Daughter of Earth (Tales of the Guardian) (32 page)

It was a tender moment to see this solid rock of a man so vulnerable and exposed. She reached her hand up to push the few locks of hair off his forehead and then ran her fingers down the side of his cheek and over to his bottom lip.

“Just as long as you agree to love me and never desert me, I’ll be happy with you, no matter who you may change into.” She smiled at him softly. Though her words were ardently clear, she sealed the comfort she offered with a sweet and delicate kiss.

The babbling stream nearby provided the sounds of serenity and peace. Both of them mulled over their own thoughts, lost in the quiet feelings of their hearts with no need to speak. They sat this way for a while, until Emily felt the question in her mind press to the point of asking it aloud.

“What do you suppose Aristotle meant when he said, ‘Happiness depends upon ourselves’?”

Her query caught him off guard. It was an odd question; although he had a feeling he knew where she was going with it.

 “I suppose it means exactly what it sounds like, we determine our own happiness,” he answered with a lift of his eyebrow.

Emily surveyed the scenery around her, taking a second to ruminate his words.

“My mother had that quote painted above the doorway of her room.” The memory of the quote flashed through her mind, it was quite vivid, she’d seen those words so many times it was permanently burned into her brain. “I believe you’re right. He was saying we determine our own happiness but I think I’m just now understanding how he says we are to go about doing it.”

She breathed in deeply, enjoying the fresh scent of the peaches dangling from the branches above.

“I used to think he was saying if you want to be happy then it is your responsibility to go out and get it, to create it. I thought happiness was mine if I was determined enough to do and accomplish all those things on my list. It was an aggressive thing, not passive,” she scrunched her lips as she thought some more. “But, I get now that isn’t it. If I just go about trying to grab what I have determined will make me happy I’m going to find disappointment, because some things, or in fact most things, won’t work with my agenda.”

“I can’t control what happens around me or sometimes even to me. The one thing I can control is how I react to things. I think happiness depends upon me because true happiness comes from determining my reaction to things…I understand now why my mom showed such strength even in her darkest days before her death. She was choosing to be happy, no matter what happened, and even sickness and death couldn’t rob her of that choice.” Emily became lost in her monologue. She really hadn’t been speaking to Alexander, she knew he already had this figured out. She was speaking to herself. Interpreting her thoughts out loud seemed to offer a resounding confirmation in her heart.

“I don’t believe I could have said it any better,” Alexander smiled; his admiration of her strength and progress grew with each moment they spent together.

To be permitted to be around all these years and watch her grow was a priceless gift for him, an honor he expressed gratitude for each day. It left him awestruck that a simple fascination with her from the beginning, would eventually lead him to realize she’d become an attractive and amazing young woman. Fascination had turned to appreciation, which then evolved into a deep and undying love.

Though it appeared to many people his love for her was at first sight, the truth was it was really like a snowball rolling down a hill. It gathered tiny snowflakes along the path until each small speck melded into a large solid mass that stood tested and true, and the proof was the track left behind.

“Let’s promise that no matter what the outcome of all this is, we’ll choose to be happy and accept whatever comes our way. I want to be like my mother. And if I am going to die, I want to die like she did, happy. ”

“I promise,” Alexander whispered and then leaned in to kiss her soft pink lips.

They could have remained that way for quite some time, lost in the elation of one another’s touch and closeness.

“Emily, Alexander!”

Whoever shouted their names wasn’t loud but just sounded close. They both looked up to see Athos striding toward them, his voice obviously carried more by his telepathic power than his vocal cords.

Alexander swiftly stood and then pulled Emily up by her hands, both of them brushing off the random blades of grass stuck to their clothing.

“Cyreena told me I would find you here,” Athos announced as he came within a few feet of them.

“There’s really no privacy with her is there?” Alexander joked.

Athos understood the jest was a friendly poke and lightly laughed. “No, I believe you are right. She is very good at what she does.”

“So, what is going on, are Damarus and Aldara back yet?” Alexander tried not to sound too anxious.

“Yes, they are, they just arrived.”

“I thought they were going to come see us when they got back?” Alexander questioned.

“I believe that was their original plan but things have changed. They have sent me to tell you The Seer has asked for you.”

Alexander’s jaw fell open. This was not an ordinary request. As far as he knew, no other Guardian besides the Governing Five ever met with the Seer. It was a little statement carrying a potent punch.

“He wants to see me?” he placed his hand on his chest, “Or is he requesting…”

“Both of you, yes,” Athos finished Alexander’s sentence and nodded his head simultaneously.

“Both of us?” Emily chimed in, flabbergasted.

“That is what was conveyed to me. He would like to see you right away”

“I don’t know where to find him Athos, is he even here in Eden?”

“Yes. He resides past the eastern woods and the Pool of Tibess. You and Emily both know your way that far. When you reach the house of the sacred waters push up past the far end of the pool. There you will find a path exiting out the back of the building. The road will begin to climb and will eventually take you up a mountain. If you stay directly on the path, without any variance, you will find him,” Athos instructed.

He departed as quickly as he came, leaving no chance for questions. Alexander and Emily headed in the opposite direction for the Woods of Creo.

It didn’t take long to reach the structure which was now so familiar to them both. Emily had been there more often than Alexander, but the last time she’d contributed to the pool was before she visited her father.

She made a mental note to get back on track with this task, now that her issues with Alexander were resolved.

The path was not easy to find. If they did not know to look for it on the far side of the water they would never have known of its existence.

Eventually, Alexander brushed aside a large branch and spotted the trodden grass path. The hills on both sides of the path were green and lush, but as they ventured further on, the hills gave way to rocky mountainside.

The mountain’s stone glistened in the sun, its majesty commanding their captivation. Instead of looking like boulders, each rock sticking out appeared as though it was a piece of granite or quartzite split in half to reveal the sparkling crystals lying within.

A few times the climb became steep enough that Alexander and Emily offered assistance by pushing and pulling one another over mounds and humps.

The climb would have been exhausting if the beauty surrounding them had not been so stunning. The higher they climbed the more beautiful the mountainside became. Greenery started appearing again around the landscape, not as lush grass but as swirling vines weaving their way around the radiant rocks. The large rope-like plants sprinkled everything with bursts of purple, yellow and pink blossoms.

Emily wondered if the Governing Five simply transported to The Seer rather than make the hike. After all, they were familiar with his whereabouts and could imagine appearing there with ease.

Or, did they take the much longer route which involved climbing the mountain and absorbing the sheer magnificence of its splendor.

It seemed a shame to miss out on what lay on every side of her and even though it was not an easy trip, it was well worth the effort.

Emily promised herself and Alexander she would consciously make an effort to look at things from a happy point of view. She knew this would become a habit with effort and time but she certainly meant to start right away and silently prayed she’d be able to keep this frame of mind when they reached The Seer. If he had summoned them for this historic visit she had a hard time believing it was because he had nothing but good news.

The path became very narrow, curving around a giant bolder. They had to squeeze one behind the other but as they passed the large stone a huge meadow opened before them. In fact, it was a plateau on the tip of the mountain they had been climbing.

The same beautiful shrubbery of flowers and bushes present in Eden also resided here on the mountaintop, yet they carried an added measure of beauty. However, this was not what captivated them. The clarity of the blue sky above kept them entranced and rendered them motionless. It was crystal clear and the small puffs of clouds which passed looked so close it seemed they could actually reach out and touch them. The sky’s blueness was not one solid color, as they both would have expected. It appeared as though it was made of billions and billions of tiny blue lights glimmering and dancing in the sun, creating a sparkling sea that rolled and flowed around them.

“I agree, It is beautiful.”

Neither Emily nor Alexander had spoken. There was someone behind them and they both knew who it was.

He walked around from behind, greeting them with a smile when he came into view.

His appearance seemed similar to that of the Governing Five. His blonde hair was smooth and bright, radiating a pleasant glow. His features were soft and inviting, each corner of his face turned upward as if in a smile. His eyes matched the sky above and shone a clear light blue. His age seemed youthful, yet older than Damarus or the other elders. Emily wondered if his knowledge and wisdom in fact affected his appearance, just as Alexander had said it did for other Guardians.

“I am so pleased you’ve come. I always enjoy visits.” He was bubbly but not boisterous. Everything about him exemplified control. He was proof control did not mean complete seriousness or lack of pleasantness.

“Come and walk with me so we might discuss some things.” He gestured forward and began in the direction he pointed.

They followed by his side. Neither of them had worked up the courage to open their mouths. His very presence left them feeling humble and awestruck.

“Damarus tells me things are better now with you, Alexander.”

“Yes, sir, they are. I am feeling much better.” He didn’t want to look in The Seer’s eyes. Instead he gazed downward, shame washing over him regarding all of the events and confessions which had taken place.

“Do not be ashamed, trials always bring about a greater good. They give you experience; they test your strength and will. You should always be proud when you have walked through the fire of affliction, even when you come out scarred and smoky. Be confident you withstood the very heat which was only strong enough to leave marks rather than destruction.” His hand gently glided over a blossom, caressing it for a brief second, as though even his touch brought comfort to the environment around him.

Alexander’s eyes were moist. What The Seer had said touched him and it was exactly what he needed in that moment. It wasn’t surprising because he knew The Seer had witnessed everything, but it was nonetheless stirring that he took the time to offer support and reassurance over the internal struggles Alexander faced.

“And you, young lady,” The Seer peeked past Alexander who remained in the middle of their line to look directly at Emily. “Uniqueness and strength are your very foundation. Never doubt you are special. When you feel something deep down within you, follow it; just as you did when you recognized Alexander. Sometimes your spirit catches glimpses of what it already knows. Most ignore these precious flashes of wisdom, but you have learned to listen to them. This is a great talent and advantage.”