It is time Sue now spoke to Claire we have all spent too long together. Who were you talking about? Asked Claire, all in good time the longer we remain together the harder it will be to part, now come back with me and return to yourself. They journeyed back through Claire’s mind leaving behind Aleciamora and Clarona. I could not see or hear what you were doing I know you were with others but who? concentrate on what we are doing otherwise it could be bad for both of us said Sue we have already spent too much time together we must part. No demanded Claire I need to know and know now! This not for you now and you know it you must release me. I can keep you here can’t I then I will do so until you tell me Claire demanded then we will both be doomed and serve no purpose in our separate existences let me go demanded Sue, never until you tell me and that will be my last word.
The Elder could feel this internal struggle between the two of them and came to Alec. It is as I feared you must help them to part. It’s Sue isn’t it she won’t let go will she, no quite the contrary it is Claire that keeps them together and won’t release her. You must reach down to your friend and get her to let go. Alec started to talk to Claire asking her to let go and come back, there was no response. It’s not working! You have to be forceful to make her let go. Alec was by this time getting angry about the whole situation he should never have let Claire do this he thought, he was now shouting at the top of his voice at her, there was still no response it was then he did something that he thought that he would never do and slapped her extremely hard across her face. He was in tears as he vowed that he would never hurt her. Claire’s body jolted and gasped back into life and she was separated from Sue. You hit me, you said that you would never ever hurt me, it was the Elder that now spoke it was necessary for you both to break contact and it was the shock of something unexpected that brought you both back to us.
I’m sorry Alec said the tears still rolling down his cheeks I just didn’t know what to do, I just wanted you back no matter what. You have chosen your companion well the Elder said to Claire never doubt what he does for he does it for you and you alone, you were meant for each other. This is true added Sue from the very beginning of your creation this was meant to be. I’m sorry said Claire but I need to know what I can’t see. We cannot tell you said the Elder but this we impart to you. What you cannot see is vital to us all and it is not for you to see now but will in time be released to you and then you will understand. You do not realise it but you and your companion are precious to us all that is all I can say said the Elder I have already spent too much time here and I must return, Androniasuebismet I leave you to say farewell.
I too have to leave you and leave you to fulfill your lives together, do you have to leave now said Claire as there is still so much to try to try to comprehend and I feel as though I am just beginning to understand you and what you are. Yes I must, there are so many things that are required of me to prepare for the return of the lost ones. Will we ever see you again? Yes you will but not for some considerable time said Sue and only then if I am needed. Then I will have lost a dear friend who I’ve only just met and value deeply said Claire, no you won’t have lost me for whenever there is a storm think of me for I shall not be far away, farewell my friends.
Claire and Alec were then left on their own still trying to come to terms with what they had been through. Would they ever meet Sue again and who really are the collective of gatherers. What was their purpose? they were just beginning to comprehend and why were they so few of them and what of themselves why are we so precious to them wondered Alec but it was Claire who spoke the final words that night, Alec we will probably never know until it happens and when it does all will become clear to us of that I have no doubt.
