The Awakening by Amileigh D'Lecoire Read Free Book Online Page A

souls.
                  And so there were those like Chante – winged warriors who fought off the darkness with a fierce protectiveness that transcended the deepest of devotion.
                  “I do, Mistress,” she said with a teasing smile as she sipped her tea.
                  “Don’t tease me, Chante, or I’ll make you take Penelope with you for a week.”
              The warrior grimaced affectionately.
                  “That young pup would not last a day.  The first time she broke a nail there would be no end of the complaining.
              “Oh stop!” Elvayna said with a laugh.  “You always did enjoy poking at me.”
                  “My greatest joy in life.”  Behind her, Chante’s wings ruffled slightly, a sign of great affection.
                  “Your son plans to take a mate.”
                  Elvayna felt her heart begin to race, and the fluttering within her stomach became erratic and agitated.  She felt a momentary wave of nausea pass through her and she sank down into a nearby chair.
                  “You are ill,” Chante said, rushing to her and going down on one knee to cover Elvanya’s hands with her own.  “You carry life this time,” she observed, her look guarded.  “Let me go for Nanya, she can help with the –“
                  “No,” Elvanya said with a wave of her hand and a weak smile.  “I am fine.  This one is progressing quickly, that is all.”  She never knew how long life would grow and develop inside of her.  Some took days, others took decades. 
                  She was only a vessel, and little more.
                  “Get a message to Aramis.  Tell him that I will come when I can to give my blessing.”
                  Chante nodded and started to rise, but Elvanya gripped her suddenly by the shoulders and held Chante’s eyes with her own.
                  “Tell him that he must not allow Melisande to get near until I have blessed his bride.”
                  Chante sneered.
                  “As if he would a llow such evil near her in the first place.”
                  “Melisande is clever.  Do not underestimate her.  And warn him against the same.”  She gripped harder at Chante’s shoulders.  “Tell me you understand how important this is!”
                  “Yes, yes, of course,” Chante said, all serious again as she studied Elvanya.  Clearly she was agitated and this had Chante more than a little concerned.  When the beloved of the Creator of all things was worried , it was never good.
                  “Go now with all haste.  And tell him I love him.  Always.”
                  Chante stood and then gave a dignified bow. 
                  “By your leave, Mistress.  I will take your message to your son.  Now, you go and care for that sweet young consort of yours, and let her ease your cares for a while.”  Elvanya smiled.
                  “Thank you, Chante.  May the Creator’s light keep you safe, and may my love keep you warm on your journey.”  Chante smiled, bowed her head once more in acknowledgment of the blessing, then quickly disappeared.
                  In the emptiness left behind, Elvanya began to cry.
     

~ VI ~
     
                  The next two days were a whirlwind of activity for Thais.  The island had barely recovered from the annual festival of Azurete’, and now their Lord was taking a bride!  The very air pulsed with excitement and wonder as the priests and priestesses began preparations.  Amid meditations and fasting, all began their journey to connect to Aramis on a spiritual level, that they might begin the process of bonding to Thais.  It was an arousing symphony of emotion and