Revelation

III: Realization

Godric went over to where Madeline was holding Storm's head in her arms. "We need to take him somewhere safe." He said to her. She looked up with tears running down her face leaving dark tracks in her fur and replied, "I knew something was wrong when he didn't come back at his usual time. I can't leave him again." Godric could feel how she felt about Storm. They had been close friends since he had dropped Storm off at the monastery. "Come with me. We'll take him somewhere safe so he can recover." Madeline nodded and helped Godric pick up the unconscious mongoose. When they were both ready he summoned a trinity ring around them and they disappeared with a flash of light.

Father Hubert was pacing in his den nervously ever since he found out Madeline wasn't anywhere in the monastery. As he was pacing the room a letter materialized on a table next to him. Hubert picked up the letter and opened the envelope to begin reading it.

Dear Father Hubert,

I am Godric Vairehëim. You probably remember me from when I came to you to explain the situation about Stormsurge, the young mongoose you took in ten years ago. The seal I had placed on him to keep him from remembering what happened to him was broken earlier today. He's safe with me along with the she-cat Madeline. I hoped this day wouldn't come and that everything would pass safely, but it seems it has to be this way. I will send Madeline back when she has recovered from what happened to Storm. The time has come for defenses to be made. The high council has felt a ripple of something coming, bent on changing the powers of who is in charge. I hope that you will take the necessary precautions that I set up awhile ago. Take care and do not trust many people that are new unless you have known them for awhile.

Sincerely,

Godric Vairehëim

Father Hubert sighed in relief knowing that the two of them were in safe hands with Godric. He sat in his chair and pulled out a little book he kept on him where ever he went. "I had hoped too that this would never happen." He said as he flipped through the pages.

Storm began to wake up to find himself in a strange room that had white-marble walls and blue curtains. Next to him Madeline was sleeping in a chair with her arms wrapped around her knees. He tried to sit up, but when he tried his arms would buckle under him. He looked around the room to gather his bearings or at least gain a sense of where he was at. He couldn't determine what place he was in and stared up at the ceiling reviewing what had happened to him last night. A few minutes later Madeline stirred from him sleeping position in her chair. Storm looked over at her to see her eyes widen when she saw him. "Storm?" she whispered. He gave her a puzzled look, "Of course I'm Storm. Why the question?" Madeline jumped out of her chair and enveloped him in a hug. "I'm so glad you're okay. I was worried about you when I saw you in such a weak state last night." She said. Storm placed a hand on her back to reassure her that everything was okay. "I don't remember much of last night really. I'm glad that you weren't hurt last night by Ragha or Mora. I just remember you calling my name and then Godric talking to you before I blacked out." Storm felt the bed sheet begin to moisten as Madeline let out tears that rolled down her cheeks and onto the sheet. Storm wrapped his other arm around her and held her close. "What's the matter Madeline? Everything is okay now. No one is here to harm us." She looked up into his eyes with her emerald ones brimmed with tears. "When you didn't return from getting supplies I began to worry about why you hadn't returned back to the monastery. I was set as your protector when you came to the monastery, so I went looking for you to find you being attacked, by the sil'lis. I felt like I had failed at the duty I was given." She buried her face in the bed sheet and began to cry letting all the pent up emotions inside her out into reality. Storm laid his chin on her head and continued holding her close letting her get everything out of her system. Madeline was really the only friend he has had around his own age. Sure he was friends with the younger kids at the monastery, but Madeline had been his friend since he arrived there. Madeline eventually calmed down and fell into a light sleep next to Storm. He didn't mind that she was because at this moment in time she needed to be close to him after what he went through. At least that's what he thought when he found out she had fallen asleep. Instead of dwelling on this he reflected on what she said about being his protector when he arrived at the monastery. When he thought back to that day he remembered waking up in a room not knowing where he was, but there was a feeling in his mind that there was something before that day that he should remember. He let the feeling pass as he noticed that his mind felt clearer than before as if a weight suppressing his mind had been removed.

An hour passed before he decided to stir Madeline. A white leopard came to the door bringing some food for the two of them. Madeline got up and opened the door to take the tray from the leopard. "Thank you Chris." She said. Chris smiled and went on his way to what he was doing before that. Madeline shut the door and brought the tray back over to the bed and chair. "Here you go. It's almost noon and Godric said you would be hungry by the time that you woke up after what happened." Madeline said as she handed a plate to Storm. He managed to sit upright in the bed and set the plate in his lap. He took a bite out of the bread before he asked, "Do you know where we are Madeline? I don't recognize the structure of the building." She swallowed her mouthful of food before replying, "Godric Vairehëim said that he brought us to the castle of the High Council." "Hmm. I wonder what made him bring us here: The High Council usually only deal with higher matters than just two people like us." Madeline looked down to her plate. "That's exactly the reason why we're here." Storm raised an eye brow. "What do you mean?" He asked. "We have a meeting with them in a few minutes. Godric will come to get us when it's time." Storm's appetite left him at the news he just heard. He had heard stories about people seeing the High Council, the grandmasters to the branches of elementalists and the granting of their powers. This certainly meant something that wasn't good for the both of them. He continued to eat his food even though he didn't feel hungry. Storm figured it would be his last meal if things went poorly with the meeting.

A few minutes, which seemed like hours, went by and Godric knocked on the door, "Your meeting with the High Council is in a few minutes you two. Better get ready." With some help from Madeline, Storm was able to get out of the bed and on his feet. Godric led them down a couple hallways that had elaborate paintings and tapestries hung on the walls. They arrived at an oak door that had carvings of seven figures sitting around in a circle. With a wave of his hands, Godric opened the doors. Storm held his breath as they entered into the room of the highest grade and last remaining elementalists. Godric bowed to a lion sitting in the center of the ring before saying, "I have brought the two as you have asked Lord Tiberius Helion." The lion walked over to Godric and placed his hand on his shoulder. Godric stood back up and stepped back to stand with Storm and Madeline. Tiberius outstretched his arms and said with a rich, strong voice that echoed with his presence, "Welcome Stormsurge Vairehëim and Madeline Aquios to the castle of the High Council and to our meeting room." Storm let out his held in breath relieved that they were both welcomed here. Tiberius returned to his seat before continuing the meeting. "As you all know the sil'lis have been sighted again after the war so long ago. The sighting could potentially mean that he is escaping his slumber." He started. A grizzly bear added in, "They could also be rogues that weren't imprisoned or destroyed too." Tiberius nodded in agreement, "That is also true Borivor. Either case doesn't have proof though which means we can't say what the official action is to do yet." Godric stepped forward again, "Tiberius, I'm sure you and the other council members have felt the ripple in power lately." The other members all nodded and murmured words of agreement with his statement. Tiberius stroked his chin trying to fit this into what was going on. "This is also true Godric. We've all felt the ripple you have spoken of; although, it is hard to say what is the cause of it. I know that this could mean what it means, but it could be minor or exaggerated." As the discussion went on Storm was debating about whether to tell the High Council about his dreams or to not tell. He set his mind and stepped forward to stand next to Godric. "Excuse me, Tiberius, but I may have some information that may or may not help with the issue at hand." The room fell quiet when they heard the mongoose speak. "Go on." Replied the lion. Storm cleared his throat before continuing, "A couple nights ago I had a few dreams that were in relation to the sil'lis attack. The two of them were called Ragha and Mora. In my dream one of them referred to someone as Böromer when talking. Another one was in a dark cavern with a form of crystal. A voice spoke out of the dark and told me that we'd meet one day. Other than that I don't remember anything else." A panther with a hint of purple leaned over to whisper to Tiberius. He nodded as the panther leaned back. "My sister has told me that you speak true about your dreams. This does change how the matter will be treated." Storm nodded and returned to stand next to Madeline. Her face showed her nervousness as she tried to stand still with a straight face. A brown-tabby called out, "I wish to address something with Ms. Aquios." She said with a smooth voice. Madeline tensed and walked forward to be addressed by her. The tabby stood up and walked to stand in front of Madeline. "I am known as Roenna Aquios. You have been a great protector to the one known as Stormsurge Vairehëim. You can no longer be his protector." Madeline's eyes went wide at what she was hearing. "But," Roenna continued, "You won't be able to because you are not strong enough without the powers of your house. Since Storm has discovered his potential you have been granted to receive the powers of Aquios house." Madeline's face changed from being hurt to astonished when she heard Roenna finish. "You are hereby an elementalist of Aquios." Roenna touched Madeline's forehead letting a cyan light wash over her. Madeline curtsied to the tabby. "Thank you Lady Roenna!" Madeline hurried back to Storm with a face of joy. Tiberius also stood up. "That also brings the matter of Stormsurge." Storm stood forward with a sense of determination. "Ten years ago you were brought here as a child that had been found in the mountains. Godric had tracked your presence for a long time before finding you in a state of shock and unable to control your powers. When you were brought here we found out that the one we had blessed with the Trinity, had also been born with a unique mark that has no name. The mark differs between each person and is rare, but those with a mark are given twice the strength of a normal person. With both the mark and the Trinity you were a great danger to others and yourself. From then we put a seal on your memories to prevent that happening again for the time being. Seeing that you have grown and that you are more in tune with your powers, we can now let you live your life as it was meant to be. Godric, if you will." He said. Godric turned to Storm. "When I last saw you, you were no more than three feet tall. Now you have grown into a strong mongoose. I welcome you into the house of Vairehëim in hopes that you will learn to use your powers for the benefit of all." Stormsurge felt a wave of warmth spread throughout his body as he heard Godric speak. Tiberius and the other members all smiled seeing Storm brighten up at the news. Tiberius smoke up again, "We know you are both young elementalists and novices with your powers, but with the issue at hand we must ask you to do something for us." Storm looked up to the lion. "What is it that you want us to do Tiberius?" He asked. "We need you to gather the new generation of elementalists that have been chosen. You will need their help along your journey. You will also need to be fitted for your robes before setting off." Storm nodded, "We will do the best we can sir." Tiberius nodded as well with a serious face noting that Storm had accepted the quest. The meeting was adjourned on that note and the council members went about their own business. Godric took both Storm and Madeline to a room where they would be fitted for their elementalist robes. "In order to be recognized as an elementalist you must be dressed as one too. The robes will be made to fit your house and power. When you are done you will be fitted for your basic weapons as well. From there we will send you out to complete your quest. Any questions?" He asked. The novice elementalists shook their heads. Godric smiled, "Do Roenna and I proud." Godric left them with the fitters. After a couple hours of measuring and dying thread for the robes, both Storm and Madeline left with their robes. Storm was given a robe that was a lighter black with a mix of blue and a royal blue trimming, while Madeline was given gray robe with tints of light blue throughout and a bright blue trim. Both looked similar, but Madeline's robe was short-sleeved rather than long-sleeved, but came with gloves that went up her arm and under her sleeve. The fitters directed both of them to the blacksmith's forge down the hall a ways. Inside a hedgehog with a leather apron and gloves to match greeted them as they entered. "Welcome to my forge. My name is Rocky. I'm here to make sure that you two are armed with the weapons that will fit you the best. Let's start with this young lady shall we?" He said. Rocky showed Madeline all assortments of weapons that could be chosen and tested on a dummy. Madeline tried out small swords and some knives, but settled on a staff that had metal fitted on the end of each side. "Excellent choice you've made. Should help you with any problem you have. Now onto you Storm. Godric had me dig out something that has been in the Vairehëim branch for as long as I can remember. It was used by a Legend during the first war and was retired when the council changed from a court. Made them feel more intimidating as a court than a council, so they went with the less intimidating one so people wouldn't be to nervous when coming here. Either way here she is—the beauty known simply as Star. She is a beautifully crafted sword with two twins that are your daggers as well. The daggers don't have names being made after the war, but they were made in the same style as Star, but they're smaller and more versatile." Rocky set an object on the table that was wrapped in cloth and tied together with silky ropes. "She's yours now. Use her well in battle." He said before pushing the sword towards Storm. Storm looked at the sword covered in cloth and began to untie the ropes. As he finished untying the last rope the veil to the cold steel blade began to slide off revealing a sapphire pommel stone, with a black-leather bound hilt. Storm moved the rest of the cloth off of Star to reveal a matching black-leather scabbard with silver metalwork near the sword's hilt and the end on the scabbard. He picked up the scabbard with the sword and wrapped his hand around the hilt. With a swift moment Storm withdrew Star from the scabbard leaving a sweet ring in the air. Rocky's face softened, "She's glad to be out and in use again. It's been awhile since she's been out of that cloth." Storm was fascinated by the bright shine the blade gave off and swung Star around a bit feeling the weight of the sword as if it was a second limb of his. The blade hummed through the air creating a song of air as it cut through the air. Storm sheathed Star and set both of them down. "Star is a definitely a blade worthy of a great swordsman, but I can't accept the blade Rocky. I feel that Star is meant for someone of higher stature or rank than my own rank." Rocky's face changed to disappointment. "Are you sure you can't accept her as your blade?" He asked. Storm nodded his head, "I don't feel like I'm worthy to wield her yet. Don't wrap her back up in the cloth though. She should be displayed somewhere that will be visible to all, but not to the point that Star is always seen. Things should be seen, but never glorified to more than they're worth." Rocky nodded at the mongoose's sensible words. "If you ever need her, she'll be waiting for you right here." He said as he carefully lifted the sword and scabbard up onto two rungs above a rack of other swords. "There are always the daggers as well. They're not as great as Star, but each carry their own weight so to speak." Inside the same cloth were to gauntlets of some type with handles similar to that of Star's. Rocky slipped one on his own wrist to demonstrate how the blades worked. "When you flick your wrists like so, the blade will slide out and into grabbing range of your hand and right into battle. Both gauntlets can hide under your sleeves to hide them from public view." Rocky slid the dagger back into the gauntlet and set both back down next to the other one. Storm picked one up and slid it onto his wrist and proceeded to do the same with the other gauntlet. Once both were on Storm flicked his wrists and the daggers sprung out from under his sleeves allowing his hands to catch them. Storm twirled both around and threw them at a dummy noticing that the pommel stones reacted to his powers, so he could pull them back towards himself. Although; the first time he did this, one knife almost pinned Rocky's ear to the wall along with his sleeve. "Sorry about that Rocky." Storm said as he retrieved the two knives from the wall. Rocky seemed curious, "I haven't seen anyone be able to do that yet with knives before. It was quite an interesting trick you did there Stormsurge." Godric knocked on the door before he entered the armory and forge. "Have you two found your weapons?" He asked Madeline and Storm. Both of them nodded to answer Godric. He led them out after they thanked Rocky for his help and down to the same room Storm woke up in. "Tomorrow you two are being sent out to begin your quest to find the other elementalists before any sil'lis do. I wish you the best of luck because I will probably be busy with errands and won't be able to see you off. I hope for the best on your quest Storm and Madeline." He said. They all gave Godric a hug before he left them to get some rest before tomorrow.

The sun had begun to set in the west as Madeline and Storm were slipping underneath the covers of their beds ready to fall asleep. "Night Storm." Madeline whispered to Storm. "Night Madeline, pleasant dreams." He replied. Both of them were nervous with the anticipation of tomorrow wondering what it'd be like during the quest. Storm wanted to ask Madeline, but decided he would wait until tomorrow to ask so he wouldn't keep her up thinking about what could happen. He rolled over and closed his eyes and was soon greeted by a warm sight of a home, his real home in the mountains and where he came from. He was finally starting to remember his past, but he still didn't recognize the name Morgan or who owned the voice calling out the name even though both seemed like they should be as obvious as his two hands. Storm shrugged the thoughts by and relaxed into a quiet doze. Madeline looked over at Storm's slumbering body and sat up in her bed. She silently slipped out of her bed and crept over to him. She kissed his head and gave him a small hug as if they were still little and they were back at the monastery. Madeline then returned to her bed glad that she was able to do that again since it could be the last time in awhile that she would be able to. The two of them drifted off into their own dreams and recesses of their minds waiting for tomorrow to arrive.