A/N: Thank you for the reviews, Shywolf and Faerline! It's immensely encouraging to get such nice and positive feedback, so thank you so much. I hope you enjoy the new chapter. :)

The days in Divinity's Reach were easy and peaceful. The only thing disturbing the daily routines of the people were the markets twice a week, but even those became routine after a while. It had been more than a few days since the two Sylvari had arrived in Divinity's Reach, and they grew quite accustomed to being here. Of course, the looks they got in the streets never changed, but the people never acted hostile towards them.

Caithe had noticed that the security of being surrounded by walls had grown on her. It was easy to trust in their strength, but she felt their presence constantly. Part of her still felt captured, caged, and wished to go outside. But for now, this was good. Faolain seemed to fare much the same as her, creating her own safe space in this big city, instead of being in constant danger, was something that came natural to her now.

Caithe closed the door to her room after she and Faolain had entered it. She had turned to sit on the bed, while Faolain pulled out a small sack from under it, and opened it, apparently searching for something.

'We should have something like here in the Grove,' Faolain said. Caithe looked at her, surprised. 'You would like stone walls in the Grove?'

'Not made of stone. But.. homes. We can't all sleep at the Pale Tree's roots once the new pods open. Have you seen how many there will be?'

'The Grove will change.' Caithe concluded, not sure if she was pleased with this or not.

'It will.' Faolain nodded. Her face stood determined, but Caithe couldn't quite figure out if it was because she was still searching, or thinking about something else. Caithe opened her mouth so ask, but Faolain smiled and turned away, shaking her head absentmindedly.

Caithe stood for a moment, watching the darker Sylvari rummage through her small stack of belongings she had acquired in the city. There were weapons, various crystals and magic gemstones, and random items that she had taken an interest in. Caithe could see an old ragdoll, a bloodied knife and something that looked like worn rope from where she was standing.

It did not feel right. In her gut a dark feeling was forming, something that expanded with each second of Faolain ignoring her. Slowly it dawned on Caithe that it was anger, and disappointment. Suspicion. She briskly stepped over to Faolain and pulled her up to a standing position, facing her, deliberately grabbing Faolain's injured arm. Faolain yelped and tried to pull loose. Caithe grabbed her lover's face and forced Faolain to look at her. Her gaze was piercing.

Are you keeping a secret from me, Faolain?

Faolain struggled to avoid her gaze, turning her face away, whispering at her lover, and trying to soothe her.

'Caithe, please, I would never do that,' she softly stroked Caithe's cheek with her free hand, 'you are hurting me, Caithe..' Caithe looked up at the arm she had clenched in her fist, the shoulder bent awkwardly, the bandages slipping. The wound had healed almost completely, but looked sore still. Slowly she loosened her grip and softened her expression. Faolain slid into her arms, pressing herself against the other, still stroking her.

'What is the matter, Caithe? That was unlike you,' she whispered. Caithe closed her eyes and held Faolain close, the dark feeling sliding off of her like water.

'I don't know,' she answered. Embracing each other like this spread a warm feeling through her chest.

'You long to be outside again,' Faolain said. Caithe barely even felt surprise at her lover being able to read her so easily. She nodded. Faolain sighed.

'We should go then.'

.

The word of their departure spread like wildfire. They had barely packed up and cleaned out the room they had been given, when a messenger, shining in his white armour, knocked at the door. He was heaving, and looked as if he had run a great distance. He bowed to them and presented them with a letter, sealed with the royal seal. Caithe took it, shyly thanking the messenger, and breaking the seal. She rolled open the paper and started to read, Faolain reading over her shoulder.

My dear guests,

Word has reached me of your impending departure. I hope you have had a pleasant stay in Divinity's Reach.

Yet it would be a shame if we could not meet before you leave. I would therefore like to invite you to my royal dinner this evening, which will be held in the left wing of the palace. A few of my other guests will be attending as well. It shall be a joy to speak to each other in person.

Looking forward to our meeting,

her Majesty Queen Jenna

'Queen Jenna?' Faolain asked the messenger. She had heard the name before, but had thought it was something symbolic.

'Our great and gentle queen, my lady.' Faolain looked at him still. 'So, she is your guide?' The messenger nodded.

'She is our ruler, our leader, my lady.' Faolain smiled. 'Thank you, my good ...lad.' She thought for a moment before continuing. 'Please inform your queen we are honoured with her invitation and are looking forward to meeting her.' The messenger nodded and took his leave.

'They have one of their species as their leader. Just a human as a guide.' Caithe noted. 'Don't they have a tablet to follow? Or do they just follow that human's whim?'

'I don't know,' Faolain said, thinking. 'But it is an interesting concept. I wonder what she is like, this queen Jenna..' Caithe smiled mischievously.

'What, are you already picturing yourself in the Pale Tree's footsteps?' she mocked her. Faolain folded her hands behind her head and puckered her lips in an exaggerated pose of arrogance.

'Well, I am the most talented and beautiful of all her children, after all..' Caithe's mouth dropped open in feigned offense.

'No you aren't!'

'Yes I am!' Faolain laughed, and ran into the hallway, Caithe following close behind. They chased each other over the white walls surrounding the city, running and laughing, their hair and clothes waving in the wind. The guards knew they were not supposed to look, but couldn't help but smile at their playfulness.

.

The dining hall was long, with an immensely high ceiling supported by high arches. The walls had been decorated with blue and white mosaic, telling of the tales of human heroes. Caithe stared at a mosaic of a man with a flaming sword. It was skillfully made, tiny rocks placed together so neatly that it almost seemed as if the man was actually standing there, mist surrounding him. As the Sylvari entered, a guard announced them with a loud voice. Caithe jumped at the sound, but quickly recovered.

'Miss Caithe, Firstborn of Sylvari. Miss Faolain, Firstborn of Sylvari.' Faolain smiled, and glanced at Caithe.

I like this custom, we should do this at home too.

That would be very impractical. Caithe smiled, forgetting her nerves for a moment.

In the middle of the dining hall a long table was placed, with at least twenty seats on each side. At the head of the table a golden, heavily decorated throne stood. It was empty.

Several seats at the table were already taken, most by humans in expensive clothing. One of the seats hosted a tiny figure, lifted up by several fluffy pillows, with a broad face. It's skin was a light grey, and its eyes were large and yellow. Giant ears flapped on either side of its head. It seemed to be lecturing a human on a certain topic, with a very clear air of superiority. On the other side, two giant humans sat. They both took up more than one space and had broader chairs. They were muscular men with large beards and scars and blue patterns over their bodies. They drunk a foul-smelling drink from mugs the size of small buckets. Caithe noticed they kept their voices low, but they were still very loud. At full volume, they must have had voices with the strength of boulders. They actually looked a bit like boulders.

A guard waved for them to follow and Caithe was shaken from her thoughts. They took two seats on the left side of the table, between the large men and the empty throne. The guard brought them both a pillow, so that they sat higher in the chair, and could rest their arms on the high table.

'Why, I should have brought my new invention, yes, I should have,' the grey creature across from them suddenly started. 'Now they have to prop you up with these pillows too, it's degrading, I tell you, degrading.' The human next to him tried to interfere, but the creature waved him away.

'No no no. I will not have any of it. This would never have happened in Rata Sum, I tell you, not in a million-' Caithe and Faolain exchanged a quick glance before Caithe excitedly asked, 'What invention?' as Faolain joined in with 'What is Rata Sum?'

'Ah! My invention! Well you see, miss-' the creature's words died on his lips as he took a good look at the pair, apparently not having them deemed worthy to look at before.

'I don't see anything,' Faolain remarked, checking the sides of her chair. The creature shook his head in annoyance.

'Not here, miss, in Rata Sum. There I have this project, hm, how shall I call it?'

'I cannot think of a fitting name for an object I do not know, sir..' Caithe replied apologetically, which made the creature gesture his hand even more annoyed, furrowing his brow. He opened his mouth again to retort when the guard at the door interrupted him.

'Please rise for her Majesty, Queen Jenna of Divinity's Reach!' The guard stepped back and revealed a dark-skinned woman walking in, a flowing white dress caressing her every curve. Her dark hair was pinned up in elegant curls that held up a small silver crown. Her dark lined eyes scanned the room and a soft smile graced her lips. The humans rose from their seats immediately, standing up straight but humbly bowing their heads. The two large men shoved their chairs backwards and stood up. Both Caithe and Faolain watched, eyes wide, as the men rose to two times their height. Had their faces just been even, now the Sylvari could barely see their noses stick out from over their beards, let alone their eyes. They were massive. Their plated armor croaked and groaned as they moved their muscled bodies, and various axes and rifles rattled around belts on their hips.

Trying not to look too intimidated, Caithe and Faolain rose too. Now the table came to their chests, and they had been taller when they were still propped up on their chairs. The grey creature across from them had the same problem, they saw, as his human companion helped him off his chair. With a displeased face he disappeared completely beneath the table's surface.

Queen Jenna walked soundlessly towards the throne, she almost seemed to float. She draped herself on the throne, all elegance, and then made a waving gesture with her long, slender arms.

'Please, sit,' she spoke. Her guests sat down instantaneously, Caithe and Faolain following close, making sure they did not stand out much more than necessary. The large men sounded like they were moving mountains instead of sitting down on chairs. The queen's voice was soft, like velvet. She need not speak loud because she knew everyone would listen to her. 'Welcome, all. It is truly a pleasure to see all of you have accepted my invitation.' The guests replied with various softly spoken thanks or how the pleasure was all theirs, the grey creature just took a sip of his drink, while the two huge men lifted their mugs at the queen in thanks.

Faolain sat with her hands folded neatly, her back straightened out. Caithe glanced at her, wondering how she got that pose and why. Then her eyes fell on a lady at the end of the table, who was now gesturing lightly with one hand, engaged in a friendly conversation, but had the other one folded just like Faolain. Caithe smiled to herself, slightly envious that she hadn't thought of copying someone first.

The queen spoke, and all faces were directed towards her once again.

'Have you been introduced?' She asked the grey creature. It smiled wryly, and answered, 'Not to everyone, I'm afraid. I've had the..pleasure of meeting Ron Wolfborn on my way here though.' He gestured vaguely towards the two men, and Jenna smiled.

''t Was a real pleasure hunting you, Gixx,' one of the large men laughed. 'Next time, take someone who doesn't look like a rabbit with you!' The two men burst out in laughter, and smashed their mugs together before taking a giant gulp of the drink. Jenna spoke calmly, as if she was not fazed at all by the crude behaviour of the two men.

'Well then, Gixx, next to Ron Wolfborn we have Knut Whitebear, one of the ministers of Hoelbrak. Knut, this is Professor Gixx, magister of the Durmand Priory.' Whitebear raised his glass at Gixx, as he had done towards the queen.

'Pleasure, magister.' Gixx looked displeased, but nodded curtly. Caithe had observed the conversation in awe. These people were so... different. Suddenly the queen directed her attention to them, and Caithe looked back at her with wide eyes. Queen Jenna truly was one of the most beautiful humans she had ever seen. Maybe that was why she had become queen?

'And on this side, I don't think you have been introduced to anyone yet, have you?' Caithe only weakly shook her head. Jenna smiled. 'Well then. Over here, as I said, magister Gixx of the Durmand Priory. He's an Asura from Rata Sum, south from here. And the two gentlemen over there, are the minister of Hoelbrak and his best friend, am I saying that right, Knut?'

'Sharp as always, your Majesty,' Whitebear answered in his deep, roaring voice. 'Ron here is more my brother than anyone. Soon, he will face the tooth of Jormag, and I am sure he will succeed.' The other man nudged him, and interrupted, 'It's better not to sell the hide before you've slain the bear, Knut.'

'I agree,' Faolain stepped in with her smooth voice and her unmistakable presence, 'it would be better to sell it as a whole bear then.' The large men roared with laughter. Whitebear turned towards the Sylvari.

'I like your attitude, miss. Would you care to honour me with your name?' Faolain smiled, and averted her gaze for a moment before looking up and speaking again.

'Of course, sir. My name is Faolain, and this is Caithe. We are Firstborn Sylvari, from the Grove.'

'Where is this Grove, if I may ask?' Gixx asked, his chin propped up on his hand.

'You may,' Caithe answered. A short silence followed, in which everyone looked at her. Suddenly she realized and answered, 'South from here. I think, three, maybe four days walking. We travelled a long distance by horse.'

'You own horses?' Ron Wolfborn asked. He certainly did not expect that. The Sylvari shook their heads. 'No.'

'Then how did you travel by horse?'

'They were not our horses,' Caithe explained. Jenna broke in, that unwavering smile still on her face.

'They were picked up by two of my finest Seraph Guards. There have been multiple issues with giant devourers in the area, and I'm afraid my ladies also had the displeasure of encountering one.'

'I see,' Gixx nodded, 'they are around Rata Sum as well. I believe one of my colleagues is working on a golem to keep them away. An attack would explain your injury, miss Faolain?'

Faolain covered her bandages with her hand, smiling politely, but Caithe felt she was displeased. 'It would. I'll have you know that we killed it, though,' Faolain said, not ready to be trampled over by all these self-centered people.

'Ha! It's always the prettiest faces that bear venom fangs.' Whitebear roared. 'So, what brings you to Divinity's Reach, ladies?'

'We are already in Divinity's Reach. The question should be what will bring us to the next destination.' Caithe looked confusedly at him.

'And what will your next destination be?'

'That depends on the route we choose.' Whitebear smiled, a little forcedly, and was glad when Gixx interrupted. Meanwhile the servants were serving up food, which the large men happily dug into.

'Say, miss Caithe. The Grove.. if I understand correctly, it is not far from Rata Sum. I may even have been there sometime. It has been a long time though, so I might not...' he suddenly turned his attention to queen Jenna and explained to her, 'The Priory has kept me away a lot. Whoever decided to make headquarters in those blasted Shiverpeaks should be stripped of their rank, I tell you.'

'You know the Pale Tree?' Caithe asked Gixx. Jenna smiled and answered, 'I know many species of pale trees, Caithe.'

Don't answer, Caithe. Caithe had actually opened her mouth to say something, but smiled and closed it again. Jenna spoke to Gixx about the Durmand Priory.

How did you know? Caithe was secretly thankful for her ways of silent conversation with Faolain. It made discussing a strategy so much easier. Faolain shook her head.

I'm not sure yet. It might be some kind of code. Looks like I was right just now though. The large men don't speak the code, but they say things they do not mean that way.

Jenna laughed as she conversed with Gixx, occasionally asking for opinions from the large men and the other people at the table.

It's fascinating. Caithe smiled. It is. Faolain turned back to Whitebear. She seemed to have taken an interest in him especially.

'Minister Whitebear,' she asked, her velvety voice rivaling Jenna's, 'can you tell me about Hoelbrak? Is it a city, like here?' Whitebear shook his head.

'Hoelbrak is east from here, miss Faolain. It's up in the mountains, where it's cold all day and freezes all night. The only thing keeping you warm there are the Spirits and the ale, hah!' He took another gulp of the drink.

'Ale?' Faolain asked. She decided not to ask about the spirits keeping anyone warm. The Pale Tree may know whatever he meant with that.

'Y'don't know ale, miss? Oh, such a shame. Jenna's got some of Hoelbrak's best ale, luckily, personally brewed by my nephew's spouse. Don't screw around with her, or you're never getting ale again!' He laughed, then gestured one of the servants to get Faolain some ale. Caithe was trying to keep up with both this conversation, and the one going on between Gixx and Jenna. While the servants poured Faolain some ale in a -considerably smaller- cup, she heard shreds of the conversation that interested her immensely. Whitebear told of his world, the Norn world, completely white, where elementals roamed and Dredge dug tunnels underneath the frozen land. Yet on the other hand, Gixx had news on a collegue of his, who had found a new sort of humanoid Jungle Wurm near Rata Sum. He did not have much yet but the experiments were proving to be very interesting.

Faolain was amusing herself immensely just listening to the conversation and bringing the strange drink to her lips, which smelled awful but tasted alright, until the stories started blurring together and the lights started flickering and the voices started becoming louder than was comfortable. She had already lost her upright posture, and was half-hanging on the table, still entranced by Whitebear's stories, a giddy smile on her face.

'How's the ale, milady?' Whitebear joked, gently setting her upright again. Caithe looked over at Faolain, wondering what had brought about this state of happy confusion in her.

'Can I have another?' Faolain asked happily, overthinking the words before speaking them. Jenna scolded Whitebear, but her tone was amused.

'Knut! Must you always poison at least one of my guests with your ale? Look what you did to the poor lady!' Caithe stroked Faolain's back as she now slumped forward, holding her head in her hands, elbows on the table.

'Well, it's getting late,' Whitebear said. 'Perhaps I should do the right thing and escort the ladies to their room, don't you think?' Jenna smiled. 'Very well. Caithe, Faolain, it has been a pleasure to meet you.' As they stood up, Caithe bowed to Jenna. Faolain was holding onto Whitebear's arm, trying to stay up on her feet.

'The pleasure was all ours, your Majesty. For all your kindness, you have our gratitude.'

'You will always be welcome in Divinity's Reach, Firstborn.'

.

They headed out the large doors. Caithe longingly looked at the city gates, but consoled herself that it would only be for another night. Whitebear caught her staring.

'Oh, weren't you leaving tonight?'

'We were supposed to. But Faolain isn't going anywhere, I'm afraid.' Said Sylvari was staring intently at a point on the ceiling, sometimes smiling about something only she understood.

'I must apologize. I have never seen the ale have such a strong effect in such a small amount. Will you allow me to make it up to you?' Caithe raised her eyebrows.

'How?'

Whitebear gestured to the city gates. 'I have a hunting cart that me and Ron take with us. If you don't mind a bit of a bumpy ride, we can take you on the cart to Hoelbrak. We might be there in two days, if we leave tonight.' Caithe smiled widely, almost jumping a bit from excitement.

'That would be fantastic. I would love to see the frozen city!'

'It's settled then. My honour has been saved. Once Ron arrives, we'll depart.' Caithe nodded. Suddenly Knut turned towards Faolain and sank through one knee, offering her his hand.

'Shall we go, drunk little madam?' Faolain looked at him for a moment, then nodded and took his hand. Knut noticed she was walking a little shakily still, and picked her up as if she weighed nothing. They went through the gates and Knut settled them both on the cart. Caithe grinned as Faolain slumped against the side of the cart, looking miserable.

Oh, Faolain, I will never let you live this down. Yet Caithe stroked her forehead softly, lovingly, then looked at the road ahead. Her heart pounded in her chest.

Onwards to Hoelbrak.