Legacy (The Biodome Chronicles)

by Sundin, Jesikah

  Skylar sidled up to him along the carved wooden railing, looking out to the forest thoughtfully. His friend respected his need for silence while keeping him company. This entire week Skylar had kept a companionable distance, understanding Leaf’s need for solitude and expressing his sympathy and concern with fleeting expressions. There were no words, and Leaf was grateful that Skylar did not presume to know his needs or try to cheer him for lack of a better solution.

  Since they were young men, they had understood each other in ways others did not. With the fervor of young men nearing the age of adulthood, and with the voices of boys turning into men, they had gripped each other’s forearms and swore an oath to serve each other the remainder of their days.

  Honor-bound to each other in sworn brotherhood, Leaf was tormented over what was appropriate and fair concerning Ember. Although Skylar knew that Ember had held Leaf’s heart since boyhood, his friend had confidently stepped forward when Leaf had shied away from the opportunity to make his affection known following Ember’s sixteenth-birthday feast. The declaration had surprised Leaf, but he chose to wish Skylar well rather than form resentments, even though his heart still belonged to the Daughter of Fire. Leaf glanced in Skylar’s direction, unsure of how to share that Ember would become his wife.

  The confession failed to form, so Leaf decided to lean on the comfort of small talk. “Escaping?”

  “I felt rather warm.” Skylar gave him a sideways glance. “What is your excuse?”

  “I have none.” Leaf smiled as Skylar chuckled at his joke.

  They resumed their silence, gazing out into the dark forest. There was no moon this night. A soft illumination shone from the uppermost biodome panes, but an inky blanket covered the sights beyond their range of vision. Leaf lowered his head into his hands, wishing that clear answers would come to alleviate the weights he carried around his neck.

  Rubbing his hands over his face with resignation, Leaf asked, “Do you ever wonder what other young men our age do beyond these walls? The trials they face? The lives they lead?”

  “No, not really. Although, it is natural you should have those questions, considering you shall find out soon.” Skylar placed his back against the railing and turned his head to look at Leaf. “Do you feel your absence was planned?”

  “I am not sure I know what you mean,” Leaf said, trying to sound natural, even though he had pondered that exact question far too many times to count.

  Skylar peered up at the ceiling of the dome while resting his elbows upon the railing. “Come, you know my meaning exactly. Why did they choose you, especially within your bereavement week?”

  “I fear that is a question I am not fit to answer. Perhaps you should ask your father, as he nominated me along with the rest.”

  “Leaf!”

  The sound of his sister’s voice pulled them from their discussion, and he glanced at the stone-capped entry. Amber candlelight flickered across the hewn door, casting an orange glow on his sister’s dress and turning her long blond hair to bronze. Willow lowered her head respectfully as she looked first at Skylar with surprise, and then peered up at him.

  “How may I assist you, Oaklee?” Leaf asked cordially.

  “You are needed, My Lord.”

  “I shall join you shortly, thank you.”

  She curtsied and then went inside.

  Leaf kept his eyes downcast upon the deck. “I suppose it is time.”

  “Wait a moment if you would.” Skylar drew closer and Leaf glanced at him warily as the Son of Wind’s hazel eyes studied him with intensity. In a low voice, Skylar said, “I wished for you to know that a faction is forming.”

  “Whatever do you mean?”

  Skylar drew closer and lowered his voice barely above a whisper, “I caught wind of a rumor that some in the village are displeased with project shutdown, and they believe your father was murdered as a supporter of rejoining the Outside world.”

  Leaf took in a sharp breath, and stared with growing horror at Skylar.

  Skylar continued in a strained voice, “It pains me to share this with you. I have held within me this disturbing rumor for most of this week, and I would never wish to burden you with such news, but I did not wish for you to leave without the knowledge. I have battled all week on whether I should say something or not.” Skylar turned and grabbed Leaf’s forearm. “I vow to care for your sisters to ensure their safety.”

  “Thank you, Skylar. You are most kind.” Leaf hung his head, feeling his body slump, desperate to reign in his building emotions. “Where did you hear this rumor?”

  “Thomas, the Miller. He shared the rumor with me to see where the Wind Element stood on such matters.”

  “And where does the Wind Element stand on such matters?”

  “We are undecided.”

  “‘We,’ or your father?” Leaf knew he sounded stern, but anger began to burn inside his chest.

  “My father, of course. Where do you stand, Son of Earth?”

  Skylar’s tone shifted, and Leaf knew he was being challenged. Was his friend part of the faction? Or simply reacting to the tone he used with him?

  “Until I have more details, it would be unwise for me to declare a position.”

  “Well said, and quite noble of you.” Skylar laughed. “Have you been trained for the aristocracy?”

  Leaf laughed at their old joke to appear casual, but his heart was growing heavier with each breath. “I do believe Willow has summoned me. If you will excuse me.” He gave Skylar a wry smile as he walked away, fulfilling the rest of the joke by avoiding their age-old question, part of the game they played as political sons. He could hear Skylar laugh as he trailed behind him and into the apartment.

  The gathering quieted as he entered, and Leaf smiled timidly at everyone before finding his seat along the wall. Willow walked over and handed him a wooden tumbler of cider before taking a seat next to him. She sat and fanned her skirt widely across the front, picking at the folds, before placing her hands neatly into her lap while holding a wooden tumbler of cider. They turned and shared a glance and she graced him with a small smile before they returned their attention back to their tumblers as a toast began.

  He lifted his cup into the air as everyone shouted “cheers,” and he took a sip, feeling sweat bead on his forehead. The Elements and their families laughed, taking sips as well. He was being celebrated, a hero for his bravery in venturing forth into the great unknown.

  Leaf glanced around the group, and his eyes softly landed on Ember. His stomach danced nervously as she subtly acknowledged him, not wishing to draw attention to herself or to them. Desiring to appear nonchalant, he took a shallow sip of his grape cider, enjoying how the sweet cinnamon and other added spices enticed his tongue. As his intended gave him covert glances from across the room, this is how he thought of her, as well—burning with a spice that flavored and enriched his life, beguiling his senses. Now that he had tasted her sweetness and pledged his life to hers, there was no moving backwards, nor would he be willing to change his course to save his friendship with Skylar. Even if Leaf was accused of dishonoring their oath as brothers.

  He lowered his eyes as he thought of his father’s murder and Skylar, forcing his mind to face the rest of the group, despite the distress Leaf felt in doing so.

  His eyes reluctantly skipped over Ember and studied Connor Hansen, noting how the Fire Element’s sizable stature stood awkwardly out of place in this group. He came from solid Swedish stock, or so Connor always joked. The large frame and big hands were always gentle and continuously performed acts of kindness. Connor’s generous nature radiated his inner warmth and compassion. This week, Connor’s personality became grave, withdrawn, and almost snappish at times, and he knew the Fire Element suffered from grief. His father was one of Connor’s dearest friends. Perhaps this is why Coal chose chores in the barns on Wednesday rather than work in the The Forge alongside his father.

  Although The Elements were equal in authority and Noble status, Conn
or acted as the public leader, representing the Noble Houses to the community. Jeff would also relay messages to Connor from The Aether, who in turn would consult The Elements and then herald the decision to the community. Leaf had always thought that perhaps Connor was The Aether, his refinement and regal bearing a highly respected characteristic he possessed and that commonly reflected a kingship. Ember had a similar quality. Her presence naturally created an air of majesty that made those around her sit up a little straighter and behave with more honor and decorum than they might otherwise.

  The Fire Element also had an impetuous side that would surface on occasion, making decisions on a whim or reacting to information in such a way that Leaf could only conclude that Connor was a man accustomed to authority and power. To learn, then, that Leaf’s earthy and reserved father was The Aether was astonishing.

  Connor’s wife, Brianna, sat elegantly against the high-back chair. Her posture and mannerisms were infused with class, although her tongue often led to trouble. She was known for always attempting to control the group in subtle ways. Leaf had seen the Nobles as well as some from the village become inflamed by Brianna’s careless probing and insensitivity at times. At other times, she would dote upon those in her care with a fierceness akin to a broody hen. Ember reflected her step-mother’s attentive nature, but with a genuine selflessness that Brianna failed to exemplify. The Daughter of Fire did not obsess on her caretaking abilities; rather, she quietly stepped in and gave of herself where needed, not wishing to draw attention to her actions.

  Brianna was the village midwife, working alongside the naturopath to deliver babies safely into the world, and she took her position within the community quite personally. When Leaf’s mother died, Brianna went to her own bed for several weeks before recovering from the heartache and loss. She muttered that it could have been prevented, and then faded away inside her grief. She was not responsible for his mother’s death, and Claire was not the only woman lost to childbed fever inside New Eden. Life and death had always been a delicate dance, and their tightly choreographed steps would continue to tread upon those who walked the Earth.

  Coal sat next to Brianna, with arms crossed against his large frame as he stared crestfallen at the floor. Willow walked by on her way to the serving table, and Coal peered up with hopeful obsession. The longing was evident in every tight muscle and his wrinkled brows as his eyes trailed her every move. Leaf took in a weary breath, concerned for the Son of Fire and for Willow. How would she fare in his absence, left with Coal’s moping and injured pride?

  Blaze, Coal’s four-year-old brother, crashed into him as he wiggled in his chair while playing with a stick sword. Coal slowly turned away from Willow and tousled the young lad’s mess of dark hair, giving him a firm look and a kind smile. Corona and Laurel sat next to each other talking away, oblivious to the others in their company. Their cheerful laughter filled the room like the chirping of small birds.

  To the left of the Hansens sat the Kanes, and Leaf thought of how Timothy’s paunch frame and brown hair appeared strange next the wiry wisp of his wife’s frame and mousy brown waves. Both husband and wife had light brown eyes. In fact, Leaf often remarked to himself how they could almost pass as brother and sister in appearance. Skylar did not resemble either parent in coloring, possessing light sandy brown hair and hazel eyes, but he did inherit Timothy’s nose and voice. Their smooth tones and clipped pronunciation was so similar in pitch and sound that it was uncanny.

  The Wind Element rarely made a fuss—or “put on airs,” as his sister often joked. Willow enjoyed finding puns in the ways The Elements related to the community and to each other. Timothy possessed a quiet charisma, bringing a brevity to the group with perfect timing whenever the need arose. He was witty, highly educated in both the arts and sciences, and had a special talent for imparting confidence with a subtle breeze of encouragement. Emily, his wife, was one of the teachers who schooled those ages four through fifteen in the Great Hall three days a week. Their daughters, Windy and Gale, sat whispering into each other’s ears, giggling as they cast looks in Canyon’s direction.

  Leaf looked to Canyon and the rest of the Daniels family, watching the red-haired lad shift uncomfortably in his chair while resisting the urge to roll his eyes at Windy. Leaf could not help but smile, finding the scene most amusing. Lake, his little brother, stuck his tongue out at Gale, his freckles popping out against his skin the more irritated he became. The youngest Daniels was such a rascally lad.

  Norah, the Water Element, sat gracefully, enjoying a conversation with her daughter, Rain. Norah’s auburn hair reached her waist in soft curls, the envy for many maidens in the village, or so he was told by Willow. Everything about Norah was graceful and kind, and her hands gave love, support, and affection wherever she turned. He felt saddened as he looked upon her emaciated frame, wishing she was healthy and whole.

  Mist, her eldest daughter, one year his junior, walked over and provided Norah a tumbler, fussing over her mother like a hen with her chick. The Water Element endured the fear-driven babbling well, giving her daughter a patient and kind look. Leaf felt compassion for the Daniels family, and his heart broke as he watched Mist struggle, overcompensating for the grief she felt in watching her mother die by becoming overprotective and rather bossy. He remembered watching his mother’s life fade from her body, and he knew the pain Mist suffered.

  Norah was graceful and loving, but she was also feisty, and this dominant personality trait was fully reflected in each of her children. Their mischievous and fiery temperaments were legendary in New Eden.

  Jeff watched on with humor as Mist continued to fuss and fret. It was the first time all week that Leaf had noticed the barrister smile. Was the guilt of whatever ate away at him no longer troubling his soul?

  The blacksmith stood and walked to the center of their living room, and everyone became silent once again. Leaf felt his heart rate accelerate, nervous as to when to jump in, shifting the celebratory atmosphere into a meeting. He would become the Earth Element, ensuring the title was rightfully bestowed upon him and maintained within his family, even if he had to spar words all night until they relented.

  Connor cleared his throat. “Lords and Ladies, tomorrow we will lose an esteemed son as he courageously leaves these city walls and walks the Earth for the first time. Let us lift our drinks one more time to Leaf, Son of Earth.” Connor raised his wooden tumbler and the others in the room followed suit. “You have become a man of honor, Leaf Watson. Your father would be proud of you this night.”

  Leaf felt the muscles in his throat constrict.

  “To Leaf!”

  “To Leaf!” the gathering cheered.

  Leaf took a deep breath and walked to the center of the room while Connor found his seat. The candle card poked Leaf’s leg as he moved, and his nerves pulsed to new heights.

  “Good evening time,” Leaf began. “As you know, tomorrow marks an important day for New Eden. A second generation shall glimpse the Outside world for the first time and a new resident shall be reborn into a world not their own.” Leaf watched as everyone nodded their heads in agreement. He took a fortifying breath. “Although I am leaving tomorrow, I wanted to settle the affairs of a new Earth Element leader.”

  “Leaf, I appreciate your maturity and candor, but what makes you think that we have not already been discussing a plan? And why do you believe it is your job to settle affairs?” Connor stretched his legs out in front of him, sinking into his chair more comfortably.

  Leaf winced, but recovered quickly, hoping the other Elements did not notice. He had a pleasant visit with Connor the other night; however, he had been too tired to bring up the Earth Element candidacy and now he wished he had. Ember smiled at him from across the room, encouraging him to continue.

  “I think the reason why is rather obvious, but I shall expand.”

  Leaf paused nervously, willing the right words to come forth. He was having this discussion because his father was dead, because someone had
killed him. This was his moment to walk forward as a man, no longer fearing that he could never walk in his father’s footsteps properly.

  He found a spark of confidence, and pushed through the turbulent thoughts, willing his voice to remain even as he continued. “As my father was the Earth Element, I have a lifetime of observing his duties. I gleaned an education directly from him, including leadership skills. I also sat underneath Jeff for a time.” Leaf looked over at the attorney giving him a nod. “I work with the earth, so I shall not need to refocus or learn a new purpose. And as for my thoughts, I have no doubts that you are already discussing a plan—I simply wish to be a part of that conversation. As the Son of Earth and his firstborn, I am his representative in his absence, as your children are for you; and therefore, per tradition, it is my right within the Nobility to partake in any conversation regarding the Earth Element head Noble position.”

  Looking around the room, he was relieved upon receiving a warm smile from Norah. Connor shifted in his chair, and Leaf could tell he was weighing his words with heavy consideration.

  “How will you do your duties from the Outside? Especially Harvest?” Timothy asked.

  Skylar gave him a concerned look, and Leaf could not tell if he was being mocked by Timothy or if the Wind Element was making a simple query.

  “Of course. I am hoping as fellow Elements you will manage Earth in my absence, and then I shall begin my duties upon my return. Willow shall be my representative, and I trust her to help in that role. Living in the Outside world may provide further education,” Leaf said confidently. All eyebrows rose up at this comment. “This would be beneficial upon the Second Phase.”

  Brianna interjected, giving Connor a pointed look. “We can tell you have placed a lot of thought into this, but this decision needs to come from the head Nobles privately.”