Under The Moon Light

Hannah never thought she was special, until her Aunt Luna came to visit on her thirteenth Birthday. The way she kept looking at me, was like she was expecting something. I had no clue what it could be. I was just a plain, ordinary girl after all. Posters on my wall & music blaring. I wrote it all down in my journal, from my latest crush to my Aunt arriving. I had some big feelings & this seemed the best way to express them. Aunt Luna promised to tell me all under my birthday's full moon light. I was nervous & yet excited all at the same time. "Hannah, it's time" I heard Aunt Luna say. She & my Mom were dressed up like witches, but it didn't look like old Halloween costumes to me. My brain was trying to make sense of everything. Aunt Luna is my Mom's older sister & has always been a bit eccentric. She basically raised my mom after their parents had been killed in a tragic accident. There never were many details given & I didn't press. I didn't want to make my Mom cry. I took in a deep breath & gradually released it, feeling a bubble of anxiety deep within me. "Okie dokie, yeah sure" I sighed & shook a little, but tried to be brave. "Everything is gonna be just fine, honey" my Mom reassured me. My Aunt Luna took out a huge book from her big black bag she takes everywhere. It is always full of crystals & other things I didn't know much about. "Hannah, you come from a very long & powerful line of women. You are the thirteenth Generation, that we know of & this is your thirteenth Birthday. Even the Moon Goddess herself smiles down on you, blessing you under her full & radiant light." My Aunt made everything sound so wonderful. They began to place candles around & took their time lighting each one. Then they centered me & placed salt all around me. "For your protection, hon" my Mom said. I barely got out, "Protection from what?" when it began. There before me was a face I had seen many times before. Never in person, only in pictures. She was my Grandma Hannah, who I was named after. She had long dark auburn hair & brown eyes that were soothing. She didn't look much older than my Mom. "This is her?" she asked my Mom & Aunt, even though I got the feeling she already knew. They both nodded yes & she came towards me. "Do not be afraid, little one. There is much you will see & much you will learn. It will start tonight & go through the rest of your life. I am here to be your Guide." I released a breath I didn't know I was holding onto & for the first time in my life, I fainted. "I told you it would be too much for her still, Luna" I could hear my mother say as I was slowly coming to. "Nonsense Lenore, we were her age when the ancestors came to talk to us & show us our powers. Only difference is Mom prepared us & you haven't prepared her. That's why she is scared" I could still see my Grandma Hannah & she gave me a small smile. "Girls, she is waking up. Put everything else aside. Tonight is her night." My Mom & Aunt Luna turned to face me & I had a million questions, but only one came blurting out. "What is happening?" All three of them were looking at me as if I had two heads. "Lenore, you really should have prepared her for this." my Grandma Hannah looked a little upset as she spoke to my mom. "I know, time just flew so quickly. I kept thinking there was time." my Mom was wringing her hands a little with a sad look on her face. Aunt Luna put her arms around me & gave me a wink. "Well, ladies, we can't undo the past. What's done is done. We can only go forward from here & now & help her grow into her full potential." Aunt Luna was so calm, way more calm then I felt in that moment. "Hannah, what's happening, is that you are a witch. Set to be a very strong & powerful one." as my Grandma said these words I looked at my Mom for confirmation & she shook her head letting me know the words were true. I looked down at the toe of my shoe & my untied shoelaces, I had been meaning to tie them. "You are the thirteenth generation, stretching back across the sands of time, my dear. I know this is a lot to take in, but I have watched over you for your whole life. Your gifts displayed themselves so early, much to my delight" as she spoke, I realized her voice wasn't one of a stranger but one I had heard many times over my life. "It's been you" it was only a half question as it came out. "Yes. It has been me. You have heard & felt me & perhaps seen me & dreamed of me, my sweet girl." This was some serious confirmation coming in as I looked at my Grandma. Five short years later, my eighteenth birthday. I was reflecting back on my thirteenth as I was stirring my morning tea clockwise. Stirring in some positive vibes. I still couldn't believe all I had heard & learned that night. Many ancestors have visited me & sometimes other souls as well. I don't always know who they are or what they want, but I learned to not be so afraid of them. My hand went to my black tourmaline necklace I always wore, it helped me feel safe & protected. Aunt Luna had given it to me on the night of my thirteenth birthday. The night I learned all about who I was & where I came from. Aunt Luna visited a lot more after that. Teaching me from our families grimwore. My favorite ancestor, beside my Grandma of course, was her Grandma Maggie. She told things like they were, but in a way that was gentle & soothing too. My cat, Salem, brushed up against me, bringing me back to the present. I gave him his scritches & he purred loudly. "Wonder what tonight will bring, Salem" he just looked up at me with his big, bright gold eyes & meowed softly. I had graduated from High School in May, not sure what to do with myself, I spent the summer with my Aunt Luna. She taught me all about herbs, crystals, & candle magick. The do's & the don'ts & the if you dares. My Mom really didn't practice as much as Aunt Luna did. In fact, when she had married my Dad, a human, she had decided to shut most of her powers down. Aunt Luna had never married or had children, I was the closest thing she had to a child & she doted on me. She didn't agree with my Mom on shutting her powers down or keeping me in the dark about my gifts. "Are you ready to celebrate tonight, Hannah?" my Aunt's voice drifted over to me & again I was taken back to five years ago, for just a moment, but I decided not to stay there this time. "Of course I am." I said confidently, thinking there couldn't be anything worse that could happen. My Mom came down to celebrate here with us for a change. I knew it was out of her comfort zone, but I also knew how much she loved me. My Dad had passed away when I was five. While I got my Mom's Auburn hair color, my green eyes & freckles, came from him. "Hannah, there's something I need to tell you" the way my Mom's voice rose as she said this, gave me goosebumps. I cleared my throat, but she didn't even give me time to answer. "A long time ago, you were promised to be wed after your eighteenth birthday" She just blurted it out, I caught my breath & I could feel some anger rise up in me. "What the hell do you mean?" I didn't normally talk to my Mom like that & I was rewarded with a pinch from my Grandma. "Your Aunt Luna made a pact & entered into an agreement with a powerful family." I looked at my Aunt as my Mom was talking, I couldn't help it & I interrupted her. "Woah, wait! Why would Aunt Luna be making this deal?" Aunt Luna laughed as she started to speak. "Well, darling, because your mother turned her powers off, I was the only one left with power & authority." My mom glared at Aunt Luna briefly. "Lucian has been searching for you, he grows restless." Aunt Luna said this with a far away look in her eyes. My goosebumps got goosebumps at this point. "Who is Lucian?" I was doing my best to hold it together. "He is your intended future my darling girl." was all the answer I got. *Lucian's POV* All I knew was that out there somewhere was my future. My mother was vague on the details. All she told me was that she had auburn hair, green eyes, & freckles. I searched everywhere hoping to bring her to me. I didn't understand why there was so much secrecy around everything. I took over as King of the Air Kingdom after my father passed five years ago. I was only sixteen at the time, but I had been preparing for this my whole life. My Queen would be from the Fire Kingdom, our marriage bringing an alliance. I knew tragedy had struck many years ago when the King & Queen had been in a tragic accident. My Queen would have to come from royalty herself for this to be a good match. I ran my hand through my snow white hair, all of us born from the Air Kingdom had silvery white hair & usually ice blue or wintery green eyes. "Lucian, you're pacing again, my son." My mothers melodic voice is what brought me out of my mood. "I am growing tired of waiting, mother. I have been King for five years now & I long for my mate." My mother sighed. "The time will be soon, my son. Just a little more patience." Easy for you to say, I thought to myself. My mother was tall & graceful. She & my father had been soul mates & ruled together happily until he passed away. "I understand that it's hard to wait, Lucian." she hesitated momentarily, very unlike her. "I just don't understand why there has been so much wait, mother." She looked away for a moment & I could tell she was linking with someone to share her thoughts as her gaze was far away. "She is being prepared now, Lucian." I was shocked. "What do you mean?" I couldn't believe what she was saying, maybe I didn't hear right. "She only discovered her gifts five years ago, when she turned thirteen, Lucian. Tonight is her eighteenth birthday & her mother & Aunt Luna are preparing her. Well, mostly Luna as Lenore doesn't really delve into her craft any more." My Queen hadn't prepared all of her life for this as I had, it was a big shock to my system, but my mother didn't seem to think anything of it. It felt like a disaster brewing. *Hannah's POV* "Well, Lucian knows now that you haven't been prepared." Aunt Luna said this so matter of factly. "You guys didn't think you should tell me that I am a Queen of a kingdom, let alone pledged in marriage to someone I don't even know!" I had so many feelings welling up inside of me, threatning to boil over. My mom stood up & looked at my Aunt as she spoke. "This was not my idea, Hannah." Aunt Luna laughed a little & then said "Lenore you knew this was what was meant to be all along. Just because you chose to shut yourself down & seperate yourself from the craft, doesn't mean it changed the whole future. We should have spent the last eighteen years preparing her for this day." The temperature in the room was heating up. "What if I don't want to marry him? What if I don't want to be Queen?" As these words left my lips, my Grandma appeared. "I was Queen & it is in your blood. Part of who you are, Hannah." She looked hurt, but I couldn't help it. I had to express myself in some way. That's when I took off running into the night. Looking for my escape, but there was no escaping my ancestors. "Are you done running yet?" My Grandma's voice was soothing in a time of chaos when nothing in the world seemed right. I was so sure things couldn't get worse & here I was finding out I was a Queen & set to be married. I lifted my chin up stubbornly though. "Maybe. I haven't decided yet. This sure is a lot to take in." Grandma looked at me then with so much love & fire blazing in her eyes. "Luna has been acting as Queen since I left this plain. But it is you who are meant to rule. As the acting Queen she chose to make an alliance with the Air Kingdom. King Jasper & Queen Olivia's son, Lucian is only a few years older than you are." She made everything sound so simple. "Yeah but he had his whole life to prepare." I snorted. "Yes he did. Lenore chose a life for herself & for you, she did the best she could. But, now it's time for you to step up. I, Hannah Firestorm give to you, my Granddaughter, Hannah Lindstrom, my full powers. May the fire begin to burn inside of you without scorching you." As she said these words, it felt like a big fire was building up inside of me passing through my blood & my bones. Hannah wasn't prepared for the fireballs that flew out of her fingertips as her Grandma passed on her power. It all flooded into her & out of her so fast that her head began to swim & she broke out in a sweat. Her Grandma held out her hand & stopped the fire balls from burning up the trees & shrubs around her. "Well, that will need some practice. But, overall, not too bad." Hannah looked at her Grandma like she was crazy. Not too bad, my ass, she thought! *Lucian's POV* "Sir, King Christopher from the Earth Kingdom is here to see you." Ian was getting on in years & was one of Lucian's favorite people. He helped him alot after his fathers death. "Please show him in, Ian. Please have Delores bring in some tea & sandwiches for us as well." Ian & Delores had been married fifty years & were pretty much like grandparents to him. Christopher came in a few moments later. He was tall with dark brown hair & chocolate brown eyes with flecks of amber & green in the depths. He was one of Lucian's oldesr friends. "You rang?" Christopher laughed as he greeted his old friend. "I did. How is Tatiana?" He watched Christopher's face change at the mention of his Queen, the lovely Tatiana who was Queen of the Water Kingdom with a heart shaped face, blue eyes, & long blonde hair. "Aw, my little water nymph is doing very well. We are expecting our first baby in a few months." Christopher raised his eyebrows a bit. I cleared my voice & decided to get to the point. "You were both prepared, uh to meet one another & be married." I hated hearing the hesitation in my own voice. "Yes we were prepared. Doesn't mean everything went smoothly from the word go though. We still had to get to know one another on that level. Luckily we all grew up together, so she was already my friend. The soul mate pull when we had both turned eighteen, helped bridge some gaps, but still it hasn't all been smooth sailing." I took it all in, I had grown up & played with Christopher & Tatiana when we were all children & had watched enviously as their love grew. "My soul mate's name is Hannah." It was the first time I had said her name & it didn't feel entirely wrong to me. Christopher exhaled & laughed. "Well hell, it's about damn time, Lucian!" I couldn't agree more & matched his smile. "She should be arriving soon. I would like for you & Tatiana to meet her, maybe we can all help her adjust." Christopher again raised his eyebrows. "Adjust?" He asked. I spilled the story as I knew it & when he left he made a promise that he & Tatiana would do everything they could to help Hannah & I. *Hannah's POV* My nerves were starting to calm down just a bit. The fire inside of me simmering just under the skin. If I thought I had a temper before, I was going to have to learn to control it now, so I wouldn't turn anyone or anything into ash. "I know it's a lot Hannah." My mom came up behind me cautiously. "It is a lot & all at once. I wish you had prepared me for all of this, Mom." I saw the tears start to form behind her amber brown eyes. "Mom, please don't cry. I know you did the best you could & I know you love me, this is just so much." She took a deep breath. "I do love you so very much, Hannah. You are my pride & joy. Phil, probably would have wanted me to prepare you. I know it is selfish, but I wanted the distance Hannah. I wanted to just be a normal human & grow old with my husband, watch you grow up & just be normal. So, I made choices for all of us, based on my wants." It was the first time she had spoken to me like this, like I was truly an adult. I wrapped my arms around her & hugged her tight. She was still a great source of comfort for me & I couldn't stay mad at her forever. She had sacrificed so much, even if some of it was selfish as she claimed. "It will all be alright, Mom. I love you & that will never change." *Lucian's POV* Hannah was set to arrive within the week. He felt like he was waiting to exhale. Every second felt like he was struggling to get enough air. I felt like a horse that hadn't been let out to run in a very long time. "Lucian, you're pacing again." My mother's voice drifted over like a balm to my soul. "I am nervous." It was a feeling that I didn't feel often & I didn't like it one bit. "Well, nerves can be a good thing. It shows you care & want to make things right. I saw Christopher as he was leaving the other day." She didn't miss anything, ever. "I explained to him, about Hannah. He & Tatiana will help her settle in." Mother sighed & it sounded like music tinkling. "Hannah is forged in fire, darling. She has to be made from strong stuff just to survive." I hadn't thought of that. "All the same, I want her to feel welcome & comfortable here at my side." I was serious about that. I meant it with my whole being. I had started feeling a stirring just the other day. My only guess was that it was the soul mate pull & it only seemed to be getting stronger.