The Light of My Hearts

Back in the Lower Realm weeks later...

After Gillam and Sig sent Kendrick to the Parliel Realm, Helia and Gillam began their journey south to Tegath. Helia hadn’t seen her family or her hometown for almost two years (not uncommon given her wandering profession). But this year she was bringing a guest. Gillam seemed excited to be able to travel with her and meet her family. Helia, on the other hand, was far more nervous than excited. Bringing someone along, let alone her fae partner, was uncharted territory.

After a few weeks of non-stop travel, the surroundings began to look familiar again. Helia began to even smell the salt of the ocean. And at long last she saw the white stone buildings of Tegath bordered by the wide, ship-filled harbor, and the expanse of dark blue ocean beyond.

Gillam seemed awed by the sight of the watery expanse and the huge, sailed ships beyond the city.

“There it is, Gillam. Tegath.” She announced with a wide gesture.

“It’s big!” the fae marveled, “And is that the Lower Realm ocean?”

“One of them, but yeah, that’s the ocean.” She confirmed.

He shook his marveled head, “It just goes on forever.”

Helia gave a smile at his wonder. For her it was commonplace.

“Where does your family live?”

“Nearer that rock cliff to the west.” She pointed. “Better put on your mask and try to look as human as possible. This road gets busy around midday. I have no idea how well this is going to go...but...”

“It’s going to be fine.” Gillam concluded positively as he donned his mask.

Together they continued their journey and finally passed through the wide gates of Tegath. The streets were bustling with activity as merchants’ shouts and the other sounds of commerce dominated the air. Rumstead up north was much bigger than Tegath, but Tegath was not small by any means. As a thriving port, the city saw many sailors, merchants, foreigners, and exotic wares pass through its streets. Fishing and boats were a major source of commerce and as such the air smelled prevalently of fish, wood, oils, and salt water.

Gillam’s masked face was turning constantly, taking in all the activity. For Helia it was comfortable to be riding down the streets of her home city. However, she was still on high alert. Though Gillam had hidden a good portion of the gold Kendrick had paid her in his “magic bag”, she still had a lot stashed in her belt pouch. Pickpockets would indeed be thrilled to snag that so she kept on guard.

However, she was known on these streets. It didn’t take long for several of her familiar clientele and acquaintances began greeting her from their booths.

“Helia! Welcome back!” a fish merchant greeted.

“It’s Helia! Been forever!” another shouted.

She gave small waves and greeted them as they rode past.

“You are certainly popular here.” Gillam’s voice beamed beneath his mask.

Helia shrugged, “I lived here my whole life and once I started slaying with my dad, they became familiar with me. Then, after my dad couldn’t be a slayer anymore, he opened his own weapon shop on the Merchant Row. So, I got to know the business owners too.”

“Oh? Is it nearby?”

“Heading there now.” Helia pointed further down the street.

As they rode Helia gestured subtly to a booth that sold salted fish, “That guy had a hobgoblin that was stealing his fish every night and was terrorizing his children. Took me two nights to catch and slay that little shit.”

Gillam chuckled, “Hobgoblin?”

“Don’t you have them in the Parliel Realm?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Oh. Well, they look like a hairless cat mated a frog. Ugly as a troll’s ass. But they are small, fast, and have nasty nails.” Helia explained.

Gillam leaned forward on his horse, shaking with laughter at her description. Helia couldn’t help but smile, hearing his rare but pleasant laugh.

In a few minutes, Helia pointed to a shop bordered by a forge with a burly, sweaty, dark-skinned man with dark eyes hammering away on a glowing blade he was smithing.

“Your father?” Gillam questioned.

Helia gave him a funny look, “Uh...no. That’s Buck my dad’s weaponsmith. He does the metal forging; my dad does the selling and testing.” She jumped off her horse and approached the man working, “What rusty piece of shit are you trying to fix, Bucky?”

The dark man stopped hammering, almost having a pissed off look until he saw who was talking to him.

His face split with a white smile as he spoke in a friendly accented voice, “Hell Girl. Where ye be comin’ from now?”

“Up north.”

He finished what he was doing and threw open his arms as he came close for a hug.

Helia put up her hands defensively, “Ugh! You’re all sweaty! I don’t need that on me, Bucky.”

But the muscular ebony man came in for the hug anyway, laughing as Helia tried (but didn’t try) to fight him off.

“Come on, Hell Girl! I nevah see ya in two years and ya can’t hug me?”

“Ugh! Alright! Alright!” she groaned until he released her, “How are you, Bucky?”

“If I was any betta, Hell Girl I couldn’t stand meself.” He stroked his short beard. “Kept all yer limbs intact I see.”

Helia nodded, “Yeah. A few new scars and stories though.”

“Ya make the money ya was hopin’ for up north?” he inquired.

To answer, Helia grabbed out a chunk of gold and tossed it into his hands. Buck caught it, his amazed eyes examining.

“And there’s a lot more where that came from.” Helia stated quietly.

Buck grinned, “Marry me.”

Gillam straightened his posture.

But Helia balked, “Ha! You only want me for my money.”

“It’s a reason.” He laughed and handed the gold nugget back.

She waved it away, “Keep it.”

The white smile reappeared and he was about to say something when a second man’s voice yelled from the side door that opened into the forge area.

“Buck! What the hell did you do with that blade you said you finished last night?”

Helia turned immediately to see her father limping out. It wasn’t hard to tell Helia’s parentage upon seeing his peppered red beard, streaked ponytail of the same color, bright blue eyes, large build, and lighter complexion.

“Hey, Dad.” Helia called out almost casually.

The large man whipped around, “Helia!”

He trotted forward with a marked limp and the pair embraced strongly.

“Gods it’s good to see you! How was it up north? Did you find the work you were hoping for?” he asked heartily as he kissed her cheek.

She nodded and planted her satchel of gold in his weathered hand, “Plenty of work up north.”

He bounced the sack in his hand, “This all?”

“Oh Hell no. You should see how much I made.” Helia assured him.

“Well not here. Too many greedy eyes.” He embraced her again. “Just glad you came back in one piece.”

At that moment he noticed the tall masked figure astride a horse over Helia’s shoulder, “Can I help you, mister?”

“Oh. Dad, that’s Gillam my new apprentice.” Helia explained quickly.

“Apprentice?” her father sounded genuinely surprised as did Buck, “Since when do you work with anyone?”

Helia shrugged, “Well it’s kind of a long story, but the short version is Gillam is learning the slaying trade and has been my apprentice for half a year anyway.”

Gillam dismounted from his horse and approached slowly with an extended hand, “I have heard many mentions of you, sir. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

“Lachlan Colborne.” He took Gillam’s hand strongly.

A jolt hit Gillam when he felt the burn of iron from one of the rings on the man’s finger but he completed the handshake despite the burn. Lachlan noticed.

“No need to be so jumpy. My teeth have dulled over time.” He smiled behind his red beard.

“Sorry...static.” Gillam lied.

Helia’s father gestured to his mask, “What’s with the mask, if you don’t mind me askin?”

“Oh...apologies. I just wear it for protection and a look.” Gillam began to remove his mask.

Helia held her breath slightly. She always wondered if Gillam would slip up and forget his human façade when he took his mask off. But much to her relief the blonde, tan, handsome face of a human appeared.

Lachlan flicked his brows subtly, “Huh. Half expected you to be disfigured under that.” He tipped his head slightly, “And you want to be a slayer and risk messin’ up that pretty face, eh?”

The disguised fae nodded, “Helia is an excellent teacher. I have learned much from her.”

“I see.” He looked to his daughter, “Didn’t think she’d have the patience to teach someone.”

Helia made a noise in her throat and gave her dad a look.

He smirked, “Well, if you are Helia’s charge then you’re welcome in our home.”

“Thank you. I’m eager to meet your family.”

Lachlan looked at Helia, “Speaking of that, have you been by to see your mom?”

“Not yet. That was our next stop.”

Her dad shook his head, “She’s been begging me to go after you for the past few months because she had a nightmare that you got ate by a monster.” Lachlan mentioned. “I kept telling her you were too wily to let that happen.”

Helia and Gillam shared a brief look of secret irony, “Well... I guess I’d better go see her then and alleviate those worries.”

Lachlan stepped away with a “wait” gesturing of his hands, “Hang on. I’ll close shop early and go with you! Buck, cool the forge and you can take the day too. If you can, come with us and join us for supper.”

“Ah. Good as yer wife’s cookin’ be, I got a hot date t’night.” The man admitted, spreading his hands.

“Suit yourself.”

With that both men set to closing their business for the day. Helia and Gillam both mounted their horses and waited.

“Your dad seems very nice.” Gillam commented.

Helia nodded with a light smile, “He’s mellowed in his older age.”

“Are we going to tell him I’m a fae?” he asked in a low voice, looking at the tiny burn on his hand.

“Soon. For now, just keep up the humanness.” Helia whispered back.

He gave a short nod. Keeping the human façade took a bit of magic energy but the crystal pendant around his neck as well as the enchantment on his mask would help for the long term.

Soon, Lachlan locked up his shop, waved to Buck and he too mounted his horse to head home. As they rode through the streets, he continued the conversation.

“By the way, your sister is going to get married soon.”

"Really? To whom?” Helia sounded surprised but secretly she wasn’t given her sister’s personality.

Lachlan waved a hand, “Ach. I don’t know if you know him. Tyler Grecian.”

“Tyler Grecian...” Helia tried to recall the familiar name until it came to her, “Oh, Hell! You mean that skinny little turd whose dad owns that huge fish market by the docks?”

“Eh. He’s gotten better.” Lachlan argued, “Kind of a cocky shit, but he and your sister are head over heels for each other. He’ll be a good provider for her.”

Helia nodded, “Huh. Well good for her.”

Internally Helia was dreading this visit now. Since her sister was getting married her mother would be all over her about when she was going to do the same. But...there was no avoiding it.

After a while the trio arrived at a white, two-story stone house on the western edge of Tegath close to the rocky white formations that cradled the city. The ocean was to the south and still a distance from the Colbourne home. It was a simple-looking house in design and looked to be build out of the same natural stone that bordered the city. Nowhere near the size of the Birchwood mansion and there was very little room between the houses it bordered.

There was a communal stable that at least six families shared and that’s where the animals were kept. The three dismounted and led the horses into the stable.

“I can tend to the horses. You go in and see your mother.” Gillam offered.

“Oh. Ok... that would be nice.” Helia admitted, handing over her horse’s reigns.

“Kind of you.” Lachlan agreed, doing the same.

Father and daughter left the stables and began walking to the house.

“Surprised you took on a partner.” Lachlan commented, scratching his beard.

Helia scoffed, “I figured you’d say something like that.”

“Where’d you find him anyway? Looks too clean and proper sounding to be interested in slaying.” He commented with an air of curiosity. “Is he some rich Duke’s son looking for excitement?”

“No. Well...his family is rich but...he’s a brother of a friend I made on my trip and he was insistent on being my partner and learning the trade.” Helia explained in general terms.

Lachlan made a noise through his nose, “Rich, eh? Didn’t think you’d go for the rich boys like your sister.”

“I didn’t ”go" for him because he’s rich, Dad.” Her tone was annoyed.

“Well, I hope he’s a benefit and not just some eye-candy you picked up on your travels?” the red bearded man commented.

Helia slugged his shoulder and growled at him. He chuckled at her reaction.

Bothered, Helia finally responded, “He’s very good with a sword, learns quickly, and is a good apprentice.”

Lachlan nodded agreeably, “Glad to hear that.” He glanced back with a squint, “He seems...”

He paused and Helia gave him a questioning look when he didn’t finish, “Seems what?”

The man flipped his hand dismissively, “Ach. Nothin’.”

Helia wondered if her father suspected Gillam’s true nature or not. His instincts were sometimes uncanny; knowing if their quarry was nearby, if a beast was going to attack, or what move needed to be made in order to dodge. Then again, her father hadn’t been in the slaying game for a number of years, his senses may have dulled. He was probably just wondering what she was doing with such a handsome, groomed partner. (Slayers were typically scarred, crass, and not too pretty.)

A bit of movement near the window opening caught Helia’s attention. Even before the pair made it to the door, Helia’s mom Una came rushing out, tears on her round face.

“HELIA! Oh! Helia! You’re back! You’re home!” she cried tearfully, almost falling into her daughter’s arms with relief.

Though she wasn’t one to give into softer emotions, Helia found herself tearing up in the desperate grasp of her mother’s relieved arms. It wasn’t the first time her mother had received her in such a way; worried all night for she and her father to return from a job. But the longer absence made it sting more.

“Hey, mom.” She hugged her back tightly.

Una had long, dark brown hair, was a larger but not fat woman with lighter skin and blue eyes. She was a seamstress who took odd jobs for extra money while she maintained the home. She was also a healer when the need arose. (Useful for a slayer husband and daughter.) Una also loved to wear large earrings and pin her hair back.

She eventually pulled away, covering her mouth to stifle the sobs of joy, “You’re back. You’re back.”

“Yeah. I’m back. I’m fine.” Helia reassured.

“I just thought something awful had happened...you were gone so long.” Una cried.

Helia took her shoulders reassuringly, “I just found a lot of work up north. Had a several adventures. Made a few friends and a pile of money.”

Una nodded, breath shuddering, “Oh. Oh, that’s wonderful! This is wonderful.” She seized her hands and pulled her to the door, “Come in! I’ll make you something to eat right away! Your room is just like you left it.”

Helia followed her and Lachlan trailed. With a busy flurry, Una wiped her face and began assembling a meal. It had been a long time since Helia had any seafood since it was rare if non-existent in the north. Her stomach whined when she her mother brought out some fish and oysters that she had purchased that morning in the market.

“Oh, Helia! I’m so happy you’re home. I hope for a long time?” Una chatted as she worked.

“For the winter months I’d say.” Helia agreed.

A regretful look crossed her mother’s face, “I thought...longer?”

Helia shook her head, “Work is good up north. But northern winter goes for several months. I stayed last year...don’t recommend that kind of cold.”

Una nodded glad her eldest would be staying for a time. (Tegath’s “winters” were not long.)

“Oh! Did your father tell you Sessinae is getting married?” Una gushed.

Helia nodded with a small smile, “I heard. Good for her.” She cast a cursory glance around the home, “Is she not here?”

“No. Ever since Tyler proposed she’s been living with him. So many plans to make and all that.” Una explained as she prepped the fish, “When are you going to settle down and get married?”

And there it was, Helia’s least favorite topic of conversation.

Helia groaned quietly, ”Mom...I don’t want to talk about that.”

“But you’re not getting any younger dear.” Una persisted. “And in your profession, you must meet lots of eligible men.”

More like a bunch of assholes...

“Can we talk about something else, please?” Helia begged.

Her mother sighed but nodded, “So how long exactly are you planning on staying?”

Helia pondered, “Oh, we probably won’t head back for at least three months.”

Una froze suddenly and whipped a horrified look at her husband, “Lachlan? You can’t be serious!”

The bearded man blinked, “What?”

She put down her utensils and began pleading, “You said you were DONE with slaying! You can’t possibly do that anymore in your condition! The shop...”

“Whoa! Whoa! Easy, Una! Who said I was going slaying?” he asked defensively.

Una looked at Helia and gestured emphatically, “You said “we”. Who is “we”?”

“Oh. Sorry. Not dad. I meant my apprentice, Gillam.” She corrected.

“Apprentice? What apprentice? You never said anything about an apprentice!”

Helia laughed, “I haven’t been home fifteen minutes.”

“Well where is this apprentice?”

“He’s out in the stable tending to the horses.”

The dark headed woman blinked, looked at her daughter, then at Lachlan as if to find the joke. But just as she was about to scold them for teasing her, a gentle knock and a voice interrupted.

“Hello? Might I come in?” Gillam asked, having to duck under the door frame slightly since he was so tall.

“In here, Gillam.” Helia called casually.

The tall fae removed his mask and entered through the short entryway, glancing about to take in his surroundings. Una didn’t realize her mouth had fallen agape upon seeing the tall, attractive stranger entering their home. The wooden utensil in her hand fell with a clatter.

Gillam stopped, “Oh. My apologies. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“Oh! Oh no! No! You didn’t! I just...” Una fumbled to pick up the utensil and then gaped at Helia.

When she stood, Gillam bowed his head and extended his hand eloquently, “Greetings. My name is Gillam Birchwood. You must be Helia’s mother?”

“Um...yes! I’m Una Colborne.” She sounded astonished. “And how do you know me?”

“I’m Helia’s apprentice. She’s spoken of you and her family often.” Gillam explained.

Una nodded dumbly, staring over at Helia with a questioning look, “Oh! Well! Come in, please! Can I take you cloak?”

Knowing the cloak was the best disguise for his wings the fae politely declined, “No thank you. I’ll keep it on if that’s all right?”

“Oh. Of course! Whatever you like.” Una rushed over to the table and purposely pulled out the chair next to Helia, “Sit here, Gillam. Do you like fish?”

“Actually, mom. Gillam is vegetarian.” Helia announced, remembering all too well the fae’s dietary preference.

But surprisingly Gillam smiled and said, “I’ve never had fish from Tegath before. If you made it Mrs. Colborne, I shall try it.”

Helia was surprised he actually accepted. At first it baffled and sometimes annoyed her because meat was easier to acquire in harsh times. But the fae never seemed to go hungry and he had made several meatless meals on their journey that were delicious. However, he was probably eating the fish to be polite. (He was going to have a Hell of time if he didn’t like it since Tegath was a seaside city.)

Gillam accepted the chair. Though his wings were disguised it didn’t stop the natural sound of the stiff membranes scraping against things. The scratchy noise made Lachlan look at him funnily. To his credit, Gillam didn’t act like anything was amiss.

“You are in for a treat then! I just bought this fish this morning. And…” she rushed over to the counter and procured the tray of oysters, “Fresh oysters. Have you ever had them before?”

Gillam’s light brows went up at the sight of the foreign shellfish. It looked…unsightly.

Yet he smiled politely, “I haven’t.”

“Helia can show you how to eat them. What can I get you to drink? Wine?”

Gillam nodded in response to her friendliness, “That sounds divine.”

Dutifully, Una rushed to get it. Helia sighed but took up one of the oysters to demonstrate and her father did the same. They garnished them with a bit of lemon juice.

Helia could see the disguised fae’s face scrunch with uneasiness and she grinned, “You don’t have to eat them. They are an acquired taste.”

Gillam looked at the shellfish and then her but took one anyway. He appeared unsure as he too squeezed the lemon quarter into the shell. Helia smirked tipped the shell and slurped up the slimy contents with a quick bite. Lachlan did the same. The sound was terrible.

Lachlan chuckled and teased, “Eat up, veggie boy.”

Gillam steeled himself and did as they did. His was not so easy. The slippery oyster meat hit the back of his throat making him gag slightly. He tried to chew but that proved unsuccessful. The texture was like chewing a chunk of slimy leather. Forcing himself he got it down with watering eyes.

“Delicious…” he gasped, his cloak twitching slightly with the automatic shudder of his wings.

Helia laughed quietly at his expense. Even though it had been embarrassing and definitely not delicious, the smile from Helia it earned was worth it. Una returned with a glass of red wine and Gillam gratefully took it. Thankfully the wine was more to his taste.

“This wine is lovely, Mrs. Colborne. Did you make it?” Gillam asked.

“Oh heavens, no! I buy it.” Una giggled.

“Well, it’s excellent none the less.”

Lachlan ate a second oyster and asked, “So, Gillam. Where are you from?”

“Oh. A land far from here.”

“Heard you say your last name was Birchwood. Can’t say I’ve heard of that family of nobles.”

Helia glanced at her father. It sounded like he was probing.

“Oh, we’re not nobility.”

“But you’re of a rich family?”

Gillam nodded, though he looked uncomfortable admitting it.

“Might I ask how your family earned its fortune?”

Una chided from the kitchen, “Lachlan! That’s rude.”

“I’m just asking a question.” He defended.

Gillam gave a polite smile, “My father owns several mines.”

Lachlan raised a busy brow, “And what made you decide to take up slaying with my daughter? Seems money was good enough to not risk your neck.”

Gillam cast a smile over at Helia and she gave him a look that said, “Don’t you dare say it.”

“I found Helia’s skill and personality fascinating and thought there would be much she could teach me.” He replied.

Una turned from her cooking with a pleased look on her face. She looked like a dog that heard the word “treat”. Helia flushed slightly pink and took a deep drink of her wine.

“Speaking of money…” Helia interrupted quickly, “Gillam, why don’t you fetch the earnings we brought.”

Gillam nodded and left to “get” the bag of gold, even though it was stashed magically under his cloak. It didn’t take him long to return toting the huge sack of gold Kendrick had paid her. Once out of the magic bag it regained its natural weight so now Gillam was using a lot of strength to bring it in.

Lachlan and Una took immediate notice of the bag and its girth and when Gillam put it on the floor heftily, they were amazed by the amount. Helia reached into the bag and pulled out several chunks of gold as big as potatoes.

“Gods…when you said work was good up north, I didn’t realize it was that good!” Lachlan commented, plucking up a nugget of gold. “What kind of jobs paid this?”

“You probably wouldn’t believe me if I told you.” Helia commented, “But that doesn’t matter. Mom, Dad, you know how you always wanted to buy a villa outside of Tegath?” she pointed to the bag, “That should get you one…and then some.”

“Oh, Helia…no! We couldn’t possibly! That is your money. You should be using it to start your home.” Her mother insisted.

The redhead gestured strongly, “No. This is something I’ve wanted to do for you both since I first heard you talking about that villa. It’ll get you out of here and give you the open air you’ve always wanted. And you wouldn’t have to work so hard in your golden years.” She held up an insistent hand, “And you can’t tell me no.”

There was an emotional outpouring afterward as the shocked, yet grateful parents embraced their daughter. Owning a country villa had been something the pair had wanted since Helia and Sessinae were children but their jobs only earned enough to be comfortable where they were. Then, when Lachlan lost the ability to do slaying, he had to put their savings toward the weapons shop, which was lucrative enough now, but had to be tended every day.

After the emotional moment quieted, Una wiped her face, “It’s like all of my dreams are coming true.”

She gave a look to Gillam and Helia which she didn’t miss, then resumed preparing the fish meal.

“You’re sure about this?” Lachlan asked as he sat, trying to not let his obliged voice break.

Helia nodded, “I’ve already got another job lined out next spring that will pay this same amount.”

He squinted and glanced at Gillam, “Are you working for his father?”

He assumed since the apprentice’s father owned mines that must be where all the gold came from.

“No. My employer is…Gillam’s brother-in-law.” Helia thought that sounded funny to say aloud.

Lachlan shook his head, “I’ve been paid a quarter of this to slay the nastiest beasts Tegath had ever spewed forth. What in the world are you killing up north to earn this?”

Helia flicked her brows in amusement, “Oddly…I didn’t have to kill anything for this.”

“Then what did you do?” he sounded confused.

“Oh, enough talk about slaying! It’s time to eat.” Una announced as she brought over the fish and vegetables.

“But we’ve only just…” Lachlan tried to argue but Una gave him a stern look.

She never liked “slaying talk” at the table as it usually turned toward the gory and gruesome…something Helia and her father never strayed from when on the topic. The fish was chopped into cubes and tossed with the seasoned vegetables and sprinkled with other herbs as well as a roasted pepper sauce Una made. Helia’s mom called it “seaside chop” and it was a staple for the family growing up.

Helia felt her mouth instinctually water. It had been so long since she’d had good ocean fish. Una sat, said a quick prayer, and the family began to eat. Gillam watched the enjoyment light up Helia’s face upon tasting the dish. He was a bit shy given the oyster before but this looked miles more pleasant. With the eloquence of a nobleman, he sat up straight and took a bite. He was genuinely surprised by the spice but the flavors and textures were excellent. He liked fish!

“Good?” Helia asked.

He finished his bite so as not to talk with a mouthful, “Oh yes! This tastes remarkable, Mrs. Colborne.”

Una smiled, “Oh I’m so glad you like it! I’m surprised Helia hasn’t made it for you yet.”

“Seafood is hard to come by up north.” Helia commented.

Not to mention, she could never make it like her mother could.

“Well, you’ll have to make him some. Men like to be cooked for.” Una commented.

Helia gave her baffled look but continued to eat.

“So, Gillam, are you unwed?” Una dropped the question like a rock in a shot glass.

Helia almost shot “seaside chop” out her nose.