Elemental's Heart

by Ciara Lake

  “Yes, this is the perfect setting for dancing, and we have the whole dance floor to ourselves.” He embraced her more firmly. “I’d forgotten how pleasurable it is to dance with a beautiful woman in my arms.”

  One of the musicians started to sing in Spanish, adding to the romantic atmosphere.

  “Thank you. You’re very kind,” Terra replied. “When we’re finished, I’m going to have to go for a dip in the lake. I’ll need to cool down after all this exercise.” She followed his lead, and he spun her around. Terra giggled as she came back into his arms. “What fun.” She kissed him on his cheek.

  He nuzzled her neck and kissed the side of her face. “Am I making you hot, my lady?” He stopped moving and stepped back from her. “You dance very well.” His slacks disappeared and were instantly replaced with gray swimming trunks. “I’ll take you to the Lake of Desire and introduce you to Neva, the water nymph. Are you ready to go?”

  “Yes.” She took his hand, and they both slipped their shoes back on.

  They walked to the edge of the village and stepped through the invisible wall. It was raining in the mortal world, but the rain swiftly stopped. The cloud cover blew away, and the moon appeared. It was silver-white and full in the sky. Its lunar rays shone down through the jungle’s treetops.

  “I postponed the rain for us.”

  “You’re amazing, and so is this place.” She squeezed his hand. The joy on her face brought happiness to his soul.

  “You’re amazing too.”

  The moonlight hit her face directly, illuminating her flawless skin. She was beautiful, and her soul young and unblemished by too many years of living. His heart fluttered. No woman had ever affected him in such a way. I’ve never had these types of feelings.

  “Remember, I’m more than my abilities.” He lifted her hand and kissed the back of it. “We can walk to the lake. It’s not far.”

  “Yes, I know you’re much more than a Master Elemental. For one, you’re a gentleman. I hope you know I’m much more than a witch, or even the daughter of Goddess Gaia.”

  “Yes, you’re a fine lady.” He put his arm around her shoulders and hugged her. “I think you have me under your spell.”

  “No.” She looked down. “I don’t have any spells on you.” She smiled. “The moon helps, but it’s really dark to walk in this jungle. Who knows what lurks in the darkness?”

  “No problem, I can solve that.” Two small balls of fire appeared. They floated in the air at her eye level, several feet from them. “They’ll be our light and guide us.”

  “Nice.” She looked around. “The jungle’s so different at night. It’s mysterious, lovely, yet foreboding. It’s like you.” She cocked her head to the side and grinned at him.

  “And like me, you don’t need to fear it. You’re special, and everything in this jungle seeks to protect you. Who could hurt you when the trees would come to your defense?” He took her hand, and they stepped further away from Goddess Gaia’s protected pocket of the jungle.

  The sudden floating orbs of fire surprised several animals and they scurried in panic. After they got used to the light, many of them stopped and peered out from behind the trees and vegetation. They were interested in seeing the wondrous woman by his side.

  “The animals usually run and hide from me. They never stop to check me out,” he said. “My energy isn’t as inviting as yours.”

  “Your energy feels nice to me.” She clasped his hand tightly.

  “Your energy calls to the plants and the animals. Look there.” He pointed at a large animal who was peering from behind a tree. Beautiful golden eyes watched them. “It’s a puma. He’s captivated with you.”

  Aetius brushed away a vine that was reaching for Terra. The nearby trees started to lean in her direction. Terra had replaced the sun in the sky for the trees.

  “Maybe he wants to eat us.” she replied. A flowering vine from above twirled itself through her long hair. “Stop that.” She waved her hand at the vine. It obediently withdrew from her.

  “No, the puma’s fascinated by you, like the plants and trees are. Like I am.” He summoned a breeze, and it cooled the area.

  “The breeze feels nice.” She turned to face the wind.

  “Come on, the lake’s this way. It will be even cooler there.” A path cleared in front of them. “Goddess Gaia provides the paths for those who visit.”

  He took her hand again, and they walked through the jungle. The trees and foliage thinned as they approached a clearing. The jungle opened onto a grassed area that led to a lake. The moon was full and humongous in the black sky. It reflected in the lake, making it suddenly very bright.

  “I feel as if I can almost touch the moon, it looks so close,” she said. The moon reflected a blue-white light on the surface of the lake.

  “The moon is closer here. We’re high in the Andes. I’m going to start a campfire for us.”

  He silently instructed the earth to clear an area and make a pit. Invisible hands worked the earth, creating a pit. Aetius magically conjured logs and stacked them. Then the two fire balls which led them through the jungle collided into the wood and started a blazing fire. The flames roared to life. The yellow light made the jungle around them seem darker.

  “The flame’s nice.” She stepped closer to the fire. “It’s funny how the heat feels good even though we’re in the warm jungle.”

  “Fire is always comforting.” He reached into the flame and adjusted the logs.

  “It’s amazing the fire doesn’t burn you.”

  “It likes me.” He winked. “Sometimes I have a hard time getting it to let me go. But I won’t deny that I’m blessed to be the master of all the elements.”

  Aetius sat down on a log near the fire. One of the flames jumped out and landed on the calve of his leg; it wrapped around his leg and encircled it. The flame was caressing him. He waved it away, and the fire returned and joined the other flames in the pit.

  “Come sit next to me.” He patted the place next to him.

  She did as he requested. They sat and listened to the fire and the sounds of the nature.

  She put her arm around him. “Thanks for this. I’m really enjoying myself.”

  He turned and kissed her. “I am too.”

  Their kiss deepened. His heartbeat quickened with desire. He struggled internally to resist the sensual temptation she presented. He wasn’t used to being tempted. And to think she was a witch, surprised him even more.

  He grabbed her hand. “Let’s go for a swim.” He helped her up, and they walked to the edge of the water.

  The lake was large, but the other shoreside was visible. From where they were standing they could see the jungle framed the other sides. She stepped closer to the lake. “The water is so clear, I can see the bottom. Look at the beautiful fish.” She stepped even closer to look at the lake’s aquatic life.

  “Yes, it’s perfect for swimming. The fish don’t mind if we join them.” Aetius removed his shirt and tossed it on the ground. He stepped out of his shoes.

  Terra took off her sarong, revealing a one-piece matching swim suit. She removed her shoes too.

  “You’re beautiful,” Aetius said before he turned and raced off to the lake. He dove in and under the water. Then he came up with a large splash. “It feels great,” he shouted. “Why are you still on the shore? Come on in.” He waved to her as he dove under the surface again.

  Terra slowly walked into the water. “It’s a perfect temperature. It feels like bathtub water—warm and soothing.”

  “Yes, it’s perfect.” Aetius swam like a fish.

  Terra waded into the water to where it came just below her shoulders.

  Aetius swam close to where she was standing. The water playfully pushed him up and out of the water. He laughed as the wave of water carried him in several large circles around her. “Look, I’m riding the water.”

  Terra laughed. “Are you doing that?”

  “No, the water’s playing with me.”

>   “That’s cool.” She screeched as the water suddenly picked her up and moved her toward him. “You’re making it do this, right?”

  “Not really. The water knows I like you. The elements can be very playful at times.” He moved toward her. The water gently let her down to stand near him.

  “They certainly all seem to have a mind of their own.” She stroked the surface of the water. “What did you say this lake was called?”

  “The Lake of Desire.”

  “That’s an interesting name.” She grinned. “Why is it called that?”

  She moved even closer to him. Aetius grabbed her around the waist and pulled her toward him. He kissed her. She hugged him close and pressed her soft body against his.

  Something shot out of the water about ten feet from them. Then the creature dove back in under the waves it had created. It looked like a large fish, and it swam over to them. A few feet from them a beautiful, dark-haired woman came up and out of the water. Her silver, glowing eyes looked at them both.

  “Greetings, Master of the Elements.” The woman nodded to Aetius. “Welcome to my lake, my lady.” She nodded at Terra. “To answer your question, it’s called the Lake of Desire because those who visit often find what they desire when they swim in its depths. I’m Neva.” She smiled.

  “You’re the water nymph?” Terra asked. “I’ve never met a nymph.”

  “Yes, daughter of Goddess Gaia.”

  “How do you know that? I just learned I’m her daughter.”

  “The goddess informed the Olympian Court about an hour ago. Information travels fast among the gods. And this was big news.” Neva winked at her. “No one was expecting Goddess Gaia to announce she had a new child.”

  “Do all the immortals know too?”

  “No.” Neva shook her head. “And only the gods who were listening. Nymphs are goddesses of nature. Minor ones,” she added.

  “That makes them part of the Olympian circle.” Aetius swam closer to Terra. “Neva, the lake has never revealed to me what I desire. It is supposed to, right?”

  “Yes, but perhaps you never desired anything when you were here before. At least nothing that was attainable. And this time, you’ve already found it.” Neva dipped her head under the water. She was submerged for several moments. When she reemerged, she held a pendent-sized stone in her hand.

  “That’s a lovely stone. What is it?” Terra asked.

  “This is a magically blessed celestite stone. See, it’s the color of the skies.” She held it up so the moon could shine on it. The stone sparkled in her hand.

  “It’s stunning.” Terra moved closer to the nymph to see the stone better.

  “It’s more than a stunning stone. Like I said, it has magical qualities. It focuses divine energy such as yours. It provides peace, healing, and calming to those near it. It will speak to you through your dreams. It’ll help you to develop the gift of prophecy, and other psychic abilities. So, listen closely to your feelings and dreams. This is my gift to you, a talisman for you to wear.” A long, silver chain appeared, and the stone hung on a necklace. “It’s a stone often worn by Fey. In fact, Fey royalty often wore this type of stone. Has Aetius told you he’s a prince of the Fey? He’s from an old line of Fey.”

  “Neva, I haven’t talked much about my family. At least, not yet.” He waved his hand.

  Terra looked at him out of the side of her eye. “Thank you so much. Why are you giving me this gift? It’s so valuable.” The stone now hung around her neck. Terra touched it.

  “I gave this to you to celebrate the revelation of your paternity. Also, as the daughter of Mother Earth, stones and gems from the earth seemed an appropriate gift.” Neva smiled.

  “How thoughtful of you.” Terra held the stone closer so she could examine it even more. “I love the color.”

  “I leave you two to enjoy my lake. I believe what you both desire is close at hand. I leave you to your privacy. It was good meeting you, daughter of Mother Earth.” Neva bowed her head then turned and disappeared beneath the lake’s surface.

  Terra stared off in the direction Neva swam. The she turned to look at Aetius. Her eyes were bright with emotion. “This has been an unforgettable adventure. I can’t remember having so much fun.” She waded to him. “Thank you for this incredible night. I shall never forget it. I guess you’re my prince?” She put her arms around his neck and kissed him lightly on the lips.

  “My family has a long, complicated history.”

  “Okay, but you can still be my prince. Right?” Her eyes gleamed with happiness.

  “Yes.” He kissed her.

  “Like Prince Charming?” She grinned. “And I have to say, this is the first night I don’t feel alone. At times, I can be surrounded by others and still feel alone, but not tonight.” She hugged him.

  Aetius pulled her closer. “Neither do I. I’ve been alone for centuries. I’ve chosen to be, but still I’ve been alone.”

  He kissed her lips, lightly at first, but then he deepened it. His hands roamed over her back, enjoying the feel of her exposed skin. She fit perfectly against him.

  “You’re a beautiful woman, you should never feel lonely. Your soul’s the sweetest I’ve ever encountered, and that makes you all the lovelier. I have to say, I’m astonished by you.”

  “Why?” She caressed the back of his neck. He shivered from her touch. Terra smiled knowingly, and she caressed his neck more.

  “Honestly?” He kissed her gently on the lips again. “You even taste sweet.” His heart flipped in his chest. He was falling hard for this young, sweet witch. She altered his world in so many ways. He sighed has he hugged her soft body.

  “Yes, please.” She nodded. “I prefer honesty, always.”

  “Because you’re a witch, and your mother’s Aife Broderick. And until tonight I was certain Crexan Clancey was your father. I detest him.” He frowned.

  “I see. That’s understandable, he sounds awful. I’m glad he’s not my father.”

  “And I admit, I never much liked witches, period. But you’re different. Everything about you is different, and I like it. I like you, very much.” He caressed her wet hair that hung down her back. “Your very energy is familiar and comforting. No wonder the plants and trees gravitate to you.”

  “I’m glad you feel that way.” Terra kissed the side of his face. “You’re an honest man. I like that. They’re so rare. And you’re the most handsome man I’ve ever known.” She hugged him.

  “If I’m the handsomest man you’ve known, you’ve been sheltered, my young immortal.” He chuckled, but at the same time his gut twisted with the knowledge he withheld from her. I never want her to know she was to be exchanged for Aife. “There are many handsome men, especially among immortal men.”

  “Like they say, beauty’s in the eye of the beholder.” She feathered his face with kisses.

  “Yes, it is.” He kissed her on her lips again.

  “Would you like to be with me?” She kissed him back. Her invitation caused his body to tense.

  “My beautiful witch, I’m flattered, and I do want you.”

  “Let’s go to the shore.” She took his hand.

  “Terra, I know you’re a handmaiden of God Dionysus. And I don’t judge you.”

  She looked at him with disbelief in her eyes. “Whenever anyone says they don’t judge, it’s because they probably do...a lot.” She sighed.

  “Well, I’m not anyone ordinary. I don’t care that you’re a handmaiden to God Dionysus. I just don’t wish to be a tribute to God Dionysus as part of your worship. I have feelings for you. Ones I’ve never had before in my tremendously long life.” His hand rubbed up and down her slender back.

  “I have feelings for you too. I’m not being with you for God Dionysus. I’m going to be with you for myself and for you. For our pleasure and emotions. We can leave Dionysus out of it.” She touched the side of his face. “I promise.”

  “That pleases me to no end.” He hugged her. She molded into his body, an
d his hands moved over her. He cupped her bottom and pulled her into him. “Let’s go to where the fire is.”

  He started to wade to the shore, towing her with him. Strong, passionate emotions wrapped around his heart, making him almost faint from the foreign sensation. Possessiveness seized him, like he’d never experienced. The need to be with her burned within him, like an inner fire. His whole body ached.

  “I don’t want to share you with anyone.” He kissed her behind the ear. “Be only mine.”

  “Are you asking me?”

  “Yes.” He kissed her shoulder.

  “Come, let’s go be near the fire.” She tugged on his hand as they walked through the water.

  When they exited the water, a swift, warm wind blew over them, instantly drying them completely.

  “That’s convenient. I could get used to this type of service,” she said.

  “So, you’ll be mine?” He gazed into her dark, warm eyes.

  “Will you be mine too?” she responded. “We sound like Valentine cards.” She giggled.

  “Yes, forever, I’m yours. I have waited for you for so long.”

  When they reached the fire, Terra moved her hand over an area of dirt and rough grass. “I can do magic too.” She smiled up at him. Fresh grass grew rapidly, creating a soft, green mattress. “This will be more comfortable.” She kneeled and offered her hand to him, and he took it. “I’ll be yours, my handsome Fey.”

  She tugged his hand to encourage him to get down on his knees with her. Aetius did as she wanted. Terra lowered her swimming suit over her breasts and shimmied out of it.

  “You’re beautiful all over,” he said.

  He reached for her and caressed one of her nipples. She leaned closer to him, and he kissed the side of her face, down to her shoulder. Terra shivered as he continued to kiss her down to her breasts. His hands caressed her arms, and he took one of her nipples into his mouth. Terra moaned as he suckled it.

  She ran her hands over his shoulders. “You’re as handsome as Adonis.” She looked up at him, and her eyes glistened with desire.

  “Have you ever met Adonis?” His hand captured some of her hair at her neck, and he gently tugged her head back as he kissed down the front of her neck.