***********
Chapter 20
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They met their Companions near the river, swishing their tails idly.

: Shall we join them? : Alberich asked her. She gave him a brilliant smile and he led her towards their Companions. The sky was visibly darkening, the Sun going down the horizon, giving subtle red shades on the clouds. Sandwiched by their Companions, they watched the sunset in silence. They stayed until the last hint of the Sun vanished and the sky turned midnight blue and caught the twinkles of the early evening stars. Phoenix lifted her face to the sky, as a night breeze wound its way around them. Facing Alberich, he was looking down at her with suppressed mirth and she wondered why. He bent down and gave her a loving kiss and hand in hand, they walked towards the ekele, with their Companions gliding through the grass ahead of them.

: When were you aware that you're beginning to feel something for me? : Alberich asked, his Mind-voice a soft, gentle caress in her mind.

: I believe it was the time when you startled me out of my wits, creeping behind me in the library sometime during my second year. : She replied.

: Did I startle you that badly? : Alberich asked regretfully. Phoenix chuckled softly.

I wonder if this will impress him. "Ahey'la it was in the middle of the night when I came down the library to study. What else would I be thinking when someone tapped me on my shoulder?" She asked him in perfect Karsite, still laughing. Alberich turned to look at her in amazement. How did she… Alberich's thought trailed off as Kantor interrupted his thoughts.

: Chosen, what do you think she had been doing in the classes? I have to tell you that Karal was damn impressed with her when she passed her Karsite language lesson with flying colors. That was what she was doing back then in the library. She was reading one of the books that Karal had loaned her. :

: And she had taken that dictionary out, just when I needed it. I understand now. : Smiling a little as he looked at Phoenix fondly, then returned her chuckle. She thought somewhat abstractly, Gods. I just can't believe that I'm so lucky to get him.

"My apologies then," he answered in his birth language.

: Not really your fault. Some of the tables should be positioned against a wall. : She said ruefully.

: So it was then that you felt it? :

: I should have known better than to look directly at you. By the way, that's how I used to ward off any potential suitors, the highborn, I mean. The Heralds and their trainees are much more polite than they are. And seriously, their notion of courting a girl is so lame. : She informed him, walking backwards as she faced him.

: Ah, you were mad at me then. : He pointed out.

: Of course I was. You scared the skin out of me. : She said acidly. Alberich did not respond, though his eyes twinkled mischievously.

: By then I had convinced myself it was just infatuation so I more or less ignored the heartache every time I happened to see you or Felt your presence. : She told him, releasing him and then ran ahead, laughing giddily with Storm.

: So what about you? : She asked, sending her thought to Alberich, as he watched her, the wind playing with her hair and Storm who sidled and pranced about her. Kantor lagged until Alberich caught up with him and walked serenely. Alberich gave a wry smile as he thought back.

: I felt something for you, back in the Temple we were sheltering in, when we escorted you and your friends. : Alberich admitted, and Phoenix looked at him with eyes wide and flushed. What? It sure wasn't a love-at-first-sight kind of thing. At least I think so, Phoenix mused to herself.

: Just admit it Phoenix. You found him damn even attractive then. : Storm smirked in her mind.

"How is it that you managed to hold yourself together until we got to the Palace?" He asked curiously.

"Sheer stupidity. It was kind of hard holding on to an illusion, but at the same time trying to control my bleeding wounds when my reserves were already down. Thank goodness for the Companions. Didn't expect to reach the Palace faster than a week, and thank you for catching me when I did fall." she said contritely, still talking in Karsite, smiling at Alberich and then at Storm, who was butting his head playfully at her back.

: So, my feelings for you had turned quite intense for the past few months, so I decided to give a little experimentation. : Alberich shrugged.

: Experiment? : Phoenix asked quizzically.

"This experiment," he said with aplomb, pulling her towards him and kissed her passionately. He released her, and she gasped, breathless. She stood on the grass, swaying a little dizzily, while their Companions looked at the couple with interest and whickered softly. Phoenix blinked her eyes, and saw Alberich grinning wolfishly at her.

"I asked for it didn't I?" she asked aloud.

: Yes, you did. : Kantor replied slyly.

: That was purely intoxicating. : She said to Alberich demurely, then continued aloud, "But thank goodness I don't really have to compare getting intoxicated by alcohol and by his kiss." She turned and strutted off towards the ekele.

Kantor sighed hopelessly in the back of Alberich's mind. : Chosen, you're hopeless. This I was not expecting. :

Alberich stared directly at Kantor's pair of blue eyes, : Not expecting what? :

: That I would ever see you getting moonstruck. : Kantor replied, kicking his hooves on the grass sullenly.

: About time. : Alberich thought back, recounting his memories of how a silver-hoofed, white horse had practically kidnapped him from his home ground. Not that he was ungrateful for the help when it arrived. To his amusement, Kantor stormed off, muttering Karsite oaths in the back of his mind.

: Don't worry about him Alberich, he'll cool off in a while. : Storm said, a lock of his mane had covered his left eye, that really made him look boyish. He tossed off his head to get the hair out of his eye and galloped off towards Kantor, leaving Alberich to walk alone back to the ekele.

He was surprised when deep male laughter echoed throughout the ekele. He went up the ladder-like stairs carefully to see someone holding Phoenix tightly. Peering around the living room warily, he saw a masked silver-haired Hawkbrother sitting indolently on the couch looking at Phoenix and the stranger with amusement. The Hawkbrother turned his head towards the entrance and saw Alberich looking at them apprehensively. Alberich was surprised when he saw Firesong's amused eyes boring down on him. That means the one person holding on to Phoenix is Firesong's mate, Silverfox.

"I thought that the moon had turned blue while I wasn't watching. Gesten told me you two are lifebonded," Firesong said by way of greeting, standing up and shaking Alberich's hand. Firesong sat back on the couch, taking off his mask, fanning it lazily.

"All right, don't look at me like that," Silverfox complained, almost pushing Phoenix towards Alberich. Phoenix looked at Alberich archly but settled in his embrace easily.

"We just arrived, Silverfox insisted that he should come here to see how the gryphons are doing," Firesong said, looking at the couple, suppressing a smile. He watched his mate lovingly as Silverfox disappeared into Phoenix bedroom. Disengaging from Alberich arms, Phoenix set out towards the kitchen where Gesten was busily preparing dinner for them, leaving Alberich with the Hawkbrother mage. Everyone was momentarily startled when Silverfox's laughter rang out from the bedroom. Alberich sighed hopelessly, and sat down on a spare stool usually used by Gesten.

Unable to contain his curiosity any longer, Firesong got up and poked his head at the bedroom's door. "Ashke, what in the Goddess name is so funny?" he asked curiously, shaking his head when he saw Silverfox doubled onto the bed. Silverfox's hand was clutching his stomach as he laughed uncontrollably, while his other hand held out a frame. Silverfox looked back at the frame then at Firesong and burst into laughter, again. Swearing, Firesong briskly walked towards the incapacitated kestra'chern and efficiently got hold of the frame.

It turned out to be a sketch of Alberich and his Companion. Firesong chuckled softly, giving his lover a kiss on the forehead. Still holding on to the frame, Firesong got out of the bedroom and plopped down on the couch. Alberich winced when he saw the frame in Firesong's hand and started to scowl darkly at the grinning mage. Firesong made room for his mate, whose eyes were still watering from laughing too hard. Leaning against Silverfox, he asked Alberich mischievously, "Did she ever tell you how you managed to catch her attention effectively?" Alberich shook his head dubiously.

Just then, Phoenix came back holding a tray of hot chava and several cups. Firesong winked at her and questioned, "Should I tell him or do you want to?"

"Since he is my beloved, I will tell him," she muttered under her breath.

So, there was at least one person who knows that I was paying too much attention on Alberich. Funny, Firesong didn't stay that long then, maybe I had been a little too transparent.

"Remember that time while I was still a first-year Trainee, I had gone on into the salle, to help Kero with mending some of the equipment?" she asked, and at his nod, she continued, " You were smiling unconsciously, no doubt Kantor's doing." She said.

At Alberich's blank incomprehension, she explained, "That was how you caught my heart, lover-mine. Just a pure, simple smile, even before I looked deeply into your eyes." Smiling mysteriously, she bent down, and gave him a tender kiss on his cheek. Firesong and Silverfox looked at them knowingly and hid a smile. Alberich did not know how to respond to that. He had wished fervently once in his life, that someone would not flinch away from him when he happened to gaze on him or her.

: Now you have one, whom had giving you covert glances when you're looking at her for six years. : Kantor responded warmly. Be careful what you wish for, you might get it.

Phoenix looked at her tongue-tied lover, and gazed directly into his eyes. She smiled, though not with her lips but with her eyes and went back to the kitchen.

***********
Chapter 21
***********

A lot of things were running through his mind and he wished he had the courage to tell her what he wanted to tell her.

"Patience, Herald," Silverfox advised him wisely. "It doesn't have to be now, or tomorrow or this month. You don't really need to tell her. In fact, I think she wants to find out what you wish to tell her by herself. She enjoys hunting." The kestra'chern said softly.

"Guys, do you mind if we have our dinner on the floor?" Phoenix asked, "I didn't know that Gesten was preparing a feast." Alberich looked at her wonderingly, with her rolled up sleeves and a no-nonsense look on her face.

: She's a homebody. : Storm whispered at the back of his mind.

Silverfox glanced at his mate and shrugged. Phoenix stepped into the storeroom and got out a straw mat. She went out of the ekele, and they heard her shaking the dust off the mat vigorously. She came back and laid the mat down on the floor just as Gesten came back holding plates and handed them to her. She carefully laid the plates down and went back into the kitchen to get some fork and spoons. She carried a big bowl of rice in one hand and clutching on the eating utensils with the other.

She sat down beside Alberich, taking his plate and began to scoop up the staple for him.

: How much rice would you like to eat? : She asked Alberich.

: Give me two more spoonfuls of it. : He said with a smile. She handed the plate to him, and scooped up some rice for Firesong and Silverfox.

"How long would you be staying here?" Phoenix asked the Tayledras mage and his mate.

"About a couple of weeks. You don't mind if we stay in the ekele?" Firesong answered as he helped himself to a serving of fish in lemon sauce. Phoenix looked inquiringly at Gesten sitting on a stool and he gave a shrug.

"They can have my room and I can make myself at home in the living room," he replied.

: You sure? : Phoenix asked him doubtfully.

: Yes, Phoenix, I am. : He answered her after giving her a flat look.

"Is that fine with you two?" She asked them.

Silverfox rolled up his eyes eloquently, "It is all right with us, but what about him?" he pointed his angular chin to Alberich.

Alberich just looked at the kestra'chern obliquely and kept on eating. They talked in between bites about things that had been happening up in the west of Valdemar and what Phoenix and her friends were up to. When the meal was done, they all pitched in to help, so everything was cleaned up in a surprising short time.

: It's been a long day; I'd really like to bathe now. : Phoenix said tiredly to Alberich. Silverfox exchanged a look with his mate and suggested in soaking in the hot pool.

: I don't mind, in fact I myself am feeling a little grimy. : Alberich whispered in her mind. The Tayledras couple went ahead with the Heralds right behind them. Gesten followed them expectantly and began retrieving their clothes as soon as they began to undress. The Heralds washed themselves first in the washing pool, scrubbing and shampooing. Alberich got up from the pool, helping Phoenix up and together, they went into the hot pool. The Healing Adept negligently raised the temperature a little and they soaked comfortably in the pool. Alberich had maneuvered himself behind Phoenix and began to massage her neck and back. Firesong draped his hand over Silverfox's shoulders lovingly, and grinned crookedly as Phoenix sighed with contentment.

"Oh, you'll be having us for company for about two weeks," Phoenix told them without opening her eyes. At Silverfox's inquiring look, Alberich told them of the Queen's decision.

"And there will be a celebration of a sort at the glade tomorrow evening," Phoenix interjected.

"Ah, I see." Silverfox replied with a mischievous grin.

"The hertasi were all sort of worried when we came in. What happened?" Firesong asked suddenly.

"A Situation had occurred. Nothing major yet," Phoenix informed then and told them their mini-adventure that occurred in the afternoon.

: Ahey'la can you continue for me? I'd like to check on the Nolvine boy. : Phoenix asked Alberich. He sent her a wave of approval. He stopped massaging her and she leaned against his chest, and he wrapped her in his arms, being very careful not to touch her chest.

In her mind, she sought out the line to Hanren Nolvine. She watched in detachment as she looked at Hanren's moving body and listened to groans of pleasure. She used the time to survey the surroundings and took herself out from the room. She soared up above and found that the location was in the best part of Exile's Gate. She scanned the area, tagging the mages hovering in the vicinity. Satisfied, she brought herself back into the room and ignored the lord's activity. She focused her concentration casting a veil of primitive magic. She doubt that anyone could even remember how to create it, since the magic she's using predates even the era of the Mage of Silence. Anything that passes through the veil would alert her, and the veil itself would capture images along with sound effects. She stood back, checking for any loopholes and backed out.

When she came back to herself, Alberich was deep in conversation with Silverfox who was holding on to a dozing Firesong. Silverfox was relating about the works of Herald Anda in k'Valdemar Vale. Alberich nodded once and peered down at his beloved.

: Done? : He asked tenderly, his Mind-voice tinged with curiosity and anticipation. Phoenix nodded.

"Why don't we all go up to bed? Your lover's tired I think," Phoenix suggested quietly. Silverfox nodded with agreement and nudged his mate to consciousness. Firesong blinked his eyes sleepily and lifted himself up from the pool. He picked a towel and passed it to Silverfox, drying himself and wrapped his body with it. Phoenix carefully wiped her body then began drying her hair vigorously. Alberich waited for her patiently and let her take the lead, and watched her hips swaying, his lips curving to a smile. Gesten had already set down his pallet in the living room and went on to help Firesong and Silverfox, leaving the Heralds with a little bit of privacy. Phoenix went into her room and opened the cupboard to get Alberich's sleeping robe as well as her own nightgown. Alberich took a moment to untie the curtain, screening her bedroom.

Alberich slipped on his robe, and stretched his back a little. Taking a hanger, he slipped his damp towel and hanged it on a hook. Phoenix had stopped toweling her hair and Alberich reached out for it and repeated his actions. Taking her hairbrush from the drawer, he sat down on the bed. Phoenix gave a surprised look but complied, sitting in front of him while he brushed her hair for her. This is all so strange, she thought a bit nervously.

: Don't worry about it Phoenix. : Kantor said comfortingly in her mind. Still her thought persisted stubbornly; this is still strange. Alberich brushed her hair patiently, with strong, deft strokes. Somehow, it seemed strangely hypnotic to him, as her hair began to dry with every stroke, her curls springing bouncily down her back. Phoenix felt that he had brushed her hair long enough and turned her face. Alberich automatically bent down to give her a brief kiss and she pried her hairbrush off his hand. She crawled, kneeling beside him and started combing his damp snowy-white hair in turn. When she was done, she got up and placed back her brush back in the drawer, then crawled into his lap. Wordlessly, she extinguished the mage-light and they remained in that position for quite some time. They both looked out the window, watching the tall trees swaying with the breeze, dimly lighted by moonlight. Alberich rested his cheek against her head and held her dreamily.

: Are you happy Alberich? : Myste's faraway Mindvoice echoed softly in the back of his mind.

: I believe I had found the part of me that had been missing for quite a while. : Alberich Sent his answer to his friend.

: No doubt, : Myste's Mindvoice replied dryly, : I thought I'd be the one to give that part to you but then a Herald by the name of Jedren suddenly popped into my life and erased that thought totally. :

: Are you happy? : Alberich echoed her question. I didn't know that Jedren's with her. I wonder if that's the reason why he and Phoenix didn't entangle themselves during her internship.

: More than before. I can't believe that you're lifebonded though. : Myste said. Alberich just Sent her a wave of amusement.

: Well, got to go now. I'll see you tomorrow evening. Then you could introduce me to your mate in person. : Myste Sent and released the link, Sending him her approval and well wishes.

Alberich kissed his beloved's hair lightly and whispered cheekily, "My back is getting a little tired. Can't we get to a more comfortable position?" he asked, Sending her images of them in bed. She chuckled softly and nimbly laid herself down on the pillow. Smiling, Alberich fell on her and started kissing her seriously.

**********

"How are you feeling?" Silverfox asked his mate as he kneaded Firesong's back.

"All right," he grunted, "just a little tired." Firesong propped himself up using his elbows as Silverfox finished massaging his back.

"What do you think?" Silverfox asked abruptly as he settled down to sleep while Firesong extinguished the mage-light.

"Think about what?" Firesong asked wonderingly, kissing Silverfox and crawled into his lover's arms.

"Alberich and Phoenix," Silverfox said impatiently, nuzzling Firesong's hair.

"Happy, I guess. They belong together. She had been coveting him for quite a while, but I must admit, she's a strong-willed woman to keep it under control for six years." Firesong turned to look into Silverfox's pair of amused eyes.

"I see," Silverfox replied, smiling mischievously at Firesong. "Well, I'm not as strong-willed as she is so forgive me if I don't keep my desire under control," Silverfox said silkily. Firesong grinned impudently and he set out to make everything perfect for his mate.

********

Phoenix sighed contentedly as she snuggled close to Alberich. It's so nice to snuggle close to him, he has a very nice chest, she thought drowsily. Alberich was caressing her back languidly as she breathed in his scent.

: Ahey'la, : Phoenix whispered softly in her beloved's mind and felt him tremble slightly, Phoenix quirk up a smile at his reaction, : I have to be up at dawn. : She informed him as he gazed at her, his eyes questioning.

: I do still have my lessons with the leysha'e. : She explained, kissing his chest gently. I do wish I dare spar with him, she thought wistfully.

"He should come along too, so he can assess you for himself," A familiar voice resounded deep in her mind.

: Would you like to come? : She Sent her thought hopefully. Alberich was surprised at her request. He kissed her forehead lovingly and gave her an assent.

: Yes, I will come. : He replied, squeezing her gently.

Pressing her cheek against his beating heart she whispered tenderly in his mind, : I love you. :

Alberich lifted her chin and kissed her deeply, : Love you too. :

Phoenix murmured a goodnight and settled against his chest.

: Goodnight, ahey'la. : He Sent, holding her close and took comfort in her presence and promptly fell asleep.

***********
Chapter 22
***********
An internal alarm bell woke Phoenix. Alberich blinked his eyes drowsily as he felt Phoenix removing herself from the circle of his arms. He mumbled a protest, reaching out for her sleepily. Phoenix looked down smiling at him tenderly.

: I have to get ready, ahey'la. : She said, chuckling a little, bending down to kiss his cheek. Alberich sighed resignedly and sat up. Phoenix activated the mage-light and it lit the bedroom dimly. Getting up from her bed, she took the appropriate set of clothes meant for her lessons. Alberich noted that most of her clothes were in blue and gray and recalled what Silane had mentioned. She definitely will look good in black. Phoenix then took the pouch of seeds and emptied it a little, throwing off the seeds out the window. Alberich closed his eyes for a moment and cleared his mind of all things. He opened back his eyes, his senses sharp and alert. Phoenix had tiptoed out after she changed her clothing and went out to the kitchen silently to wash up.

He slipped on his traditional uniform and moved silently towards the kitchen. A brief glance in the living room indicated that Gesten was still asleep, and Alberich took great care not to make any noise that might wake the tired hertasi. Phoenix was combing her hair, and braided it tightly, tying the end with a hair band. She washed her hands and set about making a little breakfast. When Alberich had finished washing up, she had finished making light sandwiches and washed the food down with plain lukewarm water. A plain fare, but then it was foolhardy if she was to eat a much more substantial meal, especially if one was supposed to engage in a sword-fight early in the morning.

They cleaned up the remains of their breakfast in complete silence and Phoenix went back to her room and brought out her sword, strapping it on her back while Alberich strapped on his habitually. Phoenix paused for a moment and took a red flower from its vase and placed it on a small table in the living room. Alberich looked quizzically at her gesture and she explained that it was customary for her to place it whenever she goes for training if Gesten happened to be still sleeping. That way the hertasi will know if she had left for training and not disappear off somewhere to get herself in trouble.

: If I place any weird colors, it means that I'm out with friends and won't be coming home. If I place a white one, means I have some official work to handle. : She said, walking next to Alberich and suddenly he found himself not on the familiar ground of the Field. Phoenix smiled tenderly at him, and led him around the trees and entered the glade.

: Where are we? : Alberich asked, not in alarm, but in curiosity since he could Mindtouch Kantor, who was still drowsing contentedly.

: We're nowhere. In actuality, we're still in the Field. Just that it's a hundred times safer to fight around, then having someone suddenly blunder into the circle. The leysha'e prefers to come here for some reason. The environment's perfect for practicing your sword-skills and training your mind, : Phoenix studied the area around her, : Settle down, she's coming soon. :

Alberich leaned against a huge tree trunk, blending right in with the early morning surroundings in his dark gray uniform. He watched Phoenix standing silently in the middle of the clearing. She had unsheathed her sword and balanced it in both of her hands, and closed her eyes, meditating. Movement from amongst the trees alerted Alberich and he watched warily as a veiled figure, dressed in black, approach his beloved. The meeting of the two was silent, exchanging only nods.

: Be welcome among us, Wielder of Fire, and Herald to Companion. : A hollow voice echoed in the depths of his mind. Alberich met the eyes of the leysha'e Kal'enedral and she; for it was clear that she's a female, although neutered by their vows to the Goddess; saluted him in greeting. Alberich gave a tight nod and turned his thoughts inward. He contemplated the spirit's cryptic words of greeting. Wielder of Fire. Alberich was pulled in strongly by his Gift, and found himself looking at an impressive bright, incandescently burning bird against the night sky. As suddenly as he was pulled in, he was released in an instant. Alberich had been having these visions for years even before Phoenix and her friends had Gated to Valdemar. He let out a sigh of relief and turned his attention to the two people in the clearing.

The two women spread themselves out in the clearing, beginning a typical Shin'a'in sword dance as they began to move inwards. Her moves are graceful. Her strokes are sure and strong, Alberich observed with a professional eye. Phoenix's face was calm as her light-sword met the saber of her opponent. Their swords rang solidly in the clearing as they moved. Phoenix took on a defensive position, holding the hilt of her sword with both hands, deflecting the lightning-fast strokes of the saber smoothly. She can't go on defending herself forever, Alberich thought fretfully.

: Be patient.: Kantor said as he watched through the eyes of his Chosen.

Phoenix gave no signals as she turned the tables on the leysha'e. One minute, she had merely defended herself, now she was attacking, delivering her strokes deftly. At the last possible moment, she lunged forward, startling the leysha'e causing her saber to fall onto to the soft grass as Phoenix gave her a rap on her wrist. Alberich held his breath as he watched his beloved maneuvered behind her opponent and swiftly brought her blade down, inches away from the spirit's neck.

Six whole years and she hid her talents away from me, he thought, his being filled with disbelief. Knowing she can't make any moves without it being seen as cheating, the leysha'e yielded humbly and Phoenix removed her blade away from the spirit's neck carefully. Phoenix stepped back and watched as the leysha'e retrieved her saber from the ground.

"You are good jel'enedra," was all the spirit said, her eyes twinkling her approval.

: It would be good if you are to dance your skill with him. A sparring partner with one whom is one's own ves'tacha is said to bring luck and happiness for the people. : The leysha'e said directly into Phoenix mind.

: Do you think it is all right, Kal'enedral? I really wish to be able to spar with him, : Phoenix said to the spirit longingly, : but I'm afraid something might go wrong. :

: Sheka, : the spirit snorted rudely, : if you're so afraid that you might hurt him, learn to seek the limits of his pace as he will seek yours. Start out with the sword dance, : the leysha'e tilted her head thoughtfully, : or you watch him first, then try to match him in his dance. That should work. For now you have to follow his pace. :

Phoenix placed her sword back in its sheath as she walked around the ground slowly, doing minute stretches at the same time. Alberich was coming towards the clearing, his face quiescent.

: You are very good ahey'la. But I am injured that you did not pose a challenge for me during the years you're a trainee. :

Phoenix gave a bright little smile, : We can always start now. : Alberich took out his sword in answer. He started his sword dance and Phoenix watched his moves carefully. She unsheathed her sword and followed his actions repeatedly. Her world narrowed down to Alberich, to the movements of his body and his sword. She didn't notice the newcomer standing beside the leysha'e Kal'enedral. The spirit bowed respectfully as the Goddess to watch the lifebonded couple. Phoenix felt her sword merging with her, becoming the extension of her arm and will. Only then did her blade touch Alberich's.

Alberich had deliberately set a slow pace, and then gradually increased it. Right now he is the Weaponmaster and he drilled Phoenix with the careful eye of a teacher. She's good and fast too. Well I guess I just have to find out her limits.

: And maybe you'll find out yours in the process too. : Kantor whispered evilly.

Phoenix carefully followed the Weaponmaster's pace and she had to keep a tight rein on her instinct that dictates her to strike faster. He increased the pace and the swiftness of his strokes and was immensely pleasured when she kept up smoothly. The ringing of their swords clanged and echoed musically deep in the forest. The Weaponmaster was close to being winded but he increased to the very pace that was his limit, where even Jeri had troubles keeping up with. However, to his amazement, Phoenix followed easily and he knew that the end of the dance was getting closer.

: Don't bother looking at her eyes to tell you her next move. Storm tells me that she had practiced a lot to kick off that habit. : Kantor informed helpfully.

That's an invaluable piece of information, Alberich thought. So he made his move to end it and found himself trapped by her. But so was she; his blade was just inches from her abdomen as the sharp tip of her sword stopped just inches from his throat. Carefully they withdrew their swords and sheathed them. Phoenix's face was flushed from the workout but her eyes twinkled as she met Alberich's eyes.

: I'm so proud of you, ahey'la. : He said and Phoenix gave him a tremulous smile.

"That wasn't so bad. See, you didn't even nick him, jel'enedra," the leysha'e spoke up, her voice echoing hollowly. Turning to Alberich, she said, "Someone wants to meet you." The leysha'e backed away respectfully as Kal'enel stepped forward, gazing at Alberich deeply with her eyes of endless night, filled with stars. Simultaneously, the couple bent down and knelt on one knee, heads bowing respectfully. She stepped towards the two, placing her hands on their forehead and then, she was gone.

Alberich blinked his eyes in awe as his soul was filled with immense happiness. Alberich got up and helped his beloved up to her feet. Her face glowed and her eyes gazed wonderingly at Alberich's.

"Off to your business then," the leysha'e said, her eyes twinkling in happiness, and like her Goddess, she vanished in an instant.

Alberich stared at the spot where the leysha'e had stood a moment ago and let out a breath shakily.

"That was a rather unexpected visit," Phoenix said, her voice awed. Strands of hair had escaped from her braid and she touched them with annoyance; she released her hair band and shook her head, her hair escaping from the confines of braiding.

"The morning has been very stimulating," Alberich agreed, walking around the glade slowly. Phoenix did a couple of stretches, breathing in the clean air of nature. She stood dreamily with her eyes closed as she merged with the nature growing lushly around her. She was jolted out off her trance when Alberich tentatively held her by her waist. She looked at him lovingly, his face shining from the sweat of the morning's exertion.

"Do you think we can make this a daily habit?" he asked her casually in Karsite, his eyes never leaving hers.

Phoenix's heart soared at his request as she smiled happily at him. "I would like that." Alberich couldn't contain his exuberance as he flooded their bond with his gladness of her approval. Dear Sunlord, the way she speaks my birth language is really exciting me.

: Yeah, he's found his match. : Kantor said to no one in particular as Alberich turned a deaf ear on his Companion.

: Well that's good for them. At least their seriousness at practicing with each other sort of cushions the effects of being moonstruck. : Storm replied playfully.

: You could be right. : Kantor agreed grudgingly.

: Phoenix, could you two come back now? The other Companions are looking at us very weirdly right now. : Storm asked desperately.

: And why are they looking thus? :

: We've been standing around doing nothing. We're just waiting for you. : Storm said sheepishly, knowing that he shouldn't do it in the first place. Phoenix gave an exasperated sigh and took Alberich's hand, startling a couple of Companions lurking near the two stallions when they popped into their midst.

: Attracting gossip Kantor? : Alberich asked his Companion. Kantor gave him a rude answer and looked at Phoenix apologetically as she blushed hardly at his comments. Resolutely, Phoenix mounted Storm, and rode off.

: I'll see you later at the pool ahey'la. Go off before he starts to deliberately mutter curses about you in my mind too. : Phoenix suggested as the wind rushed at her face. Kantor Sent her a thought innocently. Phoenix shook her head and wished Alberich a good time riding.

***********
Chapter 23
***********

Storm was taking her to one of her favorite grottos near the riverbank. She got off from his back and the two walked unhurriedly as she probed cautiously. Good, no one's using it. They entered the small cave and she sat down on the smooth ground while Storm curled comfortingly behind her, letting her lean against his body. Storm nuzzled her affectionately as Phoenix purred and shared the happiness that he was feeling.

"What do you think of black? On Alberich I mean?"

Storm looked inquiringly at her. "I want to make up something for him." Phoenix explained.

Storm snorted with laughter at her suggestion. When he managed to control himself, he looked a little guiltily at his Chosen, who was fuming at her Companion.

: Phoenix, he looks bad enough like a storm cloud. And you still want to dress him up in black? :

"That's if he's putting up on that scowling expression. But he sure looks damn good in black," her voice trailing away as she pictured Alberich with a design that she had in mind for years. Storm shook his head in resignation.

: Since you're so set on it, why don't you draw the design for me. The design must be feasible enough that you can create it and not resort to cheating. : Storm suggested.

Phoenix leaned back and Fetched her case where she had kept sketch papers and her pencils. She took out a sheet and fished for her pencil and began to draw. Her brow furrowed in concentration as she nearly finished the sketch.

: That was fast. : Storm complimented her as she held up the sketch so that Storm could inspect it. Storm would whistle like a human but unfortunately a horse can't really do that. Phoenix also had sketched Alberich and Storm had to agree that he does look good on the clothes that Phoenix had designed on the piece of paper.

"What do you think?" Phoenix asked her Companion anxiously.

: The design is good I must say. The cut looks similar to the grays he wears although the designs sewed onto it are much simpler compared to yours. All in all it doesn't look so extravagant that he might be uncomfortable when he wears it, : Storm then gave her a knowing snort, : but it should be all right since he's going to wear it on his wedding day. :

"Hmmm. Well, Alberich is still out with Kantor, maybe I could ask Silverfox and Gesten for suggestions. And then see if Firesong has any ideas he wants to add on."

: Well, let's go then. For the first time ever, well at least for me, I've been invited to a party. : Storm said, standing up and walked out from the grotto. Phoenix carefully kept the sketch back into her case and mounted Storm carefully.

********

"Morning, Phoenix!" Silverfox greeted her cheerfully. The three whom were asleep when Phoenix left the ekele were all up and mending a variety of their clothes including hers. Gesten as usual sat on a stool, while Firesong and Silverfox sat carelessly on the floor.

"Morning! Well since you all are dealing with clothes, I'd really like to ask you for opinions," she said, taking off her shoes and then sat cross-legged down beside the seemingly ageless kestra'chern. She then fished out the sketch she had drawn earlier and handed it to Silverfox who was waiting expectantly since he recognized her case to be the one containing all her drawing materials.

Silverfox carefully viewed the sketch, noting the intricate designs on Alberich's sleeve and back. Unexpectedly, he burst out laughing. Phoenix looked crossly at him and demanded, "What's so funny?" pinching the kestra'chern viciously. Firesong and Gesten looked at them with vivid interest.

"Ouch!" Silverfox yelped and tried fending off her nimble fingers. "Okay! I'm sorry!" Silverfox apologized, still chortling to himself. Silverfox handed the sketch to Firesong and he and the hertasi peered down at the sketch. After three heartbeats, the two of them started laughing.

"My Gods! What the hell's wrong with them?" she wailed.

Firesong gasped for breath just as Gesten fell off from his stool, laughing hoarsely. The Healing Adept groped for Gesten, helping the still laughing hertasi back to his stool.

Silverfox carefully retrieved the paper out of his mate's hand and gave it back to Phoenix, who was watching them helplessly.

"Didn't know that you were planning on your wedding costumes so soon," Silverfox asked, his eyes twinkling merrily.

"Well I'm certainly not going to let anyone else design his clothes for that particular day."

"Well, I don't think silk could handle the designs. The stitching would probably ruin the fabric. You could use cotton but the effect won't really be that outstanding. You have to have leather sewn onto the initial material first, " Silverfox said, then paused as he began to look at Phoenix intensely. "You both will look good in black and gold." At her flush, he shook his head.

"I should have known that was what you had in mind," Silverfox continued, giving her a loving smile.

"You don't have to worry about getting black leather. We still have a bundle of them in the storeroom. You designed his but what about yours?" Gesten asked, picking up the discarded clothes he had been mending. Phoenix rummaged through her case of sketches and handed him what she had in mind. Gesten straight away saw the similarities of the costumes. Unlike most women who would rather marry in a gown, Phoenix had designed hers with a feminine streak but kept to a shirt and straight-fit pants. The designs on her sleeves were of vines and the outline of a Phoenix in flight on her back while Alberich's sleeves and back were of swords and the Sun. Gesten nodded approvingly at the sketch of her costume and handed it to Silverfox.

"I see why you wanted silk as well," Gesten added. The vines are quite easy to do, and the silk could handle the pressure. Should have known that Firesong's influence on some of her robes is rubbing onto her own taste.

"This is quite a project Phoenix. I think I might like to stay here until I see the two of you married in the clothes," Silverfox said, feeling a little envious at her sketches. Then he looked pleadingly at Firesong. The mage just quirked up a smile and shrugged.

"Let's take your measurements first," Gesten said then got up and fetched the sewing kit. The three still left in the living room helped fold the piles of mended clothes. The hertasi returned with the kit and held a book containing all her costume designs and her body measurements.

She stripped as Silverfox gazed curiously at her underclothes making her squirm uncomfortably. Gesten handed Silverfox a measuring tape and then he went briskly measuring her dimensions. Firesong sat back watching his lover measure every inch of the lady's body while Gesten jotted down what measures how much.

"Done." Silverfox announced as he rolled the measuring tape and handed it to Gesten. Phoenix retrieved her clothes and her case and deposited them at their rightful places. She came back for her sword and went into her room and kept it back in its customary place. Taking both her towel and Alberich's, she went down to the pool to bathe. She went into the washing pool, ducked several times to wet her hand and reached for a lemon-scented bar of soap. After she was satisfied that she was clean enough, she pulled the plug off, draining the used water and refilled it. The she went out and slid into the hot pool and relaxed.

Alberich came into view, though he stepped into the garden silently. He smiled at her briefly before going up the ekele to remove first his boots and to keep his sword. All the while he was in the ekele after he greeted Gesten and the couple, they had watched him with a sly look. Firesong was openly smirking and Alberich raised his eyebrow in question as he stepped down from the ekele into the washing pool to wash off the sweat and the horse-smell he had picked up while he was out riding with Kantor. He joined Phoenix to soak his aching muscles and she gave him a massage automatically.

Alberich leaned against her hands, his back tingling with a familiar sense of the Healing powers. After some time, she stopped and Alberich turned to face her. They spent several moments looking into each other's eyes and their Companions snorted off disgustedly.

: These two are so…disgustingly sweet. : Storm wailed to Kantor, giving up on trying to find the proper words on the way the lifebonded couple was responding to each other. Kantor agreed sympathetically and in exasperation the Companions stomped off, blocking their minds tightly from the two Heralds.

Phoenix chuckled guiltily as she Felt Storm's despair at their behavior. However, Alberich seemed to be undisturbed by his Companion's reaction. He leaned towards Phoenix expectantly and she gave him a kiss. Alberich trailed his fingers down her cheeks softly as she held him closer, her hands rubbing down his back. Control yourself Karsite, you are not precisely alone in this place. Just kiss her and don't think of doing anything else. Alberich drew back slowly, and Phoenix held on tightly to his waist as she trembled by the intensity of their kiss.

They returned to the ekele to find Gesten setting up for their brunch and the other couple taking their turn to soak in the hot pool.

"Don't be too long down soaking," Gesten called out after them. Surprisingly, well at least to Alberich, Gesten followed them to their bedroom, funny, he was thinking of Phoenix's bedroom as theirs now. Phoenix dressed up hurriedly; slipping on her underwear then wore a Tayledras mage robe. It was rather drab. The robe was light gray, but it was comfortable, and she felt it would rather blend with Alberich's dark grays. Alberich had managed to wear his underpants when Phoenix stopped him before he wore his leathers. Gesten stood around, holding a book and a pencil, clucking impatiently at Phoenix. She made a face towards the impatient hertasi, while Alberich looked at them bewilderedly.

"Hold out your hands," Phoenix instructed and as Alberich complied, she measured his chest with a measuring tape. She recited the measurement to Gesten and he jotted the figures down. Phoenix went on measuring Alberich's shoulder-width, waist, hip, and the rest of his body. He was suddenly reminded of Gaytha taking his body measurements for his Formal Whites.

"Ahey'la, what are you up to?" Alberich asked a little desperately, as Phoenix measured his thighs skillfully. He determinedly suppressed his desire at Phoenix's innocent touch as he looked down at his kneeling lover taking measurements of the rest of his legs.

"Just another one of my projects dear. Nothing to worry about," as she stood up, winking conspiratorially at the smirking hertasi. Gesten went out of the room, leaving the couple in the bedroom. Phoenix began to brush her hair as she sat down on the bed, watching Alberich appreciatively as the near naked man began putting on his clothes. Don't think about that now Phoenix. Just admire his physique.

: I'm hopeless, aren't I Storm? : She Sent a thought out to her Companion.

: You both are. : Kantor replied sardonically.

Alberich sat down next to her toweling his hair while she gazed lovingly at him. She was looking at him with a mysterious smile on her face, and he now wished that they were alone in the ekele. He did kiss her again, and both of them went out to have their second breakfast.

"I wonder what we should bring for the party this evening," Phoenix asked, sipping heavenly on her cup of chava.

"Why should we? We are going to present them with a dance, aren't we?" Alberich replied sourly.

"Really?" Silverfox asked curiously, as he came into view, his long hair dripping wetly on the floor.

"Ashke, get yourself dried up first," Firesong pushed him towards their bedroom, while Silverfox stuck his tongue at his mate. Phoenix chortled to herself as she watched the other two lovers.

"It is still a party, and I guess we should just bring something in handy just in case," Alberich mused, as he thought about the bottle of Taltherian wine still unconsummated somewhere in his quarters in the Heralds' Wing. Phoenix pursed her lips thoughtfully. Should I bring my lute? Nope, that's not going to work. Guess I have to fall back on my baking skills. Certainly not chocolate chips. Looks like I'll be doing some experimentation in the kitchen.

: I'm going to go work in the kitchen, : Phoenix said to him and was indecisive of what else she should say.

: Don't worry ahey'la. I could probably get myself busy for a mark or two. Do you mind if I bring a bottle of wine for the evening? :

: No, dear. Just promise me that you won't get yourself drunk later. : She said with a smile.

They got up with Phoenix going back to the bedroom with Alberich's swords and his knives while Alberich wore his boots. He gave her a little kiss on the nose and then kissed her deeply before he went down the ekele. Phoenix watched his retreating back dreamily, smiling to herself.

"Where is he going?" the kestra'chern came out, wearing a robe that was nearly identical to hers.

"He's going out for a while; probably he's going riding with Kantor. He told me that he has a bottle of wine to pick up." Phoenix said, shrugging at him. Firesong came out, elaborately dressed up.

"And where are you going?" Phoenix asked archly to the Healing Adept. The Adept gracefully sat himself on the couch with Gesten trailing behind him courtly. Phoenix snorted at their pompous display as Silverfox chuckled with amusement.

"Appearances, lady of the ekele. Appearances. I still have a reputation to maintain in the hallways of the Valdemaran Palace," Firesong told her, looking at her loftily.

"Huh. Provided the Queen doesn't kick you out first," Silverfox bantered playfully.

"Ashke, you're supposed to applaud me. Not deflate me," Firesong pouted sulkily, glaring at Silverfox as his lover sat down beside him.

Firesong ate quickly and put on his mask and flew out of the ekele. Phoenix looked at the mage curiously and turned to Silverfox.

"What's with him?"

"He can't bear to be in my presence all day or else he won't get anything done except to pamper me," Silverfox replied with a smile. Phoenix nodded in agreement and confessed to the kestra'chern that she almost was contemplating doing the unthinkable with Alberich.

"That leaves the three of us here," Silverfox looking at her and the hertasi. "I guess that you would be doing some experiments?" Silverfox looked at her expectantly and gave her a smile when she nodded. "Let's get to work then." He said with aplomb, rising up and drifted to the kitchen.