“I mind, and Donovan has the habit of making almost everything into some weird urban dictionary definition that’s fluent cartoon talk. Trust me, you do not want Az to be a thing. There is power in a name, and Azrael is a beautiful name,” Leilah defended her view and me simultaneously. Which made me feel cared for and content. I was just going to trust her good judgment on this.
“Alright, Alright, we won’t make it a thing. Yet,” Donovan relented.
“Alright, well, let’s have another round of drinks, and then let’s hit the hay. I want to have some Quartz Screen time before bed. We’ve got quite an adventure to set off to tomorrow,” Kendra spoke wisely.
Everyone expressed their agreement, and we all enjoyed the merriment. The day had been eventful. Tomorrow would soon approach. Then we’d see if we had more of my brethren at the fountain in the center of the city who would aid us on our journey tomorrow. I hope we had plenty of volunteers. Somehow I think we’d have at least a few to aid on our journey. Only tomorrow and no scroll of fates would tell.
Chapter 12
Donovan
I untangled myself from Abbadon’s delightfully muscled embrace when a gentle knocking woke me up. It was a gentle knocking on our Chamber door. Ha! Always wanted to say that! Sounds like Edgard Allen Poe’s poem, Raven. Guess no matter the state of my being, I’m eternally wacky.
Anyways, Abbadon stirred a bit but continued to adorably sleep with his mouth slightly open. He’s ‘adorbs,’ which I don’t care what people say, it is totally a thing. Apparently, I wore him out last night, I thought, as I grabbed one of the several layers of cotton bed linens to wrap around my lower body. I then stood and walked, possibly hobbled my makeshift toga-wearing sleepy self over to answer the door. I opened it, saw it as Leona, and smiled.
Leona was dressed in her beautiful Fae tunic, eyes bright and alert already despite how early it was. Maybe she was just an early riser. So was I usually. I glanced at the window, and the sky was starting to lighten up, but it was still not yet dawn. Not pitch dark like it would have been an hour ago. She was holding up a steaming cup of scented jasmine green tea. Okay, anyone that wakes you up with a cup of caffeine at the ready should be forgiven instantly. Plus, she’s my friend, and I slept like a brick last night and felt well rested and amazing. Therefore, I opened the door all the way.
“Hi, Leona, is that tea for me?” I asked though it seemed apparent. Not that I wouldn’t put it past Leilah flaunting a cup of caffeine but not offering it. However, this was Leona. She’s always mindfully polite, it seems.
“Yes, I was told by our friends that this was a requirement for waking you up,” she answered with a smile. Oh, how transparent I must be! She was right, though.
“Well, I can make my own tea in the mornings too! But, yeah. If I’m sleeping, that’s always a good idea. Still, my friend, whether you’re armed with tea or just your company, I will always make myself available for you. Come in. We can sit by the window seats and table in my room. My husband,” gosh, I loved saying that, “is stirring, but he wouldn’t mind, ” I replied endearingly while relieving her of the tea. Heading towards the direction of the seating, small table, and window that displayed Silver Leaf City’s beautiful vista from this high vantage point.
Still wrapped in linens and now seated, I took a sip from the teacup and sighed audibly with delight.
“Thank you very much for this. Guess a cup of tea does clear the fog of my mind a bit,” I said gratefully to Leona as she sat and joined me across the table.
“You’re entirely welcome, Donovan.” she smiled. I smiled back and took another wakening sip of the tea, content. This was an excellent way to start my day.
“So, what’s up, buttercup? Everything going good with you and Kendra?” I asked.
“Kendra and I are fine. She was admittingly a bit nervous about today’s plans last night. However, once I showed her how to watch some entertainment on the quartz screens yesterday, Kendra felt better. Then quickly fell asleep what was only moments after a show she enjoyed streaming. Kendra just finished bathing and is currently rifling through all the dresses Quicksilver delivered to our room last night, looking for the right thing to wear. I know whatever she decides on will be beautiful on her, but she tries them all on before making a choice. Which I appreciate watching regardless. However, I felt it would be good to wake you up before it was an hour past dawn. Remember, it was when we were planning to meet other allies by the fountain. Also, I received a missive from the Elves of the Emerald Forests. It contained dire news and felt it prudent to come to you directly,” she said.
“Well, that sounds ominous. I’m glad you came armed with tea. Alright, rip the bandage off clean. Tell me what’s going on with the Elves, and let's see how we can help,” I said, frowning slightly while internally groaning to myself. ‘What now?’
“It’s certainly not good news. The Elves of Emerald City heard what transpired here earlier. No doubt from their brethren that reside here. Now their city is under attack by an army of dark beings, and the city shield they say will not hold for long. They were successful in bringing all the Elven residents of the Emerald Forest into the safety of their city walls once the enemies appeared on their realm. They’re pleading for our help in defending their city and realm. From what intelligence the Elven scouts gathered, the invaders are porting in from the Shadow Realm, formerly known as Lunaria. I fear Lillith is trying to recruit and enslave more beings to enlarge her armies. I feel as they are friends of the Fae of Silver Leaf, we should consider offering any help we can,” she finished.
“It’s starting to feel like trouble is finding us quicker and often these days. I agree with you, though. We can’t let Lillith’s retinue harm any other beings or destroy other realms. We must immediately assist them. The thought of the sufferings Lillith has caused in Lunaria brings urgency to this cause. We can’t have her army amass to the size of two realms, either. Nor should we allow them to destroy or enslave another land of beings.
“It’s nearly dawn. Gather every one of our friends and tell them to prepare themselves for battle. We leave in fifteen minutes to Silver Leaf City’s central fountain. Hopefully, some of the recently freed Angels will join our cause. Give the word to every willing Fae citizen or guard who wishes to join the cause of helping the Elves to meet us at the fountain square as well. We will need to make haste to the Elven realms and assist them first with their shielding and then with defending their lands. If these invaders are genuinely some of Lillith’s retinue, then it’s an opportunity to dwindle their forces before heading to the Shadowlands. If you have the means, send word to Emerald City that help is on its way. I’ll wake up, Abbadon. We’ll don our armor and quickly meet you all outside the tavern,” I said while standing up.
“Thank you, Donovan. I believe this is the wisest course of action. I have no doubt we will find allies by the fountain square. I’ll also petition the Silver Leaf Guard. I’ll leave you at once to prepare,” she said while getting up and heading to the door. She then left and closed the door, and I just sighed to myself. There’s never an easy day for us these days.
I walked over to the bed and stirred Abbadon. “Hey, my love, wake up. Things have occurred, and our presence is needed at once.” Abbadon opened his beautiful golden eyes, looked up at me, and smiled.
“I overheard your conversation with Leona. Just wanted to give you some time to speak with your friend and stay in bed a little longer, my love. Are we to get ready at once to help the Emerald Elves?” he asked.
“Yuppers, that’s the plan. Let us take the quickest shower ever known on the Isle of Mu and meet up with the others. Do you know where Emerald City is? Would you be able to teleport a large group of us there?” I asked while abandoning the linens and walking naked towards the bathing room. I could sense him get up and follow my wake.
“Depends how large the group is. Indeed, with the help of all of our comrades, it shouldn’t be an issue. We can port directly into Emerald City,” he re
plied while quickly joining me as I stepped into the shower.
“Perfect, If I knew where it was, I’d attempt it, but luckily for us, you know, and I will know soon enough. Now point that excitingly perfect morning wood away. For sadly, we must make haste.” This earned me only a slight sense of disappointment, so I kissed my beloved Abbadon, which remedied that. Then we took the quickest shower ever. Wow, the restraint it took to not do more than simply wash ourselves up. Ever had to take a quick shower? I call them military showers. You’re in one minute then out a minute after.
We made haste, got dressed, magicked the room to be clean and orderly, then walked out into the common area where we met up with all our friends.
“We just heard the news,” Leilah said while standing just a foot away from Azrael. Everyone was dressed for battle.
“Like usual, it isn’t the most pleasant, either,” said Kendra nervously.
“Hey, now Kendra, you’re a goddess of nature magick. You have all of your friends with you, and we’ve strengthened the Silver Leaf City shields together before. They’ve stood up to attacks of the gods and Angels alike. We can handle this situation easily. Be at ease, my friend. We totally got this. Plus, we get to see the Elven City and do some good while we’re at it,” I assured her while giving her a hug and chanting, “OM MANI PADME HUM,” into her ear. She visibly relaxed with the utterance of the sacred chant of peace and compassion.
“Thanks, Donovan. Okay, you’re right. We can do this. Let’s head out,” she said while straightening her posture and conviction in her words. Now there we go, that’s my kick-butt Witchy goddess friend!
“Alright, everyone, let’s head out,” I said while heading down and out of our friend’s tavern, Unicorn Bliss. When we stepped outside, indeed, dawn had arrived. We were greeted by our Unicorn friends who were made aware of the news. They had no complaints about what we intended as they knew it was aligned with restoring Lunaria. Anything we could do to battle Lillith’s retinue helps with that end goal.
We made our way quickly to the central fountain. Nothing could have prepared me for what I saw. There were rows and rows of what I assume were thousands of Silver Leaf City’s army waiting for us. Directly next to them, all of the liberated Angels had amassed. Not a single one of the freed Angels chose to skip out on a chance to join a righteous cause.
“Told you’d they’d all help and be grateful towards us for liberating them,” said Azrael assuredly. He certainly did assure us there would be more allies than we’d expect, but I figured maybe a percentage of them not all of them. This was excellent and couldn’t be timed better. I welcomed their help.
“You were right, and for that, I’m grateful, Az,” I replied to him.
“Donovan, his name is Azreal. A. Z. R. E. A. L. Stop calling him Az. If anyone is to give Azrael a nickname, it will be me,” Leilah replied with a smile. Awe, well, that is good as long as she’s not mad. Cute how she spelled out his name for me, all serious like.
“Okay, you get dibs on nicknaming your star-coursed one. Let’s get this party rolling,” I replied to Leilah, then conjured my golden wings, and unwrapped my Auric weavings a bit. Expanding my lights brilliance to all assembled with the intent of comradery and confidence in our quest.
“All of you assembled have by now heard, the Emerald Elve’s City and their lands are under siege by Lillith’s army from the Shadowrealm. The Emerald City’s shield will not hold out for long. Angel friends, I assume you all know where Emerald City is. Your help porting our assembled retinue to their City will be appreciated. Once we’re there, I’d like the Fae City guards to spread throughout Emerald City gates and entrances and join the ranks of their guards. Let them know we’re here to support and help them as allies to their cause. All of my Angel friends, please help calm, heal, and assist all the citizens of the Elven city. If you have any questions, my Angel brethren look to Azrael for guidance as your general. He will point you to where help is needed most. Jeremiah, please use whatever abilities you have to aid the Elves and Angels as well. Kendra, Leona, Abbadon, Leilah, and our Unicorn friends, we will focus on strengthening the shields to their city with the same shielding we used for Silver Leaf City and take it from there. Everyone, please focus on the defense and well being of all the Emerald City Elves’ needs and do not engage with the enemy. Everyone, please consider my words mindfully. If you have no choice but to defend yourself or the army breaks through, use your skills to incapacitate but not kill your foes. These are beings whose will is not their own. Even if some are of a dark nature, they may have the capacity to be freed and redeem themselves. Killing is a last resort. However, I leave it up to your own judgment on how to defend yourselves. Now to all of you who have bravely assembled for a just cause. Thank you!
Worry not! We will be successful in defending and healing the realms! We shall free those needing freedom. We will be victorious! OM AMARANI DZI WANTYE SVAHA! My long life blessings to all of you!” The mantra was then repeated and chorused by all. Everywhere it was spoken, red syllables of longevity empowered everyone.
“Now, let’s port to Emerald City!”
Abbadon and the rest of the Angels then ported us to Emerald City in a golden flash. When next we opened our eyes, we were in a city even more massive than Silver Leaf City and true to its name. It looked entirely made of long hard sheets of emeralds, with fifty story high walls. Spires that reached even higher, and their warning bells were blaring. The city was in chaos. It appeared to be the evening in this realm. Though the city was lit brightly everywhere. We could see the shield clearly was being battered by arcane cannonball attacks of different color energies from outside its shield. This shield wouldn’t hold out for long. The Angels quickly winked everyone into the city proper, and the Fae guards joined the Emerald City ranks. The Angels under Azrael’s guidance went straight to work, healing those in need and helping calm the city’s anxious citizens.
“Honorable Elves of Emerald City. I am Donovan. I’ve brought reinforcements to aid you all against the foes trying to invade your beautiful realm. Be at ease, and let us help!” my voice carried to every corner of the city, amplified by my conviction. “Alright, friends, it’s time to strengthen this shield. You know what to do! Let's go!” I ordered.
We all gathered together. “Leona, Kendra, Leilah, Abbadon, Quicksilver, Spirit, Jetsunma, Swift, let’s strengthen the shields.”
We gathered in a circle, each of us adding our magicks to the shielding of Emerald City. With the intents and purposes that none with ill intent could enter or harm its inhabitants. Additionally, sending all negativity back to its source.
Around Kendra, flowers bloomed as her nature goddess powers were directed with her willow wand to the city’s shielding. From Leila’s hands, motes of stars went up to pepper the entire city shield with her gift for the arcane. From Leona’s hands, her elemental blessings of water like rain cooled the battered shield, strengthening it further. Jetsunma poured scented wind energies from her extended arms to the shield. Quicksilver sent out silver streaks of energy that glistened like faceted metal diamonds to the shield in perfect symmetry. Swift held up his hands and brought forth fiery motes of light, blessing the force field with his element of fire. Abbadon and I added our golden weavings to our comrades' weavings.
When we were done, from experience, we chanted the protection mantra of Arya Tara to seal our work. “OM TARE TUTARE TURE SVAHA, OM TARE TUTARE TURE SVAHA, OM TARE TUTARE TURE SVAHA.” Each syllable escaped our lips in green and gold sigils and went to every direction of the city-encasing shield.
Then with undying faith and conviction, we repeated thrice, HAEC EST TUTUM A MALO, HAEC EST TUTUM A MALO, HAEC EST TUTUM A MALO,” the Latin words of power securing our intent.
“The shields are fortified!” I spoke loudly so all of Emerald City’s Elven residents could here and much to their felt relief,
The shield was still being met with a barrage of attacks from outside its limits. However, they fizzled quickly and bou
nced back to their sources. Little by little, seeing no success in their evil causes, the attacks stopped together. The bells then stopped ringing.
We then were approached by two lines of Elven guards on each side of two regal looking Elves coming from the direction of the impressive central palace. When they were a few paces from us, one of the royal guards announced the two regal figures.
“Her Majesty Queen Esmarelda and King Emeris of the Emerald Realm of Elves,” the Royal Guard said.
I didn’t really know what the proper courtesy was for meeting royalty, but I’d read enough books to know that it involved some display of honor.
I walked up a respectful distance to them and kneeled. Abbadon, Leilah, Kendra, Leona, Quicksilver, Spirit, Jetsumna, Swift joined to the right and left of me, mimicking my pose respectfully.
“I looked up to take in the monarchs of this realm. Queen Esmerelda was beautiful. Her ears were pointed and much more substantial and pressed closer to her head than the Fae. She was also much taller than the Fae. She had long, flowing platinum hair, wore a pale green endlessly flowing dress, it was made of layers upon layers of different translucent shades of greens with silver embroidery all around. She had a narrow waist, cleavage adorned with the largest emerald I’ve ever seen, and a crown that matched. Her crown is made of silver and five emerald points in teardrop shapes. Her Aura was pale lilacs and greens. She was a beautiful royal.
Then I glanced at King Emeris. He had long, flowing dark hair without a single grey in it. He looked as ageless as Queen Esmerelda. He wore tunics of the same layers and colors with pants to match. A cape of violet was clasped in place with a silver brooch on one shoulder. He had tiny emerald stones embroidered everywhere. He wore a belt on his narrow waist where an intricate sword was belted and sheathed. His crown was larger but the same in every way as his Queen’s. His arms were muscled, and like his Queen, they both had an ageless youth, posture, and Aura of benevolence.
Sacred Moon: Book 2 Page 15
