Disclaimer: I don't own anyone you recognize.

Notes: Sorry this took me so long. Metal blocks against the subject of this chapter, schoolwork, and vacations all teamed up to nearly defeat me.

So you know, this chapter's main character's name is pronounced Eve-Lihn, not Eh-vah-lihn as it is sometimes pronounced. Two syllables, long 'e', as in meat.

As I Lie Upon My Bed, In the Early Evening Gloom

Dalamar paced his room restlessly. There was something about the whole situation that he didn't like. Something he couldn't put a finger on. He needed to do some research. Not the boy – questioning him would most likely involve a great show of power, and a lot of additional energy that at the moment, Dalamar didn't have. Inter-dimensional travel was more draining then it looked!

He let his thoughts travel to the other boy: the younger one. He couldn't interrogate that boy either. His daughter seemed friendly with him, and it would probably only make Dalamar's relationship with the girl worse if he kept her friend up until the early morning.

Why did that younger boy, what was his name? Fie? Why did he seem so familiar? Suddenly, he remembered a legend told in his childhood to warn the young elves about the danger of evil. Dalamar decided it was time to pay Astinus a visit.

About twenty minutes later, Dalamar returned to his room, book in hand. Miraculously, Astinus had known exactly which legend he'd been talking about. Even more miraculously, there had been some truth to the Elves' horror story, and it had been recorded as a tale. So, Dalamar eagerly started reading, pleased with the truth of it, and the lack of Elven prejudices...

... It is in the time of the Kingpriest of Istar, when the great mage Fistandantilus rules over the dark as firmly as the Kingpriest rules over the light. A young elf has recently pledged herself to the eternal service of Paladine, and found herself near the evil mage's quarters.

When realizing where she'd ended up, the elf, named Evelynn froze. Unfortunately, she was standing directly in front of Fistandantilus' door. Even more unfortunately, the mage was emerging, ready for dinner after a long day of studying. So involved was he in deciphering his spell he nearly walked into the astonished cleric.

That was all it took for Evelynn's personality to return. She hadn't been given a higher rank mostly because of her temper and free spirit, which now chose to express themselves. "Excuse you!" Her tone was sharp, criticizing the slight man who'd nearly collided with her.

"Actually," the young man's tone was soft, deadly. "I believe since it was you who chose to stop so abruptly in front of my room, it is you who owes me the apology." He looked up from his book, his pale blue gaze meeting that of the turquoise-eyed elf. It was slightly mocking, and couldn't be called kind.

Evelynn was shocked! How dare this young rebel criticize HER! She was a cleric of Paladine, by the gods, and would take nothing from his kind. However, it was not seemly for a cleric to smack someone, as she much wanted to do, so she contented herself with a slightly raised eyebrow and an acidic "As you wish," before going on her way.

A couple of hours later that day, Fistandantilus sat in his room, lost in thought. For once, the composed archmage was completely baffled! Who was that cleric? It first seemed as though she was terrified of him, and then, she appeared to almost be flirting! With him! With great difficulty, Fistandantilus put such troubling thoughts aside for some other time. Some time when he was not almost finished interpreting a spell that used a bloodstone to drain someone's soul! With that pleasing thought, Fistandantilus had no further trouble clearing his mind and going back to his spellbook.

At the same time, Evelynn too was having troubling thoughts. The way her teachers had portrayed it, evil was either hideous or too beautiful to exist, and therefore would trap you. Both types of evil would as soon kill you as look at you. However, that mage was different.

He seemed almost nice, in a sarcastic kind of way. Though slim, he was not scrawny, and he had lovely shoulder length brown hair. His eyes were a piercing ice blue; one of the most pure shades Evelynn had ever seen.

Evelynn chided herself. What was she doing? She is a cleric of Paladine, for goodness sake. She laughed at herself. 'Almost nice, in a sarcastic way'? What was that? She was acting like a lovesick child, not even out of her forties! She shook her head to clear her thoughts, wheat golden hair flying about her in a halo.

Evelynn woke up the next morning, feeling as though she'd just gotten into bed. She might as well have done so, she'd had such a bad night. She'd been thinking hard all night; thinking of that mage. Thinking of other things too, Evelynn was. Thinking on the subject of evil. What is evil, anyway?

And was there such a thing as true evil anyway? Everyone had to have some good in them, as well as some bad! After her sleepless night, Evelynn had come to only one conclusion. She had to talk to the mage again.

Evelynn walked back to Fistandantilus' rooms, still thinking. Would she be criticized for talking to him? No, talk couldn't do anything, and if anyone asked, she could always claim she was trying to make him see the light! Before she knew it, Evelynn had arrived at the mages rooms.

Evelynn knocked quietly, and then realized she had no idea what to say to Fistandantilus once she saw him! However, her problem was solved on seeing him.

The powerful Black Robe through open the door to his room with an annoyed "What?" Evelynn, surprised, took an involuntary step back. However, it wasn't long before she'd recovered.

"Is that how you greet all guests?" Her voice was tart, and she raised one delicate golden eyebrow.

It was now Fistandantilus' turn to be shocked. "It's you!" He blurted out the statement before getting a hold on himself. This was just the person he didn't need to see! He had enough trouble without an air-headed goody- goody cleric come to scold him. And, he had spent almost all night learning his new spell, so he barely had the energy to send her away.

Evelynn glared at him. "You are acting like such a jerk! I come here to talk to you, and perhaps apologize, and all I get is a "What," and then an "It's you"? And then, you leave me standing out here?" The elf was outraged at his abysmal manners.

When Fistandantilus spoke, his voice was pure venom. "Oh, come in then, 'Revered Daughter'." He showed her in, and all the while his quick mind was leaping. Here was a way to carry out his plans for the future! If he could lead her on, she might follow him to the Abyss and back. Which was exactly what he wanted.

He decided that politeness might be the first step to winning her over. "Forgive me, Revered Daughter. That was uncalled for. I had a bad night last night. I should not have treated you like that. Won't you take a seat?"

Evelynn looked at the archmage incredulously, not sure she liked the sudden change in personality. "Oh," her voice dripped honey. "Don't disturb yourself for me." Her demeanor also made a rapid change, to a matter-of- fact tone. "You know, just because I'm dedicated to the service of good doesn't mean I am unable to appreciate sarcasm, or enjoy sarcastic banter myself. My name is Evelynn, by the way. I also dislike formalities."

Fistandantilus smirked, barriers on cynicism dropped for the time being. "As you wish, Evelynn." He said her name with scorn, most likely for her race, Evelynn decided. Though angered, Evelynn let it pass. "So, I'm aching with curiosity." The Archmage's tone took on a more facetious nature. "Why is a young cleric of good making a social call to a mage, rumored to be evil incarnate?"

Evelynn paused, unsure what to say. "Well, I suppose I wanted to talk. About good and evil, about you, about me, whatever." She realized as she said it how lame she sounded. This time, it was Fistandantilus who raised an eyebrow.

Finally, all of the annoyances of the past few years that Evelynn had bottled up cam rushing out. "Well, to start with, do you know how boring it is to talk with twittering children who can think of nothing more than clothes, others' love interests, and their own love interests? And also, to have to act the perfect prim lady every minute of the day?

"I know that I'm dedicated to good, and I love my work, and especially to heal those who are sick. However, I don't believe bruising yourself all over in attempts to ride sidesaddle rather than astride because sidesaddle is more ladylike constitutes to good! Neither is learning how to sit strait, or how to measure how low to curtsy!"

Fistandantilus let Evelynn finish her tirade, thinking to himself that this was going to be more interesting than he'd first thought. "So," he said snidely, "You came to talk because you want to rebel and this is how you're going about it?" The mage was rewarded for his pains by seeing Evelynn get flustered and blush.

However, Evelynn quickly recovered. "And what if I am? What then? I saw the way you looked at me when you nearly ran me over. You think I'm attractive!" Evelynn's voice was teasing. She was fairly confident that would bother him! She smiled in triumph at his shocked look.

Much to the distress of her tutors and mentors, Evelynn's friendship with the Black Robe grew steadily over the next couple of weeks. They talked for hours on end, about everything from good versus evil, to politics, to music, and more. Evelynn, though distressed at her fellow clerics' closed- mindedness, was quite happy with her growing relationship with the mage.

Fistandantilus, however, had much more complicated thoughts. He had originally planned on using her as a pawn, and probably still could, yes. However, something happened that even his logical mind could not explain. He started to like the willful elf! Well, if he was being honest with himself, he may as well admit it all. He was starting to love her.

It wasn't long before his scheming mind took over for his emotions, though. If he had feelings for her, that meant she might have some for him, no? People with emotions they themselves could not control were easy for others to control. However, he realized, she might not lose control over her emotions.

He followed his train of thought farther. What if they actually had an affair? How would that affect her? Would it benefit him? Well, if they were found out, Evelynn would be named a dark elf. And that would crush his plans for taking over the Netherworld, as it had to be a cleric of pure good! But if they weren't found out... Fistandantilus fell asleep with no more answers than he'd awakened with.

Soon, the relationship between cleric and mage grew to a point where the other clerics could stand it no longer. One day, Evelynn's superior, the middle-aged elf Galatia came over to her after breakfast, the time Evelynn usually escaped for her daily debates with the evil mage.

"Evelynn?" Galatia's voice was mildly scolding. "Come here, my daughter. I am troubled."

Evelynn decided that it was best to play innocent. "Oh, Mother?" She used the honorary title for an older Daughter of Paladine being addressed by a younger one. "Whatever is the matter? Is there something I could do for you?" She knew very well what this would be about, but kept that to herself. Her voice stayed carefully neutral.

"Evelynn," The older cleric's voice was sterner. "I believe you know exactly what the problem is." At Evelynn's continued wide-eyed innocence, Galatia sighed. "The mage Fistandantilus. You may see him no longer. If you do, it will be my unfortunate duty to defrock you. And that means permanently, no 'I'll join the order again in a hundred years when they've forgotten me' crap."

Evelynn wasn't sure which surprised her more: the threat of being stripped of her white Robes of Paladine, or the fact that Galatia was angry enough to curse! "Honored Mother, don't you think this is just a bit harsh? We were only talking..."

Galatia cut her off with a cold glare. "For NOW. I have consulted the Platinum Dragon on this issue, and the Great One assures me that this 'talking' can only lead to evil and despair. Now, I suggest you end this now, because if it progresses any further, it may seem as though you wish to join the ranks of the Dark Queen, and we will be forced to banish you."

Much as she wanted give a snappish response, Evelynn wisely held her tongue. Being made a dark elf was not an experience she wished to have. She would find ways though. No one but the gods themselves could tell her what to do! For now however, best to seem intimidated. "Yes, Honored Mother." She bowed low, letting her hair fall over her face. "It will be as you say."

Knowing that she was dismissed, Evelynn stalked off toward her room. It was not in her nature to allow people to tell her whom she could and couldn't talk to. So, she wouldn't.

Over the next month, her friendship with the evil mage continued to strengthen, despite her mentor's threat. She was much more careful about when they met, and they agreed never to acknowledge each other in public. However, being forced to meet in the dead of night or in the predawn hours only helped them become closer.

A few weeks later was Yule. Evelynn straitened her knew white dress, one that fit her willowy form well. Here goes nothing, she thought. It is time to stop hiding. She knocked on Fistandantilus' door.

As soon as it opened, she blurted out her speech before she lost her nerve. "Fie," she used her nickname for him. It was both a play on his name and his evil reputation. "I was wondering if you would go to the Yule Ball with me. I mean, I haven't gotten any offers, and I think you'd have told me if you did, and I'd really love to go with you if you'd take me. If not, I s'pose that's all right too. D'you think I'm being too forward?"

When Evelynn realized how much she'd just said, and more importantly, implied, and her normally creamy skin turned bright red. Fistandantilus merely smiled at her, a smile he seemed to reserve for her. "I'd be honored to escort you, Revered Daughter Evelynn, if your position among the clerics won't be hurt."

Evelynn smiled back, grateful. Was this...this love truly evil? How could it be? "The honor is mine, and if the other clerics disapprove of my choice, that's their problem, not mine."

Fistandantilus smiled gently. "If you're sure, it would be my pleasure. Now, I believe it would be best if we were not seen exiting my rooms together, so if you wish it, I'll meet you in the banquet room in ten minutes."

Evelynn exited Fistandantilus' rooms, feeling as though she were walking on clouds. No childish infatuation, this. She was sure of it, as sure of it as she was sure spring would always follow winter, which followed autumn. She was in love, and could not remember a time when she'd been happier.

Evelynn stopped at her rooms before heading down to the banquet hall, putting on a bit of perfume and makeup. For the first time since asking Fistandantilus to escort her, she felt a sense of dread. What if the other clerics did defrock her? Even worse, what if they banished her? She didn't think she could stand knowing she was dead to her people, knowing they'd as soon step in horse dung as talk to her, knowing they'd rather acknowledge a gully dwarf than acknowledge her.

However, these thoughts were soon exiled as she made her way to the banquet hall. Her heart soared as she saw Fistandantilus at the door, nearly a shadow in velvet robes, with the exception of the shimmering silver and platinum runes that made the trimming on the edges. Evelynn smiled as she neared him, and was rewarded with the smile he saved for her. The mage offered his arm, and they walked into the banquet hall. To the shocked clerics and white mages, it seemed they were something unnatural: evil's embodiment and good's avatar linked in loving embrace.

It wasn't long before Galatia had fought her way through the thick crowd to the young couple. Her voice was pure ice as she spoke. "Evelynn, get away from that man this instant. What is the meaning of this?"

Fistandantilus shifted his arm slightly, so she could remove her hand. However, at the older cleric's cold question, Evelynn tightened her grip on the young mage's arm, praying to her god, as well as his for the strength to do what needed to be done. "Mother," Evelynn managed to keep her tone respectful. "No."

Fistandantilus lightly squeezed her hand, giving her courage. "I love this man, and will continue to do so. I know he has different beliefs than I do, but isn't the first job of Good to be accepting of others? This is what my heart tells me to do, and I do not see how love, in any capacity can be bad or evil. Do what you like to me, but we both know that an elf's true love is eternal." Evelynn proudly shook her head, her mouth in a determined line.

Galatia shook her head sadly. She knew Evelynn spoke the truth, and though it hurt her greatly to anything bad to a girl she loved as her own kin, she knew what she had to do. "Than you know what my answer must be. You will turn in all of your official robes by the end of the week, and you must have found a place other than the Cleric's Wing by the end of the month. I'm sorry." With that, Galatia turned and walked away, not looking back once.

Against her will, Evelynn felt tears creeping into her eyes. Fistandantilus held her close, and Evelynn snuggled in, enjoying the feeling of velvet and the smell of his spell components. When she looked up, Fistandantilus' eyes were sad. "I'm sorry," he said in a small voice. "I brought this down on you."

Evelynn wiped away her tears, her eyes fierce once more. "No. Never think that. I knew what the consequences of this would be from the beginning. It was my own choice." Evelynn silenced any further arguments the mage might have head by tilting her head up and kissing him on the lips. First, the powerful mage was too shocked to respond, but then kissed her back with a passion. They spent the rest of the night on a cloud.

Evelynn walked back with Fistandantilus because his room was farther than hers was. She was reluctant to leave the black mage. When they got to his room, he didn't let go of her hand. "Stay with me."

Evelynn shook her head before she could think, and gently pulled her hand away. Fistandantilus nodded, and closed his door. The former cleric started back to her room, thinking about all that had happened that evening. Suddenly she turned around. What more did she have to lose?

She tentatively knocked on Fistandantilus' door. When he opened it, Evelynn nearly lost her resolve. "Fie, I'm scared."

He looked at her with love in those blue eyes, normally so cold. He stepped back from the doorway and motioned for her to come in. "I am too." His voice was hoarse; barely audible, and as Evelynn crossed the threshold into his rooms, she felt a sense of peace and belonging.

When Evelynn awoke the next morning, she felt quite disoriented. Where was she? Suddenly, the events of the night before, that magical night, came rushing back. She rolled over and saw Fistandantilus beside her and knew it had been no dream.

Evelynn felt a sense of peace she'd never felt before, not even while healing people. It was then that Evelynn realized she'd made the right choice for sure. Fistandantilus' stirring brought her out of all philosophical thoughts, back to heaven. "Good morning, Beloved," Evelynn spoke softly, kissing his brow.

Fistandantilus smiled that special smile, the one that made Evelynn's heart race and her pulse quicken. "Good morn, love." It was then as Evelynn got out of bed that she felt something was wrong. She paused, half sitting, half standing. "What is it, dear?"

Evelynn waited a minute, hoping she was wrong. Unfortunately, one thing elves are never wrong about is what is happening within them. When she spoke, her voice came as a croak. "I'm..." She swallowed and looked at her love with sorrow-filled eyes. "I'm..." She took a deep breath. "I'm pregnant." She looked away in shame.

Ever the scholar, the first question on Fistandantilus' lips was "How do you know?"

With that as his only response, Evelynn couldn't help but smile weakly at his irrepressible nature. "You see, elves have such low birthrates that we're given to know when we do conceive only hours after, not months like the other species. That way, we can stay away from harmful substances so the baby isn't harmed. Don't worry, no one else will know for at least three or four months. And then, I could most likely blame it on badly cut clothes for another month."

Fistandantilus looked at her, fascinated. "I never knew that! How long is elven pregnancy, anyway?"

Now, Evelynn was getting sick of skirting the problem. "Eleven months. But what will we do?" Tears were forming in her eyes.

Fistandantilus looked at her. "Well," his voice was sensible. "First, get some clothes on and have breakfast. Then, we can talk." He got out of bed and put on his robes, still calm and emotionless.

Evelynn, for once glad of his occasional lack of humanity followed numbly behind. She forced herself to eat, knowing she'd need the strength, though her food seemed to taste like ash.

When they'd both finished, Fistandantilus cleaned up, and sat down again next to Evelynn. "Now, we can talk." Evelynn nodded, still teary-eyed. Fistandantilus put a comforting arm around her and held her close. "Don't cry, Love. It isn't so bad. We'll work through it."

This time, Fie's comforting voice only made Evelynn start crying harder. "How?" She wailed in despair. "How can this ever end?"

Fie held her tightly and stroked her silky hair. "Shh. First, if you wish it, I would like to marry you. I hadn't planned to ask yet, but it will be easier for you if the child looks as though it's born of marriage not wedlock. And don't think I'm saying this because you're pregnant. You're the only person I ever have and ever will love." At that statement, Evelynn's tears subsided.

She looked up at him, her face blotchy and stained with tears. "Truly?" Fistandantilus nodded gently. "What about the other elves?" Evelynn's voice shook.

"Well, first of all, you said you could hide the pregnancy for several months. After that, well, we'll see what will happen. They may make you a dark elf for marrying me in the first place, but would that truly be so terrible? Than, you'd no longer be bound to all of their stupid rules and formalities. You'd be free to live your life as you chose. Everything will be fine."

Evelynn smiled. How often she'd criticized those laws that Fie'd mentioned. Yes. You're right. Things will work out. And, I would love to marry you."

Fie grinned. "When shall it be then?" His voice was eager, for he'd spoken truly. From a particularly interesting pawn, the elf maid had grown on him. Now, he could barely imagine how he could have wanted to put her in danger with his spells. She was his life now; even more important than his magic. For the only power greater than the magic of the gods was the magic of true love.

A week later, after Yule festivities faded away like leaves at the brink of winter, Evelynn and her love stood in front of clerics of the three main gods, as well as those of the gods of magic ready to be married. Though the thought of her pregnancy still loomed over her head like a storm cloud, Evelynn couldn't think of a time she'd been happier.

Fistandantilus looked resplendent in robes so dark they glowed. Runes of power and protection were sewn in gold and silver filigree in the collar, cuffs, and hem.

Evelynn was wearing a dress as alike to the mage's robes as day was to night. Her dress was the purest shade of white any on Krynn could make. Diamonds ringed her head in a tiara. A matching necklace and bracelet graced her lovely neck and wrist. Other diamonds were sewn into the fabric of the dress, so that when she moved, it seemed the sun had come down to Krynn. Not even the Kingpriest himself could match the combined glow of Evelynn's soul and dress this day.

Luckily for her, Evelynn was too happy to notice the cold stares of the elves in the audience. They would have already exiled her had the wedding not been kept secret until the last second. As it was, they were planning on breaking the news as soon as she and the black mage were married.

If asked later what took place at the ceremony, neither Fie nor Evelynn could tell you. All they knew was soon it was over and time for their party. Then however, came something Evelynn would never forget for the rest of her long life. A group of elves came over, their faces grim.

They stopped in front of the newly weds, noticeably cringing back from Fistandantilus. "By order of the Speaker of the Stars, Ruler of the Great Forest of Silvanesti, you are never to return there, on pain of death." Evelynn took an involuntary step back, where Fistandantilus held her protectively.

"You are dead to your people, and your name will be removed from our records so it will be as though you never existed. Any true elves caught talking to you will also be shunned. If our terms are not followed, you shall be executed." The group of elves turned, and true to their word ignored Evelynn's choked pleas.

Fistandantilus held her close. "You knew this was coming dearest. Don't let them ruin our day. Come. We have guests to greet."

Despite Evelynn's sorrow at being named a Dark Elf, she took her husband's advice, and the proclamation was soon just a shadow on the brilliance of the next few days.

Sadly for Evelynn, her dream didn't last very long. It seemed as though nearly no time had passed, and then she suddenly could no longer hide her child. Miraculously, her relationship with Fie had barely changed; the only difference being he treated her even more carefully and kindly.

She knew that time was coming to an end, however, when she saw people staring at her stomach as she walked the halls near Fistandantilus' rooms. Even her fellow elves couldn't help but stare, though they did it with detached distain, as though looking at an unusually shaped dung beetle rather than another elf. The others looked amazed at the fact that anyone could love the normally cold Fistandantilus. Evelynn took to simply giving them a proud smile in return for their stares.

It wasn't long, however, until those smiles turned into grimaces. Though elven pregnancies are eleven months, cramps, kicks, and near contractions plague the women for months before the actual birth. Fistandantilus did all he could for the Dark Elf, even trying to find potions or spells to ease her pain. However, nothing seemed to work.

Soon, Evelynn could barely leave her bed because of her pain. She suspected that her pregnancy was so bad because she was carrying a half- human, but never said so to Fie. She knew how upset he'd be if he knew that he was the cause of her pain, even more than he was already.

If the first five months took a second, the last six took a century. However, it was finally over. With a human midwife presiding, Evelynn went into labor exactly eleven months and eighteen days after she conceived.

The slim elven woman couldn't contain her shrieks of agony as her husband futilely looked for spells to ease childbirth. It was not long into the first stage of labor before Evelynn was no longer able to stand and walk as the midwife recommended. Fistandantilus was driving both women mad by alternately running in to the room in concerned panic and running out with pained determination to find a spell.

Finally, the crowning of the baby's head occurred, and Fistandantilus could no longer stay away from his suffering wife. He was the model husband; holding Evelynn's hand, no matter how hard she squeezed, and he gave her encouragement.

The twenty-eight hours of Evelynn's pregnancy was torture for all – Fie, Evelynn, and even the midwife. The midwife was heard to comment later that she'd never seen an elf live through a pregnancy like Evelynn's. However, finally the baby came out.

Then, it appeared as though Evelynn began to choke. Her eyes rolled back for a second, and when they rolled back, they were bright red, flecked with platinum and black. She had no more visible iris or white in her eyes. When she spoke, it was with an ethereal male voice. Her hands moved as though guided by an invisible force so it appeared that she held two evenly balanced scales.

"Power corrupts, even those of the greatest good. Be warned, Kingpriest. The arrogance must stop, lest the gods become angered. Take the warning now, and none will be harmed. Heed you not this warning and destruction will follow. The others say the child will be great some day." Evelynn's eyes rolled once more, coming back to their natural shade. She collapsed against her bed in an exhausted sigh.

The midwife, seeing her job done, fled from the room in terror. Unbeknownst to Evelynn and Fie, she got a hearing with the Kingpriest and told him everything that had happened. To say the least, he was not pleased, and so decided to pay the 'happy' parents a visit the next morning.

Evelynn awoke the next morning feeling exhausted. About to try and fall back to sleep, she noticed a pounding at the door; presumably what had awakened her. About to get up and reach for her gown, Fistandantilus stopped her. He handed off their new son, who he'd been holding, and went to the door.

Even the mage's normally emotionless demeanor was broken when he saw it was the Kingpriest who'd come to their rooms. "Uh... Come in, sir. To what do we owe this...honor?"

"Stop your mumbling, traitor. I know that you're plotting against me, as you've been for years. I have the proof now."

Fie stared in shock. "Sir? I apologize for my ignorance, but I don't know what you're talking about."

The Kingpriest's luminous face clouded in anger. "You know very weel what I'm talking about. You witched that young woman, first to fall in love with you, and then deliver a "prophesy" from the "gods". I know this is just the latest scheme of your to overthrow me!" The Kingpriest pushed passed the astonished Black Robe.

He walked rapidly into the room where Evelynn was cradling her new baby. When Fistandantilus rushed in behind him, sputtering protests, he quickly silenced the mage with a wave of his hand to the guards, who restrained the mage.

"Archmage Fistandantilus and Lady Evelynn, you are both found guilty of treason."

Evelynn cried out in shock. "What crime have we committed that we are sentenced to death? What has my child done to deserve being orphaned?" Her weariness was forgotten as her natural mothering protection surfaced.

The Kingpriest smiled compassionately. "Because of your child, neither of you will get the death penalty. You, Lady Evelynn, and your child will be banished to another world – a magicless world of humans. Fistandilus, I don't trust you enough to put you out of my sight, so you shall remain here for the remainder of your life, alone and under guard. Fight me, and my compassion may run out. Your sentences will begin tonight at sundown. Try to run, and there will be reprocussions."

He marched out of the room, pure white cloak swirling. Fistandantilus ran to his wife and son as soon as the guards let go of him. They could do naught but sit and weep for several minutes.

When Evelynn got her breath back, she kissed Fie passionately. "what shall we do, my love?"

He sighed deeply. "I believe there is nothing we can do." Despair filled his voice. "We should enjoy our last day together. What shall we name our child?"

Evelynn considered. "Well, if you wouldn't mind, I would like to name him Fie, after you, so I have something living to remember you by." Fistandantilus agreed.

The rest of the day passed in much the same manner, the new parents talking about the mundane, trying to forget about the sentence that lay over their heads like a storm cloud. All too soon, it was sunset. Both of them were required to be in the Kingpriest's audience chamber, and they walked slowly, savoring each minute they had left.

Evelynn wore a dress the color of dead leaves, an elven symbol of mourning. She carried with her a bag with a few other gowns, baby clothes, and one of Fie's robes. Around her neck was a locket with Fie's picture artfully drawn in it. The Black Robe had a similar necklace hanging next to his heart with Evelynn's picture.

All too soon, the guards dragged Fie away from his wife. A few mages under the Kingpriest's control had opened a portal of swirling color, presumably to this other world. Without ceremony, the guards roughly pushed Evelynn through. The last the she heard of Krynn was Fistandantilus' anguished cry: "Evelynn!!!"

Once the Elven woman was through, the portal closed. Fie spoke, death in his voice. "Let my heart be hardened that it may never break again. The pain you've caused me shall never be forgotten, nor shall it be forgiven." ...

...Dalamar closed the book with a snap. Well, now he knew. Fie was the descendent of Fistandantilus. He was surprised at how much the story touched him. He supposed it was because he could really relate to Evelynn. He suddenly remembered something about the prophesy of his daughter. Could it be?

A/N: Hope you enjoyed, sorry it took me so long. I also apologize for any anachronisms, I did my best. I know that the Kingpriest's rant was a bit OOC, and that Fistandantilus isn't usually portrayed like this, but that's why it's called fanfic. By the way, if I get a good enough response, I may turn this chapter into it's own story, with more details added. To my wonderful reviewers:

Jade: Glad you're happy – did you really think I'd write a story without Dally?

Guan: Your sense of humor is perfectly fine. (at least it's similar to mine, not that that's saying much!) I had a lot of fun writing that last chapter.

Casey: Thank you! Hope you read and liked this chapter as well.

Pen D.: Thanks for being one of my most faithful reviewers!

Spiritu Puro: Thank you for the praise – you're changing your mind is some of the best praise an author could ask for. Thank you for the lovely review, and I hope you liked this chappie.

Archmagus: I inspire you?! Blushes Yeah – about Dally, Parsley, and Ladonna. I do tend to see, and try to bring out the better sides of 'bad guys' in DL, because they've originally been written with a very fun better side. On top of which, I just don't like Par-Salian, and to emphasize that had to make Ladonna nicer. Hope this chapter lived up to your expectations.

A Cry for Help!: To my loyal reviewers and fellow fans – Sorry this wasn't up immediately with this chapter, I forgot. There is a generalization in this chapter that should not be there. During Evelynn's prophesy from Gilean, Gilean says 'the others say..." That is not referring to all of the other gods. I meant to say the name of the god who is allied with neutrality who lives in all planes of time at once. This is crucial to the story, as this god has no idea what time he (or she?) is talking about. However, I forgot this god's name, and couldn't find it in a cursory search through Summer Flame, where I believe it was mentioned. If anyone knows the name, I would be forever thankful if you'd e-mail it to me. Thank you for your constant help and support. Dalamar