The sun rose normally the next morning. There were no traces of the previous evening's catastrophe. For the first time in many nights, however, the light in Elmeir's workplace was extinct.

Elmeir didn't wake until the sun was high in the sky. As she slowly awakened, she grimaced at the height of the sun.

Oh, merde. I was hoping to get some work done this morning! She tried to get up, without success. Her fatigue had spread through her entire body; she could not even get up if she wanted to.

She swore again, slightly louder, but with more vehemence. At the noise, Elasien poked his golden head through the door.

Yes, my sister? I thought I heard your beautiful voice saying something?

Elmeir only laughed, her previous bad temper already forgotten. Yes, yes, I know; I should stop cursing. But I can't help myself: they so accurately describe my present disgust!

Elasien came into the room. I didn't say anything.

I know; but you thought it.

He smiled. Maybe I did. But I didn't say it; you did.

Her response was to try to throw a pillow at him. Unfortunately, she was still exhausted; the pillow barely reached a third of the distance between them. Elmeir moved forward, picked up the pillow, and put it back on the bed. He turned to her, his face suddenly serious.

You do know everybody's coming today, to decide what happened, and what is to happen.

I assumed as much, which is why I would like to be able to get out of bed. When are they coming?

After midday; I figured you'd have time to recuperate. Would you like Arkon to come as well?

She shrugged. If he wouldn't be in the way.... yes, I would.

Already that close?

Well, I don't know. She looked up at him, gravely. Give me some more time to think about that one; right now, I'm just going day to day.

Well, just make sure you're sure before doing anything you might regret.

She looked at him and smiled slightly. Yes, my big brother. I will make sure he won't eat me alive.

Elasien had the grace to look slightly embarrassed- an oddity on such a large person. Elm, I'm your brother. I'm worried about you, okay? I don't like to see you work endless hours for nothing, or to get involved with somebody who means you harm. I'm just telling you to be careful.

Arkon doesn't mean me harm, Elasien. And I work for purposes; they just aren't understood yet. I thought you knew that!

Peace, Elm. I know. You rest some more; I'll call you when everybody starts arriving.

* * * * *

A few hours later, everyone had indeed arrived. They all sat, tense, in the main room of Elmeir and Elasien's home. Elasien had gotten up, refreshed after an additional nap. She sat next to Arkon on a divan, who looked a little uncomfortable, surrounded by all the major intellectuals of Esseneth.

Seated across the room from Elmeir and Arkon was arguably the most intelligent man in Esseneth. Iralor was the main bond between all these friends; if he were not there, they would have undoubtedly splintered into several factions. He was the reason they worked together, and nobody doubted his extreme intelligence, even wisdom. Elmeir might beat any of them at magical talent and skill, but no one could beat Iralor's common sense and methodical approach to a problem. Almost surprisingly, he was tall- almost as tall as Elasien, but fairer. His wide golden eyes gave an impression of almost childlike-temperament, without revealing his iron strength. Asides from being wise, he could be the most stubborn Eleann born.

Next to him was his wife, Glendura. Although she was not strictly an she was his partner in every way imaginable. A small woman, she radiated enough strength to make up for Iralor's apparent childishness.

Elasien stood leaning in the doorway, and Amaranth was seated on the floor, looking a little awed, in spite of herself. She was the newest, and youngest, member of their small group, and she felt it. Her expression was much like Iralor's, without the hidden reserves of strength: she was all air and light.

Rylorien and Valerin sat together on the one remaining divan in the room. Well, maybe not together. There was a good foot of space between them, and neither showed any signs of wanting to lessen the distance. Everyone joked about Rylorien and Valerin: they never got along. At the same time, they were wonderful researchers, complimenting each other perfectly. This was the problem- too different to get along outside of the workshop, they were inseparable within it.

While a soft hum of voices filled the air, Amaranth looked around her with wide eyes. She could still not quite believe that she was a part of this elite group. Deep within her, she still doubted the reality of her talent, never mind how many times Iralor insisted on their existence.

Elmeir turned to Arkon and spoke quietly. I do not think my brother is overly fond of you.

You noticed, then? I thought you would, he whispered back. I hope they aren't expecting me to contribute to this conversation, he added, indicating the grouped Eleann as they spoke quietly among themselves.

Oh, relax, Arkon. They won't bite. See the woman next to Iralor? That's his wife, Glendura. I'm sure she felt just as intimidated as you; and look at her now- she's perfectly comfortable.

I'm sure I shall wait eagerly for the day when I feel as comfortable as her in such a gathering, Mia, Arkon observed drily. Elmeir stifled a giggle, then stopped abruptly as Iralor finally raised his voice.

Well well, if we are all here... and yes, I think we are, we might as well get started.

He always makes this seem like some sort of club meeting, Elmeir observed quietly to Arkon.

Yes, we should, Elasien replied quickly. To business. I know we are all friends- -a lightning glance at Rylorien and Valerin, who were glaring at each other- so I'll come straight to the point. I know you have all seen the sky. What happened? With those last two words, some of Elasien's anguish and confusion leaked out, much to his consternation. He leaned back against the doorway uneasily, ashamed that his discomfort had been allowed to leak out.

Glendura cleared her throat. In a low, rather husky voice, she commented, It seems to me that this could not have been naturally caused. After all, Rysanor has never shown any instability before, has she? I think the question we should be asking is rather, Who happened?' rather than

Elmeir looked up at that. I did a tracing spell as soon as I looked out of my window last night.

Iralor glanced at her. You were working late again, Elmeir? You should watch yourself more.

Elmeir shrugged eloquently. I will rest, Iralor- as soon as I've figured out what that scaran crystal does. She continued. I did a tracing spell after I saw- saw the remains of Rysanor, and it pointed to the Leonin.

The news was greeted by a puzzled silence, except for a small, not-quite-concealed gasp from Amaranth. She was pale.

Amaranth? What is the matter? Rylorien looked kindly down at the girl with her large, liquid-gold eyes.

she stammered out. You know- my friend. He told me two days ago... he told me he was going to the Leonin Desert for an experiment of a grand scale. He wouldn't say anything about it- it was right after one of his meetings, she added apologetically.

Ah yes, Heimerl's infamous observed Iralor. You are sure you don't know anything about this experiment of his? Think, it could be vitally important!

You think this has to do with Heimerl, then? Valerin asked quietly.

I see no reason to doubt it! There is too much coincidence for it to be otherwise!

The Leonin is a large place, Valerin observed. Others could be congregating there for their own purposes. We cannot blindly assume it was Heimerl. Yet.

Valerin looked at Rylorien in surprise when she spoke. She looked smug. I don't discredit an idea because of its source.

Valerin looked at her, mildly affronted. Iralor stepped in quickly; things could disintegrate between those two very quickly. Very well. We will not work with the assumption that it was Heimerl. Yet. However, I must point out the significance of the time interval. And Heimerl's said meetings.

Pardon me, but I don't know who this Heimerl is. Amaranth, could you explain? Elmeir looked at Amaranth.

She looked down at her delicate hands and began nervously, He's... he's my friend. Maybe not the easiest friend to have, she looked up, but still my friend from years ago. And he is a good person. The real trouble began about six months ago, with his meetings. She sighed. Before then, he might never have been a very happy person, but these meetings... they seemed to feed on his discontent. I don't know how to describe it, but I did not like the Heimerl I saw after those meetings.

And you have no idea what he did in those meetings.

She shook her head. No. Nor did I want to. I- I avoided asking about them. They- they frightened me.

Elmeir nodded in understanding. Thanks. I think I have a picture of this Heimerl now.

Well, without more information, we cannot do much. We don't even know what this phenomenon means. Valerin was fast losing patience with the proceedings. Was anybody else as quick as Elmeir here, and find something?

A glance around the group showed embarrassed looks... except for on Rylorien's face. If possible, she looked even more smug.

As a matter of fact, I did. But it wasn't last night. It was more this morning. She reached into a pocket of her robe and withdrew a silver stone fragment. This was in my yard. I believe it's a piece of Rysanor that fell to Lyra, and just happened to fall into my yard. An odd coincidence, I know. But then, is there really such a thing as coincidence? She looked around the circle of gaping faces. I believe it's more than large enough to do a concrete analysis of the spell that caused the moon to explode.

Valerin cleared his throat. Well, let me see that. She handed it to him, a question on her face. Yes, I do believe you are correct- we have more than enough to analyze this. But what I was going to add- I also did a tracing spell, but much have done it later than Elmeir. Because my spell tracer caught a remnant of Rysanor- a much larger remnant than what Rylorien has brought us. In fact, I have reason to believe a very large part of the moon fell into the sea to the east of us.

Iralor spoke up, thinking aloud. Well, we most definitely have enough to go on; I only hope what we find makes sense. My dear, this was to Elmeir, if you do not mind, do you think we might borrow your workshop for the length of time it takes us to begin analyzing this amazing moonstone? I promise not to leave too great a mess.

Of course- let's go now. Slowly, they all got up and moved towards Elmeir's large workplace, Rylorien leading the way, carrying the stone she had reclaimed from Valerin.

Once there, Elmeir set to work. She was obviously in her best element. Setting the stone upon a gold stand- to keep any impurities from contaminating her results, she soon had brought out a collection of instruments with which to analyze the stone.

Don't forget the coniecturameter, reminded Valerin. Someone's dreams were undoubtedly involved in this.

Yes, yes, I know. Elmeir turned and grabbed another instrument from her shelves. They were almost empty. The coniecturameter was a series of silvery metal pipes set upright in a circular wooden frame. Faint, spider-web like filaments dangled from each pipe, connecting them all to each other, creating a web effect. This was where the dream was caught, and seen through the web.

Once all the instruments were laid out, Elmeir asked the group in general, Well, with what shall I start?

Start with the industriameter. It may not work, Rysanor being so far from the object with intent, but it would give the clearest picture. Elasien gestured toward a small, book-like object. Elmeir held it over the stone and murmured, and closed her eyes.

Nothing happened.

A few moments later, Elmeir relaxed. she said, obviously. The group moved on to the next instrument.

Several instruments later, Elmeir was clearly tiring. Arkon wanted to tell her to stop, but he still felt a little intimidated by the group. It was Glendura who finally spoke up.

Elmeir, stop! You're going to kill yourself from exhaustion. Elmeir looked up. She looked as if she hadn't slept in two days.

I know, she whispered. But I need to find this out.

You're going to drive yourself to your death, one of these days, Glendura reprimanded her.

One more.

Oh, you magicians! I waste breath trying to convince you to stop! Glendura raised her hands in mock disbelief, but there was sincere concern in her eyes.

Here. Try the coniecturameter. Valerin pushed the instrument under her nose. It shouldn't be that tiring. And if that doesn't work, Ryl and I will take over.

Nodding, Elmeir placed the frame around the stone, which then automatically shrank down to just encircle it. Well, that's an encouraging sign, she remarked. she whispered, and again closed her eyes.

This time, however, the filaments began to hum gently, as if vibrating up and down, but no movement could be detected by the eye. Slowly, the web began to shine, shine with a silver light that no longer existed in the night sky. Elmeir's eyes creased as if in pain.

The sound came first. All the faces looked toward one another: it would have to be a powerful dream to be able to transmit sounds. The first sound to emerge was almost concealed with static, but it was a low, strident voice. The words were indistinguishable, but they seemed to comment on the view that could now be seen in the web. First, Lyra appeared, peaceful as always, her oceans blue, her land its variegated tones of brown and green, and in places, white. It came down and down and down, focussing on where Esseneth was located. Now the city could be seen. Eleann hurried here and there, their golden tint strangely diluted. Instead, a stronger golden glow could be seen emanating from a large building.

That doesn't exist! Amaranth exclaimed.

Valerin gestured at Elmeir. Don't distract her; I doubt we could get a clearer picture with anyone else, and she'll be done for after this.

They returned to the web, which was now showing the inside of the golden building. A large hall was shown, with the center of the golden emanation. It was almost too bright to distinguish anything, but there was a figure on the large gold thrown at the head of the hall. Nearing, through the golden haze sat an Eleann- tall, burnished, copper-tinted. Amaranth remembered Valerin's warning and bit her tongue instead of crying out. The figure was Heimerl. And still the strident voice continued its ceaseless jammer.

Suddenly, the scene fractured, lines of pure black crisscrossing the disturbing image. Simultaneously, the voice stopped, as if it had been turned off. New sounds began to be heard, slowly. Screaming. Screams of pure pain and fear. The web turned completely black, and then a new scene was shown.

A small camp, obviously in the desert somewhere. The screams were coming from this camp, from the Eleann living in it. They staggered out in the open, screaming as they melted and Changed into small red beings. The screams kept coming and coming and coming...

And stopped abruptly. The web returned to its silvery filaments, and Elmeir slowly opened her eyes, only to see everyone else staring at her.

Did- did you see that? Elasien asked in a hoarse whisper. Elmeir nodded slowly.

It was Heimerl, Amaranth spoke in a small voice. I recognized him in the beginning, on the throne.

All eyes turned to her. Her eyes were red with held-back tears. Glendura moved over and hugged her tightly.

Now that we know.... what's been inflicted on us.... what in the world do we do? Arkon voiced their questions in a small, frightened tone. And what was worse: none of them knew how to answer him.


A/N: Any commentary would be most welcome!