Potential

[slippedhalo]

Avrielle nodded, her eyes met Adrian's and they both understood what had just occurred, or rather, what had just been avoided even if Elisa did not. Avrielle thought perhaps ignorance was bliss in this case and decided not to say anything just now. She smiled when Elisa came close and took the girl's hand again. It felt right to have some sort of physical contact with her. It was difficult for Avrielle not to want to touch Elisa when she was near. It was still new to her that they were such old souls together but she found it easy enough to accept given how natural it felt to be around Elisa already.

 

[marauder13]

Adrian looked at the floor for a moment, then raised his head. He reached out and took Avrielle's left hand in his right, and Elisa's right in his left. He turned both of their hands palm up. He placed is thumbs over theirs, and when he removed his thumbs, nothing had changed. Then their thumbs started to seep blood. He took hold of their hands, moving them so the blood soaked pads pressed against his forehead. He took their hands away and there were two blood spots on his forehead for a few seconds until they were absorbed into his skin. He kissed each of the bleeding thumbs, and they ceased bleeding.

Adrian pressed his thumbs together, and they started to bleed. He placed one one each of the women's foreheads, leaving a blood spot on each of them which stayed for a few seconds before seeping into their skin.

"By our blood that is our Life, we are bound to each other Mentor to Student until we rejoin the Cycle." Adrian knew that the other two would have felt the tug as the ritual was completed. Any other skilled enough would know that they were Apprentices to another Master.

"I hope you will bear with me for as little while while I close down the store for the day. After which, I shall take you home, and show you a little more of what your new lives will be like."

Adrian went about the normal routine of rearranging some of the displays, putting some of the stock out the back, checking the money and powering down all the nonessential machinery in the store. He moved the two women to the front door, opening it and ushering them through.

"Krella!"

"Yes, Adrian Sir."

"I am closing the store for the day. Your duties resume now."

"As you desire, Adrian Sir."

Adrian closed the door, locking it. "It's a bit of a walk, but not too far for you. When we get home, we'll have some lunch and then I'll introduce you to the other important members of the household." He started walking down the road, expecting his new students to follow.

 

[slippedhalo]

Avrielle couldn't not follow Adrian out of the shop. She was so entrenched in this now. She wanted to know what would happen next. Vaguley confused for a moment she whispered to herself, "Who's Krella?" because she'd seen no one else in the shop.

She said nothing too loudly and didn't ask Elisa if she was coming, she somehow knew Elisa would also come. Adrian was quiet until they came to his property and he turned to them.

 

[YoungLisa]

Elisa, like Avrielle, had to follow Adrian. Like her she was blessed by feminine curiosity and nothing in heaven, earth or hell would stop her from seeing where this remarkable man lived.

Since the blood exchange she had felt a bonding, but she had that with Avrielle from the moment she set eyes on her. Latching on to Avrielle’s thoughts (but not knowing it) she asked out loud “Who is Krella?” Getting no reply she asked again and then looked at Avrielle for support.

She was tempted to stop dead and refuse to move until Adrian told her who Krella was, but she dare not give this strange man an ultimatum as he might call her bluff and she would have lost this opportunity for ever.

Eventually they arrived at the house, stopped outside and looked at Adrian for an explanation and welcome

 

[slippedhalo]

Avrielle looked to Adrian and then to Elisa, what a strange day this had been so far. She wondered what more Adrian had in store for them.

 

[marauder13]

Adrian enjoyed the walk back home. Part of it was due to the two women following him, the other part was just the day itself. He was so caught up with his thoughts of what was going to happen, he missed the question when it was first asked.

“Who is Krella?”

"It's more a question of what is Krella. Krella is a spirit of the air. An Air Elemental to be precise. He and I have a bargain. In return for his guarding my store during those times when I am not around, I burn a special blend of incense for him. It both pleases him and strengthens him. It's a lot cheaper than insurance and security systems."

They finally reached the the street where his house was located. Even at the distance where they rounded the corner, his fence line stood out. The base green, with white, lavender, gold, orange and red blooms that mixed into a pleasing visual pattern. He stopped outside on section of the four foot high floral fence. The only indication that there might be some gate like feature there was the gravel path the ran from the sidewalk to underneath. Adrian reached out and pushed, and the floral mass turned to reveal the gravel pathway on the otherside.

"After you, ladies," Adrian said with a small bow. As they passed through, they noticed that the fence was made up of vines, all of them sporting long, sharp thorns pointing in may varied directions. When he took his hand off the gate, it closed itself slowly. The side fences of the property were the same collections of vines, except that they were 7 feet high.

He led them up the path through an open lawn to a single story house. He opened the front door without using a key, again letting the two women enter before him, closing the door after he entered. The hall lead into a lounge room that was mostly open to the hallway. The room was full of comfortable chairs and a sofa, along with some book cases, a coffee table and a large, wide screen TV.

On the opposite side of the hallway were a few doors which were closed. He led them through to a large room, which was a combination of a dining room and a kitchen. On closer observation, the hallway separated the two 'rooms'. At the end of the hallway was a door that led to the backyard.

"Take a seat, Elisa, Avrielle." Adrian went to the fridge and got out a jug full of a rich red fluid. He grabbed three glasses and brought them to the table. He poured the liquid into each of the glasses, handing one to each of the women.

"Well," he sighed, "there is a lot to cover. Tomorrow, we will deal with things like clothing and personal effects that you might want or need. Given the focus of the teachings, we will be dealing with Life mostly, but that will not stop us from learning about other Arts. Those like me, we celebrate life in all of it's aspects. Eating, drinking, dancing, singing, walking, running, talking, loving. All of it." Adrian took a sip from his glass, enjoying what he wanted to enjoy right then... simple orange juice. The liquid would taste like any natural beverage the drinker favoured most. "Within this house, you need not worry about what you wear, as there is nothing wrong with the human body. Especially the two bodies that I see before me." Adrian smiled. "I am not saying that you have to walk around naked, but don't be afraid to.

"I will clear the air on one matter right now. I look at the two of you, and I see a pair of very attractive women. I would be very happy to have sex with either of you, should you ever desire it. There is nothing wrong with sex between two people, as long they both want it. And when they love each other, it's even more potent. It is also one way that we can draw the Essence into us, as well as manipulate it. Don't ever feel pressured by me, outside of being taught, to do anything.

"When we are in class, you will listen, you will try your best. In the next few days, it will seem very hard to do even the simplest things that I will teach you. But I will only teach you what I know you can do. And you will learn it, practice it and apply it.

"Do either of you have anything you would like to ask, mention or rant about?" He drained half of his glass while he waited.

 

[slippedhalo]

Avrielle took a sip of the red liquid, very hesitantly. It looked...it looked like blood or a very badly made Bloody Mary. But, when she tasted it it was lemonade. She looked up at Adrian and bit back a comment about sleeping with him. How presumptuous, she thought, then realized he was just being honest. A strange way to begin a tutaladge but Avrielle was still not put off. She shrugged and said nothing at the end of his speech.

 

[YoungLisa]

Elisa was just taking everything in. She felt that events were moving too fast and yet she knew that this was her future, she was destined to be here. She was a little disturbed at the mention of sex, given her recent experiences it was the last thing on her mind. She smiled at Avrielle and felt at home with her. She knew, deep down, that as long as she was there with her everything was going to be alright.

Taking her glass of drink she held it to her lips. It tasted of honey mixed cider vinegar, and old recipe she had learned from her Nan. She was used to having a glass every morning as it was an old country remedy to stave off arthritis.

Ever the talkative one she had many questions, but contented herself with just two. “Adrian, can I ask about our old life? I mean, our families will be worried about us. How do we let them know we are alright?” Before Adrian could even catch his breath to answer she continued “And the second question … you mentioned ‘other important members of the household’, when do we get to meet them?”

 

[marauder13]

Adrian didn't expect either of the women to react positively to the mention of sex, but he was going to be honest with them. In time, they would be honest and share their thoughts of a number of different subjects, each respecting the positions of the others, even if there was disagreement. But he had to show them he could trust them with such knowledge, and let themselves act on it.

When they each took a sip of the drink, he saw their reactions as they tasted the contents of the jug. They both eyed their drink with suspicion, but the look of surprise was worth it.

"This is the best tasting orange juice I have ever had. How did it taste to you? I doubt that it would be orange juice for you, but you never know."

Avrielle seemed to be content to just listen, which to Adrian's mind was a little off. But then he only had their initial encounter to draw from, and that could have been an anomaly for her. But Elisa showed remarkable constraint in keeping the many questions he could feel within her back, and only asking two.

“Adrian, can I ask about our old life? I mean, our families will be worried about us. How do we let them know we are alright? And the second question … you mentioned ‘other important members of the household’, when do we get to meet them?”

Adrian sat back, relaxing a little. "Well, your families will not be too concerned about you. You can contact them whenever you like, but you'll find that they are not concerned overly about you're current location and conditions. Of course, if you leave it too long, then they will start getting alarmed. If you contact them before sunrise tomorrow, you should be able to allay any of their fears. Tell them the truth, that you have been offered an exclusive educational opportunity that you are taking up. You'll be living on site, and you can be in touch and you can visit them at any time, studies permitting. I think you'll find them accepting of that, and there will be little fuss because of it."

He drained the glass before he resumed talking. "As to the other 'important members of the household', you're about to meet one of them." On cue, Tiger leapt up onto the table between the two women, purring loudly as he sauntered away from them. He reached a point halfway across the table, when he turned and sat down, sweeping the table with his tail. The purring stopped as he stared firstly at Elisa. His blue eyes remained open, unblinking as he stared at her. Tiger closed his eyes as he turned his attention to Avrielle. He repeated the same stare before he closed his eyes in a long blink. He stood up, his tail pointing straight up as he walked towards Avrielle. His purr returned as he headbutted her chin, arching his back as he walked under her, his tail caressing her cheek as he continued over to Elisa. She too received a headbutt to the chin, followed by a rub of his back and a brush on her cheek by his tail.

Adrian laughed as the pure white Persian sauntered over to Adrian demanding attention from his favoured human slave. Ever obedient, Adrian gave Tiger a rub between the ears, which raised the volume of the purr noticeably.

"Congratulations, ladies, His Lordship, Tiger, has deemed you worthy enough to stay here. Not that he had any real say in it. The other one you'll both need to meet is outside. When you're both ready,we'll go out and pay our respects."

 

[slippedhalo]

Avrielle smiled as Adrian noted his drink tasted like orange juice. She regarded her glass again, holding it up with wonder as she replied, "Fresh lemonade, like my great aunt used to make. I have her name, you know. A family hand-me-down. She never had any children and it was given to her, named after her own grandmother, my mother's grandmother too. And in every other generation in my family there's been one Avrielle." she didn't know why she felt the need to suddenly tell them about herself. Usually, she was more reserved. In new situations she liked to observe until she felt more confortable. She knew she felt instantly at ease with Elisa but there was still so much mystery surrounding Adrian, and this place.

Since all she had now was her always paranoid mother to worry about Avrielle wasn't as worried about isolation from the outside world as Elisa seemed to be, then again, it was a relief to hear she could contact her mother whenever she pleased. Although...she thought perhaps she'd wait a bit. Avrielle wasn't in the mood to hear her mother's latest bitch-fest about what an ungrateful, unworthy child she was, never living up to her potential...

She could have done without the cat rubbing himself all over her. She was polite and petted him. He seemed nicer than most, anyway. As a child she'd been allergic to all but her great aunt Avrielle's cat, Smokey, and ever since she'd really only liked him. Others, she had learned to just keep her distance from.

Avrielle finished her drink and rose to her feet, "Adrian, I think I'd like a tour of this new home if you don't mind. And, yes, I would love to meet the other household member." she said taking his arm. "You say we will learn about Life and celebrating Life. What other mystical and magical Arts are there?" she asked.

 

[YoungLisa]

Elisa felt a sense of relief that she would not be forbidden to make contact with her parents. She was sure that by now they would be worried about her because, as far as they knew, she had gone to a party with Rick. She would make contact as soon as she could to allay their fears.

But when the cat appeared her joy was almost visible. She had always loved cats in general and white Persians in particular. She enjoyed making the contact although she could sense Avrielle did not completely share her enthusiasm.

After drinks were finished Elis heard Avrielle say "Adrian, I think I'd like a tour of this new home if you don't mind. And, yes, I would love to meet the other household member." As Avrielle took hold of Adrian’s right arm she took his left. Smiling at Avrielle she heard her say. "You say we will learn about Life and celebrating Life. What other mystical and magical Arts are there?" Nodding her head in ascent she was ready to begin her new life.

 

[marauder13]

Adrian listened to Avrielle recount a little of her past, listening as a good host should. When Avrielle finished her drink, she stood up, and walked over towards Adrian. Adrian stood up, closely followed by Elisa.

"Adrian, I think I'd like a tour of this new home if you don't mind. And, yes, I would love to meet the other household member." she said taking his arm. "You say we will learn about Life and celebrating Life. What other mystical and magical Arts are there?"

Before he could say anything else, Elisa had taken his other arm. He was totally comfortable with the two women either side of him. They were his students now, and he would share with them anything they needed in order to learn.

"Well, my apprentices, before I show you the rest of the house, we shall go and pay our respects to the other significant individual on the household." He led them to the rear door, slipping his arm out of Elisa's hold to open it. He then replaced his arm, and continued to lead them outside.

"What other mystical Arts are there?" Adrian answered as they walked across the yard. "There are the Arts of the Fates, Arts of the Mighty River, Mind Arts, Arts of the Nether Worlds and the Earth Arts. Those I can impart wisdom on, there are other Arts, but those would require assistance from others. We can explore those later, after we have given you a working knowledge of the Life Art.

The back yard was large, and mostly clear except for two noticeable features. The first was an enormous oak tree towards the back fence line, and a large swimming pool. Adrian led them to the tree. Tiger ran past them slowing down near the tree. Adrian released his arms from the two women, reaching out with his left hand to place it on the trunk. He felt the caress of the spirit within, the bond strengthened that little bit more with the contact.

"This is Tree. He is unique, as he is.. knowing. Not sentient, not even like an animal. But he.. feels, understands. Dear friend, I have two new apprentices that the Fates have guided to me. Receive them and bless them the same way you received me, and blessed me." He turned to look at Elisa and Avrielle. "Just place your left hand on the trunk, and relax. Don't break contact when you feel him... touch you. He will not hurt you, but how it will feel will be different to each of you."

Tiger walked up and rubbed against the trunk, purring loudly as he made contact. When the cat walked away, most of his coat was standing a little higher than normal. Adrian laughed deeply at the sight, as Tiger proudly wandered back to the house. "Someone's special today." He stopped his laughter, but the joy was still clear in his stance and demeanor. "So, which of you would like to receive their blessings first?"

 

[YoungLisa]

Elisa looked at the tree, at Avrielle, Adrian, the cat and then back to the tree. She closed her eyes, put her hands together and then tipped her head back allowing her soft blonde hair to flick onto her neck. Taking a deep breath she opened her eyes, tilted her head forward and in a sigh just muttered “Ahhhh Ye-es!”

Suddenly aware that she was being watched she cleared her throat and began to explain. “My great aunt, long gone now, had a tree like that in her garden. She said it was living that it had feelings and that it had guarded our family since the Civil War” She moved towards it “My family fought with the Round Heads against the King and in return we were given the land on which the family house still stands. On the day the Commonwealth was formed my great ancestor planted an acorn and asked for its protection for all generations. This ‘Tree’ is its double, its twin in all things but one. This one has more power.”

Looking at both her companions she said “I’m sorry for going on. But I suddenly feel at home.” Then turning to Avrielle she said “I think you should receive the first blessing. You will see what I mean then!”

 

[slippedhalo]

Avrielle looked a little confused by this situation but was far more comfortable with a sentient tree than a cat for a brother for some reason. She chuckled slightly and stood forward, wondering what sort of blessing this would be. "Elisa, Adrian, I am trusting you both now. What is this blessing you are speaking of?" she asked, her hand reached out and touched the trunk of the massive tree, feeling indeed something more there than just wood. "Hmmm...fascinating." Avrielle murmured to herself as she looked up into the canopy of leaves.

Touching the tree she felt the intelligence of it, if that's what it could be called. Avrielle closed her eyes and focused on this. Soon she heard her name being called by a soft, whispering voice, deep and rumbing. It pulled her consciousness out from her body, into it's own. She got the sensation of being sucked into a vortex before she felt an incredibly calm, peaceful feeling and saw a radiant light dawn in the darkness of this shared consciousness. It glowed with a pulsing light that had it's own rhythmic pulse and it reminded her of her own heartbeat. This was the life force of the tree. Just as she began to understand that and basked int he warmth of this radiating light she felt pulled away again, through the vortex, back into her own body, her own consciousness once more. It made her light-headed and giddy and she wasn't sure if she should open her eyes yet or move, lest she stumble....a rough surface brushed against the skin of her inner thigh and she felt the whisper of leaves brush against her leg, just for a moment. Avrielle gasped, but the moment she had opened her eyes to see if the tree had actually been able to touch her like she had thought it had done...the feeling was gone and the tree was as still and near silent as it had been before.

 

[YoungLisa]

Elisa closed her eyes as Avrielle concentrated on the tree, yet she sensed all that she was experiencing, was like watching a video of her friend in her encounter.

Once Avrielle had returned Elisa looked at Adrian for permission to make her own meld with the tree. He nodded and Elisa closed her eyes. She was used to communing with trees; she had bonded with the one in the family garden. But this was different, so much stronger.

As she closed her eyes she felt tree reaching out to her, cuddling her, hugging her. She could smell the sent of the leaves brushing her body and the tiny blossom kissing her neck and she groaned.

Suddenly this immense feeling of vengeance came into her mind and Tree was invoking images of Rick and those who raped her. Deep inside she wanted those who had attacked her punished. She was agitated yet Tree was also calming her, relieving her. She thought for a moment and with her mind said “NO”. As soon as she thought those words the longing for revenge left her, but she also thought “But I want to ensure that they never do this to another innocent girl.”

As those words left her mind Tree hugged her fully and she felt healing course through every cell of her body to give her healing from memory as well as healing from the physical injuries inflicted on her. Then she felt she could rest assured that those men would never do that again. She saw a vision of the scales of justice yet she knew deep down that in showing mercy, mercy would be shown to her. Suddenly she saw a vision of Adrian and Avrielle, she felt that link that only comes through true love, a love deeper than sexual desire, and it was the love that could never die. She claimed them as her brother and sister who had walked with you in many lifetimes on many worlds. Now she was free from hate they would walk with her again.

Elisa felt the hug finish and she opened her tear filled eyes. Looking at Adrian and Avrielle she said “I love you guys, you are my spiritual family, all four of you (she included Tiger and Tree). I can’t wait to begin!”

 

[marauder13]

Adrian watched. No, he studied the two women as they received the blessings from the Tree. Adrian and the Tree were so in tune now that he didn't need to use any of his mystical sights for him to know what the Tree was doing to them. It's consciousness moved and enveloped them in turn, opening their minds to something important to them. Something that was ultimately calming.

Avrielle looked surprised after her blessings and when Elisa had received hers, it seemed all of her worries were gone. She positively beamed at the other two. “I love you guys, you are my spiritual family, all four of you (she included Tiger and Tree). I can’t wait to begin!”

"Well, my apprentices, you will have to wait until tomorrow for the lessons to start. Come along, there is a house to show you both." He took them both in hand and led them back into the house. He stopped inside the back door, pointing out a door that had not been seen when they were led out.

"That leads to the laundry, and my sanctuary. You do not enter my sanctuary without my permission. The consequences could be dire for all involved." He led them down the hall, opening the first of the three doors on their left. It was a modern bathroom with all the essentials; bath, shower, toilet, vanity, towels, floor mats, soaps, etc.

The next room was a large bedroom. Inside was a king sized bed, bedside tables, large wardrobe space and a chest of draws. "This will be your room. For the time being, you'll have just the one bed until I can arrange for it to be made into two smaller beds for you. It should only take a couple of days to have that done."

Finally, he led them to the final door. "This is my bedroom." He opened the door, and within was a bed that was bigger than king sized bed in the previous room. Apart from the obvious wardrobe space there was nothing else in the room.

"How about we get ourselves some lunch, and you can ask me all sorts of terribly impolite questions about me, what I do, what will happen to you and anything else that springs to mind. I'll promise you I'll answer them to the best of my ability."

He got out an uncut loaf of bread, butter, various salad vegetables, cold meats, a block of cheese, milk and the jug of red juice, putting them all on the table, along with plates, cups and cutlery.

"Help yourself to what you want. Eat." Adrian started to pile food onto his plate while he waited for the questions to start.

 

[slippedhalo]

Avrielle looked at the room which was meant to be her's shared with Elisa and had to admit she didn't mind if they didn't have separate beds. Her curiosity about how it would feel to be physically close to someone she already felt she knew and was emotionally drawn to was immensely strong and her expression told Elisa as much as they regarded the room. Silently, she told her, I don't mind sleeping in the same bed with you, sister.

As Adrian began to lay out foods for their lunch she was moved to assist having an idea of where everything was located as she listened to her new instincts. They sat down at the table and she began to prepare sandwiches and put plates and flatware out for each of them. "I would like to know how long you've been practicing witchcraft, how you learned, where you come from, what is the purpose of it all in your life...and why you have lived here with no female company for so long?" she began, her list of several questions bringing an amused smile to her companion's faces.

 

[YoungLisa]

Elisa could read Avrielle’s mind as they were shown their room and bed, and she felt certain Adrian was aware of her thoughts as well. As she looked at her new friend she knew they had both a long history and a long future and this episode was just the collecting of threads that would continue on this journey.

Not really thinking of food Elisa suddenly found herself feeling hungry. She watched as Avrielle helped prepare the table and she began to make a pot of tea. Sitting down she heard Avrielle’s question ”I would like to know how long you've been practicing witchcraft, how you learned, where you come from, what is the purpose of it all in your life...and why you have lived here with no female company for so long?"

Listening intently she nodded in agreement but then added “And us, where do we fit in? I have never been so pulled towards anyone in my life before as I am pulled towards you two. We have sat before and shared a table but I no not where or when. But you know!” She said looking straight into Adrian’s eyes. “But how? Out of the billions of women on this earth, how did you find us?”

Then the penny dropped, she had met Adrian before in another life, long long ago. “Those dreams, those far off visions, I understand now!” She said quietly “I remember!” Then looking straight at Avrielle she said gently “You were there too!”

OOC. Exam bound now for the next week. Please move my character on as you see fit.

 

[marauder13]

Adrian was not that surprised that the two apprentices immediately started helping out with preparing for lunch. With the two extra sets of hands, all was done in short order.

Avrielle was the one that finally asked the questions he knew were coming.

"I would like to know how long you've been practicing witchcraft, how you learned, where you come from, what is the purpose of it all in your life...and why you have lived here with no female company for so long?"

Adrian leaned back in his chair, smiling at them both. "There in one thing that you will learn. I do not lie. I will withhold the truth from time to time, but I will never speak a lie. Not to my apprentices at any rate.

"How long have I been practicing witchcraft? If you count from the first day I was apprenticed, it has been sixty seven years. And that puts me at the age of eighty two. Yet most people look at me and see someone in their later thirties, early forties perhaps. The practice of the Art of Life will do that to a person. And if they turn the Art on themselves, the life span can be prolonged further. But one can't have Life without Death, so the Art will not sustain one forever.

"How did I learn? I was apprenticed to a man named Malcolm who showed me how to use my Potential. Through slow progression in the Art of Life, I was shown how to achieve marvelous things, things that I can now do without any real thought, though they have not lost their marvel. But basically, hard work, listening, repetition and a making a few non lethal mistakes.

"What is the purpose of it all in my life? I can't say what the true reason for it is, but I think that I am to help make other people's lives better. Take the two of you, for example. Avrielle was in a place in her life that she did not like. She questioned her choices. Now, she sits here with a woman she feels closer to than any other person on Earth. She feels more comfortable with herself, and has some sense of hope.

"Elisa was raped by a man she thought loved her, and by many others that took the opportunity to slake their lust upon her. She would have found herself with child from one of those men. Her carefully laid out life would have been ruined. She is now like Avrielle.

"But there are numerous people who have little Potential in them that are suffering that I have helped. With some, just giving them to faith in themselves. Or healing an affliction before it became too late to be cured. To love someone in their final days to ease their pain before they departed." He looked at the two of them. "To bring back that spark of wonder that were are all born with. That is the purpose of it all in my life.

"Where did I come from? I will not speak of that right now. That will be a talk for another day.

"Why have I lived here with no female company for so long?" Adrian actually laughed heartily at that question. "That depends on your definition of 'so long'. I have had female companionship from time to time. I have a number of friends who visit me, and stay for a few nights. We share the bed, more often than not share each other. But as for a life long partner... The Fates are keeping that hidden from me. No matter how loose a reference I search for, they block me, and anyone else that seeks that knowledge. If or when she arrives, then I will know. Until then... Well, I have two apprentices for female company."

Elisa sat quietly before her own curiosity propelled her to ask her questions.

“And us, where do we fit in? I have never been so pulled towards anyone in my life before as I am pulled towards you two. We have sat before and shared a table but I no not where or when. But you know!” She said looking straight into Adrian’s eyes. “But how? Out of the billions of women on this earth, how did you find us?”

"Where do the two of fit in? Fit in where? Here? Simple, you are my apprentices, and I am your teacher. Anything I can teach you, I will. Some of it you have no choice but to learn. Other matters, it is your choice. But there is much I can teach you. Both of you.

"As yet, I don't know why you have such a draw to me. When the time is right, I may be able to find out, should the Fates permit me."

Adrian took a sip of his drink to soothe his parched throat. "As for how I found you. I didn't. You found me, Elisa. And I was directed by the Fates to be at a place and time to meet Avrielle. After that, it was up to her to seek me out. But again, why just you two? The Fates have something that we need to do. It also seems that there is a link between you both, so what befalls one, befalls the other.

"I think we should finish our lunch, and at least the two of you should relax. Tomorrow will be a very different day for you both. Eat up, young ladies. You'll need your strength, and more importantly, your stamina." The smile he gave them both was knowing, and slightly naughty as well.

 

[slippedhalo]

Avrielle was pleased that Adrian was so forthright and easy to talk to. He answered all of her questions for te time being. It was still a little unnerving how comfortable she felt in his presence and in this house but she thought it all had something to do with the nature of this gift they all possessed and how it connected them to one another like links in a chain.

They finished lunch rather quickly since she hadn't been very hungry to start with. She and Elisa helped to clean up, quite instinctively knowing where everything needed to go and who should do what to be more efficient. It was very much like they were two halves of a whole when they were in this close of a proximity to one another. It made Avrielle wonder how much they'd be in psynch with each other if even closer...

"I think maybe I could use a shower and a small nap. Would that be alright?" and she ventured to eb bold enough to ask, "...Would anyone want to join me in either or both?"

 

[YoungLisa]

Elisa was pleased to be active, and like Avrielle was surprised how each knew where things were kept and the order in which they were placed. Yet she kept finding her mind dwelling on Adrian, she knew him, she had met him before. And just as she had convinced herself she was being foolish her mind sprang back again to her first certainty.

Being a cleanliness fanatic, Elisa hated bad hygiene and was about to ask if she could take a shower when Avrielle asked if she could have one. Then she smiled at Avrielle when she suggested someone might want to join her in the shower. “Must do our bit for the environment” she said as she turned to Adrian and nodded waiting for his agreement.

Then she sat down and just stared into space. “Before we go I have to clear something up in my own mind.” She hesitated and then continued “I believe we are not here by random chance. Something deeper has been going on and I’m sure we all know each other.” She looked at Avrielle and sighed “When we met that first time I called you my soul mate.” She turned to Adrian “And I was right, except … I feel you are linked with us both as well.” Standing up she said “I have been having these dreams, adventures almost in which I see fire and destruction and feel anger. But then I am immersed in this great feeling of love. Love for this man whose face I could never see. But now I know it’s you!” Elisa spoke those words almost in trance, and then suddenly she snapped out of it and turned to Avrielle “Let’s take that shower!”

Leaving Adrian with Tiger the two women went to their room and both simultaneously began to undress. Neither of them felt embarrassed by the other, in fact they smiled at one another as they took off the last of their clothing and wrapping themselves in a beach towel each made their way to the shower. The screen creaked as Elisa pulled it outwards and began adjusting the head of the shower. The lights dimmed momentarily as she started it and the electric motor began to deliver hot water.

The water danced in her blonde locks of hair as water cascaded down her body. Reaching out for the shower gel she found Avrielle had it in her hand. Joining Elisa in the stream her long red hair skipped and jumped as the water hit and Elisa felt the overwhelming desire to laugh. “I’m so glad I found you again!” She whispered to Avrielle as she moved her mouth close to hers. “Really glad.”

 

[slippedhalo]

Avrielle had to admit she'd never kissed another woman before but this was definitely a temptation she didn't mind exploring. Elisa kissed her lips gently at first, testing her willingness, she supposed. Avrielle caressed the side of Elisa's face with her left hand and kissed her back. This time, she was the one who was testing as her tongue probed the small opening Elisa offered and she was pleased to be granted access, deepening their kiss as their bodies drew closer beneath the stream of warm water as well.

She was pleasantly surprised by the delightful, sensual, tingle it gave her as she felt the softness of another female body against her own, women are just so much more erotically lovely, she decided in the moment. Men's bodies served a very utilitarian nature but to her women were more of a work of art to be admired with the eyes, the mouth, the hands...

To Avrielle Elisa was incredibly attractive...But, even if she hadn't been so beautiful to Avrielle, this woman being her soulmate made Avrielle feel like being as close as possible to her as much as possible and this shower together was just the beginning of Avrielle's wants and desires for the two of them.

 

[marauder13]

Adrian sat quietly as the two women left to have their shower together. Tiger gave him an almost knowing look, his purring taking on a slightly sinister sound.

"Not yet, Tiger," Adrian laughed. "No, I'll let the two youngsters reacquaint themselves first. Their bonds are much tighter to each other than they are to me. They need to rediscover one another first, however that may be. Then, if or when they desire my company, then I will join them, individually, or as a pair."

He looked around the table, and found what he hoped would be there. A hair from each of the women. He stood up, and went to his sanctum. The room was illuminated dimly, though no lights, torches or candles burned. The room was just dimly lit. He found a small hour glass, which he took with him to the single block of wood that was shaped vaguely like a low stool. He sat down on the stool, with his legs crossed in front of him. He placed the hourglass down on the floor in front of him. He took a single hair from his head, and willed it free of his head.

he took the three hairs, and fused the ends together, then platted them together before he fused the other end. The plat was then wrapped around the waist of the of the hourglass. He picked up the hourglass, and stared into the top bell of the glass.

"Like all Rivers, the River of Time can be traced back to the spring where it was birthed. With the River are found the currents, each made by the passage of those within the River. I have three currents that I seek that have come together in times past. Show unto me where and when these currents closed and merged. Show unto me the bonds that bind these streams together."

Adrian felt the Essence gathering around him, then flow into the hourglass. Slowly, the grains of sand rose from the bottom, filling the top bell. Within his mind, images started to form, faces and places slowly moved from black, to coloured blurs, sharpening slowly until he could see the vista clearly in his mind...

 

[YoungLisa]

Elisa pulled Avrielle to her and enjoyed the kiss as each embraced and massaged the other in the foam and heat of the shower. Little gasps of pleasure escaped Elisa’s mouth as she focused on her soul mate.

Eventually they broke contact and Avrielle stepped from the shower table onto the mat where she wrapped the beach towel round herself. Elisa turned the shower off and did the same. Both girls smiled at each other as Elisa broke the silence “We will continue … we must continue. But meanwhile I need some rest. So do you.” Both women smiled and made their way to bed where both fell asleep on the instant.

About two hours later Elisa awoke and quietly got up from the bed and dressed in a bath robe. Gently closing the door behind her she made her way to the room where Adrian sat with Tiger. Approaching him she kissed him on the neck and then sitting next to him grabbed his left hand and held it in between her two hands. “I needed that break, I was exhausted. I’ve also learned a lot about myself and you and me. I just need to work it out in my own mind.”

 

[marauder13]

Adrian closed his eyes to stop them from distracting his mind's eye. The mists rise off The River, limiting his vision. The fog dissipates slowly...

Two women stood overlooking the picturesque Scottish highland landscape. The elder, her hair the colour of ginger, was stiff in her pose, and her face stern. The younger had hair almost pure gold in the sunlight. Together they were dressed as proper women of their station. The air was thick with tension that crackled between them.

The image shifted, to have the ginger haired woman crying over the blood stained body of her daughter, the golden locks splashed with the daughter's life blood. In the background stood the man the daughter sought to marry, but was denied.

Another shift shows the mother standing over two graves, her daughter and husband. Both dead within days. She wears black, and her graying hair frames a face permanently set with the expression of sorrow...

The mists of The River flood his view again, reducing his vision to naught. But as soon as it thickens, it thins once more...

Two young women sit side by side, holding hands as they look up at an older man who speaks to them quietly and intently. They could be sisters by appearance, one red haired and the other blonde to the point of being white. The old man throws some powder into a small fire near by. The smoke rises lime green. He passes a withered, wormy apple through the smoke to have a clean, crisp fruit come out the other side. They speak together - "Thank you, Uncle Samson."

The two are now wearing white robes of rough cloth, their hands and feet shackled together. Before them, the Church Elders hand down their verdict on the charges of Witchcraft. Guilty

The image shifts to show a field with a gallows, fully laden with bodies swinging in the breeze of the rising sun. Prayers filled the air along with the steamed breaths of those speaking them. The same two women are propped a top piles of oil soaked wood, each chained to stout pole of wood. The same old man that showed them the spell to restore the apple is handed the torch that is used to light the fires beneath them...

Once more the mists rise and fall...

The streets and walkways of Venice served as a backdrop for the two women in their prime of life. Fire and Ice. Both are adroned in the most expensive of fabrics, as well as wearing the most colourful and bold of jewelry. Together their arms are linked as they talk and laugh while they head to their home.

The two lie in a bed together. The bedding is thrown back, and they are a tangle of limbs, and bodies. Moans of pleasure, looks of ecstacy, two bodies giving and receiving pleasures that would shock many.

Same room, different time of day and point of view. Again they have been enjoying each other with kisses and running hands over each other. But a man approaches them, few garments covering his body, as the nude women turn their attentions to him, stripping him and bring him to their bed, only to do unto him as they had been doing onto each other...

He passes through another barrier of the mists...

The true Pope of Avignon had granted the priest his Parish for his dedication to the Church during it's time of crisis. The Priest was truly honoured at such an appointment. But there are no other priests that can assist him as is his right.

Two nuns were sent to assist him, both young enough to be his daughters. He treated them as such. The one with the face white as the purest snow had answered the calling, her true vocation in life was the service of the Lord. The other, her face freckled by the kiss of the sun had joined the Lords service to spare her parents the burden of paying a dowry they could not afford.

The old priest lay on his death bed, the two matured women sitting at his side, nursing their 'father' in his final moments of his life, their love and affection for him clear on their faces as he passed away...

Another barrier is broached but the mists start to thicken before anything could be clear seen, but something resonated deeply within Adrian. But the mists faded again...

Two young women sit working on fixing fishing nets while others clean and prepare the catch the men brought back. The two cringe as a man approaches them. He calls the younger of his daughters to come with him. With a quick look to the older sister, she leaves with him.

The two are running. The younger is injured, and bleeding badly. She falls, and can't rise. The older sister holds her sibling, seeing her light brown eyes fading until there is no life left. She turned her almost black eyes to look at the man who killed her - their father. When her rage releases her, she sees her father dead at her feet, his blood drenching her hands, arms, face.

The mother cries for the lose of one daughter, and pleads for the life of the other. The headman of the village passes judgment. The other daughter is slain with a clean cut of her throat, the body given to the water that gives them life. The man with the blade watches the body float away and finally sink...

The mists finally depart, leaving his mind clear, the spell ended. Adrian returned the hourglass to it's place, and took the braided hair with him back to the dining room, thinking on what he saw. They were linked by bonds that descended the ages, but there was also another bond, almost as strong.

He felt the gentle press of her lips against his neck. It brought a smile to his face. He turned to look at Elisa as she sat beside him. Both of her hands felt warm and soft against his.

“I needed that break, I was exhausted. I’ve also learned a lot about myself and you and me. I just need to work it out in my own mind.”

He pushed the braid closer to Elisa, keeping a finger on it. "So have I. We have traveled the same paths on occasion. The three of us. It seems you might have been right, my apprentice."