The Door

Chapter 1

Drip, drip, drip.
Zircon's reshaping his armour.
Drip, drip, drip.
Mother's chanting for father's strength.
Drip, drip, drip.
The warriors will be here soon.
Drip, drip, drip.
I should be making more protective charms.
Drip, drip, drip.
The clatter of hooves outside the cottage makes my heart pump faster.
Drip, drip, drip.
Soon, everything will happen too fast.
Drip, drip, drip.
I'm not ready to leave.
Drip, drip, drip.
Zircon drops the armour.
Drip, drip, drip.
Mother's relaxing chanting abruptly stops.
Drip, drip, drip.
    "Gemstone, it's time to leave sister." Hearing Zircon's bass voice draws me back to my body. I nod slowly, as if I can stretch out the time just by moving as slow as possible. "Well, come get your cloak." He sounds impatient. Before I leave my attic bedroom, I look around one last time. The low ceiling, the antique oak furniture, the lumpy straw mattress; how can I ever leave them?
    I follow my brother's messy black hair down the ancient stairs, past the wall on which all of my ancestors' hand prints are on. I rubbed my hand gently over Peridot's mark; he was the first one to decide to join the four tribes and put an end to our wars.
    Tears try to fight their way through when I think about my destiny for too long. Don't be so weak. I tell myself. You should be honoured; you're the one that they chose, out of all the girls in the Four Tribes. You will connect us to the People of the Wind. Be proud. My head automatically lifts higher, my back suddenly straighter. I take one last look at Peridot's mark. "I will make you proud."
   Zircon's gone back to his work now, and father's talking to the guards about the City of Angels. For that's where I'm going. I am to be married to their eldest prince. I don't even know his name; they won't tell me.
    "Princess Gemstone, the time has come." I turn to our Head Guard, Azerath. He has his mahogany wings folded over his strong lion's body. Zircon had said that the City of Angels is on top of Moulin Mountain. We've heard rumours from our shape-shifter cousins that only creatures with wings can get there, so we had the Griffins be the messengers between the Angels and us; they would not leave their city, and we would not leave our wood.
   "I am ready. How long will the journey be?" I'm surprised that my voice is still even, although my mind is telling to go hide in the hollow of the nearest tree. I would go and just become a tree, but the fraction of me that is nymph is too weak for me to actually be able to change.
    "Two hours, ma'am, give or take. We can have stops on the way if you wish." He bows low and I have to close my eyes briefly and take a deep breathe; soon, too soon, I will the wife of the first heir to the throne of the City of Angels. Tears threaten again. I nod slowly and walk briskly out to the paddock that separates the cottage from the stream.
    Byezlebug's there, grazing happily beside his friends. "Buzzy! Come on, boy!" I call to him. He whinnies softly as he trots over to the fence. "Hello, Buzzy Boy. You're going to need to promise me that you'll be good for Zircon, OK?" He nods his bay head, scraping his black leg along the ground for emphasis. I kiss his soft nose. Azerath is supervising the loading of my belongs onto the backs of his fellows.
    Zircon lifts me up onto the side saddle that father strapped onto Azerath's back. "Be careful, sister. Write to us when you have time" he whispers in my ear. I hug him, perhaps for the last time. He steps back, brushing his dark blue eyes as he goes. My parents don't make a move towards me. All Father says is "Remember that it is your duty to bring the Fifth Tribe together with the rest." Well, at least it's something I suppose. Mother's staring off into the distance; she won't even look at me. I'm just a daughter, a burden to her. It's to her advantage that I'm leaving. I will not miss her or Father, only Zircon.
    I take one last look at the cottage with ivy growing up its pale walls. "Let's go, Azerath. We should not keep my new family waiting." I even add a small smile for good measure. Mother glares at me; she can't believe that I'm not collapsing in on myself and giving into the fear of leaving everything I know. She's angry that I'm stronger than she was when she was my age.
    The story of her wedding day to Father is well known, and although no one will do it to her face, people are still laughing about it even now. She was so nervous during the ceremony that she couldn't control the nymph blood that runs through her veins.  She turned into a Ewe tree half way through. That won't happen to me; I won't let it.
    Azerath, the Griffins and I fly off into the early morning light, towards Le Moulin Mountain, my new home.

Chapter 2

She should be here soon, my young wife to be. I've heard a lot about her. 'She's kind, beautiful and talented' they said, but they would say that, wouldn't they? They're adamant that she and I should marry, never mind that we don't know each other. Still, I suppose that I shouldn't complain too much; at least I'm not the one who has to leave my family and friends. I don't know if I could do that.
    Hermes and Thoth are flapping their wings frantically in my direction; they're in a hurry. "Prince Ares, my Lord, they've been spotted. Please, Lord, go back to the palace and get ready to meet your new bride." Thoth's out of breath, and he is one of the fastest flyers we have. Usually, I'd say that that would mean that they're still quite a way away, but Griffins are faster than us. They could be just around the bend by now.
    I nod to acknowledge them. "Thank you. Please go and great them. I will go and inform my mother." I stand from my stiff crouch on the little boulder and unfurl my big black wings. As I fly over my city, towards home as fast as I can, I'm trying to imagine what my bride will think of it; will she be able to breathe in the high altitude? Are the doors to her liking? Will she get cold up here in the mountain? Will the bright walls be too bright for her?
    The two guards at the front gate salute as I fly past. Mother's already in the hall, straightening Minerva's gown and trying to get Dionysus to stand still for one minute. I smile at the blissful picture of my small family. Minerva, with her quick eyes that miss nothing, spots me. "Ares! Is she here? Can we finally meet her? Oh, I can't wait to meet her!" Little Minerva, six years my junior, can talk for the world given half the chance.
    "She's been spotted." I interrupt her "I don't know how far away they are though. She's coming by Griffins, and they can out fly us easily." I hope that they cannot see my excitement too well. I should be nervous, seen as I'm meeting the girl that I will be spending the rest of my life with. But, I'm excited. It's a new experience, and with this marriage, we'll be able to explore the realms of the other Four Tribes. After the marriage, we will no longer be isolated.
    Horns announce their arrival. I breathe deeply, trying to calm my rapid heart. Mother smiles encouragingly and I beam back. I know that my red flecked black eyes are shining brightly, like a polished Bloodstone. Yes, I've been doing some research on things that I've been told my new wife will like, Gemstones being one of them. After all, her name is Gemstone. Without speaking, we walk calmly out of the huge iron doors, smiles plastered on our tanned faces, into the midday sun.
    They've already landed. Griffins are much more fearsome in real life; the old leather bound accounts don't describe them well at all. Their wings aren't just the shade of mahogany; they actually look as if they were carved out of trees. They span wider than my wings, probably twice as wide. The fur on their bodies shines like the gold leafed crown that I will finally wear once I am married. There is no colour to describe those merciless animal eyes; they look dangerous, and I will never trust one.
     My bride to be is perched delicately on top of the closest monster's back. He is about twice the size of me. She looks so small and fragile being so high up. She is towering so high above us that I can only just make out her petite figure.
   The creature is lying down on his golden belly now, and suddenly the girl does not look quite so small, still fragile, but tall. I can see how her hair is as black as a moonless night and her skin… even from this distance, I can tell that her skin is soft like Minerva's, but I have to look twice to make sure that I am seeing correctly; her skin is a light shade of imperial purple. Purple? I've never met anyone with purple skin before. But, it suits her perfectly, and simply adds to her exotic beauty.
    Slowly the purple beauty dismounts the golden beast. The citizens that have begun to crowd around the gates to catch a glimpse of their new princess is completely silent; not even the cherubs are making a noise. The griffin stands now that she is off of his mighty back and walks beside her towards us. I can't see her face very well now; she's looking down at her feet, with her delicate hands folded neatly in front of her petite body. I can't move; her beauty has frozen me. Minerva sighs; I can sense that she will hero worship this young woman. I can see Dionysus, for once, standing as still as a statue.
    Mother, seemingly oblivious to everyone else's reactions to this girls presence, steps forward and embraces her whilst whispering something in her ear that makes the girl blush and smile slightly, adding more to the elusion of unnatural beauty. Mother leads her towards us. My bride is graceful as she walks, yet there is something that reminds me of a big cat stalking its prey.  I smile at her reassuringly, which I am rewarded with a small blush and a tiny turn up of her rosebud lips.
* * * * * * *
My first glimpse of my new home could be called an unusual sight for the onlookers; I am, after all sitting on top of Azerath. From what I've seen so far, Le Moulin Mountain's sides are flat and smooth; not climbable, which is apparently the reason I must travel by griffin. I can see no emergency escape routes here for me.
    We are flying up the mountain side, and about half way up, we see two winged men, scouts according to Azerath, flying frantically ahead of us, yet they look so slow. I put my query to Azerath. "My lady, our wingspans are twice as wide as theirs, so of course you would think it slow." I nod slowly, it's quite obvious really; I should have realised that.
    By the time we pass the two scouts, they're lying flat on their backs across a small boulder. One of them has silvery hair splayed around his tanned face. As soon as they see us, the ginger haired angel stands, the other following suit. "Princess, my lady. We have been sent to guide you to the palace. I am Hermes, ma'am and this is Thoth." They both bow low; I have to stifle a childish giggle.
    Their expressions are both somewhat awed, although I'm sure that it is quite simply because they have never seen a nymph before, of even a quarter nymph. Azerath answers for me; Mother told him not to let me speak before I meet the Prince. "My lady thanks you, and she cannot wait to meet the royal family." They're aurora feels stunned. They quite obviously have never met a griffin before, and seeing one speak is bit too far for their first encounter. I'm tempted to read their thoughts, but then I remember that I've always hated it when Father read mine.
   Azerath takes off again, following the two scouts closely. The angels are flapping their wings hysterically, but the griffins are going at their normal pace and still they're going faster than our guides. 'Azerath, I really do not think that it is fair if you exhaust them; they are after all, helping us. Slow down please.' I add the silent authority that Father used on me when I was doing something I shouldn't. Reluctantly, Azerath slows our entourage down, much to the relief of our guards.
     I look at the city below me; there are farmers ploughing their fields; children chasing each other through the clouds; young warriors doing archery practise. The warriors are very good. Part of me is saying 'at least you can be reassured that you'll be well protected here,' but the other half of me is screaming if something happens I'm dead! I suppress the sudden urge to scream at myself. 'Stay calm,' I tell myself, 'nothing bad will happen. '
    The scouts dive down; we mimic them. The palace below is like a shining new pearl. The white walls reflect the golden sun, blinding my poor griffins and I; we are creatures of the wood. It takes my eyes a few seconds to adjust to the brightness of the walls. I can now make out that the domed roofs are a pink pearly colour. The windows and front gates are made out of black iron. The gardens are full of the colours of spring; I can even smell some of their fragrance. A small crowd has gathered around the iron gates.
     Gently, Azerath lands on his feet a few meters in front of some marble steps that lead up to a pair of great iron doors, studded with marble slabs. No sooner than Azerath's last foot stands solidly on the floor, two guards with a pike in their left hands open the door. A tanned woman with auburn hair and wearing a flowing crimson gown steps elegantly down the steps into the light, followed closely at first by a young girl, no more than four years my junior, and two young men, all with black hair.
    Even from this distance, I can make out the girls features; her nose is a little hooked, her lips full and holding a sincere smile. Her eyes are round, but bright with life. She looks tall for her age; up to her mother's middle. Her hair is shining in the midday light. At closer inspection, the younger of the two men is probably actually five years younger than I and, if I am honest, not the most attractive person that I've ever seen; his eyes are round and too close together, his nose is squashed, his hair, rather than being a bright, shiny black like his siblings, looks dusty. I can see that he does have some muscle, but it is dwarfed by all the fat.
    Finally, I turn my nervous gaze to wander over the eldest child; the son that I am destined to marry. My already racing heart discovers that it can still be a little faster after a slight stutter. Like the rest of his family, he is looking straight at me. He has high cheek bones and his eyes are more almond shaped than his siblings, more like his mother's. His nose is straight and perfect. Strong muscles ripple slightly through his white shirt. His hair is similar to Zircon's; blue as well as black and slightly messy. I notice his wings fluttering slightly. They're the same shade as his hair, the feathers long and beautiful like a black swan's. He is so stunningly beautiful that I begin to feel very self-conscious.
   It feels like years have gone by since we landed only a few moments ago. Azerath is slowly lying down so that I can clamber off his back with a little more grace, although probably not much. I fold my hands neatly in front of me to try to stop them from shaking because of my nerves and I look down, too nervous to meet anyone's gaze just yet. Azerath walks forward beside me and we stop when we get to the bottom step. The woman comes down towards me, leaving her children standing at the top. She smiles at me and suddenly I feel more confident.
    Warm, loving arms wrap around me, so I instantly hug back. She smells like honey blossom; I have to fight myself from sniffing her like a cat. "Welcome, child. Please, I just want to make you comfortable, so if there's anything you need, just tell me." She pauses and I think that she'll pull away, but she adds with the awed voice "everyone seems fascinated by you; especially my Ares. Be good to him; I have every confidence in you to look after him. I'm sure that you'll keep my little Cherub safe more than I ever could. Oh, call me mother; you're family now." I can feel my cheeks growing hot at the confidence of what she was saying.
     She pulls away and smiles softly at me, I smile back. I'm still too nervous to completely smile though. She leads me by the hand up the steps, towards her children, my new family. I think about what she called him; Ares, the name of a great warrior, yet soft. I look up at him to see him smiling down at me. I can't help but smile shyly back. His aurora is bright and active, full of happiness, hope and love. Something tells me that he's never felt alone before. Slowly, I reach the top where Mother begins to introduce them to me. First, the little girl; Minerva. Just like her mother, she embraces me warmly, "I'm so glad that you're finally here; we've heard so much about you."
     "Thank you, Minerva. I'm glad to be here too" and I meant what I said. I managed to add a smile to my voice. I can feel her aurora enveloping me in a soft pink mist, covering me with glitter. I wander how no one else can see the glitter? She steps back to be replaced by her younger brother; Dionysus. He holds my right hand up to his wet lips, but I still manage to smile sweetly. He releases my hand and it is taken up quickly by a gentle, strong hand. He lifts it up to his red lips as if it's so delicate that it'll break any second. "Princess, welcome" he gazes into my silver eyes with his red-flecked black ones; they looks just like the blood stones in my wooden chest. The heat is creeping back into my cheeks and I look down, embarrassed by my reaction.
    Mother clears her throat quietly and we start like naughty little children, and grin sheepishly at her. "Come, child. Let's take you for a tour of the palace."
* * * * * * *
We finished the tour a few hours ago, just as the sun was disappearing. Ares and Dionysus couldn't stay for the tour; Mother sent them away to practise their fencing. It made me feel slightly easier without their presence. The presence of other women still feels more comfortable to me.
    I'm in my new bed chamber now, being dressed into a beautiful flowing black gown. I've realised that the fashion here is different to the fashion in the woods; they don't wear corseted dresses here, but flowing gowns with the top half moulding to your body shape. Minerva had explained to me earlier that we are having a masquerade ball to celebrate the engagement. "I'll tell you a secret," she had whispered to me, "I'm going as an owl." I told her that I'd keep it a secret and she smiled trustingly up at me. When the maids told me what my mask was of, I thought to myself 'then why can't I just shift into that shape? Especially seen as it is the only shape that I can shift into.' But I said nothing and just let them dress me.
    So, now they are fixing my hair up with onyx brooches whilst I am slotting my onyx gems into one of the empty silver necklace, alongside a single topaz stone to help give me strength. There is a quick knock at the door and Minerva comes in, dressed in a shining silver gown and a silver half mask. I smile at her whilst she sighs. "You look so beautiful, Gemstone. I just know that Ares already loves you. He's usually so shy around girls, but with you…"
    "We haven't been able to talk to each other properly yet, Minerva, so you cannot tell me that he acts differently around me." Even as I'm contradicting her, my heart is whispering 'please let it be true.' As she sits herself down on my bed, I head over to my chest of gemstones and pick out the other empty silver necklace.
    "But, I've known him since I was born and I know that he acts different around you because he didn't have to keep looking at Mother to make sure that everything was fine. Trust me, sister, he already loves you." A big grin spreads over her pink lips. I choose Lapis Lazuli stones to help her to think clearly; obviously her excitement for the ball has clouded her judgement and made her skip to conclusions.
   "What's that? It's really pretty, like the one you're wearing. Are you going to wear two?" She unconsciously reaches to touch the onyx gems around my neck. I giggle quietly under my breath.
   "No Minerva, I'm fitting this Lapis Lazuli necklace together for you to wear tonight."
   "Are they magic stones? We were told that you can make magic out of stones, because you're a witch. Is it true?" Just like any child eager to learn, she focuses all of her attention on me.
   "Well, not really; I'm only a quarter witch. My mother is half nymph and half witch. My father is half vampire, half shape-shifter."
   As I speak, I can see her eyes sparkling and I can actually see the smoke coming out of her ears. "How come? Does that mean that you can change into a tree and all sorts of different animals? Do you have to drink blood?" 'Why did you have to open your mouth?'
  "It's because my grandfather was a witch who decided to marry a nymph so that our wars could end. He suggested to his friend in the Fire Tribe, the shape-shifters, to choose a wife from the Water Tribe, the vampires. Then they married their son and daughter, my parents, so that the tribes would be joined by marriage. I can't turn into a tree, but I can turn into a panther. Oh, and you don't need to worry about me drinking your blood; as long as I eat fresh meat everyday I don't need blood." I count the answers to her questions off on my fingers. She nods as I talk, obviously absorbing the information and thinking of more questions. Note to self; Minerva is extremely bright so don't answer her questions too often.
   "But how come you're different? I thought that every nymph could turn into a tree and every vampire had to drink blood everyday? That's what all the books say."
   "Think about it; my nymph blood has been diluted by my vampire, shape-shifter and witch blood and the other way around, so I've obviously lost some of the talents that each of my species is born with as a result." I'm starting to feel tired just thinking about the complexity of my blood. I wander how long it will take clever little Minerva to figure out why my parents fought so hard for this marriage?
   As she concentrates on my reply I place the necklace around her pale neck. She shivers slightly. "It's really cold, but it's so pretty. Thank you. Shall we go make our grand entrance now?" She fingers the perfectly cut Lapis ovals I placed carefully into the silver chain. I nod, the nerves coming back to me again; I've passed the test of entry to the city, but I still need to pass the tests of being accepted and the actual marriage.
* * * * *
The servants have done an excellent job at transforming the ballroom; I've never seen it like this before, not even for when Father came home victorious. I sigh. Father… What would he think of me marrying one of Them? 'Better not think about it.' I restore the grin on my face and take another look at my surroundings.
    The white walls have been draped in black and moss-green silk, flecked with silver thread. Leaves have been sewn together to create a net hung from the ceiling, covering even the lit chandeliers, making the whole room look dark and frightening. The table cloths are a deep grey, the cold marble floor the only thing left looking like normal. I get the impression that I've just walked into a forest at night.
   I spot Minerva and Gemstone discussing something near one of the iron windows. From where I stand by the door, I can tell that Gemstone's explaining something to Minerva, who no doubt keeps asking intelligent questions; she always looks too deeply into things. I think I'll go save the fair maiden for the intuitive creature.
   Usually, Minerva senses me first, but today Gemstone is quicker. Her silver eyes shine fiercely at me, and something inside me suddenly yells 'Fly away! She's not safe!' But I still smile sweetly and keep walking towards them. As I get closer, I realise that her eyes don't look fierce; they look scared. "Ares! Did you know that Gemstone's a quarter of every Tribe apart from ours? Isn't that amazing? She's already the link between the other Four Tribes because of her blood, but now she'll link us to them all by blood when you have children!" I did already know that, but I act slightly amazed to make her feel better. She stops and stands thinking for a moment.
    I sneak a look at Gemstone. She quite obviously didn't want to get into this conversation; fifty years ago, you would have been killed if you married into another Tribe. Her Grandparents were lucky, or clever. We've heard stories that the Vampire blocked her Shape-shifter husband's mind as well as her own. The Witch was the leader of his Tribe, so he was never questioned, but his wife from the Nymphs ran away and changed into a Holly Bush not far from the entrance way to the village where the People of the Earth, the witches, lived.
    Gemstone must have felt my eyes on her for she looked quietly at me before blushing and looking down at her hands in front of her black gown. I had made sure that our costumes were similar, yet not of the same creature; she is a beautiful black panther, I am a golden lion. I must say that she wears her costume better than I mine; she actually looks like a panther, where I just look like a stupid young man who decided to dress like a lion. I don't mind though; I'm glad that she looks stunning, especially when she needs to make a good first impression on the court.
    The musicians start tuning their instruments and couples start to gather in the centre of the room, waiting for the dance to commence. "Shall we dance, Gemstone?" I hold my hand out to her, and slowly, she places her delicate palm in mine, smiling shyly. Minerva pouts in my direction but I ignore her, smoothly leading my partner to the dance floor.
    Now the music begins, we start dancing the Waltz to the orchestra. "I'm sorry about Minerva; she never understands that there are certain times to ask people impolite questions, and when someone has just arrived is not one of them." We spin.
    "It's fine. I really don't mind answering them, and they're not impolite. She is merely intrigued about the Four Tribes." She replies softly, not meeting my gaze.
    "Either way, you don't have to put up with them all the time. I want you to know that; you're older than her, more experienced and a great deal more beautiful. Besides, we're all interested about the Four Tribes, but we want to wait until you're settled before we ask." My heart manages to skip a few beats as she looks at me. Her eyes are searching, and I don't think that she can see what she wants. I feel a slight beating in my head that I've never felt before. She seems satisfied now, and she lets out a soft sigh. She smiles at me, looking more comfortable than she had all day. But, now, she looks puzzled.
    "Did that hurt? I was trying to be as gentle as I could. I'm sorry." She sounds sad, worried even.
    "Did what hurt?" Even though I think I already know the answer. I remember hearing that all Vampires are telepathic, so obviously Gemstone probably is too.
    She looks down at her feet and we stop dancing. "I'm sorry, I searched your mind. I really shouldn't have done it, I won't do it again."
   I put my left hand under her chin and lift her head up so that she has to look in my eyes, but hers are closed. "It didn't hurt, and you can search my mind anytime you like."
   "It was rude of me, I'm so sorry." She opens her eyes briefly, but long enough for me to see the tears shining around the silver.
   "I want you to read my mind, right now. It doesn't hurt." She breathes deeply and I think that she'll shake her head and say no, but she opens her eyes again and I can feel the probing. I think clearly about wanting to lean forwards to kiss her gently. Now, I think about asking her if I may. She nods, sleepily. I try not to wander what my mind looks like now; it's probably all an excited mess.
    I lean forward slowly, giving her a chance to back out; she doesn't. As our lips softly meet, she relaxes. I can hear her thoughts, as clearly as if they were my own, whispering 'I thought that love was just a myth.' I smile around her lips. I'm delighted that she loves me. It makes me think about whether I am. Yes! It's so obvious that you are! My mind screams. I can feel her turning questioning.
     'I'm not even searching you,' her mind projects to me, 'yet I can hear your thoughts so clearly. Can you hear mine?' I concentrate, but I don't need to; her mind is one with mine. I search back through, wanting to see what she thought when she first met me; the image is so clear that for a second I think that I am actually looking at a multicoloured light. But then I notice brighter colours playing around inside the others; cheerful yellows, tranquil blues and warm, loving reds.
   'It's your aurora; the colours show what you're really feeling. Only Shape-shifters can see them, Vampires can only read minds and project thoughts into someone else's mind', she explains. So she sees me as cheerful and serene. 'You forgot loving.' I can hear the little giggle in her mental voice.
   Just as I'm wandering about her aurora, a sound suddenly penetrates my thoughts. She's obviously heard it too, for she ends the kiss and leans into my shoulder, my head automatically leans over hers; our link is broken. I look around and realise that the entire court has stopped talking and dancing and are applauding our kiss. Mother's standing with Minerva and Dionysus, smiling proudly. I can tell that Minerva will have lots of questions next time she talks to us.
   I put my mouth next to Gemstone's ear. "Why don't you influence someone to ask Minerva to dance and the musicians to start playing again? I don't think that that I want to be answering all her questions right now." No need to say who 'her' is. I can feel Gemstone's body shaking softly against my chest; she's laughing.
   'Sorry; that was the best experience I've ever had. I'll try to get someone to ask her.' The musicians begin to play and the courtiers begin to take their places in the middle of the room or lining the walls, making polite conversation with the person next to them. Gemstone leans back, her face recomposed, and I take her delicate hand again. We walk calmly, acting as if nothing embarrassing had just happened, over to where Mother stood with my two siblings and young Eros, the son of my aunt Aphrodite. 'He's asking her to dance, and she's saying yes. I don't even have to influence her; they're a good match.' I smile inwardly and squeeze her hand tenderly; they're a good match indeed. Aphrodite and Eros used to stay with us all the time when Father was alive; Aphrodite had a very close relationship with her twin. Eros is only three years older than Minerva, so they were very close before he went back to the country with his mother.
    He leads her into the dance as we approach, both of them wearing big grins. Dionysus goes off to talk to our cousin Bacchus, leaving us heading to Mother on her own. I look at Gemstone, who is looking innocently at me. 'I thought you didn't want any questions, so I sent him away too; his were mainly for you though.'  We smile at each other.
     "I'm so glad that the two of you are getting along; dancing always does the trick." She hugs us both firmly. "Don't you both look splendid? I hope that you're enjoying yourselves?" She raises her eyebrows slightly, to say that she isn't sure if a kiss in public before we are married is a good idea. I shrug faintly. Tomorrow, we will be married, and then it won't matter anymore.

Chapter 3

I'm lying on the soft dewy grass, looking up trough the trees of the Sacred Witch Wood. The white dress I'm wearing, it's strange; flowing, not corseted. Yet, it feels right.
   I hear a twig snap from between the trees ahead of me. Out of instinct, I sprint to hide in the bushes opposite the noise. A young blue skinned nymph, a little older than I, comes into the clearing. She sits down, right where I was lying a few moments ago. She plays with the shell necklace hanging loosely around her neck.
    After a while, another form emerges from the trees; a man. I can tell from his clothes that he is the Witch Leader, but why's he meeting with a poor nymph? The shells she wears prove that she is little more than a servant; they are not pearls.
   "Holly, my love. I'm sorry. Have you been waiting long?" he asks, reaching to grab her hands.
    "No my lord, only a few minutes, I'd say. Are the other's definitely coming?"
   "Yes; Rain is waiting for Leander. She didn't want to come on her own."
   Just then, a huge golden lion comes trotting through the bushes near me, followed by a pale girl with red hair; I freeze. I would never be able to miss that smell. She's a Vampire, but not just any Vampire, she's the leading Huntress; the most dangerous of all the female Vampires.
   The lion transforms amongst a silver mist into a young man with short auburn hair. "Sorry we took so long, Peridot. We were nearly caught by those guards of yours patrolling the borders." Peridot. I look again at the young witch. Of course, how could I be so blind? He looks so much like my brother with his hair so dark it could be blue and with a similar body build. And the Nymph, Holly, she must be my Grandmother Holly.
   "It is fine. Now, I called this meeting together for a reason. There is a marriage taking place tomorrow, and it will begin a new destiny for the Five Tribes." He pauses and seems to look right into my eyes. "Gemstone, my child, please, come here. I summoned this meeting in your subconscious because it involves you."
   So this is one of those dreams where the ancestors call on you to give you a warning or a blessing. I stand, walking nervously towards my deceased Grandparents. I've never met any spirits before, so I must admit that I am terrified.
   "Child, you are to join the Fifth Tribe to the other Four tomorrow, are you not?" He speaks calmly, but I am still fearful.
    "Yes Peridot, Sir. I am to marry the Prince Ares of the People of the Wind, the Angels of Le Moulin Mountain, to unite us with the final Tribe."
     "My child that is where you are wrong. You must discover how and why on your own, but I must warn you; just because you will be the Queen as of tomorrow, and the Five Tribes will all be united through matrimony, does not mean that all will be at peace. We spirits have felt this coming for a long time, but your dedication to do your duty and make your Grandparents proud has proved to us that you are the only one who can change the outcome of this war."
    "Gemstone, I give you the gift of better awareness, to aid you to choose the best path." Grandmother Holly says, filling me with her earthy spirit as she dissolves into my dream.
    "Child, I give you the gift of faster transformation, to keep you better protected." Grandfather Leander says, filling me with his warm spirit as he dissolves into my dream.
    "My brave Grand-daughter, I give you the gift of stronger telepathy, to help you identify your enemies." Grandmother Rain says, filling me with her cool spirit as she dissolves into my dream.
    Last, Grandfather Peridot. "My baby jewel, I give you the gift of the stones, enhanced to perfection, to help you through all of your problems, even though they cannot make them disappear. I know that you will make us proud, baby jewel." He says, filling me with his spirits energy and courage, as he dissolves into my dream, leaving me alone in the Sacred Witch Wood.

* * * *
I wake with a gasp, alerting the maid cleaning my room as I sleep. "My lady, I'm sorry, I'll leave so that you may sleep undisturbed. I'm sorry your highness." Her golden wings flutter nervously at her side.
    "It's alright, you didn't wake me; it was just a dream. Do you know what time it is please?"
    "An hour till dawn, my lady." I should be getting up soon anyway, to get ready for my wedding. The wedding… Peridot had said that just because this marriage is taking place, something bad will still happen. But what? He wouldn't tell me. Don't think about it, you'll be worrying enough today as it is.
     "I'd like to begin getting ready now please." The maid curtsies and leaves my room, heading to fetch my ladies. I sit in my bed for a moment, just trying to steady myself. When I open my eyes again, I feel much calmer. I head over to my wooden chest of gems. Zircon helped me make the lock when we were children. He made leaves and vines with gold and silver, attaching them onto the front and lid of the chest. The spell that I placed on it means that the vines pull back to unlock it, but only when I place my right thumb on the granite plate hidden on the lid. I don't really understand how the magic works; it was just an experiment when we were just discovering the extent to our magic. I place my finger on the cold plate and watch, still entranced after all these years, as the vines slither gracefully away from the lid, so that I can open it. I don't change the stone in the silver necklace from last night, and I think I will wear them today.
    The noise of my ladies shuffling quickly into my room sends e over to the chair in front of my mirror. "My lady, do you wish for us to do your hair and make-up before we dress you?" I can tell that she's out of breath, but there is nothing to do about it and I am too preoccupied with the marriage.
    "Yes. I'd like to have my hair loose if that's possible, and I'd like the tattoos of all Five Tribes." I sit back and relax as best I can whilst my ladies prepare me for the wedding that I thought would bring peace, but apparently will do no such thing.
* * * * *
I never expected so many people to turn up for my wedding. They've flown in from all over the city. Those who are not a member of the court, or closely related to a member, have to watch from either outside or by sitting on the glass roof; it's already crowded, the only space free is the sacred stained glass window reserved for the sun.
    A young man is coming through the old iron doors, without wings. Mother comes to stand by me. "The guards said that he is related to the bride. I thought that it would be nice for her to have someone here who she knows well."
    "There is no one else here from any of the other Four Tribes?"
    "Apparently her parents have been keeping this all silent. I suppose that Gemstone must have told him." I can't believe that her parent's haven't told anyone that their daughter is getting married. I would have thought that they'd find it hard not to tell anyone.
   I take a look at this young man who looks so out of place in the sacred ceremony hall. His hair is long, shaggy and silvery, his skin an odd shade of grey. His dark eyes are darting around nervously, making him look dangerous. I can see so many similarities between him and Gemstone. Just like her, the way that he walks makes him look ready to pounce at any second. He finds a seat near the back just as the trumpets announce the beginning of the ceremony. I take my place under the white wooden ceremonial archway, purple Cattleya orchids wound intricately around it.
    I hear her entry before I see it; everyone in the hall goes silent with a short gasp. I look at her slowly. Even with being prepared for her beauty, I'm still mesmerized. She's wearing the female warrior attire, changed into the traditional wedding garment of all the Tribes; a red laced black corset elaborate patterns sewn on in sparkly red thread. The cloak that she wears has the same patterns, the hood pulled away from her loose black hair. Each Tribe has their own pattern and the bride always wears the pattern of her Tribe, so I was interested in what pattern she would choose. She is part of Four Tribes. She has chosen the patterns of all of her Tribes, although more of the witch's ruby embedded in a black sunflower and the shape-shifter's personal creature, hers being a sleek black panther.
    She stops under the ceremonial arch with me, and we turn to face each other, my black armour squeaking as I move. As the General of our army, Mars leads the ceremony in his golden armour. "Oh, Solabic, knowledgeable God of the day, we ask that you shine your golden light on your chosen son, Prince Ares, so that he may wed this warrior of the mystical night." I've never understood ho Solabic always manages to shine his light of gold on the ceremonial arch through the stained glass circle when a marriage is taking place. But, he is the almighty Lord, and he is not to be questioned.
   "Oh, Luniba, mystical Goddess of the night, we ask that you may shine your silver light on your chosen daughter, Princess Gemstone, so that she may wed this warrior of the knowledgeable day." As he speaks, Luniba sends her delicate silver glow to join her brother's.
    Mars produces a goblet made half of gold, half of silver. I catch a quick glimpse of the wine mixed with the crimson blood of a sacrifice as he lifts it above our heads. "By the will of Solabic and Luniba, you are married." He places the goblet in the centre of the circle and the crowd erupts into cheering; we are married.
    I take Gemstone's soft hand and lead her towards the door, leaning close to her ear. "Stop at the door." She looks puzzled, but nods. I was hoping that I would feel the gentle prodding of her searching my mind, but I feel no such thing. It will be a surprise to her as well then. We stop simultaneously, in full view of the crowd, and look at each other. Now I can feel her gently probing, and she smiles with another little blush.
   Just like last night, I put my hand under her chin and kiss her gently, but she kisses back harder. 'I'm glad we're married now.'
  Aren't you upset that you had to leave your family? How can anyone not be fussed about leaving their family? I know that I can never leave my family forever.
'No. I've only ever liked my brother, but after meeting your family, I can tell that I don't like him as much as I should my sibling. I won't mind if I never see them again.' She sounds certain, as if she's dumb for not having seen it before. I have to except that she may not like her family; from our communications with them, it is clear that they are not too sad about her leaving.
  What about your cousins, and friends? Surely you'll miss them?
  'Yes, but I will live without them. I don't really mind that much.' I can tell by the slight of sadness in her tone that she is not alright with leaving everyone. I will remember to ask her to invite them frequently. A small wind whispers around us, ruffling our hair. I think that I can hear a soft male voice on the gently breeze. 'I'm proud of you, my baby Jewel. You two are a good match, and you will be braver when it comes to fighting your destiny if you are together. I give you both my blessing, on behalf of my daughter.' As suddenly as the wind had started, it stops.
    'My grandfather, Peridot. He came to me in a dream last night, along with my other grandparents, to wish us all the happiness they could.' Her grandparents must have loved her if they visit her from the grave. I can feel her radiate love and hope now that she has heard her grandfather. Part of me wishes that I can be visited by Father, but only special witches can hear them, the rest of us have no way of knowing if they are near and watching over us.
   We pull away gradually and smile, a little out of breath, at each other, surrounded by the crowd's applause. The young man without wings comes up towards us slowly. Gemstone looks at him, and a huge beam spreads across her face. "Convel! What are you doing here?"
   "I came to see my favourite little cousin's wedding. Is that a crime?" I step aside and they embrace, tears shining in her ever bright eyes as she giggles.
   "I didn't expect to see anyone. How did you find out about the wedding? My parents made sure that it was secret."
   "You know me; there isn't much that gets past the warrior wolf! I'll leave you to your new husband and I will be back to visit as soon as I may officially announce it to my pack. Oh, by the way, your aurora's joined completely together from the moment that you stood next to each other; your parents actually made a good decision for once. Write when you can cousin. Congratulations." With a quick hug for her and a short bow for me, he runs over to a waiting griffin, shifting into a silver wolf as he leaps onto its golden back.
   I take her hand again and we finish walking to the ball room, which will have been transformed again into something magnificent.

Chapter 4

I wake up in my husband's room, like I have the last five months. I turn my head sleepily in the direction of where Ares is usually sleeping soundly like a baby. He's not there. Stay calm; he's probably just gone for a morning walk. I throw the cream cover away from me and stand, a little light headed at first, calling to my ladies.
    The two of them enter, curtsying. Ares had surprised me last week by telling me that he had been contacting Convel, saying that he thought that it would be nice for me to have some familiar company more often. My cousin agreed, and he sent one of the young girls of his pack to be my maid, so that I can wake up to see a familiar creature in the morning. Her name is Accalia.
    "Good morning, my lady. What dress would you like to wear today? Purple or blue?" She holds out two beautiful dresses. I point to the kingfisher blue dress, studded with lapis lazuli stones. "Very good, my lady. Did you sleep well?" Accalia and Ma'at begin to lift the flowing robe over my head.
    "Yes, thank you. Do you know where my husbands gone?" I can feel my mind swimming again and the floor seems to be moving under my feet. I thought I should have been better by this week? How can a sickness last this long?
   Accalia clearly senses the sickly tone in my aurora as she has been for the past two months. "My lady? Are you well?" Concern shows in her hazel eyes. "Should I fetch the doctor?"
    "No, no I'm fine." But as the words leave my mouth I run to my wash basin to throw up. Ma'at holds my hair back whilst Accalia offers soothing words. What's wrong with me? There are no illnesses going around, I have eaten nothing that Ares hasn't eaten. I could be pregnant. No, don't think like that. You'll just get their hopes up and its obviously not true. "Ma'at, please go fetch the doctor, then go get my husband." She curtsies and leaves. I can feel Accalia's aurora questioning me politely. "I think I may be pregnant."
    "Oh my lady! Congratulations!" She smiles genuinely whilst changing my dress to the clean purple one. I search inside myself, and I can feel it; a small feeling, noticeable only when I look for it. I'm pregnant.

* * * * *
"My Lord, it must be done. Without her family announcing the marriage, it is void; and we are still on our own, with no connections to the other Four Tribes."
   "Ares, my son, the General is right. However, I do think that we can wait a little while longer before we send her home and forget about all of this." She sounds strained and her fragile hand on my shoulder feels like its there more for her support for my comfort. Mother has aged so much since my wife came. Sometimes, I wander if it's the same woman.
   One of Gem's maids comes into the audience hall, curtsying low. "Your Highness, my Lady is unwell and has sent for the doctor. She wished for you to be informed." Gem's ill. I hardly notice the angry murmurs and protests from the council as I walk briskly towards the room that I have been sharing with my wife since we were married.
    The grey haired doctor is already here, sitting with Gem on our bed, her two maids standing not far away. "Gem! Baby Jewel, what's wrong?" She smiles slightly; nothing too serious.
    "Can we have a moment alone, please?" The maids and the doctor leave, small smiles threatening on their lips. Gem pats the bed next to her and I sit quickly, grabbing her hand and kissing it softly. "Ares, my love, I'm not sure how to ay this." I look at her expectantly. "Within four months, there will be an heir wandering around." The smile that she's been trying to keep hidden finally bursts out onto her beautiful face.
    I don't know what to say, so I just stare at her, letting my mind slowly rerun through what she just said. "You're pregnant?" The smile just gets bigger. "I'm going to be a father?" She begins to look worried, but something inside me clicks, and the excitement can be heard in my voice, I'm sure. "Oh, Gem! Baby Jewel!" I lean in and kiss her passionately and I can feel her aurora bursting with joy.
    Just as I pull away, a slight hint of anger and fear colours her aurora. "Ares, my parent's haven't announced the marriage?" Her voice goes a little higher from shock. I wrap my arms around her tightly; she shouldn't have to be dealing with this, especially in her condition. "We need to do something; we can't let them annul our marriage. I won't go back. I want to stay here, with you and watch our children grow happily."
    "We can't think of anything; I hope that your parents will announce it now that there is a child on the way." I kiss her dark hair softly.
   "No, I doubt they will. We have to do something." She stops and we just sit, hugging each other, thinking. I guess that she knows that the council weren't planning on telling her. "Do you still keep track of Convel and his pack?"
    "Yes, but I haven't contacted him since he asked about how your new maid was settling in. Why?"
    "I have an idea."
* * * *
Most of the male courtiers are here, their animated argument frozen ad my husband leads me bravely into the echoing audience chamber. General Mars strides to the room's centre and stops in front of us. "Your highness, I believe that this is a private council meeting, and the princess was not invited to attend." His words are harsh, and I can feel the testosterone building in Ares' aurora. I search the General's mind; she shouldn't have to hear this; it's not fair for her.
    I squeeze Ares' arm. He has kind intentions, my love. He thinks that it is unfair for me to have to hear this discussion. He smiles and nods gently. We bow low in front of Mother, sitting in her golden throne.
    "Mother," Ares says, "I have spoken to my wife, and she and I have come up with a plan, if the council will hear it." He meets everyone in the room's eyes, one by one. Mother nods. "My wife remembered that I have had contact with one of her Shape-shifter cousins, the leader of the wolf pack. If we sent a letter to him, asking to tell her cousins in the other Tribes, then the news will soon spread and her parents will be forced to announce it." He looks quite proud of being able to remember the plan. I notice the uncertain mutters going around the council.
   "I'm certain that my cousins' will be happy to help, and my parents hate rumours being spread; everyone knows that. They will feel obliged to make people realise that these aren't true, and when Convel asks to see me, and my parents will say no, then his pack will realise that I'm not there; they will be able to tell by the auroras. The news will spread like wildfire, and when my cousins are seen publically accepting the information, then the rest of their Tribes will accept." I can see more courtiers beginning to nod their heads. Mother herself looks pleased.
     "We also have some news." Ares reaches for my hand, a smile spreading slowly on his lips. "There will be a child soon; my wife, Princess Gemstone of all Five Tribes, is pregnant." I can't help the small laugh escaping my mouth; I still feel like I'm in a little bubble of happy surprise, and nothing can make it burst.