The Ancient One (Updating Mon, Wed and Fri)

Chapter Three

    “Come, we would not want to keep mother and father waiting.” Phoenix stood and made to leave the roof. Matthew nodded and followed before Phoenix froze. She put her nose to the air and sniffed. Something smelled amazing, like the forest right after a big rain. She looked around and frowned. She could have sworn this kind of thing only happened to werewolves that were finding their mates. She stiffened before looking at the sky. It was four hours to midnight. Could it be happening early? Could her Safermenila actually be out there? She looked over to Rookewood who tilted his head to the side.

    “Phoenix, is everything okay?” Matthew asked cautiously. Phoenix nodded hesitantly.

    “Y-y-you remember those stories… the ones my p-parents told yours… about Safermenila?” She struggled to speak, stuttering her way through the question. The scent was intoxicating. Matthew nodded.

    “Yeah, when your kind comes of age they can find their Soul Mate, but there aren’t any of your kind around here.” He said. Phoenix took a deep breath to calm herself down. It didn’t help much.

    “It was rare, but there were Ancient Ones who’s Safermenila were a different race. In those cases, the other race would go through an extra ceremony, on top of the commitment ceremony, in which they would be able to become a full blooded Ancient One. Our blood and genes are so strong that even halflings are as strong as a “full blooded” Ancient One.” After saying this she felt her knees grow weak. It was hard to concentrate at this moment. She looked at Matthew finally. He was… glowing? No, it was the light of the moon shining off of him but…

    “It’s you,” She whispered breathlessly. Matthew perked up and his eyes widened slightly.

    “Me?”

    “The smell, the forest after a rainstorm…” She walked towards him. “This is why I have always felt drawn to you. It got stronger as we got older.” She bit her lip lightly, her fangs pricking the skin slightly. Matthew realized what she was saying.

    “I… I am your Safermenila?” He asked softly, reaching out to snake his arms around her waist. "Y-you're mine? We are meant to be? Truly?" Phoenix gave a slight nod and grinned. 

    “You are…” Was all she could say. He reached up to brush her hair out of her face.

    “To think I just had normal feelings that would never mean anything.” He laughed softly. Phoenix frowned slightly at him. “I’ve had feelings for you for over a year now.” He whispered. Phoenix smiled.

    “That settles it then. You started truly feeling it when you turned eighteen.” She pointed out. He raised his eyebrows and nodded before laughing again. Phoenix smiled at the noise. She always loved his laugh. Though the three grew up together, Matthew and Phoenix had always felt the closest. They resumed the task of leaving the rooftop, but before she could continue walking towards the house, Matthew grabbed Phoenix’s arm and pulled her to him.

    “Phoenix, I’m pretty sure I love you,” He smirked at her and she felt herself blush deeply.

    “Well that is good to know.” She smirked and went to pull away. He frowned and pulled her back.

    “That is all I get?” He said almost as a whimper. Phoenix grinned and wrapped her arms around him. She felt… calm. Relaxed. She looked up into his eyes and put her nose against his.

    “I am pretty sure I also love you.” She whispered. He leaned down and pressed his lips against hers. She purred softly as she leaned into the kiss and closed her eyes. The bond between Safermenila is even stronger than a werewolf to his mate.

~

    “Sa-ferm-enila?” Phoenix said slowly, looking up at MaryAnn who nodded, smiling.

    “Your parents told me all about it. It is a bond stronger than a werewolf to his mate, stronger than a vampire to his beloved. When this bond ignites, even if the being is mortal, when you complete the ceremony they will become like you. Your blood will flow through their body and you won’t be the only one of your kind left.” She smiled before looking down and continuing quietly. “This is rare though. I hope and pray that you will find your Soul Mate someday.”

    “What does it feel like?” The at the time nine year old girl looked up at MaryAnn with eyes full of wonder. MaryAnn thought for a moment.

    “You’ll feel a pull or tug. You will feel sparks when they touch you. You’ll want to be around them every day and night and you may feel empty when they are away.” MaryAnn smiled softly. “I only wish your parents could have been here to explain this to you better than I can.” She finished quietly. Phoenix ran over and hugged MaryAnn tightly before nuzzling into her.

    “It’s okay, you’re a great mama.” She whispered.

~

    To say they felt sparks would be an understatement. When they kissed for the first time, it was as though they were the only two beings in the world. When Matthew pulled away, Phoenix looked up at him disappointedly. He laughed softly and ran his fingers through her hair.

    She leaned into him and breathed in his scent again. This was a part that her parents must not have told MaryAnn. She laid her head against his chest and closed her eyes. “What in the name of all that is good is happening here?” Jonathan walked up and Phoenix yelped, hiding behind Matthew who laughed.

    “Of course we would be interrupted.” Matthew muttered.

    “What was that now?” Jonathan had an amused glint in his eyes. He crossed his arms and smirked. “I always knew you two were going to be together,” He rolled his eyes. “But now is not the time. Mother and Father are ready for supper. Come on.” Matthew nodded and Jonathan turned to walk back to the house again. Matthew turned to Phoenix and smirked pulling her close and kissing her one more time.

    “Come on, we really do need to get back.” He whispered in her ear, causing her to close her eyes and purr more. What was happening?! She is a fearless warrior, not some wooed kitten! Matthew took her hand and walked with her to the house, feeling the need to touch her. When they walked into the dining room, MaryAnn smiled knowingly. She had always noticed how the two of them seemed like they lived in their own little world that Jonathan was allowed to be a part of. He had often told his mother of feeling left out. Jonathan, who had probably given a little announcement to the table as no one seemed surprised to see them holding hands, rolled his eyes but smirked at the two of them.

    “Come on, I’m starved and tired of waiting on the two of you.” He said as their father, Daniel, looked on and smiled. The two quickly sat down in their seats at the table.

    “Well, it appears we have a number of things to toast on this day.” His deep voice boomed through the dining area. “To Merlin here for making the travels out before his master to assist in protecting our Phoenix’s identity, to the three of you getting ready to become royal guard members and finally to the two of you,” He had lifted his glass in the direction of his toasties and finally looked at Phoenix and Matthew. “To discovering you are Soul Mates.” Everyone lifted their glasses as Jonathan looked a little downcast. He did his best to hide it but couldn’t from Phoenix.

    You will find your Soul Mate in time. I can feel it, She called to him mentally. He smiled at that and nodded. Merlin also lifted his glass but looked confused.

    “My kind,” Phoenix explained, “are similar to werewolves in the fact that not only do we shift into different creatures, but we have what my kind calls safermenila, our Soul Mate. Tis an even stronger bond than a werewolf with his mate.” She smiled softly and Merlin nodded.

    “Well congratulations to that! Cheers to you both!” He smiled and lifted his glass to them. The rest of the dinner went uneventfully. As they ate and talked Phoenix kept looking up at Matthew, taking in his handsome features. She wasn’t ready to proceed with the ceremony yet. There were too many changes taking place and she did not want to overwhelm Matthew with trying to figure out becoming an ancient being after living nineteen years as a normal mortal. Matthew caught her looking at him deep in thought multiple times. He decided he would ask her about it after supper. The timing of everything. He was sure it was stressing her out greatly. He made a mental note to discuss their relationship in greater detail right after the last few chores in the barn were done. He did not want her to stress about this on top of trying to figure out how she was going to pass as a mortal and get to Camelot without being attacked on the spot.

    Matthew? What's wrong? Phoenix asked him mentally. 

    Nothing, do not worry. I am just thinking about everything.

    We have a lot to discuss. Phoenix said before withdrawing from his mind. He nodded. 

    They both knew they would want to hold off on the ceremony until they got settled in Camelot. Little did they know they wouldn't have the luxury of choosing what time would be best.