by Jana LaPelle
“I know that Lillie and Lachlan were gifted to us so that we could overthrow The Morrígna and save The Tree of Life, resulting in our ascension, but do you think there is another reason?”
“Ashlinn, as the Goddess of Life you need to understand what it means to be a mother and you are just now beginning to understand what lengths a mother will go to in order to protect her children. I would rather not over think why because, it doesn’t matter why. They belong to us. We are their parents, and I love the three of you with my entire being.”
“You’re right, thank you. They are part of you and me. I… we, can figure it out as we go. I just don’t know how we are going to juggle everything. It seems like so much! I mean, seriously? How are we to become parents, learn the ends and outs of being deities, and all that entails, and then we are slated to save The Realms if that is even possible.” She ends her little outburst by soaping up my chest and arms and running her hands over me vigorously as if to take out her frustrations in the simple act of washing me.
Smiling, I lean in to whisper, “Mo grá, our creator would not give us more than we can bear. Have faith. You are overthinking this. In the heat of the moment, you are so very good at accomplishing one goal at a time, but when you have time to think you pull in all the possibilities and possible outcomes, you worry overly much. You need to relax, we are safe for now. Do you feel a sense of urgency now? Do you feel a pressing need to get to our next step in our destiny?”
Her hands still and she lifts her wide eyes to meet mine and whispers, “No, I don’t.”
“We have time Ashlinn. Time to understand what our new role is for The Realms, time to grow into our role as parents, I have no idea as to how much time we are being granted, but we do have some time. I didn’t realize how driven you have been until earlier when I realized that the sense of urgency within you has all but dissipated.”
Sighing heavily and smiling up at me she says, “As relaxing and wonderfully romantic as this has been, I’m turning into a prune. What do you say we get out of here and get dried off? A good night’s sleep would be good before our lessons begin. If he’s right, I should be back in fighting shape in three or four month’s time. I don’t know about you Elf-Man, but you may be stuck on baby duty.”
“Haha, you wish! Equal partners, remember? We get to share that honor.”
“You are the baby whisperer. They definitely have a thing for their daddy’s voice,” sighing, she says, “Thank you Elf-Man, I needed to feel normal for just a moment, and you managed that. Come on, I’m exhausted, and we have lots to do tomorrow.”
“Well, come on then, let’s get you out of here and slipped into something comfortable. I want to see you in something other than your majic leather pants. Maybe we can go home in the next day or so and have Claire throw together several outfits for your wardrobe for the next several months.”
Ashlinn throws her head back, laughing at what, I’m not sure, but I’m happy to see her lighter mood. Looking up at me with a twinkle in her eyes, she says, “So you’re finally, tired of seeing me in my majic pants, huh? I can’t help but wonder what Claire and everyone else is going to think when I show up looking like I swallowed a beach ball. For them, I’ve been gone less than a week at this point, from their perspective.”
“Ash, you don’t look like you have swallowed a beach ball. Maybe in a couple of months but right now you look as if you’ve swallowed a smallish sized basketball.” I pause to gauge her reaction to my playful banter.
“Shut up! A basketball? Seriously?” She looks down, and I can’t help but laugh as she mentally tries to assess her baby bump.
“Mo grá, stop, you worry overly much. You should be jumping for joy that all is well and that you will have a short pregnancy. Now come here and let’s get you into your nightgown.”
“Okay, now that does it, why are you putting night clothing on me when we sleep without?”
“You seemed self-conscious earlier. I merely want you to be comfortable, Ashlinn. Would you prefer to go without?”
Her eyes are huge with indecision and worry. She looks down and says, “I will do whatever you would prefer. Whatever you are comfortable with.”
A growl escapes me before I can prevent it and I pick her up and carry her to bed, “Come then mo grá, let’s go to bed.” She is stunning. The most beautiful creature that I have ever laid eyes on and I plan on showing her just how much I cherish her.
Chapter 5
(Ashlinn)
Last night was simply wonderful. Alaric explored every inch of my pregnant body with gentle, adoring hands. His explorations were reverent, and by the time that we came together, I felt like the most cherished female in all The Realms. I most certainly adore his very wicked mouth. Afterwards, I slept so deeply that I woke completely and utterly refreshed. A feeling of calm acceptance has settled in, and I look forward to meeting with our Father. He was right, I can sense the transference of souls now, I know when they need help, and when they are ready to move on from the realms of the living to the realms of the afterlife. It’s like this underlying current that is constantly at work, and it hums within. Squeezing Alaric’s hand in mine, I smile up at him, and I know that he can sense the change in me as he pulls me into his side, the energy humming between us. We are on our way to meet up with everyone else. We were sent a message this morning to meet outside the main entrance, and that’s where we are heading.
As we emerge from what I have taken to calling the Twilight Castle our friends and family are waiting for us, and we both say, “Good morning.”
Lexie is the first to greet us, “Well, Ash, you are looking well rested. Better than I have seen you look in days.”
“Wow, I’m not sure how to take that. You make it sound like I looked like the walking dead or something. Did I look that bad?”
“No, but I could tell that the constant strain of needing to figure out how to save The Tree of Life was wearing you down. Not to mention, The Morrígan and her sisters and their highjacking your dream time. It’s no wonder you weren’t resting well.” She pulls me into a hug, and as she pulls back she asks, “How are you feeling?”
Sensing that everyone is waiting for me to answer, I smile at Lexie, and then, taking everyone in, I reply, “I feel good. Different, but good. I feel like I can breathe again. For the last several months, it’s been one hell of a rollercoaster ride, but for the first time in a while, I feel like I can sit back and relax. I know that is not something that will last forever because The Morrígan and her sisters are still out there and who knows what they are planning next, but I do believe that it will take them a little while to regroup. I for one am going to take advantage of this welcome reprieve.”
“As you should Ashlinn.” Our Father says from behind everyone and the group parts to let him through as he continues, “Are you ready to begin assembling your Order?”
“The Order of the Sentinels of Life? That Order? Of course, I’m not ready, I need more information. Can you break it down for me? I can sense the undercurrent of souls coming and going from this realm, but I’m still trying to understand the mechanics of it all. It’s a bit overwhelming in the sense that if I screw up, it’s someone’s life that could be affected. Not just their life but their very soul.” Just like that, my concerns from last night are back, and Alaric puts his arm around me and pulls me close.
“Mo grá, we are in this together let’s hear him out before you have your mental meltdown.”
Punching my kindred in the gut, I smile as I listen to the air whoosh out of his lungs and I ask our Father, “Tell me more and while you’re at it, can you show us to… What did you call it? The Soul Reliquary? I’m really curious about that.” I sneak a peek at Alaric from under my lashes, and he’s grinning down at me, and I elbow him again. He knew exactly what he was saying was going to goad me.
Through our link, I hear him say, “Of course I know how to get you riled up. I just choose not to do so very often.”
“Smart Elf-Ma
n,” I say in a whisper with a smirk.
Our Father looks around the group before saying, “Only those that belong to The Order are allowed access to The Soul Reliquary, my child. Even Danu and Dagda have never been inside. Do you understand the relevance?”
Alaric is the first to speak, “Yes sir.” He is already shaping up to be an excellent Guardian.
Looking back at The Creator in his faded, ragged, jeans and his tautly stretched tee-shirt, standing before us with his bare feet, I get distracted and ask, “Do you not like shoes? I mean, I don’t think that I have seen you wear any. I’m just curious.”
Laughing, he says, “Ash, You may not remember your past life in The Overworld, but at your core, you are the same. You asked me that once long ago. I much prefer the jeans to the toga of that time. I’m not sure that I will ever give up the comfortable pants and tee shirts. In answer to your question, I prefer to walk barefooted, that way I can feel the tickle of the grass beneath the soles of my feet, the uncomfortable feel of pebbles and rocks as they bite into the tender flesh there. It is a constant reminder of the many contrasts that exist within The Realms. Now, Ashlinn, is there something else that you want to ask me?”
“Well, yes, but first…” Turning to Alaric, I smile and ask, “How did you know? You created a Guard for me without knowing what was to come. How did you know?”
“I didn’t really. I just knew that for what was to come you would need protection. So I brought together those closest to me and created your Guard. Tarron would have been a part of that Guard if things had of turned out differently, but I think that all is as it should be now. What are you thinking, Ashlinn? Do you want to induct your Guard and Sentries into The Order? Because I think that would be an excellent idea.” He switches his focus to Tarron and asks, “What do you think?”
Tarron looks around the group and sees that Ashlinn’s Sentries have formed close ties to her Guard and sighs, “I should have known not to place five of my best as part of her Sentries. If it is what they want, then I will not stand in their way. You know that I support you Ashlinn, in all things.”
Our Father takes that as a cue to address Tarron, “Tarron, King of The Horde. You are very welcome here, and I am pleased that you and Ashlin have hit it off. You have a crucial role to play moving forward for both The Otherworld and The Mortal Realm. Time is relevant and your role has yet to be determined for The Mortal Realm.” Switching his gaze to mine, he asks, “So, my dear, The Order?”
Tarron looks a bit unsettled and I don’t blame him but I can not dwell on that right now. I turn to my Guard and my Sentries and ask, “I know this is a lot to ask and it is a lifetime commitment, but I would be honored if any of you would consider becoming a Guardian of Life and join The Order of the Sentinels of Life.”
Every one of them, without hesitation, drops to one knee and bow before me. Tears threaten to fall as I look up at my kindred and he says, “Why are you so surprised Ashlinn? You are the glue that binds us all together. They and others will follow you. You are good and kind and full of light, and our purpose is a most worthy one. There will be no higher calling for any of us.”
Nodding and with reverence, I step forward and allow my instinct to take over and guide me. I seek out Nemus and lay my hand on his shoulder and say, “Stand Nemus. I am so very honored that you are willing to take on this role, but I do not believe that this is your calling. Nemus, you are Druid, and your calling will be made clear to all of us very soon. You must remain faithful to the Druid order, and in doing so, your support will be unwavering. I deem you an honorary Guardian of Life. Please lift your sleeve exposing your upper arm.” He does as I ask and I place my hand on his upper arm above his bicep, close to his shoulder, and a warmth emanates from beneath my touch. Lifting my hand away, I see the image of The Tree of Life etched like a tattoo on his skin. It is a Celtic design and quite beautiful. Lifting my eyes to his, I smile and say, “There, you are now a protector of the order and free to assume your calling when it is made known to you. Thank you Nemus.”
“It is my honor to serve in whatever capacity you need, my lady.” He says dipping his chin toward me before stepping away.
Looking toward Lexie and then back to everyone still kneeling I say, “Guys, please stand. I will get to each of you in a moment.” Turning my attention back to Lexie, I continue, “Lexie, you have your own calling. I don’t want you to think that for one moment I don’t want you as a Keeper because you would be fabulous at it. It’s just, you are the Mother Druid and have your own role to play. I think you know that. By fulfilling your destiny as the Mother Druid, you will, in essence, protect the circle of life. This is not our going our separate ways, this is our taking our own paths that just so happen to walk through life side by side. Do you understand?” I carefully watch her face because the last thing I ever want to do is hurt Lexie.
She inclines her head, effectively hiding her face from my view as her wild fiery red hair curtains her face, and looks down at her hands that she is wringing. A habit of hers if she is agitated or anxious but when she looks up at me it is with resolve, and she says, “I get it. I just wish that I had a better understanding of my role as the Mother Druid. My abilities and knowledge are slow to unlock. I’m not sure how I can help you or in what capacity I can. It’s just all very frustrating. You know that I have your back, no matter what, and I know that you have mine.” Her emerald green eyes bore into mine as she concludes.
“Together, always. You knew that before I did. We are meant to tackle life’s battles together. I love you, Lexie, we may not have been born as sisters in blood, but we are sisters in spirit and every way that counts.” I pull her into hug her and about that time the twins decide to wake up and make their presence known. Lexie laughs and places her hands on the spot where she felt movement and is rewarded with a kick. As she pulls back, I notice that a small mark the size of a silver dollar has appeared just above her left breast. It is a circle enclosed in a triquetra representing the circle of life. “There, just like Nemus, you are now a protector, an honorary Keeper.”
Looking down she smiles, “I love it, but I have to ask, what about Declan? I don’t think that I can deal with him being paired with a Keeper. He’s my kindred, the father of this child I carry.”
Smiling, I turn and say, “Declan, please join us. Your place is with Lexie and as such you to will become a protector, an honorary member of the order.” After I place the mark on Declan’s shoulder, I say, “Just as Alaric and I have our path to travel so do the two of you.” Declan, a man of few words, inclines his head and Lexie mouths the words thank you to me.
Turning to the rest of the group, Alaric comes to join me as I call each of the remaining males to me starting with Tolin. I smile up at him, and he gives me a mischievous wink. “Tolin, it is my honor to make you a Guardian of Life, a Caomhnóirí na Batha.” I lay my hand on his left upper arm above his bicep and as the warmth beneath my hand fades I pull my hand back to see that a large symbol is now etched on his skin. The symbol is somewhat different from the one I gave Nemus and Declan. The Tree of Life is the same, but it is encircled with a neverending, interlocking Celtic knot circle, symbolizing protection. Around his bicep, another interlocking band of Celtic knots has appeared. I can’t help but say, “That’s totally bad ass.”
“A bad ass mark for a bad ass male. Little Bit, you don’t do anything halfway. That mark is something else. I can’t wait to see who you pair me with.” He says with a twinkle in his eyes.
“Well, that remains to be seen, T. Run along now, I have to get to the rest of your brethren,” I say with a smirk.
Each of the males come forward, one by one. Torin, Ferg, Ēolieus, and Lorcan. Then Nym, my Cerberus protector, Garrik, Dorlan, and Khatar all receiving the mark of the Caomhnóirí na Batha. Lastly, Camoryn approaches, and he is shuffling his goat-like hooves uncomfortably in front of me and has an utterly miserable look on his face. From my peripheral I see Jasmine, her chin lifted defiantly as she wat
ches Camoryn’s backside. I decide to put Cam out of his misery and say, “Jasmine, will you join Camoryn, please?” She swings her gaze toward me with a questioning look and then back to Camoryn before taking her place at his side. She is utterly enchanting in her faerie size. Her midnight black hair with bluish highlights is intricately braided away from her face and hangs down her back. She has taken to wearing clothing more suitable to a quest than a debutant ball and today she is sporting jeans and a white snug-fitting cami.
“Ashlinn, you know that I can’t become a Guardian. That’s a task for Camoryn.” Her chin is raised toward me, and I see her determination in the depths of her crystal blue eyes. But I also see that she’s afraid. Afraid that her bond with her chosen mate will not be strong enough once a Keeper is assigned to Camoryn. Scared of losing him like she did Darius and her ill-fated kindred bond. Never once has it even crossed her mind that I would choose to make her my first Keeper.
“Jaz, would you do me the very great honor of becoming my first appointed Keeper of Souls, a Coimeádaithe na Anamacha? I can think of no one else that would be better suited for this role. Until Lillie and Lachlan come of age and take their places, I need someone I trust in a role of Head Keeper of Souls. What do you say?” I ask smiling at my very best sprite friend. Waiting for her response.
As the realization of what I’m asking her starts to take root, she begins to dance about, hopping up and down before her wings spring forth, and she takes her sprite size, squealing in delight and fluttering about performing her mid-air acrobatics. I can’t help but laugh at her enthusiasm as does the rest of the group. As quickly as her antics begin, suddenly she is standing before me, once again in her faerie size standing by Camoryn’s side smiling but serious and she says, “It is I that am honored in your choosing me for this important role. Yes, my lady, I would be honored to become your very first appointed Keeper.” Stepping forward I place my hand just above her left breast and wait until the warmth leaves my hand to pull it back and see her Keeper marking. Once again The Tree of Life appears and at the center of the roots of the tree is the circle enclosed triquetra. The marking is somewhat smaller than the palm of my hand, and I step back to get her reaction. Jasmine looks up at me in awe and says breathlessly, “It’s beautiful.”