Chapter Twenty Five

"My father's name is Briach. Mama never liked using her name around me, all she would ever let Da call her was Ma, so that's all i know her as. Though, he occasionally called her his queen. Do you see your queen, Rylia, in me?" Wynne asked, reaching over to tightly grasp Nerys' hand. The dwarf's revelation had shocked her, though she felt the truth of his words.
The stout dwarf nodded, his arms crossing in front of his chest. "Ye look just like your mother."
The queen chuckled, as her and Ethel Grace finally stepped forward. "The dwarf is right, you're a vision of your mother. Younger than she was when I met her, of course, but you're strikingly similar." Bronwyn gestured for the group to stand. "Come, let us retire to somewhere cozier, and I shall tell the rest of the tale. There is much you need to hear, and much to prepare before I send you three out to this world. "
Wynne was the first to rise, squeezing the hands of her partners. She met a reassuring gaze from Arandir, and Nerys's dazzling hues, bright as sunstone, held compassion. It seemed they were in agreement, then. They'd go and listen to this story, and afterwards rest before they begun to prepare. The trio couldn't stay holed up in the castle forever. Bronwyn led the group back to Wynne and Arandir's rooms, gathering them all into the sitting room, Ethel Grace notably missing.
The leftover plates and trays from the breakfast Nerys brought had been cleared away, leaving a spacious room with comfortable seating for them. Bronwyn took one of the plush armchairs, as the dwarf took the other. Wynne centered herself on one of the sofas, Nerys and Arandir taking places to either side of her. Bronwyn waited for all to be situated and began telling her part of The Runeglow's story.
"Shortly after Rylia disappeared from Loslosach, taking her unborn child and her mate with her, I had a vision. One of my gifts is to see things that others do not, and it often manifests itself as a sort of prophecy. What I saw was a young woman, brought to this world by chance, and joined to two others. It was unclear who the woman was, or who the two she would be with were." There were furtive glances between Wynne, Nerys, and Arandir at that.
"But I was shown that this woman and her companions were the ones that could right the wrongs that have happened here. I saw that there would be much trouble, and it was unclear if the three would be successful. Despite this, I knew that there would be greater chances of success in their mission if I gave my assistance to them. It took me a few days to recuperate from the effects of my vision, and when I was well again, Drùinur had found his way here. He stormed into my castle and demanded to work in my archives." Drùinur let out a soft chuckle of confirmation, muttering something about the Queen's agitation that day.
I knew it was the right path to allow him service, and he has been here since. Many moons ago, Astor Wyspe wrote to me, informing me that there was unrest is Summergate, and that he would be sending his daughter Nerys to me." Nerys nodded to confirm this. "I've had Nerys as my guest for three moons, and suddenly, The Ghillie Dhu stumbles into my territory, bringing with him his newfound mate and Rylia's heir, seeking my help. Im hoping that the information I give you will aid you as well as anything that I shall teach you before you set off. I wish for the three of you to spend time here for a fortnight longer. After that, I will send you out with enough gear for three months, to reach wherever you decide to go. I assume Nerys has told you of the trouble in her kingdom. I believe it best to squash what you can of that, and seek more information on your mother's fall there, Wynne. I'll send someone up with a schedule, I'd like the three of you to join me for training begining two days from now. " With that, Bronwyn rose, taking Drùinur with her as she left the room, skirts swishing around her.
Once The Queen was gone, it felt as if a weight was lifted from the room, and the trio could breathe again. The had finally dropped hands, and Nerys excused herself, promising to return in an hour with some refreshments. Leaving Arandir and Wynne to their room alone.
Wynne shifted so she was curled up against the arm of the sofa, her arms resting atop it and her chin tucked against them. "So I really do belong here, then. Why not tell me any of this when I was growing up? " She asked, not expecting a reply.
"I'm assuming your Da tried to make up for it by telling you fae tales. They did the best they could with the circumstances they were dealt. " Arandir said, as he wrapped an arm around Wynne's shoulders and pressed a kiss to her brow. "It'll be alright. We can figure out what we want to do when Nerys returns, how about you take a nap? " Wynne nodded her assent, snuggling into the warmth of him as she let herself drift into the planes of sleep.
Nerys POV
When Nerys left the room, it was with the full intent to go see what other information she could pull from Bronwyn. It was hard for her to believe everything Bronwyn said, and she didn't fully trust it. It felt like the queen had left something out. Nerys made a slow descent through the castle, stalking through corridors with as little noise possible. She'd gather a meal and drinks for her mates when she was finished.
It took time, but finally Nerys found herself outside Bronwyn's office, in her personal wing of the castle. On her trek, a maid had taken notice and informed her that was where the Queen had retired. She didn't bother to knock, instead she simply opened the door and trampled into the cluttered room. There was an ornate desk to one wall, the others lined with various bookshelves and paintings. Two fluffy chairs sat to the side of the desk, and the floor was covered in a rug that appeared to be the skin of some very large cat. Black, with a shining white spot on its forehead, and paws dipped in the same shining white. Nerys wasn't sure what creature it had once been.
Bronwyn sat behind her desk, shuffling through the papers atop it. When Nerys burst into the room, she raised a brow; watching patiently as the woman looked around then plopped herself into one of the chairs. "We need to talk, " Nerys said, folding her hands in her lap.