Wednesday ...

ZYFAN:

… It is not as if I do not enjoy having tea with you Syrrah,

but what is this about?

SYRRAH:

You are very perceptive. I received word from the One. We have been summoned back to court.

ZYFAN:

But ... why? I did as they asked. Phae and I are betrothed.

What more do they want of me?

SYRRAH:

It is not official until the future One introduces his future bride to 

the people. Then the festivities will begin.

ZYFAN:

Oh the festivities -  they will go on forever! Is there

no way to be excused from  this?

SYRRAH:

You and Phae are the ones being honored. She is now the future Heart of 

the One. This is all for the two of you, whether you want it or not.

ZYFAN:

But, Phae is not yet of age and I'm still on sabbatical. 

We will not be wed for decades.

SYRRAH:

That does not matter. Remember, yours is a royal wedding, the royal wedding of the millennia. You had best prepare. 

The griffons will arrive Friday.

ZYFAN:

Friday! So soon? Since when do we Elves act so quickly?

SYRRAH:

Apparently any time it involves you. Brace yourself Zyfan for there is more. 

Mother wants to meet Karanthir and his brothers, so they will be joining us. 

SYRRAH:

Why are you surprised? Mother has been curious about Karanthir for some

time. You need not worry, father will be on your side. He always is, as am I.

ZYFAN:

But, she is so hard to please! I would prefer not to be subjected to her criticisms of everything that has to do with me - while being forced to endure the festivities. 

SYRRAH:

It is true that mother can be opinionated at times. She certainly tries to 

impose her will on others, whenever she can.

ZYFAN:

Yes, her behavior is very similar to another who is close to me.

SYRRAH:

Are you suggesting that I am like mother?

ZYFAN:

Well, there is a human expression I heard once that sums it up for me 

- the apple does not fall far from the tree.

SYRRAH:

Are you saying that I am this apple?

ZYFAN:
Sometimes I think you can be the tree itself.

SYRRAH:

Do you want my help or not?

ZYFAN:

Of course I do. This is awful. I hate to put Karanthir through this, 

and Phae too. How am ever I going to tell them? 

SYRRAH:

You will not. I have sent Vanni to tell Karanthir and his brothers. It is Shichi's

duty to inform Phae. As for mother, you must understand that she no longer 

has power over you, unless you allow it.

ZYFAN:

How can you say that to me? You know how she is.

SYRRAH:

You are betrothed now. Phae is the only one who matters. She is the Heart of the One  and as such, she outranks mother. So mother must accept her.

ZYFAN:

I had not thought of that.

SYRRAH:

As for Karanthir, did you not tell me that Phae has given you her blessing?

ZYFAN:

She has.

SYRRAH:

So, Phae has spoken. Mother must accept Karanthir. So you see, now you can return to Court and enjoy the festivities bestowed upon you.

ZYFAN:

Perhaps I can. Thank you Syrrah. I am almost looking 

forward to returning home. Almost.