Chapter 1: The Battle of Evermore

New Orleans - November 1st, 1984

The streets were uncharacteristically quiet for this time at night as rain pattered upon the pavement of Royal Street. The most of the crowd of college students had already made their debauched way back to whatever cheap motel they reserved for the night, leaving only the shadows of the usual vagrants and flashes of light as the restaurants closed their full-length street level windows.

A tall figure huddled over a bundle in his arms; the large pack strapped to their shoulders created a hunchbacked silhouette as they briskly turned down St. Ann Street. Stopping before a small, one story grey house, the figure shifted the weight in its arms and knocked three times in rapid progression before stepping back off of the small, three step stoop. After a short wait, light from inside illuminated the windows and the door opened to reveal a shorter woman with light cafe au lait skin wearing a dressing gown of deep blue. Her eyes widened as she saw who had disturbed her night and she quickly beckoned the figure in- taking time to survey the surrounding street as she closed the door securely behind her.

Once inside, the figure unloaded its pack burden just inside the door, as well as worked to maneuver the large rain slicker off of each arm whilst still holding the bundle in their arms. "Sorry for the water," a smooth Irish brogue whispered as a man with dark copper hair was finally revealed.

"You don't be worryin' about a bit o'rain, cher," the woman said with a chuckle, "I'm feelin' there's a more important reason as to why you are knocking on my door on a Thursday night- All Saints' Night especially- than to damage my floors." The woman ushered the man to her sitting room and gasped as she turned on the table lamp. She quickly made the sign of the cross and got the man settled into a comfortable-looking armchair.

"I can tell by the look on your handsome face that this conversation isn't a good one. You just sit right there for a moment, sugar, and I'll scrounge up some tea and Etienne. He should be here for this, no?"

The man sighed and scraped a hand over his weary face before giving her a worn smile, "You know the way right to my heart, Isa. I could use a warm cup right now." He shifted the bundle in his lap and bit his lip for a moment. "Aye, we're gonna need that man of yours tonight. This involves him, too, I fear."

"Eti, I need you in the sitting room, Cian is here." Isa called as she entered her bedroom.

"Cian?" a deep voice rumbled, still heavy with sleep.

"Oui, cher, and he looks like he's just done battle. I've got some refreshment started, but we need you." She opened her armoire and tossed a set of pajamas at the foot of the be as the man flung back the covers. His strong, dark, and completely naked body rose and he began to get dressed.

"You may want to put more on, too, mon coeur," he said with a laugh as she quickly glanced down and blushed at the realization that the satin robe was all she was wearing.

"Oh hush you! You had no complaints at my level of dress earlier tonight." she winked as she redressed into a more modest outfit of a loose cotton dress and appropriate undergarments.

Just as the kettle had its first stirrings of a whistle, Isa and Etienne emerged from bedroom and she quickly took the pot off of the stove. The two worked in a silent dance of coordination as they grabbed cups, plates, and prepared a small tray of food.

"Cian!" Etienne's voice boomed with a trace of his Yorkshire roots as he entered the room, "What brings you back to us tonight? It's been, say, two years? A longer time than I'd wish."

Instantly, the bundle in Cian's lap stirred at the noise and a soft whimper escaped the thick blanket. "Shhhhh, beach mheala," Cian crooned and the bundle soon settled. Isa and Etienne had quietly placed the quick meal on the coffee table and sat themselves on the loveseat as they watched him.

"Cian, what is that?" Isa asked as she pointed towards the bundle, Etienne's face mirrored her question as he stretched his arm around her shoulders, engulfing her slight frame with his massive one.

The Irishman sighed, "It's my greatest treasure-" he moved the blanket back to reveal pale skin and dark hair, "my daughter." Silence spread over the space; the emotions of the occupants clashing with the comfort that the design of the room evoked.

After several minutes where the group drank tea and nibbled on the fruit from the tray, Cian cleared this throat. "I know you are surprised, and if I could apologize for a century for not telling you both, I would. But I couldn't. Not until now, when I need your help."

Isa and Etienne shared a look before nodding to one another. "You'd better start at the beginning, brother. Isa and I have all the time needed for you."

Cian had visibly relaxed at Etienne's use of brother, for that is how each other had been in their hearts. "It started soon after the beginning of the fall semester, two years ago. I had just finished teaching a class on folklore of the British Isles and realized I was hungry. I hopped on the L and soon found myself in a small diner in the South Loop. They had the best pies." He smiled for a moment, "But their food paled in comparison to the staff there, specifically my Elizabeth. Eti, it was like a speck of sunshine had been stolen from the sky and placed in my heart the moment I met her. Remember how you felt when you met Isa? Like that, but so much more."

Isa smiled and nodded, laying her head on her lover's shoulder. "I canna tell you how many burgers I ate; Lizzy said that I must have gone through the entire menu before I asked her on a date. It was perfect; I started to spend my free afternoons there, and then I would take my Lizzy home. After a few months, I came for dinner and she wasn't there. The other girl said that she had called in sick. By that time, she practically lived with me, so I raced home to find her crying in the bedroom, packing her things in a bag. She kept apologizing, saying that she wasn't good enough and that she would be okay on her own. I was right boggled- until my ears heard the word "baby". In that moment, everything changed."

His eyes met Eti's with a fierce look of love. "I couldn't let her leave, so I proposed to her- right on the bedroom floor. I told her nearly everything, Eti. I told her my true name, most of my heritage, and then I promised her my life."

"Cian, you didn't…" Etienne gasped. "You made the Pledge?"

"Aye and the Vow, but I would not allow the Pact. Lizzy knew that I gave my immortality, but she need not know I bound my life to hers or that she could bind her life to mine- it was too dangerous. I do not regret it, until now."

Cian stroked his daughter's hair. "In our time together, before this past month, I was happier than I have been in any of my decades, Eti. My Lizzy made life simple; she loved me as Cian and that was all that was needed. This little one, Tuala, came last August and I wanted to immediately visit you both, but I purposely cut you out; and while I'm so sorry, I have never been more happy of that decision." He took a long drink of his tea.

"I've lost her, my Lizzy. We went to Des Moines to visit her family for the first time, her parents, her sister, and brother-in-law. They were good people, salt of the earth. They accepted me and the little one with open arms; Lizzy's sister took to Tuala as if she were her own. Her husband- well, he seemed more feared than welcoming. After a few days, Tuala's aunt and uncle had to return home; owning your own business means vacations are shorter than preferred. That same night, I awoke to a fire in the house. I grabbed the child whilst Lizzy woke her parents. As Lizzy and her parents went towards the front door, it slammed shut and they died before I could even attempt to free them. The air was thick, Isa, thick with smoke and magic. I'll swear on my life that it was hellfire. If I didn't have this little one to protect, I would have moved heaven and earth to get to Lizzy, but I couldn't keep Tuala safe at the same time. I knew I couldn't return home, so I came straight here. It was pure chance that I had already put a few bags in the car for our return to Chicago that next morning." As if a damn had finally broken, he let out a sob.

"They think we all died; I left the car there, taking only the pack. I've covered tracks as best I can. It's taken me nearly a week to get here. I tried to call Lizzy's sister yesterday, but I got a stranger on the phone, saying she was dead as well. I can feel myself slipping away, Eti. It's taken all of my magic to get myself and Tuala here, but I don't think I'll be around much longer. They are after me- and now her."

His voice grew quiet as he leaned his head back, his only movement a hand softly stroking the dark curls of Tuala's hair. "There's nobody else who I can entrust her with that will love her and protect her as much as I know you two can. I also know that this is more than I should ever have to ask of you, despite our bond as family of the heart. I knew they were lurking, as soon as I made the Pledge and Vow."

Isa's eyes were thick with tears and she held onto Etienne's hand tightly. "Surely we can do something, cher. We won't lose you, too." She jumped up and went to a carved wooden bookshelf, her fingers brushing over the spines as she looked for an appropriate title. Both men followed her with their eyes before returning to stare at one another; a near-silent conversation of 'Isa's going right for the fight again?' 'Of course, brother, it's what she does.' 'It won't work this time, Eti.' passed between the two in their eyes.

Etienne sighed. "Isa, love, sit back down. We can fix this as much as we can when Cian's done." She paused before the shelf, and nodded sadly before sitting again.

"Okay, Cian, tell us you have some plan. Eti and I are here- you know that."

Cian grimaced, "Honestly, Isa, I could only think of getting her to you. I'm sure in the next few days you'll receive a call stating that you have inherited the Chicago house and all that's in it. The money I gathered from teaching at the uni and my items there will be sent to Lizzy's brother-in-law; I wanted them to have something in case something else happened and I couldn't get to you. He could use the money; they own a small business and I know Lizzy said he had a rough time before he met her sister. As for the rest, you know how it's saved and where it is. But that is meaningless without Tuala's safety. If I can't be saved, Isa, I need to know she has you two. You and Eti are the only ones who know it all; the rest are gone."

"Dead?! The family in Ireland? You do not even need to ask if she will be safe with us; you are family Cian. What happened to everyone in Ireland? I know the Troubles have done a lot, but..."

"Shortly after the Vow, I spoke with those that remained. They knew already- when a Garda makes the Vow it is palpable to those who are tuned to it. They were...unhappy that the Pledge was also given, but they canna forbid it. They did not know about Tuala; I planned on visiting in person to do so, but I received a call soon after my talk. There was a breach and many were lost. Those who weren't pulled back beyond the Vale to regroup. Time can be different there; it may be centuries before they return. I canna give her that life, even if I could return to the Vale in time. She deserves to be free and make her own choices. I don't even know the extent of what her abilities would be. I can't remember when a Garda last had a child."

Etienne finally spoke up. "So, you are the last Garda on this plane? This will be bad. There is nothing stopping the Formors now," his deep voice sounding weary. "You think it was them that killed Lizzy and her family? Why go after them, but let you go?"

"I used my powers to hide Tuala and myself once I realized I couldn't go back. I hoped that they thought us dead as well, but then to lose Tuala's aunt- that means they're searching. Thankfully, I don't think that the Fomóraiġ connected me to you two. Distancing myself since the others passed to the Vale should have worked. Again, I'm sorry that I had to."

"We knew that something was up when all we got was a cheap Christmas card thanking us for our donation to your department at the university. Isa said she had a feeling that you had your reasons. You are already forgiven, Cian. In our lives, we understand completely. Now, you know that we shall do all that we can- but do you have any ideas on what we shall need to do to keep you and this little one safe? Our home is yours, but you know that already."

"I know that I'm dying. Isa, there is nothing that you can do to stop it. My life was tied to Lizzy's, as it should be. To keep Tuala safe, I need you to adopt her, give her a family and love. I also need you to help me bind her power." At this last request, Cian's jaw set, knowing that what he was asking was going against all that they stood for. To bind a being's power was the not only strip away a part of them, but to also remove their ability to protect themselves magically.

The three adults sat silently, weighing the request in their minds. Etienne finally spoke, "If we do this, Cian- bind her, we cannot make it permanent. That is something that no innocent deserves."

"What if we tie it to an event that would make sure that she'd be protected?" Isa's eyes sparkled, "What if she met her soulmate?"

"Isa, my dear, you always want the romance. You know that it's highly unlikely to occur in this lifetime. An anam cara is a rare thing." Cian looked down at the baby girl in his lap. "Her anam cara may not even be one who can keep her safe. That's what is important. Only you or Etienne should have the ability to unbind her, it is safer that way."

"Then, I shall just have to add some hope into the mix, non? Come, let's prepare. It would be best done whilst she sleeps." Isa rose and guided them into another room off of the sitting space. Etienne and Isa both grabbed items, setting various bowls on a table in front of a small altar. Cian sat in a small folding chair near the table, quietly considering their task.

"Isa, can we ensure that she'll remain safely bound until ready?" he asked suddenly, biting his lip again as he was wont to do when stressed.

"Cher, we can try our best; that's the only permanent guarantee we have in life. You know that. This little one will be well loved under this roof, and Eti and I will protect her as our own. That I can also guarantee. Now, let's begin before we chicken out. It's not often that we have to mix my voodoo and Eti's hoodoo- the results can be powerful and scary." Etienne stepped back and watched in his normal wonderment as his wife began her ritual. She chanted her words and plucked a perfect, white feather from a bowl, binding it to a lock of dark hair that she had clipped from the babe's head.

Etienne eventually went to the table and hummed as he prepared items in a bowl. He offered his bowl to Isa, who placed her gris-gris in and continued to lowly call her loas. He grew silent as he approached the small girl, and placed his thumb in the bowl, coating it with a thick, black liquid. As he pressed his thumb to the skin just behind her ear, he began to chant- over and over words of binding and protection. A golden aura covered the girl and soon dulled upon her skin as Etienne removed his thumb. The three adults took in a deep breath as they saw five little dots of a quincunx remain where Etienne's thumb had lain. "I take it that it worked." Etienne stated, his voice laced with tiredness after the ritual.

The group returned to the sitting room as the sun beginning to turn the sky into a light shade of pink. "Cian, take the guest room and rest while you can. Your little one will be up soon enough. Eti and I will go to the store as soon as it opens to get things for her, if you make a list." As Cian tiredly scrawled out items like diapers and baby food, he made a move to reach for the pack near the door. "Don't you even think of paying us, cher. You know we don't need that." Isa scolded as she slipped the young girl from her father's arms, tucking her into the bed. "Little cherie here is quite the sleeper. She's barely woken up this whole time."

"She's exhausted. We managed to get to a safehouse the second night so I could get documents together, but since then we've been travelling hard." He handed the paper to Isa before settling himself on the bed next to her. "She's so strong, even at a young age. Just like her mother, this one."

Isa left the two and quietly closed the door. She found her partner in their bedroom, getting dressed into clothes more fitting for public view. "Marie Isadore Laveau, my love, are you sure you're up for this? It will be hard; having a toddler and an infant." Etienne placed his large hand on her stomach, her bump just barely peeking. "He's your family, Eti. Our family. As long as I have you here, all will be well. We will have to tell him soon, though. And argue down his guilt even more, I assume. For now, let's get some supplies so we can hurry back and get some sleep ourselves, oui?"

As the two returned from their short trip, the house was still and quiet. Etienne began to put away their provisions as Isa moved to check on their guests. As her hand touched the handle, a bright green light escaped around the doorframe, causing Isa to shout. Etienne came running to the room and both took a breath before swinging the door wide open. Before them, surrounded in mist sat the young girl, eyes bleary and blinking at them. Next to her, a piece of paper lay. Isa sat next to the girl, as Etienne took the paper in shaking hands and read:

"My dearest friends,

I knew my time was closer than we thought, and I shall be eternally sorry that we did not have more time to spend together. I felt the pull of Tir na nog and could hold off no more. Everything that you may need is in that pack; one day she may have need of the Library, but only if she's ready. I'll leave that to you to decide. Again, I canna thank you enough for giving her the gift of a family; the same as we have done for each other. I leave her future in your hands with full trust and love.

Forever,

Cian mac Ogma"

By the time Etienne was through, Isa had the child in her lap, stroking her head with calming movements. She watched as he went to the pack and opened it, a leather cahier falling loose from its confine. Etienne opened it and perused the papers inside. "He always was clean with his preparations. We have a birth certificate and adoption papers for an Ella Whitney. As well as her real information, and…" he dug into the pack again, "an album. This must be his Lizzy."

Etienne's voice cracked as he set the remaining things down and moved to the bed. "Hello, my Ella. I'm going to be your Uncle E." He took the little girl from Isa and placed her in his lap, wrapping his arms around both of the girls in the room. "Tante Isa and I are going to love you; in fact we already do." After that pronouncement, all Ella did was sit in these strangers' arms, quietly playing with the bangles on Isa's arm as the two adults cried together.

Well, that's the first chapter in a story that hasn't gotten out of my head in months. Forgive me for any inaccuracies or offense taken at my liberal interpretation of practices by these amazing religions/folk magics. I honestly had a dream about this and I'm trying to remain true to the dream, but also not blatantly inaccurate as well.

Also, I write on my own time; do not expect regular updates. I have a full time job, a life, two hairless cats, and chronic illness that all fight for my time. This is also my first fiction story that I have ever written- I'm more used to research papers from grad school, so the style is harder for me to get used to. Practice makes better, right?