I laid her gently in her new bed, in her new room. She looked so fragile as she shivered in shock and fear. I remembered with a stabbing pain in my chest how she screamed...I had frightened her too much. But how else could she know that she was here for good? That there was no way back for her...and I would never allow it. Twelve long years and she was at last mine...and she was terrified of me.
She had seemed so captivated but perhaps that was because of the fact she believed it all a dream. The fact that I was linked with her dreams was bad...she would never know that this was the real me and this was her reality. I had tried so hard to make it easy. Isighed and stared down at her sleeping form. I would let her rest and maybe when she awoke she would be more rational. I drifted quietly out of the room, but not before whispering: "Sleep well love" hoping the sweet words would reach her in her slumber.
I left her and wandered down the hall, lost in thoughts. Then I saw a movement in a doorway, the flash of a curtain. I smiled a little. "Come out dearest." I beckoned and a slim figure slipped out of the curtain. Saffiren, with her long golden hair and dimond blue eyes watched me carefully, like a blonde snake.
"So...who is she? She has an aura that is...unusual." She said, choosing her words lightly. She knew me...and my temper...well.
"That would make sense." I said, not seeming to care as i continued walking. "Seeing as she is a mortal."
That stopped her short. I heard her sputter then dash to catch up to me. "A-a mortal?! You surely jest! You--"
"Do as I like." I relied sharply, cutting her off. "I just want you to be kind to her and accept her. But do not confront her. She still has no idea of where she is..." I trailed off, my thoughts turning dark. I strode on but still she followed. She caught at my arm, stopping me.
"Master, is this wise? She is so young..."
"As were you and the rest of you. No leave me be. I have some preperations to make. I want her to be calm when she awakes so I plan to concoct a tea for her."
She nodded and slipped away into a garden. I sighed and walked on, through the pavillion and up the staircase to my quarters. I brushed aside the curtain to my living space, kicking plush cushions and pillows out of my way and across the plump futons that lay all over the floor. I pulled aside another curtain, one of many that lined the dark inner rooms. Behind it lay a carved door, the only inner door in my palace. Waving my hand across the magical lock, I stepped inside as it swung open, then shut behind me.
Inside was my familar study, with it's scrolls books and quills scattered across the desk, the worktable messy with past brews and their containers. I sighed, straighting things up haphazardly with my own hands or a muttering of incantaions that caused books to stack and papers and scrolls to slip into drawers or cubbies. I lit a fire in the hearth and took the small pot off it to throw in a mixture of herbs and spices along with some water.
Soon the brew was bubbling away, creating a soothing steam. I breathed it in, and the very steam of the tea seemed to quiet my nerves. "She'll be alright." I muttered as I cleaned a little while the tea simmered. "She just needs proper welcome."
I was just about to take a seat and perhaps a little doze when I heard someone in the room outside. "Master?" A timid sweet voice rang out. I smiled and rose, going to the door.
"Ah, Azura. Come in dear." I said, opening the door to allow the petite young woman in. I smiled in spite of myself. She was my little ray of sunshine...as well as a trusting tender lover. Her short dark curls and huge coffee and cream eyes seemed to glow in the firelight as she sat at the edge of my desk.
"Master, I know you're busy so I will be breif." She said in concern even as i tried to embrace her. I drew back.
"What is wrong my sweet?" I said, concerned. When Azura was upset about something, you were too. It was those eyes.
"That child. Master she is so afraid of you...can younot see it?" She said, and tears welled in her eyes. I sighed...she had such a tender heart.
"Azura dear were you watching us? You know I hate eavesdroppers."
"I know but how could one not hear her screaming? I peeked in on her after you left and even in sleep she looks so horrified and alone. Perhaps we should have some sort of fun to put her at ease...a little party if you will."
I perked up. "I was just trying to think of something? What do you suggest?"
She smiled. "Well perhaps we could..."
She described to me her plans, and every detail was perfect.
"Azura you're the best! She'll awake and see it and maybe I can put her at ease." I kissed her cheek and poured up the finished tea. "Now lets go tell the others."
