"Take a look, is it what you wanted?" queried the jeweler as he handed me an elaborate gold pin.

The workmanship was stunning, especially the delicate brush strokes that created the miniature painting according to the Matron's instructions. In great detail, I could see the picture: a group of elves being cast from their home, a large black hand pointing firmly away. The message was clear.

"A fitting gift for the new Speaker," I mused, as I paid the jeweler and gave him my thanks.

Hours to go before we departed from the woods, so I went to pray... pray for His vitriol to infuse my veins, pump through my heart, clear my brain.

The call came as expected, and I joined the Master and Matron in the square, along with Nactonees and Xerxion. Our delegation proceeded to a quiet room for discussion and planning. We would present ourselves with ultimate respect, as befits our stature and heritage. We would deliver the gift and our message, quickly but clearly, and depart.

I knelt to pray,

"Damnit," erupted Lyan. "You were supposed to go around the city, not through it!" Having just joined us, the sight must have been alarming.

Hugging the shadows, we stood looking at the bloodied remains of the Guard who had patrolled Forest Avenue. Our portal had landed us on a quiet street somewhere in southwest Shalonesti, and there was no avoiding this Guard with his sharp eyes as we made our way towards the perimeter. He had accosted me, then Nactonees, and would have sought to harm the Matron as well, had Xerxion not silenced him. Ursah quietly explained, cloaked us all in invisibility again, and our party of five slipped through the darkness of the forest until we arrived near the northern gates of the city from which we were banished so long ago.

Lyan spoke somberly yet tenderly to Ursah. "It's time, my love. Get us into the Palace."

I watched as Ursah withdrew a stone, touched it, and held it. With a single sharp retort, a gleaming black gate rose from the ground. We all peered into it, wordlessly. A huge crystal chandelier... a floor of polished black and green marble... scores of elves, dressed in finery...

The Grand Ballroom of the Palace lay before us, a step away, and inside awaited Rhiadora Shalonost, Young Lady of the Stars.

Ursah grinned, and without a moment's hesitation, stepped through the shimmering gate. A heartbeat later I followed, charged with guiding her safely out should trouble arise. Swiftly our entire party emerged into the light and noise of the Ballroom, where the assembly was gathered to celebrate the ascension to the throne.

A gasp from Rhiadora was loud enough to bring the entire room into a stunned silence. My eyes burned from the abundance of light, but I could see nobility from several kingdoms in addition to several representatives from House Sha'falas and the other self-appointed chosen of Zandreya.

It was Da'shal Sha'falas who found his tongue first, saying with no small antipathy, "Get the hell out of here."

Lyan's voice was clear and poised. "Ah...hello one and all."

Several hands went to pouches and hoards, withdrawing potions tinged yellow. The gulping sounds that followed resonated through the Ballroom.

"We've come bearing a message of good will." The Matron spoke this softly, in spite of the hostile glances being cast our way.

Lyan continued, "We shall not be long... we come bearing gifts."

Snarling in reply, Da'shal spat, "You have the count of five before you seal your death."

Only a few heads turned as Carlisle appeared from the gate, as most eyes were upon our party of five dark elves. I moved swiftly to be at the Matron's side, noting several hands grasping swords and the rasping sounds of daggers being drawn from sheaths.

Speaking gently, Nactonees affirmed, "Do not fear us..."

Here and there, an elf urged, "No! No slaughters in here!", and "No fighting."

In spite of this, elves began to be surrounded with white auras, armor replacing finery, spells of protection flying. Taking little note, Ursah removed an elaborate gold pin from the basket she carried, and with a deferential bow of her head, she presented it to Rhiadora.

In his best Elvish, Lyan proclaimed, "Young Shalonost...we the Ka'vanth wish you best of luck in your new reign. You will most certainly need it. As a symbol of our esteem... we present you this pin."

There were enough frowns and words of caution that followed to fill several Ballrooms.

"I believe your gifts would be better received by the sea, Ka'vanth," muttered Liryan Shalonost.

Lyan ignored the comment, speaking directly to Rhiadora. "Wear it in good health...while you can..."

"And what is that supposed to mean?" huffed the new Speaker.

"I can not explain now...as you can see....your guards are rather jumpy. But we will speak again."

Da'shal repeated his warning, "Get out. You come anywhere near the princess and you will die."

Tiernyn Shalonost stepped forward menacingly, echoing, "You are not welcome here and you know it."

"Aye, but not for long," Ursah replied softly. Turning to Rhiadora she continued, "Be well, young speaker."

I whispered urgently, "It seems they do not wish us to stay, Matron."

"We will not stay. We are peaceful... tonight," she replied, nodding.

Master Lyan issued the order, "Ka'vanth... let us return."

As we walked out calmly, our hearts aflame with the satisfaction of a deed well done, I heard Rhyanna say to Rhiadora, "M'lady, It would be best to have that melted into something that would be more use to yourself, after you have it checked for poison or the such, of course."

I couldn't help but snicker. The message was delivered. Our time of waiting would soon be over. "May Rage protect us," I prayed.