promise there and then to join my Adaon when it would be my time." Arianllyn fell silent and looked for a moment at Taran and Eilonwy, who had been listening open-mouthed.
Suddenly, the moment was disturbed by someone dropping off some food and drinks. "I am sorry Lord and Ladies, I am just a simple man, but I see when you are serious and without refreshments!" Immediately, he vanished into the roaring ongoing celebrations.
"Well, he is right so we'd better have some!" Taran broke the moment and took a bite, meanwhile handing cups to Arianllyn and Eilonwy.
"Anyway, I want you to offer my service in restoring Caer Dathyl,"Arianllyn continued. "It was a second home for Adaon and me, and he and Taliesin spent so much time at the Hall of Lore together, that I feel it is my duty to help to restore that place in any way I can."Taran stopped eating halfway through her talking. "I also think the both of you have no idea where to begin your new job, and Caer Dathyl would be the only right place to live – not only for you two, but also according to the men and women of Prydain. And as a small selfish matter, I would be honoured if the bay mare Lluagor, Adaon's steed which you care for so gently, would have a place at her original home."
Taran and Eilonwy were silent for a while, and they ate and drank, while the music and laughing around them continued. At one point, Eilonwy was picked up by a cantrev lord and lady who were laughing and urged her to, "Dance Your Highness, please!"
Eilonwy looked at Taran, started to laugh loudly and cried, "Sorry! See you in a moment!" and disappeared into the crowd.
Taran watched her until she was out of sight, then turned back to Arianllyn. "Many promises I made to myself, and they bound me to the land of Prydain. One of the promises is indeed to restore Caer Dathyl. If we are lucky, the Hall of Lore might still hide some treasures even after the destruction. It would benefit the people of Prydain to restore the place and to make it accessible to visit, to learn. I would like to take the Book of Three there, too. But right now I am sitting here with you under this apple tree, and I am afraid the turnip harvest of this year will be sparse. What shall I do with Caer Dallben? It has been my home; here I learned everything from Dallben and Coll, and I learned here to love, too… Eilonwy felt so much at home here, and we have not had the chance to discuss this yet. And Hen Wen? I cannot leave her in strange hands. We belong together somehow."
"We talk again. Harlech Castle is only a day's journey from Caer Dathyl and you are both welcome to stay. I will begin the task when I get back home." Arianllyn stood up and bowed before him, smiling. "The evening is young and so are you, Your Highness - go get your beautiful wife before the whole of Prydain misses you two here!"
It was exactly what he did.
Ok, so far for chapter one - hope you enjoyed please let me know suggestions!