Corpus Tamrielicum - The Imperial Library

[30.2] KING EDWARD II
abrupt and jarring. Elves appeared quite suddenly and arms reached up to take him and Shag,
who woke at last, ran frantically in circles, and then sat panting at Edward's feet.
A tall elf with fiery hair like copper greeted them formally. "Greetings, my lord King. Your
lady wife awaits you. Prince Edward, I welcome you to the land of the Firstborn on behalf of
all its people. May your stay here prove pleasant and productive."
Moraelyn nodded deferentially. "Thank you, my host. My Queen has waited long enough; we
will go to her now." Moraelyn's hand on his shoulder steered Edward toward the largest tree
he'd ever seen. The trunk was hollow; steps inside led up; openings gave out onto more steps
and bridges along and among the mighty branches. They proceeded along these until they
reached a large canopied platform, furnished with seats and chests as if it were a room. A
golden skinned woman smiled at them and waved them in, then left. A tall slender, paleskinned,
dark-haired human woman paced toward them, her eyes on Edward. Only Edward.
"Why did you leave us!" The cry came from deep inside, ringing through him. It stopped her
several paces from him. Now her eyes lifted to Moraelyn, who said in a harsher tone than
Edward had yet heard from him. "Thou wilt address thy Mother with respect, cub!" A
glancing blow made his eyes water.
Aliera crossed quickly to Moraelyn and placed her hands on his chest. "Greeting, my
husband. All praise to Notorgo for bringing you and my son safely to me."
"Thank also the Lord of the Dragons and the Bandit, who could not have lifted the boy more
neatly himself. The ArchMagister had somewhat to do with it as well." Moraelyn's dusky
hands came up to hold her bare arms lightly and tenderly. He laughed, looking relaxed and
happy. But the hands against his chest formed a barrier as much as a caress.
"I am blessed indeed. But it has been long since my son and I have spoken. We may find
words more easily if we seek them alone together."
Moraelyn's smile vanished instantly. "Are words then a thing which two can find more easily
than three? Well. Perhaps. At times. Wife." He turned on his heel and left. The bridge swung
and creaked, but his feet made no sound at all.
Aliera watched after him, but he did not look back. Edward felt again the curious mix of
satisfaction and regret that came with giving pain to his enemy. "Edward, my son, come and
sit by me."
Edward stood where he was, "Madam mother, I have waited many years and travelled many
leagues to have an answer. I will wait no longer, nor go one step further."
"What have you been told?"
"That you were most treacherously kidnapped by night with the aid of magic, while my father
slept, trusting in the honor of his guest."
"Your father told you that. And Moraelyn?"
"Said that you came full willing. I would hear what you say."
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