The children leapt to their feet, surrounding Deloren, pelting her with questions, not wanting the story to end.
​
A petite, red-headed girl, popped her thumb out of her mouth just long enough to ask, “What’d Ellisle do afta’ that?”

The child glanced shyly over at another woman who stood across the room, leaning back against the greystone wall of the small space within Guardian Mountain which now served as learning room for the children of the neighboring village. Hands clasped over her abdomen, her hair was corralled into a long braid which draped over one shoulder, ashy brown interwoven with faint streaks of grey. Errant curls escaped about her forehead and wisped at the nape of her neck.

Deloren looked over to where Ellisle was standing and saw her cross her arms firmly over her chest. She knew that the child’s question would bring Ellisle’s memories flooding in. She also knew that Ellisle wouldn’t willingly swim in that river today.

“You know the answer to that Youngling,” said Ellisle, lips twitching upward. Ellisle looked up and winked at Deloren.
The little girl grinned around her thumb and nodded emphatically.

“What’d Terris do when the Guardian’s was all ‘aflamin’? Was he scarert?” A small boy asked, staring up at Deloren with wide black eyes crowned by dark brows almost hidden beneath the ebony waves framing his face.

“He weren’t scarert, Tomlin,” answered a slightly taller and otherwise identical version of the boy, crowding in close beside him. “Terris were brave enough to jump offa’ the mountain to save Ell weren’t he?”

Grimy fingers grasped at Deloren’s tunic, “When they gonna’ sing again, huh? Can I hears it?“

Deloren gently unclasped the childish fingers and held them between her own age-swollen knuckles.

“Yes, Younger, you can hear it, though you may have to wait till the next Ritual of the One.”

“Oh,” she said, eyes cast down, long eyelashes brushing flushed, pink cheeks.

“Gran Bryl! What happened to Gran Bryl?” Another child asked.

Deloren looked at the earnest young face crowding in close to her. She focused on the bright blue eyes and curving mouth that reminded her so of her beloved friend, Bryllint.

Meeting the child’s seriousness with her own she said, “With the Day of Rising their work was done. Gran Bryl and Bryllint are playing now on the Pathways of the One.” The child looked satisfied with that, and dipped her chin in acknowledgment.
 
Another younger, a boy with sparkling brown, mischievous eyes asked, “How’s about Gareth?”

Deloren heard a chuckle from across the room.

“Well you know my Hatchling, just what happened to Gareth,” said Deloren.

“He’s ma’ Farn!”

“Indeed, he is. And your Marn?”

“Marn? Why she’s Mina!”

“And where might you live with your Marn and your Farn, Hatchling?”

“We lives just back ‘a Guardian Mountain,” he said, casting a boneless arm over his shoulder. “In the village. We all lives there,” and he gestured with both arms out wide including all the children in his proprietary response.

A green blur flashed somewhat erratically over the heads of the children, buzzing to land on Ellisle’s shoulder.

“You’re not as young as you once were, Moss. You might slow it down a bit,” said Ellisle, looking askance at the tiny figure plastered to her shoulder, chest heaving.

Not in the least distracted by this, another child piped up, “What about Faltim and Fal? What happened ta’ them?”

“That, my Hatchling is a tale for another time. Off you go now, back to your chores.” Deloren made pushing movements with her hands, herding the children out.

The children scampered, laughing, through the doorway, and Deloren pushed herself slowly to her feet. One corner of her mouth twisted up into a grimace as she said, “These old bones make sure I slow down, and I’ve chores of my own to see to. Remo’s bunions have flared up.”

Ellisle nodded sagely, kissing her fingertips and holding palm out toward Deloren. Deloren smiled, caught the kiss with an outstretched hand and patted her own softly wrinkled cheek, then ambled out the door.

Ellisle! The Pathways are calling. I’m ready to dance! Ell’s words dropped into Ellisle’s mind. It no longer startled her the way it once had. Yet the intimacy of the connection still filled her heart almost to bursting. Her own chores, the endless work of the Eldress, Contracted of Gran Ell, could wait for a little while longer.

Yes, Ell, thought Ellisle. Let’s dance.

The End

The shimmering, crystalline brilliance that was Guardian Mountain engulfed Fal, pulling him into a vortex of energy that was irresistible, and with him, his Contracted, Tim.
​
It dragged him deep within the light of Guardian Mountain on the Pathways. Yet, at the same time, he was aware of Guardian Cavern all around. He looked down at himself and saw the sheerest reflection of his body, a transparent wavering ghost of a Guardian, like looking at himself through a smoke-filled haze. It was like nothing he had ever experienced.

He did not want to be in Guardian Cavern. Almost, he thought himself right out of there, when a tingling shivered through him, gradually increasing in intensity. It held him there, bound him with ecstasy.

His Contracted, Tim, stood beside him. Etheric eyes large against his shadowed face, as he stared about himself. Fal felt a mixture of terror and awe assaulting him. It came from his boy, and from his own heart.  

Fal looked up to see that he and Tim stood in the center of a circle of Guardian’s and Contracted. He saw Ell, her neck curved about her Contracted’s shoulders. She was staring at him with golden eyes opened wide, mirrored by the same startled look in the eyes of her Contracted. He was relieved to see that Ell looked strong, completely healed.

He saw his dame, Gran Bryl and her Contracted, Bryllint, standing beside Ell. His heart filled with love the like of which he hadn’t felt since he was a hatchling, but treading upon the tail of that love was terrible shame. He saw the other Guardians and Contracted looking up, looking at him.

The shimmering walls of the cavern behind them resolved into myriad flyer folk, as a loud, rhythmic clattering began. Then a deep humming filled the cavern with the energy of joy. The Guardians were toning, singing in harmony. He heard a sweet voice rising above, and looked to see Ell’s Contracted, eyes closed now, her face lifted, a beautiful descant rising from her throat. Then the voices of the other Contracted joined. The toning intensified, the energy swirling about him, lifting him, forcing him.

Fal wasn’t ready for that beauty, but he could not help but join in. The song of the Ritual of the One flowed into him, and then it ripped and tore out of him. The sound he made was anything but beautiful. It growled through him straight from his gut, shredding the frozen places inside where his grief and shame burrowed. It burned through him with its heat, shattering his heart, scorching his soul. And it continued, on and on. He thought that surely, he would die, he was dying. He was fragmented into so many pieces that he could never be pulled back together. 

Then he heard his Contracted, his boy, Tim. His mellow, soothing voice, cooling Fal. Fal leaned his shattered self into that voice. It flowed around him, easing him, cooling the terrible, scorching heat. The dulcet tones of his Contracted pulled the shattered pieces of Fal’s heart together and bound them with his steady love.

Fal felt himself then within Tim’s mind. No, Faltim’s mind. The words of the Ritual flowed into Fal and he knew that they, he and his Contracted, were One. He was whole at last.

He saw his other self step forward and say, “I am Faltim, Voice and Hands. We are One.”

Faltim’s hazy figure grew suddenly opaque. No longer was his form etheric and ghostly. Faltim stood solidly beside him.
As Fal realized this he was assaulted by the moist, cool air of the cavern and the familiar metallic scent of greystone, the spice and flowers of the Guardians all around him, even his own weight bearing him down into the rough gravel of the cavern floor. It was almost too much for him to take in all at once, but a minute passed and he adjusted.

He looked down and saw himself solidly present there in Guardian Cavern. He looked around at the Guardians and Contracted who surrounded him and felt all parts of himself there with them in Guardian Cavern. He realized then, that he was fully committed in service to the One.

A renewed burning sensation began deep in his gut. Yet this time, it filled him with excitement, joy and terrible longing. It flowed, hot lava up through his throat and out between his jaws. The flames roared up out of him, reaching up, all the way to the ceiling of Guardian Cavern high above them.

He felt rather than saw Ell lift her own jaws to the ceiling and roar out an accompanying flame. Then it cascaded around the circle, one Guardian after another lifting jaws high and flaming. Their Contracteds stood before them, spreading arms wide, faces lifted in ecstasy, singing, roaring out a tumultuous song of triumph and victory.

Fal, closed his jaws, the flames receding back into his body though the power was in him still. He felt it burst out through his skin, white hot light outlining every ridge and scale. It was searingly hot without any sensation of burning. As he looked about the circle, he saw Guardian jaws still lifted to the ceiling, but no longer enflamed. Brilliant light shone from each Guardian’s body, their Contracteds surrounded in a nimbus of their own bright light. The shining intensity cascaded upward, filling the cavern with incandescent brilliance.

He watched, entranced as the golden-white light formed into strands which gradually became a great web overlaying the cavern. Fal realized that these were the Pathways of the One, formed from their own inner light. He felt each of the other Guardians and their Contracted, and knew that they too felt him. Then he felt so much more, all of the humans, the creatures, the trees and the very stones of the planet. The awareness expanded ever outward, encompassing All.

So astounded was he that he was almost unaware of the deep answering thrum of the Mother Planet, vibrating through the great web. He felt her then, Gaea. He felt her pleasure at his awareness and her acceptance of his service, as if she stood before him, arms open wide. He felt her shake off the dark shroud, like a Guardian sheds its first skin. Then Fal, still reeling from his shattered and mended heart, allowed himself to accept her immense gratitude and love as it surrounded and enfolded him.

Deep within the primordial fires at the heart of Gaea, the Mother Planet knew the expansive relaxation that signaled the Balance, and Gaea finally rested.

Lisle moved to stand in front of where Ell settled her backside to the cavern floor, curling her twitching tail about her. Feeling anxious, Lisle stood as she saw the other Contracted doing, standing straight, shoulders back and arms at her sides. She felt Ell’s head just above her own, and had the incongruous thought of wearing her Guardian like some glorious hat and cape. A nervous giggle escaped her and she took a tiny step back to feel Ell’s warm solidity behind her. Lisle felt Ell’s chest rise and fall, and with each breath her comforting floral spice scent surrounded her tightly strung Contracted.

Lisle looked around the circle. Deloren and her Guardian, Loren were on one side of them with Bryllint and Gran Bryl on the other side. Ranged about the circle were all the others.

Lisle knew each of the Guardians from her time here in Guardian Mountain, but not all the Contracted. They must have been out in the world and returned for this special day. The thought caused Lisle’s roiling stomach to flip-flop like a landed swimmer.

She heard Ell gulping in what sounded like an uncomfortable swallow and realized that Ell was nervous too. Somehow, she felt better knowing that Ell shared her anxiety, and she leaned back a bit more, allowing one hand to reach behind to pat Ell’s leg. 

The circle was silent but for the almost rhythmic clatter made by the multitude of flyer folk wings as they clung to the walls of the cavern. The circle of Guardians and Contracted, standing and sitting, straight and still,  gazed at Lisle and Ell. Lisle had the panicky thought that they were waiting for her to do something. But what was she supposed to do? She had no idea. She cleared her throat, tense, and heard a similar rumble from behind her and felt Ell shift her weight  from one foreleg to another.

Lisle prepared herself to say something, anything, just to end the agony, when Bryllint stepped forward, and in a loud, firm voice said, “I am Bryllint, Voice and Hands.”

Lisle relaxed, exhaling breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. Then the Contracted on the other side of Bryllint took a step forward and stated, “I am Holan, Voice and Hands.”

It continued around the circle as each of the Contracted stepped forward in turn, till finally Deloren, standing on the other side of Lisle, stepped forward and stated, “I am Deloren, Voice and Hands.”

Then all were silent once again, waiting.

Lisle’s stomach clenched hard and she heard Ell drag in a huge breath and hold it. Now what? It seemed obvious that Lisle was to step forward and make that same statement. She knew she couldn’t do it without grinding her way through in fits and starts. It would be horrendous. They’d probably laugh at her or worse, pity her. She’d have to sing it. She could only hope that would be correct.

She lifted her foot to take that fateful step when she was halted by a deep rumbling coming from all around the circle. The clattering of flyer folk wings picked up in intensity then, the rhythm speeding up. Lisle listened closely and realized the Guardians were humming. Some were toning so deeply as to be almost inaudible, some higher, all flowing in harmony, each with the other.

Startled, she heard Ell join in from behind her, a beautiful sound that she hadn’t known that Ell could make. It was almost flute-like and yet far deeper than any flute she had known. It flowed into the harmonies of the other Guardians with a beauty that brought tears to her eyes. She forgot her fears and gave herself up to it, allowing herself to be carried on the wings of that wondrous sound.

The toning grew in intensity, filling Lisle with energy, tingling up her legs and arms, filling her chest full and moving up into her throat. She couldn’t stop herself and opened her mouth to join in the harmony. The song flowed out of her, high and light. An etheric descant that poured from her mouth, lifting to the very top of the cavern and cascading down again. Weaving in and out through the bass tones coming now only from directly behind her. Coming from Ell.

It was just she and Ell singing now. Lisle was so caught up in the song that it didn’t matter. Their harmony was perfect, low and high, weaving up and down and around each other. She didn’t have to think about it, she simply knew which note to sing to blend perfectly with Ell’s tones. It poured from her heart and out through her mouth and she felt as though her spirit filled all of the cavern around them. She flowed on this great river of sound until gradually, so gradually, the song wound down and drained away like water into the stone.

Lisle felt utterly emptied and deeply satisfied. She rested into the gentle swells of energy that moved through her and all around her, as Ell breathed quietly behind her. Then all was silent. Even the flyer folk held still.

Once again, the Guardians and their Contracted looked steadily at Lisle and Ell, waiting, expectant.

Lisle could not react. Ell was there in her mind and Lisle was captivated. She felt Ell’s warmth and her fathomless love. It filled her to overflowing, spilling out and around her, then filling her again and again. She gazed about the circle and realized that it no longer mattered what the others thought. They could laugh or pity her and it made no difference. She and Ell were One.  

The words were there then in Lisle’s mind, pushing onto her tongue. She felt she might burst from the pressure of them. Almost without conscious volition, Lisle took a firm step forward and said, “I am Ellisle.” There was no hesitation, no stumbling. Then, clear and strong, “I am Ellisle, Voice and Hands. We are One.”

As she did so, she felt Ell’s head close to her own, graceful neck curving lovingly about her shoulders. Ellisle reached her hands up, one arm cradling Ell’s head, the other holding the long, sinuous neck that embraced her.

They held each other, lost in Oneness.

Each of the other Guardians and their Contracted remembered their own ritual, eyes closed now, their hearts meltingly one, unaware of the time which passed.

Deep within Ell’s embrace, Ellisle’s eyes drifted into the circle. There in the center of all the Guardians and Contracted, she saw something so startling as to shock her out of her dream-like state. Ellisle struggled up, pushing Ell’s head so that she too would look into the circle and see what Ellisle saw.

Standing in the center of the cavern were the translucent, ghostly figures of Fal and his Contracted, Tim, who looked about himself, eyes wide in surprise.  
 

Lisle trod behind Ell who led the way to Guardian Cavern. Lisle’s stomach felt jumpy. The little of the morning meal she had been able to force down sat uneasily within. Her earlier excitement had drained away and now she had the desperate thought that maybe they could wait a few more days. She wasn’t ready. How could she be all that Ell would need her to be, Voice and Hands? She was just a younger. The other Contracted were older, at least the ones she had met. They knew more. She didn’t know enough. She didn’t know anything. She was just here because she stumbled on Ell’s egg in the woods. She didn’t belong here. Lisle almost turned around and ran back down the hallway. But Ell moved steadily ahead and Lisle, taking a deep, shuddering breath continued to follow her.

Lisle was nervous, maybe more nervous than she had ever been. But still she felt amusement as she looked ahead and saw the misty steam rising from Ell’s back in the cool air of the tunnel, remnants of her recent preparatory bath. The scent of the delicate floral oil Lisle had used to shine and polish Ell’s scales wafted back to her, calming her.

Looking at her Guardian as they moved along, she was surprised to realize that Ell had grown since their arrival here at the mountain. She now moved with an ease that hadn’t been there before. The awkwardness of the young dragon was gone, replaced with the grace of an adult Guardian. Even from the back, Lisle could see her head and neck held high, bobbing gently with each step. Her wings arching up, and powerful hindquarters swaying from side to side. The young Guardian’s legs had lengthened and now held her considerable bulk well up off the tunnel floor, moving with an easy, measured pace. She held her tail just off the floor, the end curving up and around, forming almost a circle at the tip.

Her scales and ridges shone in the light as they passed each of the many torch sconces placed along the walls. The olive green was deeper than it had been, with touches of buttery yellow showing close in to her body as she moved, an echo of the warm yellow on her belly. The crimson edges of each scale on her sides and back, and the ridges on spine and neck, glittered, gem-like. Lisle spared a glance down at her own finery, proud to remember that she too wore Ell’s beautiful colors. At least this she could enjoy today.

Lisle felt a sharp expansion within her chest and inhaled deeply, the better to take in the overwhelming love that suddenly filled her. It tingled up through her legs and arms and cascaded up her spine as her breath carried it though her body. The sensation was so intense that she had to stop walking and just feel.

She saw Ell stop just ahead of her, and curve that long neck back and around so that she could look at her Contracted. Ell’s jaw dropped open slightly in a Guardian approximation of a grin. An expression that might look alarming to any but the Guardian’s Contracted, but Lisle understood. Her own mouth split in an echoing grin.

Ell moved onward then, slowing as she approached the entrance to Guardian Cavern. She stepped through the greystone archway with Lisle following closely behind. Ell stopped and her tail dropped unexpectedly to the floor. Lisle had to make a fast adjustment in her forward pace and do a little hop to avoid stepping squarely on that vulnerable tip. As it was, she had to catch herself with hands outstretched on Ell’s hindquarters. Ell didn’t seem to notice. She stood perfectly still.

Lisle moved to the side so she could peer out and around Ell to see what had halted their forward progress.

Her jaw dropped in awe. Ten enormous Guardians lined the circumference of the cavern in a large circle. Each sat in the same upright pose with deepest green-blue and olive-green heads erect on curved necks. Forearms on the ground before them, claws neatly curled under. Long tails gracefully wrapped about their bodies reaching across in front of them and then around the other side, huge wings lay in folds upon their backs. Each one turned golden eyes to stare at Ell and Lisle.

Ten Contracted stood in formal pose in front of the Guardians. Heads up, shoulders back, arms to the side. Each wearing the colors of their Guardian they stared at Ell and Lisle, eyes calm and faces relaxed.

On the ledge at the far side of the Cavern, Lisle saw Terris, a huge smile spread over his face. He lifted one hand, palm out, wiggling his fingers at her in greeting. His greying hair was plastered to his scalp, and it looked as though he’d attempted to shave most of the scraggly beard that usually resided on his face. Just a short tuft was left dangling from his chin, and a bit on his upper lip. Beside him sat Gareth, straight, serious and handsome. He nodded to her and she saw the corners of his lips curve upward.

Lisle’s eyes trailed above her companions and she was astounded to see what must have been a thousand flyer folk clinging to a wall of the cavern, slowly fanning their wings in the sunlight pouring through the crater far above. The light shone off their iridescent wings reflecting tiny rainbows into the cavern. Together with the sparkling of the light off the crystal embedded in the greystone of the walls, the effect was mesmerizing.

Lisle looked for Moss, hoping to catch a glimpse of her friend, and somehow discovered her amidst the myriad folk. Green hair formed a nimbus about her tiny face and her wings beat a more rapid pulse than any of the others.

Tearing her eyes away, Lisle saw the largest of the Guardians, Gran Bryl, elegantly dip her chin toward a space in the circle of Guardians just next to her. Ell, hesitated a moment more, then picked up her tail and paced across the circle to Gran Bryl. Lisle closed the mouth that she realized had hung open throughout her awestruck survey of the scene before her, and nervously picked her way across the cavern behind her Guardian. Whatever was about to happen, there was no turning back now.
 
 

Tim felt the now familiar rush of energy as he was pulled onto the Pathways with Fal. There was a roaring sensation, like a great river carrying him forward and ever deeper.

He and Fal had journeyed often together since that first accidental meeting, when Tim was so startled to find himself in that dark void. Greater than his surprise was his delight when he discovered that Fal’s light sparkled there too. Now, he looked for Fal knowing he would find his light radiating there before him.

With each journey Tim tried to lead Fal toward the star-like brilliance the young man found so attractive, the light that he knew was Guardian Mountain. Tim wanted to go there on the Pathways, wanted it with all his heart. Yet each time, he felt Fal’s roiling emotions, regret, burning shame, guilt and agonizing fear. Always, Fal eluded him, his deep cobalt light dancing away upon the Pathways. Then Tim would send his intent flying along after Fal, his own light racing the strands of the Pathways, afraid that he might lose Fal within that infinite shining web stretching out before him.

Eventually he realized that Fal was not trying to escape him. He always allowed Tim’s smaller light to catch up, moving close to Fal’s and feeling that sense of loving connection once again. Together then they would still their movements and return to the outer world.

During their waking hours together, sitting comfortably in the shifting light of their cave home, Tim would try to talk with Fal. He explained over and over about Gran Bryl and Bryllint, and the urgency of their request that Fal go to Guardian Cavern. Fal tolerated this, but rarely responded in any way.

Tim kept trying. He didn’t know what else to do. Taking a deep breath of the cool air, redolent with the scent of the earth and greystone that lined the small cavern, Tim placed his hand on the dark, sleek scales of Fal’s neck and gazed up at the elegant, slanted ovals of his Guardian’s eyes. Fal seeming to know what was coming, did not look back at Tim, but stared off out the mouth of the cave.

“Bryllint pleaded with me Fal. You’ve got to go to Guardian Cavern. She said it was the only way to achieve the Balance. I don’t know what the Balance is but it’s something terribly important. She said Gaea needs us, Fal. Gaea needs us!”

For the first time, Fal growled, a deep vibration that Tim felt through his palm as much as heard. Tim took a hasty step back as Fal turned his head, long neck curving away from him. Tim knew now that his Guardian would not intentionally hurt him, but his great size and sudden movement in the small space of the cave made Tim wary of an inadvertent blow. Fal heaved his bulk around, tail twitching irritably, slashing the cave floor, grinding through the loosened scree. Claws scraping, he turned his spinal ridged back on Tim. His meaning couldn’t have been more clear, Fal would not go to Guardian Cavern.

Tim gave up then. He had failed, just as he feared he would. He slumped down against the wall of the cave and leaned his head back against the hard stone. The coolness felt good on the muscles of his back through his tunic. He closed his eyes and rested there. In time, his stomach rumbled in odd imitation of Fal’s recent grumbling outburst. Tim would have to get something to eat before long, but right now he was just too tired.

He heard Fal moving, the scraping of claws and tail over the cave floor, but he didn’t open his eyes to see what Fal was about. He was surprised then to feel Fal’s moist huffing breath upon his face, it’s scent sulphurous. Tim opened startled eyes wide. Fal moved closer, his head and golden orbs looking enormous at such close range. Then he touched Tim’s forehead gently with the end of his muzzle.

Tim’s eyes snapped shut and with a slight rushing sound, he found himself on the Pathways once again. There was Fal’s light before him. This time Tim didn’t try to lead Fal toward the brillance that was Guardian Mountain. He simply followed where Fal led. It felt disheartening to Tim, but there was no use in trying to guide Fal where he would not go. Tim relaxed, feeling a sense of relief in giving up.

Tim followed where Fal led and discovered to his astonishment that Fal traced a spiral pattern, centered upon the star-like brightness of Guardian Mountain. Fal bounced along the Pathways, spiraling outward and then spiraling inward once again. It was as if Guardian Mountain held him like a magnet, exerting a greater and greater pull upon him so that as he danced away, he would inevitably reverse and move back toward that bright light. What’s more, with each return, Fal moved closer to Guardian Mountain.

Was Fal working himself around to agreeing to Gran Bryl’s request? Was it possible that Tim’s pleading words had gotten through to his Guardian? Tim felt a surge of hope well up within him. He bounced along behind Fal, amused to realize that his small light had brightened considerably. Yet it was immediately dampened by his next thought. What good would it do for Fal to go to Guardian Mountain in this way? Bryllint asked Tim to bring Fal to Guardian Cavern. What good could their lights on the Pathways do?

Still, this felt like progress. Hope returned to Tim and he danced along in Fal’s wake, spiraling ever closer to that shining center.  
 
Tim felt the now familiar rush of energy as he was pulled onto the Pathways with Fal. There was a roaring sensation, like a great river carrying him forward and ever deeper.

He and Fal had journeyed often together since that first accidental meeting, when Tim was so startled to find himself in that dark void. Greater than his surprise was his delight when he discovered that Fal’s light sparkled there too. Now, he looked for Fal knowing he would find his light radiating there before him.

With each journey Tim tried to lead Fal toward the star-like brilliance the young man found so attractive, the light that he knew was Guardian Mountain. Tim wanted to go there on the Pathways, wanted it with all his heart. Yet each time, he felt Fal’s roiling emotions, regret, burning shame, guilt and agonizing fear. Always, Fal eluded him, his deep cobalt light dancing away upon the Pathways. Then Tim would send his intent flying along after Fal, his own light racing the strands of the Pathways, afraid that he might lose Fal within that infinite shining web stretching out before him.

Eventually he realized that Fal was not trying to escape him. He always allowed Tim’s smaller light to catch up, moving close to Fal’s and feeling that sense of loving connection once again. Together then they would still their movements and return to the outer world.

During their waking hours together, sitting comfortably in the shifting light of their cave home, Tim would try to talk with Fal. He explained over and over about Gran Bryl and Bryllint, and the urgency of their request that Fal go to Guardian Cavern. Fal tolerated this, but rarely responded in any way.

Tim kept trying. He didn’t know what else to do. Taking a deep breath of the cool air, redolent with the scent of the earth and greystone that lined the small cavern, Tim placed his hand on the dark, sleek scales of Fal’s neck and gazed up at the elegant, slanted ovals of his Guardian’s eyes. Fal seeming to know what was coming, did not look back at Tim, but stared off out the mouth of the cave.

“Bryllint pleaded with me Fal. You’ve got to go to Guardian Cavern. She said it was the only way to achieve the Balance. I don’t know what the Balance is but it’s something terribly important. She said Gaea needs us, Fal. Gaea needs us!”

For the first time, Fal growled, a deep vibration that Tim felt through his palm as much as heard. Tim took a hasty step back as Fal turned his head, long neck curving away from him. The Guardian heaved his bulk around, tail twitching irritably, slashing the cave floor, grinding through the loosened scree. Claws scraping, he turned his spinal ridged back on Tim. His meaning couldn’t have been more clear, Fal would not go to Guardian Cavern.

Tim gave up then. He had failed, just as he feared he would. He slumped down against the wall of the cave and leaned his head back against the hard stone. The coolness felt good on the muscles of his back through his tunic. He closed his eyes and rested there. In time, his stomach rumbled in odd imitation of Fal’s recent grumbling outburst. Tim would have to get something to eat before long, but right now he was just tired.

He heard Fal moving, the scraping of claws and tail over the cave floor, but he didn’t open his eyes to see what Fal was about. He was surprised then to feel Fal’s moist huffing breath upon his face, it’s scent sulphurous. Tim opened startled eyes wide. Fal moved closer, his head and golden orbs looking enormous at such close range. Then he touched Tim’s forehead gently with the end of his muzzle.

Tim’s eyes snapped shut and with a slight rushing sound, he found himself on the Pathways once again. There was Fal’s light before him. This time Tim didn’t try to lead Fal toward the brillance that was Guardian Mountain. He simply followed where Fal led. It felt disheartening to Tim, but there was no use in trying to guide Fal where he would not go. Tim relaxed, feeling a sense of relief in giving up.

Tim followed where Fal led and discovered to his astonishment that Fal traced a spiral pattern, centered upon the star-like brightness of Guardian Mountain. Fal bounced along the Pathways, spiraling outward and then spiraling inward once again. It was as if Guardian Mountain held him like a magnet, exerting a greater and greater pull upon him so that as he danced away, he would inevitably reverse and move back toward that bright light. What’s more, with each return, Fal moved closer to Guardian Mountain.

Was Fal working himself around to agreeing to Gran Bryl’s request? Was it possible that Tim’s pleading words had gotten through to his Guardian? Tim felt a surge of hope well up within him. He bounced along behind Fal, amused to realize that his small light had brightened considerably. Yet it was immediately dampened by his next thought. What good would it do for Fal to go to Guardian Mountain in this way? Bryllint asked Tim to bring Fal to Guardian Cavern. What good could their lights on the Pathways do?

Still, this felt like progress. Hope returned to Tim and he danced along in Fal’s wake, spiraling ever closer to that shining center.   

“Day of the One Lisle!”
​
Lisle startled awake and blinked sleep-filled eyes open to see Bryllint standing at the doorway of her room. Bryllint was grinning broadly. She held something draped over her arm. Grey on black hair framed her face, falling in straight lines to her shoulders and over her forehead. She held a candle lantern in her hand and the flickering light reflected on Deloren who stood next to her. Deloren rested a hand on Bryllint’s shoulder and a bright-eyed look of delight danced on her smiling face.

“Up you get, this is no time for lying about. Today is your Ritual! You’ve got to get yourself ready and then you’ve got to get Ell ready. Up now!"

Bryllint pushed the curtain aside and stepped through the doorway, followed closely by Deloren. She carefully placed what she held onto Lisle’s lap. Lisle pushed herself upright on her cot, rumpled bed cover wrapped about her waist, and peered down at what Bryllint had brought. It was an olive-green tunic. As she looked more closely, she saw that it was covered in embroidery. Beautiful scallops of red, carmine shading to ruby, sparkled across the fabric in the flickering candlelight. Lisle recognized the colors, the tunic matched Ell, right down to the red tinged edges of her scales. She ran her hand across it, feeling the slight texture of the stitching giving way to the smoothness of fabric.  As she did so, Deloren laid out a deep red ribbon across the tunic.  

“These are our gift to you, Lisle,” said Deloren. “It is the tradition for the Contracted to wear the colors of the Guardian on the day of their Ritual.”

Lisle was overcome and tears welled up in her eyes. “They’re s…so b…beautiful.” Lisle had never owned anything so fine.

“You’ve worked hard to earn your place among us, Lisle. We are all proud of you.” Deloren’s warm brown eyes looked at her with such kindness and love that Lisle could do nothing else but throw her arms around Deloren’s hips as she stood at Lisle’s bedside, and hug her hard.

“Hey, me too!” said Bryllint laughing and joining in the embrace.

After a moment, Deloren released them both. “Lisle, the Ritual is upon you, and you need to get ready. Come on Bryllint, let’s go put on our own finery.”

Deloren and Bryllint left the room arm in arm, and Lisle stared after them, hardly believing what had just happened. Then she leapt from the bed and held the tunic up in front of her, draping the ribbon over her shoulder. She spun about, twirling the tunic with her, and laughing out loud.

“Our Ritual of the One!” Lisle sang out the piping notes. She felt a fluttering in her stomach, part excitement, part nerves. She stopped spinning as she realized that as much as she had anticipated this day, no one had told her what to expect. She had no idea what would happen, except that she would be with Ell. That had to be enough. She and Ell would do this together.
 
Lisle slipped the new tunic on over her shift. It fit her perfectly, draping softly over slender waist and hips.
My Ritual tunic! She giggled at the thought. Now, where did I put my leggings?

Lisle took extra care braiding her wayward, nut brown curls into a semblance of order. Despite her best efforts, wispy tendrils escaped, waving in front of her ears and at the nape of her neck. Huffing out an irritated breath she threaded her fingers through the unfinished braid and pulled it all out. I’ll try it with the ribbon, she thought and reached over to her cot for the soft ribbon that lay there reflecting the candlelight with flickering splashes of carnelian.

Her second try went a little better, and Lisle looked down at herself stroking her hand down the stitching over her torso. Wearing the embroidered tunic and the red ribbon in her hair, she and Ell would match beautifully. She was mesmerized by the candlelight reflecting off the ruby-toned threads. Lisle’s heart felt like it might explode with happiness as tears prickled in her eyes.

Guardian’s scales! I’ll not have red-rimmed eyes at our Ritual. Lisle rubbed the wet out of her eyes. Then with a delighted flourish and a sweep of her arm, she flipped back the curtain at her door and skipped down the hallway. She had to get Ell ready!

She found Ell in the Cavern, reclining upon her usual ledge, eyes closed. Her breath wuffled in and out through delicate nostrils. The sun had not yet risen and only a grey light filtered down into the huge space. Lisle could hear a few of the other Guardian’s moving quietly about, claws rasping on stone surfaces. Most were still asleep.

She tip-toed to Ell’s side.

“Ell!” Her urgent whisper sounded unnaturally loud in the early morning quiet. More quietly then she tried again, “Ell.”
Lisle pushed at Ell’s forearm and her Guardian came awake with a loud snort.

Lisle clapped her hands around Ell’s muzzle in an effort to silence any further outbursts. Just then she heard the loud buzz that heralded Moss’s arrival at Lisle’s shoulder. Still holding Ell’s muzzle between her hands, Lisle looked back and forth between them. Then she hummed softly and sang in her sweet voice, “Today is our Ritual of the One,” ending on a quiet, high note.

Ell reared up, eyes wide. She looked at Lisle distractedly for a moment and then hurriedly got down off the ledge heading straight toward the healing pool.

Lisle stared after Ell, then looked down at her shoulder where Moss sat. Moss raised tiny green hands and made scrubbing motions in the air.

“Oh!” said Lisle, and she left the cavern at a trot, Moss buzzing along beside her. They had work to do.

Tim stood next to Lisle, staring up at the enormous Guardian reclining on the cave ledge before him. He was so taken with her that he hardly noticed the little woman occupying the space at the Guardian’s side. The Guardian was much larger than Fal, and colored more like the small Guardian, Ell. She looked at him steadily, out of huge, round pupiled golden eyes. He assumed she was female; her coloring was so much like the only other female Guardian he had known. He was relieved to see that she looked calm. Her long, scaled tail was still, delicate tip curved about age-yellowed foreclaws.

​She gave off the impression of immense age. He didn’t know how he knew that she was old. Maybe it was her great size, or perhaps it was just the look of deep wisdom in her eyes. She lay propped up on her forearms and haunches, her graceful neck curved upward. He was glad to see that the crest on the top of her head was relaxed, crimson ridges laid back against her skull. She exhibited none of the thrashing, irritable movements that he associated with an angry Guardian.

He wrenched his eyes away to look at the gray-haired woman who sat leaning easily against the Guardian’s forearm. She too looked relaxed. He saw no anger in her face. Despite that, cold sweat dripped down the back of his ruddy brown tunic and he straightened up, readying himself for whatever might come next. He released Lisle’s hand and took a sideways step away from her. Whatever was to befall him, it was none of her doing. He hoped that by separating himself it might protect her from the wrath which must be his due.

The woman stood up and tugged at the edges of her over-blouse, and smoothed the front down with her hands. She looked up at him, piercing blue eyes riveting. She was considerably shorter than he was, about Lisle’s height, but carried an air of authority that made Tim want to bow his head to her. He resisted the urge, he needed to keep his eyes focused on what was about to happen.

“Gran Br…Bryl a…and B…Bryllint,” said Lisle, gesturing at the Guardian and the woman with her hand.

Tim glanced in Lisle’s direction, blinking acknowledgment, then turned back and bent his head politely to Gran Bryll and to Bryllint.

Tim watched Bryllint’s eyes as she studied him for several moments. Another trickle of sweat ran down between his shoulder blades distracting him, and he fidgeted, adjusting his shoulders back to relieve the itching sensation it caused.

“Tim, Contracted of Fal, you have shown yourself to be both faithful and loving in the care of your Guardian. For this the Guardians commend you.” She hesitated, and Tim braced himself for what would surely follow.

“For your previous actions, it is understood that you chose to serve your Guardian, despite the imbalance of the demands placed upon you.” Bryllint stepped toward him, and placed a hand on either side of his shoulders, leaned forward and kissed him upon the forehead.

Tim was stunned. Eyes wide, he just stood there. He felt his mouth hanging open and clenched his jaws tightly.  He had expected rebuke, rejection, even punishment, not this.

He didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. He looked away from Bryllint to see the huge Guardian gazing at him, golden eyes boring through him. She saw him completely. He knew there was no hiding from her, and oddly, he felt no need to. He saw only understanding in her eyes, even acceptance.

How was that possible?

Bryllint stepped back and dropped her hands to her sides, inclining her head to him. Then she returned to her seat beside Gran Bryl.

Lisle nudged him with her elbow. “T…T…Tell them.”

Nerves strung tight, he was startled by the sudden elbow in his ribs and jumped, then blurted out, “He’s awake. My Guardian, Fal. He’s back.”

Gran Bryl gazed down at him, then arched her neck and head  to the side looking at Bryllint.

Bryllint tilted her chin up, head canted sideways toward Gran Bryl, as if listening to something Tim could not hear. Then she spoke. “Thank you. Gran Bryl is aware of this. Can you bring him here?”

Tim felt his eyebrows lift upward, eyes wide, he shook his head rapidly in the negative and took an inadvertent step backward. “No, no, he won’t come. He’d never enter Guardian Cavern.”

“You must try to bring him here. You and Fal must undergo the Ritual of the One.”

Tim was appalled at the pleading tone in Bryllint’s voice. He’d never be able to get Fal to come to Guardian Cavern. He’d never been able to get Fal to do anything that wasn’t his own idea.

“We must be ready for the Day of Rising. The Balance must be restored. Gaea needs you. We all need you,” continued Bryllint.

Tim had no idea what she was talking about. What Balance? Why did Gaea need them? What was this Ritual of the One? This Day of Rising? How was he supposed to get Fal to go anywhere? Just when he thought that everything was going to be alright, it had all come crashing down. Feelings of hopelessness flooded up within him.

Tim dropped his eyes to the floor, his shoulders sagging. “I won’t be able to do it.” He stood, waiting for something, anything that might make this better. Then he heard Bryllint sigh out a reply,

“You must try.”

Clearly this was beyond his understanding. What he did understand was that he would fail, but he also realized there was nothing else for it but that he try. He nodded his head glumly, turned and shuffled his way out of the cavern. He didn’t dare look at Lisle for fear he might break down.

Once through the entrance to the cavern and out of sight around a curve of the tunnel, he broke into a run. Outside he scrambled down the mountainside, heedless of the dangerous footing, tripping and sliding over the loose scree covering the ground. He wanted only to be with Fal, back in the safety of their cave. What he would do when he got there, and how he would convince Fal to go to Guardian Cavern, he had no idea.   
 
​

Lisle and Healer Deloren stood in Gareth’s small room where he sat on the side of his cot, looking back and forth between them. Lisle could hardly stand still. She clasped her hands behind her and tried to settle herself down. Deloren was going to teach her the healing technique that she did with her hands. Lisle had seen Deloren use this healing method a number of times and was thrilled to be learning it now.

Her thoughts tumbled over each other in her excitement.  As Ell’s Hand, Lisle would need healing skills to aid those who needed her. She would be like Healer Deloren. Not only that, but as Ell’s Voice, she was learning all that Bryllint could teach her about the Book of One and the history of Gaea and the Guardians. It was all so exciting! Happiness bubbled up inside and Lisle started to bounce up and down on her toes.

Deloren looked at her, her lips curving upward and dimples appearing in her cheeks. Then she turned her attention to Gareth. “Gareth, thank you for agreeing to help with Lisle’s initiation.”

Gareth’s smiled in response. A smile which widened considerably when his attention was caught by the movement of Lisle’s anticipatory bouncing.

“Gareth?” Deloren drew his eyes back to her own. “Remember how I held my hands over your leg and it felt warm?” Deloren demonstrated by holding her hands, palms down, just above his leg.

“I remember. Eased the pain. Made all the difference.”

“Just so. The body utilizes the energy according to it’s need.” Deloren turned to Lisle. “Lisle please hold out your hands, palms up.”

Lisle managed to stop bouncing and did so, looking up at Deloren to see what she would do next. Deloren took several deep breaths. Lisle could feel the stillness that radiated from Deloren. Without conscious intention, Lisle mirrored her and took several deep, calming breaths.

Deloren’s smooth alto filled the room around them. “Thank you my One, for the Blessing of Healing given long ago. Thank you now, for bestowing this Blessing upon your daughter, Lisle, that she may serve as healer for those in need.” Then Deloren lifted a hand and drew a circular pattern with her first finger in the air before her. She made the same motions again, drawing the circles on the palms of each of her own hands. When she was complete, she gently took hold of Lisle’s hands one at a time, and drew the pattern with her finger in the same manner on Lisle’s palms.

Deloren released Lisle’s hands and looked into her eyes. Lisle felt like she dove into a vast lake of sapphirine blue as Deloren’s eyes enfolded her in a loving embrace. Mesmerized Lisle didn’t respond when Deloren instructed her to place her hands in the air just above Gareth’s leg.

Deloren’s lips twitched, and she repeated her instruction. Lisle looked at Gareth shyly, then ducked her head and held her hands above his leg.

“Gareth, would you show Lisle the location of the wound on your leg?”

Gareth pointed to his thigh and Lisle moved her hands over the area he indicated. As she did so, Deloren placed her own hands above Lisle’s, just barely touching the backs of Lisle’s hands. The healer stood quietly, eyes closed. Lisle closed her eyes in response and wondered what would happen. Would she feel anything?  Her question was soon answered as she felt Deloren’s hands rapidly heat up. Lisle could feel her own hands tingling and pulsing with warmth. Deloren moved her hands away. Lisle felt increasing heat now radiate from her own palms. Her hands felt burning hot. Could that be right?

She opened her eyes and looked to Deloren for assurance, even as Lisle still held her hands in position above Gareth’s leg. Deloren smiled and nodded assent.

“That’s warm,” said Gareth. “as warm as Deloren does it, Lisle.”

Lisle looked at her hands, expecting to see them reddened and burned. But they looked perfectly normal, despite the fiery heat that radiated from them.

“The channel is open Lisle, and you can do this on your own now. Practice as often as you can, on yourself and others.”

“C…can I d…d…do this for Ell?”

“Yes, it will be very good for her. And once you and Ell have undergone the Ritual of the One, you will be able to channel this healing energy even more strongly through her, as her Hand.”

Lisle felt the heat leave her hands and she dropped them to her sides and moved away from Gareth.

Gareth looked back and forth between Deloren and Lisle, “Is that all I get today?”

Deloren chuckled, “Now you’re just being greedy. I’ve seen you traipsing all over the tunnels without even a stick for support. You hardly need healing energy anymore.”

Gareth grinned and winked at her. Then he groaned and grabbed at his leg. “Oh, the pain! Ow, it’s terrible!”

“Get on with you.” Deloren cuffed him on the shoulder. “Come on Lisle, we’ve real injuries to attend to.”

“Ta!” Said Gareth to their retreating backs.

Out in the tunnelway Lisle turned to Deloren. “W…we do?”

“No, but we can’t let him think he’s our only one, now can we? Besides we’ve gathering to do.”

“G….gathering!” Lisle skipped ahead down the tunnel to get her pack and waved at her teacher as Deloren took a different turn to pick up her gathering supplies.

“Meet you at the Mouth,” said Deloren.

Having grabbed her pack and a warm outer layer, Lisle raced out the tunnelway and waited at the entrance leading to Guardian Cavern for Healer Deloren. She shivered as the early morning chill seeped through even the outer layer she had pulled on, and gazed out over the mountainside, out to the horizon, way off in the misty distance. Lisle felt her gut tingling in a happy way. This morning is filled with wonderful things, she thought, as she took a deep breath of the fresh morning air. First the initiation and now we’re to hunt medicinal herbs for making a healing balm for Ell. Deloren told her yesterday that dragon skin required the healing herbs that grew in the grey stone outcroppings surrounding the base of Guardian Mountain. It was best to harvest the herbs in the early morning. That’s where they were going now.

Lisle clasped her arms, slapping her hands against her upper arms, and walked from one side of the tunnel and back again. A fall chill was in the air this morning, marking the time for the Ritual of the One almost upon them. She felt her stomach give a lurch. She had so much to learn and so little time to learn it.

Deloren sauntered along the tunnel toward her, a smile playing about her lips. “Ready Lisle?”

Her calm, friendly manner put Lisle right at ease, and she skipped up to Deloren, abandoning worry. As they walked out together into the early morning mist, Lisle saw the sun, a flat, white disk that would soon burn off the mists leaving the day so bright she’d need the hat she had stuffed into her pack.  As she skipped along beside Deloren, Lisle’s thoughts ranged ahead to where they would gather the herbs. Then they would take them back to the kitchen to make into balm for Ell. Perhaps Terris would have something nice for them to munch on while they worked.

A familiar, loud buzzing caught her attention and she looked at her shoulder knowing she would see Moss settling onto her accustomed seat atop her pack.

“D..Day of the One M…Moss.”  

Moss reached up an arm, burnished spring bright green by the strengthening sun and patted Lisle’s neck.

“Thank you for joining us Moss. You’ve a sharp eye for the herbs and we’ll welcome your help,” said Deloren.

Moss chittered in response, her sharp-chinned face looking forward eagerly.

They settled into a rhythm, hiking down the stony mountain path and Lisle’s mind filled with thoughts about healing herbs, and making them into poultices, balms and teas. She thought about how she was now initiated into energy healing and how she could help Ell and others who might need her. A new feeling arose within her. It started slowly in her heart, a gradual expansion and a growing excitement. Maybe she was more than she had been. Maybe she was someone who could make a difference.

Lisle raced to the cave of the healing pool, knowing Ell was there. She caught the edge of the rough stone entry with her extended hand, catapulting herself into the room. “Ell! Ell!” Ell lifted her shining head, steaming water dripping from narrow, scaled jaws, even as the rest of her reclined in the sulphurous waters, her eyes half-closed in relaxation. Lisle knelt at the side of the pool and threw tanned young arms about Ell’s slender neck, hugging her close. Then in a trembling, sweet voice, she sang to Ell of her amazing discovery, making up the tune as she went along. The words flowed, bubbling joyously out of her like the bubbling pool before her. She felt Ell’s love surround her and leaned against her, resting her head against the heat of Ell’s nape.

She didn’t know how long they stayed like that. Ell seemed to be content to stay with her as long as she chose, but her knees started to get sore and she released her hold and stood up abruptly. Ell blinked lazy, golden eyes at her.

Lisle needed to move. The excitement wouldn’t let her be still any longer. She bent over and kissed Ell’s nose, then turned and skipped out into the hallway. Her feet took her in the direction of the kitchen, maybe Terris was there.

Moss flitted up the tunnel toward her, chittering musically.

“Day of the One Moss!” Sang Lisle.

Moss turned and winged beside her as Lisle kept skipping, not stopping for conversation.

She heard voices from the kitchen even before she reached the doorway. Gareth was there. She heard his low rumble and an answering guffaw from Terris. Lisle happily skipped into their midst to see an aproned Terris up to his elbows in flour and sticky dough, while Gareth lounged against the side of the table, gesturing with his hands, obviously illustrating some tale he was telling Terris.

Moss zipped to Terris’ shoulder and looked with interest at the bread dough.

“Now you wait up there, Moss. It ain’t baked yet and you’ll jess get yerself all stuck up like last time,” Terris said around a laugh.

Gareth chuckled and looked up at Lisle as she skidded to a stop. “You look pleased with yourself.”

Lisle grinned, took a deep breath and sang, “I’m to be Ell’s Hands and Voice, and I can do it just about fine!”

Gareth tilted his head, eyes smiling. “Why you can at that.”

Terris gave the beige lump before him a resounding slap. “Well Younger! I see you gots a new way of oratin’. We’ll be expectin’ some good stories out a’ you.”

Lisle’s head jerked back and she blinked her eyes rapidly. She took several deep breaths and relaxed as a feeling of determination welled up inside.  She would be Ell’s Voice.
 
*****
Gran Bryl would have laughed if her dragon body could have done such a thing. It didn’t matter, she long ago came to accept the limitations of the physical. It didn’t limit her enjoyment. She felt Ell’s happiness as if it were her own, and reveled in it. Then she thought back to her son bouncing delightedly along the Pathways of the One. Thank you my One, for your countless blessings. What she hoped and prayed for, had happened. Fal had come back to the One. Ell’s sacrifice made that possible. Gran Bryl sent a heartfelt thought of gratitude to her youngest, as she felt hope awaken within her.

The Gran Eldress adjusted her great bulk to better expose her aching hind joints to the warm shaft of sunlight flowing through the cavern opening high above her, and her thoughts took another turn. It is time. Ell is almost fully healed. Her abilities as a Guardian have grown tremendously. Even with the little training that I’ve been able to give her in her recovery, she is showing great promise.  

The sun gradually moved, the slanting warmth shifting and Gran Bryl moved her hips and tail with a heaving effort to follow it. Her thoughts shifted with the sun.  Ell’s Contracted, is unsure of herself, fearful of her new responsibilities. Yet, Gran Bryl knew that Lisle longed with all her heart to be Voice and Hands for Ell. That was enough. Lisle needed more training before she would be ready to go out into the world as a Voice of the One. I will make sure she gets what she needs. Gran Bryl took a deep, trembling  breath, feeling the sun-warmed air stirring the dampened fires inside her. 

A deep groan rumbled through her chest as she had the thought, not for the first time, that even when Ell and Lisle underwent the Ritual of the One, it would not be enough. She felt that rising seedling of hope within her shiver.  With Ell and Lisle, the Guardians and their Contracted’s would make eleven pairs, not enough to tip the balance of Gaea to the light and allow the Day of Rising. The shadow of the Others grew in the Pathways. Soon, the Guardians would not be able to hold the darkness back and it would swallow Gaea whole. Then it would move on to the next world and the next after that. Already the insidious influence of the Others spread among the humans of Gaea as greed, anger, fear and jealousy forced the humans apart, creating divisions in their communities and their families.  It lured the humans out of the light and into darkness, away from the One.

The Great Council of the One placed the Guardians on Gaea to hold the light and prevent that from happening. But without the twelfth Guardian and his Contracted they would fail. Gaea would be lost, and they would have to start over again, in new bodies, on another world. A shiver ran the length of Gran Bryl’s spine at the thought. Show me the way, my One, she prayed. Show me how to bring Fal back to us, back to your service. 

Ell could feel her Contracted’s roiling emotions from where she floated. Her rapidly healing body was submerged in the steaming, bubbling waters of Guardian Mountain, even as her essence drifted peacefully along the Pathways of the One. Ell was able to maintain a multi-level awareness now. A new skill for her, which she practiced daily since Gran Bryl had taught her the technique. She was fully cognizant of her physical body in one dimensional reality, her light body on another, and her Contracted’s whereabouts, all at the same time. She was quite proud of herself. So, it was with both pleasure because of her awareness, and dismay at her Contracted’s emotional state of upheaval, that she awaited Lisle’s arrival. She had no doubt that Lisle would find her easily. Lisle had perfected that skill long ago.
​
Lisle burst into the cavern all out of breath. She slid to a stop beside the pool and threw herself down at Ell’s side. Ell lifted her head, steam wafting up to tickle along her jaw line before it evaporated in the hot, muggy air above the pool. She felt the hot water run in comforting rivulets down her neck. She was so accustomed to the odor of it that she no longer noticed the eggy smell, though from the way Lisle wrinkled her nose as she bent close to Ell’s head, her Contracted was not so immune.

Ell’s heart swelled in her chest as she leaned her head close, bending her neck in what she knew was a graceful pose, and touched Lisle’s forehead with her own. She was aware of the growing beauty of her physical presentation and it pleased her in a distant sort of way. Her light body was so much more real to her and so very much more beautiful, that its physical home didn’t concern Ell particularly. Though she did appreciate how quickly this body was healing.

Ell’s tail thrashed in the water of its volition in response to her Contracted’s volatile emotions. She intentionally opened her heart to receive the vibrational upsurge, and listened as Lisle’s anger and fear, the meeting on the mountainside, and the revelation of Fal’s origins all poured out of her, seemingly on one enraged breath.
 
Ell was concerned for Lisle. She was too serious most of the time. Her young life had been filled with so many demands. Where was the laughter and play that a young human ought to have?

Even as Lisle earnestly put her anger and fears into words, Ell spouted bubbles in the air trying to make her laugh. It didn’t work. Instead Lisle reprimanded her for not listening. Ell tucked her chin down and looked at Lisle with big eyes, a parody of chastened dragonhood, while Lisle continued with her tirade. Then Ell started spouting bubbles again. After that, she flipped upside down in the water and stuck her belly up in the air, waggling her tail, making little waves in the pool. She heard Lisle giggle then, despite what Ell knew was her frustration with her Guardian’s undignified activities. Finally, Lisle gave up with a sharply exhaled breath, and just sat beside Ell, running her fingers over Ell’s brow ridges, a slight smile curving her lips.

Lisle was calm now and Ell had something to show her. She lifted her muzzle and looked Lisle in the eyes. Her Contracted acknowledged the familiar invitation and closing her eyes and holding still as Ell tapped her forehead gently with the tip of her muzzle.

They dove together, deep into the sparkling ocean of the One. Deepest blue-black surrounded them. Pinpoints of light filled Ell’s vision. She saw that Lisle shone beside her, a bright, light azure, and knew that her own dark sapphire shone brighter still, guiding Lisle. They glided along the glimmering web of light together, Ell searching for the one she knew would be there.

Ah, she thought, there he is. She saw his radiant light, greys and blacks transformed to a deep blue now, with darkened edges thinning and transmuting to crystal clarity as he bounced along the pathways. He flitted from one spot to another, playfully dancing, never lingering in any one location.

Ell brought Lisle’s attention to the unusual spark of blue through the intensity of her own focus, and allowed Lisle to recognize just who it was they were watching. Lisle’s light flickered, a rapid pulsation from light to dark to light again, as recognition moved from fear and anger into surprise and then curiosity. 

When she felt Lisle was ready, Ell led the way closer to her brother’s light. She knew he was aware of them now, just as he had been aware of her many other attempts to communicate with him since the attack. His glittering deep light stilled for just a moment. Ell felt a rapid succession of impressions from him. She knew that Lisle would feel them too. Shame, regret, a yearning for forgiveness and an inability to forgive himself. Then, beneath it all, a wondering sense of love and a deep reluctance to allow that vulnerability to express through him. Then he danced away from them, off into the eternal depths of the Pathways, not permitting them to come close.

Ell led Lisle away then. Fal wasn’t ready to allow them any closer, and Ell had something else to show her. She was reluctant to place this weight on Lisle’s already burdened shoulders and yet her Contracted needed to understand.

Ell turned and scanned the web that surrounded them on all sides as they traveled rapidly along the strands. Then she could feel it, beneath them and off to the side, the spreading darkness. It obscured the light of the Pathways, and emitted a stench of overwhelming fear. An ominous storm cloud obliterating the light of the One, leaving only that swirling mass of blackness. It was the Others, those who sought to tip the balance of light toward darkness on Gaea. Those who lusted for control and the power it brought them. They were the reason that Guardians took form on Gaea.

Lisle’s small light moved close to Ell’s own, as if hiding from that awful blackness. Ell could see dark tendrils drifting in their direction and she didn’t linger. She wanted only to show Lisle the reality of what they faced. Then, with her intent, she moved them both swiftly away, gliding along the shining strands of the One, back to the light.