literature

WoLaD: Birth of Hope Ch.8

Deviation Actions

ReverseTheEclipse's avatar
Published:
1.3K Views

Literature Text

"Wars of Light and Darkness"
By: Jade Lightning, a.k.a. Inuyashas-hanyougirl

Prelude: "Birth of Hope"

-----

Chapter 8: “The Echidna High King”

   “I am coming Arandor, just hold on.”

   The mournful night was slowly giving way to a new morning as Shadow raced across the land.  The sea cliffs were quite far away from where he rested when Kashoku’s prayer reached his ears, but he charged forward, ignorant of the distance.  All he knew was that Arandor needed him, and he wouldn’t rest until he had returned to his side.

   His eyes remained locked on the horizon as the sun rose to his right.  Over time he had crossed up and down the continent as he mapped it, and was to the south of the echidna village when he was called for.  It was another beautiful morning.  Shadow, even though he was lonely, had fallen in love with the world around him, and though he was distressed, he found comfort in the promise of a new day.

   He breathed deeply as he ran, aided by the power of Darkness, leaving a shadowy mist in a trail in his wake.  His eyes opened slowly, and a smile curled his lips.  “Another beautiful day,” he whispered to himself, “And to know I shall be seeing you again my brother brings comfort to my soul.”

   The excitement continued to grow inside him, causing Shadow to run faster than he had ever had before.  He could feel the rush of adrenaline coursing through his veins, causing him to let out a powerful and joyful laugh.  He didn’t know why, for lately he had felt lonely and sad, but now, running in the crisp morning air, knowing he would soon be reunited with his friend, made him happier than he could ever remember being.

   Over those past several months, Shadow had only seen about a quarter of the continent, and in the beginning he had anticipated being further ahead than that.  However, he was in love with the world around him, and spent as much time as he could in each new place.  He spent time scouting what he had called the Northern Kingdom, a city carved out of a mountainside, inhabited by Greyfoxes and that northern strain of echidnas he and Arandor had learned about.  It turned out that those echidnas were just as civilized and advanced as the echidnas on the sea cliffs, and as a direct result, the Greyfoxes they lived with were as well.

   It was encouraging; these two races, quite different from each other, had learned to live and work together, and most importantly, trust each other.  They did not interbreed or anything, but were trusting friends, loving each other as family.  Shadow couldn’t wait to tell Arandor what he had seen.  This was the best evidence they had yet that all of these creatures would be willing to live and work together, and ready to face dark times standing united.  It wouldn’t be as much of a chore to accomplish as Kalak had anticipated it would be.

   Such a long distance wasn’t much for Shadow, but as the sun rose higher into the sky, he knew it would be a bit longer before he made it back to the sea cliffs.

   Taking a breath, not pausing for a single moment, he bowed his head down and put all of his focus into his steps.  “I’m coming Arandor.”

   His words were picked up by the breeze, carrying them far further than Shadow could reach even at his fastest pace.  They would be there to comfort Arandor long before he could be.

   The morning was filled with sadness for the echidnas of what was now Kashoku’s tribe, one he alone stood to lead now that Lamanos had passed away.  As they prepared to bury him, Kashoku found himself wandering the village.  Still trying to deal with his own grief, he found that extending comfort to those around him helped him feel better.

   He was learning how the mortals dealt with grief.  Hard times hurt them, but it brought them together, making them stronger individuals.  He listened as they put aside their grief in favor of talking about the good memories they had of their noble leader.  Many recalled his younger days; even the ones after the death of his wife were often joyous.  Though he was lonely, his young daughter brought him constant joy.

   Many of the echidnas were happy that Lamanos had his chance to pass away.  Everyone knew that once the chieftain had found a man to look after his daughter that he’d have no reason to linger anymore.  Kashoku, many said, had set Lamanos free.

   But Kashoku struggled to see it that way at first.  He wanted to understand everything about the mortals, unable to see that slowly he was becoming one of them.  He recognized that suffering could make you stronger, and that even in a pit of sadness there is still a glimmer of hope and joy somewhere to help you smile again.  For the one who is lost, there is no pain for them, not even in leaving their loved ones, for Kashoku knew that these souls could watch over them from afar, and at the same time be free of mortal pain, and reunited with those that had gone before them.

   It was a major learning experience for him.  He didn’t feel the need to weep anymore, at least for Lamanos.  Watching Mitsukai grieve for her father brought Kashoku great pain, and so, taking what he had learned that day, he tried to comfort her.

   As Shadow ran for the sea cliffs, night fell.  Lamanos’ funeral would be that next evening.  Mitsukai hadn’t left her home, even after Lamanos’ body was taken from it to be prepared for burial.  Kashoku had walked through the village all day, making sure to visit each man, woman, and child in an attempt to comfort them.  Lamanos had named him king, and Kashoku felt it was his responsibility to attend to any and every need his brethren had.  Now it was time for him to console his beloved, his fiancée Mitsukai.

   He entered the home slowly.  The smile that had fought its way to his face after a lengthy struggle faltered a bit, painted with sympathy, allowing a window to the feelings that cradled and consumed his heart.  She was sitting on her father’s bed, hugging her legs as she rested her head on her knees.  After so long she had exhausted herself from crying, but could not find the strength to sleep, and so she sat in this way, her body aching, her eyes running out of tears, and her spirit broken.

   Shaking his head, Kashoku spoke softly, “My Lady…you are tired.  Why don’t you take rest?”

   A sniff escaped her as she turned her head away from him, letting it rest on her knees again.  “I am sorry Kashoku,” she whimpered in reply, her voice devoid of power, “I cannot sleep.”

   Walking over to the bed, Kashoku sat down, putting an arm around Mitsukai and resting his head on hers.  “Take rest Mitsukai, my love, for your father is at rest.  Do not beckon his spirit to return simply to rock you to sleep as he did when you were young.  It is not only me that he trusted to lead our people.  If I am their king, you are their queen, and you must continue the work your father started and be there to bless and guide your people.  It will take time to heal your heart, and I will do everything in my power to aid it, but trying to defy sleep will not help matters,” he whispered, rubbing her back as he nuzzled her gently.

   Though she did not weep, another sniff escaped her as she tried to catch her breath.  A tremble rolled through her, but slowly she raised her head, causing Kashoku to do the same, until they were looking at each other.  Kashoku found his smile came easy to him; he felt it in his heart.  He felt comfort knowing he was helping Mitsukai feel better.  Seeing his brave smile, the weakest of grins curled Mitsukai’s lips, her eyes half closed, heavy with sleep and weary with grief.

   “I…am very tired Kashoku,” she said at last, speaking slowly.

   Still smiling, Kashoku nodded.  Taking her in his arms, he stood up slowly as he said, “I assumed as much my dear Mitsukai,” chuckling softly, “Part of healing means facing each day as it comes, and it is night now, so you should take rest to prepare for tomorrow.”

   He carried her to the other side of the room to lay her down in her own bed.  As she held onto him, a sigh escaped her.  “Father always faced one day at a time Kashoku,” she whispered, “The only day he looked forward to, perhaps besides milestones for my life, was the day he went to be with Mother again.  He kept the village going, but there was little he could do to protect us.  He…he survived losing Mother, and I know I can survive losing him.”

   As Kashoku slowly sat Mitsukai down, he replied, “Of course you can.  He survived because he had you my Lady.”

   He turned as if he were leaving, but Mitsukai grabbed his hand, causing him to stop and look back at her.  “He had me, and I have you Kashoku.  We all have you,” she replied softly.

   “Indeed,” Kashoku said after a long pause.  Sitting down beside her, he took a breath, holding one of her hands in his own and patting it gently.  “I know it is still a week until we are wed, but if you need me to my Lady, I will sit here and keep you company until you can sleep,” he said at last.

   He knew it wasn’t appropriate to spend a night with a maiden until you were married to her, even if you simply slept under the same roof, and had nothing to do with each other while you did.  However, Kashoku was willing to try and overlook standards set by someone above and beyond himself in favor of comforting Mitsukai.  It didn’t faze him much.  He was here because his love for Mitsukai was greater than himself, and anything he had ever known.  That was his focus now.

   Mitsukai’s tired eyes were bid to widen when he spoke.  Both of them were full aware of what was proper and what wasn’t, but for something so innocent, the desire to comfort each other, both realized it was a silly condition to feel insecure about.  A yawn escaped her as she relaxed.  As she opened her eyes again, she still smiled gently and whispered, “I’d love that Kashoku.  I wasn’t looking forward to being alone.”

   Kashoku nodded.  It all made perfect sense.  Mitsukai didn’t have anyone else.  She needed somebody to be there to protect her should something go wrong anyway.  He took her blanket and tucked her in as he helped her lie down.  Once she was comfortable, Kashoku slowly let himself rest beside her, opting to lie on top of the blanket instead of underneath it.  He found he overheated too quickly if he slept under a blanket anyway.

   He glanced at her.  “Close your eyes and rest Mitsukai,” he whispered with a smile.

   She gazed at him for a moment, until another yawn bid her to close her eyes.  She let them rest this time, and simply whispered, “I love you forever Kashoku,” in reply.

   That smile didn’t fade.  Somehow Kashoku had overcome all of that sadness.  He still grieved Lamanos, but perhaps the fact that he was still Pure Light, he was able to overcome it quickly, or perhaps it was just her love for him healing his heart, just as he healed hers.

   “Forever I love you Mitsukai,” he whispered softly.

   He closed his eyes.  After so much, he was ready to sleep too.

   Far away from the sea cliffs under the blanket of night, poor little Starwin tumbled out of the warp, landing on the ground below him.  As he rose to his feet, hovering in the air once again, he tried to regain his composure before looking around him.  The world was far and wide around him, but to his dismay he could not see the forest and sea cliffs that he and Twinkle had found Shadow and Arandor in before.

   “Darn it,” Starwin muttered, “I’ll never find Shadow at this rate!  We’ve only got six days to save Arandor!”

   He looked around, disoriented and bewildered.  Closing his eyes, he tried to get a read on Arandor and Shadow, tracking them by the Light and Darkness they gave off.  He struggled to find anything, the signals of thousands of mortal souls interfering with the process.  Kalak was stronger and could overcome them, but for little Starwin, it was impossible to find either of them.  They were both too far away.

   His starlight flared a bright red color as he grew frustrated.  “Aww come on darn it!” Starwin cried, swinging his tiny fists in the air, kicking furiously at the wind.  When at last he calmed down, his starlight simmering down to a milky white shade, he sighed and said, “All I have to do is find one of them.  Even if they’re separated now, no doubt Shadow will come back to Arandor soon.  I’ll track both of them, and hopefully I can find them in time.  Master Kalak is counting on me.”

   The tiny Elderstar, a stranger in this new world, tried once more to locate one of the boys.  The few minutes he had lingered there gave Shadow a chance to get closer to Arandor, and at last, Shadow’s Dark Element overcame the countless mortal auras around it.  Though it was the faintest of signals, it gave Starwin the chance he needed to find him.

   “Oh Shadow!” he cried, “Thank goodness!”  Taking a breath, Starwin got ready to fly as he said, “I hope I can find you soon!  I’m on my way!”  Without another word, the brave little Elderstar flew off in the direction of Shadow’s Dark Element, hoping and praying they would have enough time to save Arandor.

   The hours of the night ticked away until early morning arrived.  Kashoku and Mitsukai had long fallen asleep, curled up beside each other as they rested on her bed.  Lying on top of the blanket, Kashoku inched closer to her in his sleep for warmth.  He was at peace again.

   It wouldn’t last long.  Another challenge had arrived to confront him.

   “Kashoku!  Lord Kashoku?  Are you here?”

   Kashoku sat up fast upon hearing his name.  He leapt to his feet in enough time to see Etheus to burst into the house.

   “Etheus?” Kashoku cried in a pained whisper, “Keep your voice down!”

   Unfortunately, the commotion already caused Mitsukai to stir.  Opening her eyes she looked to Etheus, able to recognize the panic on his face.  “What is wrong Etheus?” she asked.

   Etheus glanced between her and Kashoku, wondering what Kashoku was doing there to begin with, but in too much of a panic to care to question it.  Looking back to Kashoku he cried out, “It’s Saira; she is in labor!”

   Mitsukai stood up quickly.  “Oh dear,” she said, “She was feeling ill.  I am worried about them.”  Looking to Kashoku she added, “You must be there Kashoku.  It’s your duty to oversee new births.”

   “Yes…I know,” Kashoku replied slowly, looking to her, feeling slightly numb as he thought about what this meant.  He turned to Etheus and said, “Let’s go then.  I’m assuming Prodamis is already attending to her?”

   As they left the house, Etheus nodded and said, “Yes Kashoku.  Galaden is so worried about her.  We all knew she wasn’t well; that’s why Acadiar offered to take Galaden’s shift.”

   “Of course…,” Kashoku murmured as they walked.  He retreated to his own thoughts for a moment, trying to remember his lessons with Kalak.  He had learned all there was to know about every aspect of creation, including the process of creation itself amongst these creatures.  He learned of conception, he learned of gestation, and he learned of birth.  He wasn’t afraid, but instead was nervous, knowing he would at last be witnessing this precious, but fragile miracle of life.

   Their pace was slow, but when painful cries rose into the air, they hurried their steps.  “Hurry!” Kashoku cried, beckoning to Mitsukai and Etheus.  The home of Galaden and Saira was near the edge of the village, close to the cliffs.  It wasn’t too much further, but as the cries echoed through the night sky, it simply wasn’t close enough for them.

   By the time they arrived to the hut, the crying had ceased.  They were quick to assume this meant the child had been born, but had to dismiss this idea, for there were no wails of an infant coming from the home.

   “Something is wrong,” Mitsukai said, sprinting ahead of Kashoku and Etheus.

   As she dashed into the house, Galaden stumbled past her, falling to his knees on the outside.  “Oh no, say it isn’t true,” Etheus whispered to himself.  He and Kashoku ran to Galaden’s side, only to find tears streaming down his face.

   “What happened Galaden?” Etheus asked, kneeling down beside him.

   Kashoku was confused as he looked on, gazing at them.  Galaden looked up to them and tried to speak, his voice frail.  “The…the child.  It wasn’t breathing.”

   “Oh Heavens no,” Etheus whispered, his own voice breaking up as he stumbled over the words.  “I’m so sorry Galaden.”

   Again, Kashoku was confused.  Looking inside the home, he looked back to them briefly and said, “Was its heart still beating Galaden?  What are you doing sitting out here?”

   “Huh?” Galaden asked, trying to dry his tears.

   Kashoku stared at them in disbelief, shaking his head quickly before dashing into the house.  He saw Prodamis wiping the sweat from Saira’s head, trying to comfort her as she wept, holding the lifeless baby in her arms.  Mitsukai knelt down beside her trying to comfort her.

   More confused than ever, panic took over Kashoku.  “Why are you all crying?  Why are you wasting your time?” he cried.

   They all looked to him, including Galaden and Etheus who looked in from outside.  “My Lord, what are you talking about?” Prodamis asked.

   “Good grief!  You have got to be kidding me!” Kashoku cried.  Running over to Saira’s side, he placed his finger on the baby’s chest, his eyes widening as he did so.  “Give him to me!” Kashoku cried.

   Confused, Saira handed her baby boy to Kashoku.  Mitsukai rose to her feet as she watched Kashoku start to gently massage the baby’s chest.  “Kashoku, what are you doing?” she asked.

   He paused only a moment to look at her, before he resumed rubbing the baby’s chest.  “You aren’t serious are you?  You actually thought he was dead?” Kashoku asked, looking up at them quickly.  Everyone glanced at each other.

   “Well Kashoku, if a baby isn’t crying when it is born that means it’s not breathing, which you can see is the case here,” Prodamis answered.

   Shaking his head, Kashoku felt panic overtake him.  Trying to stay calm, he whispered to the baby in the Light Language, pleading for the child to be spared.  Once he finished he said, “Yes Prodamis, but the baby’s heart still beats in his chest.  All we must do is persuade the lungs to breathe again.  Watch me carefully.”

   Gasps escaped everyone in the room.  Galaden ran inside, watching with eager and hope filled eyes as Kashoku tried desperately to revive his child.  Prodamis’ eyes were filled with wonder when he saw the blue skin around the baby’s nose begin to get its normal color back.  Saira held on desperately to Mitsukai’s arm as they all watched the unfolding scene.

   The sparkle in Kashoku’s eyes grew and grew as he felt the baby squirm in his arms.  Smiles crept to the lips of everyone as they could see the child moving so gently in the arms of his savior.  At last, he opened his mouth and let soft and tender cries escaped him, for at last air flowed through his lungs.

   “Thank you Father…,” Kashoku whispered as he rose to his feet, rocking the child gently.  Looking to Saira, he smiled warmly and said, “He will be fine.  He simply didn’t take a breath before escaping you, and couldn’t catch it when he was taken from you.  Rejoice, and welcome him to the world.”

   Happy and ecstatic laughter escaped both Saira and Galaden as she took her newborn son in her arms.  Galaden knelt beside her bed kissing her gently, before they both turned to gaze at their beautiful son.  Kashoku looked on happily, while Prodamis stared at him in wonder.

   “You must teach me this, my Lord,” Prodamis whispered, “Had you not come, the burden would have been mine for letting this child slip from the world.”

   Kashoku looked to Prodamis.  “I was alarmed when I saw you doing nothing.  You see, it is just as I said.  The baby couldn’t catch its breath before you separated him from his mother.  Just because a child is not breathing does not mean it is dead.  If its heart is still beating, then it has enough air left in its lungs from its mother to keep it alive long enough to be revived.  As long as its heart is still beating, it has a chance to be saved.  It is something I have learned in my years on this earth,” he explained.

   Wonder and awe painted Prodamis’ face.  “Truly…my Lord, you are the High King of the echidnas,” he said, stammering as he spoke.

   “I…I am no king,” Kashoku said again, turning to leave, “I simply love you all, and will do whatever I can to protect you.”

   Before he could leave, Galaden grabbed his arm, causing Kashoku to turn to address him.  Tears streamed down Galaden’s face as he whimpered, “You are our King, Kashoku.  You saved the life of a child that would have died without your knowledge to rescue it.  I rejoice, knowing that in a week’s time, you will at last take charge to lead us.  I love you my Lord.  I will serve and protect you until the end of my days.”

   Kashoku felt paralyzed by this outpouring of emotion from Galaden.  Something that was so simple to Kashoku, knowing how to save that baby, was a miracle for these echidnas, who mourned so many children that could have been saved.  He began to feel increasingly special the more and more they praised him, but he remained humble, and turned to Galaden, embracing him.  “We will protect and love each other my brother.  I am great for my knowledge perhaps, but am no different than any of you, for once I share my knowledge with you, there will be nothing I can do that you cannot emulate.  We will make a great civilization, and your son shall be the start of it.  Now, take comfort and spend a warm and wonderful night with your wife and children.  Sleep well,” Kashoku explained.

   Pulling out of the embrace, Galaden dried his eyes and nodded.  “Bless you my Lord,” he whispered in reply.

   “Kashoku…thank you…so very much,” Saira called out to him, though her voice was weak and tired.

   Shaking his head he replied, “It is nothing my lady.  Take rest.”

   He left the home and slowly began the walk back to Mitsukai’s home, but stopped, realizing he wasn’t sure of what he meant to do next.  He felt stunned by what had just happened.  He realized again how much he meant to the echidnas here.  They really loved him and saw him as a miracle from above.  His heart felt ready to burst with pride.  He didn’t know what to do.

   “Kashoku?”

   He looked behind him.  Mitsukai was running to catch up with him.  Shock and awe still filled her eyes.  Once she was standing beside him, she asked, “Did you command the wind to fill his lungs my Lord?”

   A soft chuckle escaped him.  “No my Lady.  What I did any of you can do.  I shall teach Prodamis and all who are willing to learn how they might do it.  Power over any element had nothing to do with this miracle.  Sometimes, you don’t need something great and powerful to save you.  You all would be surprised what kind of things you can do with your own brain power and ingenuity,” he explained.

   Mitsukai tilted her head to one side, a curious look on her face as she pondered his words.  Smiling, she replied, “You should listen to them Kashoku.  You remain humble but you are a great leader.  You have not properly inherited your title yet, and already you’ve done so much for us all.  You shall be called the High King of the echidnas even after we’re gone, and I shall be proud to be your wife.”

   Kashoku’s cheeks flushed red as he grinned.  “Well, my Lady, I will take whatever you title you give me, and am filled with joy that you will share this journey with me,” he replied, wishing he could have thought of something better to say.

   A giggle escaped Mitsukai as she kissed him on the cheek.  “I will be alright by myself tonight Kashoku,” she replied, “Goodnight.”

   She started to walk back to her home, leaving Kashoku to watch her, his body numb with flutters and tingles.  “Mitsukai…I love you forever!” he called out to her.

   Her steps slowed as she looked to him.  “Forever I love you,” she answered in reply.  She turned around, as if ready to leave but turned to him once more to say, “I heard Saira say they were going to name him Ordiloku.  Don’t tell her I told you that though…it’s a surprise for you I think.  …Goodnight Kashoku.”

   This time she left.  Kashoku stood there, feeling even more stunned when he realized what the name meant.  Turning to Acadiar’s home, he smiled, feeling happy and relaxed, amazed at how fast the mood of an entire village could change from one day to the next.

   Lying down on his bed, a happy sigh escaped him.

   “Welcome to the world Ordiloku, Gift of Hope,” he whispered.

   As Kashoku fell asleep, one final group of words finally made it to his head to comfort him.  He could relax again.

   “I’m coming Arandor.”

   “Shadow…,” he whispered.  At last, he let sleep cradle him.

   …

   “Why is it that I tire?” Shadow muttered to himself.

   Slowing to a stop, Shadow slowly sat down under a tree.  He was getting closer to the sea cliffs, but they were still a good distance away, even at his top speed.  He figured two more days would be all it took.  He only hoped he could arrive in time.

   He knew soon his friend would be getting married, and Shadow took time to think about this before sleep.

   Reclining against the trunk of the tree, he gazed out at the stars as he relaxed.  They were so beautiful, and it caused him to miss his home where he was surrounded by them constantly.  He wondered for a moment how Kalak was doing, and the Elderstars, and the Goldenstars, especially poor Taura and Starla.

   “Poor girls,” Shadow chuckled to himself, “I know they must miss us.  …Poor Father.”  His voice grew soft as he remembered Kalak.  He missed his adopted father, and hoped he was doing alright without them.

   Then his thoughts returned to Arandor again.

   Shadow shared all of Arandor’s knowledge, and knew full well what marriage meant.  He was happy for Arandor, and unlike Kalak he could not recognize the problem that this would present.  Shadow had no idea that once Arandor consummated his marriage, the Pure Light within him would be lost forever.

   And so, he was happy for his brother.

   “Ah Arandor, just promise me you won’t get married before I get there.  I won’t be able to make myself known, but I can hide myself so I will be there to see it,” Shadow spoke softly to himself.  He was at such peace, but missed Arandor terribly.  Getting to see him again was his greatest wish.

   But Shadow knew it wouldn’t be Arandor that he would get to see.  It would be Kashoku the Echidna.

   Rolling over on his side, Shadow tried to chase off worrying thoughts.  Though he didn’t know how dire the situation was, he knew that marrying Mitsukai would keep Arandor in echidna form for a very long time.  He also knew Arandor would have to deal with her death, and if he went as far as to have children with her, he would have to lose them too, for he could not tell anyone he was immortal.   Thinking about children bothered Shadow even more, for he wondered what that would mean for Arandor, for Arandor was the Light itself.  What would happen if his children had a mortal mother, but a father that was the closest thing to Perfect Light anyone would ever know?

   What would happen to those children?  What would happen to Arandor?

   All of these thoughts made Shadow uneasy.  “Father,” he whispered, “If Arandor was in danger, you would tell me right?  Please, if I need to rescue him, tell me, so I can do this.  I am happy for my brother beyond words, but I worry for his welfare.  I can’t escape the feeling that this won’t end well for any of us.  Please Father.  Tell me what I can do to help him!”

   Shadow closed his eyes.  He hoped that someone would give him the answer soon.  A yawn escaped him, and as usual his last thoughts were of Arandor, his brother in love.  “I love you my brother,” Shadow whispered, “Please, stay safe until I can reach you.”

   Exhausted from a near constant run from the morning before, Shadow fell asleep.  Kalak heard Shadow’s prayers, but was already a step ahead of him.  Everything fell on the shoulders of tiny Starwin as he flew towards the signal that Shadow’s Dark Element gave off.

   Though Kashoku was happy, if his wedding wasn’t stopped, nobody knew what would happen, save Mukot, who could barely stand to wait the days until Kashoku and Mitsukai’s wedding.  Once again the future of all was at stake, but instead of Kalak’s able shoulders, the weight of it all rested, not on Shadow or Starwin, but on the heart of Arandor of Light, who was slowly growing fonder of his life, not as the Pure Light, but of Kashoku, the Echidna High King.
Well my tooth is feeling better now! I got this written in the car today XD We went to see my brother and my battery lasted me both ways ^^ That means all of you get a new chapter today! :D

This chapter is a tad bit shorter, but it has a lot going on. The main focus is Kashoku saving the life of Galaden and Saira's newborn son, Ordiloku. I've mentioned this story once before at least, in my story "Baby's Breath" Elianaron is born not breathing, and as Armundae revives him, he tells this very story to Aerealei, explaining how his ancestors were taught to do this.

Anyway, -oku means "Hope" Now, Mikomi's full name, Suta-Mikomi, means "Star of Hope" Remember though, the dialect changes after the War of the Jewels, so instead of -oku meaning hope, it's -komi that means hope.

Umm, yeah, so, we've got poor little Starwin trying to find Shadow, Shadow trying to get back to Arandor, everyone trying to save Arador before it is too late, and Mukot ready to make his move should they fail.

Next chapter is Kashoku and Mitsukai's wedding. ^^

Btw...small spoiler. We know that Kashoku eventually has two children. A daughter and son. Galaden will be one in-law, and Acadiar will be another. Hee hee ;P

Enjoy! ^^ Thanks for comments, faves, and just for reading it! :D

One more thing. If you want links to each chapter, check my front page. I feature the latest chapter on my front page and the links to all past chapters are there with it ^^

~ Camillia :rose:
© 2009 - 2024 ReverseTheEclipse
Comments10
Join the community to add your comment. Already a deviant? Log In
QueenLeaShanneen's avatar
You sure are a writing machine. :giggle: Another great chapter. ^__^