Her mother blinked.
“I can just feel it, Mother. Can’t you? Touch the wall right here, feel the sense of integrity and wholeness making up this great house, how the lines of its quiet strength and resilience resonate through it. Except, well, it’s a tingle. You just know that the house suffered damage on the first floor periphery. None of the load-bearing walls, of course. That would be painfully obvious.”
Her mother sighed in exasperation. “No, Jess. I don’t feel a thing. You know the rest of us don’t have your gifts with plants.” Her mother laughed gently. “If we were tradesmen and not nobility, your husband would make a fortune with you at his side. Imagine the bounty of your gardens, how tall and proud your buildings would stand.”
Jess gave her mother a wry look. “You mean like those special herbs for the royal healers and Highrock that I already grow and sell on behalf of our family? Or how our home now is finally soundly built when dad stopped listening to that idiot of a carpenter and got a decent tradesman to fix those walls? Someone who would stop and listen to what I had to say?” Jess grinned. “And if I were not nobility, I’d work for myself, not let some silly husband take the credit. I’d leave him at home to take care of the children!” Jess laughed at her mother’s expression. “I’m just teasing! But seriously, I wouldn’t let my man take all the credit.”
Her mother chuckled gently, patting her daughter's hand, gently pressing her forward. "I know you that well, my child. Come. Let us get some nourishment in you. No doubt you are starving, my dear."
Jess yawned and smiled. “Actually, I feel pretty good. For some reason, my mouth tastes of… apples.”
Jess noted the surreptitious stares sent her way by the occasional house servitors, even her mother’s cool nod to several. She felt a slight foreboding regarding whatever her mother was keeping from her. But it couldn’t be too serious, she reasoned. Her mother, after all, hadn’t felt the need for Jess to come armed or armored. “By the way, Mother, where is my mithril hauberk?”
“In the same place as your sword.” Her mother sighed with slight exasperation. “Truly, my child. You need not worry about it. You yourself put it away, after all. And, gods willing, you won’t ever need to wield such terrible things again.”
Jess quirked an eyebrow. Her mother recalled herself and gave an apologetic chuckle. "Please, Jess. You know I only want the best for you. Whenever you are in danger, it's a weight on my heart. Let's speak no more of instruments of war, and focus instead on enjoying a nice breakfast with friends and loved ones, shall we?"
“Of course, Mother,” Jess allowed, giving a gentle squeeze with her hand, to which her mother looked suddenly pained. “I’m sorry.” Her whisper was apologetic. “I try, but sometimes I forget.”
Her mother nodded. "I know, child. Your experiences have already forged your soul into that of a warrior, strong as the legends in which you Delved. But think, my daughter, how fitting is such terrible strength, when one day you might have a fragile newborn to hold in your arms?"
Jess shivered, eyes suddenly haunted. "No sane lord would want me for his son's wife, not any lord who actually knew what it meant to be a Squire, even if he would fight by my side unflinchingly when the King's Call came, knowing I would always have his back."
Jess gasped and stopped, freezing where she stood, feeling her mother tremble, realizing in that unguarded moment exactly what she had confessed. She could feel her cheeks blaze with sudden hot shame. "Mother, I..."
"And you wonder why I would accept his clan's marriage proposal, Jess! For all that you profess to hate him, you were sleeping with him for two years!" Her mother gave a bitter shake of her head. "Don't. Don't say a thing. I know damned well what that bastard Eloquin did to you, to all of you! Baptizing you in blood and battle, the king's own leave to carry on afterwards like soldiers on crusade, blooding you against desperate raiders and slaver camps everyone denies even exists, not a care in the world that you were all still children!"
Jess swallowed, suddenly dizzy, ears roaring with the sound of her racing heart, even as her mother's painful gaze met her own. "Do you really think such secrets could be kept from me? Of course I never shamed you with that knowledge, for all that it burned inside me. Your father once commanded thousands. We both know how important it is for soldiers to have a place they can call home, free of censure and shame, before they head off to battle once more, or risk them never coming back at all! Why, Jess, do you think I fought so hard to pull you out of that damned school?"
“The damage is done, Mother,” Jess whispered, shaking, feeling oddly like she was about to swoon.
Her mother shook her head furiously, bittersweet smile still in place. "No, my child. Beloved daughter, who has done so much good for so many. We will put that awful past behind, and you will find yourself a loving, tender man who will embrace and adore you for all your strength and beauty, and not give a damn for what you suffered, all in the name of saving your school from the horrors of Shadow."
Jess blinked. “That's not exactly how it went.” Her mother's gaze brooked no argument.
"Perhaps, my love, we just need to pair you up with a young man who was himself a Squire of War, or a Knight Aspirant. One who wouldn't dare to judge, but would instead cherish and protect you, doing all he could to keep his family safe from the very horrors he understands all too well." Her mother flashed Jess a gentle smile, holding her close. "Perhaps an Aspirant who already knows you as well as any man could. A man who, hot temper soothed, may be as loyal and steadfast a companion in the home as he was on the battlefield."
Her mother then patted a still trembling Jess's arm. "Truly, I am quite happy being able to arrange a marriage for you, my love, and I just know we will find a man who will cherish you, who will adore your beauty and noble spirit both, far too honorable a soul himself to begrudge you the trials that forged you into the noble hero destiny implored you to become, before allowing you to peacefully retire into the joys of motherhood at last."
Jess stopped cold, her mother's pace abruptly halted. "No one is forcing me into any marriage, Mother, and revels aside, I sure as blazes am not marrying into the Plaga Clan! Let us be clear on that. I love you with all my heart, but my heart is my own, to give or not, and only to whom I choose. I don't care if half the men in court would turn their noses up at me for the innocence I lost as a Squire, for it is from Eloquin's chosen that all the lords of Erovering will beg for salvation, should our enemies ever dare to invade again! To us, they will entrust their homes, their families, their very lives! And they will utter not one word as to our virtue, when we Squires are saving their wives and daughters from rapine and slaughter!"
Agda de Calenbry took a deep breath, briefly closing her eyes. Jess could sense her mother's sudden spark of irritation fading peacefully away. Eyes of deepest blue gazed upon Jess with bemusement when she opened them once more. "By the saints, Jess! You worried me near to the point of death with your Delver's slumber, and here we are, arguing, when you have been awake for less than half a glass! Forgive me, dear one. Let us have a nice repast, and enjoy the day together." Her smile was warm, encouraging. "We can speak of weighty matters another day. And I promise you, my child, I would never want you to marry someone unworthy of you, or who made you unhappy."
Agda gently patted her daughter's hand. "Come, come. I just know they are putting together a marvelous spread, and I know how you love your breakfast!" She looked struck by a sudden thought. "Oh, and there is freshly poached fish, delicately seasoned, laid out in a silver bowl for your familiar, as well. For some reason, Onnika has insisted upon that arrangement since the day she woke up herself!"
Jess felt a sudden weight on her shoulder. “Ooh, poached fish. Come, Jess. Let us not keep the good Turnsbys waiting, with their delicious breakfast all ready to go.”
“And where have you been, kitty?” a bemused Jess inquired. “Mother is acting strangely. Do you know what’s going on?”
"Jess, don't talk about me in the thir
d person, when I'm right in front of you!" Agda hissed. "Especially when you are talking to someone no one else can see."
"I've been with you, my mistress. Which you would know if you could recall those special dreams, but you can't, and truly it doesn't matter. What you need to know you already know in your heart, and you will remember again when next we dream that great dream together. Now, enough with philosophical discussion. We have kept your mother in a state of high suspense while you were sleeping away the days. Come. Food and company, dear Jess! Food and company await us. Especially food. Let us not keep your mother waiting any longer, shall we? She's beginning to get that angry look in her eyes, just like you do."
“I do not look like my mother when I’m angry!” Jess hissed, flashing the exasperated woman in question an apologetic smile.
“Come, child.” Gripping her daughter’s hand firmly, Agda de Calenbry brooked no further argument or discussion as she led her child to the private dining halls before them, and Jess was immediately swept up in warm cheers of greeting, heartfelt hugs, and the delicious aroma of sausage, bacon, fried eggs, and toast. Her belly started to rumble. She hadn't realized how very hungry she had been until just that moment.
"Oh Jess, I hate you! You worried me so much, and Father and Geoffrey both came twice to check up on you! Mother and I haven't left. We refused to! Besides, Onnika is a wonderful friend now, and we have so very much in common. Ye gods, Jess, it is so good to see you! I was afraid you would never return!" Crying, Apple hugged her sister fiercely, and a bemused Jess gently squeezed her back. "Ow, Jess. You're still too strong!" Apple gave a tear-filled chuckle. "Maybe that's a good thing. There is no way you could have survived without that strength!"
“Appolonia!” Her mother hissed, even as Jess gazed at Agda in alarm. “No more parrying, Mother. Please. How long was I asleep?”
Her mother sighed. “For all of summer, my daughter. For today is the first day of autumn.” She gazed at her daughter with heartfelt sympathy even as Jess stumbled over in shock, tripping over her dress, her hands alone keeping her from a graceless fall butt first upon the floor.
“Three months? I was asleep for three months? How?” It was then Jess suddenly thought of her valiant shieldbrother, utterly loyal, unquestionably fighting at her side, and she realized to her chagrin that she had no idea where he was. “More importantly, where is Malek? Is he all right?”
Her mother patted her hand, soothing Jess's concerns with a gentle smile. "Yes, he is, beloved. He was quite fine, last I heard tell. In truth, he himself woke weeks after Onnika. Like yourself, he was lost in the realm of dreams far longer than most Delvers, but considering he is your other half in battle, it is not so surprising, I suppose. Besides, it gave us further hope that you would recover as well." She sighed. "Although Malek and I have our differences, he has always been the most gracious of guests at our manor, good company to Geoffrey, and I could never fault his loyalty to you. He refused to leave for weeks, you know. Adamantly insisting you would return, and challenging anyone who disagreed." Her mother smiled warmly at that. "I now appreciate all the more what you see in him. He certainly is a loyal soul."
Agda paused a moment, out of long habit adjusting Jessica's attire, for all that her daughter was now fully grown. "It was only when he received urgent notice but a handful of days ago, that duty compelled him to leave. But do not worry. I am sure all is well, and I bade him to write us regularly, and assured him that we would let him know the moment you recovered, and by the angels above, you have!" Agda held Jess close before releasing her daughter with a gentle kiss and a tender smile.
It was then that another female entered the chamber. A woman Jess recognized, for all that she seemed utterly transformed from the girl she had first met months ago. Young, not much older than Jess, yet her manner and bearing was that of a queen. More than simple charisma, she radiated a certain majesty Jess would be blind not to see. For all that her fine satin dress had little in the way of ornamentation, and she wore no ostentatious jewelry, her aura was unmistakable.
“You are connected to the land. I can feel resonating within your soul,” an awed Jess said, even as Lady Karine Turnsby favored her with the gentlest of smiles. Jess suddenly blushed. “Forgive me. I spoke without thinking.”
To that Karine gave a bemused shake of her head. "You speak naught but the truth, Paladin of Turnsby, savior of these lands." Her smile was gentle as Jess gazed upon her with surprise, even awe. "Come, dear Jessica. Please, be seated. Eat, relax, be at peace. For my House will always be your home, should you but wish it." With that, the lady did Jess the great honor of pulling out Jess's seat before her and seating a dazed Jess comfortably before returning to her own place at the head of the table.
Jess looked about, it finally dawning upon her that Sissela Turnsby was nowhere to be seen. Lord Turnsby was comfortably present, however, eating ravenously, at that moment giving Jess a polite bow of the head and raising his mug in cheer. "Hail to our savior! My heart's gratitude to you, great lady. Know that my House will serve the Calenbry Clan always and forever!" With that, the somewhat pudgy lord grinned approvingly at everyone present and dug back into his repast.
It was only then that she caught the eye of Onnika. The birthday girl, her fuzzy memory was recalling, who was gazing at her with something like utter adoration. For some reason, Jess felt her face flush hot.
“Jessica.” Onnika’s voice was warm and familiar, a smoky brandy caressing Jess's ears. She got up from her spot even as Apple grinned wickedly at her and Onnika blushed, though Jess couldn’t fathom why. Solemnly, Onnika bowed before a surprised Jessica who immediately bade her rise. “Thank you, Jess. Thank you. For saving my family, for saving our lands… and for saving me." At the last, Onnika locked her gentle blue eyes to Jess's fierce ruby gaze and smiled. Gently she kissed Jess on the cheeks, whispering, "my hero."
Jess coughed even as Onnika strode back to her seat next to Apple and the two exchanged smiles and animated whispers.
“Very sweet and tender,” Twilight remarked even as everyone blinked in startlement. The elegantly filigreed cover protecting the contents of a grand silver tureen at the foot of the table was at that moment abruptly knocked off and everyone winced and averted their gaze, even as Jess noted her cat ravenously attacking the delicately prepared fare within. Twilight caught Jess’s reproving gaze. “What? The scene. The scene is very heartwarming. Good for the soul. As is this fish.” He went back to devouring his fare. “Onnika and I have an understanding. This fish was laid out for me, after all. It's not my fault if she didn’t actually believe I’d come for it.” Twilight’s grin was wicked, and Jess couldn’t help but laugh.
“By the gods, Jessica! Your familiar! He really is here, isn’t he?” Apple seemed excited by the prospect.
Jess nodded. "He is indeed. And he thanks you for the fish, Onnika."
Onnika blushed. “My pleasure. He asked me to, after all.”
Jess glanced back at her cat who was very deliberately not looking back. “Twilight?”
“In her dreams. The one you both shared, but you forgot,” her cat explained between munches.
Jess turned back to Onnika, suddenly focused back on the moment, lighthearted frivolity forgotten in the face of what had occurred. “Onnika. You recall your dream? Please. Someone tell me what happened? Have I really been out for three months? Did I Delve?”
Apple laughed at that. “You were gone for a full season, Jessica. Onnika is in love with you, and Lady Karine just honored you with the title of paladin! What else could you have done for that series of events to have occurred, save Delve?”
“Apple!” Onnika and Agda scolded simultaneously, and Apple bowed her head, suddenly chagrined. “Sorry.”
“Oh.” A suddenly speechless Jess caught Onnika’s gaze, then bowed her head in sudden embarrassment. Onnika really was a beautiful girl, and her smile did lighten her heart. If only she remembered! “What happened? Did I really lose another season?”
Her mother nodded solemnly. “I am afraid so, my child. Truly. So many seasons of your life lost already to dreams not even of this world, I suspect. I worry for you terribly, you know.”
Jess blinked. “But…why? I thought, I thought even when an adventurer returned from the Shadowlands, the realm of dreams, he slept at most, what, a week? When surviving the most potent of journeys? Why is it that I sleep seasons?”
“Because you were busy digesting,” Twilight interjected between mouthfuls of perfectly poached salmon.
“Digesting? What exactly did I eat?” Jess demanded of her familiar, even as the rest of the diners gazed upon Jess with growing concern as she seemed to be yelling at empty air.
Twilight paused at this, chewing thoughtfully. “Let's see. There was the flying wyvern-like beast you struck down on the way to rescuing our fair Onnika, countless demons you and Malek slaughtered side by side in the mad halls of the diabolist’s dark keep, and let us not forget how greedily you fed upon that dark prince you slew. Brilliant swordwork, by the way. I, for one, had no doubt you would win.” He grinned in approval. “That Fallen angel alone had at least a thousand souls fueling his powers, to say nothing of all those locked in the armor Lilith had made for him. You fed well, my Jess. And it took you awhile to digest.”
Jess suddenly felt sick, her stomach cramping. “I ate a thousand souls?”
Twilight gave a feline shrug. "More, in fact. But don't stress. You freed them. That's what took so long. You could say your own spirit was busy unwinding those souls from your own, so they could return to the cycle of life and rebirth. In a sense, you saved them from a fate worse than death. You wrested them from a lord of Hell, and brought them back to be reborn in the land of the living once more. Very heroic. Very, very heroic. You should tell them. Then tell them that your brave and loyal familiar needs more fish. The poached salmon in particular. Light and flaky."
Jess just shook her head, finding the whole idea ridiculous.
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