The Fire Element goddess and the Dragon King

September 27th - Tonight is the night, Ember turns 21 and her friends have a night in store for her. Chicago in September is prefect, not to cold where you can still wear something that shows off some skin and not to hot that the make up and hair actually stay in place. Tonight plans include hitting every bar and club, then ending up most likely in a Denny’s at 4am. Typically, nothing different from every other weekend. She is not truly that excited but knows that her friends planned this and just will go along and enjoy what she can of the night. Nineteen years ago Ember was adopted and moved to a west suburb of Chicago, the small city of Westmont. She grew up loving everything about her town, the convinence to the city, the food and the people. Her parents enjoyed traveling, so she was able to take in so many lifestyles and culture but coming back to Westmont did always feel like a place she called home. Reflecting on her life in Westmont, she lets the shower wash over her almost cleansing any stressful thought of tonight s adventure. She still can’t help to think that tonights birthday bash will somehow end up in the back end of an alley, puking her cuts out from one to many shots of Tito’s. She finishes her washing her hair, shaving and lathering up in Lavender body wash relieving just a little more stress from her shoulders. Standing in front of the mirror admiring the hog-pog of an outfit she put together. It is so hard to find anything that fits her style and her size, she stands a good five feet one, on a good day while laughing. Her petite frame and height have always made shopping extremely hard for her. However, she has to admit the fitting Black skirt just above the knee did pair well with the loose Red sleeveless shirt and Black knee heel boots, tied with a Black and red three layered necklace. Her blonde hair flowing straight back to the middle of her back and her Blue eyes outlined with Black eyeliner. Yep, she was happy with the outcome. Looking at the clock realizing she needs to run, for some odd reason her parents begged her to stop at the house first before going out. She would have rather gone tomorrow, but she agreed, so she better go. A year ago she found this cute little stable home behind another home for rent. She had to jump on it, it is very hard to find anything for rent that she could afford. At 16, she started working for her uncles real estate firm as their property manager, although she loves what she does it does not always pay her lifestyle. The drive to work and her parents house is equal in distance, that was always another plus. “Almost there” she says to her Friend Toni on the phone, indicating almost time to hang up. “I will meet you at Tiffany’s apartment in 45 minutes, love ya” she hangs up the phone, throws it in her purse and heads towards the door. She opens the door to a smell of smoke and fire. Immediately, she freezes. Growing up, part of those vacations always included a campground they had in Seneca Illinois. However, they along with so many more occasions, never went well. Remembering back anytime there was a fire, from a campsite, candle and well anything that had fire and if she was close enough the fire always seemed to reach out to her or in her direction. On more than one occasion her parents had to pour water over her from fire on her body. What she believed, the fire grabbed her arm and would not let go. However, there was no burns or blistering but because of that her parents avoided candles and gas stoves. She was scared of fire, never understood it. “Mom, Dad” She yells from the door. She doesn't see smoke or any visible fire, but she sure smells it and odd feeling, like she can feel it. Mom yells back “we’re in the kitchen”. Ember heads towards the kitchen feeling that stress from the shower earlier that she thought she got rid of, is now back. Her mom and dad are both sitting at the table. Her dad always with his cigar just leaned back relaxed, a very soothing wash comes over her. He chuckles and hands her a box, it's a present for her birthday. She opens the card and then opens the box. Wow, it's the most beautiful stone necklace. Odd color, looks like it changes from red to black and green to blue. Humm, but loves it. She looks to her mom to say thank you but her moms face says something different. “What's wrong?” she asks. Her mom proceeds to tell her that she is sorry to have to tell me this on my birthday but “your biological mother has passed away” she continues to tell me that I was mentioned in her will. I look over to my father, to try to read his face but all he does is smile and nod. Not exactly sure how I should process this. They never kept it a secret that I was adopted, well they told me when I was 16 which was probably the best time, I was a bit of a handful. I look to my mom for her to continue. She says that tomorrow I can call this attorney in Louisiana for more information and hands me the contact info. Knowing this may hurt my mother a little, I let her know I love her and thank her for the gift. I continue to tell her I will reach out tomorrow. Looking at my watch and just wanting to forget about what she just told me. I create the panic urge of restlessness so my parents know its time for me to go. “not yet” her mother says. She continues to tell me the present was sent along with the attorney information. So it was my real mothers. She hands me her present, I open it and its beautiful. It's a fox pendant. I have always loved foxes. I smile like a kid on Christmas morning and hug my mom and dad. Tell them I love them but I really hate to cut it short, I have to go. In the car I put the necklace on that was left to me, text Toni to let her know I am on my way