The Burning Blade

THE BURNING BLADE

By Whisper

CHAPTER 4 - BATTLE PLANS

He gazed at the night sky, a soft smile playing on his lips. With his hands resting on the guard rail and angled towards the side as he was, Ereanis had a view of the bedroom, restricted only by the gently floating and blowing drapes, and the more uninhibited sight of the hills behind the borders of the house. The content smile on his face was no act, and despite the tumultous situation he found himself in, he felt more sure than he had in a long time, that things would eventually work out. This hardly meant that he wasn't to plan and prepare, both himself and those he cared for, in lieu of the seemingly constantly shifting future and the possibilities for both disaster and calamity. A slight frown marred his features as he shifted through the course of events to discern the best safest route for all of them.

They aren't really going to understand the finance, he thought to himself, faintly amused at the idea. A problem that needed solving. He had paid for their dinner last night, but neither Rebecca nor Richard, or even Chelsea for that matter, had wondered where he had got the money. He supposed he might have to help them understand that aspect first. Relatively simple since he could rather effortlessly adapt his abilities to this new 'banking' system. He chuckled as he realised that humans, throughout history had been notoriously ingenious when it came to protecting their possessions, and money was no exception. In fact they seemed to find more and more protocols and safeguards so quick that they often times confused themselves rather effortlessly.

"What're ye about?" came a sleepy voice as Rebecca stepped out from behind the curtains, stark naked and rubbing her eyes as she blinked and stepped closer to him.

Ereanis smile broaded and his eyes held a gentle light as he took the woman in his arms wordlessly, laying a gentle kiss on her lips, his worries and earlier ponderings floating away in the slight breeze. There would be time for that on the morrow, he decided and held the woman close against his body, taking comfort in the arms that wrapped around his neck and the breath against his neck as Rebecca nuzzled into him. "Nothing at all," he murmured and sighed in contentment.

Rebecca didn't understand how they had gotten so close. It hadn't been two days, yet she knew that Ereanis was one of those people she would be hard pressed to loose. The thought scared her more than a bit, but not because Ereanis wasn't human or because he might have lied. She was fairly sure that he had used neither trickery nor wiles to find his way into her heart. In fact, she doubted he had even wanted to, so scared was he of harm coming to them when they had met but tens of hours ago. Yet, here they stood, and Rebecca found herself scared, for a very pecularly human reason. She had worked hard to get over the deaths of her parents, and had in her juvenile mind decided never to let herself be that caring again. Yet she knew she could not keep that promise to herself. It was a selfish ideal, based entirely on self preservation that would hurt her deeper and more subtly.

Ereanis smiled as he followed her thoughts. She could have been scared or angry for so many reasons, yet she had picked the most personal one and that one act instilled a great calm in him. She was scared to loose him. Ereanis made a decision, standing under the stars, the chill breeze blowing, protecting her body from it by wrapping her up in his arms, content and at peace, having finally found his place. He would not loose. The last war may have been won, at least to most, but it had been a glaring loss to Ereanis. Too much blood had been spilt. He would find a way, somehow, and win this time. He owed that much at least.

"Come to bed," murmured Rebecca, her face turning up, eyes peaceful and a small smile playing on her lips as she came to her own conclusions about where they were all heading and how she wished to journey there. "Come," she said softly, and holding his hand, led him to bed. It was a tight fit, but comfortably so and when their eyes closed, bodies entwined, contentment could be felt seeping through the room, like some thick syrup, sweet and thick coating your throat.

--

Chelsea woke slowly, feeling not sore at all, but instead a heaviness in her limbs that thrummed satisfcation and laziness. Her eyes fluttered open gently and she tried to quickly recall last nights' activities. They had a wild time alright, she groaned as she tried to move her legs and felt more of the lazy heaviness make her back arch andd stretch contentedly.

"Hello there," called Rebecca softly as she stepped out of the bathroom covered in a robe. "Richard's working on breakfast, so why don't you wash up hun?" she said, walking towards the bed, giving the surprised and more than slightly awkward feeling Chelsea a gentle kiss, then moving to the built-in wardrobe beside the bed and dropped the robe. "Go on, I left you a robe in there," she urged, smiling in an amused way as she slipped on a pair of panties and bra.

"Okay," mumbled a subdued Chelsea before getting up and scampering into the bathroom. She didn't bother locking the door and only closed it, feeling for some reason as though locking it was wrong. The thought was followed quickly by a frown and she shook her head as she washed her face. Her thoughts however did not stop there, and she found herself a tad bit confused. She didn't know what to do. She supposed she could take it one step at a time, but thoughts of doubt and worry, fear of having made a mistake crashed through her suddenly and she found herself panicking. Stillness seemed to quickly descend as she recalled something she had felt more than once already. She belonged. There was not the least bit of awkwardness in Rebecca's manner just moments ago, and the comfort level made her fearful that this really was too good to be true. So it was with a determined glance and whisper of "Baby steps," that she began to wash her face and mouth. If things were going to work out, they would, and honestly, what was the point of fretting over something she had no control over? Another thought nearly sent her into yet another panic - the fact that she was nude. This was even quicker sublimated as she whirled towards the door and saw a robe hanging on the bathroom door. Recalling Rebecca's words, she relaxed and smiled, marvelling at how thoughtful these people were.

Finishing up her morning rituals, she left the bathroom and slowly wandered downstairs. Led by the sounds of chatter and a distinctly warm and familiar chuckle, she turned towards the kitchen and headed towards the sounds a bit timidly.

"Morning," said Rebecca with a smile as she walked in, her disarming manner instantly drawing a grin from herself.

"Morning." she murmured and looked around for an empty chair.

"Come here," said Ereanis chuckling, patting the empty chair to one side of him.

"Thanks," came her murmured reply and she made her way to the offered seat.

"Bacon, eggs and sausage?" offered Richard, turning from the stove to smile at her as well.

Chelsea forced herself to gulp past the lump in her throat. How could they be so casual, she wondered. It simply wasn't normal. Last night they had gotten away with the excuse of Ereanis being their 'employer', the sheer sexual tension in her allowing her to shove all other thoughts aside. But she was sober now, and things didn't add up. They were sitting around the platform opposite the stove, Ereanis naked except for his towel (and what was that tatto over his body?), Richard half dressed with an apron and a pair of boxers, his clothes hung over a chair in the living room and Rebecca the only one fully clothed.

"I assure you we will explain, sweet Chelsea, but you must eat. I am sure you are hungry," murmured Ereanis, drawing her back to reality as her stomach grumbled. Chelsea realised that she hadn't been paying attention and had stayed quiet for quite a bit, so lost was she in her thoughts. She only nodded, still dazed and confused, not knowing what to ask first, whether to ask at all or wait for a more oportune moment, or even if she were over reacting or not.

"Rebecca, Richard and myself are a trio," began Ereanis, answering her questions and deciding to finish this before the poor woman was even more lost and confused. Might as well give her some information for her brain to mull over, he thought with a chuckle. "They're both going to hand in their resignations today and should be back around lunch time. It is not yet time for me to explain my own role in everything, but you can rest easy knowing it is nothing harmful. I will let you know everything, but you are still a bit dazed and confused at the moment. You are welcome to spend the day with myself, or go home," he added with a bow of his head, "as you wish. The decision is entirely yours. I will miss your company, but there are no strings attached here."

"Thanks," said Chelsea after a pause. "I appreciate that."

"I'll drop you off on the way to work," said Rebecca smiling, patting the relieved woman's hand.

"After you're done, I'll show you where your clothes are," said Richard with a smile as he sat opposite Chelsea and began to wolf down his toast and eggs.

That didn't take long. Chelsea felt her hunger the moment she took her first bite of toast, and in a few minutes had managed to clean her plate. She felt slightly bashful for a moment before she realised that the other three were just finishing up as well.

"Come on," motioned Richard and moved upstairs, followed shortly by Chelsea.

"She's scared out of her wits," sighed Rebecca as she got up and took a seat on Ereanis lap.

"Yes," accepted Ereanis, offering nothing more and only agreeing, waiting for Rebecca to speak her mind.

"Why are we growing so attached so very quickly?" she asked Ereanis while she rested her head against his chest, his hands holding her. Rebecca was growing a bit scared with the changes. Maybe she thought they were about to slow down, but as things stood, that seemed to be a very distant fancy of a little girl. Instead she took comfort in the hands that held her, trusting fully in Ereanis to be good and do as such a being would.

"Fate, destiny, opportunity, choices... who knows, and does it really matter?" asked Ereanis softly. "There is a very human emotion. It is a strange one. Once it manifests itself, by means you might consider 'good' or 'bad', it leaves you helpless to fight against it. Do you know what it is?"

"Love?" asked Rebecca softly.

"No," whispered Ereanis. "Love comes with its passions, and love alone will never have the power to stop your struggles against it. Even though you love, you might fight and struggle, in some way or the other, for some reason or another. But care," he whispered, pulling Rebecca's face up to lay a gentle kiss on those soft lips, "care, will wash away everything else, but the person it is directed at. A mothers care, a lovers care, a friends care and even another human's care." he finished.

Rebecca found herself stiilled by his words. He was right. Most people who had loved each other had almost always fought and made each other sad, albeit briefly most of the time. The type of 'Love' that most people knew of was an emotion based in an extreme. It was lovely, but when threatened, it resembled a snake and the reaction would be filled with venom. If she had fallen in love with Ereanis and had realised that it had been a result of his abilities, she would have begun to hate him, or at the very least been rather sorely angry at him. But to care for someone, was another thing altogether. She truly cared for Ereanis, and what that meant was relatively simple. She wanted him to be happy.

"Ready," said Chelsea as she wandered back downstairs, her head bent down as she worked to tie her hair into a ponytail.

Rebecca smiled as she stood and walked to the woman. For all the walls she had built around herself, she could not be uncaring to these sudden additions to her life. She loved them, ccherished them and most importantly cared deeply for them. It was clear to her that Chelsea needed help, care, love and attention. Whether tender or firm and forceful was an irrelevant issue and would change besed on the situation. But she would accept Chelsea's own happiness over her own.

"What is it?" asked Chelsea, confused as she looked up to see the sudden depth tenderness in the other woman's eyes.

Rebecca said nothing and only smiled as she kissed Chelsea deeply and tenderly, letting all her softness and gentility come through in that one act. When she broke the kiss, Chelsea had to bite her lip to keep from a sob escaping her throat. A hug and a few quick goodbye's later, the two women left.

Ereanis was watching them leave when Richard spoke. "You know, there's something I've been meaning to tell you." said the man as he put on his own jacket and grabbed his keys off the kitchen table. "I used to lead people too, and there are a lot of times I failed. The result was always lethal, or so close it seemed a bit too similar. So I understand your own guilt and loss with more clarity than you might imagine. The thing is, you can't let it eat you up like you once did. You have to remember that those who died, did so willingly and even gladly. To wallow in guilt is an insult to their actions, memories and wishes. Instead, do what they would have wanted. Live, if only for those they left behind. So don't you dare think of dying on us Ereanis," he said, turning away from the table and heading out the door. "I'll never forgive you if you take away so much good from our lives."

Ereanis smiled gently at the sound of the car starting and then pulling away. The man, he chuckled, thinking silently to himself, was a very wise and very bright person. One Ereanis himself might have to take advice from. He shook his head at Richard's distinct act, one not at all submissive, and forceful enough to even be called mildly dominant. That alone told Ereanis that he had meant every word. In that moment and forever after, Ereanis was proud of him. Proud to have known him, to have held him and spent time with him, but most of all, proud to have heard those words from him.

--

Chelsea found the drive relatively quite, but not uncomfortably so. Rebecca was quiet, not intruding and making attempts at small talk just to fill the silence, just nodding and asking directions every once in a while. She felt a bit guilty at being so quiet, as though she should have talked to the woman while she drove but that never lasted, for one glance at Rebecca told Chelsea just how at ease the woman was. Half glad and half sad, completely confused and conflicted, Chelsea appreciated the silence. Her mind was a whirl of emotions  and thoughts. How could she in good faith say no to meeting them again? This wasn't some selfless decision she could make for the benefit of her girlfriend and Ereanis, Rebecca and Richard's pleasure. The night had meant too much to her in so many ways. Then again, how could she talk to her girlfriend? She knew that Vanessa would never understand and probably kick her out the minute she found out. Chelsea couldn't not tell her, since that was inacceptable. Her thoughts alternatively depressed her and gladdened her. So, it was that when she was dropped off, Rebecca could see clearly the tears so close to the surface. The panic rising in the other woman was not out of control, but it would soon be there.

"Sweetie," said Rebecca, stepping out of the car and hugging the other woman tightly. "I don't know why you're so scared. To be honest, despite the fact that in the one night together we all feel as though you fit in just right and already we know so much about you, we don't know what you're going home too, other than the fact that it can't be very good if it causes you so much pain and confusion. I just want you to know, no matter what happens, we already care for you and if you ever need anything, please give me a ring." she said softly, kissing Chelsea on the cheek.

Chelsea seemed even closer to tears, but with a nod, a watery smile and a tight hug, she fled upstairs to sort things out for herself.

"Be safe," muttered Rebecca to the air as the woman left and got into her car. What she had said was mostly true. They actually knew a lot about her from Ereanis earlier explanations and conclusions, but they truly did not know what Chelsea had waiting for her. Rebecca was going to have a long day worrying about that one.

Silently, the woman got into the car and headed off to work.

--

"Hello," said Richard as she got out of her car.

"Hello," said a surprised and very relieved Rebecca.

"You look as bad as you feel," said Richard as he enveloped the woman in a hug. It took Rebecca a second to loosen up enough and return the hug more fiercly, before she realised his words seemed a bit discordant.

"What do you mean feel?" she asked with a frown.

"Well, I'm not sure but since a bit now, I've been feeling miserable for some reason. Worried, sad and regretful all at once, and seemingly, for no reason at all." he began, leaning back against his car as he explained. "I thought I might wait for you to see if you'd come, maybe to lighten my mood before I head in I suppose. But the minute you turned into the parking, I felt your mood. It's like we're sharing emotions or something because suddenly everything was worse. I don't know what it is, but I'm sure Ereanis is somehow connected. Anywho, what happened? Chelsea doing that bad?"

"That's odd and I intend to ask him about that." grumbled Rebecca, glad to have something to focus her mild level of anger on so she stopped feeling so worried. Richard's raised eyebrows told her that it seemed to be working and he was indeed sensing her emotions and substituting them for his own somehow - unintentionally too. "Ok well, you're right about the emotions anyway. How come it doesn't work both ways?"

"I don't know." answered Richard, his own brow frowning as he thought it through. "I'll let you know if I figure it out. Chelsea?"

"Oh, yeah, it wasn't all that, but there's definetely something going on we don't know about." answered Rebecca. "She's as wound up as a murderer at his hearing. I don't imagine we did anything that bad, but she was close to panic. I don't think I helped much, but then I don't know why she was so upset." sighed Rebecca and turned towards the office.

"Well, don't worry," comforted Richard and fell into step beside her as they made their way up to the building. "I'm sure things'll sort themselves out."

"I hope so," murmured Rebecca to herself and together, the two entered the building.

--

Ereanis smiled as he walked down the street. Manchester in October was often cursed. The rain coupled with the cold temperatures left people too warm in thick coats and too cold in light sweaters. Of course, to someone who didn't feel cold or heat in the same way we did, Manchester was lovely. The rain fell, giving the air a clear, crisp feeling, the light breeze only made the leaves chuckle, and the alternate peeks at the sun behind a cover of clouds only added to the allure of the city. Of course, this was only amplified in some of the higher class subrurbs with their lack of traffic and people to add a sense of calmness and serenity about the place. Ereanis liked it. The area through which he now strolled was for the rich and quiet. Massive compounds, surrounded on three sides by walls, open at the back to allow the fortunate the opportunity to explore, walk, picnic or do much of anything else, though today the weather restricted such activities.

Ereanis walked until he reached roughly the center of the entire area. Closing his eyes, he tuned his senses to the presence of people and the aura's they exhuded. It didn't take him long to ascertain a part that seemed to be devoid of human life and seemed to beckon to him. Confused, but trusting in instincts, he headed back the way he had come and frowned at a gate. A small detour helped him find a sitable place to avoid the guard. A quick scan to confirm he had the right place was all he needed before hopping atop the wall. He descended with equal grace and resumed his stroll through the place. It truly was lovely and untouched. A relatively large chalet sat along the bank of a rather large stream, stone steps leading down to the water's edge from the back of the house. A span of the stones curved around a large boulder towards a thick, wide bridge that spanned the considerable girth and depth of the waterway, providing a way across. The chalet itself was relatively large and there were two smaller ones flanking it on either side. Nature had taken over the sides and backs of the houses, but Ereanis suddenly got a clear picture of what they had originally looked like. The stones had hardly changed over the years, and the wood was of a lovely quality and treated to last, though a few beams would need replacements. From the outside they were almost blocky. Each of the smaller one's mirrored the other and were two floors, though he assumed there was a basement. The houses were based on a cube, but had so many nooks and cranny's with balconies and windows, porches and flat roofs sticking out that the whole idea seemed to be - allow as much open air access as possible. The larger was four floors and all three had stairs on either side, stone once more, that curled around in lazy circled to allow entrance to any level from the outside. Ereanis smiled and turned to leave, heading back towards the wall where he had entered and easily leaving. He paused on the way past the gate, the guard lounging in his chair, half asleep and noted the real estate agent's sign on a worn, beaten poster stuck on the gate.

Nodding, to himself, he left. The place would work perfectly. He only needed a few things before he could proceed.

--

Richard and Rebecca spent the day composing resignation letters and then handing them in. The entire process went rather well, and they declined their paychecks, instead begging immediate leave. So, they were home realtively early and wondering where Ereanis was when the phone rang.

"Hello?" asked Rebecca as Richard prepared a light lunch for them.

"Hi," stammered Chelsea.

"Love? Where are you?" asked Rebecca suddenly concerned, the reaction causing Richard to nearly slice his own finger off as he chopped a few vegetables for the roast.

"I'm outside." said Chelsea not knowing where to begin. Things had gone pretty much as expected. She had gotten to the appartment, tidied up whiel she waited and was rather surprised when Vanessa walked in earlier than expected. Halfway while she was confessing to everything that happened, Vanessa had kicked her out, thrown her clothes behind her and locked the door. Her parting words were, "If you really are a whore then I'd rather not be the brothel. Goodluck you dumb bitch." After spending the next half an hour weeping hysterically and nearly choking twice on her misery and panic, while she packed as much of her things as she could, she left and found an empty bus stop and phone booth. It had taken her nearly three hours to come out of her shock to phone Rebecca.

"Where love? I'm coming right now." ordered Rebecca, slipping completely into dominant mode. Her frustration and coldness worked.

"Down the road and to the right from where you dropped me off. There's a bus stop." was all the woman said. Her voice catching and straining, almost hollow.

Richard had heard enough and grabbed the coat and keys, holding them out to Rebecca.

"I'll be there in five minutes," said Rebecca. "Don't move. I'm coming."

"Here," said Richard when the phone was back in its cradle. "I'll get lunch ready. She sounds like she's in shock. Get her back safe," he muttered and smiled softly before shooing Rebecca out the door.

"Thank Richard," muttered Rebecca, grabbing the keys and coat before scurrying to the car. A well of rage seemed to pour out of her and she stifled it before getting in the car and driving off. No point having an accident in her state.

It took less than five minutes to reach Chelsea, despite her words and calmness, driving like the devil herelf and breaking nearly every speed limit on the way.

"Come here," was the only thing she said before hugging Chelsea tightly, the woman dissolving in sea of sobs and shaking uncontrollably in Rebecca's arm. The rage welled up inside her once more and nearly made her growl, but the helpless woman in her arms quickly killed ever emotion and carefully, tenderly, Rebecca led Chelsea back to the car. "Let's go home." she murmured.

"Bags," said Chelsea, trying to pull away and only getting a firmer grip on her arm and being forced into her seat.

"I'll get them. You stay," she commanded and retrieve the two bags and arm load of clothes before getting in beside Chelsea.

The ride passed in relative silence. Chelsea was coming out of her shock, but the entire experience of the last few hours had rocked everything she had known about herself and her life. Last night, she had known that what she had with Vanessa wasn't right or fair. However, knowing something intuitively and having the truth thrown at your face were quiet different. Added to that the fact that Vanessa in all her screaming had shown Chelsea just what she thought of the woman and the fact that she didn't even have a place to stay, everything had seemed to be finished for Chelsea. It had taken her a long time to get over just the berating comments and focus enough to call Rebecca and suddenly, she was aware that the sun was already about to set in a couple of hours and the moon was visible. The entire experience had left her so drained and exhausted that it wasn't surprising that she was quiet and reclusive.

"We're here hun," murmured Rebecca as she got out. Richard had heard the car pull up and was already pulling the blonde woman out of her seat to wrap her in his arms before handing her of to Rebecca so he could empty the car.

"It is alright." said Ereanis, walking up the driveway, his face gentle and soft. Richard didn't question.

"Come," said Ereanis to Chelsea, lifting her up easily and carrying her into the house and to the kitchen. Richard and Rebecca scuttling in behind the man. "Richard, food. Rebecca, a quilt" he commanded, and both, without hesitation, obeyed. Ereanis sat carefully, cradling the woman in his arms and lap as though she were the most delicate babe in the world. Chelsea herself calmed, felt her gut ease through the knot and her chest lighten. A few strokes of his hand had her leaning into him, curling up like a real baby and finally breathing easier. "You do not need to tell me," murmured Ereanis when Richard brought the food, "but eat. There will be a time later for everything else." he assured her before nodding for Richard to feed her. Chelsea did not feel odd, which surprised her. She was a grown woman, in the arms of one man, being fed by the other, while a woman wrapped a quilt around her chilled form, being touched and stroked and cuddled by two of them and she felt not the least bit strange. Instead she felt as though she were recovering from dehydration. She was warm, she felt loved and most of all, she felt at ease.

Rebecca climbed onto Ereanis' other leg easily and began to stroke and hold Chelsea's legs. Wordlessly taking joy in the knowledge of the woman's comfort and resting herself against Ereanis.

"Richard, why don't you take her upstairs and let her sleep?" asked Ereanis when they were done. A nod assured Ereanis and soon the woman was being guided upstairs and tucked into bed, tired but 'at home'.

"We need to talk," stated Ereanis when Richard had come back down. He smiled at Richard's and Rebecca's shared glances at each other before continuing. "A lot has changed in these past few hours. First, I shall choose to show you rather than explain." Ereanis then closed his eyes and concentrated. Nothing happened at first, Richard and Rebecca shared yet another glance and the a deep resonating sense of contentment began to build. It increased steadily until neither of the two wanted anything more than to curl up in bed and sleep. "Now I shall explain," said Ereanis smiling and drawing them back to themselves. "You are both becoming empaths. When anyone spends time and shares a deep bond with me, you will begin to feel emotions. From me and from others who are close to me. It can be turned off and even reversed at times, specially when there is a particular need or correction to be made."

"Earlier," began Richard, "I felt Rebecca, but it got stronger the closer she got. Also, she couldn't feel me." He had already begun to figure out so much during his day, but he wanted to confirm his suspicions before jumping to any conclusions.

"It's simple really. You are submissive to her. So when she is sad, you have a tendency to be sad because of that. Similarly for most other emotions. So whatever she was feeling, you were mirroring. Had they been different, you would each have felt the other and a level of..." Ereanis paused, searching for the right word. "Equality and calmness would have been reached. All emotions do not negate each other, but all emotions are different. Just the change of perspective will help you get a measure of calm and reduce your confusion."

"Alright," said Rebecca. "But you mentioned the effects could be revrsed?"

Ereanis nodded. "It works like anything else. If you are sad or angry, and Richard sends you all his happiness and joy, even if he is in another city, you will begin to feel happy and joyful. Sending it to you is easy. All anyone has to do is be happy, sad, angry or anything else and just think of you whole heartedly while they are in their state. You have to want the other person to share your state or your joy before they begin to feel it however. Normally you would feel the waves of joy from a person, but to actually be happy because of their emotions as though you had just done something to make you smile, takes conscious thought and willingness. That will come with time."

"Ok," shrugged Richard, willing to wait and not really have anything much to add.

"The other thing is Chelsea," went on Ereanis. "She is quickly becoming an empath and that is why she calmed so quickly. I thought it prudent to give her a measure of rest. It bears some thought. Also, she is now homeless, her girlfriend kicked her out." said Ereanis.

The other two already figured out that Ereanis must have read her, but hadn't quite been prepared for that. "Why," nearly growled Rebecca, her calm gone with the level of anger that surfaced. "Why kick her out without letting her pack and not even go to look for her? I understand anger at cheating but this is inexcusable."

"That one is a more clouded person than even I have the ability to understand," sighed Ereanis, his tone calm and resigned. "But that poses another problem, this time, one which I have solved." said a vaguely gleeful Ereanis.

Another shared glance nearly brought a laugh from Ereanis. "There is a house in the West," he went on. "The deed is iny our name," he motioned at Rebecca, "and ready for moving in by tomorrow." His grin was more akin to a little child who had scored all 'A's on his test when everyone complained about how he would fail. It was a shit-eating grin.

"Wha..." stammered Richard, at a total loss for words.

"Well, it took a bit of effort and a lot of energy," Ereanis explained, "but it is done."

"Chelsea's going to be a bit scared and lost," said Rebecca softly thinking through the implications.

"Which brings us to one last matter." nodded Ereanis, all his glee gone. "We will have to wait for her tomorrow, and if she seems ready, explain the situation. I think it prudent before she gets more involved that she realise what it is she wishes or does not wish to get involved in. That will be the time I will show all three of you what we face."

Richard and Rebecca were quiet for a time before sighing and sharing glances yet again. It was a bit to mull over. Rebecca was the first to speak up. "So, did you expect this? And is there anything else you are?"

Ereanis smiled and nodded in his usual soft and enigmatic way. "Yes, I did. But you must understand, this is something that people who have spent months at a stretch with me experience. To have the effects showing in a matter of days both astounds and confuses me. Initially I thought that it was the seriousness of the situation that seems to have heightened my capabilities and the time needed for them to take effect. However, I think it is more than that. Other aspects seem to be remaining the same. Just to verify I did a test earlier and most of everything else I can do is the same. It seems the abnormal speed only extends so far as the both of you as well as Chelsea. I had indeed expected this, but not quite this soon. Which brings me to your seond question," here Ereanis paused to adjust his positing and went on. "You will, all three of you, start getting a sense of rightness and wrongness about everything. It is not good or evil, but more like having a much higher level of intuition. You can tell when someone has had their very nature distorted and perverted. It does not mean that they are evil, but only that they are seeing the world through a different set of eyes than your own, and a perception you might not always agree with. This will manifest itself rather profoundly when it comes to things and places. Since everything you make is of Earth in one way or another, certain things will seem wrong and skewed and some will seem to be no different than before. Other than this I expect nothing. Though I should warn you, the abnormality of the situation does not permit me to make claims of surety. Be prepared and remember who you are. That is all you can do in end." finished Ereanis, getting up.

"Alright," muttered Richard. "Nothing we can do for it but to wait I suppose."

"I think we might as well. It'll probably take some time to get used to all the new side effects. For now, a meal and a bed seem just fine." said Rebecca, motioning Richard to serve them.

Dinner was a quiet affair and it wasn't long before all three found themselves silent and lost in their own thoughts. Richard and Rebecca's thoughts were rather similar, both marvelling at how far they had come in the span of a few days. Yet somehow, they all seemed to have progressed, not at all. The thought did not sit well with them. After all, what would it mean other than that they were either doing all the wrong things or not enough of them. None of the things they had done seemed so wrong or misguided, and hence both came to the conclusion that they had to do more. This though was quickly dashed, leaving both floundering in confusion as another one interceeded. Ereanis seemed to think that the both of them were progressing remarkably fast and had exceeded all his possible expectations and estimations. So then, why were they not progressing? Was it only a matter of perception? Did Ereanis' surprise stem from the fact that in times past, he had always had a lot of time to accomplish his goals? It seemed likely, but then did the swift pace with which Richard and Rebecca were changing indicate that they had to move faster this time? If so was it because of the urgency or importance? Perhaps their own personal leaps were nothing more than an indicator of how well they seemed to fit with Ereanis himself?

As the doubt continued, Ereanis himself found his thoughts uncharacteristically doubtful and worried. However, this did not last. The thought of failure had but entered his mind and just begun to latch onto his psyche when he realised what was going on. He closed his eyes briefly. Chelsea was awake, or drifting on the very edge of consciousness and sleep. It took little energy to calm and comfort her troubled mind and soon she was sound asleep once more. Rebecca and Richard, however seemed not to notice.

"Rebecca, Richard," said Ereani softly and smiled at the two when they looked up.

It wasn't his words, but in fact the lack of them that gave Rebecca her first clue. Something was wrong. A little thinking and it dawned on her that she had long ago given up indecisiveness and doubt. This form of questioning herself was quite abnormal. She frowned and thought, her eyes growing more confused as she recalled that emotions were now shared between all three of them. However, Ereanis had much more control than to let his emotions overwhelm anyone else, and Richard was too decisive and sure footed to doubt himself. He would have asked. Chelsea, screamed her mind suddenly. No, not suddenly, she realised as she suddenly sat up and just as sudenly jerked back from the table to stand. Not suddenly, because she had realised it a while back. How would they survive like this? "Ereanis, we need a plan or something." she stated. Her voice was firm and she was sure she spoke truth, but she also needed to hear a voice and collect herself. The silence was growing a bit much and this was at least a bit scary.

Richard seemed to understand her reasoning and come to the same conclusions though, because even he nodded somberly at Ereanis as he turned away from Rebecca.

"But you already have one." murmured Ereanis, slightly amused at Rebecca and even more so at Richard.

"What?" Rebecca was puzzled once more.

"Well, you do have a back up plan and strategy. Richard is your submissive, should he have looked to you for guidance or had you focused your frustrations and vented them on him, both of you would have realised the truth of the matter. I do not say harm him, but just turning towards each other and seeing the doubt, so very misplaced and odd on the both of you, would have shocked you to realisation." finished Ereanis and sighed.

"Why, why didn't you tell us?" grumbled Rebecca dryly as she sat back down.

"I assumed you would know so much. Remember, a sword that is dropped might very well chope your toes off and kill you just as easily as yur opponents blade." said Ereanis as he resumed eating.

"You mean, if we don't learn how to use this well, it won't help us at all, but hinder us." said Richard matter-of-factly still nodding.

"Indeed," said Ereanis.

"Well, fair enough." muttered Rebecca.

"You must both understand, that because I find energy in emotions," said Ereanis, leaning back in his chair, "those same emotions will be the basis for most of the things that happen around me. You will find your feelings much stronger and hence the effect they have on you will be more than usual as well. Add intimacy into the equation and you two have the ability to withstand much and do even more. However, neglecting and forgetting these emotions and bonds will be your downfall." Ereanis stopped and motioned to both Rebecca and Richard to follow him. He needed to show them exactly what they had and how to manage it, something no amount of words could really accomplish. So then, actions would have to be used. Ereanis motioned for them to form a circle around each other in a relative clear space on the floor of the kitchen and they stood silently. "You two complete each other. Maybe in the sense in which you think, but I do not mean it that way. One is dominant and one is submissive, one is male and one is female, even most of your experiences vary and compliment each other. Connecting all of this is your love for each other, one of the strongest bonds that exist. So, you two need to understand each other and realise just how to act and react when either one of you needs help of any kind."

Rebecca nodded. They couldn't afford such a failure. Ereanis could not be baby sitting them all day and even if he could, she would find it inacceptable. It was true that this might take a bit of time to grasp, but she understood what Ereanis was doing. It was absurd for them to expect so very much from themselves. How on Earth were they supposed to grasp something so alien to their very humanity in a matter of days? Yet they had to do so and with Ereanis guidance, it might very well be possible. Rebecca now understood why Ereanis had asked them to leave their jobs. They would need to spend a lot of time thinking and learning, practicing and perfecting certain abilities, both natural and instilled by the being standing in the kitchen in front of them. Time to hitch up her skirt and get to work, she thought with a chuckle.

"It seems near impossible that we be able to prepare and understand everything about this," said Richard with a frown. It was true. This was a strange occurance in and of itself, but the fact that they were expected to master it soon was stranger still and seemed unlike Ereanis, his usual requests being achievable, albeit other worldly, strange and a bit difficult to your average person with their average hang ups and so on.

"True," said Ereanis. "In fact you can't, simply because you are not limited in anyway. So long as you wish to achieve anything and the goals or means are emotional in nature, it can be done. The vaguer the connection to emotions, the harder the task. Hence, there is no point in understanding it all. The only thing that matters is to know one and another and be able to tell when something is wrong. Your only defense and weapon is your closeness, to yourelves, each other and me."

"Hang on," said Rebecca sharply as she looked at Richard while he nodded. The man's eyes were slit and fists clenched by his sides and the rage seemed to roll out from him in waves. She turned back to Ereanis to see him standing and looking at her. His face was as cold and expressionless as the first time they had met him. But the rage coming off the other man was palpatable and so unlike him. She was sure Ereanis was forcing the emotion on Richard, so sudden and strong was it. Yet, what was his point? To make him angry and prove how vulnerable they were? Her own anger started to respond to Richard's and in that moment everything clicked. He wanted her to solve the problem before she got angry too. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, nearly choking on the rage, forcing it down and calming herself. Once she had gained a level of peace enough to think, she began to think of the most recent and soft emotion she had felt. Warmth and comfort, love and care for all the three people in her house, Chelsea, Ereanis and Richard. It became harder to think as Richard's rage rebelled for a few moments, but it got easier and easier.

"Enough," commanded Ereanis and in that one word, she stopped.

She had not even heard the word clearly, but her sub conscious simply clicked into auto-pilot and shut her down. Rebecca blinked once, then twice and then thrice before shaking the lethargy from her mind to look up into Richard's eyes, his frown bringing her back into herself quicker than she could have expected.

"That is all for today. What you learn is up to the both of you. Remember this - I have full faith and trust you two completely. I do not need to teach either of you." said Ereanis and walked back to the table. He knew they would learn. The small back and forth was fairly obvious and easy to spot, but that they had thought to acknowledge the situation and act said volumes. Most people never did and made up excuses later, saying everything from how they had not intervened because they didn't wish to invade another's privacy to the fact that nothing was even wrong with the other person. Rebecca and Richard would learn and would do so on their own with each others help. Not only would their bond grow stronger but the 'practical' aspect of their trials and errors would leave them with lessons that would not only be remembered for longer and more easily but also applied more often and in a more efficient way.

--

It was dark. Chelsea's eyes snapped open and a wave of confusion descended on her. Why was it dark? Shouldn't there be light? Where was she? Of course, the last question inspired her memory and she fell back against the sheets heavily. She was home. Her brow creased and the frown would have been invisible in the dark room, had anyone been present to see it. Some things needed to be cleared up before she could decide what she should feel or even admit her current ones to herself. A few minutes of stumbling around in the dark and she had the lights turned on. Her sigh was audible when she caught sight of the pile of clothes lying across a chair, her bags intact sitting below. It took effort, but she fought off the sounds and sight of Vanessa valiantly and instead focused all her concentration on the task at hand. Changing, washing up and going to check if the other three were awake. The task proved not too difficult since the guest room had an attached bath and her clothes were already present. Physically ready but mentally in tatters, the woman stepped out of the room and, quite bravely she thought, ventured into the living room.

"Hello there," said Ereanis as Chelsea stepped into the room. Chelsea would have looked lovely had her shoulders not sagged, lips not been caught between her teeth and eyes not filled with anxiety and fear. To Ereanis who caught the emotions as easily as other people caught a scent, the woman was far from presenting her best. This however, meant very little to Ereanis. His only concern now became soothing the woman's soul and assuring her that she had a place and should relax. No easy feat, he chuckled inwardly as he thought to himself, especially not when humans were so loathe to trust one another, let alone the unknown.

"Hi," murmured Chelsea and awkwardly made her way into the room.

"Richard and Rebecca are in the kitchen cleaning up after dinner and should be out in a moment." went on Ereanis, and motioned for Chelsea to sit beside him on the sofa. "Are you feeling any better?" he asked softly once she had sat down.

"Yes, thank you," said Chelsea. Her frown returned as she wondered where to begin.

"It is quite alright," said Ereanis, turning to face the woman more completely. "You have many questions I'm sure, especially some concerning where you stand with us and what you should be doing. Let me answer one first. Whatever you have left behind you when you came back today, it is gone. We do not ask nor need to know. You are always welcome by our side and are already part of the family, so to speak. You simply are avoiding the truth that is already in front of you." he said smiling, turning Chelsea's face up with a finger under her chin.

"He's right," said Rebecca as she walked into the room from the kitchen, Richard trailing behind her, matching his pace to hers. "I understand you've been hurt, but you are being a bit silly if you think we're just about to let you walk out of our lives forever and leave. You can go anywhere you want and do anything you wish. Just remember that we care for you and so you'll always have a place with us." Rebecca settled down on the opposite end of the couch, mirroring Ereanis, and turned to face Chelsea. Even she could feel the anxiety from the woman.

"Chelsea," said Richard, his voice drawing the woman's eyes to him, kneeling at Rebecca's feet and taking of his Mistresses shoes. "If you go we'll miss you. You're free to do so, but remember that we really want you to be happy and none of this is a facade. If you do choose to leave, you will be missed beyond whatever you expect." Shoes off, he put them aside and began to massage Rebecca's feet.

"I think you will need more information before making a decision." said Ereanis and stood. He knew the girl was already anxious, but unlike Richard and Rebecca, he could tell the source. It would have startled everyone, just as surely as it startled Chelsea. She would be miserable if they had seemed as though they would only keep her for a short period of time. Knowing that there was genuine warmth and compassion had alleviated a lot of her worries and this is what startled her. She wanted to stay. None of them had expected it, least of all herself, but she knew it. She would miss them a lot if she had to leave. So, Ereanis thought it perfectly logical to show her just what she would be missing so much.

Chelsea did not have much time to ponder her new found feelings. Ereanis had stood and in that movement let go of all his control. Shrugging his coat off he stood and turned towards Chelsea, his eyes aglow in a green so deep she could drown in them. All too suddenly, she found herself aware of his appearance. Not sexually, though she nearly always was aware of him so. Aware of him as though she had finally truly noticed him. Everything, from the long locks of brown hair to the sheer size of the man. For the first time she noticed that he somehow seemed to dwarf Richard even though he was not that much taller than the man and didn't have the others body mass. For the first time she noticed that his skin had a slight glow, like oil-slicked, tanned skin and there were grooves in the skin. No, not grooves, Chelsea thought as she fought to swallow past the lump in her throat and the pounding of her heart, but carvings. The stretched from his jaw line down his neck and disappeared under the remainder of his clothes.

Richard and Rebecca were awestruck as always whenever they saw just what and who Ereanis was. The past few days they had taken it for granted, largely because of the comfort level the three shared. Today, though, they were once more aware of the being in his entirety, standing in a living room. He looked as out of place as a pack of lions in the workplace. Both found breathing a task and heat rush through them warming even their cold toes.

Ereanis read their emotions and once sure that there was no fear here he let go that last bit.

Chelsea needed to serve him. No, she realised, she wanted to serve him with all her heart. Why should she not? She was his, totally and completely, to do as he wished. And oh, how so very gladly she would. His words jerked her back into herself.

"I am not human or even mortal. I am humanity's last resort, the royal guardian. I serve only to help when all else fails." said Ereanis. He did not want her judgement too clouded. That would defeat the purpose. So, instead of letting her submit to him quite yet, he held off.

Chelsea heard him, clearer than she should have perhaps. She did not know nor cared right now. She was only aware that suddenly she could think and her questions were being answered. The fact that he had not suggested she do anything, but neither turned cold, spoke volumes to the woman who was used to being ordered or ignored. Ereanis was explaining himself to her, she who deserved no such explanation in her mind, but yet he was doing just that. No, she thought, she was being allowed to maintain her control. If he so desired, he could have drowned her in her own submission. Yet, he wasn't.

"There are some things you should know, both about myself and the reason I am here now," he began. The minutes rolled on by as Ereanis explained everything to the woman, helped in parts by Rebecca and Richard. Chelsea, much to her credit, never once did fear touch her mind. After the initial shock of seeing Ereanis in his entirety, runes and unnatural power - all of it, she was not surprised much by anything else. In fact, after a distinct lack of shock or surprise she began to make guesses and questions of her own.

--

The night wind howled and a star blinked out in the night sky. Suddenly, it flared again and pulsed for a few seconds before maintaining a steady twinkle.

"So, we move in over the weekend." said Rebecca coming to stand beside Ereanis as he stood on the balcony.

"Yes," murmured Ereanis, taking the woman into his arms.

"You know," sighed Rebecca as she rested against his chest, "most people would freak out and run screaming to the hills if they ever found out just what you are. We run around fighting to be the biggest fish in the pond, but in the end, the sight, sound or even thought of a true power terrifies us. Governments have only succeeded by courting the people and any show of massive strength has only served to be disastrous for us. But yet, here are three people who trust you and will gladly walk into the pits of hell beside you, after knowing you for only a matter of days, no ordinary task in itself."

A mild chuckle answered her. "I am a part of nature. You run from an avalanche but not a tree. It is only a question of perception Rebecca. But I shall agree with your assessment of people. It took me decades to undersand it. You are wise as you are beautiful, as usual." murmured Ereanis.

Later that night, when everyone lay in a tangle of bodies, lost to sleep, Ereanis stood once more under the open night sky, listening to words no one would ever have heard. Words spoken by the world itself in the form of the stillness in the air, readiness and tension in the very ground.

"And so, it begins."