"It can't be!" A blind priest cried out, shaking to get on his knees to clasp his hands in prayer.
I turn back to the table, my lips pursed. It made me uncomfortable that they were doing this, even if it was to thank the Elements and not to me personally. The other blind priests had kneeled as well, and now they were being pulled up by their helper as the old men wiped tears from their eyes. The others who had sight analyzed me with a hard eye.
Amara called everyone's attention though as soon as those left found their seats.
"Thank you, everyone for coming. I've called you here to introduce, Mr. Bavarthos Fairchild, and his wife, Mrs. Rakara Langridge. Some of us know the truth about her while others are still left in the dark. Rakara, will you place your hands on the orb again?"
I give Amara a puzzled look, "The one downstairs?"
Amara smiles, "No, the one in front of you now."
My brow furrows in skepticism until I glance in front of me and jump slightly. The orb is right in front of me!
"What?" I shake my head, making sure I'm not hallucinating. I'm not.
Glancing up at everyone, still shocked at the orb's appearance, I take notice how everyone is waiting on me to touch it. I take a deep breath and lay my hands on the orb and feel that same warmth from prior.
"Oh sweet Elements!"
"We have been blessed!"
"Beautiful!"
The exclamations all come out at once, so I drop my hands from the orb, still not knowing what they are witnessing. I chew the inside of my left bottom lip, taking a minute to breathe and collect myself.
"Could someone please tell me, what are you witnessing? I am unable to visualize what phenomenon everyone here is seeing." I ask, giving a sweeping gaze to the priest and priestesses that are around me.
A different female priestess speaks up, "We are witnessing the rainbow colored flames of the your aura. You my dear are a catalyst. A blessing from the Elements."
"I read a book that did not refer to being a catalyst as a blessing, more so like a curse. According to a Mr. Ignis, there once were hundreds, thousands of us, each belonging to a family with specific gifts. Now, who knows how many are left? Since it's safer to hide than be completely eradicated by the government." I say sharply, knowing if I trust the information in the book, then it means that even the Free Islands are guilty of letting Catalysts be killed. They should have offered sanctuary.
Everyone at the table exchange a look as one of the blind priests stands up, "Are you referring to a Spark Ignis?"
"I am, sir."
He smiles and walks around the table to take the empty seat on the other side of me. He reaches out his hands, leaving them open, "May I take your hands, Mrs. Langridge?"
"Of course." I place my hands in his and I feel the spark and warmth that flood through me.
"Spark Ignis was my father, Rakara. I am gifted as well, but my gift is minor. You my dear are more than just gifted, you are a True Elemental Catalyst. You are also a relation to me, as we're both Fire Elemental Catalyst. I thought I was the last of the Ignis bloodline." The priest grips my hands tighter, his voice breaking.
He takes a breath, steadying himself before continuing, "My dear, I am Flair Ignis. I guess you could say we're distant relatives, family."
The thought washes over me. I have family again. My eyes trail over to Bav, my guilt beginning to bother me, because I did have family....
"Well, may I call you uncle?" I laugh nervously.
"Of course." He laughs too.
"Well, meet my husband." I reach for Bav who joins me and they exchange their hellos before Amara gets us back on track.
"So we are all in agreement she is a Catalyst?" She's answered by yea's and nods. "Then can we all also agree she needs to be trained to protect herself and use her gift to it's fullest potential, should the need arise?"
Everyone agrees with unison, "YES!"
Amara smiles, "Great, then show of hands, who will be joining us in the Nether Space?"
'Nether space?!' I tighten my grip on Bav's hand, not wanting to part from him already. I have no knowledge of what space they are referring to.
I watch as a few priests and two priestess's raise their hands, including Flair next to me. Amara included, I counted six of them at the table that would be joining me in this 'Nether Space'.
Amara, pleased with the volunteers claps her hands together, "Great! We should hurry and get started, unless anyone has any questions?"
"I do." I raise my free hand, hesitating on out right making my inquiry.
"Ask away." One of the female Priestess's instructed.
"Thank you," I take a deep breath and ask, "What and where is this Nether space? How long will I be there? My husband must leave back to his world in a few days time, and I wished to spend what little time we have, together."
Flair chuckles, "The Nether space is a space where n'ether time nor place is of consequence. Time does not go by like it does here, in our life. We could be there for days, weeks, months, even years and never miss a heartbeat of life here. I imagine that Mr. Fairchild could join us there."
"Really?!" My eyes go wide and I can't help the smile that catches my lips up and holds them up widely. I turn my attention to Bav, tears trying to form in my eyes as my heart swells.
"We get more time together." My thick, brittle whisper barely audible.
Bav's eyes droop down, realization dawns on his face as his brows go up and he grips my hand more firmly, lending me strength.
"Any other questions?" Amara asks me.
I give her a shake of my head no, not able to trust my voice at the moment.
"Well, let's take an hour to prepare our things and meet back at the Nether Space entrance." Amara dismisses everyone and the ones coming with us are quick to leave and get ready.
There are three that have remained behind and all have the same expression. Pinched brows, thin lips, and their eyes are trying to read me as if they looked long enough, I would open up.
I clear my throat, ready to ask them what was on their minds, when Bav speaks up instead.
"Is there a problem? Your skepticism and doubtful gazes are making my wife uncomfortable."
The Priestess is the one to speak up, "Neutralize your emotions, Mr. Fairchild. We are permitted to have concerns regarding your wife. She is a Catalyst. They help speed up changes in our world for the improvement of our lives, for the good of all.... "
"I predict there is about to be a contrasting statement..." The words leave my mouth instinctively, making me cover my mouth. Horrified that I was rude, I go to apologize but am silenced by the Priestess.
"You are correct in your prediction, no need to feel alarmed. You actions will take our civilization and set it into motion for the next phase of our societies journey. Catalysts can be extremely useful and are often required to achieve preferred results. Just like in experiments, however, too much, too quick, will cause an unexpected reaction. We want what is best for all Jakesha, we are merely analyzing if you are indeed what it's been waiting for."
"I am aware of the fact that anyone that is labeled a Catalyst is expected to do great things for Jakesha. I do not know if I will meet your expectations, nor do I particularly concern myself with attempting to meet them. I have no idea how the Elements could ever fathom that I am able to create the change that sets off and spreads over our entire world. Honestly, I have no desire to put my life in such a predicament as being a Catalyst." I huff out annoyed by their condescending glances and narrowing of the eyes as I speak my mind.
"Then why are you here, Mrs. Langridge?" The irritated priest who was woken from a nap asks.
I turn to Bav and he purses his lips before sighing.
"She is here only because I wanted her to learn about her gift and learn how to use it to protect herself while I am gone. I will be able to focus on the ordeal I will be in that way. Hopefully, it will help me come back to her sooner."
The priest does a harumph, clearing his throat before inquiring, "What ordeal are you going to be dealing with that your wife is unable to join you?"
I interject, " If you must know, he's going back to his world to lead his men in battle. A revolution is happening and war is breaking out."
The priest gives me a hard, glare before turning to the others left there. "Shall we call the orb? I am curious as to his Aura."
"Yes, that is...if you don't mind, Mr. Fairchild?" The priestess turns to Bav, remembering her manners.
"Not at all." Bav gives her a tight smile before the orb reappears suddenly on the table in front of Bav.
"How in the world..??!" Exclaiming, not believing my eyes that it just appeared out of thin air.
Bav placed his hands on the orb immediately and I was unaware of the fact, that my eyes could literally grow to the size of dinner plates. My jaw dropped as I saw the most beautiful colors of green, blue, gray and a pale peach moves over and highlight his body. Now, I understand why everyone reacted the way they did seeing my Aura. If it was close to half as beautiful as Bav's looked, I'd be impressed. In fact, looking at the others present they were impressed as well.
"Satisfied?" Bav remarks with a bit of arrogance as he removes his hands from the orb.
The remaining priests and priestess stand and nod, each taking their leave for now.
"What do you think that was all about?" I tug on his jacket lapels, straightening them out, even though they were fine to begin with.
"Not a clue. Would have been nice if they had told us where to go to reach this Nether space area. Should I check us out of the hotel and bring our stuff back here then?" He asks, a hand slipping around my waist, keeping me near him.
"I think that would work out in our favor. Hurry up, though. I already miss you." I lean my head on his shoulder as he pulls me against him tighter.
"I will." He places a gentle kiss on my forehead before he disappears and I left to my own devices, decide to look around at the book shelves.