Chapter Two – Going Beyond His Reach

Tali woke slowly and reluctantly; she had had this incredible dream and she did not want to wake from it. Something shifted beneath her and she came awake in amazement. She gazed into the sad, handsome face of her mole'tai with a growing wonder. She had not dreamed. It was true -- he was here with her.

The bitter yearning of a hundred years was wiped away by his smile as he awoke and she gazed into his eyes once again. His face was lined with care and sorrow but his eyes were gentle and filled with compassion and kindness. She brightened inside, knowing that she had found her heart's twin at last.

The door opened and Tali knew without even turning that it was Nicaliesin, come to speak with her. She pulled herself from Remus's embrace and stood before the Queen's Minstrel.

"Lord." She addressed him in Elvish and bowed politely.

"Least among us." His opening was not designed to give her hope. "Where have your feet led you?" He scolded.

"My heart led and my feet followed, Lord." Her reply was far firmer than she would have dared to use yesterday, but Remus's strength bolstered her own.

"Be it so? I think that is not for your judging." His tone was sharp, but Tali could sense his wavering. It was forbidden to interfere between mole'tai and he knew it.

"I can judge my own heart and mind, Lord." She raised an eyebrow at him, greatly daring and his lips twitched with a suppressed smile. Of all the Host, he had always been the kindest, never calling her 'half-blood' or 'garbage', like so many others. He was strict with her, but never cruel. She suspected that he liked her, but she had never dared to presume.

"No doubt, but it is the Queen's leave you must ask." She bowed her head, feeling sick and dizzy. She would have to part from Remus, for he could not cross safely into summer with the Host. Nicaliesin rested a hand upon her shoulder gently. "If it is as you say, she will not deny you, Child of Sky and Ice. The parting will be brief."

"On this side of the gate, Lord." She pointed out gently and they both turned to where Remus sat quietly, patiently waiting for them to finish.

"He is a well-mannered creature." Nicaliesin commented and then switched to English. "Gray Wolf, I thank you for your patience."

Remus nodded at the Queen's Minstrel and rose with smooth grace. Tali could feel the beast in him and it called to her own inner wolf, pulling her as if invisible ropes bound them together.

"What will happen now, sir?' Remus slipped up beside her and wrapped an arm about her waist. She melted against him, feeling as though she was falling into his body and blending into his soul. It was the most wonderful thing she had ever felt and a smile curled her lips up without her conscious volition.

Nicaliesin was looking at her with an amused lift of his brow and she blushed under his gaze, feeling self-conscious suddenly. Remus gave her a reassuring squeeze, picking up her mood and thoughts.

"Now we return home." Remus's body tensed in protest beside her, but he kept his silence and his manners. The Queen's Minstrel noted this and swept from the room with a nod to them both.

"Will you return?"

"If the Queen grants me leave." She thought of the tedious formality of the Court and gave a heavy sigh. What if she wasn't allowed to return, what if her petition was denied? Her mind ran around in circles of spiraling panic, until Remus kissed her softly, pulling her back from her fears and into the present.

He was wonderful, patient, kind and yet strong and fierce. She gazed up at him with adoration and was lost once more in his wonderful soft eyes.

The trip home would be painful indeed. She could only dream of returning to him swiftly.