Legend of Guardians

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The Elven King looks at the reports that were placed before him. It is time. Time for the pilgrimage to begin. “Do we have any qualified summoners ready to go?” He asks his counsel.

“There is one in the Arabitylar family. A young woman, she is a mage as well.” The counsel answers.

“Perfect, send a message to the family and also to the human King. I know one of his sons is a mage. He will make a good protector. I cannot believe it already has been a thousand years. We will spread the word to the other nations later. I don’t want our summoner to be alone with the other guardians.” The King sighs. “I only wish there was a different way of doing this.”

~~~~~~

Caladhiel finishes up on the young patient. “Next time us some caution while exploring. It could have been a lot worse than a broken leg.”

“Cala, Cala…” A young girl’s shout is heard. Caladhiel knows immediately who it is. Only one person calls her that. The curtain is pulled open. “Atara nyare amin utu- lle. ta naa horme.*” The young girl pants and switches to common. “There is a royal summons for you.”

Caladhiel gasps, “A royal summon for me? I will be right there.” She looks at the doctor for his dismissal and takes off her labcoat. “Thank you for fetching me Kujara, shall we race home?” The grin on Kujara’s face is wide as she takes off to the house. Caladhiel waits for a few moments to give her sister a head start. She breaks into a sprint.

She lets Kujara touch the door first as she smooths her outfit. Not only is her family a mage family. It is a summoner one as well. It is rare to have a summoner who is both. They had royal visits before but mostly they deal with her parents not with her. She makes sure she is presentable before walking in.

A man in royal robes is sitting by the fireplace enjoying tea with her parents. They all look up as Caladhiel enters the room. “Milday, it is good to see you. I am glad you came quickly. I have a letter here from the king. He wants you to get ready for you pilgrimage. Yours will not be the normal one though. He needs you for a special one. With your parents’ permission of course.” He looks over at the couple seated together.

“But of course, we pledge our services for His Majesty, and that of our daughter.” The Father states.

“Don’t worry about packing too much. His Majesty will provide you with the necessities.” The man states. “However if there is anything personal you need, I will help you pack that. I recommend packing lightly, this is going to be a long trip. Primarily on foot as well.”

Caladhiel bows and goes to her room. She packs her flute, her toiletries, and her crossbow. She cannot help, but be a little nervous. She remember the bedtime stories of pilgrimages that all elves have heard. She wonders who her protectors will be.

*Mother told me to find you. It is urgent.

**********

Meanwhile, have the world away a message is received by the human royalty. They give it to King Frederick immediately upon arrival. He nods at his messenger. “So it begins. Get the Royal carriage set up with plenty of provisions. My son is going to the Elven Castle. Oh and someone fetch Kelani for me as well.”

Kelani is at the mage practice grounds. He is working on picking up his instructor. It is not going so well. “I know you can do this Prince, you have been practicing so hard. Just a little bit higher. I can almost reach the apple.”

“It would have been simpler to bring the apple to you.” Kelani retorts as beads of sweat glisten on his forehead. The door burst open and a guard enters. Kelani loses his concentration as he looks at the guard. The instructor falls on her butt.

“This better be important, can’t you see I am in the middle of a lesson.” The instructor glares at the guard.

“Sir, the King told me to come get you. It is important.” The guard bows.

Kelani shrugs at the instructor. “What can I say, I am a popular one today.” He turns to leave the room but pauses at the door. Only using his mind, he takes the apple from the branch and sets it in the instructor’s hands. “Enjoy.”

Kelani rushes back to the castle, making a stop at his room to dress appropriately. He is told that his father is waiting in the study. “Father, you wanted to see me?”

“Good, good you are here. I got a message from the Elven nation. They have requested you to be a protector for their summoner. I am readying a carriage and your bags as well. You will be protected on your trip to pick up the Summoner, and to bring her back here. I am so proud that you were selected for this pilgrimage. Now go quickly and may your travels be safe.” King Frederick hugs his son.

Kelani is excited, finally something to do. He loves being a Prince, but since he is not heir to the throne, life is a little boring. He goes to his room and makes sure the servants are packing the right things.

“From what I have been told, the trolls are quite tenacious in their battles. Is that correct?” Caladhiel asks. She’s been so sheltered compared to the others regarding the races. This is the first time she has really been out of Zordlon.


Kelani stays by Caladhiel as the others scouted ahead. He kept an eye on the others, but knows they make better scouts. Even Caladhiel would be a better scout than he. They are lucky though these roads are very heavily patrolled. Knowing his father, even more so now that he is traveling on it. “I have always wondered Lady Caladhiel, since elves don’t sleep how do you relax?”


“We do relax, it is not just by sleeping. I have learned plenty of songs and we tell our stories. Our families are really close as well. Did you know one of my ancestors was on the same journey as we are now many years ago? She is gone now of course. She did not talk about her journey at all.” Caladhiel sighs.

It was then a patrol group passes them. “The roads are pretty quiet, Milord. We will make sure the rest of your trip to the temple is safe as well.”

“Thank you sirs, we appreciate all your hard work.” Kelani nods to them as they travel forward. “That sounds relaxing at least. You play your pan flute quite well.”
They travel on for a few hours some in silence, some in small talk. Finally they can see the spires of the temple. “Ladies and Gentleman, welcome to our first temple of the guardians.”


They are greeted by a monk in colorful robes upon their arrival. “Welcome Summoner and her protectors to the Temple of Terron. I am Father Caprio, please follow me to your quarters while you are here. I know you must be hungry as well. We have plenty of food for you.”

The building is beautiful. It is so colorful and airy like the tropical nation. She is not use to everything being so open. Although in Zordlon, it is too cold to have open structures like this. It is very ornate as well. “Thank your Father, for your kindness. The temple here is very beautiful.” Caladhiel cannot help but look around.

Father Caprio leads them in. “We will make sure you are properly attired Lady Summoner for the duration of your visit.” A group of ladies in simpler robes approach them. “Take Summoner Caladhiel to her room and get her dressed. I will take the others to theirs.”

He take them down the hall. “The ladies will have one room and the gentlemen will have another. The Summoner has her own quarters.” He points out the doors. “When you are settled, please meet up in the main quarters and we will take everyone on a tour together. Majesty, I know you have been here before, so you know how to get there.”

Caladhiel looks back at the others as the attendants pull her away. They bring her to an ornate room that has a huge bed in the middle. There is also a desk with books on it. On the bed is a multicolored kimono just waiting for her.

“We will help you get dressed, then you can meet up for the others.”
“We hope you like it. We know how elves like colorful things.”
“We will do your hair perfect as well

Caladhiel could be more excited. A real chance to bathe and put on some really pretty clothes. She goes right to the bathing room. After she is done the ladies put her in the kimono. They put her hair up and adorn it with jewelry as well as her neck. She has never felt so pretty before.

As they are led to their rooms, Darrin is happy to have room shared with only one other. This, for him, is a rarity, and he'd never have such a luxury at home. Even more rare is how nice and well lit everything is. Being above the Underdark for so long almost makes him long for another life. However, he's also grateful for the one that he has.

As the Queen's very own slave, he has far more luxuries in life than most male Drow, so he is actually pretty lucky. He had watched the others go into their own rooms, as well. Majet looked happy to be inside and of course, his mistress seems entirely indifferent.

However, the indifference was very clear to him. He knows his mistress well and he is sure that she is unhappy to be here--even more so, now that the Summoner is being treated like a Queen and as though she has a higher status. Regardless of the fact that it is tradition and ritual, she will always consider herself superior to all Elves.

Darrin finds clothing waiting for him--clean clothes and rather nice ones, too. However, he doesn't put them on. After a quick wash, he places on his own clothes, instead--but a clean set. Then, he closes up his pack and wonders if the mistress will want him to dine with the others. After all, it is definitely not tradition to have a slave at the table.

Kelani is thankful for sleeping indoors. He already knew about accommodations here, but this is the first time he has seen them first hand. He is thankful for the privacy from the ladies and for the bathing facilities as well. He too finds clothing waiting for him and decides to wear them.

After bathing, he puts on the simple clothes, the material rougher than he usually wears. He does not want to insult the temples though. He is not her as a Prince, but a protector. He waits until Darrin is ready. “Shall we check on the ladies? I know my way around here, so I can bring you to the dining area.”

Caladhiel is waiting in the main hall for the others. She was brought here after getting dressed. This is amazing! She wonders if it will be the same in all temples. She can get used to this.

Kelani waits out in the hall for the ladies. “I hope your accommodations are as lovely as ours are. Then again anything beats sleeping on the ground. I will be happy to escort you to the dining room and a quick tour while we go.”

He takes them to the main room where Caladhiel is waiting. He gets an appreciative look on his face. “Wow Lady Caladhiel, you are beautiful.”

Darrin is escorted to where the Summoner is by Prince Kelani, and of course, they are quick to find both Syren and Majet, neither of which show any expressions of any kind. Dressed in simple clothing, both ladies seem rather comfortable in their newfound cleanliness and Majet seems much more relaxed. Syren never looks or seems relaxed.

Darrin greets his Mistress with a deep bow and Syren doesn't even give him a chance to do or say anything. Instead, she walks right up to him and holds out a sealed scroll. Looking up at the scroll, he takes it from her hand curiously, seeing that it is sealed with her own wax family emblem.

"You will eat a small meal and then rest up in your room for the rest of this day. After tomorrow's morn comes, you will leave and head straight home. Deliver this scroll to the Queen." Syren command, "It will be up to her, that we should meet again."

Darrin had expected this, certainly, but he really had truly wished to stay a little longer with the group before making his exit. However, Syren always made up her mind on decisions rather quickly. She wasn't one to sit and think on any one situation for too long--she liked to act. With a nod of his head, he takes his exit so as to pack away the scroll with the rest of his belongings.

After Darrin's exit, Majet looks up at Syren with intrigue. So Darrin is here to simply provide information for the Queen? A messenger? If he should return, it will take him much longer to catch up with their journeys...especially after some more distance is gained between them and the Underdark.

Looking about awkwardly, Majet's right hand moves up to her necklace subconsciously and she plays with it. She's never really been in a place like this. They don't have nice sorts like this at home--but still, it does not compare to the Queen's royalties in the Underdark. Having only seen it once, the grandeur of the place has still burned into her mind from awe.

"I agree, you do look quite lovely," Majet chimes in after Kelani's compliment. "It suits you."

Caladhiel thanks Majet for her compliment. She is saddened though that Darrin will be leaving. The nights will be long without him. She does not trust Syrendross and now she no one to ask questions about the dark elves. “Thank you all. Well I hope the food here is as good as the clothing.”

Kelani is only slightly surprised that Syrendross is sending Darrin away. The journey is only supposed to be them in the first place. Kelani offers an arm to Caladhiel and Majet. “Allow me to escort you guys to the dining hall. I know we are all hungry.

The food is set up in a buffet style setting there is a lot of fruits and seafood, being close to the ocean. There are some other people filling their plates already. “Oh welcome, I see you guys found your clothing. Lady Summoner, you look lovely. I hope you guys are hungry. After eating, you will be free to settle in. We will be having our services at sunset, if you wish to join us.

“Thank you Father, I cannot speak for the others, but I will be attending.” Kelani releases the ladies. He notices that Caladhiel is swarmed by the other people. He expected that as well. Their group is one that rarely happens.

Caladhiel is gracious to all the people who ask her questions. She answers their questions as best as she can. She tries deflect some of the attention to the others. She is only one member of the group. They eventually do disperse and she finds Kelani. “Wow is it going to be like this at all the temples?”

Kelani laughs. “This is the temple in the human lands. It is not often that we get visitors from the Elves. Look now they are talking to Majet as well. Plus, we are an unusual Summoner party. Most of the time they are not so diverse. Shall we get some food while we can?”

“The ritual will not take place until tomorrow at sunrise. The summoner and her protectors will have to be at upmost condition. So please all of you take the time to relax and enjoy the temple.” Father Caprio is not bothered by the Drow’s personality. He knows it is just one of their mysterious qualities.

Caladhiel is happy at Syrendross’ sudden departure. The less time they spend together the better. It is obvious they do not like one another, so it is better for the team that they are not together. Why the guardians would insist on opposing races working together is beyond her.

She is happy to see that Majet is being treated well. The others are so curious about her. She wishes that it was the two of them that shared a room together. She seems really nice without Syrendross breathing down her neck. Maybe she will help her find out more about the elusive Drows.

Kelani wonders what the ritual consists of. He knows that a journey like this does not happen. Yes, there have been summoners and their protectors, but not a group so diverse. He suspects that the Elves and Drows may know more due to their long lifespans. However, that does not mean that Caladhiel and Syrendross have that knowledge. Caladhiel seems to be a younger elf and not royalty. Higher class definitely, so she may not be privy to information.

Syrendross may know the most, but he doubts she will disclose all her secrets. He is glad she is being well behaved towards Caladhiel so far. He wonders what is in the scroll she gave to Darrin and why she is sending him away so quickly. He knows better than to get relaxed with this group.

He smiles when he looks at Majet. He is so curious about her. He has only dealt with Spriggans professionally, and as bystander at that. She seems to have a nice personality, but is easily intimidated by Syrendross. He hopes to get to know her better as well.

The meal ends and the church staff begins to clean up. “Our libraries are open to all and at all hours. We know that the Elves and Drow do not sleep. If you do venture outside, you should be safe while on the temple grounds. We do have our own guards. Not that we have too many issues, but just in case.” Father Caprio stands. “The evening service will begin in about a half hour. Everyone is invited to attend.”

Caladhiel is grateful when the crowd disperses. “I am going to the service. Are either of you going to attend as well?”

“I am glad you are going to be joining us. Unless it has changed at all, which I highly doubt, the service is a quick one. Basically thanking the guardians for making it through another day. It won’t take too long.” Kelani tells her.

“Oh I didn’t know today was a Spriggan Holiday. You must tell me what holiday it is. I know so little of the Spriggan people. I am sure they won’t mind you leaving early.” Caladhiel sees her playing with her hair. “If you want, I can help you with your hair. I have plenty of experience with my younger sister. Please tell me you will let me do it for you. We have a little time before the service starts. Then you can tell me all about the holiday.”

Kelani laughs at the ladies. “Sounds like girl talk. Go on and I will find you for the service. Have fun ladies.”

Caladhiel smiles cheerfully. “See now you have to come. Please say you will. We will stop by your room first to get your brush. I have plenty of hair decorations in my room.” She holds out her hand to Majet waiting for her acceptance.

Caladhiel nods emphatically. “Oh please may I?! You may not know it, but the Elves are so isolated from other cultures. Part of that is the mountainous region we call home. Most of it is from our own culture. So just being on this journey is a treat for me. All except for Syrendross, but even she hasn’t been too openly hostile. You look so pretty, and I think you will turn some eyes.”

Kelani walks to Caladhiel’s door and knocks on it. “Ladies it is that time. We should head to the chapel for the service.”

Caladhiel laughs and winks at Marjet as she opens the door. “I suppose you are here as our escort. May I present to you Lady Marjet, protector of the Summoner.

Kelani raises his eyebrow at Caladhiel’s antics. He looks over her shoulder to Majet. “Wow you are beautiful, I am the luckiest man to be your and the Lady Summoner’s escort.” He stands by the door and waits for them to exit.

“Now if you have to leave at any time to attend your ceremony, I will go with you.” Caladhiel exits the room. She holds Kelani’s arm as he offers the other to Majet.

The trio walks down to the chapel and take their seats. The chapel is a simple one with lots of stained glass windows. The sun is currently hitting them sending a myriad of colors into the room. The Father walks down the aisle and stands in front of the room. It is a medium sized room typical of the temples. Kelani shows them the order of the services. It is not very long for it is a night service.

Caladhiel sits next to Majet and watches her. She sees the curiosity in the young woman’s eyes. Is this her first exposure to their religion?

Kelani bends over after being seated and brings up a dogeared book. There is not a lot of them, but he figures this way Majet can follow along a little bit. He opens up the book and hands it to her. “You can follow along at least a little bit. This is a simple nightly service, so it is not as long as the weekly main service.”

The priest opens the service leading the group with a song. He follows that with praise to the guardians for granting them another day. Then he asks for their blessings for a peaceful rest and asks them to watch over them as they slumber. At the end of the service there was another song.

After the service they meet with the other priests and priestess. All of them were so thankful to Majet, Kelani, and Caladhiel for their sacrifices. “After we pass the trial, they will bless us for the rest of our journey.” Caladhiel explains to Majet.

Kelani hears Majet. “You can always go outside to the gardens. You will be able to see the sky from there. It is very beautiful at night. You will have to excuse me, I am going to rest before the trial tomorrow.”

Caladhiel’s eyes open wide. “It will be an honor to join you. I don’t know what to do, but I am sure you can help me. I honestly think we were put together on this journey to experience other cultures.”

Kelani nods. “Maybe so Lady Summoner, I will be happy to escort both of you to the gardens. I know the temple will keep you safe as I rest. Do you need to make any preparations Majet?”

Kelani shakes his head as he leads the ladies to the gardens. “I am sorry, I have heard druid music before, but I have never played it. Here are the gardens, I will leave you to your ceremony. If you need help back, just ask a guard.”

“Have a good night Prince Kelani.” Caladhiel takes Majet’s arm. “I know a lot of music, but most of it is Elvan. I hope you will teach me some Druid music.” They walk into the temple gates. Even before she can see the flowers, she can smell them. “Oh wow do you smell that?”

When the ladies step into the gardens, they will see a nice pond with night blooming water lilies. The pond trickles out into a stream, making the noise of running water. There are a variety of plants. Most are resting, but there are some that are in bloom. There are patches of moon flowers, Casablanca lilies, and other flowers that Caladheil does not know the name of. The fragrance from the flowers are intoxicating though. There are some lanterns, but they are few are far in between. There is some flickering of fireflies.

Caladhiel is in awe of the garden. It is nothing like she has ever seen before. In Zordlon, it is too cold for flowers at night. However here it is still warm enough not to wear a jacket. “Isn’t this amazing Majet? Where would you like to perform your ceremony and what can I do to help?”

The summoner's response to Majet's inquiry is silence and closed eyes, so Majet decides to assume that there will be none. With a focused expression, she looks about her, not yet ready to close her eyes. She looks about making sure that no one is near, first. When she is satisfied there are no interruptions, she closes her eyes, as well.

With her eyes closed, she focuses on her breathing and then on the rocks in her hands as they grow a little warmer. Reaching out with her wood magic, she feels the wooden, thin poles around them that used to be her staff and reaches out for them with her mind.

Soon, the wooden pieces begin to separate into more, small pieces as they vibrate against each other. The vibration is so quick and short that it is a quiet clacking in the night, much more peaceful, instead of loud. The vibration continues for several minutes.

Finally, other things around them begin to fall into sync with each other. Crickets sound in time with the wood vibrations, bugs of all kinds clear the air about them as the entire atmosphere seems to cool and become weightless. A deep hum is added to the vibrations after a few minutes more, the earth's rocks beneath the surface vibrating beneath them, as well.

She can feel the vibrations underneath her and the pond's water begins to ripple and dance at its surface as the grass and flowers all begin to shake. Energy flows up and around them, suddenly, as if a great wind has just rushed upwards from the ground. It threatens to lift them up into the air, but doesn't.

Majet's eyes slowly open as she feels the strong energy bursts vibrating against her body from all directions, meeting the hum and the buzzing at every inch of her skin with excitement. Her aura, now appearing like that of a deep, hazel galaxy, glows brightly about her body, making her shine. Her eyes, if she could see them, are a brilliant green as her magic's brilliance illuminates the garden.

The hum and vibrations become so loud, so intense against the skin and ears, that it is as if they are lying inside of a bell as it rings over and over and all focus towards the real world are now lost. Or is this the real world? Is this what it feels like to be normal and people are always just lost in their daily distractions? What Majet would give to live like this, in this moment, forever.

Majet tries to stifle a giggle, but she fails as it slips out. The giggle turns into a laugh. Letting the rocks fall onto the ground, lays back onto the ground and looks into the stars, feeling the vibrating earth beneath her and feeling the high of being completely relaxed as every muscle in her body releases the tension into the air that massages her into bliss.

Her eyes watch as the wooden discs--that's what they are now--circle about them in the air, moving in varying motions and vibrating against each other as the tree--the tree at the edge of the garden that isn't too far away, grows at an incredible rate. She watches it, unsurprised. That part isn't new. Most of this isn't new.

Caladhiel and her reaction to the Joining is all that is new. And it is wonderful. Everything is wonderful. Life is wonderful. The hum is just note after note of low tones to rumble the Earth's melody into her body and all she can really look at clearly in this moment are the stars. And they are stunning.

Caladhiel opens her mind as the ceremony continues. She hears the steady clacking of the wood. Then the rest of the nightly noises begin to match the clacking of the wood. The cricket’s chirp, the water fall, even her heart beat and breathing seem to match the beat. Her whole body feels lighter. She has never felt like this before.

She wishes she had her pan flute with her to play with the heartbeat of the earth, instead she begins to sing. It is a song of praise to Mother Earth in her Elven language. Her voice is the most beautiful she has ever heard it before. Soon she feels her body move in time to the beat as well. Her body is surrounded in a calming blue aura. She is a very graceful dancer being taught since a very young age. However this is not a dance she has ever done before. It is one that come purely from her soul. The song she sings is the same.

She opens her eyes after when the song is over and sees Majet lying on the ground. She lies next to her. “That was amazing. I have never felt anything like that before. I cannot describe the sensation I am feeling. I have never felt so free.” She blushes as she realizes that she is interrupting Majet’s peace. She continues to lie next to Majet soaking in the sensation from the ceremony. Elves are known to be on the reserved side. Always ones for rules and traditions. She looks over at Majet and does something she has never done. She hugs Majet whispering ‘thank you’ to her.