Mythic (NaNoWriMo14)

Chapter 6 - Archangel

Picture of Nazine by @phoenixfantasyfox

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Chapter 6 - Archangel

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While the Order prepared the campsite under the watch of a fading sun, Rena spent the time actively avoiding Nazine. 

A union? she thought, skirting behind a tree and pretending to be heading towards one of the other carriages. Does he even know what he's proposing?

She figured Cayden had the right idea, that Nazine had simply thought it would lure her back into the only lifestyle he knew without the threat of Elijah. Though he was a cardinal, one bad word from the halfling Mythic about him and the other cardinals would hold council and revoke his title quicker than a pegasus named Arion. 

But it wasn't without risk. If they were to complete the union properly, if they were to... to bond...

Rena fingered her key. We have no idea what would happen.

The fusion of ley might do nothing. To be part of each other's crystal keys might feel no different than it was now, but there was always the chance that whatever her Mythic was, it wouldn't take well to Nazine's energy. Her powers could change, they could warp or become unusable. A union wasn't something you did on a whim, because someone like Elijah was being the cranky old man he'd always been.

And I don't think Nazine is the person to be my life-mate. 

Rena found herself standing near a group of angel Mythics wrapped up in discussing the perimetre. 

She found herself entranced by their wings, the long feathered limbs of pure white tucked against their backs. They looked softer than anything Rena had ever experienced, while their simple, elegant robes of white and gold enhanced their perfect features. Though two were female, Rena found herself attracted just as much to them as the four males that stood with them. 

They're all in tune with their Mythic, thought Rena, awed. Physical features of their Mythic flawlessly merged with their human body. 

There was one, a male, that they clearly all deferred to. His wings were larger and edged in silver, like he'd flown to the clouds and skimmed their lining. Everything about him felt safe, from his illuminated skin right down to the key that hung around his throat, projecting his aura out to those that would embrace it. 

An archangel?

His eyes swivelled to Rena, greeting her with a kind smile. 

"Don't hide, Mythic. Come, speak with us if you wish."

Rena moved over, aware of how their eyes watched her as she stood beside them. Being typical angels, each introduced themselves by name with a respectful incline of their heads. Rena couldn't help but feel a little... rough around beings that seemed to have no flaws. Even the elegant lilts with which they pronounced their names escaped her.

I hope they don't expect me to remember that.

"I didn't realise the Order would send so many angels for protection," said Rena after the introductions were over. "I thought maybe three at most, let alone seven--one of which is an archangel."

"The safety of the phoenix is of the utmost importance," said the archangel, whose name had sounded something like Ill'iryni. "If he does not reach Leristith, we fear for what might become of the portals."

"Is the other halfling incapable of performing the ceremony?" asked Rena. "Why is Nazine required when they have much more experience?"

"Ah," said the archangel. "You refer to the unicorn Mythic, I presume?" When Rena nodded, he continued, lips pursed. "Unicorns are fickle creatures. Their fae side sees their power wane at this part of the year with the moonlight. During this time, the unicorn will effectively hibernate, and it is not natural for them to commune with the portals during it. To ask of her to perform the ceremony would surely meet a tragic end."