--
There was nothing quite like the throne room of Fo’Est. The highest platform in the trees grew several more trees. It was something surreal, a small, natural looking thicket, being so far above the ground. The trees grew into a natural roof, and the trunks looked like pillar down a hall. The Great Hall, some called this platform. Behind the hall was built royal meeting area and royal quarters. The King or Queen was elected to serve out of the royal lineage every ten years, and one could not serve consecutively. This created a nice rotation in the governing body of the Elves, and it had several purposes. There were no dictators, and it kept fresh perspectives in. Deeya stood next to a woman who had been elected queen the first time when Deeya had come back to the Forested Isle after having left Sanctuary.
Kay’Anrea Fey’Kin was an extremely beautiful elven woman, a head taller than Deeya. She had a healthy bosom, as did most of the royal line, yet most other Elves did not. Her hair would reach the back of her knees if not done up in some spectacular way. Deeya always felt plain and homely next to Rea’s radiant beauty. Deeya was wondering what she had been called to the royal meeting area for. Rea’s dress was elegant, and they were both waiting at attention in front of the King, haven’t not even spoken yet. The current King was Rea’s great great grandfather, at least fifteen hundred years older than Rea herself, who was about twice as old as Deeya. Finally the King got finished with his current petitioner, and beckoned Deeya and Rea forward.
“El’Mindeeya, it has come to my attention, that more than a century has passed since you were born into this world.”
Deeya raised an eyebrow, but answered quickly, “I am unsure of my birth date, but I should have passed the century mark about two year ago.”
The King stood, “Good, that makes it certain. Kay’Anrea Fey’Kin, do you wish to tell her what you have in mind?”
Deeya turned to her friend, who would be Queen and marry Mindee to Do’Varne, with a very perplexed look. Rea then said, “El’Mindeeya Do’Katal, as part of the Ceremony of the Leaf, which you helped revive after your parent’s death, taking into count all the services you have performed during your lifetime to the Forested Isle, my first act as Queen will be to bestow upon you, the title of Countess, the highest title granted to anyone not of the Lineage.”
Rea stopped speaking and Deeya kept staring. The King put a hand on Deeya’s shoulder and squeezed, “Its been centuries since anyone has had a title bestowed on them, congratulations.”
Deeya turned and smile, “Thank you, your majesty, and your majesty elect.”
Deeya bowed and Rea shook her head, “Deeya, you are among friends, stop standing on ceremony.”
Deeya stood back up and said, “I would never deign myself high enough to not stand on ceremony when standing in the presence of the current reagent in the throne room.”
The King shook his head and moved back to this throne, “Rea, you need to loosen her up a bit. Her daughter’s about to get married, I think she’s taking it hard.”
Rea smiled and said, “Do not worry, Grandaddy, I’ll talk to her, especially since the rehearsal is later today, she’ll be ready.” Deeya walked out of the room Rea led her by taking her arm. “You know, Deeya, I never thought you’d be so shocked by a title.”
Deeya shook her head, “This is all just too much, seems like only yesterday my daughter walked into my life, now suddenly I’m going to be a countess and a mother....”
Rea sat down, she had led Deeya out the back of the Royal Quarters, to what they called the Queen’s perch, which was nothing but a balcony on the side of the platform, looking down at almost the entire city. Deeya sat down beside her and looked down at all the hustle and bustle of people preparing for the Celebration of the Leaf. It was a week long ceremony that would kick off tomorrow, and end with Rea’s coronation, and Mindee’s marriage.
Rea smiled and said, “Speaking of you becoming a mother, Deeya, you do know that researchers have confirmed it, Mindee will be the first half-elf to ever give birth.”
Deeya nodded. “I did not know you had researchers on it, Rea, but yeah, I knew....”
Rea frowned, “Many of the older Elves are worried about that development. Some are full on ready to start performing experiments which I won’t allow. Some are worried it sets a precedent.”
Deeya nodded again, “I figured as much, they are probably scared. There has always been a clear line drawn between humans and elves because half-elves can’t have children, suddenly our races are one step closer to truly intermixing....”
Rea sighed, “I know we are a few generations off from knowing, but this might be the crux of the next Age.”
Deeya looked into her friend’s eyes. They were light purple, one of the tell tale signs of being from the Royal Lineage. “Or this could just be a once in a life time hiccup.”
Rea smiled and reached out and squeezed her friend’s hand, “Either way, Bard, no matter what happens, I’m proud to be performing the service. You’ve been an amazing friend to us all.”
Deeya smiled, “Thanks for being so generous. This life is entirely too surreal, seems like I’ll always feel like an orphan, and never truly feel at home here, but you are trying so hard.... Thank you indeed.”
--
Out of sight of Deeya, a pair of eyes spotted her pray. Mindee was walking hand in hand with Do’Varne, both seemed to be elated. Mindee would always have the heart of a child it would seem. Their mouths were moving, and the woman watching read their lips. She smiled to herself afterwards.
Aloucia would indeed be coming to the rehearsal, and she definitely had enough arrows for all of them. She had the perfect plan, and she checked it over again. A special crossbow she had used since her childhood, a sword on her back, and a pouch containing the ingredients she needed to make her magical escape. She knew her father needed her, as he was badly banged up, but she had to perform this revenge so he could rest easy. She had moved him to a far off location, away from his dukedom so he could rest, no matter that someone else had ascended to take over his lands. He would rebuild, with her help, and with time, they would take over everything they could....
One last look through the spy glass got her a glimpse of the half-elf bride smiling and kissing her elven groom. The woman slammed the spy glass shut, and moved off to make her preparations....
--
((CLICK HERE for part 4 of Mother of the Bride. ARGH! Stop building and just attack already!!! I mean, am I right?
Please comment below, not only do I read all the comments and use them to gauge how good or bad the story is, I also take your suggestions and questions to heart when I write. So comment, because you can help make this story even better!))
