Nic had never felt so relieved to collapse onto a bed before. He had traveled a lot in the last few years but nothing could compare to the journey he just made. He kicked his boots off and dug his back into the mattress. It was soft but not too soft. He stretched lazily and began to unbuckle his belt as a knock came at the door. He stared accusingly at it before consenting entry.

A serving elf entered with a basket and curtsied at the door. She placed the basket in front of her and then touched her breast and then her crown in the traditional Pyree greeting ,that found origin in the elves but was hardly used anymore, and then clasped her hands in front of her chest and bowed in the current Elfish tradition. Nic responded with the same gestures.

"Your clothes, Pyra Nic, " she said in her own tongue. "And a basket for your dirty ones. Would you wish them washed?"

"Thank you, but I do not need the new clothes. I have spares in my pack," Nic smiled graciously, but the elf shook her head.

"You cannot attend the youngest princess's celebration in traveling attire. Please, take the garments as a gift."

Nic's smile did not reach his eyes as he reluctantly took the bundle of clothes and new boots. He knew it would have been rude to reject the clothes and the invite to the party. All he wished for was sleep, but it would have to wait. "Thank you for the gift. Is there anything else I need?" The elf looked at him in what he thought was uncertainty. "Is there something wrong?" he asked. She bowed and shook her head.

"No. Excuse me Pyra Nic," she hurried out before Nic could reply. Nic unfolded the garments onto the bed and removed his dirty ones, placing them in the basket. He quickly dressed in the elfin attire, which surprisingly fitted him comfortably. A buttoned up green shirt with emerald vines crawling up the back. The pants were tight and fitted inside the light boots neatly. He looked at himself in the mirror. His body seemed to belong to the clothes more than his face did. He had the same tall, slender body as the elves did – bulkier muscles though – but his face was harder and worn. His long hair hung loosely just below his ears and was matted to his face from sweat. His chin was rough from months of untamed growth and his eyes were straight, unlike the slant of his hosts.

First I need a bath. After warming the water in the tub in the next room with his power and bathing in it, he dressed again and cut his hair and shaved with his dagger. Touching the wall again with the Will, he studied himself again. "That's better. Now you look like a man and not a beast." Another knock at the door sounded but before Nic could move, it swung open and Caleb stepped through. He had also bathed and shaved, just like Nic and now stood as if he were a new man.

"It feels good to be clean," he said as he sat in an armchair.

"It does," Nic replied as he lowered in a chair opposite Caleb's"

"Sleep would be good too."

"We cannot tonight. It is the princess's celebration."

"Ah, so you have heard."

"Could you not tell? Why else would I be dressed in such robes?"

Caleb studied him as if he were seeing him for the first time. "So I take it you have heard all the news then?"

"What news?"

"The news of the Keeper."

"Do you know who she is?" Nic asked eagerly. They had not heard of who was chosen. They had asked throughout their travels but no one seemed to know anything except that it was a young woman.

"No, but I do know where she is."

"Well that is of no use to us."

"So you think it is no use knowing that the Keeper – as well as many other Guardians – are currently here."

"Here? You mean in the palace?"

"Precisely what I mean." Nic sat in stunned silence, unable to think or move. Caleb looked out the small, open window waiting for Nic to recover.

"What are we going to do?"

"Nothing. We are protected here, she has no authority to do anything to us."

"She is the Keeper, she has all the authority."

"She is the Keeper, yes, but not queen."

Nic inhaled deeply. The air smelt of trees and mud. It was fresh and clear - always helping Nic clear his mind. "So are we going to introduce ourselves for who we are?"

"We will not get the chance. The king is certain to make our performance today known at the party."

"So there will be no chance of hiding."

"I was not intending to," Caleb replied flatly.

Nic laughed. "And neither was I, in fact I was considering giving her a hug."

Caleb rolled his eyes and sighed. "Your head would leave your shoulders before you raised your arms."

"Now that's exaggerating just a bit."

"I hope so. Maybe it is not such a good idea to go tonight. She will find out our names and what we have been inquiring about on every visit... there is too much at risk." Caleb shook his head and sighed deeply.

Nic leaned his chin in his hand. "Perhaps, but should we really cower and show the elves our weakness."

"They will understand our reasoning. They do not understand a quarrel within a race just as much as we do not understand quarrels out."

Nic sighed and ran his fingers through his newly shorn hair. "We should apologise to the king. Making no appearance will surely be seen as an offence."

"We will tell him."

"And we should do it personally." Caleb frowned. "It is more polite."

Caleb nodded as he rose from the chair. They exited Nic's room in silence and made their way to the crown room. The palace was full of turns and intersections of different paths, so they often had to stop and ask for directions.

"Do you think she is as hateful of us as all the others?"

"Let us hope not." Nic frowned. At least she has given me a chance to catch up on some sleep. I should be blessing her for it. He laughed to himself. Me bless the Keeper! The Gods will grant the Non-Elementals an element when that happens.