“Do you know them?” asked Kaylia. Her hand released Gewey's and slid to her knife.
“No,” Linis replied. “But stay your hand. We would not want to make friends into foes from our own fears.”
Kaylia tightened her jaw and moved her hand to her side.
“Greetings,” called Linis, holding his hand high. The elves didn't move. “Who are you, and what is your business?”
The elf woman whispered into the ear of the elf on her left. He nodded slowly. She took a step forward and held up a delicate hand. “Greetings,” she said. Her voice was gentle and calm, and though still several yards away she sounded as if she were just in front of them. “Come and walk with us. It would seem fortune has made our paths as one.”
Gewey, Kaylia, and Linis paused for a second, then approached.
Linis bowed. “I am Linis. This is Kaylia and Gewey. Your speech and dress are unfamiliar. From where do you hail?”
The elf woman smiled brightly, and though she bowed in turn to the group, her eyes never left Gewey. “I am Aaliyah,” she said. “My companions are Mohanisi and Nehrutu.” The elf men bowed in turn. Both elves were similar in appearance, apart from Mohanisi being a bit slighter in build, and an inch taller. “As for our home…that is a question best answered later.”
Kaylia stepped forward. That Aaliyah’s eyes still rested on Gewey, had not escaped her notice. “I think it is a question to be answered now.”
“Fierce,” said Mohanisi. “Much as we expected.”
“Decorum my friend,” scolded Aaliyah, though not too harshly. “They know us not, and have been through much hardship and pain.”
“And what do you know of it?” asked Kaylia.
“More than I care to, I'm afraid,” Aaliyah replied. Her voice was filled with pity and sorrow. Gewey found himself wanting to weep at the sound, as if her words stirred something inside him. “My dear Kaylia,” she said taking a small step forward. “We are here to bring glad tidings. We have come to help you, after many lifetimes of waiting.”
“I don't understand,” said Linis. “Where have you come from?”
Aaliyah glanced at her companions, who nodded in turn. “We are from across the sea. We are of the first race of elves to traverse the Great Sureshi, and settle these lands. And now we have returned. Though I fear we have returned too late.”
Linis' eyes widened in immediate disbelief. “Sureshi? I have not heard that word used since I was a boy. No one who has journeyed across the Great Abyss has ever returned, and you claim to be from there?”
“None of your folk who tried to reach our land would have survived,” said Nehrutu. “The Great Barrier has barred the way for thousands of years. It has only been nineteen summers since we have been able to get through ourselves. And yes, that is our home. Once, long ago, it was the home of all elves. But now…” He paused, placed his hand on Aaliyah’s shoulder, and nodded.
“Yes, quite right,” she said. “We should go. Your brothers and sisters await your return. I would think they would want our tale told to all.” She met Gewey's eyes once again. “And I suspect they are especially anxious to see you.”
“You seem to know something about me,” said Gewey. He was no longer afraid to reveal himself.
“Oh, indeed I do,” Aaliyah replied, with a hint of laughter. “There is not an elf among us that does not know of the coming of Shivis Mol. News of your arrival has caused great rejoicing. You are the herald of a new age and a new way.” She stepped forward and placed her ivory hand on Gewey's cheek. “I have dreamed of this day my entire life. As have all of my people.”
Gewey’s face felt hot at the touch of Aaliyah’s hand. He blushed and tried to look away, but couldn't. Her touch held him fast. A flash of rage flowed through his bond with Kaylia, breaking the spell before he stepped back.
“I see you have bonded to Shivis Mol,” said Aaliyah. Her eyes scrutinized Kaylia for a moment. “And yet you have no connection to…what is it you call it? The flow. How unusual.” She smiled. “And how fortunate for you. To be coupled with such as he, is a great honor, but requires great strength.”
“It is I who am honored,” said Gewey. He moved close to Kaylia and took her hand.
Aaliyah laughed. It was like bells on the wind. “I am sure that is so. She is clearly a noble elf…if that is the word I should use. I apologize, but certain concepts are difficult for us.”
“Being noble is a difficult concept?” remarked Kaylia, trying not to allow her anger to seep into her voice.
Nehrutu interjected. “Perhaps it is better to say we have no concept of…” He searched for the words. “We have no conflict among our people. At least not in the way you would understand. The idea of not acting noble, in the way you see it, is unknown to us.”
“But enough,” said Aaliyah. “There will be time for this when we arrive.” Nimble and swift as the wind, she spun around and walked down the road toward the Chamber of the Maker. Nehrutu and Mohanisi followed close behind.
Gewey, Kaylia, and Linis, looked at each other, then did the same.
As they approached the field where the pavilion had been erected, Aaliyah and her companions dropped back next to Linis. The field was still abuzz with activity, as hundreds of elves darted about.
“I believe you should make introductions,” said Aaliyah. “Considering what has happened here, it may be better if your people are greeted by someone more…familiar.”
Linis nodded in agreement.
Two guards barred their way when they reached the edge of the field. They eyed the strangers for a moment.
“They are not foes,” said Linis.
The guards grunted then stepped aside.
“A bit brutish,” remarked Mohanisi.
Linis pretended not to hear, but couldn't help but bristle at the insult. “They must be hard to survive these times. They fought bravely to protect their kin.”
“I meant no insult,” Mohanisi explained. “It is only that you are so different from what we know.”
Theopolou, Eftichis, and Bellisia approached from the pavilion. Kaylia ran ahead and embraced her uncle with joy. She held him tight for nearly a full minute.
“I am happy to see you are safe,” said Theopolou, smiling broadly. “Though I had no doubt Gewey would succeed in your rescue.” As Gewey approached with the others, Theopolou bowed. “Thank you,” he said to Gewey and Linis. “I am in your debt.”
Gewey bowed. “I wish I could say I freed her. But as it turns out she managed that on her own.”
Theopolou smiled lovingly at Kaylia. “A tale I would love to hear.”
“As would I,” said Bellisia. “But first I would like to know who you have brought among us.”
Linis introduced the elves and explained how they met, not failing to mention their claim.
“So you say you are from beyond the Great Western Abyss,” said Theopolou. His tone bore no hint of surprise or trepidation. “That would explain the news we received. Reports of red sails on the horizon have caused quite a stir.”
Aaliyah stepped forward and took Theopolou's hand. The old elf stiffened and staggered back. In a flash, Linis and Eftichis had drawn their knives and pulled Theopolou away. Mohanisi and Nehrutu made no move to stop them.
“No,” Theopolou cried. “Stay your weapons. I am not harmed…only dazed.”
“What happened?” asked Linis, holding Theopolou's arm.
“I beg your forgiveness,” said Aaliyah. “I thought it would be easier this way. As you are one of the more…how should I say this… talented among you. That is to say, you can use the flow.”
“Yes,” said Theopolou. He steadied himself and straightened his shoulders. “But I suggest you refrain from doing that again. At least until you have addressed the others.”
“Theopolou-” began Bellisia.