I do not own FFVII characters – though I wish I did. lol
I do own my own character – Jalyne and other originals.
Chapter 45 – The Mourning
The duo had stayed together for Monday through Wednesday, since they were off duty until after the new year. Christmas Eve was tomorrow and Jalyne offered to hold it at her place, while Tseng would host Christmas Day. There was a masquerade ball for New Year's Eve hosted by Rufus of which the Turks were on guard, but to enjoy it also.
It was Wednesday morning, with Reno and Jalyne lounging within the sheets of her bed, deciding on what to do for the day. At some point Reno would head back to his apartment for fresh clothes and to relax so Jalyne could finish her preparations for Christmas Eve.
A distinctive beeping brought them out of their reverie. Jalyne wrapped the sheet around her while Reno pulled the pillow under his head and draped the blanket to his waist. She flipped up the coms to see a surprise on who it was.
"DarkienLyy?" Jalyne stated surprised. The princess looked closer at the prince and her eyes narrowed. "You are in formal attire. Are you not scouting?"
"And you are in…draping attire." The young green haired elven prince retorted with a small smile. "I am sorry to disturb you."
"What is happening?" Jalyne asked bringing the hologram over to sit on the bed with Reno.
"The Queen Mother requests your presence, Highness." He stated formally. Jalyne paled at those words. "She is dying, Jalyne."
"Nooo…" Jalyne whispered.
Reno could see the tears brimming in her eyes and flickered his to the hologram of the elf. He stood proud, but looked weary and worn.
"Mother also requests the Lord Consort to visit." He continued, setting his eyes on Reno and bowed. "She wishes to observe Fate before she leaves this world."
"We will come." She asserted. "I can't stay long, Dar."
"I know Jalyne." He answered. "In these times, I would not even think to ask, but Mother was insistant." He smiled wanly.
"We will meet you outside of Eirelle. We will need about thirty minutes."
Jalyne called Rufus while Reno contacted Tseng. True, they were off-duty and didn't really need to say anything but they both liked the communication to be open. Jalyne promised they would return in the evening.
"Be careful when we cross the Gate." Reno raised an eyebrow at the statement and Jalyne continued, adjusting his black elven cloak and attire. "They are very much in tune with the planet and its Lifestream, more so than any other world I have visited. Because of that the Gate will be unnatural to them."
"And the possibility of an attack can happen."
"Yes. Their archers are everywhere outside of Eirelle."
"Great. I'm not fancying another arrow in the shoulder."
Jalyne opened the Gate and hesitated, studying the surroundings. She tilted her head lightly, listening to the woodlands for any signs. She took his hand in her left and held her staff in her right.
"You look beautiful." Reno commented idly. Jalyne blushed lightly and nodded formally.
"Thank you, Baelo. As do you." She smiled. "I'll stick out with this color. Most of the elves stick to the seasons. Blue is a little contrasted against autumn colors."
She walked through the Gate, head high with her beloved by her side, as it should be. As they stepped onto the forest path leading to the great gate she knew it would happen before it did. Jalyne spun to the right, her staff twirling in circles protecting them from a barrage of steel arrows.
Reno extended his rod, doing the same from his direction. He watched as Jalyne stepped away from him, continuing the twirling and the deflection of the weapons. Her staff arched above and behind her rapidly and with a fluid motion, she jammed the butt into the ground.
"ENOUGH!" two voices rang outward as the wave of energy expanded to the surrounding forest. Jalyne peeked over her shoulder and smiled lightly as Reno came to stand with her.
A tall young man came from the forest to stand in front of them and bowed. Jalyne grinned even more as the soon to be King was jogging from behind.
"Dettere!" Jalyne exclaimed hugging the guardsman. "It's been too long."
The young elf bowed again and smiled. "Well done, Highness." He stated with a twinkle. "Thank you for endulging us." He waved to the rest of the guardsmen that were coming to stand around them.
Jalyne grinned even more. "I should have known Dar would have set this up." She paused thinking. "Well played, My Lord Dettere – I commend the guards." She winked at him and stood aside as a young lady appeared by his.
"Who is this?" she asked him curiously, her brown eyes wide with curiosity.
"This…" Deter motioned to Jalyne who bowed fluidly. "Is Jalynemidenovia e T'Karvriandria, Princess of the Throne of Heavens."
The young lady dropped to one knee with her arm across her chest. "I'm so sorry, Highness. I should have known."
"No you shouldn't have." Jalyne commented impishly. "I haven't been to Gründlia in ages."
"Jalyne, this is Merlenia, my betrothed." Deterre introduced them. The princess nodded in welcome as DarkienLyy stepped around to join them.
"And this…" Jalyne stated stepping aside to Reno. "Is Reno Sinclair…"
"The Lord Consort!" Merlenia exclaimed bowing further. "Welcome, My Lord."
They made the introductions and started on the path to Eirelle with the guardsmen melting back into the forest for duty. Reno gazed along the forest, taking in the rich oranges and rust color of the leaves that hung on trees with rough and ancient bark covering their trunks.
They entered Eirelle to the morning sounds of trade and business. Muted colors of fabric in hues of gray, white, deep blues and purple hung on shops foretelling the coming of winter. DarkienLyy led them through the market towards the tall towers of the stone castle that loomed in the near distance.
Reno noticed the stares that were directed towards him, now the outsider on the foreign world and pulled the elven hood over his bright red hair. Jalyne observed his actions and reached outward for his hand, guiding him as they neared the entrance.
"Dar?" Jalyne spoke up as they stopped under the archway.
"They are unsure, Highness." He quietly stated. "They are curious and not sure how to react. It has only been rumored here with no outward proof."
Jalyne turned to Reno staring into his turquoise eyes. She could see the confidence waver and the apprehension. She sensed that he was feeling the same way she did when she woke on Gaia. Jalyne reached up to cup his cheek, tracing his markings, a light smile gracing her lips.
"Never be afraid of who you are." She whispered.
Reno's eyes widened as she reached to kiss his forehead. We will not hide. He heard her thought outreached to him. Jalyne removed the hood from his hair and turned to the gathering and curious Eirelle citizens.
"Do you know who we are?" Jalyne raised her voice to them, lifting her chin as DarkienLyy stood behind them on the steps to the castle.
"Lady?" one woman stepped forward, suddenly kneeling before the duo. "I see your Light."
Jalyne nodded lightly and flickered her eyes across the crowd. She extended the double wings as proof. "I am Jalynemidenovia e T'Karvriandria. Princess to the Throne of Heavens and the T'Karvia Empire. And this…" she bowed to Reno who remained impassive. "Is the Prince Consort, Reno Sinclair e Gaia. My Beloved and the Eternal Flame."
Gasps rang forward throughout the crowd. "It is true. The rumors and the Prophecy." An elven Lord stepped forward. "You have returned from exile."
"Not yet." Jalyne answered truthfully. "There are events that are yet to occur that I must see through." She addressed the rest of the gathering, bringing her staff forward to show the runes. "I come to pay my respects to the Queen Mother, my Autielle."
The gasps rang through once more and each of them bent to one knee in respect. Jalyne glanced at Reno and winked of which he returned fighting the smirk from gracing his features.
"People of Gründlia, I entreat you to be ever mindful of my father's treachery and to guard Him and it's young King."
They each rose, elven Lords and Ladies and in a hidden signal, saluted the princess in acceptance. Jalyne looked at the elven Lord that spoke as he approached her. She did not hide the smile. "Pass the word, Lord Aurian."
He chuckled greatly holding out his hand to her. "I wasn't sure you would have remembered, Empress."
"I am not Empress yet, Aurian." She smiled taking his hand. "Will Gründlia stand for the Light?"
"Of course we will, Highness." He pushed back his hood to show the stark elven features with chestnut hair and piercing yellow eyes. "We have been foretelling your return for what seems like ages." He turned to Reno and extended his hand to the red head. "We have spoke of your coming for an eternity, my Lord. Please be welcome here. I know it is most likely a very strange adventure."
If Reno was surprised, he didn't show it and returned the gesture fluidly with a nod. "Thank you, yo."
"Protect our Empress, Eternal Flame." Aurian whispered to him, holding him back as Jalyne and DarkienLyy walked through the threshold to the castle. "She has much to attain and will need your strength before long." Reno looked at him questionably so he elaborated. "We are foretellers, My Lord. There are certain events that cannot be changed – not even by Faterian himself. It will not be long before the next event occurs and it centers around Jalyne, though she does not understand or even know of it."
Reno raised an eyebrow at Aurian. "Any chance you could tell me atleast what it is about, yo?"
"Her mother's power." The elf answered with a bow. "The Darkness will return very soon."
Jalyne waited patiently as Aurian finished speaking with Reno, seeing the bow and departure of the Elven Lord. Reno stepped to her side.
"There may be a few things you need to explain about this world, yo." He commented sarcastically.
"I will later." Jalyne whispered solemnly. "There will be something I need to do in a few minutes."
He saw her aura spring forth within her eyes and they swirled with sadness and sorrow. Reno reached out and took her hand letting her know he was with her. Her breathing was increased and he could see tears welling up with her eyes.
"Dar?" she quietly inquired as they wound up through the passageways. "Tell me it isn't THAT day, today."
The young king turned to her and nodded. "I know, Jalyne. That is part of the reason why Mother requested your presence. She wishes, by your grace, for you to send her off."
The trio entered into the grand royal quarters to the audience of the closest advisors, Lords and Ladies of Gründlia. The Lady resting in the bed did not look old by any standards though her long white hair cascaded outward and she was dressed in formal attire. She raised her eyes to Jalyne as the princess neared the bedside with Reno. Jalyne knelt beside her.
"You came." The Queen whispered. "I was hoping you did not forget. Thank you."
"I will always come, Queen Mother." Jalyne let a tear fall. "Please do not go, Autielle. We still need you."
She chuckled weakly. "It is time child. My journey continues in Otherworld." The queen breathed deeply. "Take care of DarkienLyy. Be mindful of what his name means, Jalynemidenovia e T'Karvriandria."
"I will Queen Mother."
The Queen reached out to Jalyne, taking her hands in hers. Jalyne looked at her, not hiding the tears threatening to fall. "I have lived long enough. Do not be sorrowful or sad. Be joyful and celebrate life. I have even be able to see the Prophecy begin." She stated nodding at Reno and her. "I see your Light, Jalyne - And your Darkness."
Jalyne gasped at her words as the Queen Mother reached for Reno. He knelt alongside Jalyne as DarkienLyy knelt on the other side of the bed, listening at his mother.
"And here is the Flame." She breathed deeply. "It is an honor to be able to meet the future Emperor."
Reno's widened in shock at the words of this elven queen, thinking she was speaking nonsense on her death bed. Queen Mother chuckled again and whispered. "We have foreseen it, Eternal Flame. We have been waiting for you for an eternity. Stronger together you two are. Guard well my niece."
Reno bowed deeply, more so to hide his thoughts and emotions from everyone. The Queen reached out and touched his flaming hair before turning her final gaze to Jalyne. DarkienLyy stood and came to their side.
"Remember this, my niece. When Darkness is at its strongest and there is no hope – it is the Light that will shine brightest." She turned her head and coughed lightly, taking a deep breath. "Will you do it, our Empress? Will you send this humble servant to Otherworld?" The Queen Mother turned to Reno. "Will you, Flame of the Heavens, send this old and strange elf in peace?"
Jalyne could hear the audience sobbing in the background and unconsciously reached for Reno for strength. She didn't hide the tears and stood along with Reno. Please… Jalyne said to him. Let me guide you in this. I know this is strange and weird and overwhelming and I couldn't prepare you but please...
Reno could sense Jalyne's pleading and sadness and though her statement was indeed true, he would not disappoint his beloved. This was too important to her. He imperceptibly nodded.
In a fluid bow, Jalyne brought her right hand in between them while holding his in her left. He had seen her formal bow before and brought his left hand underneath her right between them. Stronger together.
The gasps behind them drew his attention and as Reno glanced down at their hands, he saw it. The auras that he could feel, but never really saw – until now. His red aura trailed down his left arm as her blue one did the same on the right and where they met – the purple mix blazed.
They stepped to the end of the bed to allow DarkienLyy to say his goodbyes. Jalyne could see it starting as the King knelt to his mother. Gründlia's Lifestream.
"Are you okay, Beloved?" Reno whispered wrapping his arm around her, pulling her closer.
"No." Jalyne answered truthfully. "I will perform the ritual that has been lost for thousands of years in a few minutes. I will need your help."
"How can I help, yo?"
Jalyne wrapped her arms around him in a hug and breathed deeply. "I need your approval to let me link our minds. I can show you what will happen. It is similar to the other night – but at the end, I will need you. Queen Mother has requested it."
Reno brushed a stray strand from her eyes and nodded. Her eyes flashed and his widened and he withdrew his mag rod and extended it, eyes bearing question.
"It is your weapon of choice." Jalyne commented. "Do you understand?"
Reno held out his left hand, observing the faint red tendrils wisping around, his rod loosely gripped. "Jalyne?"
"You are sensitive to Gründlia's Lifestream. It is showing you different things. You have Mako within you." She explained. "Please…" Jalyne pleaded.
"Of course, yo."
It started, the last breath of the Queen Mother, and Jalyne could see her Autielle returning to the Lifestream. The yellow, orange and rusty orbs of Gründlia appeared and the form of the Queen of Elves dissolved to the cries and sobs of the court assembled behind them.
Jalyne called her staff to her and raised her head. Reno could feel the strain and sadness emanating from her. Their minds were linked and he was privy to all that she felt as she concentrated. He idly wondered if she could see into his mind. He was not sure that was a wise idea but he agreed irregardless.
Her voice rang out as the crowd observed silence. She sang in Gründlian, the translation coming through because of the linked minds. It was a sorrowful tune, and an ancient one Reno surmised. The white light sprang forward and the Lifestream curled around the soul of the queen, dancing and pulsing with the lyric.
Reno caught the image of what this day was to these people. The Passage of Souls. He could feel Jalyne tense and the pale light filtered throughout the entire land, calling to all. He steadied her, keeping her hand within his as he watched the sobs and cries of the elven people before him.
The song continued sorrowfully though started its crescendo. Reno had heard of tales on Gaia of the return to the lifestream, but never would he have thought to witness it, let alone on a strange new world with strange new people. It gave him many things to contemplate. An unusual feeling crept up through him and he quelled it the best he could.
Jalyne wanted to sob, cry and scream. Her role would not let her. She was Princess to the Heavens and would uphold the dignity of that position. She could sense Reno, the thoughts going through him and the emotions. As the ancient melody began its close, Jalyne brought her staff to the middle, the Rune of Souls glowing brightly in answer to the call. Reno answered, bringing his mag rod to cross, a symbol of honor, dignity and strength.
The red-tinged Light pulsed outward sending all souls left upon Gründlia to Otherworld in peace. The cleansing was complete. Jalyne sighed, lowering her staff as Reno did the same. She raised her head to the gathered congregation and spoke softly.
"The Princess of the Heavens approves of the King of Gründlia." Jalyne began stepping aside and motioned to DarkienLyy, who stepped forward and bowed. Jalyne reached for him, cupping his cheeks and kissing them. DarkienLyy e Gründlia turned to Reno.
Reno outstretched his hand at a nudge from Jalyne. Dar took it and bowed as Reno spoke. "As do I, yo." He calmly stated formally, returning the gesture.
"People of Gründlia. I present to you - King DarkienLyy. May his reign be wise and righteous. I am proud to call him friend and ally." Jalyne finished tapping her staff upon the stone floor.
The people knelt on one knee, right hand in a fist across their chest. A moment passed and like an upspoken signal, the elves tapped the floor, a resounding thump throughout the room echoed off of the walls. "King DarkienLyy!"
Jalyne turned to leave with Reno when Dar stopped them. "Jalyne?"
"Yes."
"Will you stay for the feast?"
Jalyne paused calculating the time. "We have time, Sire."
DarkienLyy chuckled lightly and hugged her. "Thank you, Jalyne. For everything. It was Mother's greatest wish to see you again. She was always worried about you. Especially after Autielle passed."
"I should be thanking you, Dar." She returned. "I've missed this place. I should have visited more often."
"Like the Emperor would have let you." He sarcastically stated with a wry grin. "We are filled with nonsense and crazy babbles."
"You hold the Ancient ways. Still." Jalyne paused. "I should have."
The King turned to Reno. "Thank you, My Lord. It meant everything to my mother to finally meet you. Solaria could only elaborate so much."
"We'll be at the feast in a bit, Dar." Jalyne stated. "I believe I need a few moments with Reno."
"I understand, Highness."
Jalyne led Reno down the passageways and to the outside. They took their time and she spoke of Gründlia and its people, giving further insight to what Reno had just taken part in. She wound down through the gates and out into Eirelle towards the river, forest and grasslands beyond.
Reno listened to Jalyne, absorbing all that she was saying and allowing the serenity of their surroundings to quell his thoughts. They made their way through the forest to the grasslands on the hills looking over Eirelle. Jalyne stopped at the edge gazing at the river.
"What do you see?" she asked him quietly, looking over the edge at the flowing river below them.
"The water." Reno looked closer. "There's something within it."
Jalyne nodded and outstretched her hand and pointed. "Gründlia's Lifestream flows throughout this world. There are no seas, there are no lakes, just the rivers that flow throughout the lands, and with it – the Lifestream courses."
Reno looked closer and within the crystal blue waters he could see the darkened stream deep within. It looked orangish, as opposed to the blue he was used to. He quelled the feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness that plagued his thoughts and tried to concentrate on the beauty of the sight before him. There were a few things that the Queen Mother had said that nagged at him.
Jalyne felt the uneasiness of her partner. She turned to him, cupping his cheeks and staring into his eyes. Jalyne removed the hood from overshadowing his features and lightly kissed him.
"Reno?" she started. "Would you allow me to teach you something?"
"Depends on what that something is, yo." He smirked at her hiding his thoughts.
Jalyne chuckled lightly at his quip. "If you could do anything, what would it be? You have superspeed and can cast magic. You carry some Lifestream within you."
Reno didn't hesitate in answering and gazed at the sky above them. "Fly, yo."
"I should have known." She lightly stated. "Have you ever heard a Lifestream?"
"No, yo."
"I want to play a game with you." She smiled and his turquoise orbs widened in surprise. "A game DarkienLyy and I used to play."
"Now's hardly the time for games, Jalyne." He retorted.
"But in playing, I will help teach you to learn the Lifestreams. You already do that when you perform magic on Gaia. Materia is power and essence forged within that Lifestream. You react to Gründlia. Perhaps your reaction and usage is greater here."
"Do you think so, yo?"
"I react differently to all Lifestreams so I would theorize that it is possible that others can too." She paused looking wickedly at him. "Besides, I need to burn some sorrow before the feast and clear my mind and you could use a distraction."
He raised his eyebrow at her.
"You are overwhelmed at the moment."
Reno nodded in assent at her statement. "It is beautiful here, yo. Again, another different planet with it's own people and customs." He replied gazing outward to the grasslands and forest. "Elena will be jealous, yo."
"You're bothered by something else, though."
Reno locked his emotions away pulling a devious look to his features before turning to her. "Not really."
"Hmm." Jalyne smirked and smiled, kissing him again. "Do you trust me?"
"With my life, yo."
"Close your eyes." She whispered kissing him lightly and cupping his face. "And don't open them."
Reno felt her release her hands from his cheeks. She trailed them down his arms slowing her breathing. He unconsciously matched it.
"Think of Gründlia's Lifestream. The image of the river that you've seen before you. Take a deep breath."
He heard her step away from him and behind him, her light touch still upon his arms and trailing down to his hands.
"When it is firmly within your mind, reach out to it – call to it." She whispered.
Reno felt warmth start to spread throughout him, much like on Gaia, only this time it was drawn out.
That's because it is innate on Gaia. Jalyne answered his thoughts. Here, you have to concentrate.
The river sprang to life in his mind's eye, the orange and rusty hues of autumn emerging from the crystalness of the waters like tiny sparkles lifting in the air.
There isn't 'Materia' on Gründlia. Jalyne continued. There is nothing physical to grab onto.
He exhaled a breath and the glitter of the Lifestream was falling into the river, but Reno remained ever vigilant and determined. He could no longer feel or sense Jalyne near.
Concentrate. Reno heard her voice. Think of what you want most. Imagine it. Feel it. Mold it to your will.
He did just that, concentrating hard and envisioning not just the river below them, but the feeling he had when she lent him a spark in the training room.
Hold on to that feeling. Use it to guide you.
He still kept his eyes closed, trusting Jalyne in what she was saying. He focused on the clouds, the feeling of air around him, above him and below him. Reno imagined coasting through the air, hovering at any point he wished and of enjoying the feel. He heard Jalyne's chuckle.
You react to Gründlia. She mused. Now…open your eyes. Don't be afraid.
Reno did just that, much to his surprise. As he hovered above the cliff, he saw the faint glow of the Lifestream surrounding him. He looked around and couldn't find Jalyne and he humphed lightly only to receive a chuckle.
Now find me, Baelo. He could hear her smirk. Let go. Don't think, just do. And find me if you can. She challenged.
"Hide and seek, yo?" he asked turning in the air, looking for her.
Yes… she laughed. But don't let your guard down.
He felt the rush of air before it hit him and he tumbled lightly above the ground. When he straightened up, he scanned the grasslands only to not see or hear Jalyne.
"Tag." She whispered in his ear and disappeared before he could see her and another gust of air blew past him.
She 'tagged' him several times before he became frustrated and closed his eyes, still hovering just above the grasslands, the forest nearby, concentrating on what Jalyne had said. On Gaia, using materia was innate, once you learned how. Gründlia was different and Reno tried a different tactic. He outstretched and pulled at Gründlia's Lifestream, feeling the warmth spread throughout him. Instead of letting it go, he held it in place.
Jalyne spied him from above, hidden within the clouds, a smile upon her face. He was handsome and brought forth emotions she never really thought she would have. Reno aroused her in so many ways that it was unfathomable to her sometimes when she thought about it. His elven cloak billowed in the wind and she watched as the magic surrounded him. Though he may or may not hold it for long, Gründlia responded and accepted him.
There was no fun if he couldn't find her. Jalyne felt the tug and smiled more at her beloved below her. She took off downward through the clouds intent on tagging him again. As she reached out for him, Reno turned, eyes alight with mischief and grabbed her outstretched hand.
Reno extended the feeling he was holding quietly reaching out to her through their bond. He smiled lightly when he found her above him in the clouds. She headed for him and as she neared, he turned and grabbed her hand. He spun, still in the air, and whisked her outward.
Jalyne came out of the tumble easily, using the air to push against her and stop her movement. She dropped to the ground and darted forward to engage him in hand to hand.
His eyes surprised, he smirked when she dropped to the ground and darted forward. Reno lightly glided out of the way before dropping to the grass below. Jalyne spun and attacked, jabbing downwards and following with a strike to his shoulder.
Reno parried easily and forced her to retreat. They kept up the tactics until Jalyne faltered and Reno took her to the ground in a humph and chuckle. The hood of his cloak fell forward, covering his hair and shadowing his as he studied the woman beneath him who was breathing hard. He could see the flash of sorrow grace her face as she smiled wanly at him.
"Who was Autielle, yo?" Reno questioned impulsively.
Jalyne sighed within his grasp. "My mother." She explained. "Not JENOVA but Illyandria. Illyandria was the Queen Mother's sister."
"I'm sorry, Jalyne, that you have to go through this, yo."
"It is the way of life, Reno." Jalyne sighed again untangling from Reno and sitting up with him. "Many believe Father had her killed for who she was. It was unheard of the elves to roam the Empire."
"He had her killed?" Reno exclaimed unbelievingly.
"Father was paranoid after losing JENOVA, from what I understand." Jalyne paused in thought. "Illyandria appeared and Father accepted her proposal to raise me. Shortly afterward he took an active role in my raising and when he saw what she was teaching me."
"He thought it was against him, yo." Reno surmised squeezing her hand lightly.
Jalyne nodded. "Illyandria was teaching me the Ancient ways and customs, something that was forbidden at the time. She did not want the knowledge to be lost." Jalyne's eyes took a distant look for a moment. "She died a few years later from an unknown reason. Queen Mother pulled the elves back here for protection, though DarkienLyy and I remained in contact."
Reno bent his head in acceptance of her explanation.
"Queen Mother never gave up the hope, 'seeing' something that was foretold in the Writings. She never 'disowned' me for what was widely thought of her sister's death. She was always an Aunt to me. That was the reasoning behind DarkienLyy's statement about Father. He ruled over me with a molsteil fist."
Jalyne looked at Reno with saddened eyes – an expression that he couldn't resist and he leaned in to kiss her. "I'm sorry, yo."
Jalyne smiled at him then taking his hands. "I am sorry that you had to be dragged into it without any preparation or knowledge. Do you feel better?"
Reno chuckled and stood lending a hand to help her. "I do, yo. You always seem to know how to counter me." He laughed again and looked around. "This is really beautiful."
"We will come back when it is not a sorrowful time. For now, we will celebrate Queen Mother's life and remember her legacy and return home."
He looked at her briefly and smiled at the reference of Gaia being her home. He grabbed her then, lifting her upward and whispered something in her ear, making Jalyne laugh and throwing her head back despite the sadness she felt. She leaned in and kissed him warmly, unbeknownst that they were being watched.
"Should I notify the guards, Sire?"
"Of course not, Aurian." DarkienLyy stated watching the two on the grasslands from the castle throne room. "She is Empress and can go as she pleases. Besides, look at them."
The elven Lord turned his attention to the duo. "She is different, DarkienLyy."
"That she is, Aurian." The king paused. "The prophecy is starting. She found what was taken from her. The real question will be if she can handle it."
"My King?"
"Her mother's power." DarkienLyy stated solemnly. "Jalyne is learning more and more and evolving but the question will be if she can handle it."
"One can only hope, Sire." Aurian replied.
"The Choice is upon us." Dar nodded at the scene.
"What do you think will happen?"
"I believe she will become who she is supposed to be and that he will save her." The king theorized. "Otherwise, we will lose to the coming Darkness and the Heavens will cry out in pain and suffering and even Faterian won't be able to stop it."