Author's note-the reunion of Teela and her mother was something I always hoped to be able to see, but MOTU wrapped up and couldn't. Enjoy
Teela
It was like a bolt of lightning from the blue, hearing Father tell me that I would know from the morrow who my mother was. I was so shocked at his words that I perhaps did not react with the kind of enthusiasm that he anticipated. Though the overriding emotion in my head was a white hot rage when I left his room, for reminding me that I was adopted and for rubbing it well in that I owed him and his family a debt I could never repay, PLUS arm-twisting me so that I would behave with what he considered appropriate decorum, by the time I reached the door of my room, the rage had dissipated like water drops sprinkled on a heated pan and I was already, among other things, feeling remorseful that I hadn't at least pretended to be a little bit happier when I was with him, when he was so obviously happy for me. In all these years, he had refused to tell me who my mother was when I pestered him, but it was obvious that he was not happy about it, and that he would have told me, if he could. I did him an injustice back there.
I went into my room and noticed ruefully that my hands were shaking as I agitatedly lifted my dressing gown off the chair and went into my wash room. I was almost trembling as I looked at myself in the mirror, and I dropped my toothpaste, brush and hairbrush into the sink when I tried to use them. Finally I gave up. I looked ghastly-like I had seen a particularly horrible species of ghost.
I pulled off my clothes and dumped them inside the cupboard, not bothering to fold them with my usual precision. I came out into the sleeping area, sat on the bed and grasped the posts with both hands tightly. Impossible as it seemed, I closed my eyes, leaned my head against the headboard, and forced myself to breathe deeply a hundred breaths. My breathing was so erratic and rapid at first, but gradually slowed down. By the time I reached the fifties, I could feel my mind calming down and my heartbeat returning to normal, and the trembling ceased.
In the eighties, I was back to normal and forced myself to go up to a hundred anyway. I then blew the air out from my cheeks, and briskly got up.
Three years of fighting the Horde had taught me a few very valuable lessons in life. One, treasure life, no matter what. Two, value those who love you, and be sure you tell them so. And three, there may never be a tomorrow, so do whatever you have to, today, right now if possible.
I called Father first. His voice came over the com-link, strong and anxious. "Teela?"
"I am sorry, Daddy," I said calmly, knowing there was no further need to elaborate. He always knew everything about me.
"Oh sweetheart, that's all right! Do you want me to come to you?"
"No, I will call you if I need you. Dad, what time are we going tomorrow? And are you permitted to tell me my mom's name?"
"Leaving two hours after breakfast, for the first. And as to the second, no I am not-sorry, sweetheart."
"Oh-fine then. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Teela?" There was a slight pause.
"Honey, I know this sounds dumb, but don't spend the whole night agonizing over this. Take a sleeper-herb if you need to but get a good night's sleep. Are you sure you don't need me?"
"Yes Dad-and I'm fine don't worry. Good night. What should I wear when we go see her?"
"Wear?" My father's voice sounded so surprised I grinned to myself. Obviously he never thought of it at all. "Well Teela-anything you want I suppose. Anything will do."
"Bye Dad-love you."
"Goodnight dear."
At this point, I wondered if I should tell Adam about what had happened. He knew how much I had longed for my mother when we were young. If there was one person in this palace other than my father whom I could talk to, it was him. After a little deliberation, I decided not to-with the arrival of his twin, I realized that my place in his life had changed and that I was no longer sure where I was-notwithstanding the fact that he told me I was his, etc. I could just not trust him anymore –I mean, to be honest, it wasn't worth the while setting myself up for another round of disappointment in future. And it was more than that-I did not know if he would keep everything I told him to himself or share it with his twin. Adora was a lovely girl, and I was growing very fond of her, but I would have wished a certain inviolate space in my best friend's heart and confidence which NO ONE else would access. Of that, I was no longer sure. Most siblings, especially twins, don't keep secrets from each other.
I would have to deal with this on my own, and in a way, I welcomed it. If nothing, it would make me stronger. And in the worst case scenario, if I could not handle it on my own, Daddy was there, and I knew there was nothing he could not help me with, as far as his capacities went. Nothing.
I called the kitchen and asked them to send me a huge mug of scalding hot milk with about a ton of sugar in it. The maid who took my request chuckled-she was used to my tastes-and then delivered it to me. After she left I sat in my armchair and stared absently into the night, while the milk cooled till I could drink it.
My mother. I gave myself a small frightened and unsure smile when I thought of her. As a child, I had always imagined a vague nebulous figure, beautiful of course, but always there for me, greeting me every day, sitting with me as I did my studies, playing with me, tucking me at night, always representing love, constancy and security. Of course, since Dad did all those things every day, I did have the love and constancy and security. As I grew, the image changed along with the knowledge and maturity I attained. Dad was always there, but the girl stuff was something I was never comfortable talking with him so I kept it bottled inside me. Just when my life seemed to be falling into place-this!
I took a sip of my now warm milk and the sugar made me wide-awake and alert. I sighed. I would be lying if I said I wasn't curious to know her, but I also realized that the longing I had for her as a child had gone-and miraculously, I did not blame myself for it. I had grown up, that's all.
But by and by, the excitement began to build as the fear and shock totally faded, replaced by a sense of anticipation. This was the woman who had given me birth, and given me to the best adopted father possible-wasn't that the least I should thank her for? And at the very least, I owed her the courtesy of giving her the chance to explain her version of the story. I might not believe it, but it was good manners just to listen. I wondered what she would look like, whether I resembled her in anyway, and what her impression of me would be. And with Dad always there for me in the background, with his deathless love-well, it should not have to be too much of an ordeal.
I smiled a trifle wistfully as I remembered my childish imaginings-my mother running to meet me, holding me tight in her arms and promising never to let go. And keeping up that promise. What wonderful capacities of imagination the mind had! Anyway, the reality was so much more different and had to be lived as it was. I felt a little apprehensive too, hoping my mother wouldn't be an overtly emotional type who would fall all over me and bawl-it would be dreadful, especially if for some reason, we did not…gel.
And what if we did? As I finished my milk, I thought I would leave it to her to take the next step. I had enough emotional whirlwinds to deal with right now, and I honestly did not want to deal with one more. It was just my luck-I wondered if she was a nice type, and if she and I would ever get along with the kind of intimacy other children had with their biological parents. I shook my head slightly-maybe not. Too much time had passed. Well, the question of my parentage would be resolved, was something, I guess.
It was an hour away from midnight when I took two sleeper herbs and climbed into bed, and under the sheets. Before I switched off the lights, I wondered what the morning would bring and whether I would be strong enough to get through it with dignity and grace-for both my mother and me.
Just before I went into a fitful sleep, I finally admitted the thought to myself. Who was I fooling? I was terrified and apprehensive. All the rest was just-whitewash. Who was my mother?
In spite of Father's reassurances, and the sleeper herbs, I hardly slept all night. That really did not matter, for as soldiers, managing on minimum sleep was something we were all used to. I dressed in my uniform as usual, thanking the Ancients for enabling me to keep a calm façade outwardly, though I was quaking inside.
Daddy and I had breakfast early, before the rest of the Royal family were down, and then my father asked me to run the Guard through their routine early-morning workout. It helped, I guess. I felt a lot better when I had finished with them. Whether they felt the same was a different story.
As mid-morning approached, my father silently appeared in my office and waited at the door. I wrapped up what I had done, and nodded to the guardsman outside. I locked up the office, and told him in a hoarse voice, "I am done for the day here, and have other things to see to. Contact me on my com-link if you have any problems."
He nodded, his face concerned. "Are you all right, Captain? You look pale. Do you have a sore throat?"
"No," I almost snapped, but caught myself in time. "Thank you, anyway. I'm fine."
In the launching bay, Daddy put his arms on my shoulders. He looked into my eyes.
"Teela?"
"Yes, Daddy?"
"Do you trust me?"
I nodded. Thank the Ancients there were some things that would not change.
"Then BELIEVE me, child, things are going to be just fine. So wonderful that you will be surprised. Today is one of the happiest and best days of your life. Do you think I would lie to you?"
I gulped weakly and did not reply.
"So stop panicking, young lady. You look like you are going to collapse any moment."
I held on to the handle of the wind-raider for dear life and got in. My father got into the driver's seat and started the engine, and we were off.
Normally, every time I took off into the air, whether on the wind raider or sky-sled, the ascent always gave me a thrill which was not diminished by the now-countless times I had done it. Today was an exception to everything. I was blind and deaf to everything except the turmoil in my head.
I was such a mess after an hour of flying-I hadn't even asked Father where we were going-I leant over the side and nearly threw up my breakfast. My father immediately slowed down, concern furrowed on his brow.
"Teela?"
I turned to him, hoping I wasn't looking as panicky as I felt. Funny though, Skeletor and the Horde were peanuts. I would run to fight with them with joy. But my mother, who was just another woman-that I could not handle!
He looked at me, and started to reverse the raider. When he set the controls for the palace, I cried out, "What are you doing, Dad?"
"Taking you home," he said grimly. "I am not putting you through anymore of this. They made you go through this for two decades and they can very well suffer now till you feel ready to see her."
"No, Dad, no." I gulped a deep breath of air and put my hand on his and pleaded. "Let's get it over and done with. Please-I can't go through this uncertainty again. Whatever happens, I know you are there for me and love me always. You don't know what a difference it makes."
He put his arm close around my shoulder and drew me to him, hugging me tight. After a minute he spoke, and his voice was full of worry. "Are you sure dear? If not just say the word."
I held him tight and spoke with firmness. "I am fine. Where are you taking me, anyway?"
"Castle Grayskull."
I nodded and smiled, forcing myself to thinking of better things. "You know," I said trying to make decent conversation, "I always hoped my mother would be like the Sorceress. Will she be there-the Sorceress, I mean?"
My father countered my question with one of his own. "Do you still wish that? About your mother being like the Sorceress?"
"Well, yes-and why not? The Sorceress is such a compassionate and wonderful woman. Is my mother like her Dad?"
My father's smile was blinding. "See for yourself."
Soon, the massive stone walls of the Castle came into view. I developed a twinge of anticipation for the first time-and by the time I hopped out of the wind raider I was reasonably curious as to what awaited me there.
The drawbridge fell open as we approached it, and Father held my arm tight as we walked through the hallways and into the vast throne room, where the Sorceress sat on top of the throne. My heart was pounding so hard and so fast I hoped it could not be heard in that almost deathly silence in that cavernous room. I settled after a few minutes and I eagerly scanned the room for any sign of my mother, but there was no one there. A vague relief settled in my heart-I would have a few more minutes to compose myself-a coward's attitude, maybe, but I did not care and was not going to lie to myself anymore.
No one spoke. My father was looking at the Sorceress, and she stared right back at him. I waited for either to speak, and when they did not, I broke the silence myself.
"Well?"I asked, "Hasn't she come?"
The Sorceress floated down the throne and stood next to me. My father took a step back and stood behind me.
I looked at the Sorceress closely. Like me, she did not appear to have rested well at night. And there was a nameless intensity in her eyes as she looked at me. She gave me a tremulous smile, when I enthusiastically gave her a joyful one. And to my surprise, I noticed a thin film of perspiration on her forehead. Her hands were clenched into tight fists.
"Do you know who my mother is, Sorceress?" I asked, and even to me, my voice sounded like that of a pleading child than a Captain of the Royal Guard, topper of the Military Academy, etc."Has she not come to see me?"
I heard a wordless sound from my father and turned to him. Then to my enormous surprise, the enigmatic, touch-me-not, aloof Sorceress put her hands on my shoulder and turned me to face her. I was standing so close to her, I was aware of her chest softly rising and falling with each breath, and was able to look into her dark eyes.
"Teela-dear-look at me," she said in her sweet voice. Then she slowly lifted her head-dress off.
It took me a moment to realize what I was supposed to understand. Without her headdress, she looked like any other woman-if you did not take into account the feathers.
Then I gave a gasp as I saw why she had done so-her hair! It was exactly like mine-length, thickness, color. And for the first time I realized that it was my face I was looking at, opposite me-older and kinder.
My knees suddenly lost their capacity to support my body and I would have fallen if my father had not held me. For one moment, my mind and heart refused to believe what I was seeing. How could it be? THE Sorceress of Grayskull? How? How? How could someone so special be the mother of someone so ordinary as me?
My father's arm was firmly around my shoulder and I leant automatically against him as my mind and heart processed what I was seeing-the Sorceress of Grayskull! Could it be really true? Was she my mother?
It seemed like hours before I finally was in control of myself to face the next moment. For a time, it was as if time itself had stopped.
She smiled at my face, but said nothing. I saw tears gather in her eyes, and the tenderness on her face would have melted a heart of stone.
Daddy spoke. "Teela-this is your mother. Teelana, the Sorceress of Grayskull."
So…the unbelievable was true. The famed Sorceress of Grayskull WAS my mother.
A silence fell as I struggled to get my bearings right. In all the thoughts and feelings flying through my head and heart like a whirlwind, three things stood out: one-the wait was finally over-I knew who my mother was; two (and this afforded me no small relief)-we were not going to have histrionics and wailing, the Sorceress being the most self-possessed and dignified woman I have met; and three-my mother was already my friend, and I knew she cared for me deeply.
My face broke into a slow smile as happiness slowly began to flood my being. My mother was still watching me, but she made no effort to speak or touch me. I wondered why, till I saw the tears begin to course down her cheeks.
"Wh-why are you crying?" I asked her, hesitantly.
"Because I have waited for this day for the last two decades, and am grateful beyond words to be spared to stand before you this day when you learnt this truth," she answered, gently, though her tears fell fast and furious.
Again, a silence fell. My brain had started to work as usual, and was dredging up memories of my association with her-memories which made me feel warmed and loved and secure-and strangely-free. My first meeting with the Sorceress, her timely help every time I needed it; tenderness shown that seemed so uncalled for but was deeply welcome all the same; and the best of all, that day in the abyss when she had reached out to me and our hearts had connected. I knew now that was when she had dared to brave the edicts of the Elders and reach out to me as directly as she could, because I was in danger.
However, me being what I am, I needed to know certain things.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Anything you want, child."
"Will you tell me the truth-nothing but the truth?"
"By all that is sacred, I will, Teela," she replied, her voice as melodious as always.
"Was there no way you could keep me with you? Why did you give me away? And, most importantly-why did you reveal yourself to me now? After all these years? Did you not long for me?"
For an answer, she sighed and looked at the Spirit who was hovering in the background. Some unspoken message seemed to pass between them, for he nodded, and the Sorceress-my mother-waved her hand. Three chairs appeared, and her view screen came to life. My father gently seated me in one, and he and my mother took the other two.
"Remember that Grayskull is the repository of truth, Teela," my mother spoke, kindly, "what you see here is nothing but the truth."
I watched, fascinated, as the scenes of my infancy, my first three months with her rolled past. Her love for me was so obvious; my eyes kept filling in spite of myself. Beside me, my father wiped a tear away, unashamed. In spite of the fact that she had given me away, when I saw her play with me, nuzzle me and cuddle me, my heart filled with happiness and I knew that if ever a mother had loved her child, my mother had loved me.
Just as I was wondering why a mother who loved me so much had me sent away, the scenes of that decision-making griffin attack flashed on the screen. I must admit I was horrified and scared as I saw myself sleeping in the cradle and my mother battling with every ounce of strength in her to save me, all alone. In a flash, I realized deep in my heart that her decision to send me was purely for my survival-it was necessary. In doing so, basically, she had saved my life. There was no doubt about it.
Understanding turned to distress when I saw how heartbroken she was when she had finally made the decision to give me away, and her grieving, intense and deep in the months that followed. By the end of the viewing I was convinced that my mother had loved me dearly, and had hated giving me away. It was the toughest decision of her young life.
After that, I felt ashamed that I had asked her if she had longed for me. In fact, I hoped she would forget I had even asked it! She had suffered so much. But even that question was answered by her.
A bowl of crystal appeared, filled with shining water. My mother put her hand over her heart and dipped that hand into the water. The water turned opaque.
The Spirit then told me. "Teela, dip your hand in this water, then keep those fingers over your heart-you will experience for yourself the pain your mother has gone through all these years, longing and waiting to hold you in her arms."
Filled with a morbid curiosity and trepidation, I did as I was told, and when I placed my hand over my heart, I slowly became aware of a crushing sensation, as if my heart was placed on a road and a never- ending convoy of attack traks were passing over it, crushing it out of existence. It was difficult to even breathe properly, and as I gasped in actual pain, the sensation disappeared. My father looked at me anxiously. "Are you alright, Teela?"
I nodded, and looked at my mother. She was looking at me, saying nothing, and the expression in her eyes was so heart-rending. In some odd way, she reminded me of the prisoners at the dock, waiting for their sentencing.
I just could not bear it. I knelt by her chair and looked her full in the face, and kept my hands on the arms of her chair. All my resolutions of the previous night went clean out of my head and I uttered the first words that came from my heart. "Mother, how could you live through all that? I would have died of the pain and heartbreak a long time ago."
Her eyes again filled at my words and I could see her struggle to compose herself to reply. "I had a very important duty to fulfill, Teela. But more than that, I had this day to live for."
I must have looked unconvinced, because she continued, her hands firmly in her lap. "Darling, don't feel so bad. Seeing you here with me, and knowing you understand what I did has removed a huge burden from my heart. I am relieved beyond words that you don't hate me. I've lived in fear of that all these years, even as I longed for this day. It is far more than I ever hoped for, and for that I am immensely grateful."
I slowly shook my head to clear it, then spoke quietly. "I don't deserve either of you-you or Father. How did I get so lucky?"
"You are completely wrong Captain, "she said, smiling, and my father grunted in agreement. "You have no idea just how much."
I sat in front of her, wanting her to hold me tight, but afraid to ask, in spite of the fact that I knew that she was my mother and loved me. For many years now I was used to her larger-than-life persona and it was a little difficult to get rid of at this stage suddenly.
Like I mentioned before, my face must have suddenly given me away, because my mother pulled me into her arms and held me tight, kissing my head softly over and over and muttering endearments I could not hear properly. As I heard her soft heartbeat and regular breathing, I smiled. This was going to work out just fine. The more time I stayed in her arms, the more the reality of the moment sank into me, till I was finally and firmly convinced that this was not a dream, and that I was the luckiest ,most blessed girl on the planet.
Finally, Mother looked at Father. "Duncan, it's time for lunch. Shall we go?"
He got up and I reluctantly came out of my mother's grasp. It might be a little awkward, now but I was sure that eventually she and I would have a loving and easy relationship like Father and I had, now that I knew how much she loved me. Many have died pining for such selfless love-I really was lucky.
We were having lunch together-all of my favorite dishes and Father's too, when I remembered. "Mother, I almost forgot. Who is my father?"
There was a second's silence as they both finished their portions and then my mother looked me straight in the eyes. "Duncan is," she said.
My father shifted irritably. "That is not what she meant, Teelana, and you know it."
Mother did not waver. "Duncan is your father, sweetheart," she said, and Father frowned, but said nothing. I did not press her further-no sense in pushing my luck too far.
The meal passed in laughter and tears and reminiscences, and it was an unforgettable day for all of us. For the first time in my life, my family was complete.
It was almost evening by then, and Daddy asked Mother. "What about the reason you called her here for? Aren't you going to tell her why?"
Mother looked at me with pure love in her eyes, and shook her head. "Not today, Duncan," she said. "Teela, will you spend the night here with me today, dear? Please say yes!"
I smiled, delighted. "Yes, Mother."
Daddy laughed, to relieve the tension we had all gone through. "Do you know Teelana? I had to promise Teela that I would ask you to erase her memories of her Mother if she did not like her and wanted to have nothing to do with her?"
I groaned. "Awww Daddy-don't bring that up now!"
"And," Daddy went on, mercilessly, enjoying himself, "she did not sleep a wink last night, and almost sprayed her breakfast over the Eternian countryside when I was bringing her to you."
"Dad!" I almost yelled, mortified.
Both my parents laughed heartily. My mother asked me with some amusement, "What did you expect dear?"
"A loud- mouthed dowdy hag, perhaps, with emotions totally out of control," Dad began-I noticed he was in excellent form today, all at my expense- "who would fall on her and start crying loudly from principle-and tell her how much she missed 'little Teela darling' and wail and bawl…"
I burst into laughter in spite of my irritation. The picture he painted was so ludicrous. There could not have been a more stark contrast to the embodiment of gentleness and goodness I was fortunate to call my mother sitting next to me, and yet, deep down, I was thrilled-how well Dad knew me! He'd hit my fears on the dot!
My mother wiped her tears and smiled. "I was scared too," she said gently. "I thought Teela might yell and scream at me and maybe smash up the throne room in anger and knock you out into the bargain, and never come back here, yelling that she hated me all the time. I was never so terrified for myself in all my life."
"Mother!" I protested. Did she think I was an uncontrolled shrew, too? I felt a pang ,and waited for her to continue.
"But she didn't" my mother went on, love luminous in her dark eyes. "She understood with all her heart what I did and why I did it, and accepted me just the same. I wouldn't care less if I died tonight, Duncan. Nothing can give me more happiness than this."
"And leave me to go deaf and mad from hearing your girl yell at me for the rest of my life as to why I did not tell her about you earlier? No thank you, Teelana!"
"Mother, don't talk like that! I just found you!" I nearly wailed.
My mother folded me in her arms, and both my parents laughed heartily.
"Alright sweetheart," Mother said. "No more depressing talk. I promise."
When dusk had fallen Daddy rose and left to leave. "I'll cover for you today, Daughter, but you know it's double-duty for you tomorrow."
We all laughed. He held me tight and kissed me good night. Mother and I waved him off and then walked back into the castle hand-in-hand.
Teelana
I hardly slept the entire night. I was terrified at what the morning would bring. I knew Duncan would speak to Teela in such a way that least damage would be done, but even that might not be able to stem the flood of indignation and sense of betrayal she might feel when she knew it was me.
On a more basic level, I sensed that Teela genuinely respected and liked me, even if she did feel that I was an old ancient relic 'up there' somewhere with the Elders-something benign but not quite normal!
It was with an intense sense of trepidation that I waited for them in the great hall, feeling like a prisoner being led to the executioner.
When father and daughter entered, I sensed both their emotions immediately-Duncan was a rock, like always, and I knew he had determined to get this through with peace and dignity and happiness for both Teela and me. So much so-I guessed he wouldn't mind giving Teela a good spanking or me a good shaking if that was what was needed.
When I saw how shaken and yes-even scared – my daughter was, I pulled forth the self control gained by all those years of service on this throne. I needed to be strong and calm and positive now-she was after all a young twenty-something. I would NOT fail her today, of all days.
My heart almost broke when she asked me whether her mother had failed to come to see her-and a surge of anger at what she and I had lost out over the last two decades gave me the final strength to lift off my head dress and reveal myself to her as I was. I doubt I could have done it if I had waited and reflected!
There are moments in every man's life when he actually senses destiny unfolding. That day was mine. The utter uncertainty when Duncan finally spelt it out that I was her mother, and the intervening moments when I waited for her reaction-oh it was terrible. And the deep sense of thankfulness and the humility it evoked when I finally realized that she was not angry and did not hate me-the relief was profound.
The gratitude I felt towards the Elders when I saw the understanding and compassion in my daughter's eyes as she knelt by me is something immeasurable. I was prepared for anything, but hatred and rejection were not what I could bear. And to be spared those was a blessing beyond comprehension. I have always been proud of my daughter's ability to empathize with people, inspite of her hot temper, and so it felt doubly wonderful when I was at the receiving end of it.
The idea of showing Teela exactly what had happened on the screen was the Spirit's idea and though I was a bit hesitant initially, I am glad I listened to him. Nothing else would have convinced Teela more than what she saw that day. And, making her actually experience what I had gone through was a master stroke-it removed the deep rooted nagging doubt in Teela's heart whether her Mother had suffered and longed for her, as much as she herself had cried over me in her childhood. Once she was convinced I loved her without limits and without reason- that my whole life was wrapped up in her, just like Duncan's was-she opened her pure heart to me fully and accepted me without a second thought. It would take her some more time to actually translate that love into action, having treated me like a holier-than –thou-figure, as Marlena would say-but I had no doubt she eventually would.
When I held her in my arms and cried over her head, the last vestiges of pain and sorrow from the past two decades flowed away from me, with the tears I shed, and I felt this terrible trial was finally at an end. I had kept my word to the Elders and defended and watched out for Eternia as best as I could, and my precious child was miraculously restored to me, without her sweetness being tainted with bitterness and resentment and anger and hate-it was an unhoped for miracle. In all honesty-I would ask for no more from life.
After Duncan left, she and I wandered into the living quarters of the castle, to my bedroom. I showed her the cradle I had never removed from my bedside, and she smiled. She exclaimed over the tiny clothes and shoes I had carefully preserved.
"Someday, dear,I hope I will see your children wear them at least once, "I said tenderly, and she smiled and blushed.
It was the best day of my life in many years. Teela went to change. My clothes fit her, and she came out in a short white nightdress that reached her knees. After finishing her nightly ablutions she got into the bed and lay there, waiting for me. When I was ready for bed, I too got into bed and dimmed the light.
She spoke dreamily. "Mother, when Adora came back, her entire family used to sleep in a single room till their quarters were complete. You can't imagine the fun they had."
"They must have enjoyed every moment," I replied, delighted that we were talking to each other the way I always hoped someday we would. "I know Marlena mourned deeply for her, Teela. At least I knew you were safe and secure and loved with your father, and I could see you anytime I wanted to. She had nothing except the certain knowledge that Hordak had taken Adora."
She winced at the picture that painted-the poor queen!
"She was very good to you, Teela," I went on. "She, your grandmother and aunt and cousins-I was so happy to see you grow with such good, strong women."
"Oh, yes," she replied, with enthusiasm, "I was lucky. They never felt that I was anything other than their own."
"What were they like?" I asked her, to fill in on some of the things I might have missed in her growing years.
She started telling me, and I laughed till I cried at some portions of her story. I could not remember the last time I had laughed like that, with abandonment. There was also a deep abiding sense of gratitude to the women who had mothered her when I couldn't, and a sense of peace that she had led a full healthy, all round life-something I would never have been able to give her. I would never be able to repay Duncan for all that he and his family had done for me. Ever.
It was deep into the night when she finally yawned. "Mother, I don't know about you, but I was so apprehensive last night that I did not sleep, even with sleeper herbs."
"If it makes you feel better," I said, soothing a stray strand of hair stuck stubbornly across her face, "I did not either. I was a nervous wreck. The Spirit literally had to babysit me. Good night dear."
"Good night, Mother," she finished with another huge yawn. "Today was one of the best days of my life. I am so glad you are my mother. I always wished you would be, or at least someone just like you." The last part of the sentence was just a mumble, but my heart was touched, because I heard her.
She was out like a light within seconds of that, but I was wide awake. I lay there, rejoicing in her soft breathing, listening to the soft sounds of the night, seeing the full moon through my window. For the first time in many years, I had found peace and happiness. As the night passed, she turned unconsciously to me, mumbling in her sleep and sought my shoulder and put her head on it, and one arm firmly around my waist. My tears fell fast as I held her close and tight, and allowed myself to cry all the tears I had not shed in the last twenty plus years-I wept for hours, letting all the pain and unhappiness out, once and for all.
It was a second night without sleep for me, this time out of relief and happiness, and I just could not resist gently touching her folded hands on the coverlet, or smoothing her untroubled brow as she slept, deep in slumber, next to me.
The first rays of the sun began to break through the night and I got out of bed and walked to the window. I drew the heavy drapes across the windows, to keep the room dark. Better she slept as long as she could. She hadn't stirred even once. As for me, it would be some time before I slept again-I was so happy. Quietly, I left the room and went to the kitchen. I wanted to cook her favorite breakfast for her before she left for the day.
As I put the milk on the boil and sorted out the groceries I needed, the Spirit appeared. I smiled a greeting.
"And where is the sleeping beauty?" he asked.
"Fast asleep," I said, softly, beginning on my work.
"You know, Teelana, you look half a century younger-full of life, somehow."
I smiled again. "All these years, I had the hope of something to live for. Now I do have something to live for. I guess that true happiness is the true elixir of life."
"Won't you miss her terribly when she leaves for the North? She is leaving tomorrow, you know."
I sighed. "Yes, I know. I will miss her terribly, of course, but now that she knows who I am and has accepted me, it won't be so bad. And I am sure she will come see me whenever she does come down."
I turned when I heard the sound of footsteps, and Teela came into the kitchen rubbing her eyes.
"Why didn't you wake me, Mother?"
I looked at her keenly. "Go back to sleep, dear."
She shook her head and sat at the dining table. She folded her hands on it, and rested her head.
"No," she mumbled. "I have to leave soon and I am going to the NORTH early next morning. I don't know when I will see you next."
"Did you brush your teeth?" I asked her, fighting to keep myself from laughing.
She shot me a disbelieving look. "Mother!"
I laughed out loud. "Oh darling, I am sorry. It's just that I missed out asking you that all these years and just couldn't resist."
"Yes, I did." She yawned a huge yawn and put her head back on the table to catch a few more moments of sleep.
I took fresh bread out of the oven and placed it on the table, with spiced butter. As I started frying the meat, my eyes filled-such a normal everyday scenario for most people, and I had to wait quarter- century for it-almost.
"Teela?"
"Hmmm?"
"Darling, do you want to go back to bed? I'll talk to your father."
She walked over to the sink and splashed her face with water. All traces of sleep gone from her eyes, she sat at the table at the plate I had set for her and started eating the bread and butter.
"It's tasty-the butter," she said.
"I'll teach you how to make it the next time you have time to spend with me."
"Wow, Mother," she exclaimed suddenly as she took in all the food on the table. "You didn't have to cook so much for me!"
"Oh Teela," my voice broke and I caught myself in hand at once. "Eat, dear."
As we proceeded with our breakfast, she suddenly spoke again. "Mother, you never did tell me why I was informed about you now."
"Ah," I resigned myself to the unpleasant task and looked at her, sitting across me with her blue eyes curious and alert-and I wished with all my heart that she would refuse the destiny I had chosen for myself as I replied, "Teela, usually the daughter of a sorceress has the first chance to be the next sorceress-of her own free will."
She stopped eating and stared at me, unbelieving.
"What?"
"Just listen to me dear-this is not a forced decision. If there is the slightest hesitation on your part, you won't be accepted. Your life is important too."
"Then why now?"
"Apparently there are two possible courses your life can take and both are equally important. It was felt that you should know all your options before making the decision."
She chewed her food slowly and asked me with her eyes alight with curiosity. "What is the other option?"
"I don't know." I shook my head even as I fought a smile-I could guess very well what it was."Even if I did, I am not permitted to tell you, is one possible destiny you can have-you have to decide if you want it or not."
"If I refuse, what happens? Are you sure I don't compulsorily have to do this?"
"Absolutely sure," the Spirit and I spoke at the same time.
The Spirit spoke, his voice kindly and reassuring "Teela-your life and happiness are as sacred to the universe as anything else. This is only an option-if your heart guides you to something better, then your bounden duty is to go for it."
"Will my life be what yours was? Confined to the castle most of the time, with hardly any interaction with the outside world?"
"By and large, yes Teela.I have spent many lonely years in this castle as have the wonderful women before me-and the silence and loneliness was a heavy price we all had to pay without exception."I did not see any point in giving her a false picture-it was best she knew the truth as it was.
"But that means I cannot in all conscience have a family of my own," she started muttering, "no children…."
I said nothing, just waited. I had no hope to give her, no reassurances. There were none.
I watched her toy with her food, and caught her eyes on me once or twice. She said "No children-or father…."once, more to herself and a look of near panic crossed her face .It was torture, waiting to hear what she had to say.
She absently finished the rest of her breakfast, deep in thought. I waited patiently, giving her all the time she wanted to process her thoughts and come to a final decision.
Then she looked at me and asked, "Mother, there are a few things I need to know before I tell you my final decision."
"Tell me, dear."
"Will I be punished in anyway if I refuse this-me or my family? That includes you."
"No my child-not at all-each life and everything that happens in it has its place in the universe. A beautiful wonderful plan exists in which no one is too small and none too big. Each one is important in their own way."
"Will you change towards me-will you be disappointed that I did not accept this?"
I was out of my chair and by hers in a trice. I held her face between both my hands and looked into her eyes. "Teela, you are and always will be my beloved child. Always. The only thing I want is your happiness. Honey, I never ever want you to do anything except that which your heart tells you-especially for me. Always remember that."
"You're sure."
"Yes. In fact, I will go so far as to say that, having lost you all these years, if it is your choice to refuse this position, I support you wholeheartedly. It is a great honor to be chosen to be the Guardian of Grayskull, Teela-but it is even greater to be given the responsibility of loving and raising a family. That is a blessing beyond compare."
She thought for some time again, and when she looked at me, I knew her decision was made. She spoke, calmly and with firmness.
"Well then-in that case…Mother, I do not want this. I want a husband and lots of children. And I want to stay with Father every day of his old age, and love him and take care of him. That is more important to me than this. I want to be free-to love my children, watch them grow, be there for them in the joys and sorrows of life-to be a true helpmate to my husband as we go through life together. And Daddy-even if I lost out on everything else, I never want to miss being there for him when he is old and infirm in the last days of his life-nothing is worth missing that for. I know that to be the Guardian is a great honour,and what I ask for is petty by comparison, but it's what I feel is right for me deep down in my heart. I am sorry… But of course, if there is no other go….."
It made me so happy, to hear her words, to know that this cycle of loneliness would end with me. My child would hopefully have a happy fulfilling family life, filled with laughter and love and joy. The very thought brought joy to my heart. And Duncan would have her with him in the twilight of his old age, just as we had sat together and fantasized the previous day. The man deserved no less.
"Teela, it makes me very happy to know that you have the made the right choice-for you, my child. And yes…I too feel you are right in what you have chosen."
"Will this mean you are bound to stay here forever? If so…."
"No, not at all. Now that you have given the decision, we look for the next likely candidate. We will find her, and I will train her, and then I will be free."
She gave a small smile of relief and reached for the grapes in the fruit bowl. As she was eating, I noticed the look of utter peace on her face and felt glad. She had made the right decision, and her life would not be lonely like mine had been.
When I rose to do the dishes, she joined me and we worked companionably in silence. We were heading out of the kitchen when her com-link rang. It was Duncan.