~Prologue~
Swirling clouds in a kaleidoscope of ruby colors, danced across an endless sea of stars; constantly shifting upon the horizon as a tall, slender man, with lightly tanned skin, and long, wavy, brown hair, carefully adjusted various dials and switches on the mechanical device before him.
"Ven, according to the latest readings, you need to adjust the dimensional tone to three vibrations per second." A second man, twice as large as the first, whose skin was the color of a freshly fallen snow, said as he walked towards the other, while adjusting his, pearlescent, leathery wings.
"All set," the smaller of the two, called Ven replied as he turned his oak brown eyes towards his companion. "Nubarra will be in alignment by the time we've finished setting up, Karanosi."
"Good. You've done well tracking this planet so precisely giving the distance of its orbit around its star."
"It was as difficult as you said it would be. Not surprised since it is in one of the farthest galaxies from here. I was honestly quite fortunate that records still existed from before it was severed. It made my calculations and decisions far easier than they should have been. I'm quite curious to see how the 'human' species has advanced since they were detached from the Dailen Shaad."
"Considering how poorly other worlds have fared, I would remain cautious, Venificus," Karanosi replied as he pulled a small wooden box from the pocket of his pale blue robe.
Holding it out towards Venificus, Karanosi pulled open the lid, revealing a purple crystal that barely fit inside.
"Be careful. This is the last one until the council approves our request for more, and we both know Larne branch is always the last on the list when it comes to deliveries," Karanosi sniveled, the golden chains dangling from his ear chiming as he shook his head; his fluffy white mane of hair shimmering as prevalently as his scales under the sparkling galactic sky. "I know we are the lowest branch on this section of the tree, but they refuse to acknowledge how many planets we have backlogged for review!"
"Come now, Karanosi, they know full well what they are doing. They know that if we can't review, we can't advise for reconnection. Stalling our work ensures you can't recommend me for advancement, and they will never have to politely decline allowing a non-Fae native further into their territory."
"They are fools, unwilling to see the benefit of your abilities. You may be of Sah'Korhune but I've raised you as my son. Even to them, that should count for something."
"It counts to me."
"Yes, but if you complete this task, they will have no choice but to recognize you as a proper Evaluator and promote you to Off World Research."
"As you say," Venificus remarked as he carefully moved the crystal from the box to its place on the mechanical device next to him. Leaning down, he looked through the scope next to the crystal where he spied the blue glow of Nubarra moving into position. "It's coming into view. It truly is as blue as the book said it was."
Stepping aside, Venificus allowed Karanosi to glance through the scope.
"Spectacular. The window is about to open. Please, begin the procedure," Karanosi directed as he traded places once again with Venificus.
"You could have at least admired its beauty," he said while winding a gear, and then pressing in a knob, the device beginning to hum.
"I do admire it, but I am more concerned for you. I hope you are as prepared as you say."
"I'm as prepared as I possibly can be. My bag is packed, the paperwork is in the front pocket, the calculations were triple checked and each time they were flawless," he replied as he stepped back from the machine.
"Just remember to stay on task. Nubarra is just as unique of a planet as any you have visited, and with the time differential, you will have three of their days before the window closes for your return. Miss it, and you will have to survive for 10 years without any possibility of rescue. Given the Fae's history with the 'intelligent' natives, that could prove to be very difficult, even if you are capable of blending in with them. In this case, looking more like an Ech'latean over an Evleshian truly is of a benefit."
"The one and only time," Venificus huffed as the humming sharpened and then faded.
"Three days, Venificus. Do not forget!"
"I know. We've gone over this a dozen times. The planet rotates faster and the gravity is slightly stronger. They have one sun and one moon and the combined cycle is a full day, but it also means that the temperature and the weather systems vary wildly. I have to listen to the native speakers to allow the translator spell to acclimate and attune properly, and if I don't understand a word, it's probably a noun. And most importantly, do not interfere with the native inhabitants."
"Your mission statement," Karanosi remarked as he crossed his arms.
"To assess the potential health of the plant and determine the affect reconnection to the Dailen Shaad could have on both it and its inhabitants. Did I miss anything?"
"Yes! As always, DO NOT reveal your true self to anyone capable of understanding what it means. Given what we know of Nubarra, they have yet to come in contact with any off planetary lifeforms since the exodus of the Fae. And do not use your magic around them. You have a limited amount of energy and once you exhaust your reserves, there may not be a way for you to replenish. You could start to age, and it would put you in dire jeopardy of never being able to return. Just please, do not miss the window!"
Karanosi sighed as the crystal began to sing and illuminate, casting a beam of bright purple light upon the face of a large, white rock, several feet away.
"It's time Venificus. May Boem'thol be with you."
"And you, Father. See you in a few minutes," Venificus replied with a smirk as he picked up his bag and walked up to the stone as a large portal opened up before him.
*************
~Chapter 1~
"Jack! I'm leaving now!" the pleasant voice of a woman rang out across a house as she finished tying her boots.
"Okay honey. Oh, could you pick up a case of beer on your way home?" Jack replied as she watched his large form rummage through the fridge across the room from where she stood.
"Sure honey-bear," she said as she slipped on her jacket and grabbed her large black purse, lifting it onto her shoulder. "I'll be back in a couple of hours. I need to go to the fabric store to pick up the materials for the costume order, before I head for groceries."
"Just don't forget the beer. Can't make beer batter without it."
"I won't," she replied as she dug through her purse in search of her keys.
"Here," Jack said as he approached, holding a set of keys out towards her. "You left these on the counter."
"Thank you." She smiled as she took the keys and leaned against him.
She had always enjoyed how large and solid he was. Despite being on the smaller side herself, she adored the way being next to him always made her feel even smaller, especially when he encircled her in his arms, letting his warmth radiate into her.
"What would I do without you?" she asked as he released her from his hold.
"Panic."
"Fair enough," she said with a nod and a shrug, acknowledging the potential accuracy of his statement.
While she had gotten better at controlling her nerves in uncomfortable situations, she had yet to completely conquer them.
"You'll be fine," he stated as he leaned forward and gave her a quick kiss. "I'll get dinner started once you get back."
"Sounds good," she replied before turning around and checking her hair in the reflection of the window.
"You look terrific, Mae."
"Easy for you to say with your shaved head," she rolled her eyes as she tightened her ponytail, "I wouldn't have to fuss as much if I had my head the same way."
"But I like your hair long and cherry red."
"It's navy blue," she remarked, turning to face him with a less than enthused expression.
He smirked and snickered as she playfully smacked at his arm.
"I love you."
"Yeah, I love you too," she replied with a smile.
Despite the way he was capable of annoying her, she always knew he meant it all in fun, never intentionally trying to hurt her.
"I'll be back as soon as I can. And don't forget to let Koobs in. He's probably done chasing shadows by now and I don't want him sleeping under the pine tree again," she said as she opened the door and headed outside, skipping her way down the front steps and over to her truck.
She may have been in her mid-twenties now, but that was no reason to avoid acting a little childish on a gorgeous, hot, sunny day, despite being the beginning of October. Opening the door, she promptly removed her purse and jacket, tossing them into the passenger's seat before climbing into the driver's, and closing the door.
Slipping the key into the ignition, she turned it over, the engine firing up with the ease of a new truck, despite being an older model Expedition, with a growing rust problem on the driver's side rocker panel, and puncture in the back bumper where a negligent monster had backed into it and taken off, putting a noticeable blemish on an otherwise meticulously maintained vehicle.
"Elahemé!" Jack shouted as he came out of the front door, waving his hands to get her attention.
Looking up, she rolled down the window as he came jogging around the front of the truck, paper in hand.
"You forgot your list," he said as he leaned against the door, holding it out to her.
"Really, what would I do without you?" she asked as she took the list from him.
"You'd have to make a second trip or call and have me text you a picture."
"Dammit," she groaned as she grabbed her purse, and hastily opened the front pocket. "Never mind, it's here."
"What about your wallet?"
"Inside. I checked before I even put my shoes on," she replied as she put her purse back into the passenger seat.
"And your purse?"
She huffed and quirked her brow at him. "I may be a bit scatter-brained today, but I've not yet lost my mind."
"You sure? I could look in the house for it if you want? Koobs might have stolen it in the night and hidden it away under one of his blankets."
"Uh huh, just keep it up, and I may forget to buy those steaks you wanted for the barbeque tomorrow night."
"Woah, woah, woah! No need for threats now. What did those steaks ever do to you? Don't they deserve to be treated with the respect, being in my hands would give them?"
"Un huh, you done?"
"I'm done. I'm going to take Koobs for a walk while you're out. I think both of us could use the exercise."
"Or I could wait for you to let him back in and then you could come with me," she remarked as she ran her hand up his arm while leaning towards him.
"To the fabric store? Not a chance. I'd much rather pick up after Koobs," he replied as he stepped back from the door. "Drive safe, and don't forget the beer."
"Don't push it!" she shouted as she put the truck in reverse and backed out into the street.
They lived at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, in a well-established, quiet neighborhood, where the streets were kept clean, the lawns were well groomed, and the neighbors were friendly enough, given that they were the youngest couple on the block. But to enjoy the benefits of living in this beautiful, older, middleclass neighborhood, meant having to drive to the nearest city to have access to the big box stores, and more reasonable prices. Luckily, Elahemé didn't mind the quick 15-minute drive, if she chose to jump on the highway, and with the windows down and the radio blaring, she truly enjoyed it.
The traffic had been moderate for that time of the day, and when she arrived at the fabric store, she parked near the back of the lot. It was as packed as she had expected it to be and maneuvering into tight spaces with a large truck required both finesse and patience, both of which she had, but neither she felt worth the effort to waste, opting to pass up a close spot in favor of the wide-open spaces further out from the buildings entrance.
Elahemé had been relatively quick in the fabric store, finding the materials and notions she needed without dilly-dallying as she often tended to do given that she wanted to get to the grocery store before soccer-moms fresh from picking up their kids at school, began to fill the aisles.
Having paid, she left the store, with three bags in one hand, and cellphone in the other. Having made her way, safely across the drive in front of the store, she turned her attention to her cellphone as she briskly walked towards her truck.
"Too freaking cute," she muttered while looking over the silly pictures Jack had sent of their dog while out on their walk, the text beneath reading, 'Mom, don't forget the beer.'
Glancing up, to verify the location of the truck, she pulled her purse forward and opened it up. Putting her phone back into its pocket, she then began the arduous task of digging through it for her keys, when something caught her at the ankle. Stumbling forward, she harshly collided with someone, and down they went together.
"Crap! I am so sorry!" she apologized as she lifted herself up onto her hands, only to be struck by the strange, unexpected feeling in, under, and around her fingers.
Glancing at her hand, the world, time, even her heart, ceased their motion as the confusion of what she was seeing began take hold. There was dirt where pavement should have been. Trembling, she shifted back onto her feet and stood. Her mind was playing catch up, unable to comprehend, desperately trying to make sense of what her eyes were seeing. White rocks, and burgundy grass swaying over the narrow strip of land before her. Trees that weren't like trees she knew, dotted the horizon, the sky, painted with a galaxy that hung over head, as a silent, mirror like river, reflected its majesty with perfection, as a blinding light began to absorb her vision.
"Kas tona!" Noises, like words, carried on a gust of wind, as it struck her with a resounding bang, thrusting her back off her feet, stinging her skin like a harsh slap.
A sharp shooting pain raced across the back of her head as it came in contact with something solid and unmoving, her body jolting as the strength of the collision forced the air from her lungs. Her ears rang, and her eyes couldn't focus. Her lungs burned as she gasped for air. Everything hurt; her head, her back, chest, face, arms and legs. Collapsing under her own weight, she twisted and fell to the ground, the soft, sandy dirt, easily giving way, as she rolled down the embankment and into what she had thought was water.
'Is this it? Is this how I'm going to die?' she thought as her lungs convulsed, forcing her to breath in the liquid that surrounded her. It felt like nothing. It wasn't wet nor dry. It has no taste, but still a texture; substance without mass. She felt numb and paralyzed, as the world grew dark around her. Her eyes drifting shut, as her consciousness slipped away.