Topic: Farwell to Eldicor

QueenTeleperien

Date: 2007-10-27 14:21 EST
It was if no one or nothing had dwelled here. A castle with red brick turrets and slate floors stood empty and lifeless. An explorer steps through broken gates into a courtyard. A strong gust of wind stirs dead leaves with a melancholy sigh. Though the castle was abandoned, it still held memories of those who lived there before. A vision, danced in front of the explorer, a play of the history of those who once lived in the now silent halls.

A young elf, very unsure enters the castle to assume the rule of a magical land. Queen Teleperien. After marriage she bears a son, Elladan to her husband Nomrah Allaen. The son and husband disappear, leaving the elf queen alone, expecting their second child, a daughter.

The daughter is born who was named Erwyn. She proves to be spirited and lively and the delight of queen and those who lived with the queen in the castle.

Another person enters the vision, a burly human with dark blonde hair and a fine grey cloak. Near by is a small woman with dark hair and a baby, Sir Llewyss GreyMantle and his wife Lady Murelle GreyMantle. The child, Gweynelth Patrice is content to look at the intruder of these memories, eyes wide and dark brown.

Then a ship had arrives with broken masts and a half starved crew. Upon was the queen's last husband, Philippe de Bouillon. For the next few years, both heart ache and joy was part of the marriage. Teleperien understanding her husband's yearning for adventure sent him to look for trade in the southern waters. Against his wife's admonition, he took up his pirating. The ship was captured and all but himself survived the imprisonment. For three years Tele was convinced of his death. Later when he returned without notice...Tele confessed to having an affair with another. It almost ended their marriage. Philippe, chose to forgive his wife and though it took time, their marriage was stronger than ever.

What ended this almost peaceful realm' The visitor pulled out of his cloak a letter, folded neatly. It was unfolded and it was re-read:

My dear Xenograg.

By the time this missive reaches you I will be gone. As you know, my daughter has been the target of the Circle for abduction. It was learned that even under your protection, she would have been found. Alatar soon arrived and of course knew of the plot. He told me the only protection she would have had was in the Blessed Realm of Valinor. It was determined that we leave immediately.

Philippe was sent back to France and will have no memory of Eldicor save as a vague dream. I would have him accompany us to Valinor, but I know in my heart he would have chaffed against it. He is meant to belong to the sea, not in a realm of elves.

I will miss your company and your friendship. I may return when the danger has passed, but that has not been determined as yet.

You will always remain in my heart as a faithful and true friend. I will not say farewell.

May the blessings of Valinor be with you.

Teleperien

Xenograg

Date: 2007-11-10 14:36 EST
Xenograg magically travels to Sawrey Castle to pick up Erwyn for her regular morning lesson. A page stands waiting outside the door to Nom's Tower. As instructed, the boy delivers Teleperien's letter to Xenograg. Reading it, Xenograg feels a chilling shock. His mind agrees with the Istari's advice and the elven queen's decision, but his heart aches — he misses them already.

He attempts to act upon what is. He looks up to the page.

"Who is stewarding the realm?"

"His Highness, Prince Boromir, has been appointed as Regent, General," is the boy's answer. Xenograg nods. Boromir is Teleperien's brother and is the obvious choice. Xenograg has met him a few times, all during the Mount Dread campaign.

"I am sure His Highness is very busy, but I wish a short audience with him concerning my status and privileges." The page bows and departs upon that errand.

Despite everything else on her mind, Teleperien had anticipated Xenograg's request. Within half an hour, he is escorted into Prince Boromir's presence. The Regent assures Xenograg that his access to the realm is unchanged. With characteristic Eldar grace and diplomacy, Boromir indicates that Xenograg's advice will not be sought as frequently by him. Xenograg accepts this without issue; it was his friendship with Teleperien that made him an unofficial counselor.

Xenograg departs to give Amanda the bad news.

Xenograg

Date: 2007-11-10 14:55 EST
Amanda knows something is wrong because her father and Erwyn are late returning here to Dojo Darelir. She tries a meditation to calm her worry but is only partially successful.

Xenograg finally arrives, alone. His expression confirms there is bad news. Amanda's worry becomes fear.

"Father?" is all she ventures. Xenograg steps close and simply hands over Teleperien's letter. Amanda reads it.

"No...," she moans as tears come. Xenograg embraces his daughter, and she cries into his chest. Her best friend is gone, and she never even got to say good-bye!

Her crying eventually subsides. She looks up to see her father's eyes also teary. 'Yes, his pain is threefold,' she thinks. 'For his friend, the Queen; for his student, who was as a daughter (and thus my sister!); and for me and my hurt.' Amanda cannot but smile up at him, the most important man in her life.

"I love you, Daddy."

"And I love you, Amanda."

"Will we see them again?"

"Someday. The letter said so." Amanda quickly re-reads Teleperien's message.

I may return when the danger has passed.....I will not say farewell....

Not exactly the truth, but a clear desire on Teleperien's part.

"Someday," she repeats, part reassurance and part hope.