A Time to Depart

The next morning came too quickly for the tired travelers, but there was still an electric tension in the air that got them all moving with the first rays of the sun. 

They were all heading into territory unknown to them. Well, Alaron and Hanna had traversed this land before, but even they were unsure of exactly what to expect. The nervous energy of the group was palpable; even the horses could feel it. 

"Have you ever been to the Mystic Spires?" Mairwen asked Lilith as they waited for the final preparations to be completed. 

 Lilith checked her own unicorn's harness one last time. "I have not been anywhere but the city and the gate. Elves don't usually have any need to go to see the Fates, so the Spires were never really an option. My people guard the entrance to the Land of Magic and we trade with those we deem valuable trade partners, but beyond that, only a few scouts here and there get to travel freely."

"Scouts like Princess Brinn?" Renat came up beside them, finding the conversation most interesting.

"Her Highness had to go through a lot of hoops to get that assignment. It was the only time that the princess completely stuck to protocol of her own free will. Though I suppose 'free will' is a bit of a stretch. The princess did what she needed to do in order to get the desired outcome. It is most impressive to go up against Queen Lanassa and come out the victor." Lilith had seen many others try their hand at talking the Queen Mother into things, and none had come out having bested the red-haired elf.

"I was led to believe that the Queen was happy to be rid of the princess for a time." Mairwen realized at once that this was not a kind thing to say. And Brinn had told her that in passing. It wasn't something she should have passed on. 

"I don't know who you heard that from, but I can tell you they are mistaken. I remember when that honor was bestowed on the princess, and she left for the land of humans. The Queen rewrote the laws so that the princess could not be a scout a second time once her term expired." Lilith's smirk quickly faded as a fourth person broke into the conversation.

"That law was made to prevent scouts from being forced to extend their duties beyond a single term. That life is a very dangerous one, and no one should feel pressured into making it a life-long career." Lanassa turned up the collar of her dress against the cold as she eyed Lilith coolly. 

"Your Majesty," Lilith bowed deeply. Her golden face turned pale. "I did not mean--"

"And anyway," Lanassa continued, cutting off the soldier. "My daughter completely went around the rule by abandoning our people entirely. All my effort was for nothing!" 

Mairwen bit her lip before responding seriously. "I am sure that Princess Brinn was just doing what she thought was right. You both have a very strong code of honor. It is something we humans respect. Our alliance would unlikely be so strong without Empress Aurora knowing Princess Brinn as well as she does."

"I see," was all the Queen said. But there was a hint of pride in the way she said it. 

Mairwen curtsied. "I would not be the brave young woman I am without her guidance. I owe her, and you, very much." 

"I am glad her stubbornness yielded some fruit," Lanassa dipped her head and walked away, much to the others' relief.

"I am going to be hearing about that when I get back for sure," Lilith wiped the beads of sweat from her brow. "I always get onto Nath for speaking his mind. I should be better about it myself." 

"Maybe she will forget about it before you return?" Renat offered. 

"She never forgets. All I can hope is that I will have done enough good that it will outweigh my error." Lilith smiled. It was very possible she would die on this mission, and it would never be an issue. That was a comforting thought. 

"I am sorry. I know coming was not your idea in the first place." Mairwen felt very guilty for baiting Lilith into telling the story, especially after the she-elf had only volunteered to come because of Nath. 

"No need to apologize. I did not have to come, but I am glad I am." Lilith didn't mind travelling but she also saw the good in staying home with people she cared about. Since the person she cared about most was coming with it, it was the best of both options. 

And truth be told, she did not like the idea of sitting around as they had while their lives drained helplessly away. If there was a way to restore the magic, Lilith wanted to assist in that effort. 

Alaron snaked through the horses until he found the princess. "That's the last of the supplies. We are all ready to go."

Mairwen surveyed all that was done. "Is it enough?" 

"Hanna is sure that the Fate should still have some food, so we do not need to bring any to them, but I do think once we get to the spires, we will have to scavenge for supplies unless we can find a place to replenish on our way." Alaron would have loved to carry more than enough items for the journey, extra supplies meant slower travel. It was a balancing act.

The elves did have a bush of ever-berries growing in the royal garden--the things were almost impossible to get to grow for anyone but the nymphs--but Ithel admitted that he believed they were magic and would not work as intended just now. 

Alaron had taken a handful just in case they needed them. He had covertly popped one into his mouth to test out the theory, but the bitter taste was nothing like he remembered. He had nearly spit out the berry, fully intending not to need the berries ever again.

They were stored in a bag at his side just now, but he did not feel the need to let the princess and prince know about it since they were probably worthless. 

Oblivious to her brother's musings, Mairwen looked around and gave her nod of approval. "I will go get Hanna then. I think she is inside still. I'll be back in a moment." 

"And I will check on Nath. I have to make sure he remembered all his personal items. He can be a bit forgetful without his sister to remind him." Lilith politely excused herself. 

The two men were left alone.

"I know we don't have to say it aloud, but I just want to make sure we are still on the same page." Alaron's hood had lost the last of its shadowy power, allowing Renat to see the serious look on his face.

The scientist nodded. "We protect Mairwen at all cost."

"Right. There are things here that can rip a man apart without a second thought. And the gnomes may not target women anymore, but there are plenty of other creatures that do." The Guardian was hesitant to say too much more.

Hopefully, they would not run into any of these beings, and if they did…

…hopefully the lack of magic would at least work to the human's advantage.

"Understood." Renat clenched his fists in resolve. Really, he knew he had no clue what was out in the wildlands, but he was determined to make sure he wouldn't be caught off guard. "Nothing about the plans has changed since last night, correct?" 

"No, it seems sort of silly to have all this pomp for such a short first leg. But I don't suppose we will be spending much time at our next stop. It is just to make sure that they don't have any additional information that might help us on our journey." The Guardian looked toward the palace doors. 

Mairwen was coming out with Hanna, who was resting on the princess's arms as she descended the few steps. The Fate was looking more haggard by the day.

'She will wither away if she is not careful.'

As if reading Alaron's thoughts, Hanna looked up at him sharply and glared. A shiver went down his spine. 

'No, that Fate would never go down so easily. She will live just to spite us. Still... I should make sure Hanna is eating enough.'

The princess brought Hanna over to the others. "We are ready!" she said brightly.

Pushing aside his thoughts, Alaron returned the happy grin. "Good! Let's hope the fairies are ready to see us."

"Is anyone ever ready to see you?" Renat teased. He helped Mairwen on her horse before mounting his own. Hanna would not accept any of the men's hands on her body.

Alaron chuckled. "Fair point. Ready or not, flying friends, here I come!"