Type: Crossover, Slash
Disclaimers: Earth: Final
Conflict and its characters are copyrighted by Tribune Entertainment Company.
[Da'an, Sandoval, Lili]
The Valdemar universe and its
characters are copyrighted by Mercedes Lackey and the books (The Last Herald
Mage series) are published by the DAW Fantasy publishing group. [Vanyel and
Yfandes, Savil and Kellan, Moondance, Starwind and their respective bondbirds,
Brightwind]
Rating: R
There should be some other
warnings that go with this. It is without a doubt a slash piece. This is
written off of Mercedes Lackey's stuff-and that includes her homosexual themes.
You're warned right now. If you don't like it, don't read it. Just don't bother
me about it. Obviously, I don't have a problem with it—or I wouldn't be writing
this. If you do have a problem, I don't want to hear about it. That's what
these warnings are for.
Spoilers: Up to and including
'Atavus.' Mercedes Lackey's Last Herald Mage series.
Summary: Da'an, Lili, and Sandoval
find themselves thrown into Valdemar.
Author notes, etc.: Even if you don't read Mercedes
Lackey, I think you'll enjoy this. Just hang in there. Everything is explained—eventually.
You learn at about the same rate the EFC characters do. I've tried to explain
everything that's important to the story. Outside knowledge of the ML universe
should only supplement the piece.
Regarding a timeline…. For
the EFC universe, this takes place sometime after 'Atavus.' For ML, it
corresponds with the Last Herald Mage series, somewhere in between the
first and second books. After Tylendel, but before Vanyel finds his second
love.
Okay, this is an ALTERNATE
universe. Very alternate. I have taken liberties with both sides. I've always
written Sandoval loosely, this is no exception. And I've done things with ML's
universe too. I know there are lots of things that are wrong—why complicate the
story line with unneeded explanations? And I know there cannot be a kestra'chern
at this time, but… I happen to like Sunlark, so he gets a place in my story.
Sunlark and Ragan are created
by Gwyn. Sundance and her respective bondbird, Whitestar, Serous, and Wintersong
all belong to myself. Please do not take them without permission.
Finally, thank you to Gwyn
and Ja'el for betareading this piece. Gwyn—the expert on Valdemar. And Ja'el—the
non-expert on Valdemar. Both of you are invaluable to this project—and to me.
**********************
Vanyel sighed, stretching as
he walked through the empty halls of the Haven court. The meeting of the
Heraldic Circle had run late, as usual, but the most conflict they had
addressed was a small dispute over whether to allot a piece of land to the
Bardic Collegium or keep it as open acreage-and, consequently, a practice
ground for Heralds and their Companions. At least, for once, the borders were
peaceful. Finally. Maybe now he'd be able to get some rest. He hadn't truly
realized how tired and drained he was until he'd reached Haven yesterday
morning and had seen his bed.
:What did Savil have to
say, beloved?: Vanyel smiled, hearing
Yfandes' 'voice' in his head. Her presence had ceased to be a surprise years
ago, shortly after he had been Chosen. Now his Companion's blunt humor and way
of discussing things had become just as common place and comforting as her
constant presence.
:I had thought you would
be listening,: he replied.
:I was busy,: she snapped shortly. He could feel the implied edge
to the words. :Besides, I didn't figure I would miss much.:
:You're right, it was a
long meeting about nothing. But it gave Savil and I a long time to talk.:
:Well…: Yfandes urged him on.
Vanyel thought back to the
long conversation he had carried on via Mindspeech with his aunt during the
Circle meeting. :She pointed out the fact that I'm exhausted and look like
hell…:
:Which is completely
true,: she interrupted. :Go on.:
:I would, if you could
stay quiet for a moment,: he teased
her. :She told me to take a break; to get out of here so that no one can
find something for me to do.:
:And…?:
:And I agree with her.
Other Heralds can take care of the few internal problems there are. Even if
they do need mage powers, I'm not the only Herald-Mage there is. I'm due for
some vacation anyway.:
:So where are we going?: Yfandes' pleasure at the thought of a vacation was
unmistakable. He couldn't blame her-they'd spent a year on the borders in
deplorable conditions without a day's rest.
:I don't want to go home.: Vanyel paused. :Savil mentioned she'd spoken to
Starwind…and, I must say, soaking in the hot springs of k'Treva is very
tempting. We'll discuss it tomorrow.: Vanyel reached the door to his
quarters and thought longingly about the bed immediately behind it.
:Chosen…?: she asked slightly reluctantly.
:Uh huh,: he replied, tired and eager to get to his bed.
:Could you perhaps braid
some of the beautiful flowers growing outside the stable into my mane and
tail?:
:What?!: Vanyel exclaimed. :It's late! And it's dark-no one
can see your mane and tail!:
:But… I…: she faltered. :Gavis is coming in early tomorrow
morning and I look like a common plow horse.:
Vanyel couldn't help but
smile. :I doubt you look like a 'common plow horse,' but, yes, I will come
down and braid your hair. I do not understand what it is you see in
him-overmuscled, brainless…: Vanyel turned towards the stable.
Passing the Companion's
Field, he picked several handfuls of the small wildflowers growing there.
Entering the stable, he found Yfandes waiting for him-her slick white neck
arched and her sapphire eyes fixed on him in anticipation. He blinked quickly,
suddenly mistaking her for a graceful white horse. He must be more tired than
he thought, he never considered Yfandes a 'horse,' not even when they were
riding.
:You all right, Chosen?: she asked, concern clouding her eyes.
:Yes, I'm fine, 'Fandes.
It's nothing.: He smiled. :So, do
you want these flowers in your hair or not?:
She snorted, shaking her
head, in response; her thick silver mane cascading over her neck.
***
:I cannot believe you
would even consider Gating to k'Treva.:
Yfandes commented, as Vanyel finished tying his packs to her saddle.
:Would you prefer I ride
you the entire way? If we don't Gate, we won't have any time there-we'll spend
it all in transit.:
:Do you remember what
happened last time you Gated?: She
turned her head so as to study him.
Vanyel sighed, patting her
neck. :Of course I do, I thought I was going to pass out from the pain
before we got through it. But I'm rested, 'Fandes, and Moondance will be on the
other side to help if anything happens to me.:
"Need any help,
Van?" Savil entered the stable.
"No, I'm done. Just
talking to Yfandes. She's trying to convince me not to Gate."
"I agree with her."
Savil moved to her Companion's stall as Kellan ran in from the field, removing
some loose grass from his forelock. "Do you have any clue what you're
doing to yourself?"
"I'm rested, I'll be
fine." Checking his tack one last time, Vanyel headed out of the stable,
Yfandes directly behind him. "You said Moondance and Starwind would be
waiting?" he asked Savil as she came to walk beside him.
"Yes, they'll be there.
They're not too happy with this idea either."
Vanyel stopped, turning to
Savil. "I've spent a year on the border, I'm tired of riding places. And
Yfandes is tired of me riding her places. It's not fair to ask her to carry me
all the way to k'Treva. And if we did ride, by the time we got there, we'd have
to start back." He continued on in silence, quickly reaching the Grove
Temple. "Quit worrying, Aunt." He said a short goodbye and turned his
mind to the building of a Gate.
Gates were truly
remarkable-allowing people, animals, and goods to travel great distances in a
short expanse of time. However, their demands on mages were great, requiring
the use of a large amount of personal energy. They had their limitations too,
able to reach only to a destination the creator knew. Not to mention the
effects of such a large disruption of the natural energy flow had on the
weather patterns…
Placing the finishing touches
on his Gate, Vanyel fought down the pain that threatened to consume him.
Perhaps this had not been such a great idea… He drew a sharp breath as a sudden
surge of power coursed through his body. The Gate pulled, seeming to search out
a new destination-as if attracted by an unknown force. Channeling more of his
own energy, he set the Gate into place once again, anchoring it against the
pull. Leaning into Yfandes for support, he crossed the threshold of the Gate,
collapsing to the ground the moment he was through.
***
Lili glanced out the window
at the darkening sky. Lightening flickered, illuminating the heavens, a soft
rumbling of thunder following. She sighed, turning away from the view of the
weather. Piloting a Taelon shuttle eliminated many worries. In a helicopter
such weather might be a source of concern. But with the shuttle's
interdimensional capabilities, conditions were only important for as long as it
took to make the jump. Now, getting out to the shuttle might prove
interesting…
The approaching of Da'an and
Agent Sandoval broke Lili from her thoughts. "I assume the conference went
well?" she asked, hoping she was not overstepping her bounds. Sandoval
glared at her in response.
Da'an, however, nodded and
turned to her. "The religious leaders of this country are eager to help
their people. They view Taelon programs and technology as a means to reach
their ends."
"It appears the weather
has turned on us, Captain," Sandoval interrupted, giving the weather
little more than a cursory glance. "Perhaps we should leave before it
breaks."
Lili bit back the sharp reply
that came to mind and led the way to the shuttle. She'd lost the perfect
opportunity to gain information pertinent to the Resistance. Automatically
running the pre-flight checks, she had the shuttle airborne in a moment. Lili
quickly set the coordinates needed, wanting to get the trip over with and not
eager to hang around and see how the weather turned out. Perhaps DC would be
sunny… "Making the jump to interdimensional." Receiving no comments
from either passenger, she continued-the dark, menacing clouds being replaced
by the calm, swirling colors of interdimensional.
Lili jumped as a strong
vibration rocked the shuttle. "What the…" she started, pulling up the
craft's readings.
"Is there something
wrong, Captain Marquette?" Sandoval asked accusingly. Lili rolled her
eyes.
"I… It's as if something
is pulling us off course. The shuttle's working perfectly, but… Attempting to
compensate." Lili adjusted several controls, trying unsuccessfully to
regain control of the shuttle. The craft lurched once again and there was a
sickening feeling of falling. Suddenly the scene changed, bright sunlight and
miles upon miles of trees replacing the surreal qualities of interdimensional.
Power surged through the shuttle's systems, effectively rendering them useless.
Lili gave up trying to secure control. "Brace for impact."
***
Starwind stretched lazily,
watching his bondbird glide effortlessly above the treetops, carried along by a
gently breeze. :Storm comes,: the falcon Mindsent.
He couldn't help but smile at
the bird's perception. :We'll be back in the Vale long before then.:
:Good. Hungry,: she replied, alighting on a nearby branch. She tilted
her head, studying her bonded expectantly.
:Wait or go catch your
own.: Starwind stood, turning to
Moondance who was dozing lightly in the sun. "Beloved…" he said
reluctantly, not really wanting to wake him. "Ashke," he began
again softly, "do you intend to sleep all day?" The younger Tayledras
stirred, waking almost immediately.
"I still cannot believe
Vanyel would choose to Gate here," he said, standing.
"It would not be my
choice, but…" Starwind closed his eyes, feeling a change in the
surrounding energies. He turned to the Gate which had appeared a short distance
away. Within only a few heartbeats the Gate terminus was stable and Vanyel came
through, Yfandes supporting him. Starwind moved immediately towards them,
Moondance at his side, but stopped as the Gate surged, pulling on the natural
energies of the land. Gates weren't supposed to… He jumped, surprised, as a
large flying object erupted from the Gate, the portal collapsing as it passed
through.
:Big bird!: Starwind's falcon shrieked in his mind, launching
herself into the air.
Starwind studied the object.
It was definitely not a bird. Sleek and smooth, the sun glinted off its
purple and blue exterior. While it consumed a large amount of energy, none
appeared to be of mage origin. Catching a glimpse of the front of the object,
Starwind realized there were people inside. After a few moments of erratic
flight, the craft fell to the ground. Moondance met Starwind's eyes questioningly.
"See to Vanyel," Starwind told him. Moondance nodded and hurried off,
as Starwind turned and approached the unknown object.
Regardless of what it was, it
was broken-that much was certain. Starwind suspected that it perhaps hadn't
landed quite as softly as it was intended to, considering that it now lay in
several pieces on the ground. The people he had seen inside were pulling
themselves from the wreckage. Moving closer, Starwind scoffed, at least they
had had the common decency to fall completely to the ground-he wasn't much in
the mood for climbing trees.
Reaching the edge of the ring
of debris, Starwind stopped, glancing over the people. There were three, and
given that they weren't throwing a fit, he assumed that was the entire party. A
female was the closest to him, kneeling over a man laying on the ground. Her
hair was cut shorter than any Tayledras scout and just as brown-perfect for
blending in with the foliage. Her clothing was tight and workmanlike, practical
but definitely not flattering. Perhaps she was a scout of some sort…
The man she was helping free
himself from the loose wreckage was dressed in much the same manner. Though of
a different style, it spoke loudly of practicality. He was darker than the
others, more like a Tayledras in that fact-though his ebony hair was cut much
shorter than customary, shorter than the woman's even.
Starwind looked to the other
'being.' Tall and pale, it had an air about it as graceful and majestic as a
hawk in flight. Starwind studied the 'creature' for a moment-he had never seen
another like it, nor had he heard of such a thing in any of the clan stories.
The energy it commanded! The brightness of it almost blinded his Othersight. It
was as if the being was made completely of energy. Not exactly mage energies,
but energy so connected to the earth and natural lines that surely it could
control them if it wished.
Confidently, Starwind
approached them. They were in his territory after all… Hearing him
approach, they turned as one, startled. The woman yelled something at him in a
language he did not understand. Ignoring her, he knelt by the man who sat on
the ground. He'd raised one of his arms defensively, and Starwind unconsciously
strengthened his shields. It wouldn't do to underestimate these people… Silently
he prayed to the Goddess, asking her to understand what he was about to do, and
reached out with his mind-connecting with the man's and pulling from him his
language, culture, and the events that had brought them here.
"Forgive me,"
Starwind said, breaking the connection. "But it is imperative that we are
able to communicate, and that I know the circumstances of your presence."
He offered the man his hand to help him rise. "I am Starwind."
"Agent Ronald Sandoval,
Attaché to the North American Companion Da'an," the man said shortly,
standing without Starwind's assistance. Starwind shrugged as the man eyed him
warily.
"I mean you no
harm," he explained, looking over the others.
"For this we are
grateful," the 'being' said softly. A Taelon, Starwind reminded himself.
He'd pulled at least that much from the man. "I am Da'an, Companion to
North America. This," he motioned gracefully to the woman, "is Lili
Marquette."
"Shuttle pilot,"
the woman added curtly, glancing around as if unsure of her surroundings.
:Storm comes quickly. We
go now!: Starwind turned just in time
to see his bondbird take up a perch in a nearby tree. He studied the sky for a
moment, agreeing. Dark clouds were beginning to appear on the horizon; the
storm front had moved in much more quickly than he'd expected.
:Yes, we must leave. Come
here.: Starwind offered his arm to
the falcon. Within a moment she was there, and working her way up his arm to
his shoulder. He turned back to the others, who started wide-eyed at his
bondbird. "There is much to explain, however, I am afraid it must wait.
Bad weather threatens."
"Everything all
right?" Moondance asked in Tayledras, approaching the group.
"To a point,"
Starwind replied, opening his mind to his good friend and sharing with him what
he had learned. "How's Vanyel?" He dropped to the strangers'
language, hoping to keep them from feeling uneasy.
"Well. He'll have a
headache for a few days, but that's to be expected." Moondance complied
with the language switch-at home at once with the unfamiliar tongue. "And
these…?"
"Shock and confusion
only. They will recover without your help, Moondance." Starwind paused.
"We must decide what to do with them."
"We can't take them back
to the Vale," Moondance protested immediately.
Starwind closed his eyes as
memories that were not his own overcame him-confusion, surprise…fear. Such were
the downfall of a mind to mind transfer… "They did not come here
intentionally. And," he motioned to the steadily darkening sky, "the
weather is about to turn. The scouts have reported spotting a pack of wyrsa
in this area; they will be driven out by the storm. Alone, I wouldn't expect
them to live more than a day."
"But to take them into
the Vale…the Council…" Moondance insisted.
"Do not worry about the
Council; I shall deal with them. Besides, I see no other option." Starwind
shrugged. "We should go…"
Moondance nodded.
"Vanyel's with Yfandes. I'll get them…"
***
Lili silently walked through
the woods behind the strangers, studying the scenery. There was something about
the woods…something that didn't feel right. She had the uneasy feeling that the
stranger, Starwind, had been right-they wouldn't have lasted out here for long
on their own. Where ever 'here' was…
She let her gaze fall on
Starwind who walked before her. He was tall with long grey…no, silver hair.
Several strands at the temple had been neatly braided, white feathers worked
into the plait. His clothes, while practical for the terrain, were made of a
beautiful, flowing material unlike anything she had ever seen, and they were
designed with smooth, flattering lines. A confident and competent air
surrounded him, and he appeared as calculating and hard to read as any Taelon.
Lili's eyes fell upon the bird on his shoulder. A magnificent white bird of
prey, it sat there calmly, obediently, completely unrestrained and free. As
imposing as a skrill, if not more so. A skrill was under the control of its
host, and it didn't naturally kill things-at least she didn't think they did…
"Watch… There is a
bramble…" Lili started at the words, broken from her thoughts. She looked
up, finding the younger copy of Starwind beside her. What had Starwind called
him? Moondance? "I am sorry, I did not mean to startle you."
"It's…it's okay. I'm
still kind of jumpy. This…" She motioned to the forest around them, unsure
of how to continue.
"I can only imagine what
a shock it must be for you. This is so different from your world…"
"How do you know
that?" she countered, accusingly.
Moondance smiled slightly.
"Forgive me, I should not have mentioned it."
"It's too late for
that!" Lili protested.
"Starwind pulled more
than your language from him." He nodded slightly in Sandoval's direction.
The implant walked obediently at Da'an's side. "He also learned of the circumstances
surrounding your arrival, along with a small amount of your culture and who you
are. He has shared this knowledge with me. I am sorry; we only wished to know
you better."
"You took those
things from Sandoval's head?!" Lili asked, unbelieving. Moondance was
silent, refusing to meet her eyes. "You'd better be doing a lot of
explaining…"
Moondance remained quiet for
a moment then looked at Lili, a teasing glint in his pale grey eyes. "But
it is you who have dropped uninvited into our forest." Lili jumped as
something behind her snorted loudly. Moondance turned immediately and left her
side, Lili let her attention follow him.
Moondance had gone right to
the side of the other in his party, the one Starwind had referred to as Vanyel.
She'd gotten the idea that they were worried about him…and they had the right
to be. He was obviously not well-exhausted, thin, and ghastly. There was a look
in his eye that reminded her of the soldiers she'd seen on the front of the SI
War. They were the eyes of someone who'd seen too much pain and suffering…who'd
sacrificed all they had to give.
Even though younger than the
others, this man had the same silver hair and clear grey eyes. Still, there was
something different-he was not of their kind, that much was certain, yet
somehow he also belonged. Lili shrugged, dismissing the though; she was only
confusing herself… The man was dressed conservatively in dark browns and
greens. Clothes that easily blended into the surroundings-he'd obviously known
where he was going. He was riding a beautiful white horse with a silver mane
and tail. The horse snorted again, raising its head and meeting Lili's gaze
with its crystal-clear sapphire eyes. Lili glanced away immediately, there was
just too much intelligence in those eyes for her comfort…
"The Vale,"
Starwind said, pausing. Lili stopped, looking around. There was an unmistakable
'line' in the forest, where it changed from normal forest growth to the kind
more likely to be found in the tropical rain forest. Lush, leafy undergrowth,
huge, colorful flowers; and trees with trunks as big as houses, whose branches
stretched upward for what seemed like miles.
Without a word, Starwind
stepped over the 'threshold.' Lili followed, surprised by a tingling sensation
that covered her entire body. When it passed an instant later, she realized it
was warmer-several degrees so-and quite humid, though not uncomfortably so.
"What the…?"
Sandoval started, glancing around.
Starwind scoffed lightly and
turned to Moondance, who was helping Vanyel dismount. No, Lili thought, not to
Moondance…to the horse?! "My dear Yfandes, Vanyel is in good hands. I
believe you would find several hertasi at the main springs more than
willing to untack you and provide you with oats…" The horse nodded its
head slightly as if it had understood, and headed off down a nearby path. Lili
shook her head, unbelieving. Talking to it was one thing, but were they just
going to let it wander around on its own?
"There is much we must
discuss," Starwind said, turning to face their party. "However, it
may wait until the morning. I will show you where you may rest." Without
waiting for an answer, Starwind started down a path. Lili looked to the others
in her group; with a nod from Da'an, she followed Starwind.
Reaching a medium sized
wooden structure hidden under the low branches of a tree, he stopped. "I
know not how you would react to an ekele; many who are not of Tayledras
blood object to sleeping in the treetops." Starwind motioned to the
branches overhead. "This structure is currently empty, it will suffice. I
shall see that the hertasi bring you something to eat and clothes to
change into. We shall speak in the morning and perhaps I shall be able to
relieve some of your confusion. Until then I must brief the Council on your
presence." He turned quickly and left without a sound.
Uncertain of what exactly to
do, Lili entered the structure, Sandoval and Da'an following her. The building
was definitely set up as quarters, with a table and chairs along one wall,
several beds along another. Lili absentmindedly fingered one of the blankets on
a bed. The dark green material was soft and silky, designed to resemble leaves.
She'd never seen anything quite like it. "Why do I get the feeling I'm
living in a fairytale?" she asked, smiling at the thought.
Sandoval gave her a cold
glare. "We must find a way out of this 'fairytale.'"
"What?!" Lili
asked, surprised.
"Do you suggest we
remain here, Captain?" he countered.
"No, but… Sandoval, we
don't even know where we are. I don't think we can justify trying to find our
way 'out.' Where are we going to go? The shuttle's useless, we're surrounded by
forest…"
"I am afraid I must
agree with Marquette, Agent Sandoval," Da'an interrupted. "To attempt
to leave is a foolish action. These people have yet to threaten our safety in
any way-they have, in fact, been quite helpful. Perhaps they will be able to
assist us in getting home." Sandoval bowed his head subserviently in
reply.
"I don't know about you
all, but I'm tired," Lili said, eyeing the nearest bed…
***
