The Light of My Hearts

Twillow’s grandfather was a tall dignified looking fae with long white hair. He didn’t look like he’d get excited if the sun decided to go out, but he seemed to exude a natural wisdom only someone up in years could just by speaking.

“Yes? What would you like to ask?” Auguste questioned Kendrick.

“You called me something when you saw me... what was it?”

"Jotunn.” Auguste faced him, “Do you not call yourselves Jotunn anymore?”

Kendrick tipped his head, “I... didn’t know we were called anything.”

“Really? How is that?”

“I’ve never seen another...Jotunn...other than my father.” Kendrick admitted.

Auguste’s sterile expression wrinkled slightly with his question, “You’ve never seen another of your own kind? Are the Jotunn extinct?”

“I...I don’t know.” Kendrick shook his head, “But earlier you mentioned that you had seen my kind. When?”

Twillow’s grandfather blinked as if trying to recall, “Quite long ago, before the Division. I was a younger man then.”

“Oh.” Kendrick frowned.

That was probably before his great grandparents were adults. He never knew them either. Part of him secretly hoped it had been a more recent sighting.

The elder fae seemed to scrutinize Kendrick, “You don’t appear to be a very old Jotunn.”

“Not yet three-hundred.”

Auguste nodded, “Just starting your prime then.”

“What can you tell me about my kind?” Kendrick leaned with interest.

“Well, I’m no expert...but what would you like to know?”

“Were there many Jotunn around when you were younger?” Kendrick asked.

Auguste shook his head, “The Jotunn were a rare sight. Other than you I’ve only seen three others in my lifetime. But the Jotunn lived in the far north across the expanse of ice and we fae tend to stay away from such cold places. I suppose that was why I never saw many. Is that where you live?”

Kendrick shook his head, “I live in a forest.”

“You’ve never been to the land of ice?”

Again, Kendrick shook his head, “Do you think they still live there?”

Auguste shrugged but nodded, “I would think so. Are you seeking them out?”

Kendrick shrugged.

“If you want to find others of your kind I would start there.” Auguste stated.

Kendrick remembered a conversation he’d had with his father when he was coming of age and was wanting to find a mate. His father said if he wanted to find one, he’d have to travel far and leave their territory. But there was no guarantee he would succeed. Alec had mentioned many times he didn’t know if there were any more of their kind left. Then when Alec was blinded, Kendrick forgot about such a quest and consigned himself to their forest to live alone. It still seemed odd to Kendrick that his father had never mentioned the word Jotunn before.

“Did you ever meet any of them? What were they like?” Kendrick asked.

“One Jotunn I saw from afar while flying. But there were a pair of Jotunn who were the guards of the fae capital before the Division.” Auguste explained, “Such an impressive, intimidating sight. But I never knew any personally.” He gestured with his hand, “I do know they were quite accomplished in battle and were excellent at guarding things.”

Kendrick blinked, “Really?”

“It was said if just three Jotunn joined your side in a war, victory was swift and assured.” He took a drink, “You haven’t been commissioned into any wars, have you?”

“No. I...don’t concern myself with human conflicts.”

Auguste bobbed his head, “Probably a wise move. Humans were quite barbarous things. Inventive...but always craving position and power. They were never satisfied.”

Kendrick made a face that said he partially agreed but, “There are a small few I’ve befriended who aren’t like that.”

The elder fae nodded politely. It seemed he was not in agreement with such a choice but wasn’t going to voice it.

“Why did the Division happen? I’ve heard some stories but you’re the first person I’ve met who witnessed it.” Kendrick inquired.

“We...don’t usually talk about it.” Auguste sounded hesitant.

Kendrick shifted a bit, “I’d like to know anyway.”

Auguste thought a moment, took a swig of his brandy, and began, “At first, we coexisted alongside humans peaceably enough. They were primitive but kept away, fearing our magic power and appearance most likely. However, there were elves and others who were fascinated with such a primitive culture. They taught the tamer humans how to speak, how to read and write, and the arts. Humans learned very quickly and began progressing. A few select humans were even taught about magic. Terrible error in judgement I believe.”

For a moment Kendrick thought of mentioning Sig and how he still used the magic. But Auguste’s tone suggested that he would not appreciate hearing of humans still using magic, so he kept the detail to himself as he listened.

Auguste shook his head and continued, “The humans revered our powers, some sects even worshiped us. But... that intelligence and curiosity had a dark side. They began to envy our magic, trying to bend it to their will. And then... they invented iron weapons. They discovered how they could incapacitate us and kills us with such weapons.”

He tapped his glass, “They would do unspeakable things...even to non-magics. Terrible battles were fought. But then, they threatened the Tree of Eilithysis. They wanted the tree for its magic. They claimed its leaves and branches could revive the dead and cure any disease...I don’t know if that’s true. The leaders of their time also knew if they took the tree, the fae would bow to any demand they made. We the fae decided we must use our power to separate ourselves, hide ourselves away from their ambition and brutality. And so, the most powerful among us found a spell that would bring us to a new realm, a place strong with magic. And we’ve been here ever since.”

“Did my kind get involved?” Kendrick asked.

“Very few.”

“So, the fae and elves created the Division using magic.” Kendrick clarified.

“Yes.”

“And the other species I’ve seen here were brought through too?”

Again, the elder fae nodded as a server filled his drink.

“Why aren’t there Jotunn in the Parliel Realm?” Kendrick asked.

Auguste turned his drink in his fingers a bit, hesitating with that answer, “I’m...not entirely sure. The Jotunn tended to stay up north and kept to themselves.”

“So...they didn’t want to go?”

Again, the fae thought briefly, “Like I said, I’m not entirely sure.” He gestured, “That’s about all I know. You’d have to find someone who studied or knew them during that time to find the answer.”

Kendrick sighed, “Well...thanks. That’s more than I knew.”

He couldn’t be completely sure, but the elder fae seemed to be withholding something given his strange pauses after certain questions. But Kendrick felt if he pressed the issue, it would stir problems.

“Do NOT cause any problems for Twillow today.” His brain hissed like a threatening serpent.

....

Later, on the veranda...

Twillow’s pile of gifts for the baby were slowly surrounding her: adorable clothes, supplies to care for a baby, a beautiful, handmade bassinet, blankets made from the softest of cloth and furs, and magic talismans of all sorts meant to enrich both mother and baby’s magic and make caring for it simpler. Gelilah and Aemond gave her a particularly strong talisman that would create a barrier of protection. In short order all the gifts were opened, fawned over, collected, and taken by the servants up to Twillow’s room. That left time for more talking.

Twillow was promptly surrounded by her female friends and relatives, wanting to hear the story of how she and Kendrick met. She granted their request, telling of how they met and became more than friends. Most seemed enchanted with the story.

“So is your baby going to be big like his father?” one cousin asked.

“Who says it will be a boy?” Marci interjected from Twillow’s left side, ”I think it’s going to be a girl.”

“Well, boy or girl, do you think it will be a giant?”

Twillow shook her head at the bewildering thought, “We don’t know.”

“Are you hoping for a boy or a girl?” an aunt asked.

“Oh. We don’t care. As long as we get a bloom and it’s healthy.” Twillow admitted.

Another aunt spoke up, “Well have you thought of any names yet?”

Twillow shook her head, “Not yet. But we will soon, I’m sure.”

“Are you going to at least live here so we can visit the baby?” a friend asked.

Twillow again shook her head, “Well...after the baby is born, we’ll stay for a little while until we’re sure everything is fine. But we will live in the Lower Realm.”

“But isn’t that dangerous?” one friend sounded worried.

“Why would you want to live there? Isn’t that realm full of humans?” another sounded even more concerned.

Twillow shifted in her seat, “It’s actually very pretty in Kendrick’s forest...and peaceful. And I’ve made several human friends. They’re truly not much different than how we are.”

More questions circled the group until Twillow finally excused herself for a little break. Oddly she had noticed that after the gifts were opened, her mother and grandmother disappeared. She walked inside and her keen ears pricked. At the top of the stairs, she could hear her mother and grandmother’s voices. Twillow couldn’t help but listen.

“...I can’t believe you allowed this to happen.” her grandmother was saying in a low voice. “And you never told me about any of it!”

Gelilah answered, “There was nothing I could DO, mother! It was already done by the time she returned.”

“You never should have let her go back to the Lower Realm with that...that Jotunn beast.” She hissed.

“She wouldn’t listen to me!” Gelilah insisted.

“I know she’s your only daughter, but you have been far too permissive with her. And this is what you have sown with that indulgence.”

Gelilah sighed with exasperation, “She...she seems happy.”

“Happy? It’s bad enough she’s been bred by a non-magic, but a Jotunn?!” Luansa shook her head ruefully, “The tree will never accept such an offering...nor should it. This will bring our family nothing but heartache and shame.”

Gelilah had a shocked look on her face until a sob at the bottom of the stairs made both her and Luansa turn. They were startled that Twillow had suddenly appeared.

“You...don’t even KNOW him.” Twillow’s voice dripped with venom. “You don’t know anything!”

Objects in the room and entryway began rattling and moving, affected by Twillow’s rising anger.

“Twillow...”

The long, heavy dining table groaned as it slid fast across the floor and several tapestries rattled on their hangers before flying off and hitting the opposite wall. Tears wet Twillow’s cheeks but she wasn’t saying anything. She was too angry...too hurt. As her emotions rose a stab of pain suddenly hit her stomach. Twillow winced, bent forward, and held her middle, wings up and stiff.

“Twillow...calm down! Please!” Gelilah stepped down the stairs toward her, worry wrinkling her brow.

Twillow gasped a horrible sob and more objects hit the wall.

“Twillow, you have to calm down.” Her mother held up a hand glowing with magic to stave off her daughter’s.

The pain stabbed again and Twillow’s magic pushed her mother back.

“STAY AWAY FROM ME!” she screamed and pointed at them both.

Still holding her middle, Twillow lifted her wings, and flew out the door.

“Twillow! Twillow come back!” Gelilah cried out.

However, Twillow only flew a few yards past the veranda when she ran into Kendrick’s massive chest.

“Twillow! Hey! Hey...what’s wrong?” his hands rose to catch her.

She slid down his shirt, grasping it as she sobbed, and finally dropped into his waiting hands.

“I smelled you were upset.” He scented again, “What’s wrong my light? Are you hurt?”

Twillow was weeping and winced, holding her middle again, “Ah! My...my stomach.”

Kendrick’s features displayed near panic until Gelilah flew up toward him.

“Twillow your emotions are causing spasms and it can hurt your Life Water. You must calm yourself.” She pleaded with worry.

“DON’T...speak to me.” Twillow stated through her teeth.

Kendrick looked down at her against his chest and then at Gelilah whose eyes had taken on a mist of devastation. He didn’t know what had transpired but it seemed mother and daughter were fighting again.

“Twillow...I’m sorry! Please...” Gelilah looked at Kendrick with a conceding expression, “Can...can you take her to her room...calm her?”

He nodded and moved around the house to Twillow’s balcony but continued to hold her. With delicate fingers he stroked her folded wings and head. Honestly, he wasn’t sure what else to do.

“It’s alright, Twillow. I’m here.” He whispered.

She cried into his shirt, clinging to the wall of material in front of her.

“Don’t cry.” He begged, “Please don’t cry.”

It took some time but slowly, Twillow started to settle down. Kendrick opened the balcony door and tried to place her in her bed.

“Kendrick...” she gripped his shirt not wanting to go.

“Hmm?”

“Can...can you take me away from the house...into the garden?” she requested with a sniff.

“Do you hurt anymore?”

She sniffed again, “No. I’m fine.”

“You should rest.” He insisted.

“I...I want to be alone with you for a bit.” She clenched at the fabric of his shirt.

Kendrick felt his hearts skip a beat, “Of-of course, my light.”

With careful movements he slowly walked away from the house and out into the lush garden. He had to mind his foot placement so as not to destroy anything but soon he came to a spot at the edge with enough room for him to sit down. Once he settled, he just sat holding his mate in the quiet. A small smile lifted his mouth. He missed this. How often in his forest would they sit together just listening to the sounds of the nature.

After a bit Twillow shuddered, “I’m sorry.”

Kendrick blinked as if she’d turned into something he didn’t recognize, “For what?”

Fresh tears ran down her cheeks again.

“Why are you sorry, my light? Why are you so upset?” he asked patiently.

“My...my grandmother was saying such-such horrible things about you. How the tree won’t accept our Life Water...” she stated in a choked voice.

Kendrick frowned but shook his head. He suspected as much when he smelled the disapproval on the fae elder.

“Don’t let it bother you, my light. I don’t care if they don’t like me. Only you matter to me.”

Twillow shook her head back, “I’m so sick of them treating you badly because you aren’t a fae. You don’t deserve that!”

Again, he sighed, “You shouldn’t let their opinions rile you. It’s not good for our baby.”

“I-I just want to go away from here. Have our baby in our home privately where no one can judge us.” Twillow leaned into him. “I just wanted this day to be so nice.”

Kendrick sighed, “I...I would like that too. But this is the only way and...the best way.” He moved his hands away from his chest so he could look at her, “I know you’re upset about what other’s think about us. I never wanted to bring such difficulty on you.” He lifted her up and kissed the top of her head, “But when our baby is born, they will eat their words.”

A long time passed as Kendrick held Twillow until she fell asleep. Elmry suddenly came flying across the grounds. He saw Twillow asleep in Kendrick’s hands, looking like a sleeping flower.

“Is...is she ok?” he asked in a gentle voice.

Kendrick nodded, “She’s just tired from being upset.”

Elmry raised his brows and blew a big breath from his lips, “Man, you missed it at the house.”

Kendrick perked with curiosity.

“Mom blew up at Grandma Lu.” Elmry seemed amazed just saying it, “I’ve never seen her talk like that to Grandma before.”

“Really?”

Elmry nodded assuredly.

Not normally very nosy, Kendrick was indeed intrigued by such an event, “What happened?”

“I came around to see where you went in a hurry and inside the house mom was yelling at Grandma.”

“What for?”

“Something about how she was horrible for making Twillow so upset and then got into how Grandma acted when she wasn’t able to have a bloom.” He suddenly covered his mouth as his mother’s inability to have children in the beginning was a secret.

Kendrick shook his head, “Your dad explained that to me.” He frowned, “Your grandma treated Gelilah poorly because she couldn’t have children?”

Elmry nodded and shrugged, “I think so. That’s what it sounded like.” he gestured in a sweeping motion, “Then she told her to get out and sent her and Grandpa through the transport portal.”

“She did that in front of the other guests?” Kendrick sounded surprised.

“A little...you could hear it inside anyway. Everyone kind of excused themselves after that.” Elmry seemed flustered by the whole affair.

Kendrick seemed to remember, “Oh. I’d...I’d better see if Darby needs a lift home.”

“The faun you brought?”

“Yeah. He was supposed to help Twillow try on her ceremonial wrap...but I don’t think she’ll be in the mood for that.” He sighed.

“Oh, Hugo took him.” Elmry explained.

Kendrick blinked, “Took him where?”

“He and that faun were having a great time talking about clothes and stuff, so Hugo offered him a job to design his next outfit...like starting today. At least, that’s what it sounded like from where I was. He took him to his home to get started.”

“Huh. Well...as long as he’s taken care of.” Kendrick shrugged.

“Oh. My brother will pay him handsomely if he does a good job. Hugo...kind of has a habit of ‘kidnapping’ people for odd jobs.”

“Kidnapping?” Kendrick scoffed.

“Well...he just gets so inspired so fast that the other person doesn’t have time to think about the proposal.” Elmry ran some fingers through his flipped bangs, “What a day.”

Kendrick nodded in agreement. He, for one, was glad it was over. But he had inadvertently sparked a new interest in what he was and the history of his kind. Perhaps there was more to be discovered?