The Light of My Hearts

The Lower Realm, mid spring season...

Sig extended his hand to stroke the huge leaf of one of the giant blueberry bushes he’d planted last year. They seemed to be filling in nicely. The other bushes were doing well too. He’d even started trying a patch of wheat using the potion since Leida suggested grinding their own flour would save them some cost when the granaries charged more for flour. Currently the wheat patch looked like a ten-foot tall, jungle of green grass since it hadn’t grown headed shoots yet. But by the end of summer, it would be ready if all went well.

Winter had held spring at bay a bit longer than previous years with plentiful snow. Sig and his family had been holed up in their home for several weeks during the worst of it. Thankfully they had plenty to eat and kept nice and warm. Now the outside temperature was much nicer and things were coming back to life.

“How does our wheat look, Sig?” Leida called from outside the small wheat field jungle.

Sig started shoving his way through the huge blades of grass, “Looks thick. No heads yet.”

“I hope it warms up so it will do well.” The dark-skinned woman glanced up, “This is a pretty good sunny spot...but I wonder if the trees are taking all the good sunlight?”

Sig finally stumbled out of the wheat grass, “Just give it time. We’ll have wheat coming out of our ears by summer.”

Leida gave a short laugh, “As long as it makes us some good flour.”

Her eyes wandered to the far side of the field where Kendrick’s clothes had sat draped over his boots since he left. The kids had used the giant’s clothes as a playground for several weeks until the first rain made them soggy and musty. The snow hadn’t helped and the huge tent of an outfit was now filthy and bedraggled from being outside. Honestly, Leida felt bad for not being able to shelter them but there was no way they could move the huge clothing items much less have a place to put them. The boots might be salvaged but it would take a terrible amount of washing to save the rest.

Sig saw her gaze resting on the giant’s abandoned outfit, “Kendrick said they’d be back this spring.”

“His clothes are ruined.” She mentioned with a shake of her head.

Sig frowned, “Yeah...kinda looks sad doesn’t it?”

“I hope they return soon and they’ve had a healthy baby.” she stated wistfully.

“DAD! DADDY!” Leon suddenly was yelling from the house.

“WHAT? WHAT’S WRONG?” he shouted back.

Fina was yelling too, “YOUR STAFF!”

“YOUR STAFF! IT’S MAKING BRIGHT LIGHTS IN THE HOUSE!”

Sig looked to Leida a moment then jogged through the trees toward their house. His staff never flashed unless he was using it. Unless...

Leon and Fina were outside pointing urgently at the door. When the wizard entered, he was almost blinded by the lights. He narrowed his eyes and stepped toward this staff, trying to see what was causing the activity. Once he touched the staff’s handle the familiar feeling of powerful magic surged into him almost hurting the bones of his arm. It felt exactly like when he opened a portal to the Parliel Realm. He gripped the staff with both hands like a man trying to control a powerful animal.

“Kids! Get away from the door!” he shouted as he slowly backed out, grasping the staff in a death grip.

His tone made the kids dash off to the side without question. Once he was out of the house, he turned away from it and pointed the staff out away into the woods. He spoke the incantation he used for the portal and was nearly thrown back through the door when the force erupted. Electrical lightning fingers crackled all around and Parliel Ichor plopped messily to the dirt. Then it seemed reality split apart, opening a huge curtain to a different reality and out strode a huge set of black boots.

“It’s Mr. Kendrick!” Leon and Fina shouted.

Sig held the portal for a few more seconds until he was certain Kendrick was through then wrapped it up. The portal vanished, and in its place stood Kendrick larger than life.

“Kendrick! Welcome back!” he panted, leaning on his staff.

The long absent giant turned around with a grin, “Hey, Sig! Hey, pipsqueaks.”

Up above in his hand Sig could see Twillow holding what looked like an older baby, “Twillow! Welcome back!”

Leida jogged over, “Oh! You’re back! Let me see the baby!”

“Is it a boy? It’s a boy?” Leon asked over and over as he tried to see.

Kendrick knelt slowly with cupped hands. In his left he held a pile of items and in the right stood Twillow. The fae mother hopped down and stood amongst the eager human family.

“This is Kimimeyla.” She announced.

The gray-skinned baby girl with curly pearlescent locks covering her head, blinked at the new people gathering around. This was her first time seeing and smelling humans.

"Oh!” Leida cooed, “Kimimeyla! Oh! look how pretty she is!”

Sig nodded yet seemed confused, “But...how old is she? She looks way older than a newborn.”

To Sig she looked like his kids did when they were half a year old.

“She is two months bloomed. But fae babies get a head start in development compared to other babies.” Twillow explained. “Here. Would you like to hold her?”

“Oh yes.” Leida immediately opened her arms and Twillow passed their daughter to the woman.

Leida propped the baby on her ample hip and smiled at her. Kimimeyla was used to being handled but she seemed a bit unsure with these new beings. Her purple eyes were slightly concerned.

“Hi, Kimimeyla. Hi!” Leida greeted her quietly with gentle bouncing. “You’re just so pretty. Yes, you are!”

Kimi grasped at the woman’s stone bead necklace.

“So...it’s a girl?” Leon sounded disappointed.

Fina bounced around, “Yay!”

Leon pouted, “I wanted it to be a boy...”

“Now, Leon. It doesn’t matter. I’ll bet she’ll still play with you when she gets older.”

The blonde boy still appeared miffed but then he noticed Kimimeyla flexing the dark stems on her back.

“What are those?” Leon was on his tiptoes trying to see. “Does she have wings?”

Twillow knew it would be asked so she stated informatively, “Well...Kimi was born with these little stems on her back. We don’t know if they will be wings yet.”

“Will she be a giant like, Mr. Kendrick?” the boy asked.

“I don’t think she’ll be as big as me, Leon.” Kendrick laughed gently.

Leon seemed a bit disillusioned. (He was hoping for a big giant boy with wings.)

“Anything happen while we were away?” Kendrick asked, eyes glancing around.

“Lots of snow this winter.” Sig mentioned.

“Hm. So it was quiet.” Kendrick surmised.

Heavy snows typically meant less trespassing since the forest was nearly impassable during winter.

Sig leaned closer to Kimi and tickled the babe’s cheek, “Hey sweetie. How are you?”

Kimimeyla looked away from Leida’s necklace and noticed Sig’s which happened to be a small magic crystal. With eager hands she reached out at Sig and Leida passed her to him.

The wizard chortled, feeling the weight of the larger baby but held her easily. He paused when the violet eyes locked onto his. Kimimeyla stared at him for several seconds. Then she grabbed hold of his crystal charm and stuck it in her mouth.

“Oh!” Sig immediately fished the crystal out of her mouth.

But Kimimeyla was insistent and grabbed the crystal again, sucking on it. Though Sig tried to gently remove it she fussed when he tried.

The man looked worried. “That won’t hurt her, will it?”

Twillow giggled, “No. She can smell the magic in that crystal. My brother Hugo used to suck on crystals when he was a baby.”

Kimi made little content noises as she treated the clear crystal like a pacifier. Sig smiled and removed the leather strap from around his neck and placed it over Kimi’s head.

“Well, I have more of these. You can have it, Kimimeyla.”

“Oh, you don’t have to do that, Sig.” Twillow protested.

“It’s a baby gift. Frankly, I wasn’t sure what to get your baby so...this answers the puzzle.” He replied.

“Well...thank you, Sig. That is very kind.”

Sig looked up at Kendrick, “Congratulations.”

“Oh. Thank you.” The giant replied.

He had been silently observing the interactions.

“Did you have a good time in the Parliel Realm this winter?” the wizard asked.

“It was...eventful.”

“Won’t you stay for lunch? I could make something right up?” Leida offered the parents.

Kendrick shook his head, “Actually we already had our lunch before leaving. And...I’d like to take Kimi to my father’s place before nightfall.”

“But you’ve only just arrived!” Leida protested.

Kendrick glanced around, “Tell you what. We’ll be back later this week and we’ll catch up more.”

Leida and Sig shared a look and then nodded, “How about two days from now? Come for lunch and we’ll spend the afternoon?”

That was agreeable to Twillow and Kendrick. Soon, Kimi was handed back and Kendrick lifted his new family up as he stood.

“You um...you want your clothes?” Sig asked the giant, pointing to the clearing.

Kendrick glanced through the trees and huffed, “I’ll bet they’ll need washed. Badly.”

“They will.” Sig assured him. “I’m sorry we couldn’t move them.”

“Don’t worry about it. I got some fancy new ones.” He laughed. “Well, we’ll be back in a couple days. Good to see you all and thanks for helping us get home.”

“Anytime!” Sig waved, “Two days we’ll get to catch up!”

With their goodbyes, Kendrick began his trek through the woods toward his father’s mountain far away.

He breathed deeply as he walked, comforted by the familiar smells of his territory. Winter always seemed to cleanse everything and spring brought forth the fresh and new. It was good to be in the Lower Realm again.

A bright flash flew from his hands and he startled slightly, “Wha?”

“I just sent a parchment to Gillam telling him we’ve returned.” Twillow explained.

“Ah. Yes. Hopefully Slayer hasn’t lost him while we were away.” Kendrick commented.

As he walked carrying Twillow and Kimimeyla, the baby was staring in all directions, taking in the sights of her new forest home.

“What do you think, Kimi? Huh? What do you think?” Twillow asked in a higher voice.

The baby of course didn’t answer but her wide eyes didn’t stop soaking in the sights.

“This is your home, Kimi.” Kendrick mentioned in a gentle voice. “You’re going to meet your grandpa.”

Not only was Kimimeyla going to meet her grandpa but Kendrick had many questions for his father as it pertained to their kind, the Jotunn.

It took several hours to reach Alec’s home even with Kendrick’s lengthy stride. Kimimeyla had since been fed, changed once, and was taking a nap in her mother’s lap when they arrived.

Kendrick didn’t even have to call Alec as the older giant had already heard and smelled them coming.

“Kendrick? Twillow? You’re back!” he emerged out of his mountain without his walking stick he was so excited.

“We’re home, Pop.” Kendrick smiled. “I’ve uh...got my hands full though.”

Alec stopped and then waved his arm in a circle, “Oh. Then come in! Come in!”

Kendrick entered and set all the gifts they’d been given at the baby shower on Alec’s table and then Twillow and Kimimeyla beside the pile. Alec took a seat but was smelling the air. His keen nose knew immediately what his eyes were denied.

“Oh...oh! It’s a little girl, isn’t it?” he whispered.

Kendrick embraced his father, “Yeah, Pop. Her name is Kimimeyla. Here. Hold out your hands.”

Twillow landed in Alec’s cupped hands and pointed up at his face, “Kimi, look. That’s your grandpa, Alec.”

Kimi was already fixated on the new huge being that looked like her daddy.

Alec scented and his lip quivered slightly, “Oh. She smells so new...so lovely. I...I wish...will you describe her to me?”

Twillow gently set Kimimela down onto Alec’s palms and he gasped upon feeling the tiny movement in his hands, “Oh my...oh she’s...she’s so tiny.”

“Alec. I want to try something for you.” Twillow stated, “And...I don’t know if it will work but...Do you know of a fae’s Memory Eyes?”

He shook his head.

“Well, I’m able to show my memories into the air for anyone to see. I...I want to try to share my memories of Kimi directly into your mind so you might be able to see her.” Twillow explained gently. “May I try?”

Alec felt Kendrick grip his shoulder supportively.

“Yes. Yes, please.” He sounded hopeful.

Twillow flew up next to the blindfolded giant’s temple and touched him, “Ok. You might feel something. Just quiet your mind...I’m going to try this.”

He nodded and exhaled deeply. Twillow spread out her fingers and closed her eyes. At first it was darkness with Alec’s huge heartbeats echoing. Then Twillow brought forth her Memory Eyes but instead of casting them into the air she cast them through the darkness. The darkness illuminated with glowing, almost fuzzy images of Kimimeyla. Her bright purple eyes with perfect eyelashes, the funny wild curls that crowned her head, her tiny pointed ears all flashed in and out with each memory. Memories of seeing Kimi in her arms staring up at her, memories of Kimi laying on Kendrick’s chest, memories of Kimi being held over her head “flying” through the air and giggling happily. Alec’s heartbeats quickened. Far away she could hear him gasp and she knew he must see them.

Finally, she pulled away, tired from the effort. She looked upon Alec and felt her hearts tugged when she saw the twin wet lines soaking through his blindfold. He bit his lip, shoulders shaking.

“B-beautiful...so beautiful.” He whispered in a choked voice.

“You saw her, Pop?” Kendrick crouched down seeing the tears.

Alec nodded as his huge hands held his tiny granddaughter, “My hearts haven’t been this full since...since you were born, Kendrick.” He seemed to look at his son, “I saw you too. It’s like looking in a mirror.”

Kendrick touched his shoulder, getting a bit emotional for his father.

“Thank you, Twillow. That was wonderful. If I never see anything else in my existence, I’m grateful it was that.” Alec spoke emotionally.

“I’m so glad it worked, Alec.”

Kimimeyla was sitting on her bottom watching the whole exchange and was slapping at her grandfather’s palm with curiosity.

“Hello little Kimi. Hello.” Alec greeted the tiny baby.

Very slowly and gently he brought his hands close to his face and nuzzled her side with his nose. Kimi gave a short squealing giggle and grasped at his nose with both hands. Her father did that same thing to her so it was indeed a familiar gesture of affection.

Together the three talked of the Parliel Realm and their time away. Alec listened, holding Kimi until she wanted her mother again for a feeding.

Whilst Twillow prepared to feed Kimi, Kendrick looked at his father and plucked out the little red book he’d bought in the Parliel Realm.

“Pop?”

“Yes, Son?”

“When I was in the Parliel Realm, Twillow’s grandfather called me something. Jotunn.” He mentioned.

Alec seemed to sit up a bit straighter upon hearing the word.

“Have you ever heard that name before?”

Much to his surprise Alec nodded, “Yes, Son. I have.”

Kendrick squinted then shook his head, confusion, and frustration in his voice, “Why didn’t you ever tell me what we were called?”

Alec frowned then sighed, “It didn’t matter if you knew or not, Kendrick.”

Kendrick shook his head with bewilderment at the answer, “What do you mean it didn’t matter?” he gestured, “What about the land of ice? The Division? Why didn’t our kind go to the Parliel Realm? What about the fact that I glow blue?” Kendrick rattled off facts he’d learned.

Though he no longer had eyes to convey his emotions, Alec looked genuinely shocked, “You... glowed?”

“Yes! I got hit with some ice dryad magic and started glowing blue under my skin! Have you ever done that?” Kendrick asked.

Alec’s head nodded slowly, “Not...for a very long time.”

The younger giant was flabbergasted. “Why haven’t I done that before?”

“Heymela’s Blush only happens in the coldest of times.”

“Heymeyla’s Blush?”

Alec’s lips moved together, “The glow you describe is called Heymeyla’s Blush.”

Kendrick blinked, seeming to not believe what he was hearing, “Why...why did you never tell me any of this? I asked so many times about our kind and you never even told me what we were called?!”

“Like I said, Son. It wouldn’t matter.” Alec dismissed.

“It matters to me!” Kendrick’s voice rose then he stared intently at his father, “ARE there any of our kind left?”

Alec pursed his lips, sighing.

“Tell me.”

The older giant said with a nod, “Most likely there are. In the land of ice where...where the Jotunn are from.”

The way he pronounced Jotunn was very deep and hollow sounding as if he were speaking different language.

Kendrick was about to ask more when Twillow’s voice piped up, “Kendrick...I’m feeling tired. Can we go home? I need to be by the Amethyst Well for a while.”

He paused in his questions, “Of course my light.” He glanced at his father, “I want to discuss this further...another time. But I want to know everything you know.”

Alec sighed, “Very well, Son.” He turned toward Twillow and Kimi, “I am so happy you came to visit me. If you ever need anything, I’d be glad to help.”

“Of course, Alec.” Twillow held Kimimeyla up, “Can you say: ‘bye-bye’ to your grandpa?”

Kimimeyla just blinked, uncomprehending. Her little wing struts moved.

Alec smiled and gave a tiny wave with his fingers, “Bye, Kimi. Bye.”

She looked up at him when she heard her name.

Twillow took her chubby hand and waved it, “Bye-bye, grandpa. Bye-bye.”

Alec chuckled warmly as Kendrick cupped his hands before his family, allowing Twillow a spot to sit in them. He scooped up the baby gifts in his other hand.

“I’ll return later this week.” Kendrick stated.

“Take care of your family...they are your priority now.” Alec seemed to retort.

Kendrick nodded, “I will. It was good to see you again, Pop.”

After the goodbyes, Kendrick set out in the direction of his mountain. No doubt it would be dark by the time he reached it. Somehow, he wished his father truly didn’t know anything he’d learned, that it was some sort of hidden, forgotten knowledge.

But...he knew it. He knew it all.

Why had he hidden this knowledge from him? What more did he know?

Though anxious to have his many questions answered the instinct to protect and care for his family was far stronger. Questions could be answered later.

As he walked, he fondly gazed at Twillow holding Kimimeyla. His father had put it best. His hearts were full, overflowing. He’d never felt such an emotion: like pride, love, and admiration all wrapped up in a fuzzy warm ball of light.

For so long he felt his wishes were never heard. That he would be denied the one thing he had longed for since coming of age.

But now...he had a family. His family. It was the beginning of something special.

EPILOGUE

Meanwhile in Tegath…

It was evening and the spring night was cool but pleasant. Soon the heat of summer would begin baking everything and these temperate days would be longed for. Helia and Gillam were sitting on the flat “roof” of the house watching the sunset when a light dove down from the sky like star. Gillam sensed it, turned, caught the light, and hid it quickly to avoid attention.

“YEESH! The Hell?” Helia jumped slightly at his reaction and the flash.

“A parchment.” Gillam stated, magically opening the message.

His eyes only had to dart for a few moments of reading before he gave a non-typical excited shiver, “I’m an uncle!”

“They’re back?” Helia leaned forward.

“It’s…a little girl they’ve called Kimimeyla.” Gillam continued.

Helia smiled, “I’ll be damned. Any description?”

“No…just that she’s healthy. Twillow says we should head that way so we can meet her.” Gillam announced.

He smiled behind the letter and then in his excitement leaned in to kiss Helia.

In that same instant Una’s voice came from the stairs, “Helia? Gillam? There was a bright light…what are you…?”

Even though it had been a titanic effort on both their parts (as well as Lachlan), Una had not been made aware of her daughter’s relationship for nearly a month. However, all their efforts were shattered in that moment beneath the excitement of an eager mother’s gaze.

Helia broke the kiss quick, “MOM…!”

But the woman had disappeared back down the stairs. Helia’s face met her cupped hands with a groan.

Gillam laughed, touching her shoulder, “It’s alright. I’m glad she finally knows.”

“Good for you…I’m NOT. Ugh. Well…guess we’re leaving in the morning anyway.” Helia sighed.

She got up and trotted to the stairs to catch Una. Gillam followed but at an unhurried pace. When he reached the bottom of the stairs Una had Helia in a huge hug.

“Mom! It’s not that exciting…really!” Helia stood stiff and bewildered as her mother hugged her.

“Yes, it IS!” Una hugged her even tighter, pressing her large earring into Helia’s head. “Oh! I’ve prayed for this day for so long!”

“Mom…please…” the redhead sounded exasperated.

She wasn’t sure what was worse: her mom when she was chronically single or her mom finding out she and Gillam were courting. (It might be a tie.)

THE END

A/N: And that concludes Light of My Hearts. What a ride this has been to write! I didn’t think it would be that long to be honest...

Alright. Now some of you already know this, but soon I shall begin Book 3 for this series. I don’t actually have a title and I need to design a cover for it but basically here’s the plan: we get to see Kendrick and Twillow in the parenting setting with their new daughter Kimimeyla. Fluff and small adventures abound. There shall also be more of Helia and Gillam’s relationship as well as a developing arc involving Kendrick making peace with the humans as well as the Jotunn. New characters and new adventures await.

Thank you so much for all your continued readership/comments/follows/ and support! Without it I wouldn’t be as motivated as I have been with this story and its cast.