Page 19 of Surviving Enchantment: Part two
Isocar reached out and took her free hand.“I can help with the walls and ceilings.I think I know a few people who can help with the foundation and permits.”
Kaitha cleared her throat.“I can bring snacks.”
For Kaitha, that was an apology.Nylora smiled and changed the subject.“Oh, the first garment I ever had is here.Jennel had it in an evidence bag.Looks like Solor’s legal team wanted to know about me in case I bring down his bloodline.When I saw it, I remembered that walk between worlds.I am never making my baby do something like that.”
Myor looked concerned.“How old were you?”
Nylora rubbed the back of her neck.“About two or three weeks old.”
“What?”
“I was aged up through a temporal spell that would make me big enough to carry another child.A baby.Mother brought me up to five years old, gave Isocar to me, opened a portal, and told me to get the baby safe.Her father was trying to beat his way into the room, so this was our chance.I didn’t know how to walk, so I staggered, but I got her here, to the Lavrel home.Isocar’s mother picked her out of my arms and told me to wait just a moment.I really wish I had understood talking.I walked away.There was a blizzard raging, and I walked toward town and followed the scent of food.I found Dem-rah’s food truck, and he gave me tortillas and fresh lemonade.I drank the lemonade, but he kept me with him until the XIA agents pulled up.They let me sit in their vehicle while we waited for the social workers.They kept asking me questions, but I just hugged the tortilla to me, sucking on it.”
Isocar blinked.“All that was different about you was your size.”
“Yes.I was kept in care and observation as I wasn’t potty trained, couldn’t eat or speak.I was offered to the Mills, and they went through all the rehab I needed with me.When I was old enough to explain everything, about the age of seven or so, they told me not to tell anyone about my birth mother until I was grown.They taught me the basics of magic, and I was really good at it.They also told me to stay away from Isocar until she was grown up.She wouldn’t remember me and had her own parents.I went through life as a ward of the state.If any parts of my demon exposure emerged, the Mills would not be held responsible.I was eight when I was considered adoptable, and they were advised against it due to my complicated nature, so they didn’t.When I was fifteen, they had a baby.A little girl, and my instincts to protect the baby kicked in, and I watched her every day after school, on weekends.When I got my license, I drove her in a car seat anywhere I needed to go.She was my constant companion.”She smiled.“And then I got into the mage guild and got my classification for diagnostics.Then, Mom and Dad encouraged me to travel.It was when the effects of Harcourt Ganger’s transformation were being felt in their circles.They didn’t want the demon association to ruin your future.”
Kaitha was looking at her, and her eyes welled with tears.“That’s why.”
Isocar blinked.“Oh.Right.He’s an incubus.Well, not stuck there anymore, but when I babysat, it was always a worry to Mom and Dad.They got over it, but it was a definite thing.”
Nylora said, “Now, does anyone know why I told you this story?”
“You want us on the same page?”That was Kaitha.
“You want me to tell Solor and Demuel?”Myor smiled weakly.
Dia said, “You want it recorded?”
Isocar sighed.“You want the baby to know in case having it kills you.”
Nylora smiled.“That’s a correct answer.Here.Have a cookie.”She reached over and handed Isocar a cookie.
The other ladies were still.
Kaitha laughed weakly.“You can’t still be on this.You will be fine.You have an excellent team.”
Isocar reached out and put her hand on Bump.“Nylora has a lot of power, but it is trickling into the baby.When the final bit of growth happens, Bump will be pulling hard at her.If she were part of a dark fae community, it would be different.The women would donate bits of energy to the baby, but by the time Bump emerges, she will be exhausted and have nothing left to draw on.She can not ask for a gift of the heart, so I will give mine freely.If I can’t be at your side, I will provide you with an object that can give you some energy.You have me at your side.”
Dia slid down and held her hand.“I will give you what you need.You will have me by your side.Mom is going to come as well.Emily will probably give you a tattoo that transfers her magic to you.”
Myor said, “I can’t give you energy, but I can call everyone else.”
Kaitha looked at her.“I can’t give you what you need, but I can feed those who do.”
Nylora smiled.“Which is why you are the godmother.”
Kaitha gasped.“Really?”
“Really.”
“Who is the godfather?”
“Zerul.This baby is his fault, after all.”She smiled.“Thankfully, he won’t be able to come here for any showers.”
Dia laughed.“Interesting.”
Isocar smiled.“Okay, I need a back story on that one.Do we want to adjourn to the deck?The house has made some lemonade and iced watermelon.”
