The Twins - NaNoWriMo '07

Chapter 6: The house in the middle of the lake

“I think it’s best if we got down from the horses now,” she said, dismounting. Ana and Stefan hurried to copy her. While Elena led her horse by the bridle, Ana and Stefan just put their hands on Úilna and Mol Ehni’s graceful necks and they walked alongside each other. Leaving Sinev Kimsed with the twins, Elena walked up to the door and knocked twice, paused, then knocked three times.

“Coming!” called someone from the inside. A multitude of sliding bolts were heard, and the door was pulled open.

“O-oh! Elena my dear! How are you today?” A short man said in a breathless voice, “And you are your companions?” he asked, catching sight of them and giving them a little wave. Ana and Stefan waved back uncertainly.

“Please, lead your horses ‘round to the back, they’ll find plenty of hay and oats as usual,”

At the mention of oats, Úilna and Moh Ehni squealed in Ana and Stefan’s minds excitedly. The twins put their hands to their ears instinctively, and then immediately felt foolish. The three horses went around, as though they knew the place well, and Ana and Stefan were left a little uncertain. They stepped up closer to Elena tentatively.

“Ah… so you are the Twins long-awaited for…” the short man, who was apparently Elwam, now had on a pair of gold-rimmed spectacles, and looked more like he belonged in a library than a mud hut and being supposedly a Fire Master, “Come in, come in!” He bustled ahead of him, and the trio followed him in. Though small, it was well arranged, with a sleeping pallet against the wall and a small cooking-type station across from it. There was a small selection of herbs hanging on the wall, and a bookshelf by the sleeping pallet crammed full of old leather-bound books, scrolls of parchment, quills and inkbottles. There were high windows and candles everywhere. A small fire that gave off just the right amount of heat and no smoke at all, and appeared to burn on nothing, sat in the center of the hut. The three companions took off their bags and water skins and put them in a pile by the door. Elena left to unsaddle and unbridle Sinev Kimsed.

Unsure, Ana and Stefan sat by the fire, warming their hands. Elwam sat opposite them, his legs crossed. Resting his elbows on his knees, he joined the tips of his fingers, and looked at them critically. The flames became shorter, but the light did not dim. The twins shifted under his scrutiny, and Ana wished Elena would hurry back. Fate would have it that she did not.

“So,” squeaked Elwam slowly, “Elena tells me you have received Grandmamma’s Earthen knowledge already, and that she recommended you receive your Fire knowledge from me,” he paused, “It is a great honor, for me have been designated to impart my knowledge.”

“Thank you in advance, for your help,” said Ana, while Stefan nodded and echoed, “Thank you,”

“Well then, I suppose we’d better start immediately,” Elwam said. The twins nodded in agreement.

“We must hold hands,” he instructed, “As Grandmamma no doubt told you one way or another, the eyes are important to go into one’s soul, and the touch allows the physical manifestation of the sharing of knowledge. However, for Fire, we shall all look into this fire between us,” They all looked down. The flames danced, enticing, and lulled them into a trance.

A long yellow-orange flame danced out from the top and split three-ways, to fall onto the grasped hands. Its touch was soft, caressing, almost like satin, but with a raw and slightly rough edge. It spun around, encasing their hands in dancing flames which turned white, before infusing vermillion red, golden-orange, and brilliant blue. Red and golden-orange melted together, while more red and brilliant blue turned purple briefly. The white fire spread up their arms, while more tongues of flames leapt from the central fire, until all three bodies were entirely encased in dancing white flames, edged with vermillion red.

As it was with Grandmamma, the twins’ minds were entirely blank as Fire knowledge joined that of Earth.

Elena came in as the white fire was the dominant light source of the hut. She felt no fear nor heat; the ceremony was taking place. She put the saddle, bridle, and blankets in the corner with their other things, and settled to watch with fascination.

A long red tendril flew up the three spines eliciting no reaction from the figures. It was as though the fire was not present, and the three people were made of stone. The flames danced on their bodies for another hour, before they began to dissipate. First, they retreated off the main body, and stayed for a little while longer on their hands. Then, slowly, the long tongue of flame from the fire darted and recuperated its younger selves. The white flames turned yellow and orange when they were touched by the large one, and were immediately absorbed by the central fire again. Finally, there were no flames left on their bodies, but they kept staring into the fire. Then, Elwam let go of their hands and all three collapsed backwards, sleeping deeply.

Elena watched them for a while. Then, Elwam stirred and sat up. He brushed the dust off his sleeves, and pushed himself upright.

“Well, I’d say that went rather well,” he said to Elena, walking over and sitting himself next to her.

“Yeah… it’s their second already…” she said, pensive, “Do you know where Sulis is now? Grandmamma said she wasn’t far from you.”

“No, that woman simply can’t get away from her opposite,” he chuckled, “She’s down the road, over the hill and to the right. There’s a lake and a single house there… out in the middle of course.” He smiled.

“Yes, she would have to… No matter, I’ll contact her before we get there and she’ll come to see us in,” Elena answered, “Thanks Elwam… for everything,”

“It’s only natural; they are the Twins.”

“I’d better wake them if we’re going to leave soon,” she said after they had been silent for a moment, and she got up.

Kneeling down beside the twins, she shook them awake. They both mumbled and protested at being woken, and Elena thought ironically at how many times she had now woken them up in the short time they knew each other.

“Mmmmmhh,” said Ana, frowning, as Stefan just tried to roll away from Elena’s touch.

“Time to wake up guys, we’ve got to go see Sulis,”

“So soon?” Stefan mumbled.

“I’m afraid so,” Elena said sympathetically. Giving them another little shake, she stood and began carrying her saddle and bags out to the horses. Sinev Kimsed nickered softly when she saw her mistress, while Mol Ehni and Úilna tried touching their respective masters’ minds. They found a turmoil of Earth and Fire, and shook their large heads as though to get rid of buzzing flies. Elena led Sinev Kimsed to the front of the hut and tethered her to the gate.

“Tara,” she commanded the three horses, and turned back. She entered the hut to find Ana and Stefan stretching and picking up their water skins.

“Our thanks, Elwam,” said Stefan, bowing to the elderly man.

“My pleasure, my young Twins,” he replied, bowing back.

“I’ll come visit you when this is over Elwam,” said Elena, smiling.

“No matter what happens, we shall see each other again,” he replied, and saw them out the door.

Elena untethered Sinev Kimsed from the gate and mounted her. Úilna enthusiastically greeted Ana, while Mol Ehni and Stefan quietly and more discreetly met each other. Then, they were finally on their way. Keeping in mind Elwam’s directions, Elena led them through the village. When they cleared the last house, Elena saw a hill in the distance. ‘That must be the hill Elwam was talking about,’ she thought, and gently urged Sinev Kimsed on. Much as this was a relatively nice day, time was short.

“Shen-doa!” Elena suddenly cursed out loud as she realized that the best person she could have asked about the timing of the eclipse was Grandmamma.

“What is it?” Ana asked.

“Nothing, I’ve just realized I made a stupid mistake,” Elena replied, furious with herself.

“Oh… what mistake, may I ask?”

Elena reined in Sinev Kimsed a little so the three companions could walk side by side.

“I realized that Grandmamma was the best person I could have – and should have – asked about for the timing of the eclipse. We may have a week left, or we may have less than that… And knowing which is which is, unfortunately, crucial.” Elena made a face.

“Don’t worry yourself, I’m sure we can find out from this Sulis woman we’re going to see now,” said Stefan, reaching over to squeeze Elena’s shoulder. She glanced sharply at him, but didn’t say anything. He blushed, realized that he had maybe overstepped himself, and focused on Mol Ehni’s mane.

“So, who is Sulis exactly?” asked Ana, trying to dispel the tension that had begun to set in.

“She is the best Water Mistress, although she won’t admit it. Water obeys to her as though it were an extension of her own limbs. Her talent is remarkable. However, she does have a rather abrupt personality, and seeing as she may or may not be aware of our coming, I’m not sure what reception to expect. Politeness will get you anywhere though, so I definitely recommend that,” said Elena.

They reached the hill quicker than Elena thought. As they crested it, she saw the glint of water off to the right. Now all she had to do was watch for the path that would lead to the lake. The trio made their way down under the climbing sun. The temperature was just right and the open prairie areas on either side of the road were green and healthy. Walking downhill was easy. Úilna whinnied happily as she snorted in the crisp air. As they neared the lake, the air got breezier, carrying the scent of freshwater. Of their own accord, the horses walked quicker, eager for a drink.

When the three reached the edge of the lake, they dismounted and took the bags off of the horses to allow them to take a drink. The water was sparkling deep blue, the sun dancing innumerable diamonds on the surface. As Ana stood and stretched her back backwards, she noticed the house out in the middle of the lake.

“Elena?” she called, “Look at that.” And she pointed out the structure.

“Ah, yes… That would be Sulis’s dwelling,” Elena said, smiling.

“But… how are we going to get there?” she asked

“Yeah, because I don’t see a bridge,” added Stefan. Ana nodded in agreement.

“We’re going to have to ask her permission to enter,”

“But… wait, why is it so far that only Grandmamma and Sulis have such protections around their homes that any visitor has to ask for permission?” Ana asked.

“You have just touched on every man’s fault,” said Elena, “Their pride in their strength,”

Stefan opened his mouth in protest, but Elena cut him off, “Oh yes… Even Elwam believes that he and his magic are enough to either dissuade people from being hostile to him, even in his sleep.”

Stefan frowned as she gave her explanation, but then resigned himself to not argue. Instead, he stared off at the house in the middle of the lake. It glinted: sometimes he could see it, and sometimes the sun was so strong that it disappeared entirely from view.

“Stefan? Stefan!” Elena’s voice seemed to call him from far away. He shook his head.

“Yes Elena?”

“I think you should ask permission today,”

“But… but what if she refuses? Then what?”

“If that problem arises, we shall deal with it. But so far, Ana and I have asked permission already, and you have not,” she said, and his cheeks colored with shame as he realized that he had probably been acting like a spoilt brat recently, letting his sister and mentor work with the niceties.

“I’m sorry,” he said to both of them, “Of course I’ll ask Sulis for permission to enter her home,”

He turned to face the house as best possible, and emptied his mind. Projecting it to the house, he spoke aloud and telepathically,

“Greetings Water Mistress Sulis. I am Stefan Perwinkle and I am on the banks of your lake with my twin sister Ana Maria, and our mentor Elena. We ask that you please welcome us into your home, for Ana and I have much to learn about Water,” He bowed his head, his hands having come together to form a knot in front of his chest, his elbows out to either side. Ana and Elena copied his bow.

Sulis’s voice slithered and twinkled like water in their minds, but also seemed to echo from the wavelets lapping at the shore.

>You are on the shores of my lake you say? But I do not own a lake, how can you be on its’ shores?<

“I am sorry if I have offended you Mistress Sulis, by calling the lake where you have constructed your house in the middle of, yours,” Stefan hastened to say.

>Hmm… You say you are Stefan and Ana Maria Perwinkle? And you are accompanied by Elena?<

“Yes,”

>And how did you find out the location of my dwelling?<

“Fire Master Elwam indicated us the way,”

>Oh, so you have been to my opposite first? And why is that, is he so superior to me? Or is it because he is a man?<

“Not at all Mistress Sulis, he simply happened to be on our path before you. For prior to seeing him and receiving his Fire knowledge, we were at Grandmamma’s, and Ana and myself received her Earth knowledge,”

>Mhmm… You wish to know my secrets? Of taming water and shaping her? Of warming it up for your bath or freezing it into an ice weapon in an instant?<

“Yes, if you would be so kind,”

>Well, I suppose you do not seem harmful, or with harmful intentions…< Sulis allowed for this to slide in Ana and Elena’s minds as well, >Lead your horses behind you, and walk upon the path I give you<

As her words died from their minds, a jet of azure lightning flew across the sky from her house, and a path of ice crackled at Stefan’s feet, racing straight to their destination. Elena and Ana picked up the packs in a flash, and Mol Ehni nudged Stefan in his lower back, urging him on.

>You must walk behind me Mol Ehni, Mistress Sulis has ordered it<

>Very well my master< replied the horse, and allowed Stefan to lead the troupe. Ana and Úilna followed him, while Elena and Sinev Kimsed brought up the rear with the water bottles, food pack, and blankets.

The ice had frozen directly on the water, but it was not cold to the horses’ hooves. It was light azure blue, contrasting with the dark blue of the water. Stefan avoided looking down, fearing that he would lose his balance and fall into the water: the bridge was only about a meter and a half wide. As they walked across it, slender railings grew up from the bridge; tendrils of thinly carved ice joined to make an intricate masterpiece that came up to their stomachs. As they neared the house, Stefan and Ana realized that it was much larger than they had imagined: it resembled an ice fortress, with small towers and turrets, and thin graceful arches. The bridge led them straight to the front door, made of sheer ice. In front of it stood a tall, thin, and graceful woman. Her midnight-black hair was perfectly straight and fell down to mid-way of her thighs; two long braids framed her face. She was dressed in a dark blue gown that shimmered with her every move. It had wide straps and no sleeves; but white gloves adorned her hands and forearms up to above her elbows. The gown had a silver lining. Her skin was pale blue, like the sky at midday with a blinding sun. What skin showed, was lightly scaled and reflected the sun. Her eyes were almond-shaped and a startlingly clear and bright green. They were framed by long black lashes. Her nose was small and her cheekbones high. Her mouth was a darker blue than the rest of her skin, full, and shined with gloss.

“N’ya S’yar<.i>, Twins Stefan and Ana Maria. I welcome you to my home,” Sulis gestured behind her, “And a good morning to you Elena, and welcome back.”

“Thank you, Mistress Sulis, for welcoming us here,” said Ana, “We are honored.”

Sulis’ gaze critically examined them all in a flash. Ignoring Ana’s reply, she turned and said over her shoulder, “I will indicate to you the way to the stables, your horses can stay there. They will find hay, oats, and – of course – fresh water,”

“Thank you Mistress Sulis,” said Stefan, as the three of them jerked into motion after the Water Mistress.

>Gosh she seems like a right stuck-up bitch!< said Ana to her brother.

>I know. She’s eerily gorgeous though, don’t you think?<

>Yeah, I can see where you’re coming from hehe, but really, no wonder Elena told us that politeness would work! I wonder if she lives here all alone…<

>If she’s got a husband, I almost pity him. She’s wonderful to look at, but when she opens her mouth, you’d better watch out for a sting<

>Oh! Here we are! Woah…< said Úilna, interrupting their thought exchange.

The stables were also made of ice, but it wasn’t cold to the touch. Thick layers of hay lined them, and two long troughs lined the walls: one of water, and one of oats. Úilna and Mol Ehni were already bareback and they fought to keep themselves under control and not bolt to this haven.

“Here are the stables. My stableboy, Zed, will rub them down,” said Sulis, “Now, if you please follow me, I’ll lead you to your chambers, where you may freshen up before we… well before you tell me about your journeys.”

At her words, Úilna and Mol Ehni trotted to the stables elegantly. Ana and Stefan helped unload Sinev Kimsed of the food pack, water skins, covers, and saddle, before hurrying after Sulis – she had not deigned to wait for them. They twisted up a staircase of frozen water and came out on a large landing.

“This is where we’ll meet as soon as you are ready. If you continue upwards, you will find three chambers: they are for you to use. I shall wait for you in here,” said Sulis.

“Thank you for your hospitality,” said Elena, and they parted ways.

The trio continued upwards and they came to another landing with three dark green doors.

“I’ll take the first one,” said Ana.

“I’ll take the second,” said Elena.

“I guess I’ve got the third then…” said Stefan, heading to the farthest one. The girls chuckled before entering their own chambers.

The room took Ana’s breath away. It wasn’t particularly big, but full of light and a large circular bed, that took up most of the room, in the center, slightly raised on a dais. Soft skins were piled on it, as well as pillows stuffed with the lightest feathers. She put her water skin and covers on the table, and headed to the corner where a washbasin was placed on another table, with a pitcher of water. Ana tested the water, and found it to be lukewarm. She splashed some in the basin and vigorously washed the grime away from her face. Wiping it with a towel, she then stripped of the tunic and pants, finding that though they were in an ice mansion, it wasn’t cold at all. Placing a towel on the floor, she scrubbed at the grime covering the rest of her body. Drying herself, she pulled the pants back on, feeling something hard slap against her thigh. She plunged her hand in her pocket – wow, she actually had pockets? – and pulled out a long beeswax candle.

Looking at it in confusion for a minute, recognition then illuminated her face, and she whispered, “lina.” The end glowed, then burst into a small flame. Ana laughed out loud, delighted at her first intentional piece of magic. Blowing the candle out, she pulled her tunic back on and slipped her feet in the shoes. She rebraided her hair, before putting the candle, with a totally extinguished wick, back in her pocket. Ana then took a swig of water and stepped out of her room…

…and came face to face with her brother!

“Oh! Stefan! You scared me!” she exclaimed, taking half a step back.

“Oh, sorry…” he said, “Amazing rooms don’t you think?”

“Yeah, a little on the small side, but I love the big bed,” Ana replied, laughing.

“Yeah, although I guess that means I won’t be rolling out of bed in the middle of the night,”

“Good point, good point…”

Just then, Elena stepped out of her room. They were all wearing the same clothes they had arrived in. They were comfortable and not too dirty.

“Shall we go?” said Elena, “I don’t think we should keep Sulis waiting,”

“Let’s go then!” said Stefan, taking the lead. Ana followed close by. They arrived back at the landing they had been at previously, and pushed open the door. The room wasn’t particularly spacious and was sparsely decorated. A low table, four high-backed arm chairs, and a fireplace, with an icefire roaring in it. The room was pleasantly warm, though not excessively so and, as Stefan had come to notice, the ice walls were of course not melting.

In one of the high-backed chairs, Sulis sat regally, staring into the icefire.

“Ah, here you are. I trust you have found the chambers accommodating?”

“Very much so, thank you,” said Elena, answering for the three of them.

“So… I have, shockingly enough, conversed with Elwam and Grandmamma, and have gathered some interesting information,” she began, “And I can, naturally, see your auras. They are very strong, and seem to be pulsing at the moment,” she reached out with her own, and the twins recoiled, feeling the intrusion, “And you have the basic defences,” she said, feeling them slam down a mindblock, “Excellent, excellent… So I understand that you are here to recuperate my knowledge of Water?” she said, formulating it as a question but meaning it as a statement.

“Yes, Mistress Sulis,” said Ana, meeting her eye. Brilliant green met against molten golden-orange. Sulis’s blue lips lifted at one corner in a half-smile, “Determination… you will get far, my young one,” she said.

“My brother and I have already received half of the Elemental knowledge. Without yours, the prophecy will not be able to complete itself, and who knows what will happen then.”

“And of what importance is that to me?”

“Your world might be destroyed.”

“But it might be destroyed anyway… is that not what the prophecy says? That either my Land will face destruction, or your Land will face rebirth. A bit unfair, don’t you think?”

“I did not predict my own future. Sha’Ilya first did, about two thousand years ago.” Sulis seemed a little taken aback at Ana’s knowledge of the prophecy.

“Very well then, I shall give you my knowledge… with the hope that you will make the right decision when the time comes,”

“The decision will make itself; Stefan and I are only the channels for it,”

Sulis inclined her head, acknowledging her.

“Follow me,” she said.