Lady Tierna
The Dream
The night was cool, and a restless wind tossed the white curtains into images of angry swarming wraiths in the moonlight. Taamlyn shifted under the furs covering the bed, murmuring and sighing in her sleep, then turning into the warm curve of her husband Khazaan's large strong body, she grew peaceful and slipped into a dream.
~~ They were alone in the wedding tent with no one but the musicians, and they moved in a slow romantic dance over the smooth floor. A soft glowing light filled the tent, the music as steady and soothing as gentle waves lapping on a warm sandy beach. The couple danced and held each other close, his head bent to rest upon hers, arms about each other as they swayed. Finally they sat to rest, and he offered her a bouquet of fragrant delicate wildflowers. She smiled gladly and admired the bouquet in her hand, and as she looked at the blooms, so perfect, so beautiful, she cradled the flowers in her arm. In the way that such things happen in dreams, the flowers became a babe, a perfect baby girl. The couple gazed proudly at their tiny daughter, admiring her long red hair, and blue eyes, and fair skin. They stood and tenderly carried her out of the tent, to the altar of Oleani, where the woman laid the baby upon the altar, and knelt with her husband to offer a prayer of thanksgiving.
In the next moment the roses that climbed about the altar grew hundreds of buds which bloomed and released their fragrant scent into the evening air, and from far above them, a lyrical feminine voice softly spoke the name "Tierna". From where the babe had been now stepped a young woman, of fine strong sylvan grace. The couple welcomed their daughter with embraces and tears of joy. When the lass spoke, her words rang with silvery notes, and when she sang, all nature held it's breath to listen to the clear pure sweet sound. But when angered, her words grew sharp as blades from Eonake's forge, and cut as deep.
The father held her right hand in his, and traced upon it all his knowledge of the land and it's creatures. The mother took her daughter's left hand, and held it over her heart, implanting in her daughter the ways of the people, and of the gods. Both parents stood with arms around their daughter, and her brothers stepped forth from the shadows to join them. All looking into her eyes, with unspoken words taught her of their love for family, friends, and care for those in need.
Strong in heart, soul, and body, she walked forth from the glade into the land of Elanthia, there to make her place and find her fame with the guidance of her loving family.~~
In her sleep, Taamlyn smiled and cuddled closer to Khazaan. He wakened for a moment, and gently placed his big hand over her swollen belly, kissing her forehead before drifting back to sleep.