((So much has been so inspiring with so many people that it only feels fitting to put up some In-Character thoughts about all that is going on...from Suseri's point of view XD ))
5th Evening after the Autumn Althua
Elks... how is it I am ALWAYS involved with Elks... Treston, my first husband, Elk. My father, Fyxall, where ever he may be, an Elk. Aban Steele, Elk. Lady Calista, even she who is dearest to me... an Elk... and now Sa'lee Steele has come to me, he too is an Elk.
If my mother saw, if my mother Knew. I had to show off in front of him. I had to brake the seal in front of him. I couldn't wait till he went to town or even turned his back. My Pride... my curse is my Pride. But 'She' always has told me to be proud of my Blood, of my Power. “Hide nothing in these walls” 'She' tells me at night. The things 'She' tells me. It is like a drug, a poison, and yet the most beautiful gift I could ever think of... but I had to show off...
How foolish was I to brandish my Blood and ability, if I wasn't more careful, though I don't know if this Elk would even know what to do with my Blood if he got hold of it... but maybe. He should have been a Serpent. The way he talks, it is refreshing, though I will not let him lower my guard. Always on guard, always watchful, always careful... and yet I HAD to show off!
This book he brought, Zhatem's book, it holds more then I have told him, this book in all of it's seals and secrets can carry me probably to my Winter days. And the missing pieces... I bet they talk about other secrets, 'Her' secrets... the ones she tells me I have to discover to keep me pushing, keep me sharp. My Wisdom is my Sword. Give up your fangs for the sacrifice is greater then you know... every night these words are repeated in my head. They were my lullaby as a child. I can remember hearing 'Her' voice before my own mother's. The things 'She' tells me. Even now as I write 'She' reminds me of what I should do. 'She' told me last night about her and Zhatem a little... how they were in Spring when they first met. How her father was sitting on the Senate at the time. How back then a Serpent could still use the gifts a Serpent had with out fear of death. He was a handsome man, and 'She' of course was beautiful. But 'She' also reminded me about love. Love is a lie, love does not exist. It feels like a warm dart the hits your chest but releases it's poison sooner then you would ever think. Treacherous poison. Love will betray you, and leave you. 'Her' Lover has gone to Solace... Zhatem, Talan, what ever name he goes by. But 'She' wants me to help find him. 'She' has her reasons.
I do think I will tell Sa'lee about a plant I read about on the third island tomorrow. I am still translating the name but I believe it says “Shaetel've”, The Gold Star. It is a flower, from what I understand, that's petals are like a lily's and shine like the metal of it's name. But it is the nectar that you want. I have not figured out the recipe yet but I know that this nectar can be used to make a tonic that will bring someone to Vrentae, for better or worse. That is what I know so far about it, and that is what I will tell him tomorrow... I will save that the thorns of this plant also hold a toxin for now. Always be on your guard, always be careful, when you have finished the book he will have no need of you...