But what of the huge barriers facing the young couple? Neither could enter the other's city without invisibility, for if discovered, the stranger would be killed on sight. And the guards have eyes nearly everywhere. Invisibility spells are known to fail. And skulking around like a criminal gets old.
What could they do?
Kaaldar vaguely remembered a hazy story about a Wood Elf who joined with a Dark one. Ages ago, a way was made for them to marry. But it involved massive changes and each had to be sure.
''What was the way?'' Chloe innocently inquired.
''I shall speak to the High Mages, and learn what they can tell me,'' Kaaldar said.
To that end, they patiently waited until the High Offices would open. Well, as patiently as they could.
The next day, they arose to the same dimly lit exterior. Chloe felt a bit of trepidation for what the High Mages would say. She wanted to go with Kaaldar, but he insisted she wait in their room. To pass the time, she snooped in drawers and closets. Kaaldar was fairly neat. That was good. Life with a slob would have been rough in these tiny quarters. ''Hopefully, married couple's have larger quarters, I know they do in Felwithe,'' Chloe thought, not really that concerned about it. Any quarters, with a lock on the door, they could call their own would do for now.
She continued snooping. There were all sorts of things in his drawers - old silver coins, blue topaz gems, torn and faded manuscripts, cat's eye agates - some she recognized as useful to spell research. In the closet, expected things like old shoes and faded robes acquired in training were found. Really, nothing out of the ordinary that she could see.
The sound of a door being opened made Chloe jump. ''What did he say? What did he say?,'' she begged, nearly breathless.
Worried, she became, for she swore Kaaldar's face looked a little bleached. ''Yes, there is a way to mary, but it's not easy. You must first undergo a series of tests, and then . . ,'' he paused, not sure how Chloe would take the news. ''You must undergo a series of treatments that will transform you into a Dark Elf.'' Stammering, he cautioned, ''I don't know how proud you are of your High Elf heritage. I do know this, however. There is no way I can ever enter your worlds with out illusion.''
Chloe reached for his hand, and looked into his red eyes, much widened, and said quietly, ''Fear not, I will take the challenge, I will undergo the tests and treatment. I will join you here.''
Kaaldar wrapped his arms around her tightly in a secure embrace and rested his head upon her breast. ''You love me that much,'' he said, trembling. ''Yes,'' she replied simply.
That night, they held each other closely all through, until the morning came. Kaaldar would then escort her to the High Mages and present their request.