Air: An Elemental Story

Epilogue

  He paced the worn, wooden planks in the living room of the large house that he had called home for many years. He raked his strong, elegant fingers through his wavy, white blonde hair, he was still irritated with the events of the past hour. He could hear the wild wind tearing through the trees outside, and it never ceased to amaze him. The woman's words still rang in his ears, "Please don't do this thing now. The moon, the stars are not right, my dear." She waved her fingers in the direction of the night sky. "I have even thrown the stones, they too suggest that you wait a bit more." She rattled when she moved, her full skirts brushing the floor, "Please Asher, I beg you. It is not worth the loss. Don't do this to that innocent child."

The tall man's bright blue eyes snapped in anger, "Tomorrow, woman. I will not wait. She is mine. I have waited far too long as it is."

The woman's face shadowed in sorrow, "Then you've signed her death warrant. How can you do this to her?"

The man fully turned his irritated gaze to the woman in front of him, "It's simple. She is mine. I will do whatever it takes to make her mine forever."

Shock registered on the woman's face before she could stop it, "Forever? That is a very long time, my dear. Are you absolutely sure?" She held her breath in anticipation of his answer.

"Absolutely." He snapped at her. Her shoulders sagged with defeat,

"I see that I can not convince you, dear. All I can say now is protect her with your life. She is your destiny."

The man gave an odd smile, "Now she is my destiny? How can you say these words after all you have told?" He crossed his arms over his muscular chest.

The woman stiffened her spine and said softly, "She is your destiny. She will be the very air you breathe. She was created for you, and you alone." Her eyes became glossy as she slipped easily into a trance. "Her life and yours are spun together as fine silken thread. She will calm the storm of your heart, and quiet your mind when you are restless. But hear me dear, her life is in your hands. Her life here is a fragile one. Guard her fiercely. She will be stronger in time." she blinked rapidly.

The man looked at her in wonder, "You have my word woman, you know me, you know who I am. Is there truly a doubt in your mind?"

She shook her head, rattling as she did so, "Never! I am only trying to save you heartache and sadness."

He shook his head, bringing himself back to the present moment, and he sighed heavily as his pacing began in earnest again. The wind pushed mightily at the stained glass of the old house. He stopped mid stride, and took a deep breath, he had to get himself under control. There was no doubt in his mind that she loved him, this girl he was going to marry tomorrow. He loved her as well, his body went rigid, and a smile split his face.

"I love her," he said with wonder. When did that happen? Yes, he always liked her and enjoyed her company, he wanted to see her happy always. Did he fall in love when her laughter filled his ears? Was it when she was kneeling on the floor surrounded by the pups that his mastiff had produced. He didn't know the exact time, but the fact remained, he was in love with the beautiful girl he was going to wed tomorrow. He was suddenly calm, and although aware of The Old Witch's warning, determined to move forward.

He climbed the stairs to his bedroom, a fire already blazed in the hearth, forcing the cold from the room. He undressed quickly and tossed himself into the center of the giant four poster bed. He stared up at the canopy with a grin, and said, "Tomorrow."

......

She woke with a smile pushing her raven curls away from her face with the back of her hand, and sighed happily. She stretched full length all the way to her toes, then sat up. This was going to be one of the happiest days of their lives, she could feel it in her bones. She reached for the bell pull, stood, and wandered to the window that overlooked the garden. She spotted a few of the servants choosing the brightly colored flowers that she had specified.