A World Beside Our Own

Home Again

Home again… Yes. This is home. I relax into Luna as the events of my last class take their toll.

“Are you Okay nettinya?” Luna asks with concern.

“Mrs. Rivers has this spell to allow Aini’emenya to manifest briefly.” The process took a lot out of me.

“Really?” Luna turns and looks at me with worry in her lovely black eyes. How do I find the black orbs lovely now is beyond me? In some ways they are more expressive than any other I’ve known. Or maybe it’s this connection we have that she keeps talking about?

“It felt like part of me was being pulled out for examination and then sucked back into me when it was over.” I frown, trying to describe the feeling of a part of your essence being pulled from you, only to snap back in place.

“Did it hurt?” She asks, caressing my cheek tenderly.

“No, just… disorienting.” I sigh at her touch. I wish Luna would stop being so loving and tender. I’m not supposed to love my sister this way. “It allowed for my godmother to speak to Mrs. Rivers directly and tell her what’s going on… and they’re going to search for an Elf that can help with the ritual.”

“So, good news then?” Luna gives me a hopeful glance.

“Promising news. Lairelindë wants me to start an Elven rival!” I say, surprised. “She’s grooming me to be the first Elven Arch Druid to be born on this plane, since the exodus of the Elves two millennia ago!” I say in wonder as I remember the conversation.

“That sounds like a lot of responsibility to put on a 15-year-old.” Luna frowns at the tall task that my ancestor is throwing me into. “Do you think you can do that?”

“I’m just going to take this one step at a time.” Shrugging. “I mean, a revival of the Elven race won’t happen overnight, it could easily take a human generation to achieve, and I’m probably being optimistic.” I look thoughtful. “You are not disappointed in me, are you?”

“What would I be disappointed about?” Luna says in a soft, almost sultry tone. Damn, she’s so provocatively attractive.

“That I didn’t take Emmya up on her original offer to use your bloodline?” I venture.

“Emmya said last night that this is probably best, lest you be cursed to a vampiric existence.” Luna’s smile is comforting.

“That’s what Lairelindë said to Mrs. Rivers as well.” Choosing a true blood ritual would make me more powerful and live just as long.”

“Really?” Luna asks curiously.

“My ancestor comes from an age where Elves didn’t die of old age. Unless that’s changed over the past two thousand years, I’m likely to end up nearly immortal.” I reply.

“And your eyes will mostly likely turn green.” The voice in my head advises me.

“And she says the blue will go away, her bloodline has green eyes.” I echo Lairelindë’s voice.

Luna gently touches my temple as she looks at me. “So this lovely green ring, that borders on emerald will be your new eye colour? Will your hair change as well?” She glances up.

After a moment of debating the possibility with my godmother, I answer. “It’s unlikely my hair colour will change. My godmother’s hair was a fine golden blond in my dream, like mine is.”

Luna smiles, and her hand drifts up to my hair, gently combing through it. Goose bumps rise on my arms at the feeling of her touch. “Good.” She smiles lovingly. “There is something about your blond hair that is so attractive.”

Ashanna comes out of the greenhouse and greets us, breaking our tender moment. “How was school, my dears?”

“Informative.” I turn around, welcome for the distraction, before I feel compelled to kiss my lovely Luna. “Mrs. Rivers spoke with Lairelindë and she will help.” I smile.

“That is good news.” Emmya smiles. “Did she mention how long such help will take?”

I shake my head. “There is this planner chronicler bard that they know, her name is Lyric Eversong. Mrs. Rivers thinks she might be of help.”

Ashanna smiles. “I know of the bard you speak, but I had no way to reach her myself. This is wonderful news.”

“We just don’t know how long it’ll take. Penny needs to ask Angel Goodson. Apparently the performer has a means to communicate with Lyric.”

“And along the grapevine we go.” Ashanna sighs. “I was hoping to keep those involved at a minimum.”

“Mrs. Rivers says we can trust the Goodson family.” I say in a hopeful tone.

“Strongest alchemist family in the world? I suppose we could. They’ve kept a secret of infusing their sports drinks with magical potions for three decades now, and the rest of the world is none the wiser. Provided that the young Angel is smart enough to keep it to herself, we shouldn’t have a problem.” Ashanna smiles thoughtfully. “Yes, this will work well indeed.”

“I just can’t believe I’ll chance meeting Angel Goodson!” I say excitedly.

“Are we a fan of the lovely blond performer?” Ashanna teases me.

I blush. “She’s so tall, graceful and beautiful. I can only aspire to be that pretty one day.” I say wistfully.

“You will be even more beautiful, my dear. Elves are much more attractive than humans.” Ashanna smiles.

“You mean I can be as beautiful as you and Luna?” I say hopefully.

“Yes, but with creamy pink skin, like the tone you have now.” Ashanna gives a lovely smile.

“Wow, won’t I stand out at family gatherings?” I joke, as I’m almost the opposite of my adoptive family.

Ashanna giggles. “There’s that cunning sense of humour that originally led me to believe you to be a bard.” Ashanna smiles. “Come, lets get supper ready. Are you hungry? I was just going to make a Caesar salad. If you want more, we can see what else we can add to your plate.”

“The salad should be fine, but I’ll probably want a snack later.” I smile. “What do you use for bacon in a Cesar salad?” I ask curiously as I sit down at the table and pull out my literature assignment.

“There is a mushroom that, when marinated in smoke, cut thin, then fried, tastes just like bacon. All the flavour and protein, none of the fat.” Ashanna smiles knowingly.

“That sounds delicious.” I smile as I open my book to the current reading assignment. “I guess I’m going to learn healthy eating living with you.” I grin.

“Well, we consume the occasional sweets and confections.” Ashanna says as she prepares the dressing while Luna puts all the ingredients in the bowl. “But we don’t consume fatty foods or what most humans call junk food - if that’s what you are implying.”

“Even when we make fries, they are baked, we never fry food in oil if we can avoid it.” Luna adds to her mother’s comment.

Ashanna pulls out some croutons and adds them and the seasoning together. We discuss my current reading homework over supper. It still surprises me how my adopted family discusses school, but doesn’t grill me on my grades. They want to know more about what I like or don’t like about my classes, and if they can help where I might be struggling. For the first time in my life, I feel like someone cares what I think. The more love they provide, the less I miss my birth family. The only person I miss the most from my formal life is Kevin. I hope he’s doing well. I ask if it’s Okay to send him a message, but through social media, not my new phone number.

“Have you started a new social media page yet?” Luna asks me.

“Not yet, I don’t have a feminine picture to add to it.” I reply.

“When I do up your face, you look pretty like many girls in your class.” Luna offers me some support.

“Your outfit today, you certainly look like a prepubescent girl.” Ashanna reinforces the statement.

“You think so?” I say in slight disbelief.

“I know you don’t sound or smell like a girl. That will come in time, my dear. But have you had any of your classmates call you by a male pronoun?” Ashanna inquires.

“No, but Sala’s friends aren’t fully convinced when I told them I am a transgender girl.” I say hesitantly.

“Sala doesn’t have any problems with thinking of you as a girl.” Luna winks.

“Sala just wants me, regardless of the package.” I frown.

“You don’t like the Fae girl’s attentions?” Ashanna quirks an eyebrow.

“I’m not used to that much affection.” I ponder. “She immediately latched on to me and sometimes acts as if I will disappear if I’m not close by.”

“She’s young and insecure. You feel safe, allow her your comfort, who knows where your relationship might lead.” Ashanna gives me a motherly smile. I feel as much as notice Luna tense up. I see she’s fighting her emotions with how she feels about me. Her mother catches it too. “What is it, Luna?”

“I don’t really trust the Fae. Like Simia said, she’s became too clingy too fast. I’m just trying to protect my sister.” Luna frowns.

“I’m sure you are.” Ashanna gives her daughter a knowing smile. She sees the jealous undertones in that comment as much as I do.

“Mrs. Rivers told me to not resist Sala, that she will need my protection. Apparently the charm she wears is more illusion based, and won’t provide her the protection she thinks it will.” I say, looking at my bowl.

“Oh, really?” Ashanna queries. “So your teachers have noticed her actions as well?”

“Sala doesn’t hide how she feels for my sister.” Luna comments, a little too bitterly. “She holds her close and always sits beside her. The only classes she stays away from are the ones with Master Phan. She seems afraid of him.”

“You’ve been watching me.” I tease my sister.

“You are in a strange new school, with strange new creatures. Till you learn your abilities, you are a mundane human in a building full of predators. Yes, I’ve been watching to make sure you are safe.” She gives me a pleading look, trying to justify her need to see me.

“I’m just teasing you Luna, I know you care, and I thank your for what you’ve done to help me.” I say gently.

Luna relaxes and scoops up some of her supper happily.

“Being afraid of Master Phan is natural. A warlock vampire who’s worked millennia to overcome our race’s weaknesses. He can be scary, but he’s not a dangerous man - unless angered or threatened.” Ashanna says in a comforting tone. “You have nothing to fear from your Botany and History teacher, he’s reached out to me. He’s been closely monitoring your change and looks forward to seeing what you can truly achieve.”

“Because as an Elven Druid I may prove the be one of the more powerful students in his class, yes he’s hinted at that.” I say thoughtfully, munching on supper. “He’s not seen my recent aura change, has he?”

“He has, you may have missed his class, but he is more observant than he appears.” Ashanna gives me a knowing smile.

“How many school books has he written that I’ll be using?” I enquire.

“At least five, to my knowledge. Maybe more under a different pen name.” Ashanna replies. “He is the expert in Asian history, having lived through most of it personally.”

“But not much about my heritage?” I probe.

“He lived on the other side of the world from the Elven empire. By the time he travelled the world, the Romans had all but destroyed the Elves and, what few were left, lived in nomadic druidic caravans, always on the move.” Ashanna informs me. “Those that could, fled to the outer plane of Arborea, or what they like to call the Forest Realm. Destroying the Fae gates as they left. The only portal left to the outer planes is in Fallcrest. Even then, Sanctum lies on the Astral Plane, between realms it can act as a gateway to other places, but is safely tucked in its own pocket of the universe, to keep the arcane and magically active safe from outside harm.”

“When Mrs. Rivers mentioned travelling there, it worried my godmother if our tether would be severed. Her power has always been here, in the mortal realm. She doesn’t know what planner travel would do to our joining.” I recount part of our conversation. “Which is why we’re asking Lyric to come here instead, where she knows it’s possible.”

“Or at least where she knows it’s safe. Yes, I can see your ancestor’s worry and caution. Particularly since Arborea is a realm of Light and Holiness. The blood magic rituals she wishes to cast, to first manifest herself, and then to transform you, would not be possible there. If fact, it may destroy her completely if either were to fail.” Ashanna warns me.

“I knew there was a reason I disliked that suggestion.” Lairelindë says in my mind. “My magic rituals lie in old traditions that modern magic users disfavour. Using blood magic led to evil, dark arts that became f*******n. It was necessary to banish all blood magic to keep the humans from doing ill deeds."

“Aini’emenya agrees with you.” I reply, seeing as only I can hear her right now. “The old druid rituals became f*******n, as humanity would use them for dark purposes, which led to human sacrifice.” I say sadly.

“The Druids never sacrificed humans, they only needed animals for their rituals.” Ashanna frowns.

“How do you separate the good rituals from the bad ones hidden as good rituals?” I can feel my ancestor’s pain. “Will we reawaken those rituals after this?” I ask aloud.

“Not if we can avoid it, the Rasmussen avoid blood, meaning we’ll need that Master Phan they speak of in the ritual. I don’t want to put your new family at risk for my sake.”

“Aini’emenya thinks that her and Master Phan should perform my ritual, so as not to expose you to the blood of the living.” I relay her message.

“I will not abandon my child at her time of need.” Ashanna says firmly. “You may not be mine by birth, but I have sworn to protect you. I will be there to keep you safe.”

“Thank you.” I reach out for her hand and she takes it. “That means a lot to me.” I’m thoughtful for a moment. “Does Rose know of this plan?”

“I don’t think so, no.” Ashanna replies.

“Will she be upset that I’m not following the standard process of medical transition?” I say in a worried tone. “She’s doing so much to make sure that my parents don’t find me, and that I’m safe here as well.”

“I will explain to her the option we’re exploring. It is… unconventional.” Ashanna nods. “It would most likely be impossible without Lairelindë here to guide you. It is her ritual that we will perform, a ritual that has been lost to the ages and only exists in hers and your minds.”

“But you saw this as an option almost the moment I got here.” I say, puzzled.

“I saw it as an option as you mentioned your dreams. It wasn’t just a fantasy or a hopeful subconscious.” She advises me. “No, I felt another’s hand at work, and held hope that it was what I thought. The Drow have similar arcane rituals, so it feels familiar.”

“So if it wasn’t for my mentioning my dream, then you would have just gone with Rose’s plan?” I venture.

“It was the most obvious answer. It’s why I reached out to her Saturday night.” Ashanna smiles.

“So much is happening so fast.” I lean back and look up at the ceiling. “My head is suddenly full of thousands of years of a history I never even knew existed.”

“Unless Lyric can be here by Harvest in two weeks... Your next chance for the time it’ll take to absorb the changes to your body, and not miss class, won’t be until the Winter Break.” Ashanna advises me.

“So I have time to think all this through.” I relax.

“The choice has always been yours, my dear. I would never ask that you do something you were not willing to pursue.” Ashanna reassures me.

“Tell that to my eager ancestor who wants to kick-start a new Elven society…” I say with a slight frown. I argue a few moments in my head with Lairelindë as I finish supper. “Okay, so she’s just excited and anxious, she’s sorry that she was making me feel rushed.” I say as I finish my plate.

“I can always feel conflicted emotions when you debate with her.” Ashanna smiles. “I can only imagine how the conversations go in your mind.”

“Well, if we’re not worried about transformation till Winter Break, then that gives Aini’emenya two weeks to prepare me for her manifestation. Apparently at the time of casting she will need to be bound to something: an object, or place, or me. As a fairë, she needs an anchor so as not to drift away into the Ether.” I reply.

“I have just the thing.” Ashanna smiles. “I will show it to you later. For now, finish your studies, please.”

“Yes, Emmya.” I say affectionately. I don’t know why I enjoy the thought of this exotic creature as my mother. Perhaps it’s because she has shown me more care, compassion and love that my birth parents have shown me in years. She shows me just as much love as she does to Luna, and that means so much to me right now.