Chapter Nine

After the birth of Joseph, Caine and Meadow locked themselves in their room, resting and enjoying their new son. Eve said she would check in on them periodically to answer any questions that the young parents had.
"I'll bring up some food soon or anything else you think you might need"

"You should go rest Mom. Everyone has had a long, emotional night” Caine reminded her.

“I will soon” she lied, and closed the door behind her.

She walked down from the family residences towards the common area of the estate. It was close to noon and no chores had been done yet, everyone excited by the arrival of the new baby. Eventually things would have to get back to normal. There was a lot of work to be done to prepare for the fast approaching winter.

When she opened the door she observed Adam standing, with Seth, by the fire; reprimanding him for his inexcusable behavior the previous day. She wasn’t sure when it happened, but the boy had become even more lazy and irresponsible, his work of late was shoddy, at best. She hoped Adams talk would make Seth realize he needed to take more responsibility now that he was getting older.

Eve looked over at Tristan; he was sitting away from Adam and Seth at the dining table. His eyes, shadowed from fatigue, were closed and he looked so lost to her. The nurturing nature that come so easily to her struggled against the knowledge of how extremely dangerous he could be while he sat there, strain and stress evident on his face. From what they had learned from him he'd had a rough childhood. Such abuse probably contributed to the fact that he looked older than the 25 years she knew he was.

“Do I look that bad?” he asked, as he opened his eyes and turned to face her.

Eve decided to ignore the comment and tried not to be nervous or frightened as she walked up to him.

“Where did Ivah go?” she asked. "I didn't think she'd ever leave you alone" she teased.

“I told her she had to go rest if we were to start her lessons tonight.”

“And she didn’t argue with you?” Eve asked, shocked that Ivah had obeyed him so freely.

“I didn’t say that.”

Eve laughed. “I’m sure it won’t be the last disagreement you two have." She can't rest all day unfortunately. We have a lot of work to do to prepare for winter. There are things that need to be done today; the cows are probably in an uproar that they haven't been milked and feed yet. The horses need tending too, obviously, and the garden..."  Eve realized she was rambling in her nervousness. She looked around for an excuse to leave Tristan where he was, still unsure of him. "Would you like something to eat? You never did get that omelet. In fact, you didn’t eat anything yesterday with everything that happened.”

Tristan felt Eve’s fatigue. She acted so strong, but she was at a brink of exhaustion, like the rest of them, and needed to rest.

“You’re tired, you should go rest” he said gently. “I don’t want to be a bother to you or anyone else.”

“It’s not a bother; I should make something for Caine and Meadow too. In fact everyone should eat.”

“You should rest Eve, you’re exhausted.” Tristan tried another tactic. “I can make you rest if you won’t listen” he teased, trying to ease some of the nerves that were pouring off of her.

Eve’s face fell and Tristan felt like a complete ass.

“I’m sorry. It’s too soon to joke obviously.”

“Since you already know what I am thinking, I’ll just tell you that this gift of yours makes me uncomfortable” she said, fidgeting in her seat, itching to get up and do something. “Can you turn it off? Can you not listen in on peoples thoughts?”

“Yes, I can close myself off to thoughts if I want. I have been doing it around Ivah because her thoughts are more frightening than not knowing them.”

Eve laughed, she couldn’t help herself. “Yes, she can be persistent when she wants something. I’m surprised you got her to go rest.” Eve sat there a moment, gaining the courage to say the next things she wanted to say. “Thoughts are private Tristan. I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t use your power on our family.”

Tristan didn’t respond. He remembered the feeling of helplessness, of fear, that had overcome him when he realized he couldn’t use his powers on Adam. He thought of his impotence around his mother, who had learned to block his gift. Although he knew how to shut the noise of others thoughts off, he rarely employed that skill. He liked to be aware of what was going on around him.

Eve tried to remain calm, as Tristan continued to look at her, not saying anything. It took all her courage to continue.

“There is a time and a place for your gift, but you shouldn’t need to go through life knowing what everyone is thinking. I think it's rude to invade someones privacy like that.”

She was reprimanding him, he realized. It made him a bit angry. This was who he was, what he was given. Why should he not use it? Why should he be asked to go through life like a regular person when he was not? He was different…special. Then he realized that was exactly what his mother would have said.

“I’ve made you mad.” Eve observed.

Tristan, calmer than he was only seconds before shook his head. “No…”

“I have four children; I can tell when they don’t like what I’ve said” she stated.

She was right. He had been angry because it scared him to think of not being in control.  It was another lesson in right and wrong; a lesson that he had never learned from his mother. This woman, who was obviously afraid of him, had stood up and told him what was right despite her trepidation. It was only proper for him to do what she asked.

“You’re right. I was angry, but I shouldn’t be. I will do what you ask.”

“I’m not asking you to be someone you’re not Tristan. I know it must be frightening for you, but it is the only way everyone will feel safe with you being here.”

Tristan nodded.

Eve held Tristan’s hand and gave it a good squeeze.

“Now that that is settled, I’m going to go cook breakfast.”

Seth had spent what felt like hours listening to his father explaining, in great detail, all his faults. He was lazy, he was irresponsible, he took too many liberties with girls in town; the list seemed to go on and on.

He turned to see Tristan sitting at the table, his mother laughing. A rage grew in him. He was making them do this. His whole family was under some sort of spell. He was trying to turn his whole family against him!

“Seth? Are you even listening to me?”

Seth turned his attention back to his Dad.

Adam sighed; he wasn’t getting through to the boy. He was almost to the point where he didn’t know what to do. Caine might have hated doing his chores when he was younger, but he did them. He and Abel always knew what their responsibilities were and always finished their work before they fooled around. Maybe Seth just needed to have more structure. Maybe he needed more work to keep him busy.

“You are to do your own as well as Ivah’s chores, for the foreseeable future.”

“What? That’s not fair! Why does she get to do nothing?”

“This is your punishment for being gone all day yesterday, when Ivah had to do all your chores, Seth. Winter is long and difficult; we all need to do our part to help prepare for it! I need to know I can depend on you. I need to know you’re here helping and not off making out with some girl and getting in trouble.”

Seth turned back to the table where Tristan sat, doing nothing, while his Mom was in the kitchen cooking him breakfast.

“He’s got you under some kind of spell!” he shouted. “He’s turning you all against me!”

“Seth!” Eve exclaimed. She couldn’t believe he would say such a thing. She turned to look at Tristan. afraid he would be angry and retaliate some how.

Tristan just sat there. It wasn’t the first time he had been accused of something that he hadn’t done. He decided not to get involved and ignored the comment. He would try and stay away from Seth during his brief stay.

Adam glared at Seth. He was losing his temper, and quickly. He had never struck any of his children, and he didn’t want to start now. He took a couple seconds to calm himself before he stepped closer to Seth.

“You brought this all on yourself Seth, it’s no one else’s fault. Too long you have lived off other’s hard work. Part of that might be me and your mother’s fault for being too easy on you since you’re the baby of the family, but that’s over now. You need to stop being so lazy and take more responsibility, work harder. Go tend the garden and then muck out the horses stables...now.”

Seth scowled at Tristan and left the house.

Adam and Tristan sat at the table to eat. Eve joined them after she had brought Meadow and Caine some food to eat.
"I'm sorry you had to witness that and for what he said" Adam began. "He doesn't know that isn't possible since you can't have influence over me. I really hope this punishment helps open his eyes to how much we need him to grow up and help out more."

"It's not the first time I have been accused of such things. I'll just try and stay away from him."  Tristan didn't want to add that if he had been as lazy as Seth when he was younger he would of received a lot more that a couple extra chores and a mild reprimand. He remembered the last time his mother had been upset with him. She had beat him to an inch of his life and he had spent a week in bed.
"These are very good by the way" he said to Eve as he tried to shake off the negative vibes he was sure to exude from his memory.He did need to get some rest or he wouldn't be able to control his emotions much longer. The last thing he wanted was for the Creations to start fighting among themselves because he couldn't control his power.

When they were done, Eve started to clear off the table. 

"I'll go wake Ivah. She needs to eat something too and then she can clean this up while I go milk the cows."

Adam nodded and turned his attention back to Tristan. "I'll show you to your room. I know you told Ivah you could start her lessons tonight, but tomorrow morning is soon enough. Everyone needs to rest and recuperate after the events of last night.

"I can help Adam. I don't want to lounge about while everyone else works."

"Thank You, but you are helping enough by teaching Ivah." he responded. He looked up into Tristan face and realized he was barely keeping his eyes open. "If you decide to stay longer then we can talk about it again, but you are a guest right now and obviously need some rest. Let's get you up to the room before I have to carry you" he joked. "You're dead on your feet Tristan."

Adam showed Tristan to his room. It was sparsely furnished, but very comfortable. The wide bed took up most of the space and seemed to be calling his name. There was an end table, with a large candle to light the room and a small wardrobe stood on the opposite wall. He didn’t have much to put in it and wouldn’t be staying long enough to make use of it either.
Tristan turned back to Adam, who was bending down next to the fireplace.

“I can do that.” Tristan said.

“I want you to be comfortable here Tristan. I’ll start the fire.” Adam said as he picked up the flint to ignite the kindling.

Before Adam could proceed, Tristan extended his hand to the kindling and produced a flame.

Adam jumped back, momentarily startled. He composed himself quickly and laughed. “That’s some gift!” he said, a big smile on his face. “I wish I could do that!”

“It’s the most basic skill.” Tristan said, thinking of the power Adam was unaware he possessed.

“All people of magic have this gift? Adam asked. “Will Ivah will be able to do that too?” Adam asked.

“It will be the first thing I will show her” Tristan said. “Most of us have basic skills of practical magic; making fire, the basic healing of small cuts and bruises, teleportation, things like that.”
"Teleportation? Is that what I think it is!" Adam exclaimed. He was very interested in this new world he and his family had entered into since they discovered Ivah's gift.
"Yes, it's possible, with magic, to move an object, or yourself from one spot to another instantaneously. you usually have to have been to the place first, but some can travel wherever they want by just seeing the place in a painting, or in some sort of magical objects like a scrying mirror."
This is all very fascinating" Adam admitted. "Hopefully we can talk more later, but you really need to sleep." Adam walked to the door, he turned back around to Tristan who was sitting on the edge of the bed removing his boots. "There's a washroom down the hall with some clean water. Feel free to clean up if you want. Tomorrow we can arrange for a hot bath."
"Thank You" was all Tristan had energy for as he peeled his grungy tunic off.
"We'll see you in the morning Tristan, sleep well." Adam said and left him alone.

A bath sounded wonderful to Tristan, but he barely had the energy to remove his shirt and pants before he crawled into the bed. His body seemed to groan and sigh as he laid on the mattress filled with fresh hay.  The mattress was covered in well used, but sturdy sheets and fur coverlets. The feather pillow gave way underneath his head. The family was doing well financially if they could afford such luxury.

Despite his fatigue, Tristan laid awake for awhile after Adam left trying to decide what the best way to teach Ivah was. He had never taught anyone to use magic before. The only role model he had was his mother and she hadn’t been the most patient teacher. She had used belts, straps and her fists as encouragement when he had made mistakes.

 He believed Ivah’s initiation to magic should be more kind and encouraging. Showing her the joy and beauty, but still teaching the responsibility of such power, a new lesson he was still learning himself. He wanted to be patient, gentle; like initiating a virgin to love. Tristan shook his head. He didn’t like that metaphor, but if he was being honest with himself  it fit, he thought as his body finally succumbed to fatigue. 

It seemed to Tristan only hours when he heard a soft knock on the door.  
Adam walked into the bedroom with a tray of what smelled like fresh bread. Tristan sat up in the bed and noticed there was also some eggs and fresh oranges. 
"I can come down and eat dinner with the family" he said as he dragged his body out of the bed.
"It's morning . Adam replied, noticing Tristan surprise at the news. "You slept all day and all night. I finally gave in to Ivah's pestering and came to make sure you were okay." 
 "I'm sorry I slept so long" Tristan said as he quickly got out of the bed.
Adam looked over Tristan "You must have needed it. You look better. Those black bags under your eyes are gone at least."
Tristan went to his bag to pull out some fresh clothes and quickly dress.
"Don't dress yet. After you eat there's a fresh bath ready for you."
"Adam, I..."
Adam didn't let him finish. "Take your time. When you're ready Ivah and I will be down in the parlor.

He tried to hurry, he really did, but he couldn't pass the luxury of a hot bath. As he lowered his body into the steaming water he almost wept with pleasure. He felt human again when he reluctantly got out, the water now tepid. He quickly dressed in the only clean trousers and shirt he had left, leaving off his tunic, and went down to meet Adam and Ivah in the parlor.

"Good morning Tristan! Did you sleep well?" Ivah exclaimed as she sat up from the bench. She had tried to be patient, she really had. Her mother had said Tristan needed to rest, but she was very excited to learn about magic and to spend some time alone with him. She spent most of the day before fighting the urge to sneak up to his room and try and catch a sneak peek of him. She knew her Dad and brothers slept in only their under garments, so maybe Tristan did too.
This was the thought that welcomed his mind as he entered the parlor.
"Yes, thank you" he said and coughed lightly into his hand to hide his amusement to her curious nature. He blocked his mind to her thoughts, as Eve had asked him to, and told himself to remember to leave, at least, his undergarments on while he stayed here.
"Although I slept longer than I intended. I'm sorry, I'm sure you had a hard time being patient as eager as you were to start yesterday."
"It's alright, you're awake now" she said, still smiling up at him.
Adam still didn't like the way his daughter was looking at Tristan. He wasn't worried about Tristan, he was sure the man wouldn't take liberties with his daughter. It was Ivah he was afraid would be too forward. He had talked to her about propriety and decorum, reminding her she was still too young to be courted and that she was not to pursue Tristan romantically.
"You can use this room for your lessons. Eve and I will be outside most of the morning if you need anything."
"You're not staying?" Tristan asked, suddenly nervous to  be left alone with the girl.
Adam chuckled. "No, there's a lot to do today, but come to lunch in the kitchen at midday" he added. "Behave yourself"  he warned over his shoulder.
"Of course! I wouldn't do..."
"I was talking to her" he said with a smile and walked out of the room.

When he got over his shock, Tristan slowly turned back to Ivah."I thought I'd teach you to make fire" he said, not sure what to make of Adam's last warning.
The sky outside was gray, testament to the approaching winter, and a perfect day for a warm fire. He went to sit in front of the giant hearth; Ivah sat down next to him.
"I can make fire?" she asked, very excited to start the lesson.

“You will soon, but before we begin I think it is important that we set rules for the use of our powers. I do not think, except when absolutely necessary, that we should use them on each other.”

“That’s fine, since I don’t know how to use my powers very well.” Ivah laughed.

Tristan couldn’t help but laugh too, her smile was infectious.

“You look so handsome smiling Tristan.” Ivah commented. “You should do it more often.”

Tristan stared at the girl sitting next to him as she smiled at him, suddenly wishing someone was here to chaperon. She was beautiful; her long, blond hair shined like the sun. She kept it up. 'Probably out of necessity' he thought. He suddenly wanted to reach out and pull the ribbon from her hair and dive his fingers into it. Her eyes should have been too big for her face, but they weren’t. They were like two huge pools of crystal clear water upon milky white skin that looked softer that silk.

Tristan shook himself from his thoughts, trying to remember the last thing she had said to him, alarmed at his strong response to her. He decided to ignore her last statement and to just continue with the lesson.

“You will learn to use them soon. I don’t want you telling me everything I am about to do seconds before I do it.”

“I can see how that would be annoying.” Ivah said. She had noticed how he looked at her and she suddenly wished she could read his mind.“We will be spending a lot of time together, I hope, and I wouldn’t want you to know everything I am thinking either” she teased.

“So, we agree?” Tristan asked.

“Yes.”

“Your mother has also asked me to keep out of your family's thoughts. I thought you should know that too.”

“That is a good idea.” Ivah responded. “Even though you helped save Meadow’s life, Caine will still think that you are a danger to us. Since he’s heir his opinion is important. If he knows you are not using your powers, he will be more accepting of you here. And since Abel mostly agrees with Caine, he will be too. It’s important to me that they like you.”

Tristan didn’t mention that it wasn’t important what her brothers thought of him. In fact one of Ivah’s brothers already thought he had them all under his spell. He wouldn’t be staying long enough for all that to matter anyways. He would teach her what he could and he would leave before his mother killed them all.

“Shall we begin?” he asked, ignoring the way his heart constricted in his chest at the idea of leaving.

Ivah nodded, excited to start. 

“There are fundamentals that are common to all those of magic. Fire is the most basic of these skills. It is usually the first learned and last to leave.”

“I can make fire?” she asked again.

Tristan had to smile at her enthusiasm.

“Yes, with practice. You are older than most who begin to learn. Magic is usually passed down through families and instruction begins early.”

“Where did my gift come from then?” she asked.

Tristan knew that because Adam had visited Peerless Park he had some unknown skill. He hadn’t told him this and didn’t feel that the information was important to Ivah’s training, so he evaded the question.

“It is rare, but there are those born of magic to non-magical families.”

Ivah nodded.

“Since fire is the most basic skill, we will start there.”

“Okay, what do I do?” she asked.

Tristan took Ivah’s hands, ignoring the vibration the contact caused every time he touched her. He wondered if she also felt it. He brought her to her feet and then drew her down to her knees by the fireplace.

 “What you need to know is already inside of you. You know this magic; you just need to be reminded. Think of it as a game.”

“A game?”

“A more basic one than you know just now. Breathe deep and slow until you hear your heart beat in your head, close your eyes if it helps.”

Ivah closed her eyes and tried to concentrate on her breathing. Having Tristan so close was making it hard to think of anything else. She could feel his warm breath on her face, smell his scent mixed with the soap she made for the family. She knew she needed to concentrate, so she blocked out all her sensory responses and breathed as she was instructed.

“Once you are ready, imagine the fire; see it, feel it, smell it!" he instructed her.

“Fire!” She could see the flames in her mind, yellow, orange and red lips, licking at the wood. It provided light at night. She could feel the heat of it on her skin. She could smell the smoke and ash that stained the stone as she scrubbed it clean.

“Can you see it?” he asked.

Ivah nodded her head.

“Now see the fire coming from inside of you; from the thought in your head, to the feeling in your heart; down your arms, and out your fingers.”

Ivah held her hands out to the fireplace and did what he said, remembering to see, feel, smell the fire.

“Fire for heat, fire for light, fire that burns both day and night” The rhyme passed her lips, so familiar, like a song she had learned when she was young.

Her head flew back and her eyes flashed the brightest blue. The power whipped through her and she felt the heat run down her arms and shoot from her fingers.

He watched as she lost a kind of innocence and he fought his instinct to reach out to her as she gave all of herself, the power consuming her. This was also a lesson she must learn.

Ivah opened her eyes and gazed, amazed, at the red and orange flames she imagined that licked the wood in the hearth.

“Oh my, I made fire! Look Tristan! ” she exclaimed. She laughed a full laugh and turned to see Tristan smiling back at her. Suddenly she felt very weak. She closed her eyes to the dizzying sensation that seemed to suddenly overcome her.

“Tristan?” she whispered, before she passed out.

Tristan was ready and caught her before she slumped to the floor. He held her in his arms, ignoring the now familiar vibration the contact caused. Gently he touched his mind to hers, calling her unconscious mind back to him. It took awhile, but she finally opened her eyes.

“What happened?” she asked.

“The power demands something from you. Since it is new to you, you gave more than is required for such a small spell. You will learn to control it more in time.”

Ivah nodded. She wasn’t sure if the weakness she still felt was from the magic or the fact that Tristan was holding her in his arms. It didn’t matter to her because she was enjoying it immensely.

Tristan was still linked to her mind and sensed her elation. He quickly blocked himself from her, reminisce of their agreement.

“What now?” she asked, not really wanting Tristan to let go of her.

“Now, we go have lunch” he smiled down at her.

“But I just had breakfast awhile ago.”

“It took you over an hour to make the fire and then you were passed out almost another. It won’t take so long and won’t take so much the next time you do it.”

“I want to learn more.”

Tristan absently stroked her hair, enjoying the joy of discovery he saw in her eyes.

“You will…soon. Your mind and body needs food and rest first.” Reluctantly he pushed her up out of his lap. Holding her arms long enough to ensure her steadiness. He got up and offered his hand to help her up off the floor. "Let's go eat" he said, keeping her hand securely in his.