Losing The Light Of The Moon

Be Love, Be Light...

Chapter 43: Be Love, Be Light...

NICHOLAS

It didn’t fail to go unnoticed by me that Auntie and Horacio’s friendship had become incredibly close since her return, thinking that and his recent fierce protectiveness of her was due to Auntie saving his life not once, but twice.  However, I was shocked to find out how close they had truly become—something I could tell Jace was struggling with slightly as he stared down at Auntie’s small hand disappearing inside Horacio’s sizable grip before he gently set his hand down on his leg.

Horacio gazed down at Auntie tenderly as they told Jace and I that the deep friendship they shared had turned into something much more. A relationship they wanted to be kept secret for now, especially because of a vision—two, in fact—that revealed additional knowledge to Auntie that morning. Knowledge that Auntie was adamant she couldn’t reveal to us as of yet, but couldn’t explain why—leading me to press her for more information and why her newfound status with Horacio needed to be a well-guarded secret...

“Auntie, while I greatly appreciate you not keeping this from me,” I gently began, before urging her to tell us more, “You aren’t giving us much to go on, other than to keep your relationship with Horacio a secret and to trust that you will tell us why when the time is right. What makes this vision so different that you can’t disclose it like you did previously with The Council?”

“I’m afraid I can’t tell you, Nicholas. But there is more to tell—about my previous vision,” Auntie slowly breathed out, “A new decision was made—something we will discuss privately with The Council later after my training with Raven.”

“Which unfairly gives Horacio and I nothing—only more unknown and growing concern about you,” Jace earnestly urged, “Mother, all this secrecy—”

“ It is, unfortunately, necessary,” Auntie cut in—pleading for understanding, “I wish I could tell you more, but I can’t, my darling. Only that I promise all will be well in the end.”

While his hard, concentrated expression was one I had seen often, the soft, loving tone in Horacio’s voice was new to me as he worriedly pleaded, “Tati, I’m not going to lie. The terrified look on your face—I know I said I would be patient, but I’m really struggling with that now. Timing or not, you had two troubling visions back-to-back that have danger written all over them. We all trust you, but I—we—can’t protect you or anyone else if you don’t tell us anything. Please, you have to give us something.”

Auntie nervously looked up at Horacio, who peered down at her with a soft but pensive gaze, before she drifted her attention between Jace and I, who held the same look. I could see she was contemplating her answer thoroughly before she reluctantly stated, “I can tell you one thing, but you cannot ask me more. Each of my visions contain one common thread—there is still trickery from Frieda to be had at the Forest of The Vines. And there are measures that I still need to figure out and put in place there to protect us—somehow—but there is no avoiding our return to the forest on either occasion...for the good of all.”

Auntie took in a sharp breath before exhaling out her next weighted words heavily, “The truth is—all I have now are a few select pieces of what will happen there. I don’t have the full picture yet. But when it is time, I will tell all of you, I promise...especially as it will be necessary to do what must be done and keep everyone involved safe.”

*********

Sitting behind my desk, I rested my elbows on the arms of the plush office chair, closing my eyes as I held a large mug of Auntie’s special coffee brew up to my nose, enjoying the aroma of her perfect mixture but at the same time filled with growing concern about our beloved tiny fairy-like aunt, who, thanks to Madeline filling in the details of her long storied history and new knowledge that she was the reason I even existed, I admired, loved, and adored more than ever before. One of the reasons I requested a second unexpected meeting of the day—a necessary early meeting—the second discussion being held in the still darkness of dawn...

There was a soft knock before the door opened up and Horacio walked in, his mussed dark hair still wet from his shower and dressed in fresh clothes, a red t-shirt and jeans, fitting as his cheeks were a bit flushed as he greeted, “I really hope there is more coffee. Think I’m going to need it, especially as I’m sure I’ll be having a conversation with Jace after his morning chat with Tati.”

Pointing to the table by the window, I kindly returned, “Auntie made two full carafes for us, fearing they would be needed thanks to our early start, plus two plates of cookies—she said to tell you that while one is all yours, the other is s-i-c—sharing is caring.”

Horacio smiled brightly—a very rare occurrence—chuckling as he walked over and poured his coffee, taking a sip as he grabbed the plate of goodies left for him, starting towards a chair before coming to a sudden halt—humorously rattled as he looked down at his mug, letting out a satisfied hum before lowly stating, “That damn pint-sized pixie even makes the perfect coffee—I’m ruined for life—the coffee back at Spirit Walker is going to taste like dirt compared to this.”

I laughed as he walked over and set his plate down on the edge of the desk before taking his seat in front of me, mockingly pleading, “Do me a favor, will you? Keep the ‘pint sized pixie’ moniker an inside joke I share when Tati’s out of earshot. Hopefully it doesn’t come to her in a vision. A fiery threat was made involving every hair on my body...Jace can pull off bald—I, however, cannot.”

I let out a roll of laugher, incredibly amused as I pictured that discussion. Taking another sip of my coffee, I looked at Lorenzo’s Beta for a long moment before assessing in wonder, “I’ve known you for years, Horacio, and the man before me now is so—different. I’ve never seen you like this before.”

“Mmmmm,” Horacio murmured, grabbing a cookie, breaking off a huge chunk with his teeth before muffling out between bites, “It’s called overwhelming happiness—a feeling that’s new to me—another way your Auntie has ruined me...and in time, it will completely destroy my reputation more than likely. An adjustment to be made on my part, but truthfully, completely worth it.”  

Swallowing, he devotedly stated, “I love her, Nicholas, with every ounce of my being. I have for a long time, and I always will. And before you get all nervous about my stealing her away, I assure you that I have no intention of doing so. She will always be a Crescent Moon at heart and wants to stay close to Jace and all of you. And I want Tati to be happy and content, so I will do whatever it takes to create a balance, much like Alastor and Vivian have done. Fortunately, maneuverability between territories can be accomplished quite easily.” 

“No offense, but I’ve never known you to sacrifice anything,” I admiringly replied, “You’ve always been more of a winner-take-all dominating kind of personality.”

“I know,” Horacio dejectedly sighed out, “I’m telling you, that damn pint-sized pixie is killing me! I’ve always been an ass! It’s what I know—or knew, anyways. But, I can reluctantly—very reluctantly—admit, I may like the changes Tati has made since she came back into my life—the changes she has made in me.”

“I’m not reluctant at all to say I rather appreciate the changes Auntie has made in you,” I sincerely returned, “I like this Horacio—a great deal, in fact. I would even be willing to go as far as to say that I think you may even deserve her.”

Snickering under his breath, Horacio retorted, “Still trying to convince myself of that one, but thanks for the compliment. But maybe I can convince us both—”    

His jovial mood dampened as Horacio’s eyes narrowed, taking another sip of coffee before sharply stating, “I don’t like these visions Tati is having at all, Nicholas, especially knowing it has to do with the Forest of The Vines. It’s going to take all three of us—you, Jace, and me—to figure out how we can protect everyone, especially Tati. I know my fiery fairy, she’s going to attempt to go at whatever it is alone, something we cannot let her do—not anymore. Now that I finally have the one thing I have always wanted, the one person I have wanted to love and be loved by in return, I won’t lose it—I won’t lose Tati—not now, not ever.”

**********

TATIANA

Fortunately, it wasn’t as chilly outside this morning, leading Jace to suggest we walk down to our spot at the lake to watch the sunrise. As my favorite area came into view, I noticed a new addition there—a darkly shadowed bench. I flashed Jace a bright smile as he looked down at me with a warm smile, “Thought it might be more comfortable for us when we enjoy time together here.”

Thrusting my cup into his free hand, I excitedly clapped my hands in front of my face and hurried my pace, soon arriving at my gift—a stunningly beautiful long wooden bench with thick billowy cushions laid out on the seat and back for comfort, turning to beam at him as I asked, “Did you make this? Is it one of your creations?”

“I did and it is,” Jace chuckled out, “and from the looks of it, you like it as I had hoped, even before you saw the front of it.”

“I love it! Let me admire it a moment before I explore the front!” I gushed, running my fingers along the thick solid cedar back that slowly came up to provide a wide rounded backing for additional support and comfort, along with ample width on the arms for our coffee cups to rest. Walking around the side, I squealed slightly as Jace had made the seat of the bench spacious and roomy as well—so deeply set back that I could curl up on it with great ease, the beautiful pinkish-red wood gleaming even in the dark of early dawn. 

I looked over at the sturdy back of the bench to find Jace’s other surprise for me—a beautifully scrolled heart in the center of my favorite piece of furniture ever made, with an inscription in the middle that took my breath away, my vision instantly blurred from an overflow of tears that filled my eyes before clearing again as they broke free, falling down my face...

For Our Fairy Queen,

Who Has Always Loved All—

More Than She Has Loved Herself

Forever A Bright Light

To Carry Us Out Of The Darkness

My throat completely constricted as my watery gaze came up to connect with my beloved son’s—whose deep-seeded love for me was overwhelmingly reflected in his dark eyes as he stood before me now. My voice hoarse and cracked, I forced out with deep sincerity, “J-Jace—I—it’s the most beautiful gift I have ever received! Thank you isn’t near enough—I—I don’t know what to say other than I don’t deserve this but will cherish it—always!”

“The beautiful vision before me now says it all, Mother,” Jace sweetly breathed out, “I see and feel everything I hoped for in your reaction to my gift and more. And your words alone prove—every word of that inscription is true.”

“Not always,” I choked out, “I’m not—I’m not perfect, Jace. No one is. I’ve struggled with darkness myself.”

“I have no doubt about that after everything you have been through,” Jace softly returned, “I hope that one day, you will tell me about your years alone in the cottage.”

“Perhaps one day,” I hesitatingly replied, quickly changing the subject, asking in disbelief, “How long have you been working on this?”

“The bench since your return,” Jace lovingly replied, “The inscription made after my talk with my aunts last evening.”

“I see you are wearing your grandfather’s necklace,” I admiringly told him, “It’s good to see it being worn by his exceptional grandson. He would be so very proud of you, Jace.”

“And I see you are wearing my grandmother’s necklace,” Jace reverently replied, “Bringing them both with us to share this moment...creating our good memories to hold onto forever.”

More tears fell as I brought my fingers up to hold the moon and stars in my hand, sobbing out, “Put the coffee cups down so I can hug my so very loved and adored son properly without scalding him!”

Jace’s heartwarming laughter filled the air as he did as I wished—fortunately for him, my son is sturdy and strong and his mother petite, as I barreled into his chest once his hands were free, wrapping my arms around him as  tightly as I could—his body sustaining the force of my action with ease while my body shook from emotion as Jace continued to be humored, securing me firmly into his broad, muscular frame, warmly declaring, “I love you to the moon and back, Mother—forever and always—and even after that! I feel very fortunate for the cherished bonds that I share with three of the most incredible women I have ever known—You, Constance, and Raven!”  

********

My bench exceeded expectations in comfort, a bright smile on my face as I sat curled up next to Jace wrapped up in my favorite blanket, gently placing my hand over his as I laid my head on his arm, breathing out assuring him, “He makes me happy, Jace—Horacio—he loves me so dearly...and while it is a bit of a surprise to me, I have fallen in love with him—deeply so.”

“I’ve suspected as much about Horacio for quite some time,” Jace uncomfortably breathed out, “and had wondered if you were starting to feel the same about him.”

I could feel Jace tense up as he spoke, quietly affirming, “I’m not leaving, you know—Crescent Moon—I will still be here mostly, so you will see me every day, if you choose, of course, and I will always carry a deep love for your father in my heart. Horacio is so supportive in every way. He knows how important everyone here is to me, especially you. I will merely be visiting Spirit Walker and staying overnight when needed, so nothing interferes with Horacio’s Beta duties. We will find our balance between Crescent Moon and Spirit Walker.”

“I will always choose to see you every day, Mother,” Jace earnestly stated, before reluctantly admitting, “Is it bad that I’m really glad to hear you say that you will mostly be here at Crescent Moon? I feel rather selfish that was my first thought, instead of being grateful that you are happy.”

Giggling softly, I adoringly replied, “You are not selfish—it makes me feel very loved and touched that you will always choose to see me every day.”

“Enough that you will tell me more about these visions of yours?” Jace slowly asked.

“Nice try, Smooth Talker,” I laughingly cooed out, “But I’m afraid both you and Horacio are going to have to work on your patience.”

Jace softly murmured out his heartfelt plea, “Promise me that you will tell us before it’s too late to help protect you.”   

Reaching over, I picked my mug up, placing it against my lips as I softly replied, “I promise. And I need you to promise, no matter what, you will remember and heed my words, Jace. There will be no room for mistakes made by emotion, for those are the deadliest kind of mistakes—especially in the Forest of The Vines.”

************

JACE

Looking out over the water as I continued to sit on Mother’s bench, I was overjoyed at her reaction to my gift—the way her face lit up the instant she saw it and the love I had intended reflected as she read the words written for her on the front. Words that held special meaning not only for her, but for me as well, especially after hearing about her past...

“I had no idea of this hobby of yours,” Horacio’s deep voice broke into my thoughts, “Tati was right, it is incredibly beautiful. What you did—it means a great deal to her, Jace.”

I turned to find him slowly walking towards me, replying, “And so do you. I guess we have both made her very happy today.”

Horacio stopped after coming around the side of the bench, reading the inscription, his eyes filling with adoration as he smiled, “Your words are perfect—and all of them true. And I can see why she loves your gift so much.”

Sitting down beside me, Horacio and I talked for quite some time...and in that time, he reiterated everything Mother said and more. There was a deep love in Horacio’s heart held for her. As she had done in the past, Mother was a light that provided good changes in those she touched, leaving me again in awed admiration of her—and thankful for the new friendship and bond it brought with it. Horacio and I came together as allies—both of us on a quest to protect Mother—especially from herself, if necessary. And we weren’t alone...

“Your gift turned out even more beautiful than I imagined, Jace,” Nicholas’ voice rang out, “Mind if I join the conversation about the incredible woman who inspired it? I’m known for my patience, but after our last visit to the Forest of The Vines and seeing Frieda’s vengeful attack against her in person, I’m going to take every measure necessary to protect Auntie and everyone else from whatever is being planned at the Forest of The Vines. And to do that, I get the feeling we are going to need all the information we can get—soon!”