The return of the Nereus to Sessailaine always created a buzz of excitement. Thugard was not only the best of their Captains but Aeronwyn and the mages she had created were celebrated by the people. Cadeyrn, leading the mages in the healing skills had already demonstrated the worth of the mages in a hundred ways. The fact the War Leader, the chief voice of the council and de facto leader of the Sessailaine people was married to a mage and had children who appeared to have mage gifts brought pride to the people as well.
Biort, the War Leader, had ushered in a time of prosperity. The new ships they had taken from the Islanders meant more trade and greater strength for them as well. Jerrill, her husband, wasn't just a mage either. He was a Master Bard and of all the peoples in the world, no group appreciated the ability to remember history or tell a story like the Sessailaine. While caring for the twins and their younger brother, born just a few months ago, Jerrill had sat with all of those who knew the Sessailaine stories well. Now the Sessailaine would gather with excitement whenever Jerrill offered to tell stories. He never disappointed!
Biort, Cadeyrn's young wife, was a master of a sword fighting technique with two short blades. She had proven that she could defend against and often disarm a much stronger and larger opponent armed with a traditional Sessailaine weapon. Many of the women were surprised the young woman wasn't pregnant herself but when they asked if something was wrong, she had laughed. "My people know of ways to prevent such things until it is a good season. I am young, Cadeyrn is young. I will wait a few years and when we are ready, we will start a family then!" was her response.
With Aeronwyn returned, all the mages were, as far as the Sessailaine people were concerned, right where they belonged! The council had even offered to build a new centre, a place where the mages could train and, as they discovered more of their kind, invite them to live and work while they studied. Aeronwyn discussed it with the others and they accepted the council's offer. The new building, built Sessailaine style as a large wooden lodge with a central meeting hall, was spectacular. Currently, only Aeronwyn, Keri and the young mage couple, Cadeyrn and Jerrill housed there so they felt a bit lost in its spaces built for fifty.
As Aeronwyn walked down the dock and into the Sessailaine village, she was cheerfully greeted. Some of those she knew and when she remembered a name or recalled a face, she stopped and spoke to them for a few seconds. She didn't see, after she passed by, the look of pride on that person's face but Keri noted it well. Finally, after what seemed like hours but was probably much less, Aeronwyn arrived at the Council House. There, on the steps, were the council members, led by Biort. Aeronwyn bowed respectfully.
"War Leader! Council! I greet you!" she said humbly.
"Aeronwyn of the Mages. We greet you!" Biort replied formally. Aeronwyn smiled, then Biort flew down the steps and gripped her in a bear hug.
"Welcome home! Welcome! Every time you leave Jerrill mopes...it will be good to see him happy again," Biort jested.
Aeronwyn returned her hug, then disengaged herself and indicated Keri. "War Leader Biort, you remember Keri?" Of course she did, but formalities were part of Sessailaine life.
"Priestess of Althene, I greet you!" said Biort.
"War Leader, I greet you!" Keri replied, having been coached by Aeronwyn.
Biort hugged her to and whispered quietly, "I did get that right?" Keri smiled and wshipered back, "Yes." "Good," whispered Biort, "wouldn't want to offend a Goddess by getting her name wrong!"
