Dieci Anni

[Alais d Nitesong]

As I reached up to caress Sy’s chin, he had paid a high price for his career in Kelvar, he absently nuzzled into my hand, his eyes closing for a moment as a look of peace slid onto his face before Uly lightly placed a hand on my shoulder with a gentle squeeze, “’lais, you may be giving others more hope than is practical.”

I gazed up at Uly then, deciding that it was time to go home, but Sylus also glanced at Uly, “Care to elaborate on that thought?”

Uly shrugged, “no, I don’t think I do.” Then he turned toward me, “your wish is my command, m’love, home then?”

Sy’s gaze held mine for long moments before he turned to look at the rings, and I shook my head, “Ah dinnae thin’ this ist th’ time ‘r place fer such a discussion Sy, Uly, ‘n Ah’m verra tired.”

Uly nodded and gave Sylus a smile, “sounds like our cue to be gentlemen, and I am known for being one.”

Sy’s hand rested on my shoulder lightly, “I understand, perhaps in the morning.” He stepped back then, vanishing in a swirl of shadows and starlight.”

Uly gave me an enigmatic smile, “and where do you truly call home m’love?”

I took a very deep breath, “Ah dinnae haff ‘n answer tae tha’ Uly.”

He nodded then, “I gathered as much, so in lieu of ‘home’, where would you spend tonight, and in what company?”

I glanced at the place Sylus had just left, and then at Uly, “Ah’m stayin’ ‘t I’ Taurn m’dear, an’ ‘t ist there Ah’ll be gaein’ taenight… wi’ ye fer th’ nonce.”

Uly smiled, “so conflicted...it's part of the attraction you know He placed a soft kiss beside my lips. “everyone believes they can save you.”

I smiled slightly, “ye were dead Uly… ‘n Ah was alone a verra long time… ‘n Sylus ist th’ oonla man tae touch mine ‘eart since yer death.”

Uly chuckled softly, “'lais...only explain what you wish...this is a little thing...and I forgive everything...even those things you do not forgive yourself...far beyond whoever's arms you've taken solace in my absence.”

I frowned slightly, “Ah cannae forgiff manna thin's Ah haff done Uly.”

He brushed my hair gently, “I have always loved the feel of your hair on my fingertips, always, what is there compared to that?”

I smiled slightly, “As Ah dinnae run mine fingers through mine oon 'air, Ah cannae say.”

He laughed softly, “I never did learn to use the brush properly, did I?”

I reached up to his jaw, “Nay, ye didst nae, Ah dae r’member. Coome Uly, prithee, dae le’ ‘s talk this night.” I curled my scarred hand around my staff and one around Uly’s arm before whispering the Annaran words to take us home to I’ Taurn.

[Alais d Nitesong]

My walks around the grounds of I’ Taurn were not helping me to resolve the conundrum that was embodied in Ulysses and Sylus. Ulysses was without a doubt my one true lifemate. The man to whom my soul connected, and the soul that completed my own soul’s missing pieces. Ulysses was my other half. He was before, and since his return, he was again. The ties that bound us were once more winding around my torn and damaged heart, bringing me a peace I have not known in many years.

Sylus on the other side touched my heart as no other had done before, nor since Ulysses. All the years alone I had never found anyone to whom I would have been tempted to take as a second mate. Sylus could never be my one true lifemate, but he was unique in all the realms I have visited in that he could touch a heart that had been sundered and left to fade with the aeons. For some reason, the Goddess had granted me another with whom I could have passed my time on this world in happiness.

But with Ulysses return, and Sylus’ wolven side having claimed his life mate, I was in a terrible position. It is that position that I have spent my days walking the grounds in search of an answer. An answer which eludes me even now.

I coalesces from a column of shimmering silver, glancing around before finding a comfortable chair near the rings. Sylus was calling, and I did not wish to disturb him, so I summoned a glass of Liquid Fire, savoring the flavor when he smiled, “evening love.”

He grabbed Hubie, whispering something softly to the lad who then went off at a quick pace into the kitchen, ostensibly to retrieve something of importance. A short while later, Hubie returned, carrying a large box which he gave to Sylus.

Sy rose and brought the box to my sofa, his eyes glittering with mischief as he set it down before me. “I bought this some time ago, but never got around to giving it to you.” He then took a seat beside me, “I wasn’t sure if I should give it to you now, or wait, so…”

I quirked a sable brow at him, peering intently at the box. I could not think of a reason for such a gift, and asked him what the occasion was for such a gift.

He grinned, “No occasion… I bought that before you left for the Isles, then everything got hectic, so I’m giving it to you now before something makes me put it off again.”

I lifted the lid of the box, peering inside. There was a dress of shimmering silver silk that was trimmed with gold satin. It was slit up the thigh, and the gold satin traced a curling swirl of roses from hem, up toward the waist. There were a matching pair of stiletto heeled shoes, and a gold necklace that held topaz and red stones that seemed to glow with a life of their own. All in all, quite lovely. Sy was watching my face in anticipation, “When I saw it in the shop window, it was red and gold, I had the shop owner redo it in silver since I know you like that color with your robes. But, it is just cloth and lace, your frame filling it out is what will make it breath taking.” He leaned over and kissed me warmly.

I blushed, “Ah dinnae ken where tae wear such a lovela thin’ Sy. ‘t ist breath takin’ tae b’old.” I truly do not know where I will wear such a beautiful thing. I have never worn anything except my robes, and the shimmering fabric seemed much too fine.

He smiled brightly, “Your heart will let you know where to wear this dress, though I can’t wait to see you in it.” He slipped his arm around me, “I’m glad you like it, I was a bit nervous when I first bought it to give you, never bought a dress for anyone before.”

My finders trailed over the material, lifting the gold chain a moment before giving him a soft chuckl, “’t was verra sweet o’ ye m’dear.”

I replaced the lid to the box gently. I had not come with gifts tonight, but he seemed very pleased that I had liked the dress, and I took a sip of the Liquid Fire.

Sy was telling a young woman named Kathreen that she must win her match, and I leaned closer to him, “Dinnae pu’ such pressure ‘pon th’ las Sy.” She was dueling with matching scimitar, and Sy was eagerly encouraging her to handle the blades with the finesse they deserved. He gave me an impish smile before leaning over to steal a kiss before saying, “Liquid Fire tastes better coming from your lips I think.”

A soft chuckle at his temerity, “Ah couldst ge’ ye yer oon dae ye li’ one.” With a smile he informed me he would try anything once, and so I summoned a second snifter for him. He took the snifter and savored the aroma of the warm liquid before taking a tentative sip. “I was right....it tastes better coming off your lips.” He was deadpan in his delivery, but there was mischief in his eyes.

Giving him a smile, I reminded him that he was calling, and that I could not distract him, but he found my objection amusing.

The remainder of the evening was spend in companionable teasing, but my dilemma was no closer to being resolved. I left the Annex no closer to a solution than I had been when I arrived.