This is a short story that Valdrin and I wrote together. We hope that you like it.

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The sun was setting over the mountains as Sioned and Valdrin walked along the path. Soft purple, red, and gold colors were reflected in the ripples as the fountain splashed gently into the garden pool.
Sioned watched as Valdrin walked along, non-chalantly tossing a couple crystal orbs into the air, criss-crossing them mid-air before catching them again. She noticed a slight sparkle in his eyes, and his happy mood relaxed her.
“How long before you leave?” he asked her.
“Oh, tomorrow.” She answered. “You mustn’t worry, no harm shall come to me.” She was preparing for a trip to Glenhaven, upon the summons of the Lady of the Keep herself.
“It’s not that, it’s…um…” he said as he kicked the gravel with his boot. Sioned looked closely at his face and noticed the shy, apprehensive look he wore.
“What troubles you my friend?” she asked gently.
“Oh, it’s nothing.” Valdrin stopped walking, the crystal orbs vanishing in a wink. He turned to look at her, a sad look on his face. “I am daydreaming again.” He mumbled. “I shall miss you, that’s all.” He turned again and looked away.
Sioned had a funny feeling that there was something Valdrin was not telling her. She looked over at him, seeing how troubled he was. She felt a small tug at her heart.

* * * * * * * *

Sioned and Valdrin had known each other for several years now. She could still remember the first time she had met him. She had just arrived at the castle, destined to be the Prince’s bride. As the butterflies did a mad dance in her stomach, she noticed a young man standing in the courtyard. He was about 5’8” with shoulder length brown hair. He was dressed in black, had a rather large sword at his waist, and was wearing a black cape that hung to his ankles.
As she dismounted her horse, she looked over to see Valdrin wink at her. He then closed one hand over the other, and when he opened them again he held a small crystal dragon, which he then presented to Sioned as a wedding gift. As he handed it to her, she felt herself relax a bit, not knowing at the time that the wedding would never happen.

* * * * * * * *

Several months later, as the wedding day crept closer, Sioned was out riding with Tiana, the Prince’s sister and her husband, Danir, when Valdrin came galloping out to them. He was very out of breath, and he had a panicked look on his face. He pulled his horse up short, leapt from the saddle and bowed before the Princess, then proceeded to give his message. “You must return to the castle at once Your Highness, there has been an accident!”
“An accident?” Tiana arched her brow, and turned a quizzical look to Valdrin. “Who was in an accident?”
“Your brother, Your Highness, he has been hurt very badly, I fear.” Valdrin looked at Danir, and pleaded with his eyes for them to hurry back to the castle.
Sioned felt her heart stop at the mention of Roman, and a dreadful feeling spread through her. They were only a matter of days away from being married. She walked over to Valdrin, and asked him what had happened.
“He was near the dragon caves My Lady, and…. Um…. Well, “ Valdrin looked down at his feet, and kicked at the gravel. He had his hands on his pockets, and he would not look up at her.
“Valdrin, you must tell me what has happened!” Sioned cried. He looked up at her, to see the tears starting to form in her eyes. “Please.” She whispered.
“He has been seriously injured My Lady. Apparently while he was climbing in the caves, one of the old Sire dragons returned, and he was none too happy to see My Lord prying around in his home.”
At this statement, Danir spoke up to the women. “Perhaps we should get back to the castle and see what has happened to our adventurous young Prince.” He helped Tiana to her horse as Valdrin gave Sioned a hand up, and they all rode back to the castle.
Upon returning to the castle, Valdrin escorted them all to the Prince’s rooms. As they entered the bedchamber, he stayed back in the sitting room, and waited. Sioned and Tiana approached the bed, and gasped as they say the Prince lying there. He was very pale, and barely breathed. He was wrapped from under his arms to his waist in bandages, and you could see the fresh blood seeping through. Sioned knelt at his bedside, and began to weep. Tiana sat very heavily in the chair next to her, and wept also.
The Prince lived another 3 days like this, and after he passed away, the entire kingdom went into mourning. Sioned walked around in a daze for quite a while, with Valdrin by her side most all of the time. He comforted her, held her when she wept, fed her when she didn’t want to eat, and sat by her bedside when she slept. No one bothered to note his attendance on her, figuring it was out of his loyalty to his Prince, and his friend.

* * * * * * * *

As time went by, Sioned’s heart began to heal, and she began to think about going back home. She mentioned this to Tiana one day.
“Leave? You can’t leave, this is your home now.” Tiana replied.
“I cannot claim this as my home, Roman and I were never married. “ She sat down on the bench in the garden and watched the fountain. “I think it is time I went back home.“
“Nonsense!” Tiana exclaimed. “You belong here, with us. Just because that damn fool brother of mine went and got himself killed before his wedding does not mean you have to leave.” Tiana had never forgiven Roman for being in the dragon caves that day. She blamed him for Sioned being a widow before she had been a bride. “You must stay here, if for no other reason, to keep me company.”
Sioned smiled at this, and thanked Tiana for the offer. “I shall remain a while longer, and see what happens.” She agreed.
“Besides, I don’t know what we would do with Valdrin if you left, he would be heartbroken.” Tiana said, then giggled.
“Valdrin?” Sioned arched her brow and looked at Tiana. “Why on Earth would he care if I left?”
“Oh come now Sioned, he follows you every where. Why, I don’t think there has gone a day since Roman died that he has not been with you. It is obvious that he is smitten with you.”
Sioned thought about this and realized that Tiana was right. Valdrin had been there for her whenever she had needed a shoulder to cry on, or a smile to cheer her. To be honest, she didn’t know how she would have gotten through all of this without him. She said as much to Tiana.
“If you love him, it is alright, Sioned” Tiana said softly. “Roman would have wanted you to love again. And who better to love that his best friend?”
“I don’t know, it does not feel right just yet. It is too soon to know how I feel.” Sioned replied.
With this, she stood up, and began to walk again. “We must be getting back, dinner will be soon.” And with that, Tiana knew the conversation was over.

* * * * * * * *

It had been a year now since that devastating summer, and she was going home again, but only for a few days. She turned and looked again at Valdrin. In the past year, they had come to an understanding about their relationship. They loved each other, both knew it, but Valdrin still felt himself unworthy of Sioned’s love in return. Sioned loved him as deeply, but felt she was betraying Roman’s memory. Of course everyone else in the castle, especially Tiana, thought they were being utterly ridiculous about the whole thing. Tiana had told Sioned several times she should just shut up and marry him, but Sioned would always change the subject whenever Tiana tried to talk about it.
So, to finally answer the question, Sioned had decided to return home to Glenhaven, to consult with Lady Avalon, and the tree circle. If she saw herself in the flame with Valdrin, she would return to Stronghold and marry him, if not, then she would remain at Glenhaven and teach. Valdrin, and Tiana as well, had been against the trip, both wanted her to remain at Stronghold.
Sioned felt after a year, the time had come to put this matter to rest. She and Valdrin had talked about her trip, and finally come to agreement. Valdrin agreed only to put Sioned’s heart at ease. Inside, he was terrified that he would lose her. They had not been apart much in the last year, and Valdrin feared that by her going home, he would lose her. He had struggled for a way to tell her this, but had not been able to.
Tomorrow, Sioned would leave, and Valdrin had decided he would be among the escort traveling with her. Sioned did not know this however, for if she had, she would have made him promise to remain. A promise he could not make to her. He had decided that he would stay well to the rear of the entourage, and remain as unobtrusive as possible until a time when it would be impossible for her to send him back. As they walked, he tried his hardest to appear unhappy about the trip, so as not to let Sioned think he was up to something.
The sun sank lower on the horizon, and both knew it would soon be time to part. They continued walking, and said nothing until they returned to the courtyard. There, Sioned turned to Valdrin, took his hands on hers, and said sadly, “You know I must do this. I have to know, I pray I see your face in the pool my love.”
As do I, My Lady” he replied, his voice nearly breaking. He took her chin in his hand, and turned her face up to him, then gently kissed her forehead. “Goddess Blessing on you my love, go get some rest, you have a long journey ahead of you. I shall be here waiting for you when you return.” With that, he turned and walked into the castle. Sioned went up to her rooms and wept until the early hours of the morning.

* * * * * * * *

The next morning things were so busy with preparations that she never noticed the absence of Valdrin until it was nearly time to leave. She asked Tiana if she had seen him, and she said no, she had not. Sioned’s brow knitted in worry as she put the last of her things into her travel pack. As soon as she finished, she left the rooms to find Valdrin. She did not want to leave before saying good-bye.
She searched all over the castle, to no avail. She questioned several servants, but no one had seen him all morning. Sioned found this quite puzzling. She decided she would look up in the flame tower, as he liked to go there when he was troubled. As she climbed the stairs, she heard him softly singing, and smiled. She opened the small door, and went in. He turned and walked to her, and embraced her tightly.
“I had begun to fear you would not find me, My Lady.” He said teasingly, as he inhaled the fresh scent of her hair.
“Truth be told, I did not think I would have to look.” She replied.
“I wanted to be alone with you one last time before you left.”
“Val, my love, I shall only be gone a few days, you mustn’t worry.” she said, hoping that his was the truth. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and buried her face in his shoulder.
“I know my love, but I shall miss you terribly while you are gone.” He held her back from him, and looked into her eyes. “What if you don’t see what you want in the future? Will you stay away? Or will you defy fate and return to me?”
“I d-don’t know.” She stammered. She looked down, tears forming in her eyes.
“Don’t trouble yourself with it my love, for I know what the future shall bring, it is here, in my heart, and in yours.” He laid his hand first on his chest, then on hers, over her heart, then said, ”You just don’t know it yet.”
Sioned looked up at him, and he smiled tenderly at her. “I hope you are right, for I feel I would die without you by my side.” They kissed then, and after, she said, “It is near time to leave.”
“Yes, I know, shall we go my love?” He took her hand, and they left the tower.

* * * * * * * *

They had been riding for hours and the sun was just beginning to set. Sioned would be glad of the rest. She had not spent so long in the saddle for months, and her every muscle ached. They stopped near a small oasis and began to set up camp. Sioned built a small fire and began to prepare dinner. Brennan, one of Stronghold’s battalion commanders, was busy securing the horses. The other members of the party busied themselves with various tasks of making camp. The air was thick with the scent of pemri blossoms, and Sioned could hear the dragons singing in Laguna Canyon. Sioned began to relax and enjoy the quiet evening. She sat near the fire, thinking of Valdrin. Valdrin busied himself with setting up the tents. He knew he must be careful not to let Sioned see him. He had snuck into the rear of the entourage as they were leaving, and had remained there through the whole trip. He knew that being only a few hours from Stronghold was not any guarantee she would not send him back should she discover him. So he was very careful to remain as unobtrusive as possible.

* * * * * * * *

After two days of travel they reached the Panian River. Sioned was not looking forward to the crossing. She knew that for the time it would take to cross, she would spend it with her head in a bucket. She cast an apprehensive look towards the raft, and steeled herself for the trip. She helped to load the horses first, and made sure that they were secure. The raft would take them across first, with a few of the servants, and then return for the others. Sioned found herself a comfortable spot in the sunlight, and sat down to wait.
Valdrin was very careful not to be seen. He wanted to make the crossing with Sioned. Brennan boarded the raft to make sure the horses were handled properly. While he was occupied, Valdrin hid in the shadows so as not to be recruited to help.
Once the horses were safely across the raft returned. Sioned hefted her pack, and made her way to the raft. She took a deep breath, and climbed aboard. As soon as her feet hit the slick wood, she felt her stomach give a slight lurch. She swallowed hard, and made her way to the small blanket that had been laid for her. She barely noticed the shadow of the man hovering just a pace away from her as she sat down. She was no more than five minutes on the raft, and she had her head hanging over the rail.
Valdrin walked onto the raft and hid in the shadows. He knew that within a matter of minutes Sioned would be unaware of any of her surroundings. He waited patiently for that moment. As soon as she sat down, he could see her turn pale. He walked over, and sat quietly beside her. There was not much he could do but wipe her brow and gently rub her back. He felt slightly helpless as she hung her head over the rail and proceeded to lose her breakfast.
Once the raft reached the shore Valdrin faded back into the shadows. He would have to be content with the servants taking care of Sioned now. Camp had been set up and they would not set out again until tomorrow. He glanced over his shoulder one last time to make sure Sioned was seen comfortably to her tent, then he returned to the servants tents to get some sleep.
* * * * * * * *
They broke camp early the next morning. Sioned had a dragon of a headache, and was none too happy to be roused at the crack of dawn. But she was anxious to reach home, therefore she did not complain too loudly. She prepared breakfast, ate, and then mounted for the second half of her journey.
Valdrin had been up much before the sunrise, in order to see that the horses were fed and watered before they left. He packed up his tent and gear, and stowed them on the back of his horse. Once those tasks were seen to, he ate a small breakfast, and prepared to leave.
As he was preparing to mount his horse, he over heard a conversation between Brennan and an unidentified person. The conversation was rather heated, and he heard mention of a battle. His heart leapt in his chest. He moved closer to where Brennan and this other man were and listened quietly.
“I don’t bloody well care what you think Jerod, we will continue this journey and see our Princess safely to her home!” Brennan said.
“But Sir, you do not understand, there are a hundred troops out there, ready to wage war!” Jerod yelled back at him. “They have archers, foot soldiers, and mounted knights!” Panic colored his voice, raising it an octave or two.
“Thank you for the warning, we will continue, and not a word of this to the Princess, do you hear me?” Brennan stood with his hands on his hips, much like a teacher scolding a student.
“Aye, Sir, I do.” And with that, Jerod turned and stalked away.
Valdrin made his way back to his horse to think about what he had heard. One hundred troops, he thought, with archers, and knights. This was not good. Who could they be waiting to battle? He thought of all the warring factions within the kingdom, but could not place any two that were at war at the moment. More to the point, any in the immediate area. Surely if there were any threat, Brennan would not insist on continuing with the journey. As he was pondering all of this, he heard the call to mount and ride out. He mounted his horse, his stomach tight with apprehension.
* * * * * * * *
They had been riding for the better part of two days before they met any of the troops Jerod had spoken of. When they topped the hill overlooking Glenhaven, a small scouting party of about twenty-five soldiers greeted them. When the scout party saw the entourage top the hill, they immediately let loose a volley of arrows. Brennan shouted orders to his soldiers to protect the Princess and her ladies, while he prepared to fight. Valdrin immediately reached for his sword and rode hell-bent for Sioned’s side. As he approached her, he saw the arrow. It was headed directly for her! Without another thought, he let loose a small ball of fire, and exploded the arrow.
Sioned saw the arrow approach her, steeled herself, and prepared to call fire. She no more than thought of what to do when the arrow burst into flames before her eyes. She glanced over her shoulder to see Valdrin riding toward her. She felt the fury well up in her. When he approached her, she let it loose.
“You damn fool!! What in bloody blue blazes are you doing here? Are you trying to get yourself killed? Idiot! Don’t just sit there, ride damn you!” and with that she reached out and smacked his horse’s rump, sending it into a mad gallop toward Glenhaven. She kicked her horse and followed behind him. As they rode, Sioned and Valdrin did what they could to protect themselves and the rest of the small party. Brennan and his soldiers were taking care of the ones that were pursuing them. Sioned spared a glance at the sun and decided she could risk trying to reach Lady Avalon to have someone at the gate when they arrived. As she rode, she threw the skeins of sunlight toward the keep and grabbed the first sunrunner she could find. Valdrin noticed her weaving and worked doubly hard to protect her.
The unlucky sunrunner happened to be a young girl by the name of Anaya. She felt Sioned wrap her in a powerful weaving, and dropped to her knees. Several other students in the courtyard saw her go down, and rushed to her side. They too were caught in Sioned’s weaving.
“Listen to me child, I need your help! I am Sioned, and we are in trouble. We are about 2 miles from the gate, and we are being pursued by troops. I need someone at the gate to allow us entry, do you understand?”
“I-I think s-so. Ma’am. I shall run and fetch help.” The girl stammered.
“Good, go tell Lady Avalon that we require help here, she will know what to do.” Sioned was a gentle as she could be with the girl. In spite of that, once she released her, the poor girl fell to the ground. Her companions, having been part of the weave, did the same.
It took all of a minute or two for Anaya to regain her senses and stand up. She brushed her skirts off, and ran to find Lady Avalon. She found her in the North tower, and burst into the room.
“Whoa, young one, what is the trouble?” Lady Avalon said.
“A message my Lady, from a sunrunner named Sioned.” Anaya managed a slight bow as she spoke. Lady Avalon quirked her brow, and motioned for her to come closer.
“What is so urgent to come bursting in without knocking?” She asked calmly.
“They are being attacked my Lady!” Anaya said, a troubled look on her face. “She asks for help, someone to open the gate for them.”
“Attacked? By whom?” Lady Avalon was standing now, and had a troubled look on her face. “Come, child, let us go see what is the trouble.” With that, she walked out of the room, Anaya practically running to keep up.
* * * * * * * *
When Lady Avalon reached the top of the tower, she wove the sunlight out over the desert. She saw Sioned and another riding toward the keep. Behind them were several soldiers, gaining ground very fast. Beyond that, she saw several of Sioned’s escort in a fierce battle, and they were losing. Lady Avalon wasted no time dispatching someone to the gate to let them in. Once this was done, she turned her attention to the battle. She quickly wove the light, and constructed a protective barrier around Sioned and her companion. She reached out to all the sunrunners within her reach, and extended the barrier to include those members of her escort that were still able to escape. As each arrow struck the barrier, it became a bit weaker, but it held until all were safely inside the gate. As the last rider entered Lady Avalon let the weave drop. She spared a glance at the sunrunners laying about in various positions, and the people who were coming out to help. Satisfied that they were being taken care of, she knelt down and roused Anaya. The two of them made their way down to the courtyard to greet their guests.
* * * * * * * *
Sioned felt the barrier being woven around her, and was careful to keep herself out of it. She yelled to Valdrin to ride for the gate, and looked back to see what was happening. She saw the remainder of her escort riding fast on her heels, and knew the barrier reached to them as well. She urged her horse faster toward the gate. She saw the gate swing open, and saw Valdrin ride through. As she entered she could hear the others behind her. She jumped from her horse, and ran straight toward Valdrin. The clanging of the gate behind them did not drown out her voice as she proceeded to yell.
“You damn bloody arrogant fool!” she screamed at him. “How dare you do this! I thought we had agreed you would remain at Stronghold? How could you do this!” She stopped in front of him, placed her hands on her hips, and stood there, shaking.
Valdrin dismounted, turned, and faced her. He noted her flushed face, the small beads of sweat on her brow, and thanked the Goddess they were alright. He walked to her, bowed slightly, and smiled.
“What the hell are you smiling at?” She asked.
“You, My Lady.” He replied.
“Me?” Sioned looked at him, dumbfounded.
“Yes, you. Are you about done entertaining the whole keep now, My Lady?” he asked.
Sioned glanced around her, and saw the slight smiles on the faces of those who surrounded them. She blushed a bit, and then spoke. “I am sorry everyone, I am not myself at the moment, if you will excuse me.” She turned to Valdrin, and whispered, “We are not through discussing this.” Then she walked away to meet Lady Avalon.
* * * * * * * *
Sioned walked down the corridors alongside Lady Avalon. “My apologies, My Lady,” she said, her face cast towards the ground. “Things did not quite happen as expected.”
“It is a dangerous world out there, my child.” The Lady smiled at her. “Be thankful you were able to make it here alive.”
They walked down the corridor in silence for some time. “I…” Sioned swallowed. “I’m sorry at the short notice of my visit, My Lady. I would have given you ample warning, but…”
“But you were attacked, yes I know.” The Lady Avalon smiled at the young sunrunner. “You worry too much, my child.” They turned a corner, the lamps casting long shadows. “What brings you here, Sioned? You have yet to speak of anything in that regard.”
The princess gazed at the torches and lamps as she answered. “I have come to gaze into the flame, My Lady.”
The lady of the keep arched an eyebrow at her. “Oh? And why is that, child?”
Sioned was silent for a long moment. She did not know how to word this properly. She did not know how to say this without embarrassing herself. “I have fallen in love, My Lady,” she said finally.
“Well, that’s wonderful! Good for you!”
The princess shook her head. “That’s not why I’m here.” She took a deep breath. “I have come to see if he appears in the flame, My Lady.” The young sunrunner proceeded to explain the events of the past year to the Lady. The woman only smiled to her.
“Sioned, my child, your friends were right.” She stopped them in the middle of the corridor, beside a pair of double-doors. “If you insist upon this action, however, go to the Tree Circle come sunrise tomorrow morning.” She paused and smiled at the young woman. “Now, child, tell me, who is this man?”
Sioned frowned. “An arrogant fool who rode in with me.”
Lady Avalon smiled broadly. “You mean the handsome fellow you scolded in the courtyard?” The Lady laughed heartily. “You have quite good taste in men, my child. Let us hope that your stubbornness does not make you lose him.” She kissed Sioned on the forehead. “Good night, child.” The Lady opened the double-doors and entered her chambers, leaving the young princess alone with her thoughts.
* * * * * * * *
She sat in her chambers, arms crossed and face dark. Valdrin walked in slowly, trying his best to keep the smile from his face. She looked beautiful, no matter what her mood. And the indignation on her face made her even more beautiful. He closed the door slowly and turned to face her, his hands behind his back. His face was calm, and he inclined his head to her. “You wanted to see me, My Lady?”
“Damned right I wanted to see you.” She glared at him. “What the hell do you think you’re doing here?”
He arched an eyebrow. “I beg your pardon?” Valdrin stood near the fireplace as Sioned paced the small sitting room.
“You heard me!” She stood and walked up to him, her entire demeanor angry. Her arms still crossed she glared up at him. “What in bloody blue blazes do you think you’re doing here?” She said it more slowly this time, as if to drive home her point.
He frowned and sighed slightly. “Because I was worried about you.”
She stood up onto her tiptoes to look as directly into his eyes as possible. “I can take care of myself just fine, thank you very much!” Her indignation was evident, and it took all of Valdrin’s efforts not to smile.
“I know that.” He scratched the back of his neck. “I was… well… I was…”
Now it was Sioned’s turn to arch an eyebrow. “You were…?”
He bit his lip. “I was afraid I’d never see you again.” He shook his head. “I love you, Sioned, and I don’t need a flame to tell me that you feel the same!” He took her hands in his. “I came because I couldn’t bear the thought of losing you, of not being able to see your face.” Her anger and indignation slowly faded. “I love you, Sioned. I don’t want to lose you.”
She shook her head as he let her hands go. She looked him directly in the eyes and took his face gently in her hands. “I love you too, my caped prince. If I don’t see you in the flame, I don’t know what I’ll do…. But I have to do it. Please, Love, understand that. I have to be certain.”
“I don’t want to lose you.”
She smiled a small smile. “You won’t. Now, go to your chambers, love. We both need our sleep.”
He shook his head. “I want to tell you one more thing.”
“What is it, love?”
He leaned down, gently took her chin in his hand, and kissed her soundly. He smiled at her as her eyes drifted open. “Good night, love. Pleasant dreams.” He left and closed the door behind him.
* * * * * * *
At sunrise the next morning, Sioned made her way to the tree circle. The sun glinted off the water as she stepped into the circle. She removed her clothes at the edge and knelt by the side of the pool. The cool breeze raised the flesh on her back, and sent a shiver down her spine. She plucked a hair from her head and floated it on the water. She scooped up a bit of the earth and sifted it through her fingers, watching the ripples as it hit the water. She then called a tiny flame and floated it on the water, calling a faint breath of air to send it to the center of the pool. She nervously bit her lower lip as she watched the image form……………………
A man appeared before her, standing in the shadows of the room. He motioned for her to come nearer. She approached and looked into his eyes. He gently took her face in his hands, and kissed her tenderly. The golden strand of her hair gently floated around to encircle the two of them, and with that, the vision faded.
She stood, shakily, and dressed, then looked back at the pool. “That was a big help.” She muttered, then turned and went back to the keep.
* * * * * * * *
Valdrin sat at the large table at the front of the dining hall. Lady Avalon had insisted, seeing as he was an honored guest. Valdrin failed to see the ‘honored’ portion, but did not argue with her. He would have been perfectly happy to dine with the other students, but Lady Avalon would have none of that.
“You are an honored guest of this house, even if you do not see yourself as such.” She had told him. “As such, you are entitled to sit at the head table.” And that had been the end of that.
Sioned entered the room for the noon meal, and made her way to her seat. Valdrin thought she looked troubled, but vowed to wait until she broached the subject. He had never been one to pry. He watched as she sat, and folded her napkin in her lap.
“Good afternoon My Lady.” He said, apprehensively. “Is everything alright?”
“Hmmm? Oh, yes, sorry, everything is fine, thank you. “ She picked up her fork and began to push the food around on her plate.
Valdrin began to eat, never taking his eyes off her. When the meal was finished, he asked her if she would like to walk in the gardens. Sioned agreed, and they left the hall.
As they strolled through the gardens, Valdrin felt his stomach tie into knots. He could usually tell when Sioned was in a troubled mood, and he felt there was something she was not telling him. He knew she had been to the tree circle this morning, and figured that was what was troubling her.
“My Lady? Is everything alright with you?” he asked her again.
“I am fine, Love, a bit confused is all.” She stopped walking and sat on the bench in the sun.
“What troubles you, Sioned?” he took her hand in his, and waited for her response. The sun shone on her golden hair, making it appear as if it were on fire.
“As you know, I visited the tree circle this morning.” She began. “I saw a man, but I could not see his face, for he stood in the shadows.”
Valdrin arched a brow, and looked at her. “Could you see any features to help identify him?”
“Nay, except that he was a head taller than I, with dark hair.” She looked at Valdrin’s long brown locks, and smiled. “Much the color of yours, Love.”
“Well, that is encouraging.” He said cheerily. “Perhaps the Goddess saw fit to present us with a mystery.”
Aye, Love, but if you kiss me, I feel I shall be able to solve the mystery.” She said, a slightly mischievous smile on her lips. It was too much, and Valdrin could resist no longer. He gently wrapped her in his arms, and kissed her.
* * * * * * * *
It took several weeks before the entourage was ready to travel again. Several of them had been wounded in the battle on their way to the keep, and their wounds had to heal before they could return home. Sioned and Valdrin spent this time in constant attention of each other, they took long walks along the garden paths, spent hours in the library reading, and countless nights curled up in front of the fire in the sitting room. Lady Avalon watched the two of them and smiled happily to herself, Sioned had been like a daughter to her, and it warmed her heart to see her so happy. She watched as Valdrin entertained her with simple magic, designed to fascinate and charm her. And she watched as Sioned educated her lover on the fine art of sunrunning, and talking to dragons. This particular talent delighted Valdrin the most, having a genuine fascination with dragons, and admiring them as he did.
The couple took their meals with Lady Avalon in the dining room, with the exception of breakfast, which they shared on the terrace outside Sioned’s room. It was a peaceful time for them, and one they vowed to continue throughout their life together.
* * * * * * * *
The day finally arrived when Sioned and Valdrin began their journey home. As the entourage made preparations, Sioned sat in her chambers with Lady Avalon.
“You are sure My Lady, that you will make this trip? Valdrin and I can be married here, before returning home.” Sioned said.
“Nonsense, my child. You deserve a wedding befitting your station. You will be married at Stronghold, in royal fashion.” Lady Avalon stated firmly. Sioned knew to let the matter drop. She continued to pack her things in silence, a slight smile on her face.
In the stables Valdrin helped Brennan and Jerod ready the horses. He had been walking on air since the day Sioned had revealed her vision to him. He scarcely believed it was true, that she was finally his. His happiness was reflected in the smile on his face, and the happy tune he hummed while he worked.
Once preparations had been made and the morning meal eaten, the group set out. They numbered 50 people strong, the original escort from Stronghold, plus Lady Avalon’s personal entourage. The horses danced in agitation, and sunrunners lined the path to the gates to wish their Lady a safe trip. As they passed through the gate, Sioned felt a calm flow through her; she was truly going home this time.
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