Blended Magic: Iara & Abner

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1839 Just outside of Savannah Georgia

Iara

Iara maneuvered through the market with ease. She was used to the busy streets, even on landing days when the white men arrived from their motherlands. Today was like any other for her, picking up the food and doing chores for her mother. In the past month her mother's focus had shifted to her eldest sister, finding her a suitable match was all she could concern herself with. Iara enjoyed the freedom she was granted while her sister was pawed and preened daily. Nadua enjoyed the attention that Iara bristled at.

The town was bursting with energy, and Iara was happy to be in the throng of the town folk. She was unbothered by the crowds and the people bumping against each other to get by. She thrived in the midst of the mortals. That is how she saw them.

The towns people were blind to the world around them, busying themselves with petty squables and tiresome quarrels. Iara smiled at the foolishness of each and every one of them. It was early yet, but she needed to make it to the docks before the sizeable fish were taken, and she had spent her morning enjoying the sunrise from the hilltop outside of town.

Usually, the fishing boats didn’t dock until well after sunrise, but from her hill she could see they were early. The fishing boats weren’t the only ones to dock early. The expected ships carrying many new immigrants was a week ahead of schedule. She only knew this for her youngest brother, Bastian, worked alongside the Dockmaster and would not cease with regaling her of the ins and outs of the docks business. She must admit, it did benefit her. When she had seen the ships in the distance she placed her thumb in her vision and measured the lengths of the ships to the docks. By her measurements, they would be unloading by the time she reached the port.

Of course, Iara's predictions were perfect and she stood at the front of the crowd as Edward, the fisherman's son, was unloading the mornings haul. The other ship carrying the new men to their settlement was landing as she approached. Iara felt a hum in the earth as the boat docked. Her feet tingled with the song of her people, the land was happy for the new souls on her shore. Iara knew she must get the largest fish for her family, and so she handed Edward the pouch of coin her father had given her before the sun crested the morning. Edward nodded and slipped the coin in his pocket. He would set aside the largest two for her family.

With her business settled for now, she followed the feeling pulling her to the English ship. The flags atop the sail were not English, but Scottish. Though the English considered them the same, she knew a Scottsman saw it differently. They were a tougher bunch, more suited for work and less likely to spend their time preening. The Scottsman spent less time pawing at the women of her tribe and more time settling and working the land. The earth was happy for it, and she could feel the song growing in her belly.

As the men stepped from the great ship, she saw the impact of the earth on their bones that had grown used to the fluid motion of the ship on water. Some breathed with relief, others looked concerned and out of sorts. The town would throw a party in their honor, and the now busy streets would be full of drunken fools by sundown.

"Iara," a soft male voice called from the fisherman boats. Tearing herself away from the ship of newcomers, Iara turned to look in the direction of the voice and saw Edward holding a pair of great big Amberjacks wrapped and loaded into a wagon along with the rest of her shopping for the week.

"Thank you," She said, dropping an extra coin into his pocket. "My father will be pleased." Iara noted Edward's blush and her smiled grew. She knew he favored her, but her father would never approve the match, so she gave him no more than enough smiles to keep him happy enough to save the biggest fish for her.

With great effort, Iara pulled the wagon with her haul back through town, straining to leave behind the ship that called to her. She began to hum, a sound that resonated in her throat and chest, and the crowd parted for her as she made her way with her wagon, lightly bumping into one of the men from the ship.

"Many pardons," She whispered, as the handsome stranger stepped aside. With her focus on her song she ignored the whisper of a chill sent down her spine. The earth was always speaking to her, and she carried too much at the moment to pay it any mind.

Abner

It had been a long and trying journey. When Abner's father suggested he might find a bride across the water, Abner had leapt at the opportunity to flee the foggy shores of Ayr. He would miss his mother dearly, but his father's heavy hand would be a distant memory, a nightmare that would hopefully fade over time.

Abner had no intention of seeking out a wife, but he did want to make a life for himself in this strange new world. The Colonies, or the United States, as they liked to call themselves, had grown significantly and he knew he would find many wonders here on his own.

The men aboard his ship had been from all over the region, but a small handful had been from his father's household, and they had agreed to settle with him in the new world.

As the boat docked, Abner felt the energy of his unnatural magics, a gift and teaching from his grandmother, hum at the adventure before them. He had not intended to continue his grandmother's practice in these new lands, but it seemed they had their own intentions, urging him along the way.

During the journey, one of his men had died aboard the ship, a sickness that did not spread due to Abner's practices. He had sealed the man, his friend Joseph, in a binding spell. The men put him overboard in a ceremony befitting life on the sea, none knowing Abner was responsible for their lives at that point. His magic did not quiet as he left his lands, it came with him, loud and energetic in his ear.

Two long months at sea, and the whispering had begun. Abner struggled with interactions among the men, and so he confined himself to his quarters for the remainder of the trip. Staring out of his window, he propelled the ship ever so slightly forward, hastening the journey and landing at the docks nearly a fortnight ahead of schedule.

Stepping off the ship onto the dock set his magic ablaze in anticipation of setting foot on solid ground. Though the dock was more stable than the ship, it was still fluid and not as solid as the earth.

Abner gently pushed through the men organizing their belongings and discussing the celebration ahead. The humming sensation grew as his feet touched down on the dirt. Suddenly, he was vibrating with urgency and looked around him at the people going about their daily lives.

Along the docks were many men and women hollering about their shopping and daily business. He moved forward to see the town, peering around people. A tickling chill ran down his spine when he bumped into a young woman pulling an overflowing wagon. She whispered apologies and continued on her way.

He smiled at her effort to pull the wagon through the crowd, to his astonishment, the people parted absently to make way for her, most not even realizing they were moving out of her way. His focus lingered on her glimmering hair and longed to know the tune she sang as he noticed the wagon pulled itself with no further effort from the girl. Abner made motions to follow her when a familiar hand landed heavy on his shoulder.

"Sir, the men have taken your luggage to the Inn." Sevigney, his barrelish right hand man, and childhood friend said in a rumbling voice full of humor and excitement. "Where shall we celebrate?" Sevigney was a large man a full head above Abner, who was also rather tall. His red mane was free and loose full of salt and sweat.

"I believe a bath might be in order, my friend." Abner said with a rye smile.

"You do not think I can find a willing woman in this state? I see a challenge in our future." Sevigney said, his own smile radiating.

"I would not dare make such a bet." Abner laughed. "I speak of my own desire not to smell your musk after such a long journey. Consider it a telling of my noble upbringing, but you stink my friend." Abner said, pausing to take in his own scent. "I am not much better." The two men laughed and followed the carts carrying the crates of Abner's worldly possessions.

Iara

Father had in fact been pleased with Iara's haul, and had granted her a night of freedom. With her brother, William, as her escort, Iara head back into town mere hours before the sun set on the horizon. William, unlike Bastian, was an ameable partner.

William was only a year younger, and he was already courting several women in town. Though father preferred to make a match himself, William was a young man and allowed many frivolities.

"Iara! Wait for me!" William called after his sister.

"Catch up, little brother." Iara called over her shoulder. Iara caught the wind and moved through the wooded tree line along the town. The magics in her family line passed down among the women, so her brother was limited to his natural strengths to carry him. For Iara, running through the trees and the earth was the same as walking on the land, but much quicker and took less physical energy. The trees spoke to her, screaming and singing as she flowed through them and landed on the edge of town. Her brother came running down the hill, his strong legs working as hard as they could to catch up with her. When he stopped before her, he bent to catch his breath, bracing himself on his knees.

"I hate it when you do that." He complained. Iara grinned at her panting little brother.

"You have many other gifts that come with your sex, I do not lament you for those." She said, smiling at the energy now humming through her bones. The trees had gifted her with their laughter for the visit. "

Yes you do!" He groaned.

"Ok, so I do, but it doesn’t change anything! Come on, William. There is much to drink and many women for you to fawn over." A sly smile crossed Williams lips as he stood to follow his older sister.

"You plan on drowning yourself in ale tonight, sister?" William asked.

"I'll burn it all off before we make it home." She smiled at him. Williams eyes rolled back in mock exasperation at his sister and her immense power. He had spent many years watching her practice her gifts with the earth, knowing their father could never know the extent of power passed from his mother’s people. Their father was a good man, but he was also a greedy man, and he would exploit his dear sister if he knew exactly what she could do. Nadua, their eldest sister, was minorly gifted, and so their father assumed the same of his precious Iara. William was fiercely protective of his sister, and so he often volunteered to accompany her, knowing she would do as she pleased regardless of their father’s rules. This way, their father was happy, and he could watch out for her as well.

Iara linked her arm to Williams, striding into town with her naturally radiant smile. Iara's long black hair fell down her back in velvet waves. She was beautiful in the most obvious of ways, but her coloring took on much more of her mother’s people than her father’s white heritage. To his father’s delight, Nadua was paler with lighter brown hair, and more likely to marry a wealthy white man. He feared his sister Iara would not marry, and would inevitably care for their sister’s children. William admired Iara's positive outlook, knowing how the world worked and choosing to see the light always.

"Dear brother, what is on your mind?" Iara asked as they stepped into the main square.

"Just considering your future." He said, not hiding the sadness in his voice as he had hoped.

"foresight is not among your gifts, William. Try not to worry yourself of things outside your control. Come, let's have fun on this night. Save your worrying for the morrow." She said, pulling him into the first pub.

Abner

Bathed and dressed, Abner stepped out of the Inn on the edge of the town square. Sevigney stepped into the lantern light beside him, casting a great shadow onto the street. The big man puffed out his chest and took in a great deep breath.

"I smell many ripe women waiting for a proper tussle." Sevigney boomed. "My friend, be sure they do not have husbands. We just arrived. We need not infuriate the town on our first night." Abner said, clapping his friend on the back.

"I will do my best, Abe, but I cannot help when their wives throw themselves into my bed." A feral smile spread across his face. "They must learn to satisfy their women."

"Come, let’s find the rest of our men." Abner said, walking towards the neighboring pub. Abner and Sevigney stepped into the first pub, breathing in an overwhelming and pungent smell of ale and sweat. The many men from the ship were scattered, still unbathed and wearing the clothes from their journey.

"You see," Abner started, speaking into Sevigney's ear, "You will stand out amongst the rest of them as a sweet smelling flower in a pile of shit." Abner laughed.

"You are right my friend!" Sevigney shoved the drunken men aside, picking up an ale from the bar and handing a mug to Abner. The humming Abner had felt on the docks subsided at the inn, but returned as he scanned the bar. His eyes skittered and stopped on the woman with raven hair, light brown skin, and emerald green eyes. The same woman who pulled the wagon through the crowd earlier in the day. Abner’s magic sang in his blood, vibrating through his entire body. He watched her laugh, an arm around a young man's neck. His first thought was lover, but taking in the similar features, he decided they were kin.

Sevigney spotted his friend, and smiled, nudging him ungently. Abner nearly fell forward at the push from his large friend, only just catching himself on the edge of the bar. Abner righted himself and adjusted his lapel. As he took a step toward the group of seamen regaling the young woman and her brother with stories of their journey, her eyes landed on him, and his breath caught in his throat.

Iara

The men from the ships told tales of questionable truths, speaking of sea monsters and a great whale that followed them from their lands. She laughed, though she knew not to discount such stories, given the truths she knew of the earth.

Nearly an hour had passed, and many ales. Her head was watery and her brother was well on his way to being drunk. When the sailor brought her and her brother another round, she intentionally knocked over the tray, apologetically. The men went on with their stories, ignoring the spilt ale.

The humming began in her blood, quieted only by the ale in her belly. She continued to laugh at the stories as she noted the man who's attention had fallen on her. He fell forward, being clapped on the back by a large man with a booming laugh. Gathering himself, his eyes met hers, and she held them, a smile spreading across her face.

She felt the song rise in her blood with every step he took in her direction. The sailor before her noticed her attention had shifted and glanced to see the nobleman behind him. The men at her table did not rise, but they offered their respects and pulled a chair out for the man to sit. He was taller than average, but not as tall as the wild man with the orange hair at his back. His face was handsome and square, his hair dark, and his eyes a light brown. "Sir Blackburn," the sailor said, standing to signal the chair beside him.

"This is Iara,” his lyrical accent caressed her name despite his slurred storytelling, “and her brother William," He added, introducing them. "This handsome devil is Abner Blackburn, the firstborn spawn of our lord across the sea."

Abner bristled at the mention of his father. He nodded, sitting across from her. The earth's song settled its vibration as he sat. A firm link had been drawn between them, and she couldn’t help but wonder if he had felt it to. "Iara?" He asked, "that is a beautiful name, what does it mean?"

"Lady of the water." William chimed. "My sister is to be the next medicine woman of our tribe, if they can get past our father." Iara smashed her elbow into her brother’s ribs, resulting in a laughing groan.

"It's lovely." Abner said.

"It's also the name given to the Siren of the village." a male voice sounded over Abner's shoulder.

"Richard." Iara said with a sneer. "What brings you to this side of town? I thought your mother bid you stay put for fear of your temper loose in the public."

"Richard!" William crooned, rising from the table. "What's a bastard like you doing here with the good folk?" Richard's lip peeled back, releasing a growl as inhuman as his soul.

"Watch out for this one, men. She will tease you and ensnare you, then leave you with an aching cock." Richard stumbled forward, slamming into the outstretched arm of Abner's large friend.

"I believe you are done here." He said, picking him up with ease.

"Get your hands off of me," Richard slurred, "You, invader!" Richard swung a lazy fist out, but it was caught by a seated Abner. Without looking, he reached up and caught the man by the wrist. Standing to meet Richard's eyes, he held his arm at an awkward angle.

"It's best not to pick a fight with a man twice your size boyo." Abner said, his lilting accent thick. Richard jerked his arm from Abner's grasp and stumbled back. His eyes traveled across the group landing back on Iara. Her scowl was fierce.

"She's not worth your time boys." He stammered and stumbled.

"Then why are you so concerned?" Asked the big man. With a final scowl, Richard stumbled back through the crowd and out of view. The men at the table took a moment to absorb the event.

"Another round!" The big man hollered at the bar, squeezing himself into the seat next to William.

Abner

He could not help the admiration he felt at her reaction to the drunken fool. Iara had a spine of steel and a wit to match.

"This is Sevigney, my oldest and dearest friend." Abner said.

“Not the night for getting sentimental, Abe.” Sevigney laughed, leaning back in the too small chair.

"Thank you for your help," Iara said kindly, though he had a feeling she didn’t need the help at all. "He is a foolish man with unrecoited feelings. I made it clear to him that I was not interested, and he made a move to violate me." Before he could speak she added, "I made my point very clear with a well-placed knee.” He felt a smile spread at his lips at the image. "Thank you for the round, but it is getting late, and I fear my brother is quite drunk. I must get him home before my father decides we have had too much fun." Iara stood, smiling and pulling her brother to his feet.

"Yes, yes, my sister speaks the truth, I must escort her home before she makes a fool of herself." William said earning a laugh from his sister.

"Let me walk you home," Abner said, rising from his seat.

"There is no need, we live at the top of the hill, there is no path, but a field along the forest." Iara said.

"I'll walk you to the field then," He urged, "in case our drunken friend is lingering outside. I could not settle myself on letting a lady walk alone at night with such a foolish man in the shadows." Iara nodded, allowing him to assist her.

Together, Iara and Abner pulled William from his chair and placed an arm around each of their shoulders. They made their way through the bar, catching him as he stumbled over his own feet.

"Does he always get so drunk?" Abner asked after they set him down on a boulder at the edge of town. "No, usually he is much worse off." She said, laughing at her brother as he stared at his hands.

"The earth is spinning!" He cried.

"Are you sure you are ok on your way home. He is quite heavy and it is up hill." Abner asked.

"Yes, it is not the first time. Besides, if my father saw you, he won’t let me out for weeks," She said.

"We wouldn't want that." Abner said, his voice rich with humor. "I hope to see you again, Iara." Abner said, watching her pick up her brother in a practiced gesture. William rose to meet her, looping his arm over his sister shoulders.

"Good to meet ya, sir." William said with a lazy salute. Abner watched them climb the hill and disappear into the wood line. He felt the humming vibrations in his bones fade as she went out of sight.

Iara

William's heavy weight pulled Iara down until she reached the tree line, where she stepped deep enough to be out of view of her new friend, Abner. When she knew she was out of sight. Iara allowed the earth to give her supernatural strength and carry her brother with her through the trees as she had on her way into town. Her brother would be sad to miss the ride, having fallen unconscious just before they reached the forest. He was always complaining that he wanted to feel the rush of traveling within the trees, but his consciousness would never allow him to relax enough to follow her lead. They made it to the house in only a few minutes. Her head had completely cleared from the ale, burned off by the magic in the earth and her blood.

Abner

Abner watched the raven-haired beauty until she was out of sight and then he lingered, feeling the link that settled between them thrum in his chest. He would have never believed such a feeling existed before laying eyes on Iara.

Reluctantly, Abner turned from the woods at the edge of the town and head back to the pub where his friend's booming laughter could be heard from outside. His hand on the handle, he hesitated to return to the celebrations and instead went for a walk, passing the inn.

As Abner reached the end of the short main street, he heard a rustling in the shadows. A growl, deep and inhuman sounded from the darkness.

"Stay away from Iara." A voice said from the shadows. "She is mine." It rumbled.

"Who is there?" Abner asked the voice. "Your worst nightmare," The voice growled. Abner felt a small laugh bubble up, but quashed it, thinking better not to jest with a drunken fool. The figure in the darkness stepped forward. The man, if you could call it a man, before him was not Richard, at least not the same Richard from the bar.

"Iara will be my bride, and I will dine on your flesh." The figure stepped closer, stinking of wet dog and ale.

"I do not believe you would find me very appetizing, I’m all chewy muscle." Abner said, a sly smile on his face.

"Do not play games with me, human." The figure said stepping into the light of the lantern overhead. "You will not like the way it turns out." The man who Abner was now sure was Richard was taller and covered in hair. His face was mashed up with a dog like muzzle and rows of sharp, dripping, yellow teeth.

"I did not think you could get any uglier," Abner quipped.

"You make light of me?!" Richard growled.

"Of course not," Abner stifled a laugh, "I wouldn't dream of it."

"Do not mock me," Richard, the dog creature, said with anger. "I do not mean to mock, sir, but you have yet to prove I have need to fear you. I believe you might be barking up the wrong tree," Abner sequestered a laugh as he held up his hands in a sign of surrender.

Richard let loose a fierce growl and lunged for Abner, who easily side stepped the drunken dogs attack. Richard continued to growl and lunge until a single swiping blow made contact on Abner’s coat, ripping it ever so slightly. Abner was no longer holding back his laughter, enjoying the exercise he had been without for three long months on the sea.

Another blow landed, this time breaking the skin on Abner’s arm and leaving glaring claw marks across his left forearm. At the blow, Abner ceased toying with the creature and called upon his birthright magics. With a wave of his hand the earth beneath Richard trembled and the dog like man fell to his knees. With another wave, a gust of harsh wind knocked him backwards onto his back. Abner strode to the man and placed a well-polished boot on Richard's chest.

"Shall I give you the same advice twice? It’s best not to pick a fight with a bigger monster than yourself. But I understand the confusion, I do not appear as I am. I trust you will not make the same mistake again?" Abner said, putting supernatural weight into his foot and pressure on the man-creature's chest.

Richard thrashed and growled under Abner's foot, trying as hard as he could to remove it from his chest. When Richard showed no signs of stopping, Abner reached out for the heat deep within the earth and pulled. the ground beneath Richard grew warm, then hot, and soon the stench of burning hair reeked the air. Richard's growling turned to howling and then quiet yips as he stilled. When the creature stopped fighting, Abner released the heat and let the earth beneath him cool.

"I suggest you leave Iara alone," Abner said, squatting by the man’s ear. "I wouldn’t want to drown a puppy for bad behavior." He said with vicious humor.

Richard's face had faded back to his usual ugly human visage, and his whimpering replaced any growls in his throat. He simply nodded as Abner let him up. If he still had a tail it would have been tucked between his legs as he sulked off back into the darkness.

Behind Abner, he heard the door to the pub open, releasing the loud cacophony of boisterous merriment within.

"Abe!" Sevigney called to him from the doorway, "Come have a pint!" He yelled.

"Alright, one more," Abner replied. "What are you doing out here anyway?" Sevigney asked.

"Just putting a dog in it's place." Abner said, a wicked grin on his lips. Sevigney clapped a hand on Abner's back as he escorted his friend back inside.

Iara

The week went by without incident. Nadua prepared for her meetings with eligible men while Iara and her brothers went about their usual chores. Their mother was so focused on Nadua, that she hadn’t spent any time instructing Iara on her medicinal lessons.

William had not lied when he said she was to be the next medicine woman, but it was not talks for the town pubs. Those kind of conversations led to scrutiny, and their alliance with the colonizers was precarious at best. Her father was one of few white men who had taken a native bride, and he was not popular for it. He often lamented the love he felt for his wife, though he doted on her often. Her father wanted the best for his children, even if it meant shunning their mother’s people and her native roots.

Iara's mother had made a good argument for their daughter's training, explaining that they needed to understand their talents in order to keep them hidden. Their mother did not know the extent of Iara's talents, though she knew her daughter was gifted with a formidable talent for earth magic, and she begrudgingly helped her to conceal it from their father.

Nadua was proud of her latest suitor, hoping he would agree to her father’s terms and set a date for a wedding soon. Iara grew tired of helping her sister prepare for each meeting, and looked forward to the weekly trip into town.

She did not lie to herself when she thought of Abner. She hoped to see him again. When her father handed her the coin for this weeks food, she leapt from her chair and prepared her wagon. Just before she made her way into the woods and down the hill, her father came to speak with her.

"Iara, take the horse, I have a package for you to pick up from the tailor. Your sister’s new dresses arrived from Savannah today."

"Yes, father." Iara said, turning to the stables.

"and Iara," He continued, "There is one for you as well. You'll need something to wear to the wedding, afterall." He said poignantly, and turned away before Iara could respond. Iara knew that if her father had a dress made for her, he had plans to seek a suitor for her soon. An aching started in her belly at the idea of being in Nadua's place. She never wanted to marry or be beholden to a man.

Iara readied her family horse, Shira, and walked her to the road in the opposite direction of the forest. She would need to travel a more convenient route into town on horse back, especially with the cart in tow.

Later than she would have liked, Iara landed at the docks and tied up her horse. She handed Edward her coin pouch, and turned for the tailors.

The tailors always smelled of fresh linen, the only place in town that seemed to remain clean and unabused by the everyday man. The bell over head rang out, letting the tailor know someone had arrived. Mrs. Gunny, the tailors wife, called out a greeting as she entered the shop.

"I will be right with you, deary," she said, her native French accent thick on her tongue. Iara wandered through the front of the shop glancing back towards the fitting area, noting a man atop the block in the center by the mirrors.

"We will have to take it in quite a bit, Sir Blackburn, it seems you have grown considerably lean in your time on the ship across the sea." Mrs. Gunny cooed at him as she measured his inseam. Iara felt her heart race at the mention of his name, Blackburn. Her face flushed with anticipation at his attention finding her.

"Thank you Mrs. Gunny, I appreciate your efforts to refit my wardrobe. I have many soirées to attend in the coming weeks."

"Oh, I am sure you have many fathers to meet with?" She asked unabashedly prying as her eyebrows rose on her face.

“Not as of yet," He said. Abner's eyes rose to the mirror, spotting Iara in the reflection. "Though I am considering my options." He said, eyes piercing her own. She felt her cheeks flush and turned away quickly. Was she not just daydreaming about never being wed?

"A lucky girl, whoever she may be," Mrs. Gunny said, again, prancing around a question seeking gossip.

Abner hummed a response while Mrs. Gunny finished her work. When she was done, Abner picked up his more casual clothing and stepped behind the curtain to change.

"I will have your suit done by end of the day, dear." Mrs. Gunny said to Abner before turning to properly greet Iara.

"Iara," she nodded, "Your father has an order ready to be fitted, I assume your sister is close enough to your measurements?"

"Yes, almost exactly, though she has slighter hips." Iara said.

"Wonderful, the hips are beneath the seamline and it will be no different for these designs. Up you go." Mrs. Gunny ushered Iara to the block and helped her to step up. As she took Iara's measurements she made notes in her little book.

Abner stepped from behind the curtain, his soft cream shirt open on his chest. He was more handsome than she remembered, and his eyes were on her, consuming every inch of her. She did not buckle as his eyes met hers, and a smile spread across his face.

"It is so good to see you again, Iara." He said, his voice rich like warm honey.

"and you, Abner," Mrs, Gunny poked Iara with a pointed nail, "Sir" Iara corrected begrudgingly.

"Abner is fine." He said, a sparkle in his eyes.

"Ok, Iara, I am all done. You can come back in a couple of hours and I will have your sisters first dress finished." Mrs. Gunny said as she took off her glasses and made notes in her journal.

"Now get, you two, I have work to do." She hustled them to the door, pushing them out into the street and turning the sign to closed behind her. Mrs. Gunny lowered the shades and turned her sign from open to closed.

"It seems as though I have some time to kill," Abner said, humor lighting his face. "and you do too," he added, offering his arm to her. "Are you hungry?" He asked.

"Famished." Iara said, her own smile spreading farther than she knew possible.

The pair walked arm in arm to the nearest eatery, laughing and chatting along the way. When they sat for a meal, they did not stop talking and had the server order for them. After a long meal together, they made their way to the hillside above the town. Iara boasted it was the best view of the town below, and the only place to see Altie, the famed loch ness monster of the southern seas.

Abner laughed at her stories, and goaded her into telling more. He only touched her when it was invited, and was the perfect gentleman.

When the sun hung low in the sky, Abner checked his pocket watch.

"It seems we have spent the day away," He said.

"A day well spent," Iara replied, smiling at him.

"Shall we?" Abner asked, offering a hand to Iara, helping her up from the ground.

They made their way back to the tailor, no silence falling between them as they found endless things to talk about and conversation to be had. Abner had an easy way about him, and Iara was a breath of fresh air compared to the women at home always pawing and pandering for his attentions. It was an easiness between them that was sparked that day. Abner found himself slowing as they reached the doors to the tailor.

When they had their packages in hand, Abner escorted her back to her horse and cart.

"I had the most excellent day, m'lady." Abner said. "I would be a fool not to ask when I can see you again, and perhaps meet your father." Iara's stomach turned over at the notion.

Abner could see the strain that etched itself on Iara's beautiful face. "Unless I am mistaken in the mood of the day."

"NO! you are not mistaken." Iara said without pause. Relief eased the worry in Abner's shoulders.

"Then I must formally court you with your father's blessing." Abner said, matter of factly. "I have never met a woman, or person, quite like you Iara," Abner said honestly. "I must admit, I did not expect to meet someone or feel this way so soon, but I cannot ignore this feeling and let you slip away." He said firmly.

Iara did not respond, though her face showed the joy at his words. She knew the conflict she faced within, though she could not bear to convey such feelings to someone so soon. Iara gathered the reins of her horse and guided her towards the road that would lead her home.

Abner did not turn to his inn, he strode next to her horse, walking her and her mount to the road where she would pick up speed and head home.

"I struggle to leave your side, Iara," Abner admitted.

"and I yours," Iara countered.

"When may I see you again?" He begged.

"My father will have settled on a husband for my sister within the week, and his focus will turn to me. First, he will come to town to celebrate as men do. He must meet you first, and believe he chose you for me. Otherwise, he will never consider you." Iara said.

Iara gave Abner a final curt nod and clicked her horse forward, picking up a speed that Abner could not match. Abner stopped and waved as the she rode down the road.

Abner

The week went by slowly. The time without Iara was agonizing, and he found himself drifting off during his meetings, daydreaming of her raven hair blowing in the wind. The smell of lavender, and some earthy scent unique to her, haunted him as the days grew long. On the sixth day, Abner appeased his friend’s whining over a need to unwind at the pub, and he joined him. To his delight, he bumped into William.

"AYE! watchit!" William said, "well hello, sir," William added realizing who he bumped into, giving a mock salute with one of the mugs in his hand. "Please, call me Abner," He urged. "Well, Abner, you have perfect timing." William gestured one of the mugs in his hand towards a booth in the back. An older gentleman sat with an empty plate and a turned over mug, reclined into his seat, hands on his belly and a satisfied smile on his face. "My father is here, and he is in an uncharacteristically good mood." William gave Abner a knowing smile and a little wink. "You see, my oldest sister is officially set to be wed in two weeks, and my other sister," he nodded, "you remember her?" he asked smiling, "well, she came home last week in such a good mood, that my father was suspicious." William smiled and started towards his father, Abner fell into step by his side.

William handed a mug to Abner, and reached to the bar to grab another.

"He's primed and ready to discuss, anything someone might want to bring to his attention." A smug smile spread across William's face, and Abner couldn’t help but smile at the young man.

Nodding, Abner followed William to meet the man who he hoped would someday be his father in law.

"Father," William said, pulling his father’s attention from the satisfaction of his recently full belly. William nudged Abner who set the full mug in front of the older man.

"This is Abner Blackburn, he came with the men across the sea only two weeks ago. Abner, this is my father, Charles Gordon."

"Charles, It is a pleasure to meet the father of such a formidable man as William." Abner said, sitting next to William. Charles chuckled, his large belly shaking with the motion.

"He is a foolish young lad, but he has potential, if he can keep his seed in the marriage bed."

"Abner is the son of a Scottish lord," William said, Charles sobering and sitting up to meet Abner’s gaze.

"Is that so?" Charles said smiling. "What brings you to this side of the pond?" Charles asked, adding a mock accent to the last part of his question. "My father hoped I would find a wife, as none seemed to suit me at home. He also hopes to expand his lands, by having me acquire my own here." With a satisfied look, Charles reclined in his seat again.

"It just so happens, I have a lovely daughter of marrying age." Abner felt a smile of his own spread across his face.

"Oh, do tell me more about this daughter," He said, sharing a look with William.

"I'll admit, she is more adventurous--" he started.

"You mean wild-, " William snorted, sobering when his father’s subtle glare landed on him. "Adventurous works," He agreed.

"As I was saying, my daughter, Iara, is adventurous, beautiful and full of good humor. She is also trained in medicinal sciences." Charles said, "a talent, rare amongst women, but she is quite intelligent, though I know that is not usually required of a good wife." He said.

"It is required of my future wife. I am not looking for a woman to be a trophy, I am looking for a partner in life, someone who challenges me, and drives my passion." Abner said, thinking of his time only one week past with Iara.

"It sounds as if you are looking for my Iara." Charles said, leaning forward, clasping his hands together on the table.

"Come to my home tomorrow, you can see if you think she might be a suitable match." He added.

“and if she thinks he might be suitable.” William scoffed, earning an annoyed look from his father.

"Let's drink to that," Abner said, raising his mug to meet Charles, and smiling at William.

"Yes, let's," William added, a sly smile on his lips.

Iara

Excitement and nerves bubbled up inside. Father had met with Abner as planned, with William's help of course. Everything had gone as expected, so why was she feeling the need to flee into the trees?

A knock sounded on Iara's bedroom door, and before she could answer, her mother entered.

"Oh, my dear girl!" Her mother said, eyes filling with tears, "I am so proud of you." She held a hand to her mouth to stifle a cry.

"It is just a meeting mama," Iara said, looking at herself in the mirror. "Cholena, you know it’s so much more than that. I am proud of you for doing your duty, and letting your future take hold. I know it can be scary to step into womanhood, but your father says this Abner is a good man. He even says he believes you might be the kind of woman he is looking for. All of your wild edges and all." Her mother kissed her cheek and squeezed her firmly.

A tear rolled down Iara's cheek, feeling a great loss in her chest.

"Don't cry my girl, this is a joyous day." Her mother crooned, wiping away her tears.

"Mama, I am scared. What of my training, my magics," Iara whispered harshly.

"Shhhh, marriage is far more important than magic." She scolded. "Mama, I know you didn’t feel it the way I do, but magic is everything to me." Iara cried, tears streaming down her face, "How can I possibly hide it from a husband?" She asked, a sob wrenching from her throat.

"Maybe you only need to hide it in the beginning. Give it time, your father accepted all of me eventually." Her mother pet her hair and tucked Iara into her chest, consoling her the way only a mother can. Another brief knock sounded at the door, followed by Nadua entering without response.

"He is here," Nadua said, excitement in her voice. She rushed to her sisters side, realizing the tears rolling down her face.

"Sweet sister, he is quite handsome." She reassured Iara, as if it were her only concern.

Iara laughed at her sisters shallow observations, "Thank you Nadi," She said, "That is all I could ever have hope for." She laughed as she wiped her eyes on her mother’s kerchief.

"See, all is well, if you hate him, we can deal with that," Nadua took Iara by the shoulders and met her eyes, "We can deal with that however YOU see fit." She said giving her sister a knowing look. "Come, let us not keep the men waiting, they do not know how to make small talk amongst themselves." She whispered, proving she knew exactly what her sister needed. With her mother and sister on either side, Iara made her way into the main reception room of their home in her new dress.

Iara felt the familiar hum of the earth beneath her feet, this time she felt the tingle travel through her whole body, warming her heart, leveling her nerves and focusing her attention on the very striking Scottsman in her family’s home.

Abner was laughing boisterously with her father and brothers when she approached.

"Abner Blackburn, I present my daughter, Iara Gordon." Charles said formally. Iara gave a low, polite curtsy, raising her eyes to meet Abners.

"Iara, A pleasure," Abner said, a smile at his lips at their little secret.

"The pleasure is mine," Iara said, meaning it. Charles guffawed and clapped a happy hand on Abner's back.

"Let us eat, and drink!" He said, leading the family to the porch, which was set gorgeously for the occasion.

Two weeks later

Nadua's wedding was only two days away, and Iara was officially set to wed Abner, only two weeks after that. When Abner formally asked Charles for Iara's hand in marriage, they had been serving dessert on that first day. Charles and Abner had stepped away to discuss the details. Abner had refused Iara's dowry, stating that he would provide for her on his own.

The next two weeks were spent getting to know each other with supervision while they prepared for the weddings to come. Abner met with financial advisors and planned their wedding tour to find a new home.

Iara worked hard to mask her apprehension, and withdrew during the proceedings. Abner was quite busy, and while they enjoyed their time together, he did not notice Iara growing quiet and reserved.

When Nadua's wedding finally arrived, Iara focused on standing by her sister’s side. Nadua was so involved in the proceedings that she missed her sisters reckless use of magic.

William, however, had nothing but Iara to focus on. Though William and Sevigney had grown to be good drinking buddies over the past two weeks, William noticed his wild and adventurous sister was receding into herself. When Iara threw up a shield in the midst of the wedding brunch, William stood beside her seemingly empty chair and gave her his patient presence. "Sister, I may not see you, but I know you are here." William said out of the corner of his mouth, "best not let father catch you using magic in front of the town folk." He said. "We do not want a witch hunt." He groaned. "Go! come back visible and ready to shake hands with our new family." He heard the chair subtly slide across the stone as his sister strode invisibly from the room. Iara took a glass of mead from the server who was chatting with her soon to be sister in law, and head for her room. When Iara was alone in her room, she upended the glass and fell to the floor in tears.

Abner

It was tedious meeting his would be in laws, but he felt it necessary to provide an even book end for his sister in laws new family to see the potential connections with his Lord father.

Thinking of his bride, Abner scanned the room, looking for his emerald eyed love. When he saw William standing in a corner speaking to himself, he knew something wasn’t right. Averting his eyes to the edge of the room, he could see the shade of his would be wife sitting in the chair next to her brother. His mother's gifts allowed him to see the waves of magic around him at all times, though sometimes he had to look away in order to see what was right in front of him.

Abner had his suspicions about Iara, believing he already saw her use her gifts before they ever met. That she would use them so openly, spoke volumes to her state of mind.

When the chair moved and William looked around, he glanced with his other sight and saw her take a glass of mead from the unknowing server. Stepping over the threshold of the home, she vanished completely. Graciously excusing himself from the conversation at hand, Abner stepped into his future in-laws home to find his future wife.

Iara

Feeliing sorry for herself, Iara curled into a ball on the floor of her room. She firmly closed the door behind her, knowing the sight of her, corset and all, would be inappropriate.

A heavy knock sounded on the door.

"I am not dressed, please go, Ill join the festivities shortly." She said after catching her breath and controlling her sobs.

The door began to open without her permission. Iara quickly pulled herself up, wiping her tears and straightening her skirts.

"I said, I will be out in a minute." Iara groaned. The door continued to open and Iara started to stand.

"Sweet little Iara," A voice crooned before she could see the face it belonged to. Iara tried to stand, this time pulling herself up on the bench at the end of her bed. "I am so glad to see you alone, my sweet." The voice growled as a half man half dog stalked into her room, closing the door behind her. Iara finally stood as she realized the garbled voice and dog-like face matched Richard, her once flirtation turned tormentor.

"Richard? Is that you?" Iara asked backing away from the creature. "You don’t recognize me?" He asked viciously. "I have you to thank for this gift." He said spitting out the word gift. "I don't understand," Iara backed up bumping into her vanity. Feeling around, she found the heavy metal brush and grasped it tightly.

"You cursed me, you witch!" He said, saliva dripping from his fangs as he closed the distance between them. "You called me a DOG and now look at me!" Richard drooled down her chest and sniffed up her neck. “You called that thing out of the woods and it came for me.” He hissed into her ear. Iara swung her arm around hitting Richard in the temple, the soft spot her father taught her to aim for.

"You are a DOG! I didn’t do this to you!" Iara said as Richard stumbled back, holding his head. Behind him the door swung open, and Abner was panting and taking in the situation. "Run Abner!" Iara hissed, side stepping Richard as he lunged for her.

Abner didn’t waste time, he picked up the iron poker by the fireplace and stabbed Richard in the back. He didn’t aim well and missed anything vital, but Richard was distracted and Iara was able to move closer to the door. Closer to Abner who grabbed her hand and pulled her out into the hall, slamming the door behind them.

"We have to lead him away from the party. We cannot ruin Nadua's day." Iara said desperately. Abner nodded.

"You head out towards the road and the woods in the opposite direction of the celebration. I will open the door and run after you. He will follow your scent and my running." Abner was so sure, Iara nodded and started down the hall. She turned and kissed him on the mouth for the first time. It was hard and quick, but it conveyed her need.

"Thank you," She said, and she ran.

Abner

Richard was pounding on the door, rattling the frame of the house. He doubted they would gain the attention from the party, with all the booze and song in the air.

When he was sure Iara was far enough along, Abner let go of the door and backed up. Richard stopped pounding and the door creaked open. Abner started backing up in the direction Iara had gone, and Richard stalked forward. Growling and seemingly more dog-like, Richard prowled after Abner, who was backing up at a generous pace. When Abner reached the door, he ran towards the road.

Richard wasted no time taking chase. About forty paces from the house, with the party on the other side, Richard stopped and sniffed the air. He sniffed and sniffed then turned to smile a grotesque dripping grin at Abner, then broke out in a full run towards the woods, still heading away from the festivities.

Abner followed at top speed, noting how quick Richard was when he wasn’t drinking. As he watched the man creature he saw his form continue to change. The nose elongated, and the arms hit the ground, to continue his run in a gallop. The ears atop his head extended to those of a wolf. Abner had seen this before, when his father went hunting and came back with three less men and stories of a wolf man. Abner had been ready for the hunt, and he came across a young man in need of a friend and a new home in a new town, which Abner saw to. Richard was in need of a brutal end. Richard hit the tree line and howled, disappearing into the shadows. Iara must have run to the woods thinking it would be easier to handle Richard in this doglike state. Abner hoped he reached her before Richard could find her.

A scream wrenched the air. Fear gripped Abner’s gut and he pulled his knife from its sheath and he ran after the beast. His heart thundered with fear as another scream exploded all around him. Abner listened, trying to mark the direction of her screams, when he realized they weren’t coming from one place, but sounding from all of the trees.

Ahead, Abner spotted Richard looking around frantically, sniffing and running, then changing direction and growling in frustration. Abner hid behind a fallen tree, watching Richard seek Iara.

"Where are you little witch?" Richard growled, his voice gravel and inhuman.

"Where am I?" Iara's voice sounded form everywhere on the wind and in the trees. She echoed in his ears, and a smile came across Abner's face unexpectedly. Iara was now hunting Richard, and she was enjoying it.

"Abner," Iara's soft whisper sounded in his ear, "I am sorry," She said sadly. A brisk wind blew by and he could smell her for just a moment. "Richard," Iara's voice sang out amongst the trees, "You have one chance to leave." She said.

"How kind of you," He growled, hunching over so all four limbs were touching the ground again. "Now that I have found you," Richard broke out into a full run to the clearing, where a light had shone. Abner followed, knife at the ready. Richard leapt into the air off of a fallen log at the edge of the clearing and landed on a figure in the clearing.

"Dumb dog," Iara chided, her voice vicious and singing. A shadow stalked forward from the trees, and Iara's form became clear. Her emerald eyes glowing in the darkness, smoke-like whisps encircling her.

Abner stepped into the clearing before the darkness cut off his view. He was still far enough away that he was out of Richard's reach. He could feel the familiar hum of the earth beneath his feet. Even the tree his hand was resting upon sang with her. The air in the clearing began to swirl, and thunder cracked overhead. Behind him a stick cracked, and he looked to see William in the bushes.

William waved to Abner to come with him, follow him out of the woods, but Abner was not interested in missing Iara's hunt.

Richard growled but didnt move, and another fallen brach flew from the trees and struck him across the face, drawing blood. The air was moving quickly now, and he could barely see beyond the wind, but Iara's glowing eyes still shone through it all. Richard's cries were muffled as he was beaten by rocks, sticks, branches and debris from the forest floor.

"You foolish puppy," Iara's voice deepened, taking on an inhuman tone. "You think to control one such as me?!"

A thunderous crack came from within the tornado, and those emerald eyes rose to an unnatural height. Abner stared in awe.

A hand closed on Abner's shoulder.

"We really should go," William whispered in his ear, "My sister is not herself, and she cannot see you here."

"I am not leaving her," Abner said, looking into Williams green eyes, so much like his sisters but without the earthly magic.

"Do not say I didn't warn you," William said, not making any moves of his own to leave her.

The sound of bones cracking came from within the tornado, and then another, and another. When the wind faded, Iara was standing in the center of the clearing, her arms stretched over head, and a mutilated beast lay at her feet. His limbs were bent at odd angles, and his flesh was peeling from his muscles, but he was still breathing.

William stood beside Abner, and slowly made his way to his sister. Abner followed, heeding the same caution and moving at a remarkably slow pace.

Iara lowered her arms and her eyes met his, still glowing. She was magnificent. Iara swayed and William caught her before her eyes dimmed and closed.

With Iara safely in William's arms, Abner inspected Richard to find that nearly every bone was broken.

"Help me," Richard rasped.

"I will," Abner said before driving the knife into Richard's heart, The silver knife sizzled as it glided through the beast. Abner watched the light fade from Richard’s eyes, and the beastly form shifted to a gnarled human figure.

William began to pick up his sister, but Abner stepped in and gently lifted her into his arms. William followed as they left the clearing and the body a feast for the crows. He gazed down at his soon to be wife and kissed her lightly on the cheek before heading back to her family's home down the hill.

Iara

There was chatter in the air, though Iara could not make out the words being said. She heard the vibration of a voice close by. Her head was resting on a soft but firm surface, not a pillow.

“Iara?” her mother’s voice whispered in her ear as she felt a familiar hand brush along her face.

“Mama? My head hurts.” Iara groaned, trying to sit up, feeling the surface her head lay upon tense. Strong arms pulled her back down, and she did not fight them.

“Papa is coming back with a new tonic from the healer.” Nadua said in a hushed whisper from the chair next to the bed.

Iara finally opened her eyes to see she was laying her head on Abner’s lap, and her mother was crouched before her, concern etched across her face.

“William told us what happened.” Her mother said, her voice tense. “He said Richard was here, but you scared him off?” She said, a question in her voice, glancing up to Abner’s face to see what it gave away.

“I think she needs to rest.” William said, going to their mother and urging her and their sister from the room. “Let us go and find something simple for her to eat. Is there any soup left?” William’s voice became muffled as he stepped into the hallway, leaving the door open to avoid impropriety.

Abner did not move beneath Iara, he hadn’t said a word, just held onto her and continued to provide stability. When Iara made a move to sit up again, Abner helped her to sit up and settle back against a pillow.

“I do not know what you saw, and I am sure that you have questions–” Iara began.

“None that need answers now.” Abner said with finality. “I know everything I need to know about you. Someday I hope you let me learn more.” Abner gave her a tight smile and kissed her forehead. He waved his hand casually at the vanity across the room. A light breeze whispered by and an empty vial flew to his hand. Iara let out a gasp, Abner chuckled. When Iara reached for the vial in his hand he winced.

“What happened?” She asked, noting the burn in the palm of Abner’s right hand.

“I have my own secrets, Iara,” Abner’s now golden eyes met hers, “but today, all concerns I could have possibly had about our union have been assuaged.” A wondrous smile spanned his beautiful face, and he leaned in to rest his forehead on hers. “I am yours,” He whispered, “and I hope that you will be mine?” He asked, looking into her eyes.

Iara felt a tear roll down her cheek as she nodded against Abner and kissed him ferociously.

“I am yours,” she said, “always.”

The end for now….