Aaron took both of Nia's hands in his and she felt herself tremble, she wasn't scared so much as weighed down by the seriousness of what they were doing. She figured as her Guardian, Aaron would put his life on the line and she wasn't sure how she felt about that factor.
"I do... accept I mean.” she said automatically, with fully blushing cheeks. Aaron grinned broadly and gave Nia’s hands a squeeze.
Lilly took the golden cord she'd removed from her drawer and she began to speak sounding very official, "On this day we are gathered to complete that which fate has blessed.", she grabbed their joined hands and began to wind the cord around them. It shimmered and their skin started buzzing with heat.
"Repeat after me, Aaron." He nodded.
"I, Aaron Alexander Pierce vow to protect you Epifania Marguerite Du Monte De La Garza, laying down my life and all that is necessary to complete the given task. I promise to protect your fate and your future.” he repeated the words without question or hesitation and with a grin. His eyes were full of a seriousness Nia recognized as determination and his eyes shimmered with wetness.
Nia gasped as her wrists began to feel pressure and intense heat.
"Nia, repeat after me," she nodded at Lilly shaking like a leaf.
"I, Epifania Marguerite Du Monte De La Garza swear to honor my Guardian's vow. Aaron Alexander Pierce, I accept your promise to protect me in my fate and my future."
While Nia repeated the words their tattooed wrists began to glow and Nia yelped. You could see the glowing light going from the cord into their skin sizzling and hissing. The intricate designs made their way around each wrist encircling them completely then going up slightly from where Aaron’s were before.
His breathing was heavy and Nia felt like she might pass out if it got any more intense. Her original tattoo remained untouched only linking with the rest as the center glowed a pale blue, contrasting the golden light running through the rest of it. It looked like liquid gold was etching their promises onto their skin.
As Lilly slowly unwrapped the cord she spoke softly, "From this day forward the two of you are now joined as one, connected in body, mind and soul. An unbreakable bond that will stand the test of time."
She then bowed her head with the cord in hand as the glowing dimmed and the beauty of their markings were all that was left.
Lilly remained silent as Aaron looked at Nia and thought, 'I wish you knew how much I care about you.’ Nia's eyes widened.
'Did I just hear you in my mind?’ she thought directing it at Aaron.
'It figures. That was embarrassing.’ he sent back with a chuckle.
She smiled wide slowly releasing their hands. 'I care about you too.'
He grinned and Lilly cleared her throat.
"Okay then, you should be able to communicate without speaking but no worries you will learn to put up a shield from each other in time. That way you do not annoy one another. Believe me it can be tiresome worrying of what another may think of your thoughts. I have been bonded for years. I would have banished my Guardian long ago had we not learned to filter our thoughts.” She said with a look of disdain on her face. “Eric will teach the both of you these things. He will also help you, Nia as your many gifts begin to emerge."
They nodded once again barely sparing Lilly a glance, staring at eachother and feeling the new connection they listened as best as they could. "Aaron, as for you, Eric and Darragh will be able to assist you in the ways of the Guardian. You do after all have only days before your journey begins.” she placed a hand on each of their shoulders as they turned to face her.
"I know you are taking a leap of faith here trusting us with things you don't know yet, believe me I wish that were not the case.", she gave them a teary eyed grin.
As if on cue, Eric entered the room with Darragh close behind with a look of urgency crossing his rugged features.
"We must go now. I have been informed that Eliara is en route to have audience with you, Your... err I mean Lilith." Darragh said actually blushing a little at his stuttering ending.
Nia looked at Eric questioningly but he only afforded a tight smile.
Eric went directly to her and Nia automatically handed him her left wrist. He glanced at Aaron's wrists and sighed lightly looking away quickly with his jaw working. His sadness was evident as he rubbed his thumb over their mark sending shivers down Nia’s spine. Gently putting the bracelet back in place, sealing it once more then placing his hand over the blue stone.
"My vows remain and will stand the test of time.” he nodded and the blue glow between his fingers started to dim. He let her wrist fall to her side and went to stand with Darragh looking like a soldier wearing his mask that showed no emotion.
Lilly spoke quickly, "Leave out of the back door and be safe. All of you. I trust you have everything you need?” she said looking at Darragh and Eric. They bowed slightly, "Yes.", they answered simultaneously.
"Oh yes, I have produced a glamour to protect you from discovery or tracking by anyone. It will last until you have met your destination unless something goes wrong. Eric will be in charge of that but I warn you it isn't completely impenetrable so you must be aware at all times. As I said before he will be training you both in the ways you need most. You will have the protection of Avery and Darragh on your journey at any time for anything. Please, please do anything that Eric asks of you in desperate times, I assure you it is for your own safety." She said rushing them all along.
Walking to stand directly in front of Aaron, Lilith spoke low. "I hope you are adjusting properly to your newfound gifts. Eric, Darragh and Avery can help to explain it all to you and Nia. Now you must go. Eliara approaches."
And with that Darragh and Eric went to the bookcase, each had a large duffle bag with them. Darragh took a book from the shelf and reached behind where it had been.
With a small click the bookshelf opened right up the middle. They passed through and followed close behind Darragh as Eric trailed behind. Lilly clicked the secret door back into place and dim lights were all they had. They reached a wall and it had nothing on it at all and Nia and Aaron glanced at each other.
"What the..", Nia's words were cut off as Eric placed his hand on the wall and golden light seeped in through what looked to be the cracks of a doorway.
"It's time to go." Eric said without looking at Nia. Darragh spoke up then.
"I will lead you through once again and Eric will meet us on the other side." they went through the door hurriedly and were standing once again in Aaron's living room. Darragh walked up to them and asked, "Ready?” he looked to both of them for confirmation.
They both nodded and Nia felt a touch and then pressure but so did Aaron, ‘That’s crazy. She could feel him now? 'That has to be the bond.'
Blinking repeatedly Nia felt like they were back and moments later she could hear Avery talking. Aaron rubbed his eyes and focused quickly going to Nia's side.
Darragh and Avery were busily packing stuff up.
"Well you will have to inform your friend of the company on your journey Nia and we must think up a more suitable name for Darragh. Hmmm.” Avery said clearly amused tapping a finger to her chin like she was deep in thought.
Darragh was the first to speak up, "A name, seriously. What is wrong with the name I have?”
Laughter bounced off the back wall as Avery doubled over laughing. “Seriously Darragh? I mean it would work with the mortals for a last name. Sometimes the last name is used for a nickname if you'd have a problem remembering that you're Bob.” she nearly spat as the next laugh seemed to force its way out of her.
Speaking up Nia suggested, "How about Sean, Darragh? It'll go with your accent but you'll have to say you grew up in Scotland not that it would be far off. Maybe moved over here when you were a teenager?" Darragh smiled
"That's fine Nia, great thinking and I am from around Scotland any way. So you will introduce me as Sean Darragh and simply call me Darragh. Brilliant!"
Eric hung back in the sha
dows watching her from afar, he hadn't seen Avery since the day before his banishment. There she was, his best friend, he never thought he would get to see her again let alone hug her. He wanted to go to her and squeeze her tight but he wouldn't do that with Darragh around, no. Darragh answers to Lilith and that would be dangerous for them both for her to know they held any sort of affection for each other.
Avery smacked Darragh, "That was my idea!” he smiled what Nia assumed to be a rare smile.
Nia thought for a moment.
"As a matter of fact you should all have back stories ready because Rhea is super nosy." she said with a laugh.
"Aaron, are you okay?” Avery asked.
Turning towards him Nia was surprised to see that he looked pale and frozen with shock.
"Avery did you just say mortals," he said gulping and dragging out the last word like it was sticky, "As in whatever we are it's not mortal?” he nearly stuttered out.
Avery froze all eyes on her, "Crap.", was her immediate response.
"Look I can tell you that myself and Darragh here, are not mortal. As for you two I'm not permitted to say either way, I'm sorry.” she hung her head and continued packing up their equipment.
Shaking his head with his color coming back slowly Aaron said, "This sucks. I cannot wait till someone is finally permitted!" then he went to stand beside Nia who was staring at her wrists.
She could feel heated vibrations where Aaron's shoulder came close to hers. She'd have to get used to that. She felt mildly bad for Eric, he looked pained every time he looked at her bond marks. He had a duty to protect her so she understood that part. They were bound by an oath, not some sort of cosmically destined love, right?
Clearing his throat, Eric seemingly appeared out of the shadows. "I will see you both tonight and I am going to link your dreams when you decide to sleep. Then I can show you some stuff you will need as soon as possible."
There was a loud crash and Eric turned to Avery whose jaw was practically on the floor at the sight of him.
Eric spoke to her softly.
"We need to find a place to stay for the rest of this week.” she just nodded with tears threatening her strong resolve. She made it a point to build up the façade she had. She was the strong one but he was right there in front of her and she was ecstatic!
"Already on it.", Avery said and winked at him her smile lighting up she bent over to pick up the equipment she had dropped on the floor at the sight of him.
Aaron left Nia and went to shake the other's hands. Darragh gave him something that looked like a cell phone and he stuffed it in his back pocket. Then gave him a sheathed dagger that Nia was sure turned into a behemoth sword like Avery's. He handed it back to Darragh and took off his hoodie.
That definitely gained her undivided attention. His t-shirt hugged his body in places where there was clearly muscle. His blue eyes shone when he caught the grin on her face while looking at him. 'I saw that.' he teased through the bond. She wondered if she could stick her tongue out at him without anyone seeing.
He was quite beautiful to look at with eyes as blue as a bright sky on a cloudless day tinged with green making them look a bright turquoise. His tattoos really were awesome, she would have to inspect them closer sometime. 'Oh crap!' she thought as she saw his smile widen at that. She felt her cheeks heat just thinking about him hearing it.
She watched on in wonder as Darragh placed his hand over Aaron's hands with the dagger between and a faint glow came from the dagger itself. Aaron closed his eyes and seemed to be repeating something after him and Nia was so mesmerized that she didn't notice that Eric had moved towards her.
Taking her left hand he placed his over the blue stone and looked deeply into her eyes. Her wrist got so hot she was surprised it didn't burn but she couldn't look away from those seas of pale blue now staring at her. "I am bound to you on earth as in dream and I will protect you always.” he quickly whispered brushing her chin with his fingertip.
Nia blushed and he smiled that brilliant smile lighting up his features and reminding her why she had nearly kissed him before, showing off the crinkling scar over his cheek. The urge to kiss him was like a gravitational pull that she couldn't resist. All it took was focusing her eyes on what or rather whom was in the background as Aaron nodded while Darragh spoke to him.
Eric spoke a bit louder than before, "I will not be far from you at any given moment. If you place your hand over that stone and whisper what you need from me, I will hear you every time." He gave her tingling hand a squeeze, "Be safe Nia. This will help you to block any thoughts you don't want to share.” he said handing her a necklace with an amber stone in it.
She smiled full on, clearly happy about that.
"You will have to specifically direct a thought at Aaron to get it to him when you have this on." He backed away not losing eye contact.
Nia smiled a big smile, "Thank you Eric,” he just nodded.
Glancing at her and Eric, Avery was clearly trying to figure out what was going on.
Coming to Nia's side with the dagger firmly secured to his waist Aaron swung his arms up to put his hoodie on while Nia stared marveling at his tattooed flexing arms and the way his shirt moved over his chest. He zipped it partway up over his black t-shirt and stood close enough for Nia to feel a spark at his proximity.
Avery came to talk to them both. "I will be in touch. Oh and act casual if I approach you on the street. We are supposed to be friends. And Dar... I mean Sean too." she chuckled.
Nia and Aaron voiced an echoed, "Okay."
"I will send you any details you will need on the communicator." Darragh said, all business.
"It's called a cell phone Sean...” Avery teased him glancing at Eric again.
"Let's go,” Nia said as she turned smiling at Aaron.
"Okay.", he said giving the group a final wave.
They walked quietly to the car and got their stuff out of the trunk. They got in her car and left.
Nia started driving towards town.
"Where to now?” Aaron asked.
"Umm… I don't know really, what time is it?" Nia asked looking at the dash and the time read, six thirty p.m.
"Wanna see something awesome?” she asked and he smiled then.
"Of course.” Aaron sighed and grabbed her free hand "Let's enjoy the rest of what may be the last normal day we have. What do you think?"
Nia thought for a moment. Things were about to drastically change, they already had really. So they may as well enjoy this less chaotic time. "Might as well!” she agreed enthusiastically.
Promising herself to enjoy the rest of their day or date or whatever this was turning out to be while they still could Nia smiled and decided to shake off all of her shock and confusion for the time being.
Glad to have her close, he couldn't believe how this was turning out, all drama aside. Their feelings were mutual, he thought as he laid his head back on the seat and closed his eyes as Nia put the windows down. The sun was still shining right before twilight. Aaron sighed content and happy for now.
Meanwhile Darragh and Eric were loading the van as Avery was packing up the last case. She bit her lip as everything came flooding back just seeing him here in the flesh. How she'd wanted to tell Eric some things before he left for good and now she had her chance but she'd find out why he was here first and what his attachment to Nia was.
If Aaron was her Guardian perhaps Eric was her Protector. 'Not that his name was even Eric.' she thought smirking.
"This one's ready", she said tapping the case she'd just latched. Eric came over to get it himself as Darragh was loading.
"I know you have questions... But please not around Darragh. Okay?” Avery nodded not being able to make her cracking voice work.
'This is going to be a long ride....’ she thought taking the driver’s seat.
Chapter 6
"Are you hungry?" Nia asked pretty much knowing the answer to the question.
"I could definitely eat, we di
d skip lunch," he pointed out as she smiled at him.
"Okay, I know the perfect spot to pick something up," she told him happily. "And Aaron?”
"Yeah?” he turned in his seat towards her.
"Let's not talk about all of the crazy crap right now. Okay?” she asked sincerely.
Aaron knew this was a lot for her if it was overwhelming him. "Okay. Promise.” was his response.
They stopped by a rickety white building that looked like an old house and smelled like heaven. A sign hung crookedly above the door and it said 'Dirty's'. They went in and she laughed as the screen door squeaked all the way open. Ordering their food they were given a felt tip pen to write on the wall. The hard part was finding a spot!
Aaron spotted the perfect spot where he was sure their names would fit. Nia snagged the pen. She wrote, 'Nia + Aaron'. She giggled drawing a circle around it. "So they know we were here together!"
True Fate Page 10