Sa.n.a.lraina sighed, shaking her head to Sleanela, aI am sorry, My Desire. We have been missed.a She looked around at the tedious lecturer.

aGreat High Queen? Please allow me to show you to your quarters so that you may be prepared for the eve meal.a Sa.n.a.lraina nodded to Caithryn.

They were taken to their rooms, The High Queen saying nothing during their return. As she entered the beautiful room, she looked at her Elf, thinking she had neglected her. She was disappointed to find that her attendants were waiting for her, aOh, my Queen. You are arrived. We were just selecting your gown for the eve.a aHow long do we have until the meal?a aSoon. Would you like to rest for a short while prior to us preparing you, Highness?a aYes. Thank you.a aOne of us will be waiting, along with a guard, outside your door.a As they left, she said, aI am sorry that I am such an overly demanding lover, My Desire.a aWhat brought this on, my Queen?a Sleanela was startled by her loveras statement.

aYou pointed out to Me that I am not very good with working through the issues involved in relationships.a Sleanela laughed, aIs that all?a aWhat do you mean by this?a aI was just suggesting that perhaps you should give a little more a well a patience in regard to your sisters. The three of you share many similar characteristics, you know.a aSuch as?a The High Queen wasnat certain she wanted to hear this, but was curious.

aYou are all demanding. But then, you are all used to being in control. You are all extremely solitary in your quiet moments. You are all regarded as requiring much need of physical intimacies. All three of you have been rather unsuccessful in long-term relationships. You and Sumeanatinelatianon share many of the same physical behaviors, such as waving your hands about as you dismiss an idea or person. And all three of you sigh deeply as if you were tested to the ends of your patience.a Sleanela was laughing by now, enjoying the comparison. The High Queen looked at her in dismay, recognizing herself in these statements, but not wishing to be connected to her sisters in these fashions. She had thought herself more unique in these regards.

aI suppose you are the one to know each of us the best. You were the lover of one, the only one the other trusts from My realm, and you are now My lover.a She looked at her with a raised eyebrow, trying to look serious, aYou are not planning on casting Me off for my elder sister, are you, so that you can know each of us in this fashion?a Recognizing the look, Sleanela laughed again, aIt would depend, my Queen.a Sa.n.a.lraina tried to look surprised, watching, as the Elf moved closer to her, aDepend? On what?a Sleanela moved into her, backing her slowly across the room toward the bed, teasing her, aOn how interesting this relationship remains.a aInteresting? But you are an Elf and could never leave the union.a She moved her Queen into the corner, beginning to touch her, aBut I am only half-Elf. Your elder sister pointed this fact out to me.a The High Queen saw that she was teasing only, beginning to enjoy Sleanelas advances, aWhat would help to keep this union interesting, My Half-Elf?a Sleanela had taken hold of The High Queenas gown with her fingers, at the seams that just covered the private parts of her breast. She moved her fingers up and down the seam slowly, touching her loveras b.r.e.a.s.t.s lightly as she did so, finally removing the gown from her b.r.e.a.s.t.s. Just as she was placing her lips to Sa.n.a.lrainas most tender spot on her breast, Sleanela said, aI can think of a couple of things that would keep it interesting, my Love.a The eve meal was readied just for the travelers, as the High Priestess couldnat yet attend. Selea was eating with the sorcerers at the other end of the long table, yet tired from their long journey. The High Queen thought the meal unusual but delicious, having decided she was hungry. Sleanela watched with great interest that her Queen ate well after their moments together. She laughed lightly to herself.

aWhat amuses you so, My Desire?a aYou. Your ways make me laugh.a aMe? Why is this?a aYou now eat your eve meal. You seldom do. Yet, there are particular moments you will do so.a aI am hungry. Should I not eat?a aOf course, my Queen. And you should eat more, and more often. You are getting way overly thin. But you seldom eat an eve meal.a aI do if I am hungry. And I am hungry.a She saw that Annawn was laughing, as were Meera, Caitha, Sam, Uthrn, and even her Healer and Miladerain.

aWhy does everyone laugh?a Sam was laughing so hard that tears flowed down her face.

Sleanela was also laughing out of control, so Caitha responded, aMy Queen. You always seem to be hungry after certain physical exertions.a Everyone was now laughing hysterically, while Sa.n.a.lraina just stared at Caitha, her brows frowning. She thought about what Caitha had said for a moment, looked down at her food, and then also began to laugh, aSo much for privacy.a After their meal, Sa.n.a.lraina announced to her close companions, aThe High Priestess would like us to entertain her this eve. Bring your sweets, and let us reconvene in her room. My Storyteller, she has requested your service specifically this eve. And Highest, bring the journals with you.a As they entered her room, The High Queen saw that her Healer had returned. While everyone else settled in the sitting area, Sa.n.a.lraina went over to her sister and Healer.

aDoes My Healer torture you as she does Me?a aI tried to take her from you, but she seems to like your evil temper.a Sa.n.a.lraina saw a look of kindness escape from her sisteras eyes, to her own Healer.

aYou have removed her pain for the eve?a aNo. Just some, while they visit with her. When they leave, I will need your a.s.sistance.a Sa.n.a.lraina nodded, aI am willing.a She looked down at her sister, aHave you yet eaten?a aYour Healer was kind enough to feed me and keep me company.a Sa.n.a.lraina was curious over the relationship forming between them, but said nothing of it, aI have brought My Storyteller, as you wished.a Sumeanatinelatianon sat up slightly, aGood. Storyteller. Come to me. Sit next to me. Tell me the stories of the First Onesa arrival.a While Caitha began her story, The Healer motioned with her head to the side of the room, hoping her Queen would understand. Slowly, The High Queen moved across the room toward her Healer, interested in the story Caitha was telling, but more curious as to what The Healer wanted.

They stood next to each other as if listening to Caitha, while The Healer whispered, aShe is in great pain, but begins to endure it better, so some of it must be leaving.a aThis could not be the reason you ask Me here.a aHow well do you know her, Highness?a aNot well. I know only that she hates Me and wishes Me dead.a aHave patience with her, Highness. She is deeply troubled by all that has occurred. Learning that her Spirit Mothers lied to her has harmed her greatly, yet she will not speak of this to you.a aShe yet hates Me and wishes Me dead.a aNo, my Queen. This is not so. You sound like a child in this regard. She just knows not what to do with all her long-prior feelings. She has never felt much kindness prior, and you confuse her. She has spent her entire lifespan trying to get even with you, only to discover that you have perhaps had a worse upbringing than even her, yet you remain caring and kind to her.a aSo? Even a Mungardies can show kindness.a aYou were raised to trust no one, Highness. It took me many cycles to earn your trust, and even then, it was only after we were lovers that this trust occurred.a aSo? What of this?a aNeither of you know how to trust, Highness. She was raised as a Rakinadles. They are taught to be suspicious. And then her Spirit Mother reinforced her suspicions of you. It is not easy, my Queen, to finally learn that all you have known in your life as truth, is now false.a aIt would seem that all are tending to My lack of abilities with relationships, this turn. I will keep it in mind, Healer. Is there something I should know that now occurs between you and her?a The Healer laughed lightly, aNo, High One. I am not becoming her lover. I am vowed to your service, and to the service of Healers. But if you happen to find me a good lover, thea"a aGo find your own lover, Healer. I have all I can do with My own relationships, it would seem.a Sa.n.a.lraina moved back to Sleanela, who was now sitting on the large bed, eating her sweet. When she saw her Queen return to her, she gave her bite of it and began listening to Caitha once again.

When the story was done, the High Priestess looked to Sam, aYoungest sister. Read from the first journal entries. I have never prior pieced this tale together, and it is now the moment.a Sam opened the first journal and read the heading: * * * *

Journal #2a"In s.p.a.cea"2449a"May 19tha"Entry #1 (05192449) * * * *

She looked up, aWhere is the first journal?a Sumeanatinelatianon looked puzzled, aFirst journal? This one speaks of their landing, does it not?a Sam read a little to herself, then nodded, aYes. But there must be a first one that tells of their departure from wherever they came. This says it is Journal 2.a aI know not of this journal. You now have all we have recovered.a aThese were the buried ones?a aYes. They were found many cycles prior, and this was all of them. But I understand that Woden has all the final ones.a aOf their departure from here.a aRead. This first one must be lost to us, or yet buried somewhere.a Sam, slightly disappointed, sat back in her seat and began to read: * * * *

Iave been woken from my s.p.a.ce-sleep. All seems to be well with me and with all the others whoave also been awakened. Just as we were placed under, just before departure, I had a sinking feeling that I would never wake up again. Yet, here I am, and we arrive soon. I canat see our new world yet through our lookout stations, but can see it through the internal telescope.

The ship is still under its own guidance system, but will shift over in the next few days or so, as everyone awakens. Iam in charge of making sure that our surface equipment is readied, so my next days prior to landing will be busy.

I know weave been gone for years now, but it feels like yesterday. I met all these others prior to leaving, and we were made to do bonding activities (I abhor bonding activities) together so that we would learn of each otheras need, and so on. B-o-r-i-n-g. Yet, as I awaken and see them again, I feel like Iave never met them before. My mother would tell me that itas my anti-social behavior coming through, again.

A new world. I can hardly believe it. Here we are light-years away from home, building a new world. Itas uninhabited, from what information weave gathered on it, so weall be solely on our own.

Our captain hasnat yet been awakened, but our site-leader has, and he seems nervous. Perhaps itas just the time warp heas experiencing, as I feel a little nervous myself, for no good reason. And he seems amazingly distant and aloof. But I recall that he was selected as site-leader for his outgoing and open personality. Iam sure itas just the s.p.a.ce time warp heas feeling.

aThatas the end of the first entry.a aIt tells us not much, does it?a aWhy did they think The Realm was uninhabited?a aRead another.a * * * *

Journal #2a"In s.p.a.cea"2449a"May 28tha"Entry #2 (05282449) We land in two days. Iam so excited that Iam about ready to burst. Iave checked all the surface-going equipment three times already, just trying to keep myself busy. Thereas little to do except wait now, as all our things are packed and ready for the final landing.

Weare going to be jettisoning from our main station tomorrow, and will then maneuver into landing orbit. I can hardly wait. It seems like Christmas to me. Iave just been awake for a few days, yet Iam ready to go nuts in this small container, and everyone is so noisy. I want out of here.

I wonder what it will be like.

aThat one was short. I will continue with the next one.a aWhat is a day, or tomorrow? I know not these terms.a No one answered the question, so Sam continued: * * * *

Journal #2a"Landeda"2449a"June 2nda"Entry #3 (06022449) Weave landed successfully, and all is well! Iam glad to be off our s.p.a.ceship. I love it here. Itas outrageously beautiful. Itas always what Iave imagined that Earth was so many eons ago, prior to all human life, except that there are no dinosaurs here. And thankfully, no cities. Iam tired of cities.

We have already constructed our Greenhouse and are using it to live in temporarily until we have another structure built, then weall move all the plants into it after weave charged it up. Burn seems to be doing okay as the site-leader, but he still seems a little edgy. Just this morning, he asked all of us if we could begin the day with a prayer. Ruth objected, saying that he should do his own praying, and that he should remember the chartera"that there is to be no overtly practiced religion.

He became angry, or so I thought, but then calmed down and let it go. I hope itas not a sign of things to come between all of us, as already weave had our first argument. Itas to be expected, I suppose, but we should just try to remember our mission. This is an experiment, afterall, and weare not slated to remain here alone forever, at any rate. Get a grip.

I wonder if Earth remembers us. Weare still setting up our long building that will house all our technology, but thatall still take us a while longer. When thatas done, we can begin sending messages back home.

P.S. I didnat mean to snoop, but I saw that weare already taking partners. Hank went off into the woods, and Sophie followed along right after. They came back in a while, both smiling, and walking together. I guess weare going to have children right away, unless someoneas unpacked the anti-birth meds.

Sam looked up, aMore?a All the others began to talk.

aNo. It is enough.

aI was hoping the journals would tell us why they came. But it appears that they did build something so as to communicate with whoever and wherever they came from.a Sa.n.a.lraina said nothing, but was now wondering what was in the long building.

aWhere did they come from?a aThe stars. Sam says they came from the stars.a Sa.n.a.lraina looked at Meera, then at Sam, aYou knew this not?a Sam nodded, aWe did, but not. It seems rather unbelievable. Think about it. That all the humans in The Realm are relocated from somewhere far distant than here, and that they flew here in some type of flying a I know not what to call it.a aThey called it a s.p.a.ce ship.a aI wonder if it looked like Oisinas ships.a aI wish there were drawings in these journals.a Sa.n.a.lraina looked over to Sumeanatinelatianon, aIs this enough?a She nodded, looking like she had great pain. Sa.n.a.lraina nodded to her Healer, who chased everyone out of the room.

Sleanela came up to the High Priestess, aI will also take my leave now, High Priestess, but I hope they manage to make you feel improved. Rest well. Selea would like to visit with you when you feel up to it.a Unknown to The High Queen, Sumeanatinelatianon had formed a slight bond with the Young One upon their first meeting, so was glad to hear the report. Taking great energy to do so, because of the pain, she quietly responded, aNext turn, Elf.a Sleanela began to leave, giving her Queen a knowing look, speaking softly to her as she left, aI will be hoping for an interesting relationship this eve, my Queen.a The Healer and The High Queen once again instilled their anti-pain spells into the High Priestess, taking more moments than either had energy for. When they were finally done, Sa.n.a.lraina sat upon the bed, looking at her sister, aImproved?a She nodded, feeling like she could breathe freely again, aMuch.a aDo you have need of anything prior to our departure?a aHealer. Thank you. Now, leave.a The Healer smiled at her, aYes, High Priestess. Have your attendant summon me if you have further pain. Otherwise, I will return in the morn. After our morn session, you will begin to feel much improved. Even now, your pain is leaving, but slightly so. High Queen. Please give her a sleeping spell prior to your departure.a As she left, Sumeanatinelatianon looked at her sister, aYou are surrounded in your life by those who care for you deeply. I am most envious.a aYou are not going also to lecture Me on my inability with relationships, are you?a aNo. But perhaps I should. You become tense in your mood. Why is this?a aI have been told by many this turn that I should be more patient with you, and to recall that I have never had any successful long-term relationships.a aSo? Is this not truth?a aIt is truth.a aWhat did you think of these journals?a aI will wait to see what it is you desire to show Me. These journals mean little to Me at this moment. Obviously, we are well aware that they came and made their home upon this realm.a Sumeanatinelatianon nodded, aThey make for a good story, but tell us nothing we need to know. But I know they come. I will show you next turn. Then you will see for yourself. How do you plan to halt them from coming? They will take over The Realm.a aIt will be done. But we could use your a.s.sistance. You are part of the collective.a aThe three sisters and Selea, then. Is that how it is to be? Is that why the Spirit Mothers formed us?a aApparently.a aSo. You are correct. We are slaves to The Realm.a Sa.n.a.lraina remained silent, thinking of what she might say.

aWhy do you not speak?a Sa.n.a.lraina looked at her, aWhat did our Spirit Mothers tell you of Me that gave you such hate of Me?a aThey lied to both of us, so what does it now matter? We will have to sort through what we believed was truth, and what we now know as truth.a She thought about it for a moment, and then asked, aDid they treat you well?a aI thought so then. Now I see that it was to use me, and you, and our youngest.a aIt would seem they yet do.a aLeave me now. I am tired.a Sa.n.a.lraina gave her a sleeping spell, then left. She went back to her own room, finding Annawn waiting for her.

aHigh Queen.a aRise, Force Leader. Tell Me of your need.a aWe have found fourteen more traitors, Highness.a aYou have questioned them to your satisfaction?a aYes, my Queen. They have all told the same story.a aThe town is secure?a aIt is now, my Queen.a aWhat is it you would like from Me, Force Leader?a aI would like your leave to kill them as traitors, my Queen.a aYou have My leave to do so.a aIt will not be a pretty sight, Highness. We wish to make an example of them, and hang them from their stakes.a aI have given you My leave. I trust that what you now do is for the benefit of the town, the High Priestess, and The Realm.a aYes, my Queen.a The High Queen began to turn away, but turned back, studying her Force Leader. She placed her hand on Annawnas cheek, aYou serve The Realm and Me well, Force Leader. I know not what I would do without you, Treasured One. At most moments, your tasks are more than terrible.a Annawn blushed with embarra.s.sment, delighted in the attention, but merely asked, aMy Queen?a She nodded.

aWhat are your plans for our length of remain?a aI know not. At least two more turns. I will keep you informed.a aThank you, my Queen. Rest well. You are well guarded.a As she walked into her room, she saw her Elf studying the spells from her staff, aI hope you are looking for something that might add interest to this relationship, Half-Elf, as I am told that My lover demands a relationship with interest in it.a * * * *

In the morn, Sa.n.a.lraina met her Healer in her sisteras room. Sumeanatinelatianon reported that she had slept well and was feeling improved, even prior to the removal of her pain. It had cost The Healer and The High Queen much of their healing energies, but The Healer had sensed that it was important for The High Queen that this be done for her sister.

When they were completed with their healings, Sa.n.a.lraina closed her eyes for a few moments, resting from that which was depleting many of her smaller powers. She felt The Healer enter her mind, helping her through her first three meditations, and then back out again; back out into The Realm.

She looked at her sister, seeing that she looked improved and looked in less pain, aShall we help you try to stand and walk?a aYou would like me to remain in this bed so that you can take over control of my town. But yes, help me. Someone has to tend to all the poor decisions you have made for my town.a aI like you better when you are in great pain.a aOr given overly of a sleeping spell. Is that not the truth of it?a Sa.n.a.lraina was becoming frustrated, not knowing what to think, aNo. But I should have. You are like two separate sisters. One trying to understand, the other just bitter and angry.a Sumeanatinelatianon looked at her sister, aBe not such a bore. Come. It is the moment that you see why I have had to allow you here. Are the others ready?a They all walked together to the long building, Caitha holding Seleas hand, as the High Priestess had insisted that Selea be present, aYou should all see this.a When they arrived, the High Priestess waved her hand at the door, opening it easily, aNow you will see for yourselves. I have kept this safe from all for many cycles. Only just recently did many of these lights light up. This is how I know that they come. It has begun to vibrate with their life.a The room was filled with odd-looking things that seemed to speak in low constant hums. From a few of them, Sa.n.a.lraina could see parts that were lit, displaying some type of code, or words, or language. She walked around, examining each, trying to probe into their workings, but having no luck. Sam also walked around, intrigued, wondering what all the units were.

Selea placed her arms up, asking Caitha, aUp? Please place me in the seat.a Once in a seat behind one of the panels, Selea began playing with the k.n.o.bs, moving them to see if she could figure any of them out. Sa.n.a.lraina watched, amused that Selea would go directly to the units and begin to manipulate them. She watched over Seleas shoulder as some of the words and numbers changed with each of Seleas twist of the k.n.o.bs.

Sleanela did the same as her Birth-daughter at one of the other units, completely uncertain as to what she was doing, but sensing that the panels would supply information to them, if they could just get the correct combination of dials turned.

aDeparture: 03032636. This tells us nothing.a What does that one say, Sam?a aDate: 07122671. What do they mean?a Selea spoke, aI have found something. It says: Arrival: 08242672.a Now that she heard the moment of their arrival, having recognized it from the numbers Sam had read from the diaries, Sa.n.a.lraina walked around, looking at all the displays, wondering what as to their purpose. She saw one display that showed a direction being given, but could make nothing of it. She saw another with a display of the stars, seeing that it wasnat their sky patterns, but then saw another such display next to it that did give their eve sky patterns. She studied them for a moment, examining their travel path, but couldnat locate which star they were coming from.

Selea looked at her mother, aI know these numbers mean something, but I cannot figure it out. Mother? Can you?a Sam looked at her, shaking her head, aThey seem familiar to me, though.a Sumeanatinelatianon poked The High Queen on her head, aThink, Slow One. You are supposed to be the bright one. You are the one with all the training.a Sa.n.a.lraina looked at her, yet frustrated by her, aMoon. Turn. Cycle.a Sleanela looked at her, stunned, aYou knew this?a aIt is obvious. They count their cycles, giving them numbers. This turn is 07122671. Meaning that this turn is in the seventh moon, twelfth turn, of their 2,671st cycle. I know not what it means in specific, but it seems clear that they arrive in one cycle, one moon, and twelve turns from now.a aAunt High Queen. You are brilliant. I should have seen this. You are correct. It is obvious.a Sam was looking back at her panel, aThis display has a b.u.t.ton that says send. What is it that can be sent?a aIs there one that says receive?a aThis one has even more numbers, but they are continually moving.a They all went to Caithaas display, watching the last two numbers move, 2671071221:03; 2671071221:04; 2671071221:05; 2671071221:06.a Sa.n.a.lraina nodded, aIt appears they mark a pa.s.sage of moments, or something in this regard.a aWhy would they do as such? Isnat the pa.s.sage of the sun enough?a aApparently not.a aThey sound most exacting.a aSmall minds require tasks such as these.a aSmall minds? Look what they have created. They can fly across the skies from far distant. And they can build, what did they call it, technogy, that has lasted all these cycles.a aTechnology.a aIf they are as smart as this, then why did they not know that this realm is already inhabited?a Sa.n.a.lraina had been listening to their conversations, but saying nothing, amused by their thoughts, aWhatever they used to determine if life was here, it apparently could not sense Mystic life.a She went to the display where Sam was, looking at the send command. She studied it for a moment, then looked at the display next to it. She knew what she was looking for, but was uncertain what these humans would have used to designate it. Then she saw it. A series of dots on the screen.

She said softly, aSo, they do send a message.a aWhere is this? What are you looking at?a They all crowded around, watching the series of changing dots.

Sa.n.a.lraina quietly said, aIt is a repeating pattern. They send the same message continually.a aWhat does it say?a Sa.n.a.lraina studied the dots for many moments, studying their pattern, seeing where the repeating letters were.

Suddenly, she looked up at the rest of them, aIf the language remains the same as we know it, and as the humans speak these turns, then it says, aSansthera One. Sansthera Two comes. Respond.a aShould we send a response, High Queen?a aI need to think on this.a The High Priestess had enough, aCome. I am hungry. Let me take you to our morn meal now that I am feeling improved.a As they left the building, the High Priestess waved her hand, locking the door. She looked at both her sisters, aWhat do you think now? Am I not correct in this?a Sam nodded, aI think that you are most correct.a Sa.n.a.lraina stared back at the building, and softly acknowledged her fear, aYou are correct. Perhaps we should allow the scholars to see this.a Sa.n.a.lraina turned, watching the others begin to head back to the main dwelling, seeing Sleanela remain behind, also staring at the building.

aAre you troubled by this?a Sleanela just looked at her, not knowing how to tell her the thoughts in her mind. After a moment, she said, aI just need a few moments to think through all this.a aCome. Walk down to the seaas sh.o.r.e with Me. I must also think and go through My meditations. I have ignored their need overly, of late.a She saw Annawn wait for them, aWe go to the sh.o.r.e, Force Leader.a Annawn quickly motioned to another guard their need for weapons, knowing to allow her The High Queen the moments she needed to regain her powers to her.

They walked to the sh.o.r.e in silence, pa.s.sing through the main part of the town. The High Queen acknowledged her sisteras subjects as they knelt and bowed their heads to her, but otherwise remained quiet. Both of them were filled with thoughts they couldnat yet form into words. Sa.n.a.lraina moved away from the path, selecting to go toward the yet wild sh.o.r.e rather than down to the docks. They walked across a meadow that finally led down to the sh.o.r.eline.

aIt is beautiful here. They selected their site well.a Sleanela looked around, seeing what her Queen meant. The sh.o.r.eline was ruggedly beautiful, but accessible in parts, containing picturesque rock formations, but with much soft sand to provide a walking beach. The most stunning features of the entire sh.o.r.eline were the water-carved ma.s.sive rocks jutting out from the great sea, standing many stories high, some with holes or arches at the waterline.

Annawn had run up to them when she had retrieved the needed weapons, and quietly waited.

aI will do My meditations here, My Desire.a Sleanela nodded to her, saying nothing, and continued to walk toward the water, aElf. Please take your bow and arrows.a Annawn handed them to her, then left her to her needs, guarding her from the meadow as she remained close to The High Queen.

Throughout the morn, The High Queen stood looking out onto the great sea, going slowly through her meditations, restoring her powers fully to her. She had been troubled by what they had seen in the long building, and now needed to consider her next actions. As she had longed fear, when it came to the final moments of decision-making, it would all come onto her shoulders. And she wasnat certain that she wanted to make any more of these decisions. Just prior to entering her meditations, one thought kept disturbing her: Should we send a message to them?

Sleanela walked along the sh.o.r.e, thinking to herself. Wondering about the humans, and wondering about the Elves. All of it seemed overly certain. So sure and without question.

How can we know the Elves should return? Is it overly soon?

How can we know for so certain that these humans should not be here?

Who tells us this?

She stood by the wateras edge for many long moments, just staring out at the rock formations and the great sea, seeing nothing but large expanses. A large sea creature appeared, coming as near as it could to the sh.o.r.e, making a sound to her that sounded much like crying. She walked into the water, going out to it, guessing that the water wasnat overly deep.

When she arrived to it, it rolled its large but mournful eyes at her while squirting a great spurt of water in its delight. She placed her arms on it and hugged it the best she could, given that it was many, many sizes larger than even Daklradil. She could feel its love and was surprised at its great gentleness, especially for its size. She held onto it for a long while, feeling its peace, and finally discovering that it was a she. Without words, Sleanela could feel the thoughts of love this great wonderful creature sent to her, giving her much needed a.s.surance.

Sleanela spoke to her, guessing that this wonderful beast wouldnat be able to understand her. In her own Elfin language, she said, I am so frustrated, Great One.

The Great One spoke no words, but did as the Ancient Ones, providing her with the strength and wisdom of great eons, giving her the understanding that all worries and cares pa.s.sed by like the clouds. When the Great One needed to place herself back into the deeper waters, Sleanela gave her a final hug, then returned to the sh.o.r.eline and sat upon the sand, thinking and studying her staffas spells.

The turn pa.s.sed by midturn, the sun at her back, but Sleanela yet sat, waiting for nothing, trying to think through her place in all The Realm, and her many questions in its regard. Her staff was at her side at all the moments now, but as hard as she wished it so, the staff offered her little in answering her questions. She thought the journey interesting, and enjoyed seeing the different parts of The Realm, but as much as the journey offered, it gave few moments in which she could think through her questions. As she sat looking out at the great seaas expanse, she wondered what the First Oneas had thought as they stood on this same spot so many cycles prior.

Uthrn came out to Annawn, relieving her for her midturn meal. Then Meera came out at late after-midturn, relieving Uthrn. Uthrn told Meera that she was going to send for The Healer, as The High Queen remained overly long into her meditations.

The Healer came up to Meera and nodded, aThe High Queen must be troubled.a Meera nodded, aThey both must be so.a aHave they been here since the morn?a aThey have. And not a word has pa.s.sed between them, that we have heard.a aHas The High Queen moved at all?a aNo.a The Healer went up toward The High Queen quietly, not wishing to jolt her back into The Realm. She moved slowly up to her Queen, gently placing her hand on her Queenas head, trying to find where she was in her meditations. She could feel that her Queen had taken many moments to go through each of her meditations so that she could enter her tenth, a place that even The Healer couldnat go. A place she was blocked from. She removed her hand, worried. She knew well that The High Queen had only entered her tenth meditation upon two other occasions, only doing so when all else seemed impossible to her.

The tenth meditation opened a s.p.a.ce that The Healer thought should be well avoided, a place that should be feared. And she also knew that the tenth meditation was always the most difficult from which to exit. But The Healer couldnat help.

She went to Meera and spoke softly, aI need the Young One.a Help Me. I cannot make this decision. And there is no one else in all The Realm who can do so.

You can make this decision, High Queen. You have been well prepared.

What if I am wrong in this?

Life is not so simple as this. Each decision opens many paths. And each will have its individual experiences. It is a journey only, Sa.n.a.lrainathelainelna. You know this. You have just chosen to forget.

I am tired of the journey. I have done My duty for The Realm. I feel as if I have lived a thousand spans of life.

You can always join us at any of the moments. But it is your decision alone.

But I love the Elf, and couldnat leave her so sad as this.

Life will go on without you. You know this well.

Is it peaceful where you are?

Always. Always peaceful. There is no journey. There is only peace. Feel this peace of ours.

I like its feeling.

Aunt High Queen. Hear me.

Selea had entered into The High Queenas meditation, angering her.

Leave Me.

I need you. The Realm needs you.

Go away. Leave Me.

Being held by The Healer, Selea placed her hand on The High Queenas head, trying to draw her back into The Realm. Given who she was, Selea had the ability to enter the tenth meditation, and now did so.

Follow me, High Queen Allow not these long-prior spirits to capture you into their Realm.

You know nothing of this.

Your journey in The Realm is not yet complete, High Queen. There are many wonderful moments yet awaiting you. Me, for example. Your Elf for another. But your Elf is troubled, and has moved not from her spot.

The Elf is troubled?

Yes, my Queen.

In her mind, she sighed, Goodbye our long-prior ones. Thank you for your wisdom.

Are you ready to return, my Queen?

Lead Me back, Seleamatinelatianonan. I am overly tired to do this for Myself.

Selea led her Queen back slowly into her eighth meditation, then allowed The Healer to bring her back through the remainder of the meditations. As they neared the final moment, The Healer began to speak aloud to her, drawing her finally back into The Realm.

She opened her eyes, seeing The Healer.

aDo you hear me, my Queen?a aLike a thunderous herd of running horses. You disrupted My meditations.a The Healer frowned at her, letting The High Queen know of her feelings, then said, aThe tenth meditation, my Queen? Perhaps I was unsuccessful in removing the twist in your mind, Highness.a aThe decisions just become more difficult, Healer. And The Realm is becoming more complicated. I am only one, in all of this.a The High Queen bent down to Selea, aYoung One.a She placed her hand on Seleas head.

You should have not entered that s.p.a.ce, Seleamatinelatianonan. You are overly young.

No one should enter that s.p.a.ce, my Queen, especially you.

It was an ability given to Me, in case it was needed I was given this as well. But I also know not to go there. It is never needed, Highness.