Strongbow gave Maya a meaningful glance and took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. “I’ll get Nim’Alkar and then we can begin seler.”

Maya sat with her hands in her lap, fidgeting nervously as she watched him walk into the bedroom to retrieve the sword. Rekindled hope along with a lingering dread filled her heart, and she could not help but feel that this was their last chance to save Veil. She thought about the heated conversation with Strongbow a few days before, they had both said things… things that had manifested from their tenseness about Veil’s condition. She also deeply regretted what she had said to him about her sister; she knew it had hurt Strongbow more than he would ever say. But suddenly, a day ago, his whole attitude towards her had changed to a posture that was more understanding and loving. She was not sure which she preferred more, his angst or his love. Maya then smiled thoughtfully. Yes she was.

The bedroom was deathly quiet as Strongbow entered. He walked to the far side of the bed and knelt next to Veil, bowing his head in a silent prayer to Corellon. When he raised his head again, Von looked down upon her lovingly and smoothed the quilted silk comforter under her arms, lifting her hands momentarily. They were so light, her thin fingers frail and delicate. He had a strange notion that, if not for the coverlet, she might actually float away.

His thoughts drifted to Maya. He had not told her about Veil’s few waking moments. Most of what had passed between them had been private. The last time however, Veil had mentioned Maya, explaining in her soft tired voice that he must be more patient and understanding of his bright and energetic sister, and that she meant well, but was also extremely independent. He promised that he would, and truthfully, it was something he had wanted himself. He knew Maya hadn’t asked for the bond. But since Veil and Maya shared a single soul, when he and Veil had bonded, so too did Maya get caught up in it. Neither of them was ready for that eventuality and it had caused some strained feelings between them. Things had mellowed over the years since that time, until now, when the mutual concern they held for Veil had again caused a modicum of strife. Strongbow glanced out to where Maya sat and then gazed back down at Veil. He smiled softly. Perhaps, strangely enough, this was what they had needed to bring them, all three, together at last.

Standing and turning away from the bed, Strongbow walked to the stand where Nim’Alkar rested. His eyes travelled the length of the golden sword, from its leather-bound hilt to the tip of the rune-etched blade. A feeling of quiet power emanated from Nim’Alkar, like a tigress poised to spring upon its prey. Strongbow reached apprehensively towards her… Her . Yes, the voice he had heard at the ceremony, the very bearing of the blade, all pointed toward a definite gender where this sword was concerned. Palms up, he lifted her from the stand gently and walked slowly out of the room.

Maya looked up at Strongbow as he took his place beside her. Their eyes met briefly; an exchange of acknowledgement and understanding of what they must do. Maya bowed her head and Strongbow raised Nim’Alkar, and turning his face toward the heavens, chanted an opening prayer.

“Corellon our Father, we humbly beseech thee to aid us in our coming endeavor."

"Ivory Maiden of the Rose, guide our hearts, our minds, our hands. We seek this not for ourselves, but for our loved one and your child, the Lady Veil."

"Lady of the Blade, cure her of this malady, which has struck her unjustly. Lift the darkness from her, and fill her again with the Light of Life."

"Hear our prayer oh benevolent ones, for we are, and forever shall be, your servants."

"This we ask in your name."

"Amen."

Maya reached for the mortar and pestle as Strongbow lowered the sword slowly. Inexplicably, Strongbow bent and kissed the blade lightly, and then gripped the hilt in both hands, holding Nim’Alkar before him. As he had read in the book, Strongbow sent his thoughts to Nim’Alkar. Both were totally unprepared for what happened next.

Strongbow cried out as a massive jolt of electricity surged though him, his body stiffened and his hands shook, every muscle contracting as he struggled to maintain his grip on the sword. Several moments went by, and Strongbow was sure his brain would explode. Doubt, understanding, ecstacy, pain, and a great fear that he had made his greatest error, all passed through his mind in an instant. His jaw clenched as he violently fought the desire to drop Nim’Alkar. This he knew he must not do. Maya sat by, staring with wide-eyed at Strongbow, helpless to react. For she too was held in sway by the blades power, and nearly dropped the mortar and pestle she was holding.

As swiftly as it had begun, it ended.

The elf lord sagged as he was released from the immense charge, and only then was he aware of a musical female voice speaking in his mind.

“Who are you?” Nim’Alkar demanded.

Strongbow licked his lips and blinked, the pain of his initial encounter with the sword still lingering throughout his tall frame. Maya looked up at him expectantly but, seeing him concentrating, remained silent.

“I am Strongbow Firehand, a bladesinger, and priest of Corellon. It was only through a desperate act that I dared summon you.”

He felt a mental probing, and suddenly he saw or felt, the history of Nim’Alkar unfolding in his mind. Her forging, the sacrifice of a willing maiden, whose presence he felt in her. No… was her. The Elfwar, a great feeling of both terror and sorrow overwhelmed Strongbow. He saw the darkness and evil of Wrath unleashed, and the light and glory of Nim’Alkar. He saw also his ancient kin falling on both sides, and tears rolled down his cheeks unchecked. A scene of dreadful proportions, elf killing elf in countless numbers. The wonder of Veil’s mother Sabine, terrible in her anger yet incredibly lovely to behold, an inner light and beauty shining and ever-present in her as she drove Wrath before her. Darkness came of time unknown, idleness, and then another awakening a millenium later in the hands of Veil. He also felt an exchange. That as he now knew Nim’Alkar’s past, so too did Nim’Alkar know his.

Strongbow looked upon the sword in his hands with a reverence, relaxing his grip a bit.

“A noble deed have you done Velahrcu. Never before has a male dared to touch me.” The sword spoke aloud this time, using his true elven name. “I sense no desire from you to possess me, only concern for she who is the Chosen One. That is well.”

A feeling like a smile washed over Strongbow and Maya. Nim’Alkar then spoke again to Strongbow’s mind.

“I must tell you something before we begin. Know you bladesinger, the place you seek does indeed exist, on this plane as well as many others. It is well hidden from all prying eyes, and only those of elven blood may hope to ever find it. I sense you will, but not in trying to do so. DO NOT, therefore, seek it out. It will find you.”

Strongbow saw in his mind’s eye an island kingdom, shrouded in mist, surrounded by magical storms and great reefs. Terrible monsters patrolled its waters, but the isle itself was a veritable paradise. He recognized it immediately. Evermeet.

Saying nothing of this, Strongbow then turned to Maya and smiled.

“Ready seler?”

“Uma toror, very much so.”

Nim’Alkar then instructed her on the precise timing needed when adding the herbs and ingredients required to make the spell-paste that would awaken the blade’s healing power.

Hours later it was done.

Maya and Strongbow walked into the bedroom, both of them trembling with anticipation. Strongbow gently placed Nim’Alkar’s hilt into Veil’s hands, carefully wrapping her delicate fingers around it, with the blade pointing toward her feet. They both stepped back a pace and waited.