The Velathi lifted his head slightly. "I can guide you. The palace grounds are vast, and the guards watch the main paths closely."
"That won't be necessary," Vell replied. "I carry some weight here. Being seen won't be an issue, guards or no guards."
The Velathi inclined his head. "As you wish. I only offer what I can."
Vell nodded once, then turned to Sonder. "Come. The pools aren't far."
"Won't the elves miss your presence, mage?" asked the Eosan king.
"I doubt it," Vell said. "We're hardly the first to arrive here. Why should we be the first served? Besides, elves are fond of making others wait. If they do notice, let them."
They left, walking in silence through the stone path of the garden, past ancient hedges and fountains.
Before long, the pools appeared, just as Vell remembered. They were deep basins of warm, golden water, glowing faintly, infinitely still.
A lone figure sat at the water's edge. Pale robes were gathered neatly around her, and silver hair spilled down her back to her waist.
Sonder slowed. "Is that her?"
"I don't know," Vell said. "I've never met her."
They stepped closer.
The woman, though clearly aware of them, neither turned nor spoke.
"Greetings," Vell offered.
Only then did she lift her head, slowly.
Her expression was grave. Her eyes, timeless, held neither warmth nor chill, only stillness, like the water beside her. She studied Vell first, then Sonder, then returned her gaze to the pool.
"You walk freely," she said, her voice smooth and soft. "Few do."
"I once knew the queen," Vell answered. "I've walked these gardens before. That was long ago."
She gave the faintest nod.
"Are you the healer of the elven palace?" Vell asked, stepping closer. "We were told you were here and that you were the last to see her."
He sat beside her, not out of impatience, but with intention. He had no taste for the elves' drawn-out silences. "Did you tend to her yourself?"
"I was more than her healer," the woman said. "I was her breath-keeper. Her rhythm watcher. Her friend."
"We're not here for gossip," Vell said. "Or judgment. But there are many who don't understand what happened. Some grieve without direction. I hoped you might help them understand."
"I offer no balm for politics or legend," the healer replied. "She left quietly, in the night. There was no violence. No coercion."
"Then she was ill?" Sonder asked curiously, though she didn't mean to pry.
The woman turned to her. "No. She was tired."
Sonder began to speak again, but Vell gently raised a hand to stop her.
"That's enough," he said. "We don't need every detail."
"You understand?" the healer asked.
"I do," Vell said quietly. "She was a lantern. And lanterns dim."