A Shared Cup

A storm of applause welcomed Ashlynn as she took her place beside Nyrielle. Starting from the front of the hall, people rose from their chairs, clapping and stomping in approval to welcome one of the most powerful witches in the world to the Vale of Mists. 

At the table for honored guests, Kaisen and Helga stared at each other in open-mouthed shock as they numbly rose to their feet, joining in the applause to welcome the Mother of Trees. 

"Husband," Helga said softly. "Did little Heila ever tell you that the woman she had become a maidservant for was a great witch? I, I thought she was just a human lady who had become Lady Nyrielle's Seneschal the way Sir Thane and Madame Zedya became vampires…"

"If she didn't tell you, why would I know?" Kaisen said as he clapped his hands. "She tells you everything, but me? I only know if I hear it from you," he protested.