FOREVER KNIGHTS: #12 Primal Intent

WaterRose, Meadow Mountain, Grier country

SEBASTIAN

Elsabet, sat in the window slit of the parlor, shutters wide so she could perch on the sill. She took in the sight of sunlight playing through the remaining yellow leaves adorning the few trees in the bailey. The constant sound of running rivers rose from overhead and intermingled with Sebet’s burbling laughter. The little girl frolicked through the bailey. Chased by a swarm of cats and puppies which always flooded out from the stable when she drew near. Drawn by the little one’s joyous presence despite their fears of predators.

Elsabet was unaware how the late afternoon light toyed with the silver hair around her face and glistened over her blissful smile.

“Your daughter is beautiful, Els.” Calisto murmured.

Startling Elsabet from her reverie. After jumping Elsabet noticed Calisto’s hazy presence near the other end of the sill and eased.

“Calisto.” She welcomed.

Calisto nodded in greeting before refocusing outside. Her form was more a gray outline at the corner of the window. Arms crossed and purple skirts seeming impossibly still as she stared out. Violet eyes seemingly the only color on her face.

“I can’t remember a time I was so happy.” Elsabet confided.

Calisto gave her a sideways look and nodded. “It’s written over your face.”

“I’m unsurprised.” Elsabet grunted. “I feel near to brimming over with it.”

“What I wouldn’t give for a fraction of that.” Calisto said passionately. Her jealousy obvious. “I’d always hoped for a little one of my own.”

Calisto paused before forcing a change of subject in a softer voice. “How much of that happiness would you attribute to your lover?”

Elsabet gave her a probing look. Answering at length, “Much.”

Calisto nodded. “He tries to make you happy. I see the joy on his face when he comes rushing through those doors with some new gift for you. Or his eagerness in seeking you out.”

“Sometimes I wonder if he plays me for a fool.” Elsabet admitted. Still watching Sebet hopping across the grass.

Calisto shook her head adamantly. “Never. It isn’t in his character. He’s the most bluntly honest human I’ve ever met. Well…One of two.” She smiled fondly. Eyes shadowing with pain as they always did when she thought of her husband.

“What if I could lend you some of my joy?”

Calisto looked taken aback. “How?”

Still staring out the window, Elsabet held out her hand absentmindedly. Down near hip. Almost blackened by the dark room beyond the window.

Calisto eyed it. “In all this time you’ve never wanted any contact with me…”

“Or anyone else.” She murmured. “It’s not personal.” Her hand hovered, waiting.

Calisto slapped her palm into it, and her head instantly threw back. Lightening torrents of power spread over Elsabet’s hand and moved into Calisto. Vibrating over her skin and brightening her eyes to deep purple. Sending her hair streaming out straight behind her as she was suffused with power.

“You’ve been containing all that?” Calisto panted when the waves of it ceased enough, she could blink and attune her senses to a stronger plane.

Elsabet’s eyes flicked to her wordlessly. Returning outside just as rapidly to the little girl’s bouncing curls.

Calisto looked at her hands which looked real. Pink fleshed and genuine. “My God!”

“You look better.” Elsabet confirmed absentmindedly.

“I feel better! I haven’t felt like this in centuries!”

Elsabet gave Calisto her full attention and a half smile. “Then I suggest you go to him now.”

“You knew? You knew you could make me manifest to talk to him?”

Elsabet gave her another wordless glance.

“You’re a saint! I’d ask why not before, but I’m too thankful now to do any complaining! I’ll be back!”

Elsabet who waved her away. “Go to him.”

Calisto wasted no time.

Elsabet’s attention returned outdoors and she froze. Eyes going huge and body stiffening as she took in the sight of the golden man standing just before the bridge. Tawny waves of hair flowing in a light breeze along his tanned chorded neck and shoulders. His eyes flashing gold in the morning sunlight as they flicked alertly over the window slits of WaterRose as he began his approach.

She nearly fell out of the window as she ducked and wove through the furniture in the room to make her way upstairs before he reached the front door.

Sebastian had just returned to WaterRose but already he was thinking how much he hated leaving them. My girls. Els and My little Sebet.

How can it be more painful every time?

He couldn’t help pausing just over the bridge to take in the scene in the bailey. Sebet’s loud squeals had drawn his attention near the stables where she played with the animals which had wandered out to join her.

Smiling brighter than the sun. Her pretty silver blonde hair shimmering like snow. He’d only recently returned from helping Acharius.

Looking like one of Lucien’s paintings.

He knew he’d have little time here this time. It was high time he went to the Isle to check on Lucien. To see if he’s still alive or if she’s killed him yet.

And I should go back down and check on the Captain and see if he needs a bit more help before I leave the continent. He sighed.

Already he was dreading leaving again. I never thought I’d be yearning to stay in WaterRose for longer periods.

He sighed. Time to go in and get a peek at my pretty mate slinking around the castle. She’s bound to be near a window watching our daughter.

No. He corrected. His shoulders rolling and head lifting as a smile slashed across his face. She’d have spotted me coming in.

Which means by now, she’s hiding from me. How amusing…

But his sense of fun couldn’t help but be dampened knowing how long it’d take to get to the Isle and from there to the Grier Market.

To pick up goods from Grier.

Stock WaterRose’s larter. With fine sherry, fresh Wight cheese and, of course, an ample store of strawberries.