by Morgan, SL
Levi looked at her and answered her directly, “He was not sure if the stone’s powers would ever be needed again. He and my ancestors feared that there might possibly be a day when the Ciatron would return, and find some other way to do damage or control the Earth. The map to the stone was fashioned to protect Earth, should another Ciatron invasion would arise.”
“And if that day should happen to come—you guys would have to kill me and scrape my mind, or whatever, to get the information?” She stared at him suspiciously.
Levi’s expression went quickly from appalled to saddened by her remark. “Reece, please understand, the Pemdai would never attempt such a thing! Not for any reason whatsoever. “There are other ways of retrieving the information without causing you harm. However, your mind must let its defenses down in order for that to happen.”
“Well, how do I do that? Maybe if I can get you guys the information, you can take control, and I can go home.”
Levi chuckled. “Miss Bryant, I understand this is difficult for you; however, it is more complicated than that. But with what I have told you, I do hope you have developed a better understanding of who you are, and why you are here.”
Reece’s mouth twisted. Oddly enough, it made sense to her. Part of her was starting to accept what he said, although she still didn’t understand all of it. A thought came to her. “Why are the Ciatron only now trying to get to me? I mean, I’ve been alive for over 24 years now, and I’ve never been noticed by them before. Why did they suddenly take an interest in me?”
“I must admit, that’s partially our fault. We were watching you a little too closely. The Ciatron were watching us, and...”
Reece looked at him quizzically. “Exactly how close were you guys following me?”
“Never closely enough to intrude upon your privacy; although, in the last week or so, we may have seemed to do so. We were forced into the open when the Ciatron tried to carry an entire aircraft into their dimension.”
“That’s why you guys were on the airplane, and everything was so…weird?”
“Yes. We were keeping a closer watch on you then. We had just been informed that the Ciatron were planning your abduction. If we’d not been alerted to that, we would have simply made sure you got safely on the aircraft, and other Guardians would have been waiting to watch over you in San Diego. With the threat of the Ciatron, we could not allow you out of our sight for that amount of time, and definitely not aboard a vessel that is so easily transported into other dimensions.”
Reece stared at him in concentration. “What really happened on the plane? Why didn’t anyone else notice it but me?”
“We have tools–devices to alter what seems real to other minds. Due to the defensive barrier within your mind, none of our devices work on you. That’s why you were aware of everything, while those around you were not. If they had been, we would have had the entire aircraft in disarray.”
“And the bright flashes of lights?”
Levi nodded. “The bright lights were a result of us removing the two Ciatron men–the ones dressed as pilots– and sending them back to their dimension.”
“And then today…how did you know about the park? How did you find me there?”
Levi’s lips turned up slightly. “We always know where you are, Reece. But to be aware of the danger you were to possibly face? That information was revealed to us by the presence of the Ciatron in your room the night before. They had many plans to gain access to you while you were alone, one of which you discovered this morning. They followed you to the park; they tried to throw us off by hiring two human men to capture you, instead of doing it themselves. They used other Ciatron invaders to distract us. Initially, their plan worked, and that was why I was almost too late getting to you. They knew we were focused on one particular threat, and that we were not considering any human danger. It was when we realized they were being too obvious with their distractions that something was not right.”
“Yeah, that was pretty terrifying.” She shuddered at the memory.
“We should have never let it go that far; however, I’m grateful that you’re here now, safe.”
Levi studied her, and this time, Reece didn’t let it affect her thought process. Instead, she studied him as well. Something was very unique about the man’s deep set, sapphire-blue eyes. Her eyes moved over his face. It was agonizingly perfect. His olive-toned complexion was flawless; a feint shadow highlighted his high cheekbones, and gave a perfect definition to his chiseled jaw line. The stunning beauty of the man was overwhelming. For one who never really judged people by their appearance, Reece found herself judging him. There was something, not so entirely normal about his appearance. Something…not so human. Her emotions had never once played victim to a man’s appearance before. It was bothering her that this was happening with him, and happening at a time when she needed to remain undistracted.
“So,” She continued studying his face, “the Ciatron are aliens? So what does that make you?”
He smiled wryly. “Given that we are not native to Earth, we, too, can be considered extra-terrestrial beings.”
Reece shook her head, and Levi laughed. “Reece, we are flesh and blood, just as you are. The only difference between a human being and a Pemdai being is the way our minds work. We have complete control over our minds, and we utilize it to our advantage. For example, if faced with pain, I can shut of the pain receptors in my body so I can no longer feel that pain. Our talents go far beyond that, but for now, I think that is a fair enough explanation.” He looked at her hopefully.
Reece smiled and shrugged her shoulders with disbelief and amusement. “Oh, yes, fair enough. So–you’re all just a race of super-humans. That’s no big deal.”
Levi tilted his head, and grinned at her. “If that is what helps you to understand us, then yes, super-humans.”
“And the telepathic thing, part of the super-human stuff?”
“Yes.”
Reece bit her lip in concentration, trying to think of more things he could be capable of, when Levi stood abruptly and reached his arm out to her.
He smiled sympathetically at her. “I’m sure I have probably given you more than enough information for you to absorb for now. I know this has been quite a stressful day for you, and I would be happy to answer any further questions you might have; but for now, I believe it would benefit you more to relax and freshen up. Allow me to escort you back to the house.”
Reece, reminded of her appearance earlier in the bathroom, couldn’t agree more. For the first time, since she met the man, she truly did appreciate his concern for her. She placed her delicate hand in his sturdy palm, and rose up. They began slowly toward the Palace.
“My mother has a special room prepared for you,” said Levi. “She has already made plans to escort you down to dinner tonight. I hope this will be agreeable?”
Reece looked up and smiled back at him. She couldn’t help but find his old-fashioned manners attractive. “I believe it will agree with me, and I thank you for your concern.”
Levi smirked. “Then please allow me to escort you to your room.”
Chapter 6
The room that was set aside for Reece was astounding. For one thing, it was enormous! And it had doors that seemed to lead to other rooms—a suite of rooms, probably, since this one was set up as a sitting room, not a bedroom.
Levi’s features lightened with amusement at her surprise. He had guided her here himself, rather than ask a servant to do so. Maybe so he could watch the country cousin’s reaction, she thought. She hated to admit it, but she felt intimidated. “Levi…um…”
“Reece, this room has been arranged and prepared for you by my mother. It may be, perhaps, more than one person requires. However, when accommodating guests, she spares no detail or comfort, and any attempt to dissuade her from this extravagance will fall upon deaf ears.”
Reece could not help but smile back at his grin. She could tell he was restraining laughter. “Are all the rooms thi
s big?”
“Most are, yes. Some are bigger. We have many close friends and relatives living throughout Pemdas. We enjoy providing them all of the comforts of their own home while they visit us, sometimes for months at a time.”
Reece nodded her head. “Well…I suppose I can get used to this. Maybe too used to it. I mean, staying here is probably going to make it difficult when I have to go back to my two-bedroom apartment in Philadelphia.” She laughed.
“You will also have one of my mother’s maidens to attend you. I suppose she will help you find your way around your chambers as well,” he added. He pressed his lips together in a fine line, preventing them from turning up into a smile.
Reece squinted at him, feigning suspicion, and Levi laughed aloud.
She lifted her chin. “This is all very amusing for you.”
Levi shook his head. “Please, forgive me. I, in no way, intended to make light of your situation amongst us. I believe my mother would punish me severely, if she knew I had welcomed you to your room in this manner.” As hard as he tried to pull all humor from his face, he did not succeed.
Reece laughed in return. “Don’t worry about it; I’ll be fine.”
Levi became more serious. “Once you are ready, my mother will be here to escort you to dinner. I shall see you then. If there is anything extra that you require, the maiden will be able to assist you, or to fetch one of us, if need be.” He nodded respectfully to her and made his exit.
Reece watched him leave. She was finding him more and more interesting.
She turned back to the exceptional room that awaited her. Square columns framed the entry hall and the living room area. A warm, honey-toned color filled the walls, giving the room a more intimate feel. At first glance, Reece was truly overwhelmed by the sight of the room before her.
The furniture was lavish, as all the furniture she’d been witnessing in this palace was. However, it was the way the room was arranged that allowed for a more intimate feel, leaving Reece less intimidated to be in it. A long sofa with matching chairs had been arranged in front of a fireplace. The sofa and matching elegant chairs were upholstered with silk-like fabric, cream in color, and outlined in a darkly-polished, ornately-carved wood. The furniture was so rich and exquisite, she was afraid to touch it.
Rich ornaments of vases and sculptures were subtly placed on free-standing marble topped tables throughout. Four large arcaded windows were adorned with a rich silk fabric, and pulled up on each side to give a subtle view of the Palace gardens and wooded hills that were situated at the backside of the Palace.
Reece was overwhelmed by the grandeur of the room and had forgotten she should be afraid to sit on the fine, rich furniture. So it was when she had turned to sit on the sofa, that she heard a shy voice. “You must be Miss Bryant?”
A young maiden, who, if Reece were to guess, was around the age of seventeen; approached her, carrying a tea tray. She was a picture of flawless beauty; with soft, white skin, and long, dark hair.
“Yes, I am. Thank you.”
“My name is Jasmeen, and I am here for anything you may require.” The young maiden set the tray on a small table next to the sofa. She poured steaming hot tea into a porcelain cup, and handed the cup with a saucer to Reece. “First things first,” Jasmeen smiled brightly, “I am under orders to make sure you are completely rejuvenated prior to dinner this evening.”
“Thank you, I think.”
Jasmeen narrowed her eyes, studying the clothing Reece wore. She spoke confidently. “I would love to take you on a tour of your rooms, but I believe there are more pressing issues to be handled before that. First, I have arranged a nice warm bath, and then you need a change of clothes.”
Reece looked down at the running ensemble she had thrown together earlier that day. “That may be a problem. I didn’t have a chance to pack my bags for this little vacation. I’m afraid to admit, this is all I have to wear.”
Jasmeen giggled in return. “Miss Bryant, as we prepared for your arrival, we took your wardrobe into consideration. I have a closet filled with fashionable garments that will fit you perfectly.”
Reece chuckled. “Well then, I guess I can’t argue.”
Jasmeen smiled kindly at Reece, “Come, follow me. I have a bath already drawn for you.”
Reece stood, and followed the vibrant, young maiden through a door, which opened into a small hallway.
“The water is a perfect temperature, and I believe you will feel much more rejuvenated when you are done.” Jasmeen proclaimed while opening a door to their left.
Reece’s jaw dropped open, not only at the size of this particular room, but at the objects in it. Why am I surprised? Nothing should surprise me in this place anymore. Claiming the entire length of the wall in front of them was a rectangular marble tub, sitting up on an elevated surface. Four marble steps led up to where candles were lit and placed in tall glass containers placed around the thick sides of the extravagant bath. She was thankful to find they had showers here as well, as a large enclosed area, surrounded by clear glass on three sides was perfectly centered on the back wall to her right. The wall to her left had a decorative door and further down, a pedestal sink sat in front of a large oval mirror.
“Through that door, you will find the lavatory.” Jasmeen advised as she led Reece toward the enormous tub. She reached down and picked up a porcelain container, “This solution will cleanse your hair, and soften it as well,” She pointed toward four round soap-like objects, “Those will not only help to cleanse your body, but rejuvenate and eliminate any fatigue in it as well.” She looked at Reece and smiled.
“Wow, thank you.”
“You have plenty of time before dinner is served, so relax and indulge yourself,” Jasmeen pointed down to where she had placed two neatly folded fluffy towels, “Use these to dry, and right here,” She lifted the sleeve of a white matching bath robe, hanging next to the grand bathtub on a free standing rack, “this is your robe. Once you are done, exit to your left, and I will be waiting in the vanity room. Is there anything else I can get for you?”
Reece laughed, “I think this will do. Thanks, Jasmeen.”
Jasmeen gave Reece a quick curtsey, and made her exit.
Reece set her tea next to a candle on the edge of the bathtub. She slipped out of her clothes and relaxed into the warm water. The water was like silky fabric against her skin, and any previous tension her body carried prior to slipping into it, was rapidly leaving.
Jasmine was correct about the rejuvenating effects of the soaps. When she washed her face, her eyes did not feel as tired as before, and she did not believe her skin had ever felt softer in all her life. This is like a miracle bath or something. She laughed inwardly.
Now completely refreshed, Reece sank back down into the tub, and closed her eyes. She had no idea how long she sat liked this before she finally decided to step out. Once she dried off her body, she twisted her hair up in a towel on top of her head, slipped into the robe that was set out for her, and started out to where the young maiden said she would be waiting.
Upon her exit of the bathroom, Reece turned left and followed the small hallway. It led her into another brightly lit room, where the young maiden was waiting to attend her. This room alone was the size of her apartment in Philadelphia. She stood in amazement, staring at a tall mirror that nearly encompassed the entire wall before her. A long, marble table stood in front of it, with an array of beauty supplies laid out in an orderly fashion.
Jasmeen motioned for Reece to have a seat in a chair in front of the table. “Please, have a seat. Let me get started on your hair.”
Reece laughed. “Are you kidding me? This is beyond every woman’s dream. This is a makeup room?”
Jasmeen grinned and nodded. “I suppose you could call it that. Now, please, come and sit.”
Reece stared at the young maiden with concern. “I really don’t need you to go through all of this trouble to help me get ready. I’m sure you have better things to do?”
The maiden smiled. “Miss Bryant, I will hardly be putting myself out. I understand you are not accustomed to having someone to attend you, but in time you will learn to embrace it. Now, please, come and sit.”
Reece did as the young girl asked, and relaxed back into the chair. She watched as Jasmeen took the towel from her hair and quickly ran a brush through it. She watched as each stroke of the brush through her hair made it drier. Now that’s weird. “Is that brush, like, a blow dryer, too?”
Jasmeen continued running the brush through Reece’s rapidly-drying hair, “A blow dryer? I am unsure as to what that is?”
Reece laughed, “Oh, well, it’s what we use on Earth; it blows hot air into your hair and dries it.”
Jasmeen grinned, “And that is healthy for your hair? It’s not damaging to heat it in such a way?”
Reece’s lips twisted, “Well, yeah, I guess it does damage it. So, that brush doesn’t conduct heat in anyway or anything like that?”
“No, there is an energy force that is expelled through the fine bristles. It evaporates the water with every stroke. I suppose you could say the energy works the same way that heat would. It’s also the same energy we use for our illumination.” She answered while continuing her long brush strokes through Reece’s now almost completely dried hair.
Reece reached up and ran her fingers through her hair so she could study its transformation. She stared in amazement, as she could not remember her hair ever looking so shiny and healthy. I need to make sure I take that brush and the shampoo back to Philadelphia when I leave. This is fabulous.
Still uncomfortable with the young girl styling her hair, she tried to convince her, once again, that she could take care of it on her own. “You really don’t have to go through all this trouble. I can do the rest from here.”