BEYOND THE RAINBOW

CHAPTER FOUR - FEAST OF THE FALLEN

A little while later Tanouie sat, at the head of one of the long, white marble tables in the great refectory hall, surrounded by many hundreds of her subjects. Jaddai had finally left her side. Forced to distance himself from what was coming.

"Go now. Step away from me" She had to order his defection. "And whatever happens, keep the hot heads from revolting to come to my rescue. Promise me you won't get sent down with me." Finally, he had made his miserable way to the far end of the hall. Tanouie sat, waiting for her doom. She had done what she could to set her affairs in some sort of order. Without raising the alarm. She prayed none of them could hear it jangling in her head, along with guilt, for accepting their accolades on her elevation to Celestial guide. All that was assumed of the appointment was that Zaldara had recognized her people's service and elevated their queen as a token of goodwill under the amnesty. The Council was not expected to be happy about it. So what? The Fay were jubilant. She could now guide leaders of nations. None dreamed that the deal included Hades and she had to do it in the flesh. But the meal had gone well. She had to concede the Dark angel had been true to her word. Generous even.

Over a leisurely span of precious time they had feasted on nectar with bread and honey and all manner of fruit which was materialised by the matrix. The Fay were vegetarian and if food was not available, didn't need it. Their own magic fed them. Eating was just a social thing to do. Especially the drinking. But for the most part they just got drunk on the spirit of joy. The great hall's high vaulted ceiling and the white marble furniture, added to the coldness of the venue and it was depressing to be all in the dull, gold tunics. Not a pan pipe or even a merry song, but at least they had each other. A too rare occurrence. Many of her court were away in service, but Borto, her minister for Tribal Affairs was here and informed her of what he could. It was disturbing.

"It is a longer mission than we bargained for, Majesty. I fear we may have to rethink the terms of this covenant. They don't mellow and are so afraid of being infected with Earthly influences we are little more than ants to them. It is a great breakthrough to see you finally honoured for your service, but I'm afraid it has come too late.  We may even be the cause of undermining your new position. The younger elves are growing rebellious and it has come to my attention that they are cloaking to resist the matrix when it draws them to the void. They refuse to be stored as dust in their time of leisure. The job is frustrating enough, so who can blame them?"

"Nobody with a heart, that's certain."Tanouie said grimly. "But this is terrible! Surely they cannot bear to remain consciously entombed? Alone ! My poor elves! You must not worry on my account. What can we do for their solace?" The Minister looked relieved. Tanouie was taken aback when he actually sighed of it. And her 'poor elves' looked to be in high glee across the board. A game of hide and seek was going on under the tables. Borto proceeded to explain the matter:

"They have a network of tunnels under the field and are joining their chambers. Even excavating larger cavities for socializing." The portly elder, normally a merry fellow, looked worried. "I'm afraid I don't know what to do about it. I am at wits end. Our hosts have refused time and again to allow us our own living colony on the planet. Half of me wants to join the young rebels and just make our own place to be. Below the surface. It is no dark place, but diamond bright. Quite magical. The matrix is not rejecting us, but rather appears to be allowing use of its power." Tanouie gasped.

"Then it is not in preferential service to the Council! They don't have control of it!" That was something she had been questioning for some time.

"It would appear not, Majesty." Borto was lightening up. A mischevious twinkle made his eyes brighter. "Free will is flourishing like wild fire. Someone has even found that plant life thrives. The drive is on now to obtain seeds from our home forests. It is even suggested that we can recreate Eden."