It will compel you also, one turn, when the burden becomes overly heavy.

No, my Queen. It will not. I have you. And you now have me. We will help each other through these moments. I know you think me overly young, but my mind is one of many eons. It was a gift that was born in me. While I cannot yet sort all things out because of my lack of cycles, the knowledge is already there. I am here for you, my Queen. You are not alone in this burden.

I never wished this burden on anyone else, Young One. And you also will be alone upon one turn.

No, my Queen. We must never allow this again. It is up to us to ensure this, but never again will you have to be alone. Nor will I. We will see to it, my Queen. We will ensure that there is at least another born before you and I must die, so that none of us are ever alone, again. Vow this to me, my Queen. Vow that you will never again enter this s.p.a.ce.

Vows can be broken, Young One. I broke a most solemn vow to save you.

Vow it to me anyway. Vow it to me, as I am the Supreme High Sovereign ruler.

You command it so, Young One? At such a young age, you now command me? Seleas invoking of her own t.i.tle amused The High Queen.

She wondered if she had overstepped her bounds, Would it help if I did, my Queen?

Sa.n.a.lraina laughed lightly, hugging Selea to her, aThen I vow it to you.a The High Queen rose and looked back down at her, aI need your body to grow, Young One, but your mind is already well past most. Grow more of your powers, as I am tired. And it is most difficult to take commands from such a body as this.a aGo to your Elf, my Queen. She needs you. And remember your vow to me.a Sa.n.a.lraina began to walk down to the beach, but turned, aYoung One? What color will be your hair when you reach your majority?a aRed, my Queen. Like yours.a Sa.n.a.lraina spoke softly, aI understand this not, Young One. Is there something I have not been told of in regard to you? The bond between us is strong, as if we are connected.a Selea giggled, aPerhaps, High Queen. Will you be attending the eve meal? I miss you.a Sa.n.a.lraina stared at the little one that already stood so wisely in The Realm, wondering as to her true background. She shrugged, aI know not. I will try.a She felt tired, but went to her Elf, sitting down beside her. Sleanela laid her head upon Sa.n.a.lrainas lap.

Without thinking, Sa.n.a.lraina ran her fingers through Sleanelas hair, looking upon her beautiful face, aTell Me your thoughts, My Desire. What troubles you so?a Sleanela looked up into her Queenas face, then looked away, aWhat do you think it is like to travel so far as these humans do, out there in all that emptiness?a aI have been told that it is a journey, like any other part of life.a aA journey. Do you think they feel alone in their travels, so far from their home?a aThey must have moments of such feelings. Such a journey must have its moments of fear for them, as that is a common feeling in the humans.a aHow do we know for certain that the Elves should return?a aA moment of indecision on your part in this regard, My Desire? Perhaps you know not of the past of this realm. The ones who first lived upon this realm were Mystics, but Mystics of a much different past than yours, or mine. They were much more mystical than any of us, relying little on physical needs. They lived here, but truly only lived upon this realm, not in it as we do.

aThe Elves were of their making, as the oldest of all Mystics were also the creators of all the other Mystics, including My kind. When they made the Elves, they placed them, like they did My kind, upon a realm where they could thrive, and the Elves did so. But eventually, the humans came to the same realm as the Elves. The humans believed not in Mystics of any sort, not understanding Mystic qualities. Since the only Mystics upon that particular realm were the Elves, this non-belief in Mystics killed off most the Elves, as you have been told. The earliest Mystics upon this realm were watchful of the Elves and saw what occurred, finally bringing them here, to a land of only Mystics. At that moment, it was vowed that the humans would never be allowed here. Not that they are bad, but their characteristics are such that it causes a plague upon the Mystics, such as the Elves, killing them.

aThe Elves were brought here, as all the Mystics wanted it so. The Elves are a large part of the mystical whole, and contain parts that no other Mystic has. It is why the Elves are needed. No other Mystic understands the connection across all the parts of The Realm as do the Elves. They are the ones to teach us of the Ancient Ones, of the Sorrows of the Stones, of the animals, and so on. Without them, the remaining Mystics are as if we have our arms or our legs missing from us.a aSo that is why The Realm wants no more of the humans. But can we not integrate them into our realm such as we have begun to do.a aWe could do so a for a while. It is not necessarily a matter of destroying these that now come, but of preventing large ma.s.ses of them. Eventually, they must be halted if we wish to save the mystical life.a After a few silent moments, Sleanela spoke again, aDo you think the Elves would welcome me as an Elf?a Sa.n.a.lraina thought about the true meaning of the question, then guessed as to it meaning, aBecause you are a half-Elf, only? In truth?a aIn truth.a aYou were planned by the Elves, My Desire. Only a half-Elf could survive so that they may return. So, in truth, it is already destined that you will be considered as great, among them, especially given your Elfin-Mother. In truth, My half-Elf, I would wager that you will become their Elfin Queen.a aElfin Queen? But I am only half-Elf. This would be ridiculous. There are enough Queens in our union, already.a Sa.n.a.lraina looked again at her beautiful face, touching it lightly, and laughing softly at Sleanelas statement, aPerhaps, My Desire. We shall see.a Sleanela looked up once again into her Queenas face and eyes, aWhat were you and Selea and The Healer speaking of?a aWhat were you doing with the large sea creature?a aIt came to me.a aAnd they came to Me.a Sleanela was feeling improved, as was her Queen. She rose from her Queenas lap, pushed her Queen lightly to the ground, and laid on top of her, aNow then. In truth. What were they doing?a The High Queen laughed, aWhat? Like you can keep Me here if I tell you not?a Sleanela pinned her Queenas arms down to the ground, aYes.a Then kissed her. Then kissed her neck, biting it gently, then kissed between her b.r.e.a.s.t.s. The High Queen moaned at the feeling.

aAnd perhaps you are correct.a Meera watched for a moment, then turned away from them, smiling.

After many moments, as the sunas set was occurring, Sleanela sat up, rearranging her garments, aLook. The sky is a sky-blue pink this eve.a Sa.n.a.lraina yet laid on the ground, resting from their intimate moment, well content, aIt is you I would rather look at, My Desire.a Sleanela began rearranging her Queenas garments, then began to pull her up, aCome. I am starving. You never feed me.a aWe could have it arranged that food be brought here. Would you not rather remain here and observe the sunas set?a aI want to see Selea.a The High Queen rose, aSleanela, My Elf. What do you know of Seleas background?a aThat I am her Birth-Mother, and that Sam is her mother.a aAre you certain of this, with no question?a Sleanela looked surprised, aNo. I know this not for certain. The Spirit Mothers said as such, and it was believed. I know that I most certainly gave her birth. Why do you ask?a They began walking toward their eve meal, aIt is not important.a She looked at Meera as they close to her, aCome, Warrior Woman. Walk back with us.a The High Queenas attendants tended to them quickly, preparing them for the eve meal, which was to be a more ceremonial eve than the eve prior. Meera had informed the High Priestess that they were finally arrived, so when Sa.n.a.lraina and Sleanela entered, the eve had already begun.

aI will ask not what took you so long.a Sa.n.a.lraina just looked at her sister, but vowed to herself to remain patient, aI am sorry, My Sister. My meditations called to Me. I apologize for My lack of consideration.a aHmmppphh! Your apology is barely sufficient, but it will do. Come. Let us begin the eve meal. You sit on the other end, with your Elf near you.a Sa.n.a.lraina was grateful that her sister had seated them away from her, hoping that Sam would be able to take the brunt of her vicious disposition this eve.

The meal was served, and Sa.n.a.lraina found herself fiercely desiring it. She took a deep breath and made herself look uninterested.

Sleanela laughed.

aNow what amuses you so?a aI can see that you are well starved.a aIt has been an entire turn since we have eaten. And you said yourself that you are starved.a aAre you going to inform your Elf about you entering your tenth meditation this turn, my Queen?a aYou speak out of turn, Healer.a aWhat is the tenth meditation?a aIt is better left unspoken, My Desire.a aShe knows she should have not gone there, so is now overly embarra.s.sed to tell you, Elf.a aHealer. You go overly far.a Sa.n.a.lraina was growing angry.

aYou angered me. And you made me fear for you. You cannot go there, my Queen.a aThis is not your affair, Healer. Remain out of this affair, or I will no longer allow you within My mediations.a aIf you have this little regard for your own health, my Queen, then I will have to resign as your Healer.a aHalt this. Both of you. Sa.n.a.lraina, tell me of this.a She sighed, and told her.

aWhy would you do as such?a aYou have never prior been in the tenth meditation. It compels those who have been given its abilities.a aCan this meditation be removed?a aNo. It is part of the learning process.a Selea was sitting next to her Birth-mother, aIt will be fine, Healer. She has vowed to me that she will never again enter into the tenth meditation.a The Healer looked surprised, aIs this so, Highness?a Sa.n.a.lraina sat back in her chair, no longer interested in eating, aIt is. I vowed it to our Supreme High Sovereign.a aWhy did you not tell me of this, Highness?a She took a deep breath, trying to control her temper, feeling like no part in her life was private. She struggled to just remain seated, wanting desperately to run away from all her burdens.

aSister. What are all of your discussing? It sounds most serious.a She sighed, trying to regain her patience, aWe were discussing the most wonderful meal that you have served us. We are quite enjoying it.a aHealer? Are you enjoying it, in truth?a The Healer looked at her Queen, then smiled to the High Priestess, aIt is as my High Queen has said, High Priestess. It is most wonderful.a aI am pleased.a She went back to her own discussion with Sam.

The Healer looked at Sa.n.a.lraina, placing her hand upon The High Queenas arm, aI apologize, Highness. I should not have brought this up. But I became frightened. I have made you lose interest in your meal.a Sa.n.a.lrainas eyes finally became softer. She sighed, aIt is fine, Healer, as long as you resign not. It has been an overly long journey, and My sense of privacy, what remains of it, has been well challenged, as has all of ours, I suspect.a The music began to play and The Healer rose, offering her hand to her Queen, aMay I have this dance, my Queen?a Then she looked at Sleanela, aElf? Is this acceptable to you?a Sleanela smiled and nodded to The Healer, aGo. Enjoy.a Shradlerain and The High Queen danced, aIt has been long prior since you have been in My arms, Shradlerain.a The Healer laughed, enjoying the dance with her Queen, aWe had our moments, High One. Now, just enjoy the moment. You need more fun, such as this.a aSo, you asked Me to dance to heal Me?a aTo heal us, my Queen. And please halt doing things that cause me great concern.a aI will try, Healer. For you.a Just as a new dance had begun, Sleanela had come up to her Queen, carrying Selea, aWe would like to dance with our High Queen.a Sa.n.a.lraina bowed to Selea and Sleanela, aIt is My pleasure.a She held both Sleanela and Selea to her. She enjoyed the never-prior known feeling she had as she held tightly to the two that meant the most to her in The Realm, feeling surprised in her own feelings toward the Young One.

When the eve was all but completed, and when The High Queen had finally eaten some of her eve meal, the discussion turned to the s.p.a.ceship, aWhat will you do with this message, Sa.n.a.lraina?a She turned to her elder sister, aI am preparing a message. I will send it to them in the morn.a Sam was surprised, aIs this wise?a The High Queen raised an eyebrow, aPerhaps you have a better suggestion, Highest?a aIf we answer them not, perhaps they will think that Sansthera I was unsuccessful, and return home.a Sumeanatinelatianon shook her head, aBe not so stupid, Youngest. They come, regardless. Send your message, Sister. I am anxious to see what you send.a aI want to hear more of the journals, High Priestess, with your permission?a Sumeanatinelatianon waved her hand, aIf you wish, Young One. Youngest Sister. Read to her.a * * * *

Journal #2a"Sanstheraa"2449a"June 11tha"Entry #4 (06112449) I havenat had any time to write in the journal of late as Iave been too busy with setting up all the equipment. We sent our first message home today. It read: aSansthera I to Earth. We have landed and are well.a Iave forgotten to record it in the journal, but we came up with the name for our new home just before we left. It took us all turn to do so, but I think we all like it: Sansthera. Sans, for no or withouta (French, I think), and thera is a misspelling of Earth. aWithout Eartha. I think itas clever.

It will take Earth a long while to receive our message, of course, but itas finally been sent. I took a few moments to myself today, and went down to enjoy the sea. Itas so beautiful here, and reminds me of the coast off some of the Caribbean coastlines. The water is fresh and unpolluted, and radiates this intense blue like in the warm waters of the Caribbean, except that itas not salt water. Strange. And yet, itas not a lake. Itas the one thing that takes some getting used to. All this water, and yet itas fresh. Since this planet is much larger than Earth, it makes sense that much of the ma.s.s of it is covered with water, like Earth, yet all the water is fresh water. Hard to get used to.

Journal #2a"Sanstheraa"2449a"June 15tha"Entry #5 (06152449) Iave begun a routine of getting up early and going for a swim in the sea. I still canat used to that itas fresh water, but enjoy it immeasurably, and its temperature, which seems to run a constant seventy-two degrees. Amazing.

The buildings are going up quickly, which is as hoped and practiced back on Earth, and thankfully, all the parts seem to be with us. Burn is doing pretty well as the leader, but there have been a few incidents. Heas just never been the same as I remember he was when I first met him, but all-in-all, being the leader canat be easy.

I havenat said anything to anyone, but I couldave sworn I saw someone today. But not one of us. They were at the edge of the forest as I left the water after my swim. I tripped on a rock, and when I looked back up, they were gone. Perhaps Iam just seeing things. According to all our tests, this planet is uninhabited.

Iave been swimming in the nude as I didnat bring a swimsuit (and of course, canat go buy one!), but Iall have to quit that practice. As I came up this morning, Brian was sitting by my clothes, just smiling. What a creep. He had a look in his eyes that frightened me. I thought we had all been thoroughly psychologically tested, but apparently weare also all too smart to not be able to sidestep those stupid tests. So much for thinking we have no perverts with us.

That aside, this place is beautiful. Itas everything Earth is, but more. The air is fresher. Thereas no pollution. Thereare no cities and no high-rises. But I do sorta miss all the restaurants.

Everyone is pairing off already. Itall be interesting to see how this goes. We have an a.s.sortment of ethnic backgrounds between us. All have at least one Ph.D. There are also mixed s.e.xual orientations represented, as well as a good representation of religious preferences. Iam one of twelve atheists, prefer men (although my lack of success with them in the past has steered me away from them altogether since a few years ago), and am of Asian-Canadian descent.

aEnough?a Sam thought she had read enough.

Miladerain was becoming interested in the journals, aSansthera. Without Earth. So, Earth is what they call their Realm. What does the word earth mean?a Uthrn shrugged, aWhat does realm mean? It would be the same.a Miladerain looked at her Queen, aHighness. Forgive me, but perhaps your sister is correct. How can we be certain that sending a message to these s.p.a.ce flyers the wisest of choices?a aWhat would be your suggestion, High Counselor?a aIf we send them a message, they will know that someone is here.a aAnd what is wrong with that?a The High Priestess agreed with her sister that they should send a message.

aIt might awaken their curiosity. With this much ability and determination to fly this many cycles across the deepest of empty s.p.a.ces, they are not ones to easily give up, Highness.a Sa.n.a.lraina listened, but had already thought of these possibilities. Yet, Miladerain is not without good thoughts.

Uthrn could think only as a warrior, aIt might warn them, and then they would come prepared to fight. If their machines or technology can do all these things we have seen, their weapons will be well beyond ours.a aBut they have no Mystical abilities.a Selea also believed that a message should be sent.

The debate continued for many moments, both amusing as well as frustrating The High Queen. Neither The Healer nor Sleanela entered the debate, realizing that The High Queen had already thought through all the possibilities, and had already determined her action.

When she finally tired of their overly many words, she rose, looking upon all of them, aI thank you for your considerations of this a this event. I will be sending the message in the early morn, and then we will need to plan for our departure to Elafsandallea. Force Leader, have all your commanders at the meeting next turn. High Priestess, with your permission, I would like to speak with you prior to the close of this eve.a To all, she said, aWe will be leaving in two morns.a The High Priestess was surprised that Sa.n.a.lraina was planning to leave so quickly, but bowed her head in acknowledgement.

Sa.n.a.lraina looked down at her Elf and offered her hand to her, aA final dance prior to leaving for Elafsandallea, My Desire?a * * * *

aWhy must you leave so soon as this?a Sa.n.a.lraina was surprised, aYou wish us not gone, and quickly so?a Sumeanatinelatianon waved her hand as if dismissing the thought, aI am getting accustomed to your ways, perhaps.a aCareful, Sister. If I remain for two more turns, you might possibly learn to like Me.a aCount not on that, but I have grown quite fond of the Elf and Selea. Even Sam is somewhat likable. And your Healer is most excellent.a aSam?a aYou know, Samarainathelaineln? Our sister?a aYes. I know this well. I just knew not you called her by this name.a aIt suits her I think. Remain three turns. Besides, you could use the rest. You are grumpy.a She paused for a moment, then added, aI could give you an argument for doing so.a She thought, I doubt it, but instead said, aAnd what would this argument be?a aThey might reply to your message.a Sa.n.a.lraina was caught off-guard by her sisteras thinking, aI had thought not of this possibility. Perhaps you are correct.a She stared at her sister for many moments.

aWhat do you stare at? Do you think me stupid?a aNo. The opposite. I was thinking that you are a good thinker. I have much need of this.a aYou want me to be your counsel? Be not so outrageous as this. I have no need to serve you. I have my own town to rule. Do you agree to remain another three turns, or not?a aYes. We will do as such.a aGood.a In the morn, they all met in the long building, waiting for Sa.n.a.lraina. The High Queen and the High Priestess had both agreed that the scholars would be allowed in after they concluded their own affairs.

aWhere is she? Does she always keep everyone waiting in this fashion?a aShe is The High Queen, High Priestess. We are here for her.a Sa.n.a.lraina entered with Sleanela, fully surprised everyone was there, aI knew not there was to be such a gathering as this.a aYou kept me waiting.a I knew not you were going to be here. aI am sorry, My sister. My apologies.a aWell? What do you wait for? Send your message.a Sa.n.a.lraina looked at Sleanela, She is more than I can take.

Sleanela reached for her face, holding her hand against her cheek, aSend your message, my Love.a Sa.n.a.lraina went to the display that read receive, ensuring herself that their message yet continued. When she saw that it did, she went to the next display panel. She saw several rows of letters and numbers upon one of the displays, guessing that she would need to place her message into the display through them. She tried pressing the first letter and saw that it worked, pleased with herself.

aWhy do you keep us waiting? Send it. Why are you so slow as this?a Carefully, she pressed the letters of her message, checking that each one was correctly on the display afterward. One-by-one, she pressed them, until she was finally done. She searched for a moment for the b.u.t.ton she now needed. When she found it, she pressed it. Then she stepped back.

aIt tells Me that it is sent.a aWhy must you keep us waiting. Tell us. What did you send?a Sa.n.a.lraina looked at her irritating sister, aCome not to Sansthera. You are not welcome here.a Sam looked at the display, wondering how the message would be interpreted, aNow we wait. Do you think they will respond.a Meera nodded, aThey will respond, most definitely. But with concern.a They spent the next turn resting and waiting. Sa.n.a.lraina spent the turn teaching Annawn and the Warrior Woman more of the Masteras sword skills, planning to remain well away from her elder sister, while Sam and Selea learned more of their powers. Sleanela practiced her bow and arrows skills, as well as practiced her newly obtained sorcery. Caitha learned stories from Sanstheraas storytellers, Uthrn learned more of the Black Guardas ways, and Miladerain watched Annawn practice, wondering if she did, in fact, desire Annawn, or if she were just overly nervous in meeting up with UaAine. Annawn, in the moments she could spare her thoughts, thought of The Healer, while The Healer watched her High Queen and her wished-for lover.

At the end of the turn, they all went to check to see if a new message had come to them.

aThis is a waste of our moments. Even the journal said that it would take many moments for a message to be sent to Earth.a aThat was many cycles prior. They must have advanced across all these moments.a Selea looked up at them from her seat at the display, aThere is a new message.a aWhat does it say?a aIt says, aWho are you?aa Sa.n.a.lraina stepped up to the display panel that she had used to send her previous message, aI will send one last message.a She once again worked at the panel, pressing in the message she wanted them to see. When she was done, she pressed the send b.u.t.ton.

aI have sent the message, aWe are the Mystic Women of the Realm. Return to Earth. You are not welcomed here.aa * * * *

If you missed reading The Women of Woden, Book I or The Mystic Women of the Valley, Book II of The Mystic Women of The Realm series, please visit www.gate-way-publishers.com or request it from your local bookstore or retailer.

About the Author.

Robbie Collins lives with her High Queen and menagerie near a small town and a very large lake. She has a rather unbelievable background in a preponderous of esoteric knowledge. Upon occasion, she dabbles in Celtic folk music, hiking, snowshoeing, writing, kayaking and gardening. She has always followed the road north. Visit with Robbie Collins on the Internet at www.mysticwomenoftherealm.com/.

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