IV. Lonely Day

They stole away like thieves in the night, desperate to get away before the sun rose and revealed their actions. They told no one where they were going or what they were doing. As soon as the sun set and the members of Vigil's Keep went to their beds, they began the preparations for abandoning their friends.

Tamlen and Zevran packed only a few of their belongings—some extra clothes, spare weapons, and a few potions—taking care to leave behind anything that tied them to the Wardens, while Gavan crept into the kitchens to steal some food for the journey. Ashara and Kali wrote a note naming Nathaniel as the new Warden-Commander, and Gwen as his Second. At the bottom of the note, both women signed their names without any sort of title. They left no instructions, no reason for their disappearance; nothing at all to give their friends and allies any sort of closure for their actions.

Though she tried to keep her head down and quietly get everything together so they could leave, Kali hated every second of it.

She felt like some sort of criminal, stealing away from her friends like a coward. She did know that it was the right thing to do; there were too many questions that needed to be answered—the Creators had told them to leave, Leliana was warning them about something, and they couldn't take the chance that the Chantry might be spying on them—but, still, the weight of guilt was like a heavy hand wrapped around her throat, choking her with the knowledge that she was deserting everyone she cared about.

She tried not to think of her family: of Father, Shianni, or Soris; they would be so worried about her, and Kali tried to turn the thought from her mind. But, when she gently woke Anyu up and helped her get dressed, promising the little girl that they had a fun journey to go on, it was hard not to think of Soris' two children, who were only a little younger than Ashara's daughter.

Anyu was, however, much more excited than any of the adults. She was positively elated at the thought of taking a secret journey with them; her little girl imagination spun wildly with all sorts of adventures they might have. While Kali packed some of her clothes together, Anyu sat on her large bed, swinging her feet back and forth while she chattered on and on about all the places they might go to. Kali forced a smile, unable to bring herself to tell the little girl that her parents weren't able to go with them.

Once everything was ready, the six elves slipped out of Vigil's Keep, sneaking past the sentries as if they were miscreants who didn't belong rather than respected members of the Wardens. Kali felt awkward in her common traveling clothes, much different from the comforting weight of the armor she was used to, but they couldn't afford to carry anything that might attract attention or identify them as Wardens. Besides, she wasn't the only one; they were all wearing different clothing. Ashara and Tamlen had brought out their Dalish clothes, which were better suited for walking long distances than the robes and armor they usually wore, and Zevran was dressed in a plain tunic and leather pants. Anyu, who was being carried on Tamlen's back, wore only a simple tunic with a belt and dark leggings, and they were all wearing cloaks with hoods to hide their well-known faces. To anyone who saw them, they would look like poor elves traveling from one city to the next.

It only took them about a week and a half to travel to Gwaren, pushing themselves at such a hard pace that, when night came and they set up a small camp, Kali fell into a deep, exhausted sleep, careless of the hard ground pressed against her head and back. They had to reach Gwaren as quickly as possible; the Wardens would have discovered that they had left as soon as morning had come and, that same day, they would have most likely sent a message to Kira and Alistair.

With every day that went by, Kali half expected to see soldiers chasing after them; as the days wore on, she began to feel like a criminal, in truth. But, although the journey took a while, Gwaren represented their best chance of remaining undetected. If Kali and Zevran had taken a ship from Denerim or Amaranthine, someone there would have recognized them and reported where they were going.

The worst was when they had to travel through the Brecilian Passage. Although the two Dalish Clans lived much farther north, Kali knew that they still kept watch over the whole forest, and she was paranoid that they would somehow know where they were. She felt like she was doing something wrong; even though they hadn't broken any laws, she started to worry that she'd be thrown in prison, or suffer some other horrible consequence for her actions.

In any event, despite her fears, they managed to reach Gwaren without trouble in the early morning, with the stars still twinkling against the faintest hint of color in the sky. As they reached the docks, they realized that they were in luck; a merchant ship named Maudelyn of Hercinia was preparing to set sail. Ashara raised an eyebrow at Kali as if to say that this wasn't just a coincidence, but that something or someone must be helping them with their journey. Gavan took some of the coin Ashara had taken from the Keep's Treasury and, after a short discussion with the captain, managed to beg passage for Kali, Zevran, and Anyu.

He came back, handing the purse to Ashara. "The captain says they'll start loading soon; they'd better hurry."

Ashara slipped the purse around her belt. "And, it's traveling to Kirkwall?"

Gavan nodded. "It's a merchant ship, out of Hercinia. Captain says they need to make a few stops along the coast of the Free Marches before it sails home." He turned to Kali and Zevran. "First stop is Kirkwall. You'll be below deck with the others who begged passage. Merchants are happy enough to take the coin of travelers; they miss the days of the Blight, when every man and his family tried to buy passage from Ferelden."

Ashara knelt down in front of Anyu and adjusted the hood over her head—the girl's perfectly white hair stood out like stars against a black sky and would have attracted notice—trying to smile. "Now, da'vhenan, do you remember what we talked about?" She took hold of Anyu's hands, and Kali could hear her voice tighten. "You be a good girl, all right? Do everything your Aunt Kali and Uncle Zevran say."

Anyu's lower lip trembled as she stared at her mother. Kali swallowed anxiously, knowing that the little girl was frightened. Her first excitement over their journey had quickly faded when she had been told that Ashara and Tamlen wouldn't be going with them. Instead of being thrilled at the prospect of an adventure, now she was confused and afraid. Even though all of the adults had put smiles on their faces and tried to be cheerful, Kali knew that Anyu was aware of the fact that something was wrong. The girl might only be six years old, but she had a swift mind, and understood more than most gave her credit for.

"But, Mamae," Anyu protested with the barest hint of a quaver in her voice, "what's wrong? Why did we have to leave our home? How come you and Havhen aren't coming with us?"

Tamlen knelt down and put a hand on Anyu's cheek. "Mamae and I need to meet with someone, and it's too dangerous to take you with us."

"But I want to go with you!"

"Don't you want to go visit our Clan?" Ashara asked temptingly, as if promising her a special treat. "You'll get to meet Keeper Marethari, and all of the Elvhenan that Havhen and I grew up with. The Keeper will teach you special Dalish magic, and you'll get to be around your own people. And Kali and Zevran will be there with you. It'll be fun, I promise."

Anyu looked between her parents. Kali could see by her wide-eyed, fearful look and stuck out bottom lip that she was torn between the desire to believe them, and the inner voice that told her something was wrong. "But, you'll come, too, won't you?" the little girl finally asked. "After you see this person?"

"Of course we will," Tamlen lied. "After we've met with her, we'll come travel to find you. It might take a while because it's a long journey, but we'll always come find you."

Anyu nodded, her young face still uncertain, but she was of an age where she never doubted her parents' words. Ashara and Tamlen pulled her into a tight hug, then straightened up. Tamlen and Zevran stepped off to talk quietly to each other while Ashara, still holding Anyu's hand, reached out and pulled Kali into an embrace.

Kali felt the heavy weight of her best friend's fear and mumbled quietly, so that Anyu wouldn't hear, "I'll take care of her. I promise."

After that, everything seemed to happen so quickly. Ashara and Tamlen each gave a kiss to Anyu before melting off with Gavan into the shadows. In the blink of an eye, they were gone.

Kali shook her head and slowly became aware of her surroundings. The docks were crowded as the ship was being loaded with goods and passengers; she hadn't noticed how busy it was, and picked Anyu up so that she wouldn't get lost.

Zevran saw Anyu's fearful look and lightly tapped her on the nose. "So, da'mi, are you ready to start our own journey?"

Anyu peered at him doubtfully, as if she suspected that he was hiding something from her. "I wish Mamae and Havhen could come with us," she said quietly.

"Ah, but they have their own tasks to perform, and when they are done they will meet us. In the meantime, we will have our own adventures, yes? We will do many things, and you will have plenty of stories to tell your parents when you see them again!"

Anyu slowly started to brighten, warming to Zevran's easy charm as everyone else did. She leaned back in Kali's arms to smile at him, her dark blue eyes wide. "Have you met Mamae's Clan before?"

Zevran winked at her. "Your Aunt Kali and I both have! And, you remember, Kali here is a member of the Clan, too."

"Will they like me?"

Kali couldn't help but smile at the shy question. "Of course they will, sweetie," she said confidently. "Don't forget, Keeper Marethari asked for you to be her First. She's wanted you to visit the Clans for years. I'm sure there's going to be a big celebration, and everyone will want to meet you!"

Anyu, never one to sulk or worry for too long, grew excited once more at the prospect of meeting her parents' Clan. She wrapped her arms around Kali's neck and nestled her face into her shoulder, her cheerful self returning.

Zevran, tossing a pleasant wink to Kali as if to commend a job well done, put his hand on the small of her back and guided her over to the row of people waiting to be let aboard the ship. For the first time since speaking to Sylaise, Kali began to feel a lot more relaxed. She still felt horrible about leaving everything behind, but the thought of traveling to Kirkwall was kind of exciting. She'd always wanted to travel, and hadn't yet gotten the chance to do so.

True, this wasn't exactly the way she had thought she would travel, but she guessed that it was better than nothing. Nathaniel was a good man, and Gwen was remarkably intelligent and a very strong mage; the Wardens would be fine under their command. Besides, it wasn't like this was forever. At some point, they should be able to return home or, at the very least, Kali would be able to send a letter to her family.

Plus, she hoped that Father and Shianni would understand that the Grey Wardens sometimes had to do things that were secret. Hopefully, they would guess that Kali went to do some secret Warden business, and wouldn't be mad at her. Then, they could relax when she found a way to contact them.

Feeling much more cheerful about everything, Kali followed the other passengers on to the ship and down to the area below deck where they were to stay for the journey. Right now, she had to focus on keeping Anyu safe. But, with a skilled assassin, an entire Clan of Dalish hunters, and a powerful Dalish mage at her side, she thought that keeping her promise to Ashara—that she wouldn't let anything happen to Anyu—was one she could fulfill.

oOo

Tamlen glanced at Ashara as they walked through the Brecilian Passage, and saw her head was turned so that she was staring back towards Gwaren. Gently, he reached out and squeezed her hand comfortingly. "We'll get her back, vulpasha. I promise."

Ashara nodded and turned away from the city, pulling her cloak tighter around her shoulders as if to block out a chill even though the forest air was warm. But, no matter how tight she wrapped the wool cloak around her body, she was still cold on the inside. This was the first time since the Blight that she had been parted from her daughter; she felt like she could curl up into a ball and weep for days. Even knowing that it was for Anyu's own safety didn't make her feel any better.

Gavan looked back at the two of them, noting their grim expressions with the practiced eye of a man who was used to reading moods. "There seems to be more going on than just the warning in Leliana's letter," he said calmly, not at all daunted by his gloomy companions. "Or, do you know something that you haven't let on?"

"Trying to ferret out information?" Tamlen asked stiffly.

"Of course," Gavan chuckled. "Information is the only true currency."

Ashara turned her thoughts away from her anxiety, finally caught the thread of their conversation and smirked. "Is that how you make your living, by trading information? I always thought you were a bard like Leliana."

Gavan let out a genuine laugh at that. "Oh, no! I'm more of a soldier of fortune. I don't work for any one person; my loyalty and knives go to the man or woman with the most coin."

"So, you're a mercenary, then?" Tamlen asked.

"I prefer soldier of fortune, but I suppose mercenary works, too." He shrugged. "Let's not dwell on what I am. We have a long journey and lots of ground to cover, and I'd like to be well out of the Brecilian Passage within the next few days. The sooner we reach Orlais, the easier it will be."

Ashara nodded; he was right. Now that it was just the three of them, they could travel at a much faster pace. They had managed to slip out of Gwaren without attracting much notice, but trying to stay hidden would still be difficult until they could leave Ferelden and cross the border into Orlais, where there was a far less chance of someone recognizing them.

She felt weird walking without a staff—she had carried one almost since she was old enough to hold it—but it had been decided that she shouldn't call attention to being a mage. If they encountered any templars on their journey, especially when they reached the heavily faithful country of Orlais, the Chantry members would surely want to know why an elven mage was walking around freely. She didn't have a Clan to protect her rights as a member of the Dalish and, if she called attention to her status as Warden-Commander of Ferelden, it would lead to even more problems.

Right now, though, her main concern was leaving the Brecilian Passage. She felt drained, as she was using some of her magic to keep the three of them protected from the prying eyes of the Dalish. The Elvhenan lived in the northern reaches of the Forest, but they would still know what was going on in the southern areas. There were two Clans living together, led by Keeper Rhys and Keeper Soora, both powerful mages who kept sharp eyes on the whole Forest. The humans had managed to live near the Dalish in relative peace these past years, but that didn't mean that the Keepers didn't still keep watch to make sure their people were safe.

Ashara didn't want any of the Dalish to know that she and Tamlen were in the Brecilian Forest. If they found out, they would want to send some hunters to welcome them to the Clan, which would lead to Ashara trying to think of an excuse to refuse without giving revealing their reasons for leaving the Wardens. It was easier to keep hidden.

"Gavan, do you know what path we should take to avoid notice?" Tamlen asked, shifting his pack to his other shoulder. "I know every path and route here in the Brecilian Forest, but I don't know much about the rest of the country."

The mercenary took a drink from his water skin and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "The two of you are well-known in this country; there's a good chance that if we encounter a large town or village, someone there will recognize you. My plan is to reach the Imperial Highway near Ostagar, skirt by Redcliffe without attracting notice, and travel along the west side of Lake Calenhad. We can follow the Highway up through Gherlen's Pass and into Orlais."

Ashara frowned. "Are you sure that's a good idea? The Imperial Highway is a common path to travel, and we're famous in Redcliffe. Most of the villagers there remember when they were under attack from the undead. What are the chances that we'll be able to keep someone from recognizing us?"

Gavan shrugged. "We'll just have to take the chance and hope that if we restock only in small, remote villages, no one will know who you are. If we travel through the Bannorn it'll only be worse, and the Frostback Mountains are too dangerous." He adjusted his hood. "Of course, we'll have to be alert no matter which path we take. If the Wardens sent a message to your king and queen, I assume that they're going to want to search for you. We're ahead of them only by a matter of days."

"That's true," Tamlen said. "Alistair and Kira probably already know that we've disappeared. I assume they'll try to contact the Dalish first, thinking that we might have told the Keepers where we were going." He turned to Ashara. "Do you think Kira will contact the Empress and ask her to look for us? They're cousins, aren't they?"

Ashara pursed her lips, trying to think. "I doubt it. Kali and I both signed our names to the note naming Nathaniel as the new Commander, and if they search our rooms they'll see that we packed some of our things. That shows that we left intentionally; hopefully they'll take the hint and leave us be."

"Still, I'll feel better when we reach Orlais," Tamlen said.

Ashara swallowed her discomfort and followed the two men down the narrow paths of the forest, trying not to think of Kira and Alistair, who were her good friends; friends that she was walking away from without any word or notice. They would feel betrayed and hurt. She kept trying to remind herself that this was the right thing to do; Sylaise and Andruil had warned them to leave for Anyu's safety, and they had to meet with Leliana to discover what the Seekers wanted. Ashara knew that they didn't have any other option; they had to keep their tasks secret, for their own safety and, more importantly, for Anyu's.

But, there was still something about this that felt like they were turning their tails and running away in shame. And, no matter how hard she tried to remind herself that the Creators themselves had instructed her to take this path, she couldn't seem to rid herself of the bitter taste of betrayal.

oOo

"What do you mean they're gone?" an incredulous Alistair demanded.

Kira shook her head helplessly, unable to hide her own shock. "I... I do not know. I only received Nathaniel's letter an hour ago. He says that Ashara and Kali, as well as Tamlen, Zevran, and even Anyu, have all disappeared. The Wardens simply woke up one morning to discover that all five were gone." She scanned the letter again. "All they found was a note from Ashara and Kali, naming Nathaniel as the new Warden-Commander and Guinevere as his Second."

Alistair's eyes were as wide as dinner plates. "So, where did they go?"

Kira was at a loss, a rare feeling for her. She had no answers to give; she was as confused as the Wardens, who had no explanation for why their Commander and Second had disappeared. "I do not know, Alistair. As soon as I received Nathaniel's letter, I sent a messenger rushing to the Dalish Clans in the Brecilian Forest. Perhaps they will know where Ashara and the others are."

Thank the Maker she had thought to send everyone from the room before she gave him the explosive news. There was no one to see their king pacing about like a caged animal, his velvet cloak swirling around him in agitation; there was no one to run to the court with the gossip of Ashara and Kali leaving. For the Warden-Commander and her Second to just disappear was disastrous; the people, especially those in Amaranthine, would want to know what had happened. It would be difficult enough for the Wardens to keep this a secret; they would have to sit on this information as best they could until they had an answer.

"Why would they just up and leave without any warning?" Alistair asked himself. "Are they on some Warden business? No... if that was the case, they wouldn't have named a new Commander and Second, and they wouldn't have taken Anyu. It has to be something serious for them to keep quiet about this."

Kira bit her bottom lip anxiously. "I have always thought it likely that Ashara and Tamlen might one day decide to leave the Wardens—they are too Dalish to ever truly be comfortable living with humans—but I cannot imagine why Kali and Zevran would have left as well." She looked down at the letter in her hands, as if the writing might give her some answers. "If they took Anyu, we can expect that they do not plan to return anytime soon."

Alistair stopped pacing to look at her solemnly. "Does Nathaniel think they were forced?"

"There were no signs of any struggle. The Keep is one of the most heavily guarded buildings in Ferelden; what could harm them there? And, Nathaniel says that some of their belongings were taken." She took in a deep breath. "However, I cannot say for certain whether or not they were forced, as most of their things were left behind, including Ashara's staff and all of their Warden armor."

"Ashara left her staff behind, and they all left anything that could identify them as Wardens?"

Kira knew where he was leading with this and inclined her head slowly. "Yes. It sounds to me as though they do not wish for anyone to recognize them. I think we can assume that they do not wish to be found."

"But, what about the Wardens?" Alistair questioned, resuming his irritated pacing. "What happens if the people discover that the Warden-Commander and her Second have just disappeared?"

"It could lead to quite a number of problems," Kira admitted. "Ashara and Kali are the Heroes of Ferelden; if the people discover that they ran off one night, it could lead them to question the Wardens. We both know how angry the Chantry is with the Wardens; you know how often they ask us to curb the Wardens' conscripting rights, fearing the mages that are allowed freedom in the Keep."

Alistair thought about her words. "So, if the Chantry discovers that Ashara and Kali have abandoned their Wardens, do you think they might try to take this as an opportunity to turn the people against the Wardens?"

"I do not know. I believe they might attempt to take this chance, but I do not think it will avail them much. Nathaniel is a very capable and diplomatic man. I am confident that he will do all that he can to avoid open war with the Chantry. And, Guinevere is a mage; she knows how the Chantry is. However, there are other problems than just the Chantry. You know that there are many people who speculate that the Wardens—namely Ashara and Kali, who are elves—have some sort of secret agenda, since they were forced to let Amaranthine burn. This speculation might increase if it is known that two popular elven Wardens just disappeared without a word of notice."

Kira turned from Alistair and walked over to the window, leaning her hot forehead against the cool glass. She had been raised under the elegant manners of Orlais; she should be able to keep her face a mask of neutrality to hide her thoughts. But, the thought that Ashara and Kali ran off without talking to her hurt. They were her friends. The two of them, along with Alistair, where the only people Kira could drop her guard around. With them she could be herself, rather than the sweet and quiet Queen of Ferelden. Did they not trust her?

"What are you two doing?" she asked quietly. "You had to know what kind of trouble you would leave behind. Without you, we have no one who can cross between the humans and the Dalish. What is so important that you would risk the suffering of your people, having spent these past years doing everything you could for them?"

Alistair came up behind her and wrapped an arm around her shoulder, staring out the window with her. "What should we do?"

Kira turned to him, forcing herself to think as a clever monarch and not a betrayed friend. "First, we must meet with Nathaniel and Guinevere. I believe that you and I should take a small party to Vigil's Keep, before we begin our progress. Perhaps we can convince Nathaniel to tell the people of Amaranthine that Ashara and Kali are on Grey Warden business in the Deep Roads." She pinched the bridge of her nose, where a headache was beginning to form behind her eyes. "After we hear from the Dalish, we will next decide what to do. If the Dalish do not know where they are, we will have to send some men to find them."

Alistair looked doubtful. "Are you sure we should search for them? What if we're right and they don't want to be found?"

"They are our friends, Alistair, and we do know enough to know that they must have a grave reason for their actions. They would not have abandoned the Wardens lightly; we cannot just let them leave without ensuring that they are safe. If they are in trouble and need our help, we will find a way to provide it."

oOo

Morrigan peered down into the clear pool of rippling water, her hands on either side of the wooden bowl in her lap. Gently, she shifted the bowl so that the water swirled around in front of her. But, no matter how much magic she poured into the water, it availed her nothing; she couldn't seem to find a clear image.

With a tut of irritation, she tried swirling the liquid some more, which did little to help her. On the clear surface of the rolling water she could see the faint image of Ashara, a dark cloak wrapped around her head and shoulders, walking confidently with two men. Morrigan frowned down at the water; she assumed that one of the men was Tamlen, but could not make out who the other man was. Perhaps Ashara was using some sort of spell to shield them from prying eyes. Morrigan's scrying spell was an ancient and powerful one, but Ashara was a strong mage. No doubt, if she was so inclined, she could cast a spell that would keep others from sensing her presence. Though not strong enough to completely obscure her from Morrigan's eyes, it could be strong enough to prevent her from gathering a clear image.

Well, it mattered not. What did matter was that it seemed as though Ashara was on the correct path. Morrigan could not see a little girl with the trio, which most likely meant that Ashara had sent her daughter away with Kali, who was also missing. That was good. If Ashara was on the correct path—and Morrigan had no choice but to trust that she was—then she could not afford to take her daughter. Arlathan Forest was too dangerous for a young girl.

She heard rustling and a scuffling of feet, and quickly cut off the flow of her magic, setting the bowl aside and standing up in time to see a young boy dart out into the small clearing of the forest. He ran towards her, his energetic feet pounding on the ground and a bright smile on his face. Morrigan glanced behind him to see the elven mage struggling to keep up, fighting to keep hold of the large basket of laundry, all the while laughing about the foliage stuck to her hair.

"Mother!" the boy shouted cheerfully. "We finished the washing, and I tried that fire spell you taught me! Felice said I did a fine job!"

Morrigan looked down at the boy with an eyebrow raised. " 'Tis a wonder you have not frightened all life away from this forest," she scolded lightly, "what with your habit of crashing through the trees like a blood-thirsty Chasind. How do you plan to learn the art of shifting your form if you chase away every living creature?"

At once the boy dropped his head. "I am sorry, Mother."

Morrigan put a gentle hand on his black hair, and turned her attention to the elven mage. "Felice, gather our belongings. It is time for us to move on; we will leave at first light."

"We're leaving?" the woman asked. "Where are we going?"

"You shall see when we arrive," Morrigan replied coolly. She took the young boy by the hand. "Karan, come with me; I have something I should like to discuss with you."

Ignoring Felice's shocked and disappointed look, she turned and led Karan deeper into the forest. The mage had known exactly what she was signing up for when she had first agreed to help Morrigan deliver her son and take care of their needs. Morrigan had never hidden the fact that they might be forced to travel from place to place, and that they would be hiding from the Chantry. Indeed, that was why she had wanted an apostate mage to begin with. She had wanted a woman who would be tied to her; if Felice informed the Chantry about Morrigan and her son, she would be betraying herself as well.

In exchange for her help, Morrigan had promised to teach Felice some of Flemeth's ancient spells. Of course, she had only taught the mage a minute amount of magic; enough for Felice to feel as though she was learning something powerful, but not enough to actually give her any sort of true power.

Besides, she cared not if Felice was angry about leaving; she no longer needed the mage's help. Karan was almost six; old enough to look after his own needs, and old enough for Morrigan to begin his training in earnest. Felice could not be privy to that. Soon enough, Morrigan and Karan would leave her behind, and the elven mage could then do what she liked.

"Are you going to teach me, now?" Karan asked curiously, as the two of them walked deeper into the forest, far enough so that Felice's sensitive ears could not hear them. Karan knew that he had a purpose in life, and that one day Morrigan would explain his task and teach him the powerful magic he would need to learn. He often pestered her about it, swearing that he was old enough to learn everything.

"Not this night, I am afraid." When they reached a suitable spot, Morrigan turned to the boy. "We must move to a different location, one that is a better place for me to watch, and one that is suitable for your training."

Karan looked up at her in excitement. "Where are we going, Mother? Will I get to see a city?"

"One day you shall," Morrigan promised. She slipped a hand into her pocket and brought out a gold ring on a small chain. "Since it is time for us to move, 'tis also time for you to wear this. It will allow me to know where you are at all times."

The ring was too big for his finger, so she had fashioned it onto a necklace. She slipped the necklace over his head. Karan inspected the gold ring, which was the same color as his dark eyes. "Is this enchanted with some of your special magic, Mother?"

"You could say that. For now, you must swear you will wear it at all times. Never take it off."

He looked up at her solemnly. Karan was an extremely intelligent child; he must have realized how serious she was. "I swear it."

"Good. Then let us prepare to leave."

Translations:
da'vhenan - little heart
Mamae - mother
Havhen - father
da'mi - little blade

A/N: Sorry for being kind of MIA these past few weeks. During the holidays I kind of took a break from everything, and then I got a nasty head cold last week. But, the holidays are over (I hope everyone had a great time!) and I'm feeling much better. I've gotten behind in reading, reviewing, and replying to everyone; if I missed you, I apologize for it. I had gotten backed up on so much that I'm trying to start with a clean slate.

Lots of thanks to Suilven for her ridiculously awesome beta help! And thank you to everyone reading, reviewing, or requesting alerts!