The happy couple spent the rest of the day wrapped tightly in one another. There was nothing for them outside of their partner. It was exactly what they needed and, come morning, it left them feeling both refreshed and rejuvenated. When the sun started to rise on the horizon, they emerged from their tower top, starting their day as if nothing had happened. Training was run, same as it had been, but with slight more urgency behind it. They only had the night and one more full day before the full moon.<?xml:namespace prefix = o /> 

With that deadline came the arrival of the other races; those that would cross to Nellador with them. It was midday when the first group arrived. Though, in his role as baka, Brian typically would have gone with AJ to greet each race as they arrived, he and Shay stayed and continued the training of their small band of magicians. 

So Brian divided his attention; half on his group and half on AJ. It kept him up on what was happening as first the dwarves, then the faeries arrived during the midday. By evening time, the satyrs and the merfolk had arrived. 

This time the forest was converted into a large home for all of them. The dwarves used the same caves they’d used when staying for the war, but the other races were coming together in the forest to stay away from the humans for as long as possible. They were understandably shy about Donnelly and his friends. 

It was almost like it had been before the war with Roth. Every single day there was something for AJ to do, someone for him to talk to, some business that had to be taken care of. He felt as if he was getting buried underneath it. 

He’d just sent off his group of trainees, the sky growing darker, and had received word from Brian that the satyrs and merfolk were all settled in. As AJ took a deep breath, he noticed someone walking toward him. Goddess above, more people? But then AJ saw it was his Grandfather. 

A smile curved his lips automatically at the sight of Flreu’s smiling face. “Hail, Grandson!” Flreu called out. By his side was Shay, who also wore a smile. As they reached AJ, he felt Brian’s presence moving closer. 

“Hail, Grandfather.” AJ answered back, moving to embrace the man he loved so much. “It is a beautiful night to be out.” 

Flreu grinned, the resemblance between him and AJ strong in that moment. “Yes, it is. That is why we’ve come, young one. Your days have been tense lately.” 

“So we thought we’d relieve the tension for you a little.” Shay piped up. He threw a wink at AJ. “Take a walk with us, Alyck. Put aside your title for a while and simply be yourself.” 

About that time, Brian reached them. His smile was bright when he heard their words. “It sounds perfect to me.” He agreed easily. ‘You need this, Alex. You’re stressing too much and the big moment is almost on us. Why not take a little bit to just be easy with our loved ones?’ 

‘It’s perfect timing. I was just thinking about how overwhelmed I’ve been lately with all of this. Just like I was before the war with Roth; it’s getting to me a little.’ AJ shrugged mentally at himself. ‘I should be better at dealing with it, but I guess I’m still not quite used to being this important to everyone.’ 

‘Well, you’re important to me, but you’re also giving me a headache with all your worrying.’ 

Laughing, AJ shoved at his partner. “Oh, shove it!” he teased. 

Flreu and Shay just laughed with them and stepped up, practically herding AJ along. It had AJ’s laughter growing when Flreu hooked one of his arms and Brian hooked the other, the two of them forcing him to walk whether he wanted to or not. “I get the feeling this is more of a hijacking than an invitation.” AJ said wryly, looking down at their hands on his arms. 

Moving in front of him, Shay walked backwards, his smile a mile wide. “Gee, why would you think that, Alyck?” He said, not even trying to sound innocent. “Could it be because we know you well and know that, given half a moment, you’d come up with something else that needs to be done or someone else would try to take up a moment more of your time?” 

“What’s to say they won’t even with you guys here?” AJ shot back. “The Satyrs only acknowledge other authority just so far. They wouldn’t hesitate to walk even before a King and try for my attention.” 

Another rumbled joined them, followed by a gust of wind as Tripha dropped himself down from the sky, settling onto the earth behind them. “If the little horse creatures wish to disturb us, I may find myself wishing for a snack.” He rumbled at them, amusement unmistakable in his voice. “Though it would take many to feed one such as I.” 

This time AJ’s laughter was louder and full of joy. “I’m well and fully caught, aren’t I?” 

It seemed he was surrounded by grins. What else could he do but give himself over to them. AJ shifted his arms, wrapping them around Flreu and Brian’s waists. Their arms wrapped around his in return. A soft breeze blew on the night, brushing against their skin, feeding their magical senses. AJ found himself relaxing as he walked, the tension of the day easing off around him. 

He heard Flreu say something to Shay, something about the nights in Nellador. Having been there himself, Shay was one of the few who would know and understand. He agreed with Flreu. “It is beautiful there, Sire. There were nights that the beauty of it astounded me.” 

“I can’t wait to see it.” Brian murmured. “Just to hear you talk of it pulls at my heart.” 

Their words washed over AJ, soothing him and easing his mind. As their murmured conversation continued, AJ let out another soft sigh, draining away the last of his tension. He let himself find peace in the night and the company with him.  Soon, he told himself. Soon I shall do this with my Grandfather in the home that is rightfully ours. 

With the joy of that thought came the sadness of what he was leaving behind. Those that he loved that he might never see again. AJ pushed those thoughts away. Now was not the moment to let his heartache back in. Now was a time for love and peace, to be enjoyed with those he loved. It was a time to take that peace before the start of this war. One last day, they had. One final day and then the night would be upon them and it would begin. 

With that peace, AJ found himself almost meditating as he walked, letting the magic of the night feed his center at the same time that the presence of his friends fed his soul. 

Because of this, AJ’s mental shields were lowered in a way they hadn’t been for quite a while. One minute he was walking along happily; the next minute pain slammed into his mind, ripping him apart. Screams echoed around him, howls that were full of pain and fury. His hands rose to his ears to try to stop the sound. The force of it staggered him. Wave after wave rolled through his body, dropping him down to his knees. 

He couldn’t hear the others shouting at him. He felt none of their hands on him. Crying out hoarsely, AJ rocked on the ground, lying curled up on his side. Goddess, but there was so much pain! Over and over he could hear the screams of men and women, of children! Images filled his mind. A female elf, slashing around her with a sword into a group of Krutas, trying to defend herself, knowing all the while it was useless. Yet she fought until her last breath, slashing one last Krutas even as they thrust a sword up through her heart. 

A male elf, stabbed in the back as he fought. A female, her head taken off her shoulders. Another female, hacked to pieces. A child, oh Goddess a child, valiantly swinging his small dagger at the Krutas only to be sliced with a sword and trampled by the masses. 

“No!” AJ shouted hoarsely. “No!” 

Warmth pushed its way into AJ’s mind, shoving past the darkness of the images. At first it was too faint to grasp. But it grew brighter and brighter until it was blotting out some of the darkness. AJ reached for it with all his mental strength, grabbing it and gathering it to him. There were no words when he touched it, but a love that he knew well and that started to chase away the darkness and fear. 

Enough of his sense of self returned for AJ to realize what some of this might be. He didn’t banish the images, but he did push them down enough that he could breathe past the pain. 

AJ dropped his hands from his ears, knowing now that the gesture had been futile. The cries he had heard had been purely mental. Breathing raggedly, he opened his eyes and looked around him. What he found had him confused for just a moment. Emeralds seemed to be glittering above him and alongside him. It took another moment to realize that it was the body of Tripha standing beside him, his massive tail curled around AJ’s form. 

Grateful, AJ used Tripha’s leg to lean against as he sat himself up. Against the warmth of Tripha’s body, AJ looked out and saw that the others stood on the other side of Tripha’s tail, their backs to him, swords in their hands. His brain was groggy enough that it took him another moment to realize what they were doing. 

They thought there was a threat to him! So each one of them had taken up a defensive position, ready to protect him with everything they had. 

But AJ knew it wasn’t necessary. He knew now what it was that had dropped him to the ground. He knew what it was that had brought those images into his mind; those screams of death. 

‘Call everyone off, song of my heart.’ AJ asked Brian. He couldn’t seem to find his voice quite yet. ‘It’s not an attack; it’s not what any of you think it is. Please. Call them off and give me a minute to gain my feet.’ 

Concern and love flowed back over the bond, but Brian didn’t question him. Instead he sheathed his sword and gestured for the others to do the same. Flreu and Shay did, turning to look at AJ as they did so. Even Tripha relaxed, sensing that there was no danger. He settled his bulk onto the ground, shifting his weight enough that his body presented a perfect place for AJ to rest against. Without shame, he leaned on the dragon. 

AJ held up a hand to the others, proud that he’d managed to make it steady. “Please, step aside.” He asked them, gesturing to his side. 

Without a moment’s hesitation, Brian stepped over and stood directly beside him, one hand coming to briefly rest on his shoulder. Flreu and Shay took up post slightly in front of AJ, to either side. Now that the way was clear, AJ took a deep breath and closed his eyes again. He had no idea what he was doing. Instinct took over, guiding his actions, helping him open a part of his mind that he’d shielded tightly ever since he’d gained this power. 

This time, when AJ opened his eyes again, he found himself looking at something only he could see. Spirits covered the field around him. There had to be at least forty standing there. Each one of them had died with the war against Roth. Each one had died here, on this field, as they’d battled for their freedom. 

Their deaths didn’t slam into his brain this time. Their anger and pain wasn’t overwhelming. He could think beyond it, pushing it aside so that his mind was his own. 

Still letting instinct guide him, AJ held his hand out, palm open, letting his mind make a weave of spirit unlike anything he’d seen before, sending it out into the spirits. The gasps around him told him that he had been right to trust his instinct. He had leant the spirits enough strength to be visible. 

As a one, the crowd of spirits dropped down to their knees in the elvish bow. A murmur ran through them as they all chimed “Long live the trulion. Long live the baka. Long live King Flreu.” 

“Rise, my children.” AJ said, pushing away from Tripha’s side to stand alone. These men had fought under his command. They had died under his command. He would not greet them now as anything less than strong and proud. They deserved that and so much more. 

The spirits rose, their faces turned toward him. AJ took a step forward, looking through the crowd of elves. They were faces that he knew. Elves that had been a part of his life for a long time. “My heart grieves to see you all.” AJ told them softly. “Yet it soars to feel the joy of your presence. To hear the song of your soul is sweet music to me on this night.” 

One of the spirits stepped forward, an elf by the name of Zetta. In his life, Zetta had been a night elf. He stopped before AJ, bowing at the waist, arms folded behind his back. 

AJ nodded to him when he rose, playing his part, knowing the formalities of the elvish court and realizing that these spirits were still acting by those formalities. 

“Please, trulion, we come to you with but a single request.” Zetta said, his voice like a soft breath on the breeze. 

“Ask, my child. If it is in my power, it shall be done.” 

Zetta stood a little taller. “All we wish, trulion, is to make the passage to the Goddess. Our spirits died a violent, angry death and we were all scared. We knew not what we were doing, nor were there the prayers of our people to help us find our way until later. We do not know the way and we are tired. We wish to be in the embrace of the Goddess in all her faces.” 

This, he could grant them. A smile spread over AJ’s lips. “It would be my honor, Zetta.” 

Taking a deep breath, AJ released the bonds over his mind. He stepped further away from the others, moving his arms so that they were spread on either side of him. Almost, he hesitated. Almost. The last time he had done this prayer, the Goddess herself had come to talk to him and Brian and given them their new powers. Though it had been a beautiful, amazing experience to speak with the Goddess herself, it wasn’t something he was quite sure he wanted to repeat at the moment. 

The hesitation left him, though, when he looked at the spirits waiting before him. His voice was firm and proud as he said the prayer of passing, speaking in Elvish. “I call to you, Mother Earth, Goddess of love and life. I call to you, Fire, Goddess of war and light. I call to you Air, Goddess of thought and feeling. I call to you Water, Goddess of healing. I call to you Spirit, Goddess of our soul and of those departed.”  

Yet again he made the weave, a net of the elements, letting it grow. Instead of simply placing it into the air, AJ now laid it over the spirits before him. Here he added his own small prayer to the ritual. “I call to you on this day and in this hour to care for these souls before me. They fought and died with honor.” 

The weave seemed to pulse over the spirits. In the corner of his senses, AJ felt a bright presence moving closer. He took a deep breath and finished off the payer. “I ask that you take them, sheltering them in your hands, cradling them in your warmth. I humbly beg you to bless them for their work and for their lives. Let the hearts and love of those left behind lift these souls up to you so that you may take them in your embrace and guide them into the next life.” 

Though the others could not see her, the Goddess in all her faces came into the field to accept her children home. She opened her arms wide, long sleeves dangling down to the ground, a beautiful smile on her face. That smile echoed on the face of each of the spirits before her. As one, they moved into her embrace until she was holding them all to her. Then she drew them into her, drawing back, her light slowly fading from the field. 

Another moment, and there was nothing left. No spirits, no light, no Goddess. Just a silence so strong, AJ could hear the beat of his own heart. 

He blew out his breath, dropping his arms to his sides. Holy shit. Well, that had been one hell of a shock. A corner of AJ’s mouth quirked. He turned toward his loved ones, a smart ass remark on his lips. That remark died when he faced them. Everything in him seemed to freeze, as if his whole body had been frozen. 

“Alyck?” Shay asked gently. Brian’s voice echoed that concern in their bond. Even Flreu looked worried at the sight of AJ’s face. 

No words would come to him. No thoughts would even form at first. His eyes focused on a point directly behind Brian’s shoulder. Sorrow tugged at his heart. “Sweet Goddess.” AJ whispered past lips that had gone numb. 

Drawing himself together, AJ straightened his spine suddenly and held out one hand. “Brian, come here, please.” 

Confused, Brian nonetheless moved himself forward, taking AJ’s hand. He didn’t say anything as AJ pulled him to his side, away from Tripha and the others. Looking back over to his friend and his Grandfather, AJ asked “Will one of you please fetch Tadhg and Leusha for me?” AJ had no idea that power glowed in his eyes at that moment, making his stare almost commanding. Without a word, Shay took off toward the castle. 

AJ used the privilege of his rank to ignore both Flreu and Tripha for a moment, something he would normally never do. But this was more important to him than anything else right at the moment. This was one of the most important things he had ever done. “Brian, baby…” Words failed him again. 

‘What is it, Alex? What is it that has your heart so sad and yet so strong?’ Brian asked him lovingly. On the outside, Brian maintained his composure, simply holding AJ’s hand and looking into his eyes. On the inside, though, his voice and love was like a mental caress. 

AJ sighed. He tried to gather the last of his composure. This was not going to be about his emotions. This was about Brian right now. This was about his heart song. ‘There is something I would show you. Something I think may bring great joy and great sorrow to your heart. Do you trust me to do this?’ 

“I do.’ Brian responded without hesitation. 

This time it was easier for AJ to make the weave he needed; it wasn’t just instinct anymore. Now that he had done it once, it was part of his memory. When he was done, he drew Brian to him, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. “I love you, Brian o Littrell.” He said softly. Then, after turning his lover around, AJ stepped back. 

He saw the shock go over Brian’s face, chased quickly by both love and pain in equal measures. Tears built in those beautiful, tri-colored eyes, making it look like a rainy day in Brian’s eyes. Raising a trembling hand, Brian stared at the spirits before him, his heart in his eyes. “Mom? Dad?” 

AJ stepped back, moving to stand at Flreu’s side. Silent, his Grandfather took his hand, offering love and support with the gesture. Tripha curled his neck so that he could lay his head on their side. Automatically AJ moved over, still holding Flreu’s hand, so that he could lay a hand on Tripha’s head. The three stood, a unit, watching the scene unfold before them. 

Jackie and Harold Littrell stood side by side; her arm around his waist and his around her shoulders. Their smiles were wide and full of love. “Son.” Harold said softly. His voice sounded so happy. “It’s great to see you.” 

“Look at you!” Jackie exclaimed. “Look at how you’ve grown! My little boy is a man now.” 

“Goddess help me.” The whisper slid past Brian’s lips. He looked like he wanted to reach for them but knew that it would be futile. “I’m so sorry. I’m so, so sorry.” 

As a unit, the two stepped closer to him, letting go of one another. “Sorry?” Jackie exclaimed quickly. “Why ever for?” 

The tears broke free of Brian’s eyes, spilling down his cheeks. “I wasn’t fast enough. I wasn’t smart enough to think about them coming after you. It was so stupid.” Pain echoed in every word Brian spoke. “I should have had someone looking out for you. I should’ve been there.” 

“Oh, honey, no!” 

From where he watched, AJ centered himself and gathered more magic to himself. He wasn’t sure if this would work, but he had to try. He fed a little more magic to the two spirits, adding on to what he had already given them, allowing them more than to simply be visible. He tried to mimic what he knew of the Goddess and how she appeared to others, adding to what he’d sent. If it worked, it wouldn’t hold for longer than ten, maybe fifteen minutes before he’d have to cut off the flow of strength. But he vowed he’d hold it that long if it did work. 

Jackie had instinctively brought a hand up as AJ was doing this. By the time he was done, her hand touched Brian’s cheek. The three startled when they realized that she could touch him and he could feel it. That was all the encouragement they needed. Jackie and Harold moved forward as one, wrapping Brian in their arms. 

Tears streamed down AJ’s cheeks as he watched the three Littrells embrace. What they whispered to one another, he had no idea. But he heard as Brian sobbed out the grief that he’d kept locked inside for far too long. 

Out of the corner of his eye, AJ saw Shay returning, Tadhg and Leusha trailing after him.  AJ had sent for them for multiple reasons. One, because it would comfort Brian to have them there. Two, Harold and Jackie were their family as well and they deserved this moment. Lastly, because it was simply the right thing to do. 

Right as the trio reached them, Brian and his parents pulled back from their hug. Tears still streamed down Brian’s cheeks like rivers, but he wore a smile a mile wide. With an arm around each of their waists, Brian led them forward until everyone stood face to face. 

“Mom, Dad, I want you to meet a few people.” Brian said happily. He started at the end furthest from AJ and worked his way in. “This is a friend, Shay. Behind them all is the great and noble dragon elder, Tripha.” Shay bowed and Tripha inclined his head. 

Brian moved on to the next. “This is my Uncle, Tadhg and his heart song, Leusha. Great Grandfather Kieran was his father. Which would make him a, uh, a great Uncle to you guys. Uncle, Aunt, these are my parents, Jackie and Harold Littrell.” 

Formally, Tadhg bowed before them, as did Leusha. “I am honored to meet the parents of such a wonderful man.” Tadgh told them, his voice full of love and respect. “Your Brian has been such a joy to have around us, and such a pride in our lives. We knew his parents much be good people indeed to have raised such a joyous child.” 

“Thank you.” Harold told him. “He’s always been our pride. Our joy. Both our children are.” 

Jackie smiled at them both. “It makes it easier to know that he’ll have family around him when we’re gone. Thank you, both of you, for caring for our son for us.” 

Next in line was Flreu. Here, Brian’s pride held him straighter. This meeting was very important to him. “Grandfather, I would like you to meet my parents, Harold and Jackie. Mom, Dad, this is Flreu, King of the Elves.” 

The bow that Harold gave and the curtsey from Jackie were awkward, but heartfelt. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” They murmured. 

“The pleasure is all mine.” Flreu returned easily. “You should be proud of your son and all that he has done and is doing. Be proud of yourselves. You have done a fantastic job with him.” 

Whatever response they gave was lost on AJ. All he could focus on was them moving now, coming to stand before him. His eyes met theirs and he couldn’t hold his gaze up. Shame had him looking down. Brian started to step forward, a question in his thoughts, but Jackie beat him there. Her hand closed over AJ’s, pulling his attention to her. The smile she wore was beautiful. “Don’t, Alexander.” She told him gently. “Don’t let a single regret enter your heart. This was how things were meant to be. Nothing you or him did or could have done would have changed this. It was our time. This was how things were meant to be.” 

“She’s right, AJ.” Harold said as he stepped up on AJ’s other side. “This is right. This is what our son was always meant to be. This is his destiny. The only thing we ask is that you take care of him for us, just like you’ve been doing.” 

“Always.” AJ said hoarsely. Tear still slid silently down his cheeks. “He is the song of my heart, the song of my soul, the master of my heart. I will care for him until my final, dying breath.” 

The two spirits smiled at him before stepping back. They turned to Brian again, hugging him to them and kissing his cheeks. “Be strong, son. Be proud.” Harold told him. “And know that we’re proud of you. We always have been and we always will be. You’re a good man.” 

“We’ll always love you and we’ll always be watching over you.” Jackie said. Her eyes seemed to sparkle. “My baby boy. I love you so much. I’m so proud of who you are now! So proud of the man you are. We’ll always love you, just like your father said, and we’ll always watch over you from above.” 

Brian smiled through his tears. “I love you guys, too. No matter where I go or what I do, I carry you in my heart.” 

After one final embrace, they turned to AJ and nodded at him, indicating they were ready. AJ knew that they wouldn’t go to the Goddess, for that wasn’t their faith, but he blessed them softly in Elvish and wished them peace in the hereafter. He watched them slowly fade; first from the eyes of the others, then from his magical eyes as well. 

He closed his eyes, sighing softly. The peaceful walk they’d all intended on had turned in to so much more. Yet AJ would never be sorry for it. This had been needed. This had given Brian the peace he’d needed to get to help him past the last stages of his grief. 

Warm arms wrapped around AJ, pulling him into a familiar, tight hug. “Thank you.” Bright whispered in his ear. The bond overflowed with love. ‘Thank you so much. That meant more to me than anything. Thank you. I love you.’ 

‘I love you too.’ AJ sent back. ‘And you’re welcome. Now go, go be with your family for the moment. I will be here when you are done, song of my heart, and we will take our hearts into the forest and celebrate this last night here. Go, now.’ 

When Brian stepped away from him, AJ opened his eyes again, watching as Brian moved to Tadhg and Leusha. The three embraced, their words a soft murmur, not quite able to be heard. He watched as the three stepped away, taking a moment for themselves. Then something bumped AJ’s shoulder, none to gently, and his attention drew back. He looked over to where Tripha’s head was lifted to eye level with him. 

“You have healed the heart of your baka tonight.” Tripha rumbled in his deep voice. 

AJ smiled at him. “It was a wound long festering. I am glad that he might find the peace to heal from his grief now. Everyone deserves a chance to say good-bye.” 

“So why is it that you have not given yourself that chance?” 

Confused, AJ furrowed his brow. “What do you mean?” 

“Why have you not called the ghosts of those you loved and bid them farewell and granted them passage to the Goddess? Would this not heal your heart as well?” 

Realization of what Tripha meant washed over AJ. Could he….was it true? Could he really do that? “I don’t know what I’m doing with this.” AJ admitted quietly. “This power is mine, but I haven’t explored it enough to understand what I’m doing. I wouldn’t know how to call anyone to me. I didn’t even know I could.” 

“If their spirit has not made the passage over, one such as you may make contact, calling to them on the planes of the spirit world. You’ve gone there already; you know what that place in. The place in your mind where the spirits cry, where they are visible to you before you make them visible to us. Let out your cry there and it will be heard. If they have not made the passage, they will come.”