FF: Two Worlds (Chapter 24: The Messenger)

["cilia" <cilia@xxxxx>]

I'm back once again, sorry only two chapters this week, Collage isn't easy,
no matter how smart you are.
Cilia

Title: Two Worlds
Chapter 24: The Messenger
Series: Royalty (Book Three)
Author: Cilia
Edited and Revised by: Brndn
E-mail: cilia@xxxxx
Feedback: Please god yes
Pairings: B/W, C/f, X/J, Amy/m
Distribution and Archiving: Sure go for it
Summary: You know this dont you?
Missting Parts: E-mail me and I'll send you what you need.
Notes: A Big Thanks to my beta "brndn" for getting me started on this again
and being my faithful beta and Ollie for plot line helping.

-TWO WORLDS-
CILIA
BRNDN
OLLIE
STAN


Chapter 24: The Messenger

As the sun rose to fill morning sky, a rift in the very fabric of the world,
tore it open right in the center of the Rose divisions camp. Several
soldiers moved to surround the strange opening. They all moved forward,
weapons ready, as an intruder stepped forth. Having their early morning
training interrupted, they were ready for anything.
The stranger took a step forward with empty hands outstretched. The
soldiers relaxed ever so slightly at the universal sign of peace.
My name is Theris. I am a messenger from Alx Sun. I seek General Buffy
Rosenberg-Summers, she said calmly as she looked over the soldiers. A
colorful bunch, she noted, including two humans, a surface elf, and several
drow.
I am General Summers, a voice with an unmistakable air of command spoke
from the back of the crowd. You have news of my friends?
Yes. Is there a place where we can speak? Theris asked as a thought
crossed her mind, that the girl looks like her mother.
How do I know youre telling the truth? the general asked with hands on
her hips and her head cocked.
Alx gave me this, Theris answered and showed her the tooth. I used it
to guide me here,
This is from Alx scout Stjara? she asked and the elf girl nodded.
Very well. I hide nothing from my soldiers, you may speak here.
You are very much like your mother, Theris said, which prompted a curious
look from Buffy. Very well. The Dwarven army marches. They are nine days
away from Necris. I have traveled here, through the high planes, to bring
this news to the Elf Alliance.
On second thought, maybe you had better come with me, Buffy said as she
processed the news. She turned to lead the elf.
Theris cast a final glance over the soldiers. Two of the soldiers caught
her eye; one with an aura of wisdom and the other was familiar to her eyes.
Yet& it could not be.
As they made their way through the drow encampments, she could tell some of
the soldiers recognized her for what she was. She could hear them whispering
to their comrades. Coming to stop outside the largest tent, the two guards
let them pass without a word. Inside, the drow queen sat behind a small
desk, writing in a journal.
My Queen, Buffy said with a bow. Alx Sun has sent a messenger. Her name
is Theris. Theris, this is the Queen Piratess Each nodded to the other.
Thank you, General. Has the war council been notified? The drow queen
asked looking back to her writings.
No. She just arrived. I will have the council assembled immediately,
Buffy said and strode out.
Please sit, we will be joining the council momentarily, the Queen said
offering her a seat. Theris sat down and remained quiet.
You are a High Elf. May I apologize in advance if my chaotic nature
offends you, the Queen said without looking up.
And I apologize if my order offends you, Theris nodded. The silence
dragged on, until Amy stepped into the tent.
The War Council is ready, Queen Piratess, she reported and left again.
Shall we go? the Queen asked and closed her journal.

The war councils tent was in the center of the encampment. The tents spread
out in all directions away from it like spokes on a huge wagon wheel.
High Elf, we are honored by your presence, King Vitor said formerly when
she entered the tent.
Thank you, King Vitor, Theris nodded as she looked up at the end of the
table.
You bring news of my General? Vitor asked.
Yes. He has enlisted the help of Clan Thunderfoot. They are currently nine
days march from the city of Necris. Once there, King Einar and I will go
around the city and join you with two hundred soldiers. Alx will wait for
the main force, which is two days behind us, Theris said, maintaining the
calm visage.
This is good news. A drow royal commented and looked around the table,
but might I ask why a High Elf, such as yourself, is traveling with a
human?
I assisted Alx when his scouting party came under attack and have taken
it upon myself to assist in him avenging their deaths, Theris said firmly.
What are the dwarves asking for in return for their assistance? Piratess
asked calmly.
Trade routes, safe passage through your part of the Nether and whatever
spoils of war they can take from the&attackers, Theris said, this was the
threshold
There was a pause as glances traveled around the table with nods close
behind. Tell King Einar that we accept their help. We will have time to
confer more after the battle, the Queen said after the pause.
As you wish. Are there any other questions?
When will you return? a red haired, human mage asked.
In a days time, Theris answered. By the gods, the girl had power, all
right. It was almost tangible.
Then may we offer you our hospitality during your stay, Vitor said.
Thank you. And now, if I am not needed further, I will retreat to the
forest, Theris said.
I cant think of anything else. Well give you a transcript of the council
meeting and our plans before you leave, the little mage said.
That would be welcomed. Good day to you, Theris said with a nod and left.

Willow could have sworn that there had been a collective sigh when the High
Elf left the tent. Either it was respect or fear, maybe a bit of both.
Now we know we have the support of the dwarves. Thatll help. How long
before we reach the Nether? Willow asked.
Ah&ten days. Nine if we set a brisk pace, Buffy answered, calculating in
her head. But that could change. Remember, we have to pass through the
human city of Larken and the soldiers will want to wind down.
The march through the Nether will take three days. Two if we dont run
into trouble, Tark said from his seat. Usually very quiet during the
meetings, his voice drew attention.
Thats rather&optimistic, General, Vitor noted.
Not if we send a small force ahead of us, Buffy said as she picked her
nails with a dagger. They were already clean, but she knew how much it irked
the royals.
Who do you suggest sending, General? one of the royals asked.
Ill go. My division will take a shortcut through the forest, Buffy said
as she stood and walked to the map. Well go into the city of Larken and
wait there for the main army, then head out again through the wooden paths
and into the Nether, she finished and traced the map with her dagger.
I shall accompany her with my division, Tark said calmly.
An eyebrow jumped and the king blinked in surprise, General Tark? he
asked. Is drow is finally at ease with us, he wondered.
With your permission of course, he added.
Permission granted, Vitor told him with a tight smile and a formal nod.
I would like to send my apprentice, Amy, with them, Willow said. She
silenced Amys protest of not being ready with a soft look.
We would welcome the help of a mage, Buffy said aloud. To herself, I
would prefer the Red Mage, but&
General Buffy, we place you in command of this mission. You are to give
this, Vitor placed a parchment with a medallion around it on the table, to
the citys protector. It will explain our quest and give him time to prepare
for our arrival.
Of course, Buffy said as she placed the parchment inside her cloak. She
knew Willow wouldnt be too happy about her running off again, leaving her
alone in the cold bed.
Blame it on my sense of duty, Buffy thought and Willow smiled.

-

Cordelia wandered aimlessly through the forest just outside the camp.
Something& odd was happening to her, she knew that for sure. Her body felt
hypersensitive. She swore she could feel the air move, even when there was
no wind. It was a guess, but she thought it was that which now alerted her
to someones arrival.
You have questions, young one? the High Elf, named Theris, asked as she
stepped into the clearing
There are always questions, she answered, unsurprised.
But lately, you have sensed things once foreign to you. Are you able to
predict the weather, summoned the spirits and maybe even hover? she asked
and lifted from the ground.
Yeah. I can tell whether itll rain just by glancing at the clouds. If I
focus& she stopped and closed her eyes. She lifted an inch from the ground
then settled back down. I can float on the wind.
Youre not floating on the wind, youre just moving through the nature
that you are a part of, Theris explained.
But& why? I mean&why is this happening to me? Cordelia asked, a million
things running through her mind.
You have been chosen. Maybe it is your destiny, maybe not. I cannot say.
But you are changing, young one, Theris said calmly.
I could& sense something when I saw you earlier& like& seeing a kindred
spirit or something, Cordelia said in a confused voice with a wave her
hand.
That is to be expected, we can sense each others presence, Theris
answered.
We? Cordelia asked with a raised eyebrow.
Yes, we are the Guardians of the natural order. The High Elves, the
rangers and the human druids, among others, all guard the order of things.
But few human have ever displayed such power as you do, she answered.
People have been calling me a ranger alot lately. Is it possible that&
Perhaps, if the person has the gift or even just the talent to judge
people, the High Elf answered.
Will I keep& changing? Cordelia asked in a shaky voice.
Yes, young one. And as you change, your powers will grow, she said.
Can you&will you teach me?
No, Theris said and Cordelias face sank, Each must find their own way
to harness their gifts. There are many philosophies on this, but what
becomes of your gifts is up to you, she said and added: Believe in
yourself and trust nature to guide you.
I think& I understand, but what can I expect? Can you tell me anything? I
dont want to be caught of guard. I mean&what if I all of the sudden just
float away or something?
The High Elf had to smile at the girls innocence. Yes, her being chosen
was a wise choice, Theris concluded. You will not float away, young one,
you will learn control. You will also start to sense the chaos or order in
all beings, maybe even start seeing auras and sprites. But, like I said, the
path for each guardian is different, Theris answered.
Cordelia was pondering the High Elfs words when a whistle broke the
silence, Cordy? Come on! Stjara called out, Were going to be late for
practice,
Uh, thats my cue. It was nice meeting you Priestess Theris Forestwalker,
Cordelia said. Her face then turned to one of amazement.
Theris shared another smile with the human, Fear not, it will come to you
Ranger Cordelia Moondancer, Theris said and was gone.
Cordelia? Are you okay? Stjara asked as she walked into the clearing.
Yeah&yeah just& fine, Cordelia said and looked around, but there was
nobody there.
Dont worry, love. High Elves tend to have that affect on people, Stjara
said as she took her hand and guided her back to the camp. Cordelia never
took her eyes off forest behind her and then like magic, the High Elf
shifted into view, waved and then simply blinking out again.

TBC... you bet ya