Brave - (Tawgs Salter)
A/N: A few interesting things happen in this chapter, I hope it is of your liking :)
Emily was a young, extremely smart and agile young woman. In the magic department her older brother had quite the advantage on her; and truth be told also when it came to stealthily coming and going.
It was well passed 12 am when the handsome blonde noticed his little sister had fled the mansion with her inseparable partner in crime Frankie. Henry knew the girl was going through the most seemingly intense years of her life; that exact moment when everyone sees you like an adult child, they expect you to act with maturity yet eighty percent of the time you are still treated like an overgrown infant. He knew it wasn't easy and even less now that emotions that felt monstrous were added to the mix.
He grabbed a book from the girl's shelf and waited for her, after two hours Henry finally heard her turn the door knob.
Emily jumped and let out a high pitched breath as she caught the male figure sitting on a comfortable love seat by her book shelf, the only light in sight was the one emanating from his phone and onto the book in his hands.
"Shit! Henry you scared me! What is it with people trying to terrorize me lately?" The girl walked into her room and closed the door behind her, she felt relieved it wasn't her mothers.
After turning a nearby lamp on she saw Henry smile amused, he closed the book and sat on the love seat Indian style. He patted the space next to him and silently invited his sister to sit. The peaceful smile on his lips was reassuring, yet Emily knew she had to come clean; there was no fooling her older brother. She sighed and slouched her shoulders. She walked to him.
Emily sat next to him casually, her brother wasn't someone she saw as a parental figure, she knew she could trust him and she also knew his kind nature quite well, but Emily had always looked up to and respected him.
"Please don't tell" Emily let out with embarrassed dark brown orbs.
"Tell what?" Henry added pretending to be utterly lost. He winked and gave her a half grin.
Emily let out a small smile "You're awesome"
"I don't know about awesome but I do know something is bothering you... What's up?"
Emily sighed. "Where should I start...?" The girl mused at the simple contemplation of the current array of troubles swirling in her mind.
"I won't be overrated and say the beginning because it's a ridiculous human misconception; so…. how about we just fallow the relevant topics... Frankie?"
Emily shook her head softly and took a deep breath.
"Mom and ma" Henry added.
The girl nodded. "I don't want to sound like some over dramatic traumatized child; I mean I know they have come a long way since a week ago believe me." Emily emphasized with widened eyes. "I just... I feel like this whole thing is so unfair, obviously for mom but I can't help but to feel so fucking terrible for ma..."
Henry listened attentively as his sister let out her thoughts and frustration.
"Don't get me wrong I'm super happy they have found a middle ground and are trying to work things out but Henry... the more I think about this whole mess the more I feel like ma was somebody's pawn but I don't understand whose or why?! I mean this town is far from being the novel driven soap opera it was years ago... Who would want to hurt her like that and why?
"It makes sense, and maybe they weren't trying to hurt just her..." Henry added
"Both?" Emily mused.
"Maybe..."
Emily shook her head "And also the worst part is that right now their emotions are so in their face that they don't see it like this, it's so frustrating to just watch them do nothing about it"
"Em... give them their space and time; let them handle it at their own pace"
"And do nothing? Are you serious Henry?" Suddenly Emily's face shifted, she had been considering a possible solution to everything but had not shared it with anyone till now.
"I..."
Henry looked at her suspiciously "What?"
"I had an idea a few days ago; I know it's a bit far fetched to get you to agree to this but... What if we go back in time or... parallels however the hell it is that works for you"
Henry let out a scoff and small laugh "Have you lost your mind?"
"Come on Henry! It would solve this confusing mess so easily" Emily tied as she leaned forward with glowing eyes.
Henry shook his head
"Far from it Em... Do you know the limitless ramifications of parallel jumping? Let me put it this way, it is impossible for the human brain to even begin to comprehend just how many things are touched by simply jumping, I know they will find a way to work this, it is definitely not worth it" He finished hesitantly.
"Okay okay, relax, it's not like I can do it without your help anyway..."
"Em, I know you care and that is one of the most wonderful things about you... you see someone you love in trouble and you just want to fix it for them..."
Emily listened attentively as she let her head rest on a lazy fist, her beautiful eyes shone brightly.
"But I honestly think you should just let it rest and in their hands... Focus on you, forget about it for a while... relax" The blonde said with intent.
"So you think we should do nothing about this crazy bitch trying to break our mothers marriage?"
Henry looked into her eyes reassuringly with a soft smile. "Em… Listen to me, they will be fine; they have gone through far worse shit storms than this… whoever this person is and whatever it is she is trying to achieve she won't. Trust me" The conviction in Henry's eyes was contagious, he always managed to make things seem effortless and smooth; though he could still see a faint gleam of hesitation in Emily's eyes.
"Please try to let it go" Henry added and Emily took in a sharp breath ready to outer a response. "For now… at least" Henry said before she could.
Emily rolled her eyes and smiled lazily. "Alright… fine, I'll try"
"Thank you" Henry finished and stood.
Emily looked up "Wait…"
Henry sat back down with an expecting expression.
"Have you ever felt this very particular sensation when you conjure magic… this… I don't know how to explain it; fire? And…"
"Cold sensation… yes, that's your magic… a way to make its presence know to you"
"That makes sense, but have you ever felt that exact sensation around certain people?"
"I have… When I was younger" Henry's mind took him back to when he was 11 and the old Rumpelstiltskin would make his skin crawl "Sometimes it's your magic's way to warn or protect you… like an instinct; it could be an indicator of someone baring dark magic" He finished as he observed his sister grow tense.
His equally brown eyes searched her face with resolve.
"Hey…" Henry placed both his hands on her arms and locked eyes with the girl. "Why are you asking me this? Who—"
Emily shook her head quickly and swallowed pushing a smile; the girl collected herself and looked up and into her brother's eyes again.
"No one…" The brunette brushed his arm with reassurance and gave him a half smile. "It's ok… I was just reading mom's old spell book the other day, I read that and caught my attention that's all" She fabricated quickly.
Henry narrowed his eyes and tilted his head to the side, he then smiled. "Alright…" he leaned and placed a kiss on his sister's cheek and stood up; Emily's eyes fallowed as she successfully held that smile in place.
"You should sleep… those bags are starting to get kinda long" The handsome blonde joked and his sister threw a nearby cushion at him.
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Sudden and overwhelming; having the full weight of a four year old plummet onto you as a wake up call could not be described in any other way. This time the unfortunate target was Regina, the brunette jumped up as the wind got knocked out of her; the woman embraced the overactive little lump of morning joy by instinct.
"Good morning mommy" The toddle said sweetly as he looped his small arms around Regina's neck.
The woman was quickly allured into the warm innocent and loving embrace of her boy; his soft scent enveloped her in pure joy. The boy kissed the side of her head and snuggled into her loving grasp.
"Good morning my prince" Regina voiced as she engulfed herself in the sentiment. The beautiful woman smiled.
Jack's emerald green eyes quickly caught sight of his blonde mother. The boy slightly broke the embrace with the brunette and placed his small hands on both her cheeks and looked into her eyes.
"Mama is sleeeeping" He whispered with unshakable intent.
Regina looked at the smeared body of her wife next to her; the woman smiled and nodded positively.
"Yes she is"
"We need to wake her up mommy" He said with determination.
The toddler was ready to jump from Regina's arms right onto the blonde when the brunette caught him letting out a small laugh.
"Sweetheart... what if we try to wake her up in a more gentle way?" The woman sweetly suggested.
The boy cocked his head to the side and with his sweet big eyes he agreed nodding.
"Mkay mommy I give her a kiss"
Jack thoughtfully sat next to the blonde and leaned down to place a kiss on the blonde mane scattered on the white sheets.
One kiss.
"Mama..." Jack whispered. Regina smiled and caressed his little back as he looked back at her for approval.
The blonde remained unmoved.
Two more kisses.
"Mama it's time to wake up" The boy tried a little louder this time.
"Mmm" Emma mumbled without moving a muscle.
Jack turned to look at his brunette mother. "Maybe I jump on her mommy"
Regina scoffed and smiled as she shook her head. Boys will be boys.
"Jumping on sleeping people is not nice Jack... you could hurt them. Why don't you give it another try my love?"
The boy rolled his eyes and sighed complying. "Kay... mommy"
This time the boy removed the long blonde strands and uncovered his mother's face gently, he caressed her head and kissed her now exposed cheek. "Mama please wake up I hungry... I want pancakes"
Regina smiled amused as she saw the boy lay on top of Emma placing his pink cheek on her back.
"Mama pleaseeeeee" The boy let out impatiently.
Emma began to stir being brought back to reality by the loving sound of her baby boy's voice.
"Mama pleaseeeee, pleaseeeee"
The boy noticed his mother's green eyes slowly opening and his face lit up with genuine joy.
"Good morning mama! Let's make pancakes I help you yes?" The boy pleaded right onto her face as the woman turned and embraced him.
"Good morning baby, you're up bright and early aren't you?" Emma said as she yawned.
"Yes mama I very hungry"
Regina smiled and watched two of the people she most adored in the world engaged in conversation.
"If other people saw your enthusiasm they'd think we don't feed you... ever." The blonde said as she began to place kisses on the boy's neck.
The toddler broke out in laughter.
"Tickles mama!" Jack tried as he tried to escape his mother's effervescent affections.
This moment was pure ecstasy; Regina's expressive eyes were fixed on the display right in front of her, in a brief moment the blonde's eyes met her wife's and Regina did not look away; on the contrary the woman gave her sincere loving smile.
Emma returned Regina's sentiment; this moment was made of a kind of beauty that was flawless. Their hearts felt full and this brand new morning felt like more than enough. The warmth of the amber sunlight seeping through the clear windows caressed their happy faces. The blonde took a deep breath as savored it.
"Let's go make pancakes then" Emma said and Jack's smile could not be contained.
Regina's eyes sparkled as she smiled and agreed "Pancakes it is"
Emma and Regina had successfully crafted a delicious breakfast treat for their children. The trio had become a foursome; Henry had joined his little brother on the kitchen counter. The blonde sat next to jack as they devoured a delicious stack of syrup soaked pancakes. The toddle's cheeks were rosy and full as he chewed and smiled.
While the boys ate, Regina finished cleaning up and putting everything back to its rightful place. Emma was leaning on the counter holding a plate on her hands, the woman took a bite and savored the sweet treat as Regina's eyes caught up with hers, they exchanged a knowing glance and the brunette smiled softly. She felt overwhelmed in the best way, her body felt tranquil and warm.
Henry observed his mothers quietly as he ate and smiled to himself.
Regina averted her eyes as Emma on the other hand continued to stare directly at the brunette with ease. It was as if the former queen felt besieged by her colossal emotions and her incessant mind chatter. The beautiful woman's brain debated while in truth she didn't feel mad at Emma anymore; perhaps her pride was relentless, the woman suddenly realized and this meant she had to make a choice… allow her heart to lead the way or continue to let her inflexible thoughts on the matter hold her back.
Deep down she knew Emma was still hurting and she didn't want to be the cause of it anymore. The blonde had put her own emotions on hold to focus on her wife's and Regina knew this, it didn't have to be said, she simply knew and it wasn't right.
Regina looked down as she felt a thick sensation in her throat. Emma's green eyes contemplated her while her chest rose with a shallow sigh.
Henry's chewing became slower and slower as he realized Regina looked teary eyed and was trying hard for her children not to notice.
He suddenly took his plate and motioned for Jack's. "Hey buddy! How about we go to the living room and watch cartoons while we eat?"
Emma turned to look at him and gave him a slight smile.
With a full mouth the young boy nodded excitedly, Henry took the lead and his little brother fallowed.
Emma put her plate on the counter and walked closer to Regina. The blonde took the brunette's hand and searched for her eyes.
"Hey…" Emma placed her hand under Regina's chin and met her emotion filled eyes. "Talk to me… what is it?"
The other woman's body relaxed and her breathing eased as she closed her eyes and offered the blonde a sad smile. Once Regina opened her eyes once again Emma could see so much; but mostly she could see guilt.
Emma's brows furrowed; as empathy devoured her insides.
"Regina…" Emma said softly.
The brunette's dark eyes glazed with tears then she quickly crashed into Emma and held her tight. Her blushed cheek found solace on the blonde's shoulder, her perfectly manicured hands formed into fists that gripped tightly onto her wife's shirt.
Emma let her cheek rest on Regina's head and kissed it, eyebrows still furrowed with longing.
As heavier emotions continued to dissipate with the passing of days, the former queen had gotten the chance to see that there was more to what had happened, and the more she allowed those realizations; she couldn't help but to feel that perhaps she should have known better and believe in her wife from the beginning. Their love and bond was stronger than what she had shown Emma the past few weeks.
"I've been so horrible to you..." Regina said still clutched to the blonde.
Emma broke the embrace gently and searched for the brunette's eyes. "Regina you felt hurt and betrayed… I understand, please don't do this to yourself" She lightly squeezed her shoulders.
Regina let a couple of tears fall and shook her head irritated at herself in the midst of sudden sadness. "I should have known something was wrong, I didn't listen to you… I—"
"Don't… Regina I don't know what I would have done if it were me, I swear so please don't…Okay?" The blonde leaned her head to the side looking into her brown eyes gently.
"I completely disregarded your emotions Emma, how can you be so lenient about it?"
"I'm just happy you're coming around"
"I… I'm sorry" Regina said as her eyes fell to the floor.
Emma lifted her chin to meet the other woman's eyes once again, with folded fingers she wiped Regina's tears away from her flushed cheeks and locked their gaze with determination. "Regina, I don't know what happened or why… but I swear; we will find out… together."
The shorter woman exhaled through her nose faintly with a small smile, at times she felt undeserving of the blonde and her kind and selfless ways.
"Now let's get ready and spend the day with our kids, let's forget about this… put it on hold… please?" Emma proposed reassuringly.
Regina nodded and smiled with brighter spirits.
The blonde smiled with equal ease, as she moved to walk; Regina held her in place. The brunette placed both her hands on each side of Emma's face and weaved their wanting lips into a perfect exquisite kiss.
Caught off guard, Emma's hands slowly found their way to Regina's lower back, the taller woman's body slowly flooded with warmth, as she breathed out and her hips stalked the brunette's; hypersensitive nerves stirred and tingled until a pang hit her right between the hips.
Emma pushed Regina to the edge of the counter and pressed against her tightly. The former queen clutched on the surface edge and moaned as she bucked her hips forward.
Emma intensified the kiss and began to nip on her neck, the brunette allowed herself to get lost in the touch, her eyes rolled back behind closed lids. The blonde's hand anxiously reached for the hem of Regina's silk pajama shorts, the warmth of her smooth stomach burned her digits.
By now the blonde's mouth was back on Regina's with want, the brunette smiled in the kiss and just as Emma attacked her neck, the former queen decided to be the voice of reason. "Emma… the boys"
Determined not to scar her children who were in the other room the woman stopped on her tracks and sighed as she slouched her shoulders, face still buried in the woman's olive neck. The blonde let out a small laugh and joined her wife.
Their gazes found each other eyes glossing over; hearts beating against their chests while adrenaline raced through their system.
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After the racy events that occurred in the kitchen, both women were ready for a cold shower. Regina had just finished doing her makeup and was sliding her arms into an elegant crisp shirt; just as she finished the last button a soft knock came from the door.
"Come in" Regina said.
The beautiful brunette smiled as she saw her daughter walk in. "Good morning sweetheart" Regina let out lovingly.
Emily smiled as she walked to her mother and placed a kiss on her cheek. "Morning mom"
Regina quickly noticed faint but still visible dark circles under the girl's eyes; she narrowed her eyes and smiled suspiciously. "Long night Em?"
The girl swallowed hard and smiled nervously "What?"
The former queen placed her hand under her daughter's chin and lift her face; she then gently caressed her cheek bone with a single thumb.
Emily fidgeted for a moment and exhaled with relief; the girl tucked a few strings of dark locks behind her ear. "Actually that's why I came; my foundation isn't doing the trick…"
Regina observed her as she turned to her vanity and picked up the item Emily sought after. The woman handed it to her daughter with a knowing look.
Emily took a deep breath rubbed her eyebrows "Ok… I went to your vault last night"
Regina's expression shifted as her eyes widened "What?!"
Emily rolled her eyes and shifted her weight from one foot to the other. "Mom… it's ok please don't freak I was just looking for something… I'm sorry I left without telling you"
Regina's nostrils flared as she collected herself. "Emily what exactly were you looking for that couldn't wait for daylight?"
"I was looking to see if I could find something that told me who the principal of my school was in fairy tale land, you know… before grandmother Cora cast the curse"
Regina furrowed her brows with confusion. "I don't understand… why?"
The girl sighed with annoyance as she shook her head and remembered the smug woman. "She's just such a…" Emily looked at her mom and struggled to find an adjective to describe the woman, though she felt torn between saying the word stuck in her throat or try her best not to upset her mom even more. "Grr! such a witch mom, I don't know I feel like she hates me or something… well everyone for that matter"
Regina listened to her daughter intently "Why didn't you tell me about this before Em?"
"It's not a big deal mom… you have a lot on your plate already, really it's ok"
Regina shook her head as her blood boiled "Of course it's not Emily I'll go to meet with this woman, I refuse to sit around and do nothing while she bullies you… who does she think she is?"
"Mom… she's not bullying me"
"What's her name?"
Emily stomp her foot with frustration "Mom… please! I'm not five, I can take care of myself!"
The image was striking; Emily wasn't her mother but the girl had traits of her mother aside from the fact of seemingly sharing ninety percent of the gene pool with her. Emma walked out of the bathroom drying her damp hair as she saw the matriarch and her mini version face to face. "Whoa there… there my little queen what's going on? Why the face off?"
Emily looked at the blonde with furrowed brows and an irritated scowl.
Regina crossed her arms and sighed with annoyance. "Your daughter is as stubborn as you"
"No, actually mom thinks I am a baby who can't take care of herself, have a little faith in me, you taught me better than that"
Emma shook her head with confusion "Wait wait wait… what's going on? I feel like I missed a big chunk of this conversation"
Emily mirrored her mother and crossed her arms as she rolled her eyes and tapped her foot on the floor.
"I was just telling mom the principal of my school hates me and isn't shy about letting me know, and now she wants to go and defend me as if I were a child crying for her mommy"
Emma placed a hand on her daughter's arm "Em I think it's understandable that Regina as a concerned mother wants to talk to this woman bothering you… I know now I do too"
"Great" Emily said as she rolled her eyes.
Emma and Regina shared a look. "But we won't" Emma finished.
Regina's eyes widened "Excuse me?"
"Regina she's right, she's not a kid anymore… we have to let her fight her own battles"
"Emma that is ridiculous, this woman is an authority figure at a school it is completely inappropriate for her to torment students like that regardless if "approves" them or not… this is not about another kid pulling her hair on the playground"
"I see your point Regina but she doesn't want us to run to her rescue, just… give her a chance to work this out on her own" Emma looked at her daughter in the eye steadily "And if she needs our help, she will be wise enough to come to us and ask… right Em?"
Emily's posture relaxed as she gave her blonde mother a small grateful smile "I promise, thanks ma" The girl looked at Regina who exhaled and shook her head lightly. "Mom… please" Emily took her hands and locked her gaze with equally dark eyes "You know I won't lie to you… If I can't take care of this, I promise you guys will be the first to know" Emily finished honestly.
The girl was as sweet as her blonde mother, but could be just as temperamental as her other one, they were very similar and this helped her understand why Regina could be so overprotective.
Regina agreed without emotion, something didn't feel right about the new stranger bothering her daughter; and she wouldn't ignore her motherly instincts so easily. "Alright Em I'll back off, but still I want her name… please"
Emily nodded "Thank you mom… and her name is Zelena" Emily gave up.
Regina immediately glanced at Emma with a look of uncertainty "Do you recognize that name?"
"No idea…"
The truth was; Regina had no idea who this woman was either, but the uneasy feeling in her stomach didn't help that realization.
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Later that day Emily and Frankie had fled as soon as school ended; they were now about twenty minutes away from town and in the middle of the woods inside Emily's car. The girls longed for alone time and a sense of autonomous privacy and the chosen setting was perfect aside from the fact of the cold weather outside; Emily sat relaxed on the driver seat and Frankie next to her on the passenger as they contemplated the beautiful scenery and seclusion.
Frankie broke the silence. "This is nice" The stunning girl finished with a relaxed lopsided smile.
Emily smiled "It's your location; I only fallowed your directions… I must say pretty remote though"
"I mean this" The light eyed brunette motioned with her hand between them "Being here away from everything… with you" Frankie finished with sparkling eyes.
Emily nodded in agreement with equally glazed dark eyes. "It is…" She added as she relished the feeling of the energy floating around them, Emily moved her hand slightly and hooked her fingers with Frankie's loosely.
The taller girl felt her pulse instantly rise in pace; cheeks flushed and her striking eyes spoke louder than words. She loved the effect Emily had on her, she couldn't get enough of the other girl and those new provocative feelings were becoming more and more fascinating as time passed, touches grew vivid, gazes became deeper and more intense.
Pheromones embraced the energy inside the vehicle; Emily looked down at her hands entwined with Frankie's and was immediately taken to the night before, Frankie's fingers slowly tracing her back; goosebumps raced through her skin and her insides trembled with excitement. The past few weeks had been adrenaline filled, discovering a new array of sensations and desires.
Emily felt an intense craving she couldn't put into words; it was as if her blood suddenly became sweeter and thicker unraveling through her system like poison, leaving this kind of beautiful provocation; all of a sudden she felt aware of the way lust could taste like. Her mouth felt bold courageous juxtaposed to the nervousness making her stomach shiver.
"Frankie… have—have you ever?" The girl asked as she shrugged slightly.
The girl's light green eyes gleamed as she looked into Emily's brown ones, Frankie opened and closed her mouth trying to find the words; he skin flushed and she could only let out a small nervous laugh "I—I haven't… have you?"
Emily looked down shyly and then back up "I hadn't kissed anyone before you… what do you think?" The girl joked lightly.
"Good point" Frankie smiled and nodded.
Frankie tightened the grip on Emily's hand and then caressed her fingers with her thumb. "Why do you ask?"
Emily held in a breath and looked down, the girl swallowed and exhaled as she looked back up. "I um… I was just..."
Seconds stretched and their eyes locked in a meaningful gaze.
Frankie smiled lightly to herself and leaned forward "I know…" The beautiful girl whispered and closed the distance between her and the other brunette, the kiss started slow and quickly heated. Emily opened her mouth and the other girl embraced her tongue with hers. Frankie's curious fingers slid through the fabric of Em's shirt and provocatively traveled up to the girl's breast.
Emily arched her back off the leather seat as her body instinctively sought after more closeness, more of the raw sensation invading her body quickly. The girl's darkly manicured fingers smeared on Frankie's neck igniting a new level of vulnerability from the other girl.
Their breaths rushed and pulses quickened; Emily pushed Frankie against the passenger seat and moved one leg over the girl's hips, finally sitting on her pelvis their lips never parting in the process.
The taller girl placed her hands on Emily's hips and felt her buck against hers; Frankie moaned as she felt a pang hit her right between her thighs like thunder, her legs slightly parted by instinct and now it was Em's turn to let out a tempting moan.
Frankie began to sweat as she felt her throat closing, the girl suddenly opened her eyes wide; her splendid orbs focused on the vivid detail of the car's roof, her hands moved from Em's ass and tightly clutched on the parking brake, another one stamped on the window glass. "Em…" Frankie moaned as she felt her lungs scraping for air, the sensation invading her body was morphing into something more… an involuntary fight coursing through her veins.
All of a sudden she knew something was wrong.
"Em… stop please" Frankie voiced and Emily quickly stopped, the brunette's concerned brown orbs searched for Frankie's with desperation.
"Frankie what's wrong?!" The girl heaved as her hands searched the other girl's body, she could tell something was definitely not right.
Emily breath hitched as she saw Frankie's eyes glow lightly.
Frankie felt confused, extremely aroused and like a fire was raging through her blood stream; the girl focused on Em's eyes and like magic began to calm down, her pulse started to find its normal rate… the girl continued to heave.
"Are you ok?" Frankie asked as she searched Em's face concerned.
"What happened?" Emily asked with furrowed brows.
"I don't know… I- I'm sorry Em I- I felt like I was going to- to hu—hurt you I'm so sorry" The girl stuttered as she swallowed the urge to break in tears.
Emily's eyes filled with tears her hands cradled Frankie's face "Hey… you didn't, I know you wouldn't shh it's ok" Em pulled her into her chest and kissed the side of her face. "It's ok…" The girl rocked Frankie tenderly in the embrace.
Night had began to fall and the crisp white on the cold ground and naked trees embraced the envious display given by the now visible full moon.
To Be Continued…
Thank you guys for reading, I hope you enjoyed this chapter.