Free Wings of Arian by Devri Walls

silver hinges on the back side. “What is it?” she asked.
    “Open it,” Malena urged.
    Kiora looked over to Aleric who smiled and motioned to the box. She nervously lifted the lid. With a slight gasp she covered her mouth with her hand. “Malena, its beautiful!” Inside lay a rather large round sapphire on a bed of green velvet. Reaching in, she ran her finger over the delicate silver vines and leaves that ran around the brilliant blue pendant, a sigh escaping from her lips. A chain slipped through the vines near the top and lay coiled beneath it. Malena flew over and pulled it out of the box. “This pendant is endowed with a special kind of magic,” she said, placing the chain over Kiora’s head. “This will always connect you with us, no matter how far apart we are. If you are in need of our help, for any reason, all you need to do is call.”
    Kiora was speechless. It was spectacular. Looking down, she fingered it, watching the blue dance around the facets of the stone. “Thank you” she whispered.
    Malena flew in and kissed her on the forehead. “Thank you. We had intended to present this to you at a celebration, but things are progressing quicker than we anticipated. And in light of yesterday’s situation, Eleana felt it was important that we be prepared. Now, you all should eat before your breakfast gets cold.”
    Kiora slid the pendant under her shirt and tried to blink back a threatening tear.
    Aleric smiled broadly, “That is quite a gift, Kiora. Now let’s eat.”
    Looking around at the dishes before her she picked out some berries that looked vaguely familiar, they were wrapped in a crust, sugar crystals sprinkled across the top. She spooned something thick and creamy that smelled different, but delicious. And something she had started calling bread, it was as close to bread as she could expect here and infinitely better than the stuff she was used too. Picking up her cup, she took a drink, smiling as the bubbles tickled her tongue. Looking over the rim of her cup she watched as Emane pulled his cup to his lips. He took a drink, nearly choking before looking at his cup in confusion and then cautiously taking another sip. It had scared her half to death the first time she had tried it. The food here was rarely recognizable but considerably better than anything she had eaten at home. She ate until she thought her sides would burst. As she sat back in her chair trying to decide if she could fit just one more bite in, Aleric cleared his throat placing his napkin on the table.
    “Kiora, you already know what it is you must be working on. Emane, I will be working with you today.” He stood and waited for the others to do the same, Kiora knew Aleric meant to get down to business.
    “Kiora,” Aleric said as she followed him outside, “make sure you read everything carefully. The key to learning this as fast as possible will be concentration. Do not let your mind wander.”
    Kiora nodded and headed toward her tent.
    “Where would my mind be wandering to?” she wondered aloud.
    ***
    As they left Kiora to work, Aleric lead Emane off in a new direction.
    Emane kept glancing back over his shoulder. “Are you sure it’s safe to leave her alone?”
    “Quite safe. The Guardians are keeping watch for the Fallen Ones. As long as Kiora stays within the Hollow, she is perfectly protected.”
    “Hmmm,” Emane grunted, throwing another glance backwards and tripping on a tree root. Stumbling forward he righted himself, glaring at the offending root before finishing. “She seems to attract trouble doesn’t she?”
    Aleric chuckled, “She is bound to, I’m afraid. I am surprised you care so much, considering your first meeting.”
    Emane’s ears turned red again. “Well, I said I would protect her, didn’t I?”
    “That you did,” he said, turning his head to the side to hide his grin.
    Emane rolled his eyes. “What are we working on today?”
    “Two things. First we need to help you understand what