Elminster in Myth Drannor - Ed Greenwood [43]
"The Coronal's garden?" El asked in a soft whisper. The old mage smiled at the wonder in the human's eyes.
"The Coronal's garden," he confirmed, his voice a soft rumble. The words were barely said when something rose out of the ground at their very feet-spectral, and graceful, and yet deadly in appearance.
Blue-white it glowed, all sleek nude curves and long flowing hair, but its eyes were two dark holes against the stars as it said in their minds, Who comes?
"Naeryndam, eldest of the House of Alastrarra, and guest," the old mage said firmly.
The watchnorn swayed to meet his gaze, and then back to look into the eyes of Elminster, from only inches away.
A chill crackled between living flesh and undead essence as those dark eyes stared into his, and El swallowed. He'd not want to see that serenely beautiful face angry.
This is a human. Blue-white hair swirled severely.
"Aye," the old elf told the watchnorn in dry tones. "I can recognize them too."
Why bring you a forbidden one where the Coronal walks this night?
"To see the Coronal, of course," Naeryndam told the undead maiden. "This human brought the kiira of my House from our dying heir to his successor, alone and on foot through the deep heart of the forest."
The swirling spirit seemed to look at Elminster with new respect. That is something a Coronal should see; there can never be too many wonders in the world. The blue-white, ghostly face came close enough to brush against Elminster's once more. Can you not speak, human?
"I did not want to insult a lady," El said carefully, "and know not how to properly address thee. Yet I think now we are well met." He threw back one booted foot and sketched a sweeping bow. "I am Elminster, of the land of Athalantar. Who art thou, Lady of Moonlight?"
Wonder upon wonder, the ghostly thing said, brightening. A mortal who desires to know my name. I like that "Lady of Moonlight" you entitle me; it is fair upon the ears. Yet know, man called Elminster, that I was in life Braerindra of the House of Calauth, last of my House.
Her voice began astonished and pleased, yet ended with such sadness that Elminster found tears welling up in him. Roughly, he said, "Yet, Lady Braerindra, look ye: while ye abide here, the House of Calauth yet stands, and is not forgotten."
Ah, but who is to remember it? The voice in their heads was a sad sigh. The forest grows through roofless chambers that once were fair, and scatter the bones and dust that were my kin, while I am here, far distant. A watchnorn, now. Cormanthans term us "ghosts," and fear us, and keep away. Hence our guardianships here be lonely, and bid fair to remain so.
"I shall remember the House of Calauth," Elminster said quietly, his tone firm. "And if I live and am allowed to walk fair Cormanthor freely, I will return to talk with thee, Lady Braerindra. Ye shall not be forgotten."
Blue-white hair swirled up around Elminster, and a chill prickled through him.
A never thought to hear a mortal do me honor in the world again, the voice in his head replied, full of wonder. Still less a human, to speak so fair. Be welcome whenever ye can find the time to come hence. Elminster felt a sudden wrenching cold on his cheek, and he shivered involuntarily. Naeryndam caught hold of his shoulder as he reeled.
My thanks to thee also, wise mage, the spirit added, as Elminster struggled to smile. Truly, you bring wonders to show our Coronal.
"Aye, and so we must pass on. Fare thee well, Braerindra, until next our paths cross," the old elf replied.
Until next, the voice replied faintly, as blue-white wisps sank into the ground and were gone.
Naeryndam hurried Elminster along one of the mossy paths. "Truly, ye impress me, man, by the way ye take on the weight of others' cares. I begin to hope for the human race yet."
"I-I can scarce speak," El told him, teeth chattering. "Her kiss was so… cold."
"Indeed-had she meant it to do so, 'twould