Chapter 4
Tifa quietly walks back down into the bar. Her mind mulling over their new stray. It wasn't unusual for rural people, who had been displaced by Meteor Fall and Geo-Stigma, to migrate to Edge. Still, it had been a few months since there had been any new arrivals and Tifa was curious about how Jade had gotten to Edge and why she had chosen the middle of winter to do it? Well, whatever her reasons, Jade was here, and Tifa found the thought of a new friend very intriguing.
When Tifa entered the dining room, she noticed that Reno had finished his meal. Rude was still methodically working his way through his, and Tseng was sipping his tea, a thoughtful expression on his face and, it was obvious the trio were having an in-depth discussion. "Has this turned into a private party, or can anyone join? And Reno, did you even taste your breakfast?" She innocently asked. The three men turned to look at her but didn't jump, so they weren't discussing something that Tifa wouldn't be allowed to listen in on. An unfortunate occurrence that Tifa had come to accept now that she and Rude had become serious. There were still some aspects of his profession that he couldn't or wouldn't discuss with her.
Reno smirked, " 'Course I did, Tif. Your food is the best! I'm just a hungry boy, you know!" He replied honestly. Tifa shook her head and laughed as she refilled the coffee and teacups and sat down with them with a coffee for herself.
Noticing the deep frown on Tseng's face, "So what's got you so deep in thought, Tseng?" She asked before sipping her brew.
He shook his head. "It is just odd! There haven't been any migrants for some time now, and it's winter! Why would a young woman journey, unescorted, across two contents to here? And for me to be in the right place to witness her have a panic attack at seeing the ruins of Midgar?" Tseng queried softly.
Tifa chuckled, hearing Tseng mirroring her early thought, but she hazards a guess anyway. "Well, for one, she is exhausted. So maybe seeing that level of destruction was overwhelming. And as for why she may be travelling now...? It would probably be less expensive, and I doubt she would have a whole lot of money!"
Rude chimed in with, "She may be a runaway! I don't think she is of age, and you did say she stuttered over the word Foster Mother! Maybe her home life wasn't all that good!"
Tseng nodded, "This could be true, but I get the impression that she is hiding a whole lot more, and I'm not just going to let her walk around with a free pass!" He stated firmly.
Tifa sighed. She knew that The Turks still took the job of projecting Rufus, his family and what had become of the Company seriously. But times had changed. "Tseng, she is just a young woman, who, in all likelihood, has moved to start a new life for herself."
"Perhaps? But I won't be negligent in my duties either!" Tseng mused.
Reno and Rude both nodded their heads in agreement, and Tifa rolled her eyes and sighed. It would seem Jade really had invoked the Directors interest, and maybe that was a good thing? At least Tifa was thinking so. Tseng was too uptight, and maybe getting to know the younger women might be the thing he needs to learn to loosen up a bit. And that thought caused Tifa to smirked into her cup.
Jade found herself standing alone and barefoot on a lush carpet of grass, twilight's gloom surrounding her. She was dressed in a gossamer dress of deep green. And her hair was unbound, gently blowing in the breeze. A megalith stone structure, similar to Stonehenge but smaller, and one of wood, stood in sentry on a path that looked like some Glyph. Muted lights could be seen flickering in and around the structure. Beyond that stood an ancient forest. Jade inhaled deeply. The sweet scent of rain-washed new grass filled her nostrils. Curious, she walks up the path to the structure.
The stone and wood pillars had runes carved into them, and in the middle of the inner circle lay a low stone altar. Upon it was set bowls with fruits and vegetables. Combs of honey. And what she thought looked to be bowls of mead and wine. It was so surreal, but there was a throbbing deep within the core of her being- a calling to her 'true' self, and as Jade continued to follow the path, it gently sloped upwards.
As she walked, Jade began to hear music deep, primal and swelling-filling her soul! Drums, pipes, flutes and harps joined together in a song from bygone days. And then tiny voices filled with laughter and innocence, beckoning her forward. Unafraid, Jade heeds this unknown summons and enters the forest, darkness surrounding her. But the path glowed softly and was easy to follow, so she ventured forth until she came upon a clearing and was almost blinded by the multitude of lights. Her eyes adjusting, she glimpses a most fantastic sight, one straight out of stories like the Lord of the Rings.
Before Jade stood a raging bonfire, and around it danced beings that could only be called High-Elves. Beautiful didn't accurately describe them. Etherial was more apt, as their appearance transcended the boundaries of mortal conception. Jade could only stand there, in awe, and watch as they flowed in and around each, weaving an intricate pattern as they danced. Their footfalls were so light that not a sound could be heard from them. But the power they invoked hummed through the very core of Jade's being as she stood there, transfixed by the sight.
A few moments passed and, the song ended, the occupants dispersing to other areas of the glade. This was when Jade noticed that the glen was filled with more Fae folk than just elves. There were fairies, gnomes, sprites and brownies—woodland nymphs frolicking in the tree's boughs. Salamanders hissed and slithered around and through the large bonfire. And Jade was confident that the flickers of lights throughout the area were will-o-wisps. A pair of centaurs patrolled the area armed with lethal-looking swords, of a type that she readily couldn't name. And a wounder of sights was a pair of unicorns. Jade stood, blinking in astonishment. Positive that she was indeed dead!
"Come here, child and, sit before me!" A feminine voice called out. It was that matriarchal voice Jade had heard earlier.
Jade peered around the fire to see a raised dais and a throne made out of limbs of silvered wood weaved together. Upon it sat a Queen whose allure transcended sexuality and had Jade questioning her's. The Matriarch was tall and slender with fluid grace. Her appearance-ageless as she was both maid and matron. Her raven black hair fell in waves right down to her bare feet. Her dress was layers of black silk but so transparent you could almost see thru it. Her waist was adorned with a belt made of delicate chains of silver. Her arms are adorned with bracelets of the same. Upon her brow, she wore a circlet of silver with a large sapphire set in the center. But the women's eyes... They were of the deepest sapphire and shone brightly and intently with the wisdom of centuries-fathomless. Jade swallowed nervously as she walked to stand before this formidable person and curtsied low. "My Lady?" Jade quired softly.
"Sit, my child! Our time is short, and there is much I wish to say. Will you listen?" Jade intuitively knew the queen, asking her to more than listen but to understand. So she nodded solemnly and sat on the ground.
"Then let us begin! I am known as Elbereth of the Seelie Court of Twilight! And I am its ruler! Jade Eve Summers, you have been named in the Relm of Men! But here you are known to us as Imogen! You carry the Irish's blood, from your mother, and those native to your birthland, from your father! This is a powerful combination. Within you lies the capability to renew the cycles of magic this planet needs to sustain itself, and that is why you were brought here!" Elbereth intoned in a soft but commanding voice.
Jade nodded; she knew she was Irish and Ojibwe as she had done an ancestry assignment just the previous school semester. And had sent a blood sample away for analysis but only to find out what they were, not who they were from. But to hear which parent was which was a little unnerving. But being told she was capable of renewing magic made her feeling a little confused and dumb-founded.
Seeing that she still held Jade's interest. Elbereth continued. "This planet's story didn't happen quite exactly as it was presented to you, but there are bits of truth. Be diligent and learn what you can and help where you can. Make new friends and build lasting relationships. For now, the path to your new life begins here. You possess an untold wealth of information that can help these people rebuild their world. Don't ever be afraid of your intelligence, and don't be ashamed of your appearance!
Jade gazed in rapt fascination as the Lady spoke. She touched on so many issues that Jade had struggled with her entire life. Self-confidence, low self-esteem, fear of being seen as a know-it-all. And there had been no end to the snide comments and rude remakes about her being a half breed. So many negative emotions dragging her down, it was a wonder she had made this far, but suicide was a cowardly way out. And to Jade's thinking, there were only a few situations where it was warranted and should only be done by those in the medical field who were licenced.
And even though Jade was uncertain about most of what Elbereth had told her, Jade had heard the truth and conviction in the woman's words. Knowing some of what this planet and her people may be experiencing, if there was something Jade could do to help, she wanted to explore.
But some questions were nagging Jade. So she ventured with the one situation that confused her the most. How were earth, Gaia and the Land of Fairies connected? "My Lady, if you please, Will, you tell me how I am here in the Land of the Fae? Am I back on earth?" Jade asked in a respectful tone.
Elbereth smiled and nodded. The child was indeed respectful and polite. "You are still on Gaia as the realms of the Fae touch all words as you sleep the veil between our worlds thins and allows your conscience, if you will, to pass freely. More like a waking dream." She stated. "But it is the level of magic in one place that allows us to cross over into the Mortal worlds. For many of us, it requires a significant amount of energy to do so! And the time of the greater magics has naturally dissipated over time. Therefore we choose to stay within our own realms. But the Lesser-Fae do not require as much magic to sustain themselves. So that they can cross the Viel with greater ease, but once there, it is harder for them to be seen in their natural form, so most take on the element they have an affinity for."
Jade nodded in understanding. It made a great deal of sense. The Fairy realm was believed to exist simultaneously but not in the same space as Earth. So it was also true for Gaia. But the concept of magic, be it Greater or Lesser, beyond the understanding that she had, sat uncomfortably with Jade. That kind of magic only existed in fantasy. In a timid voice, "So am I to become a Mage or more like the Cetra? And no disrespect, but why the Fae and not Minerva?" Jade questioned.
Elbereth laughed goodnaturedly. She had chosen correctly with this child. She was smart and articulate. "The blood that runs through your veins will allow you an aspect of both! But magic will not work as it once did as the knowledge the Ancients bound in the materia has been undone. And the land is healing, so it cannot 'Birth' new ones as to how you can learn; this is part of the reason I brought you here. Being in this realm will awaking the channels in your mind that sleep but, once awakened, it will allow you to learn new paths in magic use. Also, I want to introduce you to those who have volunteered to follow you into the mortal realm and aid you! And Minerva's attention lies elsewhere!" She replied. At this, a young salamander, sylph, water sprite and brownie came forward.
The salamander ran forward, hissing, but Jade sat calmly and looked at it. It was long and slender and slithered/walked like the tiny lizard Jade was familiar with. But it was covered in scales, like a fish that shimmered in a multitude of shades of red, and it was the size of a house cat. Holding her hand out, "Hello, I'm guessing you'll be helping me explore fire magic?"
Immediately the little creature scurried to her and slithered up her arm to lay on her shoulder. Not knowing what to expect, Jade was surprised as this creature was warm but didn't burn her where it touched her skin as a sensation of warm acceptance flowed through her. "Yesss, I will help! I am Hagan!"
Jade blinked in surprise, and she heard the voice in her mind, not with her ears. So the creature was male, and from the tone of his voice, he sounded young. Pulling from what knowledge she had, Jade knew that even those of the Seelie demanded respect. So she replied, "Well, hello Hagan, it is nice to meet you!" and she couldn't help but scratch his head like you would a cat's, and she smiled softly, seeing him close his eyes and nuzzle her neck.
The next to come forward was the sylph. A shy smile lifting the corners of her mouth. She appeared as a young girl but all whispy, like a ghost. But she looked Fae! Her stature was tall and lithe-fragile-like. She had wide almond-shaped eyes that were slightly larger than humans—long pale lashes with high arching brows. The irises were slightly exaggerated and so pale blue they almost appeared white. Delicate looking nose and mouth. And she was 'dressed' in a cascade of long, thick flowing platinum coloured hair. Bare toes peeking out from under the fall of hair.
"Hello, Jade. I'm Aureole, and I have known you for a long time!" Stepping forward, she places a single finger upon Jade's forehead, and memories from her childhood came rushing forward. Her imaginary friend that no one could hear or see, but Jade had! She would whisper words of encouragement and to Jade, comforting her whenever Jade had begun to doubt herself. They would play tag with flower petals in the spring and summer, leaves in the fall and snow in the winter. But it had been such a long time ago.
Startled at the intensity of the emotions the memories invoked, Jade started to cry. "Ayah? But.. you were real?" She stammered.
Aureole stepped closer and embraced Jade, and being in the twilight realm; Jade could feel it and returned the embrace. The scent of warm summer air scented with meadow flowers invaded her scenes. "Yes, Jade! I have always been with you! Sadly, once you moved away from the farm and grew older, it was harder for you to sense me. Such as it is in the realm of men. But from the first day, I say to you I knew that I could never leave you!" The sylph replied gently.
"Thank you!" Jade replied softly. Taking a step and composing herself. "I am guessing you are air?" Jade asked with a chuckle.
Aureole gently smiled and nodded. "Yes!"
The moment was broken when there came a loud splashing to Jade's right. "It's my turn!" Another feminine voice called out. Turning, Jade saw another being very similar in appearance to Aureole, but this one was a deep blue in colour. Even her hair, which also was long and appeared to move like a gentle wave. She, too, stepped forward and placed a delicate finger on Jade's forehead, and Jade was filled with a filling of cleansing. Like she had just talked a dip in a cold river feed by fresh spring water, and she couldn't help but shiver.
"Jade, I am Ondine, and I will guide you in the element of water!" The sprite chirped.
Jade giggled at the new ones' impetuousness. "Hello, Ondine. It is a pleasure to meet you!" The sprite bowed and stepped back to allow the fourth member to step forward.
Walking as if he wasn't a day over twenty stepped forward, a man who was about Jade's height. He was dressed in good sturdy work clothes and work boots. His skin was brown and weathered looking, like soft leather. Brown curly hair and beard, trimmed nicely. A jaunty Tricon styled hat of green velvet was perched atop his head. Large brown eyes that sparkled and danced with mischief. Reaching out and shaking Jade's hand, "Good evening Miss Jade! I am Heath and am of the earth, but I am also a brownie. So when you be finda yourself a home. I'll be a coming to help!" He no-nonsense stated.
Jade giggled at his friendly bluntness but felt a calming sensation spread through her as the scent of newly turned earth filled her.
Elbereth interrupted then. "Jade, these are the Folk who have asked to help you, but it is time for you to wake up!" And she brought her hands together in a mighty clap the sounded like thunder and made Jade jolt into wakefulness.
Looking around, Jade realizes that the sun had shifted its course enough to cast long shadows along the floor. Getting up and stretching, Jade is surprised at how well-rested and refreshed she feels. Nodding to herself. "Ok, chicky-poo, time to get your ass moving... Um, bathroom first!" But pauses as she remembers that Tifa had said there was a shower room and a water... "Oh crap!" Jade mutters as she heads over to the door that Tifa had pointed out earlier.
Opening it, Jade is relieved to see a real toilet and hand sink and enough room to move without whacking body parts. So she steps in and takes care of a very pressing need.
A/N: Please, PLEASE! Don't shoot me! I know this chapter was a bit long and sssooo out of the FFVII storyline, but it is necessary to bridge the gap between OG and AU.
Note: I carefully chose names to match the elemental aspect of the fey and their station.
'Elbereth' was the Sindarin name of the Vala Varda. Her name appears many times in The Lord of the Rings, usually in a song or invocation. In The Fellowship of the Ring, the Elves whom Frodo Baggins, Peregrin Took, and Samwise Gamgee meet in the Shire are singing a song in her praise
Imogen (imma-Jen) This name means "maiden" or "daughter" from the Gaelic word "inghean" It can also be translated as "innocent" or "blameless."
The Seelie Court was described as those fairies who would seek help from humans, warn those who have accidentally offended them, and return human kindness with favours of their own
Ojibwe peoples in Southern Ontario include the Nipissing, who originate from around Lake Nipissing, and the Mississauga, who moved from Manitoulin Island in the 17th century to the region which is now the present-day Greater Toronto area.
Hagan; Meaning: Irish name for little fire
Aureole: This English name is derived from the word aureole, which is a diminutive form of the Latin name aura, which means 'breeze or the wind.' Hence, Aureole means 'little wind.' We think Aureole would make a lovely substitute for the commonplace Ariel.
Ayah is the name child Jage had given to an imaginary friend and is pronounced 'A' 'yah.'
Ondine: Meaning: Latin name for-little wave
Heath (English origin), meaning "someone who lives near the moor or heath."
