by JK Ensley
“Willow, no.”
“Listen to me, Alastyn. You will ultimately break her heart. You will. The same as you have broken mine. Can you not see? Reality can never live up to fantasy.”
Willow turned to face him then, letting him finally see some of the tears she had secretly shed for him throughout the torturous years.
“Fantasy will always win,” she whispered.
Alastyn was slapped with the brutal realization of what his selfishness had caused. He had abandoned his parents, the mother he had longed for his whole life. He had left her within only days of her return. And what’s worse, he had forced Willow to do the same thing—abandon her life for his love of another woman.
I have wasted all the love and comfort of a lifetime, chasing a dream.
He wept openly.
“…Alastyn.”
“Forgive me, Willow. I am a fool.” He grabbed her hands. “Why did you not slap me long ago? I see now. All this time, I’ve needed what only you can give me, reality and purpose—a true love that has stood the test of time. Yours is the love I want, Willow. Yours is the only love I need. And… yours is the love that should be denied me as punishment for my absurd blindness.”
“Oh, Alastyn.”
He pulled her into his arms and held her tightly.
“I love you, Willow. Never leave me. Promise.”
“I… I promise.”
Right there in the middle of that forgotten forest, Alastyn finally found what he had been searching for all these many years. He found his true and lasting love.
“Well done, young man. Well done.”
The disembodied melodic voice startled the weeping couple out of their loving embrace. They searched frantically for the owner of that accent, for the speaker of those glorious words.
“We are here. We have always been here. We were only waiting for you to realize what you were throwing away… in the hopes of obtaining something that does not truly exist.”
The misty forms of countless ancient Elves stepped from behind the many trees. There were hundreds of them. They seemed to float toward the stunned couple.
“Man has not sought us out in ages. When word of your quest reached our ears, we chose to remain hidden for we could not help you. Your brave heart and valiant love have been an inspiration to our kind. Because of you, we no longer worry that man will die away and cease to be. You will continue to wage war and hurt each other, yes. But you will also continue to love and protect one another. Man’s ways remain a puzzle to us, yet we have chosen to speak to you now, brave one. Come, my son. You are finally ready to end this weary journey. And that we would be honored to help you with.”
The Elves all gathered close to the speechless duo. Clasping hands, they began singing. Their rhythmic chant soothed away all tears and doubts, soothed away all pain and regret. Their magical song wove a lasting bond between the two, tying them together for all time. All was peaceful now. Their fragile hearts were mended. Their many tears were dried. Their long years of searching were no longer wasted.
“As for the answers you once sought in earnest,” the elder Elf whispered within his haunting lullaby. “The only way to save the maiden, the only way to save Jenevier, is with extremely ancient, incredibly powerful magic. The likes of which even we do not possess. Her fate, my mortal friends, is out of your hands. Only the Angels can save her now. And then, only if she so chooses to be saved. Time will tell the truth of it.”
“I don’t understand.” Alastyn furrowed his brows. “What Angels? Tell me. Is she dead? Has she gone on to the beyond lands?”
“Be calm, valiant human. She yet lives. She is with them now. And the wind tells me… her training nears its end. Yes.” He smiled. “It will be up to the maiden how she chooses to handle her curse. Your noble efforts are now in vain concerning that tiniest of warriors. Only Jenevier has the power to break her spell. All is well, young one. Stay true to the heart that worships you, that has cherished you for so long.”
Alastyn and Willow looked to each other, squeezing their clasped hands.
“Listen well, little ones. Do not falter in your new quest to nourish the uncommon bond you two now share, and always have.”
The eerie, misty forms slowly evaporated one by one until Alastyn and Willow were left standing in the middle of the Mangladune Forest, alone.
Their first kiss… was epic.
Chapter 44
Varick
(VAH-rick)
The water was warm and soothing. Varick had wasted no time in drawing the luxurious bath she now relaxed in. She couldn’t help but smile. The delicious aroma was intoxicating and unfamiliar. The tiny white flower petals dancing upon the surface were of a species she had never before seen.
Hmm… it’s not jasmine or daisy or even some type of lily. But I know I have inhaled this amazing scent before… somewhere.
Jenevier thrilled in the exhilaration of this amazing bath, giggled with excitement at such a blissful soak after so many long and filthy days. She dove under the steaming water filling the enormous basin, and came up a new woman. Peace and serenity lifted her spirits. She smiled blissfully, resting her head on the smooth marble edge.
“You must be part Mermaid.”
The velvety voice came from deep within the shadows covering a far corner of the room. She had no idea Varick was even around. She blushed at the thought of what he may have witnessed.
“It’s not polite to spy on a lady as she bathes. Have you no decency? And… how did you know about the Mermaids?”
Varick chuckled. “Actually, I wasn’t quite finished preparing your bath. I’ve brought some lovely soaps and lotions. I wanted you to feel at home. Your comfort is foremost in my mind, Maiden. It always has been. And, I have heard Marlise accuse you of being a Mermaid many times before.”
Jenevier blushed. “Sorry I snapped at you. I truly am grateful. I guess I’m still a bit on edge. You are an incredibly kind, gracious host. Tell me. What is this glorious aroma? What are these extraordinarily beautiful flowers? And what do you mean, you heard Marlise?”
“May I approach?”
“Please don’t. Not just yet.”
“As you wish.”
“And… the flowers?”
“Those flowers bloom high in the tops of the acadia trees by the main gate.”
“I knew I had tasted that scent before,” she mumbled under her breath.
“May I approach now, Milady?”
She sank down into the waters, straining her eyes, peering into the darkness covering the edge of the enormous room.
“I wish you wouldn’t.”
“It will be rather difficult for me to supervise your lessons if I cannot even be in the same room as you.”
“It’s not that. Not truly. I mean, you are obviously real. And I’m dealing with that fact as best I can. But as long as I can hear your voice without actually seeing you, then it’s like old times. It feels like it did before Aunt Marlise got sick. Back when I was happy.”
“You can be happy again, if you so choose. I can help you.”
“That’s what I keep hearing—the Vanir can help—but it only adds to all the other things I don’t understand.”
“Like?”
“Like, what are you, really? I mean, are you an Angel?”
Varick chuckled. “Not in the traditional sense of the word, no.”
“But you are a Guardian of some kind.”
“Yes.”
“And a warrior?”
“Yes.”
“And definitely not a man. Well, not like any man I’ve ever seen. Normal men don’t have wings or long silver hair.”
“All of these things are true, Jenevier. But there is so much more. Are you ready to begin?”
“Do I have to get out of the bath?”
“No.”
“Can I wash my hair?”
“Yes.”
“Then, I’m ready,” she chirped.
Varick chuckled softly. “Very well, Prin
cess. Turn around.”
She did as she was told.
“Now, lovely lady, you may continue bathing.”
When she turned back toward the ethereal voice, a beautiful tray was sitting on the edge of the giant sunken basin. It was filled with many ornate bottles, each more enticing than the next.
“Is all this for me?”
“Yes. I have been expecting you for quite some time.” He softly cleared his throat. “And, I know what you like. I know which aromas make your heart flutter, Jenevier. I know you.”
She was taking the lids off of each bottle, inhaling one glorious scent after another.
“That may very well be. Yet I am certain I do not deserve all this. You are too kind, Varick.”
“Are you listening?”
“Yes.” She was still sniffing bottles.
“Jenevier?”
“Yes, I’m listening. Why do I feel so giddy and relaxed?”
“It is the healing waters of Vanahirdem. They restore your natural essence and relieve all pain. Mental, as well as physical.”
“Then I will need one of these after every visit from Vareilious.”
He chuckled softly. “Yes. It seems he is quite smitten with you, little one. I have never seen him so hungry for a maiden nor quite so fast to comfort one. You seem to bring out the very best and the very worst of my right-hand warrior.”
“The gods must smile upon me,” she said sardonically, rolling her eyes.
“Do not be so hasty to dismiss the consideration of one as honored and revered as is Vareilious. Half the maidens in this city would give their wings to claim such attention and raw passion from that fierce man. I will admit to you now. I was a bit jealous over that little kissing game he was playing.”
“I do not wish to sound ungrateful. Do not think ill of me.” She chose a rose-scented shampoo and continued speaking. “But, Vareilious could never own my heart. Not like Alzeen. I do believe he could be fun at times, yes. And he is truly glorious to behold. But he is gloriously infuriating at the same time.”
Varick laughed again. “Yes. It is one of his many charms, you might say.”
“So, tell me how you know me.”
“This will be a great deal to grasp so soon, lovely maiden.”
“I have grasped a great deal so far that hasn’t set well with me. Yet I still draw breath.”
“Very well… I carried you into the world.”
Jenevier was silent as she processed his proverbial words.
“So, you are the great winged cat?”
“Some people see me as such, yes.”
“Then, why did you leave me? Did you not know the troll was coming for me?”
“Well, it didn’t happen precisely that way. I stayed near as you grew. I watched over you. I was the reason Jezreel grabbed your hand on the playground that day. I convinced your parents to let you go to Tamar Broden. I was with you until Marlise’s interment. Then, I was summoned back to tend to urgent matters here. When I returned, I knew you were in great peril and oblivious to it. I entered the raven-haired boy and pushed him toward you.”
This was all too much. Perhaps she wasn’t ready to hear the truth after all. His words rocked her to the core, left her feeling empty inside.
“So, what you’re saying is… none of the relationships in my life were real? They were all a lie? It was ever only you?”
“No, no, you misunderstand. I cannot force someone against their will. But I can sense feelings and emotions. I gave a little nudge here and there. That’s all. Their feelings were their own. I only gave them the courage to act upon them. The same as I have done for you the whole of your precious life.”
“So, Jezreel and Alastyn?”
“Both are exactly as you knew them to be. I only gave a little push. They are who they are, same as you.”
“Oh.”
She exhaled audibly as her frozen heart returned to its normal rhythmic drumming.
“Although, I will admit. I would not have pushed the boy if it were not for Prince Merodach.”
She peered back into the darkness. “Why not?”
“Because, he is exceedingly fair to your eyes. And… his feelings were extremely intense toward you.”
“So? Why do you consider that a bad thing? I will never forget what I felt when I first looked into his eyes. I will always remember how his touch made my heart race.” She sighed dreamily. “He was my first love… even though it only lasted for one night. Why would you deny me that feeling? I liked it.”
“Well, I did not like it. It made me uncomfortable.”
“Uncomfortable? How so? Were you a little bit jealous?”
“Are you teasing me, fair maid? Did I just hear you try to muffle a tiny giggle?”
“No,” she lied.
Jenevier did laugh. She laughed at the thought of an angelic warrior actually being jealous. They were of heaven and probably not even capable of such a thing as jealousy. The thought brought a huge smile to her face.
If I looked like that, I would never feel jealousy toward any human. Pity, perhaps. But never jealousy.
“No,” Varick continued. “I did not feel just a little bit jealous. I was wildly jealous. I had to turn away when he kissed your shoulder. But I could still sense how it made you feel.”
She stared into the darkened corner, dumbfounded. “You… you could sense what I was feeling?” She blushed at the thought. “Apologies, Varick. It’s true. I was only teasing you. I never actually thought you would be…” She couldn’t even make herself say the ridiculous word again.
“That I would be jealous? Well, I have been your protector, your Guardian all these years. How could I not love you? In truth, I always wanted to be your first kiss. I wanted to be the one who made your insides dance around like that. Thank all that is holy he stopped before kissing your beautiful lips. I don’t believe I could have stood that. And, that is exactly why I made the teapot whistle.”
“That was you?”
“Yes, that was me. Like I said, Jenevier, I am extremely jealous concerning you.”
Then, I’m extremely glad you weren’t with me and Alzeen during my trial.
Even though she tried to hold it in, that little thought caused a tiny snicker to escape. She quickly clasped her hand over her mouth.
Jenevier knew deep down in her heart, he was only saying such things to ease her mind, make her feel more comfortable in this heavenly place. And, she loved him for that.
“You are laughing at me again, aren’t you?”
“Nope. I was laughing at something else entirely.”
They shared a playful chuckle together before she once again relaxed into the blissful warmth and began washing her long hair.
“Tell me, Varick. Do all children get carried into the world via the wings of a Vanir?”
“No, little one, only a select few. Which brings me to answer your question as to what I am, what we are.”
She placed her elbows on the marbled edge and focused on the darkness before her. She wanted to make sure she clearly understood what he was going to say. The fact these people even existed in the first place was a confusing, maddening thought.
“We are Vanir—an ancient race forged by the very hand of God, placed here to comfort and protect the innocence of this world.”
“Which god?”
“The one God.”
“Oh.” That little revelation rocked her as well.
“We live here, in Vanahirdem. We are few in number compared to the current populations. So, a select few special souls are tested and trained to carry out our great responsibilities. Even though one may be chosen by God from the beginning, life can often change people in unintended ways.”
“Meaning?”
“Meaning, some people can start out one way, and when life gets done with them… they are someone else entirely. So, even the chosen ones are tested and trained to carry out these tremendous responsibilities.”
“Which are?”
&nbs
p; “To protect and preserve innocence and love among man. Mostly, that means the precious children of the universe.”
Her heart raced with this unimaginable revelation. “So, you take care of the children?”
“Yes, the ones who desperately need us the most. We help the ones who are alone, the little ones who are unloved or mistreated by others. And yes, tiny Princess, that is why you have always treasured the youth. They are why you were born. You are meant to be Vanir. Well, trained to be like Vanir.”
Jenevier slid off the edge of the basin and sank into those healing waters. Everything he said made perfect sense. It felt right, yes, but it wasn’t even close to being possible. Was it?
“I have never heard of a chosen one who can literally hear their Guardian Vanir’s voice. And yes, I heard Marlise accuse you of being a Mermaid many times because I was sitting there with you, always. Had I known you could hear my actual voice and not just feel my intentions, perhaps things would have gone differently.” He sighed. “I am sorry your intended training has turned out as such. Ideally, you would have been gently nudged in our direction only after your own youthful innocence and gaiety had long since vanished. You should still be one of the innocents we were made to watch over. You are still very much a child. You would have been drawn to join us when you were ready, on your own terms. In truth, I have never trained one such as you, one so pure and trusting and naïve. In so doing, I fear I may irrecoverably damage what it is within you that I am sworn to protect.”
“Then, the curse…” Tears burned the backs of her eyes.
“Yes, the Prince’s curse. When you were marked, all of Vanahirdem mourned. Yet, Marlise was wise beyond her knowing. She sensed something special within you. She led you to us. And now, the decision is yours. Normally our services are sought only after such a decision has been firmly set. But you were forced here by evil, not by choice. You must now choose if you wish to stay.”
“Stay? But, where else would I go?”
“You cannot be Vanir by force or as an alternative. You must wish to be Vanir because your soul begs you to be Vanir. Does your soul ache to do the work I have told you about?”