Of Fate and Freedom

Chapter Four

Moira and I had spent most of our younger years playing in and exploring Mother's study, so imagine my surprise as Isleen and I walk into a room at least three times the size of how I remember it. The bookcases that line the far wall opposite of the 500 year old grandiose mahogany desk -- which was gifted to our clan by the Darach Clan when they first mated with one of our Alphas -- seem to have been split in the center, opening like double doors to reveal seating much like that of the lecture halls at the Academy. Ten rows of plush auditorium seating fill the center of the room, with blood red cushions and our clan seal stitched on the backs in white threading. Intricate crystal chandeliers hang from the vaulted ceilings, casting a bright, pristine light throughout the room and illuminate the banners hanging from the wall. "Resilience, Integrity, Courage," each adorn a banner in an old native Ossorian font, making the words look like art within themselves. The present Elders line the walls and some make their way to their seats, catching up with other Council members and undoubtedly whispering about Moira and I, though, thankfully, none seem to have noticed my arrival just yet. After a quick scan of the room, I locate Mother and Moira speaking with our Great Elder, and signal for Isleen to follow as I make my way towards them.

"Elder Conall, Alpha Conall, may I present to you Heir Alpha Conall of the Ròisìn Clan," Isleen announces when we reach Mother and bows slightly, seamlessly stepping into her Beta duties as my right hand. As Beta, one of her main responsibilities is to act as my liaison when in the presence of Elders and Alphas, especially during visits such as these, but I find it unnecessary when speaking to my mother.

"Miss McCarthy, as polished as always. Your presence alongside the Heir is quite refreshing, though you would do well to remind her to dress appropriately for her next business meeting," my mother responds, smiling kindly at Isleen, who simply nods in response. "Saoirse, darling, I trust you remember where your room is?" she continues, turning her focus towards me. I nod, mimicking Isleen. "Very well. Do go change, this meeting is very important."

"Yes, Mother," I sigh and suppress the urge to roll my eyes. My life is on the line and all anyone can seem to think about is how I dress? I turn to leave but feel a hand reach out for mine.

"Child, you would do well to understand the importance of this gathering, but don't forget your importance to your mother and I," Elder Greer, my grandmother and our former Alpha, states as she releases my hand. "It is good to have you home, granddaughter."

"I missed you, Grandmother," I smile back, then follow Isleen as she escorts me out of the room before I have a chance to speak to Moira. Mother must have realized as much because I heard her say a few words and the quiet click of heels on the floor follow us back out of the study-turned-auditorium.

"Need some help?" Moira asks, catching up with us down the stairwell. I look back and raise my eyebrows at her appearance. She typically dresses up in general, but today she's gone all out. Her auburn hair is pulled back into an intricate updo, held in place by silver rose-adorned hair pins. Her makeup is simple but highlights her features beautifully, with just a touch of color on her cheeks and lips. She's wearing a silky forest green blouse with long sleeves that are embroidered on the cuffs and a simple khaki pencil skirt, and her matching green stilettos make her about an inch or two taller than me.

Isleen nods enthusiastically. "Obviously! Have you seen your sister? This isn't gonna be an easy fix and we don't have much time. I just got word that we're only waiting for two more Elders, so this has to be fast, and you look like you'd be perfect help," she rambles on as the stairwell connects to our family's residential wing. Isleen and Moira continue gossiping about my lack of fashion sense (as if I'm not right behind them?!) until we finally make it to my old room. Moira gives me a sidelong glance as my Beta turns the handle and holds the door for us to enter.

My jaw drops as I look around. My room has been renovated to look exactly like my place in Cape Denia. Orrin's lying down asleep on his bed and doesn't even stir when we enter. From the ajar bathroom door I can tell that Mother's had it replicated to match the one I designed as well. The only difference here, I finally notice as Isleen beelines for it, is my closet. It's at least four times the size of my old one and filled with things I wouldn't normally wear, if I had to guess. "Right," Isleen exclaims, clapping her hands together, "let's get started!"

* * * * *

I turn around and smooth my skirt along my hips and take a long look at my reflection in the full-length mirror in my bathroom. "You guys are miracle workers," I whisper almost to myself, not quite recognizing who I see in the mirror. Moira stands behind me and touches up my hair, which she's braided beautifully into a low bun. She found some opal rose decorative hair pins that she distributed throughout my hair, and left some loose curls to frame my face. My makeup was as simple as hers, but she added some scarlet red lipstick to the equation that, while it feels pretty uncomfortable compared to my normal Chapstick, I surprisingly like the look of. I'm in a matching red blouse with the same embroidery as Moira's, but on top of it is a stark white blazer, perfectly tailored to my figure. A simple black pencil skirt and white stilettos complete the look, and I have to admit, I look pretty hot.

Isleen clears her throat. "Alright, let's go. Hopefully we're not late." We file out of the bathroom and scurry down the hall back towards Mother's study. As we turn a corner, Aedan and a couple of his buddies pass by us, and he lets out a wolf whistle as he gives us a quick once-over. "Conall ladies looking good!" he calls behind us, turning as we continue walking down the hall. Moira ducks her head and I think I notice a slight blush creep across her cheeks while Isleen lets out a small giggle. I roll my eyes at Aedan and turn around to start walking backwards, flipping him the bird and shaking my head, but I can't keep the stupid grin that matches his from growing on my face. A small part inside of me can't help but flutter a little at him noticing me actually looking like the Alpha I'll be one day, and I start to wonder if he might be my predestined mate. After all, he's only a few years older than me and has yet to choose a mate. He spends more time around my family than even Isleen does, and we get along really well. There's also a glint in his eyes that gives me butterflies sometimes when he smiles...

Before I know it, we're back in the stairwell and about to enter Mother's study once again. It's a lot quieter than before, but luckily I can tell that the meeting hasn't started yet. Isleen stops me before I enter. "I almost forgot, Alpha Saorla wanted you to wear this," she says, pinning a small silver version of my family's Alpha seal onto the lapel of my blazer. "Your mother wears one just like it. She thought it'd be a good way to show our clan's faith in the two of you." I look down at the small pin that matches my necklace resting just above the neckline of my blouse and run it under my fingers, suddenly much more nervous about the upcoming meeting. Isleen must notice the look in my eyes because she squeezes my hand and says, "You're gonna be okay. There are representatives here from all across the worldwide conriocht community. Surely someone here is gonna know what to do to help you and Moira, and if they can't, I'll find a way myself because I am not losing my best friend." She gives me a comforting smile and I pull her into a quick hug before we make our way into the den of wolves (pun intended).

Mother turns to us as we enter and I think I detect a hint of surprise in her eyes before she composes herself and walks towards us. "Saiorse, that is much better. You look... regal," she says, taking mine and Moira's hands. "The two of you have grown up to be quite the young ladies. Now, it is my job to make sure we find a way to ensure that you continue to grow up. Isleen, darling, show my daughters to their seats."

As my future Beta makes a beeline towards the front row of seating, Moira and I exchange quick glances before turning to our familial mental bond. Each conriocht can communicate with the immediate members of their family mentally as soon as they reach their 10th year, and after they successfully Transfigure for the first time, their psychological bond extends to that of their pack. Luckily, Moira and I haven't Transfigured yet, so it's easier for us to communicate without the prying minds of others within the pack.

When do you think we'll begin? Do you think Mother will make us speak to the Council? she asks, her mental voice quaking with the anxiety she conceals perfectly from her indifferent facial expression.

I don't know, I admit, but I don't believe so. She would've let us know by now. Just talk to Grandmother, she'll let you know for sure, I finish as we approach our seats.

Three spots between the Great Elder from the neighboring Fianna clan, Elder Fénnid, and our Elder seem to have been designated for us, seeing as they are the only remaining seats available in the first row. Isleen announces my arrival once again as we approach the Elders, bowing slightly to both of them before stepping behind us to let us speak. Elder Fénnid greets us both nonchalantly, and Isleen takes the seat beside her as we turn to our grandmother.

"Saoirse, Moira, you both are visions of grace and beauty in this room. Tell me, how are you feeling?" Grandmother asks us.

Moira seems to have lost her voice, so I speak up. "We're definitely nervous for today, Elder Greer," I admit. "Do you think Mother will have us speak during the meeting?"

Grandmother chuckles. "Not at all, granddaughter. Your mother and Beta Nessa will handle the proceedings of today. There is no need for you to worry any more than you already are, dear," she tells us, winking at Moira before sinking back into her seat. I can feel relief flood Moira's mind through our bond as she sits beside Grandmother, and I take the seat between her and my Beta. The voices in the room are slowly beginning to die down when Isleen's mother ushers the last two Elders from Nahual in. Isleen gets up to help one rather ancient-looking one that her mother is helping to her seat, and Beta Nessa immediately heads to her place at my mother's side in the front of the room. Isleen seats the last Elder and is back in her own seat before I know it, and suddenly it's as quiet in the room as if someone had just muted a terribly loud TV in the middle of an action movie.

Well, here we go, I mutter through the bond to Moira as Mother stands from behind her desk, ready to address the room.