Chapter 59

 

 

Breakfast was just about to begin when Gaius and Alex walked into Aeoferth’s dining hall. They said good morning to the Groabans first before taking the seats beside them. Many immortals greeted them, and Alex noticed several grinning playfully at her. She only winked at those who could not contain their amusement and then set about eating the meal.

As soon as everyone had taken their fill, the fun that was poised to flow throughout the day commenced. No one wanted to wait any longer to experiment aboard the Chinook helicopters with Alexandria, and she agreed that they could play with the aircraft before other games or activities began.

Many collapsible stadium chairs had been placed just outside the castle nearest the rear lawn, and Alex made sure her parents and Jameason were comfortable before she moved forward to fly. Gaius placed a leash on Cara and gave the lead over to Jameason to ensure she was safe once the helicopters took to the air. Then, he walked with Alex to the first HH-47 in the line.

He helped to strap her in and she took her first brief flight with him by her side. Alex lifted the veil for all the mortals, allowing them to see how her power would aid her attempt to push the aircraft further than it should be allowed to go. Alex’s aura billowed out of her body and totally engulfed the helicopter as she lifted off.

She smiled as she swung it from side to side, and then Alex had the helicopter climbing vertically as she had in Africa. She rolled it over in a complete loop before lowering it back to the lawn.

Gaius kissed her and told her to have fun, then unstrapped himself and let Rohan step aboard to take his seat. Alex talked Rohan through lifting off and she coached him as she used her aura to keep them steady and cocooned through each maneuver. She helped him make a loop and then hold the Chinook off of the ground with the nose pointed directly at the lawn, less than three hundred meters from the earth below.

Rohan was laughing wholeheartedly when she righted the machine and he lowered them to the snow covered ground. Elrick was the next to board, and he told Alex he already had a list of maneuvers he wanted to try. She connected with his mind and they played together for quite a while until every stunt he had envisioned had been attempted.

Alex asked Elrick to take control of the second HH-47 when they touched down, and she mentally invited Titus to take the third. Iain took the free seat next to Alex, Nikolaj joined Elrick, and Ahadi walked towards Titus to fly with him. Alex separated her mind into three rooms and connected with each of her friends’ minds. She divided her aura into three pockets to protect them as all three helicopters lifted together.

At first, she and Iain hovered to the side while they watched the other two roll, dive, and tilt before them, all supported by Alex’s immense power. Then she told Iain to take them higher and he pulled back to take them near vertical, high above the castle. He looked over at her in question and Alex nodded, giving him permission. He began to loop the helicopter over, and once he had completed one full rotation he tried another, and then another. The helicopter never stalled out as Alex held it securely in her aura, and Iain finally stopped after five complete loops.

Alex coordinated with the others minds, detailing what they could try together. Soon, she had all three helicopters completing synchronized movements. She was laughing right along with them as they finally touched down. Alex waited to see who was joining her next, and saw Benen, Nassor, Abdalla, and Conleth take command of the second and third helicopters. But she was truly surprised when Wallace stepped aboard her HH-47 and allowed Iain to help him secure the safety harness’ straps.

“Are you sure about this?” Alex asked him, watching Wallace’s face carefully.

“Absolutely! Conner and Jack can’t do this, they’ll get too airsick. But I’ve wanted to give this a go since I saw you in action in Africa. Come on, take me up there,” he begged.

“Okay, big brother,” she agreed and smiled over his exuberance.

Alex lifted them slowly off of the ground, mentally watching and protecting her brethren, while she also guarded over her eldest brother. She asked Wallace to tell her which moves he specifically wanted to experience, and as he listed his desires Alex completed each maneuver. She instructed him to place his hands on the controls in front of his seat, and she guided him through gently rocking the HH-47 side to side while she kept her hands on the controls to aid him.

Wallace was grinning like a young child on Christmas morning as they completed two loops and then began to approach the castle with the blades leading the way while the nose pointed straight down. They stopped far enough away not to disturb the large assembly watching the impromptu air show. Alex told Wallace to hold on. She leveled out and then took them as high as she dared.

“Ready to head back down, a little faster than we should?” she asked playfully.

“Oh, yeah! Show me what you got, kiddo,” he answered quickly.

Alex only nodded and then pushed them into a steep nose dive. She saw the other two helicopters following them rapidly back towards the earth below. Alex strengthened the bubble of aura around each machine and cushioned them as they pulled out of the dive at the last possible moment and hovered just above the ground. Wallace was laughing aloud and he reached over to pat her hand in appreciation. Alex winked at him and proceeded to touch down.

For the next hour, one after another immortal played with the Chinooks while Alex helped them achieve maneuvers that should not have been possible. She stayed aboard the first and assisted anyone who wanted to let their imagination run rampant. Sabina was beside her for the final flight and the two ladies giggled over the fun they were having. Alex waited until the other two had landed and were powered down before she touched down and let Sabina leave her seat.

But rather than cut power to the rotors blades, Alex closed the rear hatch and lifted the HH-47 rapidly back into the air. She wanted to try one last stunt, but did not want anyone else aboard, in case the maneuver proved too much for the aircraft and she crashed.

Alex moved to the back of the lawn and used her aura to support the tail section. She began to slowly tilt the helicopter forward again, pointing the nose towards the ground. But instead of remaining in that position, Alex continued to push with the controls and her aura until she was completely upside down. She felt a significant shudder roll through the machine, and she threw a thicker wave of her aura swirling around the HH-47, commanding her power to keep the aircraft suspended.

With the massive blades facing the snow covered earth, Alex brought the machine back towards the castle, and she waited until she knew she could get no closer before she slowly rolled it back over. She smiled to herself as she swung it around in line with the other two and gently touched down. Alex powered the Chinook down and opened the rear door so she could disembark.

Gaius was waiting for the door to open and he stepped aboard without delay.

“Alex,” he said in a near whisper as he drew her into his arms.

“That was fun,” she chuckled against his heart.

“Fun? You had me nervous there for a moment,” he confessed, pulling her slightly away from his heart. “We all saw the helicopter try to stall out on you.”

“I had it held in my aura, Gaius. Even if I had stalled, I could have held it off the ground. It’s not that heavy,” she smiled.

“Not that heavy?!” he laughed incredulously. “A Chinook is not that heavy? Oh, Alex,” he sighed and leaned down to match his lips to hers.

“The thought of you playing rugby is more frightening than me in this helicopter, trust me,” she grumbled, and his laughter grew.

“I love you, so much,” he said, shaking his head at her. Gaius kissed Alex soundly before he led her from the helicopter.

She made her way over to sit by her family while Rohan, Nikolaj, and Iain set up the rugby pitch for the match that was about to commence. She did not want to see the broken bones that she knew were coming from their unrestricted play; and Sabina, reading Alex’s fear, reassured her again that all would be well. Alex settled Cara before her, hoping to pet the young dog and help calm her worry.

When they were ready to begin, Gaius pulled Alex to her feet and kissed her again, then slipped out of his jacket. She watched as he pulled his shirt over his head and winked at her before he strode away. She groaned and her brothers laughed over her dilemma.

“They’ll be fine, Alex. Remember what I’ve told you about grey hair, so stop worrying so much,” said Jack, smiling over at her.

“I know,” she sighed, and readied herself for the match. “I’m trying.”

John agreed to referee and when he gave the signal, Gaius and Rohan led their team against Titus and Iain’s players. Within the first ten minutes, two arms and one leg had to be reset and healed before play commenced. Alex continued to glance down, so afraid was she to see Gaius come to harm. But he deftly handled each tackle and only sustained a cut above his right eye, which he immediately closed. Still, seeing the blood on his forehead did nothing to soothe her nerves.

Throughout the match, Alex continuously reached out to hold her mother’s hand for reassurance. Finally, she rose from her seat when Rohan hit Thomas hard enough to break four of his ribs. Alex said she was going to retrieve drinks for them all, but she honestly could not stomach the rough play another second and wanted to get away from it briefly.

She prepared a large platter with drinks and refreshments, and paused by the island. Alex closed her eyes and imagined herself in that space a year ago as she learned of auras and what was possible for her. She let the power within calm her fear, and she silently thanked Ganymede and the Lord for helping her make her way home.

Alex returned to her family’s side and resumed her seat, just as a brief break was called. The players came forward to grab a bit of refreshment for themselves from the coolers that had already been brought out, and Gaius and Rohan walked towards Alex. They were both laughing, and Alex looked to her right to see Sabina chuckling over their delight.

When they stopped just before the ladies, Sabina handed Rohan a bottle of water and he quietly thanked her. Alex did the same for Gaius, and then she wet a napkin to wipe the dried blood from his face. He lightly kissed her and thanked her for her care. She shook her head slowly and told Gaius to be careful as he strode away towards the field once again.

Alex was a tiny bit calmer as the game continued, watching as Tomoko and Ahadi avoided injury at every turn. They deftly stayed just out of reach of the men, and Tomoko even effectively felled a few of the towering men all on her own. When Gaius’ team claimed victory, their wide smiles could be seen all the way to where Alex and her family sat. Two more arms had to be reset and healed before they left the field, along with three broken noses. But once everyone was restored, they called an end to the activity, ready to move on to something else.

The Groabans learned that Rohan intended to have Alexandria demonstrate how she could stop modern weaponry. Alex insisted it was not necessary, but her father asked her to let them see all she was capable of and no longer hold back. She reluctantly agreed, and waited until other immortals came forward to stand near the mortals, guaranteeing everyone’s safety.

Gaius toweled his sweat off, and slipped his long-sleeved t-shirt back on. He wrapped an arm around Alex’s shoulders and brought her a good distance from where her family stood. While he waited for Elrick, Iain, and Rohan to set up their demonstration, he leaned down to kiss Alex for a moment. She ran her fingers into his hair to keep him close.

“You need a shower,” she chuckled into his mind.

“Only if you join me,” he teased privately.

“Okay, you two,” huffed Rohan, but Gaius laughed softly and deepened his kiss before he pulled away.

“What?” Gaius asked their friend, turning back towards the three men.

“Nothing,” said Rohan, shaking his head at them.

They all grew serious as the demonstration began, and Alex kept the veil lifted for her family. Gaius stayed right beside Alex, as they put her through the paces of what her aura could handle. She absorbed bullets, grenades, rockets, and even two landmines in her power. Alex pulled their handguns and the rocket launcher from their hands, and settled the weapons before her on the ground in a neat little pile.

She was aware of her mother’s applause then, and she turned to smile at her praise. Alex bowed slightly, before she walked with Gaius and the men back to the castle. Those who needed to shower after the match moved to do so before lunch, and Alex made her way upstairs with Gaius. Though she thought she’d just chat with him while he bathed, Gaius had other plans and he pulled her under the stream with him before she could protest.

 

After lunch, Alex and her brethren demonstrated sword fighting on horseback, and the Groabans were rendered speechless. They watched as Alex continuously lifted from Eimhir’s back to soar above blades that were aimed directly at her neck. She took on a group of seventeen by herself, and showed that her aura had her safely cocooned from all harm. When she looked over to her parents, Alex saw that Ganymede and Haniel stood by them and she smiled to see them all together.

Archery became the focus of the next hour, and Alex hit the targets placed at great distances with her eyes closed, time and again. She let her brothers hold her bow when they asked for a lesson, and she put them through the paces of releasing the Inonya arrows. With her aura commanding the metal from the angels, her brothers hit the targets, just as she had. But they knew she was helping them.

A baseball game started afterwards, and Wallace, Conner, and Jack asked to join, thinking they would surely be safe. Gaius cautioned them, letting them know that they could still be hurt from the way in which they tagged one another and the speed at which they would throw the ball. Alex agreed to play, in the hopes that her aura could cushion and protect each mortal man. She stayed more focused on their protection than she did the game, and Gaius had to continuously call her attention back to her role in the outfield.

With dinner and the evening’s revelry approaching, everyone moved to clean up and change. After their shower, Gaius dressed in his grey designer trousers and tailored, white button-up shirt at Alexandria’s request. She playfully slid his belt through the loops around his waist, and grinned as she fastened it for him. Gaius smirked down at her and chuckled over the blush, in full evidence, spreading across her cheeks.

She patted his waist and then turned to pull her two choices from their closet. Alex paused just before Gaius, holding up her small silver dress and the black, backless dress she had worn before Conner’s wedding. She grinned cheekily and waited to let him choose for her.

“Alex, I can’t choose, sweetheart. I like them both,” he said, shrugging his shoulders.

“Come on, pick for me,” she insisted, still grinning impishly.

“Well, they both have their own distinct merits and accompanying predicaments, you see,” Gaius said softly, moving closer and trailing his fingers along the side of her face. “I can definitely appreciate the fact that I will be able to feel more of your skin against my palm if you wear the black dress, but then so too will all the others here who are sure to steal you away from me tonight on the dance floor.”

Alex’s eyebrows rose high on her forehead in surprise, for she had not considered his observation so simply given.

“And then there’s the silver dress. It covers more of your back, but less of your arms and legs. And if you wear it, I will constantly be thinking back to the night you wore it a little longer for me in New York. So which do you think is the bigger distraction for me, Alex? Others lightly holding you in the black dress, or me watching you in the silver one?” he asked quietly, and angled his head as he studied her bewildered expression. Gaius chuckled softly before he could stop himself and leaned down to brush his lips across hers.

“Gaius,” she whispered, shaking her head, “I should pick something else. Neither of these is suitable. You’re right.” Alex began to back away, but he reached out quickly and wrapped his arms around her waist.

“No, sweetheart. They are both very suitable for a New Year’s Eve party. You misunderstand me, Alex. And I do not want to see you hiding yourself away, due to embarrassment or because you think I disapprove. For I do not. I love that you are becoming more comfortable in your own skin and less self-conscious. I’ve long wanted to see you blossom, Alexandria, and these simple choices are all a part of that awakening.”

Alex could feel the heat on her skin as she blushed terribly, but she met his gaze and did not look down. She bit her lower lip and then gave him a hesitant smile. Gaius smiled in return and nodded his head slowly as he encouraged her.

“So, if I am choosing, as you want me to, I think I shall pick the silver dress. Better for me to think of you and I together all night, than Iain holding you in the black one,” he said mischievously.

“Okay,” Alex whispered, and moved away to slip into the small silver dress.

Gaius watched her go into the watercloset and he chuckled softly again as he stepped over to talk with Cara for a few moments before they went downstairs.

 

Dinner that night rivaled the formal meal served after Alex and Gaius’ wedding. So many had come home for the celebration, honoring family and a new year to touch countless souls in the Lord’s name, that the dining hall was brimming over with excited conversation amongst the Nephilim. Alex stayed close to her mortal family as a few new faces were introduced to them, and she chatted comfortably with her brethren.

Throughout the meal, Alex constantly was drawn back to where she was a year ago. Sitting in that same space, pointedly asking the assembly with her mind how Arianna had perished and why Alex was now being called to be a part of them. She replayed that night, of coming to Aeoferth Hall for the first time, over in her mind, reliving each poignant moment, and then she refocused on the gathering before her. So much had changed, and yet truthfully, so much still remained the same.

There, surrounding her, were the faces and souls she loved and cared most for. Their lives intersecting and complementing one another’s as they lived a life dedicated to what was true and just. Everyone was of one accord, and everyone privy to the secret of who and what Alexandria had chosen to be. She smiled at the feeling of home and support that flowed so easily amongst so many and gathered Gaius’ hand in hers.

 

When they moved into the ballroom for dancing and fellowship, she paused at the entrance and saw the memory of herself walking into that space with Jack, then turning to see the Nephilim coming to greet her for the first time. Alex felt slight tears form in her eyes as she remembered Elrick’s joy, Sabina’s tearful reunion, and Rohan’s stoic entrance. So many had come to welcome her, in the hopes she would want to be a part of their family again, and Alex could not be more grateful that they had welcomed her with open arms and hearts.

Alex sensed Gaius’ aura as he walked up beside her, chatting with Conner as he approached, and she looked up into his eyes. He saw the moisture in hers and he leaned down to kiss her forehead, sharing his love and strength with her as his aura flowed over her. Conner patted her back and draped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her into his side.

“It’s been quite a journey hasn’t it, kiddo?” Conner asked, smiling down at her.

“Indeed, it has, Conner,” she agreed, chuckling a bit.

“I knew when you left home a year ago that there was more to the tale. But I had no idea this was what God had in store for you or the family. No idea,” he mused, shaking his head slightly and glancing over at Wallace as he stopped beside him.

“How could we, Conner?” Alex asked. “There are moments when all of this still seems too surreal, and I find myself reaching out for tangible objects to know that what I see before me is real and not a dream. But throughout this year, and with all I lived through as a child, I know that God has a plan for me. And His plan and will are most definitely real. When I need to believe, I go to Him in prayer, and then I know this is all of His making and of His design. And I know I’m very real, as are the other Nephilim.”

“We are most assuredly real,” laughed Gaius quietly.

“Yeah, and after all we’ve seen the last few days, I’m glad to know that you are. Because I swear, if there were only the children of the Fallen on this earth and not those of your kind to hold them back, I shudder to think what would become of mankind and civilization as we know it,” said Wallace, grimacing as he narrowed his eyes to the idea.

“Well, that you need never worry over, brother. They know now that Alex has returned, and there is no other who can hold back the demons as she can,” Gaius praised, looking from Wallace back to Alex.

She laughed softly and just shook her head. “So, who wants to dance with said guardian at the gate first?” Alex played, looking at three whom she loved so deeply.

“How is there even a question about that?” laughed Conner, removing his arm from her shoulders. “Gaius, I think your wife wants a turn around the dance floor,” he smiled, placing her hand in her husband’s.

Gaius inclined his head towards the two men and led Alex out onto the floor as their friends started a modern song playing through the sound system set-up for the revelry. He spun Alex around, then back to his chest and began to lead her smoothly through the pulsating music. She laughed aloud at his playfulness and completely lost herself for a time in Gaius’ strong arms.

Eventually, they allowed others to cut-in, and she winked at him as Gaius led Emily through a fast paced number while Alex stayed in Wallace’s hold. Friends and family members wove their way in and out of their moments together, and even Jameason came to jovially let Alex lead him through a dance before he sat by her parents, Archimedes, and John for light conversation. When she returned to Gaius’ arms, he mentally connected with her so that no other was privy to his words.

“Alex, look over towards the refreshment tables,” he whispered into her mind, and Alex let her eyes drift to the front of the ballroom where drinks and hors d’oeuvres were placed for the New Year’s Eve celebration.

Rohan had just taken Sabina into his arms for a dance, and there was a rare, soft blush on his handsome face. Not enough to draw notice from the assembly, but enough for Alex and Gaius to note that he was slightly affected by the lovely lady before him. Sabina was smiling and letting him carry her away for a while, reveling in the moment.

“Will he eventually realize what a catch she is?” Alex privately asked him.

Gaius chuckled aloud, but continued to speak through their connection.

“Sweetheart, I have known Rohan his whole life, and I know why he is so guarded most of the time. I have long wondered if he would ever let another in. And truthfully, if ever a soul has been born who could draw him out of his shell, Sabina would be the loving one to do so. We shall see what the future holds for them.”

“I love the hope and promise I see for them both, though I won’t bring it up until he does,” she sighed.

“No, these matters of the heart take a while to sort themselves out. As I said, we shall see in time,” he smiled and continued to playfully spin her around the floor.

 

When the midnight hour was upon them, Elrick lowered the music and everyone took a glass of Champagne in hand for a toast. Alex looked to Archimedes, sure that he would stand and offer words to the assembly, but he only smiled and nodded his head at her. Gaius gently patted her back and asked Alex if she would offer their toast. She bit her lower lip slightly, but held up a hand to gain everyone’s attention. Within moments, the gathering of over two hundred turned in her direction.

“My family and friends, if I may, I would like to lead us in a toast,” Alex began, letting her eyes roam over the souls before her, lingering momentarily over her brothers, parents, Jameason, and Jack. Ganymede and Haniel were there as well, looking so content and proud. She drew in a deep breath as she saw the nods and smiles from Iain, Ahadi, Benen, and many more as they encouraged her to continue.

“Conner and I were talking earlier tonight about how much has happened in the last year. About the changes within our family, the Lord’s plan, and His many blessings. It was one year ago tonight that I walked through those double doors over there with Jack, Archimedes, Heath, and John to find out what lay before me and what choice the Lord was offering me through Ganymede and the Nephilim. Never in my wildest imaginings could I have pictured the life I now lead in His service, alongside all of you,” Alex said, smiling tenderly at all those within the ballroom.

“You see, I told Jack that night, as we strolled through the gardens, that I had no real friends save my immediate family, because I had never let anyone else in. And Jack told me he could already see that there was a castle full of souls who wanted to bring me into their hearts, removing the isolation I had known for so long. He said that it looked to him as though my family was poised to grow broader and richer than I had ever considered possible before,” Alex admitted, grinning affectionately at Jack and watching him smile and nod at her in return.

“And Jackson was right. After Rohan came in that first night and fairly overwhelmed me with his size, aura, and stern look,” she said, glancing at her dear friend and laughing a little along with the rest of the assembly, “I knew that there was more than just an expectant hope among the Nephilim that I return. There was also a heartfelt plea and a real need.”

“This year has taught me that there is a need for all of us, my loved ones, whether we are mortal or immortal. We all choose, day to day, how we’ll use the Lord’s gifts. And with each breath we take, we have the blessing of free will and the option to serve our fellow man. It can be as simple as opening a door for another, or as complex as taking away their pain from disease or physical stress. However we choose to serve Him, is a blessing and a gift.”

“I have come to understand, after all we’ve lived through, that there is indeed a greater plan than any of us can see or truly fathom; no matter what our abilities allow us to access. I’ve said many times this last year that I am a blessed lady, and I can stand before you all now and say that I am a blessed soul among many. For I see in all of us, a Light and a spark that reassures me and fortifies my faith in the Lord, that all is not lost for this world.”

“No matter what demons or evil encroach, He is always greater. His plan, His works, and His love are far more encompassing than the strongest of those who have turned against Him. And it is through these bonds we share with one another, and with our true Father, that we and our fellow man will persevere. For there will always be Light and the darkness, and the Light shall outshine it every time,” Alex said, feeling her tears begin to fall freely over her cheeks. Gaius placed his arm around her shoulders and removed his handkerchief, ready to clean her face as soon as she concluded her remarks.

“So as we, as a collective family, begin this new year which lies ahead, I pray good health, safe travels, and many, many days of fellowship and companionship for us all. I pray that wherever the days take us and the years ahead lead us, that we will always stay in touch and always remain close in our hearts to each other. May God bless you and keep you. Together, my family, always,” Alex breathed, happiness and love billowing in waves now away from her body on the currents of her aura.

“Together,” said Gaius tenderly, smiling at Alex as he began to lightly clean her face.

“Together!” called Ganymede, grinning at his daughter and son-in-law.

“Together!” the assembly rang out and lifted their glasses. Many hugged one another, or lightly touched their neighbor on the shoulder.

Alexandria stared into Gaius’ eyes, smiling over his care. He winked at her and whispered his love, then pulled her into his arms for a warm hug. Alex listened to his heart and closed her eyes for a moment, thanking the Lord for helping her find her way home. Home among the Nephilim, home in her role as leader of the Lord’s immortals, and home in the arms of her soul mate.

“Forever,” she whispered, and Alex felt the rumble of laughter roll through Gaius’ chest as he drew away slightly to look down at her.

“Yes, Alexandria. No matter what comes, we will have one another forever,” he whispered in return, and then pulled her back against his heart.