it erupts like a volcano, then subsides.
And when it subsides, you have to make a decision.
She has always been an early riser. It is a habit of hers to greet the dawn each morning. In times past, she might have greeted the rising sun from high up in the clouds. Today, she stares at the slowly unfolding beams with her feet planted firmly upon the ground. One of these days, she would screw up the courage to take to the skies again, as she should have long ago. But some things take longer to heal than others. This is a lesson she had learned very long ago.
This morning is slightly different than her usual mornings however, for this dawn is heralded by a familiar call. She recognizes his voice immediately. Even if she had not listened to that voice nearly every day while her daughter was growing up, she would recognize the call of the Dale’s king. Turning, her russet gaze fixes upon that distant mound, as though she can see it through the trees. In truth, though her eyes cannot find it (not yet, at least), her other senses can. Senses that reach far beyond that of simple sight or sound.
The emotions coming to her are steady and calm, reassuring her that this is simply a call to meet and not something more concerning. The odd gray stallion that had given them warning still lingers upon her mind. It frustrates her, the inconsistencies she had noted.
But that is neither here nor there. For now, her concern lay in the purpose of this meeting. She makes her way towards the group, arriving shortly after Weir and another stallion she has not yet met. She offers him a smile, one filled with the warmth and kindness that is so much a part of her nature.
When finally they have all gathered, Ramiel begins speaking, voicing his intentions for the kingdom. She nods as he mentions the competition, glad to hear that they would be strengthening their bond with the Jungle. She would quite happily participate in this coming contest, for if nothing else, it would give her the practice (and confidence) that she sorely needs.
Next he addresses promotions. She is unsurprised when he offers Weir the advisor position, for he well deserves it. She offers him a congratulatory smile that swiftly turns bemused as he immediately begins attempting to practice his newly granted gift. But when Ramiel continues, offering her the position of lady, Elysteria turns a mildly surprised gaze to the king. The promotion is unexpected, to say the least, considering her absences of late.
She hesitates a moment, guilt weighing heavily upon her mind. But it is soon replaced by determination. A resolve to see that she will not fail her king in this. Dipping her head, she accepts graciously.
“The honor would be mine.”
Even as she says this, she makes a silent promise to herself to live up to that honor.
Ramiel, having gained her acceptance, continues with the meeting then. She remains silent until the end, quietly considering his words. At his mention of war however, she feels a need to add her suspicions.
“The concerns of the Valley aside, I have some reservations about the Chamber.”
She pauses, bright gaze serious. Though she has nothing to substantiate her claims, her meeting with the Chamber had left her unsettled. Unfortunately, it hadn’t been until recently that she had truly begun to consider it. And she had realized then, that the Chamber’s non-answer to her wish for continued friendliness had been answer enough.
“Though they were not openly hostile, they made quite a point of avoiding any discussion of truce or alliance.”
Of course, that could also have had something to do with her being spirited away by Kushiel at the most inopportune time, but she does not think that her instincts are that off. Turning slightly, she shifts her gaze to Weir.
“I am curious to know what, if anything, you found in the Tundra Weir.”
She hopes it is better news than she has.
You have to work out whether your roots
have so entwined together
that it is inconceivable that you should ever part.
Because this is what love is.