The Eldars

12

"I was so sure that they would get together, they were so happy when they were together. People kept asking me when the wedding would take place.

"Now they just ask me what happened, why the mask is back  and only sadness in the eyes showing. What can I tell them? Nothing, because I don't know what happened," Molani quietly talks with Mauntie.

"I know. When Mant left she turned inward and refuses to let anyone near. At least she hasn't given up like before. She is still learning and mastering the skills. I've never seen anything like it.

"She is learning in a fraction of the time it takes others to learn. She hasn't mastered weaving or some of the other crafts but it won't be much longer. Maybe a year or two at most. Soon she'll have mastered all she can do. It has been long since we've had a master-of-masters. It will be a great day when she masters the last of the crafts. We'll be holding a celebration for her, but somehow, I feel as if she won't be celebrating with us." Mauntie says somberly. It hurts for him to see the pain Montani is in.

"She has nightmares at night. I think she drives herself during the day so that she will be able to sleep. She refuses to ask for help. She won't even make herself any teas or other things to help her sleep at night.

"I think after Montani trusting Mant and his leaving her made it impossible for her to trust any of us. At least she's starting to smile again. I was beginning to think that she wouldn't ever do that again either. It's been two years, Mauntie, two years since that night Mant helped her and almost that long since he left and she last smiled. A real smile I mean." Molani impatiently wipes away the silent tears that fall and Mauntie nods his head unhappily.

"Do you think that Mant will ever return?" Molani asks the question that keeps her up at night. Mant is her only child other than Montani that they adopted.

"I don't know, Molani. But for Montani's sake I hope he does. And ours of course. But I hope that when he does come back that she will be able to forgive him and love him again." Mauntie says morosely holding back his own tears.

The news that Montani has mastered all the crafts that she possibly could stirs the city with excitement. It has been over a century since they last had a Master-of-masters. The city starts planning the celebration.

Montani is oblivious to all the excitement and accepts the congratulations with a small smile and thanks. She feels empty inside and this all means nothing to her.

The celebration to be held in her honor she'd rather just miss altogether but knows that she can't do that. The people need this. They need the hope it brings them. Attacks of the evil ones have become common and the eagles report that the evil ones range ever farther from their territory. This celebration will help them, but nothing helps her.

She accepted an offer of escort from one of Mant's and her's friends. She makes the necessary arrangements but she hates it. She knows why she doesn't want to go, Mant wasn't here to take her. She refuses to think about him and is trying to move on, but it's not easy for her to forget him. She resolutely looks to the future, it's been nearly five years since he left her and there has been no word from him. He's not coming back.

The day of the celebration dawns bright and clear, a beautiful summer day. The finishing touches are being taken care of and shortly the celebration begins.

Montani does her best to pretend to be happy but it's difficult for her. The joy of the Eldar as they celebrate her accomplishments helps. Finally the day is closing and she is dancing with Maund. She closes her eyes and pictures Mant when she stops suddenly.

She feels Mant nearby. Maund looks at her in surprise. When he sees her looking around searching with joy all he can think is relief that she is happy once again.

Montani stares in one direction now. Maund turns to see what she is looking at. The sight at first angers him, then acceptance takes over. He knew five years ago that Montani would never be his, but when Mant suddenly and mysteriously left he had hope that he could win her love. Now, he admits to himself, that he never had a chance.

Montani watches entranced as Mant slowly walks towards her. She doesn't even notice the others as they realize what is happening. The music stops and the people watch. Montani doesn't even notice when Maund steps back to allow Mant to dance with Montani.

Mant stops in front of Montani and she is unable to control herself, she slaps him. The crowd gives a collective gasp. Then Montani starts crying and Mant holds her as tight as he can. The crowd murmurs in confusion.

Mant whispers softly to Montani, "Can you ever forgive me? I was lost without you, Montani, I need you."

"Why did you leave Mant? Why? You say you need me, yet you left me for nearly five years. Five years Mant. How can I believe you? I trusted you once and you left me. How can I trust you again?"

"Because I love you. It has been the only reason I am able to be here now, it was the only reason that I am still alive." That's when Montani takes a closer look at Mant. His eyes are haunted and his face gaunt. His hair and clothes are filthy and matted. At her gasp of amazement everyone looks closer. Shock runs through the Eldar. 

"What happened to you Mant? Where have you been?"

"I was captured by some evil men. Only they weren't really men," Mant shakes his head, "they kept me to torture me and play with me as they tormented me. I lost track of time, night and day had no meaning. They fed me only when it suited them and played with me for fun. For years this kept up. I almost gave up hope and gave in, but something always stopped me. I'd hear your laughter, see your smile or remember the pain you went through. Something always helped me to overcome my pain.

"Finally, my captors grew sufficiently careless that I could escape. So I return to you, Montani. I am not too late am I? You haven't given yourself to another have you?" At Montani's shake of her head, Mant sighs in relief. "My greatest fear was that you were lost to me forever, just because I was too stupid to stay here with you. Montani, I have no right to ask you this, but, I-need-will you marry me?"

Montani looks at Mant for a long time. Mant is unable to tell her thoughts. The crowd wonders at her steel mask. The silence stretches for what seems like an eternity to Mant. He knows her answer. He starts to leave. 

"You will not leave me again Mant. I couldn't bear it if you did. Know this, the next time you leave me you sign my death warrant." As Mant turns back to her hope shines in his eyes. "Yes, Mant, I will marry you." The steel mask cracks and she starts laughing and crying. The crowd is stunned. They have no idea why she is acting that way, for the conversation had been mostly by mind link towards the end. The joy on their faces brings tears to their eyes.

They tell Mauntie and Molani of their engagement. The two look startled then happy. As Mauntie makes his way to the musicians stand all eyes follow him. All except Mant and Montani.

"Could I have your attention please? Mant and Montani have decided to get married. They would like to invite all to their wedding. I would like to invite your help. It's obvious that they would like to have it as soon as possible, so in order for that to happen I ask for your cooperation. In three days time all must be ready. May I count on your help?" The crowd answers loudly and joyously. The dancing continues for the young people, but the matriarchs and patriarchs leave to start the wedding preparations.