This entry is one that could have been put in "The Book" but was omitted. I hope it clarifies a few things.
Keegan didn’t look at her sister in law as the news was delivered.
“Mother Nature will call upon us tomorrow,” Marina said softly, looking at the moon. “I’ve been hearing rumors for months but this time Gemma Selva confirmed it.”
“She knows about the child then,” Keegan murmured. She ran her finger through the soft hair of the two week clutched to her bosom. “She would keep Kyriel for herself.”
“Gemma suggested as much,” came the reply. “I’m truly sorry Keegan.”
“Not as sorry as I. Goodnight Marina.”
Keegan hummed softy to her daughter as Marina left her. Having Kyriel had been a strange revelation. Even before the child was born Keegan knew that this would be the only life in all creation that she would not desire to end. The baby had yet to open its eyes, following the long tradition, but that, like everything else, didn’t seem to matter.
“The eyes are gateways to the soul my dear, and yours are shut. I don’t suppose you would just tell me who your father is?”
The small fae’s only reply was a gurgle and Keegan held her closer. No one element could truly defy the will of Nature, but there was always a loophole.
Keegan began whistling a high pitched tune, so high in fact, that most faes could not hear it. In an hour five sets of talons had alighted on her balcony. The large birds blazed in the darkness, their waves of copper and crimson feathers evoking matching colors in Keegan’s hair.
“So the high and mighty Queen of the Flame has decided to call upon us,” remarked Pyralis as the other birds chortled. “What is your wish my Queen, a juicy roast perhaps? Or maybe…”
The bird trailed off as he looked into Keegan’s eyes.
“What must we do?” He asked.
Keegan held up what now looked like a small bundle of cloth. The birds leaned forward to see the small face poking out. The soft brown hair of the child did not prevent them from sensing the fire inside of her.
“Kyriel” Keegan murmured.
The phoenixes bowed their heads, more endeared to their mistress by her need than any of her prior conquests.
“We will guard the Princess with our lives,” Pyralis replied. The others nodded in agreement.
The child was attached to a sling across Pyralis’ chest, and the fire birds turned from that place. Keegan watched them until they had faded against the night sky, with her heart in her throat.
TempestRising Community Member 
|
|
