Redeemed by Rubies: A Dance with Destiny, #6

By JK Ensley

The final installment in the A Dance with Destiny series. An epic conclusion to an epic fantasy tale.

• Language: English
• Publisher: JK Ensley
• Release date: May 13, 2016
• ISBN: 9781940726144

JK Ensley

JK Ensley is a native Tennessean by way of Missouri, born there and quickly ushered down South. A product of public school and private college, she spent her early twenties bouncing across the country. Fascinated by rich culture, ancient customs, and thick accents, she’s compelled to drink in the many exquisite differences humanity is gifted with. A self-described, happily divorced mother of three with a black belt in snarkism and an über common minivan, she does little to hide her wicked wit, advanced sarcasm, and extreme shoe addiction. “At the core of me, I’m one slightly twisted, pink haired, sword wielding, invisible ninja with a laptop, an imagination, and very little me time. That’s just who I am. I’m comfortable in my skin and I love my life. Totally not kidding about the hair, the swords, or the laptop, but I might’ve stretched it just a little with the invisible part.”

Book preview

Prologue

Hey, Dimples. Lala glanced toward the River Spirit. Come look at this. Isn’t this material the softest you’ve ever felt?

Duhrias did not answer. His gaze remained fixed on a shop display just a little further on up the street.

What are you gawking at? Lala came to stand beside him. What’s so fascinating that you won’t even listen to me? She followed his line of sight. "What is that?"

I’m not sure, Princess. Duhrias glanced sideways at her, then back to the shop window. But... I believe it’s food. Look, there. He motioned with a nod to a young boy walking toward them.

The boy stuck his tongue out at Lala as he passed, then popped the spun sugar on a stick back into his mouth.

It must be some form of candy, Duhrias mumbled. But I have never seen its like.

Did you see that? Lala balled her hands into fists. Did you see that little boy just now? Did you see what he did?

Huh? Duhrias turned to glance at the youngster’s back. What? What did he do?

"He stuck his tongue out at me, that’s what he did. She growled under her breath. I should teach that little snot a proper lesson."

Duhrias placed his hand on her shoulder as Lala made to stomp off toward the lad.

Hold it right there, Princess, he said, trying to restrain his chuckle. You’re a grown woman. How would it look if you suddenly started shouting at a small boy in the marketplace? Show your temper here, Lala, and we won’t be welcome back on Val Hal.

I don’t care. She stomped her foot. I can’t believe that little brat. His parents should teach him some manners.

Duhrias bit his bottom lip. Yes... and tell me, Princess. What did you do when he stuck his tongue out at you?

I stuck my tongue out back at him. What do you think? She spun back to face the River Spirit. "And I don’t want to hear it, Dimples. He started it."

Duhrias only sighed and took her hand. Come on. Let’s go see that candy shop. I want a closer look at those masterpieces.

Lala rolled her eyes and let the large sell-sword pull her along behind him through the marketplace on Val Hal.

*****

Have you ever seen anything so amazing? Duhrias softly whispered. By look alone, I would have sworn it was glass.

Yeah. Lala nodded. Are you sure it isn’t?

No. He opened the shop door and led her inside. But I definitely want to find out.

May I help you? a friendly, ginger-haired woman said with a smile.

Umm... Duhrias glanced back at the intricate window display. Umm...

Lala rolled her eyes at him, then held her hand out to the shop keeper.

My name is Lala. She jabbed her thumb back over her shoulder. "And that awestruck man over there is called Dimples."

Nice to meet you both. The lady smiled again. My name is Celia, and this is my shop.

Did you make that? Duhrias turned back to face her. Did you make that display, and... can you truly eat it?

The woman swallowed back her chuckle. "I did make it, yes. And, yes, it is edible. She approached the large sugar-spun sculpture of an ancient Viking longboat. But I fear if you did, your belly would ache for ages. She glanced toward Duhrias. This one is for display only. It is a memorial—my homage to our beloved King."

Memorial? Lala furrowed her brow. Did something happen to the King?

Celia nodded. Two winters past... good King Brodder left to join our ancestors in the Otherworld.

Two winters? Lala whispered.

Yes. Celia smiled softly. He ruled this realm for more years than any who had come before him. Age took our beloved King... and we mourn him to this day.

Lala and Duhrias faced each other, but neither spoke.

Would you like to try some? Celia walked behind the display counter. While I’m afraid I cannot let you sample the boat... She smiled as she handed each of them a crystal clear piece of hard candy. "...I can let you each have a tiny taste of heaven."

When they stepped back out of that shop, Lala had a large bag of assorted shaped crystal candies in each hand.

Here, Duhrias said, relieving her of her packages. "You didn’t have to buy it all. We could have come back tomorrow, if you wanted."

When you find something you’d rather not live without, you should always obtain as much as possible. She glanced back towards the shop door. Besides, the lady said it was sugar and that sugar doesn’t go bad.

Pfft. Duhrias glanced sideways at her. You’re spoiled.

I am a Princess. Lala smiled up at him. I’m supposed to be spoiled.

Jenevieeer!

Lala and Duhrias both gasped when they heard the young woman call out from the other side of the crowded square.

Princess Jenevier! Come on! The young woman motioned with a wave of her arm. Your mother will be angry if we are late for dinner. I promised her I would have you back before now.

Fret not, Lady Tahbrok, a gentle voice called out from beside the bewildered couple. I am coming now. I was simply waiting for my gifts to be properly prepared.

A young man brushed past Lala, his arms loaded down with decoratively wrapped packages.

Mother will not be cross with us. I had something special made... just for her.

Duhrias’s mouth fell open when the elegant young woman with the long flaxen braid crossed the square in front of them.

Will you look at that, Lala whispered. She’s the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.

Duhrias only nodded.

Do you think she is human? Lala shook her head. She isn’t Angel, that’s for sure.

Her skin looks like cream, Duhrias softly said.

Yeah... Lala kept her gaze fixed on the other woman until she was completely out of sight. And her hair... I believe that’s the fairest I’ve seen on any layer.

Agreed. Duhrias nodded. And did you hear what that lady called her?

Of course I heard. Lala glanced up at her beloved Guardian. I’ve never heard of another Jenevier.

Nor I. Duhrias took her hand. Come on, Princess. It’s getting late. We best be getting back before dinner ourselves.

Chapter 1

Jenevier

(ZHEN-ah-veer)

He squeezed her hand, lending her much-needed support.

And then... I looked down. She sniffed and drew in a ragged breath. There was blood, sooo... much... blood. I was not only stained with it, I was bathed in it, baptized in it.

Tenshi drew her hand up to his lips and kissed her knuckles. "Go on, Mama. Tell me what you were feeling. Let me be your strength, just for today."

He could feel Daichi lurking just outside the doorway, but Jenevier was too caught up in her panic to sense much of anything.

Is she okay, Tenshi?

She is not injured, Brother. But I wouldn’t go so far as to say she was okay.

He tenderly patted the top of her head. I’m here with you, Mama. Go on. Let it all out.

Taka was buzzing about her nervously, his anxiety matching her own. Tenshi almost swatted him away, merely out of reflex, but then realized what such a careless action would do to his already frazzled mother.

She sniffed again, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. It was like... I lost myself. Like, I blacked-out. And when I came to, when my sanity returned... I was standing in the midst of a red sea filled to the brim with countless bodies—torn, headless, bludgeoned. Her swollen red eyes met her son’s concerned gaze. Why did such a thing not bother me? I mean, I know that is what I do—deliver death. Yet this time... this time was different. This time I did so without regard, without the slightest bit of remorse.

Tenshi pulled his tiny mother onto his lap, gently rubbing little circles across her back. Crimson cloaked, single-minded, ruthlessly brutal—it’s who you are, Mama, who you are meant to be... the Angel of Death. I thank all that is holy, the day has finally arrived.

She rested her head on her son’s broad shoulder. And what day is that, my beautiful boy?

The day you went into battle, minus your humanity. The day you were more Angel than woman.

She smiled slightly and yanked on one of his sapphire curls. And why would you be thankful for such a thing as that?

Because, Mama. He sighed. I am so very tired of seeing you broken and shattered, tired of watching Daichi all but carry you to your chamber and sit by your side for days... weaving you back together. He lovingly stroked her curls. To remain with us, to keep our family whole, you made the only choice you could make—living as the creature you must now be. Vashti is a part of you for a reason, Mama. Think about it. How can a gentle woman rend minus guilt?

Yes, this I know. But... I am afraid of that side of myself, son. I am afraid of Vashti.

Tenshi half chuckled. As is all of creation. Listen, Mama. To save yourself, you had to let Jenevier go, had to release her... something which you could not seem to do on your own. And I will always be grateful to Duhrias for his part in helping you through your greatest trial. Now, embrace the Angel within you and be whole.

But, what about... She paused.

But what about what? He snickered. What about me and Daichi? Worry not for us, Mama. We are Angel as well. Don’t be afraid to let us go. We will not disappear. We may be your past, but we are your future as well, Kagi Naga. He tickled her a little. "We will always be here for you, for each other. The only thing that will change is your happiness, your contentment. Release the guilt and embrace the joy, Mama. I will be here right alongside Yui, awaiting your nightly return."

She smiled then. Hot rose tea by moonlight.

Yes. Tenshi matched her smile. Our own little heaven.

Daichi rested his forehead against the door, listening as her son took up his part as her loving support. He was her Blessing, yes, but these days... her strength rendered him all but useless. He turned when he heard the approaching footsteps.

Master Daichi, Yui whispered as he bowed.

The enchanting sapphire Angel narrowed his steely gaze at his old sensei.

Will you be joining us for tea?

Daichi did not speak. Yui noticed the path tears had marked down his sculpted cheeks, but the mighty Angel made no move to wipe them away.

After staring at the beautiful Shinobi his beloved Naga had wed, Daichi slowly turned, gliding from the window without a word.

That marked the last day Jenevier would ever cry on her son’s shoulder. Henceforth, when she returned home she did so as the loving mother and devoted wife her blessed family needed her to be.

Whenever she felt the weights begin to pull at her soul, whenever she felt the tears swell to bursting, the Angel of Death went to the one place that now brought her comfort. Time and again she would return to that beautifully magical place Vittorio had taken her the day he asked for her hand. Time and again, the sun set upon her crumpled form curled up beneath those enchanting cherry trees.

Whenever she had been summonsed to perform a particularly bloody task, or simply on the days when her heart was overly pained with the absence of her beloved Guardian... she would return to those trees, to that unrivaled garden. Countless times throughout the many bloody years, this proved true. It was the place that marked a major turning point in her life, and was now the only place upon any layer where her heavy heart could find a few moments of blessed peace.

The lovely sakura only lasted for a few short days each year. Then, their soft pink beauty danced upon the wind and was carried away. Jenevier knew this. Alas, her forever scarred heart was a greedy little thing. She returned many times, always as Vashti, unseen by human eyes. But her heart... ahh , her heart was her heart. Whether her wrapping appeared as Vashti, Naga, or even Gealach, her heart would always and forever be Jenevier’s—fragile, lonely, and eternally tormented. Her very human heart... it was her greatest secret. To all whom she loved, she was only the Death Angel. The truth of her heart she kept hidden, locked securely away from those who would worry and fret if they knew the truth of it.

So it was, and without conscious intent, the tears of her shattered heart always brought the sakura... even in winter. As she sat, invisible beneath the trees, her crying soul would sing to the hidden buds softly sleeping within those bared branches, charming them with its lamenting prose, awakening their tiny souls, causing their beauty to burst forth like delicate pink stars against a moonless night.

Lying there beneath their glory, she was wholly restored. Their rare magic would piece together the tired old shards of her broken heart, giving her the needed strength to face another bloody day. When she would finally leave the little garden of her sanity, she would once again be strong enough to return to the palace on Jinn with a smile on her lips, and joy in her words.

Never did it cross her mind that humans may take notice. For when the spell her crying heart had cast upon those rare trees was broken, when she would leave the eighth layer realm of Earth, the enchanted trees would release their delicate blooms. The dainty sakura would vainly chase after her diamond pinions, following her nigh unto the clouds... evidence of their magic erased by the wind of her wings.

And this was the way of it for many long years. The sakura would heal her and then desperately seek her, wishing only to stay by her side. Alas, she always returned to her devoted Yui—rose tea at the ready and loving arms to embrace her. He had become her constant, and she loved that man more than she could have ever hoped for. Yui not only reveled in her love, he returned it to her a hundredfold. Even when she let her secret tears fall, Jenevier knew she was blessed beyond her worth. That made any pain all the easier to bear, healed her even more than the magical sakura.

Then, one day, after a fierce and bloody battle had come to its end upon Spadroon, Jenevier sat upon a hill, tears staining her dirty face, watching as the shadows snatched up the departing souls.

Jophiel plopped down beside her and sighed wearily. To his surprise, she turned to look him in the eye.

What are those things, Brother? She gazed back out across the carnage. I believe I have seen them before... lurking about the edge of battlefields.

What do you speak of, little sis? The shadows?

Yes. Normally I do not linger, but weariness has given my wings pause this day. And now... curiosity wishes to be sated. Tell me, Brother. For I am almost certain I have seen them before.

Jophiel snorted. "As well you should. They are reapers, Naga. They come to collect the souls—the dark ones we do not attend to ourselves. Perhaps you haven’t given them much thought because your purpose is not to escort. You, tiny Angel, you only rend. But these dark shadows always move in your wake, little one. I mean, well... you are the Death Angel, are you not? He bumped her shoulder as he made to leave. I guess you could say... you’re their leader, or something. He chuckled. Well, back to work. See you around, Kagi Naga."

And with the parting words of that smirking Archangel, the enormous weight of her existence finally broke her.

I am their leader... the Grim Reaper... followed always by these gruesome, symbiotic shadows.

Daichi felt it first, but Tenshi was fast on his heels, seeking out her cracking form amongst the endless sea of dead warriors. They found her not. For how could they? She had spent years learning to hide her pain, learning how to keep her bitter tears untraceable. She now lay curled up at the base of an ancient cherry tree upon layer eight... crying out the last of her previous life’s sorrow.

Her ceaseless tears soaked the ground as the hungry sakura eagerly drank up each salty drop. Exhaustion finally claimed her and she slept. And for the first time in ages, Jenevier dreamt of simpler times—happy days where she and Jezreel laughed and played under the cloudless sky, then slept under the sparkling stars of Ashgard. Even in her dreams, she couldn’t remember ever smiling quite so much. Her cheeks ached, even in slumber.

No matter how many times I watch you sleeping here, nor how many years have passed, your beauty never waxes old. You are now as you were the first day I was blessed to look upon you.

I am not beautiful, she whispered in her dreams. It is all an illusion... smoke and mirrors.

She giggled then, and not her normal all-grown-up giggle. Now, she laughed with the lightened heart of a child.

Smoke and mirrors or no, he said. I love you more each time I look upon you.

Ah, ah, ah... best guard your heart, poor soul. To invest your love in a creature such as I, is to damn your future and execute your own happiness. Believe me not? Then simply ask any man who was ever cursed enough to look into these damnable, bewitching eyes.

Her words were hard to hear, yet her sleeping smile remained. He dared to move just a bit closer to her.

Well be that as it may, I cannot turn back time, tiny Angel. I know all too well the truth of your words, for I first met you in my youth, and have been haunted ever since. He sighed. Alas, now I am old, walking through the twilight of my days. I have watched you slumber here for so many years... I can scarce recall. Yet only now have I found the courage to confide in you my only secret. He lightly ran his fingertips down her bare arm. You were my only Princess. I never chose another. The King arranged my eventual marriage, yes. I did not fight him in it. And as was my duty, I went in unto her at the appointed times... but only to ensure royal lineage. He snorted out a self-deprecating laugh. And why am I telling you all this? Well, I’m not certain. Perhaps I just wanted you to know... I never kissed her. He whispered that last part. I have never wanted to kiss anyone but you. To do so would have been too much like cheating on you... a thing which I could never do. He gently lifted one of her curls. You are my every other memory, tiny Sakura. I took the last moment I ever saw you and buried it deep within me. He smiled. My Sakura Mankai. You are my only joy, my only riot of color in an otherwise dreary gray world.

Jenevier had woken about halfway through Suou’s confession. His words tore at her heart, ripping away the child-like wonder she had only just felt in her dream. Slowly opening her eyes, she turned to look at the startled man.

Why would you forever withhold your love like that, sweet Prince? When I left here that day, I left no doubt concerning my heart. When I walked out your door, I never promised... anything. I even went so far as to unbind you.

Yes... you tried.

She studied his sad eyes as he stared absently at her hair, twisting one pink curl around his finger. Finally, he met her gaze.

I withheld my love because it wasn’t mine to give. You speak true, lovely Sakura. You never promised me... anything.

He closed his eyes then, slowly shaking his head. When next he opened them, they were filled with stinging, bitter tears.

But the heart wants what the heart wants, he whispered.

She completely understood. Her life was a testament to that very saying.

It is a greedy little thing, is it not?

He smiled knowingly. Yes, Milady, viciously so.

She sat up, leaning against the large cherry tree, and patted the spot beside her. Suou chuckled as he joined her there.

You haven’t changed a single bit, he said. Everything about you is the same as my memories.

She glanced at his profile from the corner of her eye. You look old.

Suou laughed as he snatched her around the waist, pulling her onto his lap. I see that horrible things still fall unchecked from those perfect lips.

But when I am good, I am very good indeed.

He tapped the tip of her nose. And when you are bad, you are horrid.

She blushed. He only laughed louder, hugging her to him.

It is hard for me to distinguish time, Suou—how much has passed, how short or long a thing has been. She began to play with his snow white braid. I am glad you kept your hair this way.

I did it for you. In truth, I kept the braid you gave me for days... too many days. I only let them take it down when the servants complained about me needing to wash it. Still, I made them fix it back the way you did.

That makes me smile, even on the inside.

He quickly kissed the side of her head. "Then it was all worth it. Now, tell me, sweet Sakura. What about time are you having trouble with?"

The whole of it, in truth. Like... how many days has it been since your confirmation party?

Days? He chuckled. I cannot recall the days, little Cherry Blossom. But I was twenty-one when I asked you to be my intended, the night I tried to bind you with a dance. The kingdom celebrated my sixty-sixth year this past spring. He absently outlined the edges of her intricately tattooed hand. I was only a few days passed forty when you began crying beneath this tree, forcing its blooms to shine down upon you. I cannot see you until you cry yourself to sleep. I always see the blooms first.

She touched his cheek, causing him to meet her sorrowful gaze.

Apologies for making you sad, sweet Prince. I never wished to bring you more pain than I already had.

Don’t you dare apologize for blessing me.

Blessing you?

Yes. Eventually, I am blessed with but a brief glimpse of your tiny sleeping form... before you leave, taking the enchanted sakura with you. He tucked her curls back behind her ear. "For over twenty-six years, I have gazed at dried tears upon angelic cheeks. And every single time, I whisper... I would never have let you cry yourself to sleep all alone. I would have always held you while you crumbled."

You said that to me?

He tenderly kissed the top of her head. Every single time.

They held each other for several quiet moments, the past playing about painfully for both of them.

Tell me, little Fire Dragon. Did you ever marry your kilted Guardian? Or perhaps that handsome purple Angel you left here with?

She snorted out a laugh. No. I have not seen Ahriman, that purple Angel, since the day I last saw you. And as for Vittorio... I guess it just wasn’t in the stars for us. But I finally did marry, though.

He sort of growled. Was it that dimpled sell-sword?

She giggled. "No. He is quite charming, I’ll give him that. But, no. You have never met my beloved Yui. Although... you have seen his likeness."

His brow furrowed in thought. His likeness? Hmm, Yui... Yui. You mean... You don’t mean the man who stabbed you clean through. The one you kissed while he plunged a blade through your lovely back.

"No, silly. You killed him, remember? No, my Yui is from Jinn... my rare magical Shinobi."

A Shinobi, huh? With beauty enough to rival Akio’s vicious little brother?

Yes, except Yui’s eyes are the most enchanting shade of lavender you have ever seen.

Is that so? Hmpft... I think I hate him.

Jenevier just giggled and shared a final hug with her old friend.

*****

When she left the eighth layer realm and King Suou’s lovely little piece of it, she was hit with a disturbing thought.

Has it truly been over fifty years since I last saw my friends on Ashgard? Jezreel probably has about twenty kids by now. She pulled up short, panic seizing her chest. Wait now... let me think. That cannot possibly be right. Or can it? Let me see, best I can recall... I was in my forties by human calculations when that devious little Elf stole my essence. I was then married to Finnean for seven years, and it was another three before Vittorio took me to see the cherry blossoms... And Suou just said that was over forty years ago. Right? Silent tears burned her lovely eyes. Then... it has been over fifty years since I said farewell to Alastyn. By all that’s holy. If he yet lives, he would be nearly a hundred by now. She started sobbing in earnest then. How could I so easily forget the people who were so important to me? How could I be so selfish? How could I just let the years flow by as water? What kind of heartless creature am I?

You are all Angel now, Kagi Naga.

She turned to find a stranger hovering in the air not too far away.

"The only possible way for you to be who you are, is to forget. You are not horrible, Little Fire, only normal. Well... celestially normal."

He smiled then, a little too big and a little too showy for her comfort.

"Who are you? And... how do you know my name?"

He flew nearer, well, he moved nearer. She didn’t actually see any wings.

Allow me to introduce myself. He bowed gracefully. "My name is Maza Vespar Rixx. You can call me Rixx. And as for how I know your name, everyone knows who you are. Naga—the delicate Death Angel."

He casually ran his fingers through his fiery red hair, which immediately fell back over his left eye... an eye that almost perfectly matched his red locks. But as strange as a crimson iris was to look upon, his right eye was the truly haunting one. It was pale gray in color—cold as steel. He tossed his head slightly, now revealing both celestial orbs simultaneously. The sight was halting, truly unnerving.

It’s like... he stares at me through fire and ice. She shuddered.

You are whispered about within every realm, Kagi Naga—the pink-haired tiny Fire Dragon. He chuckled softly. You are loved and hated equally, little one.

"Is that so? Well, Rixx, it’s nice to know your name, I suppose. But... what are you? Never have I seen a creature quite like you."

He chuckled again. "No, I guess you haven’t. What I am, Kagi Naga, is a Nephilim. The last Nephilim."

Chapter 2

Lala

(LAH-lah)

Why do you love coming here so much?

Duhrias wrapped his arms around her from behind and kissed Lala atop her head. Because... I love the way you smile whilst playing within this forest. When you hear the music... your eyes sparkle like they’re full of stars.

She smiled then. "I only wish you could hear the music as well, Dimples. It’s like... audible magic."

He squeezed her tighter. When did I first fall in love with you? he whispered. Was it the moment I laid eyes upon you as a child? Or the moment you confessed your heart to me at sixteen?

Both times, I believe. She turned in her Knight’s arms. We have always loved one another, you and I. But it has changed through the years... grown right along with my shoe size.

Duhrias marveled at the Princess standing soft within his embrace—marveled at her smile, her beauty, and her heart. There were none who did not adore the lovely Princess of Jinn. Not just her immediate family alone, no. Princess Lala held a special place within the hearts of the Shinobi and normal Jinnites alike. She was truly her mother’s daughter. Mika’s genetic influence was undeniable, from every angle. At but a glance, any creature would name her a Jinnite—porcelain skin, raven hair—only her sparkling sapphire eyes and long ringlets belied her mixed heritage and marked her as half Angel.

Duhrias lightly kissed her shoulder. When will you marry me? he whispered, then kissed her neck.

Lala shivered. When I am certain that my father and Grandpapa will not turn you to ash before my eyes.

It is no secret, little one. Always do we kiss... always are you in my arms. He tilted her chin up. The whole of Jinn knows we are devoted lovers... and have been for the last many years. You are nearly forty, Lala, and... I am ancient. What is it you fear?

My Obaasan.

Duhrias smiled. Ahh... but Naga is the very Angel who gifted you with me that enchanting day. Your devoted grandmother would be happiest of all, were we to wed.

"Yes, that is true. But it isn’t her approval that I fear, Dimples."

Then, what is it, Princess.

Obaasan is... fierce... volatile. She is not the same now as when I was a child.

The River Spirit gently caressed her soft cheek. "And that is my fault, my love. I unintentionally removed her humanity. So, in truth, she is not the same creature she was when you were yet a babe. But that doesn’t mean she loves you any differently... or any less."

"Yes, but... we have become so disconnected. We’re almost like... familiar strangers, in some bizarre way. In truth, I do not believe Obaasan even realizes I am a grown woman. She sees me, yes. Yet... I am not certain she actually sees me. She is changed..."

And why would you fear her coming to such an obvious realization?

You wouldn’t understand, Dimples.

I have been at your side the whole of your life, Lala. There is very little concerning you that I would not understand.

She sighed. "Being a grown woman in Obaasan’s eyes is... well... being like her."

Duhrias chuckled. "I think the last thing in the world Naga wants from you, is to be like her. I have heard her prayers with my own ears, little one. She entreats Father, begs Him not to curse your life by blessing you as she was. And when the day came that she finally realized you were more Shinobi than Angel... your grandmother celebrated most of all. He smiled softly. She was so liberal with the wine that day... Yui had to carry her to bed."

I have never seen Obaasan drunk.

"Nor have I. That was the only time. Her happiness overthrew her inhibitions. And that was all because of you, my love. She was so relieved, she gave herself over to abandon."

Lala only smiled and gently rested her head against Duhrias’s broad chest.

He lovingly stroked her soft curls. And after your powers are revealed unto her... Kagi Naga will see you as the glorious, capable woman you have become.

I hope so, Lala whispered. I only wish I got to see her more often.

Duhrias didn’t say anything, only continued to stroke her curls and hold her.

She took a deep, steadying breath. Very well, then. She looked up at her smiling River Spirit. "After the big reveal... we will decide on the appropriate time to announce our engagement."

Duhrias kissed her then, pulled her close and melted her from the inside out.

*****

I can’t believe you cannot hear this. Lala lightly tapped a few more toadstools. It’s the most magical music in the universe.

Duhrias smiled as he watched her happily conducting her silent symphony. "As long as you can hear it, Princess... that’s all that matters."

The sell-sword’s breath hitched when the enormous cat stepped from the trees and approached the preoccupied young woman. When Duhrias drew his blade, the cat glanced toward him, then lazily back to the smiling Princess.

Wow... Lala whispered, as she stood and reached toward the large cat. You’re the biggest Kitty I have ever seen. Can I touch you? she asked, already running her hand between his pointy ears.

A little more to the left, the cat purred.

Lala gasped. Ahh... you must be Syadar. She knelt down in front of him, still petting the imposing feline. My Obaasan told me all about you. She loves you. Did you know that? You are one of her absolute most favorite people.

Duhrias approached cautiously. Lala... He held his hand out toward her. Come to me, Princess. Slowly now... don’t make any sudden movements.

The large cat sort of sighed and sat down. You are not who I thought you were. He casually looked Lala in the eye, then away again. "The song of the forest drew me here. Yet your scent pulled me closer. It is obvious you are not her. And, no... I am not Syadar."

Lala giggled at the condescending way the proud cat said the obviously disdainful name. So... you are from the Zeenian clan, then?

"I