Many Sides

Fanella took Iona's hand as they got closer to the barrier and Fanella stopped before looking down at Iona with the biggest of smiles.

"Welcome to my home." She spoke, placing out her hand as it disappeared.

Iona smiled copying Fanella and then took a step in. Fanella closed her eyes as she took a step in and took in a deep breath. She then opened her eyes. It was just like the way she left it, but she couldn't feel anyone. Iona looked up at Fanella.

"They are gone, aren't they?" Iona spoke softly before picking up one of the bunnies nuzzling against her leg.

Fanella didn't speak a word. She began to move towards the castle. With each step she moved faster and faster.

She heard the sound of a Pearl Falcon to which she stopped and placed out her arm. The falcon landed on it and she closed her eyes. The falcon put its head to her forehead. A vision passed through her mind. She smiled to see Maeron.

"You came back, many thought you wouldn't make it. You may have been the greatest leader the kingdom has ever seen, and I am so proud of you. I want you to keep that in mind as I tell you this next part. No one blames you. We know you did what you did to help us. Rilien was just getting played, along with the rest of us. I mean you pose the greatest threat afterall. Anyways, this creature came from across the seas offering Rilien the power of following without question. Rilien offered the man half of the elvens to gain this. There is something bigger going on here, and Rilien is terrified. I was able to gather as much magic as possible and we created our own night of magic. We reinforced the barriers so only you and those you trust can enter. You are going to need a safe place where magic is to do what needs to be done. Fanella, due to this many of the elvens no longer wish to follow Rilien of our own accord. Now that the hard part is over, I am still your older brother and I am tasked with guiding you. You may have realized that Light elves haven't been the most popular outside of the border, but there are still many species that trust us. You may know that our history has been skewed a bit, but there are creatures who can help guide you as well. I don't have much room left for the rest of this message, but I left some reading materials in your new quarters. Your Majesty, our lives are in your hands." Fanella seeing Maeron bow before coming out of it.

"You have been out of it for a while, what happened?" Iona pulled at Fanella's hand and the falcon rests on Iona's shoulder.

"I am upset." Fanella took a deep breath. Her eyes changed to gold as the wind blew harder and the trees changed to blues and reds, as if to warn her.

"Fanella. Its ok. You don't have to to be upset! Angry makes you bad remember." Iona put her arms around Fanella as Fanella began to laugh.

"Sadness is different. Let's get you back home. Your mom will be so happy to see you." Fanella took a deep breath.

"What about you?"

"I must keep the promises I have made, and once you are back home I will have one less promise to keep." Fanella pulled together a smile and rubbed Iona's head.

Iona didn't realize she was being a burden to Fanella until then, so she nodded and smiled as she got back on the water panther.

"Is it ok for me to look around first?" Iona tilted her head.

Fanella smiled.

"We must stay the night so I can replenish my magic. You can go anywhere within the borders. There is something you may want to see tonight anyways." Iona smiled going off with the panther.

Especially now, Fanella knew the dangers of the outside world. This time she had to prepare to find this man and get her people back. She doubted they would just want to talk. She was going to have to use magic that she didn't like. She also needed to figure out what Rilien was doing.

She went to the kings quarters, there had to be a sign or clue of what was really happening. She knew Rilien loved his high places. For a kings quarters she expected there to be a place to perch. Using some of the vines growing up the wall she began to climb.

Fanella could see why he had liked being alone in the trees. It was kind of odd though, as of late his main priority had been more people oriented. Maeron couldn't even understand what he was doing, he must have been bored.

Usually kings dealt with matters outside the kingdom, but the elven kingdom had been sheltered for so long Fanella had assumed he was bored. But seeing how amazing it was up here she didn't understand why he would want to leave.

She hadn't even started going through his little perch, only looking at the view when she saw it. There was something wrong with the border. It was glowing. Not even a crack, but like an extra shiny piece of the border. With that in mind she looked around. Did Rilien know what this was?

She opened one of the more tattered books, definitely used more than the others. She opened it to the marked page. She began to read it and her eyes got wide. She looked at the border then back at the book. Reading a hand written cliff note she shuffled through the other books.

She picked up the one she was looking for and shook her head before opening up another cliff note. Soon she had all the books open and she stood back in awe. It was very apparent why Rilien did what he did. She placed her hand to her head.

"Rilien, you idiot! What in the name of Inami! Oh Inami give me strength…" She sighed. She then looked back at the first book to reread what she had read and found something new.

"Wait… This isn't light elfish… I need a… Damon." She took all the books and began to go off.

She had forgotten all about Iona when she passed through the border, but immediately realized there was no longer writing on the books. She went back in and that's

when she found Iona.