Wren+and+Yuki+spend+the+morning+chatting+about+Gods,+Family,+and+Boys

Wren walked down toward the waterfall where Yuki was communing with her goddess. She glanced back at the faces in the windows, and shook her head and laughed to herself. Boys... She climbed up quietly to find a comfortable spot on one of the rocks along the cliff side where the waterfall flowed down. She leaned back and sat under the starry sky, patiently waiting for Yuki... not wanting to interrupt her prayers. When it seemed that Yuki was finished, Wren spoke, still gazing up at the sky... "You know, Yuki... I've been thinking, and something that Rosche said has been bothering me..."

"Wren!" Smiling radiantly, Yuki emerged from the water wearing, to the disappointment of their onlookers a goodly distance off, a long white diaphanous robe. It was wet to her breast and hugged her tightly, betraying her flawless body to Wren's eyes. Two long slits on either sides of her legs ran to her waist and a thin clasp haltered the whole gown behind her alabaster neck. The material was not silk or cotton but the teasingly provocative fabric favored by the priests and priestesses of Sune. (See: Cheongsam @http://www.goodorient.com/images/P/GDR1103_200.jpg )

"Have you been waiting long?" A pale rose-white light...seemed to shimmer around her body and she looked a little like a lovely star glowing beneath the night sky. Wringing out the long hair she rarely wore down, she bent over and picked up a thick, warming robe of deepest red and threw it around her shoulders, "What's this about...'Rosche'?"

"He talked about each of us... only giving a little information... and I don't know a lot about this Leira, and you're always studying gods and religions... do you know anything about her? Other than what Rosche said, of course. Former goddess of lies and illusions, slain by Cyric...something about dangerous."

"Er...well...Wren..." Yuki walked over and sat down beside her, "...I...wasn't always the best student in school." She shot the witch a mischievous smile, "Mynta was terrible, you see! And SOOO DISTRACTING! It's a wonder I became a priestess at all!" She laughed as if remembering...happy, happy times. Somehow Wren got the impression it was probably the other way around...

Wren grinned knowingly, but said nothing... only nodded.

"...but...I remember 'Leira'. She was...or 'is', if you talk to some really 'out there' crackpots, an audacious power. Actually, I was pretty sho...er..." She glanced at her friend apologetically and cleared her throat, "...surprised when Rosche called her your...'patron'?" She smiled, "And...I suppose I SHOULD...question you IN ALL KINDS of WAYS about THAT but..." The beautiful priestess shrugged, "...Suspicion...breeds such Ugliness, don't you think?" She smiled, "...and I've always preferred to love people for the who...I see." She reached out and interlaced her fingers, stretching, "It's just simpler that way, don't ya think?!"

Wren smiled sadly and nodded. "I thank you for that, my dear friend." Wren slipped down off of her rock and joined Yuki on the shoreline. "I think that's a wonderful way to look at things in life... if only there were more like you," Wren smiled and nodded. She paused and laid a hand on Yuki's shoulder, "Just be careful... See people with more than your eyes. My mother used to tell me that there are a great many who wear the most clever of masks." Wren thought about Yuki's mysterious priest who had asked her on a date.

"er...But we were talking about Leira...not me! While her priesthood was small, they were devout. They called themselves 'Leirans' or...'Worshippers of the Mistshadow'. I think...their high priests had a different name...'Mist callers'. Yeah! 'Mist callers'. It sounds innocent enough, doesn't it? Almost pretty I suppose... Mmm... Let's see, what else... OH! And they wore silver masks... I would have liked to see what one looked like! There was an exhibition that came through Waterdeep displaying Leirite artifacts once. But I was run ragged with chores and couldn't go." She sighed..."I was just curious...It is said they were quite beautiful and well-crafted! And you know how much I love pretty things."

Wren grinned and nodded, "Maybe you'll get another chance."

"But...the main thing that always stuck in my head... The thing I couldn't quite get I guess...was the Leiran belief that truth - all truth - is worthless." She turned to look at Wren, "That what gives life meaning...is falsehood and misbelief. It's said...that everything Leira did...was shrouded in layers upon layers...of illusions and lies... Doesn't that sound awfully complicated? I sort of feel for her, you know? I mean...how does someone keep track of it all!" (  @http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/Leira )

Wren frowned and nodded in agreement to Yuki. All truth... is worthless? Well that didn't seem right... why had this once goddess chosen her for power? "Maybe she has some... who keep track of the truths for her?" Wren smiled hopefully.

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Or maybe she was so brilliant she didn't need anyone!" Yuki sat up suddenly, "OH! I wonder if that's what MASK did for her? ...er...before he betrayed her that is." Yuki sighed...and shook her head, "That must have hurt...ALOT!"

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren blinked at Yuki, "Oh... so many stories! He betrayed her? Is that how Cyric killed her?"

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Ah! Yeah..." Yuki tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear and nodded, "There are quite a few stories about that too...and many mysteries. But the predominant belief is that Leira had two allies during the Time of Troubles - that's the period when the gods supposedly walked among us in mortal form." Yuki explained, "...Azuth, the god of mages, and MASK, the god of thieves and shadows... It is said Mask betrayed Leira shortly after the end of the Time of Troubles and it led to her god death. It was Cyric who slayed her but...I've always thought..." Yuki blushed, "...Mask, with his betrayal, sorta broke her heart."

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">She laughed a little, "Silly, isn't it? Like making up stories...There's no proof the two were ever lovers... I mean it's never mentioned in any of the stories...but..." She shrugged, "Well...Mynta, Ori, Rue and I would always stay up late arguing about who loved who among the gods... And Mynta and I always thought Leira loved him...in her own way. Rue...thought we were crazy!" Yuki laughed a little sheepishly, "...Ori...stayed neutral. Silly, right? But we were all studying to become priestesses of love... It was a pretty common thing to do when you didn't want to read anymore. And we...couldn't help but wonder, you know?"

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Anyway!" Yuki tossed a rock awkwardly into the water, somehow making her form look beautiful, "Pretty much everyone agrees she's dead now so I don't quite understand how she can be a patron or anything. Sure, there are a few weirdos out there who think her death was some sort of master illusion BUT! No one reputable buys that. Her priests are all gone and she no longer grants divine spells. So... That's pretty much The End for a god."

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"OH yeah! There's one other thing. Each of the gods have their dogmas. Kind of like sayings you know? AND... as acolytes, we were FORCED to memorize EACH AND EVERY SINGLE ONE of them! Have you seen Tyr's dogma?! It's like HUNDREDS OF PAGES LONG! Tch! Tyrites! SO....BORING!" She leaned her head on Wren's shoulder, "PITY ME, WREN!! I mean Why? HUNDREDS OF PAGES! Teachers are SO...MEAN!"

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren laughed softly and took Yuki's hand and patted it, "Aww! That's terrible! ...but on the other hand, maybe they were preparing you for someone like me... who has questions... I mean, I'm grateful that you know!" She smiled encouragingly.

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Yuki laughed again, " BUT to be honest, I've forgotten most of them now. And I didn't do well on HALF of them in the first place! But...I remember Leira's. Or rather, I looked it up again after we met with Rosche...just to see if I had it properly and I had it right too!" Even grinning, Yuki was radiant. She cleared her throat:

//<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The Lady is never quite what you think she is. // //<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Truth is a worthless thing to know and worth even less to speak aloud. // //<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Never speak truth where falsehood will suffice. // //<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Cherish and further illusions and rumors, for distortion and legend are what make folk happy and life alluring. // //<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Hiding a thing gives it value by the very act of cloaking. //

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren listened closely to Yuki, and repeated it a couple of times in her head to remember it. <span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">What a strange code to live by. While she could see that hiding an item may make others want it more... How was Truth a worthless thing to know? That can't be right! Truth is only worthless if it’s more lies. <span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren frowned.

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Does that help you Wren? I mean...it isn't exactly good news, is it? But if it helps you...then...I'm happy."

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren nodded gratefully to Yuki. "It leaves me with more questions," Wren laughed softly, "But yes... it helps me. Thank you, Yuki!" She gave her a quick hug. "Now... about his strange remarks about you... and the couples you've possibly helped to bring together in the past... were there any here in Lyrabar? or were they all in Waterdeep?" she glanced down at the priestess's face.

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Yuki got a faraway look in her eyes, "...I've been thinking a lot about this... I'm pretty sure that clever old man didn't mean Lyrabar. I mean...I've ONLY JUST begun Matchmaking here!" She winked and made a 'V' for victory sign, "So...it must be Waterdeep..." She pulled her lovely legs up to her chest and set her chin on her knees, her robes falling down around her like a fairy queen, "...I think...he means..." She hesitated a split second, "...my parents...”

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren looked a little bewildered, but said nothing, and listened with interest.

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">“I can't be sure, of course but... Shar is the goddess of loss... And...my mother...had many miscarriages...much...'loss'. Add in the mantle I found in my father's rooms in the Tower of Tomes...and...Quill too, who seems to know me AND my parents very well and suddenly...there's so much I don't seem to know. ...I think there are things...they've never told me. Important things. Thinking about it like that. It's a little...scary. I'm a little afraid to ask."

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren listened patiently and nodded, "Well... let's not get too far ahead. I think you might be jumping to a lot of conclusions there…”

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Yuki looked a little startled, "Am I?"

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">“I mean there's a lot of questions there for certain... but... well the way that Rosche said it... it doesn't feel like that's the route he meant. I thought maybe he meant the people who you helped to find their way together with love...You didn't set your parents up, did you?"

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"No...No... Of course not! I wasn't even born yet or...conceived either! My mother knew my father for years and years before they ever got married!" Putting it like that, Yuki wondered why her thoughts had strayed to her parents at all... Sure she'd nudged them to go out alone all the time or she'd stay behind so the two of them could have special time alone...but that didn't count as matchmaking, did it? Not really! Somehow she felt...relieved.

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren continued thoughtfully, more to herself, "Well unless it was you who kind of brought them together... well that certainly brings up more questions..." Wren glanced at Yuki, "I mean... well... I'm sure all parents have things that they don't tell their children about. My mother... she has so many secrets."

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Yuki laughed and nodded. She couldn't help but think Wren's mother was a formidable woman! And she wondered what such a woman was like... And...inevitably to the type of man such a woman would love to have her amazing new friend! It all seemed rather impressive and epic...and she was sure there was a romantic story in there somewhere...

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren laughed softly, trying to cheer Yuki up, "She certainly hasn't told me everything about her past, like this whole guardians of the tome thing.... and you're father didn't tell you either... but I don't think that has anything to do with your matchmaking."

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"...True..." A thoughtful look spread across Yuki's face... Then...who...

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren thought about it for a few minutes, "Maybe... just maybe... if it has to do with your parents... You said your mother had many miscarriages... much loss in her life... maybe this goddess”

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Yuki interrupted, "You mean...Shar?"

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren nodded...continuing on...

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">“took a liking to her, took pity on her... so she helped to make sure that the next child wasn't lost to her as well... you. She got to keep you. Maybe in some way, you were blessed by this... goddess of loss... when she didn't take away your life.”

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The young Priestess of Sune frowned, it was clear the idea had never crossed her mind.

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">“Nothing you did, just something that happened... while I don't know that having her blessing is the greatest of news... wondering why Leira chose me, leaves me feeling just as confused."

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Yuki nodded, looking very much confused herself. "...No... That kind of thinking. It really leaves one feeling...a bit...upended and upside down." It was clear Yuki had always assumed...all her life that any blessings she had...came from Sune alone. She was lovely... And...loving. And very much...loved...every single day of her life. To think that the goddess of loss...had played any role at all in her existence had never crossed her mind. And why would it...until Rosche...had greeted her so. Beloved by both...Sune and Shar... Why? Was what Wren suggested true? Grieving with loss, had her mother gone...to Shar?

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren looked her over and smiled. //If that was the case... how did Yuki end up as a priestess of love... wouldn't this Shar have tried to get her to be her own priestess? ... why would Yuki not have known she was blessed?... then I didn't know that Leira had chosen me... always secrets and lies... it makes sense... but... I try to find the truth in things...// <span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren looked at Yuki again. //So what secret would Shar have... if loss was her domain, and loss brought her power.... what kept her from taking THAT baby? someone who would grow up to be a priestess of love! who brings only the joy and happiness of being together to people...// <span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren's thoughts wandered to Crowe and her broken heart and how much love had changed her... Wren looked at Yuki again and paled, shivering slightly.

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Wren? Are you cold?" Yuki quickly removed her red rose cloak and handed it to her friend, "Here! Use this. I'm quite dry now, see! One of the perks, you know?" She laughed...then sighed a little, looking up into the beautiful night sky, "Well! There's no use worrying about all this. I'm still me. And you're still you. Regardless right?! We have some choice in all this. Or so the great books teach us!" And by 'great books' Wren's not entirely sure she means religious texts. Her father was a writer of epic romance novels after all... "...I just...want to bring our friends back to us... Erevin's strong Shri. Your bold Loch. My wise Ori and clever Rue... Everyone! I want to have a party and eat cake! Sing songs and maybe dance together. I want to laugh together with everyone under stars just like these! Wouldn't that be nice, Wren?! All of us? Together again!"

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren laughed softly. She gazed at the beautiful priestess with admiration. She always seemed to see the light, no matter how dark it seemed to get. <span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Yes," she nodded, "That would be very nice..." Wren leaned against her and gazed up at the stars with her, "It would be perfect." She sighed contently with the pretty dream. <span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Yuki was becoming the center that kept her on a good road, she was sure of it. Though darkness, it seemed, always wanted to claim the prettiest and brightest things... to put out the light that kept them at bay. Wren suddenly felt even more protective of her new friend.

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Besides we have Sune's most favored priestess on our side..." Wren grinned at her, "cause surely you must be!”

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Yuki blushed and thought...fleetingly of Axton...Prince...of Sune... Just for a moment... The briefest...of moments...

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">“Do you think she will smile down on our quest with her warmth and love?" Wren didn't know much about gods or goddesses, other than they fought a lot and always seemed to have a plan.

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Of course!" Yuki beamed and threw her arms around Wren, hugging her tight. "Of course, Wren! Why wouldn't she! She's right here...with all of us." The elven woman could feel warmth and love flow into her.

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"BUT!" Yuki pulled back abruptly, her lovely hands gripping Wren's graceful shoulders with a sudden kind of urgency, "MORE IMPORTANTLY! YOU. And 'KALE'!" Her eyes shimmered...like two big, roundish hearts. She leaned in poised to hang on her every word. "TELL ME...'EVERYTHING'!"

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren blinked at Yuki, surprised by her urgent request…

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Me and Kale?" Wren giggled. She thought about it for a minute, and then added a little teasingly, "Are you sure you want to know... everything?" <span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"I don't know that your perfect little ears could handle all of the dirty little details..." Wren grinned at her.

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Yuki's eyes widened just...a little before she dissolved into happy, giddy giggles! "Oooh! Tell me! Tell me! I'm a PRIESTESS of Sune! Nothing shocks me!" She returned, not without a little bravado!

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"But... I did spend time with him quite recently... he was practicing and I interrupted," Wren laughed softly in memory, "I surprised him and he almost hit me with his sword... I'm sure the look on both of our faces was quite the sight to see." Wren shook her head and laughed.

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"...he...almost HIT...you...?" Yuki's voice trailed off... WAIT A MINUTE....THIS didn't sound romantic AT ALL...!

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">She added thoughtfully, "It wouldn't have been the first time he's accidentally hit me with it." She rubbed her flawless arm absently. She shook her head and giggled in memory.

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Yuki stared at the arm then back up at her friend's face... "Er?!" The priestess watched her friend's face carefully... Mmm...! Maybe Wren liked that kind of thing...

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren looked at Yuki's face, and held up her hand, "Oh no... it was an accident... I ... well hmm... he didn't know it was me when he actually hit me before... well that's quite another story...and he didn't hit me this time... just almost." Wren smiled sweetly. She sure seemed to get into a lot of trouble with Kale... How is it he always seemed to make her heart beat like that?

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Anyway... We set up a little picnic lunch right over there," Wren pointed across the pool to the opposite shoreline.

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"...ooooooooh....picnic.....!! !!" Yuki sighed.... "...awwww!"

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"though we certainly did a lot more than eat..." Wren grinned at Yuki.

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"...'more than...EAT'!!!!!!" Yuki giggled excitedly and scooted a little closer to Wren, with little hearts dancing around her head, shimmering, sparkly. "Tell me Everything! Was it nice? Are his arms...as wonderful as they seem?! AND WHAT do you MEAN MORE than EAT?! Did he kiss you?! Did you kiss him?! Oooh tell me you kissed him! Was it..." She clasped her hands to her heart, "...Passionate?!"

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren had her...eating out of the palm of her hand.

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren laughed softly, "Well... he had been practicing... so he was all sweaty…”

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"...Oh!" Yuki held her breath....

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">“... so he stripped down to just his pants…”

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"OH!...Oooh...!"

<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">“ <span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">... and got into the water to rinse down while I set up the picnic... and he was just there... in the waterfall... with handsome muscles...”

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"...Muscles..." Yuki sighed...dreamily...

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">“…and the most intriguing scars...”

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">...Scars? Er...Why intriguing... Why? Weren't...scars...er... Yuki quietly erased the ugly scars from her romantic Wren and Kale scene... "An...And then?!"

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">“…I just had to touch them," Wren grinned, "So... I got into the water...”

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"So BOLD!" Yuki giggled, absolutely delighted!

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">“…and before I knew what was happening... He just sort of grabbed me and pulled me close... and then pulled us both under the waterfall... where he kissed me for such a long time..." Wren smiled and blushed in memory.

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"....Oh...." Yuki breathed a long, melting, envious sigh... Stars...and hearts....shimmered all around her... "....Oh Wren... WREN!!!! ....that's so...SO ROMANTIC!!!!!!" Gushing and giggling, she hugged her friend tightly, happiness radiating from her in waves, "Oh...Wren! I'm so happy for you! That's...wonderful! Isn't he...Isn't he just the MOST wonderful man! Good for you!"

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"...So...er...what happened after that?! I mean... W...What happens now? A...Are you lovers? Or...is it some sort of...complicated...elven...witch thing?

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren laughed softly, "Well... it didn't stop there..." Wren grinned at her.

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Yuki's lovely eyes grew bigger...and bigger... "...It...d...didn't?"

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"We had a lovely lunch, of course... and I don't know if it was the wine... or if he was still edgy from practicing... but he suggested that I remove my clothes... you know, because they were all wet." Wren giggled and winked at Yuki.

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"...he...s...suggested..." breathed....Yuki..., hanging on Wren's every word! This was the most information she'd ever gotten in one sitting! I mean sure...one picked up ALL kinds of USEFUL things in the Temple of Love BUT! ALL of HER friends were SO STINGY! They NEVER shared...er...EVERYTHING! But Wren...was different!" Yuki's eyes gleamed, This was...GREAT! She was learning all kinds of interesting things! She felt a titillating thrill swirl around inside her. JUST how much WOULD Wren tell her!?

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"And of course..." Wren leaned closer to Yuki, "I just couldn't let him get his way THAT easily... oh no... he's already seen me before...”

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Yuki nodded!

<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">“ <span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">if he was going to be bold enough to suggest it... I told him he was going to have to work a little harder and come take it off of me himself!" Wren laughed.

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Oh! SO daring!!!!"

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"I leapt into the pool and he chased me in... well there just wasn't much left of that dress after that," Wren giggled.

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">H...He....RIPPED HER DRESS!!!! THAT WAS TERRIBLE! Wasn't it....? Yuki studied her friend's face... But...Wren didn't seem to think it was terrible AT ALL. She seemed to like the idea QUITE A LOT! Waaaaait... What was she missing....? How was THAT a... Something new seemed to dawn in Yuki's eyes. ...oh.... OH.... OH!!! "....ooooh...." she sighed....long...and enviously...

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> "We spent the afternoon in each other's arms... I think I left him with a few extra marks on his back..."

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">All...afternoon... Yuki slumped against Wren's shoulder, sighing sweetly,"...oh Wren....so...beautiful..."

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren paused for a moment, "And now... well... he's still Kale... and I'm still Wren... I don't really know what will happen..." Wren leaned against Yuki and gazed up into the stars. //<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">What has fate brought to me? Most witches don't really keep men... so why do we spend so much time together? How did I get to this point? How DO I feel about Kale now? How does he feel about me? Will things be any different? We did share so much... I can't just forget... Can I? //

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Yuki's brow furrowed just a little then she laughed suddenly and mischievously, "...So...! You're saying it REALLY IS 'some sort of...complicated...elven...witchy thingy'! Yuki threw her hands up into the heavens, pretending to cry, "Poor Wren! Poor Kale! Poor Priestess of LOVE!"

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Laughing, she leaned back against her friend and patted her back comfortingly, her voice becoming quieter, warmer, "...but isn't that fine... In the end...such little things...don't matter... Not...really. As long as Wren...follows her heart, holding it preciously...listening to it honestly...then won't you be...exactly where you're 'meant' to be... Mm?" <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">" <span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The young priestess searched her friend's eyes, and smiled in the way only Yuki could smile, "...That's what I think, anyway! Yup! Yup! Definitely."

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren grinned wide at Yuki, "Aww! You're the best! I knew you would understand!" She hugged Yuki close. <span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"And yes... I suppose it kind of is... an elven witchy thingy," Wren giggled, "You know... most witches don't keep men. They borrow one from time to time. A witch's coven is all women." Wren smiled.

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"WHAAAAT?!" Yuki's eyes widened, "B…But... Never?! W...WHY?!!!! Men are NICE! They have muscly arms and...rippling stomachs and...and they're strong! When they pull you close your heart...POUNDS! ...W...Why no men?!"

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren covered her mouth loosely, and laughed. She nodded to Yuki, still giggling, "Well... that's true, they are strong... and sometimes some of them can make your heart pound... but men can't be witches... No man is taught the craft... it simply isn't done... and they would just be in the way of coven life... Men have a way of changing and complicating everything."

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Yuki still didn't quite seem to get it...

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren paused in thought and giggled, "I mean can you imagine, trying to do a large spell or ritual with several naked women dancing around a fire and chanting... with men around?" <span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Yuki's lips formed a..."O"...shape as everything made sense! SO...they REALLY DID dance NAKED around a pyre CHANTING?! Amazing!

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren laughed, "No...no... men simply don't belong in a coven."

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"I...see..."

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"My mother's is a rare case... she had her share of men before... but she found someone that she actually cares for... even after she had me... she still makes time to see him when he comes to town... he's a travelling merchant, and only comes to the city on occasion.... I met him once as a child.”

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Only once... The young priestess couldn't quite hide her consternation... She couldn't imagine not knowing her father... He was such a huge part of her life. Both of her parents were! Every day... Every moment...until she left Waterdeep for Lyrabar... Her heart filled with sudden homesickness...but she fought it back... Her friend was telling her something...extraordinary. This was not the time to cry.

<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">“ <span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">He sends me exquisite gifts every year on my birthday, though." Wren smiled.

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Oh...! Aww... You are definitely precious to him then! I was worried for you... I...Well...I can't imagine what that must feel like - only ever meeting him once - but...if he remembers your birthday and sends you a precious present made just for you EVERY year that...tells me he must love you A LOT What kindness!”

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren giggled, "I think I'm that... tangible proof that their love exists... it's not just an occasional dream state. They have a daughter who changes and grows... not just memories, you know?”

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Mm!!" Yuki nodded.

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">“I think he celebrates me as... kind of a doting on my mother," Wren smiled, "but I'm glad to be a part of my mother's happiness."

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"...part...of your mother's happiness...? But...can't he...also be...a part of your happiness...too?" Yuki's voice trailed off, her curiosity running ahead of her sense of her diplomacy. She'd asked a personal question...indelicately. There were so many things she didn't understand about elves or witches and ELVEN WITCHES!! It was all so mysterious!

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren smiled at her, "Well... I suppose he makes me happy by making my mother happy... so I guess he's a small part of my happiness... but he's not really a part of my life... there's never really been a reason for him to be."

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Can I...ask you something Wren? W...what if...If...your mother had a son instead of a daughter? Would he...be sent to live with his father? Or... someone else?”

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Well... in my lifetime... no one in the coven has ever had a son... we give birth to only daughters. My mother ensures that. She told me that it is far too difficult for a mother, once the child is born, to lose it... even if it is a boy... She has her recipes that ensure daughters... and potions... and she watches... she always watches."

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">“A..AND! What if you and Kale...er...have a daughter!" Yuki held up her hands, "I know...I know... COMP...PLICATED!" She laughed a little, giving the elven woman a knowing look, "...but you're lovers now, right! That could happen! Would...he...er...be a part of her life? Could he see her? Live with her? How does...ALL that work?"

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren giggled, "Well I do hope to have a daughter of my own some day... but hopefully a little farther into the future. ...but the only way he would live with her is if I left the coven... which at this point in my life, that simply wouldn't happen... so she would grow up in Raven's Nest with me... and I suppose there are a lot of IFs that time would fill in with all of those questions... because a lot depends on what happens. I could fully retreat to the coven for a while to raise her in seclusion as most witches do... or he might be able to see her sometimes... if he wanted to at all... I... I don't know what would happen... but you're right... it could happen... so I will follow my mother’s instructions, and I will make certain my body will produce only a girl should something like that happen."

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Mmm... Your mother..." She glanced at her friend apologetically, "Forgive me Wren but your mother has er...sounded so...uhm...formidable! Larger than life!”

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren laughed, "Sometimes I think so too. She always knows everything... and she must have seen so much! She had her own adventures... been through war. She's been the leader of our coven for the last 200 years... and I'm not sure how old she was when she took it over... 100? 200? She keeps her age a secret... like everything else." Wren laughed and shook her head.

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"...200...years...!!!!" Yuki leaned back, trying to wrap her mind around the idea of living for two hundred years...and more! The things she must have seen... THE HEARTS SHE MUST HAVE BROKEN! ...the people she must have loved... "Oh Wren! You're so very lucky! To have someone who loves you so much and has seen so much as your parent and guide! I imagine she must seem a hard model to follow sometimes but...how amazing! To have her by your side, guiding your path. To be able to stand on her shoulders... Think of the distances you must be able to see!" Yuki gushed, "No wonder you're so brilliant! ...but...ah...if she's...THAT OLD then...that's makes you... WAIT!" Yuki eyed her friend. She'd always assumed Wren was just a little older than her but... "JUST...HOW OLD ARE YOU?!!!?!"

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Hey, just because she was around when dirt formed on the world... doesn't make me old!" Wren laughed, imagining for a moment her mother's pointed finger at her, "no... I'm still a child in the elven world... this is the first time I have left Rawlinswood.... and I have been away for so long now."

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">“Ever since I first heard you talk of her I've wondered what kind of man could keep her heart! I...er...think of things like that a lot!" Yuki laughed a little sheepishly, "He must really be remarkable. But...haven't you wanted to meet him more? Only 'once' seems...so... Well...barely enough! And only as a child too! You're nothing like a child now! Wouldn't you like to meet him again? Adult to adult?"

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren tilted her head curiously at Yuki, "Why?" She thought about it... none of the girls even knew their fathers... there wasn't even really such a thing as a "father" in the coven. ...but to keep her mother's heart for so long... that did make him different. What was he really like, she wondered...

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"WHY?!" Yuki seemed to think this was the strangest question in all the world! "B...Because! They're wonderful! Fathers are..." And her voice took on a child-like delight, "...different! They speak differently from mothers! They teach....differently! All kinds of amazing things! Like how to tie a piece of grass for a lizard trap! And...how to speak the language of celestial spirits! And they dance, whirling you around and around until you're laughing and so dizzy you can barely breathe! AND...when you bake your first cake...even if it's terrible and ugly...they'll try it and say, "Mm Mm! Good!" And they tell the most wonderful stories in the most warm and rumbly kinds of voices until you can barely keep your eyes open! And when you fall asleep, they pick you up and carry you off to bed, tucking you in so gently you feel like the safest, most important girl in all the world! A princess!"

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren smiled dreamily with Yuki's description of a father. Were they really like that? It was such a different lifestyle between them. Yuki must be quite close to her father...

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Yuki's eyes pricked with tears, "...Oh...And...AND! They... Oh...no... Wren... I'm sorry. I'm going to cry." Yuki brushed sudden tears away from her beautiful eyes. "I'm s...sorry. I...I....miss them...so much. S...sorry." She laughed and took a deep breath, wiping the tears away determinedly, "AND I was doing SO GOOD too! ...it can't be helped... I'm still...such a...child..."

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Awww, there's no need to be sorry, Yuki... not for that. I miss my mother. I miss my home... and I'm so sorry that you miss yours too."

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">She sighed and smiled at her friend, "...and...when they're not there anymore...to teach you to be wary of boys...and how to write the letters of the Shou alphabet - laughing as you muddle the letters into some outrageous swear word instead of 'mountain' - you miss them...terribly. They're the first man who loves you...absolutely...just because you're you." Yuki rested her head on her knees and mused, "...it is said daughters spend their entire lives searching for a man...most like their father. I wonder...if that's true..."

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren smiled. She thought about the man Yuki described... and then she thought about the harbinger... Wren giggled. <span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"I hope you find a man who can be a father to your daughter as your father is to you... that seems like a good quality in choosing a mate." Wren nodded.

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">She looked over at her suddenly, "Yuki... the thing with Kale and I… that will stay just between us, right? I mean, I know I can trust you... but no one else needs to know anything. Not that it would matter to the others, I'm sure... but no one needs to know yet. I don't want anyone else labeling it something that it’s not...time will do what it will... okay?" she smiled hopefully.

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"A...Alright...?" Curiosity flickered across Yuki's face but she nodded, "I promise." Then smiled, as if a happy thought just suddenly crossed her mind, "Thank you Wren... For entrusting me with your precious feelings. They're 'your' feelings and I would have no right to share them...with anyone. So! Don't worry!" She grinned back at the elven witch and made the sign for "Victory" with her fingers.

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"So what about you and the harbinger? Are you still going on a date with him? He's rather an interesting contrast to you."

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Mr. Harbinger?" Yuki sat up straight and pulled her knees up to her chest again. Her face seemed to glow suddenly in the dim light as she stared out at the waterfall.... "...I'm happy... I'm happy, Wren." She laughed, tilting her face to look at the elven woman, "...I've never been asked on to dinner or to go dancing before. And he's...so...remarkable. I was really surprised! We'd only talked a few times, you see. Just...once or twice but...he always seemed to talk to me as 'Yuki' and...not as a 'priestess'. Is that... Does that make sense? I...liked that."

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren smiled at Yuki and nodded, "A little more personal... made you feel special."

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Mmm...He...Ah, I feel silly saying this. You will laugh! Please don't laugh, Wren! Please! But...he makes me feel like...a woman. A woman named 'Yuki'." The young priestess was beet red. "Ack! I knew I shouldn't have said it out loud! I want to die of shame.

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren smiled and rubbed Yuki's back to console her, "No, no... there's nothing shameful about that... to feel like a woman, just a woman with her own personal wants and desires... I can relate to that. That's not a bad thing, Yuki. While you have your priestess responsibilities... You're also still... Yuki."

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Yuki smiled...

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Yuki sighed, "AND HE'S SO HANDSOME!!! And...MYSTERIOUS...! And he always talks about the most extraordinary things in the most extraordinary ways. You feel it too, don't you Wren?! When he's close...it's like anything could happen!"

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren grinned, "He is very handsome... and yes, very mysterious... and while that's very... alluring..." Wren looked at her more seriously, "it can also be dangerous."

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Yuki nodded seriously, "Quill wrote something very similar! He told me to be careful... AND to stay in familiar places! AND...to listen to my heart! I thought that was very wise."

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren nodded.

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Yuki twisted her lovely hands a little nervously, "...I...I just want to know him better. Talk to him more. More and more. That's all! So... Yup! I won't run away! I'll face him...honestly. But....I'm SOOOOOOOOO NERVOUS I COULD DIE!!!!!!"

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren hugged her and giggled, "Aww you'll do fine! Be yourself, just use a little caution. While everyone is their own person... don't forget that he IS a priest of Shar.”

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Yuki blinked. And it would seem to Wren that Yuki had barely taken that fact into consideration. Did this girl really just take people as they were? It was...so...defenseless!

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">“If you want to learn more about him... be sure to see him with more than your eyes."

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"More...than...my eyes?"

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren nodded, "Yes... the eyes can so easily be fooled... I assure you that there is much more to him than just a handsome man. Use your heart... and your head. Sometimes, you have to take a mental step back, and look at everything as though you're an outsider looking in... picture yourself as Rue... or someone else, looking in on you... what would they see?"

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Yuki gnawed on her perfect bottom lip... There was so much to think about! This dating business was...serious and complicated stuff! HOW was she to remember IT ALL!

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Would it make you feel better if you knew I was close? I could arrange to be in the area. You could have your space, but I'd be close in case you need a moment to breathe," Wren smiled.

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Yuki laughed, and threw her arms around her, "WREN IS SUCH A GOOD PERSON!!!" She hugged the elven woman tightly, "...though...I'm not exactly sure what 'a moment to breathe' could mean... But...isn't this something...I need to do on my own?" She sighed, "...even if it gives me terrible butterflies... Oh Sweet Goddess, what if I fall! What if I trip and FALL! What if...I embarrass myself!? WHAT IF HE GETS BORED!!! What will we talk about?! And what should I eat?! Do I eat heartily or not at all?! And dancing! Really...I can't seem to calm myself when I think of all the things that could happen!

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren laughed softly, "Okay, calm down. It's normal to be nervous, but no one expects you to be perfect... a silly thing like a fall is nothing to worry about... besides it could give him the opportunity to impress you, and catch you." Wren winked at her. <span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"I'm sure you'll have plenty to talk about... you've talked to him before, right? He hasn't gotten bored yet... in fact he seems to be coming back for more... just remember to breathe. As silly as that sounds... it’s important. Breath is calming. Don't let your head get completely carried away by little euphoric butterflies... as fun as a ride as that is for a little bit... you still need to know which way is up and which way is down... so just relax, you're going to do just fine... breathe with me." Wren took a few, slow, deep breaths trying to help calm her nervous friend.

<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Yuki exhaled slowly.... Then again... "...thank you Wren..." Yuki took her hand and squeezed it tight, "I'm so glad you're here...to listen to this selfish me. I will take...everything you've said to heart. Promise!"

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Selfish?!" Wren laughed and shook her head, "far from it." <span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren grinned at her, "It's what friends do! We listen and help each other... and so far from our homes and loved ones... I'm so glad to have you for a friend."