-----"Mother, I hate to be...political at a time like this. But I must ask something. The guard outside mentioned that Zepharon was under arrest, and I have heard stories of guardsmen behaving with a similar lack of manners to my friends several weeks ago. Do you know about this?" Sarah realizes she has to bring it up sooner or later and figures it might as well be while Lady Evalyn is still smiling.
-----Sarah rests her head on her mother's shoulder and enjoys the closeness of her body while Lady Evalyn thinks.
-----An expression of worry flashes across Lady Evalyn's face and she ponders in silence for a few moments. Finally, she says quietly, "Sarah, tell me of Zepharon . . . and your friends."
-----"Zepharon? Well, he's been like my dad to me for almost as long as I can remember. He taught me magic and he taught me how to speak elvish and he taught me all sorts of other stuff. He even helped me summon Chessie, my familiar. You'll meet him when he wakes up." Sarah grins at the thought of her baby.
-----"And my friends...there have been so many. Right now Sol is the most important to me. I love him you see. I don't know if he feels the same way sometimes, but whenever I ask him, he convinces me. He's the most brave and powerful warrior I know." Sarah grins. "And Raven and Rinda, the hunters, always together those two. Raven's got a sort of shady background, I think he may be a half-orc, but I never really got the chance to ask him about it. But he and Rinda are both dedicated to defending the wilderness like you wouldn't believe. And there are so many others that have come and gone, Garrison, Rodney, Abram," Sarah trails off a list of all those she has traveled with, omitting mention of a certain group of rogues.
-----"They're all very special to me, mother." Sarah says in conclusion, trying to gauge her reaction. "You should meet Sol. I think you might like him."
-----The Lady Seer surrenders a weary smile and says, "This young man, I believe I have already met him. In many ways, he reminds me of someone."
-----She then places a hand cupping Sarah's cheek, caressing the side of her face. Looking tenderly into her daughter's eyes, she continues, "You have been well taken care of, it seems. You have been loved and I am only too sorry I have not been there with you as you have grown."
-----"There was a time when those I loved were at odds," Evalyn says with a sense of relief and finality. "I shall not have this for you. How can I make you happy?"
-----Sarah smiles and gets happy goosebumps across her body as her mother caresses her cheek. She smiles very sweetly at the feeling and hugs her mother once more. "Just explain to me what is happening, and why Zepharon is under arrest. And tell me what you have been doing once you found out where I was." Sarah says as the two women gaze affectionately at each other. "It really is very nice to finally meet you." She repeats happily for the umpteenth time.
-----"My Lord Marshall is keeping Zepharon busy, I suspect," Lady Evalyn says, slightly raising her chin. "This was due in part by me, so that I could make sure that we could meet."
-----"Now that we are reunited, the charges will be dropped," She then gives an apologetic look as she shrugs. "Though I must admit, I've nearly forgotten to notify the Lord Marshall."
-----Taking both of Sarah's hands in her own, Evalyn explains, "There has been much . . . illness I have suffered, since I lost both you and your father. Time has not been kind while I rested to recovery. Many things I found I was denied and there was always that desperate longing to find you. There were also times when I believed I did not deserve to find you. In his own way, Zepharon did help me, giving me the time to gain my confidence back."
-----Sarah smiles softly and begins to run her hand through Lady Evalyn's hair, marveling at how similar it is to her own. "Tell me about my father." She says softly. "I would very much like to know about him."
-----A gleam takes Evalyn's eyes as she takes a moment to reflect and she clears her voice while she smiles. "He is . . . the most brave and the most loving man I have ever known. He was raised to be a knight of this kingdom, but he gave that up for our love."
-----Suddenly overcome by emotion, she adds before her voice breaks, "And, oh Sarah, you should have seen how proud he was of you. When you were born, all he could do was hold you and carry you and rock you and sing to you while I rested." Evalyn embraces Sarah as weeping takes her. Between the tears, she promises, "I will tell you more of him in the coming days. I promise!"
-----Sarah holds her mother tight, although she also sheds a few tears they are warm happy tears of joy at the thought that her parents really did love and did not just cast her aside like garbage to be taken in by a creepy old couple. "Oh Mom...You have no idea how happy I am right now." She said and walked her mother back to the throne and sat down in it, the two slender women easily fitting into the magnificent throne. Sarah figured her mother could use a bit of a rest. The young mage rested her head on her mother's shoulder.