The Light of My Hearts

The Lower Realm, Tegath…

After the demon was recaptured in the Infernal Orb, Gillam stashed it away in his magic bag. When he returned to the Parliel Realm he’d deliver it the proper authorities who knew how to send a demon back to Hell. (He didn’t possess such knowledge.)

Even with his healing, it took both Helia and her father more than a couple days to recover. The fae himself had felt magically taxed and the small break in his wing ached every day. Thankfully, the Colborne home was cozy and quiet, perfect for a restful recovery.

Gillam couldn’t help but admire the resiliency of the two humans, particularly Helia. And yet he felt awful for allowing her to be exposed so violently to that demon. Their plan worked, yet he still felt it shouldn’t have happened to her. The way she cried afterwards was a vulnerability he’d never witnessed from the steely-nerved woman. His urge to protect her and shield her from any harm grew and it felt like the proverbial walls were being torn down between them.

However, Helia still acted stubbornly aloof and resistant to his feelings, deflecting them at any opportunity. That was indeed an uncommon occurrence for him since he had always been extremely popular with the ladies he encountered. Perhaps that was some of the allure of the woman? While other women threw themselves at him, she kept him at a professional distance. But when he would see little things she did: blushing when he smiled, looking away when she did, complimenting him in way she hadn’t before. It was all…hopeful.

…

By the end of the forth day after trapping the demon, representatives from the Tegath authority arrived and delivered a handsome sum of money for the slaying of the demon as well as other gifts of gratitude. Helia even received a new belt and leather shoulder guards to replace the ones she’d lost. However, she still needed a new scabbard for her sword and others for her daggers. Her father always got his scabbards made at Ruple’s Leathers and Tannery so she planned to head there.

The next morning, Helia awoke, got dressed in simple clothes, grabbed her blades wrapped in a flap of leather and cloth, and headed for the door.

“You and Gillam have a good time, Helia!” Una called through the house.

Helia paused and gave a confused look, “I’m going out alone.”

“Oh. Gillam is already outside waiting for you. You’re going to Ruple’s Leathers, aren’t you?” she inquired.

“Yeah…” then she squinted, “How would he know that?”

“I told him you were planning on getting new scabbards today.” She stated almost proudly. “Oh! You should take him to that new little restaurant down past the port…oh…what was it called?”

Helia shook her head, “Mom…”

“Ocean’s Bounty! That’s what it’s called!” Una recalled. “You should take him there for lunch.”

“Mom. I’m just going to get these blades sized for their scabbards and be back.” Helia insisted.

Una put a hand on her hip with reproach, “Helia…you’ve always put your job ahead of the other parts of your life. If all those horrible creatures you’ve hunted haven’t killed you, going out and having some fun won’t either.”

Helia made a face, turned, and left out the door. As she said, Gillam was waiting outside, dressed in his usual cloak.

“Good morning.” He greeted with a head bow.

“Morning.” She reciprocated, “You don’t have to go with me, you know?”

He shrugged, “I don’t have anything else to do.”

Helia bobbed her head, “All right then.”

They started walking down the road to make a path to the leather shop. When they arrived, the worker took measurements of Helia’s weapons, they discussed styles and design, and the order was made. Gillam waited patiently, taking in the different crafts made with animal hides until Helia was finished.

“So…back home?” Gillam guessed, holding the shop door open for her.

For a moment, Helia thought about saying ‘yes’ to that statement. He’d already offered a way out. But if she returned home now, her mother would never let her hear the end of it. She felt her stomach flutter slightly.

“Are…you hungry?” she tried to ask casually.

Gillam nodded with a smile, “I could eat I suppose.”

Helia scratched her arm, “Well…I kinda heard about this place near the water past the docks if you want to try it?”

The disguised fae smiled again, “I’d love to.”

She nodded, “Ok…ok.”

Together they began making their way down to the docks which were still several blocks away. The streets of Tegath were busy, filled with merchants, shoppers, and travelers. They took in the sights as they walked.

“If you don’t mind me asking…how did your father get injured?” Gillam asked, patting his leg for emphasis.

“Oh. Well…I was probably…nineteen when it happened? We heard a red wyvern was killing and eating people in this village called Friar Lodge. It was burning everything and the villagers had to take shelter in the mines nearby because most had lost their homes and those who hadn’t were afraid of being burned alive in their homes during the night.”

“There are red wyverns here?”

“Not anymore.” Helia answered almost ominously. “Anyway, we go out and set up to get this wyvern grounded with the men of the village. You know, crossbows with ropes, nets, the whole thing. We get the wyvern down but it killed some of the men holding down the nets and it broke free. My father didn’t move quick enough and…” she made a gesture with her hands to mimic large jaws around the hips and leg, “It clamped down, shook its head, and tore up everything.” She shook her head, “It was so awful…I ran my sword through the underside of its clavicle and it let go of him, but not before he slashed its throat. We killed it but dad was in bad shape. I still don’t know how he lived. He was lucky there was a good doctor in the village who tended to him right away and got the bleeding to stop. But he couldn’t walk for months. Then when he did, it was slow and limped. He wanted to work again but it figured out quickly that he was unable to do the things he used to before the wyvern.” She sighed, “He was angry and depressed for a long while. I think it helped him to know I was taking on the profession. And of course, mom was always there.”

“When did he open the weapon shop?” Gillam wondered.

“Probably a year after he started walking again. That helped him feel useful again.”

Gillam nodded, “I’m glad he found that purpose.”

“Me too.”

After a bit more walking, they finally found the sign of the restaurant. Thankfully it was a distance from the dock so the overwhelming smell of fish didn’t overwhelm the delicious aromas wafting from the wooden structure.

“Ocean’s Bounty.” Gillam read the sign aloud.

Helia shrugged, “Heard it was good.”

Gillam stepped quickly and opened the door for her.

“Thanks…”

A young woman greeted them, “Hello! Welcome to Ocean’s Bounty. Can I get the two of you a seat?”

“Thank you, yes.” Gillam nodded, “Something with a view, if you have it?”

She smiled at him and gestured, “Right this way.”

Gillam offered his bent arm to Helia. She almost rolled her eyes at him but decided to humor him and curved an arm into his elbow. The restaurant wasn’t anything fancy, but it did seem to look like the interior of a ship’s cabin. It looked clean and reputable anyway. The hostess led them to a table out on a wooden sheltered deck that had a view of the coastline and the hillsides beyond. Gillam pulled out the chair for Helia and he had a seat across from her. The girl placed two parchment menus in front of them.

“Can I start you off with some drinks?”

Gillam nodded and made eye contact, “Does the house have a luncheon wine?”

The hostess played with a lock of her dark hair and nodded, clearly impressed with Gillam’s refined voice, “Oh, yes sir. A white called Bochina Vine. It’s made in the villas north of the city. Pairs very well with our special today.” She explained.

“I’ll have that then.”

The hostess looked at Helia and she shrugged, “Um…me too?”

“Very good. And our special today is freshly caught red blade fish steaks.” She announced.

Helia seemed interested, “Red blade fish? This time of year?”

“Our fisherman was very lucky this morning.” The hostess stated proudly. “I’ll go get those wines.”

“You like this red blade fish?” Gillam asked her.

Helia shrugged, “I’ve never had it. Too expensive. And it’s hard to get anyway.”

Gillam grinned, “You should you try it then.”

For a moment Helia felt reserved about it. She never really ate anything fancy and felt weird spending so much on a meal. Then again, she’d never had the kind of money she’d recently made either.

Helia’s lips twitched in thought, “Well…I guess Kendrick paid me enough to buy a restaurant.”

The disguised fae smiled as he continued to read the menu. In moments the server returned with their wine and set it before each of them.

“Have we decided?”

Gillam nodded then gestured for Helia to go first.

“Um. I guess I’ll have the blade fish special you talked about.” The redhead put down her menu.

“I will too.” Gillam agreed.

“Excellent choice. I’ll tell the chef right away.” She smiled at Gillam, “I’ll be sure he gives you an extra-large piece.”

The waitress turned to leave and accidentally bumped into a chair which made a loud banging noise. Flustered she blushed and skittered away toward the kitchen.

When she left Helia made a face and commented in a quiet voice, “Sounds like she wants an extra-large piece of you.”

The human-disguised fae gave an uncomfortable chortle.

“Let me guess…you’ve had women fawning over you like that since the beginning?” she lifted her wine and drank a bit.

“Somewhat.” he admitted.

“Somewhat…” Helia mocked his word. “You know it’s true. Don’t be so coy.”

He nodded and shrugged at the same time, “It gets tedious sometimes.”

“Tedious?” Helia laughed lightly, “Most guys would give their left nut to have women falling over themselves wherever they went.”

He took a drink of his own wine and shrugged again, looking uncomfortable.

Helia huffed a laugh but said, “Sorry. Just making an observation.”

Gillam looked at her, then his wine, and changed the subject, “I wonder how my sister and Kendrick are getting on in the Parliel Realm?”

“I’m sure Twillow is fine. And as long as Kendrick hasn’t knocked down the house, I’m sure he is too.”

Gillam sighed as he stroked the side of his wine glass, “I’m worried mother will be very displeased with the whole affair.”

Helia recalled the way Gillam’s mother looked at her, Sig, and Kendrick, like seeing unwanted strays suddenly appearing in her house. (Granted, it would be shocking to most people if they realized their daughter was going to have a giant’s baby.)

She took another sip of wine, “Well…maybe she’ll warm up to that once she gets a grandkid?”

Gillam gave an agreeing nod, “Yeah. You’re probably right.”

“Makes me wonder though. Will your niece or nephew be more fae or more giant?” Helia pondered.

The sudden notion of a gigantic winged baby sprung into her head, “God help us all…”

Gillam could only shrug, “I don’t know. [Sigh] I feel sort of selfish for not going back and attending the birth and baby shower.”

“If you feel bad about it you can still go.” Helia offered.

Gillam seemed to think until he shook his head and smiled at her, “I’m happy with my decision.”

The butterflies were numerous and active in Helia’s stomach.

It wasn’t too long before the server brought out their meals. A thick, light pink fish steak steamed appetizingly on the plate, bordered with a medley of vegetables and a warm chunk of fresh buttered bread.

“There we go. Can I get you anything else?” she asked.

Gillam smiled, “One more wine I should think with dinner.” He glanced at Helia to confirm.

“Yeah. Yeah. Another please.” She agreed.

When the waitress left, the redhead made a pleased expression, “This smells so good.”

“It does.”

Without wasting anymore time the pair partook of their lunch, enjoying every flaky, juicy bite. All hesitation about the expense disappeared from Helia’s mind upon the first taste. Red blade fish was now her most favorite fish of all time. Gillam too seemed to share her sentiments as he elegantly ate every morsel. When they finished, they paid and left together.

“I dare say that was the best fish I’ve ever had.” Gillam remarked as they walked away.

Helia nodded in agreement, “So good.”

Gillam stared out along the shoreline, admiring the glittering waves that hissed along the rocks and sand.

After a moment he pointed, “Would you like to walk a bit?”

Helia had walked the Tegathan shores thousands of times as a child, searching the wrack lines for shells, rocks, and other treasures. She hadn’t walked the shores in a number of years. Luckily for her the sun was overcast with clouds so her fair skin would be safer from burns.

“Um…yeah. Sure.” She led the way.

The shores were quite rocky near Tegath but also patches of soft sand could be found. Helia and Gillam passed a few small boats along with fisherman bringing in the later day catches. Soon though they were by themselves, walking just out of the wave’s reach.

Gillam was continuously staring out into the vast expanse of water, “Your Lower Realm oceans are beautiful.” He remarked.

Helia nodded, “On days like this they are pretty nice.” she gestured, “But the ocean is very unforgiving. You go out there on a ship, you’re at the waves’ mercy.” Helia commented. “Lots of people don’t come back.”

They walked a bit further and Helia asked, “How is that wing strut healing?”

Gillam shifted his wings subtly under his cloak, “It’s still sore.”

“Why don’t you just use your magic to heal it?” she asked.

“My magic is still replenishing itself. I used a significant amount in that last fight and I’m using enough to keep up this façade.” He explained, “I can endure for a bit longer.”

Helia blinked with curiosity, “What does that even feel like…having wings I mean? Is it like…arms?”

Gillam laughed quietly, “More like…legs I’d say. But very different.”

The redhead glanced at his cloak which hid the appendages along with his magic façade, “So…do you have to learn to fly or are you born doing it?”

“Oh, we have to learn. In fact, our wings are small and fragile when we first bloom. They eventually grow bigger in our first years and we must exercise them in order to start flying.” He explained.

“I’ll… bet that’s hard.”

Gillam nodded, “It is in the beginning. But once I learned how to keep wing rhythm and my wings grew stronger it became second nature.”

“Did your parents teach you how to fly?” she inquired.

He gestured with a tipped hand, “Somewhat. They hired a flight instructor to come in every day until I learned. I was flying within a week.”

Helia looked at him with impressed brows, “Wow. That’s quick.”

Gillam laughed to himself, “Well…I didn’t like my instructor. I learned quickly so I wouldn’t have to see him anymore.”

“HAHA!” Helia laughed loudly.

She covered her mouth, surprised by the response. It felt like her cheeks were hot now.

“The Hell?! Why are you acting like a stupid little girl! It wasn’t that funny!” she scolded herself internally.

But Gillam laughed too, seeming happy he was able to make her laugh. Helia still ducked her head a bit, feeling embarrassed.

“Guess…guess you’ve always been a quick learner then.” She mumbled, trying not to look at him.

“You should laugh more.” Gillam said with reassurance.

Helia tried to be more interested in the rocks they were passing so he wouldn’t see how pink her cheeks flushed.

Gillam kept talking, “Hugo refused to fly for a long time though. Mother and father were beside themselves trying to get an instructor to teach him. He was just stubborn and contrary to the idea. I ended up teaching him. Then later, I taught Elmry and Twillow too. They learned quick but not in a week like I did.”

“Sounds like you were the golden child.” Helia remarked.

“For a while I was…but then I wanted to learn how to fight with swords. Father was fine with it but mother thought it was vulgar and barbaric for a Birchwood. She really threw a fit when I said I wanted to be a city guard. Said it was “beneath me”. But she accepted it eventually when I was appointed the Magistrate’s bodyguard.” He explained. “Though…I think she would’ve preferred it if I followed father in his business or become some sort of noble in politics.”

Helia nodded, “My mom didn’t want me to be a slayer either. Even though she didn’t show it, I think she was really happy when dad quit. But then I took it over and she was…well…you’ve seen how she is.”

“She cares about you.”

“Yeah…she does.” The redhead agreed.

They walked until Tegath was distant. The sun was beginning to dip and change the sky to a fiery orange.

“We’d probably better turn back.” Helia mentioned.

Quite abruptly, Gillam stopped and stared away from the ocean into the rocky, tree studded hills beyond. He looked intent as if he heard something Helia didn’t.

She noticed his stance, “What? What’s wrong?”

Gillam put a finger to his lips, “Shh.”

Helia drew a dagger but Gillam waved his hand signaling she needed to put it away.

“What?!” She mouthed silently.

The tall fae took her hand and pulled her after him, walking slowly but deliberately toward the trees and rocks away from the beach. Helia was completely baffled. She was about to yank her hand away and demand a clearer explanation for his actions until he stopped. Then touched her shoulder and made her stand right at his side under his arm.

“What is it?!” she mouthed silently again.

He slowly pointed toward the tree line and gestured for her to stay quiet. With slow, movements Gillam took off his cloak, put it down and dropped his façade. Helia stole several worried glances around, making sure no one would see him. He stood before the trees, silently staring. And then he began speaking softly. Helia didn’t understand the language but guessed it was the fae tongue. Whatever he was saying sounded gentle and coaxing.

A few minutes passed when Helia noticed a shimmering in the greenery. It almost looked like a blob of water given shape. It moved gracefully yet cautiously, like a deer. Gillam draped his arm over her shoulder and pointed to ensure she saw it. Then he held out his hand, still speaking in that elegant language.

A silent gasp stole Helia’s breath away when the shimmer suddenly changed, taking on color, texture, and form. Silvery white skin, long, wavy, flowing mane and tail of the same color, sparkling, jet black eyes, four delicate wispy limbs, and a magnificent spiraled horn sprouting from a horse-like head.

A unicorn!

The creature strutted out of the trees, ever cautious but seeming drawn to Gillam.

“Voestra…Vo… Vo… Voestra.” Gillam repeated gently, holding out his hand palm up.

There was no sound at all as the gorgeous creature moved closer to them. Helia dared not blink or even take a breath. Finally, the unicorn stopped just before them and stared intently. No one moved.

Gillam slowly reached down and took Helia’s hand away from her side. A glow from his hand creeped from his skin onto hers, seeming to coat her hand in a golden glow. Helia felt a tingling warmth from the glow. He put his hand under hers, making her hold out her hand to the unicorn, palm up, as if to feed it. Helia’s blue eyes seemed unsure but his eyes were reassuring.

The unicorn blinked and crept closer, stretching its long elegant neck toward her hand. Its hot breath puffed against her fingers until its soft lips nibbled at the golden light as if it were grain. Helia was pretty sure her jaw would never close as the beautiful creature began licking away the magic light from her hand. Its head looked like the perfect mix of deer and horse, regal and swift. The horn gleaming inches away looked dangerously sharp but so beautiful, a dagger created by nature.

Gillam kept his hand under hers and smiled when he saw Helia’s look of child-like amazement as the unicorn fed on the little taste of magic he’d given. He’d never seen that look on her face before. It was lovely.

In a few seconds the magic glow was gone. The unicorn licked its muzzle quickly in much the same manner as a deer and turned its head slightly. Gillam then guided Helia’s hand and they both stroked the long neck of the creature. Helia couldn’t believe how soft it felt. Softer than feathers and clouds and puppy fur. It put the coat of any horse she’d ever touched to shame.

Then, in a very casual manner the creature turned and walked back toward the woods. It seemed to slowly fade away, disappearing into the shimmering wraith she’d first seen. The brush didn’t even rustle as it left.

Finally, Helia exhaled, almost overwhelmed from the experience.

“Oh…my…god!” she whispered, “There’s no way that just happened!”

She was practically shaking. Gillam smiled broadly, genuinely happy that Helia was so enchanted with the experience.

“Did you just…sense it was there? It was like…like a ghost at first.” Helia marveled.

He nodded, “Unicorns put off a magic aura that they can cloak themselves. It’s very easy for a fae to sense.”

Helia looked at her hand that the unicorn had licked, “Was that magic it was eating?”

Gillam nodded, “Yes. I thought that might bring it closer.” He grinned, “Truthfully, in the Parliel Realm, they can be pests because they like to lick magic crystals until they are drained.”

“Like how deer find a salt lick?” Helia surmised.

“Yes. My father doesn’t like them much because they eat his profits.”

“I…I don’t think I want to wash this hand.” She almost laughed.

“Well, unicorn spit can have healing properties.” He explained casually.

Helia looked up at him, “Let’s see. Show me your broken wing part.”

Gillam blinked but knelt down, lifting his wings in the setting sun. They glowed and glistened as crisply as the ocean water. Helia found the splinted structure and gently removed it. Then she wiped her hand on the broken piece. Gillam clenched his jaw trying not to show pain. But slowly the stiff structure began to fuse together and the steady throb he’d felt the past five days dissipated.

“Wow! It worked!” Helia marveled, watching it heal before her eyes. “Let’s do your hand burns too.”

She moved around to his front and held her palm to his, wiping it back and forth. The burn marks, which had lightened in the past days, faded completely. Quite to Helia’s surprise, Gillam’s fingers closed onto her hand and he slowly stood up.

“Thank you, Helia.”

His violet eyes seemed to trap her blues, keeping her gaze. Helia felt like she wanted to take a step back but her feet wouldn’t obey as the tall fae stared down at her. She was frozen. Before her brain could process an action, his face approached hers. His elegant nose brushed against hers and her nerves were suddenly sparkling when his lips met hers. She drew in a startled breath, smelling his masculine scent at the same moment. The butterflies she’d felt before in the pit of her stomach were loose, spreading through her body all the way to the tips of her fingers and toes before returning.

Gillam breathed deeply and pulled away, staring at her.

Helia blinked several times. For the first time in a long time, she didn’t know what to do.

She broke eye contact and stammered, “Um…w-we should…we should get back.”

With brisk, hurried steps she moved around Gillam and began walking back toward Tegath.

With every step her mind was a whirling tornado of thoughts, “There’s no way that just happened. That didn’t happen…why did that happen? What is going on?! What is HE doing?! What am I doing?!”

Gillam watched her go and suddenly felt regret. Had he moved too fast?