One Hidden Queen

Wolf Spring

Orianna and Sierra sit on the grass next to dogwood pond, eating the lunch they bought at the market earlier. It is a stormy day, and for a second Orianna thinks that it is Kalani's doing. She quickly realizes that it could not be, though, for how could Kalani command a storm from across the island? None of her sisters could be that powerful, surely.

Rae, Sierra's golden hawk, has flown from the house to meet them at dogwood pond. She caws, and flies of Sierra's shoulder in pursuit of prey. Sierra laughs, and puts down her lunch, licking her fingers.

"We would miss the celebration, if we do not leave soon," Orianna remarks, though she does not really want to go.

"Fine, I suppose it wouldn't do to keep this year's Lea waiting," Sierra says, and stands up. The black council usually sent Lea Ashdin, the only seer on the council, to attend the naturalist celebration.

They walk back into the square, where the black and white tents now stand, put up while they were away. As usual, Lea Ashdin greets them at the front of the main tent. Lea is Orianna's favorite council member, and she feels an odd kinship with her. Something she can not quite explain. Sierra goes off to find Amarys, who is probably in the desert tent, flirting with one boy or another.

Lea and Orianna walk down the rows of tables, laden with food, filling their plates high.

"The food looks excellent, the best year yet," Lea remarks.

"Though the decorations are the truly the best," Orianna says, motioning to the elegant arch of flowers, bloomed by naturalists.

"I see you still have no gift." Lea says, though not in a rude way.

"Yes, a giftless queen, what a peculiar thing,"

"I am sure it will come...... and if not, well, you are undoubtedly the most clever of the queens." Lea remarks, and walks away, not bothering to explain.