The clatter and whir of the wooden practice lathes rang through the clearing.  Three youthful looking elves ducked and tumbled and jumped throughout the small area, whipping wooden weapons in rapid circles of attack and defense.  The action resolved around a skirmish of two on one, and as such, appeared about even.

“His quickness is indeed remarkable, Lethroia,” stated the visitor.  

“We had hoped, my friend, that you would consider fostering him for the next several years.  Yes, his quickness is remarkable, his balance and physical attributes near the top according to the family archives.  He shows almost equal aptitude in his early studies of the arcane, at least when I can get him to stay still long enough to study.”

“You don’t have to sell him to me, Lethroia.  I would of thought, nonetheless, that you would have fostered him with one of your wife’s uncles, or even your cousin, Jerithnil.  Your families’ have long served the kingdom, and in many paths, but again, why with me?”

“To be honest, Darthoradan, he has become obsessed with the Raelnorn, and specifically aspires to join the ranks of Edhel e’Tua a’L OioKalina Vakhan.  It has become an obsession with him, and he studies the family histories with his mother constantly.  He is too young……..too young by far to have chosen such a path.  He is barely past fifteen winters.  I would like to expose him to other options of service, even within the Raelnorn.  Your son is one of the Hyande en’Bitwa.  We are not opposed to service, as you well know, but he needs to experience more than the family histories, or even fostering within our extended family.”

“I understand Lethroia.  I will agree, but I will not stop him from choosing that path, nor will I even argue strongly against it.”

“I have hopes that exposure to other philosophies of service may broaden his choices and his individual path,” continued Lethroia.  “We both know the OioKalina Vakhan maintain their secrets with utmost diligence.  I know not whether this is a positive or a negative, even those of my relatives who have given such service have been unwilling to share more than the most superficial details, essentially that they guard against some ancient and potentially terrible prophecy, as all such prophecies appear to be.  What I witnessed as a young child is that there is something dark within those secrets.   The family archives are clear as well, none who have provided such service have survived to depart from this realm of old age.  They have either died in conflict or disappeared completely from Yasa Nalore.  Even Elyria, as old as she was, changed at the end, and left her home.  We assume her death, and my wife insisted we name Elyrienne in her honor, but we do not know!  Can you blame me for hoping for some sort of other service? I fear there is some evil in this prophecy that steals or corrupts their spirits, or leads to their reckless behavior.  I understand you would not argue against it directly, but perhaps subtlety will work.  I fear for my son, Darthoradan.”

“I do understand, my old friend.  And I will be happy to foster him, and encourage his discussions with Lerellian when he is at home.  In the end, I will also have him serve as my aide, and eventually, perhaps as part of the militia on his own, assuming all goes well.  My sister can help with his magical studies, and Lerellian can as well.  He can study with Shineliar in regards to the Valar, although I am sure their paths are different, and there are many various other pursuits which can provide apprentice level training as the years pass.  I will do what I can, but I will not argue directly against such a calling.  He will also gain experience at court, and regardless of his path, that will always be of benefit to him in the future. ”

“You have my thanks, dear friend,” replied Lethroia.  “As always, you have my support at any time as well.”

“Would that it we were still fostering in your uncle’s home, Lethroia.  Now, only reverie can return us to that time, but the ties between our families have always been strong, and will always remain so. Now, let’s get the formal introductions out of the way so we can enjoy the rest of the days of this visit before we return.”

“Elyrienne, come over here!” called Lethroia.   With a flourish of the practice blade to his opponents, the single party of the trio glided across the grassy glade towards the duo.  “Yes, father?”

“Elyrienne, I would like you to meet one of the seven princes of Yasa Nalore, Prince Darthoradan.”