Page 6 of Charmed

“We all do,” Zann told her. “Valindra is our daughter, and Lucio is our son.” He nodded to the little boy who Lira picked up.

“And Talia and I have twins.” Darium picked up one child in each arm. “Meet our son, Thistle, and our daughter, Cricket.” The boy had dark hair and ebony eyes like his father, but the girl had light hair and green eyes, like most of the fae did.

“Such unusual names.” Persimmon had thought her name was unique until she heard these.

“They’re fae names,” explained Talia.

“I see.” That made Persimmon smile. She liked meeting her newfound family and finding out how unique each of them was. Persimmon’s mother had been born with the power to move objects at will. Sometimes she could even conjure things from the ethers. Persimmon hadn’t been born with these abilities. However, she developed the power to move things with her mind while she was growing up. “I’m happy to meet everyone. My new family, that is.”

“Well, sorry you can’t stay, Persimmon, but I’m sure you’ll want to get back to Lornoon for the funeral.” The elf left in a blur, moving so fast that no one saw where he went.

“Where did he go?” asked Persimmon, looking around.

Darium cleared his throat. “If you can’t find the irritating little man, just look for the nearest pazzleberry pie and it’s a good bet you’ll find him there.” Darium nodded to the food table. Sure enough, there was Elric standing on his tiptoes, holding up an entire pie to his mouth.

“Father, nay!” cried out Lira, to stop him. “That is for later. After the meal. And it is for everyone, not just you.”

There came a giggle from the small girl in Rhys’ arms. Suddenly the pazzleberry pie disappeared from Elric and reappeared in her hands.

“Where did my pie go?” yelled the elf, looking around, spinning in a full circle. “This isn’t funny. I want pie!”

Everyone laughed.

“Give me that, Lily.” Medea took the pie from her daughter, causing the little girl to cry.

“I think she’s hungry,” stated Rhys.

“Yes, we should all eat.” Alaina motioned to Persimmon. “Won’t you stay and join us for the meal?”

“I’d like that.” Persimmon appreciated the kind invitation.

“I want you to show me that crystal orb later, if you don’t mind.” The witch, Medea, motioned with her eyes to Persimmon’s pouch. “I’ve never seen one before and would love to know exactly how it works. You’re a witch, right?”

“Yes, I am,” Persimmon answered, feeling nervous admitting it since she’d had to keep it a secret for so many years now.

“We have to talk. I have so much to tell you,” said Medea excitedly.

“Yes. Good. I’d like that.” Persimmon cleared her throat. “Perhaps I can ask you a few questions later as well.” She hoped that Medea could help her understand why her power of moving objects with her mind only appeared after she had matured. Persimmon didn’t know much about being a witch since growing up she never had any real powers. Well, just one. But it was something she wasn’t willing to talk about with anyone because it rather frightened her.

“Persimmon, do you have somewhere to stay now that your mother is gone?” asked Alaina.

“No, I don’t,” she admitted. “I am alone. I lost the house when Mother died nearly a month ago,” explained Persimmon. “I couldn’t pay the rent. That’s why I decided to look for my father. You see, I didn’t know where else to go.”

“Oh, you’re going to live with Elric now?” asked Alaina.

“I’m not sure.” Persimmon felt a heaviness in her heart. “I’m afraid my father never wanted anything to do with me. I highly doubt that he’ll allow me to stay here with him now. You see, I barely know him. I’m not even sure I really should have come to Mura at all.”

“Nonsense,” said Lira, overhearing her and breaking into the conversation. “You are of my blood and you will live with me from now on.”

“In the Elven Queendom?” she asked, feeling intrigued and almost liking the idea for a moment. She didn’t know much at all about elves but would love to learn all about them since she was part elf, too.

“Nay, not in Glint. I’m talking about right here on this side of the mountain. At Evandorm Castle.” Lira motioned with her arm to the grand castle before them.

The kingdom was on the southeast end of Mura, and butted up to the Masked Sea. Persimmon had caught a ride on a boat with a tradesman from Lornoon. That is why she ended up here instead of on the other side of Mura. Evandorm had a cropping of small buildings and homes inside the protection of the castle walls. The villagers set up stalls in front of their homes which she imagined was for selling and trading their wares to others in Mura or tradesmen from different lands that came to visit. It seemed to be such a happy place to live. So colorful and lively. A cobblestone courtyard led from the large keep, and in the center of the courtyard was a tall, bubbling fountain filled with wild birds that came to drink. It felt safe and comfortable here. It was a true honor to be asked to stay, and she wasn’t about to refuse the offer. However, she still had so many questions about Mura and things she did not understand.

“I’m confused,” said Persimmon. “So, Lira, you are queen of two castles then? Evandorm and the Elven Queendom of Glint?”

“Nay, just one. I gave up my throne at Glint to my Aunt Sasha when I married Zann,” explained Lira. “I am Zann’s wife now, and he is King of Evandorm. So this is my new home.”

“How interesting,” said Persimmon, not understanding how any woman could give up her throne and her entire queendom for a mere man.

“Will you please stay?” asked Lira, excitement growing in her eyes. “I’d love for us to get to know each other better. After all, we are sisters. I’ve never had a sister before, and we have so much to catch up on.”

“Yes. Yes, we do.” Persimmon felt a restlessness deep inside her. This wasn’t her home. Not really. Then again, she had no home anymore, so what would it matter where she laid her head? Even back in Lornoon, she hadn’t lived with her mother. If she would have had her way, she would have stayed close to her mother and never left her side. But, unfortunately, that is not what happened. “Yes, sister. I’d be happy to stay with you at Evandorm Castle. It would be an honor,” she told Lira, getting a feeling without even attempting to use her gazing crystal that something dangerous was about to happen in her life.