Episode 13

As Ember squinted to make out the things she was seeing, she realized that she could hear muffled conversations. Walking along, she became so lost in trying to figure out the images and sounds that she didn’t realize she no longer held Elpis’ hand. She didn’t feel her presence in a real sense… she laughed out loud at her own thoughts, “real sense? I don’t even know what is real anymore.”

Oddly, for the first time in a long time, she didn’t feel alone or worried. Even though she knew Elpis had gone, she still felt connected to her.

“I am always with you.” Ember heard the whisper in her head and smiled. She stopped now and considered her surroundings. She wondered who she was going to meet now.

“Elpis said they had waited a long time…. I wonder who they are. How do they know me? Have we met before? Are they human?”

As if in answer to her questions, an impossibly tall man with longish pale blonde hair streaked with red approached. As Ember noticed him, he smiled broadly. It was a smile that brightened the space and lit up his eyes, which were a bright cornflower blue. She instantly felt connected… drawn to him. He stopped in front of her and held open his arms. Instantly, Ember walked into his embrace. He felt like home.

Ember knew she should question this… him… even herself, but all she wanted to do was stay in the safety of his arms.

“Hello, firefly.” His voice was deep and rich like Wyndel’s.

The nickname sparked a memory that she couldn’t quite grasp. When she leaned back and looked into his eyes, she knew. The shock and joy was overwhelming. She was afraid to speak; for fear that it would shatter this beautiful illusion before her.

He smiled down at her, as if knowing her thoughts, yet he patiently waited for her to come to grips with who he was.

Barely a whisper escaped her lips, “Daddy.” His nod was almost imperceptible.

“But how is this possible? You died. Oh! Is mom…?”

He stepped back and motioned to a bench Ember hadn’t realized was there. On the bench sat a plain but striking woman, that reminded Ember of Fossy, but softer. Not that Fossy was harsh, but the woman before her had a gentleness to her; less of the take charge demeanor her sister exuded. Ember looked from her father to her mother for a few moments before going to her mother. As she approached, Marissa stood. Her eyes, that were a mirror of Ember’s warm brown, had a hint of tears as she embraced her daughter for the first time in twenty-five years.

“Look at the beautiful woman you have become. I have waited, what seems like an eternity to see you.”

They sat down on the bench holding hands. Another bench had magically appeared next to them and Ember’s father, Grant, sat down on it. Again, Ember looked back and forth between her parents, too mesmerized to form words. They sat patiently with Ember, as they watched the joy of seeing them and turmoil of what to ask first crossed her features. A few times she looked as though a question was about to burst forth before another thought skittered across her brow.

“This is so overwhelming,” she finally let out, “but in a good way, a wonderful way. I have dreamed of you my whole life…wishing…. I was afraid I had forgotten who you really are, or if my dreams had made a new version of you. But you are here. You are real. You are real, aren’t you?”

“In this realm we are real,” her mother said quietly before explaining there current existence. “There are many journeys. Each person or entity has a path to follow. When your father and I left your physical world, our journey led us here. This is where we must remain, until the great all, decides a new path for us.”

“So you are like a ghost. Do you visit us, see how we grow?”

Grant smiled at the question, though his eyes held a sadness. “For us, we are confined to the Dew. There are those who are spirits that can transverse different realms and visit those from their former human lives. It is your mother and my journey to help those that sent here. For some, like us, this is out existence, for others this is a transitory place and for others this is a place to learn before continuing their path.”

“So you are stuck here? But why? Can you not visit Aunt Elspeth? She sees spirits all the time.”

Marissa laughs, “Ah Elspeth, my sister is quite the character. We can not visit her, as we are unable to leave, but she does manage to visit us on occasion. She fills us in on how you are all doing, your achievements, and your challenges. It is one of her many gifts to be able to see those on other planes and converse with other forms and beings. Your father had this gift when he was alive,” she added looking over at Grant.

Ember’s brow furrowed as she realized how sad it must be to be stuck in this place away from loved ones. “Do I have the gift? Is that why I am here? Will I be able to come visit you now? Oh… wait am I stuck here now, too?”

Again, Marissa laughed. “Elspeth said you like to ask a million rapid fire questions; that your mind is always racing and analyzing everything. I do not know if you will develop this gift to migrate through realms. I know your brother, Wyndell has the gift. Your aunt says he is too flighty and on the go to develop it yet. He likely does not know who and what he is, just as Misty and you do not. Well, you are starting to learn. Fossy was the only one old enough when we passed from our earthly life to know. She was only a child of nine but had already begun manifesting her gifts.”

“So Fossy knows what we are? What you were?” Ember asked. “She has never said anything. Surely, she didn’t, doesn’t. Believe me she is the most straight-laced, boring person… I mean, she has many talents and the most beautiful heart, but there is nothing magical about her. Nope, definitely not witchy material; she’s a real stick in the mud.”

Grant roared with laughter at the description of his oldest daughter. “Ember, do you expect her to appear like the characters from story books and movies? There are many types of witches and even more types of magic. We will help you understand it all more, but first tell us about you, your life and your brother and sisters. We have missed so much.”

Ember paused. She had so many questions; she was so confused about so many things, but looking at her parents, and feeling like this was the first time she was actually seeing them her heart and mind filled with all the memories of growing up they had missed. She regaled them with all her stories as hours flew by. 

Now that she has met her parents, Ember will learn why she has been sent to the Dew to meet them...

Episode 12b

At Ember's perplexed look, Elpis elaborated, "You fear being alone, yet you keep to yourself, as if being by yourself is your choosing, not others abandoning you. Deep down you are comfortable living this way because you know that even when you are by yourself, you are never truly alone. You instinctually know that we are all connected to each other and all around us. Now, we must get your brain to acknowledge that, so you can let go of the fear that keeps you from being all that you can be.

You say, failing those you love, because you lack confidence in who you are. Those whose lives you touch, see what you are capable of. You can never disappoint another if you are true to yourself. If another is disappointed, it is because they are disappointed in themselves, because they have not allowed themselves to be open to the true you; they see life with blinders on. They do not understand themselves. It is in your human nature to expect too much, especially in these modern times. It is one of mankind's big flaws. It weakens them by not allowing them to see the infinite possibilities. But then your species comes by it naturally, the gods from which you are created are no better. One would "hope" we'd set a better example," she ended with a chuckle that got no response.

Ember had been listening intently and stared wide-eyed, not catching the attempt Elpis made to add humor. "Dear sweet Ember, you really must lighten up a bit. Yes, you are in a solemn place and here to learn valuable lessons, but it's not all gloom and doom. You are a natural witch, therefore, already; you have a deepened connection and understanding of everything around you."

"A what? I am not a witch! I mean Aunt Elspeth talks to ghost and has her strange private group things, but that's just her. She's eccentric. Witches aren't real," Ember exclaimed.

To this Elpis merely raised an eyebrow.

Ember continued, "they are just made up stories, movies... made up by close-minded people... aren't they?"

"Yes, there are the made-up, sensationalized and superstitious versions. But, real witches do exist and there are many varieties. I'm sure before now, you didn't think Greek Gods were real either."

Ember grinned sheepishly, "No, I didn't. Wait. Is that why I can create a flame in my hand?

Elpis smiled, "That is just one of many gifts you have. They will come to you when you need them and are ready to handle them. Magick is in all things, but it is a gift and must be respected. Most do not ever get the ability to tap into their magick and the magick around them. You must enter this journey with perfect love and perfect trust. You must understand that love for all things is what makes life worth living. You possess that innocent wonder that openly embraces this. As time goes on, you will face challenges that will make you question everything you know and make you question what love is, is it worth it? I believe you are up to the challenge. Your heart is not just fiery passion, it is pure. Let that be your guide. Secondly, you must have perfect trust (pausing) in yourself. Believe in yourself, your intuition. It is strong. You must trust mankind, which will not be easy. You will face let downs. You will encounter the best and the worst in your fellow man. Yet you will have to trust that in every person there is good and love. That must be your guide always. Remember, that sometimes what appears evil is merely a mask to hide the insecurity of one who has never had anyone believe in them. In some that mask cannot be penetrated but that does not mean we shouldn't try to see beneath it."

Ember let out the breath she had been holding while Elpis spoke. "You believe in me?"

"I do. Now, you must believe in you. As a funny little character in one of your movies said, 'there is no try only do.' Release your doubts. You can still keep all your questions; I know you cannot release those, "she ended with a broad smile. Her faith was infectious and Ember felt she had a new strength flowing through her. 

"I am ready for whatever I must face." Ember stated, stopping herself before she said, she would try. Choosing to make a statement rather than being non-committal gave her a confidence in herself and a resolve that she hadn't felt before. 

"Then walk with me, there are two very important people you need to meet. They have been waiting a long time to be with you again." Elpis took her hand and they began walking. For the first time, Ember realized that they were in a place full of colors and light, muted shapes of people, animals and things surrounded them. She could not quite make them out even though some were only inches away from her. She squinted, trying to bring them into focus, but they eluded her. 

Stay tuned for the more of Ember's journey in the Dew....

Episode 12

As Ember made her way through the darkness with only the flame in her palm lighting a small area around her, she marvelled at the silence. The space around here was so devoid of sound, it felt as if she had completely lost her hearing. This gave way to new sensations as her other senses begin to expand. When she had started her journey into the flower portal she had been vaguely aware of how close the walls of the petal were. Now walking forward in the darkness, she was keenly aware that there was nothing but vast emptiness. As she walked in the darkness, a sudden cool breeze made goose bumps raise on her arms and extinguished the flame in her palm. She slowed her steps as she concentrated on relighting the flame to guide her. When her efforts failed to work, she chastised herself for not being able to focus.

"Boo!"

Ember shrieked and stopped dead in her tracks as Perhluna bounced from one shoulder to the other.
"Gotcha, " he giggled.

"Haha. I should have known. Where have you been?"She tried to catch him as he popped back and forth, playfully.

"Here and there. There and here. Miss me? He paused a moment too long and Ember was able to grab him and plant a kiss on his head. "Oddly, actually... yes," she said, grinning as he wiped the kiss from his head with a look of disdain.

"Humans! Always with the hugging and kissing! Yuck, yuck, yuck!"

Laughing, "you love it and you know it, " Ember teased, before coming to an abrupt stopin front of an ornately carved wooden door. "Well hello., that came out of nowhere."

Ember reached for the large simple silver knob and as her hand wrapped around it, she felt her heart stop and instantly filled with dread. The knob was warm to the touch, yet it sent an icy chill up her arm and down her spine. She felt trapped, unable to let go of the knob, yet terrified to turn it. She instinctively knew that she must open the door and go through, yet she was frozen with fear at what awaited on the other side. She was unsure how she knew it, but she felt death beyond the door. She was overwhelmed by the sorrow and grief that were filling her. She didn't understand the emotions that were suddenly raging through her. She desperately wanted to close her eyes and re-open them to the happy banter of the moments before she stood in front of the door.

"Perh, I don't want to open it, but I can't release the knob. Do we have to go in?" Her voice was a whisper.

"We, no. This is not a place I can go. You must face the Dew alone, yet you will not be," he said with uncharacteristic reverence.

"The Do? What is the do? Do, as in a task? I feel death. Is that it? Is it a due,? A fee that must be paid? Is that it?"

"Gather yourself child. So many questions. Tsk,tsk, never waiting for answers."

"No riddles, Perh, please. This door frightens me."

"The Dew is a fearsome place, but it is enlightening as well. It is where all things must pass and be acknowledged. One must face their biggest fears... they must face themselves and come to terms with there past, present and future. The Dew has been called many things by many species... the Fade, the Veil, the Between...
It is a place out of time and a time out of place. In your world you see the evidence of it every morning. It is the tears the universe sheds in joy and sorrow each morn. It resets the rhythm of being, so the universe can begin anew. That is the Dew. Each of us comes to a point where we must face it. It has chosen this time and place for you. So I must bid you adieu."

"wait, Perh... I will see you again, won't I?"

"I be here and there, hehe, there and here..., " with that he winked, making her smile, and he disappeared. 

Ember shook her head at her silly companions riddled departure. Her hand still on the knob and her body heavy with apprehension, she slow turned the knob. She stepped back slightly as the door swung open towards her. In what should have been a doorway, was a mirror. She tentatively reached out and touched her reflection.

"Yep. It's solid. Now what? Do I just stand here and stare at myself?" She stood back looking at her reflection and turned from side to side. Then she stepped up close and stared into her own eyes. She felt slightly uncomfortable just staring at herself, as if she was supposed to be seeing something important and she was missing it. "Should I talk to it? Hello self. Now I'm talking to myself, hmmm guess I wasn't quite bonkers enough." Ember continued to stare at her reflection, making faces. She then knocked on the glass. It sounded solid enough. Pressing her hand to the surface, she tried to feel something, a vibration, a sense of what it meant. It was icy cold to the touch but  void of everything.

She felt around the edges to see if there were a hidden latch. Finally, after satisfying herself that there were no hidden triggers, she stepped back and reached to close the door. "Well this is ridiculous. It's just a mirror in a doorway. I think I know what I look like. maybe if I close it and re-open it, something will happen." 

As her hand closed on the edge of the wood, she saw a word appear across the surface of her reflection.

"Proceed"

It looked as if someone had written it with their finger on a steamy bathroom mirror. in fact, she could almost make out what looked like a woman's delicate hand writing it out. As Ember reached out  to touch the surface again, her fingers went through and she felt a warm hand clasp hers....



To be continued....