Topic: Home At Last

QueenTeleperien

Date: 2009-02-03 21:30 EST
"Lady! We have passed into the waters of Eldicor!"

Teleperien lifted her hand in thanks then resumed her position where she gazes into the parting fog. She didn't need to be told; she felt the energy of Eldicor charge through her as soon as they passed the boundary. Happily she sighs. It had been too long since she felt its energy.

They had been sailing for two days from the Blessed Realm of Valinor. They still had one full day yet, but to know they were so close sent Tele's heart singing. Gwindor now joined her, on his forearm sits a large peregrine falcon. With a nod from Tele, Gwindor releases the bird, its powerful wings lifting it into the wind. Soon it's out of sight, bringing news that the queen would be arriving within two days.

"Mother do you feel it?"

Erwyn's excited voice came from above. She was gracefully repelling down the mast from the crow's nest. Tele smiled, she was sure Philippe would have been thrilled to see how well she took to sailing. She had grown some while they were in Valinor. She was still a head shorter than her mother but her limbs were growing long and graceful.

"When we came into Eldicor's waters, I feel so alive!"

"It's the blessing of the land Erwyn. This shows you are indeed its next queen."

"Queen?" Erwyn sounded incredulous.

"You won't be queen for quite some time." Tele reassured her with a chuckle.

"Oh that's good." Erwyn joined Tele at the rail and looked toward Eldicor. "I can't wait to see Amanda."

"I'm sure she's just as anxious to see you."

"And Borin! I miss Borin so much. " Erwyn bounced up and down on the balls of her feet. "I hope he missed me."

Tele laughed. "He will be first to hug you I'm certain."

"Who did you miss Mother?"

The impulsive question was not meant to deal pain, but it did. Her heart ached for Philippe. As much as they loved each other, it was not meant to be. They lived worlds apart even when they were together. He a pirate used to living a life free and full of adventure, and she bound to the duty of a realm. When he was returned to his life in 17th century France, he would have no memory of Rhydin, Eldicor or of her, save a vague dream. This pained her, but it was the best thing to be done. "Constance."

"Constance" Why Constance?" Erwyn looked at her mother inquisitively.

"Constance has been my Lady-in-Waiting before I was queen. She has been like a mother to me."

"Do you like being a queen?" Erwyn asked quietly. Tele looked at her, put an arm about the slender shoulders and drew her daughter closer.

"It is not a matter of like or dislike Erwyn. It is a duty and an honor.?

Xenograg

Date: 2009-02-10 12:58 EST
As the days of Teleperien's fortnight drew few, Xenograg gives Amanda a new duty — one she embraces as a gift and privilege. Twice a day, at noon and sunset, she is to pass through the magic mirror into Sawrey Castle and check for word from the elven Queen. Opening and transiting the magical portal without supervision is enjoyable in its own right, as is her father's trust. Neither are equal to the anticipation that, this time, a message awaits her arrival.

Stepping through the mirror into Nom's Tower for the sixth time, Amanda immediately feels that something is different. She cannot define it, but knowing is enough. She runs to the door and throws it open, startling the page waiting on the other side. His presence, too, is different, and can mean only one thing. The boy, no older than Amanda herself, bows to her and holds out the letter he is charged to deliver.

"Thank you, sir," she says with a smile. The page, suddenly flustered, bows again and departs. He does look back twice, though. Amanda giggles to herself. She resists the urge to open the letter. She closes the door and returns to the mirror. The boy is quickly forgotten as Amanda thinks about seeing Erwyn again.

Erwyn

Date: 2009-09-29 20:51 EST
Erwyn could hardly contain herself.

She could see that the docks were festooned with banners and flags bearing the crest of Eldicor: a white field with a star atop a gold tree. Guards and rangers in their finest garb lined the docks and seawalls in front of the folk of Sawrey that crowded together to get a glimpse of the queen and princess. Her sharp eyes caught two figures that stood out from the rest. Both olive toned skin and dressed in deep crimson robes: Xenograg and her best friend Amanda. She gave out an involuntary squeal of delight.

"Amanda!"

"Erwyn, please contain yourself. I know you are filled with joy, but you must keep your mind on your station." Teleperien admonished quietly. She gently readjusted Erwyn's circlet and touched her cheek. "Remember you are the Princess of Eldicor, please do not dive off this ship and swim to the shore."

"Yes Mother." She replied, trying to stop the bouncing on the balls of her feet. Tele laughed softly as she looked away.

If Erwyn had known, many of the crew could not help but admire the beauty of the daughter of the queen. She had grown; her golden blond hair was braided down her back and over her flowing white gown. Unlike her mother, her eyes were bright blue that twinkled when she laughed, which was often. What seemed an eternity the ship finally docked Erwyn could see all of her mother's staff awaiting them. Borin caught her eye and gave her a wink and a grin. He had a few more grey hairs, but looked just the same.

The gangplank was finally laid, Erwyn felt as if she was going to burst. With great impatience she watched the tall elven archers line the plank.

A horn was blown and a loud voice called out;

"Make way for her Majesty, Queen Teleperien and her Highness, Princess Erwyn!"

Erwyn felt her face flush as they crossed over on the gangplank. She glanced at her mother, as usual was calm and serene, but she also had a happy smile as she raised her hand in greeting. They paused and faced her mother's brother, Boromir.

Erwyn heard her mother and her uncle speak but she wasn't listening or even looking at the ceremony. She and Amanda were beaming at each other. When the ceremony was finally finished Erwyn couldn't stand it any longer. Both at once launched at each other and caught each other in one big hug, dancing and jumping.

Erwyn was finally home.

Xenograg

Date: 2009-11-13 20:38 EST
Xenograg softly clears his throat. Standing beside her father, Amanda winces inwardly and stops fidgeting. She can see the beautiful elven ship entering the harbor. It seems to move so slowly.

Xenograg takes a long, slow inhale through his nose. Amanda looks up and realises that her father is excited, too. He is using meditative breathing to calm his spirit. 'Cultivating patience,' he has told her. She looks forward again; not at the ship, but directly ahead over the water. She takes a slow breath, then another.

Before Amanda realizes it, the ship has arrived at the pier. She can clearly see Queen Teleperien and Princess Erwyn moving to disembark. She looks down to check her appearance once more. The blood-red robe she wears lacks the ornamentation of the one Xenograg wears, but is of quality material and is not that uncomfortable.

Amanda knows she and her father are only spectators to the welcoming ceremony. She does see Erwyn sneak glances and smiles at them any chance she gets. The moment protocol allows, Erwyn breaks away. Amanda meets her halfway with a hug, and realizes that Erwyn has grown more than she has. The two girls laugh at that and their mutual joy. Erwyn lets go of Amanda as Xenograg arrives where they are. The elven princess lets go of Amanda and grips Xenograg in a tight embrace.

"Adar," Erwyn says to him. He wraps his own arms around Erwyn and kisses her forehead. All three of them have misty eyes.

"Welcome home, my dear girl," he replies, that possessive phrase being superior to simply 'daughter.'