laneys.info Beware of Yankees, drunks, and loose women.

"My lord," the cleric called as his aged face excitedly moved towards the armored knight who still hadn't been able to remove it after the war had ended nearly four months prior. "They're ready for you," he informed, straightening his white vestment whose thin, gold border shone in the afternoon sun.

"I'll be right there," Arhus nodded as Elminoir tied on his brilliant red cloak. He had been trying to avoid this moment for some time. Pouring through the nearby double doors, sunlight shone brightly on the newly cleaned, grey marble floor and thick rugs within his study here in Seridos.

Sater dismissed the priest as he approached, Lady Alysia remaining quiet in the shadows of the room as Arhus noticed her admiring him quietly. "So, it seems you've won more than our freedom," his serious tone echoed within the large room that had once entertained elven nobles.

"Not by choice," brown eyes gazed towards his friend of many years as Elminoir moved to the right clasp. "I would gladly give this honor to you, brother. Trust me."

Dark eyes grinned as the high priest stopped to his left, hands behind his back as his brilliant gold necklace and pendant glinted. "It's not mine to claim. The people have looked to you for guidance since this war started, you're a natural leader and have command of everyone's trust. No other name in this new kingdom, or any for that matter, thinks of Sater when they would promote a new liege."

Arhus nodded modestly. "I have my friends to thank for our victory. Without any of you, that day at Three Rivers would never have happened."

"Your modesty and humility are irksome at times, friend," he glanced to Elminoir and turned as he moved towards the veranda as her blue eyes followed him.

"You have the love of many of your followers as well," she informed. "Without your healing abilities and care for the wounded, many would've died during our marches and from battle."

He nodded quietly and Arhus wondered what was really bothering his friend. "I know." Sater soon turned and eyed him. "Be careful what you wish for, right? This is your day," he relaxed and slowly moved towards them. "Revel in it and bother not with other worries for today we become a kingdom with our own hero at it's head."

"Heroes," Arhus corrected.

Sater grinned. "Of course."

* * *

After two days of celebration, Arhus quietly walked the halls of his small home, full of his friends and Alysia as well as her guards. Now a king, he pondered the road here. Mused on many friends now dead who had given their lives for this goal. Now fifty-six, he was worried that he and Elminoir were too old to leave any progeny to carry on their dream.

Suddenly, a chill ran up his spine as the darkened hall brightened from behind him, forcing him to spin and see the beautiful wonder before his eyes. Shocked, his mouth fell open as the brilliant form hovered before him.

"Arhus," it's voice sounding like many speaking as one. "You've done wonders for your race as well as the others who've joined you in this liberation. All look to you and your friends now as icons and will tell your stories for generations. Time will come soon when you are to take your rightful place as their guide and example. We will speak again soon." As the image faded, he saw a flash in his mind of a high, cold mountain with a temple atop it whose long, broad stair lowered to more buildings and workshops. A vision that faded into darkness.

* * *

He awoke in his bed, Elminoir's blonde hair against his right cheek as she slept on his chest, arm across him. Her perpetual scent had never left her, even after a battle, he mused as he quietly stroked her back and shoulder. The night's dream had been a strange one full of people and places he had never been before, nor even knew existed.

"Good morning," she greeted sleepily, then rose and kissed him.

"Hi there. How'd you sleep?"

She backed, blue eyes studying him from her tanned face, lined with age. "Well, I guess. Had an odd dream though."

"Oh?"

Elminoir nodded. "Gliding over forests like a vast, rolling carpet and I could feel the heartbeats of everything. Life's ebbs and flows. It was beautiful, and frightening at the same time. I've never felt anything like that before."

"You can sense things in nature that I could only dream of. You've always had that gift."

"Not like this. It was as if I could heal and nurture everything within miles of me," she smiled childishly. "It was beautiful." As tears began to well in her eyes, Arhus drew her close and kissed her on the forehead, then hugged her tightly.

"Maybe that's what it will be like when this life is done with us."

"Can't wait."