The Wings of the Raven

Chapter 2 - Arbor Portem

"So... Broody McGee, you got a name? Or should I just call you Frown," Raven asked after they had been walking for a couple hours.

"My name is Wolfe," he replied. "You've met Luna, my little sister, and Hunter is my twin brother. Your name is Raven, General Raven of Maddox City."

"That is correct," she sighed, taking in a deep breath. A scent drifted into her nose. She stopped short and spun in a circle. The scent was surrounding her and her three new companions. "Something smells... beautiful." She froze, savouring the sheer giddiness that overcame her.

The others stopped and stared at her, puzzled. Finally Wolfe asked, "What is it?"

A giggle bubbled up inside of Raven. "I'm home," she whispered. Love and happiness erupted from her chest swirling around the four of them in a flurry of soft pinks and light yellows. The wind picked up, swirling around them and lifting her off her feet. Her yellow irises glowed and blue flames leaked from the corners of her eyes. Her long black hair flew in every direction. A smile as deep as her own being was permanently plastered upon her face as she surrendered herself to the magical void.

When the dust settled Raven looked around to see the familiar surroundings of her mountain home. Tall towering trees were spread just enough apart to let sunlight filter though in calming waves. Forest paths led in every which direction. One such path was well trod by generations of footprints, leading to a castle-sized tree-house set into the side of the mountain. Bright colours were everywhere. A rainbow of wildflowers spread across a large field off to the right and a brilliant blue sky stretched above it all.

A giddy laugh bubbled up in her throat. I'm finally home. Safe, back in my sanctuary, she thought happily. Raven turned to look at her companions to discover them staring at her with intense confusion and bewilderment.

Wolfe arched a brow at her happy smile, "And people call you the fiercest general in all the land."

Raven looked at him, really looked at him. Wolfe's sharp cheekbones accented his intense dark green eyes. Stubble lined the bottom of his long, thin face. His long, dark blonde hair highlighted his beautifully tanned skin. His loose white tee-shirt stood out in contrast to his dark blue trousers. He was pretty tall with a leather cord around his neck. On the cord there appeared to be a wolf's tooth.

Her eyes drifted back to his face and the intense look he had made her burst out laughing. This seemed to shock them all, "I'm an amazing general due to my skill, not my personality."

Luna burst out laughing with Raven, her brothers looked at her in awe as the two of them stood there laughing until their sides hurt.

"Come," Raven said as she finally caught my breath. "We must get you situated in my home, before we get you bonded. You will make an excellent addition to the team."

"I'm sorry," Luna said. "Did you say, bonded?"

"Yes." What a dumb question.

"Care to explain?"

Holding back an exasperated sigh, Raven said, "Bonding can't be done till tomorrow, I'll explain then. For now, however, would you like to see my home?"

*

After Raven dropped Hunter and Wolfe at their rooms she led Luna out onto a terrace. They stood in silence watching the sun set. Stars had begun to appear before Raven finally said, "So, do your brothers know?"

Luna looked over at me sharply. "What?" she squeaked.

"Do your brothers know that you can control Moonforce?" Raven said patiently. When Luna paled, she explained, "I can smell it on you. And I reckon your brother can smell it too. Hard to miss, really. Moonbeams have a very distinct scent, and you reek of them. Plus with night vision you glow brighter than the moon herself. I didn't know if you had told your brothers so I dropped them off first. You know, girl talk. Did you even know, Luna?"