Disclaimer: Valdemar, Heralds, Companions etc … none of that belongs to me, it's all the property of Mercedes Lackey. I'm just borrowing the characters for a while … apart from Aline who is most definitely mine : )

A/N: Woohoo!! 106 reviews! Let's keep this up people!!! Oh and sorry for the gap between posts (actually had to WRITE some of this story … hehe) anyway, to make up for it, here's an extra long post for you to sink your teeth into – Enjoy : )

- Updated 23/5 – Darkwind and Elspeth are NOT married

moonwing: Yep – I can promise you a definite picking up of pace in the next few chappies. Sorry if it's been a bit slow so far … but I didn't want to make Darkwind and Elspeth's problems realistic so I couldn't just make them ill and ok again in one chapter.

Pyrinsomniac: Short but sweet – heh : )Here ya go!

Storm Queen: Damn! You are SO right! I completely forgot about Nyara – that's the Cat-woman's name. I supposed it was because I already have so many characters to juggle, its difficult to keep up with where everyone is at one time. Maybe I'll put her in later – thanks for reminding me. Oh and doubly thanks for putting me on your author's fav list : )

PrettyKittyOreo: Heh – looks like someone else beat you to the honour this time!

Hildi-chan: I am QUEEN of evil!!! HAHAHA….. ahem ; ) yup, the investigation is coming along really well now and I actually know where it's going – which is a miracle. All will soon be revealed …

G. Zan: I know exactly what you mean about the lack of Darkwind/Elspeth fics! That's why I started this one – I wanted to know what happened to them AFTER the Owl books and I thought hey, why not write something myself? I love all of ML characters so that's why I've included as many as possible. I just hope I haven't missed too many out … Nyara cough

Queen's Own: Is Darkwind going to have any info on the killer? To be honest, I'm not sure at the moment! There are a couple of different directions I see this fic going in and I haven't made up my mind yet so – watch this space. (not literally of course – cos that would be stupid!)

etcetera-cat: Glad you like the bit with Darkwind and the prison – I really like writing abstract situations like that and you don't get enough in normal fanfiction ; )

faeborn2930: Nooo!! Don't cry! Passes Lydia a tissue don't worry – things can only get better, I promise!

Oh and this chappie is dedicated to my new reviewers Storm Queen, Pyrinsomniac and G. Zan. Hope you guys stick around and as always, thanks for all the reviews : ) Now, on with the story …

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After the Storm

By: JoeyStar

Timeframe: Set a year or so after Owlknight

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(Haven – Gryphon Armouries)

It wasn't hard to locate such a high-class establishment as Gryphon Armouries. Even within such a sprawling city as Haven, it was only a candlemark or so past midday when Kero, Skif and Eldan found themselves outside a large two-storied building, looking up at the proudly swinging sign upon which a silver gryphon was depicted.

Due to a desire to keep the visit informal, the three Heralds had left their distinctive whites behind and were clothed in muted greys and browns more befitting a group of trainees. This was common ground for a mercenary captain and an ex-thief, but Eldan, with his aristocratic looks, look oddly out of place – a fact that Kero found endlessly amusing. Another concession to secrecy had been the Companion; against their wishes, Cymry, Savyel and Ratha had all been physically left at the palace, although they made their mental presence felt constantly.

It was agreed that during their investigations, Eldan would do the talking, despite his uncomfortable attire. Neither Kero nor Skif had ever been comfortable talking to nobles and with Gryphon Armouries being such an affluent business; it was likely that their customers would be wealthy merchants or minor Haven nobles.

'So …' Skif said, breaking the silence. 'What exactly are we looking for?' At his belt he was wearing the pair of knives he had shown to Kero and Eldan the day before. Eldan had specifically requested that he brought them along and Skif found himself wondering why.

Eldan watched the sign rock gently from side to side in the light breeze, a frown on his face. 'I have no idea how large this place is – I've never been inside before.'

'I didn't even know it was here.' Kero muttered darkly. She was irritated with herself that she had missed such a large new company arriving in Haven. Eldan glanced at her, a smile on his lips, before he turned back to Skif. 'Any clues?'

Skif thought back to the last time he had been inside the exclusive armoury and tried to picture what it had looked like. After an unsuccessful few moments he shrugged. 'Sorry.'

'No matter.' Eldan glanced ruefully down at his ugly apparel. Kero snickered again and he shot her an exasperated look. 'While you and Kero might be good at the sculking side of investigation, I have certain experience in the diplomatic side. We should be able to get what we came for.' He turned and pushing open the door, entered the armoury.

'Which was?' Skif asked Kero, who shrugged unhelpfully and followed her lover. Skif stared after them and wondered whether he was going to be as oblique when he was old.

:Knowing you Chosen, then yes.: Cymry remarked with a wicked mental grin. :But you'll be worse!:

:You just wait.: Skif threatened, entering the armoury.

The interior was remarkably well lit for a shop that could have been dull and constricting. As Skif looked around he saw it had changed much since he had last been inside. There was a central counter, behind which several racks were located, each holding a different type of sword or dagger. The less dangerous items; armour and helmets, were placed on shelves that covered almost every wall of the room. In low cabinets in the centre of the room were the smallest items: carefully crafted belts and buckles; scabbards and sheaths. Yet despite the spread of wares on display, Skif knew that the door located behind the counter led through to the vast workshops and armouries where the armour and weapons were actually produced, and huge storerooms filled to the brim with equipment waiting to be put on display or to be sent for delivery. It truly was a magnificent enterprise.

Eldan's assessment had been right. As Skif followed the two older Heralds through the shop and towards the counter, he caught sight of several men in different coloured liveries, each proof of the man's servitude to a particular noble house. Intermingled with these were plump merchants in rich clothing; men who were rich enough to shop at Gryphon Armouries, but who weren't wealthy enough to have servants to send in their place, as the nobles did.

By the time Skif had taken in everything there was to be seen, Eldan had stopped before the counter and with a charming smile, had engaged the shopkeeper in conversation. Kero stood to one side, ostentatiously observing a particularly attractive long sword but in reality listening to every word of the conversation. Skif drifted over to join her.

' … Might I enquire as to the price of those twin knives?' Eldan asked politely, indicating a pair of knives remarkably similar to Skif's, that were secured to the wall behind the shopkeeper.

The shopkeeper's smile didn't meet his eyes. 'Excuse me for saying so sir, but I do not believe a man of your standing would be able to afford such an extravagant pair. Unless you are buying for a master …?'

Ignoring his insulting tone, Eldan waved Skif over to him and before the younger Herald to say anything, Eldan had whisked the knives from his belt and was examining them with a look of boredom. 'I purchased these some years ago and they have stood me in good stead until now … but times are changing – as I am sure you know, my good man – and I will only use the best.'

The shopkeeper wavered, eyes darting from the expensive knives to Eldan's disreputable clothing. Eldan caught the look and laughed, waving a languid hand at them. 'Do not be fooled by my apparel, good master, though I am not sure whether I should be glad or insulted that it has confused you so. No sir, I trust you can tell that this is a disguise only? Unlike many of my fellow nobles I actually like to see what I am buying.' He patted his belt purse and there was the distinct jingle of coins. The shopkeeper's demeanour changed instantly.

'Of course my lord, I do beg your pardon. Your disguise was a most excellent one.' The shopkeeper gushed as Eldan continued to stare regally at him. Skif, watching discreetly, marvelled at how naturally Eldan had assumed the role of aggrieved noble. He had known the older Herald was a skilled diplomat, but had had no idea he was an accomplished actor as well.

:Eldan says to listen carefully to what the shopkeeper says. But don't make it look as thought you are listening.:

Skif bit back a curse at the sudden intrusion. Though he had little talent for mindspeech himself, he had forgotten how skilled Kero was and she had caught him unawares. Moving away from her and walking to Eldan's other side he pretended to examine a bejewelled dagger hilt as Eldan touched his belt purse again and looked meaningfully at the knives.

The shopkeeper took the hint and quickly unhitched them from the wall. He placed them carefully on the countertop, positioning them so that the light reflected back of the polished silver gryphon emblems, highlighting the centre feature of the weapons.

'These are hand crafted, my lord – as are all our products,' he added hurried, 'but these knives in particular are specially treated as I'm sure you can see from the leather wrapping on the hilt and the edge of the blade.'

'Quite so.' Eldan agreed. 'Your finesse is not in question. But what about the price?'

The shopkeeper named an amount and Skif fought an explosion of outrage. For the price of those knives, a poor family could have fed themselves for five, maybe ten years. It was robbery, and almost four times what he had paid for his daggers.

Eldan rubbed his chin thoughtfully. 'Hmm … I suppose you're paying for the emblem as much as the blade … tell me, my good man, who else owns such an item? Are they a fashionable accessory at the moment?'

Skif marvelled at the way such an innocent question held so many intrusive undertones. Eldan had the shopkeeper quite literally eating out of his hand.

'Oh yes my lord.' The shopkeeper nodded vigorously. 'Very fashionable. It is my honour to claim that most of the city's nobles have examined this line of weapons.'

Eldan wrinkled his nose. 'Oh, well I don't know if I want them if that is the case. If they are so common place … I was looking for something more original.'

The shopkeeper back-pedalled swiftly. 'Examined only, my lord. Yes, these particular knives are still very exclusive. I doubt I've sold more than a handful since they were produced.'

Eldan picked up one of the knives and studied it. 'And to whom did you sell?' When the shopkeeper looked reluctant to say, he leaned forward and said in a whisper, 'I ask only because I am concerned that I am not attaching my name to an purchase that attracts … unwanted buyers.'

The shopkeeper grinned in understanding. 'Well,' he said in a conspirital tone that made it difficult for either Kero or Skif to hear, 'I can assure you my lord, that no one but the best have a claim upon these knives.'

'Might I know who?' Eldan prompted gently.

'My Lord Celric Halson,' he said, naming a minor noble of a relatively new house, 'um … Duke Rochten – but that was for his son … Baron Freonithe,' another minor noble, whose family came from the north of Rethwellen, ' oh and of course, our own Lord Drevin.'

The name rang a bell in Skif's memory but he couldn't place it.

:Cymry? Whose Lord Drevin?:

:He's the head of one of the oldest noble houses in Haven. But you probably know him as Herald Kris's father.:

Kris. Skif came back to himself with a bump. Kris, who had died so many years before – who the prince had been named for – who had been killed by the now dead Ancar of Hardorn.

Kris, whose uncle, Lord Orthallen, had murdered Queen Selenay's father and had betrayed Valdemar, nearly costing Talia her life.

Was it just coincidence that found Kris's father Lord Drevin, Orthallen's younger brother, connected to yet another plot against the royal family?

'And of these purchases, which were the most recent?'

'The Lord Drevin.' The shopkeeper said promptly. 'About a month ago now.'

'Ah good, so no one has purchased this month? Then I shall certainly think carefully about it.' Eldan said swiftly, pulling away from the knives and considering them with false interest. 'If you would be so kind as to put these away for me? I shall return once I have discussed things with my father.'

The shopkeeper looked downcast that Eldan wasn't going to buy them instantly. 'Of course, my lord.' He said in a resigned tone.

'There's a good chap. Now I must be going so I will wish you good day. Come men.' He called to Kero and Skif and swept from the shop, leaving a rather bemused shopkeeper behind him.

The moment they were out of the door, Eldan dropped his regal façade. 'Did you get that?'

Kero nodded, looking serious. 'Lord Drevin. He's certainly liable to hold a grudge against the Heralds – and Selenay in particular. True his brother was a traitor who was responsible for his son's death, but Drevin still lost two members of his family.'

'Why wasn't Drevin's family discredited?' Skif wanted to know as they made their way back towards the palace. 'After Orthallen's treachery was discovered?'

'They were investigated.' Kero explained succinctly. 'But there was absolutely no evidence suggesting that Drevin knew anything about his brother's actions and with Kris a Herald and recently dead … well, you can imagine that Selenay wanted to leave Drevin to his grief.'

'Which could have been a mistake.' Eldan murmured.

'Do you think so?' Kero didn't seem convinced. 'Drevin was a good enough man to produce a son who was chosen wasn't he?'

'That doesn't always follow.' Skif argued. 'Look at Talia!' They all knew about the horrifically constricting background that Talia had come from, and the way that the Holderkin had rejected her when she had become a Herald. As much as Kero might like to, she couldn't deny Skif spoke the truth.

'Arguing amongst ourselves does no one any good,' Eldan pointed out gently, proving his worth as a diplomat once more. 'Why don't we get back to the palace first and then consider everything we know logically.'

'A good idea, my lord,' Kero said with a sarcastic edge to her voice that she softened with a smile. 'Then we can –' she broke off, eyes turning inward in a movement that all Heralds recognised. Skif and Eldan waited patiently until she blinked once and came back to them.

'Somehow Elspeth pulled Darkwind out of his coma last night.' She said without preamble. 'No one was told because they both needed to rest. But now, they're ready to talk.'

(Healer's Collegium – main room)

Firesong stared into Darkwind's eyes, feeling slightly putout. The older Tayledras gazed steadily back and though his normally golden skin was pale and he frowned as if from a headache, he was finally awake.

And Firesong still had no idea what had caused his condition in the first place, or why Elspeth had succeeded where he had failed. While he was delighted that his friend had finally awoken, the fact that he really had no clue what had happened irked him somewhat.

'Satisfied?' Darkwind asked quietly.

Firesong arched a pair of snowy eyebrows. 'I'm just being thorough.'

'Firesong, I'm told I've been in a coma for almost a month.' Darkwind glanced across at Elspeth who was sitting beside his bed, holding his hand. She had been there since the previous night and apart from showing initial signs of tearful relief when Darkwind had awoken, she had remained silent, head bowed. As she was now, with Darkwind watching her. After a moment he turned weary eyes back onto Firesong. 'I think you've had enough time to assess my condition.'

Firesong frowned and was about to reply when Silverfox, who had been standing behind him and watching, stepped forward and placed a restraining hand on his partner's shoulder. 'Darkwind, Firesong's been worried about you. We all have.'

'I know.' The Adept breathed, turning his face away from the prying eyes of his friends and looking to his bondbird. Vree raised his feathered head and something tangible passed between the two. Since Darkwind had awoken, the lethargy that had affected his bondmate had faded and to everyone's relief, Vree was returning to his normal state. It spoke of the change in Darkwind's health and for that, Firesong was glad.

'I'm sorry.' Darkwind whispered. 'I'm sorry about everything.'

Somehow Firesong didn't think that the apology was directed at just him. He allowed Silverfox to draw him backwards, away from the bed and towards the door behind which he knew several people were waiting anxiously, for word of Darkwind's condition. In truth, there was little he could tell them because Darkwind still hadn't spoken about what he had experienced – if anything - during his coma.

Silverfox must have seen the frustration in his face because he smiled sympathetically. 'Give him some time, ke'chara.' He advised. 'They have been through much recently.'

'But he could tell us – uh,' Firesong shook his head, the tiny bells braided into his long white hair chiming quietly. 'I know, I just have to be patient.'

There was a soft knock at the door and Silverfox pulled it open to reveal Talia, leaning against the doorframe.

'I'm sorry to interrupt – I know you're busy.' The Queen's Own said in hushed tones. 'How is he?'

Firesong shrugged, affecting nonchalance. 'It's hard to tell. Physically, Darkwind is fine. Mentally … well, we'll have to wait and see.'

'Well the reason I interrupted is because I've spoken to Kerowyn and she was very eager to talk to Darkwind about …' Talia studied the room beyond Firesong, searching for the right words, ' … about what happened.'

Firesong bit his lip. 'I don't know …'

'Perhaps this would be for the best,' Silverfox interjected gently. 'Maybe this is what he needs to open up and start talking about what happened.'

'Eldan's very diplomatic.' Talia said encouragingly. She ran a hand through her unruly hair and it was only then that Firesong saw how ragged she was looking. The tiny lines around her eyes had deepened and she didn't appear to be leaning against the doorframe in a show of relaxation. 'Firesong, I'm sorry to ask you this but the Queen – '

'I understand.' He cut in quickly. 'I shall ask him.' Turning with a rustle of his emerald green robes, Firesong swept back across the room and halted at the end of Darkwind's bed. Elspeth, in the chair, had curled her legs up to the side with some difficulty due to her swollen stomach. One arm was wrapped around her abdomen in a protective movement while the other was still resting on the bed, fingers entwined with Darkwind's. Because her head was bowed, silver-shot hair billowing around her face, Firesong couldn't see her expression but he could imagine she wore the haunted look that had plagued her since this whole nightmare had begun.

Darkwind had rolled over onto his side, so that he was lying towards Elspeth now, her hand held protectively in his. Though his eyes were closed, Firesong sensed that he was still awake. After spending almost a month in a coma, he had little need for yet more rest.

'Darkwind?'

As he had expected, the Adept's eyes fluttered open and he shifted over slightly. Taking that as an invitation, Firesong spread his robes and settled onto the bed. His bondbird Aya, who so far had been perched quietly alongside Vree on the forestgyre's perch, fluttered down onto Firesong's shoulder, showering both him and his charges with the false sparks that made his species so exotic. Firesong petted him absently. 'I know …' he faltered, for once having to search for the right words. Firesong wasn't the most diplomatic of men at the best of times. 'I know you don't want to talk yet … but Kero needs to talk to you as soon as possible.'

At first he thought that Darkwind wasn't going to reply, even though the Tayledras's eyes were open. Then, the older mage rolled back over onto his back and pulled himself up slightly so that he could look Firesong in the eye. His pale blue eyes, so clouded before were now open and direct. There was still an intense amount of pain in them and confusion and not a small amount of anger, but he showed none of the heart-rending grief that marked Elspeth. Firesong wondered what had happened in the twin's suite that had affected them both so differently. Just what had they seen?

'Okay.'

Firesong blinked. He had expected some resistance; Darkwind's instant acceptance threw him. Darkwind must have seen some of his confusion on his face because he inclined his head slightly and said: 'I think it's time.'

For the first time since Darkwind had woken up, Elspeth raised her head and stared at her husband. As with Vree, something private passed between them and then Darkwind squared his jaw. 'It is time. For both of us.'

(Darkwind and Elspeth's rooms)

The Healers had been reluctant to allow Darkwind to leave their watchful gazes, so soon after he had awoken, but Firesong had persuaded them that Darkwind and Elspeth would recover more quickly in familiar surroundings such as their own rooms. And Firesong could be very persuasive when he turned on his charm.

So it was that, with the aid of Firesong, Silverfox and Talia, Darkwind and Elspeth returned to their rooms to await the coming interview with Captain Kerowyn.

Both were silent for a time when they were finally alone.

Elspeth was curled up like a cat, both arms now wrapped about her rounded stomach, her feet tucked up underneath her as she sat, staring blankly out of one of the windows. Darkwind was seated opposite her, still clothed in the shirt and breeches he had been dressed in upon leaving the Healers Collegium. Thin, due to his time asleep, the clothes hung loosely from his frame and he was visibly weakened by his experience. Vree, back on his own personal perch for the first time in weeks, was preening happily, tiny bits of down drifting down onto the floor below.

'Elspeth … ke'chara …' she slowly raised her head as he reached over and took her hand. 'I … I am glad that brought me back. I want to … to thank you.'

Her stormy eyes met his and Darkwind almost flinched back at the sheer staggering pain brimming in their liquid depths. Violent flashes of memory assaulted him; blood trickling down a grey uniform; silent screams of agony; icy, never-ending pain; he blinked them all away knowing that Elspeth needed his strength and not his weakness.

'I couldn't lose you.' Elspeth whispered. 'Not you as well.'

Darkwind knew she thought of her brother and sister, one dead and one dying.

'Elspeth.' He inched forwards on the chair, wincing as muscles that hadn't seen use in a month, complained bitterly. 'Elspeth, you must not blame yourself.'

She stared down at her hands. 'I just sat there … I couldn't do anything … and he – he just took them away from me … and I – the blood it just …' her voice became almost inaudible, '… it wouldn't stop flowing and I – I couldn't do anything …' a tear traced its way down her cheek but she didn't even seem to notice. 'I couldn't do anything.'

'Oh ke'chara,' ignoring his own discomfort, Darkwind sunk down onto the floor in front of her, gripping her hand all the more tightly. 'Ke'chara¸ there was nothing you could have done.'

'I should have stopped him. I should have done something!'

'Elspeth look at me. Look at me!' Darkwind rested his hands on her stomach and gazed imploring up into her eyes. 'It wasn't your fault. Please believe me. There was nothing more that either of us could have done.'

She sniffed, another tear crawling down her face. Her hands trembled.

'What happened …' Darkwind shook his head. 'It was terrible. We should have been able to stop it – but we couldn't. It was wrong and horrific, but it was not your fault.'

'… They were my siblings. And he cut them down like animals! My brother and sister … oh Darkwind …' she covered her face with her hands and sobs shook her slender frame. 'He killed Kris.'

'I know ke'chara, I know.' Darkwind soothed her, stroking her hair, her face, any part of her he could comfort. He held her until her sobs subsided and she finally stopped shaking.

A light knock sounded and the door opened inward to reveal the Queen's Own, hesitantly looking inside.

Elspeth's back was to her but Darkwind raised his head slightly and caught sight of Talia. It was still a shock to see him looking so much better in such a short amount of time but the pain in his pale blue eyes told Talia that he still had a long way to go until he was fully recovered. That and his Empathic sense, which made it uncomfortable for Talia to enter the room unless she was tightly shielded.

Darkwind drew back slightly and gently wiped the tears away from his lover's eyes. "Talia is here, dearheart." He told her quietly in the Tayledras tongue. "You remember that Kero wanted to talk to us?"

"Must we?" Elspeth whispered, still pale and shaken from her crying.

"Only if you feel well enough." Darkwind assured her.

"I …" Elspeth looked down at her hands which were resting gently atop her pregnant stomach. "I feel …"

"Elspeth, if you want to wait then no one will mind."

She looked up at him then, pale blue eyes wide. "No." She said firmly. "Kris deserves … I want to know who did this to us. Who hurt my family." Sniffling slightly she wiped furiously at her eyes and pulled herself up so that she sat straight in her chair. Darkwind recognised the familiar stubborn set of her chin and knew her mind was made up. "Let's get this over with."

Darkwind nodded briefly and then looked up to find that Kerowyn had joined Talia in the doorway and behind them the Adept could see a couple of other figures.

"Are you sure you feel strong enough?" He had to ask, glancing back at Elspeth.

She smiled and there was a touch of honest pleasure in her expression. "Gwena says that I should. She's given me the benefit of her Grove-born advice … and I agree with her. This is something we have to do and putting it off will only make it harder."

Darkwind marvelled at how amazingly strong his lover could be when the situation demanded it. Many other people would still be immersed in their grief, but not Elspeth. Especially not with her meddling Companion added into the mix.

"Very well." He gave in and nodded to Talia. The Queen's Own and her companions stepped quietly into the room and once they were out of the gloomy corridor, Darkwind identified the other two figures as Heralds Skif and Eldan. He wasn't surprised to see them; Eldan was the diplomat to Kero's strength and if anyone could unravel the mystery behind the attack, it was Skif. He felt relieved; the situation couldn't have been in better hands.

The four Heralds took seats around them and Talia sat forward, taking Elspeth's hands in her own but also including Darkwind in her gaze. "Elspeth, Darkwind – it's wonderful to see you looking so much better."

The cloud that passed swiftly through her eyes made Darkwind wonder, for the first time, what it had been like for those on the outside while he and Elspeth had been unreachable. It must have been a horrific situation yet apart for a couple of extra frown lines around her eyes, Talia looked as calm as ever.

"As you know, Skif, Kero and Eldan have been placed in charge of the investigation into what happened. Now, I understand that what happened to both of you was very traumatic and if you don't want to answer any questions at the moment then we will return at a more convenient time –"

"Talia." Elspeth cut in, smiling wearily at the woman who had turned her life around so many years ago and had been a constant companion ever since. "I don't want to do this … but I think I need to. So please … can you just ask your questions?"

Kero's eyes crinkled; she was impressed by Elspeth's courage. As Darkwind watched, she withdrew a piece of parchment from the case she had been carrying and passed it to Eldan, who had already provided the ink and quill. Kero cleared her throat and the questioning began.

"Elspeth. Can you tell me as accurately as you remember, just what happened that day?"

Elspeth looked at Darkwind, who gave her an encouragingly smile, and finally confronted the subject she had been trying to avoid for so long. "It was early and Darkwind and I were on our way to the Twin's suite …"

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Okay … I'd better warn you that the next chapter might be a bit long in coming because it hasn't been written yet and I've got TONS of work to do this week ….

But coming up next few chapters:

Skif/Eldan/Kero discuss the results of the interviews of Darkwind/Elspeth

Firesong/Darkwind/An'desha/Karal/Darion discuss magic

And … the culprit is FINALLY caught! YAY!!!!

Damn me that's a lot to write. Better get started. Thanks for reading and as always – read and reviews : )