The Light of My Hearts

After Gelilah and Aemond strengthened the barrier surrounding the Estate, Elmry returned with what he’d learned from the Marlaylan Guard. Since he had some friends in that order and Twillow was a likely target, he was able to get the information which he passed along to his family.

What he relayed was that the attack had happened the other night in Oberit and not Marlayla. (Oberit was a distance from Marlayla) A fae (they wouldn’t give names) had been paralyzed and drained of her Life Water in the night when her husband had briefly left their bed. It appears the creature bypassed their barrier somehow, snuck in through the bedroom window, did the dastardly deed, and fled before the husband could do anything to help. There were no leads yet if the Kraskol was still in Oberit or had fled. Given that Oberit was a floating city and one could only get there by way of flight or flying transport (which were closed in the wake of the case) it was probable the creature had not come to Marlayla yet. That simple fact seemed to unwind the tight tension such news had caused amid the fae family.

Gelilah sighed and touched her son’s cheek fondly, “Thank you, Elmry.” She looked at Twillow, “I don’t want you going out until this creature is caught or done away with.” She sighed, “There’s still the matter of your baby shower...this complicates things.”

“You’re still going to have it?” Elmry seemed shocked, “Doesn’t that open the door for that creature to sneak in somehow?”

Aemond nodded but then stated, “I suppose we could just narrow the guest list and transport them here with an enchanted invitation. That way we don’t have to open the gates or lower the barrier. But...I would caution to hold this event as soon as possible and hold no more until after the blooming.”

Gelilah seemed agreeable to that as did Twillow. Though it stung her to know she’d be confined to the Estate for an undetermined span of time, she knew it would be safest for her and her Life Water.

A shadow darkened the tall windows of the dining hall. Kendrick was outside waiting impatiently for Twillow to tell him what was going on. She flew over the staircase and to her room where he was waiting at her balcony.

“What did Elmry say?” he demanded.

Twillow told him everything her brother had discovered. She thought it might relieve him. Kendrick, however, was still tense as ever. Had Oberit not been a floating city he would’ve already headed there to find and eliminate this creature. His fierce eyes seemed to scan the area again.

“But it’s all right, Kendrick. Mother and Father strengthened the barrier and Oberit has closed its flying transports from the city. A Kraskol can’t fly so it’s likely trapped there.” She tried to reassure him.

“It found a way through that fae’s barrier.” He stated with a hard tone.

Twillow shook her head, “The barrier surrounding the Estate is far more powerful than that.”

“How can you be sure?”

“My father owns some of the best barrier generating crystals in all the realm.” She pointed, “They’re all around the Estate. Unfortunately, not every fae has access to such powerful crystals.”

Kendrick frowned, “Your mother said these creatures are active at night?”

“Yes. But we can’t go out at night anyway.”

Kendrick remembered the night curfew imposed in Marlayla. That part seemed to satisfy him slightly.

“I don’t want you to leave my sight.” He insisted deeply, “And I want to know every single person who works here at the Estate.”

Twillow blinked, “All of them?”

He nodded seriously, “I need to know who belongs here and who doesn’t. I need to know their scent.”

Though it made sense, it still seemed extreme. Not to mention, there were hundreds of personnel who helped tend the massive Estate.

“Ok...um...I’ll see what I can do.”

She sighed, feeling tired after the day’s events. Seeming to sense it, Kendrick’s hand appeared over the balcony and scooped her up. Surprised but not objecting she sat on his fingers until he placed her on her bed.

“Get some rest, my light. I will be right here.” He assured her, giving her a gentle caress.

She kissed his finger and settled down for a nap. Once she was resting, his massive arm retreated out the windowed door and he delicately closed it.

…

The next day…

It took some time but Twillow made Kendrick’s request to “profile” the staff a reality. Starting with the cleaning staff, word got around and soon every category of worker was brought out to be seen, introduced, and smelled. Most were fine with it since a good portion of the staff hadn’t had the opportunity to meet Miss Twillow’s towering husband. Still a significant portion were thoroughly intimidated to downright frightened by the analysis Kendrick wanted. A timid little faun gardener almost fainted when Kendrick leaned forward and took in his scent.

But soon every cook, gardener, maid, butler, attendant, and employee were met and accounted for.

“That’s all of them?” Kendrick asked after Twillow checked off the last name.

Twillow yawned and nodded, “That’s everyone who works here on a daily basis. Will you remember all of them?”

Kendrick frowned, “Perhaps not every name. But scent I don’t miss. If I don’t recognize someone’s scent, I’ll know they don’t belong here.”

He didn’t miss her yawn, “You seem tired already?”

The fae nodded, “Mom and the doctor both said I’d be tired more often as my Life Water draws more energy.”

Since it was noon, Marci entered Twillow’s room with her lunch, “Food time.”

“Thank you, Marci.” Twillow thanked her habitually.

She set the tray down on the table and gestured, “I’ve upped your portions today. You be sure to eat it all and drink the magic elixir.”

“I will, Marci. Thank you.”

The elven succubus regarded Kendrick outside the window, “Oh, I apologize for my late arrival.”

Kendrick gave a confused expression, “It’s noon…that’s when lunch is, isn’t it?”

“Oh, not lunch. I meant my appointment with you.”

He then realized what she meant, “Ah. No need. I know who you are…and what you smell like.”

Next to his mate, Marci had an exquisitely feminine scent that could not be missed by anyone with a sensitive nose. Kendrick couldn’t forget her scent even if he wanted to.

Still, Marci presented herself on the balcony, “I see. Well, I can’t forgo this appointment, nevertheless. What would my fellow chefs think if I got special treatment?”

Kendrick gave a doubtful expression.

“Humor me.” She smiled playfully.

He shrugged when Twillow made no protest, though he saw her roll her eyes with a smile.

“All right. Tell me your name and what you do here at the Birchwood Estate.” He asked politely.

Playing up the etiquette, Marci curtsied with an elegant gesture, “I am Marci. Head chef of the Birchwood Estate. I oversee and plan every meal here as well as make sure Twillow is taken care of.”

Kendrick nodded simply. Marci waited. She waited until it got awkward.

“What?”

“Well, aren’t you going to smell me?”

“I…know what you smell like.”

She gave a slight pout, “Humor me?”

His eyes darted to the side and he made a sideways gesture with his head, “O-K.”

He slowly leaned forward and drew in her scent as he had done for every other worker.

Marci giggled with a brief shiver as her hair was disturbed, “Oh! You beast.”

Kendrick huffed and rolled his eyes, “Gee, thanks.”

“You don’t think that’s a woman’s compliment?” the tall elven succubus inquired with a smile.

He cleared his throat, mouth stretching briefly. Though he couldn’t blush he looked a tad embarrassed.

Twillow flipped her hands at her friend in a “shooing” motion, “All right, Marci. You’ve had your fun, stop embarrassing, Kendrick.”

“Oh, very well.” Marci conceded without protest and began to leave. She pointed back at Twillow, “Be sure you eat all of that.”

“I will.” Twillow reassured her.

Then she redirected her point at Kendrick, “And when you’re done, be sure you leave room for that gray dessert sitting outside.”

“MARCI!” Twillow shouted going bright green.

The light skinned succubus giggled like a naughty schoolgirl and dashed outside before Twillow hurled a decorative pillow at her.

Kendrick chuckled and shook his head, “She really has a thing for me, doesn’t she?”

Twillow’s wings dropped but she gave a short laugh, “She’s just so shameless.”

“But she clearly loves you.” Kendrick mentioned.

“Loves seeing me blush more like it.” Twillow huffed, taking up a piece of magic infused fruit and eating it.

Kendrick reached into her room and delicately touched her cheek, “Can’t say I blame her.”

She laughed, leaning into his finger.

Slowly he reached over and pulled out her chair in front of the food, “Go on. Eat. Your ‘dessert’ will be waiting.”

“Kendrick!”

…

Two days and nights passed and in that time Kendrick kept his intense vigilant watch over his mate. He ate and with the strange “bathroom” magic relieved himself, but he hadn’t allowed himself any sleep and rarely left the spot outside of Twillow’s balcony window. The gardeners were probably beside themselves seeing the deep divots Kendrick was making just from sitting and pacing the Estate. (Gelilah made complaint of it too but not to Kendrick’s face.)

When the third night came, Twillow could see Kendrick sitting outside her windowed balcony door, eyes scanning around intensely in the night. Ever since the news of the Kraskol attack had reached them he had been in high defense-mode. She was worried about the news and would be lying if she said she wasn’t greatly relieved for his diligence. But she wasn’t sure if he had slept at all and it concerned her.

She rose from her bed and opened the door.

“Kendrick. You need to rest.” Twillow stated firmly but kindly.

“You need it more, my light.” He replied quietly.

She frowned, “I’d sleep a lot better knowing you were getting some rest. When was the last you slept?”

“I can go many days without sleep.” He insisted.

She gestured around, “Nothing can get through the barrier, Kendrick.”

“I will make sure of that. You need your rest, my light. I will keep watch.”

Her wings shifted against her back and then popped up. The fae flew up to his eye level and crossed her arms over her chest.

“You need rest just as much as I do.”

“I am fine. Please go back to bed.” He requested with steadfastness.

“Not until you get some rest too.” She returned with a stern tone. “Lay down.”

He narrowed his eyes, gently took her from the air, and began to return her to her bed through the doorway, “This is not the time.”

“Kendrick!” she kicked at his fingers.

He placed her on her bed but before his arm could retreat from the room, she flew over it and back outside, straight for his face.

He gave a short growl of frustration and reached up to grab her again, “Twillow…I’m trying to keep you safe.”

With abruptness her hands slapped down on the tip of his nose; a surefire way to gain his attention, “I know! I know, sweethearts. Why don’t we rest…together?”

His hand paused; his mouth slid sideways with thought. Twillow gracefully flew backward into his hand, dropped her wings, and reclined against his palm. It was a gesture she used to show her trust of him. Kendrick tipped his hand so she was more secure.

The little fae patted his palm with a reassuring voice, “Just lay down. You can hold me just like this and protect me while we both rest.”

Though she didn’t feel such intense protection was required, she knew she couldn’t dissuade him from what he felt was his duty nor dull his instinct to guard her. This would satisfy that and still get him to rest.

He seemed to ponder her plan for several moments before his massive body began to recline beneath her. His body shuddered when it met the grass and settled. Over and around her, his hand formed a near impenetrable dome. She gave him a supportive pat with her hand.

“I won’t let anything happen to you, my light.” He promised solemnly.

“I know, sweethearts. I know.”

He exhaled deeply beneath her, hearts thumping slow and powerful inside. This wasn’t the only time they’d slept together like this but something about it reminded Twillow of that night they stargazed for the first time together.

They were quiet for a time but neither seemed willing to give in to sleep just yet.

Finally, Kendrick asked, “Where is the Tree of Eilithysis?”

Twillow pointed, “It’s in the forest below Marlayla, several miles to the North.”

“What does it look like?”

For a brief moment, Twillow thought of describing the place to him but then she remembered her Memory Eyes.

“How about I show you?” she offered.

He was about to negate her idea of leaving the Estate at night when she climbed atop his hand, touched her forehead with concentration, and then seemed to toss her vision into the air above. Kendrick sat up, blinking when images began to appear.

“Wh-what is this?”

Twillow lost her focus when he moved and the vision disappeared. She looked back at him.

“Have I never shown you my Memory Eyes?”

He shook his head, “Memory Eyes? What are Memory Eyes?”

“Oh. Well, it’s where I magically extract memories from my mind and display them as visions for others to see.” She explained.

“You’ve never shown me those.” Kendrick admitted, sounding confused by the idea.

“Here…watch.” she repeated the action and the images appeared above them again.

Kendrick marveled at what he saw:

Through the immense white and gold barked forest the vision showed a bright area shining ahead. It moved as if flying through the woods.

“Is this…your memories?” he asked.

“Yes. I’m showing you the Tree of Eilithysis. I’ve seen it several times before at other Life Water ceremonies.” She explained.

The vision continued. A light was emanating from a magnificent tree, different from the others surrounding it. It was a big tree but not tremendous like the white and gold ones but it stood alone in a well-tended open spot. It shone with a silvery light across its glowing, smooth bark and it was covered in what looked like fluffy clouds. Its roots lifted it well out of the ground and twisted in a fanciful manner down into the ground, forming basins and arches. Formal statuary and pure white marble steppingstones decorated the area leading up to the tree. Flowers of every color and light imaginable grew in large swaths of the ground.

“The Tree of Eilithysis.” Twillow announced solemnly as Kendrick watched.

“It’s…beautiful.” He commented quietly, trying to take in the scene.

Even for the Parliel Realm it looked too beautiful to be believed. He’d never seen a tree that compared to it. Around the tree he saw many fae gathered. He recognized Twillow’s family but no one else.

“This was my friend’s ceremony.” She explained.

Two fae, presumably the creators of the Life Water, held a glittering crystalline vessel with a wide bottom and tall neck. Together they poured the glowing liquid into a basin-like pit of roots at the base of the Tree of Eilithysis. There was a long pause as the couple and the guests all bowed with a uniform ritualistic hand gesture. The view changed to a higher part of the tree and something began sprouting from the branches of the fluffy glowing tree.

At that exact moment several forms flew to and gathered around the sprout. They almost looked like a fae in form but were more like humanoid moths. Snowy white fluff covered their bodies almost as if they were wearing fur coats. Their wings were white and furry as well with striking neon blue eye spots on the lower wings. Feathery antennae sprouted from their temples and their eyes were pure black like shiny black glass.

“What are those?” Kendrick pointed to the beings in the vision.

“Oh. Those are the Mothuri attendants. They live with and tend the Tree of Eilithysis and oversee every fae birth.” Twillow explained. “They’re like…a group of midwives.”

The five Mothuri gathered around the emerging bloom, seeming to clean and position it as it grew. Both parents flew up to witness the bloom as well. In moments the light from the tree seemed to undulate in waves that surged toward the bud. Then light exploded across the vision like the rising sun and when it faded the bud had bloomed. Though hard to see from Twillow’s memory, Kendrick glimpsed a tiny green form. Like a well-trained assembly, the Mothuri midwives began their duties and soon the overjoyed parents were given their new baby. Then the memory faded.

Kendrick blinked with amazement, “Do they all happen that quickly?”

“Not all. But it’s said the quicker you bloom, the more successful you will be. But…it’s just a saying.”

“Did you bloom quickly?”

Twillow shook her head, “Not really. Mother said it took a couple hours for my bloom to grow and open. Gillam was the fast bloomer.”

A concerned look scrunched his brows, “Then…how would you know if it’s been too long?”

Twillow held up two fingers, “Two ways. The Mothuri never leave a viable bloom. They can innately sense what the tree is doing so if they abandon the bloom then it was not to be.”

“And the second?”

“If the sun sets and the bloom has not opened or the tree has not made a bloom by then, then the offering was rejected.” Twillow explained somberly.

Kendrick frowned but nodded with understanding. He had no idea so many things went into a fae birth. His hearts ached, hoping with everything that their Life Water would give them a child. For now, all he could do was protect it from any and all threats.

“Can I try something with you?” she asked, looking at his face.

He smiled, “You’ve asked that before…”

“I’m curious if I can bring out one of your memories for us to see?”

“My memories?”

“Yeah. I’ve never tried it on someone else before.” Twillow sounded eager.

Kendrick made a face, “My memories…are probably best left unseen.”

No way he wanted Twillow (or anyone else) to see some of his darker memories and bring them into the light.

Twillow shook her head, “I can’t bring out a memory that you don’t want to visualize even if I wanted to.” She gave him a coaxing look, “Perhaps…a nice memory?”

“You were there for my nice memories.” He smiled softly.

She made a flattered sound but then asked, “What about…your mother?”

“My mother?”

“You said you don’t have many memories of her and that you’ve forgotten her face.”

Kendrick sighed, “Yeah. I doubt you’d get much.”

With a direct flutter, Twillow flew over and landed on his forehead, “Can I try?”

He shrugged his shoulders, “If you like?”

“Ok. Close your eyes.” She instructed.

He did so, exhaling.

Her tiny hand stroked his temple, “Now, think of your mother. Any memories you have of her. Smells…her voice…anything.”

Kendrick focused within his mind to draw up any memories of his mother. He remembered she sang to him. She smelled like…like the autumn; crisp, feminine, and comforting. There was a blurry gray form with lots of dark hair but he couldn’t picture her face clearly. As Twillow touched him a tingling began across his forehead. And then it felt like a pressure was released. He flinched slightly at the odd sensation.

“It’s ok, sweethearts. It’s ok. I’ve got it. Just keep focusing on that memory.” Twillow’s voice reassured him.

A few moments passed before she said, “Ok. Open your eyes.”

Kendrick opened his eyes and beheld a slightly blurred vision floating above them. From the position of the vision, it looked like it was a memory from when he was a toddler since the figure in front of him appeared to be towering over him in the kitchen preparing a meal. His little hand came up and tugged at her pant leg and she turned, bent down, and her face he had thought long forgotten became clearer. Kendrick’s jaw went slightly slack upon peering into a large pair of deep amber eyes flecked with blue; water beneath a burning fire. Thick, black rivulets of hair cascaded down around a lovely female face. Her darker lips moved with soundless words as she spoke. She reached up to the counter and gave him a piece of whatever she was cooking. It looked like dough of some sort. She stood again and began singing as she cooked.

The song was muffled and sounded more like humming. But he remembered the tune. His dad would hum it sometimes though there were never lyrics with it.

Absently, his hand came up to touch the image but it merely passed through like smoke.

“Mom…” he whispered.

A gray hand entered the vision, appearing to touch the top of his head. It was his father Alec when he still had his sight. His eyes were amber just like his and his beard was longer and fuller with no gray. Alec kissed his mother and they disappeared.

“She was beautiful.” Twillow commented gently.

Kendrick made a solemn face, “She was. Can’t believe I forgot…”

“You have your father’s eyes…in fact with a longer beard you’d look identical.” She mentioned after seeing Alec as he used to be.

He nodded then gave sad smile, “Thank you my light. That was…wonderful to see again.”

Twillow kissed the spot on his temple before flying back over to his hand, which lifted up and opened so she could lay down. When she was settled, he covered her and gradually they both fell asleep.