by E A Foley
Iris looked at Nimbus. “I believe she was right. I was incapable of loving any of the men I liked. There always seemed to be something that drove me to push them away. When I found Nimbus, something clicked into place. Though I barely know him, I feel as though I have loved him for years.”
She returned her focus to Tiernan. “What she said to your grandfather was true. She could not have loved another and knew it. I am sorry I ever tried.” Her eyes flicked to Thorin for a second. She’d have to apologize for many of her outbursts at him later. She was more to blame than him for their failed attempts at a relationship. At least she knew the reasons now.
“Thank you for telling me. I am sure those words would have comforted my grandfather if he were still alive. As it is, I can tell you two were meant to find each other. And it appears your disappearances from Gemina Terra were so you could find one another on Earth.”
“It seems that way,” Nimbus agreed. “Please, will you tell us about the history of Mothar Crann?”
“If you desire a full account, I suggest you meet with Vitharr and the other Elders. I will give you an abbreviated version for now.”
“That would be most appreciated. Thank you,” Iris told him. She fell quiet and let her mind turn his words into images.
Tiernan nodded. He paused for a moment as he gathered his thoughts, then began. “Thousands of years ago Balance gave my people the ability to access the flows of power embedded within the Earth. We used the power for many things. Healing, guiding growth, altering the weather—were a few such uses. We as a people decided to only use our gifted abilities to help create positive changes. Those who broke this pact were banished.”
“Was banishment common?” Nimbus asked.
“Quite the opposite. I know of only four cases where an elf or faerie received banishment for using their powers counter to our ways. Our ability to connect to the power within the Earth became second nature to us. Either through those who received banishment or rumors, our abilities became known throughout all creatures on Earth including mankind. That is when Chaos became involved.”
“And Balance brought you here?”
“Yes. We do not know all the details but we know Balance did not want to lose the creatures it allowed to access the flows surrounding the Earth. Not just us and the faeries, but all creatures who had some kind of magical abilities—either real or perceived. Many were being hunted for sport or because of fears initiated by Chaos. To keep all of us safe, Balance used all of its abilities to create Gemina Terra—a twin planet to Earth—in secret and out of sync with the Earth.”
“Do you know how Balance managed the time shift?” Nimbus asked.
“We have speculated, but none of us truly know. One theory is that Gemina Terra is Balance itself. This would explain why Chaos has gone unchecked for so many years and is obsessed with trying to get here by any means.”
“An interesting theory.”
“Yes. But that is all it is. A theory and speculation.”
They all fell silent for a few minutes contemplating the creation of Gemina Terra.
“So what happened when Balance brought all magical creatures to Gemina Terra?”
“My ancestors discovered a small grove of oak trees. They used the power embedded within Gemina Terra much like they had the powers surrounding the Earth—for growth and positive changes. It took almost two generations of elves and faeries, but they imbued the trees of Mothar Crann and Faerie Glenn with their own powers and created the beautiful grove we call home today.”
“I cannot imagine how much power that took.”
“Neither could they. Many used power continuously for so long they lost their abilities. Several used too much and disappeared before their friends’ eyes. Between many elves losing their abilities to connect to the flows embedded in Gemina Terra, and realizing the consequences of using too much power, fewer and fewer elves connected to the powers surrounding them. Soon, the ability to connect to the flows of power was lost. We can still feel the power. Just out of reach,” Tiernan added in a soft voice as he extended a hand as if to grasp at air. He shook his head and looked at his son.
“We are all born with the ability to sense the power flowing through our planet, but we’ve lost the memory of how to connect to it. There are occasions of great need that allow one or two of us to access the power, but only once or twice in a generation.”
Tiernan fell silent. His eyes unfocused. Iris could almost sense him reaching out to the power surrounding them. It refused to connect to him. Sadness filled her as he sighed and shook his head. He seemed to accept his fate and was at peace with it. Iris didn’t know what she’d do if she could always sense flows of power but couldn’t connect to them. The four of them let the silence drag on as they continued eating their breakfast.
Nimbus and Tiernan seemed lost in internal thoughts. A glance at Nimbus showed Iris his mind was far away. She wondered if he was reliving the story Tiernan shared like she’d relived the beginnings of Gaia, Balance and Chaos through her dreams. Unlike his father, Esras appeared very focused on the present moment. He fidgeted and became more agitated as the silence continued. When he could no longer keep his thoughts in, he blurted out the question plaguing him.
“You claim to have no desire for the crown. That you are more interested in learning about the elves and to have a place here amongst your kin. And yet despite what my father says, you don’t even look like us. Why are you really here?”
“Be still Esras,” the King addressed his son. A look passed between the two. Esras averted his eyes. “Forgive my son,” Tiernan told Nimbus and Iris. “He is still young and has not yet learned how to school his tongue.”
“Do not worry,” Nimbus held up a hand. “I took no offense.” He turned toward Esras. “We are here to prepare for a coming battle between ourselves and several other magic users. Perhaps Chaos itself. We’ve been tasked with protecting magic and we will do everything within our abilities to do so. The coming battle is something I may not survive. None of us may survive,” he added. Nimbus let his words sink in a little before continuing.
“What I said is true. I have no desire for a crown my spirit should have possessed in a previous life. I am elven, but I am also human.” As Nimbus spoke, he transformed into his elven form. “I belong to two worlds, not one. I would make a poor king if I spent half my time on another planet. I know the world to which I was born as well as any human can, but I know little about the world my spirit claims kinship with. I wish to learn and understand what I—what we—are fighting for.” Nimbus’s transformation to an elf finished with his last few words.
Esras stared at him for several stunned seconds as he took in Nimbus’s true form. His right hand flew to his heart as he dropped his head and bowed. “I heard you could transform into an elf, but I did not believe it. I owe you an apology and hope you will share the knowledge of your world with us as we share the knowledge of our world with you.”
“Please, no apology is necessary.”
Esras sat up once more.
“I hope we will look at each other as cousins or brothers in time as our spirits share a common ancestry.”
“I would welcome that,” Esras said with another bow.
Tiernan chuckled at the pair and shook his head at his son before his eyes landed back on Iris. “Where are my manners? Here we three have been talking while the lady has remained patiently quiet. I must request your pardons,” he bowed his head to Iris. “Please, you must have questions of us. How may the elves be of assistance in your fight against Chaos?”
“You and your people have already been so hospitable. I am hesitant to ask for anything else,” Iris said.
“Hospitality is what our people live for. It is easy to feed and shelter a few more when we have the resources. What can we do to help you and your friends?”
Not wanting to be rude, Iris contemplated Tiernan’s offer for a few seconds before voicing the one request she could think of. “My friends and I ne
ed to train both with magic and physical weapons. Do you perchance have a field or other place where we can practice without risking the lives of any elves or other creatures on this planet?”
“I have just the place! We moved our herds of sheep to the upper fields in the last several days. The lower grasslands are perfectly groomed and should be large enough for the task you speak of.”
“Thank you. Your generosity is limitless,” Iris said with a large smile. She was ecstatic he had a quick and easy solution to their training needs.
“Will you teach me?” Esras blurted out.
Nimbus looked to Iris. She closed her eyes and focused on Esras’s aura. Searched out any lingering ability to connect with the flows of power on Gemina Terra and examined the essence of his soul. After several long moments, she found what she was looking for.
“You have the ability to use the power flowing through Gemina Terra, though your abilities are buried much deeper than mine or my friends’ were. I am sure I will be able to help you unlock your inner abilities but it may take time. I cannot guarantee I will have much time to teach you at the present, but you are welcome to watch and listen. I am sure you will learn much from observations.”
Esras’s face brightened with delight as he asked, “Would you be willing to teach other elves and faeries as well?”
Iris didn’t hesitate before giving her answer this time. “Yes, I would be more than willing. I dare say you all have as much right—if not more—to know and understand magic.”
Chapter 4
A few hours later found the ten friends from Earth spread out in a semi-circle on a large, manicured field of grass. It was perfect for their needs. The almost two-mile walk from Mothar Crann meant they were far enough away to need not worry about destroying anything. And the size of the field meant they could spread out during training and not interfere with each other.
Even though Iris explained to the large group of onlookers that she and her friends would not be practicing with much magic until later that afternoon, no one left. She turned and walked to her place opposite the semi-circle of her friends. When she arrived, she was ready to teach. A quick glance showed her Nimbus was missing. She thought about his location and sensed him amongst the crowd of elves and faeries. Deciding he could catch up easily, Iris began her lesson.
“So, I’d like to start with weapons training first. As I’m sure you all remember, Jaden scoffed at using physical weapons with magic because he believed they’re unnecessary and would be more of a hindrance. I disagree with him. However,” she dragged out the word and looked at each of her friends individually. “He had one part right. If you’re not skilled at both physical weapons and magical use, you may not be able to use both to the best of your abilities.”
Iris took a moment to allow her words to sink in before continuing.
“All right. If everyone would get their quarterstaves out. Oh, wait!” she called before anyone had a chance to follow her directions. “Before you try, you don’t need to pull magic into your being on Gemina Terra. All you have to do is think about opening yourself to the flows surrounding you and they will come to you. Take it slow. Try a few easy things out like movement tasks before trying to get your staves out. Magic works differently here.”
Iris gave everyone a few minutes to adjust to magic on Gemina Terra. She concentrated on what each of her friends did and the tasks they performed. Assured they were successful with accessing the surrounding flows before they pulled their quarterstaves out. Once everyone retrieved their staves, Iris readied her body to accept power and drew her own quarterstaff from its hiding place.
“Great! Okay, I’d like you guys to pair up as follows for the first round. Kyxy with Kylee, Violet with Sienna, Rozlynd with Aerianna, Rowen with Gavin, and Cirrus with Thorin. Everyone should trade partners at least twice before lunch so you don’t get too used to a single fighting style.”
“You want us to do this until lunch?” Sienna demanded.
“Not straight through, but yes. Practice specific moves against each other and have actual sparring sessions. I’ve paired you all up based on size, not skill. Teach your partner if they need help. Make sure when you switch it up, you try to find someone better than you and someone who is much smaller or larger than you are. You’ll find fighting styles vary based on size. Well, don’t just stand there, get to it!” Iris emphasized with a wave of her hand.
She remained where she stood as her ten friends paired up and squared off. The guys all went straight into sparring while the gals started with some stretching and warm-up techniques. Iris shook her head and chuckled at the gentlemen. Perhaps she should have run them through a few stances and warm-ups first. She decided she’d do that next time. For now, she picked up her quarterstaff and started her own warm-up exercises.
After spending fifteen minutes getting loose, Iris slung her staff across her shoulders, rested her wrists on it, and made her rounds amongst her friends. She tried to remember pointers Morrigan gave her. The thought of her former friend brought about twinging eyes and the pain of betrayal. Iris tightened her grip on her quarterstaff. She grit her teeth and swallowed as she forced her experiences to the back of her mind. She wished she had sunglasses to hide her emotional state or music to help keep it in check.
Iris closed her eyes and hummed The Mountain by Three Days Grace. It forced her brain to focus on her present task and the friends she was trying to keep alive and safe. Once her emotions were under control, she walked to the closest pair; Rozlynd and Aerianna. Iris watched as they practiced the same attack and defensive move several times in a row before moving onto another combination. Both were taking the exercise seriously. It was possible they released their own feelings of betrayal in their sparring. Neither needed any pointers so Iris moved on to the next pair.
Kyxy and Kylee were having a sparring session. Neither seemed smooth in their movements, but they were both committed to the exercise. And appeared determined not to lose to one another. Iris figured it was a siblings thing—possibly a twins thing. A familiar voice pulled her attention to her left. She made a mental note to come back and work with the twins before turning to watch Violet walk Sienna through a few moves.
Violet took a stance, waited for Sienna to follow, then gave pointers on how to correct her stance before adding in the quarterstaff motion. Iris continued past them to where Rowen and Gavin reviewed a set of ten movements in slow motion. She paused as they sped the motions up and completed them in real time. It was while Iris watched Thorin and Cirrus as they sparred with each other that Nimbus caught up to her.
“It looks like some of them really need this. But why are you working solely on using physical weapons? Why not practice using magic with physical weapons if that’s the end goal?” he asked as he watched his brother being pressed hard by Thorin. He winced when Thorin landed a blow across Cirrus’s ribs.
Iris gave Nimbus a once over. “Can you fight with magic and a physical weapon and have enough skill in both not to injure yourself or worse?”
“I’m not sure. I’ve never had a sparring partner who could perform both well. Cirrus and I tried a few times, but he couldn’t quite concentrate enough on both to make it work. Why?”
“Well then, today is your lucky day. I’ve never had a sparring partner who could keep up with me either,” Iris said in silky tones.
“No way,” Nimbus began. His hands shot up, palms facing her as he took a few steps back.
Iris wasn’t in the mood to be babied or placated. She flashed Nimbus a wicked grin. Swung her quarterstaff off her shoulders and hefted it into position at chest-level. She advanced on Nimbus as he continued to back away. Iris filled herself with power. His expression changed from one that clearly said he thought she was joking to one of mild panic.
“Iris, I can’t fight you. You’re my girlfriend and, well, half my size.”
Anger flared within Iris. She contained it as best as possible as she swung her staff. Nimbus blocked the soft blow with
his left hand.
“And, well, you’re a girl, it just—”
Iris stopped trying to contain her feelings. She lashed out again. Harder.
Crack!
This time Nimbus’s right hand had to block the blow. He shook his hand at the sting. She could feel the anger at his words boiling into her eyes. She kept her face neutral. Knew her eyes would be twin emeralds that reflected her true emotions. One look at Nimbus’s face told her he understood what this color meant. He lowered his hands, drew his quarterstaff from its hiding place, and filled with power.
Iris vented some of her anger with a brick of air aimed at Nimbus’s head. He didn’t sense the brick until it was almost too late. With a split second to spare, Nimbus diverted the flows away from his body. Iris smiled at his inattention. She brought her quarterstaff to life and aimed a blow at his left side.
Nimbus blocked the attack. His face hardened into one of concentration. A grimace marred his features as he began his counterattack.
The flurry of his staff kept Iris from determining the precise request he held at the ready. She allowed her body to react naturally to the fast and furious blows of Nimbus’s quarterstaff as she focused on the magic he was poised to release.
He pressed her back fast. Iris mis-stepped. She lost her balance.
Nimbus released his request.
She sensed a trip wire of air form behind her. Iris used her faltering balance to hop over it. She grinned at his astonishment before switching from defense to offense. Iris pressed forward and released a trip wire of her own. Closer to him than he’d formed his to her.
Nimbus’s left ankle caught the rope of air. He fell backward.
Iris surged forward. Whipped her staff around. Placed the end of her staff against his windpipe moments after he hit the ground. Her chest heaved with the effort she’d exuded.
Nimbus went still. He looked into her eyes, nodded, and lay his head back on the soft grass.
“Now that you know I’m capable of holding my own, will you please try to help me improve my abilities? Or are you still scared to hurt a girl? Because I already know Jaden doesn’t give a damn that I’m a chick and it’s him I need to be able to fight. So,” she asked, raising her quarterstaff from his throat and setting one end on the ground. “Are you willing to help me get better at this, or will I have to find a new sparring partner?” Iris held a hand out to him.