It was that same field of flowers. But this time, Kiyora was pissed. She didn't know how she had gotten here by will alone, but she had the feeling she didn't know her strength. Around her, the flowers withered and died. The grass began to grow longer and longer. It had become a tangle of weeds while thorns grew around them.

Then Alchara appeared. Inelvishly beautiful as always, she descended. She set foot, and the field started to return to normal. But Kiyora halted it with one upraised hand. She refused the sense of inner peace and acceptance offered by Alchara and just looked at her.

Alchara stopped. "Well, we have a problem, don't we?"

"Understatement of the century much?" asked Kiyora. "I'm not doing it."

"Kiyora, why do you deny me?" Her voice was pleading, as a mother begging her daughter to be reasonable. As she spoke, Kiyora felt the urge to accept that she knew best.

Kiyora shrugged it off as best she could. But it was hard to argue with Alchara. "Why?" she asked, remembering her anger. "I don't know, maybe because I don't want to marry some guy I've never met who already has four wives! Ever think about that?"

Alchara sighed with infinite understanding. She did understand, didn't she? No doubt, she knew best. "It is necessary. Your bloodline has qualities that must be passed on. Combined with Tenius-"

"I heard it all before, and I don't care," said Kiyora. "This isn't right!" Why did she feel like she was in the wrong? She wasn't! Was she?

"...Mayora was just like you," said Alchara. "I don't understand why you are so opposed to this. After all, the marriage is very good, and you need to get married at some point."

"I'll judge that-" Kiyora paused as what she'd just said checked in. "Wait, Mayora? What does Mom have to do with this?"

Alchara moved forward and put a hand on her shoulder. "Mayora was originally betrothed to Prince Tenius. She was even more reluctant to marry him than you."

"I don't blame her!" said Kiyora. "He's like forty years younger than her!"

"The marriage would have taken place after he came of age," said Alchara quickly. "And forty years is ultimately not that much of a gap." She was right, wasn't she? Wait, no, she wasn't!

"For some people, it's half a lifetime," said Kiyora, feeling ashamed.

Alchara turned away and walked a little bit away as though thinking. "He is very nice. Quite kind. Listen to me, Kiyora. I understand you have your own beliefs. But when you meet Tenius, you'll find he is wonderful. I promise you you'll grow to love him."

"Meaning you'll screw with my head to make me love him." snapped Kiyora. It sounded weak, even to her. No, it didn't; Alchara made her feel that way.

"That isn't what I meant," said Alchara, sounding hurt that she would even consider it. "I'd never do anything like that. But I can see things you don't, and I know he is an excellent match."

Kiyora wanted to change the subject. "Why do you even care so damn much about this stupid eugenics program anyway?"

Alchara looked very distant suddenly. "A long time ago, the elves were the dominant species in the universe. Then came Elranor. I know that your human friends have told you good things about him. They make him seem like a hero, but he is really a villain. He sewed dissent and formed alliances with vile creatures. Because of him, many wonderful things were forced to hide and disappear from the world. The dragons were driven to the verge of extinction, and that was the least of it.

"There used to be such beautiful cities throughout the world. They possessed such a wondrous majesty that no mortal could look at them without tears. The forests were bountiful, and the elves tended them with care and devotion. All the creatures of the forest were welcome.

"Anoa the Butcher changed all that. He destroyed the elven kingdoms in his world. He razed them to the ground and killed all he found, forcing them onto reservations. And his wrath spread to other worlds. My worshippers were driven to the edge of oblivion.

"When you talk with Elranor, he puts on a front of being this benevolent lord. But he is just a ruthless pragmatist who refuses to tolerate anyone who can oppose him."

That was horrible. And what was more, Kiyora had seen evidence that Elranor's people always acted like that. She remembered Tanith and all the horrible things she'd bragged about. But what did it have to do with her? "How does that answer my question?"

"It is because of Elranor that the Dreamer Elves exist," said Alchara. "Ordinary elves have a natural attunement to the spirits world, but I created your race to be far stronger. Your connection to the spirit realm is so powerful that it can warp the borders of reality. You can travel to other worlds." Suddenly, she was in front of her and put a hand on Kiyora's chin, meeting her eyes with her own. "You are one of the most powerful dreamers ever to be born. In time, you could grow to be comparable to Ictargo. And Tenius has even more potential than you."

Kiyora took great offense to that remark. Tenius hadn't done anything to her knowledge. "Oh? How many Laughing Wraith's has Tenius killed?"

Alchara looked up at the sky. "Tenius has a lot of potential, but he has no ambition. He isn't emotionally suitable to be a great leader, and he's easily swayed. However, his bloodline is very powerful. Mixed with yours, can you imagine how powerful your children could be?"

Her children? Yes, that was the purpose of marriage: to have children. Kiyora shook the thoughts off. She wasn't getting married. "I don't care. Now answer the damn question."

Alchara sighed again. "I want to create a generation of dreamer elves more powerful than any to come before it. Imagine a universe with hundreds, even thousands, of dreamers like yourself. All of them are minor gods in their domains. Think of the good they could do. The Dreamer Empire could expand by thousands of worlds! Elves could be united again!

"You marrying Tenius is one of the steps to that goal. I know you don't like this, Kiyora. But I need you to trust me when I tell you this is the right thing to do. Believe me; you'll be happy."

Kiyora felt her will weakening. The thorns and thistles were giving way to natural grass. A life of peace and happiness awaited her; she needed only to give in. "How could you possibly know that?"

"Greater gods exist detached from your linear progression of time," said Alchara. "I shaped you when you were in your mother's womb. I was there for your first steps, and I know you better than anyone. Even better than Mayora.

"Tenius has powers similar to your own. But he lacks focus. You can give him that. With your abilities, you could draw him into the same dreams. Think about the good you could do there with two deities instead of one.

"I promise you, you and Tenius were meant to be together."

That brought up memories of earlier in this conversation, and Kiyora felt sick. All of a sudden, the spell was weakened. "So was my Mom and Tenius, according to you."

That broke the spell a little. "Well, yes," said Alchara, showing irritation, "it is against the rules to interfere with free will. Even if it weren't, I wouldn't do it. You have to understand that for people to make the right choice, there has to be a wrong choice. Mayora did something very selfish, and my plans were put back by years.

"But you can correct that mistake."

"Oh, so I'm a mistake now!" Kiyora was petty, but she didn't care. It helped motivate her.

"Why are you twisting my words?" asked Alchara.

Yes, why was she so resentful of this arrangement? It wasn't as though she hadn't had ample warning of it happening ahead of time. Kiyora looked deep within herself. She thought of the time she'd spent with a certain blonde-haired paladin. More specifically, what they had done together, that was why.

"Because I saved the whole capital, and you are repaying me by making me throw my whole life away!" she roared. "Well, screw you! I'm not marrying Tenius! And that is final!"

With those words, Alchara recoiled. The plant life around them withered, and flames surrounded them, scorching the earth. They consumed everything as great pillars of rock appeared around them. The goddess stepped back as Kiyora met her gaze.

"You pretend like you're some kind of benevolent mother goddess. But you're not," snapped Kiyora. "You've been screwing with my head this whole time! If you cared what I thought, you'd have just come down here and talked to me without trying to manipulate me!

"But no, you'd have to be less condescending to do that, wouldn't you!"

"There is no condescension," said Alchara. "That is merely you projecting."

"Like hell!" snapped Kiyora. "Every word out of your mouth is condescending! You think you're better than me! Better than everyone else! Well, you aren't! You talk about my human friends like they are somehow less elven than I am! Well, they aren't either!"

"You couldn't hope to understand what I must contend with," said Alchara. "I watch over all elves across the entire universe. And more. This is nothing more than a petty tantrum-"

"Oh, you don't get to play the god card!" roared Kiyora. "I'm a goddess, too! A goddess of dwarves, and I treat them with respect! I mean, I'm not perfect; I can be a little upfront, but all I want to do is help them! I don't care who they marry because it isn't my business. I'm here to help them! Not fulfill some agenda!

"What have you done that's helpful?"

"I created your species," said Alchara. "I planted the tree upon whose branches their world rests. Actovosh was sent to aid you against Wraith by my command. And my servant Ictargo rescued you and your friends from Wraith when he attacked your school. There are many other times I could cite had I an eternity to do so.

"I have guided elves from their first steps from the beginning of the first elf's life. I have been there every moment of every elf from birth to death. My ministry makes the rituals of those Nakmar appear as little more than a child's fantasy.

"You are a thousand years too young to understand. However, you are ruled by your emotions, so I forgive you."

Kiyora didn't know what to say. Alchara's change in demeanor had been very sudden. Kiyora felt that she was a naughty child who had been cursing her mother out. Now, she was to be punished.

"I am perfectly willing to force the issue," continued Alchara. "My designs have been thwarted once before. I won't let it happen again.

"This is for the greater good. You'll thank me for this someday."

Like hell, she would. It didn't matter to Kiyora how good Alchara was. This was personal. "This' isn't happening. I won't let it."

"You act as though you have a choice." mused Alchara.

"Oh, but I do," said Kiyora. "You told me I did. I think I'm going to start making some wrong choices." Then she summoned her will and departed that world. She left behind a hellscape in place of a field of flowers.

What she found herself in was a hall. Despite a massive roaring bonfire in the center, it was veiled in shadow. Many satyrs were dancing around it, waving weapons and torches. And on her dark throne, the demoness observed it with clasped claws and flicking tail. Except she was translucent. It was like she was a living shadow. As Kiyora approached, the shadow raised a hand, and the bonfire went out.

At once, there were shrieks as the satyrs fled from the hall, leaving it in darkness. Then, a violet flame appeared, bathing the room in its light. Kiyora thought this somewhat melodramatic. She reminded herself who she was speaking to.

The demoness moved forward and bowed. Her ropelike tail lashed around one of the eight pillars which held the roof up. "Oh, what a supreme honor. The Dreaming Goddess in my home. What are you doing here?"

"Not really sure," admitted Kiyora.

"Well, fortunately, I have my questions." said the demoness. "You see, I recently received an offer. A share in the very lucrative profits ensuing from the pilgrims to the mirror of Laevian. I must wonder, what exactly were you hoping to gain by this?"

"Oh, that?" asked Kiyora. "I figured if you were getting money from the shrine, you'd be less likely to start a war. See, I can cut you off."

"You don't know me very well." said the demoness. "Money isn't everything. My satyrs might appreciate the luxuries. I have no taste for such things."

"I also want a favor in return," said Kiyora, deciding to push her luck.

"A favor?" asked the demoness. "Oh, I see, and what favor could one of my powers do for one so insignificant as yourself?"

"You know that sentence doesn't make sense, right?" asked Kiyora. If you are the superior one and I'm insignificant, you wouldn't need to ask what kind of favor you could do for me. You'd already know a million ways."

"Well, obviously; however, I refuse to pretend inferiority to anyone," said the demoness. Kiyora didn't get it. "Now, what is the favor?"

"I um... I kind of need advice," said Kiyora. "And help. See, I've just been forced into an arranged marriage with this guy I don't even know, and I have no idea what to do?"

"You are coming to me for advice on your relationship?" inquired the demoness in deadpan.

"Yes," said Kiyora.

"I am a physical manifestation of sin." said the demoness. She lashed out with her tail. Using it, she pulled herself around the pillar. Then she hung down, her dark hair nearly reaching the floor. Her face was inches from Kiyora's now. "Surely, there must be someone else you could get advice from on the subject with a greater interest?"

"Well, yeah, but I appeared here first," said Kiyora.

"Very well," mused the demoness. There is no one more suited to any task than myself. Tell me, does this miserable personage have any other wives?"

"Four of them," said Kiyora.

"Well, then, that is a simple matter. You must marry him and make yourself his favorite wife," said the demoness, examining her claws. "Then you kill him in his sleep and plant evidence that one of the other wives did the deed."

"Any ideas which don't involve murder?" asked Kiyora.

"Well, that is a complication, isn't it?" mused the demoness thoughtfully. "Not allowed to use murder as a solution, an exciting issue. First of all, I must know who wants this marriage to happen?"

"The Emperor Ictargo," said Kiyora. "He's kind of like the God-Emperor of where I'm from. Also, the Goddess Alchara, she's the one pulling strings."

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"And why do they support the marriage?" asked the demoness.

"Well, see, she has this whole eugenics program. She wants to make sure the bloodline of his royal family keeps getting stronger," said Kiyora. "Then there was something about creating the culmination of elven evolution. Or something. I don't know. I didn't quite get it."

"Interesting." mused the demoness. "What resources do you have?"

"Well, I mean, I'm a goddess here, but in the real- world, I'm just an ordinary person," said Kiyora. "Well, not really, but I don't have an army or anything."

"Well, this does not bode well for you," mused the demoness. "Are there any common elements in your world? Any deities worshipped there that are also worshipped here?"

"Well, there is Alchara," said Kiyora. "She is like Emperor Ictargo's wife, except he answers to her. Um, she created my entire species."

"Well then, the answer is simple," said the demoness. She launched herself from the pillar to land on her throne. "Those miserable high elves to the east over the river also worship Alchara. They praise her constantly. We need only make an alliance, descend on their civilization, and snuff most of it out.

"Eventually, we can give Alchara an ultimatum. Tell her that she must call off the wedding if she wants the killings to stop. We'll have taken much territory, and you'll be free to marry as you please."

"Right, okay," Why had Kiyora come here again? "I'm going to get a second opinion before I sack any cities."

"Whatever for?" asked the demoness. "My viewpoint is always right, so you'll just be wasting your time."

"I don't think you're as smart as you think you are," said Kiyora.

"You are quite correct," said the demoness. "In my present diminished state, I cannot comprehend my full glory. Do come back when you wish to discuss war plans."

Kiyora teleported. She suspected that looking in the Mirror of Laevian had knocked more than a few screws loose. The Demoness wasn't nearly as impressive as she used to be.

Finding herself in the halls of the palace of Arsheen, she saw someone she hadn't seen in months. The soldier was clad in a white tunic and gray pants instead of the black armor he'd worn. He also had a scar on his face, which hadn't been there. But she knew him by his brown hair and thin features.

"Dreaming Goddess, to what do we owe the pleasure?" he asked.

"Sarris, right?" said Kiyora. "You were the commander of that fort, Laughing Wraith attacked. Um, how have you been?"

"Well, I've been presiding over the reconstruction of Asimir's territories," said Sarris. "Duke Vanion has replaced most of Asimir's allies. And he has given the positions to people under his control. It should ensure that even if the Duke is replaced as governor, he'll hold power over this place." He paused for a moment. "At the moment, I've come to speak with Duke Vanion regarding certain formalities."

"What formalities?" asked Kiyora.

"Well," said Sarris, "Duke Vanion has ordered me to marry the daughter of Lord Asimir. He hopes to keep any ideas of rebellion from cropping up by giving Asimir a chance to regain his lands. Any sons or daughters I might have would be of his blood and heirs to the land.

"So if Asimir doesn't do anything treacherous, his family will get their lands back."

"That's pretty sneaky," said Kiyora. "Don't you have a problem with it?"

"No," admitted Sarris. "She is beautiful, and I understand the need for continuity. Duke Vanion does not make bad decisions. I wanted to consult him about what kind of ceremony I ought to have. I thought I should have a Harlenorian one dedicated to Elranor. But I'm afraid that might prove provocative. The worship of Baltoth hasn't faded entirely from the region."

"Well, you could try mixing Calishan and Harlenorian customs," suggested Kiyora.

"Which is why I am going to speak with Duke Vanion," said Sarris.

"So where is he anyway?" asked Kiyora. "I need to ask him for advice on something private."

"He is having tea with Lord Telus," said Sarris. "They usually discuss business so that I won't interrupt them. However, I'm certain he'll be willing to break off his current engagement for you."

"Why?" asked Kiyora.

"Well, you are a goddess," said Sarris. "It isn't every day one asks him for advice. It would only improve his reputation."

"Good point," mused Kiyora. "Could you take me to him?"

Sarris led her into a secluded courtyard filled with many plants and trees. These were not like the other trees in Artarq. They had been brought from far away and placed into this place. Spells were in this place to make the room the right temperature.

There was a fountain on either side of the courtyard, and at the center, there was a pavilion. There Duke Vanion was having tea with two others at a table. First, a big, burly man with a long blonde beard, and second a horrifically ugly woman. Her nose was crooked, and her face was scarred. As Kiyora approached, she wondered what had happened to her.

"Raynald informs me your daughter Tanith continues to distinguish herself, Edmund," said Vanion. "You should be proud."

"Yes, she always did have a talent for battle," said the man. "Raynald must have taught her well."

"She has proven herself a great asset," said Vanion, sipping a cup of tea. "Such heroism in a family should be rewarded. I understand that your middle child, Sunthred, has a certain talent for administration."

"Yes," said Edmund. "He has a good head for business and knows how to motivate people. Unfortunately, he isn't due to inherit anything. Not like my worthless firstborn." He looked at his tea. "Don't you have any sugar?"

"Unfortunately, we ran out a while ago," said Vanion. "And due to certain revelations regarding how sugar is made, I have chosen not to purchase any more. There is honey, of course."

"Right, right," said Edmund, "I remember you wrote me a letter or two about that."

"Now then, in regards to Sunthred. I may be of some service," said Vanion. "Several Lords of Artarq recently betrayed me. The usual defections and conspiracies. Thus, their territories are forfeit. Of course, I will need new administrators. Some will be given to those native Lords who proved themselves worthy. Others to those worthy families who have served me best.

"I thought I might give your family the territory of Lord Rustaf. I recently conquered his castle, and I thought Sunthred might enjoy a chance to prove himself."

"You honor us," said Edmund.

"The Telus family has always been a staunch ally of the Gabriels. And you, Edmund, have always been a good friend," said Vanion. "I have always enjoyed our time together. Of course, my administrators will provide some oversight."

"Why should that be necessary?" asked Edmund, an edge in his voice.

"A simple precaution," said Vanion. "People in Artarq have many customs and traditions which should be honored. Once Sunthred has grasped all those, I shall, of course, allow him free reign. Better to break in gradually rather than rush in."

"I suppose that makes sense," said Edmund. "Is there anything I can do to return the favor?"

"Well, at present, I am very much in a position of power," mused Vanion. "Still, there may come a day when I need help, and when that day comes, I may take you up on your most generous offer. Now, let us turn our minds to other things.

"How are you enjoying the gardens of Arsheen, Rebecca?"

He turned to the hideous woman with courtesy, and she smiled slightly. "They are beautiful. Very beautiful, Vanion." She looked like she wanted to say more but hesitated.

Edmund coughed. "There is a matter weighing heavily on Rebecca's heart."

"What can I do to help, milady?" asked Vanion.

Rebecca seemed to be striving to find the words. It looked like she wasn't used to being addressed, but the Duke waited patiently. He didn't show any sign of fear or disgust at her features. Kiyora was impressed. Elves always healed perfectly, so they didn't have things like that. How could humans bear getting scars?

"What happened to her face?" she asked quietly.

"She was cursed by Laevian when she was young, and her face was scarred all over," said Sarris. "Lord Telus fell in love with her despite that and married her anyway. A few people mocked him for it, but Raynald cut off their heads. After that, people stopped."

Kiyora was just going to let the last bit pass. "Why would Laevian curse her?"

"Who knows?" asked Sarris. "Laevian loves diseases and hates people."

"Vanion, is Tanith holding together?" blurted out Rebecca.

"Hmm?" asked Vanion.

"She's always been a somewhat unstable girl," said Rebecca. "I've been terrified; she'll go to pieces."

"I'm told that she is embracing her duties with extraordinary enthusiasm," said Vanion. "Raynald tells me she enjoys her work, Rebecca." He paused. "However, now that you mention it, I fear that she may enjoy her work too much."

"What do you mean?" asked Edmund.

"I've read some of her reports," said Vanion. "And the reports of the other officers, dozens of them. I've detected a certain bloodthirsty tinge in all of them that wasn't there before. Men who despised violence before now seem to love it. Rusara has also noticed a specific taste for blood in the army.

"It concerns me."

"Well, they are fighting demons," said Edmund. "Raishans is a demon, aren't they? That is bound to affect them somehow."

"Yes," mused Vanion. "Demons are a horrible enemy to fight because their very presence affects you. It drags on your thoughts, making you think like them. It is similar to what gods do but on a much more subtle scale.

"I only pray that we can finish this campaign before any lasting harm is done. That brings me to the next subject. I've been negotiating with Baltoth for an alliance against the raishans."

"What?" said Edmund, stunned.

"Vanion, surely you cannot be serious," said Rebecca.

"I have my reasons, I assure you," said Vanion. "For one thing, Baltoth is only sitting things out in his territory right now. He is watching our armies fight. If this continues, he may decide that he can take Artarq with minimal trouble. If I can convince him to engage the raishans in a war, it will help bring a swift end to this conflict. And it will also keep his armies occupied."

"It does make sense," mused Edmund. "You were always better at these sorts of machinations. But are you sure we can trust them not to turn on us?"

"Baltoth doesn't break his word," said Vanion. "It is one of his great virtues."

"Virtues?" asked Rebecca. "Surely, you cannot be serious, Vanion. Baltoth is a beast."

"As a Lord of Harlenor, I must hate him," said Vanion. "But if Baltoth lacked virtues, we should have defeated him long ago. He is the great enemy, and we must take him seriously. So let us not delude ourselves that he has no good points."

Then he looked up, right at Kiyora, and she realized he'd been aware of her from the beginning. He was sharp, wasn't he? "Ah, Kiyora, I was wondering when you would appear."

"Duke Vanion," said Kiyora, "could I get your advice on something."

"Who is this elf?" asked Edmund, the edge returning to his tone. "There seems something strange about her?"

"This is the Dreaming Goddess," said Vanion. "She has become a family friend over the past year."

"You always were good at making allies," muttered Edmund.

Rebecca put a hand on Edmund's shoulder. "I'm certain we can enjoy the garden while you assist her with whatever her problem is."

"My thanks," said Vanion.

He rose from his seat and descended the stairs to approach Kiyora. Looking at Sarris, he slightly nodded, and the soldier departed. Then Vanion looked to Kiyora. "Now, Kiyora, what is it you need help with?"

Kiyora considered how best to sum it up. Vanion was in a hurry, and she didn't want to waste his time. "I... okay, I'm being forced into an arranged marriage with a guy I've never met by my goddess, Alchara. A guy who was betrothed to my mother before she broke it off. I need help breaking it up, and I have an idea."

"What idea?" asked Vanion.

"Well, I thought I could ally with the satyrs," said Kiyora. "I could threaten to invade the elven reservations if Alchara didn't call it off."

"That seems like something of an overreaction, doesn't it?" said Vanion, tone level.

"Yeah, I know," said Kiyora. "But Alchara acted like a huge jerk. I can't think of anything else."

"This plan of yours might work," admitted Vanion. "But you would gain a small victory at great cost later on. Alchara is far more powerful than you. She is in a position to cause you great trouble in the future if you alienate her now."

"So what can I do?" asked Kiyora.

"First of all, what tone exactly did your meeting with Alchara end at?" asked Vanion.

"A pretty bad one, I guess," said Kiyora. "She tried to mind-control me. I swore at her and left. I was pretty pissed off."

"Unfortunate." mused Vanion. "You must learn to control your temper. First, you should go to her and apologize for any harsh words you may have spoken. Tell her that though you do not like the situation, you are willing to submit to her greater judgment."

"That doesn't help at all," said Kiyora.

"On the condition that she meet directly with me," said Vanion. "So that we can discuss the matter directly. She needs to be made aware of a few complications in this scheme of hers."

"Duke Vanion," said Kiyora, "I know you're really smart and all, but do you really think you can talk Alchara out of this?"

"I'm hopeful that I can," said Vanion. "You'd be surprised what one can accomplish with an appeal to reason."

"But what if you can't?" asked Kiyora.

Vanion smiled. "You are a neutral faction in Seathorius that has good relations with Harlenor. I can hardly have you becoming a puppet of Alchara, can I?"

"Right," Kiyora found herself smiling despite herself.

Duke Vanion had something planned. She had no idea what it was, but it was worth a shot. First, however, she had to apologize to Alchara.

Oh damn, she had to apologize to Alchara. Best to put it off until everyone has calmed down. She'd just stick around the dream world. It wasn't like there was anything she wanted to do in the real world right now. And she couldn't be married off while she was in a coma.