As she knelt near Coal, he watched as the young man stiffened, looking straight ahead while trying in vain to not watch his sister. Leaf respected his sister’s decision, even though Coal had understandable reasons for not being forthcoming with Willow. The young man was as impetuous as he was honorable.
Leaf looked around the gathered group, satisfying his paranoid thoughts. Jeff met his eyes with a fleeting glance before nervously looking away. The Elements and their families were busy watching Willow, except Timothy who was waiting for him to notice his stare, acknowledging Leaf with a subtle nod of his head and a friendly smile. Skylar stood next to his father and looked at the ground, deep in thought. Leaf could not read Skylar’s expression, but his friend appeared upset, perhaps by Ember’s temporary move into their home. This made Leaf smile internally, feeling a small victory in a silent competition over one woman. Perhaps he should be more thankful for his sister’s turbulent emotions.
Upon completion, Willow stood and bowed deeply to the garden, honoring their parents, before tracing her steps back to where he stood. It was now his turn, and he looked at the group again, finding Ember’s eyes steady and encouraging as he stepped forward. He was seeding the soul, his father’s ashes reuniting with his mother’s. Their beginning was undesirable but produced a love that proved strong and faithful. When his mother died, he believed that his father would crack in two, never to become whole again. And he was correct. Joel was never the same after Claire died, but the love he had for his family and his community never diminished.
Leaf knelt in the soil and placed his hand into the dirt, allowing the particles to sift through his fingers. Son of Earth, indeed. His fingers always wore the residue of soil and living things, the stains a badge of honor awarded by the Earth for fulfilling his duty in caring for the community. Opening the pouch, he placed a pinch of seeds into the palm of his hand. His finger gently swirled them around against his skin, and he admired how something so wonderfully small could create such a beautiful, leafy masterpiece that fed the soul and nourished the body. He poked a finger easily into the soil, over and over, then dropped two seeds into each depression before raking his fingertips through the dirt as he moved along to fill in the holes once again.
As he approached where Ember stood, he gave a subtle glance her direction, feeling his pulse accelerate when her lips curved up ever so slightly, offering a small smile as she stared ahead. Was his happiness important? He paused, and continued to give Ember guarded glances as he dutifully seeded the soul, wondering whose soul his ashes would reunite with when his spirit left this world and his body breathed its last. He stood up, dusting the earth from his hands, and then walked toward the center of the garden to retrieve his lantern before joining his sisters, keeping his head low as a sign of respect, per tradition.
Tears trailed down Willow’s cheeks as Brother Markus gave the closing prayer, and she turned to lean against Leaf’s side while burying her face in his chest as the sobs began. Leaf wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer and resting his head atop her own. Laurel clung to his other side, wrapping her arms around his waist as she quietly cried. He was needed, and his sisters desired to pull from a strength they perceived dwelt within him. Straightening his posture, he pulled his sisters against him tighter, feeling humbled and empowered simultaneously.
Thoughts continued to argue within that he could not fulfill such an important role. Nonetheless, Leaf decided to walk into his destiny and not look back. He was strong enough, and he did not wish to dishonor his father after all he had poured out in order to mold him into the Son of Earth, Lord Watson of the House Earth Element, and Aether. The community had known he would grow to become a man of noble bearing, groomed and educated to care for their needs. But first, he needed to care for his own. While kneeling in the garden, an epiphany formed in his soul, which was now shouting to his insecure and unconfident heart that his happiness was important and necessary to become an effective leader.
He would declare his desire to become the Earth Element in the small gathering tomorrow eve that was planned for his leaving, and he wanted Ember to belong to him, despite his misgivings of who he was and where he came from and what his future would be like. As soon as his sisters felt more stable this evening, he would pursue Ember, and he would do so knowing that he was in direct violation of Skylar’s declared territory. It was an act against his closest friend, but a decision that was ultimately Ember’s. And as a gentleman, Leaf finally understood it was Ember’s heart who should do the choosing to ensure her happiness, and she could not choose him if Leaf did not make his affection known. Asking a woman to join him as a wife was madness, considering all she would endure due to the secrets and expectations filling his life. Deep down he knew Ember was up to the task, perhaps even knew the secrets, already caring for his family when he was unable to meet Willow’s needs.
Coal’s words yesterday demanded his attention. A faction was forming, a conversation Coal had overhead between his father and stepmother as they whispered with fear over the Watson family. The Hansens knew his father was The Aether, and therefore they knew he was next in line. He would feign ignorance around Connor and Brianna. Yet how many of the others knew? Is this why they voted for him to leave New Eden? He had asked Coal to vote for him, but he never asked Connor, Timothy, or Jeff to cast a vote his direction, and they gave their nominations first. After two days of reflection following a conversation with Jeff, Leaf knew he was being watched and studied to see if he showed signs of receiving The Legacy. He also became more convinced that the exchange on Saturday would bring a message from Hanley as he had yet to find, much less activate a Scroll per his father’s instructions.
Nervousness continued to dance in his stomach, and he glanced around the group while his sisters cried. His father had died for something he believed in, a conviction Leaf wished he knew so he could better survey the damage and plan for repairs, knowing exactly where to step so he did not get injured—or worse.
The Son of Fire also shared that Brianna expressed a concern for both him and Willow, as they were the eldest and both within touching distance of the trust maturity age. Coal did not want Willow to be without a protector, especially at night, knowing that was a time when she would be most vulnerable and without the public cover of a bustling home and community. Leaf agreed with the blacksmith, and marriage would be the best solution. He would make the arrangements if his sister was agreeable. Leaf would never force his sister to marry against her will, even if her safety as well as his was paramount.
The card poked his upper thigh and he looked up, meeting Jeff’s paranoid stare. The lawyer had told the story behind the candle card, but maneuvered around Leaf’s direct questions. Why his father? Who would do this? What is next? Jeff knew something, though, and held the answers close against him. Leaf’s suspicions were correct, at least—it was a death card. How much should he share with Willow? As if sensing his thoughts were upon her, she pulled back from his embrace. Leaf reached into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief for her to use, touching the card as he did so.
He assumed the attacker was an Element as they had access to his father’s body before cremation, unlike others in the village, with the exception of the undertaker. Was the murderer the faction leader? Why did the murderer kill his father in plain daylight? Were they making a statement? Joel was most likely poisoned, although the undertaker wrote on the death certificate that he had died of a massive heart attack. Thoughts wandered back to Jeff, curious how the barrister came upon his father in the field, and knew where to find him and Willow so quickly. Regardless of how often his thoughts pondered Jeff as the murderer, he could not accept such a judgment. The lawyer had been good friends with his father, and a gentle soul. What could possibly be his motive?
Leaf wanted to continue to remain one step ahead as he navigated all the secrets thrown his direction. Jeff, Timothy, and Connor had begun the community vote yesterday evening, nominating him with a confident and unanimous
agreement. Why did they want him to leave New Eden? Why did his father? Was it because his father knew of the faction, and the danger his own family would face? Or was there some other reason?
Leaf placed his arm protectively around Willow’s waist as he drew her against him again. She looked up at him with affection, a first in their relationship since they were children. Wanting to reassure her, Leaf kissed her forehead and gave his sister a comforting smile. She melted against him once more and rested her head on his chest, closing her eyes. He glanced up and met Coal’s stare. A look of longing passed on the young man’s face before it hardened, the internal ache visible as the tendons in his neck twitched. He could not help Coal, but he could help himself.
There were four things Leaf wished to do before Saturday: make his affection known to Ember, demand the Earth Element position, find the Scroll, and speak with the Dungeon Master once again. The man from the Outside was able to ascertain information through a magical device, including confirming the statement his father made him memorize should he need a connection. What he did not share with Willow or Master Fillion was that his father had been adamant for years that if anything should ever happen to him, they were to seek out Della Jayne Nichols for guardianship and protection, which was his very last plea before the air left his body. No words of love or pride; instead, desperate instructions to guide their next steps as Leaf became The Aether.
The ceremony finished as Norah sang a hymn in graceful and soothing tones. Her weakened body accepted the arm of her husband as he led her back home, the lanterns swinging with their movement. Leaf echoed Willow’s whispered “amen” spoken into his tunic and cloak before she raised her head to peer up at the reflective sky to appreciate the darkened dome, mirroring lovely shades of lavender and blue.
“Are you ready to return home, Oaklee?”
“Yes, My Lord. Are you ready to return home?” she asked softly.
Leaf whispered back, “Thank you, yes. I shall inform Ember that she may return to her family.”
“Frog, shall we walk?”
“I prefer that you have an escort,” Leaf said. Willow gave him a strange look, but refrained from any comments, much to his relief.
“My Lord, may we walk with the Hansens?” Laurel’s sweet voice made him smile. His courtesy title always sounded wonderful whenever she used it in public.
“Actually, would you fine ladies act as chaperone as I walk Ember back to her family home?” Leaf was thankful his hood was still over his head, and that the sky was darkening. Both sisters giggled, making him smile shyly at the ground in response.
“Yes, we are happy to do so,” Willow said.
The Hansens still lingered as Connor engaged in a conversation with Timothy. Connor gave Leaf a friendly nod as he walked toward their cluster, casting a quick glance at his daughter before returning his attention to Timothy. The Wind Element began to say goodnight, but Connor asked him another question, and Leaf had the oddest feeling that Connor knew what he was about to do and approved.
Nerves made his whole body tingle as he approached the Daughter of Fire, her brown eyes locking with his as he continued to move toward her. In his peripheral vision, he could see Skylar watch them and knew that his friend was brooding. Strangely, this made him feel more confident as he slowed before Ember, enjoying how the lantern light played across her face, making her amber-colored hair glow.
“Would you do me the honor of a walk, My Lady?” Leaf asked in a low voice. “My sisters agreed to chaperone.”
“Yes, My Lord. I would very much enjoy a walk this evening in your company.”
He felt his spirits soar and started toward the path leading to The Orchard. Ember walked next to him, leaving a respectable space between their bodies. He wished to offer his arm, but this gesture was reserved for couples who were pledged or married. Touch was discouraged and frowned upon, the older generation explaining that the passions of youth were often the root of trouble between young men and women, and the foundation for a crumbling society when moral codes were compromised.
He thought back to yesterday when she took his hand in comfort, her words and touch breaking through the burdens and stress as she lay her cheek upon his hand as he held in the urge to cry, offering up her own reputation to his grief. Now, he studied her hooded profile, enjoying her graceful walk and the loving hands she kept folded at her waist.
Leaf nervously cleared his throat, and then said in a soft voice, “Willow has welcomed me back home and, therefore, I wish to escort you to The Forge.”
“I am pleased to hear of the reconciliation. You are needed, Leaf. Your family as well as others in this community will feel your absence.” She gave him a sideways glance, a bold and mysterious smile on her face, before lowering her eyes to the ground. The breath left his body with her words, and he marinated in the pleasure of being needed by her.
Walking through The Orchard, they ambled at a leisurely pace toward the Great Hall, the stone building casting long shadows across the meadow. As they neared the building along the path, Leaf decided to use the opportunity for privacy, knowing that the Hansen family still remained in The Rows with the Kanes, Timothy’s family. He asked Ember to wait a moment, briskly moving toward Willow, and whispered into her ear to act as a sentinel. She nodded her head with a giggle, and pushed him back toward Ember.
Leaf stood before Ember once more, and kept his head bowed, afraid to meet her eyes. With a low voice, he asked, “May I request a private moment along the Great Hall, My Lady?”
“Yes, My Lord.”
Her breath hitched, and Leaf felt the same response flush through his system. He had never been so aware of another, and his body felt as though it floated away with every thought and with every nervous roll of his stomach. With downcast eyes, he nodded his thanks and then turned around and began walking. He led Ember into the shadows of the Great Hall off the path as she followed him around the bend, and each step became heavier than the last, each breath more difficult.
Leaf placed his lantern on the ground, and touched her arm once they were hidden, his nerves catching fire as she turned around peering up, searching his eyes in the limited candlelight. Unable to stop himself, he reached out and lowered her hood, his heart pounding against his chest as he watched her breaths quicken.
“My Lady, Ember, I am unsure of the future—”
“Yes, Leaf,” she whispered in a breathless voice, cutting him off while placing a finger on his lips. “Yes.”
He halted, furrowing his brows as she gave him another small smile, her eyes full of longing as she gazed up at him, and he noticed that his fingers were gripping the fabric of her lowered hood. His hands quickly released their hold and he awkwardly placed them behind his back, clearing his throat and blinking his eyes as shyness seized him. Her hand fell back to her waist, but she continued to gaze at him.
Leaf’s heart thudded against his chest as he slowly understood her response. She was consenting, urging him to make a pledge, her whispers speaking to his soul that she was his and he did not need to lower himself in fear before her feet, begging for permission to love her.
He swallowed, and then took her hand gently in his, raising her fingertips to his lips as his eyes searched hers. Her skin was warm and soft, and his lips savored the contact. His body felt on fire, set aflame by a young woman he had secretly admired since age eight. She spoke of needing him, but he needed her. And he knew that he could only stand strong if she was beside him.
The flickering glow of the candlelight danced across her skin, and he leaned down, drawn like a moth to flame, closing his eyes as his mouth embraced hers, feeling her eyelashes rest along his cheek. Their kiss began soft and slow, and he lost himself to every curious and nervous brush of their lips. A sudden boldness sparked him and he deepened his kiss, feeling a heady rush when she responded. He rested her against the stone wall as his hands framed her face and as hers spread over his chest, her hand resting over his heart. The hood of his cloak enclosed their f
aces, increasing the intimacy they shared, and he felt delirious, consumed with happiness, and consumed by his bride-to-be. Never in his life had he felt such joy, such passion, and such wonder as he enjoyed his first kiss with Ember.
Willow cleared her voice a short distance away and they broke apart, their breaths mingling as they studied each other a few moments in the shifting shadows.
Leaf whispered hoarsely, “You honor me, Ember.”
“You are worthy to be honored, Leaf,” she said, her velvety tones intensifying the longing he felt. “Do not live in the shadow of your father. You are also a great man and a pillar of strength.”
Moved by her words, he rested his forehead against hers as he cradled her face, trying to hold back the multitude of emotions he had restrained all week.
“How do I do so? The path seems unclear and impassable.”
“Everything you need is here,” she placed her hand on his heart again, and he swallowed nervously, feeling tears form when she whispered, “I love you, Leaf Watson.”
He lifted her hand from his chest and kissed her palm while raising his eyes to hers, feeling honored once more. “I shall speak with your father tomorrow night.” He pressed her hand back onto his chest. “With your permission, I wish to wait until I have received the Earth Element title, something I hope to gain tomorrow evening as I meet with the Nobles.” She nodded her head slowly as he caressed her cheek with his thumb. Overcome by the Daughter of Fire, he closed his eyes and brushed his lips against hers softly, whispering, “I love you, Ember Hansen.”
She sighed against his mouth in response, and he felt every constrained emotion held in this week surface passionately. Tears fell as grief consumed him, and the salt flavored their kisses as the curiosity of their first moments turned into something more raw and open. With subtle movements, Ember leaned into him, allowing him to press his hands against her back, a touch and freedom he had never known with another woman outside his family. She was his, and she loved him and believed that he was a pillar of strength. Ember pulled his hood over them tightly as if sensing his need of her, and her alone.
Legacy (The Biodome Chronicles) Page 26