True Fate

by Varadeaux, Shayna

  She gave a small grin and told Adam, "How's Rhea been treating you at work? I know she's a slave driver!” she laughed.

  "Oh, it's great I think she's just worried I'll screw everything up but I'm a quick learner, I'd be more worried about Suzy.” Adam said still smiling.

  Aaron put the car in gear and looked straight ahead silent. Nia thought it was cute and she felt in the bond that he wasn't happy to be feeling what he was feeling. He really was a great guy.

  "Well I'll be back later today actually to make sure Suzy has it together. See you then?” she asked getting back in the car.

  "Yeah I'm on my way back now. I forgot my phone and your dad was kind enough to let me come back to get it," Adam said sheepishly. He gently tapped the side of the car, "Guess I'll see you later Nia. Bye Aaron, nice meeting you."

  And with that Aaron pulled away from the gas station a relieved small smile on his face thinking it was silly that he felt relief that there was no longer another male around Nia. He really didn't like this new discovered possessiveness. He shook himself internally, begging his mind to move on. Nia giggled beside him.

  "What's so funny?” he asked.

  "Umm I think it's cute that you're jealous, but Adam really is like a brother to me. You really don't have anything to worry about.” she said letting out another small giggle.

  "I'm glad this is funny to you. I'm pretty annoyed with myself.” he said with a sigh. "I'm really not the jealous kind Nia. I swear.” Aaron explained, "I'm really sorry.” he added.

  "Oh no it's fine like I said, very cute.” she said patting his hand. She heard a small growl through the bond and giggled yet again giving his hand a slight squeeze and let her head rest on the seat. They were almost there, the annoying GPS lady said so.

  "Nia, I have something to tell you. I'm just not sure how much I physically can, I guess but hopefully all of it," Aaron said glancing at her sideways.

  "I'm all ears.” she said angling her body towards him.

  "I dreamed last night or this morning, whatever it was.” he said moving through traffic.

  "Okay.", Nia said curiously. Aaron blew out a long breath.

  "I met with my grandmother who I thought was deceased or maybe she is, I really have no clue. I just know she was there. She's some sort of lost queen, or something like that. She asked me if I wanted to know who I really am and what my future is." He said glancing again at Nia.

  "Wow! Holy crap! That's great what did you say?” she asked eagerly.

  "I asked her if I could tell you everything I learned and she said no, so I declined, for now. And before you say anything. At the risk of overstepping here, I just didn't want to start our relationship with lies."

  Nia went from bewildered to ecstatic. That had to be the sweetest thing she'd ever heard. He turned down getting all the answers to his questions for her. So he wouldn't hurt her with lies.

  "Aaron, you're crazy, but that was very sweet of you. Thank you.” she said lifting his hand and rubbing it on her cheek. He sighed in relief, enjoying the feel of her soft skin on the back of his hand and he was happy he was even able to tell her. The secret would have eaten him alive.

  'Beep', Nia's phone was buzzing in the middle console. It was Rhea.

  Rhea: NIA WTH!!!??? I thought u were going to spill about the rest of the date. You owe me time! I will b @ wk. Adam just told me he saw u with Aaron. I expect full disclosure for why you snuck out on me you hussy!

  Nia: LOL! You sound a bit psycho ya know! I love you! Please forgive me. I'll be there after lunch. <3

  Rhea: Grr, okay FINE! TTYS! Love you too!

  "It was Rhea, I forgot to clue her in on my disappearance.” Nia explained as Aaron was pulling into a driveway.

  "We're here.” he said. They really didn't know why they needed to meet but hopefully it was nothing bad. Eric had told them to go around the back so they pulled behind the house and knocked on the back door.

  Avery answered, "Hey guys.” she said smiling a tight smile.

  'That can't be good.’ Nia thought.

  She led them to the living room where Darragh and Eric were in a hushed conversation.

  "Hey.", Eric said and Nia gave a small wave and smile.

  "Is everything okay?” Aaron asked looking from Darragh to Eric and back again.

  Eric motioned to the couches, "Have a seat.”

  Nia grabbed Aaron's hands and sat and she noticed both Avery and Eric had opted for long sleeve Guardian wear covering their markings and their hands were sheathed in what looked like a sort of armor, it completely concealed them. Darragh was dressed the same so she supposed it was just a coincidence but thought maybe it had to do with not showing their promise marks off.

  'Hmm, they have their promise marks covered. Coincidence?’ she asked Aaron through the bond.

  'Maybe let's just not take the chance.’ He sent back tugging at his left sleeve subconsciously. Nia had covered their markings this morning with tattoo covering makeup she'd bought a while back for work. She had an uneasy feeling about Darragh, but wasn't sure. With all the craziness she guessed you couldn't be too careful.

  "Aaron, Nia.” Darragh said nodding cordially. "I have news from Lilith. She says she needs you to embark on your journey Saturday instead of Monday. She is worried that the glamour is not going to hold until Monday. Plus she says she thinks Eliara has found out that you have been located.” he said firmly.

  "Okay I will have a talk with Leo.” he said turning to Nia who was nervously biting her lip, she'd need to talk to Rhea today about everything and see if they could swing it.

  Then there’s the fact that her parents may protest she just wasn't sure.

  "I'll try. That's all I can promise for now.” she said hesitantly. Aaron gave her hand a squeeze then let it go.

  "Okay other than that I was told to arm you Nia. And I will need to give you a quick lesson with the weapon, also we are going to tap into one of your more useful abilities. We will be close by all day. Don’t hesitate if you need to contact us.”” Darragh said.

  Nia was curious about this weapon. She went to the shooting range all the time and she could handle her .45 like nobody's business, so having a gun would be awesome. But she guessed you couldn't take care of otherworldly things with a gun. She followed Darragh to another room with a sigh, Aaron followed and no one stopped him and she was glad for that too.

  Darragh opened a case that sat on top of a neatly made bed. Inside sat three small daggers and one about a foot long. He took out the foot or so long one with a golden hilt. "This is a Dirk or Biodag, it's an heirloom of yours actually.” he said gently placing it in her outstretched hands. She looked at it with awe and appreciation. The opalescent sheath was encrusted with tiny gems mixed throughout and wrapped around with gold surrounding the shimmering white. The handle was ornate and intricate twisted gold with a bone white surface. It was dotted with what looked like tiny rubies throughout. It had a good even weight to it and she was sure she could use it successfully.

  "It's beautiful.” She placed her hand on the hilt and began to pull. It glowed a faint white light barely peeking out when Darragh stopped her, "Be patient.” he said smiling and taking it back from her.

  "And these daggers as well.” he said waving his hand over the smaller knives. Equally adorned in gold and jewels.

  "They're beautiful but where am I supposed to keep them? I mean concealed on me?” she asked eyes wide.

  "They are glamoured and will appear and disappear when you need them. Here, this is an ancestral ring.” he said placing a ring in her hand. It was a delicate golden band with tiny diamonds on the thin band and a deep red ruby set in it. He placed it on her ring finger on her right hand.

  Nia could hear many whispers as a wind that shouldn't be there whipped her hair up and swirled it around her face. She gasped at the sudden action and felt a tingle from the ring and deep in her belly.

  Mesmerized Aaron had never seen anything as beautiful as Nia right now, with a lo
ok of wonder in her eyes. His adoration for her was definitely strong. She snapped her head up and opened her mouth in what looked like a silent scream. A stream of light shot out of her lips, it wasn't blinding though, it was luminescent.

  It stopped abruptly and Aaron saw the light leave her eyes before she fell, and he swept in to catch her crumpling form.

  "What did you do to her?” Beside them in a flash Eric seethed at Darragh, jumping to his feet and tackling him.

  Hollering for them to stop Avery tried to get Eric off of Darragh who was trying to tell him, "She'll be alright!"

  Nia floated in a black void, slowly falling a cool breeze was flitting around her. She was so relaxed her entire body felt see through. She heard a faint voice desperately calling her name.

  "Nia!” Aaron said with tears flooding his eyes.

  "What the hell Darragh!” he spat as Eric was letting him up and Avery stood wringing her hands clearly concerned.

  Darragh wiped blood from his lip and nose. "Look I realize you are all worried. I wasn't certain how she would respond to the old magick but I assure you she will be fine, maybe a little better than fine.” he said looking at them all non plused.

  Avery had her arms crossed and eyes narrowed at Darragh. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?” she asked with her patience wearing thin.

  "You could have warned us of the possibilities!” Eric growled at Darragh clenching his fists and contemplating attacking him again.

  Aaron sat with his legs outstretched and Nia's peaceful form laying in his arms. He rocked her like a baby slow and gentle, he'd never been so scared.

  "Nia, please... come back to Me," he whispered brushing her hair out of her face.

  Nia thought as hard as she could directing comfort and even love towards Aaron, 'I'm alright, Aaron. It's okay.’ she whispered into the bond. 'Tell them I'm fine.’ she sent. She felt him relax and the darkness began to lift. She saw a pale blue sky forming overhead and felt grass come up through her outstretched palms. She was laid softly down on the grass courtesy of the wind. She sat and tried to focus but her eyes had a hard time adjusting. What looked like the form of a woman was walking towards her.

  Aaron spoke somewhat defeated, "She says she's okay. And to tell you", he said looking at Eric, "she's okay. She sounded very, um, relaxed.” he said searching for the word.

  Darragh smiled and Eric nodded a tight nod and began to pace. "Darragh explain, now.” he said through gritted teeth.

  ###

  "You may want to sit down." Darragh said with a nod.

  "Oh my darling Nia! I am so happy to finally meet you!” the dark haired woman said to her offering a hand to help her up. Nia took it and slowly stood.

  "Why am I here?” Nia asked.

  "There are things you need to know and I am going to tell you.” she said simply smiling radiantly. "Shall we sit?” she asked.

  "Okay.", Nia replied sounding a bit reluctant.

  "Please do not worry my dear I mean you no harm.” she assured her.

  "I'm Deirdre, your grandmother.” she said as if everyone should know.

  Nia blinked, "What... my.... are you sure?” she asked dumbfounded.

  "Yes and if you stop thinking and feel right here…” she said placing a hand on Nia's abdomen, "you will know it beyond any shadow of doubt. You have many untapped abilities my dear,” Deirdre added in a matter of fact tone.

  Nia stood there stunned, the woman she was looking at didn't look a day over twenty five, beautiful silky hair and fair flawless skin. "Ahh! I see you have the ring, good, good! That must be what brought you to me. Hmmm.” she said tapping her chin as she thought, interrupting Nia's wonder about what she was seeing.

  "I'm glad I'm meeting you, Deirdre, really, but what abilities are we talking about? And aren't you a little young to be a grandmother?” Nia asked tilting her head eyeing the woman skeptically.

  "Oh, thank you, age is not an issue or rather aging, not for me anyway. You will learn about that soon enough! Now! Where were we? Oh yes! You my dear have an affinity for all four of the elements. You possess the ability to manipulate, gain strength from and use the elements.” she said proudly.

  Nia's jaw dropped. Her grandmother laughed a musical, beautiful sound.

  "Okay, go on.” Nia said slowly.

  "Well, you also have the ability to see the difference clearly between truth and lies though that will take some practice. You also have the ability to invade another's mind if you choose to and see things they are hiding as well. Then there's compulsion, that's a doozy.” she said glancing at Nia mischievously.

  "Oh! And you are a Dream Weaver too, not to mention a Dream Walker.", she said bouncing like an excited child.

  "Whoa, whoa, slow down.” Nia almost begged as her grandmother squeezed her into a tight hug.

  ###

  When Darragh explained that she'd been summoned by Deirdre, Avery and Eric gasped in unison, jaws dropping.

  Aaron was just confused as Darragh explained she had the ability to share things none of them could with Nia, although she couldn't tell her, her exact lineage or what she indeed was besides human or the details of her destiny.

  "How long is she going to be out?” Aaron asked.

  "There's no way to know exactly.” Darragh said with a sigh.

  ###

  "Wow, seriously?” Nia asked with doubt creeping in.

  "Oh yes, I assure you. Just tell your protector and he can show you how to hone these skills.” she said with a smile.

  "Okay, I will. Grandmother or Deirdre?” not sure what to call the stranger who just told her this overwhelming bit of info. "Are you alive?” Nia asked embarrassed.

  Her grandmother frowned, "Well dear, there are many forms of life. I am with you always now though, my essence in that family ring is one of my gifts to you and there are actually a few family rings out there. That one happened to belong to my sister. Hmmm… Oh yes! Our future and the future of our people depends on you Nia.” she said smiling sweetly at Nia.

  Unsure why but Nia felt like she should believe her. "Please, please, no matter what anyone tells you just know that I was indeed, pure of heart and am on the side of good.” she continued sadly.

  Nia had tears forming in her eyes, she was happy she had this time with the grandmother she never knew.

  "Your warrior or Guardian rather is of a truly royal descent, you know. I think you must both be careful and do not tell anyone other than him about that bit of information, though I'm sure Rhiannon will inform him of this much.", she said biting the inside of her lip and trying to gage Nia's thoughts.

  "Okay, I promise.” was all Nia could think to say.

  "Our time is up for now my dear but I am with you now and always. The daggers will conceal themselves with a glamour that has been placed on the ring and it’s an ancient magick and will hold indefinitely. Never take it off Nia, no matter what or no matter who tells you to at least not until you see Amarie. That's very important. You also need to keep those weapons on you at all times.” she said placing a hand on Nia's shoulder.

  "Come.", she said simply and Nia followed. She had a million questions, like does my mom not know her true identity or why did they pick her, but she couldn't decide what she wanted to know most and their time was over.

  Deirdre gave her one last teary eyed smile and a squeeze, "I have faith in you Nia. We will meet again soon, but for now I must go, just relax... relax.” Deirdre said, her voice resounding through Nia's being as everything lit up then faded to black.

  ###

  Eric had taken her from Aaron and brought her to his room where he, Avery and Darragh left Aaron to wait by her side. He was tense and trying his best not to panic when Nia's phone rang. He reached in her hoodie pocket, it was Rhea. He debated for a second then answered.

  "Hello?” he said uncertain.

  "Aaron?” she asked taken aback by getting him instead of Nia.

  "Umm... Why are you answering Nia's phone?” she asked suspicious
ly.

  "Oh, she went to the bathroom and left it on the table, we're getting lunch.” he said as calmly as he could. "I just didn't want you to worry about her. She said you tend to do that.” he added quickly.

  "Oh-okay well just tell her to call as soon as possible okay.” she said.

  "Okay I will, bye,” he hung up quickly before her nosy nature took over and he couldn't lie to her anymore.

  Nia's eyes fluttered and she yawned.

  "Nia, thank God!” he said softly caressing her cheek.

  She turned to him eyes squinting with a smile. She sat up slowly and put her arms around his neck squeezing him tight. "Did you miss me?” she asked softly.