Ninth Letter - By Opalf

My Dearest Friend Astra,

Of course you are forgiven! You must forgive me! It was wrong of me to be so harsh on you for having your secrets. We all must keep some secrets, me included. And no, I will not tell you what I mean by that.
All I ask, is that you do not bring this business of the "Gift" up again. Please. I cannot ask you to drop it - but no more can you ask me to believe it. Please forgive me friend, I have tried, but I cannot believe something so prepostrous and mythical as there being such a thing as a descendant of the "Gift" in this advanced age and that someone being me. Let us not pain each other more and simply put the matter aside.

My dear friend, I have been concerned about your warnings against the Xar. They have caused me many a sleepless night and I have not been able to get over that feeling that you know something I do not. But, as I reflect on these things, I must give allowance for the fact that you have never met the Xar. How can you judge someone from such a distance? I have trusted you before, but in this instance I trust my judgement of a man I have grown to know so well more than yours of a man you have yet to set eyes upon. In this also, let us not approach the subject either.

So, you are in Rust Ridge, are you? And it sounds as though you are having quite an exciting adventure at that. I do not envy you though. We have had our share of adventures together and I am content to laze my time away in luxury and splendor. I do hope Silvia is not too much of a burden on you, she does have a bit of a tendency to lose her nerve in a situation more intense than baking her Milk Pies. But don't forget that her spells can be quite useful and they are what got you out of Quest safely. Do not put her off so very easily. And at the Swandre's no less! Have you forgotten that my good mother and theirs had a bit of an argument over the butter and cream of their good Brown Woc and we had to make a rather hasty retreat? Or perhaps you were not with us that trip. But, no matter. If you are to leave Silvia somewhere, I would suggest the Buckners, as they are also in Skye Falls and have a girl near her age and they got on famously last Winter Fair we were there. But if you are intent on setting her off somewhere, I dare say you'll have to tell her about it sometime and you may as well ask her opinion on her residence. Just be certain you are gentle and she has a good warm cup of Goca while you are talking.
So, you are not fond of this Gale? I am afraid I have little pity on your behalf. He sounds wonderful, rendering you such a service. I should think you would be grateful to him. But I don't pretend to know what you feel towards men that are over six feet and have a shocking amount of visible muscle and Changing eyes. Am I write in my guess? Yes, you were always one to have something against the strong male's who on their part always had a bit of a partiality to yourself, though you were always hard pressed to admit it. There, in some cases I believe I do know you better than you do yourself.
Well, if we are to be confessing faults, I have one, one that has been racking my soul with torment these past eighteen hours. But in my usual form, I will narrate these past six days for you.
Every morning, I made it to the Garden as early as possible, anxious to show that I was eager to fulfill my promise and that I rather enjoyed it. But no matter how early I tried to be, the Xar was always there waiting, sitting on the Marbel bench, looking for all the world as if he were about to set out on his favorite pastime of hunting, rather than go on a walk with me.
We would take our walk, at times deep in conversation, at others deep in our own thoughts. The silence always companionable and the talk always comfortable. There are few subjects we have not broached at some point or other, including those of our personal lives. You may be shocked at this degree of friendship, but from the moment I met the Xar, it has seemed impossible for me to hide what I feel and think from him and I confess, I have had little inclination to do so. And I will go as far to say that I believe he feels the same way towards me. He has told me things that I dare say he has told none else and I have done likewise. But I will not further bore or anger you, be your feelings what they may.
After our walks, I spend the day Recording what little I am asked to and perusing the library or grounds, whatever suits my fancy at the time.
At five sharp, I join the Xar and his guests for dinner, followed by a Lounge in the Throne Room, where I have come across some of the most extraoridinary people and conversations. But again, I will not bore you with these details.
This is the regular routine of my day and it has not varied much in the past six. But what is of importance, is these last eighteen hours.
The Xar and I went on our usual walk yester-morning, only to end with the sad news of his going away for a week. With my usual stanch abilities, I kept a good face, but I could not help but acknowledge as I came back to my rooms, that I felt a keen sense of heartache deep in my chest at this sudden removal of my daily pleasures and company. I sat thinking for some time, and eventually came to the conclusion that I feel a deep sense of connection and affection for the Xar. I feel keenly that I do not like his being away and I think there is a rather large chance of my being deeply in love.
But do not fret my friend, as I came to the conclusion that this diagnosis of my feelings must be correct, I also acknowledged the fact that, in the situation I am in, these feelings are useless and apt to be annoying. Therefore, I have resolved to rid myself of them at the earliest possible moment. But in my duties as a friend, I felt I should tell you how I feel and why your warnings against the Xar have affected me so strongly.
I intend to be fully cured of this fancy by the coming week when he returns. After all, I cannot let something like fanciful love stand in the way of saving the world now, can I?
(In case you did not catch my flik, that was a joke.)
The Night of Rudeth is in one month exactly. I must give my answer to the Xar in two weeks. Do not worry, I will keep my promise to you, old friend, and stay firm in the negative to him.

Yours always,
Xandra

P.S.
Be careful of the Flaggans. And do not scorn what help you can get, even if it is from someone you detest so much as Gale. And if you would, give him my deepest thanks for saving your life and keeping you in a vicious temper. You may keep the last bit off if you wish.

P.S.S.
I believe when you say "follow your soul", you are referring to that long conversation we had that night in Dernde about whether it is better to follow your head or your heart and I believe we came to the conclusion that it is best to follow your soul, for soul is a balance comprised of the Spirit, Mind, and Body.
If this is so, I will do my best to follow my soul, if it is truly the soul that tells you what is right and what is wrong. But I cannot guarantee that I will always have the wisdom to define between soul and heart.

8th Letter

Xandra,

I apologize for dumping this all on you. Right now about the only thing I can do is be sorry. Sorry about the lies, sorry about the bad news, sorry about hurting you. Sorry.

But you should know that I am serious. Just bad at telling you the whole anything and everything. So, sorry about that too.

I know that you are angry at me for telling you that you hold the world in your hands. And I know that you don't believe you do, so, sorry? And again, sorry, for offending you. You do not have to believe what I have told you. Just accept it if it is true. And know that I am COMPLETELY in my right mind. We can leave it at that.





Well the night of Rudeth is approaching, and I am forever grateful that you have chosen to be in the Heart of Corinth at that time. I hope you look forward to what will happen. Even if you don't know.





Your life at the palace sounds like a world opposite to mine, which is probably a good thing. Just as the syne rose yester-morning, a man we are traveling with, and whom I very much dislike, and I (I didn't mention him in the last letter because I hadn't met him yet) had to fight off some Flaggans, so I guess you can guess where I am since the only place Flaggans roam is Rust Ridge, but now you know anyway because I just told you,UGH! My 'gift' of stating the obvious is kicking in! Well, lets just say that it was SC-A-RY.





Well not to pop you bubble of happiness or anything, but I am inclined to say that even though you trust the Xar, I do not. I hope that it counts for something too. Because you thought that you knew me and I was nice, right? So just think about what you are getting yourself into before you get in too deep.



Sorry again! I just keep giving you warnings, and dark news. So I guess that what you really want to hear from me is something like 'Don't worry about a thing. Just do what ever you want while you are alive.' or something. And I'm sorry that I cant say that exact thing to you, but, what I can say is that if you follow your soul, then you will be happy and everything will turn out alright, no matter what.

Also, I cant say to follow your heart, or your mind, because if you just followed your heart then you could make a choice that defies your mind. And that would not be good. And visa versa for your mind.

So, then since you are having adventures in the Capitol. I guess that I should tell you something of what I'm doing in Rust Ridge...

When I went through the Discharge, after I sent you the Oplaf, Silvia and I ended up in the Egdir Tsur Mountains, and it was raining. So we found shelter in a cave. The next morning we found the Snag River, and got water and some fish. Your sister is surprisingly good in the wild by-the-way. She caught the fish and built the fire to cook them on! Anyway, so after that we headed towards the Tree of Gifts. It was there that we fist met the Flaggans. They attacked us out of nowhere. So then, just as one was about to strike me down, and Gale (the guy I don't like) came and saved us from them.

After that we said our goodbyes and found a ledge on a cliff that was close enough to the ground to sleep under. When we woke up Silvia was gone. I got worried so I started to look for her. And you'll never guess who I found her talking to... yeah, Gale. I guess that they had met up at a branch off of the river. So things happened and Silvia decided that we could use a man to protect us from all the dangers of the wild. He agreed and no matter how I argued, he tagged along.

So then lots of things went on as usual, with the small attacks, and the hunting for food, and the moving across the Mountains.

When we got to the Ridge, everything went smoothly until the last day when we were attacked by the sc-a-ry Flaggans. These ones were a little different and were HUGE, but we defeated them. The only problem was that Silvia got scared and was really jumpy. so the one time that she thought that she heard something she jumped around, tripped on a rock, and fell a shot ways down the slope. So she was okay, but she broke a finger and got scraped up a little bit.

I think that I will find her a place to stay in Skye Falls. Maybe with the Swandre Family. Do you remember them?

Well that is my amount of adventures.

With More Apologies,
Astra

Seventh Letter

Dear Astra,

I hardly know what to write. Your letter has caused me many mixed emotions and I still don't know that I feel up to the task of writing this letter, to one whom I now feel I know so ill.
Though my mind tells me I do not know you, my heart cannot let me be a complete stranger to one who was a short while ago, my dearest friend. Therefore, I still feel the need to confide in you, as I have always done before.
My first time through your letter, I was convinced you had bashed your head in, for your brain must be scrambled to make up a story such as that. But on further perusal, I have come to the conclusion that you are at least half serious. Are you serious?
It is truly hard to believe even a part of the fantastic things you have written me. I do not doubt your abilities or your determination to do what's right, but I confess, I find it rather hard to believe that you are a member of this, group, this, "Nebeula". But my longtime faith in your honesty compells me to acknowledge this fact as an actual truth. But how can you have kept this from me for so long? It has hurt me deeply. But I will not say more on that point.
But beside all your amazing adventures, and secret societies and fantastic prophecies, you expect me to believe that I am a part of this? That I am the one with the "gift"? My dearest friend, I fear your imagination has led you astray.
Your story, I suppose, has a possibility of being the truth. But that it can have any impact or importance on the dangers of our day, is incredible and hard to swallow. That this "Rax" can come back to haunt us, so to speak, is ridiculous. The story has been told and therefore, that is the end of it. It has no bearing on today.
But aside from all these things, I find it harder to believe that you would concoct such a fantastic story, merely for your own amusement and my distress. In this light, I cannot help but believe that what you say is true, or at the least, you believe it is true.
Yes, you belong to a group called "Nebeula". Yes, there is a group called "Nova", whom you oppose. Yes, you have miraculously learned to fight with weapons and magyks. Yes, there was once a terrible battle fought, where one called "Nokturne" defeated one called "Rax". Yes, "Nokturne" had a gift, a gift of changing people. But No, I repeat No, I do not have this same gift, and never will.
What could have enticed you to entertain such a thought? What has brought on this bout of insanity? What has led you to such a fantastic conclusion? I fear for your health of mind if you do not dispell this idea once and for all.
I am still unaware as to the dangers you seem so certain are soon to beset us. But I warrant that danger is most certain to be there and I will do all in my power to assist all I can in overcoming the evil around us. But I will not allow you to put me in a fantasized position of such importance. I am hurt and offended that you would tease me in such a way. Do not play so upon my feelings. I have given my support all I can. There is no need for forcing my hand. I will not stand such patronization.

Please forgive me. I do not mean to injure you with my rantings. I am certain you mean well. But in all seriousness, tell me what I can do to help. I am as dedicated as you in the cause of good.
And do not worry yourself so. I will be there, in the heart of Corinth on the night of Rudeth. It's not as if anyone is to prevent my going. I will be there.

You seem to have taken my recent refusal to Benden as a more serious matter than I meant you to see it. It was all in fun and I know for a certain fact that Ben did not mean a thing by it.
He sent a note yesterday, thanking me for the good fun we had together and his much needed practice in the art of disguise. He made it known to me that the whole affair was merely a challenge from a group of friends and that he knew I would not be one to take such a thing seriously, and therefore I should be safe to practice on. He is off to join a performing group in Corinth and he asks that I come see him, as he owes all his training and talent to my great tutoring. But he still asks that I meet him "at the heart of Corinth on the night of Rudeth".
His letter gave me a great laugh. It was as I suspected all along. I agree with you on the point that we should not do well married to each other, but I declare, I find him a funny fellow and should not begrudge knowing him better someday. He has talent and I shall enjoy watching him on stage.

Putting all war and danger behind me, I shall tell you of my last two days here at the Palace Vast.

My room is all one could ask for, only in want of more to fill the enourmous space. But I know how you detest details of decoration and taste, so I won't bother you on the subject and will recount my latest encounters with the Xar.

On my first night here, I was taken dinner in my private sitting room, along with the regrets of the Xar that he was unable to join me. He was delayed in an unforeseen meeting and would not be back until late that night. But he graciously requested my presence at every evening meal with him for the rest of my stay in the Palace.

I was deeply flattered and gave my heartfelt consent. The following day, the Xar was out, and I was unneeded and left to my own devices. I explored what parts of the Palace I felt comfortable being in, and spent a large part of the day in the Vast Gardens as it was a beautiful day.

That evening, promptly at five, I was called down to dine with the Xar. There were other guests present, for you know the Xar never dines alone, and I was introduced to each one. I don't recall anyone of great importance, excepting Lord Gerome, who, as you may recall, has recently come to the Capitol to occupy tht position of Chief Overseer of Jewells. My introduction to Lord Gerome was very warm and he took to me very well. I suspect he was told somewhat of my part in getting him his new position.

Dinner was delightful, but uneventful. I sat near the Xar and he frequently spoke to me, asking me for details of my stay so far in Buair and my other adventures around the world. I was more than happy to fill him in and he was a splendid listener, frequently asking me to expound on certain points and places.

After dinner, we adjourned to the Great Hall, where cushions and chairs had been positioned around the Xar's throne. I had a few moments to speak to the Ladies there, but was soon called to sit next to the Xar, as he was anxious for my opinion on whether or not Grandfather Melvin would be more likely to plant Zuy seeds in the fields next year, or Kerch. The Lords were against Zuy, saying they tended to bring more Tze flies, but the Xar was for them, saying that with their harvest nearly every day, they brought in the most profit and food for the people, where as Kerch only brought in a harvest every three days and that the people could stand a few more Tze flies for a lot more food. The debate went on, but the Xar eventually won out.

I will not tire you with the remainder of our trivial conversations. The Xar was extremely kind to me the whole night through, and I was grateful for his attentions, where I was in a situation foreign to me and had not made the acquaintance of any others in attendance.

Dinner was much the same last night. I am slowly but surely making the frienship of some of the ladies of the court but the Xar continues to keep me by his side. I have not had any more meetings to Record, but I am enjoying my peace, going often to the Vast Gardens to contemplate.

While I was in the gardens early this morning, I had the pleasure of meeting with the Xar himself. He was alone, which is rare, and he invited me to join him on his stroll. I did so, and he graciously proffered his arm. The morning was soft and everything was in bloom, nothing frightened to show it's face.

We walked for a few minutes, discussing the weather and the flowers, and other trivial things of the same sort. When we came to the Lotus Pool, the Xar took me to a bench and we sat down. We continued to talk, never stopping for uncomfortable pauses, the conversation always flowing gracefully. Our conversation would not much interest you, except near the end. We had been discussing the Night of Rudeth and I again gave my regrets but stayed firm that I could not attend the meeting. He let it pass and told me to continue to think on it. We got up and started to make our way back to the Palace. When we came to the place where we were to part, he bent down and kissed my hand, then stepped away to leave. But he then turned back and came closer to me. The syne was shining softly behind him, and I could just make out the regal features of his face. He took my hand again, and with his eyes now locked with mine, asked if I would join him for a morning stroll every morning, for he would surely suffer if he were to take that lovely walk again without me.

He looked so wonderful and his voice was so soothing and I loved the walk and I couldn't help but say yes. So, now I go walking with the Xar every morning and I dine with him each night. Do you think that is wrong? Your warning is still clear in my mind, but I cannot think that it is warranted. The Xar is a good man, and I trust him. Nothing but an evil act on his part can entice me to think otherwise. Your words will not sway me.

Yours ever,

Xandra

P.S.

Forgive me for my anger.

I am always anxious for your safety. Take Care, my Dear Friend.

6th Letter

Xandra,
I'm so sorry for confusing you so much. I was in such a rush to get out of Quest that I'm not even sure what I said makes sense to even me. But it was all true, Buair IS in danger. I know that you still have no idea of what is happening, so now it is time to reveal the little that I can. It occurred on Pillaff Day at the dinner that is always held at Rayven Manor. But I suppose that I ought to tell you some of the few secrets I have with held from you.
Now, where to start...well, I guess that I should tell you that I belong to Nebeula. We are an organization that opposes The Order of Nova. A secret group bent of domination of everything. For years others belonging to Nebeula have fought Nova in secret. And just so you know NO one can know of this except for you. To continue,when we were in Omega I accidentally discovered what was going on, with my 'Gift' of snooping it wasn't hard, when the other members discovered that I had discovered their secret, they discovered blackmail. The threatened the lives of you and your family, I think that they would have threatened mine except that no one knows where he is. So then they said that I would either have to watch my friends die, or I could join them. Its obvious which I chose, right?
So now that I have told you that I can treat you to more secrets.
All of those times that I disappeared, and you wondered where I was, but I wouldn't tell you is because Nebeula doesn't just fight with tactics against Nova. I had to learn to fight physically with weapons, and magyks, in secret. It was hard, but with the help of someone that you know, (but I cant mention his name because it is forbidden secret stuff, you catch my flik?) I made it through.
Now, telling you of what has really been going on with me, I have realized that you scarcely know me. But, I know you, and know that you will be angry with me for keeping important things in my life from you. So please just finish the letter, and think about things for a few days.
Now that you have a little background information. I will tell you of the dangers we are about to face.
You know some of it. The epistle of Gargan for example. Is not just and epistle, but part of an ancient prophecy, in ancient Elfeven which is so long that I care not to take the time to tell the whole thing to you, but the gist of it goes like this...
In ancient times a war of immense proportions tore through The Relms like a savage beast. More devastating then the War of Frost Witches, it ripped apart the Balance. Good and Bad, Light and Dark, they all combined into one force know as Rax. The most vile creature to ever cross into our everything. No one knew of its origins, where it came from, or what its purpose for being here was. All they knew disappeared when it came. Will all opposing forces intertwined, they were mindless creatures, having no will of there own, they had no will to govern them selves. All except for one man. Know to us as Nokturne, he who possessed the Gift that is only been passed to one in every 125000 years. The Gift is not quite fully know to our people, but we know that it had something to do with being in the middle of everything, and the ability to change others. So he didn't belong to JUST the Light, or JUST the bad. He belonged to both opposing sides, he was all, he was believed to be a opposite of Rax. His gift allowed him to keep his mind, which infuriated Rax, because he wanted control. But Nokturne knew that being heir to this great Gift knew that only one being could be the Balance of things. And that even then the universe had a hard time combining all forces. He knew that if things carried on Rax's way, everything would tear its-self apart. He knew that he had to do something to change it. So he traveled a quickly as time would permit. Changing others, raising an army of his own to rebel against Rax. His army grew into a vast force that no one kingdom had ever possessed.
But, Rax raised his own army of experimental beings, beings that no longer retained their original races qualities. They were void of pain. They were killing machines, without the ability to stop themselves from massacring villages, countries, times.
Well eventually this war was decided in the final battle know as Lexicron. Nokturne, sacrificed his life to seal Rax's power. But Rax was so powerful that over the years he reincarnated into different beings, that in their 27th year, remembered all of his past lives and couldn't repress his power and became some of the most well known villains, rulers, and now past people our histories have ever known.
This is also where Nebeula comes in.
Rax was the original founder of Nova. Nokturne or Nebeula. And you might never guess it, but all of our great wars have been fought by the same people and on the same grounds.
But, this war will be different. This time, Rax's power has significantly increased. This time, Nebeula may not win. This time we need you.
Back to the Gorgan prophecy. It was prophesied, by the last heir of the gift, just before he died that the next person to inherit the Gift would be the one that would decide the outcome of the next war. The next person to inherit the Gift, would either destroy Rax, or hand over The Relms to him.
Then next person to inherit the Gift.


Is you.



I know that you don't believe it. I know that you think I am insane. I know that you hate me for telling you this.
I know many things. but I cannot do anything about them. But I know that however can be there to help you I will.
Things are coming. You will need as much help as you can get. And you absolutely HAVE to be in the heart of Corinth on the Night of Rudeth. It will be a hard choice between the Xar, Benden, and myself. But know that I Will be with you on that night no matter which path you choose.
I hope that you will tolerate seeing me after all that I have told you.
With Knowing,
Astra
P.S. After all of this scary stuff I thought that you should know I am glad that you refused Benden. I don't think that you could stand to be married to each other.
P.S.S. Silvia sends her regards. And misses you. And wishes you luck.
P.S.S.S. I know that you probably still have lots of questions. And I didn't answer half of the ones that you had in you last letter, so just try to be patient with me. Even if it is REALLY hard. And even if you cant stand me after this.

Still be safe.

Fifth Letter - By Opalf

Dear Astra,

Be discrete, you say. Hah! That's like telling the Syne to be dark. There I was, having Eta with Grandfather, and trying not to let it show in my face that I was reading the most dreadful news! And yet, still I do not know what is wrong! What can you be alluding to? What do you mean by the wrong side? Which side is right and which is wrong? How is Buair in danger? Where does the danger come from? You're scaring me!
Oh my stars! Grandfather is calling.



Later:



Oh my stars! I am so very confused! First you, now him. What is this world coming to?! That is EXACTLY what I want to know!
The Xar has sent a letter, notifying me of some troubling news, but not mentioning what, and he has asked that I join him and his council for a meeting this very afternoon. As Record Keeper of course, but he mentions that I am not to hesitate to add my thoughts and ideas.
Oh my stars! I swear, you have made me lose all sense of decorum. How am I ever to encounter the Xar again with your warning against him constantly going through my mind?
Perhaps in this meeting I shall learn something of what is going on.



Later:



OH MY STARS! At this very moment I am sitting in the uppermost Tower Bedroom in the Palace Vast, writing you this letter in the hopes that you will keep it for your posterity, so they shall then know that you were best friends with the first girl to DIE OF CONFUSION!
My dear friend, if dear you really are, you are responsible for spinning webs of confusion for my mind to unravel, webs which I now feel completely entangled in.
I went to the meeting, it seems the entire Council made a point to be present. I was seated next to the Xar and Grandfather was in the Audience Chamber. The Xar was gracious and very kind, and the Council accepted my presence as Record Keeper.
The meeting began and the first order of business was to have Lord Greyhound read the shocking epistle from Gargan. Here is roughly what it said:



Gashome highlectioney, frucvisiounee heedIyfganeve shaleemshvunay cestprognuvia.



And then, dear friend, they all began to speak Gargian! I swear I was like to scream! How did the Xar expect me to Record when I don't speak a word of Gargian? But of course, with my Gift to Record, I faithfully wrote down every word spoken, without the least knowledge of what was spoken of.
So I am still completely in the dark and I can't keep my eye out for anything suspicious when I don't know what to be suspicious of.
The Xar was amazed at my abilites and he has asked me to reside in the Palace for the coming months, so as to always be on hand to Record. Grandfather was called away on some urgent business and so I cannot even ask him what the trouble is!
So, here I sit in a great tower, all alone and not knowing WHAT THE FLIPPIN' GALAXY IS GOING ON!
Oh my stars! It seems I shall have to finish this later. I am being called for.

Later:

I had vowed to never say it again, but here goes: OH MY STARS!!!!!!!!

I suppose I had failed to mention in my previous letters that I have lately recieved an offer of marriage. Do not overly excite yourself. It was tactfully rejected. I hardly need tell you from whence it came.
Benden Steel seems to have followed me here. I thought Silivia had got him off our trail back in Juno! But apparently he made some discreet inquiries and found me here.
Since I have nothing better to do at the moment, I shall narrate his escapades.
Benden arrived at Grandfathers doorstep the day before I first met the Xar. With his usual theatricals, he was dressed as a classical portrait painter and before ten minutes were gone, he had won himself into Grandfather's heart and home. I knew nothing of this as I was gone shopping for my new gown, but when I returned, I found Benden and Grandfather in the sitting room. Benden was trying his best to make a likeness of Grandfather and Grandfather was trying his best to not show his discontent on his still face.
I did not first recognize Benden, you know how masterful his diguises can be, but when I noticed his pointed left ear, I immediately knew my tracker had found me. I played along for a while and I think Benden was quite confident he had finally fooled me, but I soon found great fault in his painting and ordered him thrown out. When he was convinced I was serious, he threw off his disguise and bowed before me, vowing he would die if I made him leave this gorgeous house where I resided.
When I did throw him out, I watched him out the window and he merely shrugged and waltzed away.
When we returned from the Palace Vast the following day, Benden was there, having installed himself into the kitchen as the new Gourmet Dessert Chef.
When I found a Sapphire ring in my pudding, I knew who was behind it and I ordered the "new chef" into the dining hall.
He was brought out and systematically played his role as forlorn lover and then he knelt before me, pledging his heart and his floury hand and all of his meager possesions as mine, if I would "but make" him "the happiest man in the world by consenting to be" his "wife."
You would have been ashamed of my manners, for I nearly burst out laughing. Fortunately, I kept my cool and ordered him thrown out. He left, pledging his love all the way to the door.
Truly, I do not know why he has kept up this foolishness for so long. It must have been nearly seven months ago that we met him in Fegnard, and he has followed me since.
If you look at it in a practical manner, one can tell that this is merely a charade and a game to him. He enjoys his roles and my scornings. We have never conversed with more than a simple "Good Morning" and I don't doubt he wouldn't remember my name if his roles did not require him to say it so "caressingly" so often. But this is beside the point. His latest charade has left me utterly confused.
He came to the Palace, requesting to speak with me, saying it was of the most urgent nature. When I came down to the Hall, he was not in a costume of any sort, and I barely recognized him as himself. There were no confessions of adorations, indeed, he did not even mention his recent proposal. Instead, he seemed greatly agitated. He was pacing, back and forth across the plush carpets of the Hallway.
When I came down, he bowed slightly and then ran up to me, taking my hands in his. In any other situation I would have scorned him and taken my hands back, but he did not hold my hands in a loving gesture, it was more a gesture of the utmost pleading. Here is what was said:
"Xandra, have you heard?" He was looking earnestly into my eyes. Did you know that he has the most extraordinary green eyes. Anyway, I was near to bursting at this question, for of course, I had not heard anything other than hazy cautions and meetings of Council conducted in a foreign language.
But I was polite. "Heard what?"
Benden had dropped my hands and was pacing again. "No, of course not. Why should you have?" He was really talking to himself. He swung around and faced me. "Xandra, will you do something for me?" He was pleading most sincerely, but I was not ready to commit myself.
"What would you like me to do Ben?"
"Meet me at the heart of Corinth on the night of Rudeth. Please." He was looking very closely at me and I tried hard to conceal my surprise at his request. I thought things over and decided that it would do no harm to promise to meet him as I was already destined to be there.
"If you like. I will." My words brought a visible relief to his eyes and he stopped his pacing and just looked at me, as if to judge my sincerity. He then made a sketchy bow and hurried out the door, but not before looking back at me and saying softly, so I could barely catch it, "Be careful."
His whole demeanor has got me up in the air. His role playing seems to have been dropped completely and I could swear he was in earnest. But I have absolutely no idea why he would wish to meet me the same night and in the same place you requested.
Oh my stars! I am being called for.

Later:

I cannot believe it. Dearest friend, what is so important about the night of Rudeth?
The Xar has asked that I be present at a meeting to be held that night. He says it is vital that I be there. I have told him that I have a very important meeting of my own but he will not take no for an answer. He has told me to think on it and he will expect an answer no later than two weeks before the day.
I am thoroughly and completely confused now. I feel like so many important things are happening around me and I don't have a clue to what they could mean.
Enlighten me.

Friendship Forever,
Xandra

4th Letter

Xandra,
I am so sorry for rushing the formalities of recognizing all of your grand adventures in The Capitol. But the truth is I only have a few moment to spare. While Silvia's spells give me more time to send you this I must tell you, Buair is in the gravest of dangers. I have overheard terrible things here in this small Quest. Treachery, deceit, and all that we know is about to change. You must find out what is going on in the Palace. I have to leave this place. We are going out through the Discharge behind the picture of zoollog in Willow's old bedchambers. I don't know where I will end up, but you MUST send me any news that you can about everything mysterious you hear. Be discrete. I cannot help you with anything that is about to happen. All I can say is that is that you and I are also in the gravest of dangers. Beware everyone. Only trust old acquaintances. So not over stay you welcome there either.
If you do anything you have to meet me in the heart of Corinth in two months time on the night of Rudeth. Remember what I have written to you and burn this letter. If anyone on the wrong side sees this it will put the lives of more then you can imagine. Different races, time clots, dimensions, everyone will hardly have the light of Stellar with them.
You are my very best friend. You understand me better then any other. And You are the key, and the one that I wish to be the safest.
One more thing I can say is that you must remember the Xar may not be you friend. Especially if he is Nova. You must believe that we can find out what is going on together no matter what.
The Opalf I have sent you is one of the strongest in The Relms of Rothe. I acquired it while in Camellott. Use it to contact me in these dire circumstances. It will send to me you news and help you to find me if the time comes.
I have to go. They are breaking through her spells.
Be CAREFUL. Let Stellar guide your mind, but follow your heart.
With Urgency,
Astra
P.S. I am sure that you looked beyond lovely in your dress and hair. I will continue to wonder at the Xar's gifts for you.

Third Letter

Dearest Astra,

I shall now tell you every detail of my grand adventure in the Palace Vast, big or small.
Grandfather and I got up quite early and began our eager preparations to go to the Palace Vast. The Xar said he would send a Car, one of those large transports the Inventore himself made, at seventy-five past two. I confess, I was nearly hyperventilating, I was so nervous! Duke Gandull has loaned us ten of his servants while we are here and one of them is a fabulous hairdresser and she made my hair look like the Milky Way! It came down in beautiful shimmering waves upon my back, taking on the hues of the moonlight when we were outside and the sparkle of the Synelight when we were in. I bought a new dress for the occasion, sapphire blue, shimmering with stardust, it wraps gracefully up around my neck, leaving my shoulders bare, and then swoops down slightly in the back. The skirt flows around my legs, but was specially made so that I never trip on it. I had wanted to have my eyes done, but the servants were much against it, saying my eyes were my natural beauty and that if they did them up, they were likely to blind the Xar. I laughed of course, but they kept on at it, and I finally gave in and settled for my plain blue eyes.
The rest of me was beautiful! I think I felt what it must be like to be you! Grandfather most emphatically approved and when the Car arrived, we were off.
The Car was long and black and it purred like a tiger. When we got in, it took off at a great speed, going much faster than a Heetah.
We came to the Palace Vast and it nearly took my breath away. The hallway we entered was sparkling in purple hues and the walls were draped in the darkest velvet I have ever seen, but still somehow it gave off light.
We didn't see much of the Palace, for the room we were to meet the Xar in was right off the main hall.
The room was exactly square, and it the center of it, sunk slightly into the floor, was the Xar's throne and the Xar himself on it. The throne was of a beautiful light wood, with simple carvings of the universe all around it's edges. The Xar was dressed in his state robes, his trousers dusted with dirt and his top hanging slightly open, showing his muscular, work hardened chest. In his hand he held a small chunk of wood and while he talked with us he sat carving the chunk. He was carving a lady of some sort, for soon you could see the smooth flow of a dress and the elegant lines of a regal neck, with the lady's hair flowing out and around her face and gently down her back.
Yes, I confess, I was paying too much attention to his carving and not enough to the conversation I was supposed to be recording. But his hands were so beautiful, deft and strong, with little scars all about. He rarely looked at his work, his hands seemed to work of themselves.
Here is the jist of what I recorded of the meeting: The Xar got up when we came in and warmly shook Grandfathers hand and bowed slightly to me. We all sat down and I took up my pen and paper, though I was still watching the Xar.
Grandfather opened the meeting, giving a rough view of why he had come to Buair and the situation in Camellott, the feelings of the people and so forth. The Xar nodded thoughtfully throughout and kept eye contact with Grandfather throughout, except giving me an occasional glance and smile.
When Grandfather had finished his narrative, the Xar sat in silence for a moment, his brows pulled together in thought. Here is what he finally said:
"The people of Camellott are the best judges of their situation. From what you have told me, it seems as though it would be best if Lord Gerome were removed from his position as Judge." Grandfather nodded and the Xar went on. "However, you have forgotten one critical thing." Granfather looked confused. "Lord Gerome is a powerful ally to the Kingdome of Gargan and if I were to remove him from his position, we would bring a greater threat on the people than Lord Gerome alone poses at the present." Understanding came to Grandfather's eyes and he bowed his head in thought. The Xar's work on his carving sped up as he thought, oft times his hands moving so quickly I lost clear sight of them. Finally the Xar shook himself out of his reverie and looked at me.
"I believe Xandra has an idea." I was shocked, for indeed, I did have an idea, but I was puzzled as to how he could have guessed.
"Indeed, I do." I gave him a puzzled look and he smiled.
"You were twisting your pen in a slightly different pattern and your mouth lifted slightly on the left side about twenty seconds ago. I simply guessed." He smiled again and I shook my head ruefully. He motioned for me to speak.
"It is not really an idea, more of a thought. The problem is that you must keep the allegiance of Lord Gerome but by robbing him of his position as judge, you are afraid that will spark his wrath and we will lose him as an ally. Is that correct?" He nodded. "Well, if I may be so bold, the answer is simple enough. Lord Kalley recently retired from his position as Chief Overseer Of Jewells and I believe Grandfather mentioned that Lord Gerome is discontent with his position, seeking to higher it. What higher position could he want than Chief Overseer Of Jewells? I am certain he would jump at the chance."
"But surely that would not solve our problems. We are not attempting to give Lord Gerome more power, we are attempting to take the little he has away from him, which he abuses." Grandfather pointed out.
"Just so. But in what ways does Lord Gerome abuse his power? The Xar pointed out that the people are the best judges of their situation. The people believe that Lord Gerome is wrong for the situation which he now occupies. But surely that does not make him wrong for any position. I remember reading about Lord Gerome when I was last in Camellott. He is known as being a rather hasty man, apt to dislike courtly manners and politics, therefore apt to do all he can to get them out of his way. But he is an intelligent man, and knows that if he were to give up the position he has, he is not likely to get another. But you are missing the main point." I said this when Grandfather shook his head in confusion. "Lord Gerome was raised in Gargan. His father occupied the position as Chief Overseer Of Jewells there for a short period and Lady Gerome, has made it a point to let the women at court know that her husband would come to Buair in an instant to fill the same position. She is known to have said so, just last week, after it was made public that Lord Kalley had retired." Grandfather was beginning to smile and the Xar was waching me keenly. "So, you see, all you have to do, is offer Lord Gerome the position he wants and he will be more than happy to give up the position that suits him so ill."
Grandfather was chuckling softly now and the Xar had stopped his work on his carving, nodding slowly and appreciatively.
Grandfather said, "What a fool I was to not fill you in on the details of the situation earlier, Xandra. We would have saved the Xar some wasted time and me an apparently wasted trip."
The Xar said, "Surely not wasted! I would never have had the chance to become acquainted with such a gem as your granddaughter!" He smiled at me and I could feel myself blushing. "I will do exactly as you say, Xandra. I will send out an offer to Lord Gerome immediately and another one to your Grandfather." Grandfather looked up in surprise. "Yes indeed, Melvin, I will send you a formal offer to fill the position of Judge of Camellott, for it sounds as if that would suit the people just right. Good Day to both of you."
And with that he left us, leaving through one of the curtains on the walls. As he passed me he pressed something into my hand and in his other hand I saw his finished carving and I was shocked to realize that it was me! I suppose he is in the habit of carving those who come to see him, though he didn't carve Grandfather.
I did not have time to look at the thing in my hand until we were in the Car heading back. It is the most beautiful thing! It is a doe, small and plain, but there is something about the face, the set of the large eyes and the confidence with which they stare back at me.
I have studied it over and over again and each time I find some beautiful little detail, endearing me more and more to this small carving.
I am honored that the Xar would give me this gift and I will treasure it always. It is a silly hope, but I hope to meet him again.
Now, tell me of your life dear friend. Are you still in Quest with those awful clouds of darkness or have you moved on with our travels without me? Tell me all!

Friendship Forever,
Xandra