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senmutHidden Returns (3654 words) by Sharpest_Asp
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Forgotten Realms, The Legend of Drizzt Series - R. A. Salvatore
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Drizzt Do'Urden/Alustriel Silverhand
Characters: Drizzt Do'Urden, Alustriel Silverhand, Ensemble
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Post-Canon, Self-Indulgent, Original Character(s) - Freeform, Disguises
Summary:
The pair of travelers, a wood elf and a moon elf, took in all the signs of nature healing. They had spotted the abundant new growth of the Silver Wood on their approach with approval. Now, in view of the walls, the wood elf paused.
"Bow-shot plus a few paces," he commented.
She smiled. "Ever so sensitive, but yes, I felt the kiss of the wards. Good to know they have recovered that much distance."
He nodded, before they continued on toward the city. They came to the gate where a squire — a veteran fighter, but wearing the rank of such — and two members of the Silver Watch held sway.
"Names and reason for business, letters if you have such," the squire called out as the pair were next in line.
"Gavren and Brielle," the wood elf spoke for both of them, hand lightly on the moon elf's wrist. "We wished to see for ourselves that the city truly was growing into its light once more. But we have no letters."
The squire nodded. "Not many as have them these days, not ones worth the paper they're on," he agreed. "If you need help with lodging or meals, volunteer at any of the temples; they're giving credits for work done. We don't yet have enough presses up to have maps, but the city's raised up information signs at the major junctions."
"Thank you," Brielle said warmly, her voice making all three fighters feel lighter in their duty despite the lack of magic. She just had a presence that soothed, which could only be a good thing. The pair were waved in, allowing them to begin a leisurely wandering.
"The Glade?" she suggested.
"No; I don't think I am ready. We'll just wander this side of the city."
"As you wish, my love."
The pair wound up pitching in not at a temple but at the Vault of the Sages. Despite the years since it had been recovered, there were still minor repairs and places to clean thoroughly as the staff moved collections to make that possible. Some day, they would be open for the general public, but for now, donation of time in service or exorbitant fees to access any portion of various collections.
Despite being strangers to the city, Gavren and Brielle were noted for how much effort they put into the work. It was enough that Tarthilmor, having opted to be the resident wizard on staff there, came by to thank them for their efforts.
"Did you know the Vault before the God War?" Tar asked without even introducing himself, as he gladly took up a scrubbing brush for the room they were working on. "You both seem intent on helping us get the place back into shape."
"Yes, we did," Gavren said in answer, to spare Brielle the need. "And it is as good a place as any for us to help during our stay here."
"Where are you from?" Tar asked, blunt as ever.
"Many places," Gavren answered to defer that line of questioning. "Most recently, Neverwinter."
"Suppose that was a bit rude; pasts are pasts, and all that. Well, I'm Tar, currently filling in as head archivist until we can get someone with proper qualifications. We're hoping Spirit Soaring can spare someone, as I heard they got themselves put together pretty quickly, or maybe didn't have as rough a time of it."
"A dedicant of Deneir would be a good idea," Gavren replied, before focusing on his work. Tar spent a couple of candle marks working with them, before moving on to be sociable at other helpers, having decided the pair did not, actually, feel like being talkative.
Brielle let Gavren tend to her hair, a quiet soothing that they both needed. When he was at last done with her braids, she looked up at him expectantly, getting him to lean over and kiss her nose.
It made her laugh softly, before they both shifted to lie upon their sides on the bed, facing one another.
"Well I've faced one hard part of this trip," she pointed out.
"Hmm."
"You can't not go, you know."
"I do."
"I hear they need a Ladyservant. I think you'd make a good one."
"I think your mind is addled from seeing Tar," he pointed out. "Besides, what would you do?"
She considered. "Apply to help refound the Lady's College? Manage and teach there?"
He chuckled at her. "I thought we were just seeing how things were, my heart's star."
She pouted. "I know. And I am glad to know the city is recovering, and we really should check on other places."
He did not reply, and she took that for what it was: a mutual need to decide if they were strong enough to live public lives again.
The tight clasp around her hand told Brielle this was every bit as hard as they had both suspected it would be, to see the Glade full of saplings, not majestic ancient trees. The paths were shifting, changing, as some of the young trees were in new places than where their predecessors had been. Still, Gavren knew the way, all the way to the center, having only paused once at the small hiexel coming up in the very spot of where he remembered a gargantuan shadowtop.
They had seen others, dutifully checking the young trees for any damage or needs. By the time they reached the center, still lacking an altar and offering basket, the encounters had thinned greatly. Gavren was grateful for that, kneeling where he had once given his fullest vows to a goddess. Brielle watched for him, letting him sink into communion with the land here, offering it the healing he had prayed for that very morning as he watched the dawn.
Those tending the young trees swore that new growth was unfurling before their very eyes, and the deeply rooted sanctity of the Glade came ever closer to being whole. None of them, though, were witness to the unicorn that came and stood in front of the wood elf.
"Hello, old friend," Gavren told the stallion as he looked up, one hand stroking that wise, fierce face. A great eye focused on the elf, and he drew in a deep breath. "Yes."
In a heartbeat, the unicorn vanished, and Brielle reached for her longterm partner. He gave her his hand, let her help him up from the ground.
"What did he say?" she asked softly.
He shook his head, and leaned into her to finish the walk out of the Glade.
Brielle was out alone, a rarity given how much of a couple she and Gavren were. She made her way to where the Lady's College had stood, saw that work was under way to bring down the building that had been there. A gnome and dwarf work crew were doing it with rigorous sorting as each part was collapsed, trying to retain as much of the stone as they could for reuse.
Gavren was sitting in a shaded spot where the Cloister had once stood, not yet rebuilt, for Mielikki's folk had opted to live as close to the Glade as possible while it was still being nurtured back to health. She had left him there to meditate, promising to stay out of trouble, knowing that whatever the unicorn had imparted to him was weighing on him.
She rather hoped it had something to do with her wistful ideas of remaining in the region she had loved for so long, not as an active participant in shaping it, but a support to the generation that had inherited the ruins left to them. She liked everything she saw of what their children were guiding the people toward being.
One of her spells that she had managed to re-weave under the new rules warned her someone was paying attention to her. As she walked around the lot, she tried to learn who was purposefully observing her. She had narrowed it down to one of two people at the nearby tavern with a patio, making her weigh the next course of action. Should she wander that way —
— one of the two rose and began walking in such a way that it would be very easy to parallel the woman if she just ended her circuit on this side of the lot. Brielle opted for that path, just in case this was a potential threat to their stay in the city.
"I never expected you to take up father's tricks," the woman, a moon elf much like her own appearance said casually when their paths came close enough for conversation. "Mareth will do for now; trying not to overshadow little sister or my brothers too much but still help out."
"Now I am quite vexed, as one of your brothers did not realize it was me, so will you tell me how you knew?" Brielle asked in a pleasant voice, as she did know that name and the words added weight.
Mareth laughed softly. "Odd stirrings at the Glade made it back to my ears. The only unusual visitors through there were you and a wood elf, both of whom were known to volunteer at the Vault for credits toward your meals and lodging, yet there was a sizable amount of coin paid, in several older pressings from around the realms.
"I suspected. And waited to see if you wandered to the college."
"Excellent work. But much as you are being quiet about your presence currently, so are he and I, for much the same reason."
"Oh, plus the fact there are still plenty of threats to either one of you, given everything."
"That too, dear one." Brielle looked at the woman, having been certain of the truth of it all. "I do not yet know if we are staying. If so, we will tell your sister, and go from there. But if not…"
"It will be as if I never saw you," Mareth promised. "But… I get to be glad the pair of you came back."
"Just lock it away as you always manage," Brielle said, before giving a slight nod and turning down a different side street, to keep it seemingly as casual as possible. Mareth let that be the end of their meeting, a soft smile touching her lips.
Brielle settled against the headboard, and beckoned, so that Gavren came and rested against her.
"Mena is in the city. Deduced who we were."
That got a faint nod. "She is always canny," he said softly. "I saw Klith among the various tressym and pseudo-dragons today on my own walk. I doubt he knew me for who I am, though."
"I am glad to know he lives still." She petted his hair. "Are you ready to discuss what is on your mind?"
He tipped his head back to smile gently at her. "Were you serious about trying to handle the school here?"
"I am. I think it would be a good way to support the growth we see, and keep an ear on how the world is shaping."
"Mielikki, and Lurue, would like for me to remain as an anchor to help the Glade recover fully. They do not ask that I show my true face, and while I have often chafed at the idea of hiding who I am, I do not wish to eclipse the children's efforts at all." He closed his eyes as he settled more firmly against her.
"I will see about getting us a private audience with Zanna, so we can handle details," Brielle murmured against his hair, feeling the unease in him even as he was committing to his goddess's needs.
"Thank you, my heart's star."
Brielle and Gavren did look around at the Palace, letting the Page on duty guide them, as if it was their first time here. In some ways, it was, as decor had changed, and even some of the passages. He was glad she had her hand on his arm, because in some ways, the changes here affected him as badly as the Glade's condition. How much worse for her, who had such a longer history?
They only had a short wait outside the audience room, and that proved to be one of the smaller rooms, with new art adorning one wall, and old favorites along the others. Zanna was in a rather plain blue wizard's robe, with silver and purple threading for the embroidery at the cuffs. She smiled as both came in, let the door close, and then gave them her full attention — the picture of a child that had learned states-craft from the only woman she had known as 'mother'.
"I have heard much of your generous efforts in the Vault from my brother Tar," she began. "But I was not expecting an audience request. How can I best serve?"
Gavren had noted Klith on his perch, but could not detect a fighter or other wizard present, and had traced such a message on his partner's wrist with his thumb.
"Are we truly private, Lady?" he asked, using Drow to do so, and Zanna's eyes went quite wide for a moment.
"We are, unless I feel a need to call; I promise we won't be for long at that point," she said with steel in the words.
"Good," Brielle said before taking a deep breath. "If you wish, I will dispel our polymorphs, but I would rather not make the splash that would make, in addition to needing to redo them after.
"I might, after all, get something wrong in the details."
"Speak your true names, as it seems you both must be familiar with me," Zanna said, but her eyes had glued to Brielle's face with something like hope shining.
"Drizzt Do'Urden," Gavren said softly, "once Secondboy of the Ninth House of Menzoberranzan, ranger consort to the Lady of Silverymoon, and somewhat once-reluctant Champion of Mielikki." He stated his full name and titles mostly to let her truth spell, knowing she had to have one active, to have something fuller to chew on.
"Somewhat my foot!" Brielle said to that, laughing a little even as Zanna was swallowing against the lump in her throat, apparently. "I'm only claiming Alustriel, my dear daughter, as your spell got a mouthful on his grandiose introduction."
Gavren snorted, but then Zanna was up out of her chair and moving, so both rose, catching her between them for a much needed hug — and not a few tears.
When they settled again, it was with Zanna between them on the divan instead of her facing them from her usual chair. She was clinging to their hands, and they understood.
"First, my dear one, we are both so very proud of all your work we heard of, not just here, but through the Realms," Brielle said. "Second… it seems we will be staying, unless you object, but we must use these lives we have built for ourselves this time."
"Of course! Both to you staying and the need for the new faces. I'll just have to find a reason to befriend you both!" Zanna answered that. "One of you killed — "
"Helped kill," Gavren interjected.
"— a god, and the other briefly had to be one, until Elminster-Mystra got themself sorted."
"I wasn't technically," Brielle protested.
Zanna just gave her a look. "Mother, you were holding the Weave to the Realms by your will alone during those last battles!"
"Which left me no time or energy to grant any of the duties a god holds," Brielle argued logically.
All three of them laughed at that.
"Anyway, I understand. But all of my living brothers on this plane, minus Del, are here now. And my nephew. And my sister!"
"Mena knows," Brielle said. "Puzzled it out for herself." She paused. "So Thilson, commander of the Silver Watch, is Tar's child? How very odd…"
"We are not pushing at him getting the elven longevity any more than we push at Azalar sill being alive and young," Zanna said, shaking her head. "We just blame your mother."
"Mielikki is at fault in Azalar's case," Gavren told her, knowing that for fact. "She had plans for him before he was born."
"Ahh! Well then," Zanna said, filing that away. "Point being, this is a heavier secret to keep than most."
"Oh you don't have to, not from them," Brielle told her. "Just… discretion. And let them seek us out to 'befriend' us, as they can."
"Your aunt and grandfather know we're back," Gavren said. "I knew she'd have the most information about power structures and movements to be aware of."
"How she manages that… but yes, she has information that even I struggle to find," Zanna said with a sigh. "Alright. What do you each intend to do?"
"I will rebuild the cloister, though nearer to the Glade this time, as we are not using portals yet," Gavren told her. "Mielikki and Lurue agree."
Zanna nodded, that made sense.
"With your permission, I would like to see to the efforts to rebuild the Lady's College, and teach there," Brielle said with a deep breath to buffer herself. "I… in some ways, it was my first love in this city, the effort me and my friends made to craft a safe place for wizards, especially women, to learn mage-craft.
"And I have so much to learn anew!"
Zanna turned and hugged her fiercely. "Oh yes, mother! That is a wonderful idea! But I warn you, Niska may well join you there, once Nae is comfortable as head of my Spellguard."
"I can trust her with this secret," Brielle said, accepting that.
Gavren took his morning vigil in the center of the Glade, knowing some of those who had come here did likewise. Mielikki seemed to think that was as good a time as any, and pulled at Her people in the city to come. When the vigil was done, for Gavren had begun his well before the sun rose, the center sward of their goddess was full of those seeking dedication, and the few truly trained clerics, as well as the sparse collection of druids and rangers.
The numbers were better than Gavren had hoped for, even as he noted the stronger swell of half-humans in the group, showing that Khalreshaar's worship remained strong in this part of the world. More, nearly all of them were turning his way, making it clear their prayers had been met with a message about his new mission in life.
"We need a home," he began, "a place of rest, shelter, and teaching. Yes, the Glade is our focus, for all to come and share." He looked over the people who carried only their wish to dedicate themselves, then back to those who were trained. "It is time we renew our place in the Luruar, and become, once more, the center of Her calling in the North."
"You are a stranger to us, but the Lady…" one of the druids said, taking up the questions they all had.
"…and Lurue," Gavren said when she trailed off, "have both charged me to share all I am and know here. Selvie, isn't it? You dedicated yourself here, just before the War of the Gods erupted."
The half-human's eyes went wide at his knowledge. He looked once more over the ones trained. "I do not know any of the rest of you, and none of you know me. But She asked you to listen to me."
"Yes, She did," one of the clerics said. "Ladyservant," she added, bowing her head to him.
"Like those who held the title in the years I did roam here, I am merely Gavren now, with the title to be used when I must throw political weight behind things."
"As you wish it," Selvie replied, a sentiment echoed in low words all around them.
"Let us see about bringing our allotment of stone and timber here; the new cloister will be on this side, and I have purchased the lot we need. With magic as it has been, and all the rules still unknown, I feel the old way is a risk best left alone. Perhaps in time we will reclaim the old lot for more lodging, but… not yet."
With that said, he began walking toward the exit that was closest to the warehouses storing building materials.
Not a single person there failed to follow him, moved by their goddess's words during the morning vigil.
Brielle, now in possession of a token to be able to use all of her spells, was applying them to aiding the work crew taking down the remains of the Lady's College. She had met Terema, Zanna's dearest companion, and had long talks about the mechanical workshop Terema envisioned, to better apply the artificer path she and Zanna had been perfecting. Additionally, she had discussed the space constraints with Senmut, head dwarf of the construction crew.
With a clearly appointed leader on the project, demolition picked up speed to the point that Brielle and Terema could start interviewing likely candidates for teaching… and the first wave of students. Having the first 'class' closely involved in the construction phase would only help build solidarity.
She and Gavren compromised on a location between the Glade and the site of the Lady's College to purchase a small home, but neither one was often in it, not with all the work that had to be done. Yet, each of their sons managed to seek them out, to learn more of who they meant to be now, slipping unseen into the small home to visit with them over the months of building. Thilson, as well, was properly introduced to his grandmother.
The future was brightening, with every step forward, as the Shining Hope of the North grew ever more stable, fulfilling the long-past dreams of a Chosen of Mystra once again.
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Forgotten Realms, The Legend of Drizzt Series - R. A. Salvatore
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Drizzt Do'Urden/Alustriel Silverhand
Characters: Drizzt Do'Urden, Alustriel Silverhand, Ensemble
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Post-Canon, Self-Indulgent, Original Character(s) - Freeform, Disguises
Summary:
A pair of elves come to Silverymoon...
...or are they?
Hidden Returns
The pair of travelers, a wood elf and a moon elf, took in all the signs of nature healing. They had spotted the abundant new growth of the Silver Wood on their approach with approval. Now, in view of the walls, the wood elf paused.
"Bow-shot plus a few paces," he commented.
She smiled. "Ever so sensitive, but yes, I felt the kiss of the wards. Good to know they have recovered that much distance."
He nodded, before they continued on toward the city. They came to the gate where a squire — a veteran fighter, but wearing the rank of such — and two members of the Silver Watch held sway.
"Names and reason for business, letters if you have such," the squire called out as the pair were next in line.
"Gavren and Brielle," the wood elf spoke for both of them, hand lightly on the moon elf's wrist. "We wished to see for ourselves that the city truly was growing into its light once more. But we have no letters."
The squire nodded. "Not many as have them these days, not ones worth the paper they're on," he agreed. "If you need help with lodging or meals, volunteer at any of the temples; they're giving credits for work done. We don't yet have enough presses up to have maps, but the city's raised up information signs at the major junctions."
"Thank you," Brielle said warmly, her voice making all three fighters feel lighter in their duty despite the lack of magic. She just had a presence that soothed, which could only be a good thing. The pair were waved in, allowing them to begin a leisurely wandering.
"The Glade?" she suggested.
"No; I don't think I am ready. We'll just wander this side of the city."
"As you wish, my love."
The pair wound up pitching in not at a temple but at the Vault of the Sages. Despite the years since it had been recovered, there were still minor repairs and places to clean thoroughly as the staff moved collections to make that possible. Some day, they would be open for the general public, but for now, donation of time in service or exorbitant fees to access any portion of various collections.
Despite being strangers to the city, Gavren and Brielle were noted for how much effort they put into the work. It was enough that Tarthilmor, having opted to be the resident wizard on staff there, came by to thank them for their efforts.
"Did you know the Vault before the God War?" Tar asked without even introducing himself, as he gladly took up a scrubbing brush for the room they were working on. "You both seem intent on helping us get the place back into shape."
"Yes, we did," Gavren said in answer, to spare Brielle the need. "And it is as good a place as any for us to help during our stay here."
"Where are you from?" Tar asked, blunt as ever.
"Many places," Gavren answered to defer that line of questioning. "Most recently, Neverwinter."
"Suppose that was a bit rude; pasts are pasts, and all that. Well, I'm Tar, currently filling in as head archivist until we can get someone with proper qualifications. We're hoping Spirit Soaring can spare someone, as I heard they got themselves put together pretty quickly, or maybe didn't have as rough a time of it."
"A dedicant of Deneir would be a good idea," Gavren replied, before focusing on his work. Tar spent a couple of candle marks working with them, before moving on to be sociable at other helpers, having decided the pair did not, actually, feel like being talkative.
Brielle let Gavren tend to her hair, a quiet soothing that they both needed. When he was at last done with her braids, she looked up at him expectantly, getting him to lean over and kiss her nose.
It made her laugh softly, before they both shifted to lie upon their sides on the bed, facing one another.
"Well I've faced one hard part of this trip," she pointed out.
"Hmm."
"You can't not go, you know."
"I do."
"I hear they need a Ladyservant. I think you'd make a good one."
"I think your mind is addled from seeing Tar," he pointed out. "Besides, what would you do?"
She considered. "Apply to help refound the Lady's College? Manage and teach there?"
He chuckled at her. "I thought we were just seeing how things were, my heart's star."
She pouted. "I know. And I am glad to know the city is recovering, and we really should check on other places."
He did not reply, and she took that for what it was: a mutual need to decide if they were strong enough to live public lives again.
The tight clasp around her hand told Brielle this was every bit as hard as they had both suspected it would be, to see the Glade full of saplings, not majestic ancient trees. The paths were shifting, changing, as some of the young trees were in new places than where their predecessors had been. Still, Gavren knew the way, all the way to the center, having only paused once at the small hiexel coming up in the very spot of where he remembered a gargantuan shadowtop.
They had seen others, dutifully checking the young trees for any damage or needs. By the time they reached the center, still lacking an altar and offering basket, the encounters had thinned greatly. Gavren was grateful for that, kneeling where he had once given his fullest vows to a goddess. Brielle watched for him, letting him sink into communion with the land here, offering it the healing he had prayed for that very morning as he watched the dawn.
Those tending the young trees swore that new growth was unfurling before their very eyes, and the deeply rooted sanctity of the Glade came ever closer to being whole. None of them, though, were witness to the unicorn that came and stood in front of the wood elf.
"Hello, old friend," Gavren told the stallion as he looked up, one hand stroking that wise, fierce face. A great eye focused on the elf, and he drew in a deep breath. "Yes."
In a heartbeat, the unicorn vanished, and Brielle reached for her longterm partner. He gave her his hand, let her help him up from the ground.
"What did he say?" she asked softly.
He shook his head, and leaned into her to finish the walk out of the Glade.
Brielle was out alone, a rarity given how much of a couple she and Gavren were. She made her way to where the Lady's College had stood, saw that work was under way to bring down the building that had been there. A gnome and dwarf work crew were doing it with rigorous sorting as each part was collapsed, trying to retain as much of the stone as they could for reuse.
Gavren was sitting in a shaded spot where the Cloister had once stood, not yet rebuilt, for Mielikki's folk had opted to live as close to the Glade as possible while it was still being nurtured back to health. She had left him there to meditate, promising to stay out of trouble, knowing that whatever the unicorn had imparted to him was weighing on him.
She rather hoped it had something to do with her wistful ideas of remaining in the region she had loved for so long, not as an active participant in shaping it, but a support to the generation that had inherited the ruins left to them. She liked everything she saw of what their children were guiding the people toward being.
One of her spells that she had managed to re-weave under the new rules warned her someone was paying attention to her. As she walked around the lot, she tried to learn who was purposefully observing her. She had narrowed it down to one of two people at the nearby tavern with a patio, making her weigh the next course of action. Should she wander that way —
— one of the two rose and began walking in such a way that it would be very easy to parallel the woman if she just ended her circuit on this side of the lot. Brielle opted for that path, just in case this was a potential threat to their stay in the city.
"I never expected you to take up father's tricks," the woman, a moon elf much like her own appearance said casually when their paths came close enough for conversation. "Mareth will do for now; trying not to overshadow little sister or my brothers too much but still help out."
"Now I am quite vexed, as one of your brothers did not realize it was me, so will you tell me how you knew?" Brielle asked in a pleasant voice, as she did know that name and the words added weight.
Mareth laughed softly. "Odd stirrings at the Glade made it back to my ears. The only unusual visitors through there were you and a wood elf, both of whom were known to volunteer at the Vault for credits toward your meals and lodging, yet there was a sizable amount of coin paid, in several older pressings from around the realms.
"I suspected. And waited to see if you wandered to the college."
"Excellent work. But much as you are being quiet about your presence currently, so are he and I, for much the same reason."
"Oh, plus the fact there are still plenty of threats to either one of you, given everything."
"That too, dear one." Brielle looked at the woman, having been certain of the truth of it all. "I do not yet know if we are staying. If so, we will tell your sister, and go from there. But if not…"
"It will be as if I never saw you," Mareth promised. "But… I get to be glad the pair of you came back."
"Just lock it away as you always manage," Brielle said, before giving a slight nod and turning down a different side street, to keep it seemingly as casual as possible. Mareth let that be the end of their meeting, a soft smile touching her lips.
Brielle settled against the headboard, and beckoned, so that Gavren came and rested against her.
"Mena is in the city. Deduced who we were."
That got a faint nod. "She is always canny," he said softly. "I saw Klith among the various tressym and pseudo-dragons today on my own walk. I doubt he knew me for who I am, though."
"I am glad to know he lives still." She petted his hair. "Are you ready to discuss what is on your mind?"
He tipped his head back to smile gently at her. "Were you serious about trying to handle the school here?"
"I am. I think it would be a good way to support the growth we see, and keep an ear on how the world is shaping."
"Mielikki, and Lurue, would like for me to remain as an anchor to help the Glade recover fully. They do not ask that I show my true face, and while I have often chafed at the idea of hiding who I am, I do not wish to eclipse the children's efforts at all." He closed his eyes as he settled more firmly against her.
"I will see about getting us a private audience with Zanna, so we can handle details," Brielle murmured against his hair, feeling the unease in him even as he was committing to his goddess's needs.
"Thank you, my heart's star."
Brielle and Gavren did look around at the Palace, letting the Page on duty guide them, as if it was their first time here. In some ways, it was, as decor had changed, and even some of the passages. He was glad she had her hand on his arm, because in some ways, the changes here affected him as badly as the Glade's condition. How much worse for her, who had such a longer history?
They only had a short wait outside the audience room, and that proved to be one of the smaller rooms, with new art adorning one wall, and old favorites along the others. Zanna was in a rather plain blue wizard's robe, with silver and purple threading for the embroidery at the cuffs. She smiled as both came in, let the door close, and then gave them her full attention — the picture of a child that had learned states-craft from the only woman she had known as 'mother'.
"I have heard much of your generous efforts in the Vault from my brother Tar," she began. "But I was not expecting an audience request. How can I best serve?"
Gavren had noted Klith on his perch, but could not detect a fighter or other wizard present, and had traced such a message on his partner's wrist with his thumb.
"Are we truly private, Lady?" he asked, using Drow to do so, and Zanna's eyes went quite wide for a moment.
"We are, unless I feel a need to call; I promise we won't be for long at that point," she said with steel in the words.
"Good," Brielle said before taking a deep breath. "If you wish, I will dispel our polymorphs, but I would rather not make the splash that would make, in addition to needing to redo them after.
"I might, after all, get something wrong in the details."
"Speak your true names, as it seems you both must be familiar with me," Zanna said, but her eyes had glued to Brielle's face with something like hope shining.
"Drizzt Do'Urden," Gavren said softly, "once Secondboy of the Ninth House of Menzoberranzan, ranger consort to the Lady of Silverymoon, and somewhat once-reluctant Champion of Mielikki." He stated his full name and titles mostly to let her truth spell, knowing she had to have one active, to have something fuller to chew on.
"Somewhat my foot!" Brielle said to that, laughing a little even as Zanna was swallowing against the lump in her throat, apparently. "I'm only claiming Alustriel, my dear daughter, as your spell got a mouthful on his grandiose introduction."
Gavren snorted, but then Zanna was up out of her chair and moving, so both rose, catching her between them for a much needed hug — and not a few tears.
When they settled again, it was with Zanna between them on the divan instead of her facing them from her usual chair. She was clinging to their hands, and they understood.
"First, my dear one, we are both so very proud of all your work we heard of, not just here, but through the Realms," Brielle said. "Second… it seems we will be staying, unless you object, but we must use these lives we have built for ourselves this time."
"Of course! Both to you staying and the need for the new faces. I'll just have to find a reason to befriend you both!" Zanna answered that. "One of you killed — "
"Helped kill," Gavren interjected.
"— a god, and the other briefly had to be one, until Elminster-Mystra got themself sorted."
"I wasn't technically," Brielle protested.
Zanna just gave her a look. "Mother, you were holding the Weave to the Realms by your will alone during those last battles!"
"Which left me no time or energy to grant any of the duties a god holds," Brielle argued logically.
All three of them laughed at that.
"Anyway, I understand. But all of my living brothers on this plane, minus Del, are here now. And my nephew. And my sister!"
"Mena knows," Brielle said. "Puzzled it out for herself." She paused. "So Thilson, commander of the Silver Watch, is Tar's child? How very odd…"
"We are not pushing at him getting the elven longevity any more than we push at Azalar sill being alive and young," Zanna said, shaking her head. "We just blame your mother."
"Mielikki is at fault in Azalar's case," Gavren told her, knowing that for fact. "She had plans for him before he was born."
"Ahh! Well then," Zanna said, filing that away. "Point being, this is a heavier secret to keep than most."
"Oh you don't have to, not from them," Brielle told her. "Just… discretion. And let them seek us out to 'befriend' us, as they can."
"Your aunt and grandfather know we're back," Gavren said. "I knew she'd have the most information about power structures and movements to be aware of."
"How she manages that… but yes, she has information that even I struggle to find," Zanna said with a sigh. "Alright. What do you each intend to do?"
"I will rebuild the cloister, though nearer to the Glade this time, as we are not using portals yet," Gavren told her. "Mielikki and Lurue agree."
Zanna nodded, that made sense.
"With your permission, I would like to see to the efforts to rebuild the Lady's College, and teach there," Brielle said with a deep breath to buffer herself. "I… in some ways, it was my first love in this city, the effort me and my friends made to craft a safe place for wizards, especially women, to learn mage-craft.
"And I have so much to learn anew!"
Zanna turned and hugged her fiercely. "Oh yes, mother! That is a wonderful idea! But I warn you, Niska may well join you there, once Nae is comfortable as head of my Spellguard."
"I can trust her with this secret," Brielle said, accepting that.
Gavren took his morning vigil in the center of the Glade, knowing some of those who had come here did likewise. Mielikki seemed to think that was as good a time as any, and pulled at Her people in the city to come. When the vigil was done, for Gavren had begun his well before the sun rose, the center sward of their goddess was full of those seeking dedication, and the few truly trained clerics, as well as the sparse collection of druids and rangers.
The numbers were better than Gavren had hoped for, even as he noted the stronger swell of half-humans in the group, showing that Khalreshaar's worship remained strong in this part of the world. More, nearly all of them were turning his way, making it clear their prayers had been met with a message about his new mission in life.
"We need a home," he began, "a place of rest, shelter, and teaching. Yes, the Glade is our focus, for all to come and share." He looked over the people who carried only their wish to dedicate themselves, then back to those who were trained. "It is time we renew our place in the Luruar, and become, once more, the center of Her calling in the North."
"You are a stranger to us, but the Lady…" one of the druids said, taking up the questions they all had.
"…and Lurue," Gavren said when she trailed off, "have both charged me to share all I am and know here. Selvie, isn't it? You dedicated yourself here, just before the War of the Gods erupted."
The half-human's eyes went wide at his knowledge. He looked once more over the ones trained. "I do not know any of the rest of you, and none of you know me. But She asked you to listen to me."
"Yes, She did," one of the clerics said. "Ladyservant," she added, bowing her head to him.
"Like those who held the title in the years I did roam here, I am merely Gavren now, with the title to be used when I must throw political weight behind things."
"As you wish it," Selvie replied, a sentiment echoed in low words all around them.
"Let us see about bringing our allotment of stone and timber here; the new cloister will be on this side, and I have purchased the lot we need. With magic as it has been, and all the rules still unknown, I feel the old way is a risk best left alone. Perhaps in time we will reclaim the old lot for more lodging, but… not yet."
With that said, he began walking toward the exit that was closest to the warehouses storing building materials.
Not a single person there failed to follow him, moved by their goddess's words during the morning vigil.
Brielle, now in possession of a token to be able to use all of her spells, was applying them to aiding the work crew taking down the remains of the Lady's College. She had met Terema, Zanna's dearest companion, and had long talks about the mechanical workshop Terema envisioned, to better apply the artificer path she and Zanna had been perfecting. Additionally, she had discussed the space constraints with Senmut, head dwarf of the construction crew.
With a clearly appointed leader on the project, demolition picked up speed to the point that Brielle and Terema could start interviewing likely candidates for teaching… and the first wave of students. Having the first 'class' closely involved in the construction phase would only help build solidarity.
She and Gavren compromised on a location between the Glade and the site of the Lady's College to purchase a small home, but neither one was often in it, not with all the work that had to be done. Yet, each of their sons managed to seek them out, to learn more of who they meant to be now, slipping unseen into the small home to visit with them over the months of building. Thilson, as well, was properly introduced to his grandmother.
The future was brightening, with every step forward, as the Shining Hope of the North grew ever more stable, fulfilling the long-past dreams of a Chosen of Mystra once again.
