Emerging Earth, Shifting Skies: Earth & Sky

By A. H. S. Bowman

Dakner has infiltrated Aeria... Sky societies teeter on the brink of collapse. Massive upheaval forces the group rebellion to make an untimely decision. Can a community on the surface be a possible solution?
When Cielle travels to Beta, an unwelcome, life-altering experience awaits her. Hann discovers a new and powerful purpose. Are Coraleen's and Feven's supernatural abilities enough to realize the ancient prophecy?

Emerging Earth, Shifting Sky
is the second book of the Earth & Sky trilogy following Journey
of Joining. Another surreal adventure awaits...

• Language: English
• Publisher: A. H. S. Bowman
• Release date: Jan 13, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005796891

A. H. S. Bowman

A. H. S. Bowman is an author of magical realism or speculativefiction who currently resides in Ontario, Canada. She was raised andhas lived on the Canadian prairies for most of her life. Much of herinspiration lies in memories and experiences among vast open prairiesor the rocky mountains - where land still speaks. In her free time sheenjoys baking, sewing and working on various design projects thattend to either stay in her mind or on paper. Her debut novel Journey ofJoining is the first in a three-book series. Emerging Earth, Shifting Skiesis the second book of the series.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Displacement

Ah, Gladeleer! Earth is forever grateful. Every particle of air embraces you, and I, Feven, honor you, mountain of creation and sustenance. Bless our settlement with abundance, open our hearts and attune us to your harmonizing power.

Below Feven’s feet, he could sense a reverberative shift in the earth’s energy. Beside him, in its natural groove in the ground, the crystal sang through vibration as did Gladeleer. They sang out to the universe and it responded. Gladeleer’s towering power washed over him and cleansed his eyes of energetic debris. It strengthened his feet’s connection to the ground and attuned his mind to wholeness and unity.

An expansion of his heart was budding at last and Feven felt more complete. Contented, his daily morning routine washed away any conflict brought on during sleep. At once he felt whole again and finally at peace.

Coraleen usually woke around dawn, before he even stirred. In his mind he imagined that she went further up the river, attuning herself to the waters and the gentle ebbs and flows of the morning tide. His eyes fluttered open so he redirected his attention to the sky. He searched for Twila.

Birds flitted through the tree branches, singing, and chatting among themselves before an air-stream gust ushered most to other destinations. Then Feven spotted the fluttering of Twila’s colorful tail and she tore away from her feathered companions and circled overhead. He greeted her with a wave of the hand. The uniquely colored bird of paradise twirled around him once again before departing, ‘Back to Coraleen,’ he thought instinctively. These days, Twila and Coraleen were rarely apart.

Whilst Feven approached the northern river, the glimmering reflection of sun-streaked waves struck his violet eyes. He watched the light dance off the waves before dropping his supplies on the ground. Feven planted his feet near the bank, sucked in a quick breath, and drew back the fishing rod he carried with him from the homestead he and Coraleen built together. In an instant he had flung his line into the shimmering water, then he waited. Every Sunday morning he took this moment to fish as Coraleen relished in her alone time, which she usually spent bathing upstream.

‘This is a good day’ Feven mused blissfully. Rapidly he reeled in two fish and already another one tugged on his extra line. As the fish came ashore a hint of sadness pricked his heart, he knew it might be one of the last fish for the day. The gentle waves lapped the shoreline and he reminisced on the first day he encountered Coraleen physically, then chuckled. It seemed like a lifetime ago, he had been so enamored with her back then. Now his feelings for Coraleen were much more profound, more mature.

Turning his head to shield his face from the glare of the sun, a large solitary unassuming boulder not far off from the river's bank, caught his eye. It seemed the perfect spot to lay back and soak up the daylight while he waited for his last catch of the morning. Sauntering over to the designated spot in the cool grass peeking out from beneath the giant boulder, Feven crouched down and pressed his back against the rock. He sighed then groaned with relief. The shape of the boulder aligned well with his body as he pushed his back against it to massage out tender pressure points. Languidly he trailed his long tired legs into the sand and positioned himself along the hard granite where it neatly cupped the back of his neck. He lounged in deep repose. Even before Feven could catch a third breath, he was snoring — surrendering to the persuasive heat of the sun. Instantaneously the fish snapped the line and disappeared under the ripples.

In his dreamscape, Feven sees the woman who he had once mistaken for Coraleen in a dream many, many moons prior. Now she stands within meters of him on a small hill. She whips her head around and faces him. There before his eyes, she transforms into a small figure of a young child, who he would guess to be the age of five or six.

Feven feels bewildered and a little fearful at first. But she smiles brightly and he relaxes. Her eyes glow with the wisdom of someone decades older than he. Carefully he studies her with concern. Her person seems eerily familiar to him.

You are not Coraleen, he utters calmly while his uncertainty begins to fade.

No, the girl giggles demurely then her smile broadens, there is kindness in it.

But I know you.

Yes. Her answer comes through with mature clarity even though the young girl smiles as any young child might.

Who are you? Feven asks patiently as if he might wait a lifetime for her reply.

The girl grins and then whisks around, her sparkling eyes drift to a point behind her.

Feven tries to walk to her. He wants to discover the mystery behind what she sees, but the ground sucks his feet like he is dragging them through the mud. After a strenuous effort, when he finally arrives atop the hill, he follows her gaze to the river below.

Feven grows nervous. He asks her again, even as his voices trembles, Who are you?

When the young girl, who now stands beside him, turns her face to him she suddenly vanishes into mist.

Follow the river, whispers the mist.

Feven woke with a start. Stumbling through waking reality, he clumsily crawled to his knees. Laying at his feet were his gear and his recent catch. Still disoriented, he grabbed his things and clutched them into his chest using one arm, with the other, Feven hooked onto the boulder and dragged himself upright. He brushed the sweat and stray hairs off his clammy forehead with his forearm, then stared down the riverside. It still sparkled from the morning light’s welcome.

Prompted by the dream Feven jogged along the curve of the river, searching for signs of his beloved. It wasn’t long before he came upon Coraleen who sat further up the bank, by the bend in the river. Hunched over splayed out legs in the sand, it was clear that Coraleen was upset. Her skirt bunched up to her knees, which she clung onto with both hands. As if in a trance, Coraleen cast her eyes to the river.

Feven fervently broke into a run. He had seen only a flicker pass through her countenance and had not seen her budge since she came into view. When he finally came upon her, he doubled over to catch his breath then purposefully dropped his gear and the fish near her leg, to provoke any reaction. Hoping to startle her out of her trance, instead, he wrestled down his disappointment — her eyes did not glance up but continued to stare beyond the surface of the river.

It was eerie … her stillness — eerie but not uncommon, not lately. Her eyes took on that otherworldly look and Feven knew that Coraleen was transfixed by what she observed beyond the obvious, something that he could never see, as such she only blinked when acknowledging Feven’s presence.

I must return Feven... I must return... only after her utterance did Coraleen look up, fixing her glassy gaze upon him.

Return Coraleen? Return to where? Feven realized she was seeing through the river, again.

Terrin! Coraleen spoke gently.

Return to Terrin? But why? Feven cupped his knees and bent his legs to be at her eye level. He unclenched one of her hands from her skirt and clasped it in his. Feeling his touch, Coraleen relaxed somewhat though her voice still sounded troubled.

Something will happen to the earth. I must go and warn them. There will be changes…

Coraleen. What did you see? Feven asked her calmly.

Something big is about to happen to the inner earth. I must go to Terrin.

You know we shouldn’t leave Gladeleer just yet.

"I am going back to Terrin…"

"Coraleen, you mustn’t! Together we’ve passed numerous initiations in Mount Gladeleer’s chamber. Only one initiation remains before we can begin attuning our hearts to the mountain. And… as it is now you are too vulnerable to leave… we are too vulnerable to be around other people. Our fields are not strong enough to block out any psychic blows or attacks or random stray negative energies."

Feven I must warn the others in the earth… or else… or else our initiations might have been in vain, especially if no human being is left alive to benefit from it. The Elders will protect me, the love of nature will protect me. Trust in me Feven. I feel that it is something I need to do.

No human being left alive? Feven pondered reflectively.

Coraleen had not yet snapped out of her trance. Her head bobbed gently to invisible pulsing vibrations but her eyes remained fixed on Feven's own, even though it were as if her soul looked right through him. Distraught and feeling the need for protection, Feven stepped back to collect his energy. But being empathic, he had already adsorbed her intensity. Growing increasingly concerned but trying to feign a sense of calm, Feven leaned over and gently rocked her shoulders back and forth to ease her out of the trance’s grip. It was in vain. Giving up but feeling desperate, he issued a compromise, and he pleaded with her.

Let me come with you to Terrin. I can support you, my love.

Coraleen’s mouth formed a frown, she then blinked repetitively. Finally, she looked up at him and saw him. Though her eyes focused on his face, still they remained glass-like, What of the crystal?

In unison, they cocked their heads in the direction where the quartz crystal was tucked in the ground, nestled in the indent it made on the first day of their arrival. Since that day, months ago, the crystal stayed in place, untouched in its small indentation. Because of the dramatic display of sound, color, and light on their first arrival to Gladeleer, since then they refused to dislodge the stone from its natural settlement. The spot was chosen by the crystal and so they never touched it again. There the crystal communicated with Gladeleer in a surreal but strange sort of energetic rapture.

We will take it with us for its safety.

But the energy we’ve created with the mountain will be severed, Coraleen cried, concerned with the loss of communion between the crystal and mountain.

Not quite severed, only weakened somewhat... What we've created here with Gladeleer energetically should sustain itself until our return. But Feven’s gaze fell upon Coraleen reflectively, She has been quite emotional lately.

Coraleen glimpsed back with honor at the mountain that had become their home and nourishing womb in their spiritual development. So much had transpired since their arrival that it was hard to imagine they were the same people who had first begun the incredible journey many months prior. If it weren’t for Terrin’s crystal pool or Aeria’s violet flame, she and Feven would never have met.

Feven helped Coraleen to her feet. He bundled his fish and gear and flung them over his shoulder. Keeping Coraleen firmly to his side, Feven hooked his elbow through hers, then clasped her hand. Arm in arm they staggered along the river’s shoreline on the way to the settlement they now called home.

Months ago they started a small homestead on the far side of the northern river, across from Gladeleer. Their cottage was an experiment of straw, mud, sticks, stones, and other natural fibers— similar to what one might consider cob housing. Inside their cozy cottage were a bed, a table with stools, and a small lamp created with one of Feven's light sticks. In fact, every piece of furniture was a result of Feven's handiwork and creative experiments with driftwood — the ones that weren’t successful kept them warm when they were added to the nightly bonfire.

For textiles, Coraleen had fastened a simple loom together for weaving. She created it from memories of similar machines belonging to Nona's ancestry. It was a simple rustic version but after several attempts, she eventually managed it rather well. Because of her loom, Coraleen was able to weave linens, bedding, wraps, and even rudimentary clothing items. She sourced her supplies from fibers of plants and bush — secretly she wished she had developed some of Nona's ancestral artistic fabric skills to enable her to make beautiful garments. She missed being adorned with fine clothing.

Outside their cottage, hung between two giant trees, a hammock faced the northern river bank. It was their favorite spot to view Gladeleer or gaze up at the stars after dark. It was also where Feven would communicate with his grandfather, which by then had become a frequent pastime.

A bit farther down a pathway from the cottage, Feven had built a fence that surrounded a plot of land where Coraleen raised her garden plants. He built it using broken twigs and fallen sticks. Seeds that Coraleen carried with her from Terrin along with other seeds she collected in and around the forest made up the wealth of various nutritious plants, which nourished them.

On the other side of the garden, an outdoor kitchen, which they intended to enclose in the future, provided Coraleen the space she needed to whip up her culinary delights and whimsical desserts. Feven certainly did not mind being the guinea pig to taste and critique her magical meals.

Between their initiations through Gladeleer, Feven had taken to procuring most of their protein needs in his spare time, whose source derived mostly from fish and quail eggs. Their life, though simple, gave them much solitude. Nonetheless, it also came with moments of joy, awe, and wonderment.

Now, as they shuffled up from the river bank Coraleen and Feven strutted arm in arm onto their settlement. Their thoughts were of the early morning start of the following day and their upcoming travels. Since neither of them had slept away from the settlement since its creation, as they stepped inside their cozy cob cottage they pondered what adventure lay ahead. Feven never imagined that one day he would visit the inner worlds.

Should I be concerned? Will I be accepted by your family? He pondered aloud as they gathered some of their belongings in a pile to pack.

Coraleen sighed and chewed on her lower lip. The truth was that she didn’t know how well Feven would be received but she didn’t have the heart to tell him that.

Worry not. I’m sure things will sort themselves out. They would have no choice but to accept you — being my beloved…

Much of the rest of the day they spent preserving foods needed for the journey to inner earth.

Out of respect for the crystal’s frequency and energy-work, they decided not to move it until the moment before they parted. The sounds, colors, and tones the crystal harmonized were of such magnitude that the couple wished not to break its sacred connection to Gladeleer until necessary.

Night approached. Reposing in the hammock with Coraleen snuggling beside him, Feven wondered whether it was the right choice for him to leave. But even as he questioned his decision, he trusted Coraleen with all his heart — he had no desire to ever leave her side. Especially since he promised her a while back on a moonlit lake that he would never again leave her without her consent.

Throughout their many months together, she had become more than his companion, even more than a soul-mate — a new word he learned from Coraleen’s culture. She was his beloved— his twin soul. It would physically hurt him to be separated from her now.

I will miss Gladeleer, Feven pondered softly in the hammock. He turned his head to face his wife who nuzzled into his chest.

Coraleen nodded, she was thinking the same thing, Gladeleer is part of our hearts now, as is the crystal.

Gazing up at the vermilion sky, Feven mused over this truth, then remembered their task for the following day, Earth’s energy is sublime at sunrise. Do you think we should leave then?

Coraleen nodded, nudged his head with hers, and then curled into his chest before dozing off.

In the hammock, Feven waited until the sunset faded west of Gladeleer. He took in several wistful moments to appreciate the view knowing he wouldn't witness a blazing purple-pink sunset dip behind a mountain for a long time. On the heels of dusk, as the sky transformed to light indigo, he gently woke Coraleen and they moved into the cottage and settled into bed.

The next day, in the forest before dawn, Twila fluttered her colorful plumage and then took flight. She glided on the gentle breeze until she reached the settlement. Skirting around the cottage rooftop, she sang.

Twila, Twila, tlweet, I go with you both.

Hearing Twila, Coraleen eased out of bed, wrapped a blanket around her shoulders, and tiptoed onto the porch allowing the nip in the morning air to waken her spirit. She greeted her friend and mentor with a wave, the one she heard through her heart. She had grown attached to Twila, welcomed her close friendship, and trusted her knowledgeable guidance, though she quickly learned that Feven could not hear Twila’s voice as clearly as she.

Tlweet, Bjorn journeys with us too, Twila chirped from the roof.

We welcome his presence always. His generous spirit and assistance are greatly appreciated.

Bjorn, one of the forest horses, galloped along Gladeleer’s base, bending with the curve of the riverbank. His white mane reflected the colors of the sunrise as he neared them.

Thank you Bjorn! cheered Coraleen with gratitude.

The white horse neighed its response. Coraleen could not communicate with Bjorn in the same manner as with Twila who sang words through her heart. Nonetheless, Bjorn remained a loyal and steadfast companion, appearing out of the blue whenever Feven and Coraleen needed him most.

After his approach, not far from their lodging, Bjorn waited patiently while grazing on surrounding grasses. Twila soared down from the roof to perch upon his back. Meanwhile, Coraleen went back inside to tend to the small settlement, tidying the area as much as time permitted. It was difficult for her to let go as both she and Feven had remained at the small settlement the majority of the time when they weren’t going through initiations in Gladeleer’s golden chamber and were too exhausted to make the climb down the mountain.

Over the past several months, through intention, Coraleen had cast a harmlessness spell over their settlement — by calling in her guides and nature spirits — to keep out any creatures that may otherwise attempt to hurt them. However, because their energies were so peacefully aligned with the earth and they repeatedly instilled blessings to the earth, it was unlikely that any creature would desire to bring harm upon them. Thus far, any creature they’d encountered taught them more and more about themselves with generosity and grace. Nature provided for them for they blessed and honored her and in return, abundance was gifted to them.

Just after sunrise, Feven woke. Following a quick breakfast, he mounted Bjorn and they set off towards the crystal. When the crystal, in its self-created indentation, appeared in front of them. Bjorn nudged it with his muzzle to remind Feven not to forget it, and Feven dismounted. Although Feven could not imagine leaving the crystal behind, he ruffled Bjorn’s mane and then leaned over to pick it up. After marveling over the way the light danced off its surface — he hadn’t handled the crystal in months — Feven carefully wrapped it in a piece of muslin and placed it securely in his leather pouch next to the sheathed scroll.

He gave an unwavering gaze to the homestead where Coraleen stuffed their pile of belonging in leather sacks. When she felt Feven’s gaze, she turned to him and their eyes held. He felt what she was thinking, a mixture of mourning and wistfulness. Neither of them knew how long they might be gone. Coraleen, after giving the area a heartfelt blessing, moments later ambled over to Feven and Bjorn, lunging the sacks. Gliding along with the morning breeze, Twila soared behind her.

Resources that they harnessed on Bjorn’s back consisted mostly of dried and prepared foods, but aside from that Coraleen packed only the necessities. She trusted nature to provide them with other provisions like it had managed to do for them instantaneously as of late. Among their belongings were blankets, smoked fish, canteens, and enough supplies to last them a couple of months.

Bjorn graciously took on their burden — he offered his service to them freely and they were grateful for him. They recalled the perilous times during their travels without his assistance. Knowing this, they were ever mindful of his well-being. Feven ensured Bjorn was well fed then carefully assisted Coraleen onto the horse's back. Next Feven mounted Bjorn and positioned himself behind Coraleen as Twila scanned the skies above in anticipation of their next adventure. And so with the morning sun hovering in the east, they set off, leaving behind the only place they had known together as home.

Two days of travel went by quickly. At the end of the third day, after the sun had dipped below the distant hills and night fell, Coraleen and Feven set up their temporary campsite near a small dell and settled in under a blanket of stars.

Though sleep was welcome, Coraleen lay awake listening to the bubbling nearby stream and the critters whose day was their night. She pondered her upcoming arrival to a place that she had lived all her life but hadn’t seen in about a year. She had mixed feelings about returning. Although she loved her family and missed everyone in her community, especially her friends, her life had completely transformed since then. She had completely transformed since then.

Propping herself up on her elbows, she tilted her ear to the sounds of a nearby brook. She saw colors in the dark. Everything was surrounded by vibrant hues which came with a pulsating buoyancy that was difficult to describe. Nights were no longer dark — just different. In addition, if she shifted her perspective, everything around her was lined in white like the inverse of a photograph but with a dark blue background. Even when she closed her eyes she could see. This phenomenon was not exclusive to her — it was the same for Feven.

Coraleen lay back down and inhaled a languorous breath. She watched her sleeping husband. As usual, he rested curled on his side in a ball. His chest rose and fell in a patterned rhythm as his lungs filled with breath. As she examined him, she could almost see a tad of concern etched on his face, even when he slept.

Is he concerned about our journey? She wondered. Maybe she was mistaken, but what she took in was a hint of worry plastered on a face that usually hid deeper emotions.

She recalled the time when she found him in the woods in the middle of the night. It was their first night together on surface earth — it was also the night when he first met his grandfather — his first experience with any relative, living or dead. Before then, Coraleen had not previously witnessed so much pain escape him… Was it pain or was it joy? It was so hard for her to tell with him but she cared — wasn’t that what mattered most? As she leaned over to kiss his forehead, she wondered whether he dreamed. Then Feven suddenly stirred, he felt her eyes studying him. Still half asleep he groggily rolled over to his side facing her.

Feven whispered, I communicate with Bavren, Coraleen. My thoughts can connect to him in the dreamscape. He reached out to me. A small secret society has developed in Aeria and Bavren is their leader. They hope to be journeying to the surface earth soon. Right now they reside in the Temple with the Elders. However, I am disturbed because something clogs my perception— something dark. I choose not to focus on it now or I may lose some of my light. I believe that is why I cannot perceive it with more clarity. Maybe in the future when our initiations are completed and our energy is less fragile and stabilized… maybe then I can bring my full awareness to the issue without the risk of harm to myself.

Coraleen pulled herself upright and furrowed her brows. In the background, she could hear Bjorn neigh in woe. She found herself wondering ‘What darkness could Feven be referring to?’ But before Coraleen could ask him for more information, Feven had drifted off— he tended not to remember his nighttime dreams so she doubted he would remember their conversation.

The next days that followed came with their share of redundancy. Every morning they would wake, eat and then bundle their belongings onto Bjorn’s back. Differences in scenery and terrain were the only welcome changes to their daily routine. But to break up the monotony, sometimes Coraleen and Feven would dismount and stroll alongside Bjorn and explore the landscape. Not only was this a welcome change, but it was also done to prevent unnecessary strain on Bjorn’s back. He was their sole mode of transportation, thus they took great care of his well-being to ensure a hearty resistance to stress and the continuity of his strength. And even though the days were busy, they stopped before every evening for leisure, rest, and relaxation.

Within sight of the ancient elm tree only a day’s journey away — the same elm where they met for the first time — that evening Feven tuned into a consistent but familiar buzzing in the air which he could not mistake for anything other than his grandfather.

The sensation began with a puttering flicker until a blurred vision of a human silhouette beckoned Feven to take notice. Surprisingly the crystal did not emit a light, which was commonly the sign of his grandfather’s presence, but Feven would not let one detail deter him from communicating with his ancestor. Gracefully he apologized to Coraleen who had been seated beside him by the fire, while he explained the vision. By now, she was used to his consultations with his ancestor. They occurred frequently enough.

Feven rose to his feet and checked the map for a nearby clearing then he moved deeper through the woods to receive his guidance. Even before he arrived at his destination, Feven’s grandfather came through with urgency. An unusually sharp and abrupt force pricked Feven’s energy — so much so that his energy felt like it was being pierced by a shard.

Feven came to a halt and inquired, Grandfather what is it? Why do you bring with you the energy of alarm?

There was a long pause before Feven heard, You must bring the stone to the mountain immediately.

But ancestor, my wife and I are on a mission. What might possibly be the reason for this instruction?

"The mountain needs the crystal… urgently."

I don’t understand. How can such be accurate? I checked with the earth, the river, the land and surrounding nature and its sustenance is incredibly high. Its energy should be sustained for several months.

Another long pause followed until Feven heard, It will fail within week or two… perhaps even days if you do not return the crystal to its mountain.

Is that true?

Yes. Leave the woman on the mission. She is fine alone.

I’m not certain that I feel comfortable with my wife being on her own... Feven hesitated, however his grandfather had never been wrong in the past, But… If you think it best — if the land suffers, I will head back by the next sunrise.

It is best… grandson.

The turbid vision disappeared in a flash. Frowning, Feven pondered the message. It seemed odd in its forcefulness and brevity, which was unlike the usual peaceful and fluid presence that typically accompanied his grandfather’s message. But his ancestor did sound stressed and Feven would never question his grandfather’s wisdom. He thought of him as his guide and mentor. Knowing that he must heed the warning, he stepped back into the woods to inform Coraleen of the unfortunate turn of events. He hoped that she wouldn’t be upset about his decision to return.

CHAPTER TWO

The Ship

Cielle glanced back over her shoulder, noticing that she could no longer glimpse Terrin’s golden riddled marble gates. Hours ago, the inner earth city of Terrin’s city gates was left behind by the travelers. Two of Coraleen’s childhood friends, Tansha and Nona, accompanied Bavren’s mother Auan and his wife Cielle through the hollowed-out passageway that would eventually lead them to Cielle’s mother — or so they hoped. Their hopes rested on Tansha’s brother Peri, the only one who had visited the inner earth island city of Beta.

The five of them trudged through red rock and crystal-lined caverns down the path leading to the shores of the Indigo Ocean. Dust covered the ground. Undulating red rock traveled up either side of the spacious passage, which produced echoes in various points where it narrowed. But like a huge bowl that hung upside down over them, the spacious area spanned an incredible width. Even where it narrowed, the cavern provided plenty of open space for scores of inner-earthians. But as if were then, it was mostly barren of people — only the five of them traversed the trail that night.

Along the way, they passed tiny waterfalls that descended into long strips originating from a source they couldn't pinpoint. These delicate waterfalls sprayed into a gentle brook formed by a crevice that crept beside their tired footsteps.

Nona stared intently at Cielle’s head, intrigued by her long blond locks. Hot from the humidity, Cielle, had let her hair fall around her shoulders and removed the blue cloak she had worn for a disguise. Because their surroundings were absent of other people, she felt comfortable doing so.

Do you mind if I touch your hair? Nona asked unabashedly.

Cielle cringed then sighed. She would have been more surprised if Nona had not been obsessed with her hair for the majority of their journey. Instead of complaining, she complied, shrugged, and nodded at the same time. Secretly she hoped Nona's insatiable fascination would soon be quenched.

Tansha scrunched her nose disapprovingly and rolled her eyes. Nona rarely displayed any impulse control. Looking behind her, Tansha waved to her brother Peri who trailed them from a close distance. Though he still didn't know what to make of these two unusual-looking strangers from the sky, he tolerated their unusual manners.

As his big sister, Tansha invited Peri to join them the night she and Nona met the two Aerian women at the women Elder’s resident gardens in the Temple of Calmness. Also being male, she decided that Peri's strength might be a good source of protection if they should ever come into trouble. However, he was only sixteen, and about as skinny as a rail.

Auan found herself slowing her pace, which allowed Peri to fall in step with her. She hadn't yet heard him speak all day, so she thought she might try to ease him into pleasant conversation.

I've never been to Beta, she started, Though I've heard their people might be considered community-oriented and very welcoming to strangers.

Shrugging his rounded sloped shoulders, Peri looked down to brush the dust off his shirt.

Yeah they've good people, he replied distantly.

Auan almost laughed with surprise at Peri's abrupt dismissive answer. She guessed that he might be shy.

Did you want to walk ahead of us? ... Being that you’re our guide...

Nah. We're going the right way, Peri didn't even try to meet her eyes. Instead, he pretended to brush something off his pants even though, in Auan's observation, they were impeccably tidy, like the rest of him — aside from the mop of messy curls toppled at the crown of his head. So Auan gave up trying to communicate with him. Peri's indifference seemed typical of his age and she rather not make him feel uneasy by forcing conversation — especially since they still had quite a distance to go — according to Peri. But she glanced at him a couple more times, just in case he desired to divulge more, only to catch him sneaking a peek now and then, in Cielle's direction. Under his longish, curly black bangs, with his head slightly bowed, Auan could see Peri gape. Cielle appeared to have acquired another admirer.

When Peri noticed Auan’s gaze, his cheeks turned bright red. She offered him a simple grin when his eye met hers, then she admitted under her breath, My son Bavren was once your age.

As if suddenly aware of his own aloofness, Peri began to open up.

"Beta is a special city… I imagine you would find it fascinating. Many call it the city of white gold, the city of stories, or the city of antiquity. Carved stone makes out the majority of the buildings in the city and all the rocks are riddled with gold, white, and yellow, and carved skillfully. It's quite exceptional in craftsmanship."

Then Peri pointed his chin in Cielle's direction, "And the people have light-colored hair, like hers, well almost… maybe not as light but still quite blond. Their skin is brown like mine though ... But you are correct in assessing that they will openly welcome friendly visitors to their island..."

Beautiful, how diverse the people are on this planet — above and below.

Embarrassed, Peri just scratched his scalp and finally tore his eyes away from Cielle, focusing more of his attention on Auan.

So… What brings you two to the inner earth anyhow?

Astonished, Auan gulped. She had thought Tansha would have mentioned something to her brother. No wonder he seemed awkward and edgy.

We came here to find a woman named Emera.

Peri's eyes lit up. Auan could tell that he had heard of her.

The one who left inner earth long ago?

Auan nodded, Apparently, she is Cielle's mother.

Cielle's mother is from earth?

Auan nodded again, this time she was the one who looked down, Both our mothers are from inner earth.

Peri stopped and stared at her incredulously, Wow... that's crazy.

Dropping his eyes to the ground again, he started shuffling stray pebbles with his feet, About Emera... You should know that… she... ugh… she is… um…

Auan stopped. Her intuition, like her skin, started prickling on the surface, What is it, Peri?

Sheepishly struggling with the information he didn't know how to convey, Peri finally uttered, Nothing, uh… it's nothing.

He briskly scooted ahead of her to catch up to the other women.

He called out ahead, Hey... Hey... Hey… We have to turn here. Make a left.

Another hour passed and everyone continued in near silence. Peri had decided to take the lead. However, Auan was still alarmed by Peri’s odd behavior upon her bringing up Emera’s name. She tried to piece together what Peri might be hiding concerning Cielle’s mother.

Into the night, traveled weary feet scuffed the dusty ground. Cielle, who hoped not to be further harassed by Nona, had tucked her hair under her cloak, which she pulled up over her head. However Nona hadn’t been paying attention to Cielle, she sulked under the pressing heat. Except for the broken and hushed chatter between Tansha and Cielle, no one else bothered to speak — mostly to avoid further discomfort or humiliation. When Cielle grew distant, Tansha finally grew tired of their situation.

Running up to her brother, Tansha inquired, Peri, how long do we need to walk? Can we even get to Beta on foot?

Hey haven’t you noticed, we’re almost there, look… Peri pointed straight ahead.

The once wide cavern opened up even more. Red rock intermingled with the darker and lighter hues of the beach. Not even a half-mile away, the vast Indigo Ocean lapped upon a gem-like shore. It stretched for miles, so much so they could not see a glimpse of land beyond it.

An ominous luminescent glow ran along the outer perimeter of the Indigo Ocean’s bank as if a light source existed along its bank. Mysteriously the waters also glowed faintly from beneath as if a light source came up from the ocean floor. The shoreline itself was made up of multicolored translucent sand, originating mostly from quartz, multicolored tourmaline, and other forms of semi-precious stones of various colors.

Bioluminescence… Peri said at Cielle when studying her watch the lit undertow with fervid fascination.

What?

That strange blue iridescent glow of the waves — it happens where the water has been agitated. In fact, a chemical reaction in specific marine organisms produces the glow — the term is called bioluminescence. In this situation, the iridescent turquoise glow is created by a type of marine bacteria.

That’s incredible.

It’s not poisonous…

Um… ok…

I mean you can dip your hand in the water and the glow will only increase around it. Completely safe really.

Cielle gave him a sidelong look, "Well it sure is beautiful. But surely I’m not dipping my hand in there… I’ve never actually seen an ocean…"

Suit yourself, Peri shrugged feigning indifference. Tansha strolled up beside them and dropped her baggage in the sand beside her calf.

What are you two talking about? Tansha inquired. Still a tad shy, Peri ran ahead of them, stopping only when the dock was within sight.

Bioluminescence… Cielle relayed.

Uhh, um ok…

Mesmerized by the iridescent sea, Cielle crossed her arms and dug her feet in the sandy beach. She stood beside the now silent Tansha. Nona approached them, positioning herself directly in front of Cielle, which startled her. Irritated by Nona’s intrusion, Cielle shot her a look. Nona chose to ignore it.

Instead of appeasing Cielle, Nona commented, Maybe keep your cloak on. It will cover your hair in case there are other ships along the harbor.

"You are encroaching my space, Nona," Cielle glowered.

When Tansha caught the glare, she chuckled and pretended to whisper, Cielle don't mind Nona, she can be annoying, sometimes — most times. We only keep her around because she gifts us with beautiful clothes on occasion.

I heard that, Nona snapped. Tansha giggled.

Leaving them behind to bicker, Cielle approached the ocean gingerly. Taken in by watching bioluminescent turquoise waves caress the naked shoreline, she became completely awestruck. Never had she seen anything like it. The skylands did not have oceans, rivers, or brooks. All of their water was collected from the clouds when it rained. But if any of earth’s oceans resembled this one, then nothing in the sky could compare.

Auan broke into a leisurely jog to catch up to Cielle. She was mystified by the unique sight. Although she had spent her childhood in the inner earth, she had never, like most people in Terrin, been far beyond its gates.

A friend of mine owns a ship, the Shoalrunner, down here.

All four women looked ahead in surprise to the spot where Peri spoke.

Leisurely he sprinted towards the sea. His legs pounded heavily upon the multicolored crystallized sand as he ran, arms awkwardly flailing out on either side of him. His steps were reminiscent of a clumsy young gazelle learning to walk. Nona giggled and all four of them followed Peri's scattered footsteps down the beach.

By then Peri headed up the boarding dock. He stopped midway, then crouched down and dipped his fingers in the sea. A flurry of iridescent blue points of light surrounded his hands. Cielle gasped as did Auan. Tansha only shook her head faintly. Instantly Peri straightened up and then continued farther up the dock. He suddenly stopped. The women’s eyes followed his every movement. Then they looked up and saw the giant wooden ship!

Crafted out of ancient wood, the ship's expansive rim bore deep spiral etchings directly below it. The hull was long and wide with enough room for hundreds of people, yet the five of them were the only ones along the shore.

From the cockpit, a tall, attractive, long-limbed man with skin the color of copper waved them onward. As they approached the ship from