Chapter 22 - Au Revoirs

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Elissa stands with her back to the river and the island of Avalon. Closing her eyes, she inhales a deep breath and tries to block out the sounds of the dwarves' hobnailed boots scuffing against the ground.

Instead, she concentrates on the warmth of the sun, the feel of the soil beneath her bare toes and the buzz of life around her. Summoning her magic, it hums under her skin and pools inside of her, assuming a nuclear glow in her mind's eye.

The ground before her bows to her will and a chasm opens up. She walks down into its depths, until the way ahead is blocked by bedrock. However, that offers little resistance to the touch of her glowing blue hands.

She moves forward slowly, carving her way through the rock like a hot knife through butter. Fissures radiate out around her and crumble as she moves onwards. Behind her, teams of dwarves and Dragonites work to clear the debris, although she is not really aware of them.

On and on, she advances, losing track of time until she starts to feel lightheaded and her eyelids droop, feeling leaden. The power within still burns, but she struggles to grasp for it. Her footsteps falter and she comes to a complete stop as the world falls into darkness.

Gradually, her senses return and she becomes aware of the soft caress of fresh air against her cheek, accompanied by the comforting scent of leather and spice with a hint of smoke. She is cocooned by a feeling of warmth and security, making her reluctant to open her eyes.

"Elissa." A masculine voice rumbles through her.

Her eyes spring open and she finds herself gazing directly up into the dark brooding eyes of a familiar warrior. A little thrill races through her at being held so securely within Kai's arms.

She has barely seen him since her coronation, but then she has been busy with so many visitors at Avalon all demanding her attention. Though if she is honest with herself, she has used it as an excuse. He is far too dangerous and she has no idea how to square how he makes her feel with her love for Aren.

Thankfully, she is saved having to confront her feelings right now, for Sirius and Aine hurry over. Kai's hold tightens for a moment, but he gently eases her to the ground.

"What happened?" Sirius demands. "You have been gone for several hours."

Several hours? Elissa can't quite believe her ears, but the sun was at its zenith when she set off and is now arcing towards the horizon.

"Elissa worked without stopping." She detects a hint of disapproval in Kai's voice. "She collapsed. I carried her back."

Zane appears from the depths of the tunnel and bends over to catch his breath. "Phew. Are you alright, little one? Three blooming miles I have been chasing this one." He cocks his head at Kai.

He carried me for three miles! Warmth blossoms in her chest.

"Three miles!" Incredulity rings in Sirius's voice. "That is beyond the power of an Elemental."

"Yes well, Elissa is hardly a common Elemental. She was glowing so brightly that I was unable to look upon her. I need a drink and ..." The words die on Zane's lips, his gaze becomes transfixed by something behind her.

Curious as to what has caught his attention, Elissa turns to see three figures sat on the river bank. Their scales glint in the sun before their tails transform into legs.

She immediately recognises Poseidon, King of Atlantis and his son Triton; they are hardly easy to forget. Though she bets that it is the third figure that has piqued Zane's interest; a female with vibrant purple hair, who is wearing little to cover her silvery skin.

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