Okay, I promised more detailed chapters now and I believe in honouring one's word, so here we go!

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Chapter Five- The Truth and The Acceptance

She looked hurt and her eyes were accusing. Indeed, she looked like if her words were true, she'd never forgive him.

"Silverdawn, ke'chara, my true name is Erak, yes. I don't know how you discovered the truth so quickly, but you're my Choice. In Valdemar, I am a Companion."

"You Chose me?" she asked, voice disbelieving.

"Yes. Your soul Called mine from Valdemar through time, space, and dimension. I won't take you back, though, unless you are willing. Sarah," he said, falling to one knee, "Valdemar needs you."

To say that she was astonished was the understatement of the millennia, she would later muse.

Yes, as a fan of Mercedes Lackey, she had dreamed of being Chosen (normally by a stallion), taken away from her awful family, and being taken to Valdemar, saving it from some dastardly fiend like Ancar, Ma'ar, or that Emperor guy from east of Hardorn.

Never could remember freakazoid's name.

To have it actually happen, though, was more than she'd ever expected or hoped.

She opened her mouth to tell him that he was loco, stupid, and Insane (with a capital I). However, she said the words that were probably oft said.

"Of course I'll come with you, Erak."

Before he could reply, Krawlven interrupted.

"We should all prepare to leave with our Chosen for Valdemar. Joseph, I am Krawlven. I love you and I Choose you."

Cliched. So clichéd, he thought, rather amused.

Carmanda stepped forward. "Tracey, my name is Carmanda. I Choose you for the Crown of Valdemar and for the Heraldic Circle."

Always knew she'd come up with something original. That's our Carmanda.

One after another, the Companions stepped forward, kneeled before their Chosen and introduced themselves, stating their purposes.

Tyrone asked a question of Necia, his Companion, that was difficult to answer, though Necia answered wisely.

"Do I have to leave 'del behind?"

There was a long pause.

"No. Not if she truly desires to accompany you. However-"

"Ty, you leave me and I swear when you come back, you'll get your-"

"You can come!!" Tyrone said, holding up his hands.

Adelia ran up to Tyrone and hugged him. "Good. Smart boy."

Sarah accidentally Sent, ::We could very well have a LifeBond out of those two. They've been dating since they were in sixth grade!::

Erak wisely said nothing. Being Chosen and then discovering there's a second being in your head in the same day was enough to make someone go insane.

"We've won the race, we've been Chosen. Now, we have six bikes and five Companions. Team Herald, mount up!"

He got on the bike behind Sarah and slipped on a helmet. She leaned back for a second before revving the engine and shooting off.

She honestly could not believe her luck.

She was Chosen.

Chosen by a magnificent stallion who would protect her. She would never be alone again.

I just wish I didn't have to speak to him aloud. It's rather inconvenient.

She was going to Valdemar. Wonderful, miraculous Valdermar. The place where anything was possible because there was magic. To the place where she would be appreciated for the mere fact that she was a Herald.

:This pleases you, Chosen?:

She started for a second before grinning like mad. ::Indeed it does. There's only one itsy, bitsy problem.::

Erak's Mindvoice was worried. :What?:

::I don't speak Valdemaran, Karsite, Tayledras, or any other language the Heralds would recognize.::

:Oh, that's no problem. A King dyheli will meet us there to teach the lot of you. Later on, if you so desire, you can probably sweet-talk him into teaching you the others.:

She grinned.

"Everyone, go home for the night. Tomorrow morning's the mock-wedding and Ms. Stephenson'll have our skins for a new jacket if we don't show up," she said, via the mikes in their helmets.

"So, when do we go to Valdemar?" Adelia asked.

"I'm thinking immediately after the ceremony/reception. You know, have our cake and eat it too."

There was a general consensus and Sarah smiled widely.

"Sleep well everyone. See you at seven thirty tomorrow morning."

She pulled off of I-20 and raced down a road.

::Erak, will you help me chose what to take to Valdemar? I'm afraid I'm not quite sure.::

:Certainly, Chosen.:

She sailed into a driveway and silently lead him up to her bedroom. At least, he presumed it was her's.

She pulled out a beautiful black leather-looking outfit that looked like it would never fit her.

Kerowyn and Alberich wear things like it. It's just that their's are grey and not black. I guess it would work.

He nodded and she smiled.

Another outfit, a dark, midnight-blue pants ensemble earned a thumbs-down.

The charcoal silk blouse and skirt required a few seconds thought before receiving approval. She kissed his cheek.

::Thanks, Erak. I have a general idea now.::

"Miss Sarah, are you there?" said a feminine voice. An elderly feminine voice.

"Un moment, nana!"

::Get into the closet !:: she fairly shrieked in his mind.

She shoved him in and closed the door.

"Bonjour, nana. Ca va?"

"Bien, bien. Eet comes and eet goes. Why do you come een so late zis night?"

"A race, Nana. We won."

"Un triumphe?!"

"Oui."

"Magnifique!"

"Merci, nana. However, I have school tomorrow. I must get some sleep. Would you mind so terribly if we skipped our nightly talk, Nana?"

"Non. Zere ees always tomorrow. Good night."

::Nana has been with my family since before Nathaniel, my older brother, was born. She's almost like family. She's the only one who's ever really cared about my opinions and the way my mind works.::

:You were right, though, Chosen. I'll pack for you. You need sleep.:

She flashed him a smile. An infectious one. He returned it and she nodded sleepily.

::All right. You win. Me sleep now.::

And within a second, she had flopped on her bed and was dead to this world.