Chapter Thirteen: Planning Stage

“I’m just saying-”

“Exactly what are you saying dear?” Ahmeline asked of her daughter.

“Why are the girls turning to Gryndle? He can’t protect us.”

Terahnie and Ahmeline were sitting in the kitchen, looking over the binding potion. Ahmeline looked at her only daughter. This is the way of her. She wants nothing to do with magick, but she can’t help but push her opinion. 

“This is just typical of Paislee. She can’t just stay away from demons.”

“Gryndle has been friends with the girls for years.”

“And whose choice was that? Was it Meria’s? No, it was Paislee’s idea.”

“Actually Aunt Ter, it was Gryndle’s.” Flora came in, passed up the pitcher of mimosa and went straight for the milk. She poured herself a glass and sat down with them. “Meria and Daniel should be down in a sec. They didn’t go out of their way to befriend a demon. He came to them for help hiding from his father. You know why they helped him and why they kept him around afterward.”

“He’s still a demon. And his inexperience almost makes that worse.”

“Child,” Ahmeline started. “They may not be as subtle as we were, but they are the new generation. This is the way they want to do things? We’re going to be supportive.”

Meria and Daniel came down, and joined the conversation.

“Mom, you have to trust that Pais and I know what we’re doing. Gryndle is a great ally and a wonderful friend.”

“I’m sure he is, he’s such a sweetheart. But that doesn’t mean she’s not going to wake up one day and realize that Gryndle is a mistake.”

“Whether he’s a mistake or not is Paislee’s business, not ours.” Meria smiled. “I think she’s used to having him around now.”

“Honestly?” Flora laughed. “I’m pretty sure Gryndle is part of her destiny. I think it’s grand that she doesn’t shy away from  her path. We should be happy that she’s not running away from it, don’t you think so Aunt?”

“You’re one to speak, Flora!” Terhani snapped at her. “I bet they don’t even know you’re pregnant. Been hiding that dear? Why don’t you stop shying away from your own destiny? Go back to your world and take care of your own business.”

Everyone looked at Flora. The smile she wore fell quickly and she was a little dazed from the whiplash of her Aunt’s pretty speech. “Thank you for giving me the spotlight. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” She stood up and headed to her room.

Ahmeline looked at her daughter. “I see much of Rhyzard in you. You used to care about whose feelings you hurt, you used to recognize that you’re still part of this family only because we all love you. You’ve known that girl since the day she was born and you just cut her down. I’m not sure I’ve ever been this disappointed in you.”

“She needed to be told what’s what.”

“Perhaps she did mom.” Meria said. “But not by you.” Meria left Daniel at the table to fend for himself while she went up to walk to her cousin.

“Flora?” Meria knocked, then let herself in. Flora’s room was not what you’d expect from a genuine Fairy princess. All of her furniture was painted a dark, muted purple and her accent colors were charcoal and black. The only pink was in her wardrobe. Flora was sitting against the headboard of her bed, crying. “Are you ok?”

“I have no idea.”

“She didn’t mean to-”

“Didn’t she? I know, I know. I guess I wasn’t ready to tell you guys because I didn’t want it to be real.”

“Having a baby? Or going home?” Meria nudged her cousin. Flora smiled a little.

“It’s a girl you know.” Flora touched her stomach. “I felt her the day after her conception. I want her. I know I do. I just don’t want to be queen.”

“That’s not really true either is it?”

Flora closed her eyes. “You know how I feel about having my future decided for me. It’s just not fair.”

“Babe, you’re the princess. You want to rule. You feel that pull every time you go back. You want to be queen. You always wanted that. You just don’t like that every one else already expected it of you. ” Meria laid down, putting her head on Flora’s shoulder.

A Fey prince or princess was given leave to live in the human Realm after completing their training. As long as Flora visited regularly, and came back during times of crisis, she was free to live among the other mortals on Earth. But as was tradition, Flora had to go home before she gave birth. When a fairy is born of the royal bloodline, there is a magic flare and it lasts until the child’s de bhua. Flora would remain a permanent resident of the Fey Realm after that. The pull to rule was strong, and the longer Flora stayed in the Realm, the more likely she was to take the throne. She knew it couldn’t and shouldn’t be fought.

“I just don’t want to leave you guys. You’re my family.”

“The portal will always be open to you, you know that. Besides, Paislee and I are going to be godmothers right? We’ll be there more often than you seem to think.”

“And what about Andreu.” Flora sighed and ran her fingers through her hair.

“He’s the father.”

“Do I tell him? Do I pretend that someone else is the father? Do I say goodbye?”

“How far along are you?”

“Fifteen days.”

“Ok, well you’ve got some time. Do you want her to know her dad?”

Flora was quiet for about a minute. Do I want her to know him? Do I want him to know her? How do I know he can handle the responsibility? Or rather the lack thereof? “I’m not sure. But I want to give him the option.”

“Then I suggest you talk to him. Tell him you’re pregnant and then once he recovers from the shock, you can decide whether or not to tell him about the magick and you being a fairy princess.” Meria laughed.

“You make it sound so easy.”

“In a way, it is. If he freaks about you being a fairy then you know he can’t be in your daughter’s life. At least not until she’s old enough to control her powers and go looking for him.”

“Ugh. Humans. So set in their ways. Daniel being the obvious exception.” Flora sniffled a little before getting up. “Alright, let’s go down. I have to make nice with Tera.”

“Yes, and I have to save my guy from the Aynton matriarchs.”

***

Gryndle walked Paislee partly through the forest path in silence. He knew he had to let her speak first. Something else was bothering her. Don’t say anything. Let her talk.

“Well, mom came home today.” Ah-ha.

“You don’t sound excited.”

“Little irritated I think. I don’t know. I guess I’m sad too.” And Gryndle knew it was true. It was coming off of her in waves.

“Tell me why?”

“Mom is…she’s binding her powers. She says she wants to be human, but I think it’s more that she wants to please my father. After this, the only thing she’ll be able to do is recall the marks of her de bhua.”

“But-”

“How could she do this to us? We barely see her. We barely have anything in common with her now. When Meria and I were afraid, when we couldn’t control our powers, when we started dating, we went to Ahmeline. Mom was never there. Is it too much to ask for a relationship with at least one of my parents? How can she do this to us? To me? My whole life I was taught that my powers and being a witch is part of who I am. It’s part of what makes me an Aynton. She’s one of the women who taught me that. She’s taking her heritage away.  And I’d still be alright with her decision if not for the fact that the more time she spends away from us, the less like our mother she becomes. She’s taking away my mother.” Paislee broke down. “Gryn, I just don’t understand.”

“She loves your father.”

“My father? Hmmph, yeah right. How could I forget? When we were twelve, he told us that w couldn’t use magick, talk about magick or read or write about magick in his presence. You have any idea how hard that was? She and I were only three years into our apprenticeship. All we had was magick. We had to be home schooled that year because we couldn’t control ourselves. He knew that. Did she stand up for us? No. She told us to curb our powers. At that age, it would have stunted out abilities. When we refused, she left with him. She chose him. She chose him and she continued to choose him. And now?” Paislee was sobbing so hard she stopped walking. He held onto her, letting her cry into his chest.

“I can’t imagine choosing anything over my own children. But I know what that feels like. Rhoatharg always chose power over me. I think he only kept me around so as to steal the powers I’d inherited from my mothers. I knew you had issues with your father. I didn’t know Miss Terahni was the cause.”  They stood there together for a good long while. Gryndle broke away first. “Come, let us get you home.”

Paislee sniffled and smiled a little before they continued walking. “Right, I guess I should have seen it coming. She curbs her powers when she’s with him, and she’s always with him.” They went back to small talk until the stepped through the portal.

“You know,” Gryndle laughed. “We really need to stop bonding over a walk between worlds.”

“Oh I don’t know. It feels ok to me. Bonding is bonding right?” she sighed. Paislee looked down the street towards her driveway. “Actually, you’re right. Maybe after we go talk to them about the Emil thing, you and I can go get some ice cream tonight?”

Gryndle wasn’t fooled. He slit his eyes and looked at her. “You just don’t want to be around your mother.”

“You’re absolutely right. Do you mind?”

“Not a chance.”

“Is it strange? You seem to have become my shrink.”

“It’s a little strange, but I think it’s good.” Gryndle slowly pulled her down the street. “You confide in me because you trust me. You’re the first person to trust me.”

Paislee  smiled and linked her arm with his. When they arrived, Paislee went inside and brought everyone out. Terahni, Ahmeline, Meria, Flora and Daniel all trailed behind her.

“Gryndle, dear.” Terahni threw her arms around him. “How are you? It’s been too long.”

As long as it’s been since you last saw your family. “How are you Miss Terahni?”

“I just couldn’t be better. Ahmeline filled me in. So how are you going to help us fix this?”

“‘Us?'” Paislee snorted. “Mom, you’re binding your powers tomorrow. You have to leave before we even start. You can’t help.”

“Excuse me?” Terahni looked at them. Before Paislee could say anything, Ahmeline spoke.

“Sweetheart, Paislee’s right. Once you’re mortal, you’ll be defenseless. We can handle it without you. Why don’t you go check on the potion. You know how careful we have to watch it.”

“Fine.” Terahni pushed her hair out of her face and looked at Paislee. “We’ll talk about your attitude later.”

“Don’t hold your breath.” Paislee muttered as her mother walked back inside. “Anyways. Gryndle has agreed to go into Hell and lure him out.” she turned to Gryndle. “Exactly what are you going to say to get him so angry?”

Gryndle smiled and looked up at the sky. “I don’t know. I thought maybe I’d tell him about all the time we’ve been spending together and how we slept together. And the way you confide in me…”

“Oh geez. Forget I asked.” She laughed and then looked at everyone’s faces. “Seriously! I did not sleep with him! We slept next to each other!” They kept smiling. “Move on. Now!”

“I have to say,” Daniel said. “This is great. You know, I’ll take that bet. Put me down for two weeks.” He looked at Flora who giggled and shook her head.

“GUYS!” Paislee turned red and a small burst of flame came out of her mouth. Gryndle looked at Paislee, concerned about her lack of self-control.

“Bet?”

“It’s not important.” She waved it off.

“O….k…. Once I find him, I’ll do everything I can to anger him. It shouldn’t be that hard. It takes at least a few months to control the rage for the weakest of demons. But he’ll zero in on you, most likely here.”

“We’ll be waiting.” Ahmeling nodded.

“I would also suggest making sure that woman is safe.” He said, causing everyone to turn and look at Paislee.

She sighed. “I know. You guys better not make me be the one to cast that spell. I’m not sure if my heart will be in it, and I don’t want to risk her safety because I’m still mad at her.”

“I’ll do it.” Flora laughed. “Between Benji, Andy, Daniel and I, we’ve taken revenge. I’m sated.”

Ahmeline said good night and went inside.

Gryndle noticed Flora’s scent was different. “Lady,” Gryndle always called her Lady, in honor of her title. “Congratulations.”

Flora blushed a little. “You can tell?”

“I can also tell you the sex if you so desire. But yes, I can smell the hormonal shift. Again Lady, congratulations!”

“Thanks Gryn. It’s a girl, fairies can… sense their babies within a day of conception. It’s a fairy-life thing.” She laughed.

He nodded slightly, in deference, before sweeping her in a hug. When he put her down, he resumed speaking. “I’ll leave right after Miss Terahni takes her binding potion tomorrow. I assume she’ll leave afterwards and will be well out of the way by the time Emil comes after you. Deal?”

“Deal.” Paislee said. “Now I need to borrow the ladies. Daniel, you remember Gryndle? Chat for a minute while I steal them.”

Paislee started crying a little, congratulating her on the pregnancy. The girls hugged it out and started gabbing while Daniel and Gryndle got acquainted.

“I don’t kill.” Gryn started.

“I’m sorry?”

“I just wanted you to know that although I’m a demon, I have never taken a life. Not another demon, nor human, Fey or Gypsy.”

“You don’t have to explain yourself brother.” Daniel held out his hand. “If Meria trusts you with her sister, that’s more than enough for me.”

“Thank you.” Gryndle said surprised.

Daniel glanced back them and caught a snippet of conversation.

“I swear I didn’t sleep with him!”

He looked back at Gryndle. “No offense, but you look human. Is that natural?”

“Some demons are made looking human. I was not.” He pulled off his hood and raised his sleeves. “The tail you saw before. That’s part of the Panthera demon heritage. The scales are dragon and the ears are lupine.”

“So you’re a lion wolf dragon demon?”

“Partially. I know I have Siren, kraken and banshee. The rest of my powers haven’t surfaced, and it’s those traits that tell me what other blood I may have. I had three mothers after all.”

“You lost me. But that’s ok.” They were both laughing when the girls came back.

“Ok, you two have fun. We’ll go back inside.” Meria said hugging Gryndle good bye. “See you tomorrow.”

“Congratulations on your engagement.” Gryndle said hugging back, while shaking Daniel’s hand.

“Thanks.”

“Later guys!” Flora hollered from the doorway. They all watched as Paislee and Gryndle walked to the car.

End Chapter

©2012 Alma

Chapter Twelve: Conflict

Paislee was again walking the winding path through Gypsy Forest. She’d been spending more and more time there. Rationally, she knew why. But she didn’t really want to admit it to herself. It was also hard to think about what happened before she ended up here. And soon enough she’s be having a rather awkward conversation.

“Paislee?”

Too soon.

“Gryndle, how are you?”

He waved her off. “Never mind me. How are you?”

“Actually, I’m holding on by a thread. But I’m here for a reason.”

“Well don’t let me stop you, I’ll just leave you-”

“Gryn, I’m here to talk to you. It’s important.”

She could tell he was confused and slightly pleased, which made it all the harder. “Emil is …”

“This is going to require sustenance. And perhaps a little sun. Come, I shall escort you to the clearing by the stables. Perhaps we may persuade Treseda.” He linked her arm in his and gently tugged her along. Treseda met them there.

“Paislee, perfect. I had a feeling I’d be seeing you today.” Treseda turned to the young girl standing behind her. ” Tell them Paislee is with me and Gryndle at the stables and that you’re sent to fetch food.” The girl bowed and ran off.

“She’s cute Aunt. New disciple?”

“She just stated today. Her name’s Chiesta. Cute thing. Alright Gryndle, would you be a darling and help me sit down?” Gryndle waved his hand for her and a cushioned chair appeared. He took Treseda’s hand and helped lower into her chair. “Thank you.” Paislee and Gryndle settled in the grass, letting the sun wash them over.

“You look comfortable. But you’re huge! Weren’t you due like yesterday?”

“Oh please! It’s only been nine months.” Treseda laughed. Her comment sparked more confusion for Gryndle.

“I thought pregnancy lasted only nine months.”

“Human mortals have nine month pregnancies. Gypsy and Fey have ten month pregnancies.” Paislee corrected him. “Don’t ask me why, and don’t ask Tres. She’ll just give you a Dei’s answer and we don’t have the time.”

“Too right.” Treseda quipped. “No explain everything to me. What’s going on?”

“After Emil left my house yesterday, he met up with Charlotte. And she dumped him. And in a fit of rage it sounds like, he tried to run her over with his car. She’s in the hospital but she’s expected to make a full recovery, she was barely clipped. But right after that, Ahmeline found out that it triggered his demon blood. A lineage I doubt he was even aware of. Apparently he’s going to be a huge threat. But we can’t find him anywhere which means he’s in Hell. ” Paislee looked at Gryndle. “I was hoping you might be able to find him.”

Gryndle looked worried, but not surprised.

“You knew he was a demon?” she asked.

“No. He had a strange scent, but it was faint. He was human when I caught his scent. But something else was there. And it’s not the first time a man became a demon through trigger.”

“Please, can you find him?”

Treseda looked at her niece. “Just how big of a threat is he supposed to be?”

“Ahmeline was tapped.”

“Ah.” Treseda looked pensive and far away.  And Gryndle spoke to Paislee.

“You know, when you said you’d come visit me, I never thought it would be to ask me to sniff out your boyfriend.”

Paislee stiffened. “He’s not my boyfriend anymore.” She tried to shake it off, and pushed him lightly just to kid. But he noticed that her smile didn’t reach her eyes.

“I didn’t mean to-”

“No worries, really.” Paislee plopped her head down on the grass. “I told you before, I’ll be ok. Honestly, I’m sorry about even asking. I wish I didn’t have to think about him, let alone seek him out.”

“I can’t imagine being in your situation. I fell in love with an Aynton. A paragon of good!”

“Hmmp. Oh yeah? And how’s that working out for you?”

Gryndle nodded his head back and forth a little. “Well, she just got out of a bad relationship. I want to be there for her, but I don’t want to get stuck in the friend zone.”

Paislee had a split second to decide which route to take. And as usual, reckless beat out cautious. “Somehow, and I could be wrong, but I doubt she’ll see you as just a friend forever.”

It had been a while since Paislee blushed over a guy. So soon after her breakup, she thought she’d mind. Paislee was surprised to find that she didn’t mind at all.

“I’ll take it.” Gryndle smiled a little. Then he thought moe about the task at hand. “His scent felt familiar. Almost like family.”

“Do you think you’re related?”

Gryndle scoffed at Treseda for asking. “I certainly hope not. But it’s possible. At the very least, his blood comes from one of the older, more powerful clans. For me to sense it when it was supposed to be dormant, means it’s strong. I should be able to lure him out. But he’ll be gunning for any and all his enemies. My guess is that you’ll be number one, Paislee.

“Just a sec. Let me see if I’m following.” Treseda said. “The man has an affair, of which you’re the other woman. Charlotte, his first girlfriend, separates from him. He gets so angry that he tries to kill her with his automobile. The act of violence towards a human life triggered his latent demon blood. But now he’s somewhere in Hell and off your radar. And you want to get him out in the open so that you can assess the situation. And he’s reportedly an extreme threat. But you have no idea why or how?”

“Yes.” Paislee replied.

“And when you said that Ahmeline was ‘tapped,’ you meant by the Proether didn’t you.”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Those Proether are just so helpful.” Treseda said with a sigh. Gryndle’s ears twitched.

“The Proether? They’re real?” He was surprised. As a demon, he’d only heard of the Proether in legend. And he’d never heard them mentioned by the Clans or the Ayntons. “Is it true that they’re angels?”

“Well, no. There are angels, and you’ll see them rarely. Proether are Pan Realm beings. They have the blood of all races. Demons, Gypsy, Human, Fey and the so-called Fifth Race. Supposedly.” said Treseda. There was sarcasm in her words, a tone Gryndle was not used to. Naturally he needed more clarification.

” ‘Supposedly’?”

Treseda sighed again. She hated this story. “The lore is that a witch fell in love with the son of a fairy and they had a child. That offspring eventually coupled with the offspring of a Gypsy and a demon. All that I can believe. But then the lore says that the resulting child grew up to couple with a member of the fifth race and spawn a child of their own. That offspring grew to adolescence and grew too powerful and had to isolate his or herself. The sex of the child changes depending on the legend. But it created its own Realm, where it could grow to maturity and exist as it so chose. And now, supposedly, any child born of all five races goes there upon receiving their power and from there, meddle in the affairs of others as they see fit.”

“Wow. That’s just bizarre.” Gryndle laughed. “Demons have a similar story actually. There is no fifth race. Any creature born with the blood of all four races can access a reservoir of power which allows them to create a new ring in Hell. Apparently that’s why there are seven known rings in all. There could be more, but no demon has been powerful enough to create an eighth ring or search for one. Rhoatharg believed that he could eventually do it, but I for one am glad he never got the chance. But it’s fascinating that there really are Proether.” He looked at them. “And I can tell from your faces that you aren’t exactly pleased with them.”

Paislee started to speak and had to stutter a few times before she  could get out what she wanted to say. “They interfere whenever they want to. As far as we can tell, it’s been in favor of good and not evil. Ahmeline seems to be their favorite contact that we know of.”

“But?” he asked.

“But Proether have deemed the Gypsy Clans almost complete unworthy. My Grandmother was the last of all the Gypsy Clans to be tapped.” said Treseda.

“Ahmeline is contacted regularly. Meria has been tapped several times as well. Even I was once. Mom? Never, but she never cared anyway. The Fey are also tapped , not as often but still. The Gypsies? Never. And from what anyone can tell, their only reason is that Gypsies consort with known demons.” Paislee added.

“But demons are the fourth race? Anyway, I’m a demon, Paislee. We’ve been friends for years.”

“Yes Gryndle, darling.That might be why she’s only been tapped once. But you’ve never taken a life. Your aversion to killing has made you almost a non issue.” Treseda said as she motioned for the young Chiesta to set down the tray of food. She bowed and took her seat behind and to the right of her mistress. “The general consensus is that because Gypsies have looked after ourselves, turning to whomever we need for help (demons included), the Proether don’t need to help. But as a race? We are very sensitive about the subject.”

“You seem angry.” He looked at the Dei.

“We feel shunned. If the Proether are part Gypsy, why would they intentionally shun us?”

Paislee realized that the conversation was headed in the wrong direction. “Anyway, the Proether showed Ahms that Emil was becoming a demon and that he was going to be one of the biggest threats we’ve ever faced. He’s our responsibility. We have to stop him.”

“Ok. Then I’ll go searching through hell for him. Once I find him, the easiest way to get him back to the human Realm is to make him angry enough to hunt for his enemies.”

“You can’t just bring him back?” Paislee asked.

“No. A demon can be dragged back to Hell. But no demon can be pulled out of Hell.” He took a bite. “For a demon, Hell is Sanctuary.”

“Is Hell Sanctuary for you?” Paislee asked.

“I feel a pull, certainly,” he shrugged. “All demons feel attracted to Hell, especially the ring on which they were born, hatched or spawned.”

“Which circle most pulls you?” Treseda asked. “Honestly, I never thought about it.” Truthfully, Paislee hadn’t either.

“I was born in the human world as you know. But when I was raised in Hell, I felt the pull strongest to the seventh ring. Rhoatharg said the seventh ring was his clan’s home, and in turn, mine.”

“And the seventh is the most dangerous.”

“True. But that’s not the point. The point is that I can find him, and I should be able to drag him out. But it’s going to take me a few days. I can traverse all seven Realms. But it would be best if I start at the highest, the weakest ring and work my way deeper. Like I said. He’ll be after you.” He spoke to her, looking into her eyes. He found worry. For Emil? For herself? For him? He couldn’t tell. “Will you be ready?”

“Pfft.” She rolled her eyes, breaking their gaze. “Of course I wont be ready. We have no idea what his powers are. But we wont know until we meet him on a battlefield.”

“I supposed that’s true.” Treseda ate some duck, a napkin daintily placed on her belly.

“Gryndle,” Paislee started. “Are you sure you can do this? I mean if you get hurt-”

“Please.” He reached for her hand. It was for me! She’s worried. “Paislee, I wouldn’t do this for anyone outside of your family. Treseda, no offense.”

“None taken darling. I know how much you hate Hell.” It wasn’t his hate for Hell which drove him, it was his love of Paislee. But none of them were going to quibble too much about his reasons for helping.

Gryndle turned back to Paislee. “You are a witch, a great force of good. Your ex could be a great force of evil. And he may be a terrible demonic threat to you personally because you broke up with him. We need to make sure that you’re all safe. I personally need to be sure that you are safe.”

“Thank you.” She got tears in her eyes.

I have to make her laugh. “Lo and Behold!” Gryndle exclaimed, raising only his other arm, not letting go of his love. “This demon is doing something for the good of an Aynton! When has that ever happened?”

He did a good job of making them both laugh. They finished the food, and got ready to go. While Gryndle helped Treseda out of her chair, Chiesta gathered the tray and napkins. It took them a few minutes to get going. The Dei hugged them both, bidding each good day and waddled back to her Claeren with Chiesta asking her questions the whole way. Gryndle and Paislee headed back to the Portal.

End Chapter

Alma ©2012

Chapter Eleven :Battles Long Since Lost

Flora rolled out of bed, tiptoeing as she went. Paislee was still knocked out when she left. She heard Meria and Daniel talking in their bedroom as she walked down the hall towards the stairs.

“I don’t want there to be a problem.”

“Then we’ll make sure there isn’t.”

“Daniel, you don’t understand. Mom and Paislee only get along when they’re casting together. For her to come here to tell Paislee that she’s binding her powers is almost like signing away parental rights. They have nothing in common. Not any more.”

“You can’t let your sister’s relationship with your mother…”

Flora had heard enough. In fact, she’s heard the argument more times than she could count. And it was always true. Tera was a free spirit, she went where her heart went. That had always led her from the family, into Ryszard’s arms. For the most part, everyone accepted it as fact. But Tera didn’t. When she was home, she expected to be treated as a mother. Tera always wanted the respect and influence that came with being the twins’ mother. Out of the three, Flora noticed that Ahmeline was the best at accepting Terahni’s behavior. Flora surmised that this was because she was Tera’s mother and had complete authority as matriarch. And Meria was most often contented with just having her mother around. Sometimes, Meria would get angry, but she rarely let anyone see it. But Paislee? She was constantly at odds with Terahni. This time would be no different, in fact, it would be worse.

Flora headed into the minor kitchen, she could already smell the coffee coming from that direction. Ahmeline had an ice pack wrapped around her leg and she had the spoon stirring her steaming mug by itself. It was a spell the twin’s had yet to perfect. She looked up at her old protege.

“How are you dear?” Ahmeline said as Flora kissed her cheek.

“I’m feeling a little off, but I’ll be ok.” She got a mug and poured herself a quarter cup of coffee, filling the rest with skim milk.

“I saw your father this morning.” Ahmeline motioned for Flora to join her at the table. “Their lives will only distract them for so long. You need to tell the girls soon.”

“I’m not ready.”

“Get ready. You’re running out of time.” Ahmeline never was one to sugarcoat anything.

“How’s your leg?”

“It hurts like hell in the mornings. But I’ve been walking a little easier each day.”Ahmeline took a sip of her coffee before looking at the clock on the fair wall.

“What time is she coming?”

“She should be here by noon.”

Flora nodded. It was just past eleven. If the house was going to survive this visit, Paislee needed to be as relaxed as possible. “Well then,” she said filling an orange cup with milk. “I’ll just go get her ready.”

“Thanks doll.” Ahmeline went back to focusing on her coffee.

Flora padded up the stairs, passing Meria and Daniel on the way. When she got back to Paislee’s room, she heard the groaning. Opening the door, she saw Paislee, still face down on her bed, sluggishly forcing her left leg off the edge. It was still dark in the room, which just wouldn’t do. So Flora set the milk on the night stand and brusquely opened the curtains, revealing warm sun. It was the sun that began to really wake her up. She gurgled before sitting up.

“What’s in the cup?”

“Milk.” Flora watched as Paislee sucked it down. “Tera comes home in a less than an hour.”

“Is that your way of telling me to curb my powers?”

“Damn straight.” Flora smiled. “Come on, get dressed. I’ll stay up here with you.”

Paislee took a shower, letting the night before wash off her skin. She thought about her mother. She was excited to see Terahni. They could work on the handfasting, and she could ask her mother about a few spells that were proving difficult. But she’d always been a little critical of her eldest daughter, blaming Paislee for the twins’ inability to communicate with their father. Paislee’s was the more adamant voice of the two and that convinced Terahni that Meria followed her sister’s orders (of which there actually were none) in place of their mother’s. Paislee promised herself that she would do her best not to start trouble with Terahni this visit. While she dressed, she half listened to Flora, instead concentrating on her other dilemma. Emil was in the wind and as witches they were banned from hell, not that they ever wanted to go there. But if Emil was such a threat that they needed to find him, there had to be a way… maybe there is a way.

***

“Oh Gods! I can’t believe my baby’s getting married!” Terahni was squeezing Meria so hard she would have turned blue, had she not already been. “And to such a handsome man!” Once she set her sights on Daniel, there was nothing he could do to avoid being pulled into a hug with his beloved and future mother in-law.

Paislee and Flora came down as soon as they heard the front door open. All six of them were still hugging and chatting in the hall for about ten minutes before they moved into the kitchen. Paislee had pulled her mother towards the stack of papers and pictures for the handfasting. The onlookers took the chance to exchange a few words.

“Terahni said that she wants the binding by tomorrow night.” Ahmeline said.

“That potion takes a full twenty four hours.” Meria sighed. “She’ll have to tell Paislee before you start making it.”

Daniel looked worried. “Why exactly are we walking on eggshells about this? Paislee can handle it.”

Ahmeline spoke before anyone else. “Normally, you’d be right. But Paislee’s powers are expanding, just like Meria’s.  They’re both seasoned witches, but during expansions they lose control just like fledglings. And it’s always worse when they’re under emotional distress. ”

He started to put it together. “So everything that happening with Emil is making her more volatile?”

“Yes.” Meria said. “And since Gryndle had to curb her powers, they’ve been in flux. She’ll need another couple days to balance them back out.”

“So why didn’t Terahni just wait a few days?” Daniel was starting to get frustrated. Flora put her hand on his shoulder.

“Because Rhyszard expects her back in two days.” Flo scoffed. “She’s never put anything on hold for him. She’s never going to.”

“At any rate,” Ahmeline started. “She’s telling her at lunch. We should probably get cooking.”

***

They all sat down at the dining room table. Flora took a sip of her orange juice, listening to the conversation. She was normally a very outspoken person, but when Terahni came home, Flora tended to listen and observe. As calm as everything was, she felt Terahni squeeze her hand under the table. And when she looked into her aunt’s face, she saw too much. The woman knew, and she was thrilled. This is not good.

As soon was there was a lull in the conversation, Terahni turned to her daughter. “Paislee, I have something to tell you.”

“Hmm? That’s fine, I have a few spells I needed help with. I-”

“No sweetie, this is something I have to say now. I’m here for a reason.”

“I know. Meria’s engagement. But the spells wont take long.”

“I came to bind my powers.”

Paislee closed her eyes and began retreating into herself. Please tell me she didn’t just say that. Please tell me this isn’t happening.

“Did you hear me? I’m binding my powers, tomorrow night. And then I leave the next morning. ”

Paislee still couldn’t open her eyes. She felt the fire in her simmer, getting a little warmer.

“Paislee? I know this may come as a shock to you but it’s a decision I have to make for myself. After my run in with Rhoatharg, I think it’s warranted. And your father-”

“Don’t you dare.” Paislee opened her eyes ad looked at her mother. “Don’t bring that man into this.”

“I know you’re upset about Emil but I won’t have you speak of your father that way.” Tera tried to touch Paislee’s hair. “He loves you.”

Paislee immediately got up and took a few steps towards Meria who was sitting on her other side. “Love me? He doesn’t love me. And it wouldn’t matter if he did. He doesn’t call, he doesn’t write. I haven’t seen him since I was thirteen. He doesn’t know me. He doesn’t know me or Meria. And he’s not the issue here.”

“Dear, you’re overreacting.” Tera took another sip of her wine. “Just sit down and relax. This isn’t a big deal.”

“Oh it isn’t is it?” Paislee’s hands were smoking a little at this point. “No big deal? You’re effectively becoming mortal. Don’t you get it mom? The only thing I have in common with you are our magickal gifts. You take that away and we’ll have nothing, no common ground.”

“That’s just ridiculous. Mom told me you’d over react, but had I known you’d behave like this I would have had her tell you when she told Meria and Flora.”

So that’s it.They’re all worried I’ll freak because of my history with her and my Emil issues. Well, they were right. “This isn’t about what happened with Rhoatharg. You healed faster than Ahms is now. No, this is about pleasing Rhyszard.”

“You call him dad or father, he doesn’t like his daughters to call him by his name.”

“If this were about reovery and retiring from active magicks, you’d curb your powers. You’re permanently stripping you powrs because you want to be his full time wife. Right?”

“Paislee-”

“Answer the damn question!”

“Yes.” Tera snapped back. “Yes, I want to be able to be with him all the time, I want to make him happy. He’s my husband and I love him. Why shouldn’t I do this for him, it’s not like I need my magick.”

“Your power is part of who you are. It’s part of who we are as Ayntons.”

“I am Mrs. Tera Stanislaus. I don’t need my magick and I don’t want it. And that’s final!”

“Right. Because what he wants is more important than what your daughters want, or need.”

“Don’t make this about you. Sounds like the last week has been all about you. And if you or Meria paid any attention to anyone else in this family, you’d notice that Flora is pregnant!”

Daniel looked at Flora, and then at Meria because he could tell she was also losing her temper. Flora sighed and started to silently cry.

“Wow Terahni.” Paislee spat. “Meria and I already knew. We’ve known since last night at dinner. We were waiting for her to announce it, because it is her life and it was her secret.”

Flora stood up, and walked upstairs. Which prompted Meria to speak.

“Mom, I love you. But that was childish. You embarrassed you niece. You accused your daughters of being thoughtless and self absorbed. Emil is a threat to this whole family so yes, we’re all worried about Paislee’s ex. And Paislee is the one helping me plan my wedding, she’s put her family first this whole time. If you’ll all excuse me, I need to go check on Flo.”

“Tell her I’ll check in on her a little later. I know she’ll want one on one with us both.” Paislee called as Meria rushed out. She turned back to her mother. “How dare you!”

“Enough! I wont let you talk to me this way.”

“Let me?!I don’t need your permission to do anything, say anything or be any certain way. I’m an adult. And if you acted like one, you’d realize that what you just did was horrid.”

“The Princess will be fine. Flo’s always been level headed, not as much as Meria but I see that has changed.”

“You don’t get it. And I can’t make you see how any of this is bad.” Paislee turned to Ahmeline and Daniel. “While I was getting ready earlier, I thought of a way to get Emil out in the open. I’ll be on the Mountain working on that.” Paislee walked upstairs to Ahmeline’s room and walked through the mirror.

“After all this time…” Ahmeline started.

“After all this time they still have a flare for the dramatic?” Tera laughed. Daniel cleared his throat and then took his plate into the kitchen, where he would stay until Meria could come fetch him. He knew that was safest.

“No child. After all this time, you still don’t know anything about your daughters. They both love you dearly. But you chose a man over your own kin.”

“Mom, he’s their father. They should be happy that I’m happy.”

“And they are. But that doesn’t change the fact that you act like you deserve their respect. Respect is earned. You should know that. I taught you, just as I taught them. And for you to be here not three hours and insult them all, insult the birthright you passed to them and demand their submission is so disrespectful that had you not been a member of this family, I would turn you from the house. I love you. When they come back, apologize. To EACH of them in turn. And keep your irritating disdain to yourself.”

Ahmeline cleared the dishes and disappeared into the kitchen to challenge Daniel to a hand of poker.

End Chapter

Alma ©2012