Post by Solana on Jan 15, 2015 15:52:39 GMT -5
Epilogue- Into The New Era
I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I believe I have ended up where I intended to be.
Douglas Adams
Twelve years later
"...so, as you can see, what affects one population will carry on to all of the others throughout its own food chain, and even its entire niche. These effects carry on into the niches of the other organisms like ripples in a pond," Solana explained, pointing to the various trophic levels of a freshwater foodweb she had sketched on a blackboard. She turned around to face a classroom full of attentive students, human and elven and Atlantean but similar in the curiosity shining in all sets of eyes. "Are there any questions on today's lecture?"
One elven girl raised her hand. "I know you've been teaching that having natural forces present in Merna again is good for the world, but what about its creatures?" Murmurs of agreement followed.
"Good question. How many of you would be here if all we taught was healing?" Solana asked. A few hands went up. "Warrior skills?" More hands went up. "Magic?" Some hands went up. "History? Smithing? Cooking? Engineering? Piloting?" The number of hands up fluctated with each profession. "Think of our university like Merna in its entirety. Each of you has your own niche, like the critters here, and do best under different conditions. That's why we try to offer as wide a variety of classes as possible. Natural forces bring enough change to fluctuate the conditions, which favors different creatures at different times," Solana finished.
"So it's not just one group ruling this school!" a voice called out. Laughter followed.
Solana chuckled. "No, it's not. Change creates a greater number of niches in moderation, and diversity creates a more stable environment. That goes for us, too." A loud bell sounded. "Thank you for attending my lecture today. Your homework-" She paused, watching the students fidget in apprehension, then finished gleefully, "- is to enjoy the festival!"
The students cheered as they grabbed their piles of books and bags and left, chatting and laughing. "Great class, Headmistress!" Clymene called as she left with a group of young adults. Solana waved back and took a moment to survey her class in pride before wiping the board down of all the notes she had scribbled on it.
The festival was to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the opening of the university. As planned, the Crystal Citadel had been brought to the ground and served as its primary building in the new city of Estu. It was Kiel who had thought of the name, being short for 'estuary'. "After all, an estuary combines air, earth, and salt and fresh water to make a habitat suitable for more critters and their young than any one of those alone, and is an environment that's harmonious with change," was his claim. The others agreed.
The school and city had both grown quite a bit in the past ten years since opening and establishing a new permanent home for the Atlanteans. While some leaders still wanted nothing to do with it, and others wavered to see what would happen, there were teachers or students or residents from almost every corner of their world and beyond, and more joining them every year. Happily, those who supported their school were uniting on their own to look after all Mernans, and there was talk of increasing their off-world trade and political ties. Solana and Aryn were happy to contact their old friends that they had stayed with during forty years of wandering and were acquiring books and even students from past homes.
Solana was delighted to be working alongside Kiel at last, as she had dreamed since she was a child. Between pursuing projects, teaching classes, and stocking the library, she was busier and happier than she had ever been.
A slender figure in dusty white traveling robes dodged the flood of students streaming from the lecture hall. "Our headmistress is at last learning the virtue of relaxing?" Joshua asked, a slight twinkle in his eye and a hefty pack resting on his back.
The Light Guardian now served as chief ambassador, having the connections and background, and also helped Kiel and Solana handle university affairs when in residence. It had been no small feat to bring so many cultures together in one city. In Solana's mind, he was a gem, and she often wondered how differently things would have gone if Bachlan had taken Joshua's counsel instead of merely handing out orders.
"I do learn eventually," Solana admitted with a wry smile, setting down her rag. She came over to give him a quick hug. "Welcome back, Joshua! How was your trip?"
"Splendid, which means that there is plenty of work for you and Kiel to do," Joshua replied with a tiny smile as Solana mock-groaned. He reached into his pack and grabbed a fistful of envelopes. "The Monsee Empire's new sovereigns are considering pledging their support. As a token of their goodwill, they are making an enormous donation to our library," he began, handing Solana a beautifully-wrapped and ornate scroll.
"I would welcome that support. Did they seem truly interested in joining us, or for more of a political ploy?" Solana asked curiously, untying the ribbons to read the message.
"Perhaps a bit of each, though I would recommend hosting a quiet gathering for a formal response in a few weeks," Joshua answered. He next fished out glyph-crystals, a fat packet of rough parchment, and a tidy little wrapped up letter. "Lady Sayuri sends her regards, but Lord David will be attending our festival as Miniki's new leader. I also managed to rendezvous with the Tribe of the Hawk. Trista sends her greetings and more glyphs from the nomad elders, but was not certain if she will be able to return for the festival."
Solana nodded her understanding. Trista had remained with the nomads and was now Nessa's older sister by adoption. Though she rarely visited, she wrote often and sent many glyphs of lore from all the tribal elders. Her letters had also been showing a new happiness and serenity, and it was clear that her heart was healing. "She's still not ready?"
"Actually, she wishes to attend, but Nessa was recently married and Trista had her duties there. She promised to come as soon as possible," Joshua replied, then pulled out one more package and dropped it in her hands. "This one is for Aryn, and contains all the recipes for a proper tribal wedding feast."
"I'll see that she gets it. Anything else?" Solana asked, juggling the load in her arms to make sure that nothing would fall.
Joshua shook his head. "That is all for the moment. I am off to the kitchens for a quick snack and a proper rest before the festivities commence."
"You've earned it. Thank you, Joshua, and I'll see you later tonight," Solana replied warmly. Joshua allowed a smile in return before leaving her.
The parcels secured, Solana finally started for the Water Chambers. Students and visitors were milling all over, many stopping to greet Solana or ask a quick question about the festival or new school year. The place felt so much more alive, with warmth and enthusiasm and young lives present than it ever had all those millennia being used as an immense tool for their magic. The halls and rooms were now filled with laughter and chatter about plans for the future instead of the empty silence of far too many rooms for eight individuals.
The next hall she entered was nicknamed the Atlantean wing. Large murals painted on the walls portrayed their former island home and the events that had brought them to first Lantias, then Merna, as well as the story of Ecco. It was here that classes in her people's history, magic systems, ecology, literature, engineering, arts, and far more were offered, some only in the Atlantean tongue.
After taking a right into a new hallway, she passed one of the workrooms used by Eziban, Tayn, and their team of mages drawn from Atlanteans and Mernans. The team carried out experiments in working with the innate magic of nature's gifts, engineering projects for Estu and others who contracted them, and making all kinds of awesome things in between. Mem-gems and glyphs and even teleport rings were commonly turned out.
Their latest project had been to make a Mernan equivalent of Atlantis' aquatic highway, the Aqua Via. Some of the Atlantean members of Eziban's team had been responsible for upkeep on the original, and had been able to help draw up blueprints that were adapted to Estu's environment. They had been working hard to ensure that the new version, which would be known as the Aqua Camina, would be ready in time for the new school year.
From behind the door to the workroom, Solana suddenly heard a loud WHOOSH!!
"Oh, dammit!!"
"Ezi, I told you that wasn't going to work!"
"How about less lecturing and more PUTTING THIS OUT?!"
Solana flung open the door and reflexively cast a spray of water to extinguish something giving off multi-colored sparks near Eziban's feet as Tayn threw a bucket of water at the same target. Between both dousings, Eziban looked like a morose drowned rat. Unfortunately, Aryn's fire protection spells didn't guard against water. Aryn herself was standing nearby, one hand holding her flaming sword while the other ineffectively attempted to hide her laughter.
"Are you all right, Eziban?" Solana asked in concern.
Eziban sputtered and reached for a towel to dry himself off a bit. "I'm fine, I'm fine," he muttered, his dark cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "I was trying to copy the alloy that Lady Nazirah used in forging Aryn's sword, letting it take to fire so readily, and...well...you saw the result." He rubbed down his right arm that had gotten soaked from Tayn's bucket of water. The black tree tattoo that represented 'his pack' amongst the Guardians boasted two more leaves than it had in the past- one for Trista, and one for Joshua.
Aryn finally stopped laughing and grabbed another towel to assist in the drying process. "You have to leave my people some secrets," she remarked, carefully dabbing every drop of water from Eziban's left arm.
Eziban suddenly smirked, then dropped his towel and pulled her into an embrace. Aryn squealed and jokingly tried to push him away. "Dammit, Ezi, you're soaked!"
"Yup, but you didn't warn me enough about the alloy," Eziban said mischievously, then kissed her. Aryn seemed to forget about pushing him away and kissed him back.
Tayn rolled his eyes good naturedly, used to being an audience for these exchanges. He punched Eziban's arm lightly. "Don't forget our main project for today, Eziban. I'm sure our headmistress has been wanting to hear of our progress."
Solana tilted her head slightly in expectation. Eziban glanced up, still half distracted, then suddenly nodded as he came back to Merna and let Aryn go. The Fire Guardian concentrated, and suddenly the water droplets evaporated from her. "Oh, yeah, sorry. Solana, I'm glad that you swung by right now. Long story short- we did it. The Aqua Camina had ten successful test runs this morning and is ready to be put to use," Eziban said proudly.
Solana felt her heart dance. "You did it?! You all really did it?"
"Definitely," Tayn replied, "Just let us know when it needs to be expanded to new buildings or locations- we can build on in any direction you need. We know that Estu is still a work in progress."
"You guys are wonderful. I can't wait to give it a try tonight," Solana said happily. She started to go for a hug, then realized that getting the correspondence that Joshua had given her wet probably wasn't the best idea.
Speaking of which, Solana remembered that one of her parcels was for her best friend and handed it over. "Trista sent you the recipes for a wedding feast in her tribe," she explained.
Aryn tore it open like a long-awaited birthday present. She presently served as Estu's most notorious armsmistress and an occasional cooking teacher. Half of her students bailed out for someone less strict, while the other half adored her shamelessly and were on their way to becoming Merna's finest fighters and chefs. She had been thrilled to expand her kitchens from one built to take care of eight Guardians to one serving the entire university and many guests, and had been helping with the festival's banquet preparations for weeks.
Suddenly, Aryn frowned at the parchment. "Boiled hen teeth? Cow egg yolk? What the...?" She flipped the parchment over to check the back, then rolled her eyes. "Funny, Trista. Huh, this mutton stew doesn't look that difficult. I'll have to give this a go and see about working it into class sometime."
"I have to go drop the rest of this off. Eziban, go see Oriana if you need to, okay?" Solana asked. Their Life Guardian was now one of the lead healers in that wing. Though Oriana had been offered the chief position, she had graciously turned it down, saying that she belonged with her students and patients instead of being trapped in an office. She helped treat as many patients and teach as many new healers as was humanly possible. Eziban's team supplied them with new healing items in exchange for their services after experiments gone awry.
Eziban flapped his hand in agreement as he and Tayn set up some elder branches and topaz stones for another experiment. Aryn followed her best friend out the door but went back to her domain, still reading over the new recipes. Solana left them to their work and continued on to the set of stairs that went to the common room and their chambers.
It had taken plenty of convincing, but Kiel had finally accepted Raoul's former chambers for his own. Raoul and Malika had gone on a world-wide journey before returning to Deynain to get married. They still acted like shy newlyweds at times, although Raoul had hung onto the inner strength he had claimed before their battle against Bachlan. They were now the proud parents of a sweet and thoroughly spoiled little girl named Gwen, and awaiting another little one. Raoul had also begun writing poetry while Malika was getting famous as a composer and cello player. At the time of Estu's opening, Liam had opened Deynain's doors to both welcome visitors and encourage his people to get to know the rest of their world.
To her surprise, her mentor was waiting for her in the common area. Each year had added new lines to his face, but his seafoam green eyes were as merry and sharp as she had always remembered them to be. "I was wondering if you wished company on your errand this year, little dolphin," he said kindly. "Ten years is a great milestone for what we have hoped to accomplish."
"Yes, let me just pick up what we need from my chambers and I'll be right back," Solana agreed. She entered her chambers and dropped off the rest of Joshua's correspondence. She then picked up the vase of white orchids that she had bought that morning. White orchids were the Atlantean flower of mourning.
Near her bed was a small shelf that held a mem-gem that Kiel had presented to her on the first day their school had opened. The mem-gem contained his memories of her parents including the days that he and her mother had been good friends while fellow students, introducing the curious plant scholar to a passionate and daring boat captain, their wedding, wishing them well on her mother's overseas fellowship grant, and meeting their young daughter as she dove into the sea to play with dolphins. Above the shelf hung a painted wall scroll of Atlantis. Solana carefully selected a white blossom and laid it on the shelf, then bowed her head and asked for her parents' blessing on this day.
Next she grabbed a small floating basket shaped like a miniature boat. The rest of the blossoms were carefully tucked inside around a small white candle. Finally, she joined Kiel and they made their way to the beach.
Preparations were well underway for the anniversary celebration. Cooks from Aryn's classes and from every corner of Merna and beyond were out getting tables set up on the sunny yellow sands of Shima Beach and working on the enormous banquet that would be offered. Clusters of musicians were having last-minute rehearsals in different areas, which resulted in one being able to hear the deep beats of tribal drums, lively reels on stringed instruments, and intricate guitarwork all in a few minutes of walking. The many students of the university were helping on setup, watching the performers, or simply enjoying the first night of a new school year. She and Kiel stopped often to accept greetings and wish good luck to those who were new or returning.
No matter what the future held, there was this peace and hope that was steadily growing. Every year, more and more ships brought students and new study materials from across the seas and from all over the Universe. In addition to the grounded Citadel that served as the base for Estu university, there were more dwellings and buildings appearing every month. Some were wooden longhouses in the elven style, a nearby grassy field held tents for the nomads, some were more modern designs from the Monsee Empire, while others had the familiar white walls from Atlantis.
The Atlantean methods of drawing renewable power from various sources had been expanded to cover more of Merna's elements, so tidal power stations and lightning rods capable of drawing and storing entire bolts had been created in addition to the more familiar methods of collecting solar, wind, and geothermal power. In addition to the normal streets, Solana could see the carefully constructed tubes of their new Aqua Camina ready to go as Eziban had promised.
But the peace and prosperity that they knew now had come at a price. Their present and future hopes were built on the struggles and sacrifices of the past. It was for this that Solana made a kind of pilgrimage every anniversary of the university's opening, both in remembrance and for thanks as to the happiness that she knew now after so many years of uncertainty.
Up ahead was the sparkling Tethys sea, and a smooth crescent of sand that the people of Estu flocked to in warm weather. Often there were students and some teachers out enjoying a good surf on the waves or swimming on sunny days. On a rock outcropping hung the Whale Bell, an invention that had been borrowed from a history of the dolphin-united world of Pern. Ena liked to stay nearby and keep them updated on gossip and bits of news heard from all over Merna, while in return any of their injured friends could come for healing by ringing the bell's rope that floated in the water.
For now, the pair of Atlanteans had this part of the beach to themselves. Solana and Kiel waded into the balmy embrace of the sea to their thighs. Solana carefully lit the candle in her prepared basket and lowered it into the water, then let it float freely. A wave flowed past them in a flash of salty coolness before the drag pulled the little basket out to sea. Then another, and another, and another as it got smaller and smaller in their sight. Slowly, gradually, it sailed on and on until its candlelight glowed like a tiny star on the horizon. Kiel placed one hand on his former student's shoulder, but nothing needed to be said between the two. Memories phased through their minds, as well as reaffirming their vows to keep their hope and their adopted world safe.
BONG!!! BONG!!!! BONG!!!!
Solana and Kiel clapped their hands over their ears, the moment shattered like a glass at the noise. Since the bell was supposed to be audible from anywhere outside in Estu, being nearby it could hurt! Solana glared at the familiar curved dorsal fin sticking above the surface of the sea. "Ena, we're right here!" she shouted.
Ena poked her head above the water, and looked as sheepish as an orca could manage. She gave one last ring on the bell, to let the others know that she had been answered. Grumbling a little, Solana and Kiel left the balmy sea and raced over to the bell to greet the salty matriarch orca.
As expected, she had no apology to offer. "I'm a little overexcited today, cousins," Ena admitted, her whole body quivering in anticipation. "I've brought a very important guest to meet you two today.
The orca shifted and let out a series of sharp whistles. Solana couldn't quite understand what she was calling to, but Kiel had a wondering look in his seafoam green eyes.
Suddenly a large, dark, sinuous shape could be seen just under the water's surface. It grew larger and larger before breaking through. The shape proved to be a gigantic sea serpent.
Solana and Kiel found themselves stepping back to take in the awesome sight as more and more yards of glistening scaly body rose up above the surface of the water. This serpent had dove-gray scales that were edged in moss green and pure white, and dotted here and there with spots of burnt orange. Intelligent button-black eyes gazed down at them in what was unmistakably amusement at its audience's awe, and a pink forked tongue flicked out of its mouth a few times to taste the air. There were lacy ear-like fins behind its head, and two enormous pairs of curved wings extending from its back that would glide equally well through ocean or streams in the air. A single pair of arm-like limbs tipped in sharp claws were extended in a gesture of peace.
"By the Asterite..." Kiel breathed in Atlantean, an incredulous look on his face. He had not been face to face with one of the greatest denizens of the deep for quite some time, and the last had been in the Marble Sea. This one appeared to be a sort of cousin to those he had seen, and never had he known of one with two pairs of giant wings.
The serpent studied them just as intently, then its lips curled in a humanoid-like smile. "I suppose I can be a bit intimidating at this size, for cousins who have seldom laid eyes on us," she (it was definitely a "she") remarked in a voice like gravel tumbling down the side of a mountain. In the blink of an eye, the serpent shrunk down until her head was only a yard or so above Kiel's.
Even more impressive than this display was the fact that the serpent had spoken in their mother tongue. Solana felt her jaw drop. "How is it that you speak Atlantean?" she finally croaked in surprise.
"'Cousins'... are you perhaps descendents of our friends from Atlantis?" Kiel ventured.
The serpent nodded, surprise glittering in her own eyes at his insight. "You speak rightly. My name is Lota, and I am the leader of the Sher Melan colony of sea serpents. Ena has been telling us much of what our land cousins have accomplished, and I have a story of my own to share. This may surprise you, but the fates of Atlantis and Merna were linked long before you started a friendship with our Lady of Life."
At this point, Lota flapped/hopped out of the water and landed on the grass in front of them, then shrunk even smaller for the Atlanteans' benefit. Her pairs of wings worked perfectly in unison to lift her long body. They could now see that the tip of Lota's tail was paddle-shaped to aid in swimming. Kiel and Solana sat down in front of her, and they listened carefully to a piece of their history that neither had dreamed of.
Lota began with the prophesized first sinking of Atlantis and how it was to have been destroyed by the Vortex Queen. However, that first time was thwarted by Ecco coming back in time to stop her with the power of the Asterite. Solana nodded, knowing the power that Ecco had used was the same that now rested in her. Most of the Atlanteans had believed that the fate of their home had been permanently changed, instead of merely postponed and given to the hands of another.
What she didn't know was that preparations had been made for her people only days before Ecco had come to be their salvation. "The great seer Cassandra had foreseen this first destruction, and was determined to save as many people and as much of her civilization as possible," Lota continued, eyes closed as she continued her recitation. "She and a selected team had made the decision to travel back in time to make preparations for a new homeworld or homeworlds for their people, knowing that they would be unable to return to their own time. Their idea was to have one or more ready to evacuate to by the time the Vortex Queen acted."
"How many worlds were to be prepared?" Kiel asked suddenly. Solana caught his trail of thought with a shiver of excitement. Perhaps there were others of Atlantean blood out in the Universe, the descendents of those who had been sent back? Who could tell?
Lota bowed her head in apology. "I don't know how many. Cassandra thought to get the service of your people's allies as well, the dolphins and sea serpents. Many other worlds had begun their preparations for life as aquatic worlds, and those that had no present population would have been the easiest to prepare. Merna was such a world that would suit our purpose, so we serpents were to scout it out for the future."
"But they weren't needed yet. Ecco delayed the fate of our home," Solana pointed out.
"Yes. We thought that Ecco had demolished it, and had no idea of the Zeirite threat. By the time the past mission caught up with that present, we serpents were released from our obligations, and free to live on Merna or return to Atlantis as we saw fit," the serpent continued, "Merna was a good place. We could manage to communicate with this world, but she had her own ideas. She wanted to bring more life to herself, having enjoyed our company, and thus instigated the Great Birth. Others came to settle it. When we realized that Merna was no longer needed as an Atlantean refuge we retreated to the depths of the seas, deciding not to interfere any more."
Kiel's head tilted slightly, a clear signal that he was thinking something over very deeply. "But it has become a refuge; or at least Estu had served as such. Cassandra saw truly, if you were the ones who helped Merna decide to create the Great Birth," he said with a smile in his voice.
The serpent bobbed her head. "Indeed. There are those who are stones in the river of fate, who twist it to new paths. Ecco was such a one. You, little one, are another. So we have decided that it is time to renew our bonds to our land cousins."
"What did you have in mind?" Solana asked curiously.
"Ena has been telling me of your school, and the alliance that you've built with the orcas and our other cousins under the sea. In the ancient days, Atlanteans and our people had a similar arrangement," Lota replied. "Was it so in your day?"
"It was indeed. I was at the hatching of the future leader of the Marble Sea colony, as the representative Elder," Kiel explained. "We brought gifts and renewed our alliance, as did our dolphin cousins."
"Good. I propose that we renew that alliance. One of your people will be invited to live among us and learn our ways, and one of our young ones can live among you on land to do the same," Lota said.
Solana and Kiel glanced at each other in wonder. The serpents of Atlantis had been wise, majestic, and talented in their own brand of magic. It was possible that they knew of ancient lore that had been lost from their archives over time, as well as that of Merna herself. Such an alliance would greatly benefit their two goals of uniting and educating their people. "It would be a very great honor, but we'll have to present it to our allies first. Can we contact you in a few days after the party?" Solana asked hopefully.
"Yes. I will be staying in nearby waters. Use the Whale Bell when you wish to contact me. Ena will see that I get the message," Lota promised.
"Hmph, being made a messenger at my age," Ena murmured.
Kiel bowed to the great serpent, and Solana hurriedly did the same. "Thank you, Lota. Already you have given us a gift beyond measure in a piece of our history. I hope that we may one day repay the favor," the former Elder said warmly.
"It'll be a pleasure to meet you again, and to reforge the old alliance," Solana added.
Lota bowed her head in return, folding one pair of wings while spreading the other in a serpent-style curtsy. Then she turned around and leaped towards the Tethys Sea, expanding her size back to normal as she did so.
"You'd best get along to your party. There will be time enough for discussion later," Ena remarked. She slipped beneath the surface of the sea, then gave a magnificent breach above the water before diving back down below.
Solana was still staring in awe, thinking of the countless possibilities of their future, when Kiel laid a hand on her shoulder. "We had best do as she says, little dolphin. She's truly wise, our Ena," he commented. Solana smiled in reply as they turned around to return to Estu.
Solana and Kiel had arrived back at the university with plenty of time to change for the party. Solana had thought long and hard about how to present herself for this occasion, wanting to show her love of Atlantis and Merna both.
She had finally chosen a long Atlantean chiton made with a Minikian silk that shifted between deep blue and a gleaming violet depending on the light. A dove gray silk shawl painted with two dolphins draped over her arms, while the same gray silk had been braided into a sash. Her usual pearl pendant was a bright glimmer on her chest. Silver armlets studded with bits of moonstone, aquamarine, and pale amethyst glittered on her arms. Part of her hair was pulled back and twisted into a minibun secured with a flower hairpin with the rest flowing free, and silver sandals finished her outfit.
Kiel looked positively regal in a loose silk green-gray shirt over slightly darker gray pants and short boots, topped by an open off-white robe embroidered with silver wave designs. He smiled at her like a proud papa as he offered her his arm to escort her to the party.
While passing the Fire Chambers, Oriana suddenly emerged. She had dressed for the festival in a soft gown the color of golden ripe wheat, fastened with a leaf green sash. Draped over her hair was a lovely cream veil embroidered with apple trees heavy with emerald greenery and blushing red fruit, and small dancing slippers peeped out from under the gown. Light green peridots winked at her ears and around her wrists. "Solana, you look lovely, dear. Could I borrow you for a moment?" she asked kindly.
"Of course. You look wonderful, Oriana," Solana replied sincerely, and Kiel promised to wait outside until they were ready.
Solana followed Oriana into Aryn's chambers to see how she could help. Aryn was standing in front of her mirror, wearing a rich red gown secured with a leather bodice and examining the result. She smiled and waved Solana in. "Hey, good choice on the dress! Do you think this will work today? Rakaj and his wife Ojhila had it made special for me."
Solana thought that they had done an amazing job. Her best friend was wearing a low-cut scarlet gown with the images of fire creatures- dragons, phoenixes, salamanders- woven in gold in the fabric. The leather bodice securing it was of a lovely honey shade, and there were matching leather slippers with gold embroidery.
"You're gorgeous, Aryn. Your cousins will be very proud that you're a daughter of Fief Caldera," Solana replied sincerely. Aryn beamed at the praise.
"Solana, you've always been better with face paint as a dancer. Could you handle that while I do her hair?" Oriana asked. Solana nodded and they swiftly got to work. Aryn's hair was brushed to flow past her shoulders in shining midnight black and blaze red waves, interspersed with tiny braids tipped in gold beads. Oriana then found the fire agate phoenix pendant that Eziban had carved for Aryn years ago and some garnet earrings while Solana lightly painted Aryn's face and added a splash of sandalwood perfume. Lastly, the Caldera family ring went on Aryn's finger instead of around her neck.
They stepped back to admire the picture she made. Aryn looked every inch the daughter of a long noble line, equally ready to attend a state dinner or help defend it if the guests were attacked. But her true inner strength and confidence came from, not what her parents or ancestors had done, but the work of her own hands. She had matured a lot during forty years of wandering, (in some ways), and now the light of love sparkled in her hazel eyes.
Suddenly, Eziban could be heard talking outside with Kiel, then came a knock. "Firebird, are you ready? Can I come in?"
Solana glanced at Aryn, who nodded, then opened the door. Eziban came in happily, carrying a bouquet of vivid orange and red lilies. He looked utterly dashing in a bluish red silk shirt covered by a short leather vest. His black pants were tucked into polished black boots. On his wrists were silver chains that matched the ones decorating his vest.
"I found a florist amongst the merchants, and thought you would like... these..." Eziban trailed off as he took in Aryn's appearance. He looked as stunned as if he'd taken a blow to the solar plexus during one of their sparring matches.
Aryn blushed and looked down at her gown. "What? Is it too much? I told Rakaj I wanted to do something different but I think it looks okay and it works with leather, right?" she babbled.
Eziban took a step and knelt, then took her hand in his. His eyes intent on his beloved, he lovingly kissed her hand. "Mi'lady," he murmured appreciatively. Aryn's blush deepened, competing with the red in her hair.
Solana and Oriana began quietly making their way toward the door, but it was enough to break the moment. Eziban rose to his feet and offered Aryn the bouquet. She inhaled happily. "Mmmm, these smell wonderful. Let me put them in a vase and we can get going."
After the flowers were seen to, Aryn grabbed one on a whim and tucked it behind her ear. Eziban offered her his arm, and she laughed while gently resting her hand on it.
Kiel was very gracious while complimenting Aryn, and offered his arms for his friend and foster daughter. Guardians and former Elder went to go see how preparations were going for their festival.
Aryn and Eziban ran off to make sure that the students had everything in hand for the buffet for the night's banquet. The Fire Guardian said something about a surprise, but refused to elaborate.
She didn't have anything to worry about. Long tables were beautifully decorated with fine cloths and candles and nearly collapsing under the weight of an incredible feast. Roasted meats just off of spits glistened with their juices and gave off a tantalizing aroma with a hint of herbs. Giant cauldrons of soup bubbled, with a few made from the recipe from Kilika. Mountains of fresh fruit sat next to platters and plates of all kinds of yummy desserts. A few bars stocked with Merna's finest vintages were dotted amongst the tables, ready to serve.
Already the beach of their city was transformed. Light crystals and torches and strings of twinkling lights were ready to be turned on when dusk arrived. Ribbons and flower garlands decorated torches and tables. But even those paled beside the glowing party clothes and smiles of all of the guests.
Most of the crowd was waiting in front of the stage on the sand where the elven orchestra was setting up. Kiel and Solana made speech to their students and faculty every year for inspiration, and this one would be a little more special. Ten years was a wonderful landmark, and a great start to the legacy that they hoped to create.
Raoul was finishing testing the sound equipment, and he smiled warmly upon seeing Kiel and Solana. Clearly, marriage and fatherhood agreed with him. Raoul was wearing a long coat of fine green wool crafted in the Deynain style, edged with knotwork that echoed the design of his bracelet, over brown trousers tucked into tall laced boots. He shook Kiel's hand politely and gave Solana a strong hug. "It's so good to see you both. Congratulations on what you've accomplished," he said sincerely.
"I think you're the one who's due that," Solana replied sincerely. "A lovely little girl already learning music, another little one on the way, and the publishing of your first collection of poems."
"Malika deserves just as much credit," Raoul said modestly, dipping his head a bit in acknowledgement. "We've also been writing songs together." He looked down at the sizable crowd getting seated and ready to kick off the festival. "This is all set for you. I'm sure Malika has everything in hand here, so I'll see you later."
Solana tapped the microphone, and it let out a bit of a screech before settling down. "Are you ready, Kiel?"
"I am, my dear," Kiel replied.
Solana turned to the crowd. "Everyone, can I have your attention, please? Quiet down!"
Most of the crowd obeyed, though a few kids in the back were still jabbering away. "Hey, shut up back there!" came Aryn's unmistakable roar. The students squeaked and obeyed, while Aryn flashed a thumbs up at Solana.
Solana managed to keep from rolling her eyes. "Thank you all. For those who are new or visiting, I welcome you to our city of Estu. Eleven years ago, we dreamed of creating a city and university that would provide not only education in living alongside the elements that rule our world, but also new directions of learning in any area that one wished to study. Ten years ago, we opened our doors for the first time, and I can tell you right now, it looks far different today than it did then."
Chuckles of agreement came forth, though the students that Aryn had yelled at stayed quiet.
"Our advancements, and how far we have come to a dream of unity among all of our peoples have succeeded because of you," Solana continued, meeting the eyes of as many of the students as she could. "Your thoughts, your dreams, and your hard work are what have made our home a success. Any true educator knows that the student may teach, and the teacher may learn. It has been an honor to be a dean here to serve you, and all of the gifts of new knowledge and ideas that have been brought here over time."
Kiel came up to the microphone next for his portion. "We also know that this is only the beginning," he began strongly. "True knowledge is never a destination, but a journey that brings one to places that one can never dream. We hope to continue reaching out to new worlds and new ideas from all over the Universe." He smiled and spread his arms. "Who can say where we will be in another decade, in a century? That will depend on all of us."
"Does anyone have anything else that they want to add?" Solana asked.
A voice from somewhere deep in the crowd called out, "San patia covivesta!"
Everyone who understood Atlantean burst into laughter, while their neighbors poked them and demanded the translation. "Perhaps 'Let's party' is as good a finale as any," Kiel admitted, wiping his eyes. He turned around to face the elves standing ready to play. "Mistress Malika, are you prepared?"
"We are," Malika replied, bringing her bow down to the strings on her cello. Gwen sat next to her mother, a beautiful fairy child in pale green, her tiny dulcimer on her lap. Malika glanced back at the others, and they all counted to three before starting off the night with a lively dance number. Kiel bowed graciously before taking Solana's hand to lead her to the dance floor.
'I came by a house last night
And told the woman I am staying
I said to her:
"The moons are bright and my fiddle's tuned for playing"'
Solana laughed with delight as Kiel swung her around, amazed at how light on his feet he was at his age. She spotted Oriana and Joshua dancing together, with Joshua often looking down at his feet to get the steps right as Oriana softly whispered what seemed to be reassurances in his ear. Raoul and Trista flitted by next, a comical pair as the brawny Thunder Guardian was practically lifting the tiny Trista into the air like a white and ice blue bird on the spins. Pale blue feathers fluttered in her silver hair and threatened to come out, but she just laughed.
'Tell me that the night is long
Tell me that the moons are gleaming
Fill my glass, I'll sing a song
And we'll keep the music streaming
Until all the songs are sung'
Rakaj and Ojhila were watching Eziban and Aryn with great amusement, with Eziban murmuring things to Aryn that would make her blush or bop him upside the head in turns. Rakaj and Ojhila's daughter Nejiat was paired with Del while their son Nayk danced with Clymene. David, (no longer 'Ajit') was participating in a jigging contest with Ethan and Tayn but having a hard time keeping up with the elves as some of the other students stopped to watch. Nessa had brought along her new husband, a man called Adskhan who hailed from Fief Caldera, and their eyes shone as they moved together as one.
The crowd switched partners as the elves moved on to playing such favorites as 'The Demon's Dancefloor', 'Reel Around the Sister Moons', 'High Summer Faire', 'Tethys Blue', and 'Run My Love'. Feeling a little breathless after all of the fast-paced reels, Solana decided that a break was needed to go visit the buffet and get something to drink.
Eziban and Aryn were wheeling out a large cart with something covered on top. Solana couldn't begin to guess what it was, being an odd mound shape. The two were smirking at each other and brought the cart to a table, then carefully lifted it on top to display. Quite a few of Aryn's students were standing around, looking curiously at what their teacher had come up with this time.
Aryn threw the cover off of this year's latest creation, her cheeks flushed with excitement and chest puffed out with pride. She had carved a perfect ice replica of her volcano back home in Fief Caldera. There was even a tiny castle and its city carved in the right place, down to little buildings and the forest. She touched the ice with a finger and it gave off a red glow, presumably to protect it from melting, and then pressed a switch.
A pump whirred and gurgled as it came to life. Instead of water, sparkling punch came up through the middle of the volcano, 'erupted' at the summit, and trickled down the sides like fruity lava. Gasps of astonishment and a chorus of "Oooooooo!" rose up from the crowds around the buffet table. Solana stared in awe, unable to find a sufficient word to describe how impressed she was.
But Aryn wasn't done yet. Eziban handed her a bottle of clear liquid, which she added to a small metal cup set in the summit of the icy volcano. One fingersnap later, and it burst into flames.
Her audience burst into applause. Aryn bowed, then gestured for Eziban to join her and take a bow. Aryn's students began passing out cups for guests to come get some punch from the flaming ice fountain.
Solana was helping herself to some of the punch from Aryn's ice fountain when she noticed a little blue-haired boy running up to her with something in his hand.
"Olisla! Olisla, headmistress lady!" he called out, breathless from his run. After reaching her, he stopped to pant a few times.
Solana smiled at the informal Atlantean greeting and knelt down to say hello back. "Olisla, my young friend. What can I do for you?"
The little boy reached out and dropped something wooden into her palm. "My dad is one of Miniki's best wood carvers. No, THE best! He made some special wooden charms to give out to anyone I wanted as a party favor. He says that the Guardians did a good job to open this school and keep it going, so I wanted to make sure that you guys each got one."
Curious, Solana held up her hand to inspect the charm. It was an orchid carved of fine tropical wood. The craftsmanship was exquisite, and the style definitely reminded her of some of the wonderful carvings found throughout Estu. The gift, along with this boy's father's praise warmed her heart. "Thank you, I'll be sure to treasure this," she assured him, carefully tying it to her belt for all to see. "What's your name?"
"Luke, headmistress lady," the boy replied cheerfully.
"Luke. Do you want to come to school here one day?" Solana asked.
Luke thought about it. "Sometime, but I also want to see beyond Merna. I'm half-Atlantean, you know, and we like to travel! But now I have to go find another Guardian," he finished apologetically.
Solana nodded her understanding, and pointed to Oriana standing near the dessert table. "Oriana is the lady with the white veil. She'd be honored to be presented with one of your father's charms."
"Grati!" he replied, and ran off again.
Aryn was enjoying passing out Eziban's delicious punch, perfectly chilled from her ice volcano. He worked steadily beside her, and they sent little smiles at each other between filling up cups.
It was amazing how naturally their relationship had progressed to deep love after twelve magical years. She loved the way his nose wrinkled up and his head tilted slightly when trying to figure out the next step on a magical construct with stones. She loved how his dark eyes sparkled as they arm-wrestled together and traded endearments and taunts. She loved how he held her close as they whispered all that was in their hearts, and all the thousand little ways he liked to think up to show his love for her.
Not that there hadn't been problems! Aryn had to laugh to herself. Her temper and Eziban's stubborn streak that could rival Solana's on a good day had led them into spats and arguments, but each understood the other's heart too well for them to last. Even the banter that always went along with their arm-wrestling and sparring was touched with a new tenderness.
During a lull, it was finally Aryn's turn to test the punch. Eziban bowed and gallantly offered Aryn her drink. She accepted graciously and sampled it, closing her eyes in unabashed delight. "One of your very best, Ezi. This is fantastic."
"You're too kind, my firebird. Would you like to go see the coming sunset?" Eziban offered. At Aryn's happy nod, he led them away from the party to a deserted section of Shima Beach.
Aryn sighed in pleasure as she rested her head on Ezi's warm and familiar shoulder, enjoying his nearness as she admired her world's latest masterpiece. She had always loved sunsets, seeing the grandeur of her element in the skies, and since acquiring the Celestial gift had learned to appreciate them on a new level. This one featured bright rose and scarlet streaks against a flat purple sky, and the sun itself was a ball of molten gold getting ready to slip under the waves of the Tethys for the night.
Eziban grinned at Aryn, who was luminous with the fiery colors. She was so radiant like this, with the fiery rays touching her and being given off again, but he thought that she was always beautiful. He loved her in sweat-soaked practice clothes, with her hair trying to escape her braids and her face rosy with exercise and joy as they sparred and shared the secrets of their souls. He loved her in an apron splashed with sauce and flour on her nose, triumphant with a well-done dish she had made just for him to accompany a new drink he had invented. He loved her warm and sweet in his arms as they talked of their misadventures in the past and dreams and mischief for the future.
Eziban reached out and traced a single ray of golden sunlight that shone on one of his beloved's cheeks. Aryn smiled at him as she took his hand in hers and squeezed it. "Thanks for all the help, Ezi. You and I, we make a great team."
"That we do," Eziban replied, then suddenly flushed a bit. "That's, uh, that's actually why I wanted us to come out here alone. I wanted to talk about that."
"Ezi?" Aryn asked softly, then paled as a horrible thought came to mind. "You're not leaving me, are you?! This isn't about the sword, is it?"
"No-no-no-no-no!" Eziban answered quickly, putting his hands up in defense. "No, I had that coming." He shook his head in admiration. "Although you're still making me wait for revenge for the chicken dance. For twelve years, too! Damn, that's brutal."
"So was having to do that chicken dance in public and still hearing about it!" Aryn retorted, sticking her tongue out at him impishly.
They burst out laughing together, then quieted after thinking about the rest of that night before the battle against Bachlan. Aryn was remembering the despair in Eziban's eyes and wanting to do anything to destroy the cause of it, then receiving her armor with his magic to keep her safe as an apology. Eziban thought of how Aryn had led him back to being a true Guardian and how wonderful it had felt to be truly forgiven.
"I missed you so much for all of those years, my love," Eziban suddenly blurted out. "I had no idea where you were, what you were doing, only that you were so far away from me. When you came back the first time, my heart came back as well, and then having you snatched away again so quickly..."
Aryn looked down. "I'm so sorry that I hurt you, beloved. I missed you, too. I missed you so much that when Solana would be busy in the library, I would start to write a letter telling you where we were and begging you to come to us. I started so many, and would have to tear them up when Solana found me." She looked up proudly, though tears glistened in her eyes. "But I can't apologize for leaving, because we had to. It wasn't about us Guardians, it was about Merna."
Eziban mentally kicked himself. This was not going the way that he had planned! Time to get back on track. "What I mean is, I don't ever want that to happen again. We were born centuries apart as ordinary humans, and it was by luck and our love for our elements that let us be picked as Guardians and have an extended lifespan to be together. We were separated, but brought back together again with a new life. I don't ever want to take that for granted again, or lose that chance we got back."
Aryn sucked in a breath. Where was he going with this?
She gasped as Eziban went down on one knee before her, taking a small velvet box out of a pocket on his vest. He opened the box to display a magnificent gold ring with a brilliant red diamond, and looked up into her eyes. "Aryn Caldera, my beloved firebird, my best partner and my best friend, would you marry me?"
Tears ran down Aryn's cheeks. "Ezi, are you sure? Do you think that the Universe could really handle us being married?"
"It'll have to, if you say 'yes'," Eziban answered playfully, despite tears coming to his own eyes.
Aryn's heart went aflame with joy at the thought of countless years of being by Eziban's side, and he by hers as they would create a new life together. There would be new loving memories to create, and plenty of happiness and mayhem on the ride. There was only one answer she could give to this man that she loved more than her own life. "Yes!"
Eziban let out a whoop of joy as he rose and took the love of his life in his arms, spinning them around gaily. Aryn hung on and laughed happily, feeling like she was dreaming. When her feet touched ground again, she raised her head and kissed him passionately, then eagerly held out her left hand.
Eziban carefully slipped the ring he had made onto Aryn's finger. Aryn studied it in awe. The red diamond was flawless and set in the band rather than on top, to not get in the way of combat. On either side of the diamond was the Caldera salamander holding a sword and, instead of the hammer, a branch of the blocky tree that was Eziban's family symbol tattooed on his arms. Fire and earth, two families coming together.
That reminded her of something. They had often talked about the future, including the hypothetical 'if we get married', and Eziban had always said that he wanted to take her last name. While she had teased him that it was due to wanting to become a member of a noble family, she knew that it was because she was still connected to her family and got to know each generation, while he had no idea who the descendants of his family were. "Ezi, baby, how do you feel about becoming a Caldera? Were you serious?" she asked softly.
"Definitely," Eziban answered without a doubt. "I know how important your name is to you, firebird. It carries your history, just like my tattoos do. But your history is still continuing, and if we decide to have kids, they'll carry it on as well." He smirked. "With all the extra good stuff from my side added to the bloodline, of course."
"Of course," Aryn agreed with a straight face. "In that case, I have something for you. Until you get your own." She pulled the Caldera family ring from her finger and slipped it onto Eziban's hand instead.
He gasped at the gesture, knowing how important it was to her, then smiled. How appropriate for them to both be exchanging rings now, in preparation for their big day sometime soon.
Aryn was admiring her new ring once more, then took a closer look at the diamond. It was a fire red, but... "Merna doesn't have red diamond mines! Where did you get this?"
"I made it. Or rather, I set things up so that your volcano made it," Eziban answered simply.
"What?"
Eziban smirked. "About a century before you came to us, I saved a village from a potential landslide in the hills of Ninaz. The headman was grateful because he had just had a granddaughter be born, and his daughter-in-law had been too weak to be moved. He gave me two perfect diamonds, and told me to keep them until I found a fine lady to propose to."
"You know that I spent a lot of time near your volcano, and found a few mines. One of the tunnels leads deep underground to just outside the magma pool. A long time ago, I left the diamonds there to take in the fire, just in case." His smirk grew. "I'm very glad I did so now."
Aryn's eyebrow raised. "How long ago, exactly?"
Eziban scratched his head. "Ten thousand years," he admitted, "I knew that you were someone pretty special back then, and wanted to be prepared."
Aryn threw her head back and laughed. "Ten thousand years! That's a pretty long time to make a girl wait for a proposal! And you said that I was brutal!"
"Was it worth the wait?" Eziban teased back.
Aryn pretended to consider it, then nodded. "Yeah, it was. I'll let you off this time." Her kiss belied any sting in the words, and Eziban enjoyed it fully.
There was only one more thing. "We have to start planning," Aryn pointed out.
"You mean the wedding?" he asked.
"Even more important," she started, then grinned. "What to serve at the feast."
The two lovebirds finally returned to the party and agreed to share their good news on the next day. Today was for everyone in Estu, and even all of Merna. They found their friends at the back of the crowd, who were enjoying the last song of the night.
The Miniki band was finishing their turn on the stage, playing their well-known party song, 'How You Like It'. In addition to the three bearded men who had played in the Golden Grizzly on Solana's last visit, the brunette who had served as Lady Sayuri's aide was rocking on a ukelele, and the fair-haired young man who had helped dump the oil on the Newayas was playing a banjo with all his might.
The onlookers roared as the fair-haired young man took a stage dive, then was carried over the heads of the nearest audience members. Amazingly, he continued playing his banjo during the spectacle, never missing a single note until he was safely brought to the edge of the crowd! He quickly kissed the fair-haired woman who had dumped the oil with him, then raced back up on stage just in time to finish the number to thunderous applause.
Aryn and Trista were laughing so hard that tears were streaming down their faces. "Oh... man... never seen anything like it!" Aryn managed to get out, trying to wipe her cheeks.
Solana was still in awe, shaking her head over the band member's antics. "How on Merna am I going to follow that?" she murmured to herself.
Trista finally managed to get herself under control. "Why? What are you planning on doing?"
"Every year, I choreograph a new dance to do at this festival," Solana explained. "It's a custom from Atlantis that I wanted to bring over here."
"And my custom is to hide her canes after that first festival," Aryn added, shaking her head ruefully. "My marzipan model of the university was so beautiful. Days to make, seconds to smash...."
Solana flushed bright red as Trista chuckled. "Are you ever going to forgive me for that?"
"And lose out on how flustered you get every time I mention it? Not a chance," Aryn replied slyly. Kiel managed to hide his smile behind a hand.
Solana threw up her hands in pretend exasperation and quickly ran back to her chambers to prepare for her dance. She tried doing something a little different every year- feather fans from Madoria, custom flaming dance knives that Aryn had given her, huge silken wings on her arms, even a skirt dance. On this anniversary, she would be having a partner of sorts. She quickly changed into her costume and waited for her cue.
After the elves played a beautifully haunting piece that Malika had composed to enthusiastic applause, Solana took her place on the beach where salty waves kissed the shore. Her hair fell freely down her back, and her feet were bare. She was dressed in a sleeveless fringed blue choli top over a slit mermaid-style skirt of blues and purples edged with foamy white that ebbed around her legs like playful wavelets. Silver glittered in her hair, the hip scarf tied over her skirt, handflowers stretching from wrists to fingers, water drop earrings, and the chain holding her pearl pendant. Draped over her shoulders was a flowing amethyst veil.
Crossing her arms in front of her, Solana bowed her head as the musicians began an introduction. A deep, earthy drum in the skilled hands of one of her people set the rhythm. Malika's honeyed cello tones joined in as Solana's hips slowly began to sway. They lifted and dropped with the notes as she began a slow, rippling walk, head still down as if leading a solemn procession. Lastly, a symphony of bird-like flute calls and lighter strains of the fiddle and veena streamed in, and Solana's arms rose and fell in flowing serpentine movements. The floaty veil made her arms into wings.
A larger crash sounded with the drum. Solana's head came up, eyes looking beyond her friends into the great blue yonder as she bent her knees and leaped into the shallow waves, landing with a small splash. Cheers rose from the audience at the faster beat as Solana removed the veil from her shoulders and let it drift onto the sands like a leaf. She then straightened and began the beautiful flowing steps that signified the arrival or planting of new life as the shining waves crashed around her.
As always, the music had brought her back to her days as a dancer at Atlantean celebrations. For now, she did not see her audience, but only the rippling waves of the Marble Sea caressing the white sands of Origin Beach. She went into her old friend Lorelai's favorite combo- one small arabesque step back, one forward with her back leg high, then going into a turn with her arms spread.
The drum went into a staccato of quick, short notes, and Solana's hips rose and fell with each one, interspersed with little kicks. Her arms were raised as if to embrace the sky, then she twirled and brought them slowly down, tracing delicate patterns around her body as she moved her hips in figure eights. Silver droplets glittered like tiny stars sewn into her costume.
Malika's cello sang out, and Solana rose to the balls of her feet. Her entire body started moving in a graceful undulation that echoed the waves splashing all around her as her light steps brought her from one end of her audience to the other, her smile as bright as the fire sending up sparks to the twilight sky. An answering melody came from the lovely veena, and Solana reversed her steps to bring herself back.
This isn't Atlantis, but it is home... The melody slowed as Solana circled her hips, her crossed wrists making small circles as she brought them to the sky. No, in a way, it IS Atlantis. It's also the Crystal Citadel, and Deynain, and Fief Caldera, and a little piece of everywhere we've been. Everyone who is gathered here has brought with them a part of the spirit of their origins. Slowly, she brought one hand out to the side and kept one curved over her head, and began to spin. As the drumbeat quickened, so did her turns to match it, until she seemed a blur of blue and silver and movement.
It is all of those parts that we must continue weaving together as one whole future. As the years go by, more will bring their hearts to join ours, and that hope that the unity we have among us now will be expanded to our whole world is what we must protect. With a flourish, Solana and the musicians finished together. The Water Guardian's raised arms were haloed with the fire of the setting sun, and only resounding echoes of song hung in the cooling air.
Applause and ululations exploded from the audience. The musicians rose from their chairs to bow, then joined in the applause as Solana stepped out of the sea she loved and bowed deeply. Her face was shining with happiness and salt spray, and she smiled at her friends old and new.
That which is a dream must be given the chance to become our reality.
I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I believe I have ended up where I intended to be.
Douglas Adams
Twelve years later
"...so, as you can see, what affects one population will carry on to all of the others throughout its own food chain, and even its entire niche. These effects carry on into the niches of the other organisms like ripples in a pond," Solana explained, pointing to the various trophic levels of a freshwater foodweb she had sketched on a blackboard. She turned around to face a classroom full of attentive students, human and elven and Atlantean but similar in the curiosity shining in all sets of eyes. "Are there any questions on today's lecture?"
One elven girl raised her hand. "I know you've been teaching that having natural forces present in Merna again is good for the world, but what about its creatures?" Murmurs of agreement followed.
"Good question. How many of you would be here if all we taught was healing?" Solana asked. A few hands went up. "Warrior skills?" More hands went up. "Magic?" Some hands went up. "History? Smithing? Cooking? Engineering? Piloting?" The number of hands up fluctated with each profession. "Think of our university like Merna in its entirety. Each of you has your own niche, like the critters here, and do best under different conditions. That's why we try to offer as wide a variety of classes as possible. Natural forces bring enough change to fluctuate the conditions, which favors different creatures at different times," Solana finished.
"So it's not just one group ruling this school!" a voice called out. Laughter followed.
Solana chuckled. "No, it's not. Change creates a greater number of niches in moderation, and diversity creates a more stable environment. That goes for us, too." A loud bell sounded. "Thank you for attending my lecture today. Your homework-" She paused, watching the students fidget in apprehension, then finished gleefully, "- is to enjoy the festival!"
The students cheered as they grabbed their piles of books and bags and left, chatting and laughing. "Great class, Headmistress!" Clymene called as she left with a group of young adults. Solana waved back and took a moment to survey her class in pride before wiping the board down of all the notes she had scribbled on it.
The festival was to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the opening of the university. As planned, the Crystal Citadel had been brought to the ground and served as its primary building in the new city of Estu. It was Kiel who had thought of the name, being short for 'estuary'. "After all, an estuary combines air, earth, and salt and fresh water to make a habitat suitable for more critters and their young than any one of those alone, and is an environment that's harmonious with change," was his claim. The others agreed.
The school and city had both grown quite a bit in the past ten years since opening and establishing a new permanent home for the Atlanteans. While some leaders still wanted nothing to do with it, and others wavered to see what would happen, there were teachers or students or residents from almost every corner of their world and beyond, and more joining them every year. Happily, those who supported their school were uniting on their own to look after all Mernans, and there was talk of increasing their off-world trade and political ties. Solana and Aryn were happy to contact their old friends that they had stayed with during forty years of wandering and were acquiring books and even students from past homes.
Solana was delighted to be working alongside Kiel at last, as she had dreamed since she was a child. Between pursuing projects, teaching classes, and stocking the library, she was busier and happier than she had ever been.
A slender figure in dusty white traveling robes dodged the flood of students streaming from the lecture hall. "Our headmistress is at last learning the virtue of relaxing?" Joshua asked, a slight twinkle in his eye and a hefty pack resting on his back.
The Light Guardian now served as chief ambassador, having the connections and background, and also helped Kiel and Solana handle university affairs when in residence. It had been no small feat to bring so many cultures together in one city. In Solana's mind, he was a gem, and she often wondered how differently things would have gone if Bachlan had taken Joshua's counsel instead of merely handing out orders.
"I do learn eventually," Solana admitted with a wry smile, setting down her rag. She came over to give him a quick hug. "Welcome back, Joshua! How was your trip?"
"Splendid, which means that there is plenty of work for you and Kiel to do," Joshua replied with a tiny smile as Solana mock-groaned. He reached into his pack and grabbed a fistful of envelopes. "The Monsee Empire's new sovereigns are considering pledging their support. As a token of their goodwill, they are making an enormous donation to our library," he began, handing Solana a beautifully-wrapped and ornate scroll.
"I would welcome that support. Did they seem truly interested in joining us, or for more of a political ploy?" Solana asked curiously, untying the ribbons to read the message.
"Perhaps a bit of each, though I would recommend hosting a quiet gathering for a formal response in a few weeks," Joshua answered. He next fished out glyph-crystals, a fat packet of rough parchment, and a tidy little wrapped up letter. "Lady Sayuri sends her regards, but Lord David will be attending our festival as Miniki's new leader. I also managed to rendezvous with the Tribe of the Hawk. Trista sends her greetings and more glyphs from the nomad elders, but was not certain if she will be able to return for the festival."
Solana nodded her understanding. Trista had remained with the nomads and was now Nessa's older sister by adoption. Though she rarely visited, she wrote often and sent many glyphs of lore from all the tribal elders. Her letters had also been showing a new happiness and serenity, and it was clear that her heart was healing. "She's still not ready?"
"Actually, she wishes to attend, but Nessa was recently married and Trista had her duties there. She promised to come as soon as possible," Joshua replied, then pulled out one more package and dropped it in her hands. "This one is for Aryn, and contains all the recipes for a proper tribal wedding feast."
"I'll see that she gets it. Anything else?" Solana asked, juggling the load in her arms to make sure that nothing would fall.
Joshua shook his head. "That is all for the moment. I am off to the kitchens for a quick snack and a proper rest before the festivities commence."
"You've earned it. Thank you, Joshua, and I'll see you later tonight," Solana replied warmly. Joshua allowed a smile in return before leaving her.
The parcels secured, Solana finally started for the Water Chambers. Students and visitors were milling all over, many stopping to greet Solana or ask a quick question about the festival or new school year. The place felt so much more alive, with warmth and enthusiasm and young lives present than it ever had all those millennia being used as an immense tool for their magic. The halls and rooms were now filled with laughter and chatter about plans for the future instead of the empty silence of far too many rooms for eight individuals.
The next hall she entered was nicknamed the Atlantean wing. Large murals painted on the walls portrayed their former island home and the events that had brought them to first Lantias, then Merna, as well as the story of Ecco. It was here that classes in her people's history, magic systems, ecology, literature, engineering, arts, and far more were offered, some only in the Atlantean tongue.
After taking a right into a new hallway, she passed one of the workrooms used by Eziban, Tayn, and their team of mages drawn from Atlanteans and Mernans. The team carried out experiments in working with the innate magic of nature's gifts, engineering projects for Estu and others who contracted them, and making all kinds of awesome things in between. Mem-gems and glyphs and even teleport rings were commonly turned out.
Their latest project had been to make a Mernan equivalent of Atlantis' aquatic highway, the Aqua Via. Some of the Atlantean members of Eziban's team had been responsible for upkeep on the original, and had been able to help draw up blueprints that were adapted to Estu's environment. They had been working hard to ensure that the new version, which would be known as the Aqua Camina, would be ready in time for the new school year.
From behind the door to the workroom, Solana suddenly heard a loud WHOOSH!!
"Oh, dammit!!"
"Ezi, I told you that wasn't going to work!"
"How about less lecturing and more PUTTING THIS OUT?!"
Solana flung open the door and reflexively cast a spray of water to extinguish something giving off multi-colored sparks near Eziban's feet as Tayn threw a bucket of water at the same target. Between both dousings, Eziban looked like a morose drowned rat. Unfortunately, Aryn's fire protection spells didn't guard against water. Aryn herself was standing nearby, one hand holding her flaming sword while the other ineffectively attempted to hide her laughter.
"Are you all right, Eziban?" Solana asked in concern.
Eziban sputtered and reached for a towel to dry himself off a bit. "I'm fine, I'm fine," he muttered, his dark cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "I was trying to copy the alloy that Lady Nazirah used in forging Aryn's sword, letting it take to fire so readily, and...well...you saw the result." He rubbed down his right arm that had gotten soaked from Tayn's bucket of water. The black tree tattoo that represented 'his pack' amongst the Guardians boasted two more leaves than it had in the past- one for Trista, and one for Joshua.
Aryn finally stopped laughing and grabbed another towel to assist in the drying process. "You have to leave my people some secrets," she remarked, carefully dabbing every drop of water from Eziban's left arm.
Eziban suddenly smirked, then dropped his towel and pulled her into an embrace. Aryn squealed and jokingly tried to push him away. "Dammit, Ezi, you're soaked!"
"Yup, but you didn't warn me enough about the alloy," Eziban said mischievously, then kissed her. Aryn seemed to forget about pushing him away and kissed him back.
Tayn rolled his eyes good naturedly, used to being an audience for these exchanges. He punched Eziban's arm lightly. "Don't forget our main project for today, Eziban. I'm sure our headmistress has been wanting to hear of our progress."
Solana tilted her head slightly in expectation. Eziban glanced up, still half distracted, then suddenly nodded as he came back to Merna and let Aryn go. The Fire Guardian concentrated, and suddenly the water droplets evaporated from her. "Oh, yeah, sorry. Solana, I'm glad that you swung by right now. Long story short- we did it. The Aqua Camina had ten successful test runs this morning and is ready to be put to use," Eziban said proudly.
Solana felt her heart dance. "You did it?! You all really did it?"
"Definitely," Tayn replied, "Just let us know when it needs to be expanded to new buildings or locations- we can build on in any direction you need. We know that Estu is still a work in progress."
"You guys are wonderful. I can't wait to give it a try tonight," Solana said happily. She started to go for a hug, then realized that getting the correspondence that Joshua had given her wet probably wasn't the best idea.
Speaking of which, Solana remembered that one of her parcels was for her best friend and handed it over. "Trista sent you the recipes for a wedding feast in her tribe," she explained.
Aryn tore it open like a long-awaited birthday present. She presently served as Estu's most notorious armsmistress and an occasional cooking teacher. Half of her students bailed out for someone less strict, while the other half adored her shamelessly and were on their way to becoming Merna's finest fighters and chefs. She had been thrilled to expand her kitchens from one built to take care of eight Guardians to one serving the entire university and many guests, and had been helping with the festival's banquet preparations for weeks.
Suddenly, Aryn frowned at the parchment. "Boiled hen teeth? Cow egg yolk? What the...?" She flipped the parchment over to check the back, then rolled her eyes. "Funny, Trista. Huh, this mutton stew doesn't look that difficult. I'll have to give this a go and see about working it into class sometime."
"I have to go drop the rest of this off. Eziban, go see Oriana if you need to, okay?" Solana asked. Their Life Guardian was now one of the lead healers in that wing. Though Oriana had been offered the chief position, she had graciously turned it down, saying that she belonged with her students and patients instead of being trapped in an office. She helped treat as many patients and teach as many new healers as was humanly possible. Eziban's team supplied them with new healing items in exchange for their services after experiments gone awry.
Eziban flapped his hand in agreement as he and Tayn set up some elder branches and topaz stones for another experiment. Aryn followed her best friend out the door but went back to her domain, still reading over the new recipes. Solana left them to their work and continued on to the set of stairs that went to the common room and their chambers.
It had taken plenty of convincing, but Kiel had finally accepted Raoul's former chambers for his own. Raoul and Malika had gone on a world-wide journey before returning to Deynain to get married. They still acted like shy newlyweds at times, although Raoul had hung onto the inner strength he had claimed before their battle against Bachlan. They were now the proud parents of a sweet and thoroughly spoiled little girl named Gwen, and awaiting another little one. Raoul had also begun writing poetry while Malika was getting famous as a composer and cello player. At the time of Estu's opening, Liam had opened Deynain's doors to both welcome visitors and encourage his people to get to know the rest of their world.
To her surprise, her mentor was waiting for her in the common area. Each year had added new lines to his face, but his seafoam green eyes were as merry and sharp as she had always remembered them to be. "I was wondering if you wished company on your errand this year, little dolphin," he said kindly. "Ten years is a great milestone for what we have hoped to accomplish."
"Yes, let me just pick up what we need from my chambers and I'll be right back," Solana agreed. She entered her chambers and dropped off the rest of Joshua's correspondence. She then picked up the vase of white orchids that she had bought that morning. White orchids were the Atlantean flower of mourning.
Near her bed was a small shelf that held a mem-gem that Kiel had presented to her on the first day their school had opened. The mem-gem contained his memories of her parents including the days that he and her mother had been good friends while fellow students, introducing the curious plant scholar to a passionate and daring boat captain, their wedding, wishing them well on her mother's overseas fellowship grant, and meeting their young daughter as she dove into the sea to play with dolphins. Above the shelf hung a painted wall scroll of Atlantis. Solana carefully selected a white blossom and laid it on the shelf, then bowed her head and asked for her parents' blessing on this day.
Next she grabbed a small floating basket shaped like a miniature boat. The rest of the blossoms were carefully tucked inside around a small white candle. Finally, she joined Kiel and they made their way to the beach.
Preparations were well underway for the anniversary celebration. Cooks from Aryn's classes and from every corner of Merna and beyond were out getting tables set up on the sunny yellow sands of Shima Beach and working on the enormous banquet that would be offered. Clusters of musicians were having last-minute rehearsals in different areas, which resulted in one being able to hear the deep beats of tribal drums, lively reels on stringed instruments, and intricate guitarwork all in a few minutes of walking. The many students of the university were helping on setup, watching the performers, or simply enjoying the first night of a new school year. She and Kiel stopped often to accept greetings and wish good luck to those who were new or returning.
No matter what the future held, there was this peace and hope that was steadily growing. Every year, more and more ships brought students and new study materials from across the seas and from all over the Universe. In addition to the grounded Citadel that served as the base for Estu university, there were more dwellings and buildings appearing every month. Some were wooden longhouses in the elven style, a nearby grassy field held tents for the nomads, some were more modern designs from the Monsee Empire, while others had the familiar white walls from Atlantis.
The Atlantean methods of drawing renewable power from various sources had been expanded to cover more of Merna's elements, so tidal power stations and lightning rods capable of drawing and storing entire bolts had been created in addition to the more familiar methods of collecting solar, wind, and geothermal power. In addition to the normal streets, Solana could see the carefully constructed tubes of their new Aqua Camina ready to go as Eziban had promised.
But the peace and prosperity that they knew now had come at a price. Their present and future hopes were built on the struggles and sacrifices of the past. It was for this that Solana made a kind of pilgrimage every anniversary of the university's opening, both in remembrance and for thanks as to the happiness that she knew now after so many years of uncertainty.
Up ahead was the sparkling Tethys sea, and a smooth crescent of sand that the people of Estu flocked to in warm weather. Often there were students and some teachers out enjoying a good surf on the waves or swimming on sunny days. On a rock outcropping hung the Whale Bell, an invention that had been borrowed from a history of the dolphin-united world of Pern. Ena liked to stay nearby and keep them updated on gossip and bits of news heard from all over Merna, while in return any of their injured friends could come for healing by ringing the bell's rope that floated in the water.
For now, the pair of Atlanteans had this part of the beach to themselves. Solana and Kiel waded into the balmy embrace of the sea to their thighs. Solana carefully lit the candle in her prepared basket and lowered it into the water, then let it float freely. A wave flowed past them in a flash of salty coolness before the drag pulled the little basket out to sea. Then another, and another, and another as it got smaller and smaller in their sight. Slowly, gradually, it sailed on and on until its candlelight glowed like a tiny star on the horizon. Kiel placed one hand on his former student's shoulder, but nothing needed to be said between the two. Memories phased through their minds, as well as reaffirming their vows to keep their hope and their adopted world safe.
BONG!!! BONG!!!! BONG!!!!
Solana and Kiel clapped their hands over their ears, the moment shattered like a glass at the noise. Since the bell was supposed to be audible from anywhere outside in Estu, being nearby it could hurt! Solana glared at the familiar curved dorsal fin sticking above the surface of the sea. "Ena, we're right here!" she shouted.
Ena poked her head above the water, and looked as sheepish as an orca could manage. She gave one last ring on the bell, to let the others know that she had been answered. Grumbling a little, Solana and Kiel left the balmy sea and raced over to the bell to greet the salty matriarch orca.
As expected, she had no apology to offer. "I'm a little overexcited today, cousins," Ena admitted, her whole body quivering in anticipation. "I've brought a very important guest to meet you two today.
The orca shifted and let out a series of sharp whistles. Solana couldn't quite understand what she was calling to, but Kiel had a wondering look in his seafoam green eyes.
Suddenly a large, dark, sinuous shape could be seen just under the water's surface. It grew larger and larger before breaking through. The shape proved to be a gigantic sea serpent.
Solana and Kiel found themselves stepping back to take in the awesome sight as more and more yards of glistening scaly body rose up above the surface of the water. This serpent had dove-gray scales that were edged in moss green and pure white, and dotted here and there with spots of burnt orange. Intelligent button-black eyes gazed down at them in what was unmistakably amusement at its audience's awe, and a pink forked tongue flicked out of its mouth a few times to taste the air. There were lacy ear-like fins behind its head, and two enormous pairs of curved wings extending from its back that would glide equally well through ocean or streams in the air. A single pair of arm-like limbs tipped in sharp claws were extended in a gesture of peace.
"By the Asterite..." Kiel breathed in Atlantean, an incredulous look on his face. He had not been face to face with one of the greatest denizens of the deep for quite some time, and the last had been in the Marble Sea. This one appeared to be a sort of cousin to those he had seen, and never had he known of one with two pairs of giant wings.
The serpent studied them just as intently, then its lips curled in a humanoid-like smile. "I suppose I can be a bit intimidating at this size, for cousins who have seldom laid eyes on us," she (it was definitely a "she") remarked in a voice like gravel tumbling down the side of a mountain. In the blink of an eye, the serpent shrunk down until her head was only a yard or so above Kiel's.
Even more impressive than this display was the fact that the serpent had spoken in their mother tongue. Solana felt her jaw drop. "How is it that you speak Atlantean?" she finally croaked in surprise.
"'Cousins'... are you perhaps descendents of our friends from Atlantis?" Kiel ventured.
The serpent nodded, surprise glittering in her own eyes at his insight. "You speak rightly. My name is Lota, and I am the leader of the Sher Melan colony of sea serpents. Ena has been telling us much of what our land cousins have accomplished, and I have a story of my own to share. This may surprise you, but the fates of Atlantis and Merna were linked long before you started a friendship with our Lady of Life."
At this point, Lota flapped/hopped out of the water and landed on the grass in front of them, then shrunk even smaller for the Atlanteans' benefit. Her pairs of wings worked perfectly in unison to lift her long body. They could now see that the tip of Lota's tail was paddle-shaped to aid in swimming. Kiel and Solana sat down in front of her, and they listened carefully to a piece of their history that neither had dreamed of.
Lota began with the prophesized first sinking of Atlantis and how it was to have been destroyed by the Vortex Queen. However, that first time was thwarted by Ecco coming back in time to stop her with the power of the Asterite. Solana nodded, knowing the power that Ecco had used was the same that now rested in her. Most of the Atlanteans had believed that the fate of their home had been permanently changed, instead of merely postponed and given to the hands of another.
What she didn't know was that preparations had been made for her people only days before Ecco had come to be their salvation. "The great seer Cassandra had foreseen this first destruction, and was determined to save as many people and as much of her civilization as possible," Lota continued, eyes closed as she continued her recitation. "She and a selected team had made the decision to travel back in time to make preparations for a new homeworld or homeworlds for their people, knowing that they would be unable to return to their own time. Their idea was to have one or more ready to evacuate to by the time the Vortex Queen acted."
"How many worlds were to be prepared?" Kiel asked suddenly. Solana caught his trail of thought with a shiver of excitement. Perhaps there were others of Atlantean blood out in the Universe, the descendents of those who had been sent back? Who could tell?
Lota bowed her head in apology. "I don't know how many. Cassandra thought to get the service of your people's allies as well, the dolphins and sea serpents. Many other worlds had begun their preparations for life as aquatic worlds, and those that had no present population would have been the easiest to prepare. Merna was such a world that would suit our purpose, so we serpents were to scout it out for the future."
"But they weren't needed yet. Ecco delayed the fate of our home," Solana pointed out.
"Yes. We thought that Ecco had demolished it, and had no idea of the Zeirite threat. By the time the past mission caught up with that present, we serpents were released from our obligations, and free to live on Merna or return to Atlantis as we saw fit," the serpent continued, "Merna was a good place. We could manage to communicate with this world, but she had her own ideas. She wanted to bring more life to herself, having enjoyed our company, and thus instigated the Great Birth. Others came to settle it. When we realized that Merna was no longer needed as an Atlantean refuge we retreated to the depths of the seas, deciding not to interfere any more."
Kiel's head tilted slightly, a clear signal that he was thinking something over very deeply. "But it has become a refuge; or at least Estu had served as such. Cassandra saw truly, if you were the ones who helped Merna decide to create the Great Birth," he said with a smile in his voice.
The serpent bobbed her head. "Indeed. There are those who are stones in the river of fate, who twist it to new paths. Ecco was such a one. You, little one, are another. So we have decided that it is time to renew our bonds to our land cousins."
"What did you have in mind?" Solana asked curiously.
"Ena has been telling me of your school, and the alliance that you've built with the orcas and our other cousins under the sea. In the ancient days, Atlanteans and our people had a similar arrangement," Lota replied. "Was it so in your day?"
"It was indeed. I was at the hatching of the future leader of the Marble Sea colony, as the representative Elder," Kiel explained. "We brought gifts and renewed our alliance, as did our dolphin cousins."
"Good. I propose that we renew that alliance. One of your people will be invited to live among us and learn our ways, and one of our young ones can live among you on land to do the same," Lota said.
Solana and Kiel glanced at each other in wonder. The serpents of Atlantis had been wise, majestic, and talented in their own brand of magic. It was possible that they knew of ancient lore that had been lost from their archives over time, as well as that of Merna herself. Such an alliance would greatly benefit their two goals of uniting and educating their people. "It would be a very great honor, but we'll have to present it to our allies first. Can we contact you in a few days after the party?" Solana asked hopefully.
"Yes. I will be staying in nearby waters. Use the Whale Bell when you wish to contact me. Ena will see that I get the message," Lota promised.
"Hmph, being made a messenger at my age," Ena murmured.
Kiel bowed to the great serpent, and Solana hurriedly did the same. "Thank you, Lota. Already you have given us a gift beyond measure in a piece of our history. I hope that we may one day repay the favor," the former Elder said warmly.
"It'll be a pleasure to meet you again, and to reforge the old alliance," Solana added.
Lota bowed her head in return, folding one pair of wings while spreading the other in a serpent-style curtsy. Then she turned around and leaped towards the Tethys Sea, expanding her size back to normal as she did so.
"You'd best get along to your party. There will be time enough for discussion later," Ena remarked. She slipped beneath the surface of the sea, then gave a magnificent breach above the water before diving back down below.
Solana was still staring in awe, thinking of the countless possibilities of their future, when Kiel laid a hand on her shoulder. "We had best do as she says, little dolphin. She's truly wise, our Ena," he commented. Solana smiled in reply as they turned around to return to Estu.
Solana and Kiel had arrived back at the university with plenty of time to change for the party. Solana had thought long and hard about how to present herself for this occasion, wanting to show her love of Atlantis and Merna both.
She had finally chosen a long Atlantean chiton made with a Minikian silk that shifted between deep blue and a gleaming violet depending on the light. A dove gray silk shawl painted with two dolphins draped over her arms, while the same gray silk had been braided into a sash. Her usual pearl pendant was a bright glimmer on her chest. Silver armlets studded with bits of moonstone, aquamarine, and pale amethyst glittered on her arms. Part of her hair was pulled back and twisted into a minibun secured with a flower hairpin with the rest flowing free, and silver sandals finished her outfit.
Kiel looked positively regal in a loose silk green-gray shirt over slightly darker gray pants and short boots, topped by an open off-white robe embroidered with silver wave designs. He smiled at her like a proud papa as he offered her his arm to escort her to the party.
While passing the Fire Chambers, Oriana suddenly emerged. She had dressed for the festival in a soft gown the color of golden ripe wheat, fastened with a leaf green sash. Draped over her hair was a lovely cream veil embroidered with apple trees heavy with emerald greenery and blushing red fruit, and small dancing slippers peeped out from under the gown. Light green peridots winked at her ears and around her wrists. "Solana, you look lovely, dear. Could I borrow you for a moment?" she asked kindly.
"Of course. You look wonderful, Oriana," Solana replied sincerely, and Kiel promised to wait outside until they were ready.
Solana followed Oriana into Aryn's chambers to see how she could help. Aryn was standing in front of her mirror, wearing a rich red gown secured with a leather bodice and examining the result. She smiled and waved Solana in. "Hey, good choice on the dress! Do you think this will work today? Rakaj and his wife Ojhila had it made special for me."
Solana thought that they had done an amazing job. Her best friend was wearing a low-cut scarlet gown with the images of fire creatures- dragons, phoenixes, salamanders- woven in gold in the fabric. The leather bodice securing it was of a lovely honey shade, and there were matching leather slippers with gold embroidery.
"You're gorgeous, Aryn. Your cousins will be very proud that you're a daughter of Fief Caldera," Solana replied sincerely. Aryn beamed at the praise.
"Solana, you've always been better with face paint as a dancer. Could you handle that while I do her hair?" Oriana asked. Solana nodded and they swiftly got to work. Aryn's hair was brushed to flow past her shoulders in shining midnight black and blaze red waves, interspersed with tiny braids tipped in gold beads. Oriana then found the fire agate phoenix pendant that Eziban had carved for Aryn years ago and some garnet earrings while Solana lightly painted Aryn's face and added a splash of sandalwood perfume. Lastly, the Caldera family ring went on Aryn's finger instead of around her neck.
They stepped back to admire the picture she made. Aryn looked every inch the daughter of a long noble line, equally ready to attend a state dinner or help defend it if the guests were attacked. But her true inner strength and confidence came from, not what her parents or ancestors had done, but the work of her own hands. She had matured a lot during forty years of wandering, (in some ways), and now the light of love sparkled in her hazel eyes.
Suddenly, Eziban could be heard talking outside with Kiel, then came a knock. "Firebird, are you ready? Can I come in?"
Solana glanced at Aryn, who nodded, then opened the door. Eziban came in happily, carrying a bouquet of vivid orange and red lilies. He looked utterly dashing in a bluish red silk shirt covered by a short leather vest. His black pants were tucked into polished black boots. On his wrists were silver chains that matched the ones decorating his vest.
"I found a florist amongst the merchants, and thought you would like... these..." Eziban trailed off as he took in Aryn's appearance. He looked as stunned as if he'd taken a blow to the solar plexus during one of their sparring matches.
Aryn blushed and looked down at her gown. "What? Is it too much? I told Rakaj I wanted to do something different but I think it looks okay and it works with leather, right?" she babbled.
Eziban took a step and knelt, then took her hand in his. His eyes intent on his beloved, he lovingly kissed her hand. "Mi'lady," he murmured appreciatively. Aryn's blush deepened, competing with the red in her hair.
Solana and Oriana began quietly making their way toward the door, but it was enough to break the moment. Eziban rose to his feet and offered Aryn the bouquet. She inhaled happily. "Mmmm, these smell wonderful. Let me put them in a vase and we can get going."
After the flowers were seen to, Aryn grabbed one on a whim and tucked it behind her ear. Eziban offered her his arm, and she laughed while gently resting her hand on it.
Kiel was very gracious while complimenting Aryn, and offered his arms for his friend and foster daughter. Guardians and former Elder went to go see how preparations were going for their festival.
Aryn and Eziban ran off to make sure that the students had everything in hand for the buffet for the night's banquet. The Fire Guardian said something about a surprise, but refused to elaborate.
She didn't have anything to worry about. Long tables were beautifully decorated with fine cloths and candles and nearly collapsing under the weight of an incredible feast. Roasted meats just off of spits glistened with their juices and gave off a tantalizing aroma with a hint of herbs. Giant cauldrons of soup bubbled, with a few made from the recipe from Kilika. Mountains of fresh fruit sat next to platters and plates of all kinds of yummy desserts. A few bars stocked with Merna's finest vintages were dotted amongst the tables, ready to serve.
Already the beach of their city was transformed. Light crystals and torches and strings of twinkling lights were ready to be turned on when dusk arrived. Ribbons and flower garlands decorated torches and tables. But even those paled beside the glowing party clothes and smiles of all of the guests.
Most of the crowd was waiting in front of the stage on the sand where the elven orchestra was setting up. Kiel and Solana made speech to their students and faculty every year for inspiration, and this one would be a little more special. Ten years was a wonderful landmark, and a great start to the legacy that they hoped to create.
Raoul was finishing testing the sound equipment, and he smiled warmly upon seeing Kiel and Solana. Clearly, marriage and fatherhood agreed with him. Raoul was wearing a long coat of fine green wool crafted in the Deynain style, edged with knotwork that echoed the design of his bracelet, over brown trousers tucked into tall laced boots. He shook Kiel's hand politely and gave Solana a strong hug. "It's so good to see you both. Congratulations on what you've accomplished," he said sincerely.
"I think you're the one who's due that," Solana replied sincerely. "A lovely little girl already learning music, another little one on the way, and the publishing of your first collection of poems."
"Malika deserves just as much credit," Raoul said modestly, dipping his head a bit in acknowledgement. "We've also been writing songs together." He looked down at the sizable crowd getting seated and ready to kick off the festival. "This is all set for you. I'm sure Malika has everything in hand here, so I'll see you later."
Solana tapped the microphone, and it let out a bit of a screech before settling down. "Are you ready, Kiel?"
"I am, my dear," Kiel replied.
Solana turned to the crowd. "Everyone, can I have your attention, please? Quiet down!"
Most of the crowd obeyed, though a few kids in the back were still jabbering away. "Hey, shut up back there!" came Aryn's unmistakable roar. The students squeaked and obeyed, while Aryn flashed a thumbs up at Solana.
Solana managed to keep from rolling her eyes. "Thank you all. For those who are new or visiting, I welcome you to our city of Estu. Eleven years ago, we dreamed of creating a city and university that would provide not only education in living alongside the elements that rule our world, but also new directions of learning in any area that one wished to study. Ten years ago, we opened our doors for the first time, and I can tell you right now, it looks far different today than it did then."
Chuckles of agreement came forth, though the students that Aryn had yelled at stayed quiet.
"Our advancements, and how far we have come to a dream of unity among all of our peoples have succeeded because of you," Solana continued, meeting the eyes of as many of the students as she could. "Your thoughts, your dreams, and your hard work are what have made our home a success. Any true educator knows that the student may teach, and the teacher may learn. It has been an honor to be a dean here to serve you, and all of the gifts of new knowledge and ideas that have been brought here over time."
Kiel came up to the microphone next for his portion. "We also know that this is only the beginning," he began strongly. "True knowledge is never a destination, but a journey that brings one to places that one can never dream. We hope to continue reaching out to new worlds and new ideas from all over the Universe." He smiled and spread his arms. "Who can say where we will be in another decade, in a century? That will depend on all of us."
"Does anyone have anything else that they want to add?" Solana asked.
A voice from somewhere deep in the crowd called out, "San patia covivesta!"
Everyone who understood Atlantean burst into laughter, while their neighbors poked them and demanded the translation. "Perhaps 'Let's party' is as good a finale as any," Kiel admitted, wiping his eyes. He turned around to face the elves standing ready to play. "Mistress Malika, are you prepared?"
"We are," Malika replied, bringing her bow down to the strings on her cello. Gwen sat next to her mother, a beautiful fairy child in pale green, her tiny dulcimer on her lap. Malika glanced back at the others, and they all counted to three before starting off the night with a lively dance number. Kiel bowed graciously before taking Solana's hand to lead her to the dance floor.
'I came by a house last night
And told the woman I am staying
I said to her:
"The moons are bright and my fiddle's tuned for playing"'
Solana laughed with delight as Kiel swung her around, amazed at how light on his feet he was at his age. She spotted Oriana and Joshua dancing together, with Joshua often looking down at his feet to get the steps right as Oriana softly whispered what seemed to be reassurances in his ear. Raoul and Trista flitted by next, a comical pair as the brawny Thunder Guardian was practically lifting the tiny Trista into the air like a white and ice blue bird on the spins. Pale blue feathers fluttered in her silver hair and threatened to come out, but she just laughed.
'Tell me that the night is long
Tell me that the moons are gleaming
Fill my glass, I'll sing a song
And we'll keep the music streaming
Until all the songs are sung'
Rakaj and Ojhila were watching Eziban and Aryn with great amusement, with Eziban murmuring things to Aryn that would make her blush or bop him upside the head in turns. Rakaj and Ojhila's daughter Nejiat was paired with Del while their son Nayk danced with Clymene. David, (no longer 'Ajit') was participating in a jigging contest with Ethan and Tayn but having a hard time keeping up with the elves as some of the other students stopped to watch. Nessa had brought along her new husband, a man called Adskhan who hailed from Fief Caldera, and their eyes shone as they moved together as one.
The crowd switched partners as the elves moved on to playing such favorites as 'The Demon's Dancefloor', 'Reel Around the Sister Moons', 'High Summer Faire', 'Tethys Blue', and 'Run My Love'. Feeling a little breathless after all of the fast-paced reels, Solana decided that a break was needed to go visit the buffet and get something to drink.
Eziban and Aryn were wheeling out a large cart with something covered on top. Solana couldn't begin to guess what it was, being an odd mound shape. The two were smirking at each other and brought the cart to a table, then carefully lifted it on top to display. Quite a few of Aryn's students were standing around, looking curiously at what their teacher had come up with this time.
Aryn threw the cover off of this year's latest creation, her cheeks flushed with excitement and chest puffed out with pride. She had carved a perfect ice replica of her volcano back home in Fief Caldera. There was even a tiny castle and its city carved in the right place, down to little buildings and the forest. She touched the ice with a finger and it gave off a red glow, presumably to protect it from melting, and then pressed a switch.
A pump whirred and gurgled as it came to life. Instead of water, sparkling punch came up through the middle of the volcano, 'erupted' at the summit, and trickled down the sides like fruity lava. Gasps of astonishment and a chorus of "Oooooooo!" rose up from the crowds around the buffet table. Solana stared in awe, unable to find a sufficient word to describe how impressed she was.
But Aryn wasn't done yet. Eziban handed her a bottle of clear liquid, which she added to a small metal cup set in the summit of the icy volcano. One fingersnap later, and it burst into flames.
Her audience burst into applause. Aryn bowed, then gestured for Eziban to join her and take a bow. Aryn's students began passing out cups for guests to come get some punch from the flaming ice fountain.
Solana was helping herself to some of the punch from Aryn's ice fountain when she noticed a little blue-haired boy running up to her with something in his hand.
"Olisla! Olisla, headmistress lady!" he called out, breathless from his run. After reaching her, he stopped to pant a few times.
Solana smiled at the informal Atlantean greeting and knelt down to say hello back. "Olisla, my young friend. What can I do for you?"
The little boy reached out and dropped something wooden into her palm. "My dad is one of Miniki's best wood carvers. No, THE best! He made some special wooden charms to give out to anyone I wanted as a party favor. He says that the Guardians did a good job to open this school and keep it going, so I wanted to make sure that you guys each got one."
Curious, Solana held up her hand to inspect the charm. It was an orchid carved of fine tropical wood. The craftsmanship was exquisite, and the style definitely reminded her of some of the wonderful carvings found throughout Estu. The gift, along with this boy's father's praise warmed her heart. "Thank you, I'll be sure to treasure this," she assured him, carefully tying it to her belt for all to see. "What's your name?"
"Luke, headmistress lady," the boy replied cheerfully.
"Luke. Do you want to come to school here one day?" Solana asked.
Luke thought about it. "Sometime, but I also want to see beyond Merna. I'm half-Atlantean, you know, and we like to travel! But now I have to go find another Guardian," he finished apologetically.
Solana nodded her understanding, and pointed to Oriana standing near the dessert table. "Oriana is the lady with the white veil. She'd be honored to be presented with one of your father's charms."
"Grati!" he replied, and ran off again.
Aryn was enjoying passing out Eziban's delicious punch, perfectly chilled from her ice volcano. He worked steadily beside her, and they sent little smiles at each other between filling up cups.
It was amazing how naturally their relationship had progressed to deep love after twelve magical years. She loved the way his nose wrinkled up and his head tilted slightly when trying to figure out the next step on a magical construct with stones. She loved how his dark eyes sparkled as they arm-wrestled together and traded endearments and taunts. She loved how he held her close as they whispered all that was in their hearts, and all the thousand little ways he liked to think up to show his love for her.
Not that there hadn't been problems! Aryn had to laugh to herself. Her temper and Eziban's stubborn streak that could rival Solana's on a good day had led them into spats and arguments, but each understood the other's heart too well for them to last. Even the banter that always went along with their arm-wrestling and sparring was touched with a new tenderness.
During a lull, it was finally Aryn's turn to test the punch. Eziban bowed and gallantly offered Aryn her drink. She accepted graciously and sampled it, closing her eyes in unabashed delight. "One of your very best, Ezi. This is fantastic."
"You're too kind, my firebird. Would you like to go see the coming sunset?" Eziban offered. At Aryn's happy nod, he led them away from the party to a deserted section of Shima Beach.
Aryn sighed in pleasure as she rested her head on Ezi's warm and familiar shoulder, enjoying his nearness as she admired her world's latest masterpiece. She had always loved sunsets, seeing the grandeur of her element in the skies, and since acquiring the Celestial gift had learned to appreciate them on a new level. This one featured bright rose and scarlet streaks against a flat purple sky, and the sun itself was a ball of molten gold getting ready to slip under the waves of the Tethys for the night.
Eziban grinned at Aryn, who was luminous with the fiery colors. She was so radiant like this, with the fiery rays touching her and being given off again, but he thought that she was always beautiful. He loved her in sweat-soaked practice clothes, with her hair trying to escape her braids and her face rosy with exercise and joy as they sparred and shared the secrets of their souls. He loved her in an apron splashed with sauce and flour on her nose, triumphant with a well-done dish she had made just for him to accompany a new drink he had invented. He loved her warm and sweet in his arms as they talked of their misadventures in the past and dreams and mischief for the future.
Eziban reached out and traced a single ray of golden sunlight that shone on one of his beloved's cheeks. Aryn smiled at him as she took his hand in hers and squeezed it. "Thanks for all the help, Ezi. You and I, we make a great team."
"That we do," Eziban replied, then suddenly flushed a bit. "That's, uh, that's actually why I wanted us to come out here alone. I wanted to talk about that."
"Ezi?" Aryn asked softly, then paled as a horrible thought came to mind. "You're not leaving me, are you?! This isn't about the sword, is it?"
"No-no-no-no-no!" Eziban answered quickly, putting his hands up in defense. "No, I had that coming." He shook his head in admiration. "Although you're still making me wait for revenge for the chicken dance. For twelve years, too! Damn, that's brutal."
"So was having to do that chicken dance in public and still hearing about it!" Aryn retorted, sticking her tongue out at him impishly.
They burst out laughing together, then quieted after thinking about the rest of that night before the battle against Bachlan. Aryn was remembering the despair in Eziban's eyes and wanting to do anything to destroy the cause of it, then receiving her armor with his magic to keep her safe as an apology. Eziban thought of how Aryn had led him back to being a true Guardian and how wonderful it had felt to be truly forgiven.
"I missed you so much for all of those years, my love," Eziban suddenly blurted out. "I had no idea where you were, what you were doing, only that you were so far away from me. When you came back the first time, my heart came back as well, and then having you snatched away again so quickly..."
Aryn looked down. "I'm so sorry that I hurt you, beloved. I missed you, too. I missed you so much that when Solana would be busy in the library, I would start to write a letter telling you where we were and begging you to come to us. I started so many, and would have to tear them up when Solana found me." She looked up proudly, though tears glistened in her eyes. "But I can't apologize for leaving, because we had to. It wasn't about us Guardians, it was about Merna."
Eziban mentally kicked himself. This was not going the way that he had planned! Time to get back on track. "What I mean is, I don't ever want that to happen again. We were born centuries apart as ordinary humans, and it was by luck and our love for our elements that let us be picked as Guardians and have an extended lifespan to be together. We were separated, but brought back together again with a new life. I don't ever want to take that for granted again, or lose that chance we got back."
Aryn sucked in a breath. Where was he going with this?
She gasped as Eziban went down on one knee before her, taking a small velvet box out of a pocket on his vest. He opened the box to display a magnificent gold ring with a brilliant red diamond, and looked up into her eyes. "Aryn Caldera, my beloved firebird, my best partner and my best friend, would you marry me?"
Tears ran down Aryn's cheeks. "Ezi, are you sure? Do you think that the Universe could really handle us being married?"
"It'll have to, if you say 'yes'," Eziban answered playfully, despite tears coming to his own eyes.
Aryn's heart went aflame with joy at the thought of countless years of being by Eziban's side, and he by hers as they would create a new life together. There would be new loving memories to create, and plenty of happiness and mayhem on the ride. There was only one answer she could give to this man that she loved more than her own life. "Yes!"
Eziban let out a whoop of joy as he rose and took the love of his life in his arms, spinning them around gaily. Aryn hung on and laughed happily, feeling like she was dreaming. When her feet touched ground again, she raised her head and kissed him passionately, then eagerly held out her left hand.
Eziban carefully slipped the ring he had made onto Aryn's finger. Aryn studied it in awe. The red diamond was flawless and set in the band rather than on top, to not get in the way of combat. On either side of the diamond was the Caldera salamander holding a sword and, instead of the hammer, a branch of the blocky tree that was Eziban's family symbol tattooed on his arms. Fire and earth, two families coming together.
That reminded her of something. They had often talked about the future, including the hypothetical 'if we get married', and Eziban had always said that he wanted to take her last name. While she had teased him that it was due to wanting to become a member of a noble family, she knew that it was because she was still connected to her family and got to know each generation, while he had no idea who the descendants of his family were. "Ezi, baby, how do you feel about becoming a Caldera? Were you serious?" she asked softly.
"Definitely," Eziban answered without a doubt. "I know how important your name is to you, firebird. It carries your history, just like my tattoos do. But your history is still continuing, and if we decide to have kids, they'll carry it on as well." He smirked. "With all the extra good stuff from my side added to the bloodline, of course."
"Of course," Aryn agreed with a straight face. "In that case, I have something for you. Until you get your own." She pulled the Caldera family ring from her finger and slipped it onto Eziban's hand instead.
He gasped at the gesture, knowing how important it was to her, then smiled. How appropriate for them to both be exchanging rings now, in preparation for their big day sometime soon.
Aryn was admiring her new ring once more, then took a closer look at the diamond. It was a fire red, but... "Merna doesn't have red diamond mines! Where did you get this?"
"I made it. Or rather, I set things up so that your volcano made it," Eziban answered simply.
"What?"
Eziban smirked. "About a century before you came to us, I saved a village from a potential landslide in the hills of Ninaz. The headman was grateful because he had just had a granddaughter be born, and his daughter-in-law had been too weak to be moved. He gave me two perfect diamonds, and told me to keep them until I found a fine lady to propose to."
"You know that I spent a lot of time near your volcano, and found a few mines. One of the tunnels leads deep underground to just outside the magma pool. A long time ago, I left the diamonds there to take in the fire, just in case." His smirk grew. "I'm very glad I did so now."
Aryn's eyebrow raised. "How long ago, exactly?"
Eziban scratched his head. "Ten thousand years," he admitted, "I knew that you were someone pretty special back then, and wanted to be prepared."
Aryn threw her head back and laughed. "Ten thousand years! That's a pretty long time to make a girl wait for a proposal! And you said that I was brutal!"
"Was it worth the wait?" Eziban teased back.
Aryn pretended to consider it, then nodded. "Yeah, it was. I'll let you off this time." Her kiss belied any sting in the words, and Eziban enjoyed it fully.
There was only one more thing. "We have to start planning," Aryn pointed out.
"You mean the wedding?" he asked.
"Even more important," she started, then grinned. "What to serve at the feast."
The two lovebirds finally returned to the party and agreed to share their good news on the next day. Today was for everyone in Estu, and even all of Merna. They found their friends at the back of the crowd, who were enjoying the last song of the night.
The Miniki band was finishing their turn on the stage, playing their well-known party song, 'How You Like It'. In addition to the three bearded men who had played in the Golden Grizzly on Solana's last visit, the brunette who had served as Lady Sayuri's aide was rocking on a ukelele, and the fair-haired young man who had helped dump the oil on the Newayas was playing a banjo with all his might.
The onlookers roared as the fair-haired young man took a stage dive, then was carried over the heads of the nearest audience members. Amazingly, he continued playing his banjo during the spectacle, never missing a single note until he was safely brought to the edge of the crowd! He quickly kissed the fair-haired woman who had dumped the oil with him, then raced back up on stage just in time to finish the number to thunderous applause.
Aryn and Trista were laughing so hard that tears were streaming down their faces. "Oh... man... never seen anything like it!" Aryn managed to get out, trying to wipe her cheeks.
Solana was still in awe, shaking her head over the band member's antics. "How on Merna am I going to follow that?" she murmured to herself.
Trista finally managed to get herself under control. "Why? What are you planning on doing?"
"Every year, I choreograph a new dance to do at this festival," Solana explained. "It's a custom from Atlantis that I wanted to bring over here."
"And my custom is to hide her canes after that first festival," Aryn added, shaking her head ruefully. "My marzipan model of the university was so beautiful. Days to make, seconds to smash...."
Solana flushed bright red as Trista chuckled. "Are you ever going to forgive me for that?"
"And lose out on how flustered you get every time I mention it? Not a chance," Aryn replied slyly. Kiel managed to hide his smile behind a hand.
Solana threw up her hands in pretend exasperation and quickly ran back to her chambers to prepare for her dance. She tried doing something a little different every year- feather fans from Madoria, custom flaming dance knives that Aryn had given her, huge silken wings on her arms, even a skirt dance. On this anniversary, she would be having a partner of sorts. She quickly changed into her costume and waited for her cue.
After the elves played a beautifully haunting piece that Malika had composed to enthusiastic applause, Solana took her place on the beach where salty waves kissed the shore. Her hair fell freely down her back, and her feet were bare. She was dressed in a sleeveless fringed blue choli top over a slit mermaid-style skirt of blues and purples edged with foamy white that ebbed around her legs like playful wavelets. Silver glittered in her hair, the hip scarf tied over her skirt, handflowers stretching from wrists to fingers, water drop earrings, and the chain holding her pearl pendant. Draped over her shoulders was a flowing amethyst veil.
Crossing her arms in front of her, Solana bowed her head as the musicians began an introduction. A deep, earthy drum in the skilled hands of one of her people set the rhythm. Malika's honeyed cello tones joined in as Solana's hips slowly began to sway. They lifted and dropped with the notes as she began a slow, rippling walk, head still down as if leading a solemn procession. Lastly, a symphony of bird-like flute calls and lighter strains of the fiddle and veena streamed in, and Solana's arms rose and fell in flowing serpentine movements. The floaty veil made her arms into wings.
A larger crash sounded with the drum. Solana's head came up, eyes looking beyond her friends into the great blue yonder as she bent her knees and leaped into the shallow waves, landing with a small splash. Cheers rose from the audience at the faster beat as Solana removed the veil from her shoulders and let it drift onto the sands like a leaf. She then straightened and began the beautiful flowing steps that signified the arrival or planting of new life as the shining waves crashed around her.
As always, the music had brought her back to her days as a dancer at Atlantean celebrations. For now, she did not see her audience, but only the rippling waves of the Marble Sea caressing the white sands of Origin Beach. She went into her old friend Lorelai's favorite combo- one small arabesque step back, one forward with her back leg high, then going into a turn with her arms spread.
The drum went into a staccato of quick, short notes, and Solana's hips rose and fell with each one, interspersed with little kicks. Her arms were raised as if to embrace the sky, then she twirled and brought them slowly down, tracing delicate patterns around her body as she moved her hips in figure eights. Silver droplets glittered like tiny stars sewn into her costume.
Malika's cello sang out, and Solana rose to the balls of her feet. Her entire body started moving in a graceful undulation that echoed the waves splashing all around her as her light steps brought her from one end of her audience to the other, her smile as bright as the fire sending up sparks to the twilight sky. An answering melody came from the lovely veena, and Solana reversed her steps to bring herself back.
This isn't Atlantis, but it is home... The melody slowed as Solana circled her hips, her crossed wrists making small circles as she brought them to the sky. No, in a way, it IS Atlantis. It's also the Crystal Citadel, and Deynain, and Fief Caldera, and a little piece of everywhere we've been. Everyone who is gathered here has brought with them a part of the spirit of their origins. Slowly, she brought one hand out to the side and kept one curved over her head, and began to spin. As the drumbeat quickened, so did her turns to match it, until she seemed a blur of blue and silver and movement.
It is all of those parts that we must continue weaving together as one whole future. As the years go by, more will bring their hearts to join ours, and that hope that the unity we have among us now will be expanded to our whole world is what we must protect. With a flourish, Solana and the musicians finished together. The Water Guardian's raised arms were haloed with the fire of the setting sun, and only resounding echoes of song hung in the cooling air.
Applause and ululations exploded from the audience. The musicians rose from their chairs to bow, then joined in the applause as Solana stepped out of the sea she loved and bowed deeply. Her face was shining with happiness and salt spray, and she smiled at her friends old and new.
That which is a dream must be given the chance to become our reality.