Bright sun filtered through the leaves of the trees, dappling the lush green field. Vanyel sighed, leaning back against a large rock and focused on nothing but the feel of the sunlight on his skin. He closed his eyes. It was such a beautiful day….
"Falling asleep, ke'chara?"
Vanyel smiled, not opening his eyes. Sandoval…. Even had he not spoken, Vanyel would have known who it was. "Thinking about it, my Raven," he said, using his private name for his lover. "I thought you were practicing with Moondance."
"We finished up quickly and I insisted he give me the rest of the day off."
"Something special in mind?" he asked, hoping he already knew the answer.
Vanyel felt Sandoval sit down beside him, leaning heavily into his shoulder. "Moondance has been working me way too hard these past few days. I was thinking about taking a nap to make up for it."
Opening his eyes, Vanyel turned to face Sandoval, a mischievous smile on his lips. "And what makes you think you're going to sleep?"
"Sleep is overrated anyway," Sandoval sighed. Scoffing, Vanyel brushed a stray piece of hair from Sandoval's eyes. It was actually beginning to get long. Soon it would be long enough to braid a feather into. Closing his eyes again, Vanyel let his mind wander in that direction. A snow white feather….
"Vanyel? Van?!"
Vanyel jumped at the voice. Who…? He stood up quickly, responding to the urgency in the call, and nearly tripped over Sandoval.
"There you are," Starwind said breathlessly, crashing through the dense foliage and into the meadow. Vanyel flinched. If he hadn't bothered to use the path…. "A messenger has come from Valdemar; she says it's important that she speaks to you immediately."
"I'm coming," Vanyel replied. He threw Sandoval an apologetic look. To all outward appearances, Sandoval merely nodded. But Vanyel smiled as he was surrounded by feelings of understanding and support.
:Later, ke'chara,: Sandoval whispered in his mind. :I hope for you that it is good news.:
Vanyel turned to follow Starwind. There were definite advantages to having an empath for a lover.
Reaching the main clearing, Starwind slipped off the path, disappearing back into the undergrowth. Vanyel hardly noticed—Tayledras had a habit of appearing or disappearing suddenly. While the Vale seemed loosely constructed to most, they truly worked off a strict social order. One which Starwind would not break by intruding upon Vanyel's conversation, not without being invited.
Vanyel stopped as he entered the field. A Herald in full dress stood before him, the woman's stark Whites contrasting the deep green surrounding her. Whites? All the way out here? Surely she hadn't traveled in them—she would have been a moving target!
:Glad you recognize that.: Vanyel heard Yfandes' 'voice' in his head. Two Companions appeared at the far end of the clearing. Vanyel nodded to 'Fandes. :But no, she didn't travel in them. She wanted to look her best.: Yfandes tilted her head, studying him as he stared at her blankly. :What did you expect, my love? Vanyel the Shadow Stalker, Deamonsbane…. She's nervous about meeting you—it's not everyday that a young Herald is sent to retrieve a legend.:
:Retrieve?: Vanyel asked.
:I'm not the one delivering the message; she'll explain.: 'Fandes snorted, shaking her head.
"Herald Vanyel?" the woman asked tentively, as if afraid to disturb him.
Vanyel sighed to himself, turning his attention from Yfandes to the woman. How he hated this—people looking up to him as a legend. He came here to get away from that. "I'm sorry," he apologized, remembering to abandon his Tayledras and switch to a language she would understand. "I was speaking to Yfandes. She has no manners…." He threw 'Fandes a teasing glance.
The woman laughed softly, still tense but relaxing slightly. Vanyel smiled. What Herald didn't understand about a Companion's uncanny sense of bad timing? :Me? Bad timing?: Yfandes asked. :I'm offended.: Vanyel ignored her.
"K'Treva is a long way to ride. I hope you didn't have much trouble, not many representatives of Haven come this far," he continued.
"I was given this…." She took a ring off her finger, handing it to him. "I was told it would give me safe passage."
Taking it from her, he examined it closely. It was fine silver and covered in an intricate, delicate, flowing design that could only be of Tayledras origin. An inscription on the inside caught his eye: With love, my Wingsister. Vanyel looked to the Herald before him, confused. There was only one person the ring could belong to…. "Where did you get this?" he asked.
"From Andrel. He…he told me to come get you…." The woman hesitated, averting her eyes from him.
"Andrel? I don't understand. This belongs to Savil…." He flinched as a horrid thought hit him. Savil…. Taking a deep breath, he tried to force the thought from his mind. But the look in the woman's eyes when he met them only confirmed it. "Savil?"
"She's sick and Andrel…."
"What happened? She wasn't sick when I left," he exclaimed, unbelieving. Savil couldn't be sick, let alone that sick. She never even got a cold….
"You…you've been gone a long time," the woman stammered, backing away from him.
:Van, calm down,: 'Fandes interrupted him before he could speak. :It has been a long time since we left—nearly a year….:
He spun to face his Companion. :A year?!:
:Shhh…: she continued, :just listen. You deserved it, Vanyel. You haven't stopped working since you got your Whites. After this last assignment…you almost burnt yourself out, so they agreed to give you a break. Not just a vacation, a break—until you felt you were rested enough to come back. I was going to tell you eventually….:
Sighing, Vanyel shook his head. This was too much at once. Savil…no…this woman had to be wrong….
Vanyel was broken from his thoughts as a soft, velvety muzzle bumped his shoulder. Slowly, he realized that he was on the ground, 'Fandes standing over him. :Vanyel,: she said gently, bumping him again. :It's okay; just lay still. Moondance is on his way.:
***
"Sandoval?" Sunlark called softly, reaching the door of the ground room Vanyel and Sandoval shared. No one answered. "Sandoval?" he repeated, entering the structure.
Vanyel lay on the bed, sound asleep. Sandoval sat curled up in a chair next to him. From across the room, Serous looked up, woken from his nap. Finding nothing to alarm him in Sunlark, he closed his eyes once again. Quietly, Sunlark knelt beside Sandoval, placing a hand on his shoulder. Sandoval stirred slightly at the touch, sighing contentedly in his sleep.
Sunlark smiled, shaking his head. When he first meet Sandoval he had worried that the man would never sleep peacefully, haunted in his dreams by problems he would not—could not—face. Now he slept soundly. Most nights.
Turning slightly, Sandoval opened his eyes. "Sunlark? What are you doing here?" he asked in flawless Tayledras.
"Checking on my friends," Sunlark answered. "Surely you did not think I would leave either of you to face this alone." He stood and took a step back from Sandoval.
"Of course not." Sandoval stretched, untangling himself from the chair. "Thank you."
"You may not thank me in a moment. I had more of a purpose in coming than to ensure you were both well."
Sandoval looked at him curiously. "Let's go outside to talk," he suggested, nodding towards Vanyel's sleeping form. "I do not think he will wake, but…."
Without a word, Sunlark turned and stepped outside. Taking a seat on a conviently placed rock, he waited for Sandoval. A few moments later the short, dark man emerged from the ground room, Serous on his shoulder. The small falcon blinked in the bright sunlight, a drastic change from the darkened room he had just come from. "We need to discuss Vanyel…." Sunlark started.
"I suspected as much,' Sandoval sighed, finding another rock to sit on. Serous chirped indignantly, jostled from his roost as Sandoval sat down. "Then go away, stupid bird," Sandoval snapped lightly.
Sunlark laughed as Serous made a big show of rebalancing himself on Sandoval's shoulder, 'accidentally' smacking his bonded with his wings in process. Sandoval scoffed, ignoring the bird. Once Serous had found a position that satisfied him and finally settled down, Sunlark turned back to the business at hand. "How much do you know about Savil?"
"Vanyel has told me a little. She's his Aunt?"
"Yes," Sunlark agreed. "Vanyel lived with her at Haven when he was young. That's where he met Tylendel. 'Lendel was training with Savil at the time as a Herald-Mage. When Vanyel attempted to take his own life, she cared for him. I have no doubt that without her he would have died merely because he did not wish to live. And she was the one to bring him here."
"I heard her called a Wingsister…." Sandoval began.
"It is an honorary title of sorts, denoting that she has been recognized as a member of Clan K'Treva and is considered as such. Just as Vanyel and yourself," Sunlark explained. "I expect you can see why hearing she is ill would affect Vanyel so."
Sandoval nodded, waiting for Sunlark to continue.
"He needs you," Sunlark said simply. "He needs someone to help him through this."
"I will do so—as much as I can…."
"I have no doubt you will," Sunlark answered. He studied Sandoval closely. The man was clearly upset and worried at Vanyel's situation. It was all too obvious how much he cared for the Herald. One would have to be blind to miss how close they had become this past year. And it had been good for both of them. They had both needed someone to trust, someone to share their thoughts with, someone to love…. But, he had asked for a reason, and it comforted him to hear Sandoval's answer. "I thought you might wish to talk with the Herald who came to deliver the message. She can tell you what the situation is."
"Of course." Sandoval nodded, rising. "Shall we…?"
***
Lili paused, taking a moment to appreciate the view surrounding her. She couldn't get over how beautiful the Pelagris Forest was, now that she'd gotten used to it. There was no doubt that it was different than anywhere she'd ever been. The whole forest seemed slightly foreboding and uneasy. Though whether because of the tainted energies that ran through it or because of the number of horrid creatures it often housed, she did not know. Even then, it was spectacular. Huge, broad trees; small, gentle streams; exotic creatures of the likes she had never seen. And now with snow on the ground….
"Lili? Do you intend to come up?" a voice high in a nearby tree called down to her in a mixture of English and Tayledras.
"Just admiring the scenery," she called back, making her way to a ladder coming from the tree's branches. When she reached the ekele at the top, she was immediately wrapped tightly in a blanket.
"It is cold," the voice said softly. Lili closed her eyes, allowing herself to be guided further into the treetop room. "Here, sit and be warm." Sitting down on a pile of pillows, she opened her eyes. The source of the voice had moved off across the room. He was busy preparing something and all she could see was his long, silver hair. Odd for a scout, she'd been told, most wore their hair short and dyed dark. Instead, on duty she knew he braided it in a single plait, dark rags worked in to cover the silver. A few moments later, he turned, brining her a warm cup of tea.
"Thank you, Silverstone," she said, taking it from him. He took such good care of her. When she had joined the scouts in their rounds, he had taken it upon himself to help teach her and show her the ropes. Between Sundance and Silverstone she'd caught on quickly. The scouts had easily accepted her as one of their own and she could almost keep up with them—almost. Her Marine pride wouldn't have let her admit any fault or lack of ability before. But now, these Tayledras scouts had put her through a training more intense than anything she'd done in the Marines. And in doing so, they'd taught her weakness was not necessarily a fault, so long as it was noted and constantly improved upon. Besides, they'd been doing this their entire lives!
"How were your rounds today?" Silverstone asked, sitting down beside her.
"Cold," she laughed. "But otherwise quiet. No sign of the wyrsa pack the others spotted."
"Good." He laid back on the pillows, making himself comfortable. "I would not want you running into them—not without someone more versed in handling them."
At one time, Lili would have been offended. But staying here had seemed to have a mellowing effect. Unlike the Marines or her job, she didn't have to fight for her position. The others recognized and acknowledged her skills and did not ask for her to prove herself to them. She smiled instead, knowing Silverstone only spoke the truth. She was not prepared to handle the vicious dog -like wyrsa and such an encounter would probably have a very negative outcome. "That's what Sundance said. She wants to pair me with an older, more experienced scout until the pack's taken care of or moves on."
"A wise decision. Who does she have in mind?"
Lili leaned back into the pillows, studying him. While she had heard others refer to him as plain, she couldn't agree. Plain by their standards perhaps, but not by hers. His flowing, silver hair and dark, sun browned skin made him more than beautiful—striking. And his clear, grey eyes. She couldn't look at him without getting lost in them. "Actually, if you didn't mind, I thought I could join you in your rounds. I'm certain Sundance won't care."
"I would love to have you accompany me," he replied. A comfortable silence fell over the room. After some time, Silverstone sat up, moving closer to her. He reached out, brushing her cheek gently. Lili closed her eyes, relaxing into his touch Some part of her found this amusing. She'd tried so hard to find someone to care about her on Earth and now…. "I have a gift for you, if you'll accept it," he said softly, pulling a feather out of a pouch at his waist. "I love you, Lili. I would be honored if you would stay here with me tonight…."
Very slowly, Lili took the feather from his hands. Silverstone smiled, leaning forward and gently kissing her….
***
"Sandoval, may I introduce Morgianne, a Herald of Valdemar," Sunlark said, motioning to the young woman in Whites before him.
Sandoval nodded politely. "Pleased to meet you," he said hesitantly. While he knew quite a bit of Vanyel's language—having insisted on learning it in addition to Tayledras—it was still a strange tongue.
Sunlark glanced at him, catching his eye. "One of the others can supplement the language for you, if you wish."
Scoffing, Sandoval shook his head. He could still vividly remember the pounding headache that Starwind had caused by taking his language from him the day they arrived. Since, he'd insisted on learning languages the old fashioned way—through memorization and practice—rather than let a Tayledras 'put' it in his head.
Sunlark laughed, obviously realizing exactly what Sandoval was thinking. "You know, it doesn't hurt near as much the second time…."
"I'm fine," Sandoval insisted.
"Then I will leave you two…." Sunlark turned quickly and left.
Sandoval sighed, finding a soft patch of grass to sit down on. Ignoring the Herald, he studied the scenery around him. It was one of his favorite clearings. The grass was a rich emerald green, surrounded on all sides by trees. A small, rocky stream ran along one side, just peeking out of the forest. Best of all it was secluded, unable to be seen from the path. No doubt Sunlark had taken in mind when he'd arranged for them to talk here.
Pulling his mind from the beauty around him, he let his eyes fall on the Herald. She stood several feet away, studying him in return. He flinched at the unease and curiosity in her eyes. He didn't need his Gifts to know her question. Uncomfortable, he waited for her to speak first.
"So you're Vanyel's…friend?" she asked hesitantly.
"Yes," he answered simply.
She nodded. "I'd heard stories at the Collegium that he was shaych, but I hadn't really believed them. Guess they were true." Morgianne shrugged, brushing the topic aside, but took a step away from him.
Sandoval pretended not to notice. A year ago, he probably would have reacted in the same manner. "You are a long way from home, Herald," he commented, changing the subject.
Relaxing visibly, Moriganne smiled. "Not really. My circuit is only a couple day's ride from here. I would have had to come nearly this far anyways. I just wish I didn't have to deliver such a message."
"How sick is Savil?" he asked, worried at what the answer could be. If she were in danger of dying…it would be a devastating blow to Vanyel. After all they'd been through together, he was close to his aunt. She had saved him from himself, bringing him here to k'Treva to be trained as a mage. She knew the demands of a Herald-Mage and, therefore, he could discuss with her things others would not understand. And she was one of the few people he could share his memories of Tylendel with.
"None of the Healers feel it is life threatening."
"What?!" Sandoval interrupted. "Not life threatening?"
Morgianne shook her head. "No. I wish I had been able to tell Vanyel that, but…."
"It's not your fault," Sandoval said, laughing lightly. "I'm afraid everyone just thought the worst—including myself. Go on."
"She is sick, yes, and Andrel feels it will take quite some time before she is completely recovered. He wants her in bed, resting. But she insists on continuing to attend to her duties. It is driving the Healers mad. Andrel hoped Vanyel would be able to talk some sense into her and perhaps take her pupils on for some time."
"That is good to hear." Sandoval forced his laughter under control. "It will relieve much of Vanyel's worry. I am sorry that everyone jumped to the wrong conclusion."
"You'll tell them then? I really need to get back to my circuit."
"Certainly, but I would not suggest that you leave today. It will be getting dark shortly and the scouts have been having trouble with a pack of wyrsa. Morning would be a better time to leave. I can arrange for the scouts to see you to the edge of k'Treva territory."
"Thank you, I appreciate it," she sighed, relieved.
"No problem." Standing, he glanced around for Serous. The falcon sat perched in a nearby tree, preening himself. Sandoval whistled sharply, extending his arm to the bird. A few second later, Serous alighted there.
:Serous hungry. Dark One feed now,: he demanded the moment he had landed.
:Soon, my friend,: Sandoval replied. :First we must take care of this nice woman, then I will find you something to eat while I talk to Vanyel.:
***
Sandoval paced the length of the clearing. Reaching one end, he stopped, looking back over the area. It wasn't large by any means, nor was it one of the more impressive the Vale had to offer. But he'd been told it was perfect for Gating. Sheltered by trees, it was private and protected—though whether that was so no one disturbed them or so they didn't disturb others, he did not know. Against one side of the clearing was a sheer rock face. A shallow cave had been dug into the side to provide a framework upon which to build the Gate. Most importantly, it was as far away from the Heartstone as one could get and still remain inside the Vale. Important, he was told, because Gates stressed the lay of energy in the area around them. Something the Tayledras preferred to keep their center node protected from.
Sighing, Sandoval began to pace once more. He was not looking forward to this. Gating had not been in his training, mainly because Moondance and the others doubted he would ever have enough control over the energy lines to master it. Yet he had learned much merely by observing the others in the Vale.
He could not deny that Gates were convenient—allowing instantaneous travel between two places, much like interdimensional travel. However a Gate required the creator to know much more about his destination; one could not travel somewhere they did not know. And Gates were built using the personal energies of their creator. That was one of the things that worried him. Vanyel was still weak from his shock several days ago, Sandoval worried he would be unable to hold out against his own Gate. Not to mention that, from the stories he'd heard, Gating was hard on Vanyel to begin with….
A twig snapped behind him and Sandoval jumped, turning defensively.
"I am sorry, I did not mean to startle you," Da'an said softly, tilting his head and blushing.
Sandoval exhaled sharply, even after all this time he was still jumpy. No matter how much he tried, he'd always have some Protector in him. "That's all right, Da'an. I was lost in thought. Is Yfandes not with you?"
"No," he replied, accenting his words with delicate hand gestures. "She went to find Vanyel."
"Then, please, sit. It has been some time since we have spoken." Sandoval motioned to a soft patch of grass. Da'an nodded and sat down, Sandoval doing the same.
Rearranging the folds of his midnight blue robe, Sandoval studied the Taelon closely. He could not help but still be wary in the Companion's presence. After what Da'an's race had done to him, he would be stupid not to distrust them. But this past year, he had learned much from Da'an. The Taelon was different than he had originally thought. Perhaps it was because he was no longer blinded by his CVI or due to his Gifts of Mindspeech and Empathy, but he could clearly tell that Da'an disagreed with his kind's treatment of humans.
In some ways, he felt sorry for Da'an. The Taelon had made very few friends here and spent most of his time with Yfandes. He had become a proficient mage, but had not chosen to join the other mages of k'Treva in practicing his Gift.
"I hope you have been well," Sandoval said. "We have not seen each other lately."
"Well enough. You have been busy, I did not wish to disturb you."
Sandoval smiled. "Moondance and the others see that I have little free time. Perhaps in Haven there will be more of it." He paused. "Vanyel told me Yfandes had asked you to come with us…" he started, hopefully. Even with all the things Da'an had done to him, he still thought of the Companion as a friend—one it would be hard to be separated from.
"And I have agreed. There is little reason for me to stay."
"Sandoval! Da'an! Good, you're still here!" Lili yelled, running up to the two of them. "I worried that I would be too late to say goodbye."
"You're not coming?" Sandoval asked, his eyes falling on the feather braided into her hair as he spoke. He scoffed to himself, of course she wasn't coming, not if she was wearing a feather.
She shook her head. "No, I…well…" she stuttered, fingering the feather in her hair. Lili let her eyes fall to the delicate snow white one that was plaited tightly into Sandoval's hair. Vanyel had patiently braided it there this morning, ignoring the fact that his hair was still not quite long enough to hold one.
"Silverstone finally offered you a feather?" Sandoval finished for her.
Lili's mouth gaped open in surprise. "How did you know it was Silverstone? We haven't told anyone yet."
"Moondance is unequaled when it comes to spreading gossip," he shrugged. "I am happy for you, Lili."
"You know," she studied him, "I never thought I'd hear that from you, Sandoval. Thank you. I wish you and Vanyel both the best."
Sandoval nodded politely. Lili with a feather…so many things had changed. The mere thought of it made his mind reel.
A sharp bird cry rang from a nearby tree, interrupting their conversation. Second later, Serous burst from the leaves, alighting on Sandoval's shoulder. :Vanyel come. Other with him.:
Sandoval glanced at the falcon. Someone with Vanyel? What did he mean. It couldn't be Yfandes; Serous hardly paid the Companion any attention unless she was threatening him. Closing his eyes he reached out to Vanyel with his mind. :Ke'chara?: he asked, projecting all of his questions in that one word. While Vanyel was not as proficient in MindSpeech as he was, he felt his friend would be able to understand what he wanted.
Their link was silent for a few minutes, and Sandoval waited patiently for Vanyel to respond. He could feel the presence that was Vanyel on the edge of his mind, as tangible as if they were standing side by side. With only slightly more concentration, he knew he could push past Vanyel's shields into his mind, finding the information he wanted himself. But the Tayeldras had taught him well. To enter into another's mind without permission was the greatest of wrongs.
:Sunlark, my friend. He insists on coming with us.:
Sandoval nodded, leaving it at that. There was no questioning Sunlark. Once the kestra'chern had made up his mind, there was little changing it. Opening his eyes, he caught sight of Vanyel, Yfandes, and Sunlark as they entered the clearing. Without a word, he started towards the shallow cave.
***
Vanyel took a deep breath, facing the cave. He was so tired. The shock of the past couple days was only beginning to wear off. He had overreacted, he realized that now. After listening to Sandoval explain the confusion, he knew that there had been little for him to worry about. Savil would be fine. Andrel only wanted him to take over her duties. She carried much at Haven, and she did not need such worries while she was ill. He had taken the past couple days to consider what would have happened if she truly had been life threateningly ill. She meant so much to him….
:Do you intend to Gate today? Or would you like to wait until tomorrow?: Yfandes snapped sarcastically in his head.
He smiled, clearing everything from his mind. Visualizing the Grove Temple, he focused drawing on the energy within himself. With his Othersight, he could see small threads of energy forming along the edges of the cave. They stretched towards the center of the opening, intertwining and joining together to form one mass. Suddenly, they flared, so bright that they nearly blinded him. Vanyel braced himself as the energy pulled against his will. He tried not to remember the last time his Gate had gone awry—when he'd pulled Lili, Da'an, and Sandoval from their world. Ignoring the pain that was beginning to spread through his mind, he willed the Gate into place. Seconds later, the group was through.
***