A/N: Quick respite before we go back to the angst :) There's a rather vague hint here for things to come, for anyone who likes to seek out hints, but I'll say no more than that :)


General disclaimer: I own nothing, even Maiyn generally decides her own path.

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Those Who Meddle

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Fenmarel could barely keep the smile from his lips. He couldn't remember the last time he'd paid two trips to Arvandor so quickly together, especially when one was his own choice. But... he could not miss this opportunity. To watch, with Sehanine, as his own follower's faithful companion passed into Arvanaith; the mortal, reunited with his beloved, and he sharing in the joy of the Lady of Dreams. He would have accepted the man's worship himself, had he decided to take the path of isolation -- but he'd decided against it at the same time he'd moved from Shevarash; resolving, instead, to move back towards the People. It had been the correct decision for him, and the proof was there to witness as he flew into the arms of soulmate within seconds of his arrival.

And spending time with Sehanine was an activity that even the loner Fenmarel found difficult to pass up. But, watching Kivan's entrance had also meant glimpsing into the mirrored waters that revealed his own faithful -- her plight and inner battle, the changes in her that were becoming more and more apparent to the concerned Seldarine. And then there was the entrance of her former companion... and his new wife.

He continued on his way along the winding path, past the fragrant honeysuckle, the beautiful roses... towards the solitary figure, sitting alone beside a softly bubbling fountain that never seemed to stop in its continuous flow. She didn't look up to acknowledge him -- not even when he sat beside her, his intent gaze fixed upon her form. Eventually, he found that he couldn't contain himself, and the words spilt from his mouth clumsily.

"That was some gift to give you, on your holiest of days."

To his disappointment, she didn't rise to his bait -- the full moon, the day Hanali's clerics prayed to their Lady Goldheart... and her favourite had all but forsaken her, doing exactly what she'd hoped to avoid -- and more! He almost felt sorry for her.

"It will work out."

Her voice was as calm as usual, her gaze controlled as she looked up to him, smiling. Her hands were folded neatly on her lap, resting on the long, flowing green robe she'd chosen to wear that day. He would have admired her optimism, were it not for the fact that he instantly felt suspicion at her confidence. A scowl naturally formed on his face.

"What are you planning?"

"Me?" she asked with feigned innocent surprise. "I am planning nothing, my dear Fenmarel. I merely mean that things will play out... as they should." Her words were carefully chosen and they left him with no comfort.

He shook his head slowly. "She has enough to deal with," he said, his voice low. He was instinctively protective of the ranger whenever Hanali hinted at her games -- Maiyn's continued loyal worshipping of him only increasing his attentions to her; unlike his current companion, however, he saw no need to meddle... except when she was in danger. "Leave their hearts to settle naturally -- your own will be happy with any who can make him enjoy life."

"He is happy with her, and she is happy with him. They will see this."

Fenmarel stood abruptly. "No."

"No?" Her eyebrow rose.

"No," he repeated, simply. "Not unless it is of their own free will."

"And why are you so determined to believe that it won't be?" she asked, smiling at him. Her eyes were almost luminous in the light, hypnotising in their effect. He found himself looking away. "You saw what they had before, didn't you? Before their paths were split. Or do you think I was behind that, too? That I orchestrated their fateful meeting in Cloakwood, all those months ago?"

He shrugged; it wouldn't surprise him in the slightest, any more, if she had been the quiet machinator behind the scenes, somehow arranging it all while the other Gods were unaware. She laughed at his dark expression.

"Why? Why would I have done that?"

"She is one of the Children."

"I have had my own followers who are Children," she replied indifferently.

"She is unlike the others."

Hanali seemed to think on this. "She is," she agreed, eventually. "But not the way you are implying... she is special because she is good for my own. They are good for each other."

"You will not interfere in her path," he said, warningly. His eyes flashed with slight anger as he glared at her.

She stood, blinking at him in a perfect picture of purity. "Of course not."

He watched her glide away towards the other Seldarine. Part of him wanted to follow -- to keep an eye on her and make sure that she wasn't lying; that she wasn't actively dabbling in the feelings of his follower, manipulating her into false emotions that she wouldn't be able to deal with. Not with everything else.

He turned, stalking darkly back to the portal that would return him to Limbo, to his home. He had much to think on, and much to watch. The stakes were higher now -- not only would Hanali be meddling in the affairs of one of his followers, but, potentially, she could wreak havoc for two.