A/N- First the disclaimer- All things are own by Mercedes Lackey except Darkfire, Shadowflame and Ayren, they're mine all mine.
Now on with the story….
Chapter 2-
Before they had reached the city of Haven, Firesong had begun to give instructions to the others yet again. They all listened patiently, without interrupting. He had given them the same instructions at least twice a day since they had left k'Valdemar vale. The general thought was that he was nervous. That didn't fit the overly flamboyant man that they all knew.
As they had drawn closer to Haven, Firesong had become more and more tense. Everyone picked up on it and wondered.
When they had passed through the gates into the city itself, they finally found out why. "Do you know who the current ambassador is and where he might be from?" Silverfox had asked, quietly.
"No," Firesong had practically snapped. "And that bothers me. Why keep that from us? It bothers me because it makes no sense."
Darian and Keitha had just kept their mouths shut, letting Silverfox lead him through the conversation. "It could be that he isn't here just now. He may have had to leave so we weren't told his name because he wouldn't be there."
Just then to belie his words, a bond bird flew overhead almost in greeting. Aya and Kaori, the only bond birds traveling with them, cried out in greeting. The eagle returned the cry and then winged back to the palace, his massive form easily seen against the pristine sky.
Firesong raised an eyebrow though none could see it. "An eagle?" He asked of no one in particular. "Unusual."
Unusual they were since bond birds were so much larger than their wild counterparts. Eagles were generally only ever bonded to very large, very strong men. In fact the only one Darian had ever seen had been bonded to a blacksmith.
At least they now knew the ambassador was still here in Haven. None could come up with a reason for someone bonded to an eagle to be here. Any skilled craftsman, would be too invaluable to be sent to Haven on a diplomatic mission.
They entered the gates to the Palace grounds without any incident, even though they could all feel all the eyes that followed their progress.
Firesong finally released Selenay and stepped back to see the rest of the group. He of course recognized Talia and the seneschal and Daren. The seneschal's Herald however was new to him and he didn't see the ambassador, whom he wished to speak to.
The rest of his group joined him and he quickly performed introductions of his group. Selenay returned the courtesy, introducing her own group save one. Shadowflame had ducked behind Alberich so as to remain out of sight. When Selenay had finished she still did not move. Ayren came on silent wing to sit on the fence next to Darkfire. Shadowflame took a deep breath and moved out into the open.
"Where is the Tayledran ambassador? I expected to see him here." Firesong said, disappointed.
Selenay smiled. Before she could speak, though, Shadowflame spoke. "I am right here, Firesong. Its been a long time."
Firesong was struck speechless, a rare occurrence for him. When he said nothing, 'Flame turned to Silverfox. "I see you still tolerate his company, Silverfox. Has he not driven you away yet?"
Silverfox smiled and hugged the young woman. She gladly returned that embrace. "You're looking well." He said looking at her professionally. "Different but well."
'Flame only smiled and turned back to her brother. Everyone else quietly moved away to allow them to speak together privately. "Have you nothing to say Firesong?" She asked softly.
Instead of answering he gently reached out and touched her hair. She tensed but allowed him to touch her. "Your hair is red, sister." He looked into her eyes seeing the same blue as his own. "How?"
Shadowflame turned from his face for a moment and lowered her eyes. "'Tis a long story that I have no wish to speak of now. Is that all you have to say?"
Firesong studied his sister closely from the security behind his mask. He may not be a kestra'chern but he could see that there were many things troubling her. Now was not the time to press her for details. "No, I have this to say as well. 'Tis good to see you, little sister. It has been far too long since last I saw you." With that he drew her into a hug. Shadowflame finally relaxed and returned the hug, spending a moment snuggling against his chest as she had when she was young.
Then he leaned back and looked at her a decidedly mischievous glint in his eye and he looked at Ayren who sat quietly on the fence. The Companions and Darkfire had moved away when Selenay and the others had. "An eagle though?" He looked her up and down. "You are not large enough for one."
'Flame chuckled and walked over to the fence, stroking Ayren's crest. "Firesong this is Ayren. I may not be able to lift him, yet we are bonded nonetheless. We have been together a long time and I would have no other."
:A little lower,: he said arching his neck a bit. 'Flame complied and moved her scratching a bit lower.
Firesong let her scratch him for a moment before a flash of black caught his eye. Among the bright white coats of the Companions stood a majestic, proud black stallion who met his eyes defiantly. The stallion trotted over. :I am called Darkfire, a friend of your sister. And since she is occupied with Ayren perhaps you could scratch my ear?: Firesong was so startled that he reached up and complied.
:He's always getting someone to baby him, Firesong. Try not to spoil him too much.: Shadowflame's amused voice came into his head. With a final scratch Ayren ruffled his feathers and took to wing and settled into one of the trees above the field. Darkfire only snorted and moved off to stand beneath the eagle's tree.
'Flame turned back to her brother. "We should return to the others." They both moved to rejoin the others. Selenay greeted them quietly. 'Flame turned to the others. "I offer the hospitality of my vale to all of you. It is not big but it would be more familiar to all of you."
There were looks exchanged among them all before they all agreed to stay with her. 'Flame smiled warmly. "You took over my home didn't you?" Firesong accused.
'Flame just shrugged with a grin. "It was unoccupied and I didn't feel comfortable in the Palace. And I improved it a bit." Firesong just let out a sigh and let it go.
Selenay quickly spoke up. "Well, then I will let you all go make yourselves at home and then we shall of course meet at the Palace for the reception tonight." Her entire group turned allowing the Tayledrans to retreat to 'Flame's home.
Shadowflame led the way to her ekele. Everyone followed after her, the dyheli, going into Companions' Field where they had been invited to stay. Once through the miniature veil that she had put into place they came into her own little "vale". Even Firesong stood motionless for a moment taking in everything. All the plants that Firesong had had planted while he had stayed in Haven were still there. But they had changed. Some of the vines, instead of being against trees were now draped lovingly over low bushes and then up into trees. The bushes didn't look like they had grown over that time but looked to have spread themselves so that they almost formed a hedge. Even the bathing pools had been changed. Now instead of two large bathing pools there were three slightly smaller pools, still large enough to hold their entire party. Shadowflame quickly directed the hertasi inside where they began settling in the party.
Firesong just stood in amazement at all that his sister had changed. He barely recognized his former home. She had added her own touches here and there. He could even see some small low level buildings cleverly concealed underneath a tree. He wondered what they were and then saw 'Flame leading a hertasi towards one. 'Ahh must be dwellings for the hertasi,' he thought to himself.
He and Silverfox, instead of bathing, went into the ekele. Here too he could see changes. all of his flamboyance was gone. In its place was instead very utilitarian, almost sparse. There were touches here and there that said that a woman lived here. The only thought Firesong could think of is that their mother would be appalled. This was not the beautiful comfortable home that she would have created. Instead it looked like a new ekele ready to be moved into.
He saw the books on the side table and smiled. She still kept up her studies. It was the one thing that had set her apart from so many her insatiable desire for knowledge. Shadowflame turned and saw Firesong studying her home. She shrugged when she saw his faintly pained expression at her sparse surroundings. "I'm too used to traveling to gather much around me." She apologized. "This suits me much better than anything else."
Firesong just shook his head and sighed. He wanted to say that their mother would be appalled but he knew that would hurt her for no reason. Instead he just followed one of the hertasi into what had been his bedroom. Then he realized what had bothered him about this arrangement. There were only two bedrooms and so no place for Shadowflame to sleep. Silverfox stopped him before he could leave the room though.
"Leave her be. There is much there that she doesn't want anyone to know." He put his arm around his love and redirected him back into the bedroom. "I do not know what it is but there is deep pain and fear." Now Silverfox began working on Firesong's neck muscles, easing out what little tension was there. "She is hiding it from you out of fear." Silverfox sighed. "I will help her as she allows me but can only do so much, ashke."
Firesong nodded and stopped Silverfox's magic hands. "I do not regret now asking Father to stay behind." He felt his mate's nod. "Having the two of them together when she is obviously much stronger as a mage than anyone had dared believe could have been disastrous."
Silverfox chuckled a bit. "I think even your father would be surprised at her." He rubbed Firesong's muscles a little more before stopping and putting his arms around him. "Your sister has grown well, ashke. Do not worry so, my love. All will be well."
Just then a discreet knock came on their door. At Silverfox's word, 'Flame stuck her head in. "Sorry," she said, smiling when she saw their arms around each other. "I thought that you would be more comfortable with this." So saying she pushed the door aside and in marched several Herald-trainees, carrying a heavy tub and several buckets of hot water. They soon trooped out again but were back quickly with some cold water. She thanked them all as they left and smiled at the look on her brother's face.
"I may not be welcome in many Vales, brother, but I do know some of what has befallen you and that you prefer to bathe alone." So saying, with a hungry look on her face at the mention of the Vales, she let herself out of the room to allow them privacy.
One of the hertasi, greeted her softly. She smiled. He began to pick up things and tidy the room. 'Flame stopped him with a hand on his arm. "Please, rest and be at ease, friend. I have lived long without any servants. Do not feel you need to repay my hospitality by working. Rest yourself from your journey, 'tis not a short one." She removed the dusting cloth from his hands and gently, but firmly, pushed him outside. She closed the door behind him with a sigh and leaned back against it.
Having other Hawkbrothers here was harder for he than she thought. It hadn't just been the shock of seeing her brother after so long. It had been all of them: the hertasi, the dyheli and the bond birds. What she told her brother was true, she wasn't welcome in many Vales. That was the reason, she suspected, that she had been made the ambassador to the Valdemaran court. She was the one the Vales could spare since she belonged to none.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ok time to thank a few people--
Fireblade k'Chona- THANK YOU for your review. And don't smack yourself too hard I had to go through 3 books before I found Darkwind's name to make sure I didn't replicate it!
I'm also gonna thank someone else *turns to look behind herself* Kyrette! Come over here please!
Now Kyrette is MY dear friend who also happens to be a kyree so he's a little shy. Kyrette! No playing with the kids until this is posted! (Poor thing loves my kids but its hard to get him to work when they're up.)
:Yes, Kitten?: (He KNOWS I hate the name!)
Kyrette say hello to the nice readers.
:Hello, nice readers. Please don't make her post too often. I enjoy playing with the children.:
Kyrette! That's enough! You can go play now.
Geez Kids are up and he forgets all about work!
So here's the next chapter. I hope you enjoy it. And be nice poor Kyrette had to take a whole day of not playing to get this written!
Maybe if the kids go to bed early I can get him to write more…. Here's hoping!!
Now on with the story….
Chapter 2-
Before they had reached the city of Haven, Firesong had begun to give instructions to the others yet again. They all listened patiently, without interrupting. He had given them the same instructions at least twice a day since they had left k'Valdemar vale. The general thought was that he was nervous. That didn't fit the overly flamboyant man that they all knew.
As they had drawn closer to Haven, Firesong had become more and more tense. Everyone picked up on it and wondered.
When they had passed through the gates into the city itself, they finally found out why. "Do you know who the current ambassador is and where he might be from?" Silverfox had asked, quietly.
"No," Firesong had practically snapped. "And that bothers me. Why keep that from us? It bothers me because it makes no sense."
Darian and Keitha had just kept their mouths shut, letting Silverfox lead him through the conversation. "It could be that he isn't here just now. He may have had to leave so we weren't told his name because he wouldn't be there."
Just then to belie his words, a bond bird flew overhead almost in greeting. Aya and Kaori, the only bond birds traveling with them, cried out in greeting. The eagle returned the cry and then winged back to the palace, his massive form easily seen against the pristine sky.
Firesong raised an eyebrow though none could see it. "An eagle?" He asked of no one in particular. "Unusual."
Unusual they were since bond birds were so much larger than their wild counterparts. Eagles were generally only ever bonded to very large, very strong men. In fact the only one Darian had ever seen had been bonded to a blacksmith.
At least they now knew the ambassador was still here in Haven. None could come up with a reason for someone bonded to an eagle to be here. Any skilled craftsman, would be too invaluable to be sent to Haven on a diplomatic mission.
They entered the gates to the Palace grounds without any incident, even though they could all feel all the eyes that followed their progress.
Firesong finally released Selenay and stepped back to see the rest of the group. He of course recognized Talia and the seneschal and Daren. The seneschal's Herald however was new to him and he didn't see the ambassador, whom he wished to speak to.
The rest of his group joined him and he quickly performed introductions of his group. Selenay returned the courtesy, introducing her own group save one. Shadowflame had ducked behind Alberich so as to remain out of sight. When Selenay had finished she still did not move. Ayren came on silent wing to sit on the fence next to Darkfire. Shadowflame took a deep breath and moved out into the open.
"Where is the Tayledran ambassador? I expected to see him here." Firesong said, disappointed.
Selenay smiled. Before she could speak, though, Shadowflame spoke. "I am right here, Firesong. Its been a long time."
Firesong was struck speechless, a rare occurrence for him. When he said nothing, 'Flame turned to Silverfox. "I see you still tolerate his company, Silverfox. Has he not driven you away yet?"
Silverfox smiled and hugged the young woman. She gladly returned that embrace. "You're looking well." He said looking at her professionally. "Different but well."
'Flame only smiled and turned back to her brother. Everyone else quietly moved away to allow them to speak together privately. "Have you nothing to say Firesong?" She asked softly.
Instead of answering he gently reached out and touched her hair. She tensed but allowed him to touch her. "Your hair is red, sister." He looked into her eyes seeing the same blue as his own. "How?"
Shadowflame turned from his face for a moment and lowered her eyes. "'Tis a long story that I have no wish to speak of now. Is that all you have to say?"
Firesong studied his sister closely from the security behind his mask. He may not be a kestra'chern but he could see that there were many things troubling her. Now was not the time to press her for details. "No, I have this to say as well. 'Tis good to see you, little sister. It has been far too long since last I saw you." With that he drew her into a hug. Shadowflame finally relaxed and returned the hug, spending a moment snuggling against his chest as she had when she was young.
Then he leaned back and looked at her a decidedly mischievous glint in his eye and he looked at Ayren who sat quietly on the fence. The Companions and Darkfire had moved away when Selenay and the others had. "An eagle though?" He looked her up and down. "You are not large enough for one."
'Flame chuckled and walked over to the fence, stroking Ayren's crest. "Firesong this is Ayren. I may not be able to lift him, yet we are bonded nonetheless. We have been together a long time and I would have no other."
:A little lower,: he said arching his neck a bit. 'Flame complied and moved her scratching a bit lower.
Firesong let her scratch him for a moment before a flash of black caught his eye. Among the bright white coats of the Companions stood a majestic, proud black stallion who met his eyes defiantly. The stallion trotted over. :I am called Darkfire, a friend of your sister. And since she is occupied with Ayren perhaps you could scratch my ear?: Firesong was so startled that he reached up and complied.
:He's always getting someone to baby him, Firesong. Try not to spoil him too much.: Shadowflame's amused voice came into his head. With a final scratch Ayren ruffled his feathers and took to wing and settled into one of the trees above the field. Darkfire only snorted and moved off to stand beneath the eagle's tree.
'Flame turned back to her brother. "We should return to the others." They both moved to rejoin the others. Selenay greeted them quietly. 'Flame turned to the others. "I offer the hospitality of my vale to all of you. It is not big but it would be more familiar to all of you."
There were looks exchanged among them all before they all agreed to stay with her. 'Flame smiled warmly. "You took over my home didn't you?" Firesong accused.
'Flame just shrugged with a grin. "It was unoccupied and I didn't feel comfortable in the Palace. And I improved it a bit." Firesong just let out a sigh and let it go.
Selenay quickly spoke up. "Well, then I will let you all go make yourselves at home and then we shall of course meet at the Palace for the reception tonight." Her entire group turned allowing the Tayledrans to retreat to 'Flame's home.
Shadowflame led the way to her ekele. Everyone followed after her, the dyheli, going into Companions' Field where they had been invited to stay. Once through the miniature veil that she had put into place they came into her own little "vale". Even Firesong stood motionless for a moment taking in everything. All the plants that Firesong had had planted while he had stayed in Haven were still there. But they had changed. Some of the vines, instead of being against trees were now draped lovingly over low bushes and then up into trees. The bushes didn't look like they had grown over that time but looked to have spread themselves so that they almost formed a hedge. Even the bathing pools had been changed. Now instead of two large bathing pools there were three slightly smaller pools, still large enough to hold their entire party. Shadowflame quickly directed the hertasi inside where they began settling in the party.
Firesong just stood in amazement at all that his sister had changed. He barely recognized his former home. She had added her own touches here and there. He could even see some small low level buildings cleverly concealed underneath a tree. He wondered what they were and then saw 'Flame leading a hertasi towards one. 'Ahh must be dwellings for the hertasi,' he thought to himself.
He and Silverfox, instead of bathing, went into the ekele. Here too he could see changes. all of his flamboyance was gone. In its place was instead very utilitarian, almost sparse. There were touches here and there that said that a woman lived here. The only thought Firesong could think of is that their mother would be appalled. This was not the beautiful comfortable home that she would have created. Instead it looked like a new ekele ready to be moved into.
He saw the books on the side table and smiled. She still kept up her studies. It was the one thing that had set her apart from so many her insatiable desire for knowledge. Shadowflame turned and saw Firesong studying her home. She shrugged when she saw his faintly pained expression at her sparse surroundings. "I'm too used to traveling to gather much around me." She apologized. "This suits me much better than anything else."
Firesong just shook his head and sighed. He wanted to say that their mother would be appalled but he knew that would hurt her for no reason. Instead he just followed one of the hertasi into what had been his bedroom. Then he realized what had bothered him about this arrangement. There were only two bedrooms and so no place for Shadowflame to sleep. Silverfox stopped him before he could leave the room though.
"Leave her be. There is much there that she doesn't want anyone to know." He put his arm around his love and redirected him back into the bedroom. "I do not know what it is but there is deep pain and fear." Now Silverfox began working on Firesong's neck muscles, easing out what little tension was there. "She is hiding it from you out of fear." Silverfox sighed. "I will help her as she allows me but can only do so much, ashke."
Firesong nodded and stopped Silverfox's magic hands. "I do not regret now asking Father to stay behind." He felt his mate's nod. "Having the two of them together when she is obviously much stronger as a mage than anyone had dared believe could have been disastrous."
Silverfox chuckled a bit. "I think even your father would be surprised at her." He rubbed Firesong's muscles a little more before stopping and putting his arms around him. "Your sister has grown well, ashke. Do not worry so, my love. All will be well."
Just then a discreet knock came on their door. At Silverfox's word, 'Flame stuck her head in. "Sorry," she said, smiling when she saw their arms around each other. "I thought that you would be more comfortable with this." So saying she pushed the door aside and in marched several Herald-trainees, carrying a heavy tub and several buckets of hot water. They soon trooped out again but were back quickly with some cold water. She thanked them all as they left and smiled at the look on her brother's face.
"I may not be welcome in many Vales, brother, but I do know some of what has befallen you and that you prefer to bathe alone." So saying, with a hungry look on her face at the mention of the Vales, she let herself out of the room to allow them privacy.
One of the hertasi, greeted her softly. She smiled. He began to pick up things and tidy the room. 'Flame stopped him with a hand on his arm. "Please, rest and be at ease, friend. I have lived long without any servants. Do not feel you need to repay my hospitality by working. Rest yourself from your journey, 'tis not a short one." She removed the dusting cloth from his hands and gently, but firmly, pushed him outside. She closed the door behind him with a sigh and leaned back against it.
Having other Hawkbrothers here was harder for he than she thought. It hadn't just been the shock of seeing her brother after so long. It had been all of them: the hertasi, the dyheli and the bond birds. What she told her brother was true, she wasn't welcome in many Vales. That was the reason, she suspected, that she had been made the ambassador to the Valdemaran court. She was the one the Vales could spare since she belonged to none.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ok time to thank a few people--
Fireblade k'Chona- THANK YOU for your review. And don't smack yourself too hard I had to go through 3 books before I found Darkwind's name to make sure I didn't replicate it!
I'm also gonna thank someone else *turns to look behind herself* Kyrette! Come over here please!
Now Kyrette is MY dear friend who also happens to be a kyree so he's a little shy. Kyrette! No playing with the kids until this is posted! (Poor thing loves my kids but its hard to get him to work when they're up.)
:Yes, Kitten?: (He KNOWS I hate the name!)
Kyrette say hello to the nice readers.
:Hello, nice readers. Please don't make her post too often. I enjoy playing with the children.:
Kyrette! That's enough! You can go play now.
Geez Kids are up and he forgets all about work!
So here's the next chapter. I hope you enjoy it. And be nice poor Kyrette had to take a whole day of not playing to get this written!
Maybe if the kids go to bed early I can get him to write more…. Here's hoping!!