by Jana LaPelle
He eyes his daughter and then nods before murmuring, “Alright then, Victoria.” His expression severe.
Dagda nods in my direction and I step down to greet our guest and Lexie moves to my side, both of us holding our children. I take Lexie’s hand and squeeze it gently before letting it go and addressing the older man before us, smiling, I say in greeting, “Hello. My name is Ashlinn, and this is Alexia, she is known as Lexie to most of us. We grew up in the United States. To be exact, eastern Kentucky. Lexie is all that I have left of my family in The Mortal Realm. We were brought up together and share a bond that rivals most. You see, I was born an elven demigoddess that was hidden away on Earth for a while. Until it was time for my awakening. Both Lexie and I have a very good understanding of The Mortal Realm. While The Mortal Realm continues to war amongst themselves, we have advised the best we could until representatives could be sent to us.”
“You are just two teenage girls that know nothing of diplomacy. You lack experience and know nothing of what it takes to govern a people, the sacrifices that are required. The tough decisions that need to be made. You are not qualified to represent the people of Earth.” The sour man argues, dismissing me and all that we have lost.
Now he is just pissing me off. I step forward gaining his attention, “We have not even been introduced and you have the audacity to stand here, judging me?” I demand hotly, not really expecting an answer. “How dare you! You have no idea what I do or do not know about diplomacy. You have absolutely no clue what I or my family have been through to get to this point. Yet you stand here passing judgement on me. On my people! I suggest that you start these Accords with an open mind, sir, or we will not get very far. We fought a battle to save our Realms and yet you seek to destroy your own planet. We’ve been watching your Realm these past months, what was once my home world. The lengths that you will go to rule over one another is disheartening. I don’t know why we even bother to call this meeting between our worlds. Your attitude leaves much to be desired. You have no idea who or what you are dealing with. If the people of The Otherworld wanted to take over The Mortal Realm there would really be nothing you and your pathetic war toys could do about it. Look around you, mister, whatever your name is, we have dragons, we have gods and goddesses, there are the light and dark elves, dwarfs, Fomorian, dryads, nyads, trolls, we have sprites, and trust me… You really don’t want to piss them off. Not to mention witches, and the Druids who seek council from their Mother Druid,” I gesture to Lexie, before continuing, “And many more, so you see, you are out gunned. You are out gunned by majical creatures that you are completely ignorant of. Trust me, I’ve been in your shoes. The fae of this realm are diverse, they are fierce, and we… will… do… what we must… to protect Faerie from the likes of you and your realm. Have I made myself clear?!”
“You may not want to anger my daughter. The teenager before you is an old soul. First born of angel fire, created by our almighty Father, she has been reborn to ascend to her station. She is the Mother Keeper of Souls, the Goddess of Life. You will do well to remember your place here in our realm.” My mother is now standing and with her words all matter of light and dark fae kneel before their High Queen as she asserts herself into this meeting.
The sour man simply regards her before glaring down at me, and then looks around, seeing that he and his small group are surrounded by all sorts of fae, who look none too pleased at his audacity. Alaric has joined me, Declan now stands by Lexie, Jasmine and Camoryn have closed ranks, not to mention my Guardians. All the males are outfitted in their dress battle gear. Dagda, my father, and Tarron all step forward. The Drakon all roar in response.
Victoria moves forward to gain her father’s attention, “That is enough, Father. We are here to negotiate a peaceful existence between our world and theirs. This is not the way. I think it is high time that we outline how our worlds are going to co-exist with one another. Ashlinn is right, we need to meet with an open mind, not accusations and disdain.”
From that moment on, we were able to put our differences aside. The young people of The Mortal council are the ones that take over the meeting, forcing the older more jaded ambassadors to the background. Which was fine by me. We enter into discussions on how we will allow mortals into this realm and vice versa. We discuss if and when majic would be allowed in The Mortal Realm and where, what type of fae would be welcome and vice versa, etcetera and so on. We make it perfectly clear that The Drakon are to be the Guardians of the Veil between our Realms. No one without permission would be able to pass between the Realms. We addressed not only The Mortal Realm but the dark Fae that followed the Morrígna and how they should be handled should they be apprehended.
Both parties agreed that this would be just the beginning, that we should reconvene to reassess often to maintain peace. To continue to forge a bridge between our worlds. The first meeting of The Accords was deemed to be a success.
Epilogue
(Ashlinn)
It’s been a year and a half since our battle with The Morrígna and all of their misled followers. Those loyal to Morríganna fought until the bitter end, and our losses on both sides were immense. Since that time, the land has had time to mourn, time to heal, and time to accept change. So today is to be a day of great celebration across the land of Faerie and The Mortal Realm. Today we celebrate the accords that were signed and put into place one year ago for both of the realms. It was needed since the rift between the realms weakened the veil between our worlds. The rift was repaired between The Underworld, The Otherworld, and The Mortal Realm, but the damage had been done, and once more we are in need of the Drakon Dragons. They were the perfect choice to guard the weakened veil between our two worlds. Dray was the perfect Drakon to head up the Guardians of the Realms.
I find myself sitting in quiet reflection in the subdued library this morning. Happy memories of those we lost in order to get here haunt me today as echoes of the not so distant past are front in center in my mind. My lips tug upwards into a bittersweet smile as I remember the look on Tolin’s face when I lobbed a fire ball at his head. We were on the back lawn and he was trying to get me to blow off some steam before Tarron evoke the blood contract. That day seems so very long ago, but then again it feels like yesterday. My God… my heart still aches from his loss. It was just like him to make me promise not to mourn him. Which, by the way, was not very fair of him at all, because no matter what my mind knows to be true, my heart still hurts and mourns his loss. I miss that Fomorian Guardian warrior every damn day. I miss his calling me Little Bit and I miss the banter and light-hearted teasing between him and his brother, Torin. My TNT. We not only lost Tolin that day, but Torin as well. He has not been the same since the battle. It’s been months since we have last seen him. He sends correspondence occasionally, just to let us know he’s doing well. I can see how Torin’s absence has affected Lexie and Declan as well. He promised to come back when he was ready, and so, we wait. My only consolation to our loss is that one day Tolin’s beautiful soul will walk with us once again. He chose not to ascend to The Overworld, but rather to be ushered to the Soul Reliquary where one day his soul will once more walk this land, and I for one can’t wait to meet him all over again.
Sighing, I stand and try to put my woeful thoughts aside. Today is meant to be a day of celebration, a day of healing for all the lands. It’s a beautiful day. The sun is shining, and we’re gathering for a family celebration prior to tonight’s festivities. We are all expected to make an appearance tonight, but today is just for family. Alaric’s thoughts gently brush against my own, checking in on me. I can’t imagine having taken this journey without my amazingly handsome and loving Elf-Man. Being with him and our children have made this journey worth-while. He’s close, and I turn to watch him as he walks into the library with Lillie and Lachlan in tow. The two toddlers are animated and quite independent with their fox companions nipping at their heels. My family. They are all smiles and they’re playin
g keep away. My hand lands on my rounded belly, and I caress the child that grows there. He or she is thriving, and I smile as I’m rewarded with a staccato of thumps and kicks against the hands that I have splayed against my abdomen.
Alaric reaches me and twirls me in a circle, making me laugh, before saying, “Mo grá, look at you. You are glowing today.” Pulling away, his hand lands on my rounded bump. His eyes light up as they meet mine and his smile is radiant, his dimples popping out, and I know… I can deny this male of mine nothing. He is mine and I am his.
Smiling, I pull his handsome face to mine for a gentle kiss. As soon as his lips land on mine, I’m caught up in a tidal wave of yearning, need, and love. We deepen the kiss as we are temporarily lost in one another. Pulling away, I chuckle, a little breathlessly, and say, “You’re just saying that because you know that I will become quite unbearable to be around in the coming month as this child will more than double in size.”
“No, Ash, you know that I adore seeing you carrying my children.” Alaric takes my hand and pulls me outside. There is a picnic sat up under the bright spring sun. All of my loved ones are in attendance. All of those that remain in this realm. I smile as we approach. My mother and father are chasing after my little brother, Lexie and Declan are chasing after Sammy, which is becoming more difficult for Lexie now. She makes her way to me, a slight waddle in her gait. I grab hold of her hand and smile. Pulling her to me, I hug her close, our baby bumps collide.
She whispers, “I know. I miss them too.” We lean on one another for a moment, lost in our memories, before letting go.
Sighing, I pull away, “Lexie, come on, let’s get you off your feet.” I pat her belly and I’m rewarded with a kick, and she groans before lowering herself on the pillowed ground. Her labored efforts have her situated in a hugely pillowed area.
“Who thought having a picnic on the ground with only pillows to sit on was a good idea with pregnant females in attendance?” Lexie demands, “Well?” Her fiery temper flares as she struggles to get comfortable.
I can’t help but snicker under my breath, because it was my idea. I turn to Nym and Khatar and ask, “Can you two please go and retrieve a few chaise chairs? Before mamma bear over there finds out this was all my idea.” The two just nod and smirk before heading back to the terrace. I smile as I watch as everyone gathers around my sister, fussing over her and seeing to her comfort. We may not be blood related but our bond in sisterhood is strong. I can’t thank my mortal Mom enough for fostering our relationship. I don’t know what I would do without her. It’s hard to believe that we have been gone from The Mortal Realm for not even three years now. I don’t miss it. Not like I thought I would. The hustle and bustle, the social media, the daily news feeds. This is my home now and I love it here. My family and friends are my home, and I have found that I enjoy a simpler way of living.
Jasmine and Camoryn are absent here today. Jaz is having a difficult pregnancy, but Neamhain and Nessa are both in agreement that all is well. Her pregnancy is the first of its kind and we are all eagerly awaiting the birth of their first child. Being that she is a water sprite she has been ushered home to the sacred meadow, she is due any day now. Lexie and I vow to be there for her, and the Tree of Life has been given notice to alert us as to when our presence is needed. Jaz has been a complete bear the last few weeks and we have all vowed to give her the space she needs. Camoryn is beside himself because she has been spending most of her time either in the water or near to it. Truth be told, I miss my sprite friend but I’m eagerly awaiting the birth of her first child and I’m thrilled for her.
My visions of the future have come to fruition. Everything I saw before has come to pass, except for a few minor things. My mother and father have a child in their hands. Lexie and me, the children around us. I can’t remember the last time I had a premonition and I’m okay with that. Alaric and I have fulfilled our destiny and today we are celebrating family. We celebrate just being together and I know that I have never been happier.
I asked my parents and The Dagda about the four horseman that appeared that day overlooking the battle we fought to save the realms and they told me that they are always waiting and watching, ever vigilant. Their destiny has yet to be realized and with them will usher in the end of days, but not today. The seven seals have yet to be opened. I mean to see to it that that will not happen on my watch.
I was once asked what I would do if I knew the truth, how would it shape my destiny? I now know that the truth will set you free. Free to choose your own destiny. Its within us all to know the difference between right and wrong. Some will choose to walk a tight line in between the two, never really choosing a side, always seeing the shades of gray. Others will instinctively choose to fight for the light and others still will choose to fall to darkness and embrace the monster within. In the end, I choose the light. I choose to fight for what is right, no matter the consequences. To not do so… is to deny my truth.
THE END …
Symbolism for the series:
Kindred Book One: The fire element was to signify Ashlinn and her tapping into her ability to wield the fire element. We also must remember that fire consumes, warms, and illuminates, but can also bring pain, death, and transformation. In some cultures, it is also viewed as a symbol for wisdom and knowledge.
Chosen Book Two: The Triskele is also known as the triple spiral or Triskelion. In Chosen, Ashlinn begins tapping into her ability to wield the air element. The Triskele is a representation of motion, and for this particular book, I thought it a wonderful symbol for the air element. Many believe that it also represents progress and revolution, but furthermore it represents a forward motion to reach an understanding. Ashlinn faced real struggle in Chosen as she moved closer to her destiny. It is also believed to represent three Celtic worlds: the spiritual world, the present world, and the celestial world.
Keeper Book Three: The Triquetra or Trinity Knot, one of my favorite representations of all Celtic symbols. The continuing theme in Celtic symbolism is the number three. In Keeper, Ashlinn ascends to fulfil her role as Mother Keeper of souls. So, like the Triskele, the triquetra represents the spiritual world, the present world, and the celestial world.
Memoirs Book 3.5: By adding the circle to the triquetra, in Memoirs things are beginning to come full circle as Joanna Elam’s story is revealed.
Warrior Book Four: Awen or also known as Arwen, can be said to represent many different things but what made this symbol fit for Warrior is that some experts of Celtic symbols and their meanings have interpreted that Awen is a symbol that implies balance, between two opposing powers in the universe. It is also said that awen stands for the inspiration of truth, without awen one cannot proclaim truth. The three foundations of awen are the understanding of truth, the love of truth, and the maintaining of truth.
Glossary of Irish Gaelic Terms
Άdh mór = good luck
álainn = beautiful
athair = father
Bán = white
Caomhnóirí na Batha = Guardian of Life
Cara = friend
Cara Bán = white friend
ceann beag = little one
Coimeádaithe na Anamacha = Keeper of Souls
dathúil = handsome
deartháir = brother
deora = tears
Dorcha Forest = Dark Forest
iníon = daughter
Is breá liom tú = I love you
Lár Domhain = Middle Earth, in the land of Faerie
majic = magic (For purposes of this series, magic will be referred to as majic. The spelling is meant to be unique to the Realms of the Otherworld Book series.)
marthanais briosca = survival biscuit
máthair = mother
mo chroí = my heart
mo dorchadas = my darkness
mo grá = my love
mo ghrá = my lover
mo grhá is gaire = my dearest love
mo neart = my strength
mo solas = my light
Oighreath Mountains = Icy Mountains
spiorad ainmhí = spirit animal
Taisclainne Anam = soul reliquary (For purposes of this series, Taisclainne Anam is the realm from which the souls that are in between find safe harbor. The Mother Keeper of Souls and the Father Guardian of Life are the rulers of this realm.)
Glossary of Irish Mythology
Airmed = goddess of healing. Alaric’s mother.
Belenus = god of summer, star-crossed lovers, doomed to love Cailleach from a far.
Bridgid = daughter to The Dagda married to King Bres of the Southern Territories. Goddess of dawn and fertility.
Cailleach = ice goddess, died of a broken heart because she could not be with Belenus.
Clíodhna = goddess of love and beauty.
Cú Chulainn = Son of the god Lugh, who in a fit of anger split the Stone of Fál with his sword when the coronation stone failed to sing for his protégé. Also known as a legendary Irish mythical hero and his terrifying battle frenzy or ríastrad.
Danu = Mother goddess to the Tuatha Dé Danann. Ashlinn’s mother.
Dagda or The Dagda = High King to Faerie as well as the good god, father figure, and protector of the tribe.
Fomorians = Traditional rivals of the Tuatha Dé Danann portrayed as monstrous beings.
Ilthuryn and Talindra = The leaders of the Forrest Elves.
Lugh = sky god and father to Cú Chulainn
Manannán = sea god and foster father to Lugh and married to Fandra, Cú Chulainn’s kindred.
Myrddin = Also known as the mythical Merlin, cambion born of a mortal woman and incubus father. Known sorcerer and advisor and a good friend to King Arthur. Bewitched and imprisoned by Nimue.
The Lady of the Lake = Nimue, water deity/nymph, ruler of Avalon, and mistress of Excalibur.
The Morrígan = Queen of the Fomorians. A fate deity, foretelling doom and death in battle. Also known as Morríganna.