Building Bonds

 

Building Bonds

 

I awoke feeling refreshed and relaxed, I opened my eyes slowly. I didn't recognise the place, I shook my head to clear my sleep fuddled brain and make sense of where I was. I froze remembering all that had happened and that I was not in my little cottage. I jumped up and rushed to the vanity, looking in I suspected that I would look different today, that there would be some noticeable difference in me. surely all that had happened yesterday would have changed me some how? But as I observed the face looking back at me, I realised I looked no different. Just the same as always, I look like my Mother only not as beautiful, she is almost ethereal and fairy like in her appearance. I surveyed myself in the mirror, I suppose I wasn't bad looking I have long brown hair reaching to my waist, that sits in ringlets normally, but was currently amassed in a tangle. My eyes were large and blue with a hint of grey at the edges, I’d always liked my eyes, I had never seen anyone with eyes quite as dark yet light at the same time, as mine but still so blue. My skin was pale with a slight peachy glow tint in my cheeks, but often it was red as a tomato, as I did something stupid and humiliating. My build is slight, very slender and at only 4'10, I certainly wasn't the average long legged, blonde beauty. I grabbed a towel from the closet, and walked into the bathroom, everything else about this place might be ancient, but this bathroom was gorgeous. It was kitted out in a gold and white finish, two steps led up to a large ivory coloured bath sunken into the middle of the room, a large shower stood in the corner with no end of dials and several jets pointing in different directions. A counter with a sink, held all manner of products, and a large gilded gold edged mirror sat over it. Weighing my options, I decided on the shower to help unwind my tired muscles that were still aching from yesterdays work out. Standing under the hot flow of water that I’d finally managed to achieve, I rested my head against the cool tiles on the wall. I tried to just empty my mind and relax, but I couldn't help picturing my mum's face, but it wasn't how I remembered, it was twisted in pain and calling to me.

I sighed and got out of the shower feeling halfway decent, shrugging on the similar little outfit to yesterday I had found in my room's small closet.

 I sat at the vanity for a while working up the courage to go into the main room. finally I decided to face it, I opened the door and peeked out, they were all sat round the table laughing and joking. I eased myself into the room trying not to attract any attention. of course being me this was impossible as I tripped over the lip of the door frame and flew forwards knocking a bowl of the small table. "Ha, sleeping beauty's finally awake and making danger!" cried Finian in his deep booming voice. God he was a jerk, however I also caught the glance he threw towards me. I picked myself up mumbling apologies for the broken bowl. Cahira swept over smiling and chucked the pieces into the bin, telling me not to worry. I picked myself up in an attempt to salvage some of my dignity, and strolled casually over to the table taking the spare seat. Kaiden smiled warmly at me across the table, I blushed and gaped like a gormless idiot before, smiling shyly back. we sat in silence eating a morning meal of oatmeal.

"So how did you sleep?" asked Kaiden.

"Oh um ok, you?" I spluttered choking on my mouthful.

"Good, anyway today I want to see some more of that propelling force thing so first were gonna try and force your reaction and then we are going to help you control the power and harness it, if you can do that you can fire things at Finian something I think we will both enjoy." he grinned wickedly at me.

It sounded painful but the ending sounded too good an opportunity to pass up on. Ha, at least I would be having some fun today, I’m going to try my hardest with that thought in mind.

"Anyway, we should get started" said Kaiden gulping down the last of his oatmeal forcing his chair back and motioning me to follow him, he strolled of into the same walled garden of yesterday.

 I was struck again by the beauty of the riot of colours fluttering all around me. the sun was shining high in the sky and felt wonderful on my skin. I turned my face up wanting to feel the rays of warmth touch my cheeks. I turned to Kaiden expecting him to be waiting for me. I was shocked to find him standing close to me, he was studying my face, appraising me. He smiled at me, looking into my eyes, I stared back his eyes were almost pools; I could see the pure goodness shining out of his soul. I blushed but held my gaze not quite able, and not quite wanting to look away.

Finian came into the garden and distracted us both, I blushed further and walked away. I realised that instead of the dummies of yesterday there were piles of rocks, I winced internally realising that these were about to be hurled at me.

Kaiden noticed "Don't worry, you will be totally safe, we just need something to force the reaction in the beginning. I sighed and took my position opposite Kaiden.

"Shut your eyes" he called across the garden

"You need to achieve the sense of emptiness we used yesterday, I also want you to use our other sense, the one you experienced yesterday.

I breathed in and focused on emptying my mind. I could feel the adulations of movement coming from the figures of Finian and Kaiden, and the slight vibrations of the wind fluttering through the leaves and petals. I felt him bend to pick the rock up and tensed instinctively, feeling myself drop into a protective stance instinctively. "Relax Elvy" called Kaiden. I tried to slow my heartbeat, and refocused myself. I felt the atmosphere change as the rock winged through the air towards me, I instinctively raised my hand to fend it off, trying to reproduce the force I had felt before. but seconds later I winced as the rock flew into my hand, crushing a glancing blow to my hand. I opened my eyes and looked at the bruise already appearing on my hand, Finian had explained that my being in this world meant my people's natural defences would gain strength within me whilst residing in this world, I obviously had yet to experience that.

Kaiden and Finian had rushed to my side and were already observing my hand whilst Kaiden apologised profusely and Finian frowned at him. I mumbled back that it didn't matter and it didn't even really hurt. Kaiden looked at me, his eyes still full of concern. I assured him I was fine. Finian dropped my hand quickly, tutting and sighing, making inane comments in the background. Kaiden eventually seemed to accept that I really was fine and kissed my hand before pulling a large padded mitt over it, and jogging lightly back across.

I sighed before shutting my eyes and forcing myself back into the empty minded state. I stood feeling cut off, despite my extra sense. Again I felt the rock begin its path towards me, focusing with all my strength, I felt the trajectory of the rock change, and then an almighty crash rang through the air, my eyes flew open in shock. I glanced over and saw Finian laying flat on his back in the furthest flower bed looking furious. I suppressed a giggle and smiled innocently. Kaiden however was roaring with laughter, I couldn't help but laugh to, he looked so funny laying in the dirt. I could see it wasn't hurt, just shocked. Finian looked between us both and joined in, a deep echoing laugh ringing from his lungs.

"Well" he said sounding slightly mollified “I suppose I had that coming really didn't I? Well I sure it won't be long before you do something stupid again will it? he grinned mischievously.

"I’m going to miss, laughing at you falling about and saying stupid things when you've been trained" he retorted in the face of our giggles. I was quite disappointed that his skin hadn't even flushed slightly in embarrassment, I would have been almost luminous. Finian pulled himself upright, and then shot himself at Kaiden wiping them both out. I watched them wrestling around like children on the floor. I nearly wet myself laughing at them both wrestling around on the floor.

Two seconds later I realised this was a mistake as they both looked at me and pounced. We all crashed to the ground and rolled around pinning each other down. I found myself pinned on my back with Kaiden gazing down at me, Finian lay gasping at our side. We all lay unmoving, and gasping for breath. I looked up into Kaiden's eyes he was staring straight back at me and at that moment it was just the two of us. Then we heard someone else entering the garden, Kaiden rolled off me and I struggled clumsily upright, wanting to know who had entered.

I looked up to see the most beautiful girl glaring down at me with angry green eyes, narrowed like a cats. I flinched involuntarily, an angry hiss escaped this girls lips and her eyes narrowed further. Kaiden jumped up and in-between me and this unknown girl, muttering an oath in his low voice. Finian remained laying on the floor attempting to seem supremely unconcerned by the small exchange. I thought I detected an amount of glee in his face, but as briefly as I saw it, it vanished, replaced with hurt. I pulled myself to my feet and stepped up next to Kaiden curious for another glance at this girl, who could easily be a supermodel. She was incredibly tall with legs that seemed to go on forever. I imagined her face when not pulled back into its current angry grimace would be stunningly beautiful, I smiled uneasily at this beautiful creature, that now seemed to be pretending I didn't exist and winding herself around Kaiden who removed her looking uncomfortable. Yet I still felt a jolt of jealousy at the familiarity this girl had with Kaiden.

"This is Anakin" Kaiden stated pointing at the stranger, but not meeting my gaze "And this is Elvy" pointing at me.

"Its nice to meet you" I stuttered, the girl nodded coolly, looking me up and down with cold eyes and turned away from me, blocking Kaiden from my view. I flushed and stared at the floor, the girl had started what seemed to be an intense conversation, they both spoke in low, angry voices, I couldn't quite catch, and when I did what they said made no sense to me.

I felt a hand touch my elbow, I spun around and saw Finian, for once instead of looking at me with humour he was looking at me kindly eyes full of concern and something else, he then turned his eyes on the back of the girl's head and glared, before tugging me back towards the house.

I took one last glance before allowing Finian to gently lead me inside. When we got inside, I found in our absence Cahira had left.

Finian stormed around the kitchen, angrily muttering to himself and banging pots and pans down. he stopped and stood with his head pressed against the cupboard, without turning he asked me if I wanted a drink, his voice was strained, I didn't.

He grabbed his drink and came and sat at the table, I gazed across at him unsure of what I should do. He looked angry, but also something else, upset I think. I could see his jaw clenching tight and his free hand was balled into a tight fist. I reached across the table and rested my hand on his, the fist loosened, to my surprise he grasped my hand and pulled it up to his face, almost cradling it.

"Who is that?" I asked almost fearful to hear the answer, Finian dropped my hand and almost spat

"Her? that’s Kaiden's fiancée, huh and also the ice maiden reincarnate" he threw his chair back and stormed from the room, I sat in shock at the table and surprised at the little jolt of pain and realization that hit me, of course he couldn't like me, I wasn't part of his world. I pushed these thoughts out of my head, he was nothing to me, I couldn't develop feelings in a day. The important thing now was Finian, I could not imagine why he was upset. But I liked him a lot and some instinct in me seemed to hurt with him.

I pushed my chair back and followed after Finian, he was in a room off the kitchen. It was full of life, pictures and paintings adorned the walls, and it captured Finian’s essence perfectly, I was surprised.

I walked over to where he stood facing away from me, he looked up at me in surprise. I was shocked to see there were tears in his eyes, I also realised his eyes were beautiful. Unsure how I should react I pulled him over to the bed and sat him down, before going to shut the door. I was pretty sure he wouldn't want anyone else to see him this way. I sat next to him and hugged him, to my surprise he clasped me to him, we sat there for a moment with me in his arms, I had never felt so comfortable in my life. Eventually he released me.

"Are you okay?" I stared at his face trying to discern the answer for myself

"Yes" he whispered, his pain was audible, but as I touched him it reduced.

"Do you want to tell me what that was about?"

"You won't like what I have to tell" he replied looking into my face, “I wouldn't want to hurt you.

"Try me" I smiled encouragingly at him, I had already heard the bad news for today.

He took a deep breath and launched into his story "I'm not sure I should tell you this, and I know Kaiden will be furious with me. but I am sick of it all, he has everything and he doesn't even want most of it” he paused, glancing at my expression, I kept it purposefully blank of emotion. Inside I was burning with curiosity, why would Kai not like what he had to say? I was unsure of what to expect. I had not so far sensed any enmity between Kaiden and Finian but it seemed it was just merely covered by a thin charade. "Kaiden is my friend, almost my brother and he always will be, but I’m not sure how much longer I can watch” he paused again, seemingly struggling with his words. “Anakin is the daughter of Mortyn and Annelise, there family has raised daughters that have been wives of warriors for years, our kind find that one special partner and nothing else can change that, or so it has always been. I watched Anakin from afar for years before I approached her, I was shocked when she said yes to being with me. I thought I loved her, we were engaged to be married. I thought she was my true partner, my soul mate, now I know all I felt for her was lust. Then Kaiden came to our tribe, I suppose you didn't know he wasn't born into our tribe, but that is not for me tell, it is his story. At first it was fine, we got on very well. Altheda invited him to stay here, and I had just joined the Elite.

After a few weeks I introduced him to Anakin. I thought nothing would ever come between us, I was so wrong. Everything went on as usual for a few months. I should have realised something wasn't right. I was amazingly happy I had everything I wanted, and I was even more jubilant that Kaiden and Anakin got along so well. And then, and then I came home to find Anakin with Kaiden. Kaiden tried to hide it, but Anakin didn't. She announced that are engagement was off and that she hadn't thought anything of me since she met Kaiden. She shouted a whole bunch of other stuff at me as well, telling me that I disgusted her.” he stopped and stared at the ground, seemingly unable to meet my gaze. I was horrified by his tale and pulled him into my chest.

“I went to pieces, the fight between me and Kaiden was fierce, I think it would have carried on till death if some of the other warriors hadn’t pulled us apart. I couldn’t bear to be near them, so I left town and wandered alone for weeks, and then I decided I did not want to lose my brother over this I could not lose everything. I came back and worked myself harder than before. Kaiden and I built up a shaky friendship again. And then we came for you. The moment I saw you I knew there was something different about you, I was entranced by the way you moved, and the way you didn't seem to realise how beautiful you are" he stroked my chin and smiled sadly at me. My face was frozen.

"But I also noticed the way you looked at Kaiden, but I didn't mind so much I never imagined he would respond, he wouldn't do that to me twice. But then I saw the way he was around you, I couldn't believe it, but I thought maybe I was imagining it. But then I saw the look in Anakin’s eyes and knew that she could see it too" he finished, sounding bitter.

I was speechless, but I discovered I wasn't upset but angry, angry at what had been inflicted on him, I felt a fierce rage towards Kaiden and Anakin, I wanted to protect Fin's kind and beautiful soul. I turned with fire burning in my eyes and hugged him fiercely. I’m not sure how it happened, but his lips found mine. I had never felt like this before, I felt whole again and I knew that this feeling was right, I felt safe and content in his arms. My soul seemed to be together, the dull ache for my broken family numbed. The kiss continued intensely for a few seconds longer. We broke apart, and Finian grinned down at me, pulling me closer to him. "Is this okay with you?" he whispered in my ear, nervous for the answer. I looked up into his beautiful face, and knew the answer to the question.

"Of course, it feels so right" I murmured back pressing my lips eagerly back to his, I wanted to be closer to him. I suddenly realised that I was okay with this, I was more than okay with this. I want this. I giggled and kept kissing him.

 I heard the door bang open behind us, and immediately pulled back, Finian however had other ideas and pulled me into his arms, I smiled guiltily across at the doorway. It was Anakin and Kaiden, Anakin still looked at me with dislike, but now it was tinged with curiosity. Kaiden looked simply furious, his fists balled at his side.

"We are supposed to training aren't we?" he barked angrily, glaring at Finian.

"Not sneaking off like hormonal teenagers, wasting my time!” Finian laughed and I couldn't help but join in with a weak giggle, but I cringed in closer to Fin.

"Oh, because I’m sure you never procrastinated when you were training?" Finian commented lightly, a smile with a hint of mischievousness adorning his beautiful face.

Finian seemed to be revelling in Kaiden's anger, but I found I couldn't blame him, it was his turn to have fun.

"Don't worry Kai go play with you fiancée, I’ll teach Elvy today" he called.

"Fine, do what ever you like, I couldn't care less, I was bored of teaching the infant anyway" spat Kaiden, as he turned and stormed from the room dragging Anakin behind him. When they were gone, Finian turned to me looking worried,

"I’m sorry about that" he murmured. "I just couldn't resist it, but you mean more to me then petty revenge, although that did feel pretty good. I can tell you will be my everything" he finished, he sounded so sure. I snuggled closer to his chest for a moment enjoying the feeling of closeness, before pulling back gently

"C'mon then let’s go throw some rocks" I said brightly, jumping up with mock enthusiasm.

Finian laughed "Your wish is my command" and tugged me back through the house, Kaiden and Anakin were nowhere to be seen.

I really did enjoy Finian's company, he was so easy to be around, I didn't have to be anything but myself. I felt different then I had this morning, I couldn't explain how, but I felt like I needed to be near him, seeing him happy lit up my whole world.

"Right then with this training, I think we would do better to see if you can use your mind to lift the rocks and send them to here" he said pointing at the flowerbed opposite. "Urm yeah that sounds a little difficult, funnily enough, how can I do that?" I replied,giggling everything seemed so much more light hearted now. I couldn't help but stare at the beautiful smile that came to his face in response. I was finding it difficult to see how I had overlooked his beauty in favour of Kaiden's, Fin was beautiful and manly. I expected him to laugh at me, but instead he was staring at my face with a look of something I couldn’t quite place. He strode over to me and kissed my open mouth, striding quickly back before I had time to close it. I blushed furiously and lowered my gaze, peeping up through curtains of hair. He picked up one of the rocks, “I’m going to lightly throw it towards you and I want you to make it fly over there” he called, pointing again at the far flower bed. I closed my eyes and tried to focus, hoping earlier wasn’t just a fluke and that I really would be able to do this. I so wanted to prove myself, I had never been ambitious, but now I wanted this with a thirst. I tensed ready to receive a blow. Again I heard the trajectory change on the rock, and opened my eyes looking around for it. I looked down and saw it lying in the dirt about a foot away from me, Finian laughed at me again but instead of enraging me, I simply laughed with him. Since I had kissed him everything felt calmer the air felt lighter, I felt able to have fun and I wanted too. I giggled, sure that Finian would read the feelings I felt for him off my face and run a mile, it was too intense for the tenuous relationship that had just sprung. However he still seemed mesmerised by me, nobody had ever made me feel interesting, yet he gazed as though there was nothing else to look at. Like a blind man when finally being able to see and being presented with the most beautiful view in the world. I couldn’t believe he was looking at me like that. I didn’t think developing feelings would ever be that easy, however I don’t think developing my powers will work quite as quickly. We practised for the rest of the day, pausing often to exchange tentative kisses that grew bolder, and just look at each other. My blasting rocks improved a lot during the course as well, I managed to direct the course a bit more accurately.

I also discovered that I can blast things quite powerfully when I accidentally blasted a rock through the far wall, I wasn’t looking forward to telling Altheda this.

Finian told me the garden was her pride and joy and during the course of the day I had squished her flowers with flying people and rocks, and then demolished a wall. Well, I suppose it would never have been a smooth learning curve with me as the student. As sunset started to fall I let Finian tug me inside.

 

We entered the kitchen still laughing, his arm wrapped around my shoulder, as we entered Cahira and Altheda turned to us, neither looked shocked to see us together. I blushed slightly, Altheda came forwards,

“There’s is no need to blush Elvy, what you are feeling is pure, Kai will get over it, he is just unused to being thwarted. He has everything he could want, but yet he always wants more. It won’t hurt him, once he gets over his strop he will be fine” she smiled warmly at us both.

I nodded, and Finian grinned broadly before kissing the top of my head affectionately.

“Um I have something else to tell you too” I said nervously my voice quivering, biting my lip. Altheda looked more serious at once and surveyed me with questioning eyes

“I’m really sorry but there was a couple of err, accidents in the garden, I promise I will fix it” I rushed on.

To my surprise Altheda laughed, “Oh you had me really worried for a second there! I thought you were going to leave us or some such serious thing, My garden means a lot to me, but I enjoy re-doing all the bits that are ruined by the boys when they're training” she laughed.

I sighed in relief and then remembered the wall “It wasn’t just the garden, I broke the wall”. Cahira and Altheda simply stared at me, open mouthed, Altheda was the first to recover.

“Well I suppose it’s a good thing, you being that powerful is fantastic. Now come on lets have some dinner, I don’t suppose Kai will be joining us tonight”. I felt slightly guilty for that, they had obviously gotten close again after Anakin. And now I was here pulling things apart again, wrecking the tentative friendship. Finian sensed how I was feeling and leant down to reassure me

“This isn’t your fault, he will come back he’s just trying to make me and you feel guilty”.  We took our seats at the table, dinner was a jolly affair, with much laughter and joy, I enjoyed the open way Fin held my hand across the table between courses.

 

As we finished and cleared the table Kaiden came in. He looked at us all sitting around laughing and joking, and stormed over to the cupboard looking furious.

“Did you manage to work on your fighting technique and the reason you’re here any more? Or were there to many distractions? I don’t understand why we collected you, I’m not so sure you are as talented as Altheda thinks” Kaiden commented coldly, staring at me with unfeeling eyes. I looked down ashamed, what he had said was what I had thought all along, maybe it was true. Finian however jumped up with a growl of anger,

“You think she has no power? More like you cannot bear to see anyone else have a moment of happiness unless you’re getting what you want! Ha, well she is powerful and don’t worry about wasting your precious time because I will teach her from now on” he shouted furiously. I cowered in the face of the argument and the irate glare now thrown my way.

“Fine” growled Kaiden “I was fed up with the burden of the girl anyway” and with that he threw the pots on the floor and stormed from the room, throwing a scathing glare in my direction.

I looked up to find Altheda by my side, “Its okay Elvy, he is just jealous. As I said before he is unused to being thwarted, he wanted you for his own and it was ruined for him. He will come around, he has not been around people for very long”. Finian looked at me worriedly and hugged me tight

“Don’t worry about a thing, I will teach you until Kai is ready to grow up”. A thought came to me then, I turned to Finian nervously

“How old are you?” I asked, cringing slightly.

He laughed at my expression, “No need to worry I’m only nineteen, very young for a warrior, but Altheda hand picked me for her elite”. I sighed slightly relieved, Finian saw this and laughed harder, he jumped up and grabbed my hand.

“Come on lets go to the my room, I wanted to show you something”. I got up grateful for an excuse to leave the room, which had lost its happy aura. Cahira touched my shoulder lightly in a reassuring gesture as I left.

As we entered Finian’s room again, I took more time to look around, I saw the beautiful drawings on the walls and realised they were painted by hand, I glanced around, and spotted that the desk in the corner was covered with paints and drawing supplies.

“Did you do these?” I asked pointing at all the posters.

Finian looked embarrassed and nodded shyly.

“I know they aren’t fantastic but it’s just something I enjoy” he said trying to shrug nonchalantly”.

“Not good?” I gasped “They’re amazing, so beautiful!” and they were among the pictures were landscape scenes of a beautiful meadow and waterfall, and portraits of Cahira, Kaiden and Altheda, there were pictures of other people too, ones I had yet to meet, I stared at the wonderful creations adorning every surface.

He smiled shyly again “I’m glad you think so, I’ve just started a new one, do you want to see?”. I nodded and took a step towards the desk, on the desk was a new portrait, it was of me, but I looked different almost beautiful in this picture.

He had drawn me laughing in the garden, I looked so care free and happy. It was a beautiful picture, I noticed more underneath and found another of me and him, we looked right together. I turned my eyes brimming with emotion, to find him looking at me worriedly from the bed,

“Is it OK that I drew you?” he asked nervously, ducking his head. I laughed skipping over to him,

“Of course it is” I smiled bending to kiss him.

He pulled me onto the bed and kissed me deeply, I felt myself respond to his kisses, I forced myself to pull away, I know I shouldn't be pushing myself this far, I had only just met him, even if I knew he would mean a lot and was truly my love. He smiled wistfully at me before straightening me on the bed. We stayed nestled like that not speaking for a minute or two. I remembered some more questions I wanted to ask;

“What is the Realm of the Ghosts?” I was fearful for the answer to this question. I felt Fin stiffen slightly under me.

“It is a unhappy realm, people who are not at peace with themselves go there, ones who have suffered a great loss they cannot truly recover from. Sometimes they can come back, and others are lost forever. Only your soul will go there, it happens to those who have lost the other half of there soul” he whispered. I felt tears wash into my eyes and Fin wiped them carefully away.

“Do not worry my love, we will save your Mother and your Father” he murmured. I felt a twinge of warmth at the words 'my love',which helped to lift the twisting despair as I thought of my Father's fate.

“What was coming for us at my home?” I followed up, as my tears dried.

“Dark creatures, we call them the Ciardha, meaning dark ones. They are not good fighters, but they possess brute strength, and no will to keep themselves alive. They are a creation of Morcadai, we knew he would not settle with just your Mother. We could hear them coming as we left. It was of vital importance that they did not see or sense you” he intoned. So there truly was dark forces who would kill me, I didn't know how to take this. Finian reached out and stroked my hair lightly.

“I will never let anything happen to you” he whispered.

 

 

We shared one last kiss, before I left to go to my own room,

“It will be a long day tomorrow, go get some sleep” Finian had told me gently kissing my forehead cheeks and finally lips. I whispered my goodnight, as we reached my door. I clambered into bed, and surprising myself I fell asleep immediately.