Chapter One

Felezenon took her carriage to Lord Karan’s mansion the evening she was to dine with him and his friends. It was to be her introduction as his long lost daughter. She decided she was ready to admit he was probably the father she never knew. She had also decided that he probably did what he could to try to find them. She had found he had a very good reputation in the forest and was highly regarded. He was also a member of the King’s inner council and an Elven High Lord. This would give her an additional base of power in this Elven King’s court. She smiled at that thought. She had a reputation of not seeing things as most young ladies did.

She was very respectfully ushered into the mansion where Lord Karan immediately met her. He gave her a little bow and she gave him a curtsey. She then came up to him and gave him a hug, which caused a happy smile to appear on his face

“As you are to be my father, I think this would be a more appropriate greeting,” Felezenon said with a smile “As you can see,” Lord Karan immediately said, “I was very happy to receive it.” Then he added, “Let us go join the others, so I can introduce you to my friends whom I have gathered tonight.”

Felezenon slipped her arm around him and he did likewise, as they walked in to where the other people were gathered. Felezenon noted, a Major Prince and Princess were among the group. This did not surprise her. She knew Lord Karan was a highly ranked noble. The people turned toward them as they came into the room. With a very happy smile, Lord Karan said,

“May I introduce the daughter I happily found I had, that I never knew I had, Lady Felezenon.” Then he added with a broader smile, “I am sure all of you have met her before, but not as my daughter.”

The Prince with a very broad smile commented,

“How much luckier could you possibly get, Lord Karan, then to discover that Lady Felezenon is your daughter.” Then after a very brief hesitation he added, “Of course you now must be prepared for a large group of highly ranked young men constantly appearing at your door when ever Lady Felezenon is here in the forest.”

That brought smiles from everyone in the group. Another lady asked, “How possibly did you arrange that, or should I say discover that?” Lord Karan smiled.

“She looked so much like someone I had known and loved but lost, that it bothered me until I inquired of her background. Her story and what I knew convinced us that I must be the father she never knew and she the daughter I never knew I had. I am afraid I am not proud of the fact I did not continue my search for her mother much longer then I did, but Lady Felezenon has graciously forgiven me.”

Felezenon immediately said, “I do not think there is anything I need forgive him for. I am now sure he did everything he possibly could to find my mother and me, but we had moved several times and the people of the village were not very helpful to him, probably because he was an Elf. Besides the past is past and we must look forward to the future.”

“Said like a true Lady, Lady Felezenon,” said the Princess. The she turned to Lord Karan. “You indeed are a lucky man, Lord Karan.”

“I am well aware of that, your highness,” he said.

They then went into the room and were seated. Felezenon was seated between her father and the Princess. Another High Lord was seated on the other side of her father. After they were seated the Prince looked at Lord Karan and with a broad smile said,

“Do you think you can induce Lady Felezenon to decide to settle in our forest?”

“I promised Felezenon I would not interfere in any way with her decisions. She does not need my interference in her life, only my complete cooperation with whatever decisions she feels are best for her. I told her, the decisions she has made on her own, are far too astute for me to think I could do any better for her. There is no reason for me to toy with such success.” Then he added, “I can only hope that whatever decisions she makes will include regular visits to our home,” and he emphasized the ‘our home’.

“As I now have a real home, I do plan to return to it often,” she said. That garnered a happy smile from Lord Karan. The High Lord then said,

“At least that will guarantee we will see Lady Felezenon on at least somewhat regular intervals.”

The evening proved to be very pleasant for both Felezenon and her newly found father, Lord Karan. It was also obvious that his friends were happy for Lord Karan. They also seemed happy this would guarantee Lady Felezenon would be a regular visitor to their forest, if she did not decide to settle here.

The surprising thing to her, was that finding Lord Karan was her father and that she was willing to accept him as her father, caused her to think it would better serve her plans if she settled in the other forest and Kingdom. She already had a base in this forest. She still intended to wait a while to make her final decision and make it known. She did not want her newfound father to feel she did not want to settle here for fear he would try to dominate her. She was sure he would not do that. He would support her when and if she wished him to do so. He would just be happy to have her treat him like a father with whom she could discuss things and their home as a place she could come and be comfortable in. She did make him very happy by arranging with him to have a dinner at their home for a group of young Elven friends. Two young Elven Princes were in the city so she included them in the group, much to the delight of the young ladies.

As she was enjoying the dinner with these friends, she was thinking of what decision she should make about where she should settle. It occurred to her, it might be a very good idea to spend the late fall, winter and early spring months in the area of Lord Schelazan’s forest, and the late spring, summer and early fall months in Valennonin and this forest. After all, Valennonin and this forest were in the northern area and Lord Schelazan’s forest and the other Kingdom in the more southern area. She could then visit Klutar in Spring and Fall as she traveled between the two areas. The more she considered that idea, the more she began to like it. She could then spend the summer holiday season with her new father, which she knew would please him greatly. She decided to let Lord Karan, her father, know of this plan immediately. She knew he would be very happy to have her use their house as a base in the forest during those months. She also decided to inform Lord Schelazan and have him get word to Kaesaon. She knew he would be happy to do that for her. She found she felt very happy to have finally made that decision. She also thought it was the best decision and would make the most people happy. However, she knew it would complicate any decision she might consider of an alliance with any man. That automatically ruled out Kaesaon, although she did think his best decision would be an alliance with the Elven Princess. She thought that would be a very strong possibility and she decided, if the opportunity presented itself she would tell him that. She knew he would take it as a suggestion from a good friend. Having spent the night at their home after the dinner, she told Lord Karan at the morning meal.

“I have made my decision, father,” Felezenon said. “I have decided I should spend the late spring, summer and early fall months here and in King Phoris’ Kingdom. Then I will spend late fall, winter and early spring months in Lord Schelazan’s forest and King Marcelleau’s Kingdom. I can then visit my uncle Klutar in Spring and Fall, during my travels in between.”

Lord Karan smiled happily as he said,

“That truly will make the most people happy, daughter, including, of course, me.” Felezenon smiled.

“I will then plan to live here while I am in the forest, if that is agreeable with you,” she said.

“You know that is what I would hope you would do,” said Lord Karan. “I will immediately inform the staff of your decision. I know they will be very happy.” After a moment’s hesitation he asked, “Do you wish to inform the King and Queen of your decision, or may I?”

“Why don’t you as my father,” Felezenon said with a smile. Then she added, “The Queen will happily think you may have subtly influenced me to make this decision.”

“Perhaps,” said Lord Karan, “but the king will know I would wisely do nothing to influence you, knowing full well I knew you would know better what would be best for you.” Then he added, “but the Queen will be happy and it really doesn’t matter if she would think that would it.”

“No,” said Felezenon. “If it makes her happy that is fine.”

It being early Fall, Felezenon began to make plans to leave for Klutar’s home and then King Marcelleau’s city. She would send a message by wizardry to Lord Schelazan immediately. He would contact Kaesaon, so he could make preparations for her return to that city. The Queen, hearing that Felezenon had decided to spend the summer half of the year in this forest and the adjoining Kingdom from now on, decided to hold a banquet for her before she departed. Lord Karan smiled when he informed Felezenon of that. He knew it kind of amused her that so much was made of her. However she would be graciously appreciative.

Felezenon decided to go directly to Klutar and not stop at Tarnanon to renew acquaintance with Duke Sonason. She would do that the next time she came this way in early Spring. As soon as she met Klutar she said,

“I have decided to spend the winter months in Lord Schelazan’s forest and King Marcelleau’s Kingdom. Then I would spend the summer months in Valennonin and that forest. I think that would serve me best.”

“You are undoubtedly right,” he replied with a smile, “and make more people happy.” Felezenon laughed at the way he added the last.

“That was part of my reasoning,” said Felezenon. “It will also help to keep any from taking me for granted.”

“I think you will find other ways to keep that from happening,” Klutar said. “You have undoubtedly informed Lord Schelazan.”

“Yes,” replied Felezenon, “and I asked him to get a note to Kaesaon.”

“Which will strengthen Kaesaon’s standing with his king,” commented Klutar.

“And make him a better friend,” said Felezenon giving Klutar a broad smile. “You taught me well, uncle.” Klutar laughed. She had been an extremely good student with the greatest of reason to learn.

Felezenon spent two enjoyable weeks with Klutar before again going on her way. She intended to stop in King Marcelleau’s Kingdom before traveling on to Lord Schelazan’s forest. She decided to establish a home in the forest first and then return to the Kingdom to find a home there. Perhaps in the forest she could get the home she had when she first stayed there. She would let the King and Kaesaon consider where they would like her to establish her home. She was sure the king would be inclined to make some very favorable arrangements in order to make her happy. She smiled at how far a homeless waif had now come.

She again traveled by herself. Although she attracted attention, she had no problems. In fact she was treated very courteously. Of course she was part Elf, was obviously very learned and was finely, although relatively plainly dressed and she carried two fine swords. She also regularly showed she was a sorceress. She was actually met about a half day out of the city by Kaesaon and an elite troupe. Kaesaon, with a broad smile, gave her a low bow.

“We got the good news you have decided to spend half the year in our area,” Kaesaon said. “Her majesty is waiting to greet you and an apartment has been readied for you. The King said we would be happy to work with you on establishing a permanent residence in the city.”

“I am planning to spend a few weeks in the city before going on to the forest,” said Felezenon. “After I establish a permanent residence there, I will return to do so in this city. That will be my first priority. I will be happy to hear any suggestions you might have regarding where I might think of establishing my permanent residence.”

“We have already been considering that, Lady Felezenon,” said Kaesaon. “We’ll have several suggestions ready for you to consider by the time you return.”

Kaesaon brought her direct to the palace, where there were people waiting to take her things into the palace. Kaesaon escorted her to an audience room where the King and Queen were waiting for her. The Queen embraced her like an old and very good friend. With a smile the King gave her a bow. With a laugh Felezenon gave him a small curtsey.

“We were very happy to hear you are planning to spend half of the year in our area,” the King said sounding as if he were very happy.

“This way,” said Felezenon, “I would be able to spend part of the year with all of my friends.”

“And keep us all happy,” said the Queen. Then she added with a smile at Kaesaon, “Including Lord Kaesaon.”

Kaesaon just gave her a small smile but said nothing for a moment, but then with a smile at Felezenon said,

“I know of two other gentlemen who were happy to hear of Lady Felezenon’s decision. Lord Schelazan hinted at that when he sent his message.”

The King said, “We are holding a banquet in two days,” then after a brief hesitation, with a broad smile he added, “to celebrate the good news.”

He knew Felezenon would look at him as if he were teasing her, although she would know that was the real reason for the banquet. When Felezenon came for the evening meal, she was greeted happily by almost everyone there. There were some young ladies who would just as soon she not returned. There were also those who were happy to see her back, because they knew she attracted high ranking nobles and therefor more of them gathered in the city. The Duke knew his son would be spending as much time as he could in the city while Lady Felezenon was there. The gatherings were always light-hearted when Felezenon was in the group. She never took herself or any of the men at all seriously. Felezenon was again seated next to the Queen with Kaesaon seated on the other side of her.

“How long do you plan to stay before you leave for the forest?” asked Kaesaon. “His majesty thought I should accompany you when you leave for the forest.”

Felezenon smiled at Kaesaon before she replied,

“I thought I would leave in two weeks,” then with a sly smile at Kaesaon she added, “If that is agreeable with you Lord Kaesaon.”

Kaesaon laughed at the way she added the last sentence.

“It would be agreeable with me whatever your decision, Lady Felezenon,” he said very graciously. The Queen smiled at the two of them.

“Do you two never stop teasing each other?” she asked.

“I didn’t want to interrupt Lord Kaesaon’s pursuit of some young lady,” said Felezenon very innocently. The King laughed.

“It is more likely you have interrupted some young ladies’ pursuit of Kaesaon with your arrival,” he said.

“Any Princesses?” asked Felezenon.

“One Princess is probably awaiting his return to the forest,” said the Queen with a smile and a cock of her head at Kaesaon. He smiled but said nothing. He was sure she would be.

A banquet was held at which the whole advisory council and their wives were in attendance. The announcement of Felezenon’s decision was greeted as very good news, much to Felezenon’s amusement. She really did not think, she had yet demonstrated that her presence would be of any great value to the Kingdom. However, she was happy that they all seemed to see it that way. There were several other dinners given by members of the advisory council including the Duke. His son asked Felezenon if he could have the honor of coming to escort her to the dinner. She graciously accepted his offer, although he was of no great interest to her but she had great respect for his father.

In two weeks, she planned to leave for the forest. Kaesaon was to accompany her along with his part Elf assistant, a captain and an elite troupe. The captain and the troupe would accompany them only to the border of the forest. Felezenon was sure there would be someone from the forest to meet them. She had sent word to Schelazan as to when they planned to arrive at the forest. When they arrived at the forest, they were greeted by Toralenz, Dreveleth, and to Kaesaon’s surprise, the Princess. There was also a troupe of the King’s elite guards. Toralenz and Dreveleth gave Felezenon a low bow at which Felezenon said,

“Oh it is going to be that kind of a trip,” at which Kaesaon innocently said,

“But they were just being properly respectful, Lady Felezenon.” Felezenon looked disgustedly at him and then began to laugh again.

“You can banish them all, Felezenon,” the Princess said with a smile.

“I just may, if they don’t improve,” said Felezenon. All three bowed apologetically, but with broad smiles on their faces.

Two Elven soldiers took over Felezenon’s carriage and they set off into the forest. When they reached the royal city, Felezenon discovered Kaesaon had purchased one of mansions in the city for his permanent home in the forest. He had found a young Elven Lord as his assistant, who would have charge of the mansion. Felezenon was invited to dinner in the mansion in four days. As they came into the city, Toralenz said,

“Our uncle and aunt had your former home made ready for you. If it pleases you, arrangements have been made so you may purchase it for your permanent home here.”

“I greatly appreciate that,” Felezenon said. “I was hoping that I might purchase that home as my permanent residence in the forest."

With a smile Dreveleth said, “The Queen was much in favor of that, because it is close to the palace and she could easily visit it and you the palace.”

“You are making it up,” said Felezenon.

“No, Lady Felezenon,” said Dreveleth, “I heard the Queen say that very thing myself. She was talking to our aunt about their making arrangements so it would be available to you.”

Felezenon did move her things into the house and made arrangements to buy the house as her permanent residence. Apparently everyone was in agreement with this idea. They all saw it as evidence that Felezenon was really planning to settle here for half of the year. It was evident to Felezenon that Princess Lealan was very interested in Kaesaon. Apparently her parents were in agreement with this. Felezenon decided the Princess would make a very good friend. She, like Toralenz and Dreveleth, tended to draw young people of high rank. This would be of value to Kaesaon. It would also be of value to her, Felezenon decided.

At the dinner Kaesaon gave, Princess Lealan, Toralenz, Dreveleth and Prince Saalead were in attendance. Felezenon was sure that Toralenz, Dreveleth and possibly the Princess helped Kaesaon draw up the list of those who would attend. They were all young people who had the potential to wield power in their forest in the future. Kaesaon was laying the groundwork for the success of his mission as his King’s representative. Felezenon noted he was doing very well so far. She wondered if the young man selected by King Phoris and his council would be as successful. She did hope so.

The evening was very enjoyable for Felezenon, as everyone seemed happy to hear Felezenon was planning to spend half the year in this forest and the adjoining Kingdom. Princess Lealan realized that Felezenon’s decision practically eliminated her as competition for Kaesaon. The Princess knew that Kaesaon and Felezenon would remain very good friends, but that could work in favor of her, the Princess realized. The Princess knew that how Felezenon looked at things could work in her favor. Felezenon would look on her as a good match for Kaesaon. Felezenon might subtly influence Kaesaon in that direction.

The King and Queen had waited to hold a banquet for Felezenon until after Kaesaon’s dinner. Apparently this had been coordinated ahead of time. It was held two days after Kaesaon’s dinner. Felezenon had come to an evening meal at the Palace two days after she arrived. She and Kaesaon had dinner at Lord Schelazan’s home with just a few close friends. The King and Queen’s banquet was obviously a big affair, including all of the King’s inner council and their wives. All the Major Princes were there. Of course, that meant all the young Princes were also there. Kaesaon smiled at Felezenon when he saw her that evening.

“Don’t you dare say a word,” Felezenon told him. Kaesaon laughed at the look she gave him. As Toralenz and Dreveleth came up to them she looked at them.

“And don’t either of you say anything either or I shall banish all of you,” she said giving them the same look. They both looked appropriately innocent, but then they laughed. Felezenon did wonder who the Queen would seat beside her. She was sure she would be seated beside the Queen. Actually, the Queen had Kaesaon seated beside her and Princess Lealan seated beside Kaesaon. That eliminated the problem of rank and then Toralenz and Dreveleth could be seated beside Princess Lealan. The Major Princes were seated beside the King. After they were seated, the King rose and with a broad smile said,

“I am sure you have all heard the news that Lady Felezenon has decided to spend half of the year in our forest and King Marceleau’s Kingdom. We have been informed she already has taken a permanent residence in our city. We therefor wish to welcome her as a resident of our forest.”

Felezenon rose and with a smile said, “Now all the young men can begin fleeing to the country.”

Kaesaon said, “But what about those of us who must remain here?”

The Queen with a broad smile answered, “Then you must just make the best of it.”

“Perhaps the Princess will allow you to cry on her shoulder and will commiserate with you,” Felezenon said. Kaesaon smiled.

“Apparently you are not going to get much sympathy, Kaesaon,” said Toralenz. Then he added, “Not that you will need it.”

One of the Major Princesses asked,

“Because Princess Lealan might let him cry on her shoulder, or because having to put up with Lady Felezenon being around does not require any sympathy, but just the opposite?” Then she added with a smile, “As I am sure our son will agree.”

This garnered not only a laugh from the group, but also a nodding of heads in agreement.

Felezenon was invited to a number of dinners at the homes of the Major Princes in the city. Kaesaon and Princess Lealan were also included as were Toralenz and Dreveleth and the ladies they were escorting. Felezenon noted those ladies were not always of the highest rank. Felezenon applauded them for that. They did not always pay attention to rank. Felezenon reflected they were secure in their status. Felezenon stayed in the forest for several weeks to establish her residence here. Kaesaon had been busy meeting with the Elven King and his advisors. He also did some entertaining of both important members of the court as well as with young Elves of high rank. It was obvious that Princess Lealan as well as Toralenz and Dreveleth were working closely with him on this. He was now becoming fluent in the Elven language.

Kaesaon planned to return to his King’s city with Felezenon. They were both somewhat surprised when Princess Lealan planned to return with them. Toralenz and Dreveleth, not having visited that city since Kaesaon had come, also decided they would come for a visit. Kaesaon immediately sent a message to King Marcelleau about this. He was sure his King would plan a special dinner to welcome them. The King knew how helpful they had been to Kaesaon in their forest. Felezenon smiled at how Princess Lealan had moved in on Kaesaon. She noted Kaesaon was definitely not objecting. Princess Lealan was not pressing Kaesaon, she was just making sure when Kaesaon decided he would get serious, she would be around. Felezenon was now sure the Princess’ parents would be agreeable to such a match. Kaesaon was now well established in both courts. He had become a very important member of his King’s staff and an important Earl. He also had the friendship of the Duke who was the King’s closest advisor and friend.

When they arrived, Kaesaon and Felezenon escorted Princess Lealan, Toralenz and Dreveleth to a very fine Inn near the Palace. They made sure the three of them got the finest rooms. Kaesaon invited them to dine at the Palace that evening. Felezenon knew she had an apartment awaiting her at the Palace. Kaesaon immediately reported to the King and told him he had invited the three to dine at the Palace that evening. The King nodded his head in agreement. With a smile he said,

“We will plan a special dinner to welcome them, two days hence. We are happy to welcome the nephews of Lord Schelazan.” Then with a smile he added, “As well as the lovely Princess Lealan.” Kaesaon smiled at how the King had added that last.

The Duke came up at that time.

“Would it be agreeable with you, Kaesaon, if my son gathered a group of young people at our mansion for a dinner and some entertainment?”

“I would greatly appreciate that, Your Grace,” Kaesaon immediately replied. “We would like to make them feel very welcome here.”

“Yes,” said the King. “We shall have to arranged for several more such gatherings of young people.” Then he added thoughtfully, “We shall have to arrange for an appropriate place for you to entertain such gatherings, Kaesaon. There may very well be more opportunities like this in the future. Those young people are going to be the future of our Kingdom and the forest. We now have the opportunity to build a good base.

“Yes,” said the Duke, “Let us make sure we continue building on the base Kaesaon has already begun.”

Kaesaon with a broad smile said, “Compliments of Lady Felezenon.” The King and the Duke laughed and nodded their heads.

Kaesaon took a carriage to the Inn where the three were staying. He then brought them into the Palace. Ordinarily he would have waited to bring them later, as they were recognized of high rank. Kaesaon knew that Toralenz and Dreveleth tended to come early so that is when he brought them. As they came into the gathering room, they saw Felezenon had also come early. After they were announced, they moved toward Felezenon. The Duke’s son had come soon after Felezenon and had moved to join Felezenon. He had met Toralenz and Dreveleth some time in the past, but had not seen them for several years. Several other young people had gathered around Felezenon. Kaesaon gave Felezenon a nod and Felezenon introduced the Princess, Toralenz and Dreveleth to the group. Even the Duke’s son recognized that the three really outranked all of the group.