Part 1 - Caer Callidyr

Part 2 - All The World's A Tree

Part 3 - The Moonwell

Part 4 - A Family Way

Part 5 - The Time Of The Season

Part 1 - Caer Callidyr

Following the departure of the Sweet Easterly and his friends of these past seasons, Rio and Glow return to the castle and spend the next couple of weeks amid the opulence of the royals and their court at Caer Callidyr. Although it is not the type of lifestyle that Rio is accustomed to, or prefers, he recognizes that Glow is enjoying the resort style pampering and attention and resigns himself to enjoy it as long as he can. It is a decision that he does not regret as on the evening of their fifth day there Glow returns to their cavernous guest accommodations looking for all the world as if she were a true goddess. He looks her from top to bottom drinking in the beauty and grace of the most beautiful woman in all the worlds.

Her dark hair is lightly scented and hangs loosely in the graceful braids that many of the court ladies are wearing framing her face perfectly. Her face is radiant and her lips and cheeks are lightly colored as if touched by a delicate rose. Her dress, graduated shades of cream and pale blue, is low cut and revealing and hugs the curves of her body as if made to fit. Around her neck, hanging from a delicate white gold chain, is a dazzling sapphire nestled between her breasts that sparkles in the setting sunlight still streaming into their room from the west. Her feet are covered by white moccasins made of the softest leather trimmed with fine silver threads. She is truly a vision and it is all Rio can do to keep his jaw from hitting the floor.

She smiles at his silence and comes forward to take his hands. "Go and get yourself cleaned up." she says after lightly kissing his cheek. "Tonight we are attending a fete in honor of one of the nearby landowners who has announced his engagement. I told Leela we would be ready by 8 bells and she has promised to send one of her family carriages for us."

"I... but..." is all Rio can manage before Glow puts a finger to his lips.

"You can do it..." she says lovingly. "besides...I intend to dance tonight and I did rather have you in mind. Unless of course you wish to remain here and then I shall just have to choose another. Perhaps Lord Visu would dance with me. After all, he has expressed his interest."

Rio opens his mouth and then closes it again. He smiles, starting to speak and again stops himself before any words come out. Finally he manages "But I have nothing that is fit to be seen with you."

Glow shakes her head, "Silly man, of course you do." and she claps her hands twice. Immediately and elderly man and several assistants come bustling into the room loaded down with outfits similar to those the noblemen and royalty wear. With Glows approval he chooses the simplest and least gaudy among them and then at her insistence retires to their private bath to clean up. By the time he returns the elderly man, one of the court tailors, has sent his assistants away and helps him into his new outfit, pausing only once to snip a loose thread while Glow watches with a critical eye. When finished the tailor steps aside and allows Glow to survey his handiwork. "Geon," she says, "you are as good as Leela promised." and she hands him several platinum pieces.

"Thank you my lady." he says pocketing the coins. "Lord, I am at your disposal." he says with a bow and then turns to leave Rio and Glow admiring each other.

"There is one more thing." Glow says going to retrieve a small box from a marble table near the hearth. "When I saw this I knew it was for you." Opening the box she retrieves a large brooch which she pins over his heart. Looking down Rio sees that it is exquisitely fashioned in the shape of a bears head with two small amber topaz inset as eyes.

He pulls her into his arms allowing the closeness of their beings to work its magic on his body and mind. Finally he relinquishes her from his hug and holds her gaze, seeing in her eyes the love he is sure she sees in his. "We are one you and I." he says after a moments silence. "As sure as if Nara and Sylvanis themselves fashioned us from a single shared thought. You are my beginning, my center and my completion, and I pledge myself to you body and mind, heart and soul for this lifetime and all the others."

Glow smiles. "We are one you and I." she repeats back to him. "As surely as the mark on our declaration tree is made from two worlds joined so too are we blended together as one. You are my morning and noon, my twilight and night, and I pledge myself to you heartbeat and breath, through lifetimes and death for all the eternities we are given."

It is a pledge that brings Rio to tears. "Come my love." he says leading her to the balcony. "There is much I need to say." Standing at the edge of the balcony Rio opens himself to the life force that is the blood and stone of his faith. With a loud and clear voice he lets his prayer come pouring out.

"Blessed is the Earth for the EarthMother is upon her. Blessed are trees for the spirit of Nature is in them. Blessed are the creatures for they are the children of life and blessed are the people who hold Nara in their hearts for they shall know the peace of universal balance and the harmony that is love itself. To my Lady and Lord I promise all that I am and all that is begotten by me. I give thanks for what I've been given and what I have yet to receive. I ask for blessings and strength so that I may continue in your service now and for all the times yet to come." Rio holds out his hand to Glow and puts an arm around her waist as she comes to stand with him. "I have been truly blessed and hold now in my arms and my heart a family that defines me and the Circle of Life in which I am but the simplest of servants. It is for all of this that I pray."

It is a long moment that the two of them stand arm in arm on the small balcony. Rio knows, as surely as he knows that the sun will rise in the morning, that his prayer has been heard and accepted. Then with a mischievous smile and a wink to Glow he bends down and kisses her belly. "That goes for you two in there too." he says to his unborn children.

The two stand on the balcony watching the evening settle and the lights of the city come on one by one. Then suddenly there is a knock at the door that breaks their reverie. It's a messenger with word that the promised carriage is waiting downstairs at the castle entryway.

The ride to the small country estate is a pleasant one and Rio and Glow are treated like nobility as they are shown through the house to a back lawn where tents and pavilions have been set up for the evenings festivities. There is a woodwind ensemble playing light melodies and couples are dancing and dining, drinking and socializing throughout the grounds. At one point Glow leads them through the crowd to meet and congratulate the happy couple to be. Upon introduction the man bows low to them which embarrasses the druid and he begs the man rise.

"Please," he says, "do not bow to me. Glowing Forest and I are here as guests. Tonight is your night to be honored."

"It is true," the man says, "that the celebration this night is for my good fortune at having won the hand of the beautiful Alyssa. But celebrations such as ours would surely be short lived if it had not been for the brave victory of the Dragonswords over the blight that had affected our lands. You'll find that debt not easily repaid."

Rio smiles. "Give me your hands." he says to them reaching out to the man and his fiancee. "Your debt to me can be repaid many times over," he tells them in a serious tone as he puts their hands together, "simply by raising your children and living your life in harmony with the world around you. The trees on this magnificent estate, the squirrel stealing nuts from the bowl over there on the back table, all that you see around you is part of the Circle of Life. Remember this yourselves and instill this in your children and you'll do more for your homeland than a dozen dozen Dragonswords could ever hope to achieve."

The man nods seriously. "We will I promise." he says looking for confirmation from his bride-to-be who also nods. "We will not forget."

Later, as Rio and Glow are sharing a glass of wine, a young man approaches them and asks if Glow would like to dance. Setting the glass down she smiles politely to him saying "Thank you, I'd love to." and promptly drags Rio out among the others in the dance area leaving the young man with a surprised and somewhat disappointed look.

Fortunately for Rio it is not a complicated series of steps and he actually manages to look like he knows what he's doing after only a minute or two. The next dance is somewhat more lively and more difficult but it is followed by a slow haunting love song that makes the druid glad that Glow insisted they come. He holds her closely moving to the delicate rhythm and time of the music. He breathes deeply of her intoxicating scent and informs her that he is so much in love. As the music ends the two remain in place sharing a kiss and then return, hand-in-hand, to the refreshment tables and another glass of the wildberry wine.

As the party draws to a close they make their way back to the carriage and return to the palace where they undress each other carefully so as not to damage their new clothes. Rio kisses her forehead and nose, breasts as belly and then wraps his arms around her. Glow looks into his eyes and kisses him deeply. Then yawning in unison they curl up in the large bed and nestle together until sleep comes to them both.


---------


For the next several days Rio spends the majority of the daylight hours prowling the city and surrounding countryside in one form or another leaving Glow to enjoy the more civilized pleasures of life at the royal court. He soars above the lofty towers enjoying the solitude of the winds, the familiar falcons form gliding effortlessly in the strong sea breezes. He prowls the nearby forestland as Kiko taking great delight in a game of cat and mouse with a large mallard that's only trying to find a little peace. He tests the waterways of the nearby rivers and streams, experimenting with subtleties of being an otter, and even takes a few afternoons exploring the islands coastline first as a seal, then as a sea lion and then as a dolphin which he decides he likes very much.

Then, on the tenth day of their castle stay, he spots a small boy of maybe 7 or 8 sitting in the middle of a crowded market looking as bored as bored can be. His thoughts turn to Arial and how much he misses her and he decides that no child should look so glum on such a beautiful day. Ducking behind a fruit stand he makes a quick change into the happy-go-lucky Kiko, finds an old broken tent stake which he picks up in his mouth and then lopes over to sit a few feet from the boy wagging his tail furiously. When the lad focuses on him Rio drops the stick and barks an invitation. The boy looks around questioningly as if looking for the dogs owner and then cautiously reaches out his hand. Rio makes a big show of sniffing it thoroughly and allows the boy to scratch him between the ears. Then he nudges the stick in the boys direction with his nose.

"You wanna play ?" the boy asks incredulously. Rio barks nudging the stick again. "OK !! Papa... I'm gonna go play at the pavilion." he calls into a nearby tent. "Alright Rene." comes a voice from within. "Just make sure your back in time to help Uncle Ari when he returns."

"I will." says the lad snatching up the stick which sets Rio leaping for joy. "Come on boy." The two set of at a run and soon come to what can only be the pavilion the boy mentioned. It is a large grassy area divided in half by a low wooden fence and has a large covered seating area at one end. As soon as they reach the edge Rene throws the stick as far as he can and Rio tears off after it bringing it back at a steady lope where he drops it at Rene's feet. He does this several more times before refusing to drop it again. Rene tries his best persuasion techniques and the druid finally allows him to get a good firm grip on one end. A lovely tug of war follows and the two spend the afternoon running and chasing and frolicking as only a boy and his dog can.

As sunset approaches the two find themselves relaxing in the soft grass. Rene finds a caterpillar under a rock and holds it out for Rio to examine. The druid leans in to sniff the small creature and as he does Rene puts it on his snout. Rio, not expecting this, tries to look cross-eyed at the caterpillar as it starts inching its way up his muzzle. Rene must think this is the funniest thing he has ever seen as he bursts out laughing. When the tickling sensation proves too much Rio sneezes and shakes his head sending the caterpillar flying off into the air. Rene, who had almost recovered to a mere giggle, rolls over onto his back laughing so hard that tears are soon streaming down his face. Deciding that Rene shouldn't have all the fun Rio goes over and licks the boys face and ears mercilessly until the lad is curled up in a little ball giggling and trying to cover every inch of his exposed skin. When Rene finally recovers Rio barks and heads off a few paces back toward the marketplace where he stops and turns to look back at the boy. Suddenly, as if realizing the time, Rene pops up and the two return to the market and the tent where they met.

They arrive simultaneously with a small cart that is pulled by a sad and tired looking burrow. Trailing the cart is the boys uncle and Rene is soon caught up in his evening chores. Despite the perfect opportunity to slip away unnoticed Rio parks himself out of the way and sits and watches as the family gathers together for their evening meal. Rene points out his new friend and makes the impassioned plea of "Oh please can I keep him." As the family focuses on him, Rio looks at each of them in turn sizing them up in the same way they are tying to gauge him.

"He certainly looks friendly enough." Rene's father says. "Yes and he seems very well behaved doesn't he." Uncle Ari pipes in.

"Oh he is." Rene says confidently. "He's the best dog in the whole world I just know it."

"Well, we'll see if anyone comes to claim him." his father says eventually. "Look at him son. He seems very well kept and I imagine he belongs to someone. If he does I'm sure they'll come looking for him so don't get your hopes up too high."

"OK." Rene says coming over to give Rio a hug. "But if they don't we can keep him, right ?"

"We'll see." says his father returning to his supper. "We'll see."

Later that evening Rio pads quietly away. He feels bad knowing that Rene will be sad to find him gone and after he returns to human form he stops at a quiet tavern for a pint and bit of quiet reflection. Midway through his second draft he comes upon a plan. Thanking the barkeep he pays his tab and returns to the castle. Finding Glow relaxing in their room he tells her of his day with Rene and his plan to help ease his sorrow at not being able to keep him. Glow smiles and shakes her head. "Of course I will help you." she says standing to come sit next to him. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

The next morning Rio, again in Kiko form, and Glow make their way into the market and following Rio's nose soon come to Rene's tent. Rene is again sitting out front, his head buried in his hands, and he does not see the two approach. They stop in front of him but he doesn't look up until Rio licks an ear and inserts his nose between Rene's cheek and his hand forcing the boys head up and causing his hand to land on the top of Rio's head.

"You came back. You came back." Rene says as he hugs Rio fiercely. "I knew you'd come back." Then he looks up to see Glow and his face falls.

"Hello Rene." Glow says softly. "I understand you and Kiko have become fast friends."

"He's your dog isn't he." Rene says sounding truly crestfallen. "Please don't take him away."

Glow sighs glancing sharply at Rio. "Kiko is very special." she says carefully. "He's an adventuring dog and has seen many great wonders." Rene looks at Glow and then at Rio who sits next to him and lays his head in the boys lap.

"An adventuring dog ?" Rene asks stroking Rio between the ears. "What does he do ?"

"Well the bravest thing I ever saw him do," Glow says as she sits down on a small bench across from Rene, "is save a little girl, who wasn't much older than you, from a bunch of goblins. It all started far away in Waterdeep shortly after The Time of Troubles..."

Over the next few hours Glow tells condensed versions of some of their adventures. She tells of companions such as Erin and Dre and of monsters like goblins and ogres. She tells of encounters with dragons and magical battles deep in enchanted forests. She answers all of his questions as best she can without unduly frightening him or giving away too much detail and when midday comes around Rene invites her in for lunch.

"Mama." he says. "This is Glow. Can she have lunch with us ? Kiko is her dog. Did you know he's an adventuring dog ? He saved people and fought ogres and even been to Waterdeep. He's really special. He even knows the Dragonswords. Glow, this is my mama."

The woman eyes Glow critically for a moment and then introduces herself as Sarah Tinker and indicates that Glow should sit. Throughout the simple lunch Rene continues with constant questions between bites. Then afterwards he excuses himself from the table and heads off to find his father to tell him the news.

"You have a beautiful son." Glow says after somewhat of an awkward silence. "It makes me anxious to see my daughter again." This seems to break the ice between them and they chat about families and children and babies. When Glow tells her she is pregnant with twins Sarah brightens and wants all the details about how and when. Her directness takes Glow a bit by surprise but she quickly gets over it and soon the two are talking about romance and techniques for keeping men interested, devoted and wanting. The conversation ends abruptly when Rene and his father return.

Glow rises to meet him and can't help but smile as he takes her hand in greeting, especially given some of the things she's just learned about him.

"Well Rene," Glow says after a few minutes of talking with the whole family. "It's time for us to go. Thank you for taking such good care of Kiko yesterday."

Rene looks as if he might cry but he bravely holds back his tears as he hugs Rio again. "Will you bring him back ?" he says the hope clearly visible in his voice.

"If I can, Rene. We are set to travel again soon but I'll see what I can do. It's mostly up to Kiko."

"Oh please come back." he says looking pleadingly at Rio. "Please."

Rio barks and holds up a paw so that Rene might shake hands with him. Then he goes to where Glow is waiting by the entryway and follows her out into the narrow street. Looking back he sees Rene waving and he barks again. The boy smiles and the druid knows he'll be all right. Sad, but richer for the experience, just as Rio himself is.

---------


The next day Glow decides to contact Arial and find out how her progress toward reaching the Moonshaes is going. She carefully unpacks her crystal pyramid and sets in on the table in front of her. Using it as an initial focal point she quiets her mind of distractions and then brings a mental image of Arial to the forefront of her thoughts. Reaching out she soon feels the light touch of Arial's thoughts and focuses her mental energy upon them.

It turns out that Arial and her grandfather are just a couple days out of Waterdeep where they are to meet the ship that will bring them to the Moonshaes. Their daughter is happy and well and insists that Glow tell her something about their new home. Glow relays a brief synopsis of the events since she last contacted her and adds that for the most part Arial will just have to see for herself.

"Your father and I miss you terribly and can't wait for you and Papa to arrive."

"I know." Arial replies seriously. "Center Tree was fun but there were so many times that I just wanted to come home."

"Us too." Glow says through the link. "I know your father is looking forward to completing your training. You know it makes him very happy that you are becoming a member of the Circle."

"Me too mama. Elwin was showing me before we left how to tell the animals you are their friend. I haven't quite done it yet but he said I'd be able to soon. It feels SO good. I'm gonna make you and papa so proud."

"You already do sunshine." Glow says pouring her love into Arial's thoughts. "You already do."

After the link is broken Glow takes a moment to re-orient herself and finds Rio staring at her, waiting patiently.

"Their ship leaves from Waterdeep five days hence." she tells him happily. "They should be here about the end of the month."

Rio smiles and shakes his head. "It won't be soon enough." he says with a sigh. "I just thought I missed her before. These past two weeks I've really felt the hole in myself where Arial should be, and that day with Rene only made it worse. I think I shall ask Nara for favorable winds for their journey."

Two days later, as Rio and Glow are taking a small private supper, a message comes for them that the Archivist wishes to see them. At Rio's question the messenger replies that the Archivist is an author, writer and storyteller who's been chronicling events of great and lesser importance for as long as anyone can remember. The druid and his wife exchange one of those glances that married couples have that transcends verbal communication and Rio replies to give them a few minutes to finish their small meal and then show the man in.

Some ten minutes later there is another knock at the door. It is the same page who delivered the message and an old man leaning wearily on a tall staff. Upon seeing him Rio lets out a small gasp and shakes his head in disbelief. "No. It can't be." he says aloud to himself.

As the old man stands in the doorway Rio studies the details of his face. Then his manners return and he invites the man in and indicates he should sit near the fire. He watches the way the old man walks and after a moment laughs to himself.

"Forgive me sir." he says extending his hand. "It's just that you could be my Uncle Rinth and for a moment I thought that somehow you were. I am Rio and this is my wife Glowing Forest. What brings you to see us ?"

The Archivist shakes Rio's hand with a surprisingly firm grip and bends over to kiss Glows when she offers her hand.

"Thank you for agreeing to see me." the old man says in a deep gravelly voice. "My name is Bejorn Landro but nobody calls me that anymore. These days I am simply The Archivist. I came because I heard only yesterday that you had remained at Caer Callidyr even though your companions departed the Moonshaes." He settles himself in a chair and lays his staff on the floor beside it. "I am here because I need your help."

Rio, who has already decided he likes the man in part because of the uncanny resemblance to his uncle, leans forward.

"You see," Bejorn says, "it has been almost a year since I worked on anything even close to this scope and well, writing is what I do. It's what defines me and keeps me alive." He pauses looking from Rio to Glow and then back to Rio. "I am confident that it would not take too much of your time but I would ask that you come and stay at my estate during the work as I'm not nearly as mobile as I used to be."

Rio pauses. "I'm not sure I understand." he says finally. "What is it you need my help with ?"

"Why your story..." the old man sputters. "I couldn't very well write an accurate account of the The Dragonswords or The OtherWorlders without your help now could I ?

The druid looks at the Archivist incredulously. "I.... uh.... Your not serious."
he says.

"I am quite serious." Bejorn replies holding Rio's gaze. "It will be my last major work and if my instincts tell me correctly it will be by far the best. I've written about many things and many people here in the Isles and beyond. I've written histories, biographies, texts, and even the serialized fictional adventures of Durn Direheart set right here in Caer Callidyr, but you... you represent the sum of all these things." The Archivist takes a deep breath. "This is not something I ask of you lightly nor is this the type of opportunity that is likely to present itself to me again. Please my Lord. I would be honored if you would allow me the opportunity to serve you in this manner."

"I don't know what to say." Rio says finally.

"Then say yes." Glows statement takes Rio somewhat by surprise and she comes to sit next to him. "I have known you and loved you for these past fourty seasons. Shared your thoughts and feelings as only I can. Raised a daughter with you and am looking forward to our new ones come MidWinters Eve." She takes his hands and places them on her belly.

"But sometimes, when I see you soaring the winds or lost in the power of the Circle, I feel I hardly know you." She pauses, smiling and takes Rio's face in her hands. "Tell your stories my husband. Tell them for me."

Rio pulls her close to him kissing her lips and cheek and neck and then buries his face in her long dark hair. "You know I will travel to the ends of all worlds for you." he whispers in her ear.

Glow smiles. "I know."

Composing himself the druid turns to the Archivist. "You shall have your stories."

"Splendid !" Bejorn exclaims. "I shall send my staff around to collect your things tomorrow. We'll get started as soon as you've gotten settled in." Reaching down to retrieve his staff the Archivist rises. "Thank you Lord, and you Lady Glow. Until tomorrow then."

The next day several men arrive to help Rio and Glow move their things. Rio smiles and comments that he should have remembered to tell the Archivist that they really didn't need any help moving out of the palace as they really didn't have anything to move. Glow has a packed a single small case that contains their new clothes and a few other things accumulated since they came to Caer Callidyr but other than that the two have only their backpacks, weapons and armor.

The day is cloudy and cool with intermittent light rain and Glow is glad the journey to the Archivists home is relatively short. The estate turns out to be a large run down two-story structure that resembles a cross between a warehouse and an apartment building. It's set at the edge of a small park and over one of the doors is an awning and a small painted sign that says "Books" in brightly colored letters.

Despite the run down appearance the place conveys a warm and welcome feeling and as they are shown inside Rio lets his eyes rove over the stacks of books and papers and pamphlets that seem to be everywhere. They are shown into a small study where the Archivist is hunched over his small desk writing furiously on a large piece of vellum. Rising to greet them he introduces the two to his household staff, Mira his daughter who runs the store, and the three men who came to help them move. There is also a large cat snoozing in the corner of the room who yawns, regarding them briefly, and then buries its nose back beneath a paw and returns to sleep.

"That's Elroy." The old man answers to Rio's question. "I've had him for almost 14 years now and he's about the only one around here that I can keep up with anymore. He's a pleasant enough sort once he gets to know you but don't expect too much excitement from him. Where you see him now seems to be his favorite place in the whole house." The Archivist smiles. "I think he brings me luck."

"Oh father, don't start that again." Mira says with an exasperated look. "It is your skill with the pen that brings you your good fortune. Not some old cat that's too lazy to catch the mice running free through my kitchen. Honestly I don't know what you see in that vagabond. Come." She says turning to Rio and Glow. "I'll show you to your room."

Mira escorts them to a small room on the second story. It is simply appointed with a wood frame bed and large chest. There's a small set of shelves and the window looks out onto the back part of the estate. Mira tries to apologize for the humble surroundings saying that it is nothing as compared to the castle they came from but Rio assures her that, at least for himself, this is far more to his liking. Glow smiles agreeing that while castle life was nice this is much more reminiscent of their home back in High Forest.

The two settle in and soon the days begin to blend together with Rio spending much of the morning and early afternoon with the Archivist while Glow loses herself in the remarkably well equipped library that is the book shop. The routine continues for several weeks until finally the day approaches that Arial is to arrive. Thanks to Glows psionic ability they are able to pinpoint almost to the hour the actual arrival time and as the ship approaches they can see Arial and her grandfather standing out on deck.

It is one happy reunion as Arial comes running down the length of the dock and into Glows waiting arms. She looks well and Rio is amazed at how much she's grown since they left her in High Forest. The druid greets his father-in-law warmly thanking him for making the trip and inquiring as to the length of time he will be staying.

"Oh, just a week or two." Glows father replies as he hugs his daughter. "El and I agreed that I'd return fairly soon. You know how she gets. I told her that you wanted us to come to the Moonshaes but we both decided that Tall Trees is our home."

Rio nods in understanding as Glow hugs her father again. "Enough of that." She says to the both of them. "Let's enjoy the time we have together without focusing on when it will be over." She takes Arial by one hand and her father by the other. "Come on. We're staying with a delightful old gentlemen and I told Mira we'd be back in time for an early supper."

Rio catches Arial by the other hand and the four walk back through the streets of Caer Callidyr hand-in-hand talking mostly of the sea voyage and what Arial thought of the whole adventure. When they reach the Archivists estate Mira meets them at the door and greets Arial and Braum welcoming them to her home.

"You mother has told me much about you," she tells Arial when they are introduced, "but I did not expect such a gracious young lady. And you too sir." she says taking Braum's hand. "Welcome."

"Ah, you've arrived." the Archivist says coming out of his study to meet them. "Bejorn Landro at your service." he says shaking Braum's hand. "And you must be Arial. Your father is helping me to write the story of his adventures. I hope you will help too."

Arial looks a bit puzzled but smiles at the old man. "I'll help if I can." she says looking to Rio questioningly.

"Don't worry sunshine," the druid says, "I will tell you all about it and I'm sure you'll be able to help." Arial nods and Rio is struck by how much she is beginning to look like Glow, the same dark straight hair, thoughtful expression and warm demeanor. He bends down and picks her up kissing her forehead. "I missed you so much."

"Me too papa." Arial says wrapping her arms around his neck. Then, as Braum and the Archivist begin a conversation, Arial reaches out to Glow who comes to join them. Rio shifts Arial in his arms so that he can put an arm around his wife as well and the three spend a long minute in the bliss of a well overdue family hug.


---------

"Leaving ?!?!?" the Archivist exclaims a few days later as he and Rio are wrapping up one of their morning sessions. "You can't leave. We've barely begun !"

Rio smiles. "I have enjoyed the reminiscences and your hospitality tremendously, but I can not put my life on hold. My duties to the EarthMother have not ended because just because the risen cult has been defeated. There is much that I am called to do and I must obey the summons of the Great Druid."

The Archivist seems to deflate and lays his forehead on the table in front of him. "It can not end like this." he says as much to himself as to Rio. "I must finish the work. The story needs to be told. You must allow me to finish."

"I'm sorry." the Druid says softly. "If there was some way for us to continue I'd be happy to do so but I must resume my travels. Arial has joined us and my reason for staying in Caer Callidyr has ended now that my family is reunited."

"Then I shall travel with you." Bejorn says finally in a serious tone. "It has been a long time since I was on the road but I can not let this opportunity pass. I promise I shall not hinder nor delay you and will take my leave of you at your insistence."

Rio looks hard at the old man who holds his gaze almost defiantly. "I can not say where those travels will lead nor what trials may await." he says after a moment. "Nor can I guarantee your safety any more than I can guarantee mine. Are you sure that this is what you wish to do ?"

The Archivist nods resolutely. "I shall have Morn and Herve to accompany me... and Mira too if she wishes it. I'm not a poor man and will make sure that we are well provisioned. Don't worry about me my friend." Bejorn says smiling. "I'll be fine. I can still ride and although it's been a long time since I picked up a bow I bet I could defend myself satisfactorily should the need arise."

Rio takes a deep breath. "You are a free man and the best judge of your own nature and needs. If you wish to travel with us it is not my place to deny you the freedom of your own choices." Rio thinks back to that night several weeks ago when Bejorn came to see them in the castle and first presented his request. He remembers fondly Glow's insistence that he allow the Archivist to write the stories.

"There is certainly much that that we haven't covered" he says rising from the table. "I don't know how much time we'll have while travelling but when we get settled I'm sure we can get back to this routine." Rio chuckles to himself as a memory of Cherri and Mickey pops unbidden into his head. "And boy have I still got some stories to tell."

"Good !" the Archivist grins. "When do we get started."


Continued in Part 2 - All The World's A Tree