Curtain

Delicate, gold and silver notes swirled around the palace of Lady Cumulus. Aelen closed his eyes and enjoyed the music floating around him like a stray breeze. He heard the sound of his own boots on the polished floor and noted the difference in his stride. His steps were as measured and sure as they had ever been, they but rang on the marble with a note of confidence. His hair was washed and brushed and shone like polished gold in the daylight and bright silks wrapped his body. But the ribbons and sashes were layered over the black iron armor that had protected him in the Unwild. The long, gracefully curved sword on his back had known blood.

His silver eyes opened again and he smiled at the court around him. Warlocks, scholars, warriors and troubadours gathered around. Each Eladrin inclined their head with a smile, acknowledging him. Fey courtiers flashed smiles of their own. He saw Lord Butterfly and Lord Aspen in attendance. Aelen Stratos reached the center of the gilded room and dropped to one knee. A faint wind stirred the dangling ends of the cloud-silk scarf around his neck.

“Your art?”

Aelen smiled at Lady Cumulus. “I traveled to the Unwild and met brave companions. We fell into a mystery – a deadly threat from their recent past. There were savage beasts, horrifying undead monsters, and terrible magic. Together, we fought and triumphed.”

“Yes,” The Fey Lady said.

“Every battle was done in your name, and every battle was a test of my skill. Each cut and slice was as beautiful as I could make it.”

“Your art?”

Stratos smiled as he thought of all he had seen and done. Sasha, Leilia and Argent… There was so much more to the adventure than swordsmanship…and all of it beautiful. He felt the touch of Lady Cumulus in his thoughts.

At an invisible signal the music began again and a warm breeze feathered Aelen’s cheeks. He rose as the court began to applaud. With the patronage of Lady Cumulus there would be a position at court, and plenty of gold to pay for books and stories of the Unwild. There were other performances out there…other adventures to be had.