"…Stars. See, this one, Deneb, he moved it four degrees along it’s path. And this one, he moved it five. The numbers don’t make sense, but he moved them—"

"Shh." Someone said.

She noticed before I did that I was waking. I hadn’t known I was asleep.

My eyes focused, and the colors formed into shapes. The shapes became faces of people.

I remembered her. She was the queen. I played for here sister. She wanted a requiem…

I sat up instantly.

"Please," I said. "Please, I did my best, please—"

The queen placed her gentle fingers on my mouth silencing me. "Don’t worry your young head. It will take a long time for her to recover her strength, but you took her wound away completely. I thank you for that. You granted her life, and I shall give you yours, for where is safer for an elf than in the court of the queen?"

"I don’t understand," I said. I wanted my lute back and I wanted to leave. I didn’t feel safe in this kingdom. Not this close to an angel without my hood and cloak.

"Silly," she said. "I’m giving you an opportunity to play your elfin music as often as possible. You will play at my side, and live here at the castle."

"Are you sure that’s wise?" Sammhain interjected. I hadn’t noticed him there until he spoke.

"Why? Do the stars speak against it?"

"No, mistress."

"Then he shall stay here. What evil could he bring, anyway?" She said, almost giggling.

I was still confused.