"I'd rather not discuss how I know your name." she muttered blushing again with a furrow at her brow. This time, he seems like the real thing Alynia had thought, but she was still weary. She peered back at him trying to use any kind of observational skills she had trying to determine the truth. The queen had wanted him to move closer so she could see him more clearly. Really, Gersham's disguise had been flawless. Even though the elf was injured, Alynia couldn't help but still feel suspicious as she didn't know what to believe. 

It was only when he mentioned that Oberron was still in Avalon did her eyes soften, her expression was pure relief. Clutching her hand to her heart she let out a breath of air. "Oh thank lord." she sighed with a tired smile. 

"Well, if you're alright. Yes please send a message regarding my location." she mused. Happily surprised hat things were all working out. Except of course... Alynia shook her head trying to forget about what the dreadful prince had done to her.

The queen nodded as she watched Eamon vanish. Her eyes blinked in amazement, it was the first time she had actually seen the winds in action. She decided indeed it was a fascinating magic, practical as well.

Alynia did not have to sit for long, but the wait was unbearable. She had been in the cave for almost the entire day, every minute felt like an hour. But she had no choice but to wait patiently until Eamon returned. she was very glad to see that he was looking better. Alynia  glanced with interest at who he had brought him. She was a bit surprised to see that it was Oswald. First she questioned why he had brought the brownie before Alynia remembered she was not covered by anything except for the thin cloak she worse around herself. Despite the despondent mood she was in, Alynia couldn't help but laugh softly at Oswald's terrified expression upon glance at her bare feet, but the sound quickly died down with a stern look from the brownie. She was quick to realize Oswald was very serious about his footwear. 

She was also happy to discover that Oswald's magic knowledge was not limited to foot wear and clothing as he questioned her carefully about the barrier between them. She answered to the best of her abilities, but honestly she really didn't know much except for the required demon blood. Thankfully, this appeared to be all you had know as Oswald swallowed the red liquid and stepped into the cave with ease.

"Thank you." she stated as she gladly accepted the green attire. As Alynia was positive that the cloak blocked her figure from the elf, she slipped into the bottle green dress with haste. She flushed, even though it appeared that nudity did not bother the brownie, but it still embarrassed her. 

It felt so good to be back in real clothes. Alynia twirled around delighted by the fabric that the dress consisted of. The shoes were stunning as well, she expected nothing less from Oswald. First, Alynia was hesitant to drink what she could only assume was demon's blood but she quickly finished the horrible tasting substance and handed the empty vial back. "It's repulsive!" she remarked smacking her lips, but she was free! Alynia beamed at the elf and the brownie clicking her heels together basking in the final rays of sunlight in the sky. 

"Yes please." she mused quietly in a bit of disbelief how it seemed that this was happening for real. For a brief moment Alynia wondered is she really had given up hope until now. "Anywhere away from here." she stated quickly. Somewhere safe and somewhere far, but first things is first. "How are we to arrive at the camp?" she wondered outloud.

“Bythe very means we got here, the winds,” Oswald proclaimed as he flickered his gazed towards the castle. He was unable to see it of course but his eye went to that area. He looked back, snapped his fingers and freshened up the queen a little, getting rid of the dirt and other effects that marred her creamy skin, he then looked toward Eamon. “What do you think?”

“Radiant. Beautiful.” He gestured for the queen to turn around so he could get a good look at her before he nodded. “Breath taking.”

“Well, I was sort of rushed and had to draw from some of my old stores. I think the shoes are the newest accessory. They make the outfit. A woman can be totally nude and look radiatant if she has the proper footware,” Oswald nodded as he considered. “Well, lets pack it up this is no fashion show.”

And Eamon used the winds again. All three of them braking apart into nothingness. It was surreal, she could see the mountain below, could feel herself being wisked away though she could not think. The wind direction changed by Eamon's will along with the intensity of it. Miles could be transvered in a short while and given the terrain what would have been hours turned into minutes.

She could see the manticores, ugly human headed creatures with large lion bodies, in fact there was a body of one near the cave, cut and chopped to bits. At one point she even saw the dragon, Cinder out hunting. Neither he or the manticores seemed to be aware of them, they were air after all and Alynia felt disconnected to things until her form, Eamon's and Oswald's form reformed from seemingly nothingness at the base of the mountain in the designated area of the camp for doing so seeing that thery had not wished to alarm the perimeter guard.

But as she reformed news of her return swept through the camp and orders were givven out that the army of elves and atomie were going to fall back now, there was no reason to attack the castle now that their objective had been complete.

Count Marduke had been full of joy that she was alive and well but he remained a little suspicious. What if Gersham swapped here with a simulacrum or she had been Esper in disguise? He asked for forgiveness but he was cautious too under the trickery of the Black Prince one could never be too careful.

They checked for magical auras, had her drink holy water, even read scriptures over her that would have banished her if she where a demon and heard them. But she passed all the tests that they had for her.

Corte even wanted to stab her with a silver weapon but had been talked out of it as this was deemed unnecessary give the other tests and it had been pointed out that a silver dagger or an iron one, a dagger was still a dagger and would hurt her. It was unneccessary given the other tests,

Then they had her eating salty foods, the taste was bad but it was only a taste and after checking her tongue and mouth and seeing that neither had burned an unseelie could be ruled out as well, They had thought to have her wield a cold iron weapon, something an unseelie was still vulnerable too despite their break with the seelie fey long ago but seeing how the fey were still vulnerable they had no such weapons on their person and were even loathe (or incabale) of summoning one up 9n their midst. But they had tested her even to Corte's satifaction who was now kneeling in front of her and handing her back command.

He could have appraised her of their situation but didn't. It was not like him to do so and now he asked her for orders intending to carry them out to the fullest. That seemed to be his quirk, he was loyal to the crown, the king first, then the queen and Puck or was it the king, Puck then herself? She was unsure of how he structured it though Oberron was certain on the top of that short list.

Being clean again was wonderful. Alynia still felt a bit grimy, but it was obviously much better than before. "Oh thank you." she muttered humbly at Eamon's compliments turning once for him to see. Oswald's comment made the queen fluster, just how casually he was able to mention such a thing amazed her. 

Traveling by the winds was a truly fantastic sensation. It was as if she was air itself, almost floating to her destination. Alynia watched everything with eyes shining with  curiosity. Slowly but surely, she was transforming back into the girl she had once been. It was amazing his they could observe everything, but no one could see them. Passing dark creatures of every kind, Alynia even had a look at the fearful dragon for a brief second. She shuddered at the sight, glad she did not get a better looks at the beast. She breathed out in relief as they reappeared at the base of the mountain. Alynia casted a glance back up the steep rocky slope. She was really free, she had escaped the Prince's wrath, the Demoness's whip. It was so good to be true.

As she walked through the camp, she watched as various elves and atomie bowed. Alynia once again thrusted into the formalities did her best to nod in return. It was a good thing, but tedious, as the Royal Guard was still suspicious. Ina way Alynia wished that she had he capacity to be this careful. She was sat down in a tent, and the girl complied with each test they gave her, sitting obediently as they preformed tests, served her drinks and food. 

Even as he approached her with a dagger, though her eyes narrowed with confusion and then widened slightly with disbelief as Marduke voiced the elf's intentions, she did not retaliate. She was afraid that if she did it would arouse suspicion on her behalf. The queen dared let of a sigh of relief as Corte was convinced out of maiming her.

It was when they gave her an iron weapon did she start to believe this was getting a bit ridiculous, but she did not complain. She even did her best to swallow the horrible over salted food. After the final test, thankfully Corte deemed her the real thing and kneeled before her. She didn't know who he was loyal to, besides her husband. But since he was on his knee, Alynia assumed that her wishes were to be obeyed as well.

She smiled kindly at the elf bidding him to relax, but Corte remained on his knee. Alynia was astonished on how serious this man was... but at the same time she could see that it was a good thing for him to be so dutiful. 

Alynia thought about what she really wanted right now. One would think the decision would be easy, to see Oberron again. But she was scared as well as worried, Gersham's words had effected her greatly. What of everything that he said was true? She didn't know if she could face her husband again if he would truly not forgive her. Alynia just wanted so bad to not displease him. She
sighed softly. "Corte, would it be possible for you to teach be about the dealings between the unseelie and Fey?" she requested. Alynia thought maybe if she were to know more, then she would be able to understand as well as face the situation she had been through better. By coping better, perhaps she could face Oberron more readily. She missed him, she missed him dearly. Even though it only had been a few days, but currently being by his side felt like the only place she could be truly safe. "Afterwards, if possible I would really like to be with my husband." she said softly.

An after thought occurred to her as she recalled the terrible events of the last few days. The weapon's master! He was the last memory she had before she recalled being chained in that dreadful cell! What had happened to him? Alynia thought for a moment. What had happened to her? She voiced her concerns and questions to Corte hoping he would be able to answer. "How did Gersham capture me? I'm afraid my mind is drawing all blanks. "Also, what has become of Charon? Is he alright?" 

Corte was very dutiful, a very serious fey which seemed to stand out amongst the fey causing Alynia to question if he had always been like that or if it was based on the fact that he was that way when carrying out his duties.

But her question had caught him off guard, he had expected her to ask about the obvious, about Oberron or maybe even Charon. He looked up at her, nodded.

“I'm afraid I'm not much of a scholar on these matters. Oberron knows better than I, or Oswald even but I can give you some of the basics now if you'd like? It will not take long.”

He waited for her compliance to continue before he went on of course. “The unseelie and fey were once the same species. In fact, things were fairly content in the beginning, frolicking and so forth until a particular duchess went mad. An elven duchess of extraordinary beauty. She was given a cursed amulet, a black jewel that was given to her by a jealous ex lover amongst the humans that longed to receive her affections again but it was not to be. He was from his own society and despite wishing to give up his culture for the life in the forest he was denied.

“For years he vanished deep in the woods and returned with a gift for her. Now years may seem long for a human, for an elf they are brief affairs. So the Duchess saw nothing of the gift not realizing that her ex lover had apprenticed himself to a dark wizard and labored over the gift for years. Tales vary in the telling, some say it was intentionally cursed, the jewel as black as the man's heart became when loosing love from his life, other tales say that the amulet was suppose to charm the duchess so that she would return his affections but he had been so anxious to have her affections again that he inadvertantly cursed the object. In any case the object turned her into a dark and twisted persersion of what she was and she went mad.

“Her subjects, loyal to a fault, ended up following her into this madness so the whole duchery was cursed. In time they became wicked and cruel to the point of starting conflicts. They were ultimately bested and the Duchess escaped into the Shadows forming the Unseelie court, becoming a self appointed queen.

“Over the milenia they grew appart from the fey while possessing some inate qualities like possessing illusions and charms, still being vulnerable to cold iron but overcoming compulsions like the brownie's impulse to help humans and craft things for them or even counting of salt.

“Eventually the queen needed or wanted more power based on the telling and began consorting with demons. She loathed her exile and wanted to make the fey pay and visited several plagues and hardships upon the fey.

“Eventually though she consorted with an incubus and the two concocted a wild scheme.”

He paused there, thought as if he was analyzing things in his head before he continued. “I know not what their plans entailed but a child was born, one that was to be the general of her army of unseelie and other twisted beings like the Dark Creepers. He later came of age but had his own plans. He too consorted with demons, he was given one and it was rumored that his tainted unseelie soul was transferred to this demon, that she holds onto it and is suppose to take it to the Abyss some day.

“That child of course is the Black Prince, a being that went on to kill his mother, some say by poison, others by stabbing her while she slept, the effect was the same. He took over his mother's station and is awaiting the right time to perform the ritual and mark his coronation as king. It is said that the Black Prince cannot die as long as his demoness lives. She has his soul and can simply implant it into another being and bring him back so to speak but a lot of what is know is speculation and heresay. Oswald would be better at explaining though or answering questions. I know not why the Prince and the King hate each other so much.”

He nodded at her words. “You will see him soon enough,” of course Coret was an elf and he had already said that years were nothing to elves. But then she moved on to Charon.

“He is here and rather concerned about your well being seeing that you were in his care. We were able to piece together that you were at the centaur village and decided to leave from their. Oswald informed us that you and he showed up and that you were … well, that he gave you a new set of shoes. He also stated that he saw you and he later that day heading to the glade. He also mentioned seeing myself bounding after you. Of course I knew that it was not me but we investigated, found s0me rather interesting tracks at the glade. Boot prints lead in though Oswald told us that you were wearing shoes. There were hoof marks from Charon of course and the tracks of the illusionary trailer.

“See illusions affect perceptions but seeing that there were no illusions over the tracks we were able to determine that a satyr had trailed you. Thus we questioned them and came upon Phebes who attempted to run. We caught him, interogated him and found some insidious poison in his possession that had the effect of burning memories out of ones mind. I imagine he was too afraid to use it or figured out how it worked before using it and never did. Through him though we found that Esper and the Prince wanted your capture for some reason, that the satyr was coerced into turning you over. So for now he labors away in the dungeons but we knew who had you and sought to get you back.”

Alynia listened thoughtfully at Corte's tale. As he spoke, she did not interrupt him, rather absorbed into the history. It was actually very interesting to her. Though she was upset to find that Corte did not know the reason behind the hatred between Gersham and Oberron. It was her true intention to discover this, but she was glad to be informed on the basic history. The queen was determined that one day, bit by bit she was going to learn everything she could about this realm. 

"Well I can certainly see why the duchess would hold sub a grudge toward the Fey, but I see no reason for Gersham to. Odd." Alynia remarked quietly thinking back to how Gersham absolutely despised the taint of the Fey as well as how determine he was to cause strife in Oberron's kingdom. "It doesn't seem like He would be very keen on continuing his hatred on the basis of his mother's wishes saying that he was the one who killed her." Maybe it was something more personal between her king and the prince. 

She sighed looking at Corte with a worried look wondering how deep this hatred really was. Alynia wondered if her husband would truly want her anymore after what had happened. "Thank you. What you have already told me was more than enough. When I get the chance to I will talk to Oswald on the matter." she stated after Corte had finished.

"How long is soon enough?" Alynia pressed with a stubborn glance. Though the idea of facing Oberron again petrified her, she realized it was the quickest and most accurate way to find out whether he really cared about her being touched by the prince and how much this truly mattered to her. Alynia blinked suddenly realized she had not even asked Oberron's condition. "How is he doing?" she asked concerned. "He is going to be alright? Right?" 

Alynia gave a brief smile as she discovered the centaur was alright. "He should be glad to know that I'm alright now. Save for his memory, I'm glad he has not been physically injured." An expression of shock washed over her features. "It was Phebes?" she repeated in disbelief. "I thought at least he would have a bit more loyalty to the crown than that.." she muttered as it was her nature to be trusting. At the same time she didn't like the idea of the satyr being in the dungeons. It wasn't that she didn't  believe he deserved it, most certainly he did! She just didn't like the idea of it. 

Alynia sighed again, and decided not to comment upon the satyr's circumstances. "Does Oberron know what happened to me?" she asked earnestly with a sad expression. "Unfortunately I believe Gersham is now aware that our king is currently absent as well as weak.." she muttered sadly. "Oberron can't be in any danger while he is in Avalon can he?" 

Of course there was a hatred between Oberron and Gersham that had to be personel on some level. Corte was unsure of the truth and perhaps Oswald knew more about the circumstances. Oberron of course knew but would he tell her if he were asked? She reckoned that he would given that he had not refrained in the past.

Still, what if he decided not to tell her? What if she was being one thing and matters left out?

But she asked how Oberron was. “He is doing as well as can be expected. He is weak but will recover soon enough. Soon being a few weeks, a month, two at the most though I doubt he will stay away until he has fully required and will leave as soon as he can, so two to four weeks. The process varies from person to person.

“Some beings recover quicker than others.” He paused and shook his head. “He knows that you were attacked in the glade, that is his last memory of being here but I saw no reason to worry him while he was in such a sorry stage. If he knew that you were still in trouble he would have already cut off his healing to return so we told him partial truths. We did not lie to him, we merely left a few things out … your capture being one of them but we had fully expected to rescue you beforoe he returned so there was no reason to worry about him. Puck kept the kingdom in good order while you were absent though I must say that he would not help you when Charon came before him announcing the recent memory loss and that he vaguely remembered you.

“It was I that acted upon the information comin to the Count to get support and launching this attack in attempts to rescue you. Arn, who is suppose to have been regent over human lands had been displaced as ruler but even he took it upon himsel to head into the forest.

“There is an artifact there, the Tears of the King that when drunk allows the imbiber to walk the Shadows though it must be drunk beneath the light of the moon and you can only do so at night.

“There was a guardian that protected the tears though recerntly it was killed by Arn's brother though Arn is here as well and he has obtained the Tears for you to drink.

“It is not safe for you here, your capture made that clear and while walking the Shadows is impossible sine the Black Prince has returned it is hoped that whatever blocks this cannot block the Tears.

“It is probably wise to send you away from here seeing that Oberron is absent for the moment and I have duties to Puck that will take me from your side. Mezzo is much too weak to be an effective guard and Charon dwells in the forest though we all know how great of a job he did.”

Corte was holding nothing back though as a royal guard it seemed as if his task was to keep the royals safe from harm even if that meant cleaning up the messes of others.

“Oberron will be fine though, it will just take a little time before he is a full strength. I will not say that he is perfectly safe in Avalon if the Prince can figure out how to get there he can generate all manner of problems though if he gets there I doubt his focus would be with the king as he has unfinished buisness there with them. But the Prince is unseelie, not fey and thus knows only one way to Avalon. The others are guarded and tough to access not to mention you need different pass words to access them.

“Oberron will return though if he presses it he will be in his base form, he has spoken of it once of twice in recent centuries but not even Titania could see it. He is essentially being reshaped from nothingness and thus neeeds the time to reform. I have visited him though getting to Avalon would be tricky to a non fey, even lethal without Oberron's magic to protect you.

“Now Oswald is holding on to the Tears of the King whenever you are ready to use them.”

She gave a tired grin sighing in relief. “Well as long as I can be reassured that he will be alright.” Alynia stated nodding thankfully. She blinked, processing the information that currently her husband didn’t know she had been kidnapped. She wasn’t sure how to respond to the information. Certainly he would have to know eventually, Alynia knew she was too honest to be good at keeping secrets. She shook her head telling that this was something she could deal with later. “Then I have you to thank for initiating my rescue.” she said with a sweet smile.

Alynia folded her hands politely in her lap, listening silently as Corte explained the ordeal concerning the tears. She understood the logic of the decision, but she couldn’t help but feel a bit upset about it. The queen kept a solid, but pleasant expression refusing to let her disappointment show. “I understand.” She agreed nodding briefly. Without her husband, she was truly unsafe in this realm. She was a bit surprised that Arn would be so willing to obtain the tears for her safety, but alas all good things must come to an end. Really this wasn’t even an end. Alynia grazed a finger over the emerald encrusted ring she had been given. There would obviously a time she could come back. A time hopefully soon, but safe as well.

“Then if it’s safest, I will take my leave sometime later tonight. I might as well not stall if this is what should happen in the end.” She paused looking Corte in the eyes. “Besides, you do not know how the Prince might respond discovering that my rescue, against all odds was a success. “Then I will entrust my husband to you. Do everything you can to ensure Oberron will have a full recovery. I won’t forgive you if you don’t.” She joked lightheartedly. Then she stood up bidding the elf to stand. Placing a hand on his shoulder, she kissed him gently on the cheek. “Once again thank you. I do not want to think of what would have happened if you were to respond any later than you had.” She muttered graciously. “I am just going to take a look around.” There was an incredulous look from the guard. “Just within the camp!” she added reassuringly. “I will find Oswald myself, but I will alert you once I am ready to leave.” In her voice there was a sad quiet quality. She didn’t want to part from the wonderful land, this adventure, and her new found passion. Alynia gave Corte a smile, before walking out of the tent into the cooler night.

The air was much colder than the tent, though not as cold for her to feel uncomfortable. A thought that the tent she had been in was magically heated ran through her head, she laughed softly to herself realizing she was going to miss the supernatural allurement of the realm. The camp itself was larger than she thought it would be, it seemed that Corte had prepared many warriors to assist in the mission she was glad would not have to be completed. A few tents sprawled out on the grass, though not many as she assumed most creatures here were used to sleeping under an open sky. She breathed in the crisp night air, stopping for a second to admire the stars. The sun had completely set, and the sky had darkened. It was going to be a beautiful night, or perhaps everything seemed more profound to her after being encased in a single roomed cell. A few magically lit fires lighted the campgrounds. Alynia was curious to see that these fires didn’t appear to create smoke, nor heat. Simply light. She made her way forward her eyes scanning the small clusters of elves, atomie, and few centaurs for a familiar face.

Corte of course had been dedicated to the crown, he had acted because he knew Oberron would have and thus, with his king absent he did his best to make this rescue happen. In a way it was simply taking the initiative though he realized that when Oberron was back he and Puck would have it out again since Puck wouldn't have lifted a finger.

In Alynia's absence Puck would rule until his father returned and while Corte prefered the king, the prince would do well even if he did not like him much as a person he would do his best to do his duty within reason. One royal trying to usurp anther of course was something he could not intermingle with save on behalf of the legitamate ruler of the kingdom, regretfully there could be a situation where Puck is coronated and Oberron believed dead after centuries but if Oberron came back and Puck refused to abujate then he would have to side with Puck even if he didn't want to in such a circumstance. That was just how things had been.

Prompted to rise he enjoyed that kiss. Now he did not understand all the intrigate differences between the fey and humans but he had known enough to feel as if it were a reward that was not lightly given in her culture. He could be wrong and while he was fey, while such things were not foreign to him she found that he was blushing. He had never considered the queen in a sexual way before. Not to say he had never thought that she was beautiful, even for a human she was the rival of any fey. He just never thought of her in such a manner, she was Oberron's and unless she approached him in such a manner he would not approach her. If she came to him of course he was fey and it was his duty to obey the commands of the royals and even see to their needs.

But when she mentioned being upset with him if anything happened to Oberron he had not felt that she was joking. This was Corte after all, Mister Serious amongst the fey. He naturally believed that she was not kidding and thus he would not fail her, even if it meant his life. Corte had been all about honor and duty, serving the royals as best as he could. He probably never knew a day of fun in his life and it occurred to Alynia that she didn't really know the man beyond these traits. Was he married? What mde him happy? What was his favorite foods?

Since he didn't joke determining when someone was joking had been tougher for him.

“You need not thank me your highness but you are welcome. Even ...”

He paused, then finished. “Even if it would not have been Oberron's will I still would have done it. But yes, there is no telling what the Prince will do but if I am to protect the king I would either have to do it at the expense of protecting you or protect you at the expense of him, my attention would be divided and I need to be ready incase the Prince tries something underhanded. Thus, it is best if you depart for a little while. Oberron while be restored by the time you get back and the Prince will have had time to cool down some. Plus, while you are here Oberron while try to hastily come back to protect you rather than staying at Avalon and healing fully first. But you can trust that he will be well.”

He nodded at her and smiled briefly.

When he was informed that she would not wander from the camp he was relieved. It would be easier to protect here while she had been here. It was a cool night yet beautiful. She did not recognize the constellations but as she went around the camp she saw Eamon and chatted with him for a bit. He was still injured, but he looked to be doing better. Much better after she healed him a little.

It was uncanny, Gersham's illusion of him and it was a wonder how Gersham knew about him, perhaps he had been aware of the scout. But she managed to speak with her rescurer briefly. Funny that. 'He' had been her tormentor than responsible for her rescue. When asked about Oswald though he mentioned seeing him at one of the tents just there. He pointed and sure enough the brownie was inside.

“Yes, yes, you can leave the tray,” Oswald didn't look up from the pair of shoes he was cobbling and simply assumed it was someone else. He colored when he had realized his error, knelt before her.

“Forgive me, I didn't realize ...”

Alynia let her mind wander as she walked. It was interesting to think about he elven guard. He was so serious about his post, she found it difficult to imagine him anywhere else besides working for the king. Maybe if she had known him better then she would have been less shy to ask, but Corte's private life had no concerned her at the time. Though she would be willing to admit, the more she thought about it the more unbelievable it seemed Corte had any kind of dalliances outside of his work.

Her thoughts were interrupted as Eamon approached her. It was a bit nerve wrecking staring into the green eyes of the man that had ultimately tricked her into being taken advantage of. Especially since the more she talked with him the more she realized how accurate Gersham's portrayal of him had been. The mischievous grin he wore on his rugged features were all too familiar, Alynia had to remind herself that even though she felt as if she had known him, the elf had barely seen her at all.

Still, she could tell Eamon was a good scout, a hard worker, and a logal solider. Just as she had taken favor to Gersham's unremarkably realistic illusion of the elf, Alynia found she liked the company of the real thing just as much. He was friendly and not nearly as formal as Corte was. She explained to him briefly how she was going to return to her own realm. Before bidding each other farewell and goodnight, Alynia did her best to alleviate the worst of his maladies. Unfortunately she found that her magic was much stronger in a situation with a more dire need for it. Perhaps she performed better under pressure. Nevertheless the two parted, Eamon appearing to be much healthier than before.

As she peeked into the tent where the elf had told her Oswald was staying, her head tilted in confusion as the shoe maker mentioned a tray of some sort. Thankfully her confusion was answered as the Brownie said sorry and kneeled down. Alynia quickly bid him to stand. "No need to apologize. It's a mistake that happens to all of us." she stated though amused. Though his respectful tone clearly shined through, she could tell he had not wanted to be interrupted from his shoe making. "You know, you can still continue while I am here." she said with a smile. He had almost immediately gone back to his work. The queen took up the liberty of pulling up a chair sitting across from Oswald. For a moment she watched him craft the shoe with a curious glance. He ways his hands worked were a magic of their own as Oswald was obviously an expert at his trade.

After a moment of silence except for the padded pounding and sounds of shoemaking coming from Oswald. Alynia cleared her broad softly to speak. "I was just hoping if you would you be able to teach me about the relationship between my husband and the black prince? Corte mentioned that you might know something about why they hate each other so much. Or perhaps just about the unseelie and the fey in general." She asked politely.

"Oh" she suddenly quipped. "I also am suppose to obtain the King's tears? It appears I'm going back to my realm until my husband is well enough to protect me.." She muttered with a hearty sigh. "Corte also mentioned that you had them."

Oswald looked up at the queen, his hands pausing as the brownie gazed at her. Twice he had made a faux pas when dealing with his queen, not thinking she was there but being surprised each time of course. And while he had not know her too well she seemed kind and pleasant enough but he listened to her and nodded.

“Yes, Arn gave me some of the Tears early today infact. Since the Black Prince's return none could walk the Shadow but he and his demoness seem to phase through shadows and have command over Shadow magic, it is a subschool of illusions, darker, more twisted.” He nodded as if she might have already ben told by Oberron. “So it seems likely that he has blocked it in some fashion while keeping his own use of walking Shadows opened. Shadow Stepping is very similar to walking the Shadow.

“It is hoped that the Tears, an artifact in it's own right will superscede whatever the Prince has done. It is still difficult to walk the Shadow especially for an unpracticed indivual, no offense, so I will go with you as a guide to ensure you get back alright before returning myself.”

He considered her requests, Oswald was certainly the guy to ask about knoledge and scholarly pursuits but he gave it some thought. Why do you want to know such boring things for? I am not so sure I should tell you.” He looked up as if inspecting the room to make sure they were alone that materialized a sound bouble so that anyone outside the tent would not over hear them at all. “He should tell you himself ...”

Oswald thought though and when it seemed as if he would let things end there he broke the silence that had built up between then. That fiend killed Titania a few centuries ago but even before he killed yet another queen, funny he seems to have that quirk, I I am over joyed that he did not get a chance to add you to his list.

“There are few fey that realize this, few that are old enough but Oberron was not always King of the Fey. There was another Oberon way back when even for most fey that Gersham had a hand in dealing with though about that time a spitting image of the king had been discovered and made to impersonate the king so to speak. Only a rare few beings know this though. Oberron has taken to respelling his name with two R's and said it was on account of his rebirth though of course that was not the case.

“No, it wasn't. The imposter had vast powers of illusions and charms, had been very powerful indeed but my father learned his secret. Well, Gersham always knew on account of that magical eye of his but that is another tale, I don't ave al the details of that one though.

“Anway, back to the story. Oberron wasn't Oberron and that would have been bad enoug h if that got out amongst the fey and no doubt Gersham could have blabbed about that if any fey would have believed him of couse.

“Even so I lack knowledge og all those details but have learned from my father the greatest secret of them all,” he paused. “Shalll I continue? You may have your reservations about the king if I do. I'm sure he will tell you in time and I'm sure he would have told you before your marriage to him if there were time of course. It will be told to you near the beginning of a season so you could part company with him if you wish. Do you love him?” The brownie shifted his attention fro her to the shoes he held then set down the shoes. This was more important than even shoes, at least it was to her he sensed. He had built this moment up though. He smiled at her as if she had nothing to worry about.

“If I tell you then you must promise, a royal promise to say nothing about having any knowledge of this or that I was the one that said anything to you about it.”

"Yes that would be greatly preferred over going alone. Thanks." She remarked. Honestly, she hasn't thought of how she was going to travel between the realms. The first time it had been something of pure coincidence. She was glad she would have a guide as well as a companion on the trip.

There was a pause as Oswald questioned her. Alynia blinked wondering if she should tell him... She decided against it. Besides, Oswald should have been able to assume what had happened to her. Alynia had been practically nude when they found her. She pressed her knees together self consciously and slightly shivered. Hopefully there would be a time when she could just forget about such an trauma. Thankfully, even though the queen had responded with nothing but an uncomfortable silence, Oswald continued. Alynia couldn't help but wonder if it was underhanded of her to hear of such things about her husband from anyone but her husband, but at the same time she had no intention to stop the Brownie from talking.

The bubble cast around them made his words seem more emphasized than they were. She listened with a polite, thing up expression truly appearing to really mull over the facts in her mind. Alynia nodded in agreement, very happy that she was still alive.

At the same time it made sense why Oberron would despise Gersham if the prince had played such a big hand in killing Titania... Alynia recalled her husband mentioning this to her in a passing reference before too. But another queen? Her thoughts lingered on this briefly but did not remember if this had been something she should have already known. The queen sighed understanding Oberron's hate, but she couldn't help but wonder why Gersham would be so aggressive toward her king. That was a mystery she doubted Oswald would know the answer to. So she kept the question of quiet with the intent to bring it up with Oberron once time and circumstance allowed for it.

But the next stream of information caught Alynia by surprise. She gave the Brownie a peculiar look of confusion thinking such an idea was rather unbelievable. "Are you saying that my husband.. is not the real Oberon?" She asked blinking with bewilderment. Alynia decided that it really didn't matter, she had taken affection toward this man no matter what his true identity was. As long as he treated her in the same loving man, it didn't matter to her if he was a king, a fake, or anything in between. Alynia wondered if she would have a chance to tell Oberron this herself.

"Please continue. Though I'm sorry to say we probably have to depart soon." She replied with a sad smile and laughed slightly. "Yes yes, I will keep this secret. A royal promise if I have to."

She looked up at Oswald with an determined expression. "Oberron means the world to me." Alynia stated proudly with a grin. "I love him, and I will never love another more."

Alynia stood up smoothing the dress over her thighs. "Then shall we head out?" She offered with the same sad expression. Hopefully the sooner she left, the sooner she would return. "I also told Corte I would inform him before we leave. But I think I am as ready as I will ever be to depart." Alynia muttered with a sigh stepping out from the tent giving the night sky and full moon another whimsical glance.

Oswald had noted her slight confusion as he mentioned two queens. She might have been the third queen though he added the answer to her unspoken question. “His mother … his mother was a self professed queen that he had killed in some fashion. He has a habit of killing queens, well two isn't a habit considering how old he is but it sticks out when you're summoning up his life.”

He nodded at her comment though, he looked at her thoughtfully as he answered. He held nothing back of course and while she might have been human she was queen. Well, there was nothing wrong with being human but she was not from this realm so there were things that woul be taken for granted amongst the humans here and those of her realm for instance.

“Yes, that is what I am saying. He is not Oberon. The real Oberon died many, many years agao though you have only ever known the fake so I guess from your prospective matters had not changed, since you never knew the real Oberon. I would doubt that the real would have married a human, don't get me wrong, he's not racist like Puck but I would have imagined that the short life span would deter him from doing such. Then again I would have assume the same out of the imposter but guessed wrong, so either he has decided to make an exception in your case or I am wrong about his thoughts.”

He knew more, much more but it seemed as if the queen had wanted to hear it from the king in time as she mentioned having to leave though he could see her sorrow in her eyes. He hoped out of his seat, moved to a strong box which only fey could open then took out a vial of clear water. The Tears? If so they weren't real tears but water. At least it looked to be water.

Oswald walked with her to the flap of the tent, dispelling the sound bubble that had not been needed at the time. He took a deep breath of the cool air and walked with her in silence at first until they were about half way back to Corte's tent.

“You'll be back before you know it. Besides, when you do get back your shoes will be ready.” He grinned at that as they walked, though he had not said too much about them, which she could tell had been really bothering the brownie as he seemed almost unable to keep the secret he managed to refrain from talking too much about shoes this time. It probably wouldn't take much to get him to talk about it though since she could feed his assumption and they still had to get back.

When she got back to Corte, however, she found that the royal guard was not alone. Rather Arn was with him as well as Kim and Kim, not being in any great danger seemed to be going back as well. She stood close to Arn's side and didn't wish to depart it.

Corte turned towards the queen as she arrived. There had been guards on the outside of the tent, none on the inside so it was just the five of them. “Back so soon?” It was apparent that Corte had assumed that she was going to spend more time reflecting about things or speaking to people before she went. “I take it that you are ready now? Kim will be going with you, she is unsafe here too though for other reasons. She has attracted the attention of Pog's band and without Obberron here to keep the wards in check it is probable for them to invade the castle, well Sable's old castle.

“The Rune Carvers have rather potent magic as of late.”

There was some sort of commotion outside the tent before long.

“Let Mezzo in! Mezzo can smell queenie she's insiede! You cannot trick Mezzo!”

“Sir. You have to go there is no public access to the captain's pavilllion.”

“QUEENIE! QUEENNNNNNNNNNNNNNNIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEE!” She could hear the goblin yelling for her since he was not being permitted to enter.

There was a moment of silence, as Alynia had to take this information in. Strange, if her husband was not Oberon... then who was he? She couldn't shake off that Oswald kept using the word 'imposter' which had suh a negative connotation. Why would he try to pretend to be something he's not? Not letting her heart waver, she knew king or not undoubtfully she would still love him.

She observed the tears with interest, a clear pristine liquid. At a glance she really couldn’t see any difference between it and water, but as they walked out into the moonlight she suspected that she might have seen a soft twinkle coming from the heart of the vial. Maybe she was just imagining things, or even was trying to make the most out of magic within the final night of this realm. Alynia smiled gratefully at the brownie. “I will look forward to them.” She chuckled though it was obvious he had a much stronger passion for shoes than the queen did herself.

Nodding to the guard then pushing aside the tent flap, she blinked realizing that there was more than just Corte in the structure. She laughed warm heartedly and pulled Kim in a tight friendly hug. The red haired girl seemed much happier, much warmer than she had in a while. Despite, just as it was with Alynia, it was obvious she didn’t want to leave. It was so much better here than their dreaded school. “Getting into trouble with goblins?” Alynia teased her friend playfully, even though she was really on no better situations.

She smiled up at Arn remembering that Kim had certainly attracted the attention of more than just Pog’s minions. “Thank you for collecting the Tears, I am to understand it is not a simple feat.” The queen stated politely to the hunter. Alynia couldn’t help but wonder if Kim had a way to return to this marvelous realm at all. From what she knew, Arn didn’t have any magic. She decided it would be better if she didn’t bring it up now. It certainly seemed like a sensitive topic. Besides, she and Kim would have plenty of time to talk once they were back. If she didn't have a way to return, and wanted to Alynia decided it wouldn't hurt to bring up the subject with her husband as if he could provide a ring for her, maybe something for Kim as well wouldn't be too bad. The queen sighed again, suddenly thoughts of Oberron flooded her head. She was really going to miss him for she cared for him so dearly. “Yes I suppose we are ready...” She responded to Corte casting a sad look at Kim.

But then there was a wail from outside, everyone turned their head at the sound. Alynia blinked confused, someone was obviously calling for her though the crying voice of an overgrown child was not familiar to her. She peered with curiousity out of the tent looking around before catching the glance of the small goblin. There was a moment as she observed him with an acute interest then suddenly recognizing him as the goblin that she had convinced Oberron to spare. What was he doing here? “You might as well let him in before we all go deaf.” She told the guard with a kind hearted smile before addressing the goblin. “Can I help you?” Alynia him politely blinking with confusion.

“It is a small thing now,” Arn told Alynia. His brother had killed the guardian and while the tears had been in a rather dangerous part of the forest they were far easier to retrieve now. He had wondered how long the tears would be unguarded until the cult that had been responsible for their safety figured out that their guardian had been dispatched. A few months perhaps.

For Alynia this had been but the beginning of her story line, for Kim it was an end of an adventure. Arn had no means of bringing her back here and Aegir had not been as interested in her ordeal than he was with Alynia's but Kim might make her way back here someday if Alynia arranged it of course.

There was the moment that she embraced with her fellow classmate only now recalling it was a familiar failed assignment that had gotten them here … an assignment nether of them had finished! They had gotten here and forgot about it in light of everything! The camera! The pictures!

“Yeah, I get the small fries and you get a Prince chasing after you,” Kim remarked. “And that Deathless thing too.” She shivered. Some of it was bad but others had been remarkable. She looked towards Arn and blushed.

But it was the commotion outside that had soon attracted their attention. Let through the goblin raced inside the pavillion. He wrapped jis arms about her waste. “Mezzo not want you to go. Mezzo hide you in the forest from bad people.”

But that was impractical. The goblins would be after him and she realized that he would have no place to go now. With Oberron in Avalon and she gone back to the Shadow then that meant that Puck would be in charge and the goblins and fey had disliked each other. Puck did not like humans but how had he felt about goblins?

Mezzo was useful but he was no stronger than a goblin so he could not defend her against Gersham, needless to say the goblins! But he seemed to know how infeasible it would be for her to stay. It was much too dangerous.

Then he whined to the effect of going back with her. Now that was rather interesting to say the least. Goblins were not abundant on her realm and had either herself or Kim for that matter known what Shokushu had been like it might have been feasible in keeping secured in the forest or some other remote area though neither girl had yet to realize how bad the island could be at this stage.

So they might have been swayed into it, more so if Mezzo possessed any magic that concealed his nature. But seeing how things looked rather desperate here Oswald stepped in to spare his queen the ability to explain or make excuses.

“There is only enough Tears for three on this trip and since neither the queen or her friend have deliberately walked the Shadow it can be rather difficult so I must guide them. If, and this is only if the queen permits it I can take you back for visits. Oh, and you too.” He said to Arn, more perceptive than Alynia had given him credit for.

“I realize that a month can be an eternity for a goblin that is lucky to see fourteen, thirty-six years at most and venerable goblins are rather rare.” Attention shifted to Alynia and Corte had leaned in close. “Just agree,” he whispered. “It doesn't mean that you'll permit it of course. Besides, they would have to get more Tears to get back.”

Then louder, he spoke to all assembled. “Well, unless there is anything further then Oswald can take you back any time before sun up since the tears only function under moonlight. And your highness, the king will be fine, I guarentee it.”

Alynia laughed half heartedly, honestly not wanting wanting to be reminded in any way of the horrible prince. But her expression of unease quickly shifted into a gently smile as she couldn't help but watch Arn and Kim steal a few affectionate glances. Though Alynia could tell that this feelings between this couple had obvious differences between the relationship between her and her king, she could immediately understand that this was not going to be an easy good bye of any of them. At the same time, Alynia could t help but wonder how different her own situation might have been if it were goblins that were after her instead of he black prince.

She was unable to come up win a concrete idea as the little blue goblin launched himself onto the queen. She laughed gently at such an obvious display of affection. She patted Mezzo delicately on he crown of his head. Though Alynia thought it was cute, she was still flustered a bit unsure of what to do or how to respond. "If I had a choice, I would stay too." Alynia said softly to the sniffling goblin. "but it's not safe for me here. Not even Mezzo isn't strong enough to protect me." She explained with a slow, even, and relaxing tone understanding that English might not have been easily understood by the goblin wrapped tightly around her waist.

She was glad as Oswald pried the little fellow off of her. She didn't mind the goblin, really, but he was making leaving Llynoria so much more difficult than it had to be. Alynia looked helplessly at Corte as Mezzo began to whine about going with her, and even the queen understood that this was not something that could be done. Thankfully, the Royal Guard responded to her rescue. Alynia nodded earnestly as Corte explained to the small goblin, her heart wrenched slightly as she watched the Mezzo's expression droop. "I'll be back as soon as I can." She reassured with a apologetic smile. "I promise."

It was time, Alynia could feel it. "Then I- I believe it would be best if we left now." She muttered her voice sounding morose. Alynia looked for some reassurance from Kim. She might have been holding back tears, but the queen did the best she could for her expression to remain solid. Her brown eyes looked at each person under the pavilion with a sad, weary smile. Alynia didn't want to leave, though she knew she must.

"I'm afraid the longer I stay, the more reluctant I will be to leave." She stuttered. "Thank you, all of you for treating me with such hospitality and kindness." Alynia exclaimed even bowing her head humbly. "I will see all of you soon, I'm sure of it!" At this point Alynia was probably trying to comfort herself. She couldn't help but smile as she glanced at Corte. "I would not entrusted my king to anyone but you." She admitted kindly. The farewell entourage all stepped outside of the tent so the tears would be able to have full effect in the moonlight.

It was here when Oswald handed Alynia the vial of tears, perhaps out of respect or status, but she was told to drink first. So Alynia swallowed some of the twinkling liquid half expecting a it to taste like tepid water, but instead it was as if she had drank ice. A pleasant, cold tingly feeling swept over her body causing her to shiver slightly before handing it over to Kim. "Farewell." She whispered softly to Oberron who she knew won't hear her. Her thumb grazed lightly upon her emerald encrusted ring, reminding herself that the journey or this realm had really only begun.