p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Author's Note:/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Hello! Not much to say, just moving along with the plot. We'll have another OC chapter coming soon, focusing on Ella and Uthar, so stay tuned (some OC in this chapter as well). Thanks for reading!/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"-Tangent/p
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p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The woman in the pale blue dress observed the way that the light bounced off her new statues as she contemplated what to do next. Behind her, Wart stood at attention, so still that she may as well as have frozen him too. Perhaps she would, soon…/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""The girl departed the mainland." She said suddenly, and her captain seemed to stiffen even more./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""How do you know, milady?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I can no longer sense her power, even though it has grown exponentially within the past few months. It seems she has left to seek the other nymphs on the islands. I felt Serendipity break her bonds a week or two ago, so she as likely moved on to Aisling."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""And… Do you wish me to do something?" Her imp asked hesitantly, as though scared. The Snow Queen laughed humorlessly./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""You? Of course not. But surely you can see the advantage in those troublesome elves being far away."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I suppose." Wart mused, trying to sound indifferent. Of course, she could always see right through him, so it didn't matter much what he tried./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""The rulers, you fool. They are left mostly unguarded." She saw comprehension dawn in the man's eyes, and she smiled mercilessly. "It would be easy to destroy them before our young princess returns."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""But…" Wart hesitated again, and she turned to face him fully. He barely managed to contain his flinch, and diverted his gaze to one of the frozen rulers. "Aren't we trapped behind your barrier as well? If we had more men out there, we could-"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""You think I don't have a way to send more men through the wall?" She demanded, another cold smile gracing her face. "I'm afraid you are sadly mistaken." As she turned back to her throne room, now barren and cold and devoid of any life but their own, she issued another command: "Send for the commander of our elite troops. I would like to have a word with him." Wart left the room a second later, and she was left alone to think./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Even if that elf brat managed to free all the nymphs, she would come back to find her precious rebellion in shambles, and any trace of a secret weapon lost. And even if she did manage to receive every blessing, her power would never be equal to her own./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Yes, everything will proceed as planned, and then the world will be mine to rule./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The queen's mouth curved slowly upward into a smile as she awaited the return of her loyal servant./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The wood planks of the ship creaked as it gently bumped against the dock, due to the two men securing it firmly to the foundation of the structure. When they had finished, they gave the all-clear, and a young elf leapt down onto the dock, followed by several others./p
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p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""That was a fast trip." Rye remarked as he stretched, glancing up the dock towards Verashema. As he did, another familiar person came into a view, a welcoming smile on his face./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Friends, and cousins! This is a surprise!" Elkian cried, reaching out to shake Ean's hand. "What brings you back so soon?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""We won't be long." Ean said, holding up the cloak they had found in the misty forest. "Is Gulliver back in town yet?" Elkian's face fell slightly, but he nodded./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Yes, he is. Arrived a day after you left, come to think of it. I'm sure he'll be delighted to have it back, so you'd best hurry up there."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""We'll get to it." Rye assured him. "How are things here?" He added as Ava leapt down, having finished giving her crew instructions./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""They are well." Elkian told him. "We have begun to clear the forest paths once again, and messengers have been sent to every kingdom. Already, Uthar of Thais has expressed his desire for a trade deal to be reinstated." He looked ecstatic at the news, and Ean clapped him on the back./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""See? Told you he'd be interested. I'm sure Candar and Seri will be right behind him." He hoisted his pack onto his shoulders, and they continued chatting as they walked up the dock, followed by the rest of the party./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Verashema was lively in the afternoon light, with elves milling about and chatting with each other in the shade of the tall trees. As they entered, moving across the open expanse, several turned to look, point, and whisper words as they passed. Ean got the feeling that the residents were in awe of them, something that still made him uncomfortable no matter where he went./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Elkian led them to the house they had seen before, with its pointed roof and slanted windows that were the typical fashion on the island. A sign in the window next to the door had been flipped, revealing the words: "Back In Town"./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""He's a busy man, but I'm sure he'll speak to you." Elkian told them, bowing slightly. "Just come find me later, okay?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""We will. Thanks, Elkian." Iya said kindly, and the broad-shouldered elf nodded before striding away. Ean glanced at the others./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Shall we?" They nodded, and Ean knocked three times upon the door. For a moment, there was nothing but silence. Then, the sounds of footsteps could be heard, and a bolt creaked as the door was unlocked. It swung open, and the oldest elf Ean had ever seen looked out at them crankily. He wore green robes, and his long ears pointed out from the top of his wispy, bald head./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Oh, great. Foreigners." He said irritably. "What do you need now?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""We'd like to speak to you about an enchantment." Ean said pleasantly. "May we come in?" Gulliver stared at them for a moment, then nodded./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Don't touch anything, you hear?" He said, before moving aside to let them in. The party entered cautiously, eyes peeled for anything out of the ordinary./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The inside of the house was packed with a variety of instruments and odd items everywhere they looked, stacked on cabinets and dressers everywhere. A kitchen table was cleared, but Ean supposed that was only because the elf needed to eat like everyone else. Gulliver moved through the rooms with practiced ease, dancing past shelves cluttered with jars of various items, some of which looked like eyes or hearts./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""They're all monster organs." Gavin murmured, gesturing to the shelves. "Not human, if you were wondering."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""How do you know?" Emma hissed back, but the warlock merely smiled crookedly./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Hurry up back there!" Gulliver called from around a corner. "Come into the study!" They followed his voice and emerged into a much less cluttered room, with several antique chairs lining the walls, facing a large window that had several tables full of equipment in front of it. The elf had moved over to it, and was now tinkering with a mixture he had in front of him, all while rifling through a large, leather-bound book. Iya hesitated before taking a step forward./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Gulliver? Can we… ask you our questions?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""No, that's not it…" The ancient elf muttered, reaching over to grab another tool from a small shelf. "Yes, yes, elf girl. What does the prophesied one want with me?" Everybody froze at his words, and Ean raised his eyebrows./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""How do you know who we are?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Maybe here… Oh, I don't care who you are, kid. I just recognize Goddess-blessed people when I see them. You're on some quest, I know that." Gulliver said drily. "By all means, have a seat if you're going to bother me." They sat hesitantly while the elf continued tinkering with his experiment. Iya opened her mouth to ask another question, but stopped when she felt another presence enter her mind. It did not feel threatening at all, much more… desperate, in a way. It reminded her of the nymphs, and how they had wanted to be rescued./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Did I hear correctly? Have you been sent by the goddess?" Iya glanced around, but saw nothing. Throwing caution to the winds, she decided to respond./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I am. My name is Iya Tiki. Who are you, if I may ask?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I am a spirit, in service to our goddess. I need your help, young one. Please…"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Where are you?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Upstairs, but do not let him see you. He will not let you help me. Please, do not trust him!"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I'll try." Iya rose from her chair./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Gulliver, where is the bathroom?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Main hall, elf girl, and to the left." Gulliver muttered. Iya flashed Ean a look, hoping he understood her message to stall for time. She left the study and moved back to the front door, where she found a lone staircase that led up to the second floor, concealed around a corner./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""This must be it." She muttered, and began to climb./p
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p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Back in the parlor, Ean was patiently waiting for Gulliver to finally pay attention to them, with admittedly poor results. The elf simply did not seem to care about anything but his research and projects./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Sir?" He said finally. "Were you in the misty forest near Happily Ever After recently?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Hmm, perhaps a mixture of these two…" The elf muttered before answering. "Yes, yes, what of it?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""We found your cloak." Gavin said firmly, grabbing it from where they had laid it on a table. "Do you want it, or not?" To their surprise, the elf actually stopped what he was doing, spinning on his chair to look at them properly./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Really?" He asked, hopping down with surprising speed and seizing it from the warlock's hand. He examined the stitching on the inside of the collar before placing it on the table beside him. "Well, you seem less useless than the others that live here, at any rate. What is it you need?" Ean nodded to Gavin, who leaned forward./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""We heard you study magical creatures and the sort. Is it true?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Study them? Only you warlocks would call it that." Gulliver scoffed. "I've dedicated my life to researching magic and discovering all the ways it affects and changes our world. It is not a mere study!"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""What he means," Ava interjected. "Is that you are the most knowledgeable about magic than anybody else we know. We need that knowledge." The old elf looked slightly pacified, and Gavin continued./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""There is a mansion near Happily Ever After that has strange mirrors, and we cannot get in. Do you know of mirrors that can be enchanted to serve another purpose?" Gulliver folded his fingers together as he considered his project on the table./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I normally do not give away the information I obtain, but I will give you this piece for bringing my cloak back to me. You should look within the mirrors to find the key. One must hold the way to break the enchantment."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""That's awfully vague." Rye said. "Can you tell us more?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""No." Gulliver said sternly. "I am not a clue dispensary. A worthy adventurer would find the answer themselves anyways." Nicholas opened his mouth, no doubt to say something rude, but Ava glared at him before turning back to face their host./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Can you at least tell us how you do your research?" She too had seen Iya's subtle glance, and figured more time wouldn't hurt their chances of finding whatever the elf was looking for./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I travel." The elf said simply. "I capture magical creatures and study them to find their secrets. Everywhere there could be a creature, I have roamed."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""You could help with the war." Jack blurted out, causing the elf to look at him. "Your knowledge could make a large difference."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Why should I?" The elf said scornfully. "The business of nymphs and the Goddess is of no concern to me."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""It should be." Nicholas said reproachfully. "You'll die too, if the Snow Queen is victorious."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Pah. Keep your war, travelers. I think it time you be on your way. If you hear of any creatures to discover, please alert me immediately."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Thanks." Rye said with a trace of sarcasm as he stood from his chair. They filed out of the room, and Gulliver began muttering to himself once again. As they approached the doors, steps sounded, and Iya appeared from around a corner, face pale. Her teeth were set, and she looked… furious./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Are you-" Ean started, but she gestured to the door./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Outside."/p
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p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"When they reached a spot free of prying ears, down near the ship, Iya let loose her anger in full force./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""He's got a spirit locked up in there! He's experimenting on it to try and open the portal to Aveyond, just so he can find more creatures to capture and torture!" Her eyes were alight with fury, and nearly everyone besides Ean backed away a step or two. "I'm going to blow that whole house down."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I know how you feel, Iya." Ean said calmly, trying to suppress his own anger. "But you can't do that while we're guests here. The other elves would be furious, to say the least."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I don't care." His mate snarled, and spun around to glare at the building in question. "The servants of the Goddess are sacred creatures, and he has no right to attack and bind them." His fingers twitched, and her song orb manifested in her left hand./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I know that." Ean said emphatically. "But Gulliver is a hero here. To attack him could doom the whole war effort if the elves remove their support. We have to free the spirit without conflict, but we will do it. I promise." He squeezed her hand gently, and Iya let the song orb fade./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I know… I'm just so angry."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""We all are." Emma put in, eyebrows furrowed ominously. "And I'm sure he'll get what's coming to him eventually, but we should focus on the mission at hand. Let's free the spirit, and go back to look for Aisling. Gulliver did give us some clues, so we're not walking away empty-handed."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Iya, did it mention how to set it free?" Gavin said, and the elf nodded./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Phoebe said the ingredients for a brew that would restore her powers can be found near or in Happily Ever After. She lives in the Mists, but she knows the whole island. We'll need nectar, a lump of enchanted silver, and a moon rose."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Then we'll go back tomorrow." Ean decided. "It's getting late, and I'd still like to discuss some things with Elkian." Iya sighed once more as she pulled her hand from his./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Very well. Let's hope for the best."/p
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p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The commander of the elite guard of Shaenlir bowed, emotionless as the Queen addressed him directly. He was a tall, broad-shouldered man with born hair that fell to his shoulders. His armor was polished, and his eyes gleamed with an icy light./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Your troops are ready?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Of course, your majesty. All of us." Her lips curved into a cruel smile as her eyes roamed the icy statues that decorated the throne room./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Then listen well. In two days, you will report to Wart at dawn. Prepare for a long, if not permanent mission on the mainland."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Yes, my queen. And our mission?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Find out what Uthar Pendragon has gathered about an ancient weapon. Destroy his files, and assassinate any high-ranking officials you can manage. Once this has been done, my army can go on the offensive and take Thais before the elven brats return to the mainland." The commander smiled, a feral gesture that matched the Snow Queen./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""It would be my pleasure, your majesty. But how will I send you a message when it is done?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Wart will inform you of the details. Tell nobody except those you pick to accompany you. I trust you'll take those who are most effective." The man nodded, already making a list in his mind. It would be a dangerous mission, but it would be worth it just to strike a blow at the rebels who plotted to overthrow their queen. He bowed low to the woman on the throne./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Thank you, my queen."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Don't fail me, Commander. If you do, I will exact a worse punishment than even death could upon you." He bowed again before striding from the room, accompanied by Wart./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Meet me outside the throne room at dawn. We need to discuss your infiltration and extraction, and I expect a full list of your unit." Was all the commander said before he vanished down a corridor./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The man kept walking, still thinking of nothing except getting his revenge at last./p
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p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The sun rose towards it peak as the ship bumped against the jetty of Storybook Island. The crew dismounted once again, although Ava gave orders to be ready to cast off in a few hours./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""After all, we have to head back to Verashema after we get the ingredients." Ava said as she joined the others on the dock. "So, we need a lump of silver, nectar, and a moon rose. Where are we supposed to get things like that?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Actually…" Jack said as he fumbled with his pack. "I think I have one of those already. He pulled out a piece of gleaming metal, which seemed to glow in the sunlight. "Silver, right?" Gavin took it and examined it./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""It is, and it does seem to be enchanted. Where'd you get it?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Well, remember the spoons on the plains? I was looking through my stuff this morning, and I found that in one of the bags that they dropped. I guess it's a piece of them?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Iya, you think it would work?" Rye asked, and the elf shrugged./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""It's enchanted, and it's silver. What more could we want?" She gave Jack a smile. "I'll never doubt your looting habits again."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Me neither." Ean chimed in, and the boy grinned./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""No problem. What about the others, though?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I've been thinking." Iya said. "And I think the moon rose grows in the Mists. Something like that would have a dark, wet atmosphere. Nectar, we can probably buy in Happily Ever After."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Make sense." Nicholas put in. "Plants are often named after their environment, and that could be a clue. Besides, it's closer to her home, since that's where the spirit lives." The others nodded, not seeing a better option./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""So, we split up." Ava said. "Iya, you'll come with Gavin and I to the Mists to find the rose. The rest of you go back to town and look for nectar. Sound good?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""In the interest of time, I think that's the best way." Ean confessed after a moment. "How long will it take you?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""An hour or two, most likely."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""It should be about the same time for us." The elf said./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Another thing." Gavin spoke up from his place opposite Iya and Ean. "How are we going to mix this potion? I certainly don't know how."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Me neither." Nicholas confessed, frowning. "Can the spirit do it?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""She never said, but I doubt it." Iya said. "There must be an alchemist in Happily Ever After, though. They'd probably know."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Fair point. So, we meet back in town, then?" Ava asked, and Ean nodded./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""That will be fastest. Be safe, all of you." Iya nodded and smiled at him as she boarded the ship once again, followed by Ava and Gavin. The crew cast off, and the ship son vanished from sight as it rounded the tip of the cove containing the dock./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Everyone else ready?" Ean said, turning to check that the others had their gear packed away. They nodded silently, and the elf led them off the dock and back into the Dogwort Plains./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The trip was uneventful, almost boring. Ean supposed it was due to them killing all the monsters the first few times they had ventured out into the plains. Still, he guessed that more monsters would appear as long as the Snow Queen held power./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"It took an hour or two before they rounded a bend in the hills and arrived at Happily Ever After once again. The sun was beginning to reach its peak, and the light bounced off the many unlit lanterns still hanging across the roads./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Where should we check for the nectar?" Jack asked as they entered the marketplace, which was busy as usual. "That doesn't seem like something a normal merchant would carry."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Well, I'm looking for an alchemy store." Rye put in. "But I have no idea where one would be." Indeed, it was hard to make out any individual stall or store through the mass of people moving through the market. "I suppose we could ask Chancellor Arwen."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Not a bad idea." Ean admitted. "Let's head that way, then." The party exited the market and moved to the north, where the palace and residential districts were. After a couple of minutes, they found themselves outside the front doors of the castle, where Ean asked the guards if the Chancellor was available. One stepped inside for a moment, before returning and admitting them to the palace./p
p style="text-indent: .5in; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Arwen was in the same place they had found him last time, wearing his usual robes. Ean had an odd suspicion that the elf spent most of his time here, dealing with the affairs of the city. He glanced up as they came, and a smile split the elderly face./p
p style="text-indent: .5in; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Welcome back, young ones. Have you yet located Aisling?"/p
p style="text-indent: .5in; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Unfortunately, no." Ean said after a moment, figuring it was the better answer to give. "But we have clues, and are following up on them right now. As a matter of fact, that's why we're here." He gave a quick explanation about the spirit who needed help, as well as the ingredients they needed./p
p style="text-indent: .5in; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Hmm… Well, your friends went to the right place. The moon rose grows in the misty areas on the north coast, but nectar is not a common ingredient. In fact, I don't think it can be harvested on this island." Rye frowned, as did Emma./p
p style="text-indent: .5in; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Do you know of any alchemists who might have some stored away?"/p
p style="text-indent: .5in; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I can't be sure…" Arwen said sympathetically. "But there is an alchemist who helps me regularly. Her name is Tilma." He gave them directions to her shop, tucked away near the palace./p
p style="text-indent: .5in; margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Thank you, Arwen." Ean said sincerely. "We'll be back soon."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Travel safely." The elf bade them as they turned and exited the palace./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Once outside, Ean consulted the written directions the elf had given them, and gestured to the west./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""It's close. Just over here." The others followed him through the streets, and he eventually led them to a small house, closeted in the corner of a small street. A sign hung on the door, and it read: Tilma – Alchemy./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""It's a small place." Emma observed as Ean knocked on the door. "Doesn't alchemy require a lot of equipment?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Sometimes." Nicholas muttered. "But masters need very little at all to work their craft." As he spoke, the door opened to reveal an elderly woman, dressed in blue robes that fell to her ankles. Her hair was white, with streaks of gray, and her eyes twinkled as she beheld the group./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Hello, dears. What do you need?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I'd like to ask you about a potion." Ean said. "Can we come in?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Of course." She said, stepping back to allow them inside./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The house was small, with most of the space taken up by shelves and a large table, all of which had dozens of jars, pots, and baskets filled with brightly colored ingredients. Upon the table sat a single black cauldron, no doubt used to mix potions. Tilma shut the door behind them before moving to stand next to the cauldron and peering into it. Satisfied with whatever was inside, she turned to face the group once again./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Now, what kind of potion are you looking for?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""See, that's the thing." Ean said. "We don't really know. Perhaps an explanation would be best…"/p
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p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Iya breathed in sharply, smelling the mixture of earth and trees in the misty air. Behind her, Ava and Gavin glanced around the forest as they walked./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""How will we know when we find it?" Ava asked./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I think it'll be obvious." Iya spoke. "It's-" She stopped as her magic flared in response to something in front of them, and she held up a hand. "Stop. Something ahead." The mists moved, and three of the flying toads they had encountered before emerged. Ava cursed, and drew her sword, but Iya stepped forward./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I can handle this." Her hands began to glow with a soft pink light, and her Butterfly Orb appeared over her palm. The creatures croaked as they came closer, but Iya merely closed her eyes and reached out with her power. Almost immediately, she felt the presence of the monsters much more clearly than before, and she realized with a start than she was feeling their very spirit./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"She said the magic could calm and soothe. Gently, Iya let a trickle of magic flow from her to the creatures, and the hostility began to drain away. When she opened her eyes, the toads were retreating into the mists, leaving Gavin and Ava staring at her./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""What was that?" The warlock said, wide-eyed./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I calmed them down. They won't be bothering us again." Iya replied, and Ava gave her a look, as though she were reconsidering her view of the elven girl./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Is that your new song orb? That's what it's called, right?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Yes, that's right. It's really different than all the others, though. I could feel the magical and spiritual presence of the frogs, even though they aren't human." Iya contemplated the fact as they continued walking./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Well, all living beings are connected through the Goddess, supposedly." Gavin pointed out. "As far as I know of your spiritual ideas, anyways."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""You don't think so?" Iya said curiously, and Gavin frowned./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Before I met you? No. Now, I've met some nymphs and other creatures I never thought possible." They were approaching the clearing that they had seen before, with a supposed entrance to Aveyond./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Hey, is that it?" Ava gestured to a glowing blue flower near the pool, and Iya moved over. It was a rose, but none like she had ever seen before. The petals exuded a calming blue light, and the bulb seem to sparkle in the dim light. It reminded her of sunset, and of starry skies./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""This must be." She agreed. With a gentle pull, she freed the rose from the ground, holding it lightly in her hand. "This is all we need. Time to go back to Happily Ever After." Ava and Gavin nodded. Suddenly, a circle of warm light flew through the air, spinning around the trio in a lazy arc./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Fireflies." Iya breathed. "They're still here."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Hey, didn't that spider in the woods want some fireflies?" Ava said suddenly. "Gavin, do you have an empty bottle?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Give me a minute." The warlock said as he rifled through his pack, before extracting a jar of liquid. He poured it on the ground, and passed the container to Ava. She stepped forward and swept the jar through the air, but the fireflies seemed to pass right through the glass without any visible effect./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Did you see that?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Are they magical?" Iya asked, eyes scanning the moving bunch of lights. "Perhaps they can't be caught like that." Ava tried several more times, but the jar seemed unable to hold any of the darting bugs. Finally, she was forced to give up and pass the jar back to Gavin./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Perhaps somebody in Happily Ever After can give us a clue. Chancellor Arwen, maybe." The elf said, and Ava shrugged./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Worth a try, I suppose. Now come on, let's get out of here before we get attacked again. I'm sure they've found an alchemist already."/p
hr /
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""A brew to free a captured spirit?" Tilma said, frowning as she considered what Ean had told her. "I can't say that I've prepared one before…"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""So you can't do it?" Jack asked hesitantly, but Tilma smiled slightly./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I didn't say that, young man." The door creaked, and Ean turned to see Iya, Ava, and Gavin come in. He raised his eyebrows, and Iya held up the moon rose gently. Rye filed in behind them, having gone to wait for them and lead them to the small shop./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""We found one."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""You must be the other elf." Tilma said, bowing slightly to her guests. "Your friend was just explaining the circumstances of this unusual brew."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Can it be done?" Iya asked hesitantly. "I understand if you don't know how."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I think I have a way." The alchemist said slowly, and flicked her wrist. Immediately, flames burst to life beneath the cauldron, twisting and writhing around the black base. Emma inhaled sharply, and Ean raised his eyebrows./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""You're a mage?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""A humble one, but yes. Nothing like you, young lady." The last line was addressed to Iya, who took a step backwards./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""How do you-"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I'm old enough and experienced enough to recognize one who has been touched by the Goddess. I promise, I will help you." Tilma vowed./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I… Thank you." Iya said quietly. "I'm sure she will not forget your devotion."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Now, let me see those ingredients." Ean passed them to her, and she examined them closely./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I believe I know a way that these could work." Taking the moon rose, Tilma gently peeled the petals from the bud, sprinkling them into the now bubbling cauldron of water. Crossing the room as the water turned a deep shade of clue, she took a jar of amber liquid and poured it into the cauldron./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""The nectar." She said by way of explanation as the potion slowly turned a shade of pink. "I won't be charging you for that." Ean opened his mouth to protest, but she held up a hand firmly. "And no, I'm not taking payment. If you really are assisting the Goddess, then all of you are important indeed. It's the right thing to do." She palmed the lump of enchanted silver, before passing it to Rye./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Your knife should cut that. Can you divide it into small pieces?" The ranger did as he was asked, and Tilma let out a sigh./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Now, I know you're in a hurry, but the potion needs to settle until the morning, at the very least. Could you come back at sunrise tomorrow? Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on it." She said as Ean opened his mouth, then closed it./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""That's more than reasonable." Iya said, smiling at her thankfully. "Thank you, Tilma."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""It's no bother." The old elf said, giving her a smile in return. "Now, I expect you have other things to do." The party filed out the door, thanking her as they went./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"When they were all outside, Ean gestured to the main street./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Might as well head back to the inn, unless anybody has a better idea?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Not really." Gavin said, glancing up at the sky. "We've got about four hours of daylight left, anyways."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Let's go, then." Ean led the way back through the streets, and in a few minutes, they arrived at the same inn they had stayed at before. The innkeeper recognized them, as Ean had asked him to hold their rooms for a few days while they were gone. He was all to happy to welcome them back, and informed them that their rooms were clean and ready for use./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Finally, some time to relax!" Jack exclaimed as he flopped down onto a chair. "Adventuring is hard stuff, you know?" Ava rolled her eyes, but took a seat, followed by the others./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Iya was coming out of her room when she bumped into Ean. His hair was damp, and she suspected he had been trying to tamp it back into place after the day of travel./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Oh, sorry." He said, touching her arm lightly. "How'd it go out there?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Fine, I suppose. This new song orb is more draining than the others." She replied, and the elf shrugged./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I suppose it would be. After all, you've got four different songs now." His eyes were soft, and she had to resist the temptation to look deeper into them. With a start, she realized she had moved closer, and backed off by a step or two. His eyes sparkled with amusement, and she couldn't stop herself from smiling again./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Shall we go downstairs?" He asked, and she nodded. Emma emerged into the hallway from her room, and cleared her throat as she saw the two of them standing in the stairwell./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Iya, can I talk to you for a minute?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Oh, sure." Iya said. "I'll be down in a minute, Ean." The elf nodded and vanished down the stairs, and Emma raised her eyebrows./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""You two just can't contain yourselves, can you?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""We didn't even do anything." Iya hissed, blushing. "What do you want to talk about?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Tonight, obviously." The swordswoman said. "We've got time, so are you two going to do something or not?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I thought about it, but… it just feels like we should focus on the potion." The elven woman said, but Emma rolled her eyes./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Come on, Iya, Tilma said it wasn't going to be ready until tomorrow morning. What's your real reason?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I…" Iya hesitated again. "It's just… what if he says no?" The words fell out, but they felt silly even as she said them./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Iya." Emma took her by the shoulders, looking directly into her eyes. "Do you really think he'd do that? I understand neither of you have had a relationship like this before, but how will you know if it works if you don't try?" The elf was silent, and Emma released her gently. "Let me ask you this: Do you want to spend time with him?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Yes." Iya said immediately, and meant it./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Then go ask him." The young woman said. "I know he'll say yes."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I… okay." Iya exhaled nervously. "Can you ask him to come back up here, actually? I'd rather not get teased any more than necessary." Emma smiled enthusiastically at her./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Of course. You've got this, alright?" She too vanished down the stairs, and Ean reappeared a minute or so later./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Is everything okay?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Deep breaths, Iya. This isn't so hard…/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Well…" She paused, gathering her courage. "If you aren't doing anything tonight, would you want to… get dinner, or something like that?" The words came out in a rush, and Ean blinked./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Uh oh… I think I messed it up./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Like… a date?" He said finally, and she blushed hard enough that she turned away from him to face the wall./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Yes?" She said timidly, and Ean seemed to hear the question in her response. Suddenly, she felt a hand touch hers, and her companion pulled her around to face him./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I'd love that, Iya." He said sincerely, and she felt a wave of joy and relief sweep over her. "I've been thinking about it myself, but it never felt like the right time. Everything seemed so…"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Busy?" Iya offered, and the elf nodded./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Exactly. But now we've got time, so we can go! Anywhere in particular?" Iya smiled at him, surprised at how easy it was now. He smiled back, and it was the kind of gesture that made her heart skip a few beats./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Well, there is a nice place that Emma and Ava found…"/p
hr /
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"About an hour later, Ean found himself walking down the streets of Happily Ever After, accompanied by Iya. They didn't have fancy clothes to wear, but they had both changed into a clean set after a quick bath./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Gavin had shot him a furtive wink as he walked out the door, and he'd heard a wolf whistle from either Jack or Rye./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I suppose I have Emma to thank for convincing you." He said after a moment. The elf next to him smiled slightly as her hand brushed his. As they walked, she had explained how Ava and Emma had found the café, as well as what they had said to Iya. "Do you think they're right?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""About spending time together being a necessity for a healthy relationship?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Do we have a relationship?" Ean said, faking cluelessness. Iya turned towards him, eyes widening, but she relaxed after a moment./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Stop teasing me, Ean."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Sorry." They turned a corner, and Iya pointed up the street./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""There it is!" The bakery was a charming little building, located on the corner of a nearby street. It was pastel-colored, with large windows on the front. The air smelled delicious, and Ean's stomach growls./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Okay, now that smells good."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Doesn't it?" Iya remarked as they approached the open door. Behind them, the sun was beginning to set, casting a warm light over the glass. They stepped inside, and Ean was surprised to feel that the inside was much warmer than the air outside. The walls were the same color as the outside of the building, and there were lit candles on each table. There was a counter at one end of the store, and he could see through to the bustling kitchen behind. There were several people sitting at various tables throughout the bakery, but none seemed to glance up as they entered./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Welcome!" A middle-aged elf had appeared from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel. "What can I help you with?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I'm not too sure." Ean said politely. "We've never been here before. Do you have any suggestions?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Out on a date, hm?" The elf said, winking at Iya./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""How did you-"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Oh, I've seen enough couples in my life to know, dear." She said frankly. "Now, we have a wide variety of pastries." The elf passed him a menu as he spoke, and he felt Iya's eyes moving over it from his right. She proceeded to explain what each item was, as well as what ingredients were in it./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"He ended up ordering a pastry with strawberry filling, and Iya ordered a cake made of interlocked layers of chocolate. He paid the appropriate amount, and the worker smiled./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Thank you, dears. Have a seat, and we'll bring it out in just a moment." They sat at a table in the corner across from each other, and Ean glanced down at his hands./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I think they're right." He said, and Iya looked at him questioningly. "We should spend more time together."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""You mean away from our search for the nymphs." It wasn't a question, but he nodded anyways./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""It feels right to me. Besides, I rather like spending time with you." Iya flushed slightly before speaking./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Do you… Do you wonder what would have happened if I had never been taken? Would we still be… what we are now?" Ean raised his eyebrows./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""To be honest? I don't know." He didn't think his answer was bad, but Iya's smile seemed to falter slightly, and she glanced down at the table. Suddenly, he felt a familiar presence push against his mind./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Vincent? What is it?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Well, I…" The spirit paused for a moment, then said: "Are you out on a date?" Ean groaned internally./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Why does everybody assume that I have less romantic skill than a frog?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I just didn't… Well, good for you, then." Vincent fell silent for a moment, and Amari cut in./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""He means to say that we've been able to fit a few more memories together, but we can show them to you later."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I'd appreciate that." Ean said sincerely, and the chicken spirit laughed./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Just enjoy yourself, kid." Before he could ask what that meant, they were gone./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Ean?" He opened his eyes to see Iya staring at him with concern./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Just the spirits. They've got more to show me later." A few minutes passed, and their food arrived. Ean had to admit, it was probably the most delicious pastry he had ever seen or eaten, even better than his mother's recipes. Iya was much of the same mind, although he had to admit that her cake was the better tasting of the two desserts./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"They stayed at the café for about an hour before the same woman who had taken their order came over./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Sorry dears, but we'll be closing soon. The sun's gone down."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""That's okay." Ean told her, smiling gratefully. "We were just about to leave." The owner took their plates and vanished with a final word of thanks, leaving the two to exit through the front door./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The night air was cool as they walked back down the streets, which were now illuminated with the glow of hundreds of lanterns. People passed by, but Ean guessed that not many lived on this side of town. Iya was quiet for a little while, and he could tell that there was something on her mind./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I'm glad we went." He said finally, speaking just loud enough for her to hear. "Did you enjoy it?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""It was very delicious." His companion responded, eyes still focused on the ground in front of her. Her blue hair stirred slightly as they walked, and Ean found the motion to be almost mesmerizing. He glanced around the town./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""We still have some time." He said. "Would you like to walk around the city some more?" Iya hesitated, as if she was going to decline, but nodded slightly./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"They walked in silence for a little while, enjoying the dozens of things to see, hear, and smell. Most of it was foreign to Ean, even after visiting so many different places. Still, he kept turning his gaze back to the elven woman next to him, her eyes and hair glittering in the light from the lanterns above./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"emI wish… I wish this was how it could be./em/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Eventually, they ended up outside the gardens near the palace, and seeing that the gate was open, went inside. Lanterns, dimmer than the ones on the main streets, were hung from the bushes with such care that they managed to provide light to all parts of the garden. Flowers, some glowing with their own magical light, sprouted from the hedges that bordered the path they took./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""It's beautiful." Iya whispered./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"As are you. He wanted to say it, but the words got stuck in his throat. Iya turned to look at him, and seemed to sense his conflicted thoughts./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""What are you thinking about?" She murmured, halting so that she could look at him better./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I could ask you the same." He said, just as quietly. There was nobody else but them in the gardens, and yet it felt like he had to keep his voice down. "Have I done something wrong?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I…" Iya paused, and he reached down to touch her hand lightly./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""What is it?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Earlier, in the café… You said you didn't know whether or not we would have been together. And I just want to know…" She inhaled, and Ean could see her breast moving up and down. His own breaths seemed to quicken to match hers, and he moved a little closer. "Why me?" Her voice was so quiet he almost couldn't hear her, and his eyes widened./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"emWhat does she mean?/em/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I… don't understand." He said confusedly./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""There are many beautiful women here. Elves too." Iya said. "And everywhere else we've gone as well. They're kind, and gentle, and… I'm sure they could make you happy, Ean."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I-"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Even back home, when we were younger." She said, placing a hand gently over his mouth. "I know several girls who would have courted you given the chance. So, if none of this had ever happened…" She looked into his eyes, and he was shocked to see tears in them. "Would you have taken one of them instead?" She fell silent, and a tear traced it's way down her cheek. Her hand left his mouth, and he stared at her./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Would I have chosen differently? No, never in a thousand years./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""You are right." He said in a low voice, but Iya did not look up. "There are many beautiful women here. More than I could count, and I'm sure some of them would welcome the chance to be courted by somebody like me. Even back home, Mother always spoke of choosing the right elf to court." His paused for a moment, and his hand found its way to Iya's face, brushing away the tear that had begun to fall./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""But, do you know what, Iya?" At the mention of her name, the blue eyes he had come to love so much rose to meet his. A jolt of something like electricity seemed to root him to the spot, and he continued. "I never would have given them a second look. Not any woman here, nor any elf at home. And do you know why?" She did not speak, but her eyes roved across his face, searching for the answer./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Because there was never anybody for me but you, Iya." He knew with absolute certainty that he meant it when the words left his mouth, and her eyes widened slightly. They were close now, but still not close enough for him to be satisfied. Her mouth quivered slightly, but Ean did not dare move an inch/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Ean…" Her voice was still quiet, but some underlying emotion seemed to be surfacing./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""You're beautiful, Iya. Not because of your looks, or your magic, but because of what I see inside of you. You're still the same elf I grew up with, even after all that's happened." His voice grew quieter still, and now her face was only a few inches away. "When you were gone, I spent all my time thinking of how to get you back. And now that I do…" He leaned in closer, as close as he could without touching her. Her chest was heaving, and he could feel his own body responding in the same way./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Never anybody but you." He whispered, and their lips met./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"For a moment, he was afraid that she would push him away as she tensed slightly. But then, her body relaxed, and she leaned into him as he pulled her closer, deepening the contact between them until it felt as though he would melt. Electricity coursed through him, rooting him to the spot. He was hypnotized, unable to do anything but kiss the elf he was holding in his arms. She let out a contented sigh, and he was swept away into a blur of nothing but passion and the feel of her lips on his./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"When they pulled away, it was more for air than anything else. How long had they stood there? Minutes? Hours? Ean found that he didn't air. Iya's hair was messy, and her clothes were wrinkled and off kilter. Scarlet bloomed on both of her cheeks, but she did not step away from him./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I… That was…" She panted, still short of breath. They stood still for a moment, recovering from the intense moment. Ean found that he had nothing to say, content to watch Iya's throat bob up and down./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I'd say that was pretty good." He said hoarsely, and a smile spread over her face./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Why didn't you do that from the beginning?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Well, it's a lot to say, isn't it?" He said, feeling heat spread over his face. "But I meant it."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I know you did." Iya had moved back towards him, and he was almost terrified by the raw emotion burning in her eyes. "And here is my answer." This time, she was the one who pulled him closer and kissed him again, more fiercely than she had before./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"It felt like an eternity before theirs lips separated once more, but Iya merely wrapped her arms around his waist as she looked up at him. He had never felt more alive than he did right then. His sense were in overdrive as he took in every detail of the elf in his arms, and the dim gardens around them. It was… perfect./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""When I was taken… it was like I was in a never-ending dream. I could move and think, but everything felt so… distorted." Ean tilted his head to look down at her as she spoke. She had never told him what exactly went through her mind during her captivity. "Still, though, a part of me believed the lies she told me. She said nobody would remember me… but you did. And when you told me who you were, and who I was, I remembered everything, and I knew she was a liar."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""You came for me, Ean. You didn't forget me when everybody else did." Her breath was warm against his body as she spoke. "Ceri was right, when she said that I had no need of her love blessing. Because love was the part of my spirit that saved me. Your love for me, and mine for you. I didn't know at the time, but now.." Iya turned to look at him properly, eyes bright with joy./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I love you, Ean Okho." Heat blossomed in his chest as he stared into her eyes, and said the words he had been wanting to say for weeks./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I love you too, Iya Tiki." There was no need for any more words as she leaned into him once again./p
hr /
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Rye's eyes traced the market as he moved through the stalls, examining the various wares that were being displayed./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Oh, over here!" Emma said quickly, and she darted away from him to look at a merchant who was apparently selling arrows. "Do you need more of these?" They had decided to peruse the market for any equipment that might be necessary for their next journey, while the others had remained at the inn./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I don't think so." The ranger remarked, checking his quiver that was slung over back as usual. "These dwarven arrows don't ever break, and I haven't lost any yet. A new bow, though… We'll see."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""That's true." Emma put in. "Better armor might be good, especially since the enemies are only getting stronger."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Do you need anything?" Rye asked curiously, but the green-haired woman shook her head./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Oh…. Not really." They had begun walking again, and Rye noticed that they were passing by the same equipment shop he had seen a few times before./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Hey, look." He said, gesturing to the store. "Should we take a look?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Might as well." Emma shrugged, looking up at the sky. "We've still got an hour or so to look." They moved across the rows of stalls and up to the front door, which slid open noiselessly. Inside, several stands were holding a wide array of armors. Some were made of elven steel, with elegant curves and joints covered with chainmail for easy movement. Others were more like armored robes, which Rye supposed were for magicians or scholars. The walls were filled with a variety of weapons, such as swords, bows, axes, spears, and more./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""This place is filled with magic." Emma muttered. "Some of these pieces must be powerful indeed." There was a noise, and an elf appeared from the back of the store, looking confused./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Oh, hello. What can I do for you?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""We were just looking at your items." Rye responded. "We might be interested in purchasing some of them."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Really, now?" The middle-aged elf said, looking at them more closely. "You do look like warriors, but still… Nobody buys weapons anymore."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Because of the isolation?" Rye guessed. "Adventurers and traders stopped coming?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""That's correct." The proprietor said glumly. "Still, we can afford to wait, I suppose. Most of the items here are magical, so they won't rust or break."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Do you have any swords like this one?" Emma said suddenly, holding up her own. The elf took it from her, examining it closely./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Hmm… Not too long or heavy… Adequate craftsmanship… Give me a moment, please." He vanished into the back, and returned a moment later holding what appeared to be a sword sheathed in an elegant green and black sheath. "How does this suit you?" Emma took the weapon gently, and pulled it free of its casing./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The sword was one of the most beautiful she had ever seen. It was the same length as her own, but the blade was thinner, with a wavy edge that gleamed razor-sharp in the dim light. The hilt was a combination of blue and green metals, and she could feel the magic that had gone into the crafting of such a fine tool./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Wow…" She breathed, twisting it in her grip. Rye glanced at her face, taking in how captivated she was. Emma handed it back to the owner, who placed it back in its sheath./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""That one is one of our best blades, from a time when the city was at its peak. It's said the materials came from the far east."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""It's very nice." Emma admitted. "I shudder to think what the price is." The elf named a fee, and Rye's eyes widened. Even though their wealth was not inconsiderate, the price was still… hefty. To her credit, Emma merely smiled./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""We'd probably be better off purchasing armor for the group, than spending it on a single blade."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""That is a wise policy, young lady." The elf said, nodding to her with a hint of respect in his eyes. "Do you wish to purchase them now?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I don't think so." Rye said. "We'll be leaving tomorrow, but I expect we'll be back in a few days or so. Is that okay?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Of course." The proprietor said, bowing gracefully to them. "I wish you safe travels." Rye nodded, and they exited the building. On their way back, Emma was unusually silent, and he thought he knew why./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""That sword was very nice."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""It was." Emma agreed, not looking at him. "Still, it wouldn't be wise to spend so much on something only I could use. We'd be better off saving the money. Besides, my sword is perfectly alright the way it is." Her fingers touched the pommel of the weapon hanging from her waist, and Rye saw the digits twitch slightly./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I suppose you're right." He said after a moment, and he thought he saw her eyes dart towards him for a moment./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""We might as well head back to the inn." She said. "I expect Ean and Iya will be back from their date soon."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I'm glad they went." The ranger said firmly. "They deserve it."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""That they do."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I wonder…/p
hr /
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"She was sitting on her bed when somebody knocked on her door. She was going to ignore them, as she wanted to be alone at the moment, but:/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Emma?" She sighed. She couldn't very well turn Rye away, not after he had seen what was really bothering her./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"emI'm sure he noticed that I wanted to buy the sword. Is he mad that I considered it?/em/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Come in." She said after a long moment, and the door creaked open. It was Rye, who was now wearing a fresh set of clothes. A package, no doubt something he'd picked up at a stall was under his arm, wrapped in brown paper. She raised her eyebrows as he came in./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Can I sit down?" He asked, gesturing to an adjacent chair, and she nodded slowly. He laid his parcel in the table with great care, before sitting and turning to face her./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Ean and Iya not back?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""No." She said absent-mindedly, looking out her windows onto the streets below. "I wonder where they could have gone." She heard Rye fidgeting in his chair, and suppressed a smile. "Did you want something?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Of sorts." The ranger responded mysteriously, and she turned to look at him properly. He wouldn't… quite meet her eyes, and her curiosity was piqued. "Emma… I know you wanted that sword."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"emSo, he did know. I'm not surprised. Sometimes I think he's the most observant out of all of us./em Deciding it was best to admit the truth, she nodded./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Yes. Is that so wrong? A sword like that is a masterpiece, unlike any I've ever seen."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Oh, I didn't mean it like that." The green-haired man said hastily, holding up his hands. "I meant, why didn't you buy it? We do have enough money to spare."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I…" She paused, and her frustration seemed to dwindle away. "You promise not to judge me?" She knew it was a childish question, but Rye didn't seem to mind./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I promise." She took a breath, gathering her thoughts./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I just… I grew up with nothing. You know that. If it wasn't for you, Ean, and Iya, I'd probably still be stuck in Candar. But now, I'm a warrior. And yes, we have the money, but I think I'm still in the mindset that spending that much money would be wasteful of me. I could have lived several years with that same amount, you know."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I understand." The man said softly. "My hometown never had much either. I made my own bows for most of my life before… before my parents passed. Then, I saved up and got a real bow, so that I could protect Ryva better." His fingers touched the package next to him lightly as he spoke. "And then… Ginny died too." His hands clenched tightly, and Emma knew without asking that the woman he spoke of had been special./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I'm sorry." She said quietly. "I didn't meant to make you speak of it."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""It's okay." Rye said wearily, letting out a sigh. "I trust you. But my point is," He turned taking the parcel off the desk and handing it to her. "Money isn't everything. Some things are far more important, but you'll never know until you try them."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Emma looked down at the package, and her finger began to undo the wrapping of their own accord. The paper slowly began to peel away, and her eyes widened as she pulled the last of it away to reveal a familiar green and brown sheath./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Did he… Her hands trembled as she unsheathed the same sword she had held, back in the weapons shop an hour or two ago. It was still as beautiful as she remembered, and she was so shocked that she didn't sense Rye moving until he sat down on the bed next to her./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""How… and why?" She knew she was stuttering, but she still could not believe it./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Because some things are more important." Rye said quietly, and she turned to look into his eyes. She blushed almost immediately from how close he was, but she managed to keep her voice even as she spoke./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""How did you even get this?" Rye chuckled, and she looked at him with mild surprise./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Well, I went back to that shop, and explained to the man that I had a partner who was the best swordsman I had ever seen. I told him she was destined for greatness, and that if anybody could put that sword to use, she could."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Oh. Her blush returned, and she found that she did not have any words to say./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I asked him to sell it to me at a lower price, so that it would finally have a chance to be used by somebody worthy, rather than collect dust on a shelf?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""And he agreed?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""More than that: He gave it to me." Rye said with a smile, and she was struck dumb for what felt like the hundredth time that day. Perhaps it was the gift, or the man sitting next to her, his eyes conveying the truth to her./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I… I don't know what to say. Thank you, Rye."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Not a problem." The ranger said with a grin. "Now, unless my eyes deceive me, Ean and Iya are outside the inn, and I sense boundless opportunities to tease the pair of them. You in?" Emma smiled, but did not stand up. Rye stepped towards the door, but stopped at the sound of her voice./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Rye." He turned slowly, and she was surprised to see that he was not smiling any more. "You… You called me your partner. What does that mean?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""My partner is somebody who I trust to watch my back, both in battle and out of it. They're somebody I value very highly, and a person I consider to be a true friend." Emma's lips parted slightly as she took that in./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""And we're…partners?" Rye seemed taken aback by the question, and he nodded slightly./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Only if you want to be."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I'm honored to be your partner." Emma said quietly, and Rye gave her a look that conveyed more emotion than she could have thought possible. "I won't let you down."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I know." He said in a near whisper. "I know you won't." Standing, Emma slipped her new sword into her belt and followed him out of the room./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"emPartners. I like the sound of that./em/p