Chapter 14: Explanations
When was the last time I felt so at ease? Yannick asked himself as he released an arrow towards his target in the training hall.
He had been there for a little over an hour, honing again his archery skills. It was a pleasure to train with the black bow again, a thing he had not been able to do much in England, walking around with a bow was never too practical. He was pleased to see that his skill was still very much there and after having shot his last arrow, took out his wand and summoned them back to him.
As for feeling at ease, he was starting to be quite certain on what the reason was. Waking up with Alex in his arms this morning had again surprised him but also sent him flying high. Seeing that his room had changed in appearance to make room for her as well had embarrassed him at first, especially when he realized that Gran most definitely would have known what had happened. The talk they had in the late afternoon the day before had confirmed that Gran indeed was aware but also that she fully approved of it. He had spoken with Alex afterwards who had told him of her conversation with her and knowing that Alex had been accepted by the main persons of the Silverleaf family had been both reassuring but also brought another question in his mind, where would they go from there?
Perhaps it was a bit too early to answer this question. He and Alex had time and he did not need to rush things either. He drew his bow again, taking aim at the target.
"Keeping your edge?" he heard Alex voice says behind him.
"You could say that," he answered, letting his arrow fly towards the target before to turn to face her, "I hope I did not disturb you too much when I went out to train this morning," he added.
She smiled and embraced him softly, "Not at all," she said, giving him a quick kiss, "I'll have to find out how you manage to sneak out like that. I am positive I was resting on you this morning."
"You learn some useful tricks with Elves, you know," he told her, "moving silently is one of them."
"You know, I don't mind early morning exercises either," Alex told him, "I need to keep fit too for my Quidditch matches."
"I'll keep that in mind then, love," he told her, "but you are so beautiful when you sleep that it makes it hard to bring oneself to wake you up," he added with a smile.
"Now, that was nice," she said, before to kiss him.
Yannick let himself drown in the feeling it gave him. They had been back together for less than three days now but it felt so right.
"That's a new bow," she said when they parted, touching it.
"Gift from my Elven teacher when I had to leave," Yannick said, handing the black bow to her, "It matches the arrows Gran offered me in my sixth year at Hogwarts."
"It is very nice," giving it back to him, "shoots better than your old one?"
"You bet it does," he replied, "My old one was balanced for a teenager, and this one is made to fit me."
"So what is your target exactly?"
"A little tricky one that has been around the manor since a while," he replied, motioning to the target, "A kind of a star with eight arms. The targets are the red circles at the end of the arms."
"That looks hard to me," Alex said after considering the target, "But I am sure it is quite easy to hit for you."
"Right, but you can also do this," Yannick said, flicking his wand at the target and causing it to start to spin, "The red circles are harder to hit when in motion."
"Now that sounds hard," she said, "Did you ever manage to hit all eight of them?"
Yannick did not reply and took an arrow out of his quiver, taking aim at the target. After a few seconds of aiming, he released it, sending it flying towards it. Alex heard it striking the spinning target and also saw that Yannick had already shot a second arrow. After less than a minute he had hit the target eight times. Just as the eighth arrow hit it a clicking sound was heard and a red shape shot in the air from behind the target. Yannick aimed at it and got his arrow to hit it. Grabbing his wand he made a motion towards the falling arrow.
"Sinome," (1) he said
The arrow shot to his outstretched hand. Grinning he turned to Alex, showing the red apple that was now suck on the arrow.
"Had breakfast yet?" he asked teasingly, "the apple is fresh."
"Wow," Alex said, taking the arrow and looking at the apple on it, "I'd definitely say that you improved."
Yannick bowed his head and was about to answer something when a voice interrupted him.
"So this is the way you use your training, hirao , to impress young women?" (2)
Yannick turned around quickly to face the figure that had appeared from behind one of the trees of the training hall. It was a tall man with long jet black hair and striking blue eyes. He was dressed in green and brown toned clothes and was smiling.
"Tura!" (3) he exclaimed, walking towards the man to greet him, "I did not know you were to come here. It is so good to see you again."
"I am happy to see you again as well, young one," the man said, embracing Yannick, "But I can also tell that the few months that passed since we parted have not been most restful."
"No, they have not," Yannick replied, "Although you might be able to help me out maybe?"
"All in due time, Yannick," the man said, "I however think you should remember your manners and maybe present me to the young woman you were trying to impress with your archery skills," he added.
"Right," Yannick said, blushing a bit at his mistake, "Alex, I'd like you to meet Oromir Tyulusse, my Elven teacher for the years I was there. Tura, this is Alexandra Dewitt, my girlfriend," he said, feeling a little warmth filling him at the last words.
"A pleasure to meet you, Miss Dewitt," Oromir said, taking her hand in his and touching it with his forehead. His hair parted slightly a he did this, revealing slightly pointed ears.
"It is an honour to meet you Sir," Alexandra replied, "I guess I am right to assume you are an Elf as well."
"You are very right indeed," Oromir said, "I had the pleasure to teach this young one the Elven arts and how to refine his gift with plants, although I do admit it was not too easy sometimes," he added, giving a mock glare at Yannick who chuckled lightly.
"You are a treeshaper as well?" Alex asked.
"Yes I am," Oromir said, "I must say that I am pleased to finally meet the one who managed to break an Elven heart," he added, smiling.
"What do you mean?" Alex asked, puzzled.
"Well young Silverleaf was quite intent on evading the advances of an Elven maiden during his training," Oromir said, grinning as Yannick rolled his eyes, "I must admit it had me puzzled for a while. I do not know many humans who would resist an Elven maiden's advances, but now I understand," he added, making Alex blush when she understood the implied compliment.
"Helin was almost twenty times my age, master," Yannick said, sounding slightly annoyed.
"It was hardly different for Aidan and me, Nick," Gran replied, coming to meet them in the small clearing.
"Age is never a barrier for true love," Aidan said as he glided beside her.
"It was not true love," Yannick said, "At least not on my side," he added, taking Alex's hand softly in his.
"I know, Nick," Gran replied, "I was just making a small point."
"Point taken," Yannick replied, smiling, "but I still do not know why you are here, Master," he said to Oromir, "have I failed somewhere?"
"Nothing of the sort, hirao," Oromir replied, "In fact I am quite surprised of how well you fared. Not many can face two Agaryulnaer (4) and live to tell the tale."
"I had help," Yannick replied.
"I heard that as well," Oromir said, "I am glad that both Altair and Nimloki were there too. Wolves tend to be fierce companions and the bond you share with them both is amazing as well."
"I share a bond with Altair only, Master," Yannick replied, "Nimloki chose to follow me for her own reasons," he added.
"And she seems to have taken you under her wing as well, like Altair," Oromir replied, "But that is not why I am here. I came to give something to your uncle. A favour he asked to Alathea and that she asked me to see done."
"A favour?" Yannick asked feeling puzzled.
"Yes, Yannick," Yves said as he joined them followed by Rozenn and Loïc. He was carrying long package in his hands, made of black cloth and tied with a cord, "A favour that I felt only Elves could get done. And I was much honoured that Gwenaëlle agreed to it."
"The honour was mine, dear Yves," Gran replied, smiling.
Yves smiled back and then turned to face Yannick, who was still standing with Alex at his side, still a bit puzzled by what was happening.
"Yannick, years ago I started to teach you the ways of the sword," he said, "I normally would have taught my own son these but at the time and for reasons you know, this was not possible. You also needed it to help you focus on something else than what had happened to you as well."
Yannick knew what he was referring to, and so did Alex as he felt her squeeze his hand gently. A brief image of Gwen flashed in front of him and he smiled.
"This training was then supplemented by that of Oromir and the Elven arts in both the bow and the blade," Yves continued, "It gave you a speed and finesse that few possess and much of it is no doubt due to the blood in you and your heritage."
"I have still much to learn," Yannick started only to be gently cut by his uncle.
"We all never stop learning, Yannick," Yves said, "But I am glad in saying that you have now surpassed my own skills. Not only that, you have shown a bravery recently using what you have learned that put yourself in danger to protect myself or my daughter and for that I am and always will remain grateful to you. Especially knowing who you faced to do that."
"I could not have done less, Uncle," Yannick replied.
"I know, but your quick thinking and action saved me and Alwena that day," Yves said, "Don't forget that."
"I won't," Yannick said, "And I wont rest until Andrelith is stopped for good either," he added.
"Noble words, Yannick," Aidan said.
"Words that show me that you have reached the end of your training with me," Yves agreed, "And have earned the right to have this," he added, handing the package he had been carrying to Yannick.
The black package was made of smooth black cloth and tied with a black and gold ribbon at one end. He could feel two objects in it and suddenly knew what it was. Opening the pack he took out two swords that bore a distinctive Japanese style to them. Both scabbards were made of smooth black wood and the handles had the same black and gold threads that made an intricate pattern. By looking at the hand guard, he saw that the size of the swords was not their only difference. The longer one had a design with a black and a white wolf on it, while the smaller sword's guard represented a circular pattern of leaves and branches, both of them in very intricate design that left him no doubt that Gran had created those two parts.
"These swords are Japanese Samurai swords," Yves said, "I had them specifically done by a relation of mine in Japan, who specializes in making these the traditional way."
"They're beautiful," Yannick said, mesmerized by them, "But I can't seem to be able to draw them out of their scabbards," he added, trying to unsheathe the longer of the two.
"A treeshaper's weapons are only his to use," Oromir said, letting his sentence trail.
The words got Yannick to check the sword, using his gift and he found the reason it would not unsheathe, part of the scabbard's wood was preventing it. Using his power to smoothen it out he managed to draw the blade free, making it gleam in the morning light that was reflecting in the ceiling's false sky. He saw what had caught the wood, three saw-like teeth at the base of the blade.
"Only a treeshaper will be able to use these blades," Oromir said, "One of the little additions done by the Elves."
Yannick nodded in appreciation of the trick and made the blade twirl, finding it lighter than the swords he had been used to but also very easy to handle.
"Amazing," was all he was able to say as he sheathed the sword.
"The Samurai blades have long been seen as some of the best blades made by Humans," Yves said, smiling, "But in today's modern world, you have more chance to fall on a poor imitation than a true katana."
"And some strengthening of the blades by Elven smiths will ensure that they are both unbreakable," Gran said, "This should prevent bad surprises like the one you got against the bloodsuckers," she added with a little smile.
"I do not know what to say," Yannick replied.
"You do not need to say anything, Nick," Rozenn said kindly, "Your face expression is enough."
"Just know one thing Yannick," Yves said, "The katana is often considered as the soul of the Samurai. A Samurai drawing his sword was like letting his soul blaze free and usually meant that he was down to the last straw. Drawing your sword means that you have exhausted all other means to resolve a situation. Be careful of that."
"I will," Yannick said, drawing the shorter sword and examining the smoothness of the blade. This one was less curved than the katana.
"This sword is known as wakizashi," Yves explained, "It is more made for thrusting than cutting movements like the katana. It is also the one that was used by Samurais for seppuku, or ritual suicide, a way to regain their lost honour in ritual death. Not something I believe you will need but a set of swords always comes in two."
"How do you know so much about Samurais, Uncle?" Yannick asked.
Yves smiled before replying. "I have always been fascinated by that culture, even as a child," he said, "And my father had close relations in Japan so it did not take long for me to persuade him to send me to one of them. There I learned the language and the culture. I could have easily passed for a native, were it not for my height and blond hair," he added, smiling.
"I met Yves during my travel to Japan," Rozenn said, "I was quite surprised to find someone with the same family name than mine there."
"Didn't you know that there were other Silverleafs?" Alex asked, sounding a bit puzzled.
"Until I met Yves, I did not, apart from the Silverleafs descended from Gran and Aidan," Rozenn replied.
"It is quite understandable once you know a bit more about my story, Alex," Aidan said, "In the Middle Ages, to be a wizard and different from other people was seen as a curse. When my 'accidents' started to occur, a friend told me to seek answers in Brocéliande. At the time it was also a forest known for its mysteries and I was told I would probably resolve my problem there."
"And you found out that you were a wizard there," Alex said.
"Yes I did," Aidan replied.
"So how does that tie in with Rozenn not knowing about other Silverleafs?" She asked.
"Why does the wizardry community stay hidden from Muggles?" Gran asked her.
"Because Muggles tend to be afraid of what they do not understand?" Alex replied.
"Exactly," Gran said, "But while our 'modern' times make it easier to accept our kind, the Middle Ages were an entire different affair."
"People were very afraid of the supernatural in those times," Aidan said, "This was made worse by the teachings of the Catholic church at the time. If you did not believe in it, or showed supernatural abilities, you had good chances of getting burned at the stake as a heretic or a follower of Satan. While most wizards knew how to not perish this way, it was not something liked and had our community go in hiding. When I found out I was a wizard and a treeshaper, I knew that I could not return to the English court. To return there could have meant my life and that of my family. And besides, I had other reasons as well," he added, shooting a loving glance at Gran.
"So your family did not keep in touch?" Alex asked.
"You could say this. My father understood my reasons and promised to never reveal the reasons I did not return," Aidan said, "as I was the eldest of the children, I also renounced my inheritance and it went to my brother, Gorion. Yves is descended from this line, but we never came in contact with them, and neither did they."
"This is why I was amazed to encounter a Silverleaf from a line I had never heard of," Yves said, "and while I must say that I first thought it was a joke from some of my friends, but Rozenn soon proved to me that she was indeed a Silverleaf. I think I fell in love with her shortly afterwards."
"But you did not know she was a witch," Alex said.
"Oh no," Yves said, "but she revealed that soon after to me when she had to explain how she could go from Japan to France in record time," he added, winking at Rozenn who chuckled.
"The fact she is a witch never stopped me, you know," Yves continued, "that one is different does not turn a person into a monster. Although Rozenn made a rather pretty one."
"Wise words, Yves," Gran said, "but I think it would be best for us to continue this conversation at the brunch. Twinky has just told me it was served. Will you join us, Oromir?"
"Of course Alathea," the Elf replied.
The groups started towards the door of the training hall but Alex pulled Yannick by the hand, causing him to trail behind.
"So, Mr. Silverleaf," she asked teasingly, "you had an Elven maiden chasing you?"
"Nothing happened you know," Yannick replied, looking slightly worried.
"Relax, love," she said, kissing him on the cheek, "I would not be mad even if something had. Besides, I consider it quite a compliment to know that a beautiful Elven maiden was not enough to make you forget about me."
"I missed that you know," Yannick said, squeezing her hand affectionately.
"What?"
"Your teasing," he replied, "No one has ever teased me the way you have, apart maybe from Alwena, but that's a separate case." he added, passing his arm around her shoulder and hugging her softly.
"Glad to know you really missed me," she replied, hugging him back.
They were about to head out of the training room when Twinky the house elf appeared in front of them. She was holding a parcel in her small hands.
"Hello Twinky," Yannick said warmly, "Is there something you have for us?"
"Mistress Silverleaf asked me to give Mistress Dewitt her medallion, Sir," Twinky replied, "Yarry finished applying the charms to it and it is ready," she added, taking the medallion out of the parcel and handing it to Alex.
"Thank you very much, Twinky," Alex said kindly as she took it. It did not feel different, apart maybe for the fact that it looked more new and exuded a little warmth. "It is very nice," she added, passing it around her neck, "Can you give my thanks to Yarry for the job he did?"
"Yes Mistress Dewitt!" Twinky squeaked, looking very pleased.
"And I would like to ask you one favour, Twinky," Yannick said before the House Elf could disaparate, "Would you be so kind to bring my bow and arrows to my room?"
"Of course, Sir," Twinky said, looking as if she had been given a present. She quickly grabbed Yannick's archery set and disaparated.
"She looked very happy that you asked her that," Alex said, shooting a puzzled look at him.
"I usually never let anyone use my gear," Yannick explained, "That created a bit of outrage with the House Elves as they would be more than happy to take care of it for me, but I always did it myself. However, right now, I just want to go to eat and not let my stuff standing around. I know Twinky will take care of it."
"But you did not give her the swords," Alex pointed out, touching handle of one.
"Nope," he replied, "Right now, I think I will keep on wearing them at my belt for a bit. The good thing about samurai swords is that they are more practical to wear than normal Muggle gear. The scabbards are especially pleasant to the touch."
"I can see that," she replied, "I think we should get to the dining hall now. Else they are going to wonder what we are doing," she added, giving him a sly smile.
"I guess you are right." Yannick said, before to follow her out of the training room.
Alex was standing by a window on the first floor of the manor, looking at the late afternoon sky. While the day had been mostly sunny, clouds had started to gather and it was now grey with a small drizzle coming down like small tears from the sky. It had been a very relaxing day, passed most of the time with Yannick and his family. She had happily reunited with Laure Silverleaf, Yannick's cousin, whom she had become close friend with during the times she had visited the manor with Yannick. Laure was now working as a helper at the wand and staff-master shop in the wizardry village in Brocéliande. Remembering the finesse of Laure's wandwork, it did not surprise her that she had managed to have such a post there.
It felt strange though, the fact that a few days ago she had been without a family. And that now that she was with Yannick again, feeling accepted in his own family, as if she had never left it. She felt very grateful for the way the Silverleafs had accepted her back, despite the grudge she had felt for them for a while.
But somehow she felt this was not the reason she had come here, feeling a bit blue and looking out the window. Maybe the rain? Or perhaps the fact that that weather always reminded her of a certain rainy afternoon in October.
She felt a tear trickle down her cheek and was about to wipe it away when she felt strong arms embracing by the waist softly from behind.
"You've been crying?" Yannick asked as he gave her a kiss on the cheek, "What's wrong, love?"
"Nothing," she replied, smiling sadly, "grey afternoon like this one always tend to make me sad, especially if it rains as well."
"Reminds you of you parents?" he asked softly.
She smiled at this, amazed at how easily he had been able to tell what was troubling her.
"Yes, but it is not always a bad memory you know," she answered, "It also reminds me that you were there to comfort me when that happened, and that I never forgot," she added, turning in his arms to pass her arms around his neck.
"Now that I found you again I am never going to let you go," Yannick kissing her softly.
She let herself drown into the feeling it gave her, parting from him only when air was needed.
"I don't mind that at all," she said smiling, "So what have you planned for tomorrow?"
"Well, it will be back to London I guess," he told her, "I need to get back on the case with Sean and there is some key data I need to go over with him and Mr Shacklebot."
"About Andrelith?" she asked, knowing she was right.
"Yes," he answered, "That Forrester was boasting on Friday that they were about to arrest the culprit. From what I know they must have done that now already."
"And you know that they are wrong?"
"Alex, it is not a simple wizard or even a Muggle who is committing these murders," he replied, "It's Andrelith, I am sure of it. And I am also quite certain that Forrester and his men do not stand a chance to catch him. Whoever they arrested is most probably innocent."
"So what do you intend to do?"
"I intend to prove that they are wrong," Yannick said, starting to walk with her towards the training hall, "Sean and I got the permission to interrogate the suspect when they have him, thanks to Mr Shacklebot. I trust I'll be able to prove it there."
"I know you'll be able to," Alex replied, squeezing his hand softly.
"Thanks love," he replied, smiling as they entered the hall, "I do wish I knew why Andrelith is back though," he added more seriously, "it would make it easier to predict his moves."
He is after the knowledge.
The words resonated in Alex's mind and caused her to stop in the middle of the steps going down the training hall's grounds. She looked towards where she felt the voice had originated from and was surprised to see Nimloki, sitting comfortably under a tree and looking at her with her golden eyes.
"What's wrong?" Yannick asked, looking at her, clearly at a loss as to why she had suddenly stopped.
"Nimloki," Alex said, pointing at the white wolf.
Yannick turned and suddenly looked surprised. "Well here is something new," he said, "Nimloki has never set a paw in the manor before."
"She talked to me," Alex said.
"What?!" Yannick exclaimed, "She talked to you? How?"
"I'm not sure," Alex said, walking towards the wolf and feeling a bit guilty for not having told Yannick about her event with her the day before, "She did it yesterday too. That's how I found out her name."
"Wow," Yannick said, looking impressed, "I understand Altair when he howls but I never experienced him talking to me."
"I'm not sure I understand either," Alex said, kneeling by Nimloki and starting to pet her gently.
"Well you are the first person I know who is able to pet her," Yannick said, "I mean she has helped me and saved my life. But as far as letting me pet her, nope."
"Nick, what is going on?" Alex asked, "I do not have Elven blood like you. Why would I be able to hear a wolf talking to me?"
"I don't understand it either, love," Yannick said, sitting by her, "Perhaps Gran would be able to explain this."
"I trust I should be able to," Alex heard Gran's voice say.
The Elven lady had appeared at the entrance of the hall, along with Aidan and Oromir. She smiled kindly at Alex and Yannick as she went down the stairs towards them.
"I'd love to know how you do this Gran," Yannick said as he went to meet her, "I did not even detect your presence."
"My dear Nick, I think it will be a long time before you are able to detect an Elf when they don't wish to," Gran said, "Ask Aidan, he is still trying to achieve that," she added, winking at the ghost.
"I'll manage someday," Aidan replied, feigning annoyance.
"As for Nimloki and you, Alex," Gran said, turning to the young woman, "I believe that Oromir will be more able to explain that to you."
"You would be able too, Alathea," Oromir replied.
"Of course I would, old friend," Gran replied, "But passing on knowledge is a privilege of the elders."
"I do not think that a century or two make much of a difference for immortals," Oromir replied, "But I shall explain it to you nonetheless, Miss Dewitt," he added, turning to face Alex, "What do you know about Elven history?"
"Well, Gran explained to where they came from, that they were a space faring race with special abilities and were looking for a planet to settle on peacefully," Alex replied, "She told me that there was an accident that caused them to land in the wrong time and that deprived them of their abilities. Humans attacked them, killing many and they had to hide. After some time one of them found a way to regain her some of her powers and showed her people how to do it," she continued.
"Her name was Timmain," Oromir said, gently cutting her.
"She was the shape shifter?" Alex asked.
"Yes, I see that Alathea taught some basics, good" Oromir said, "Timmain was always strong headed and willing to go where other did not dare explore. After the accident and the attacks of the humans, our kind hid from them. Timmain on the other hand tried to understand why we had lost our magic and saw that eating food from this new land actually brought her strength."
"And she managed to turn into a hawk and catch preys," Alex said. She looked at the Elven master but he motioned her to go on, clearly wanting to see how much she knew. "She found out that eating the flesh of animals brought her more strength and she brought what she had caught to her people. That's how they started to regain some of their powers. That is all I know, I'm afraid," she added, feeling a bit embarrassed.
"You already know more than many human, Miss Dewitt, but I'll complete the tale," Oromir said, "Timmain found that to regain ones power, one had to become one with the land. She kept on hunting for our people, soon adopting the shape of a wolf. While in animal form she still regained her Elven consciousness and thus managed to rally other wolves who soon became protectors in a way, keeping the humans at bay."
"So she could become a wolf?" Alex said, "But how does that relate to Nimloki?"
Oromir smiled, "Unfortunately, her constant shape shifting had a drawback and she became more wolf and less Elf each time she changed. One day she did not come back and some of our kind went to look for her. They found her with a wolf pack. She let them approach but none of their healing efforts managed to turn her back into her Elven shape."
"So she remained in wolf form?"
"Yes, she stayed as a wolf, a white she-wolf with golden eyes," Oromir said.
Alex's eyes grew wide in surprise and she looked at Nimloki. The white wolf looked calmly back at her, not saying anything.
"You mean that Nimloki is... Timmain?" she asked, stunned.
"We are not sure of anything, Alex," Gran said, "But what we know is this, there always has been only one known white wolf in Elven history. It was always a she-wolf with golden eyes."
"Being an immortal Elf could mean that she was also immortal in her wolf form," Oromir said, "But I guess this is something we shall never know."
"Andrelith was surprised hen he saw her during his attack on Yves," Yannick said, "She even managed to repel a cold death curse and send it back to him."
"This is why we named her Nimloki," Oromir said, "The white dragon. It is an ability that this one has shown since she re-appeared years ago."
"Andrelith knows of the legend of the white wolf as well," Gran said, "This is why he was startled to see her."
"But how come I can hear her?" Alex asked.
"You can hear her because she wants you to," Oromir said, "This has happened at times with other wolves, but very seldom to humans. You are the first in centuries."
"I could understand Elm Leaf, my own wolf," Aidan said, "It sometimes meant that I heard him talk too."
"It is not a trait akin to humans though," Gran said, "but it is not impossible."
"It still feels a bit weird," Alex said.
"You'll get used to it," Aidan told her.
"You said she talked to you again, Alex," Gran said, "What did she say?"
"She said 'he is after the knowledge'," Alex replied, "I suppose she meant Andrelith."
She saw Gran's face grow serious and observed a similar reaction from Oromir. Aidan glided towards Gran and rested a hand on her shoulder.
"It seems your premonition was right, Alathea," Oromir said.
"I had hoped to be wrong," Gran said on a low tone.
"What do you mean, Gran?" Yannick asked, looking puzzled, "What did Nimloki mean by that?"
"By that simple statement she has confirmed the fear I have had since Andrelith came back a year ago," Gran said, "He is after our most precious treasure."
"I don't really see what treasure we have that would interest him," Yannick said, "What would an Elf do with wealth?"
"Wealth is not his goal, Nick," Gran said, "Power is."
"And we have something that will give him the power that he wants?" Yannick asked.
Alex saw Gran share a long look with Oromir and Aidan.
"I think there is no escaping it, love," Aidan answered her silent question.
"I know you would rather not but it is better that they know," Oromir added.
Gran sighed and looked at Alex and Yannick, taking out her white wand.
"Before I do anything, I must tell you that very few know what you are about to see," she said seriously, "Only speak of it when I am around and only when I have agreed to it, even to the family," she added in Yannick's direction, "It is that important and must remain secret.
"I understand Gran," Yannick said.
"I won't tell a soul," Alex said, feeling surprised by Gran's sudden seriousness. In the time she had known her, the Elven lady had never looked that serious.
"Very good," Gran said, "I know I can trust you two, but I had to make a point," she added, smiling softly again.
She turned her back to them and started to make complex motions with her wand, muttering in a language Alex assumed was Elven.
"Lema ed' ando en' templa,"she heard her finally say out loud, making a wide circle with her wand. (5)
There was a sudden flash of light that caused Alex to shield her eyes. When she looked again, Gran was standing in front of a large vertical circle encompassing of violet energy that was rippling like water.
"This is a portal we need to use in order for me to show you what you should see," she said to them, "It is quite safe and you will not feel a thing. Aidan and Oromir will be right behind us," she added before to step into the circle and disappear. She was soon followed by Nimloki who went through the portal as well, after having shot a glance at Alex.
"Amazing," she heard Yannick say beside her.
"You did not know about that spell?" she asked him.
"I am afraid that five years is far too less time for me to know all of the Elven lore, love," Yannick said, softly grabbing her hand, "Lets not keep them waiting, shall we?"
"I'll go last so the portal closes behind me," Oromir said.
Alex let herself be pulled gently by Yannick and saw the energy engulfing him as he stepped through, never letting go of her hand. She went through the energy as well, feeling as if passing a wall of warm water, but not feeling wet at all. She instinctively closed her eyes as she did so and when she opened them, she found herself in a wide round room bathed in a warm golden light. It was smaller hat the size of the training hall, at least she thought it was, and after turning in a circle to look, she could see that there were no doors.
What did attract her attention though were two objects floating atop a pedestal in the centre of the room and surrounded in a silver aura. They looked like torah scrolls, but even from where she stood she could see that they were not linked and seemed to be made of stone. She felt herself drawn towards the floating scrolls and as she neared them, she saw ripples of colour emanating from them, along with what looked like ancient writing engraved on them.
"What are these things?" she heard Yannick say behind her.
"These are the most prized relics of the Elves," Gran said, "They are called the scrolls of colour."
"Very few humans know of their existence," Oromir said, coming trough the portal and closing it, "And even less have ever seen them."
Alex turned towards Gran, feeling the questions rushing to her mouth but the Elven Lady stopped her with a hand and a smile.
"I know you want to ask questions, Alex," she said, "But I feel they will be best answered by showing you how we came into possession of the scrolls. Give me your hand and let's form a circle."
Alex did so and saw that Oromir and Yannick had joined them in it. Aidan stayed near them but did not join.
"I already know the story and would anyway not be able to see," he said smiling.
Gran shot him a loving smile before to start chanting an incantation, soon followed by Oromir. Another flash of light appeared in the centre of their circle and engulfed them. The bright light caused Alex to close her eyes as she felt a warm wind blowing on her face. When she opened her eyes, she was sill with Gran, Oromir and Yannick, but they were not in the room anymore, but in a deep forest.
(1) Sinome = Here (simple Elven summoning spell)
(2) Hirao = Elven for "student"
(3) Tura = Elven for "master"
(4) Agaryulnaer = Elven for Bloodsucker, the beasts that attack Yannick in Chapter 9.
(5) Lema ed' ando en' templa = Gate Travel incantation. Summons a gate for travelling in a remote or secret location. For and idea of the way it looks, think Stargate without the intricate circle of stone around it. It's only drawback is its complexity of casting, which is why portkey are usually more replied upon, even by Elves.
Sorry for the change of layout and the delay in releasing this chapter. I've experienced so trouble to uploadit and when I managed finally, all the formating was gone. Grrr. Hope you enjoy it anyways. ;)