by JK Ensley
“What’s there left to say, tiny warrior? You have chosen to close your eyes to spare your heart.”
“No, Vybius. I have chosen to close my heart to spare my mind. I fear I will soon be absent clear thought if I allow entrance to even one more thing, to even one more person. After all, I’m long dead and wish now only for the peace that should accompany it.”
“If you were truly dead, you wouldn’t be here. Vindicus would have escorted you to the Otherworld upon your arrival. The fact that he tasted you instead, should prove beyond a shadow of a doubt. You yet live, Milady.”
“How so? What’s your reasoning? A warrior licked me. So what? That same thing has happened hundreds of times before. Never has it been considered proof of life.”
“Perhaps not.” He laughed softly. “Well, perhaps not before. Vindicus is a very different kind of warrior, tiny Angel. You have never met one such as him. No matter who or what he reminds you of, trust me… you couldn’t be farther from the truth. Alas, he chose you… of his own free will. He was not commanded to do so. I have been with him for countless eons. Never have I seen him taste a maiden the way he tasted you. Think, Jenevier. Open your eyes to what you have already witnessed. It may not be proof of life, but it’s certainly proof of something, something far more valuable.”
“More valuable than life?” I half snorted.
“Yes, to some. At least, to you it is. Think, Maiden. Have you not been chosen before? Been tasted before? You said so yourself, you have been licked hundreds of times.” He chuckled, then blushed. “Recall, if you will, your very first glimpse of Vanahirdem.”
“Vareilious…”
“Ah yes, Vareilious. As the Guardian at the gate upon your admittance, it was his right to do so, his right to choose you. Not all Guardians wish such a great burden. Being personally responsible for the life of another isn’t something any Vanir takes lightly. You know all too well the strength of that bond, the permanence of it, the feelings that accompany it.”
“You mean…” I vainly searched for words that wouldn’t come.
“What I mean, fair lady, is that you have been greatly blessed. Not once, but twice. You have been granted a heavenly guardianship without pause or questions from the warrior. God has great plans for you yet. As did Vareilious before, so now too, Vindicus can taste it.”
Now I was the silent one. I didn’t ask for this. I wasn’t even sure I wanted another Guardian. No, that’s not true. I was sure I did not want another Guardian. Only trouble lay down that dark path. I speak with firsthand knowledge.
“Are you ready to hear me now?”
“No, Vybius, I am not.” I turned cold eyes toward the lovely man. “If you speak on, I will go back into the darkness and there I’ll choose to remain,” I warned.
“Do not whine as a babe, Jenevier. You have a purpose, a responsibility, a duty to perform. So as they say on layer eight, you need to suck it up, buttercup. It’s time to start acting like the grown woman you are and the mighty warrior you have become.”
I cannot imagine what the look on my face could’ve possibly been like when next I spoke. “Did you truly just say… suck it up, buttercup?”
Forgive my immaturity, dear Reader, but this is the moment I lost it, bursting into uncontrollable laughter. The very thought of a regal Vanir warrior speaking thusly was the most unexpected, hilarious thing I could possibly imagine. I only managed to stop my incessant laughter when Vybius plunged my head under the water, pulling me back up by my tangled curls.
“Have you gone mad? Have you finally slipped from all sanity?” he yelled.
I managed to hold in all but a tiny giggle, causing Vybius to release me with an exasperated sigh. He collapsed heavily back onto the chair. I looked closely at the beautiful creature sitting before me—head in his hands, ethereal silver and amethyst strands falling around to cover the furrow I’d placed upon his brow.
I bit my bottom lip so as not to release the stampede of giggles that were trying desperately to escape. “If you wished to see me naked, all you had to do was ask, beautiful warrior.” I couldn’t help the smirk in my words or the one upon my lips. “You didn’t have to pull my hair.”
He gasped, turning toward me. “What are you saying? I would never—”
“Oh really? Never?” I splashed water at him and had to bite my lip again.
He finally smiled, out of relief I’m certain, and rested his angelic head on the back of the chair, casting me an incredulous look.
“Are you quite finished playing with me, Milady?”
“I have only just begun, Milord.” I splashed him again.
“I am relieved by the sight of your mischievous smile. It’s way past time you found it again.” He stood to leave. “Finish up now. I’ll get you a clean dress.”
I lay back against the tub once more. “You’re no fun, Vybius.”
“Yes, I’m well aware of that fact, Jenevier. I have been told thus many times. I guess you could say fun isn’t my forte. Now, make haste lest we be late for the council meeting.”
Then he left me there, soaking.
“But, I’m not on any council!” I yelled through the closed door.
“You’re not on the council, silly child,” he yelled back. “You’re on the agenda.”
I released a long breath… and slid back beneath the tepid water.
Chapter 13
Vandermil
(VAN-dur-mill)
When Vybius left, he told me the council would be meeting in the last building on the right. The one before you get to the temple located in the heart of the city.
Even though I hadn’t stepped foot from his home since my arrival three days prior, I knew exactly where Vybius meant for me to go. At but a glance, it was obvious Vandermil was the twin to my home of Vanahirdem.
I did not wish to be escorted to council by Vybius. I would attend, or not, by my own choosing. Right now, I was leaning more to the not. I did finally decide to at least shed my hermit status and stepped out into the loving daylight of this holy city. I wanted to enjoy the many amazing things I knew for certain I would behold. I wasn’t disappointed.
The city of Vandermil may have been a mirror of Vanahirdem, but the people… now they were a horse of a different color. Or perhaps I should say… an Angel of a different color. For that’s what I saw everywhere I turned. Varying shades of every conceivable color donned the ethereal head of each Vanir. I saw four different shades of red with my first glance alone. Vandermil was a veritable plethora of color, a masterful painting by the greatest of artists.
I must have looked as a child in a candy store—eyes wide, mouth agape. I was fully entranced in my childlike wonder when a voice politely broke the enchanting spell.
“Beautiful, are they not?”
I turned to see a giant, familiar to me as my own brothers in every way, save the closely cut sky-blue coif he was crowned with.
“Yes, Milord. As enchanting as a flight of Pixies. As glorious as heaven’s own Angels.”
“Well now, that’s a beautiful way of putting it, I must say. But do you know why?”
“Why?” The question caught me off guard. “Why does there have to be a reason? They are beautiful and magical because they were made that way. That’s why.”
The majestic Vanir snorted out a laugh and gave me a sideways glance as he locked his hands behind his back. “So, little maiden. It doesn’t strike you as odd they should be crowned thusly?”
“Odd? No.” I shrugged my shoulders. “That’s just the way God painted them.”
“The way God painted—” His sentence broke off into boisterous laughter.
“I’m wrong then, Brother? Are you not donned with the breathtaking brilliance of the noon day sky for beauty’s sake alone?”
“So, you admit freely I am your brother? And, you also think I am breathtaking?” He smiled, crookedly.
“Ugh, not this again,” I said with a sigh.
“Absent words?” he mocked.
&
nbsp; “Absent thoughts,” I answered.
“Now, don’t expect me to believe that, not for a single moment. And I was told you couldn’t lie, Vashti. But, yes. I suppose you’re absolutely correct in saying God painted us.”
His casual reference to my absent mask ruffled my nonexistent feathers, so to speak. “Apologies. I have shown ill grace toward you and without proper introduction. Hello, great warrior, my name is Jenevier Embarr.” I extended him my hand. “I am honored to make your acquaintance.” My smile was forced. My tone, purposefully flat.
He snorted. “The honor’s all mine, tiny Angel.” He clasped my forearm and held fast. “My name is Viggo. I am the Guardian of the Skies.”
“Truly? The skies? I’ve never heard of such a thing.”
“Well, you’ve never been to Vandermil before.” He cocked one sky blue eyebrow. “Alas, your stay will be a short one indeed if you don’t hurry to meet the council. Shall I take you there?”
“Gratitude. You are very gracious, Viggo. Yet, I can find my way.” I smiled, turning to go.
I had no intention of going to the council meeting, and a short stay in this mockingly accursed place was precisely what I wanted anyway. If remaining absent from this meeting would hasten my departure, then all the better.
“No excuses then,” he said.
“Nope. No excuses at all. Very nice to meet you though,” I called back to the giant Guardian over my shoulder as I made my way down the jeweled street.
“And you as well, fair maiden.” He waved his hand at my retreating back.
Once again, I was hit with the now comforting feeling of dwarfism. My enormous surroundings elevated the little fluttering heart within me. I closed my eyes, pretended I was in Vanahirdem, and walked. I felt the calming sensation only home can bring, when I realized my betraying feet had led me to the very place I was actively avoiding—the accursed meeting hall.
The doors swung open. A frustrated Vybius burst out into the streets. I could easily hear the angry cacophony of voices coming from within.
“Are you well, good Vybius?” I asked, not really caring if he was well at all.
He spun toward my voice, a wave of relief sweeping over his perfect features. He gently took my elbow, leading me around the corner to the side of the magnificent structure.
“I am now, Milady. Tell me. How do you fare?” he whispered softly, kindness in his magical eyes.
I decided then to grab on to the only ray of hope I had found in this hopeless situation—my new friend, Vybius. We had quarreled, yes. But it felt natural all the same, like my big brother. He would fuss and I would rebel, just like siblings should. The thought made me smile.
If he is to be my older, wiser brother, then he should take me under his wing and explain all these curious things I don’t understand.
I put on my best innocent grin, batted my lashes, and started blurting out all the fascinating things I had only just discovered.
“I’m doing splendidly, if I must confess.”
“Truly?” He eyed me, curiously.
“Yes, truly. I met the Guardian of the Sky, and I saw hundreds of other warriors upon my way. I wished desperately to speak with them all. I have so many things I want to ask, so many things I want to know. I cannot remember being this excited since I was but a child.”
A tiny smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Your wonderment is contagious, littlest Angel.” He brushed a loose curl out of my face, tucking it behind my ear. “You are the vision of enchantment.”
I continued, bent on turning his mind away from this silly meeting. “And did you know, the very street here is paved with precious gems in every shape and color? Some I don’t even know the name for. Will you tell me? Will you answer me everything, Vybius? Please? Let’s just go back home, you and me. We can attend the next council meeting. Let this day, my first real day here, let it be for us, not them. Let me spend the day on my new brother’s arm while you tell me all about our glorious home.”
His iridescent hand softly cupped my cheek as he stared into my pleading eyes. And when that enticing devil of an Angel gently stroked the side of my face, I shivered. Those bright silver pupils—encompassed about with deep amethyst sparkles—they bored into me, into my soul. Never in my wildest dreams have I imagined eyes such as these. Thrilled by their magical hold, I knew I was safe with Vybius. Of at least that much I was certain. The ease with which this enchanting man comforted me could be attributed not only to his warm essence and spellbinding gaze, but also to his completely natural, almost human, build.
Being with like… well, beings is a comforting feeling for all creatures. The truth in that is no different for me. We are more at ease around familiar, natural feeling things. I love Varick and I love all my family Vanir, but it’s not easy to forget the fact you are the alien creature in their enormous world. Such was not true with Vybius.
Pressed against the side of that meeting hall, deep concern pouring from his ethereal eyes, our bodies naturally and effortlessly molded together in a perfect physical fit. There was no need for awkward adjustments because of our size difference. We were two harmonious puzzle pieces clicking perfectly together. It was oddly calming. Actually, everything about Vybius was oddly calming. He made me feel cherished… worshipped even.
Don’t misunderstand my words, Reader. Our mutual touch held no overt sexual tensions. Neither were there any flirtatious connotations implied. Please do not mistake our natural physical comfort as being desirous, at least not in that moment. Our connection was effortless and mutual. This is but one of the reasons why I trusted him so completely and instantaneously.
I played with his enticing purple locks as innocently and naturally as he now rubbed my cheek.
“You are as beautiful on the inside as you are on the out, Jenevier. I have never been witness to such guiltless wonderment. I find it truly enchanting. You are the purest soul I’ve ever looked upon. I cannot turn away from your glory, no matter how hard I try.”
I tapped the tip of his nose lightly. “Yes, I know. You have the exact same effect on me, Brother. Maddening, isn’t it?”
He smiled then and a look of resignation crossed his face. “Very well, little one. Let us go now and I will tell you all your angelic heart desires.”
He took my hand, leading me back to the enchanting pathway that would take us to his home.
I never had a blood born brother. It must feel just like this, surely. The thought made me smile so big my cheeks hurt.
“Oh, this one, Vybius. I have never seen a stone sparkle inside like this one. What is it?” I bent down to get a closer look and he followed my lead.
“That one is called a fire opal, sweet maiden. The fire, or sparkle inside, dances differently as you turn it in the light.”
“There you are.”
The booming voice came from the direction of the open council chamber doors. It slithered up my now fearful spine. Gone was the wonder, gone was the magic. I quickly stepped behind Vybius. He reached back, offering me assurance via his protectively warm hand as his eyes remained fixed on the advancing speaker. I held to him fiercely.
“Yes, Vahan, we are here,” Vybius called.
“Well, come inside. There’s little need to tarry out here. It’s time we got down to business.”
Reluctantly, we followed the giant warrior into the crowded chamber hall. Instant silence met us. I squeezed Vybius’s proffered hand, my fluttering heart nearly jumping into my throat.
My fear was momentarily abated when I saw a lady Vanir standing against the wall to my right. Her hair was the most vibrant shade of orange imaginable, the tip ends of which brushed the floor when she turned to look at us. I was entranced. Drawn to her, I slowly released Vybius as her essence seemed to pull me nearer. I did not pause until I was standing meekly in front of this majestic Vanir, her orange eyes wide with question.
“You are a vision of heaven, Milady. Are you the Guardian of the sun?”
She laughed softly, be
nding down to close the enormous gap in our heights. “No, my child. Although I am the Guardian of many things, alas, the sun is not one of them.”
I stood there, watching her glow, a constant pulse from within. She used a single fingertip to lift my chin, slightly turning my face from side to side. An approving smile sparkled in those indescribable orange eyes.
I thoughtlessly moved to touch her enticing locks. My curious fingers had yet to thread the silken tresses when the spell was broken. Vybius snatched my reaching hand, offered apologies on my behalf, and led me to the center of the council chamber.
“You have got to stop doing that,” he hissed in my ear. “You have got to quit touching people without asking. Not only is it rude, it could be dangerous. Use your head, child. You know nothing of these people.”
“But I touched you. Nothing bad happened. Did it?”
He sighed. “No, nothing bad happened. But that’s only true for me, and only then because I knew how you were.”
I furrowed my brow. “Umm… What do you mean?”
“Jenevier, can you not tell by just looking at me that I’m different?” He sort of rolled his eyes. “Besides, I was already aware of your tenacity, your penchant for being far more curious than is safe, tiny Angel.”
“And just how did you know that? As far as that goes, how is it you know anything about me? You act as if you’ve known me for years, Vybius, since we were children. I’m certain we have never met. Believe you me, I would’ve remembered. How could I forget?” I mumbled those last words.
He ignored my questions, squeezing my fingers hard in his. “Your wicked curiosity and that damn mouth of yours will be your undoing someday. Mark my words, Maiden.”
“What bad thing could possibly come from genuine admiration? If I but touched her hair, what could happen? Would she turn into a beast and devour me? Grow fangs and suck out all my blood? Oh, oh, wait, no, wait. I got it. Maybe she’ll sprout horns from her head, split the ground open beneath us, and drag my screaming soul to hell.” I snickered then. I very nearly laughed.
