Georgia had been quietly listening to this exchange between them, she knew that there was nothing to be gained by asking either of them anything concerning this vague reference that escape their lips concerning her ordained destiny and so held her tongue and instead asked a different question. “Gentlemen, if I may so loosely use that word concerning you both. I have a question first for you Elysian.” She paused for effect and let the silence grow in the room. “What if I decided to take your offer and study with you vs. pursuing this so-called ordained destiny that you so loosely let fly from your lips?”
Elysian caught the game she was playing immediately. He responded, “I of course would be honored by having such a gifted, intelligent, and beautiful student. However, I believe once you meet with your father your choice will be made clear.” She smiled and replied, “Touché Elysian, well played and of course I expected no less from you, but I did notice Silviano appearance begin to take on the veneer of a sick child getting ready to lose its stomach from some illness.”
She then said with a more serious tone, “I do not know yet what gamesmanship is in play here, but once I find out the truth from my father, you had better hope that I maintain my normal cool composure and don’t decide to use those unique skills as you both have so often spoken about on the two of you.” Silviano did something unexpected then, he knelt on one knee and asked forgiveness for his being unable to provide her with the answers she so deserved. He said in a most formal manner, “My lady, I am of course in your service if you determine I have wronged you in any way, I will except whatever judgement you determine for me.”
Georgia was touched by this and moved to him, took his free hand that he had placed on his heart while he bowed and said, “Silviano, my dearest friend, I would never wish any harm on you. I understand that you are both bound by some promise you made to my father, but it grieves me that he put you both in such a position.” She then motioned for him to stand and said to them both, “So what now, how do we gain access to my father without running into new danger since we are all three now aware that someone is less than happy with my near arrival to him?”
Elysian spoke first, “There is a way to gain access to the city possibly without being noticed, at least by those who hunt for you above.” Silviano then asked, “This way you speak of, I take it, is not without its own dangers. Just ones of a different sort?” Elysian replied, “Yes, you are correct, however it may be an opportunity as well for us to establish a new friendship for the kingdom if our young lady here is able to look beyond their appearance and see what is in their hearts.”
Georgia then responded, “Why would it be to the kingdom’s advantage to negotiate with these, well whatever or whoever they are?” She had sensed in Elysian reply that what he was referring to might not be human. Elysian responded, “Because, they are one of the old races of the kingdom, long forgotten except in myth and thought to have traveled on beyond the sphere of our life. To have evolved, let’s say that is only a half truth. There are those that remained behind, they were younger and did not want to give up this existence here.”
Silviano asked in turn, “I know quite a deal of the history of this world and its races, if you’re referring to what I think you might be, then you are correct in believing they would be of great benefit to a blossoming kingdom.” Georgia had listened and then asked, “Do we have
any other choice short of trying to outrun every band of ruffian’s sent out to keep us from this meeting between myself and my father?” Elysian glanced at Silviano, he then replied, “No, not really, but this decision is yours to make, Silviano and I will of course do our best to protect you should you require it regardless of your choice.”
She glanced over at Silviano who bowed slightly and said, “It is as Elysian states, we are both bound to you and whatever decision you make my lady.” Georgia responded, “Please, would the both of you just call me Georgia and stop with all of this my lady stuff, it makes me nervous.” They both bowed and said to her, “As you so command!” She threw up her hands then and with a frustrated exhale, “Okay you two I see no way into this other place, how do we get there without exposing ourselves to the dangers above?”
Elysian said, “If you would allow me, I will begin the incantations to open the way to the old world below.” Georgia nodded and he began to speak to his staff, much like he did the night at the inn when he called upon something that raised those thorny vines from between the floorboards to wrap up the annoying patron. Even though Georgia had not witnessed the actual event of him calling upon his staff, there were those that recounted the story to her later. She watched and listened as he touched a pattern of runes on his staff. As he continued the crystal on top of the staff began to glow more brightly and the runes he touched lit up with a warm yellow and red light. His voice sounded softer, more asking then what she had been told about the gravelly sounding tone of the words he had used the night at the inn.
He appeared to be reaching some special point as the crystal on the staff gave off an almost blinding light which spread out towards the rear of the room, they were in. She noticed that a lit glow of light began to trace out a doorway in the rear wall. He continued then threw his hands wide and the staff exploded with energy that hit the rear wall. There a doorway appeared and began to open to reveal a large pathway beyond that sloped downward. Elysian paused for a moment resting on the staff and apparently catching his breath allowing himself to recover from this effort. Georgia walked up to him and placed a hand on his shoulder with a soft touch.
She asked him, “Does that effort of using the staff take something away from you when you use it in such a way?” Elysian paused then responded, “Yes, but not always in such a big way. Most times it is a measured exchange of my life’s energies for those energies of the earth that I call upon.” He paused again, “However, efforts such as this exact a larger cost to me, and I need time to recover some before continuing. That is why it is not safe to do this type of magic except when times are desperate enough such as now.” He stood up straight again, turned to her said, “Thank you Georgia for your concern and show of compassion. It will serve you well as we continue our journey to your father.”
They all gathered up their stuff, he then said, “leave the horses here, the door will open after this one closes long enough for them to escape up to the surface before closing again. They will know where to go on their own as most horses of the royal stables have been trained well on how to return home again.” Georgia turned and spoke softly to her horse thanking him for his being willing to carry her to safety. She said goodbye to him and told him she would see him again someday.
With that she joined the others, and they began to follow Elysian who led them now down into the depths of the earth. She and Silviano were both amazed at how there were rocks, crystals that glowed as they approached them and lit the way ahead for them. After they traveled downward for thirty minutes or so the floor leveled off and she began to see the signs of civilization here, there were pillars with some unknown runes carved in them and it was lighter here. It was almost like being on the surface as if somehow the light was being funneled from above into this area below.
Elysian stopped and turned to speak to them briefly, “We are being watched now, don’t ask just follow my lead, and prepare yourself for a meeting soon. We are no longer alone.” Elysian continued and then suddenly there was a squad sized group of something forming ahead. One of them called out to Elysian and said, “You bring company with you this time. I don’t recall you asking if this was okay.” Elysian replied, “Understood but I bring with me someone who was foretold in your histories of the races. I would hope that you would offer us food, drink, and rest while we assess the best way to continue to the meeting.”
They waited and when Georgia appeared behind Elysian with Silviano in attendance they all bowed to their knee and brought their fist to their heart proclaiming something in their own language. She sensed that they were waiting for something from her. She didn’t know why but knew it was
important for her to act upon her insight. She walked up to the leader of the group, placed a hand on his hand that he had placed on his heart and said, “I do not know you, but I am grateful for your respect and acknowledgement of our need. Please rise and know you are most welcomed and appreciated.”
He gazed up at her now, deep bluish gray eyes and a long beard tied into fancy braids. They were short but stocky in build and looked incredibly strong. She thought about the lessons of her father and then said with amazement, “You are dwarves! It was said that you all went to beyond this sphere to somewhere else long ago before the history of humans began to be written in earnest.” He rose then and said, “I know your language well my lady, and welcome you to our home, Stone Heart, capital city although somewhat empty these days as what you stated is true, many of us did travel beyond but some of us remained here being younger and not ready to give up on the races here as so many others of our kind.”
He then said, “My name is Stonefist, first among our squad here. If you would please come with us so we may learn more about what has transpired to force Elysian to bring you to us at this time.” The rest of his squad stood, and they began to travel forward deeper into the city to a place of rest and relaxation so they could speak about their needs. As they arrived at a large hall that was bustling with many of their kind, children, ladies, and men alike all busy in some activity it appeared. Heads began to turn, and whispers were heard in the air around them as the three of them came into their domain. Many were pointing at Georgia though and speaking in hushed tones to each other. She did not know their language so whatever was being said was lost to her.
They at last arrived and were ushered to a table to sit while Stonefist barked some orders. Elysian turned to Georgia and Silviano and told them they were going to bring food and drink for them. He also said there would be others that would join them while they gathered the counselors together to meet with them. They didn’t have to wait long before others arrived and sat down at the table. It was soon after that food and drink was brought in. It was a great feast of meats, vegetables, and fruits. There were flat bread loafs with smell of multiple herbs rising from the steaming dough.
Georgia asked Stonefist if there were any possibilities of getting the recipe for the bread as she wanted to give it a try herself once she returned to her inn. Stonefist responded by telling her he thought that it might be possible but then he got up and spoke quietly to Elysian. Georgia had noticed the exchange and wondered what was going on. She knew nothing about their culture here and had privately hoped she had not broken any taboos. He returned and spoke to her, “My lady your request will be relayed to the bakers, but it is their decision as to whether to share the baking of the bread with you or not. I have spoken to Elysian to ask for his assistance in navigating that conversation.”
He then continued, “In the meantime, we need to complete our meal here so we can retire to a private area where we can discuss your needs without too many ears hearing of your plans and what is decided as to how to resolve your need to get to your father.” She nodded and thanked him for his assistance with her request. She then turned her attention to the food and drink as he had requested. She surveyed the table looking for a glimpse of Silviano. She wanted him close to her so she could ask him questions when they rose in her mind. She had not seen him for a while and was getting ready to rise to look for him when he returned from wherever he had been.
He came directly to her and asked that she follow him. She rose and excused herself to Stonefist the surrounding company. He took her on a winding path between buildings where they came to a door that was guarded by two well armored and weaponized men. Silviano didn’t say a word, once they saw her both bowed slightly and then opened the doors allow Silviano and Georgia to enter the room. The guards both returned to their stations when they closed the doors behind them.
As she entered the room, she saw she was in a consul chamber and there men and women both were seated in a room that was designed to surround what appeared to be an audience room. It was very stately with each chair having carved decorations in them that she guessed represented some sort of family crest for those seated there. It wasn’t long before the doors they had come through were opened again and Elysian entered the chamber and came to stand on the other side of Georgia. Silence penetrated the chamber as they waited. Not a word was spoken by those of the consul or Silviano or Elysian.
Finally, a hammer was struck on the stone and an old gentlemen dressed in fine robes entered the chamber and took up his seat at the center of the counselors who were all now seated on either side of him. He then spoke with a clear voice that penetrated every corner of the chamber. He began, “We who have guided our families for years beyond counting are now faced with possibly the most important decision to come before us. Before us stands one who has been spoken of in our books of lore, one who could change the course of civilization not just for our families but all those of the kingdom.” He paused briefly as he turned to each of those seated for effect. He then continued, “They are not here on official business but one of trying to unite this young lady standing before us with her father. You all know of who I am speaking, we who have named him Dwarvenkind.
An honor given out to very few in our long history but one that was certainly earned by him we are referring to. It is critical to him that this lady be returned to his side. As it is through that reunion that the oracles may finally come to fruition. For that to take place we must allow them access to our deepest secrets as the way above is full of danger for her and this company.”
There was an immediate explosion of chatter amongst those in attendance, and the older man allowed it to continue for a short time before hammering down on great stone that rang its sound through the chamber. That brought order and he then said, “I of first consul am not going to ask this young lady to defend this need, we know who she is to meet and should not question that need and so there will be no debate. You must decide on past merit alone.”
He finally said, “I recommend that we extend this honor to her and her small company as a way of establishing trust and doing all we can to ensure her safe passage back to the city. It will be up to them once she surfaces again to make her way safely to his side. How do you vote?” Right before the vote was to take place, suddenly a ball of light exploded in the chamber, and something began to take shape in front of Georgia. Both Silviano and Elysian became alarmed. Elysian raised his staff which began to glow and Silviano had pulled forth his sword in a smooth motion to protect her, but Georgia had sensed this was not necessary and grabbed their arms to quietly command them to lower their weapons.
They could hear the guards at the doors alarmed by the commotion trying to enter the doors but unable to do so. They heard the command of one go out and footsteps running off to fade in the distance. She stepped forward to the front beyond both of her guardians and lowered her head in an act of respect and trust. The being that took form was recognized by all those of their kind in the chamber. They all called out her name and lowered their faces so as not look upon the face of the mother of Dwarvenkind.
She came to Georgia who then bowed to one knee and lowered her head. She signaled her two companions to follow in kind. The senior leader of the counsel commanded all his brothers and sisters to do the same. They all rose and stepped down into the main chamber and went to one knee as Georgia had done. Then she spoke, “All who is in this chamber, know that I Berronar mother of all dwarves tell those that are gathered here in this chamber, this girl is blessed by me and will save you all, but she must reach her father who you have already named as Dwarvenkind.
There is to be no decent in this. He or she that goes against my command set themselves against this nation and those of the future kingdom. Your names and those of your future generation will be cursed amongst us should you raise a finger against her. Go now Georgia and find your destiny as it stands before you. It is waiting for your heart and your special touch. We are now pledged to your need and to your will. Let it be so I command it.”
With that the room grew brighter than daylight and then went dark except for a warm glow of light that surrounded Georgia. There she stayed knelt before them all. As each of them came out the spell of what had just happened, they each stood. One by one they came before Georgia and bent down to kiss her head acknowledging her right as that which was ordained by the oracles of old.
Georgia sensed when the last one had completed this task and rose a changed person. Somehow inside her she felt that her ability to foresee had been increased tenfold as she now felt an invasion of emotions and thoughts of all of those that stood there in that chamber. It was beginning to overwhelm her.
The chamber doors exploded and the guard, including Stonefist, and several squads of armored men ran to defend the consuls. When they saw Georgia though with the warm glow of light shining from within her they all stopped and waited as Stonefist came before her. He asked her, forgive me my lady but I sense the presence of the all-mother pulsing from you. What has happened here in this chamber? The first of them came and spoke aloud to all who were now in attendance.
“All who are now in this chamber have been witness to an event that will happen only once in all the long history of our people. She had been blessed directly by Berronar who came to stand before us all in this chamber and pledged our nation to her need.” With that the squads who had followed Stonefist into the chamber all knelt and placed their free hand to their hearts.
Georgia slowly turned to take in what was happening and this pledge of allegiance to her and their need. The room began to spin as she tried to comprehend it all. Then Georgia overwhelmed by everything that had just took place simply collapsed in place and crumbled to the floor. Silviano and Elysian were immediately at her side. Silviano gave deference to Elysian who he knew had great skills and knowledge around the healing arts. Stonefist barked some orders to the guard who surrounded her to form a ring of iron and steel not knowing yet what had happened here.
The consul members were all gathered around them standing within the circle formed by Stonefist and his platoon of men. The older one was watching Elysian as he applied his art to her. Elysian looked up and asked them if there was somewhere they could take her for comfort and privacy. She would need time as he sensed she had collapsed due to the emotional strain of having been confronted with so much so quickly. He said that her unique abilities of sensory had also left her open to this and we were still not sure what changes had taken place because of her being touched directly by Berronar, mother of all dwarves.
The eldest and first of them said softly to Elysian and Stonefist, “bring her to my chambers. She can recover there. You will have the room you require, and I will take up residence elsewhere so she may recover privately.” He paused briefly thinking then spoke again, “I will have my servants attend to her needs as you see fit Elysian and Silviano.” He then looked at Stonefist and asked, “can you gently take our lady to my quarters? Please be sure to provide whatever she needs.”
Stonefist replied, “It will be done as you have asked. You are welcome to stay with me and my family if you need temporary accommodation until she’s better.” The first counselor responded, “thank you, my friend.” With that Stonefist ordered that they bring something to transport her to his quarters. Several of them responded at once and left the room to gather what was needed.
It did not take long for them to return and gently place Georgia upon a stretcher that had been softened with soft warm furs. They carefully picked her up and laid her upon it gently wrapping her in the warm fur. They carried her to the first consul’s bed chamber and transferred her to the bed. The servants had already prepared things for their arrival with her. There Elysian and Silviano went into action to make her comfortable and then Silviano offered to take up the first watch over her. Elysian thanked him as he was still worn from the earlier efforts and needed more time to recover.
The lady servants of his house stayed close by and attended the needs of both Elysian and Silviano. They whispered to each other in soft tones and would glance over at Georgia when the chance was there as they had already heard the wondrous story of the blessing of the one that had taken place in their consul chambers.
As Georgia laid there, she fell into a deep state of dreams where there were many confusing events of the past days. They were played out in front of her as if she had hit a time loop where all the events that had recently occurred stood there for her review. She sensed there was something there, they were all trying to show her. The one thing she picked up through this was that for some reason there was some unknown importance place on her. Something that others were aware of, but she was not. In fact, what she had believed was just kindness being shown to her in the beginning was something altogether different.
It was a reverence of sort as if she were someone very special in a way that demanded their instant respect and deference to her needs. She needed to get to her father and have him tell her the truth of what was really going on. There was new urgency concerning it especially after this other being, some deity of some type had come upon the chamber and reached directly into her and touched her heart. She knew that to be true as a connection to her was established in such as way to allow her a knowledge that what was happening had the attention of the deities
themselves.
She sensed that something had changed but was unsure of what it was but had not lost her understanding that she was related to some future yet to play out that was important for the outcome of the races here in the kingdom. She seemed to have reached a point in her assessment to understand there were things taking place around and to her that were being hidden for a purpose. One that would become known once she and her father were reunited.
With that knowledge she began to settle down finally and to rest now in earnest. She drifted into a dreamless state where she would have time to recover without being bothered by all this emotional upheaval. Silviano sensed the change in her breathing and noticed she was sleeping better now. He grabbed her hand and held it keeping watch over her as she slept. Elysian had come back to the bed chamber and spoke to Silviano, “something had been accepted by her, she is now resting and no longer struggles against the stream of events that has played out over these last couple of days.”
Silviano nodded and asked, “have we done the right thing, have we made the right decisions to withhold so much from her?” Elysian never hesitated, “It is not for us to say, we are but the supporting cast in a play that has been scripted by the gods themselves. We, including her father, all play our parts and try our best to be there for her. So, when she arrives at her destination, she will know there are those who will always be there for her if she needs us.”
With that he turned and returned to his own sleeping quarters as the last days had taken it tole on him and he also needed to rest so he could replenish that which he had given up of himself while assisting them in this journey to protect her, to ensure her safe return to her father.
The evening had passed without further incident, and all rested in the capital of this once great kingdom thriving below the surface world for time beyond recorded history by man. It was here that a spark was lit that would change not just a nation, but a kingdom and set the course of the future of races throughout this land.
Once morning came Georgia began to stir and to come out of her much-needed recovery. She slowly opened her eyes to find Silviano tentatively watching her waiting for her to wake up completely before speaking. She raised her hand to reach out to him, he took it and squeezed it gently to let her know he was there. She softly asked him, “Can you get me some water please, I am quite thirsty.” He signaled to someone at the edge of her viewing. A female dwarf came over and said to Georgia, what is it you need my lady?” Silviano told her she needed some water if she would.
Before leaving though Georgia reached out to her and ask her to lean closer. She did so and Georgia said, “You are beautiful, I have never seen any of your kind before and didn’t realize how beautiful the females were.” She quietly blushed and said, “Thank you my lady, let me go and get you your water.”
She returned with the water and Silviano had helped her to sit up in the bed now propped up by some large pillows behind her leaning against the ornate stone headboard of the bed. She took a few sips and then cleared her throat. She asked Silviano, “How long have I been out?” He replied, “A solid day my lady. You had us quite worried for a while.”
Georgia then asked, “Where am I? Whose home is this?” Silviano replied, “The first counselor has allowed us to use his home while you recover.” Georgia took a few more sips of the water and then asked, “Where is he staying?” He stays at the home of Stonefist with his family. They appear to be close friends.
She smiled at that and then asked, “Silviano could you send for Stonefist and the first counselor? I wish to say something to them.” Silviano responded, let me get Elysian first, I believe he will want to examine you to make sure you are okay before allowing a visit to occur.” She smiled and said, “What are you waiting for, go and get him. It’s important that I speak to Stonefist and the first counselor.”
He called out again and asked the young lady to go and fetch Elysian. Tell him she is awake and asking to speak with others.” She said, “At once, sir” She then left the room. Georgia continued to sip the water then looked at Silviano and said, “Thank you my friend for staying with me. I am sure you have not left my side knowing you.” He smiled and responded, “I am here always for you, my lady.”
Elysian then entered the room and came to her bedside. He asked Georgia if he might examine her a bit, it would not hurt but he needed to communicate with her through sense to understand where she stood in her recovery. She smiled and nodded yes. She then closed her eyes waiting for him to reach out and touch her mind. It did not take long. He responded immediately, “My lady, something has changed, there is a new depth and breadth I sense beyond anything I have known as it applies to our sensory abilities.”
She forced the closure then and spoke to him plainly, “Yes, Elysian you are correct. She, the mother, reached into me and touched my heart of hearts. Not the physical but the spiritual version of it.” He pondered for a minute thinking about what she had just conveyed. He then said, “I will allow you the visit, but you must keep it short until you have had more time to recover your complete strength. I would suggest you eat something too once you feel up to it.” She looked at Silviano and asked, “Can you see if they will allow you access to their kitchens? I would like what you served me the first time the morning after I came down for breakfast after our first meeting.”
He smiled at this and said, “I will return soon with your food, please try and rest in the meantime. Elysian will stay here until I return should you need anything. Elysian took up residence in the seat Silviano occupied. He asked for her cup and filled it with more water for her to drink. She took it and drank a few more sips then set it down.
She closed her eyes and began to retrace some of what occurred in the audience chamber, it was not what was seen by others but what she had felt when in close contact with the mother deity of the dwarven nation. She remembered feeling an unending love from her and a knowledge that she and others of her kind were watching over her and those accompanying her.
She knew what had happened to her was necessary for some future yet to unfold and she would not know what it was until that day came when it would be needed. A tear formed and dripped from her eye to roll down her cheek. Elysian reached out and caught it as it fell and said to her. “I know this has been hard for you, but know we are here, Silviano and I as well as others too I sense to help you reach your journey’s end.”
He handed her a silk hanky that she accepted and gently wiped her cheek and eyes with it. It wasn’t long before Silviano returned to servants trailing behind him and a complete set of meals for all of them in attendance. She said thank you Silviano, it smells bring back such happy memories from the morning of that day.
After they finished breakfast, Georgia asked the one servant she had befriended if there was somewhere she could bathe and refresh herself. She turned to Silviano and Elysian and asked, “Sirs, is it okay if I draw the water for her to prepare the bath?” Georgia was surprised by this deference to them vs. acting on what her request had been. They both nodded their approval and asked if there was also some change of clothing that they could find to fit her. She replied, “Of course sirs, I believe we can accommodate that.”
She then turned to Georgia and replied at last to her, “If you would follow me my lady, we shall prepare your bath and measure you quickly for some new attire.” Georgia stood slowly, allow herself to test her recovery and then followed.
Once they were in private, Georgia asked her as she measured her, and the bath was prepared by some other ladies of the house. “Why is that you deferred to the two gentlemen with me when I asked you a question.” She responded, “Oh, I forgot that you are not familiar with our customs. We always are bound to the men of authority here in our society. We can of course do many things during our daily business but as it relates to anything or anyone of importance, we must ask permission first.” She thought briefly and then added, “It has always been this way in our culture for thousands of years.”
Georgia replied, “Thank you for helping me to understand your life here. It is important that I do so I can better understand how to work within it while I am here.” She curtsies to Georgia, “I am honored that you find my help of assistance to you, my lady.” If you would follow me, I believe your bath is ready now.” They walked a short distance to a doorway where two ladies waited, they drew open the doors and there beyond was the largest bath Georgia had ever seen. It was quite ornate with water flowing into it hot and steamy and wonderful scents of perfumed flowers rising from the steamy waters.
One of the ladies then said, if you would my lady disrobe and enter the bath shall attend you and clean your hair for you and prepare you for a relaxing stay in the tub. She was not sure of this as she was quite modest, but she didn’t want to offend them or their culture in any way. One of the ladies raised a large towel to hide her modesty as she disrobed and followed her into the bath. She kept her hidden until she had sat down amongst the bubbles and water that came up almost to her shoulders. They said to her, “If you would my lady, please lean your head over the cleaning pool over in that corner.” They followed her to the corner and Georgia laid back and let her hair flow over the side into another pool of clean running water.
The ladies never took their clothes off but worked in the tub without being concerned about how wet they were getting. They began pouring some type of perfumed warm soap over her head and then used their hands to massage and clean her hair and scalp. Once they were done, they turned on a separate faucet that they used to get clean water and rinse her air. This was done one more time and they said to her. “We are going to leave you to relax now. If we may suggest that corner is lower and has a curved seat that will allow you to lean back and rest while the water and oils soak and relax you.”
They paused a moment and then one of them continued, “There is a pull located over there. Just pull it when you are done, and we will come back to help attend you to get you dressed in your new attire. Once the ladies were gone and door shut to the room, Georgia got up and moved to the seat they had suggested she use. She eased herself down and laid her head back to relax.
It was not long before she had fallen sound asleep again. In time there was a light tap on the door. A voice called out, “My lady, are you okay, the gentlemen are concerned about your welfare.” She awoke and realized she had fallen asleep again. She responded, “Tell them I am okay, I had fallen asleep it seems. I shall be ready shortly to get dressed. Just give me a moment to prepare.”
Georgia rose and stepped up and out of the bath water. She found a soft robe that once she had dried herself, she wrapped herself in it and tied the ties shut to keep it close. Then she pulled the rope and they ladies came back in with some clothes for her to wear. She waited and they came over and laid out some undergarments first for her. They said, “We will wait while you prepare yourself in these. You can use that dressing wall to stand behind them until you are clothed again in them.” Georgia thanked them and took the garments to the space behind the divider. She found a table and some hooks for her to lay out the garments as she fitted them on. She then hung the robe on the hook and told them she was ready for the rest of the clothes.
They came to her and asked her to raise her hands above her head. They stood on a stool since Georgia stood quite a bit taller than them although she realized the women were taller than the men were. They slipped a silky soft garment over her head and pulled her arms down through the sleeves. Once they were done the asked her to position her hands out front and they slipped another very elegant dress of some type onto her and the brought it around to the rear where they began to weave an elegant set of ties from her lower back to the middle. The shoulder area was left open.Afterwards they approached her with a long robe that was worn like a mantel but had a long flowing cape attached to it that flowed to her ankles. When they were done, they said, “if you would follow us into the dressing room, Silviano is ready to prepare your hair for the evening since he is more familiar with your traditions then we are.”
She acknowledged them and followed them into the next room. There Silviano was waiting with brushes and combs in hand and an elegant nightstand with full mirrors amongst a brightly lit area ready for her. He smiled at her and said, “Please Georgia, sit here and I will prepare your hair for the evening. They have prepared a special night to celebrate tonight.”
She sat down and Silviano went to work on her hair. He was using his magic as a hairdresser to prepare her for the evening. When she was done, he handed her a large hand mirror and slowly rotated her around to allow her to view herself. She gasped and said, “Silviano, where did these clothes come from, they are as beautiful as those you had given me the night, I first met the Duchess?”
He smiled and told her, “They made them for you while you were bathing and sleeping.” She replied, “The made all of this in that little bit of time?” He responded, “Yes, my lady, they are an industrious people and have learned ways of doing things from living here for so long. It is part of who they are, you likely noticed evidence of it and how busy they all appear to be all the time.”
She took out her hand, he took it and assisted her up. And escorted her to where they were to dine that evening. He told her along the way that those of their society that had influence would there tonight so be prepared for questions and look to me or Elysian should you feel you need assistance to respond to anything.
As they neared a set of doors, where the two guards that had been guarding the council chambers stood, she noticed their eyes lit up when they saw her dressed in traditional dwarven royal clothing. They bowed and opened the door for her and the room beyond was a hub of flowing people with tables, food, drink, and music.
As she entered Silviano whispered to her wait with me here for a moment. There was the sound of horns blowing a sweet announcement to the chamber and all turned their heads towards where Silviano and Georgia stood. He of the first counsel then came and stood in the center of the room announcing the following. “My honored guest, she who has been blessed by the all mother is here to join us for dining, song, and dance. Please show her the honor she most certainly deserves.
Silviano leaned towards her and said follow my lead please. She acknowledged him with a slight nod of her head. They began to walk forward the musicians began to play something that sounded like it would be played for visiting royal dignitaries. As she walked down towards the central seating area. The crowd began to bow as she approached each group and passed them. Her emotions were beginning to spin from all that was going on before her and Silviano reached over to her said, “steady now. We shall be seated soon so you can be more comfortable and less noticed.”
She continued to smile and focused on some inner place of calmness within her. She began to recenter herself and was able to make her way to the seating without incident. Silviano brought her around to a seat that had plush pillows set up to make her comfortable and said please, I will be sitting right beside you.
As she sat down the rest of those in attendance found their places and sat down as well. A bell was rung, and the food and drink began to be brought before them. Silviano, had spoken to the chefs beforehand and so when they came to serve her the food was all something Georgia felt she could handle. After all, she was still recovering from the events leading up to this moment. The music and entertainment continued through the meal, and she found herself at last able to relax again and find her calm center. It was a wonderful evening of new experiences for her. When all was done and the food cleaned up from the tables, many were given an opportunity to come and say a few words of encouragement to Georgia.
When the last of them filed by the first counselor stood up and asked that everyone outside of the inner counsel and Stonefist say their good nights to the lady. He said, “we have important business to discuss with her and she is still tired from the ordeal of the last couple of days.” After they had left, the small company of council members and Stonefist came and sat down close to her. The tables had been quickly arranged in a circle where all could be said comfortably without having to raise their voices.
Silviano had a pot of coffee brought and poured a cup for Georgia. “It’s your favorite”, she nodded her appreciation and then calmed her inner self before speaking. “First counselor, council members and Stonefist. I appreciate all that you have done for me since my arrival. It shall always be remembered with the dearest affection.” There appeared to be quite approval of her statement amongst those there.
She now moved toward the hard part. “First let me say I will keep this as short as possible and ask that you respect my wishes by doing the same this evening as I tire quickly after the event of this past day since arriving here.” There was a slight murmur amongst some of them, but she said, “I assure you I will be fine once I have time to recover from a full night’s rest. “This is important so please listen closely. When she, the mother of all had come upon the chamber she did something to me, it was nothing you could see but something I felt.” She had their attention now and not a sound could be heard outside of their breathing.
She then continued, “She touched my heart of hearts, and something changed in me, but with it she left this message for not only you but for all nations that will be part of the coming kingdom. “She had noticed that Elysian was now listening closely, hanging on to every word she said. She then said here is the message, “Here the oracle of truth has arrived, that which our nation has waited for beyond time measure has now been fulfilled. The hearts of the true shall stand beside her, the paths that are before us are no longer hidden but burn brightly with that which she carries with her.”
Georgia paused again, looking briefly around the tables. She then continued, “She is the circle complete, the gem untarnished. Within her is the future of a nation that shall rise for all people and all races, it shall be one heart, one truth and with it will come peace, compassion for all, and honor to bind us to each other.” She paused a moment, closing her eyes and tears began to flow from both her eyes but they were all held spellbound by her words and did not move to interrupt or act. She then said, “There are those that would not have this truth be fulfilled and they are arrayed against her and any who stand with her.”
“Depending on the choices that are made, there might be much loss and sadness for this omen to come to fruition. You who are the first race must be prepared for what is to come, but if you stand in honor with her, you will see the dreams of this nation and all others come into the light.” Her banner will be the ring, an unbroken circle known to us all and when it is placed at last upon her head, a beautiful future for all will be in place for a long time beyond remembering.”
When she completed the last of this, there was warm light that shown from her again as it had that day in the chamber and all those who had not been there that day then knew what had been said was true, she had been blessed by the all mother and they all lowered the heads in reference to her.
She turned to Silviano and asked please, return me to my chambers. He rose immediately and Stonefist was by her side at once. She turned for all to hear, “I name Stonefist here and now, my first commander, as I read his heart to be true and would have him at my side for the coming journey. “He bowed to her and lowered his head and she place her hand upon him and said, “No truer heart will be found in the coming strife that stands before us.” She then turned her gaze to Stonefist and said, “please come and setup whatever guard is required of those you trust.”
She then turned back to the audience in the dining area and “said there will be much ahead to be done, we will continue tomorrow once I have had time to recover more. Please forgive me as I must retire.” She turned and looked at each one in attendance and connected directly to their hearts so they would know what was said was true. She then rotated on her heels and began to walk out of the chamber with Stonefist and a contingent of guards both leading and behind her and her small company of Elysian and Silviano.
When she arrived back at the chamber, she said please have the ladies come and help me prepare for bed. I hate to ask it my old friend, but would you stay by my side this night and help to watch over me?” Silviano nodded yes. The ladies streamed in and began to lead her to the bed chamber where they quickly prepared her and made sure she was resting comfortably before allowing others in the chamber. Stonefist came and stood guard in her chamber off to the side close to where Elysian sat.
There in the room with her sat the small group who pondered that they now knew they were caught up in some grand adventure. One unique to their lifetimes. One that none of those present in the room with her had foreseen. Silviano wondered to himself, “How much of this had her father known, it was not a secret that her gift had in part come from him.” He then thought, “only time will tell once we reunite her with him to see how the rest of this plays out.