*snickering, I reach over and pat the startled girl, whispering* Welcome back, hon. *grin*

*LIstening, he blinks at first and then the corners of his mouth twitch as his eyes meet the great man. Thinking to himself, he realizes that the tale touches him - no, is him - no, is like him. His arm tenses a bit as he takes in the words...mixed heritage....father gone....glad to be himself...and he blinks again, the meaning clear.*

*She smiles and cannot fail to notice how he once again tells a tale that is only half fiction. Seeing into hearts, given the power of "sight," he draws her in too....and she laughs at his mirth and his memory of so long ago. A tear comes and hurriedly she wipes it away. Silly stories, but lovingly they are tucked in her heart as he begins one more poignant yet.*

*SSSSSSPPPPPPPSPSPSPPSPSPSPPSSPPPEPEPPEWWWWWWWWW* *COUGH HACK COUGH COUGH--* 

A apray of wine shoots from my lips and I begin to choke, go pale, my eyes widening at my...master...
"You...ye....ye mean...all this time...HIM...an'...an' I...OH LIGHT!" My eyes lock on my master--no, MERLIN! Shock registers on my face with the realization of the disrespectful attitude I have displayed towards the greatest of legends, the greatest of bards AND sorcerers--for YEARS, no less!--it's nae wonder he didn't turn me into something unnatural! 
"AN' YE KNEW?! An' ye let me...oh...oh bloody hells...." I look to Rhea as I go speechless, truly, honestly...
Speechless!

*I laugh and bend over to pat her on the back with a wicked twinkle in my eye* Oh dear, I did tell you I had something to tell you one day, but Em...er...Merlin did make me promise not to. I believe it would have inhibited your lessons, darling. *leaning back again with a large smile* Sorry, Em, do continue now, won't you? Now that for ONCE Lyssa is quite still? 

--Merlin.. the real honest to God adviser to King Arthur.. I spoke to him and he's right here... but... why is it I only feel less then I was before he showed up. I definatly need a night out.--

*I smile softly as Lytol returns and motion for him to join me by the fire, amidst Sigi and Louis, Rosie and Michael. He looks a bit shell shocked and I study him as I listen. Campfire stories. So...it isn't just the gypsies who tell them.*

Ah...*laughing*...this brings back memories, Em! *leaning back against Trufort and pulling Lily to sit beside me*

*And so too I come and settle Rowan on my lap as we draw close, curiously challenged by his eyes* He's looking at me, Ro! *grinning*

Shhhhh, or I'll ask him how to get rid of a pesky ghost! *I whisper to Thor then smile, then giggle behind my hand; it's funny, a ghost haunting ghosts, Rowan and me. I blush, trying to remember I should be serious.* Go outside and play, Thorn.

*squeezing Ro's hand excitedly again, I turn to look at Rosie who speaks to Thorn* Where is Little Zephyr, Thorn? You should go play. *chuckling*

*An eyebrow goes up and disbelief turns to skeptical wonder...is it possible??*

*Trufort's twinkle catches my eye and I smile, flushed with pleasure, my mouth working into a very amused grin. He is suddenly so nonchalant that it is funny. I can't help a little giggle as Thorn whispers by*

*Hushed voice and wide eyes* Ro! Did you hear what else? Hes....*pulling her very close*...Merlin! *then moving back to look at her and nod my head*

*Looking up at her entrance, watching for Rowan as well, anxiously*

*turning my head, answering softly* Yeah hon, I'm here. Curious, you know? *laughing*

*nodding* Love did as much to me...love has been a rebirth for me. *pausing I follow his gaze and note he misses nothing* And how I wish I had seen that land...that time! I too heard you had been buried in those Hollow Hills...some Crystal Cave. And I wondered if you were lost to me. Perhaps those days will return one day, Em. I will hope. *Ah so....he tells!*

*Idly listening, Dra starts as he mentions his tale of love...stepping away from the world...dying...reborn. Her eyes narrow and she turns them on the Man who seems to speak just to her alone.*

*smiling at Lyssa as she answers Em's questions, feeling a warmth and contentment for the first time in some while*

*looking down and smiling with memory* Ah, my friend, those days of your "youth" were some of my best. But of course the other more obvious change is...*she waves with her hand*...here...and my the darkness which I have come to abide in. Love drove me to change and gave me a son. *her smile is wistful* And through time I have come to see life change and see the world dissolve under the weight of progress. Ah for those lost days, eh Em? When ideals and virtue held us in thrall as something to be treasured and aspired after. *she sighs and then laughs lightly* But I have lived among man's harshness and I would hear of the dreams you have walked and the lands you have seen! How long have you been in Elsinore, old friend? And...*quietly*....will we see you again one day? *setting a light hand over his*

"Well, social obligations call, I'm afraid." Christine gives Fen's ears a final scratch, then stands up. "But perhaps you'd like to go for a run later?" With a last look backwards, and outwardly composed, she walks into the house, and enters the library. 

"Master Emrys, it is a shame you have to leave so soon after what must have been a long trip. Perhaps I can convince Cooke to part with some provisions for you, and see about getting them packed up. That is, if you'd like something," she adds anxiously.

*green eyes take shape and form in the darker corner and settle by the fire in silence.*

*laughing softly* Old? My dear Emrys, you will always be a 9 year old boy to me...no matter what else I see. And for your first visit to my home, I certainly hope it won't be another two or three thousand years before I see you again! *moving to sit beside him* But the others....they must have questions and I would acquiese to them...for them. *looking around the room* I'm sure the others will be returning soon, what questions do you have for an old bird like me? *quietly* I have changed from that woman you once knew...I hope not all for the worse. *rueful look*

*nodding* I do hope everything is all right, old friend...

*Making only a slight noise, Franklin steps out from the path and clears his throat* Mistress Christine....you are wanted back at the house. Master Emrys is wishing to see everyone for he must depart soon. Would you...tell any others you come across? My thanks Mistress. *He bows and disappears down the path*

Now.. let's see what mischief I can find.

*Franklin finds the druid and steps from the path* Sir, you are wanted back at the house. Master Emrys will be speaking to everyone and then is expected to depart soon. Would you tell any of the others that you should encounter on your way back? Thank you, young sir. *he bows and then moves on, still looking for others*

Madam, Mister Emrys has said that he will be leaving soon and would gather everyone in the library. I will do what I can to find the others. 

*He bows again and moves outside, to find anyone that may be about on the grounds and send them back to the house.*

*looking up* Thank you Franklin; I will go to him at once of course. *turning to the others* Shall we go back then? Perhaps we can indulge ourselves soon? *linking arms with Lily and Tru, I make my way back to the library and find Destin, Louis and Sigi already there with Emrys and Lyssa* Hello all....Emrys....I am glad you are up and about...but what is this you are leaving us so soon, my friend?? 

*Destin stops his joking and nods as the guest enters. He looks over at Louis and gets up from the piano, sensing that quiet is needed more than music.*

Piano, that's good. Maybe you can teach me sometime? But I'll accompany you and we can be musical hams, okay?

*laughing and moving to the piano.* Good think you are my friend, Louis or I'd wonder! *playing a chord on the keys with a chuckle* Rather a ham than a butt be! *grins*

Maybe someone like Vheyne can. . . trick me into that Draco! He was helpful with Destin, wasn't he?

*Rosie shakes her head at the mischief, thinking she wasn't like that in her ghost form.*

*I shut up then, eating the delicious stew, and glancing at the lovely teapot she sets down before us, while Rowan speaks to the magician.*

I will bring a fresh pot of tea out to you all. Go on now...Lyssa leave some scones for the others. I'll send Franklin to round up the strays...*nodding and clucking, feeling sorry when this one shall leave us*

Mistress Rowan and Miss Rosie. How nice. Ah Mistress Rowan I will feed you only if you promise to either come cook again or bring me your secret recipes. *grinning and showing off her new teapot by setting it in the center of the table with a wipe of her apron on its shiny surface* Now if anyone needs anything...*setting out a tureen of stew and some bowls*...you just be telling me.

Then my own ghost makes quips to us:* I miss ham. I miss eating. I want to have tea with you, too!

Behave, or someone like Vheyne will trick you, too! Oh, hello, Emrys and Lyssa!

*rising from her chair, Cooke stands at the stove, her kettle ever ready and her stew, hot. She smiles and nods to the ladies as they come in, getting down more cups*

*tossing a mock glare* Oh very funny, Louis. You wouldn't be so glib if you had sampled Cooke's ham...though the thought of it now does not excite me, the memory of it still lingers. And how I loved it! So...how about a melody while the others eat, hrm? I can play the piano if you like....*getting up*

*turning at the sound of voices coming from within* Ah...I think the house is roused again. Well there is plenty of time for deciding...shall we go back in for now and see who and what is about? *I link my arm back around them both, hugging them to me* I love you both you know....very much. 

*nodding and smiling back at her* I'll be here, my love. *watching her go off with wink*

*wrinking his nose* You gals go on if you like. I'd be happy to sit here and just remember what we have seen. *kissing Ro's nose* You can eat for me, my love. *grinning* Though I confess I will miss ham...*sighing*

Well Miss Lyssa, is good to see you. *pushing over the jam* And so, I'll be leaving you two to talk. *she picks up her own cup and heads to her chair, but her ears do cause her to turn.* Three. Three that we know of. But only one has died....so far as we know. *softly her words come as she pushes herself down in her chair by the old stove*

*Cooke nods and clucks softly* Oh tis true, m'lord. Why d'ya think I spend all my days in this warm big room? Because it is home and mother to me as none other, save my own bed and my books. *she winks as slide over generous pieces of homemade bread fresh toasted and the jar of homemade jam* And things made by hand are from the heart, taste of love. *She nods again* I made a thick stew m'lord if you would care for it. You haven't to my way of thinking had much since your arrival. And last night's work must have been hungry work, I'm thinkin'. *his comment interests her* Do you know Mr. Michael then? *Peanut Butter's ear's twitch at the name and Cooke passes down some chopped veggies. Her face softens noticeably* He's a fine one...a joy whenever he comes round. The Mistress is particularly fond of him. How come you to know Madam Rhea, I be wondering? *she pours her own cup now*

*shrugging and then grinning* Well, he does radiate with a terrible power. *nodding to herself* And after almost 1001 years I am used to ....things...as they are. But if you get the chance. Do not make issue of it. *laughing suddenly* And honey, thanks. *with a green wink she disappears again in mists that roll over the balcony's ledge and fade into the darkness, drifting down onto the lawns*

*Surprised at the guest's appearance on the back stairs, Cooke's eyes gleam* Why of course, sir, 'twould be a pleasure. *wiping her hands on her apron and settling the kettle on the stove* I have toast if you wish but I also have some sc...*she turns and spies the teapot* Oh my! It's lovely! How kind! *Her smile is broad as she picks it up and the corners of her eyes mist up. She clucks and wipes them hurriedly* Too kind you are. *And she fusses sweetly, touched in her quiet homey way.* Would you be havin' some of my lindenberry jam then? And was that a real dragon in this house? *she muses as she pours the water in the large stoneware teapot*

*I wink at Lily* Why not at all darling! The family that hunts together, stays strong together! *smiling deeply at him* I only hesitate because Emrys might wake any time and I would be here when he returns. Time is...a bending thing to him. He does not keep the same schedules as we do. And I don't yet know how long he means to stay. *softly* But do not let me stop the two of you if you are so inclined! *giggling* You can bring me back a snack...

*snickering in spite of myself, never failing to be amused at my surprises, I sit on top of her headboard and look down on her upside down face* 

Lys, that one, that Man is very powerful. How could I not notice? And he...*whispering*...he knew...I mean I felt he knew my heart's whispering. *I curl my fingers together.* Look here, I have this curse and that one can command dragons! I wonder if you would do me a favor? Would you ask him.....I mean...might you see if....Well Benj, could he give me something against the gypsies? There is the riddle you know about my curse...*sighing, I plop down beside her on the bed* I don't like magic much as you know my friend. It has brought me nothing but trouble and sadness. But if he can help...maybe teach me a few tricks to use against them? Maybe? I'm not inclined that way, but...if there was even a chance. Something? *I turn to look at her, with a fanged smile* What d'ya say? Will you speak to him? Oh but don't say I said! *suddenly wary*

Lyssa, honey. This is me in your head. Wake up. C'mon now. Rise. I need to talk to you about your teacher. Wake you silly goose...er...Duck. *I laugh, a sound like bells followed by a low hum, and then I lower closer to her ear*

Wake! I want to speak to you about magic...and your teacher. 

*Silence decends and I do not do this well unless it is of my own making. I glance out the window and then back to Michael before sighing. Trufort, Rhea and Lily have gone outside, Destin and Rowan celebrate with Rosie and Sigi and Louis, Christine wanders. Adara is also withdrawn. Shrugging, I wrap the crimson up around me and push into the shadows, close - always - but fading from view.*

*kissing her forehead, returning that secret smile* The night holds my love, my daughter. Feel it's pulse and how it quickens the blood? We have not hunted in a long time....

*The brush parts and Fenris bounds onto the grounds proper and then begins to follow the departing form of a wolf. He keeps pace easily untill her familiar scent reaches his nose and he moves up beside the other.* 

*My thoughts drift off and my eyes shut as my paw splashes into a puddle.* 

*slipping an arm around both Tru and Lily* I see....the mystery of the heavens but the only dragons are in my heart. *smile* Lytol is out walking....Christine is roaming...the bower hums with life's quiet pulse. And am I the only one awed to silence, my loves? *squeezing them both*

*turning as I sense your arrivals* My darlings....I was stargazing...*smiling*

*Simone smiles and tilts her head and then scurries off*

*Simone blushes and nods and points out the window where Rhea stands alone*

*Simone gives the exotic Lily a curtsy and offers her some wyne with a smile*

*leaning over to kiss Trufort gently, I stand and move to the foyer, looking up at the rooms above, I close my eyes and whisper to a little boy long ago who told me stories...* Oh little one...who is real - the dreamer or the dream? *and smiling I move outside onto the porch to gaze up into the dark heavens, reflecting on the night. A wolf's howl, a lone druid, my son...and memories...and...love. A shooting star makes me smile and I think on Rowan's question. What next, indeed?*

"Excuse me...I'm going for a run." She gets up, and walks swiftly to an exit, avoiding company. In the shelter of the roses, she pauses, and inhales deeply. Salt water tracks down her cheeks as she shuts her eyes and starts to shift. Her form expands to that of the 8 foot man-beast, then contracts. Standing among the blue roses is now a large black wolf, with a silvery crescent of fur decorating the inner margin of her left eye. Wolves have no tear ducts, but her fur is wet. She lifts her muzzle to the sky in a single lonely howl.

*staring at Christine, I nod and watch her go. I think I will need to write her guardian...she seems....lonely and homesick. Sighing I remember him and I shiver. He would have found the dragon more than amusing...*

*dancing with her* And you are part Fae! What a magical couple we are! Rowan, can you get him to teach you how to do that? I'd like to see him again! *pausing, suddenly curious* We....we could see him again...maybe? He was here...wasn't he? *puzzled look* Yes, I wonder....who is he? He seems more than a bard....a teacher...a learned man...*whispering* Is he a sorcerer?

Good night Emrys and Lyssa! *the thorn ghost emulates me.

I turn and give a big grin to Rowan and Destin as he's exclaiming about being related to the dragon.*

*picking up Rowan again and dancing with her* Rosie! Did you hear? I'm related to dragons! Grrrrrrrrrr! *laughing* I wonder if any of the Fae ever flew the night with a dragon? 

Oh miracle.

Many lose the innocence of the knowledge that they have what they need in themselves.

Isn't that a miracle, owning ourselves?*

*Tentatively, Simone enters and pours wine and wyne for everyone. Slowly she makes her way around the room, staring at faces, wonderment plain in her face, offering something against the autumn breeze and the quiet of the room.*

*nodding slowly, I study her* Rowan! A...a dragon! *sweeping her up* Rowan! I'm related to a dragon!! *laughing and hugging her, suddenly I put her down, concerned. Are you alright? You were...shimmering...*but I can't stop grinning*

-Allanon is not going to believe this...-

*I sit down and stare at the space so recently occupied by the great dragon and then standing up I move to Drahomira.*I..I need a moment, I'll be outside if anyone needs me.

*My fingers brush her hand as I move towards the door and step outside into the warm night air. My mind whirls as I look up into the night sky and stare at the stars, so constant in their movements and try to let my mind settle.*

*my fingers follow his for a moment and I feel his shock and drained power, but I also feel his wonder and joy. I nod and watch him go, deciding to leave him for a little while. I turn my attention to the others* Well! *laughing shakily*

*Smiling, I withdraw from Emrys, his amused formality a twinkle in his eye* Until later, my friend. *but I reach out once more to touch him* For tonight's gift...*whispering*...thank you. *And then I move away to the setee by the window, collapsing into the cushions, feeling the heat disappear into the cold once again. I study the eyes of the others and laugh lightly. So much...* Trufort....everyone....some rest....some wine....some night! 

*still pressed between Lytol and Lords, I look up at the thorny laugh and grin* What is real, eh spirit? The dreamer or the dream? I wish I could do this...then the gypsies would certainly leave me alone! *but I grow silent, eyes watching as they pass over Lords, worried and tender. Then over to Lytol, gentle and concerned. Such power in these men and yet....how human.*

You know he was here. And he'll always be here, for we remember. Are you questioning yourself out of changing or what?

I think it would be a very good idea to hurry...

*Gritting my teeth as my staff feels so heavy.*

*The staff glows and then suddenly the dragon is gone. Lytol looks as stunned and weary as the rest of us. But ...magic! Wow!*

Lyssa...why not show your teacher to his room? I am sure he must be weary and could use a rest. And do not weary him with more questions....*soft laugh as I turn once more to Emrys* She does ask a lot of questions still. You must teach me a trick for curing that! *giggling softly, my eyes shining with wonder and gratitude and...mystery.*

*squeezing Lyssa's hand I move to my dear friends side at the chair and take the chair beside him* Dear Emrys, how do I thank you? You must be exhasuted and you should rest, Mer....Em. *my eyes meet his* Tomorrow there will be time for answers? *I take his hand*

*Smiling, I hug first her and then Adara* To think that he graced your world and that you pleased him so! Well done girls! And what gifts he has given. To remind you both that you have within you the answers all along. And once more he proves that truth lives within us all. We only have to reach in and recognize it...live it! *My eyes drift to my old friend* 

*I listen and step forward as he prepares to go. With cold fire in my hand I bend to touch his great wing and for a moment...we are....* Farewell, cousin. My gratitude. May the ages bring you peace. *I close my eyes as I restrain the longing to follow in his wake, to return to that which I remember and will too soon forget once again. He is the best of what was left behind. And then there is silence, as if he had never been. I sigh and smile.*

Oh Shandrivan, forgive my pause. I am humbled by your choice. I would ask ... no let me put it this way. *I hold forth my hands still tightly clasped about the pebbles* Each thing in the world has it's own power, soul, energy. You see here how *I focus again on the pebbles, a bit of my energy once again lighting a light with their energy flooding me, flooding the room. * How do you connect like this to the human soul?

*I make a small "O" with my mouth in wonder at both Lyssa's and Adara's questions. This answer though interests me especially given that I was just mortal and would have this insight. I grip Rowan's hand tightly in anticipation*

*I bow my head and close my eyes. I remember from the beginning of time....how right Shandrivan is.....how it all changed once Man's was lost...how the tides shifted and the world tilted. And Khnuman was as lost as my land. Shandrivan's wisdom is as great as his memory.*

I raise my head to the dragon, respectfully, standing straighter, more sure, "Great One, There is so much I would ask! You have lived from the veils of myth, and seen the tapestry play out in a myriad of possibilities, Light and Dark, our lives are but as candle flames guttering in the wind to your own, if there were but time to see, to learn, and to really listen, I'd...," I pause, shake my head, caught up in all the possibilities, caught up in...a real dream of my heart. 

"Lord Shandrivan," I pause, meet his eyes--*Oh, such eyes!*--"Great One, I would know, through all the ages, what is the one thing that humanity has forgotten--one thing that I can know, remember, and give back to those who dream, so that hearts may find their true path?" I bow, knowing that I am asking for a great gift, but unable to do no less. 
For I am a High Bard of Elsinore.

*standing between Lytol and Lords, I hold my breath. It is a good question and one I would hear the dragon answer. I think that I know but....can I?*

*There are many kinds of fire. He is mine; I hold the fire as my eyes return to his, my heart and my pyre.*

Power and beauty frames me - Countess, Rowan, Lily and Rosie. I am overcome.*

*her tender voice is eager and wanting but I shake my head. I have had too many miracles and dreams that have come true.* No, Lyssa. Tonight is not for an ancient's silliness. Tonight...is for real dreams....*my eyes reach inside her*

*I feel the tremors and I know the power quakes. I close my eyes too and deepen my resolve to aid as I might.*

*The strain shows on Emrys face and suddenly I am concerned for my friend. I release Trufort, closing my eyes, opening my arms and force the cold fire through my body, imagining the charm of making. Calm...stillness...fire...fire...stay...Feel the will and hold fast to time....My heart continues to whisper.*

A frown crosses my face. "I am happy here...but I feel as though something is missing, sometimes...but that is a question that I must answer for myself."

*I watch as Michael speaks, and I see the shadows in his eyes, shadows that call him. They call me too and I move toward him as he returns.* Michael...please....*I extend my hand to him*

*whispering* darling...will you speak to the dragon and tell him your secret within your secret heart?

Trufort...I love you. *I curl around him, bound to him, lost in him. And I watch the others and my amazement at Emrys and what he has brought to all of us, even me, continues.* The dragon....he must have known, my love...*smiling*

You do? *my voice, though soft, sounds infinitely loud to me, and then I smile, as though there could not be enough joy in all the world to hold my heart* Then I am content and sweetly joyous now. *I lowered my eyes then and closed them as if to hold this miracle forever in the cradle of a dragon*

*looking down I shake my head, for his words hit against a closed door. No. I have love. I need not wake the past to know this joy. No...you know my secret wish...and it isn't worth an answer.*

HOO-hooot!

*Gently I reach up and caress his marbled cheek* I think if you tell him your secret heart my love, and should he choose you that the question you ask might be anything at all. If you seek something then by all means ask. If you would know something, then ask that. But first...*my eyes caress his, dance with and flicker in his*...you must speak to answer his question.

*I have no wish to speak tonight. I would not dare.*

My secret desire? A man may have many secret desires... I would wish to see myself through the eyes of others. One may only truly know themselves through the eyes of others.

*Steping back, the thought crosses my mind of another desire. The desire that can only be found in a pair of soft cool arms... bright green eyes.. and even the sharp pain of a dark kiss.*

*My eyes meet Drahomira's for a moment and I know they are a bit darker then they had been a moment before for not having spoken of that more intimate thought.* 

*I take his hand again, silently understanding. Neither of us have spoken the most secret wish of all and so it must remain our secret....our dream. One day perhaps it can be...but it cannot be dared...yet. I lower my eyes and then turn slightly to Rosie who stands by Destin* Sweetie, why don't you go?

She steps forward nervously. Her eyes focus on the dragon, watching for any slight movement. Hands clasped, and trying not to shake, she speaks. "Bright one, I must withdraw from your contest with regret." She swallows, her soft accented voice pausing for a second. "My heart is my own, and few have been trusted with it." She steps back, carefully watching for a reaction.

*I listen and respectfully nod and turn to Louis beside me, whispering* I think that you should go next brother..or perhaps you Countess?

*How does he know my name?? I wince and the mists shift uncomfortably as I move forward, the green in my eyes bright to rival the green in the room. I hiss softly* What can be said for me? I am what I am. I have no regret. My secret dream is to know one thing. Something I cannot have or know or share without bringing regret to...*my head turns to look at Lytol*....another. I want to know what others feel. But this is no secret. It is merely...a dream. *I nod to the great beast and move aside, returning to Lytol and whispering* You must speak! 

*inclining my head seriously* I believe I understood him, my dear. And of course, his ways are not foreign to me. However, I believe you explained but did not give. You extoll but do not offer. There is a difference. *I turn my attention to the others and then back to the great breath in the room*

*I fold her to me as she returns* All things to be revealed in time? *I wonder at her statement. She is sometimes an enigma.*

*I giggle behind my hand as yet again I speak at the same time that Thorn does.*

*I move behind Lytol and push deeper into the shadows*

*her shining eyes meet mine and I wink, feeling silly but relieved. The pulse of the great beast swells the room and still...I feel small.*

*smiling shy, I pull her close and kiss her forehead* If I am, it is because acceptance gives me strength. Now you, my love. *I turn her to face the dragon*

"Within all hearts there burns a fire, 
Light and Dark beat forth desire. 
But what force begets the goal? 
As we walk between the shadow and the soul....
Some would say it destiny, 
But in truth, we are bound by possibility. 
We forge ourselves with what we give, and take-- 
Yhe heart's dreams arise from the choices that we make!
For, lacking or full, bound or free, 
We create what we precieve ourselves to be!" 

I open my eyes, and find my gaze upon my mistress, seeing a new truth in her, in each of them...and in myself. 
Bowing, I step back, between her and master Emrys, silent now in my own contemplation, caring no longer if I ask the question...for I think I have found my own answer, of sorts.

*nodding to Lyssa* Well said, my dear. But what is your secret dream?

*moving my arms around him, I pull close, feeling the depth of his emotions, and my heart answers with love. The fires live! *

*The tingling close, tells me that Thorn whispers* But what do I tell him? Truth? *I step forward once more and quietly clear my throat* um....Great cousin. *I bow* The dreams of my most secret heart are....also my shame. I dream of...*I hesitate and look around*...being...whole. Right now I am both the sun's fire in my heart and the moon's coldness in my veins. I burn with light and my touch is cold. I wish that I were one or the other. Either immortal in day or pure as the night. As I must live only for the night, it seems fitting to belong only to one and not the other.. *bowing again, I step back, reaching once more for Rowan with my hand and my eyes, knowing she understands if no one else does.*

*nodding, I take a seat again and wait, reaching for Trufort and quivering with shock and excitement*

*taking Rowan's hand, I move to my Mother's side quietly. I bow to the Dragon - my own cousin!* Great Shandrivan, I am Destin, son of Rhea, child of light and dark. I am cousin to you. *my voice is hushed* Mamma, perhaps we should let him choose among us? He does not know us, except a sense of you, so perhaps it would be less biased? *I stand tall as I behold my own past in the fire of this miracle!* 

*nodding* I agree. Emrys...ask our guest if he will choose for us. That is best and most fair.