It took two more days to reach Bristar. The journey went without further incident, much to Violet's relief. The fae that were flocking to her in greater numbers were proving more of an issue, however. As if sensing Tamival's animosity towards her, he had become a target for their mischief. Small personal items of his would disappear during the night, rocks and burrs found their way into his bedding and clothing, and unpleasant tidbits were dropped into his food. At first, Violet found it amusing, but as it continued and his mood worsened, it became an annoyance. At one point, Violet suggested he travel on ahead of her and Tamirell, but he refused to leave them.

Though the wild beauty of the forest surrounded them, Violet found herself strangely disconnected from it. The spiritual feeling of belonging that was normally present when she was out in nature was absent. It was as if this world was rejecting her as something alien. The constant feeling of fae eyes upon her added to her unease. The prayers she offered to her goddess felt empty upon her lips, leaving her with an aching emptiness in the center of her being.

If the brothers noticed that she grew quieter and more withdrawn as they traveled, they ignored it. Their banter never faltered as they rode. Tamirell charm never waned. Tamival's grumpiness remained constant.

Late on their fourth day on the road, they rode into Bristar. Violet's imagination hadn't prepared her for the elven village. Whether on the ground or high in the trees, the buildings and homes blended harmoniously with the surrounding forest, reflecting the natural greens, browns, and grays of the flora and geography. There were no sharp angles, instead the architecture flowed in elegant curves and arches that were echoed in the carved stone used sparingly throughout. Walkways wound through the trees overhead, connecting the buildings that clung to tree trunks, perched on boughs, or hung, suspended from thick limbs. With the onset of dusk, pinpricks of light lit up the forest like thousands of fireflies.

Violet was glad she was on Tamival's horse else she would have stood with her mouth open, gaping at the wonder that surrounded her. From her seat in front of him, she could look around to her heart's content as they moved deeper into the village. As they progressed, they drew the attention of the inhabitants, several of who followed them as they continued. By the time the brothers brought their mounts to a halt in front of a large building with graceful, twisting peaks that stretched high above the surrounding trees like saplings reaching for the sunlight, there were close to a dozen elves gathered around. Standing just outside the arched doorway was an elf watching their approach with a frown.

"Greetings, Ailluin," Tamirell called out, dismounting.

"You have returned early," the elf responded, "and with a visitor, I see."

Tamirell approached him and they clasped their forearms together in greeting.

"This is Violet," Tamirell said. "She has a story you need to hear and is in need of your wisdom."

Tamival dismounted and helped her down. She approached the elf hesitantly.

"Greetings and welcome, Violet," he nodded solemnly.

"It's nice to meet you," she said awkwardly, feeling the urge to curtsy or give some sign of respect. She settled for a slight dip of her head towards him. "Your home is beautiful."

He regarded her for a long moment as if trying to make up his mind if she was really welcome. Finally, he nodded and motioned for them to follow him inside the building.

Inside was open and airy, the ceiling high above their heads catching as much of the remaining sunlight as possible. Where the outside of the building blended in with the forest, the inside was full of color and light. Comfortable chairs and chaises were arranged in groups for intimate conversations around the room. A large, cluttered desk stood off to the right of the door with a row of free-standing shelves behind it and to the left was a long table with chairs lined up along its sides. All the furniture was built with the same aesthetic as the buildings, gently organic in design, but the fabrics covering them were in shades of blue and silver with pops of purple and orange to keep the interior from being monochromatic.

Ailluin motioned them to sit at one of the groupings and Violet found herself with the chaise. She wasn't sure how to recline on it without seeming like she was sprawled out for a night of rom-coms and popcorn, so she perched sideways on its edge with both her feet planted firmly on the cool tiled floor.

With the better light inside and closer to Ailluin, she could see faint wrinkles in the corners of his eyes and mouth, the only indicator of his age. Without those, she would have assumed he was of the same age as the two brothers that flanked her. His clothes were more ornate than theirs, robes in the same silvers and blues as the palette of the room. Where Tamirell and Tamival's hair was a silvery blonde and long, his hair was a blue-black and cut short.

"Tell me," he started, addressing Tamirell. "What did you find?"

"It is as we thought," the brother said with a frown, "the further south we traveled, the fewer foul creatures we encountered. Though we were attacked by a small band of gnolls three days south. They're spreading from the north. Have the others returned?"

Ailluin made a slashing motion with his hand, "no. We have heard nothing from them since they left just before you did."

"That does not bode well," Tamival commented. "They've had time to reach the outskirts and return."

"Indeed," the elder agreed. "Some are pressing for us to send another party out to investigate."

"You don't agree?"

"Until we know more, we might just be sending more of our people to the same fate. Especially if they are originating from where we think they are. No, I think we need to proceed with caution for now." He was thoughtful for a moment then looked up at Violet, his green eyes sharp and probing. "Tamirell said you had a story I needed to hear?"

"Um, yes. I mean, I guess," she stumbled, ill at ease under his scrutiny. "I'm a witch, or I was a witch. I'm not sure what I am now…," she trailed off.

She was saved from having to continue by a female elf entering the building followed by two others bearing trays.

"Forgive the intrusion, Uncle, but I've brought refreshments," she said crossing the room. Dressed in a deep blue gown that flowed around her like water, she moved with a grace that made Violet feel crude and oafish. Her hair was the same blue-black of Ailluin's but hung past her waist in a silken cascade of midnight.

The brothers rose to accept a kiss on their cheeks from her in greeting.

"Welcome back," she told them. "Your mother will be pleased you have returned unharmed."

"We haven't had a chance to see her yet," Tamival said. "We have business yet to attend to."

"Then I will carry word to her that you are well and will be to see her as soon as you conclude your business," she smiled.

"That is kind of you."

She turned to Violet and smiled, "welcome to Bristar. I am Solana Liaynore."

Violet rose from the chaise and accepted her kiss. "Thank you. I am Violet Byrne."

"Well met, Violet." Solana turned back to the others with a smile, "I will leave you to your business, but don't take too long. I will not be held responsible if Thesalia comes to forcibly collect her sons."

Ailluin chuckled, "far be it for me to come between a mother and her offspring."

Solana motioned for the two other elves to set down the trays then swept out of the building with them trailing after her. Ailluin poured amber liquid from the pitcher into a delicate glass goblet and passed it to Violet.

"Here, drink. It may help settle your nerves some," he commanded.

Violet took a tentative sip. The drink was sweet, but not overpowering, with a crisp bite that hinted at the alcoholic content.

"Apple cider?" she asked, taking another drink, liking the flavor.

"Pear," Tamirell corrected, pouring a glass for himself and his brother. When he offered one to Ailluin, the elder abstained.

The warmth of the cider spread through her, calming her as Ailluin had promised. She had drained her goblet before she realized and wanted more. With a smile from Ailluin, Tamirell refilled her glass.

"Careful," he warned as he handed it to her, "it packs more of a punch than you'd expect."

"Thank you," she smiled, taking just a sip.

"So," Ailluin said, "what makes you think you are no longer a witch?"

"It's a long story," she told him.

He smiled again, "one that I would like to hear."

Once more, Violet told how she had come to be in Faerun and all that had happened with the artifact, stag, fae, pendant, and her magic. As she spoke, the light from the sun faded and the fairy lights lit up around the room, bathing them in a warm glow. By the time she was through, it was completely dark outside.

"That is an interesting tale," Ailluin said musingly. "I can see why you question what you are. It seems as though you have been given the gift of magic by a powerful being, probably fae. Your magic is wild and uncontrolled, though. Unless you learn how to control it, it will control you instead."

His explanation raised the hairs on her arms. She remembered reading in one of her ancestors' grimoire about an encounter with wild magic. It didn't end well for anyone involved. How she wished she still had the grimoires to consult.

Voicing a concern that had been nagging at her thoughts for the last few days, she asked, "how else will it affect me?"

Ailluin raised an eyebrow, "has anything occurred?"

Violet frowned at her hands knotted in her lap. "I don't feel as connected to the goddess and I don't know if it's because I'm here and she doesn't have dominion over anything here, or…," she trailed off, unwilling to give voice to her fear.

"Or your acceptance and use of the magic granted by the fae has alienated you from your goddess? Made her reject you?" Ailluin finished for her gently.

She nodded, not looking up.

"Is there anything in the nature of your goddess that suggests she would react thus?"

Violet shook her head.

"I am not a priest, but I do know that the gods are not limited by physical boundaries. She may well be worshipped here, if not by the name you know. The names and attributes given to the gods ofttimes are more mortal constructs than divine absolutes. Whatever distance you are feeling may be your own making. I suggest you reach out to bridge it yourself before you decide that she has abandoned you."

His logic made sense, easing some, if not all, of her fears.

"May I see these magical items?" Ailluin changed the subject.

Violet held them out to him, expecting him to take them, but he just leaned towards them to examine them.

"I believe you are correct," he pointed at the key. "This is a powerful artifact, though it's depleted now. It is recharging itself slowly and may be the key to you returning to your world once it is back at full power. Wearing it shouldn't harm you. Mind it carefully, though. As it charges, it may be detected by other forces that might want it for themselves."

Violet dutifully draped the ribbon over her head and tucked the artifact into her bodice. "What about this one?" she jiggled the pendant.

"It is not from this realm," he told her. "If I had a guess, I would say it was from the realm of the fae, which would explain why they are drawn to it." He leaned back in his chair with a sigh, "other than that, I can tell you nothing about it or if it is affecting your magic. Logic would suggest it does, but," he shrugged, "how it does so? I have no idea."

Despite being elated about the news that the key artifact was recharging and might be able to return her home eventually, her shoulders drooped at his pronouncement about the pendant.

"Well," she said, looping its chain over her head and tucking it in her bodice with the key, "some answers are better than none."

Ailluin smiled sadly, "indeed, but nonetheless frustrating, I would guess."

She blushed with guilt, "I'm sorry."

He patted her knee, "I understand, but I can offer this: if anyone would know about it, Elminster would."

The brothers started at the name.

"Who's that?" she asked.

"Only one of the most powerful wizards in Faerun," Tamival answered.

"A wizard?" she echoed. "Really?" She turned back to Ailluin, "and you think he will know what this is?"

He shook his head, "I said if anyone would, it would be him. There's a big difference."

"Well, that's better than nothing," she smiled. "Where will I find him?"

"He lives here in the Dalelands," Ailluin said.

It was about time for some luck Violet thought with relief. Then a frown from Tamirell squashed her hopes.

"He's not in the Dalelands," Tamival said sharply.

Violet's smile vanished, "oh."

"No," Ailluin said, giving Tamival a pointed look, "not at the moment. He was called away to Waterdeep. Wizard business," he shrugged. "But he will return." With a sigh he turned his attention back to Violet. "I do not think you will find the answers you seek at the Leaves of Learning, but you might gain some useful knowledge. I suggest you continue to Highmoon as planned and learn what you can there before you make any other plans." He leaned forward and grasped her hand, giving it a squeeze, "arm yourself with knowledge, Violet, for you will need it in the future."

He released her hand and rose, "now, as I promised my niece, I will not keep you any longer. You two go see your mother before she comes looking for you. Violet, I am sure Solana has arranged accommodations for you for the night. Let's see what they are."

She followed them from the building. Outside, an elf waited to show her to where she would be staying. Tamirell bid her a good evening and kissed the back of her hand, making her giggle. Tamival said a gruff 'good night' before they strode off to find their mother, leaving her to follow the strange elf.

Rychell, as he introduced himself, led her to a staircase spiraling around a massive cottonwood tree to a walkway high above the forest floor that led out to a small structure perched on a limb bigger around than her arm reach. He told her that her dinner was awaiting her inside and if she had need of anything, just ring the bell by the door and he or another would answer, then he left her.

Inside, was a single room with an alcove for private functions tucked behind a discreet screen. The furniture consisted of a narrow bed, a small table with a single chair, and a chest with three drawers, all with the same elegant lines as what she had seen in Ailluin's home.

A covered tray was set on the table and her stomach rumbled, reminding her that it had been hours since lunch, plus she was a bit tipsy from drinking the cider on an empty stomach. Removing the cover, she discovered a small loaf of bread, vegetables and fruit cut into bite sized pieces, three different cheeses, and a carafe filled with more of the cider. Slicing into the loaf with the knife provided, she found it still warm from the oven. Slathering butter on it, she bit into it with a satisfied sigh. Crisp crust and soft, melt in your mouth interior, it was the best bread she had ever eaten. She couldn't quite place the grain used to make it, but it had a slightly nutty taste that reminded her of toasted pine nuts. She quickly ate her fill and allowed herself just one glass of the cider.

As she was replacing the cover on the tray, there was a light tap at her door. Getting up to open it, she was surprised to find a strange elf female outside who eased past her into the room.

"I was told there was a human here, but I had to see it for myself," she told Violet in an offhanded manner, sitting in the only chair. She picked up the cover of the tray and peered at the leftovers under it before sniffing and pushing it out of her way. "I'm Allaysie."

"I'm Violet."

"Like the flower? How adorable." Allaysie gestured for Violet to have a seat on the bed.

Put off by the elf's condescending tone, Violet chose to remain standing.

Ignoring the slight, Allaysie smiled, just a slight upward tilt at the corners of her lips, but Violet thought something dark moved behind her bright green eyes. "I understand you have had a rough few weeks."

"How did you hear that?" Violet asked. She had just left Ailluin's a short time ago.

"My dear, news travels fast here," her guest laughed. "Nothing remains a secret for long."

Feeling more at ease, Violet nodded as if she understood. "What can I do for you?"

"It's what I can do for you," Allaysie told her. "You have a very powerful item on you. I take it, you went to my brother, Ailluin, to get answers about it?"

Violet felt there was no point in not answering said since she already seemed to be in the know. "Yes."

"And I'm willing to be he told you nothing useful, right?"

"Well, he did for one of them."

"And the other?"

"All he could say was that it wasn't from this realm," Violet answered truthfully.

"Of course, that's all he would say," Allaysie waved a delicate hand, dismissing it. "I can tell you more."

"You can?"

"Of course," she lowered her voice, "I have nothing against you humans. I think the way some of us treat you is unconscionable. Humankind have just as much right to exist as we do."

Oh, Violet thought, she hadn't gotten that kind of vibe from Ailluin at the time, but now that his sister had mentioned it, there were some things that he had said and did that were questionable. How had she missed them?

"And those twins, Tamirell and Tamival, are the worse of the lot," Allaysie continued.

Of course, Tamival was, Violet agreed silently. He was rude and had treated her with nothing but rancor the entire time she had traveled with them.

"I will let you in on a little secret," Allaysie said conspiratorially. "Most elves never do anything to help humans out that isn't in the elf's best interest."

"What would Ailluin gain from not telling me what he knows about the pendant?" Violet asked.

"Because it is bringing you grief and has been since you came into possession of it," the elf said with smug satisfaction.

Violet started, "how can you be sure?"

"Just look at the evidence, my dear. You have had nothing but one disaster after another since you got it, right?"

She nodded, clutching it through her clothes.

"You need to get rid of it right away before something truly awful befalls you."

"How? I tried twice and it keeps coming back to me. I can't get rid of it!" Violet's voice rose in panic.

"Shush," Allaysie said, "they'll hear and know you're on to their tricks."

"Tell me how to get rid of it, please," Violet lowered her voice.

Allaysie tapped a long finger against her lips, thinking. "Huh, there is something, but I'm afraid you will think I'm out to trick you also."

"Oh, no," Violet assured her, almost frantic. "Please tell me!"

"I know a place where it can be hidden and will stay there. If you give it to me freely, it will become my burden until I get it there and you will be free of its curse."

"You do?" Violet was overjoyed that there was a solution. "Of course, I'll give it to you…," she trailed off as a thought occurred to her. "But then you'll be cursed instead." She shook her head, "I just can't do that to someone. If you will tell me where this place it, I will take it there."

Allaysie shook her head, "I'm afraid I can't do that. It's a sacred place where only my people are allowed. I must take it. I assure you; I will be okay until I get it there."

Violet shook her head, "no, it's too dangerous. There has to be another way."

"There is no other way!" Allaysie shot up from the chair and gripped Violet by the shoulders, her bright green eyes turning dark and muddy. "Give it to me. Free yourself!"

Violet shoved her away suddenly afraid of the elf, "no! I think you need to leave now."

"You obstinate little fool," the elf snapped, her beautiful, ethereal features growing coarse and haggard as she lunged at Violet, trying to grab the chain of the pendant.

They struggled in the small space, knocking the table and with the tray over, scattering the remains of Violet's dinner on the floor. Allaysie snarled at her with a double row of pointed, razor-sharp teeth and bit down on the hand Violet was using to clutch the pendant. She cried out in pain.

"Violet!"

A pounding at the door drew her attention. Grabbing Allaysie by her lank, greasy hair, Violet yanked her away, whimpering as the sharp teeth ripped furrows across the back of her hand. Shoving the elf away from her, she dashed to the door and flung it open, letting Tamirell in the room.

"Violet," he grabbed her by the shoulders in alarm, "are you alright?"

"She tried…," Violet turned to point to Allaysie, but there was nobody there. Only the tipped over table and food stomped into the floor.

Tamirell looked past her, confused, "who? There's no one there."

"There was an elf, a woman," Violet started shaking. "She wanted the pendant."

Tamirell guided her to the bed and made her sit. "Tell me everything."

Before she could start, Tamival came running through the door.

"I heard Violet scream," he panted, looking around the room at the mess. "Is she alright?"

Tamirell waved at him to be quiet while Violet told them what happened. Haltingly, she told him about her visitor, how she had told her Ailluin had lied to her, and how she could free Violet of the curse of the pendant, then how she had changed when Violet had refused to hand it over.

"She said she was Ailluin's sister, Allaysie."

Tamirell shook his head, "Ailluin doesn't have a sister, only a brother, who died years ago."

Violet nodded, "she changed when she attacked me, into something dark and nasty." She held up her bloody hand, "she had a lot of sharp teeth."

Taking her hand in his, he examined the bite mark, "whatever this was, it was no elf."

"She's not safe here," Tamival said from the door.

"No, she's not," his brother agreed.

"She'll be safe in our home. Mother can heal her hand."

Tamirell nodded, standing, and pulling Violet up with him, "he's right. Come on, let's get you out of here."

If Thesalia was surprised when her sons arrived with a wounded human woman in tow, she had the grace not to show it. Ushering Violet to a chair, she sent Tamival after her bag and Tamirell after clean water and bandages, then bent to examine Violet's hand.

"This looks bad, but there's no permanent damage to your hand. It should heal nicely once it's cleaned and bandaged."

"Thank you," Violet told her. "I'm sorry for invading your home so late."

"Think nothing of it. My boys have been talking about you so much that I was interested in meeting you." She smiled gently, "not that this is quite how I envisioned it happening."

Violet wondered what the two brothers had said about her, though she was sure Tamival had nothing good to say. But the fact that they had, especially Tamirell, made her feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Both came back at nearly the same time with the supplies. Thesalia carefully cleaned the jagged wound, rubbed a soothing salve on it, and then bandaged it snuggly, while they took turns questioning Violet about the creature that had attacked her.

"I'm quite sure it was a dark fae," she told them. She had never seen one back on Earth and was alarmed that one had sought her out here. They were nasty, unpredictable, and some welded strong magic, never a good combination. "Which explains why it wanted the pendant. Which still doesn't tell us much about it."

"But makes it more dangerous for you to continue to keep it," Tamival pointed out.

"I agree, but I can't seem to be able to rid myself of it. The two times I did at the farm, it just ended back up in my pocket. I was ready to give it to the dark fae, but something in me resisted her powers of suggestion. I'm not naive enough to believe it was all me."

"I think you should skip going to Highmoon and make for Waterdeep and Elminster immediately," Tamirell told her.

"And we will go with you," Tamival announced unexpected.

"No, you won't," Ailluin said from the doorway. "As much as I regret what happened to Violet here in our village, I have great need of the two of you for something more pressing. I still advise she go to Highmoon and make use of the library there."

"We can't leave her unprotected," Tamirell protested.

"You won't be," Ailluin said coming into the room to stand by Thesalia. "You have enough time to escort her to the temple there before I'm ready for you." He pulled a thin tube out of his belt and held it out to Violet, "give this to the high priest there and he will give you room and board until you leave. The temple is warded, so she should be safe within its walls for the time being."

Violet took the tube, seeing it held a scroll tightly rolled up and sealed within it. "Are you sure I won't be putting anyone in danger by being there?"

"Everyone is in danger there anyway if we do not get to the root of the waves of monsters spreading across the Dale Lands."

The brothers exchanged looks, then nodded their agreement. Violet's heart sank. She didn't look forward to being in a strange place alone. Again. But more concerning to her was the danger their mission from Ailluin might put them in. She had grown fond of them, even the irksome Tamival. Thesalia looked concerned also, but they were her children; she had the right to be.

All Violet could do was hope they came back safely from wherever Ailluin was sending them.