by Audra Hart
Elias scratches his head and looks at Morna bewildered. “Morna, the Guild is our life. Because of you, we are now finally able to return to it. Don’t you see that?”
“Yes Elias, I guess that I do. Do the others that were here today feel the same way?” Morna asks somewhat skeptically. She really can’t believe that they all watched her behead the official leader of their Guild and are okay with it, with her.
“Morna, I can have our entire group convened to meet with you in your hall in five minutes. In fact, I will do that very thing. You need to see that we are firmly behind you. What happened today, had to happen. You had no other choice. We see you as our leader, period! Please meet us in your hall in five minutes.” With that Elias gets up and strides out of the family room.
Morna looks at Luca and Breena. Their support for her is obvious, but she still feels reluctant to believe that the others are so firmly behind her. Morna looks at her son Kyle when he clears his throat. “Mom, I know I am just a kid, and half mortal at that, but I haven’t sensed any disquietude among the weavers. They are all firmly behind you. They are all looking to you for guidance.”
Morna looks at Breena and she nods in agreement. “It’s true sis, you know it is. I don‘t think you really doubt yourself now, I think you are just acting out of centuries of habit. Look inside yourself. You know you are our leader.”
Morna takes a deep breath and nods at her sister. She knows that she is right, and it is time to step up and assume her responsibilities. She looks at Damian and Agnar and asks, “Can you two get Aiden ready for bed?”
Damian scoops Aiden up into his arms, and says, “I would love to!”
Morna smiles at her youngest son, and her ‘adopted son’. Damian brings Aiden to her for her to kiss and hug goodnight. “Thanks, Aideen, Breena, Luca, Rinda and Kyle need to join me in the hall.”
“Why me Mom?” asks Kyle.
“Because you are a natural Spell Weaver and you need to start your training as soon as possible. We have enough members here to select your guide.” Morna informs her son. “Besides, you need to be a part of Guild activities. You are almost a man and I believe your future is with the Guild.”
“But what if I don’t want to be a healer or a teacher?” Kyle asks quietly.
“That’s not a prerequisite for being a member of the Guild, that’s just where our talents usually lead us. Fionn builds hotrods, Rinda was a ballet dancer for years, and Brian is in private security. We don’t hold our members back to a set course. All are free to follow their own path. I dabbled in art and engineering myself,” Luca chuckles self-deprecatingly.
Kyle nods and goes to stand by his mother. Morna gives her oldest son a hug and looks to the others, “Ready?” Everyone nods and they take off for the main hall. When they arrive Morna is surprised to see Micah there too. Everyone makes the rounds greeting their friends and when Morna gets to Micah she asks, “When did you get here Micah?”
“Heimdall summoned me today. I believe I have an appointment with you for 9 pm tonight for a cursory prenatal exam, and perhaps a trip to Chicago for tests tomorrow?” Micah looks at Luca uncertainly.
“It was my idea Morna. I knew you wanted Micah to be your doctor. I wanted another opinion about your wellbeing. Do you mind?” Luca asks his mate.
“Of course not.” Morna assures him with a kiss. “Well, let’s see how this little meeting goes tonight?” Morna says quietly as she looks around the room at her friends assembled here. “I don’t want to try to make this some big formal thing, so let’s all go sit around the dining room table. I assume everyone is comfortable in their rooms?”
Brigid laughs and says, “Brynhold, Ingrid and the others are amazing! I feel like I am staying in a five star hotel.” The others agree.
Morna takes a seat at the head of the table, she asks Elias to sit at her left and Luca at her right. When everyone is comfortable Elias stands up and says, “I asked everyone to come here because Morna needs to know we support her as the leader of our Guild. Obviously, the final decision will have to come at a vote of the Elders in Airendell, but I wanted her to know that we are behind her right now, before she goes to officially address the Elders. So would all who support her please raise their hands.”
Everyone assembled, except for Kyle, raises their hands. Morna looks around and says, “Your support is gratifying, but you all saw what happened today. I beheaded our official leader, my own mother. I have qualms about me taking over for her after that. Besides, I am already the First Warrior and keeper of the Talismans. I am not sure one person should hold too much power. I think you should seriously consider Elias as First Weaver, and not me.”
Everyone starts talking at once. Morna can hear that most of them disagree with what she just said and she feels frustrated. She allows the discord to go on for a few more minutes and then she puts her fingers in her mouth and whistles loudly to get their attention. “Listen to me, friends! Think about what our mission is as Spell Weavers. We began as a guild of healers, and defenders of humanity. I know not all of us are healers, but that has always been our core mission. I am not much of a healer. I never have been. I have been a warrior since I was ten years old. Is that what we really want our Guild to be about?”
Luca stands at this point and says, “I propose that Elias and Morna share the role of leader of our Guild. Elias as the leader of the healers and Morna as the leader of the defenders. It may get tricky at times, because many of us are both, but I think it could work.”
A great deal of discussion follows this suggestion. Morna listens to it all patiently. She really likes Luca’s idea and she can tell that Elias is warming up to it as well. Morna finally stands after 30 minutes of discussion and says, “Look, we don’t have the authority to decide anything tonight anyway, so let’s just think it over and meet in Airendell in three days’ time to let the Elders decide. The Elders may reject both of us. Who knows? I am just gratified to see I have everyone’s support. I thank you for that. I really did not have another choice today. Ending the life of my own mother was the hardest thing I ever had to do, but she threatened everyone I loved, and that includes the Guild and my children.”
Morna looks around and sees the support for her actions among her peers. “However, I do have two matters I need to bring before the Guild members, and we do have enough here for a quorum to decide these matters. The first matter involves my daughter, Aideen. She wishes to become a vested Warrior of Airendell. I will see to her training. Do any have an objection to that?”
There is a few minutes of discussion and then Bronwyn speaks up, “Aideen, do you have the maturity of spirit needed for this endeavor?”
“Bronwyn, honestly I am not sure. But I think I am getting there. If Mother doesn’t think I am ready, she won’t let me undergo the fealty ceremonies and rites, you know that to be true.” Aideen says thoughtfully, and then she continues. “Mother didn’t give you the full story though, I asked her to train me because I want to help her take Kyera out for what she has done to us as a family.”
Carrick looks at Morna and asks, “I know you can’t be planning to kill her outright, at least not yourself. You would forfeit your immortality.”
“My immortality isn’t based on my ascension anymore. Look at me Carrick. This is not my ascended form, yet this is the form I have here in Asgard, and the Gateways. I suspect that I will have to undergo the ascension rite again before I could be a leader of the Guild. But no, to answer your question. I don’t plan on just killing her outright, but I will if I have to. I want to haul her before the United Council of Immortals and make her publicly answer for what she has done to me and my family.”
Morna sighs and says, “Kyera has legions of vampires in her service. Luca and Damian cannot help me because she wields the Mars curse against them. But I do have plans, but I need skilled warriors with me to carry them out. I will tell you more as I work out my plans better.”
She walks over to stand by her daughter and says, “But back
to Aideen’s situation; that girl’s life has been turned upside down because of Kyera’s curse. Aideen deserves the chance to confront her. I want her prepared properly before she does. I want her to be able to defend herself against Kyera and her vampires. And honestly, the responsibility of being a Warrior of Airendell would be good for her.”
“Well, I can’t argue with any of that,” says Carrick thoughtfully.
Fionn clears his throat and says, “Morna, I saw how strong and fast you are today, but I also remember how tough you were when you were training me. Tough on yourself and those you train. Can you safely do that and carry that baby?”
Micah laughs and says, “Luca can weave a protective spell that could protect her uterus and the baby growing inside from a nuclear attack. I haven’t examined her yet, but I am sure he can do it and keep the little guy safe. You have all heard Elias piss and moan because she heals so fast and ignores her doctor‘s advice.” Everyone has a good laugh at that, and Elias puts his big brother in a headlock for it.
Enya has been silent during all of this part of the discussion and now she gets up and walks around the table to Aideen. Aideen turns to her and Enya takes her hands into her own. “Aideen, you know I love you, right?” Aideen nods and smiles at the tiny brunette Spell Weaver and Warrior. Then Enya continues solemnly, “Can you swear to me that you will never, ever attack your mother again like you did on the plain in Middle-world? I’ll be honest with you, I wanted to tear you apart for what you did that day.”
Aideen ducks her head and then looks back at Enya, “I love Mama. I honestly do. But more than that, I am growing to respect her more and more all the time. I won’t ever turn against her like that again, I am sure of it.”
Enya looks into Aideen’s eyes for several moments, and then she turns her attention to Kyle. “Kyle, you are empathic, right?” When Kyle nods, Enya continues; “I hate to put you on the spot kid, but is your sister telling the whole truth?”
Kyle nods and smiles. “She means every word that she is saying.” He says with confidence.
“I agree with Kyle,” Says Breena. Then she laughs and says, “Not that you asked me Enya.”
“Sorry Bree, but I know you adore Aideen. Besides, Kyle hasn’t had hundreds of years to be charmed by her like you have, I wanted his opinion.” Enya says softly. “Thanks Kyle.” Enya kisses Aideen on the forehead and walks back to her seat.
Elias looks around at the group and says, “Shall we vote?” When everyone nods he says, “All those in favor of Morna training Aideen to become a Warrior of Airendell say, Aye. Any opposed, say Nay.” Everyone says Aye. “Okay, that’s settled. Morna you are free to train Aideen whenever you are ready. What was the other matter you wanted to bring before us?”
Morna walks around the table to her son. “Kyle needs a lore parent and ascension guide. He needs a chance to get to know all of you so that he can choose who he wants to work with him. Anyone opposed to that?” Everyone shakes their head. “Good, we saw today that he is a natural, just like I was. He is also empathic, so he has valuable skills, and I know how mature he is, I think he can be responsible for selecting his own guide. I suggest we give him a couple of days to make that decision. Okay?” Everyone agrees.
Kyle clears his throat, “Uh Mom, no offense intended to anyone here, but I already know who I want to be my guide. Is there any rule against my Dad being my guide? I really want Luca to do it.”
Elias chuckles and says, “Good choice kid. But traditionally speaking, a lore parent and ascension guide is usually a First Order Weaver.”
“True,” says Brian thoughtfully. “But as you said, that is tradition, not a rule. And those of us who were alive when Luca ascended know that Magdrid and the Elders held him to Second Order out of prejudice because he was an outsider, not because of his abilities or his pureness of spirit. I can’t think of anyone who would be better to lead this boy in our ways.”
Kyle looks at Luca, “Dad, do you want to do it?”
“Son, I would be honored, if the quorum permits.” Luca says with a big smile on his face.
Morna smiles and says, “Shall we vote? All in favor of Luca being Kyle’s lore parent and ascension guide please say Aye. Any opposed, please say Nay.” Everyone says, “Aye.”
Morna looks at her son and her mate proudly, “Well, that’s settled. Do we need to address anything else tonight as a quorum or can I go keep my appointment with my OB/GYN?”
Everyone laughs at that, and Fionn says, “Please, go check out our newest member. I want to make sure Mama and the little bugger is okay. I’ve been worried ever since I heard you were pregnant.”
“Good!” laughs Morna. “Heimdall, Gullveig, and my Father all just arrived, I guess it’s that time.” Morna turns and hugs Elias and few other Guild members standing near her. “Thank you all for your love and support. I am so glad to be back with all of you.”
Micah comes up and says, “Let’s go, Pretty Morna. I have set up an exam room in one of your guest rooms. Gullveig is here to consult with me. I guess Heimdall and your father are here for moral support.” Micah turns to Breena, “I guess it may be too early to examine you, but we can if you want.”
Breena blushes and then shrugs, “I don’t know…”
Damian had joined them by now and says, “I wish you would. Just to be careful, you know?”
“Damian are you going to be overprotective?” Breena asks with a laugh.
“Hell yeah, Babe!” Damian concedes. He looks into her eyes and brushes his knuckles gently from her cheek to her chin; “Babe, if you are carrying my child, it’s serious business. I know it could be dangerous to you. I will be very protective, just get ready for it.”
Morna laughs, and says, “Well Micah, you have your work cut out for you.” Morna follows Micah to an empty guest room and is surprised that it is filled with all the trappings of an OB/GYN exam room. “How did you transport all this here?”
“Heimdall did it. He wants Luca to be assured that you and the baby are healthy. I brought the ultrasound, but honestly, I doubt it will penetrate the amniotic sac after the discussion I had with Gullveig, but I still want to try it.” Micah informs the mother to be. “I will leave you to get undressed for the exam.”
While Morna is changing into the exam gown, Luca, Gullveig, Heimdall, Valliant, Breena and Damian are waiting in the hall. Micah looks at Gullveig thoughtfully, “I have been meaning to ask you Gullveig; how do you know so much about vampires impregnating human women? I wasn’t even certain that it was possible myself.”
“I used to live in Midgard. I love it there. That’s where I developed my fondness for vampires as lovers.” Gullveig adds with a chuckle. “But I heard rumors of a vampire that was going around romancing human women and engaging in intercourse with them. Unfortunately, not all of them survived the encounters. Anyway, I trailed this monster across Europe. I came across a young girl who had survived the encounter and was with child. The pregnancy progressed at an alarming speed. It damn near killed her. It took all my talent as a healer and hunter to keep her alive. I finally fed her blood, it kept her going until she was able to deliver. I guess I should have already warned you, Morna will not be able to get enough nutrition from food, and will probably start craving blood any day now. She should hunt with you, Luca. It will keep her stronger and keep the baby strong.”
“Does that mean the baby will be a vampire like me?” Luca asks, his voice heavy with sadness.
“Not exactly. The child will be an Immortal like you, but he should be more like Morna is. The three I have delivered have all been capable of surviving on human food, but did prefer to hunt animals, like you do, for their sustenance. Males are venomous and females are not. They reach adulthood in about six to eight years.”
“What about delivery? Did you have to deliver the children by C-section?” asks Micah.
“Yes, I did. I almost lost the first mother because I didn’t realize the baby’s instinct is to chew his way out of the amniotic sac an
d womb. Morna’s child will have teeth like his parents, and we don’t want him chewing on Morna’s insides to get out. The amniotic sac is like a vampire’s skin. Nearly impervious to everything, except other vampire’s teeth. But I found a Stone Breaker and had him bless a knife for me, it easily cut through the sac. Maria or George could bless any scalpels that you might need Micah.” Gullveig informs Micah.
Morna opens the door and looks at Micah. “Let’s get this exam done. Now that I have heard you guys talking about hunting, I am eager to go do it. I am craving something and have been so thirsty for days… maybe hunting will help.”
Micah looks at Luca and Gullveig, “If Morna doesn’t mind, I want you two in there with us. Luca you will probably need to put a spell on her uterus like you did her brain. I am worried that with her history of uterus ruptures, there may be a congenital defect of some sort. Hopefully, the ultrasound will answer that question. Gullveig, I want you there because of your experience with these kind of pregnancies.”
After the physical exam, measurements, and pelvic exam, Micah tries the ultra sound. It will not penetrate the amniotic sac as he had feared, but it does give him a look at her uterus and confirms his fears. “Okay, here’s what I know. Morna you seem to be perfectly healthy right now. The baby, from what I can tell is healthy. His heart rate is really fast, but I guess you know that. I am not surprised by that, because your heart rate is faster since you were exposed to the venom. I guess it’s just the normal for this situation. Going by measurements, I would say you are 13 to 16 weeks along. Does that jive with date of conception?”
“Yes,” say Luca. “It has been thirteen days since we left Chicago.” He squeezes Morna’s hand and they share a smile.