Chapter 22

Eavan could not help but watch her as she circled the other dancers with her partner, a young centaur eager to impress a few fillies nearby. As she drew near to him and his current partner, a shy young gnome, he caught her eye and saw such merriment and energy there. Little did he know that the true reason for her merriment was not in the exercise of the dance, but in seeing him catering to the young gnome by reducing his substantial height to better accommodate his partner.

When the dance finally ended, he gratefully escorted his partner back to her family before heading towards his own father's side. As he went, he resumed his full height in much the same manner as one would stretch to relieve themselves of a stiff neck and back. Having once again obtained his full stature, he quickly shook off the tension in his body before arriving to stand dutifully at his father's side.

After acknowledging his father with a slight bow, he glanced up, an unspoken question in his eyes. Seeing his father's slight nod of approval, he turned his attention towards the king's companions.

Earlier in the day, the fairy king had sent his man Damen to request his son's immediate attendance in his private quarters, of which meeting none was to know about. Torn between worry that something of an ill nature had occurred and hope that knowledge of the druid supporters had been discovered, Eavan was quite surprised to arrive seeing his father calmly sitting on the window seat, an ankle across his knee, reading what appeared to be an amusing letter. Hesitating slightly, he approached his father while clearing his throat to announce his presence.

"Ah, Eavan, there you are, Son," Adair had stated enthusiastically setting aside the papers in his hand.

"You wished to see me about a matter of great importance, Father?"

"Of course, of course. I simply wish to know if you are enjoying the solstice celebrations this year."

Eyeing his father curiously, Eavan was unable to determine the reasoning behind the question. "You are already aware that I am indeed, Father. I thought we had already discussed this subject."

"But that is just the thing," Adair replied. "I am well aware of your enjoyment, however, others are not."

With an eyebrow raised, Eavan considered his father's words before replying haughtily. "I do not see why it should be of concern to anyone else. You and Mother are well aware of how I feel, as is Lady Iliana. There is no one else here that I should care to please."

Sighing, Adair stood and walked towards his desk, hands clasped tightly behind his back. "Have you not wondered why I have struggled to get these last few treaties signed?" he asked, gesturing towards a small pile upon the desk. Seeing his son shrug his shoulders nonchalantly, his own drooped in disappointment. "We fairies have always been closest to the elves. Not only are our physiques most similar, but our powers have always been the most complementary and the most powerful. While over the years there have been many wars between the different races, only once have we fought against the elves. We cannot say the same for the others."

"So we get along better with the elves than any of the others. I do not see any harm in that. I know Queen Lareina has already signed her peace treaty, therefore, if none of the others sign theirs, then we have nothing to fear."

"That is where you are wrong, Eavan. Though the others remain unaware of who I am, it is my sole duty to ensure peace among all the realms. I cannot do so if I show favoritism. I am aware of a few who are sympathetic to the druids' cause, and some of them are among those whose treaties remain unsigned. Although none of them, thankfully, are in a high position, they can easily stir up trouble among their people to the point where their rulers will begin to believe their lies."

Surprised at his father's reveal, Eavan began to become excited. "If you know who these people are, then why not expose them now."

"And begin the war that I am trying to avoid? I think not my son," Adair replied shaking his head in frustration. "Can you not see the problems that would arise if I am the one to expose them? Despite our many efforts these three weeks, there are still many who do not trust us. If we were to begin accusing their people of helping the enemy, then there would be no hope for peace between us."

Nodding his head slowly, Eavan looked down towards his feet. "I understand, Father, and I am sorry for not thinking as clearly. However, I fail to see what this has to do with their opinion of me."

"You are my son and only heir," Adair replied impatiently. "While I have been fortunate to live as long as I have, even I am not immune to death. If that awful day were to come, then you would ascend to my throne and receive all that I have been gifted with. Yet, unlike myself, you have not made any effort to let others know you. You do not dance with their young ladies, you do not converse with the elders, and you have not bothered to know any of the young men and women who will one day become leaders." Holding up a hand to stop Eavan's protests, he quickly continued. "I know you dance and talk, but not of your own volition. You must set aside your shyness, Son. You must let your guard down. I know you have had your trust betrayed before, but you must not judge everyone by those impossibly high standards of yours. Unfortunately, there will always be those who will want to use you for their own gain; I have been dealing with them continuously since they arrived. Yet, as king, it is my duty to ensure that everyone gets what they desire without me sacrificing anything important. That is politics my son, and something you need to learn now not later."

"Father, how can you ask that of me? I will not allow myself to fall victim to that heartache again."

"I am not asking you to trust, or open your heart to anyone you do not wish to. However, you must appear as trusting and approachable. You must learn how to delegate in a way that all parties are satisfied and you must learn to let others like you."

Dejected, Eavan collapsed onto the window seat his father had previously abandoned. Wondering how he could do something so against his nature, he looked up to see his father looking at him with sympathy and love. "Very well, Father. What would you have me do?"

With a small smile of approval, Adair replied, "dance." Seeing the shock and horror on his sons face, he let out a small chuckle. "Tonight, I wish for you to dance. Do not wait for the young ladies to drag you to the floor, nor for their parents to force them upon you. I want you to approach those who look longingly at the others dancing and ask them to stand up with you. While dancing, keep your attention on your partner, talk with her, and most importantly smile and make her smile. When not dancing, you must willingly converse with anyone who approaches you. Be polite and considerate, and do not scowl or show any impatience. If you become overwhelmed, then join either your mother or myself."

Sucking in his breath, Eavan considered all that his father said. "Do you believe this will honestly help?"

"I do," Adair said confidently. "Not only will this help our own cause, but it is a wonderful way to train you for the possibility of one day being king."

"I would rather not think of that, Father."

"Nor would I, Son, but we must always be prepared for the unexpected."

Nodding thoughtfully, Eavan began to sense that his father was hiding something else from him, and worried that it was to do with Iliana. "Earlier you mentioned our relationship with the elves and how it could possibly be causing our problems with the others through favoritism. With that in mind, is there anything else that I must do?"

"As a matter of fact, there is," Adair replied hesitantly. "Despite all your efforts, your attentions towards the Lady Iliana have not gone unnoticed. You have watched and spent all your time with her to the exclusion of everybody else. If there was an understanding between you two, then the others would be more accepting and comfortable with your attentions. As there is nothing, however, they see it as an insult that she is the only one to have garnered your interest. To them, it is further proof that we would side with the elves going against all others in the event war broke out."

"You are asking me to avoid her?" Eavan cried clenching his fists and jaw in anger.

"I am not. If she were to approach you, then if would be very rude indeed for you to not acknowledge her, nor would I have you do anything of the kind. I simply would prefer if you did not spend all your spare time with her. I would also ask you not to follow her every move with your eyes. You must give your full attention to whomever you are presently keeping company with."

"I am not sure I can do that, Father."

"You must try. As I said before, since there is no understanding between the two of you, your attentions towards her can be seen as a threat to our peace as well as put her in possible danger."

"She...she is in danger because of me?" Eavan asked, his heart thumping wildly with the implication.

"Not as of yet. However, I do fear that if war were to break out, with nothing binding the two of you, our enemies would not hesitate to use her against you. More than anything, I cannot lose you, Son." Running a hand through his hair, Adair bowed his head and in a low voice continued. "Despite all my magic and all of our efforts, your mother cannot conceive again. None of my four brothers and sisters were able to conceive more than one child, and neither can I. If you were to die before me and without an heir, then when I passed from this world, there would be no one to pass my magic to and it would be released into the world. Everything would fall into complete chaos and the world as we know it would end."

"Why have you not told me before?" Eavan asked thinking of the last time those words had been spoken between them.

"And push you into doing something you were not ready for? No, Eavan, I could never do that to you. I waited several centuries before I finally found love, why would I not give you the same opportunity? Besides, there has never been any reason for you to know before now. But, we are now on the brink of a possible war, and, at last, you have found the one thing I always wanted for you; love. You must do what you can to protect both her and yourself. I do not think you would be able to survive if anything happened to her."

Nodding solemnly, Eavan considered his father's words. "Very well. I will do my best this evening. I want you to know that I am doing it only for her though."

"Thank you, Son."

Adair's deep chuckle next to him quickly put an end to Eavan's reminiscing of the afternoon meeting. Seeing his father in such a light mood brought a smile to his face. Although he had tried to follow his father's advice, he was finding it difficult to not seek Iliana out. However, he had to admit to himself that those he danced and conversed with were friendlier than he had anticipated and were eager for his kind attentions. No one had yet to ply him with requests for things for themselves, they simply wanted to be acknowledged. Pleased with this realization, Eavan relaxed and began to pay more attention to those around him, even going so far as to contribute to the conversation much to the king's surprise and pleasure.

As the evening wore on, Eavan continued to dance and converse with many others. Although he would have preferred the sole company of Iliana, he did find enjoyment with those he met. When possible without causing offense, he would seek Iliana out of the crowd and bestow a smile upon her which she was always happy to return.

Close to midnight, Eavan had joined his parents as they conversed with a giant, sprite and dwarf. The merriment among the group was so great that they hardly noticed the harried approach of the elf queen.

"Pardon me for the interruption, Adair, but I have come to inform you that I must depart with my people at dawn," Lareina said after a small curtsey.

Seeing the fear in her eyes, as well as the concern on the faces of the fairy king and queen, the three others quickly excused themselves so as not to interfere. Eavan, on the other hand, drew closer to his parents, his own fear at Iliana's imminent departure causing his heart to race. He was also beginning to feel despair at the thought of not having time to spend watching the sunrise together as had become their norm. So deep within his thoughts, he almost missed his mother's query.

"We will feel the loss of your company these last couple days, but of course you should leave if you must," Anthea stated placing a hand on her friend's arm. "However, before you go, will you not share your troubles with us?"

Looking hesitantly between the three concerned faces watching her intently, Lareina leaned in closer and in a quiet voice began to speak. "I received word a short time ago that a band of druids have crossed our borders. Although they have not approached our city, they claim that they are an emissary group who have come to make peace between our peoples."

Adair sucked in a harsh breath as he heard what the queen had to say. "Lareina, you cannot trust them."

"That is precisely why I must take my people home," she replied. "Not only should I be there to make sure that we are not being deceived, but I am concerned about my son. Although I know he is being well taken care of in my absence, I cannot help but fear for his safety, especially after losing his father shortly after his birth."

"Let me send someone with you," Adair pleaded. "I fear these druids may have been invited by one of your own."

Ignoring Eavan's exclamation of shock, the elf queen nodded her head in agreement. "I feel you are right Adair, but I must decline your offer. We cannot give concern to any others. I have already made my excuses to those who need to hear them by claiming that there was a fire nearby damaging part of our forest. While the fire did indeed happen, it has been recovering for several seasons now; a fact no one needs know."

"Very well if you are sure," Adair replied hesitantly.

"Must...must you all go?" Eavan asked surprising all three of his companions. "Would it not be possible to leave a small party here for the rest of the festival?"

With a look of great compassion, Lareina bestowed a sad smile upon him. "I am afraid not. It would look odd to leave anyone behind in the wake of such an emergency. Besides, I cannot guarantee anyone's protection if they were to remain behind and travel later. I will not risk the safety of my people."

Hardly able to breathe at this point, Eavan quickly bowed to the queen, wished her safe travels, and then hastily excused himself. Barely keeping his panic in check, he immediately sought out Iliana. He had done well in regards to following his father's suggestions from the afternoon, but surely the king could not fault him for seeking her out for a private farewell.

At last he saw her and caught her eye as she turned in the current dance. Seeing his somber expression, she assumed that he must have just heard the news of the elves' early departure. Having hoped to delay the inevitable for as long as possible, she nodded then glanced in the direction of the spring. She knew he understood when he immediately turned and began walking away into the dark forest. With a heavy heart, she forced a smile upon her face and turned her attention back to her partner who thankfully had not noticed her slight distraction. As soon as the dance finished, she claimed fatigue, gave her farewells to those she had befriended over the weeks, and began to make her own way to the spring.

Unbeknownst to the two, they were once again being carefully watched by three pairs of eyes. "Do you believe your plan will work, my dear?" Queen Anthea asked her solemn husband.

"I truly am not sure my dear," he replied with a heavy sigh. "I can only hope that our conversation this afternoon gave him enough motivation to do it. Although I do not have much faith. Even with Lareina waiting so long to approach with her news, I had hoped he would have sought her out much sooner than this after my telling him of the danger she is in."

"And if it does not happen?"

"Then I fear for her," Lareina said. "She will not be able to protect herself if he fails right now, and I will be just as helpless."

"But you are the queen!" Anthea exclaimed barely managing to keep her voice down to avoid being overheard.

"That I am. However, I am not her mother."

"Surely there is something that you can do."

"No there is not."

"Anthea darling, it is out of our hands now," Adair softly reproached. "All we can do is wait and hope that he will do what is needed of him in order to protect us all."

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"Eavan?" Iliana called out as she reached the spring. Although the moon was shining brightly in the sky, the spring was full of dark shadows. Squinting her eyes, she looked all around hoping to catch a glimpse of him. Unable to see anything, she closed her eyes hoping to feel his presence. However, the magic flowing from the flowers clustered on the ground was so strong that she was unable to detect the presence of any other magical beings nearby.

Calling out for him again, she walked towards the water's edge where the flowers gave way to a soft patch of lush, green grass. Once there, she looked around the spring again, hoping that he might have appeared. Wondering what could have possible detained him to allow her to arrive first, she closed her eyes allowing the music of their flowers to flow around her.

When Eavan finally arrived, it was to the sight of his beloved swaying in time to the music. Wanting to join her in her dance, he hesitated and allowed himself a moment to admire her in the moonlight. She was wearing a cream dress that contrasted beautifully with her tanned skin. The red of her underskirt matched the roses embroidered around her neckline, waist and hem. It was the first time he had seen her in such a color and he thought it suited her very well indeed.

So lost was he in admiring the way her dress flowed with the movement of her hips that he almost missed her small chuckle. "Would you care to join me milord, or shall you stand there in silence all night?"

Smiling, he immediately rushed forward and wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, pulling her in close. Nestling his head among her soft curls, he breathed in deeply of her scent, trying to keep his panic from surfacing. Tonight would be their last moments together until fall arrived; he knew not how he was supposed to let her go. Pulling her even closer, he let his hands caress her curves, hoping to memorize the feel of her in his arms.

"Mmm...Eavan?"

"Yes my love?"

"Can you forgive me?"

Suddenly alarmed, Eavan pulled away and turned her in his arms so that he could see her face. When she refused to look at him, he gently cupped her chin and lifted her face until her eyes finally met his. The sadness and regret he saw there was his own undoing, and the panic he was fighting to control washed over him like a giant wave. Was there more going on than just the elves leaving? Was she somehow involved with the druids?

"What...what is it that you seek forgiveness for?" He asked, his voice quavering with fear.

"I should have been the one to tell you," she blurted out through sudden tears. "I should not have tried to hide our departure from you. I should have told you as soon as I had heard the news. But I was so afraid. I do not want to have to say goodbye, and in my selfishness, I cost us valuable time together."

Relief flooded through him, and he pulled her head onto his shoulder. While one hand held her head in place, the other rubbed small circles on her back as he whispered endearments in her ear, encouraging her to let out all her tears. When her sobs finally quieted, he stepped away to sit on the ground. With a gentle tug on her hand, he pulled her down onto his lap where he once again gathered her tightly in his arms and relished in the feel of her body enfolded within his own. After sitting thus for several minutes, she pulled away slightly so that she could see into his dark blue eyes.

"Can you forgive me, Eavan?"

"There is nothing to forgive, Ellette," he replied with a sad smile. "Had I been in your position, knowing how much you have enjoyed the dancing, I would have been hard pressed to end your evening of enjoyment. In the end it matters not; you were to leave eventually, why should it signify when? The pain would have been the same two days from now."

"But there need not be any pain," she cried hopefully. "Perhaps you might find a way to convince my aunt to let me stay. The druids could have no interest in my presence."

Shaking his head regretfully, he looked away from her pleading eyes. "I have already petitioned for a small contingent to remain. Your aunt was quite insistent that all should depart together. I fear there will be no convincing her otherwise."

"Oh," was her dejected reply as she looked down at their entwined hands. "What if," she began again hesitantly, "what if we were to announce our relationship? Perhaps she would let me stay then."

"No!" He replied harsher than intended causing her to pull away from him. "No," he repeated softer looking away from her.

"And why not, milord? Are you so ashamed of me that you would rather see me leave than admit to the world that you are in love?"

"Yes," he whispered not realizing the first part of what she had said.

"Very well then, milord. I beg you would excuse me as I must finish preparing for my departure." Not bothering to wipe the tears suddenly streaming down her face, she yanked herself out of his embrace and began to storm away.

Confused as to why he suddenly found his arms bereft of her presence, Eavan looked up to discover her fleeing his presence. Tripping over himself in his haste, he began to follow her, calling her name, only to discover his progress being slowed by tree branches and roots suddenly thrusting themselves in his way. Cursing quietly to himself, he shrunk to the size of a butterfly and quickly flew between the protruding pieces of wood. When he finally reached her, he pleaded with her to stop only to have her try to swat him away. Frustrated that she refused to listen he quickly inhaled causing time, and her, to freeze.

Without hesitation, he quickly grew to full size, scooped her up into his arms, and flew back towards the spring. Once he was directly over the water, high above the reach of any nearby trees, he let the flow of time return to normal unprepared for the panic she would experience upon suddenly discovering herself high above the ground.

Letting out an ear piercing shriek, Iliana began to flail about as she tried to find a way to escape. In her efforts, she managed to elbow Eavan in the stomach and he unconsciously doubled over releasing her from his hold. Plummeting towards the water, she continued to screech in fear. Reaching out with her magic, she hoped she could save herself by causing a tree limb to extend far enough to secure her. Unfortunately, the limb reached her a split second after Eavan did causing him to yell in pain as they both hit the water.

Struggling against the weight of her sodden dress, Iliana broke the surface of the spring and began to make her way towards shore. After once again gaining solid ground, she looked around anxious for a sign of Eavan. Not seeing him anywhere, she began to panic. Debating whether or not diving back in would be of any help to him with her heavy clothes, she failed to notice a fresh patch of lily pads floating to the surface. The sudden sound of gasping caused her to jump in surprise until she saw the precious cargo being carried her way by the aquatic plants.

Rushing towards him, she quickly grabbed his arms to drag onto dry land. Finding him unconscious, she turned him onto his side and quickly began to check to make sure he was at least breathing. Seeing he did not struggle for breath, her anger towards him began to grow again; however, it immediately evaporated when she saw the jagged tear in one of his wings.

Checking again to see if he was awake, she hesitantly reached out to touch the torn forewing. Having always been too shy to touch them before, she was shocked to discover that his wings were softer than the silk of her dress and warm to the touch. With a rueful sigh, she admitted to herself that it would be quite uncomfortable for the fairies to have wings as solid as diamonds as she had previously thought. After all, had she not seen Eavan many times fold them against his back to hang like a short, iridescent blue cape?

With a little less hesitancy, and a great deal more guilt, she continued to gently stroke the damaged wing as fresh tears rolled down her face. Although upon their first meeting she had called his wings thin and flimsy, she had always admired their beauty and strength. To her they seemed as indestructible as he strove to appear as to others. To see them thus damaged reminded her of the broken heart of the man they belonged to.

"There is no need for your tears, Ellette. It shall heal in time and be as it once was."

Shocked at being suddenly addressed, she pulled her hand away as if burned and looked down to see blue eyes full of love and sorrow gazing intently at her. Reaching up to brush the tears from her face, she found her hand being pulled away by his gentle grasp. After releasing her hand, Eavan struggled to sit up before reaching with his own hand to wipe her tears away.

"These were caused by me, thus the remedy should be mine." Ignoring the shaking of her head, he continued to caress her face. "No, my love, let me for once accept the blame that is mine. In my despair, I did not pay proper attention to you thus causing a misunderstanding. In trying to force you to listen to my pleas, I took advantage of powers available to me and caused you a great deal of fear. The damage I received is the result of my selfishness. I am sorry."

Unable to stop the tears streaming down her face, she lunged forward and buried herself in his arms. Unbalanced by her sudden movement, Eavan instinctively reached behind him with his hands while spreading his wings causing a fresh wave of pain to course through him. Hearing his yelp of pain, she pulled away and gently began to reach once more towards the torn wing, but paused uncertain as she turned to look at him. Meeting his eyes, she saw apprehensive approval and gently caressed the wing. At hearing his sharp intake of breath, she quickly pulled her hand away again.

"I am sorry. I did not mean to cause you pain, milord."

With a dark chuckle, he waved his hand in dismissal. "Still 'milord' is it. Very well, I suppose I have much to atone for this night. But you need not fear, Ellette; it is not your touch that causes me pain, for that can bring me nothing but pleasure."

With a slight nod of her head, she reached instead for his other forewing, pleased to hear a different sort of sharp breath, one that sounded as though from unexpected pleasure. "I had not realized they were so soft, nor that they were so sensitive," she quietly said as she continued to explore his wings.

"Both a blessing and a curse," he replied, grimacing as he attempted to shift his body without causing further pain. "If they were not so soft, then we fairies would never find comfort, especially those, like me, who prefer to sleep on their backs. Alas, that is where the sensitive part becomes a curse."

"Have you damaged them before?"

"Once, yes" he laughed. "I was a youngling of a mere six winters. Tavi and I were just like other younglings; adventuress, brave, and reckless. In trying to impress some older females, we decided to try showing off some newly learned defensive skills. We each gathered a handful of pebbles, and using magic to send them flying towards one another, used these new skills to dodge the speeding pebbles. Unfortunately, Tavi was never one to fight fairly, and in trying to evade one sent directly towards the space between my eyes, I did a spin jump in the air where it instead punched a hole straight through my left hindwing." As he spoke, he pointed to the said wing, diagonal from the current injured wing, where she saw a small spot that was more silver than it was blue. "Although my father sped up the healing process, it felt as though the pain lasted forever. At least that is how long a week felt like to a youngling such as myself. Thankfully they can only be damaged by magical means, else I doubt I would have ever learned to fly in my youth."

Seeing a haunted look in his eyes, she felt a wave of tender compassion flow over her. "You miss him, do you not?" She asked as she grasped his hand in hers.

Looking down at their entwined hands, he began to rub his thumb across her knuckles. "I miss the innocence and ignorance of youth, yes, but I do not, cannot miss him. For years I had blinded myself to his true feelings towards me. I had not failed to realize that he was taking advantage of my friendship, but I had thought that is what friendship was all about. It was not until Keelia entered our lives that I truly realized he was no friend, nor had he ever been. I lost all trust in others that day." Sighing, he looked out across the spring towards where they had fallen. "It took you putting me in my place to realize how miserable a life I had been leading since then. You were the one who taught me how to trust again, how to be a friend again, and most importantly, how to love again. But tonight I ruined it all."

Hearing the pure despair in his voice, she felt her breath hitch, as she tried to formulate a reply. "I...I cannot deny the pain I felt upon hearing you claim you were ashamed of me, however..."

"What?!" He interrupted, flipping his head around in shock to look at her. "Is that...did you truly say that?" Seeing her nod her head, he drew his hand from hers and began raking it through his blonde hair. Muttering several curses under his breath, he fought to regulate his panicked breathing. "Oh, how you must hate me. It is no wonder you stormed away from me in anger. I am such a fool to believe I could ever be worthy of your love."

"Then you are not ashamed of me?" She asked with hope flooding her breast.

"Never, my love," he cried as he pulled her once more into his arms, ignoring the pain from his wing. "I should have given you the attention you deserved. Instead, I was so wrapped up in my own thoughts that all I heard was you asking if I would rather you leave than announce to the world that I love you with all my being."

"But why?" Iliana asked, fear and anger once more entering her heart. "If you love me as much as you claim, then why not be willing to announce it? I understand and was in agreement to the conditions you set during the celebration. We needed this time to let our love nurture and grow in private. As much as I love to dance, limiting myself to only one dance a night with you was nothing short of torture. I would have gladly given up all the other dances if it had meant more time with you. Yet now, when it is the only key to preventing our separation, you still refuse to acknowledge me."

"Nothing would give me greater pleasure, my love, than to keep you forever by my side never to be separated. Yet to do what you ask is impossible at this time. Your safety is paramount to my happiness."

"What do you mean by my safety, Eavan?"

Seeing the steely determination in her eyes, he hesitantly related the entirety of the conversation he had had with his father that afternoon. By the end of his retelling, he was proud to see she still held her head up high despite the flicker of fear in her eyes.

"Eavan," she hesitated, "do you truly believe that these druid supporters would try to use me somehow to harm you?"

Nodding his head, he tightened his hold on her as she rested her head upon his shoulder. "I could not bear to see you harmed because of me."

"Then why not do as your father suggested? He all but said that the way to keep me safe was to form an understanding between us for all to know"

"While it is true that I could possibly keep you here where I could better personally protect you, I fear announcing an understanding between us would only make a larger target out of you. Right now, there is nothing but suspicions regarding our relationship, nothing is determined. Therefore, there can be no proof for anyone to use against us."

"But what if your father is right? What if we have not been careful enough during the celebrations and those who are allied with the druids have discovered us?"

"Then I must do my best to appear unaffected by our separation. I will not give them any more reason to think they could use you to get to me. There will come a day, Iliana, where I will gladly claim you as my own, never to let you again be parted from me. There can never be another whom I will love or will take as my wife, but I will not do so until I can guarantee your complete and total safety. Do not ask me to do it. I cannot lose you."

"Very well, I understand."

"Thank you, my love."

With those words, the two fell into a comfortable silence, content to sit within each other's embrace. After some time had passed, Eavan noticed that she had begun to shiver, her dress still soaked from their fall into the spring. Horrified that he had not thought to do so sooner, he quietly pulled the water from both of their clothes and hair, sending it back towards the spring. Her shivering stopped immediately and she snuggled deeper into his embrace as she whispered her thanks.

"It was the least I could do, Ellette, after all the pain and discomfort I caused you this night." Ignoring her protests, he quickly continued. "Unfortunately, it is rather late and dawn will come sooner than we wish. I should send you on your way."

"No, Eavan, let me stay here in your arms until it is time for us to leave. I do not wish to say goodbye."

Shaking his head he said, "It is an event I also desire to avoid, but we cannot. I must send you towards your tent if we are to keep up the pretense that there is nothing between us. But know that our separation causes me the greatest pain I have ever felt."

With a resigned sigh, she lifted herself up from his lap, and turned away to regain her composure. It was with shock that she heard his grunt of pain and turned to see him struggle to rise having forgotten about his torn wing. When he had finally gained his feet, she was surprised to see him wobble unbalanced. After inquiring if he would be alright, he merely shrugged his shoulders and said the next few weeks would require some balance retraining. Wishing to turn away again to avoid seeing his pain, she found herself instead being pulled once more into his embrace. Breathing deeply of his scent, she fought the tears threatening to overflow from her eyes.

"Iliana, before you go, I have a gift I wish to give you."

Looking up into his blue eyes, she saw tears of his own. "There is no need for gifts, milord, your love is the only gift I desire."

Chuckling, he raised one hand to caress her cheek. "And that is a gift that shall forever be yours. Yet I have another I wish to give." Pulling away slightly, he reached into his tunic and pulled out a tiny glass orb on a fine golden chain. "I purchased this several days ago from the dwarves. They work wonders with all manner of glass and metals. This is the reason I was delayed in arriving at the spring. I would not wish for you to leave without it."

Smiling, she reached out to touch the necklace. Although very plain, the workmanship was impressive enough as to allow her to admire it in its simplicity. "Thank you, I shall treasure it always." As she began to take it from him, however, he merely chuckled and pulled it out of her reach.

"You cannot have it yet, Ellette, for it is not complete. If you look closely, you will see that the orb is hollow, designed to hold any object regardless of its original size. Now, it is your turn to trust me and close your eyes," he said with a mischievous smile.

Shaking her head in amusement, she did as he asked. She felt him step away from her and unsteadily walk a few steps. With a grunt of pain, she heard him kneel on the ground and whisper a few words of containment in the ancient language. With another grunt, she heard him rise and felt his approach as he reached his arms over her head. Suddenly she felt a coolness around her neck and opened her eyes to discover the orb hanging from her neck. Reaching for it, she lifted it up and gasped in surprise. Contained inside the tiny orb was a bouquet of their flowers, perfectly preserved in all their beauty.

Unable to hold back her tears any longer, she looked up to see a loving smile and tears upon his own face. "I could not bear the thought that during our separation I should find comfort among our flowers while you were deprived of the same. While I wish I could send them all home with you, such cannot be the case. However, now you shall have proof of my love with you always. Even though they may be encased in miniature glass, you should still be able to hear their music."

Unsure what to say after receiving such a gift, Iliana did the only thing she could think of. It was several minutes later before he released her from the kiss, resting his forehead against hers, both breathing deeply in an attempt to cool their sudden passion.

"Go. If you do not go now I cannot be responsible for my actions," he huffed.

"Quite the inducement to stay, would not you agree?" She giggled.

Chuckling he agreed before placing a chaste kiss upon her lips. "Still, you must leave. Dawn is less than two hours away. They will be looking for you soon."

"Very well. Will you come to see us off?"

"Of course, my love. Now go. I shall see you again come autumn."

With one last kiss, she quickly turned and ran from the spring leaving him behind suddenly feeling more alone than he had ever felt before in his life.

.

.

.

"Lareina, I wish you and your people a safe journey home as well as a pleasant solution to your...er...situation."

"Thank you, Adair," Lareina replied shooting a worried glance towards her morose niece. "I shall try to keep you abreast of any news, and I hope it shall not be long before we are again reunited."

Bowing over her extended hand, the fairy king voiced his agreement before passing her along to his wife who immediately pulled the elf queen into a firm embrace. "Your presence shall be missed these last few days. Promise you will take care and let us know if we can offer any assistance."

"That I shall, Anthea," Lareina replied before pulling out of the embrace. "We cannot thank you enough for your kind hospitality these many weeks. It has been a great pleasure. Now, we should go. I should like to cover as much distance as possible today in order to arrive home tomorrow."

"Then we shall not detain you any longer, my dear," Adair said. Turning towards the queen's brother-in-law he continued, "It has also been a pleasure, My Lord Varen. I am grateful for the insight and suggestions you saw fit to give. I shall be giving them much consideration."

Receiving nothing but a non-committal grunt in reply, Adair turned then towards Iliana. "My Lady, it has been the greatest pleasure getting to know you. I hope you know that you are always welcome to return if ever the opportunity presents itself."

"Thank you, sire. I should be glad of a chance to return." she replied in a voice barely above a whisper, darting her eyes towards Eavan standing behind his father.

Not failing to notice her glance, nor his son's stoic facade, he shoved his own disappointment and worry aside, turning his attentions back towards Lareina and Varen in the hopes that the young couple might have a brief private moment.

Quickly stepping forward, Eavan bowed before taking her hand. "You will keep yourself safe?" He asked in a voice only she could hear. Seeing her nod, he allowed a sorrowful smile to briefly cross his features. "I wish you a safe journey home, My Lady. It has been a pleasure to know you," he said loudly enough for their companions to hear.

"Thank you, Your Highness. The pleasure has been all mine," she replied with no emotion.

With one last long look into her emerald green eyes, Eavan bestowed a light kiss upon her knuckles before quickly releasing her hand. Turning, he bid her companions farewell, then watched with ever growing despair as the company of elves finally began their journey home.

Once the company was out of earshot, Adair wrapped an arm around his son, careful to avoid the injured wing, and clasped him on the shoulder. "Is there any news of import you should wish to impart before it is too late?"

"No, Father," Eavan replied, barely keeping the pain from his voice. "I have done as you asked. She shall be safe. I pray you will excuse me, sir." Not seeing the panic upon his parents faces, he quickly turned and fled back towards the spring. Once there, he collapsed onto the ground against a rock, ignoring the sharp pain from his wing, and let his tears freely fall. However, not even the music of their flowers could ease the grief he felt.


AN: Hi everyone. First off, thank you all again for the kind reviews, messages and thoughts sent my way. Unfortunately life these past few months has not been what I would like it to be, and in my depression I have purposefully avoided logging onto fanfiction (I am very ashamed to admit that...not the depression, the avoidance). It was not because I do not care, I just could not find the strength to appear cheerful. Therefore, if I have not replied to any reviews, messages, or postings these past months, please do not take it personally. On a bright note, spring is finally here, my health issues (major cause of the depression) are under control, and this story is once more eating away at my consciousness. I do not share this because I am looking for pity or compassion because I do not want it. Depression and real life happens, and we all deal with it in our own time and way. But I am sharing it in the hopes that it will erase any fears of this story going unfinished, for I will finish it. Honestly, it has taken me these many months to write this one, somewhat unplanned, chapter. Although there is some very important information and plot lines included in this chapter, I was too focused on what was coming up that I forgot that without the information contained in this chapter, the next flashback to Eavan and Iliana's original life would not make any sense, and I will not change where in the story line that flashback happens. Therefore, as much of a struggle as this chapter was to write, it is finally done. With that being said, the next chapter is already underway, you will not have to wait months to read it, and I hope you enjoy.

Much love to you all, and happy reading!
Allahteeah