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Ayelanna, head of the Mystics and official representative to the world of all the elves of Aelear Stood before the stone ruins of a once-mighty throne and waited. Now was the time each day when her people could come forth and air grievances, or ask boons. It was also the time when those among her people, elvish or otherwise would ask for the right to be bound, heart and soul, to the one they loved most.

The ceremony of Lifebonding was the most sacred event she knew of, and the Mystic Queen was unlikely to perform those deep magics lightly.

"Let any who would speak come forth, and be heard."

Koryu came quietly, behind Sesshomaru, following the soft sound of his beloved's talon on the smooth-rough stone that covered the promenade. Following subtle signals that he no longer even thought about he stopped just as sesshomaru did and ducked under his wing, bowing when he did.

"Ma'am," He spoke hesitantly, bolstered only by Sesshomaru's presence. It was clear that he'd under no other circumstances approach this powerful Mystic. "I have c-come to be bonded to Sesshomaru, for all my life."

Ayelanna regarded the two with solemn expression then raised one hand, palm up, welcomingly.

"Come, and I will give you your task."

She walked forward, thick winter robes dragging behind her through the thin snowcover.

"For the ceremony to bind two hearts so closely is not an easy one, and it's failing would mean much suffering. I would test first your hearts."

Ayelanna, coming close to the pair, nodded to Sesshomaru companionably. "You must travel tot he far reaches of this land, as has been done for many generations past, and find the treasures kept there. Go west, through the forest, until you reach the base of the great mountain. Enter within, and find the treasure at her heart. This you must do alone, to prove your courage in darkness, to be worthy of the one you love."

With that, she turned to koryu whose face was half-hidden though he knew it not, behind one of Sesshomaru's broad pinions. "And you as well must journey to the great plains, and brave the great trek to the shrine at their center. In summer's heat they are baked, but under the winter's watch the plains grow winded and icy. This test you must undertake to prove your perserverence, to be worthy of the one you love."

Sesshomaru protectivly put a wing over Koryu, defidently not liking the idea of Koryu having to go it alone. "Why must we face these alone?" Sesshomaru asked trying to retain his formality.

Ayelanna shook her head and turned back to her place.

"If you cannot overcome such a trifle for the one you love, then the ceremony will be something you cannot bear. To live out your life, so bonded to another life, you cannot survive unless you are strong as individuals."

...and the queen would say no more.

Koryu bumped his temple against Sesshomaru's shoulder trying gently to calm and comfort him.

"It's alright, Sesshomaru...I...I think I can do it, if it's for you."

Koryu nodded, and with no further prompting, stepped away from Sesshomaru, retracing his steps with careful memory to the entrance. Orienting himself south by the feel of the sun on his feathers, the black hippogriff set off towards the plains.

Sesshomaru followed like a white shadow, and at almost the same moment as Koryu, he was in the the air, heading to the deep moutains, to find what was needed.

Sesshomaru looked apon the mountains below him as he flew over it. No place it seemed was clear for landing without danger, or razor like rocks, and tick grey clouds covered many a peek, waiting for the unsuspecting. Finaly Sesshomaru landed atop a high peek, looking down apon the other mountains around him from his perch. The many crags, and cliffs spike of hidden entrances, but which ones held the entrance to the shrine he searched for, one could not say. It was like a straw in a needle stack.