EMBER

FAE ASCEND PART 1

I cut through the forest really fast. I feel every step resonate through my aching body and resting in my pounding head.

I could teleport to her but I am weak. I just follow the connection. I let it guide me. I can feel her need for me so badly. All the hurt, anger and pain.

I run into the mansion pushing through not caring who I knock over as I practically jump over the stairs nearly tripping over some. Wisely, some of them get out of my way. I must look like a monster.

I reach the floor I want and race to her bedroom. There's a small crowd outside the closed door.

I hear her crying, no wailing even before I throw the door of her room open and budge in squeezing past the curious people outside trying to discern what was making her wail outside.

When I make it through I turn and  slam the door in their faces barely caring if it is rude. This a very delicate moment that not everyone must see. Only family.

Auntie is already there. Well, Aunt Maeve is already seated with a crying Temi on the bed. She seems lost and doesn't know what to exactly do for her.

Her room has the same grown out furniture like mine but it is like a beach in here. I even faintly smell salt air. The floor is sand with colurful sea shells and sea glass here and there strewn all over.

I can't tell where the sound of the waves was coming from but her bed looks like calm waves caught mid motion.

It is turquoise blue, her favourite colour of course and fragrant. I don't know what kind of flower it is but it adds to the beachy charisma magic of the room.

It makes sense, Temi loves anything to do with beaches and water.

The magic here adjustes to her state of peace. It even smells faintly like salty sea water here where mine smells like green and pastures. But this was bringing back painful memories. I walk to her.

Aunt Maeve moves off the bed to create space for me. The straps on the golden sandals come undone and I slide in looking into her black eyes. I miss her blue ones specked with gold.

She stops wailing and looks at me.
"I am sorry Thea. I shouldn't have made you do it."

"You had to make the choice. Choices have consequences."
I hold her hand and give it a squeeze.

"We left. We broke the promise."
She closes her eyes more tears falling through.
"I decided to erase all our memories. I should not have done that ever."
But it wasn't her who had planned it.

"I know. But it was their plan. You just made us comply and it was for the best."
It is painful watching her like this. She is blaming herself for everything.

"Stop crying. Am here and it's over."
She shakes her head but we both know it's just starting.

"How is Jake?" We turn to Aunt Maeve.

"He's downstairs doing okay. I guess." Not entirely sure.
"He's just digesting what memories I returned to him too."
Aunt Maeve comforts us. She's been strong alone for so long. Artemis sniffles.

I pass her the black handkerchief Thoren had lent me earlier. She takes it and wipes her tears then she  examines the handkerchief. She looks at me quizzically with a raised brow.

I just shrug as she blows her more than red nose.
"Thoren?"
She smiles a bit knowingly.
I blush. We both burst into a fit of giggles. Well she mostly sniffles.

"What to do now?"
Temi asks me seriously. I have no idea.

"Breakfast is what you both need right now."
Aunt Maeve speaks up. My stomach rumbles on que. I need food in it and fast.
****************