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[Temptation Waits]

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It was about noon when she rode into Papua, the Innkeeper was already waving to her with a brought smile. Deftly, she dismounted and walked towards the steps. Behind her a voice called and she stopped and listened, "Tenitae! Tenitae Wynitas!", the voice moved closer and she turned to face a lithe older elven woman richly dressed in pale blue robes, her silvery hair seeded with pearls and held neatly away from her face by a silver diadem.

"May I help you?", she asked the woman who's deep blue eyes softened as she looked at her.

"It is you! Oh my how tall you have become! I thought you were lost but, the resemblance is unmistakable, Tenitae.", the woman said excitedly.

Tempt froze before she spoke and wished Scar was with her, he tended to handle these situation better. "Why do you refer to me as Tenitae? Who are you and what do you want?", her tone was harsher than she intended but it seemed not to bother the woman.

"I will explain, but let us go inside as it is a long tale." the woman said plainly and seemed to glide up the steps to the Inn. Tempt followed along with the Inn keeper who seated them and brought them both refreshment.

"All right, we are inside.", Tempt sipped her wine and waited for the woman to answer.

"My name is Mori, I am a high cleric of Sehanine, as was your mother. I knew her well, she was like a daughter to me. You look just like her, your hair and eyes have the same brilliance hers did.", she sipped her wine and reached into a pocket. In her hand was a delicate oval shaped pendant engraved with a moon and a tree. She pressed it into Tempts hand and continued, "That was your mother's, she had it in her hand when we found her. Open it and you will understand."

Slowly, Tempt opened the locket and her jaw about fell open, it was as if she looked in a mirror. The woman painted within held in the arms of a man looked almost exactly like her., "I remember her.", was all she could say, in that instant her world spun on its heal and the flood gates of her memory returned.

"Do you remember her name or your father's?", Mori asked.

"No.", she shook her head, "I remember the orcs and they asked me to hide. Then there was a lot of noise. All of sudden nothing but the breaking of pots as the orcs ransacked the cave we were in. Then, the men came and killed the orcs, they took me in. Priam and Tobias, they were called and were like family.", her voice trailed off.

All the while the elder woman watched her, "We received word that your parent's envoy was attacked. Rains had fallen by the time we reached it. We found them, but not you. With no trail left to follow we were forced to return home to Feywild. We are of the Eladrin, a noble race of elves. Your mother and father were nobles named Nauris and Lainen. We thought you were lost to us Tenitae, I heard of a woman in these lands of your description and I had to be sure. Here you are and now you see how I knew you."

Tempt took in her words, "They called me Temptation Waits and it is the only name I knew, as I do not speak anything but common. I was raised by human gypsies and then sent to train. Over time I became a Paladin and tracker to the last of the Iunu, also elves, and they have become my family now." She let out a breath, so many questions floated around and the night was drawing near. "I have always wanted to learn of my family, but never thought that day would come."

Mori smiled, "You have grown up to be a splendid woman and your parents would be proud. Now you know your true name if you choose to use it. I grow tired now, we may talk more on the morrow if you wish.", she stood and called the Inn Keeper.

"Allow me, I am well known here. You will have no need to pay for board here. ", tempt rose and took care of the arrangements then returned. "Tomorrow, I can take you to the Palace and secure you better quarters where we may be able to talk more and with less interruption. I have one more question before we retire, why did you come here to find me?"

"Ahh, well the reports I was given stated that you frequented this area because of the Archon. She is the governess here?", Mori answered.

"Lady Ishtar is the Archon, a close friend and sister of the Queen I serve. So I come here to check on the are for her. I just sent my adopted son off to study and wanted to come here. I will tell you more another time, it is a long tale.",

Tempt felt complete, the unknowns vanished, her memory had returned because of a chance meeting and a piece of jewelry which she now wore around her neck. She ushered Mori to an adjoining room and now knew she would have a lot to tell Scar.

She decided to send him a quick note so he would not worry. She penned one hastily and sealed it, then had the Inn Keeper take care of delivering it, he would receive it by morning.

Dearest Scar,

I have no idea where to begin, so much has changed in the blink of an eye. I can tell you this. I remember everything and will be at the Palace by tomorrow afternoon. Do not worry I am safe, but have so much to tell you.

My heart is with you,
Tempt

P.S. - Please send word that you received this and I am sorry this is so short!

Now content all was in order she retired. There would be a long trip tomorrow and more to discuss.

(To be continued)
_________________
"Three can keep a secret if two of them are dead."
Benjamin Franklin

[Scar]

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Scar stood near the shore beside what used to be the bank in Magincia. He gazed out across the wave-capped sea toward the horizon, noting the many ships that passed by, ships that used to stop to deliver cargo before the city's destruction. He turned away, understanding keenly his employer's strong sense of loss, anxiety, and anger. Anyone who loved Magincia, as he was learning to do, would have shared it.

A courier that he recognized ran up to him, breathless from the exertion. He extended a hand to offer him a letter. "Master Scar, a letter for you," he said.

Scar took the letter, paid the man, thanked him and sent him on his way. From the handwriting he knew it was Tempt and it alarmed him. He opened the letter hastily and quickly read it. Amazed but pleased by the fervor directed to him in her words, he signaled to the peregrine falcon that soared overhead. Landing on the glove of his right hand, he placed the letter into its beak and said merely, "To her, with haste."

Obediently the creature launched itself into the air, winging its way toward the Lost Lands.

[Temptation Waits]

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It was about noon when Temptation and Mori reached the Palace. A young man came forward to take their horses and gave her a polite nod as she ushered her charge inside. It was quiet but it felt good to be in the place she knew as home.

"The Royal family I serve lives here. Let me take you upstairs and show you to a guest room.", tempt said softly.

Mori followed her and was quiet as she took in the sandstone walls, it was different then the dwelling of her home. "You live here too?", she asked.

"Sometimes, I have a room here and will stay across the hall from you.", she answered with a smile. Gently she opened the door and led Mori inside. "I will let you get settled. I will have someone call you when dinner is ready."

"Thank you. I am looking forward to meeting your family of sorts.",Mori winked at her.

Tempt closed the door behind her and walked across to the other room. As she began to unpack. Hopefully, Scar got her reply from his message and would meet her at the Palace this evening.
_________________
"Three can keep a secret if two of them are dead."
Benjamin Franklin