?Really Fallon, does it take a renegade monk in search of sanctuary for you to visit me?? asked Rhavelle, as the sun peered into the bedroom.
?I?m sorry Kyaren. Our paths seem to cross very little these days.? I said as I reached for my clothes on the floor.
?I?m not letting you get away that fast? she said, trying to pull me closer. ?My offer still stands you know.?
?As always, I?m flattered but the County?s and the kingdom?s nobles would not accept me as your husband and consort. I am not as adept as you when it comes to politics?
?If it were anyone else, I?d have you flogged for turning down my request. But I still melt in your presence. Just like I did at the grand ball in Verbobonc, celebrating the victory over the Temple. Those were wonderful times weren?t they??
?Yes, they were, but we were naïve to believe they would last,? I said, walking to the balcony to watch the sunrise.
Kyaren put on a robe and walked over to lovingly embrace me and watch the sunrise.
?Then let us enjoy our time together,? she smiled.
?Do you think you can make those orphans, wards of the County?? I asked, moments later.
She gave me a look of annoyance.
?Fallon, do you always have to ruin a good time? I will use my personal finances to care for the children. Beside I can use this to force the other nobles in the County to contribute more to the kingdom. That will keep the King away from my own coffers for a while.?
?I promise I won?t tell anyone how sweet a person you really are,? I smirked.
The morning?s sunrise flowed into Kyaren?s bedroom as I reached for my clothes on the floor, she tried to pull me closer.
?I?m not letting you get away that fast.? She said, playfully. ?I still melt in your presence. Just like I did at the grand ball in Verbobonc, celebrating the victory over the Temple. Those were wonderful times, weren?t they??
?Yes, they were. But we were naïve to believe they would last.?
We put on our clothes and walked to the sunlit balcony where we shared a loving embrace.
?Do you think you can make those orphans, wards of the County?? I asked, moments later.
?Fallon, do you always have to ruin a good time? I will use my personal finances to care for the children.? She ran her finger slowly across my chest. ?Besides, I can use this to force the other nobles to contribute more to the kingdom. That will keep the King away from my own coffers for a while.?
?I promise I won?t tell anyone how sweet a person you really are.?
?My, what a cute couple we have here,? a voiced boomed from behind us.
An older man with brown hair, streaked with grey, stood behind us. He was dressed in various shades of blue and had a scimitar symbol on his cloak.
?Tenser!? screeched the Countess. ?How dare you enter my chamber without being invited! You presume too much on your authority, Arch-Mage!?
?Do you really think I would barge in without an invitation?? he snorted. ?I was invited here by your companion, Master Fallon.?
?Fallon!? bellowed the Countess, turning purple with rage.
?I did ask the Arch-mage to join us and I?m sure he did not mean to teleport into your chamber.? I quickly explained. ?I?m sure he meant no offense by it. I think it is time to take our leave.?
I made a slight bow to the Countess and Tenser did the same. Kyaren was still furious as we quickly exited the room.
?Tenser, why can?t you use the door like everyone else??
?I find the direct approach most effective. Besides I like to rile the Countess. She can be a little condescending at times. I like to remind her that other forces are at work in the universe other than her. So tell me about this monk with a change of heart.?
?I knew information on the Scarlet Brotherhood would pique your interest. Information is scarce on them and I know of your ongoing efforts in many regions.?
?What does he want in exchange??
?Freedom and safety. He is in love with a priestess of Pelor. He also had a visitation from an Avatar of Mayaheine.?
?Really,? said Tenser, looking surprised. ?She has been more active than I thought. Well, my interest is definitely aroused and I haven?t got all day. Show me where he is so I can talk to him.?
We made our way to the guest rooms, past servant and guards who gave the Arch-mage wide berth. Alran was sitting out on his balcony, watching the Manor?s inhabitants go about the day.
?Alran, this is Tenser, the Arch-mage, I think he can help you. Just tell him your story and answer his questions.? I said. Alran nodded in agreement.
Tenser turned to me and said. ?Leave us now we have a lot to do.?
I made my way down to the foyer where a servant informed me that the Countess was waiting for me at the stables. She had a day of riding planned and was not known for her patience. I thanked the servant and made my way to the stables.
Kyaren was in a much better mood. I mounted my faithful horse, Strider, and headed down a path beside Kyaren. It was a wonderful day, and it made me ponder if I had made the right decision not to marry Kyaren. But I knew we were both too headstrong and set in our ways. As dusk began to settle, Tenser approached us on a fine steed.
?Fallon, I have finished with Alran and I?m ready to leave for my castle. His information and exploits were quite interesting. I think I can cause the Brotherhood some headaches for a while.? He said with a smile. ?I gave him a few magical items that will allow him to escape the Brotherhood?s scrying eyes. I think he should go to a region where the Brotherhood has few assets, the Vesve Forest. Take this amulet. It will provide for the one way teleportation of 20 beings to Lord Tamarel?s court. I think you have enough influence with him to convince him to provide sanctuary. Alran is a most intriguing individual and I will keep track of him and his progress. The rest is up to you Fallon. He is indebted to you and you have made a strong ally.?
Tenser reined his horse away from us.
?Take care Fallon. Countess, as always a pleasure.? He bowed and disappeared in a mist.
?Well, so much for unpleasant diversions,? pouted the Countess.
?Well, that also means my travels will start in the morning.?
?Fallon, you own my heart but I wish I had yours. Can we spend this evening only concerned for ourselves?? she asked, tearfully.
?Countess, you are the only one who has captured a part of my heart,? I said, kissing her gently. The fading sunlight warmed our backs as we returned.
Morning came too early. After a quick breakfast, Alran met me on my way to the stables.
?Master Fallon, I do not have the words to thank you for what you have done. Tenser, has given me items to ensure my safety and that of Madylene. After we meet with Madylene and your companions, where are we headed??
?Once we gather our friends in Libernen, we head to the domain of the High Elf Lord Tamarel?s court; courtesy of Tenser. I am going to ask him to provide sanctuary to you two. I don?t see a problem with the request. You bring him news of events that he is not familiar with. He is a curious elf and a devourer of knowledge. He will welcome you. Honor him with wise knowledge and a strong heart.?
With a smile and a nod, Alran answered.
?Master Fallon that is the least I could for such generosity. I will honor your kindness. The only thing I can do in return is offer my friendship.?
Alran offered his hand and I gripped it with a firm handshake.
?Come friend, we have people to see and places to go,? I said, climbing upon my steed. ?We ride to our futures.?
Our travels went from Libernen to the High Lord?s court where Alran and Madylene were welcomed. Over the years, the pair has stayed with several high elf clans. They never stayed long enough to become a known presence, but long enough to make many friends among the elves and other woodland inhabitants. Alran taught some elves a few of the skills he learned from the Brotherhood and took two initiates. I have seen them a few times over the years and it is always a happy event. In the past year, they were blessed with the birth of their first child. They named him Fallon, to my unending source of pride. What will the future bring, Only Istus knows.
Fallon

Changes of the Heart: Part I