The Light in Aquala

“I’m glad to see you again my friends, you arrived just in time to join us.”

Aekka sounded grateful when welcoming the women, which only added to the confusion around the table. Motioning to the chairs with places settings, she invited them to sit wherever they liked.

“I would like to introduce #000 our dear friend from the Ocean world.” Aekka said, gesturing to the first woman, whose eyes lit up in recognition when they landed on the rest of the table. She was dressed in a form-fitting, one-piece outfit that was glittering like scales, in beautiful shades of silvers, blues, pinks and greens. Her hair was long and glowed the most amazing Neon pink they had ever seen. Her Neon colors were glittering on her face, moving smoothly like waves from one side of her face to the other. Her smile revealed pearly white teeth and her eyes were as blue as the ocean.

“This is #001, from the world of the Snow Mountains.” The second woman was dressed in a white and silver coat of unknown material, with matching boots and a hat, all trimmed in what looked like fur. It looked like it could keep a person warm or cool, depending on the atmosphere around her. Her brown hair had been tucked up underneath her hat, but a few wisps of it had escaped. What was intriguing was that there were little golden lights going up and down each strand of her hair, as it was blown about in the gentle breeze.

Her big brown eyes were set wide apart, and her pale face had a combination of brilliant silver and Neon green, mostly silver with the green dancing in swirls around it. Every now and then white and silver flickers of light seemed to fall from the top of her forehead downwards. Her lips were red and her smile was kind, yet somewhat reserved.

“And this is #002, our newest friend from the Desert Lands.” The third woman was very tanned, her slim frame draped in a light cotton fabric with a headdress that matched and a belt of what looked to be leather. Her face was covered in different shapes of gold, orange and red Neon colors that were moving, bursting into little flames occasionally, and she also had a kind smile on her face as she greeted everyone. She had a distant look of sadness in her eyes, but her smile was warm and friendly.

“Now that we have all arrived, let us enjoy our meal together. Then, after a good night’s sleep, we can review the things that need to be discussed. But let us relax tonight.” decided Aekka.

She sat down again and proceeded to dish up for herself a healthy portion of the roasted vegetables that was closest to her.

Everyone followed suit and soon the conversation was flowing, and laughter rang throughout the room as stories of adventures in their different worlds were told.

The food was beyond delicious and both Mara and Lena ate more than they had ever eaten before.

Even Jaxx and Crece were enjoying themselves as morsels of bread and fruits were handed to them. Crece’s wings created a happy sound every time they rubbed together as she was chewing. Jaxx did his part to add to the joyful atmosphere by occasionally burping loudly and then looking at them with a completely innocent smile, making them all laugh.

It was a wonderful evening, and as the plates were being cleared, all of the women were relaxed and talking like they had been friends for years.

Coffee was poured and a servant returned carrying a tall cake on a large golden platter. They watched as the cake was lowered onto the table and slices were cut and handed out. The golden sponge cake was round with three layers that smelled of honey and warm spices. It was filled with a custard cream and topped with a thick amber syrup that drizzled down the sides. The cake was steaming gently, sending up a smell of cinnamon that was comforting and made all of their mouths water. Even Jaxx and Crece sat up taller and watched, getting ready for their portions.

They all ate in relative silence now, enjoying each mouthful. The exhaustion from their travels was started settling in on each of the women now that they were no longer hungry.

The fire had died down in the massive fireplace and the embers were glowing. They watched in contentment as the last of the flames cast dancing shadows across the floor, and the embers glowed red.

After they finished their desserts, the table began to be cleared, and each of the women thanked their hostesses. Immediately, the guards who had been standing quietly along the perimeter of the room now approached. Aekka assigned one guard for each woman to guide them to their respective rooms.

As they all stood up and approached the door leading out of the room, a low, mournful horn sounded far away in the distance and both Aekka and Nia stiffened.

A set of new guards entered into the room, whispered something to Aekka and Nia and then looked at the startled guests, giving them smiles of reassurance.

“There is nothing to be alarmed about.” Aekka said in a comforting voice. “Just our hunting party that has left for the night.” The women all looked at each other with relief on their faces and continued on their way with their assigned guards leading the way.

As Mara and Lena began to follow their assigned guards to their rooms, Aekka sidled up to them and handed each of them a necklace with a circular gem on it. She whispered to them that they must wear these tonight and then quickly slipped away past the guards.

Mara and Lena looked at the necklaces and then at each other, wondering about the strange request. Something was familiar about these necklaces, and it was only after they arrived at their rooms that they remembered. Rivia had one of these necklaces that she was clasping when they first met her, and the other three women at the table were wearing the exact same necklaces.

After all of the women had gone to bed and were fast asleep, Crece flew over to a large room adjacent to the kitchen near the back of the building and Aekka let her in. Nia was there, as well as the guards and all of the servants.

Crece flew over to the smooth stone floor in front of the fireplace and started tapping her feet on the floor. The whole room listened quietly, with the younger servants glancing around, not understanding what was being said.

Once Crece stopped, she went over to Aekka and seemed to snuggle up to her and Aekka started talking to her softly, reassuringly.

Nia’s face had gone slightly pale and the guards had moved into action, ordering the servants to pack this, hide that and then discussing amongst themselves the best routes for escape for their guests. They always knew that this day would come, it came to all of the worlds that had their buildings on it.

They had survived it once and they would survive it again.

This time they were even more prepared since they knew what to expect. They were safe, for now. They had a few days before the danger arrived.

They decided to let the women sleep until mid-morning, and then they would proceed with their plans for survival.