Prologue of the Prologue: Nelora Mahariel

Chapter 3: Arlathven: The Night of Change

Summary:

It is the night of Arlathvhen and the dreaded moment of the relocation of clan members is at hand.

Notes:

"Friendship means understanding, not agreement. It means forgiveness, not forgetting. It means the memories last, even if contact is lost." - Anonymous

It is the second night of Arlathvhen. Their clan has been the host for this one. Many of the different clan members are dancing around the bonfire, mingling, eating and having a good time. Even Tamlen seems to be more cheery than before.

The Keepers are finished and show up. Every elf is quiet now. The exchange time has come.

Marethari declares: "We have shared all the knowledge. It was all very smooth and results bearing. We have saved a lot of the culture of the old dales, but there is still a lot missing. The progress has been great in these 10 years. You all should be proud."

Everyone is still quiet
.
Another Keeper steps in. He has a very deep and attractive voce: "Now for the most dreaded and waited moment of the Arlathvhen – the relocating of some clan members."

A small buzz of nervous banter rises in the crowd.

A keeper with long red curly hair and a squeaky voice calms them: "There is no need to worry about it. The clans are very welcoming. It may be scary at first but with some time the new clan will feel like home. Don't be afraid because we are the dalish and we are strong."

The second male Keeper continues: "Let's get started shall we?"

****

It was nearing on dawn when they finally made it to the people who will be leaving clan Sabrae.

Nelora takes Tamlen's hand. Their fingers intertwine.

Marethari announces: "Zevvel, Samhel, Merrinaya, Mariel and Tamlen."

Tamlen is squeezing Neloras hand. She can't believe that his fear could have come true. She is ready to object, to stand up for Tam-Tam. She opens her mouth and...

Elowin from clan Sabrae stands up "I would like to go to the other clan."

Marethari seems to be surprised: "Are you sure child?"

"Yes I am. I've met somebody in the clan where Tamlen was supposed to go."

"So be it. Elowin you will take Tamlen's place in the other clan. Tamlen you will stay with the Sabraes."

Elowen bows slightly "Thank you Keeper." She runs towards a handsome elven lad in his twenties. They look good together.

The Keeper with the deep and attractive voce declares: "Now the relocating of clan members has ended. I hope you all will be happy with the new arrangements."

All the elves recite together as one: "We are the Dalish: keepers of the lost lore, walkers of the lonely path. We are the last of the Elvhenan, and never again shall we submit."

After that the casual conversation comes back in the crowd.

Nelora releases Tamlen's hand and tells him coldly: "You better go and thank Elowen before she goes away."

He hugs her. "That is probably a good idea." Her best friend runs off to thank Elowen.

Nelora just sits there and looks at him running towards Elo. She feels this great shock and sadness within her. Could they truly take her best friend away so easily? She can feel her eyes get watery.

Behind her a soft and shy voice says: "Hello I'm Merrill."

Nel quickly wipes her forming tears away and turns around "Aneth ara Merrill I am Nelora."

The shy elf sits next to her and asks: "Are you one of the members of clan Sabrae?"

"Yeah, that I am. And I'm guessing you are the mage who was transferred to us."

She nods "Indeed."

Nel places a hand on the elf's shoulder "I'm so sorry that you were sent to us."

"When there are too many mages in one clan then they get sent away to other clans to insure the mage gets the proper training and that magic doesn't die out amongst us."

The line she just recited was propably what her clan told her about why she needs to go away. Mahariel feels sad for her but she is not going to touch the subject beacause Merrill seems like she is going to cry if she does so. The poor mage has gone through enough unpleasantness. Neora decides right there that she is going to take the shy elf under her wing and that they are going to become friends.

"Merrill if you need anything then you can always come to me. Welcome to the family."