A time and place for mag.., p.18
A Time and Place for Magic, page 18
Riley couldn’t help but laugh at this second Jades’ blatant admittance. She knew Jade would indeed raise the children wild and free.
“So, the pods, they are children you are growing from the dead?”
The first Jade smirked knowingly, “Nothing ever did get past you my darling girl.” She reached up cupping Riley’s face in her hand. “I will miss you more than you can possibly imagine. Even though I never had children of my own, I still felt as if I were truly a mother to the triplets and yourself. I want you to know how proud I am of you. I wish I could take credit for the person you are, but you had so many wonderful people involved in raising you... I’m afraid that I may be in over my head with these children,” she said glancing to the baby in the other sprite’s arms.
Riley took Jade’s hand and hugged her, pulling her dainty body close, the smell of spring filled the air around her. She knew this was not goodbye, but Riley also remembered that the task ahead was dangerous. It had taken the life of Raspiria and she was afraid. Jade had always been there for her, and suddenly, she felt she was going to be truly alone in this world. Soon she would return to a home she had never known, to save others she had never met. When all this was done, she knew she’d return for the children and take them to be raised by her people. She would also learn to govern, something that the very thought of, left her feeling overwhelmed. The weight of the future was already a heavy burden in her mind. Somehow, hugging Jade made the burden a little easier to bear.
“One more thing. I have someone that wants to thank you.” Jade said, turning towards the forest.
One of the Sunflower Warriors, as Gordon had named them, walked towards her. Its many feet were roots that looked and moved like an octopus. The roots supported a main trunk while a brightly blooming, Sunflower face smiled at her. As it approached, Riley noted how its branches helped provide stability, gliding in her direction. Stopping in front of her, it sent most of its roots back into the ground to support and steady the weight of its body.
“I get the irony, but I call this one Daisy.” Jade said winking. “She is the mother of all the others and wants to express her gratitude to you for defeating the Dark Lord and saving so many of her children.”
Jade stepped back to let Daisy’s root reach towards Riley.
“Don’t be afraid, it is how she communicates.”
The root was pale purple and damp, yet gentle, touching Riley’s face, sliding down her arm and resting for a moment in her hand. The great Sunflower face seemed to smile and radiate light on her. A sense of gratefulness flowed through the root. Riley smiled back, nodding her head. Daisy then pulled up her roots again and returned to the forest. Riley watched her until she disappeared amongst the trees.
While Daisy said her silent thank you to Riley, Jade turned to Rachel and said, “I will miss you very much my dear friend.”
Rachel quickly blinked the unexpected tears away, “I will miss you too. This isn’t goodbye, just see you later.”
Jade laughed, tossing her head back and then looked at her sideways.
“What was that I saw with the lightning moving down through the clouds yesterday?”
Rachel smiled; a twinkle lit up her eyes.
“I guess you and Miranda are not the only one’s evolving. I feel a change growing inside me, and if he doesn’t mind me saying so,” she said looking to Gordon who nodded in acknowledgment, “I think Gordon does too.”
Jade reached out and hugged her. Rachel bent down to embrace her wondering when they would next lay eyes on one another. Lastly, Jade approached Gordon.
“Yes, I think I see the change in you too. I am happy for you both and know that you will do many great things with it. Give Miranda my love when you see her. I will always be here for you and the others. Never forget that!”
She hugged him as tight as she could.
As the sun rose, they all broke camp. Gordon found Riley alone packing what few supplies she had. He watched her as she worked feeling pride in the woman she was becoming. Walking up to her, she turned only to find him with a big goofy smile. She had always associated it with her dad. They didn’t need to say anything to know what the other was thinking. Gordon reached out and embraced his only daughter. She could feel his love for her in his tender embrace. Those big arms had always been her safe place and she would miss them. Gordon told her how much he loved her and how proud he was of her. He kissed her on the cheek and told her to travel safely. He feared the next time he saw her she would no longer be his little girl.
Xavier and Tasha said their goodbyes to the others, making a special stop to see the Fairies. They twinkled and chattered about them like a swarm of sadness. After saying their farewells and promising to return, the twins traveled with Gordon and Rachel to the Wall where Gordon would keep Jade’s promise to reunite them with their parents. Xavier and Tasha’s experiences had changed them, leaving a mark of maturity. The world around them had also changed greatly, but the love of their family endured.
Lightfoot planned to travel with Gordon and Rachel to see what could be done to help the refugees. Eventually he would return when all was done to spend his days with Jade, curled up at the base of her tree by night and ruling the forest with her by day.
Despite the pain of going their separate ways, they each knew that there was much work to be done. Riley left the camp on the back of the red dragon with the other Elves. They were bound towards the ancient elven city of Vorn where Riley would find the strength to bring her people back and in doing so would be reunited with her father, Thrall.
Spider accompanied Gordon and Rachel to meet Miranda. It was a tearful reunion between two strangers. Later, he would be instrumental in saving many of the Unwanted by guiding them into Jade’s care. He would finally understand what it was to have a mother and a father. He would however still make time to see Riley whenever opportunity permitted. The bond between them would remain until their dying day.
About the Author
M. Eugene Smith spent most of his childhood and early adult life in rural Utah. He has been an avid fantasy and science fiction reader since he first learned to read. His love of nature and the outdoors has heavily influenced his writing. He now resides in southern and indulges his love of gardening nearly year around.
Read more at M. Eugene Smith’s site.
M. Eugene Smith, A Time and Place for Magic
