Heart Choice by Robin D. Owens

Author:Robin D. Owens
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Man-woman relationships, Familiars (Spirits), Science Fiction, Fantasy fiction, Fiction, Romance, Fantasy, Genetic disorders, General, Love stories
ISBN: 9780425203965
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Published: 2005-07-05T06:00:00+00:00

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Eighteen

With Straif's yell of "Security," T'Oak, at the bottom of the Circle, raised his voice and sent his Flair cycling, raising the energy again. The Circle shuddered, and that force was added to the bubble of gold. An image of ice came to Mitchella's mind, coating the outside walls, doors, and windows in thick layers. Straif smiled in satisfaction. His shoulders straightened in relief that his home was safe again.

But the Residence needed more. "Beauty!" Mitchella cried. T'Apple, a few people to her right started another song, a lilting lyrical song. D'Spindle joined her lovely voice to his, then her HeartMate picked up the tune. Alternating male/female, each sang. Mitchella heard Antenn, and pride filled her at his competence.

When her turn came, she'd learned the words from the minds of those around her and she sang with all her spirit. Straif jerked a little, and the rest of the Circle raised their voices to overcome her screechy tones. She laughed inside. Again they sang the spell thrice, then Ailim Elder started a pattern of Words that raised the power even more. The final, most important spell neared.

"FLAIR!" shouted Straif, and the energy sent to the

Residence sank into every wall, deepened into a large pool in the HouseHeart, stored, available for use for years to come.

With a rolling, rushing sound, water shot from the pipes in the palms of the Dark Goddess and filled the first small basin in which she stood. Instants later, it cascaded into the next larger bowl. In a moment, it had filled the last basin and misting droplets dewed the celebratants. Mitchella felt her hair dampen, saw the gleam of a drop on her eyelashes.

Triumph zipped around the circle, and Mitchella cried out with joy, her shout joining others.

In gentle steps, Straif modulated their energy, sent the remnants back to them, calmed them. Ailim Elder's quiet voice joined with his as they ended the Ritual and finally broke the Circle, unlinked hands.

Mitchella forcibly locked her knees to keep from swaying, weak from all the Flair that had sizzled through her at her command. Her brain and ears buzzed. Licking dry lips, she announced, "The west terrace has tents of food and drink for your refreshment. Please follow Antenn."

Most of the others strolled, laughing and gesturing, from the grove to the west terrace. The air hummed with good cheer and their speculation on the state of the Residence and grounds.

GreatLady D'Heather whispered in her HeartMate's ear. In the bright starlight his flush was obvious. "Will you need me, SupremeJudge Elder?" he asked Ailim, eyeing her belly.

"MotherSire, I'm a FirstLevel Healer and still here," Lark Apple said.

The Heathers said their good-byes and left,

Mitchella smiled from her heart. If she squinted, she could see tiny motes of Flair—silver, gold—glistening in the air. She felt surrounded by champagne, breathing it in, letting it settle on her skin, slip along her nerves and into her blood.

Ailim Elder swayed, paled. "The baby's coming!"

Lark Apple ran to support her. Straif followed.

Taking both of Ailim's hands, Lark frowned, then glanced at Straif.

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