{+}+{+}+{+}+{+}+{+}+{+} CH 13
The Manhattan Clan of Castle Wyvern gathered the next evening, a small fire built upon the stone covered ground of the courtyard.
"We gather," Hudson's voice rose above the city sounds and the sound of the wind to carry to those in attendance, "to bid farewell to a clan of fellow gargoyles."
As his voice rolled over them all, Delilah stood apart from them. She watched, wearily, as the clan who had distanced themselves from her brothers, and resembled them… or had they resembled this clan, since they had existed first?... held a wind ceremony for the clones.
She had no one left, she thought bitterly. Her brothers were gone, and it had been explained to her that Thailog was most likely gone as well.
She had spent a good part of the last week, knowing what was happening and making plans for… for after.
As the wind began carrying the sparks and ash from the fire up and away, symbolizing the fallen gargoyles' journey to The After, she drew a breath to give herself the strength to do what came next.
As the ceremony ended, Delilah made her way forward and planted herself in front of Goliath.
"I would like to talk to you," she said firmly. She understood that her presence made them all uneasy. She even understood why.
That was why she needed to do this.
"Alright," Goliath said.
"I would like to move to another clan," Delilah said, her shoulders set. "My brothers are gone, and I don't think I would be welcomed here."
Goliath blinked at her. He opened his mouth as if to protest, but Delilah cut him off. "I do not wish to stay," she said.
Goliath closed his mouth and gave her a slow nod in understanding. "Very well," he said. "Do you know where you would like to go?"
That stopped her cold. She'd been so focused on what she wanted to do, that she hadn't thought of the where.
"If ye don't mind," a musical voice said from behind Delilah, "I may have a solution."
Delilah whirled to face an unfamiliar female.
"I apologize," the female said. "My name is Harmony, and I am part of the Emerald Isle clan in Ireland."
"Ireland," Delilah repeated slowly. "I have read about Ireland."
"It is a beautiful place, quiet and a place to help mend broken spirits and a broken heart," Harmony said. "It would require a long bit o' travel, but I am heading home tomorrow. If you're wantin' to come with me, you are welcome."
Delilah sent Goliath a look. She and her brothers had worked hard to learn independence, but she couldn't help but look to a leader for approval.
Goliath nodded, giving the two females a small, almost relieved smile. "I believe that the Ireland clan would be a wonderful place for you, Delilah. I have not personally been there, but Brooklyn and Garia had both been there and said that it was a land unlike any other."
Delilah gave him a small nod before turning to Harmony. "I think that I would like to go see Ireland."
"Once you see it," Harmony said, extending her hand, "you'll never wish to leave."