The House of Fire

by M. Goldsmith

  Aether felt like an oasis in a desert. The colors all around Ashlyn appeared more vibrant than she recalled. Mossy green hills, the roughened brown hues of the trees’ bark, and the brilliant blue sky filled her vision, as well as her heart. Off in the distance, she could see the Grand Lake its water glistening like a giant mirror reflecting the magnificent landscape. Home, Ashlyn thought to herself. She was finally home. The moment Hawk had appeared in her cell she knew she had been saved. When their gazes met, some of her fear slowly dissipated. To Ash, Hawk was Aether and represented all she held dear. She didn’t need a ceremony to join them; she knew she was already one with him in every sense. He was her soul, her breath, her life. Once her feet were firmly planted on Aether’s soil, the worry and despair which had overwhelmed her during her captivity began to fade. While imprisoned, Ash believed she would never see those she loved and her beautiful Aether again. As much as she attempted to bury her feelings, nervousness itched under the surface of her skin like rash. Ash needed to let the warmth of Aether shelter her and release her anxiety completely.

  Ashlyn wished Brooke was as happy to be in Aether as she was. Her friend gnawed on her fingers, her eyes darting around nervously. “It’s going to be okay, Brooke, I promise. When I spoke to my parents, they were thrilled to have you staying with us here in Aether. As soon as you get to know everyone else, you’ll see, you’ll feel right at home.”

  Brooke let out a deep sigh. “I just keep thinking they’ll all hate me because of who my father is. Coming here might’ve been a mistake. Maybe I should just leave now.”

  She started to walk back to the Hummer they had just exited when Quill gently took hold of her arm. “You’re not leaving. It’s not safe for you out there. Plus, we all want you here. You belong with us, Brooke. We never would’ve been able to save Ash if it weren’t for you. Everyone in Aether will know you’re a friend to us. It doesn’t matter who you were born to. It only matters who you are now. And, personally, I think you’re…amazing.”

  Ashlyn couldn’t believe what she heard come out of Quill’s mouth. He never displayed that kind of serious tone, and the way he looked at Brooke, well, that, too defied comprehension. Brooke looked back at Quill with the same kind of light and wonder in her eyes. Ashlyn chuckled to herself. “Oh, how the mighty have fallen.”

  “What did you say?” Quill asked.

  “Nothing, nothing at all.” Ash hadn’t realized she’d spoken out loud, and Hawk smirked right along with her.

  No one was in the parking area to greet them. Ashlyn didn’t want a big production over her return. She’d encouraged Hawk not to call his grandfather with the exact time of their arrival. Coming back home felt incredible, but she wasn’t eager to discuss the details of her ordeal just yet. Ash knew the Elders wouldn’t allow her much of a respite before they started to probe her for information. Brooke would not be immune to the scrutiny and barrage of questions either. Perhaps her friend had a right to be nervous after all. The Elders were an intimidating bunch under the best of circumstances. Ashlyn held off sharing that titbit of information. For now, she just wanted Brooke to be able to relax and see Aether the way she did; a place of warmth, comfort, and wonder. But Ash had to admit, the complete sense of security she’d always felt in Aether remained just out of reach. She wondered if she would ever feel completely safe, anywhere, ever again.

  The four walked together toward the South Tower, and Ashlyn watched as Brooke’s mouth hung open. “Oh my. It’s incredible,” Brooke said, breathless. “I can’t believe no one knows all of this is here…well, not everyone…my father knows.”

  Quill put his arm around her tenderly. “Brooke, I don’t want you to worry. We’ll find Dr. Barrington and put an end to this. You have my word.”

  Hawk held Ash’s hand as they strolled along like they were on a double date or something. It felt very natural to Ash as if they had been a foursome of friends forever. The group walked the rest of the way in silence, but Ash noticed Quill kept his arm wrapped tightly around Brooke the entire time. As they drew near the South Tower Ashlyn’s pace grew more frantic, and butterflies danced in her stomach. She couldn’t wait to surprise her parents and walk in the door as if she had never been gone.

  Ash knew her parents had been terrified by her abduction. She wanted to reassure them she was all right. Well, at least she was all right physically. Ashlyn feared her scars on the inside may never fully heal. Poor Hawk, she thought. You may very well be stuck with a lunatic forever.

  The noiseless group filed into the Tower. Voices rose from the kitchen the moment Ash stepped one foot in the doorway. Rowan’s melodic tone rushed through her like a beautiful song, drawing her in. As Ashlyn opened the door she witnessed a very familiar sight. Mica sat at the family’s table with a large mug of steaming liquid. Her mother scrambled around the vast space busying herself with multiple pans on the stove.

  The door stood open and Ashlyn stepped inside. “Mom? Dad?” Before Ashlyn even knew what happened, she was swept into a three-way hug. Her mother’s body shook, and her tears soaked Ash’s shirt. Her father squeezed her so tightly she strained to breathe.

  Rowan cried quietly as she stroked Ashlyn’s hair. “My baby, you’re really here. Thank the God and Goddess. Are you okay? Let me look at you.” Rowan took hold of both of her daughter’s hands and moved her backward to drink in her appearance.

  “I’m okay, Mom, really. I’m just glad to be home. I missed you both so much.”

  Rowan released her grasp on Ash and enveloped Hawk in loving hug. “Thank you so much, Hawk, for bringing our girl home to us.” She dropped her hold on the Protector, as if she just noticed there were other people in the room. “Oh, Quill! And you, too of course. I’m sorry. It’s all too much to take in.” Rowan dabbed the corner of eyes with her sleeve.

  Mica turned to Hawk and clasped his hand in a hearty handshake. “Thanks to all of you, our Ashlyn is home where she belongs.” He faced Brooke, addressing her. “I’m sorry to be so rude, you must be, Brooke. Ash has told us so much about you. It seems we owe you a world of gratitude. You’re a very brave young woman from what I hear. Welcome to Aether. We’re so happy to have you with us. I’m Mica, by the way and this is Rowan, we’re Ashlyn’s parents.” Mica extended his hand to Brooke.

  As Brooke took hold of Mica’s hand her eyes widened. Shaking her head back and forth, she appeared rattled. Suddenly, she blurted out, “You can’t be Ashlyn’s parents. You look almost the same age. I’m sorry, I think I need to sit down if that’s okay?”

  Quill led her to the nearest chair. “Brooke, sweetheart, you remember what we talked about? Aetherians age differently than typical humans. Rowan and Mica are most definitely Ash’s parents. I know this must be quite an adjustment for you. As soon as you get used to things around here, I’m sure it won’t even phase you.”

  Rowan handed Brooke a glass of water. She sipped it slowly and Ashlyn thought she looked a bit steadier. “Hey, Mom, it smells great in here. What did you make? I’m starving, and I’m sure everyone else is, too. How about some breakfast? We barely stopped on the way here.”

  “Of course, sweetheart. I was praying you would be here soon so I made tons of food, all your favorites. Everyone, please, sit and eat.”

  Rowan piled everyone’s plates high with bacon, eggs, pancakes, and more. Hawk and Quill dug right in. Ash watched Brooke moving the food around her plate but not actually eating anything. Brooke’s eyes darted around the room as if she were lost. Ash got up from the table and grabbed her by the hand.

  “Come with me for a couple of minutes. I want to show you something. Please, excuse us. We’ll be back soon. Save me some bacon, Mom.”

  Ashlyn didn’t wait for anyone to respond as she led Brooke up the stairs to the Tower’s Atrium. Ash closed her eyes for a moment and took a cleansing breath. She aligned the Guardian symbol on her palm with the one on the entry to the Atrium. Beams of light shone brightly between her fingers. Then, the door swung open revealing the wo
nders of the Vessel of Fire. Brooke’s lips parted slightly. She seemed stunned and was absolutely silent as Ashlyn approached the Vessel. Red and Orange flames surged up from its confines dancing high in the air when Ash approached the Vessel. When she made contact with the rough surface, she closed her eyes. A sense of completeness filled her, and the world felt right again, like the last remaining piece of a puzzle fitting into place.

  Brooke stammered, “Wh-what on earth is that?”

  “This, is the Vessel of Fire. Each of the Elements I told you about has its own corresponding Vessel. I am the Guardian of Fire. It is my destiny to be linked to this Vessel and what it represents.”

  Ash traced the symbol on her palm and then turned it toward Brooke. “I was born with this mark. It is a sign of great power in Aether. A new Guardian is born approximately every one hundred years. We pass our power and our knowledge onto the next generation when they come of age. A new Guardian was born just before I was taken. Soon you will witness the Fire Guardian Ceremony. It’s very special, and unique, and I can’t wait for you to be a part of it. I will pledge my devotion to the child and teach her all I know. It is my job to mentor her, nurture her, and guide her. This is the cycle of nature and the Elements by which we live. I’m not sure by what design you were meant to be here with us, but I know with my whole heart you belong here.”

  Brooke paled on the spot. She looked completely shocked. “I-I don’t know what to say. My head is spinning. I just have so many questions.”

  “Shortly, all of your questions will be answered. Right now, I just wanted you to see for yourself, something very few others have ever seen up close. This Vessel is the heart of the Guardian. It links us to the Element for which we possess an exceptional connection and control. Some things are simply meant to be. I was born with the symbol of the Guardian of Fire. It is my fate. In time, we will discover what divine decree is yours.”

  “Thank you for sharing this with me. I can sense the power. It’s amazing. Your world is truly special. My mother would’ve loved this. I wish she were here with us.”

  “I’m sure she is looking down on you with pride. Now, enough of this seriousness. I’m starving. Let’s go get some breakfast before the guys eat it all.”

  Allowing Brooke to go down the stairs first, Ashlyn noticed she gripped the railing white knuckled and her legs were shaking. She tried to put herself in Brooke’s place. It wouldn’t be easy to absorb all the intricacies of Aether and the power of the Elements. Time, it’s going to take some time, that’s all. She thought to herself.

  When they returned to the kitchen no one seemed phased by their short disappearance. They took their seats, and Ashlyn savored the delicious meal moaning her pleasure with each bite. Brooke’s food remained untouched. Ash watched in confusion as her friend repeatedly rubbed her hand up and down her pant leg. Perhaps it was a nervous habit Ash hadn’t noticed before.

  Always attentive to her, Quill picked up on Brooke’s odd behavior. “Brooke, try to eat something. It’s been hours since you’ve had anything. After, we can go for a walk if you want. I’d love to show you around Aether. The Elders called, and they want to speak with Ash and Hawk after breakfast.”

  “Okay. Thanks, Quill, I’d like that. I guess I’m just not very hungry. To be honest, I’m a bit overwhelmed. The food is delicious. I hope you’re not insulted, Rowan?”

  “Of course not, sweetheart. Anyone in your situation is bound to feel affected. How about I wrap up a few of my blueberry muffins for you to take on your walk?” Rowan asked, in a maternal tone.

  “That would be really nice. Thank you so much.”

  Rowan got up and put a few of muffins in a brown paper bag and handed it to Brooke. “Here you go.” She turned to Quill. “I put a bunch in there for you, too.”

  He smiled. “Thanks, so much, Rowan. Are you ready, Brooke?”

  “Yes, I’m ready,” Brooke answered. Then she diverted her attention toward Rowan and Mica. “I’d like to apologize if I don’t seem appreciative. I’m not really myself right now. But I want to thank you for making me feel so welcome in your beautiful home.”

  Rowan didn’t say anything. She simply got up and hugged her warmly. Brooke casually wiped away a few stray tears.

  When Rowan released her, Quill took Brooke’s hand and led her to the door. “We’ll catch up with you guys later. I’m going to take Brooke back to my place to rest and relax after I give her a tour. So, give me a call when you’re done. Good luck with the Elders.”

  Once they were gone Rowan sighed. “Poor sweet girl, she’s so overwhelmed. This must be a lot for her to take in.” With a big smile, she said, “Quill seems to be completely smitten with her.”

  Mica laughed. “Yes, that’s quite a change for our ladies’ man. And I have never seen him so serious before. He’s always cracking jokes.”

  Ashlyn jumped in. “And do you see the way they look at each other? There’s definitely some kind of spark ready to ignite.”

  Hawk was very quiet and his right leg bounced up and down continually. He was always so confident. She wondered if he was worried about talking to the Elders. Or maybe the loss of River was hitting him even harder than she thought. She planned on talking to him about everything as soon as they were alone.

  Just as she pondered Hawk’s state of mind, he broke his silence. “Um, Mica? Can I please have a word alone with you in the living room?”

  Ashlyn didn’t comment on the request. Perhaps he needed another man to speak to about everything that had happened. In addition, she really wanted a little time alone with her mother. The two were extremely close, and she wanted to tell her all about her new-found connection to Hawk.

  Mica led the way into the living room with Hawk at his heels. When Rowan and Ashlyn were finally in private, Rowan walked over to Ash and handed her a cup of coffee. “So?” Rowan asked.

  “What do you mean, so?”

  “Oh please, I can always tell when you have something to share with me, so out with it. No point tiptoeing around it.” With her mother’s intuition, sharp as ever, she took a seat at the table across from Ashlyn.

  “I missed you so much, Mom. I don’t want to talk about what happened during my captivity just yet. But you’re right as usual. There is something I want to talk about. Rather, someone, actually—”

  “Hawk of course. Ash, I’ve known about the connection between the two of you since you were quite young. In fact, Lark and I often joked about it. It was very plain to us you two had a unique communication even when you were toddlers. I wish she were here to see what a wonderful man Hawk turned out to be. We were such close friends, and I still miss her every day,” Rowan confessed.

  “How come you never said anything to me? I mean, if you knew,” Ash questioned.

  “Lark and I both knew one day you and Hawk would realize what a special link you were destined to share. We agreed you would each have to come to terms with it in your own time. I’m just sorry we lost her so young, and she didn’t have an opportunity to watch this magical bond blossom. I’ve watched you watching him for so long. I feared you two might be too afraid of the strength of the force which drew you to one another, and you would fight it forever.” Rowan choked up. “But when you were taken from us…Hawk, he fell apart. He was so determined to find you. I guess you being gone triggered the telepathic link for both of you. I knew this day would come, but I’m sorry that it was at your expense, sweetheart.”

  “I’ll be okay, Mom, really. It was awful, but I just want to put it behind me. I know with Hawk’s help, and with Dad’s, and yours of course, I’ll come through the other side. Hawk is amazing, Mom. It’s as if gravity is pulling me to him. I feel complete when he’s near, and when he touches me, it’s electric. I never imagined it could be like this. I love him so much.”

  “Sweetheart, I’m so happy for you both. Dad and I talked about it and we think you and Hawk need to be alone together, to grow and to bond further. I hope we weren’t being premature, but we mo
ved some of our stuff over to the old house. If you’re not ready, we’ll come back.”

  “Mom, I’m not kicking you out of our home. We can all stay here together. You don’t need to leave,” Ash quickly reassured her.

  “You’re not kicking us out, Ash. We’re moving forward, and you need to do the same with the man you love. It’s the way of things. Progressing through the many stages of life. It is the will of the God and Goddess. But as powerful as the Elements are, there is one thing even more powerful, love. Love is the greatest power of all.”

  ****

  Hawk

  Hawk could feel his stomach tighten from nerves. He needed to tell Ashlyn’s father about his intentions concerning his daughter, but that was easier said than done. Even the seasoned Protector felt intimidated by Mica’s protective nature toward his only daughter. Hawk certainly felt protective and possessive of Ash after all she had been through. He understood Mica’s desire to keep her safe. Ash had become Hawk’s entire world in such a short period of time. Though the more he thought about it, the more he realized he had always felt this way about her. Now that things with Ashlyn were out in the open, he wanted to spend every minute possible with her. After taking her to bed, he wanted to spend most of that time with her beneath him. To Hawk, nothing compared to the feel of Ashlyn’s skin, her curves, her heat.

  Mica took a seat on the couch and stretched his long legs out in a comfortable manner. “So, what did you want to talk to me about?”

  Hawk had to focus on Mica and not on the idea of Ashlyn spread out for him, or he was going to have to do some serious explaining. He took a deep breath and centered himself. “I’d like to speak to you about Ashlyn, and me…you see, sir…well…the thing is, I love her.” Hawk dropped down into the chair across from Mica. “What I mean to say is, I’d like your blessing in asking her to Join with me. There is something deep and special about our bond. She is a part of me, part of my soul. Our telepathic link has only made our feelings for each other stronger.”