Princess Ashanti 1.5
Denigoddess2001@aol.com
08/15/01
"My Love, the sun is setting." Demetrius turned his gaze to the west. The New York skyline was aglow with a vivid mural of cadmium and vermilion. His flashing lavender gaze spoke silent volumes to his mate. [I do not wish to leave this place, Milady.]
"It's almost time for the change, isn't it?" She shivered at the thought as she felt throbbing sensation in her temples. It wasn't painful, saving for the continuous light sensitivity that accompanied her transformation. He body tingled in anticipation of the transformation. Her heart beat in gleeful anticipation. Her pulse cadenced a rapid rhythm in her wrists as she drank in the fantastic experience. Her breath became shallow with growing excitement. "I can feel it, Demetrius."
He smiled lovingly at his mate. He took her hands in his and nodded. "Tell me what moves within you?"
"I feel as though I've been walking around ...in a haze all day." She sought to find the words that best described that which was not normally discussed. "As we get closer to dusk, I want to let loose and be free. I know something's coming. I just don't know what it is!"
"As I feel it to, Milady." He planted a cherished kiss on her brow. "When the sun is low and stars rise is when we become one and the same."
"Yes. I can't wait. I just can't believe we slept through it this morning." Wren remained aghast that she slumbered while her body experienced magnificent transformations. "I want to know how it feels and what happens to us...to me and to you."
The sun sank below the majestic skyscrapers standing the western horizon. The sound of crumbling stone filled the expanse of Castle Wyvern. Both turned their eyes in the direction of the fierce statues posed protectively about the castle tower. Eye glowed beneath gray granite. The crevices spread throughout the stone. Yawns became thundering roars as the shards flew outwards from the forms. Beneath the gray stone shrouds, seven winged guardians of New York City came to life.
The smallest of the Gargoyles freed himself from his stone slumber and eagerly leapt from his perch. Lexington's wide eyes held friendly greeting. Wren smiled a warm regard as she shielded herself from the lying flecks of stone. Broadway and Angela soon followed and were preceded by Brooklyn and Hudson. Finally, the bellowing thunder of Goliath's roar seemed to shake the very ground beneath their feet.
"I never get tired of seeing that." She gripped Demetrius' hand until his knuckles were almost white. "I miss watching you awaken."
The desire to burst free of her human confines overcame her. An itch overcame her entire body. The rush and euphoria of riding a roller coaster assaulted her senses. Wren felt her limbs lengthen. She felt her teeth tingle as her canines elongated into delicate, effective fangs. The colors of night became much clearer and vivid as pristine clarity replaced the murkiness of human night vision. She saw five fingers darken to golden tan and become five slender talons. She felt a tickling sensation as she knew her tail grew from the edge of her spine. Somewhere in the night a Dame's snarl echoed along the monoliths of steel and stone. It registered in the depths of her semi-lucid consciousness that the feral snarl originated from her throat.
She noticed that her jeans two sizes to large and six inches too long now fit like a second skin. She nodded in satisfaction when she saw that her tail sprouted just where she predicted. She carefully calculated that afternoon where to cut the hole in the back of her jeans. Amazed at the changes in herself, she tentatively ran her hands along the four small brow horns at the edge of her hairline. She allowed her talons to gently caress the tapered tips of pointed ears.
She turned her attention to her mate, Demetrius. His transformation continued with his hair lightening from raven's wing to the argent frost white she knew so well. The one remaining black streak mirrored the snowy streak weaving through her dark chestnut tresses. His resounding bellow welcomed the night and signaled the appearance of ebony and heliotrope wings. His eyes gleamed brilliant lavender. Standing before here was the Gargoyle that she knew and loved [with a few minor alterations].
"Goliath, wellmet." Demetrius clasped heartily the wrist of the clan leader. He did likewise and it was as if Wren were watching to long-lost siblings greeting each other after a long absence. The sense of community and unity hummed through the entire clan like a familiar melody.
[There's a collective consciousness going on here.] The realization sent Wren's mind reeling. She watched them immediately turn to her. She closed her eyes to test her next theory. She turned her back to them and attuned herself to that extraordinary melody playing inside her mind.
It was a combination of unknown melody, mountain heather, a physical sensation of bright sunlight and a slight taste of honey. The words 'feminine' and 'friendly' came to mind. She knew exactly who it was.
"Angela, is that you standing behind me?" She crossed her fingers hoping that her theory was right.
"Yes, how did you know?" The voice confirmed all she needed to know. Wren excitedly spun around and impulsively hugged the Dame in front of her.
"Now, I finally understand why you never needed names!" Wren exclaimed. Angela returned the affectionate embrace. The young mutant rushed to Goliath. "I understand now why you never needed names!"
"What do you mean, Wren?" Elisa seemed perplexed by the animated display of satisfaction.
"Elisa, Gargoyles have something like a collective consciousness a concurrence amongst minds. It's a psychic bond unlike anything I've ever felt." The joy of family and clan flowed through her mind like the most magical memories of her early childhood. "It's like seeing my favorite Grandmother as though she were still alive and well. It's feels as though I've the guest of honor at a gathering of my closest friends. It's a wonderful combination of all six senses. Oh, Elisa! I never knew it was like this for them. Each Gargoyle has a separate and distinct aura about them ...a psionic signature if you will."
"I didn't realize it was like that." Elisa replied in a small voice. "It must be really great."
"Elisa, you have a signature too." Wren closed her eyes and immersed herself in Elisa's presence. "It's the taste of cinnamon and sound of reed flutes. The colors of coral and turquoise are accompanied by a howl of a coyote in the distance. The scent of jasmine is all around you. The words 'loyalty' and 'shield' came to mind."
"I didn't know that either." Elisa remained still as if in awe of Wren's assessment.
"Gargoyles have no need for names because they recognize each other by psionic signature the way we use names and images." Wren's tail lashed in excitement. "Demetrius, am I right?"
"You humans do not have this sense of recognition." He confirmed. "How do you tell one another apart other than by name?"
"Sounds, sights...primarily. Scents if someone wears cologne or perfume. The type of car a person drives....habits...just different ways. We don't have that sixth sense like you folks possessed. I never understood until this moment."
"This is something we have to report to Adrienne upon our return." Demetrius considered the significance of Wren's discovery. He simply took it for granted the natural recognition of Gargoyles with one another. "What did you call it?"
"This might be how you know the sun is going to rise even though you may be inside or underground." Wren chattered with joy. "It explains why you folks are so astute on picking up subtleties we humans often miss."
"Milady, I beg you to calm yourself." He chuckled at her newfound knowledge. "It is not so remarkable."
"To you, maybe!" She gave him a look of risen brows that spoke volumes. "I feel like somebody just threw open the window and pushed back the shutters to let the sunshine in a darkened room. A haze has been cleared from my mind, Demetrius. Everything is so much clearer."
"Wren," A quiet baritone gently interrupted her excitement. "How do you feel?"
"I feel joyous! I feel alive! I feel as if I am a part of something special and precious. I feel as if I belong.... Like I'm a member of the family."
"As though you are a member of the clan?" Goliath laid a gentle hand upon her shoulder. "You no longer feel alone or without loved ones?"
"Yes, how did you know?" Her eyes became as wide as saucers.
"Many humans know that feeling of isolation. We all do when we are far away from our clan for a lengthy period of time."
"No wonder there is such closeness between members of a clan." Wren almost felt as though she had wings to wrap around her. Her estrangement from her father made Wren keep to herself. Now, she found much of the love and closeness she craved all of her life within the short span of five minutes.
She sensed a protective presence lingering behind her. She smelled chocolate and ginger. A faint taste of strawberry wine tugged at her memory. The overwhelming sensations of humor, mischief, and honor surrounded her in a garden of ambiance. She knew the touch of his lips upon her skin and the feeling of warmth of his caress. She virtually heard that faint Scottish lilt speaking softly in her ear. She knew that her mate stood behind her.
"You aren't just human anymore, Milady." She saw a mysterious brightness glimmering in smoky amethyst eyes. She thought she heard a tremor in the deep timber of her mate's voice. "You are one of us."
"I finally belong." She whispered. Bemused hazel eyes simply stared at him. No other words aptly described the thousand wondrous sensations that flowed between her and Demetrius and the rest of the clan.
"And how do you like your new present?" A voice interrupted the solemnity of the moment. They turned to see Owen standing there looking flawlessly attired in his double-breasted navy suit. Every blond hair remained in place.
Wren simply ran to him and threw her arms wildly around him. "Thank you, Owen. Thank you, Puck. Thank you for EVERYTHING!!"
He stiffened at her vibrant emotional display. Taken aback by Wren's vivid demonstration of gratitude, he coughed as she nearly squeezed the air from his lungs. "Ms. Summers, I am [hack] glad that you are enjoying [hack hack] your new state of being. [cough choke cough]"
"This is beyond anything I imagined." She nearly jumped for joy right there in front of him. She turned to Demetrius. "Why didn't you tell me it was like this?"
"I thought you knew." He shrugged helplessly.
"I didn't have the slightest clue." She returned her attention to Owen. "I have an idea."
Owen saw those hazel eyes glow with a glow that he was beginning to know well. That particular tone of voice combined with that pupiless glimmer meant that Wren was hatching a plot that required his particular efforts. He nervously pushed his glasses up the bridge of his hawklike nose. "UH- what did you have in mind?"
She whispered her idea enthusiastically in his ear.
His eyebrows rose in sheer dumbfoundment. His eyes widened in disbelief at her suggestion. "Ms. Summers, surely you CAN'T be serious? I can't work any magic directly against Lord Oberon's wishes."
"You did in my case." She countered slyly.
"I am not allowed to mettle in HUMAN affairs." He pointed out carefully. "You are a special case because of your ....how shall I say this? Because of your genetic predisposition."
"Could Alexander do it?" She pried. He rubbed his chin in contemplation of her question.
"It is possible." He replied thoughtfully. "Perhaps, you could do it."
"I'm not a sorceress. Leave Magick to those who can do it." She held up her hands to ward off his suggestion.
"Wren..." A quiet growl rumbled in the air from Demetrius. "What are you planning, lass?"
"I have an idea." She smirked. "Think of it as a parting gift to our hostess."
"Fox?" He asked not quite understanding.
"No." She whispered. "Elisa."
"Let me make certain I understand exactly what you're asking for Ms. Summers...." Owen motioned for her to step closer. After a few minutes of hushed conversation, he stepped back and nodded in understanding. "You're right. I cannot intervene in human affairs. It said nothing about Gargoyle affairs. A play upon words is a clever solution."
"With luck and heartmagick, can we make it happen?" She kept her tone neutral.
"Oh, yes. It isn't a difficult incantation." Wren thought Owen suppressed a giggle. "I can't cast it, of course. However, with a bit of help and use of the Tome as a conduit for our combined strengths, anything is possible."
"What is going on?" Goliath's tail lashed in anticipation. "What does this have to do with Elisa?"
"Just watch and wait, brother." Demetrius gave him a knowing nod. "Wren is an excellent strategist."
Demetrius discreetly took Goliath aside and explained Wren's plan to clan leader. He nodded in understanding but disapproved. "Without Elisa's consent, this is wrong."
"I agree." Wren quickly nodded. "I've heard stories about how people are affected when misusing goddess magick. I have no desire to be the target of Skylaris' anger."
"What are you talking about?" Elisa's brow furrowed with suspicion. "I want to know what's going on."
Wren pulled Elisa away from the gathering and made clear her intentions. She watched the Detective shrink away from her as it became clear what Wren desired done this night. Elisa wrapped her arms around her as though she were chilled to the bone.
"I don't think that's such a great idea, Wren." Her wariness made it clear just how much she disapproved of the young woman's brainstorm. "I like my mind just the way it is."
Wren wanted to give Elisa a gift that only two other women held. "I just wanted you to have that rapport with Goliath and the clan that I just discovered. I know you told me during our breakfast how you didn't think it was possible to pursue a relationship with him."
"How do you know that?"
"How can you be so different from a being who knows your heart and soul better than you do? How can you deny the love in his heart for you? To tell yourselves you can't love each other is a really cruel form of sadomasochism." Wren looked at her intently.
"Elisa, where I come from, I can tell you the harsh cruelty and reality about differences. I'm not even considered 'human' by the majority of my own species. I've been hunted and almost killed because I'm a Mutant. Here, you have Goliath and he doesn't care one iota that you don't have a tail or wings. He sees the inner beauty of your heart and your unique loveliness." Wren gently shook Elisa. "Don't turn it away because you're afraid of what's new or different. I almost made that mistake and nearly spent the rest of my life paying for it. A wise goddess told me, 'take love in whatever form it comes to you.' Elisa, your Love's name is Goliath."
Elisa said nothing when Wren voiced her innermost thoughts.
"You've kissed him and already told him that you loved him. What's stopping you from taking that next step? Let me tell you, loving and losing ISN"T better than never loving at all. If you have a chance to find happiness with Goliath, TAKE IT!"
The Tome of Tacitus appeared hovering in the air before the young Nightkind. Wren eagerly took it in her grasps and hurriedly flipped through the pages. She knew just the spell needed. She also knew that it wouldn't be there. She looked to Owen and her eyes glowed with the light of victory. "Start dictation."
One brave of heart-human born
Without psionic rapport of clan forlorn
Let affinity between you and your chosen clan flow
Let this now be a blessing for you to know.
Owen's eyes gleamed a brilliant blue in the final rays of the setting sun. The Ostrich feather quill became surrounded in a faint azure aura. A faint halo of verdant light surrounded the tomb as Wren inscribed the words carefully upon the blank parchment within the book. She then dipped her index talon in the floating vial of black ink. Carefully, she made a flourishing script upon the page consisting of marks, scratches and flowing lines. Demetrius looked over her shoulder and gasped loudly when he realized them to be the glyphs of the ancient Gargoyle language.
Wren smiled triumphantly as she watched to carefully written lines almost visibly imbed themselves upon the pages of the Tome. "Elisa Maza!"
Elisa turned to see Wren holding the Tome and stare at her with eyes blazing. "Wren?"
Wren spoke each word with a resolution that filled the air. The wind rose abruptly in the courtyard. Owen stood behind her with his hands covering hers. He looked over her shoulder as she read each word. Wren's tail made various motions in the air as each word was spoken. A bolt of brilliant amber hue bolted across the courtyard and struck Elisa Maza squarely in the forehead.
She stumbled backwards a few steps. Goliath called out her name in alarm and rushed to her side. He caught her in his massive arms just as she fell to the ground. His eyes came alive with the brilliant fire of anger. His words bellowed so that they almost deafened those near him. "What have you done to Elisa, Wren?"
"Wait." She closed the Tome and returned it to Owen. "This will work?"
"Positive." He nodded in confirmation. Wren turned her attention again to Elisa. The amber bolt now became a golden veil showering the Detective in an echelon of Gargoyle and Elvin Magick. With a hint of luck and much empathy, it merged with the very essence know as Elisa Maza.
"Wren, what have you done to Elisa?" Angela exclaimed in alarm. "Please, stop! You're hurting her."
Elisa fell from Goliath's grasp to her hands and knees as the crown of light danced around her forehead. He knelt down beside her and took her hands in his. "If you have hurt her, Wren Summers-"
"Wait, Goliath." Wren's words soothed him. "There was no intention to harm Elisa; just the opposite."
Goliath brought one crooked talon beneath Elisa's chin and gently lifted her chin so that his lips were only inches from hers. She slowly opened eyes of midnight and found Goliath's onyx expression of concern staring down at her. He brought one large lavender hand carefully to her cheek and framed her face. A slow smile crept across Elisa's bronzed features and a Gargoyle's dark eyes widened in sudden understanding. The clan remained speechless as Goliath brought his lips to Elisa's.
"Goliath?" Her voice was barely above a whisper. A new awakening shadowed her gaze.
"Elisa?" His concern overflowed from his heart. "Are you hurt?"
"No, Big Guy." Doe eyes met his. Recognition danced between them. "Not at all."
He said nothing but brought his brow to hers in understanding. Surrendering to the unspoken feelings of love coursing between them, they opened their minds and hearts to one another that brought about a new connection for them. Elisa knew it for the first time. Goliath rejoiced in the unity. The clan embraced and celebrated the newest addition.
Elisa rose to her feet and walked over to Wren. She saw that spark of something in the Detective's eyes that made her want to run and hide. Was it a look of determination or rage. They stood there for several seconds toe-to-toe with Elisa almost frightened of the petite woman standing before her.
"You've given me a lot to think about." Elisa remembered to blink. "I've got a lot to get used to."
"Love him deeply and truly, Elisa." Wren gave her friend a hug. "That is your way."
Goliath glanced knowing at Demetrius. The tears flowed freely down the dark warrior's cheeks. Goliath's intent gaze met Elisa's soulful expression. She said nothing as she walked over to the lavender leviathan standing next to Demetrius. She welcomed the love of wings, the adoration of arms and the true protection of tail from Goliath.
"Demetrius, I think we're done here." Wren wiped a stray tear from her cheek. "It's getting pretty heavy. Let's get out of here."
"Agreed, Milady."
They watched the clan congregate around the Gargoyle/ Human couple reveling in their new intimacy. It flowed between them and between the members of the clan. Owen looked over his shoulder to Demetrius and Wren and gave them a nod, a wave and a wink. They set the Tome Of Tacitus on a stone bench beside them and Owen nodded again in silent acknowledgement. He returned his attention to the dumbstruck couple alive and innocent in their new rapport.
Demetrius offered Wren his arm and they walked to an isolated part of the courtyard. He looked down at his ladylove and brought her close to him. "The Tome is in good hands with this clan. They will value its contents and use it wisely in this new millennium."
"I think they will. Do you think Elisa and Goliath will be happy?"
"Only the Goddess knows." He looked upwards to the starry heavens. He pointed to a constellation that they knew well. "Even now, she watches over us."
"Demetrius, do you have your paperwork?"
"In my inside pocket of my kilt pouch."
"Wallet?"
"Aye, Love."
"I'm going to miss them."
"As will I, Milady." He pulled her to him with one wing. "Our clan awaits us."
"Agreed." She cast one last glance at Goliath and Elisa. [Will they find love? Will they live happily ever after? Will Elisa be brave and just go ahead and love him?]
[Thank you.] A feminine voice belonging to a special detective echoed inside in Wren's mind. That was all she needed to know.
Wren pulled the annulus from her side and held it firmly in her grasp. She felt Demetrius' tail wrap tightly around her waist. He held her firmly to him. He cloaked her protectively in his dark velvet wings. "Cast the ritual, Milady Wren. Let us begone from this place."
"Hang on." Wren pressed herself tightly against her ebony protector. She grasped the Annulus tightly. "Buckle your seat belt and enjoy the ride."
"Advent of a shadow realm
Cast by my hand this weapon made
Unloose this Magick unbolt this gate
To a reflective realm do lead the way.
From the realm from whence we came
Please return us to the same.
Goddess keep up safe and sound
Let us walk upon familiar ground."
A mist of mint and saffron rose the cobblestones of the courtyard and swirled around the duo. The Annulus radiated brilliance akin to the glow of a Gargoyle's stare. A familiar brilliant column of golden light brightened and burned. Demetrius buried his head in Wren's dark hair to avoid blindness. The column descended from the heavens and engulfed them. The deafening clap of thunder rumbled throughout the courtyard as Demetrius and Wren vanished.
"Goliath, where are Wren and Demetrius?" Angela panicked. "They're gone."
"They've gone home, Daughter." His reassurance calmed her. "To their world and to their clan."
Concurrence: The psionic affinity amongst clan members to recognize each other through a combination of the six senses.
Resonance: The psionic rapport between two mates.
Denigoddess2001@aol.com
08/15/01
"My Love, the sun is setting." Demetrius turned his gaze to the west. The New York skyline was aglow with a vivid mural of cadmium and vermilion. His flashing lavender gaze spoke silent volumes to his mate. [I do not wish to leave this place, Milady.]
"It's almost time for the change, isn't it?" She shivered at the thought as she felt throbbing sensation in her temples. It wasn't painful, saving for the continuous light sensitivity that accompanied her transformation. He body tingled in anticipation of the transformation. Her heart beat in gleeful anticipation. Her pulse cadenced a rapid rhythm in her wrists as she drank in the fantastic experience. Her breath became shallow with growing excitement. "I can feel it, Demetrius."
He smiled lovingly at his mate. He took her hands in his and nodded. "Tell me what moves within you?"
"I feel as though I've been walking around ...in a haze all day." She sought to find the words that best described that which was not normally discussed. "As we get closer to dusk, I want to let loose and be free. I know something's coming. I just don't know what it is!"
"As I feel it to, Milady." He planted a cherished kiss on her brow. "When the sun is low and stars rise is when we become one and the same."
"Yes. I can't wait. I just can't believe we slept through it this morning." Wren remained aghast that she slumbered while her body experienced magnificent transformations. "I want to know how it feels and what happens to us...to me and to you."
The sun sank below the majestic skyscrapers standing the western horizon. The sound of crumbling stone filled the expanse of Castle Wyvern. Both turned their eyes in the direction of the fierce statues posed protectively about the castle tower. Eye glowed beneath gray granite. The crevices spread throughout the stone. Yawns became thundering roars as the shards flew outwards from the forms. Beneath the gray stone shrouds, seven winged guardians of New York City came to life.
The smallest of the Gargoyles freed himself from his stone slumber and eagerly leapt from his perch. Lexington's wide eyes held friendly greeting. Wren smiled a warm regard as she shielded herself from the lying flecks of stone. Broadway and Angela soon followed and were preceded by Brooklyn and Hudson. Finally, the bellowing thunder of Goliath's roar seemed to shake the very ground beneath their feet.
"I never get tired of seeing that." She gripped Demetrius' hand until his knuckles were almost white. "I miss watching you awaken."
The desire to burst free of her human confines overcame her. An itch overcame her entire body. The rush and euphoria of riding a roller coaster assaulted her senses. Wren felt her limbs lengthen. She felt her teeth tingle as her canines elongated into delicate, effective fangs. The colors of night became much clearer and vivid as pristine clarity replaced the murkiness of human night vision. She saw five fingers darken to golden tan and become five slender talons. She felt a tickling sensation as she knew her tail grew from the edge of her spine. Somewhere in the night a Dame's snarl echoed along the monoliths of steel and stone. It registered in the depths of her semi-lucid consciousness that the feral snarl originated from her throat.
She noticed that her jeans two sizes to large and six inches too long now fit like a second skin. She nodded in satisfaction when she saw that her tail sprouted just where she predicted. She carefully calculated that afternoon where to cut the hole in the back of her jeans. Amazed at the changes in herself, she tentatively ran her hands along the four small brow horns at the edge of her hairline. She allowed her talons to gently caress the tapered tips of pointed ears.
She turned her attention to her mate, Demetrius. His transformation continued with his hair lightening from raven's wing to the argent frost white she knew so well. The one remaining black streak mirrored the snowy streak weaving through her dark chestnut tresses. His resounding bellow welcomed the night and signaled the appearance of ebony and heliotrope wings. His eyes gleamed brilliant lavender. Standing before here was the Gargoyle that she knew and loved [with a few minor alterations].
"Goliath, wellmet." Demetrius clasped heartily the wrist of the clan leader. He did likewise and it was as if Wren were watching to long-lost siblings greeting each other after a long absence. The sense of community and unity hummed through the entire clan like a familiar melody.
[There's a collective consciousness going on here.] The realization sent Wren's mind reeling. She watched them immediately turn to her. She closed her eyes to test her next theory. She turned her back to them and attuned herself to that extraordinary melody playing inside her mind.
It was a combination of unknown melody, mountain heather, a physical sensation of bright sunlight and a slight taste of honey. The words 'feminine' and 'friendly' came to mind. She knew exactly who it was.
"Angela, is that you standing behind me?" She crossed her fingers hoping that her theory was right.
"Yes, how did you know?" The voice confirmed all she needed to know. Wren excitedly spun around and impulsively hugged the Dame in front of her.
"Now, I finally understand why you never needed names!" Wren exclaimed. Angela returned the affectionate embrace. The young mutant rushed to Goliath. "I understand now why you never needed names!"
"What do you mean, Wren?" Elisa seemed perplexed by the animated display of satisfaction.
"Elisa, Gargoyles have something like a collective consciousness a concurrence amongst minds. It's a psychic bond unlike anything I've ever felt." The joy of family and clan flowed through her mind like the most magical memories of her early childhood. "It's like seeing my favorite Grandmother as though she were still alive and well. It's feels as though I've the guest of honor at a gathering of my closest friends. It's a wonderful combination of all six senses. Oh, Elisa! I never knew it was like this for them. Each Gargoyle has a separate and distinct aura about them ...a psionic signature if you will."
"I didn't realize it was like that." Elisa replied in a small voice. "It must be really great."
"Elisa, you have a signature too." Wren closed her eyes and immersed herself in Elisa's presence. "It's the taste of cinnamon and sound of reed flutes. The colors of coral and turquoise are accompanied by a howl of a coyote in the distance. The scent of jasmine is all around you. The words 'loyalty' and 'shield' came to mind."
"I didn't know that either." Elisa remained still as if in awe of Wren's assessment.
"Gargoyles have no need for names because they recognize each other by psionic signature the way we use names and images." Wren's tail lashed in excitement. "Demetrius, am I right?"
"You humans do not have this sense of recognition." He confirmed. "How do you tell one another apart other than by name?"
"Sounds, sights...primarily. Scents if someone wears cologne or perfume. The type of car a person drives....habits...just different ways. We don't have that sixth sense like you folks possessed. I never understood until this moment."
"This is something we have to report to Adrienne upon our return." Demetrius considered the significance of Wren's discovery. He simply took it for granted the natural recognition of Gargoyles with one another. "What did you call it?"
"This might be how you know the sun is going to rise even though you may be inside or underground." Wren chattered with joy. "It explains why you folks are so astute on picking up subtleties we humans often miss."
"Milady, I beg you to calm yourself." He chuckled at her newfound knowledge. "It is not so remarkable."
"To you, maybe!" She gave him a look of risen brows that spoke volumes. "I feel like somebody just threw open the window and pushed back the shutters to let the sunshine in a darkened room. A haze has been cleared from my mind, Demetrius. Everything is so much clearer."
"Wren," A quiet baritone gently interrupted her excitement. "How do you feel?"
"I feel joyous! I feel alive! I feel as if I am a part of something special and precious. I feel as if I belong.... Like I'm a member of the family."
"As though you are a member of the clan?" Goliath laid a gentle hand upon her shoulder. "You no longer feel alone or without loved ones?"
"Yes, how did you know?" Her eyes became as wide as saucers.
"Many humans know that feeling of isolation. We all do when we are far away from our clan for a lengthy period of time."
"No wonder there is such closeness between members of a clan." Wren almost felt as though she had wings to wrap around her. Her estrangement from her father made Wren keep to herself. Now, she found much of the love and closeness she craved all of her life within the short span of five minutes.
She sensed a protective presence lingering behind her. She smelled chocolate and ginger. A faint taste of strawberry wine tugged at her memory. The overwhelming sensations of humor, mischief, and honor surrounded her in a garden of ambiance. She knew the touch of his lips upon her skin and the feeling of warmth of his caress. She virtually heard that faint Scottish lilt speaking softly in her ear. She knew that her mate stood behind her.
"You aren't just human anymore, Milady." She saw a mysterious brightness glimmering in smoky amethyst eyes. She thought she heard a tremor in the deep timber of her mate's voice. "You are one of us."
"I finally belong." She whispered. Bemused hazel eyes simply stared at him. No other words aptly described the thousand wondrous sensations that flowed between her and Demetrius and the rest of the clan.
"And how do you like your new present?" A voice interrupted the solemnity of the moment. They turned to see Owen standing there looking flawlessly attired in his double-breasted navy suit. Every blond hair remained in place.
Wren simply ran to him and threw her arms wildly around him. "Thank you, Owen. Thank you, Puck. Thank you for EVERYTHING!!"
He stiffened at her vibrant emotional display. Taken aback by Wren's vivid demonstration of gratitude, he coughed as she nearly squeezed the air from his lungs. "Ms. Summers, I am [hack] glad that you are enjoying [hack hack] your new state of being. [cough choke cough]"
"This is beyond anything I imagined." She nearly jumped for joy right there in front of him. She turned to Demetrius. "Why didn't you tell me it was like this?"
"I thought you knew." He shrugged helplessly.
"I didn't have the slightest clue." She returned her attention to Owen. "I have an idea."
Owen saw those hazel eyes glow with a glow that he was beginning to know well. That particular tone of voice combined with that pupiless glimmer meant that Wren was hatching a plot that required his particular efforts. He nervously pushed his glasses up the bridge of his hawklike nose. "UH- what did you have in mind?"
She whispered her idea enthusiastically in his ear.
His eyebrows rose in sheer dumbfoundment. His eyes widened in disbelief at her suggestion. "Ms. Summers, surely you CAN'T be serious? I can't work any magic directly against Lord Oberon's wishes."
"You did in my case." She countered slyly.
"I am not allowed to mettle in HUMAN affairs." He pointed out carefully. "You are a special case because of your ....how shall I say this? Because of your genetic predisposition."
"Could Alexander do it?" She pried. He rubbed his chin in contemplation of her question.
"It is possible." He replied thoughtfully. "Perhaps, you could do it."
"I'm not a sorceress. Leave Magick to those who can do it." She held up her hands to ward off his suggestion.
"Wren..." A quiet growl rumbled in the air from Demetrius. "What are you planning, lass?"
"I have an idea." She smirked. "Think of it as a parting gift to our hostess."
"Fox?" He asked not quite understanding.
"No." She whispered. "Elisa."
"Let me make certain I understand exactly what you're asking for Ms. Summers...." Owen motioned for her to step closer. After a few minutes of hushed conversation, he stepped back and nodded in understanding. "You're right. I cannot intervene in human affairs. It said nothing about Gargoyle affairs. A play upon words is a clever solution."
"With luck and heartmagick, can we make it happen?" She kept her tone neutral.
"Oh, yes. It isn't a difficult incantation." Wren thought Owen suppressed a giggle. "I can't cast it, of course. However, with a bit of help and use of the Tome as a conduit for our combined strengths, anything is possible."
"What is going on?" Goliath's tail lashed in anticipation. "What does this have to do with Elisa?"
"Just watch and wait, brother." Demetrius gave him a knowing nod. "Wren is an excellent strategist."
Demetrius discreetly took Goliath aside and explained Wren's plan to clan leader. He nodded in understanding but disapproved. "Without Elisa's consent, this is wrong."
"I agree." Wren quickly nodded. "I've heard stories about how people are affected when misusing goddess magick. I have no desire to be the target of Skylaris' anger."
"What are you talking about?" Elisa's brow furrowed with suspicion. "I want to know what's going on."
Wren pulled Elisa away from the gathering and made clear her intentions. She watched the Detective shrink away from her as it became clear what Wren desired done this night. Elisa wrapped her arms around her as though she were chilled to the bone.
"I don't think that's such a great idea, Wren." Her wariness made it clear just how much she disapproved of the young woman's brainstorm. "I like my mind just the way it is."
Wren wanted to give Elisa a gift that only two other women held. "I just wanted you to have that rapport with Goliath and the clan that I just discovered. I know you told me during our breakfast how you didn't think it was possible to pursue a relationship with him."
"How do you know that?"
"How can you be so different from a being who knows your heart and soul better than you do? How can you deny the love in his heart for you? To tell yourselves you can't love each other is a really cruel form of sadomasochism." Wren looked at her intently.
"Elisa, where I come from, I can tell you the harsh cruelty and reality about differences. I'm not even considered 'human' by the majority of my own species. I've been hunted and almost killed because I'm a Mutant. Here, you have Goliath and he doesn't care one iota that you don't have a tail or wings. He sees the inner beauty of your heart and your unique loveliness." Wren gently shook Elisa. "Don't turn it away because you're afraid of what's new or different. I almost made that mistake and nearly spent the rest of my life paying for it. A wise goddess told me, 'take love in whatever form it comes to you.' Elisa, your Love's name is Goliath."
Elisa said nothing when Wren voiced her innermost thoughts.
"You've kissed him and already told him that you loved him. What's stopping you from taking that next step? Let me tell you, loving and losing ISN"T better than never loving at all. If you have a chance to find happiness with Goliath, TAKE IT!"
The Tome of Tacitus appeared hovering in the air before the young Nightkind. Wren eagerly took it in her grasps and hurriedly flipped through the pages. She knew just the spell needed. She also knew that it wouldn't be there. She looked to Owen and her eyes glowed with the light of victory. "Start dictation."
One brave of heart-human born
Without psionic rapport of clan forlorn
Let affinity between you and your chosen clan flow
Let this now be a blessing for you to know.
Owen's eyes gleamed a brilliant blue in the final rays of the setting sun. The Ostrich feather quill became surrounded in a faint azure aura. A faint halo of verdant light surrounded the tomb as Wren inscribed the words carefully upon the blank parchment within the book. She then dipped her index talon in the floating vial of black ink. Carefully, she made a flourishing script upon the page consisting of marks, scratches and flowing lines. Demetrius looked over her shoulder and gasped loudly when he realized them to be the glyphs of the ancient Gargoyle language.
Wren smiled triumphantly as she watched to carefully written lines almost visibly imbed themselves upon the pages of the Tome. "Elisa Maza!"
Elisa turned to see Wren holding the Tome and stare at her with eyes blazing. "Wren?"
Wren spoke each word with a resolution that filled the air. The wind rose abruptly in the courtyard. Owen stood behind her with his hands covering hers. He looked over her shoulder as she read each word. Wren's tail made various motions in the air as each word was spoken. A bolt of brilliant amber hue bolted across the courtyard and struck Elisa Maza squarely in the forehead.
She stumbled backwards a few steps. Goliath called out her name in alarm and rushed to her side. He caught her in his massive arms just as she fell to the ground. His eyes came alive with the brilliant fire of anger. His words bellowed so that they almost deafened those near him. "What have you done to Elisa, Wren?"
"Wait." She closed the Tome and returned it to Owen. "This will work?"
"Positive." He nodded in confirmation. Wren turned her attention again to Elisa. The amber bolt now became a golden veil showering the Detective in an echelon of Gargoyle and Elvin Magick. With a hint of luck and much empathy, it merged with the very essence know as Elisa Maza.
"Wren, what have you done to Elisa?" Angela exclaimed in alarm. "Please, stop! You're hurting her."
Elisa fell from Goliath's grasp to her hands and knees as the crown of light danced around her forehead. He knelt down beside her and took her hands in his. "If you have hurt her, Wren Summers-"
"Wait, Goliath." Wren's words soothed him. "There was no intention to harm Elisa; just the opposite."
Goliath brought one crooked talon beneath Elisa's chin and gently lifted her chin so that his lips were only inches from hers. She slowly opened eyes of midnight and found Goliath's onyx expression of concern staring down at her. He brought one large lavender hand carefully to her cheek and framed her face. A slow smile crept across Elisa's bronzed features and a Gargoyle's dark eyes widened in sudden understanding. The clan remained speechless as Goliath brought his lips to Elisa's.
"Goliath?" Her voice was barely above a whisper. A new awakening shadowed her gaze.
"Elisa?" His concern overflowed from his heart. "Are you hurt?"
"No, Big Guy." Doe eyes met his. Recognition danced between them. "Not at all."
He said nothing but brought his brow to hers in understanding. Surrendering to the unspoken feelings of love coursing between them, they opened their minds and hearts to one another that brought about a new connection for them. Elisa knew it for the first time. Goliath rejoiced in the unity. The clan embraced and celebrated the newest addition.
Elisa rose to her feet and walked over to Wren. She saw that spark of something in the Detective's eyes that made her want to run and hide. Was it a look of determination or rage. They stood there for several seconds toe-to-toe with Elisa almost frightened of the petite woman standing before her.
"You've given me a lot to think about." Elisa remembered to blink. "I've got a lot to get used to."
"Love him deeply and truly, Elisa." Wren gave her friend a hug. "That is your way."
Goliath glanced knowing at Demetrius. The tears flowed freely down the dark warrior's cheeks. Goliath's intent gaze met Elisa's soulful expression. She said nothing as she walked over to the lavender leviathan standing next to Demetrius. She welcomed the love of wings, the adoration of arms and the true protection of tail from Goliath.
"Demetrius, I think we're done here." Wren wiped a stray tear from her cheek. "It's getting pretty heavy. Let's get out of here."
"Agreed, Milady."
They watched the clan congregate around the Gargoyle/ Human couple reveling in their new intimacy. It flowed between them and between the members of the clan. Owen looked over his shoulder to Demetrius and Wren and gave them a nod, a wave and a wink. They set the Tome Of Tacitus on a stone bench beside them and Owen nodded again in silent acknowledgement. He returned his attention to the dumbstruck couple alive and innocent in their new rapport.
Demetrius offered Wren his arm and they walked to an isolated part of the courtyard. He looked down at his ladylove and brought her close to him. "The Tome is in good hands with this clan. They will value its contents and use it wisely in this new millennium."
"I think they will. Do you think Elisa and Goliath will be happy?"
"Only the Goddess knows." He looked upwards to the starry heavens. He pointed to a constellation that they knew well. "Even now, she watches over us."
"Demetrius, do you have your paperwork?"
"In my inside pocket of my kilt pouch."
"Wallet?"
"Aye, Love."
"I'm going to miss them."
"As will I, Milady." He pulled her to him with one wing. "Our clan awaits us."
"Agreed." She cast one last glance at Goliath and Elisa. [Will they find love? Will they live happily ever after? Will Elisa be brave and just go ahead and love him?]
[Thank you.] A feminine voice belonging to a special detective echoed inside in Wren's mind. That was all she needed to know.
Wren pulled the annulus from her side and held it firmly in her grasp. She felt Demetrius' tail wrap tightly around her waist. He held her firmly to him. He cloaked her protectively in his dark velvet wings. "Cast the ritual, Milady Wren. Let us begone from this place."
"Hang on." Wren pressed herself tightly against her ebony protector. She grasped the Annulus tightly. "Buckle your seat belt and enjoy the ride."
"Advent of a shadow realm
Cast by my hand this weapon made
Unloose this Magick unbolt this gate
To a reflective realm do lead the way.
From the realm from whence we came
Please return us to the same.
Goddess keep up safe and sound
Let us walk upon familiar ground."
A mist of mint and saffron rose the cobblestones of the courtyard and swirled around the duo. The Annulus radiated brilliance akin to the glow of a Gargoyle's stare. A familiar brilliant column of golden light brightened and burned. Demetrius buried his head in Wren's dark hair to avoid blindness. The column descended from the heavens and engulfed them. The deafening clap of thunder rumbled throughout the courtyard as Demetrius and Wren vanished.
"Goliath, where are Wren and Demetrius?" Angela panicked. "They're gone."
"They've gone home, Daughter." His reassurance calmed her. "To their world and to their clan."
Concurrence: The psionic affinity amongst clan members to recognize each other through a combination of the six senses.
Resonance: The psionic rapport between two mates.