It was hard to keep a scornful disdain from my voice, but Salem didn't seem to mind. "I think it's fascinating," he said brightly. "Now here's something for you to think on." Then he kissed me, his lips warm on mine, smooth and gentle and caressing. His hand snaked behind my head, running fingers through my hair. I shuddered with a mixture of desire and fear, and pulled back after only a few seconds. My breathing was ragged, and his hand was still cradling the back of my head. I stood abruptly, brushing sand from my clothing and putting the sketchbook back in my pouch. "I have to go." I managed to say, already changing to wolf form. Salem still had a peculiar smile on his face. "Sivvet, if you would be so kind, I wanted to ask you if you would honor the court with a song tonight. Just one or two, so that we can get to understand you as well as you understand us."

I nodded briefly, wanting to get away, and sprang into the woods, dashing as quickly as a sparrow flies, until I reached Wyvern's Nest. I returned to my human body, taking the stairs two at a time to my room. I wrenched the door open and slammed it shut. I threw my sword and sketchbook on the bed, furious at myself for having been so trusting, so open and giving. I should never have told him those things, never have allowed myself to actually hope that he would be my friend, a true friend and one that I could trust. Suddenly I noticed the scroll of paper that lay on my wardrobe. Hoping it was a letter form my mother, I hastily undid the tie and opened it. My heart sank. It was from my mother, but not because of her love. It was the terms of the treaty I was to write up. It included what it was to say and what to include.

All of the things I expected were there, including an extension of borders in exchange for guards to serve Wyvern's Nest, and other things, but there was one thing I did not expect. At the end of the letter, before my mother's closing of "My formal regards, Queen Sylva," were the words, "please include our promise of arranged marriages between the higher class families, in order to strengthen our alliances." My heart sank. Not a word in it was for me, and besides that, it had all but promised me to an avian or serpiente man.

I slumped into the chair by my desk, head bowed, the letter still clutched in my hand. I was tempted to crumple it, to toss it into the fire, but self restraint stopped me, and all I did was gaze at the paper, my eyes feeling glazed and heavy. Then I remembered. While this was important, there was something else pressing on me, something else that had to be taken care of tonight. I had promised Salem that I would sing tonight before the court. My stomach knotted itself into a dozen complicated tangles, and I could feel my heart begin to pound. I opened the door of my rooms and grabbed Mendres's arm to tug him into my rooms. "Mendres!" I cried, hardly able to get the words past my lips. He glanced at me, a smile in his eyes. "Don't smile at me, Mendres." I said coldly. "I promised Salem I would sing tonight." Mendres stared, a question in his puzzled eyes. "What am I to do about it?" he queried, his tone bemused.

This had not occurred to me. I really didn't know what I wanted him to do. "What shall I sing, Menny?" I demanded. "I haven't sung for anyone in at least two years." Mendres grinned as wide as a cat. Then his expression turned thoughtful. "I'll sing counterpoint, Sivvy, if you'd like to perform Wanderer's Lament." I was a bit startled, I had to admit. "But that's the most difficult song we've ever learned, what with all the little catches and transitions." Mendres patted my shoulder. "But it's the song you sound the best in, Sivvy, and I'm not the only one who would jump from a cliff to hear you sing it."

I sighed. "I suppose if that's the best we can do…" I trailed off, because Mendres was striding out the door. "I expect you don't want to be the focal point." he explained to my questioning look. "I'm going to ask some of the dancers I met if they would improvise while we sing." I bit back the urge to scowl, maintaining my composure save for a tiny smile. "You know me too well, Menny." He left me smiling, briefly happy that I had such a kind friend.

That night I wore a black gown Oliza provided me with, seeing as how we both had the same medium height, slender build. My hair I had pulled to the side, over my shoulder and brushing the slight expanse of chest that peeped from the low cut bodice of the dress. I glanced in the mirror before I left, satisfied with my appearance. I took little pride in it; it had never been a priority to look pretty, and it took too much effort that could have been spent on other things.

I hurried down the stairs, and almost crashed into Mendres, who was waiting. He looked quite dashing in silken trousers and shirt the trousers of black, the shirt blood red. "You look quite nice." I said to him, bowing my head gracefully. "The same to you, Princess." he said, his tone smooth. For some reason, I caught a hint of hidden meaning behind his use of my title to address me, but couldn't quite place it. He took my arm and escorted me to the dais, which we mounted, and I stood anxiously in the wings, trying not to convey my nerves through my grip on Mendres's arm.

As the Diente cordially introduced us to the audience, Mendres led me to a stool upon which I sat, with him standing behind me, a hand on my shoulder. As the lights dimmed, I swallowed my pride, and I began to sing in the clear, high voice I had always had:

May your days forever be brightened

May your nights be filled with warmth

And may you always have love at your side.

Forever may darkness be lightened

Forever may days be bright

And may happiness fill up your mind

I know the nights may be long

And I no longer sleep at your side

I promised my love forever

But it seems my time is through

Don't linger in sorrow for one who is lost

turn your face to the northernmost winds

I'll be at your side for all the night's tide

and save you from ravage and harm

My voice may no longer ring in your ears

But yours still carries in mine

And so I offer my love and my strength

Because I am no longer yours to hold

May your days be filled with laughter

May your nights be warm and sweet

And may one you love tarry at your side

And give you true love that is deep.

It seemed as though a trance had fallen over the audience. Their eyes shone in the darkened lights as my voice floated above, Mendres's several notes below, his rich baritone keeping my soprano on a smooth course. As I stopped, my eyes felt warm with impending tears, my heart filled with the song.

A/N: I do not know how this is going for everyone….. I can only work on it every so often, until I get it loaded on my other computer, so hold tight for the next chapters.