Chapter 37

A few weeks later the members of the castle prepare for the return of King Cade, as well as King Luke and Queen Roonie. Busy maids scurry around making sure everything is in top shape for the King's arrival. Everyone it seems has tried to think of any way to pull me from this statue-like state, but to no avail. Roonie and Luke arrive back from their honeymoon, and come to see me straight away. "Gosh Lukey, just look at her! I hate that this has happened to her! Nora, if you can hear me, we brought you some gifts from France. I'll just lay them here" Roonie tells me in an extra loud voice as if I couldn't hear her otherwise. She gives me a soft kiss on the forehead, and Luke places a hand on my shoulder before they turn to leave the room. "If only they could hear me. Will I be stuck like this forever?!" I wonder to myself. Having tried everything I could think of to get my body to move, or my mouth to speak, I now spend my days laying here, watching everyone else through my visions. When I heard the news that Cade is returning, my heart raced and I knew right then that he would stop at nothing to help rescue me from this affliction. 

My thoughts are broken as a vision forms, and I see Alex approaching Tulip's room. "Knock, knock! I hope I'm not disturbing you sweetie" he announces. Tulip gives him a kind smile and softly blushes a bit before answering, "Of course not! Just getting in a bit of reading while everyone is occupied." Tulip closes her book and extends her hand offering Alex a seat in the chair near hers. "I see, well the castle is quite busy. That for us is a fortunate thing I think! With everyone busy I know we can have a moment to ourselves without interruption" he explains. He scoots closer to her and takes her hands into his before continuing, "You know I've been thinking, Brendlewood is great and all but, with Blue Haven operational, I will be going home soon. I received word that Ector has already returned there, I know he missed home terribly, and I will be joining him as soon as I am able." Tulip grows quiet at this and looks down at the cover of the book in her lap. Alex nervously looks out the window, then back again at Tulip. 

"So, I know we've briefly talked on it before, but I was hoping you would join me. Come away with me darling, come to Blue Haven" he tells her. Tulip smiles and looks into Alex's eyes, "Really? I would love to, but to be honest I'm kind of nervous. I've never lived anywhere but Brendlewood, and I'm not sure what it would be like to live in a kingdom where there aren't any faeries." Alex softly laughs, "Sweetie the citizens of Blue Haven won't care that you are a faerie. Besides it's not like you would be spending alot of time with them." She gives him strange look and replies, "Aw..wait why won't I be spending alot of time with them?" He gently pats her on the knee, "Oh darling you'll be fine! You'll be so busy preparing enchantments and taking care of our home there won't be time for gallivanting with the villagers." Tulip looks taken aback as she stands, "You expect me to just work all day and come home and clean? What about children, weren't you planning on having any?" "Well of course but that's we'll have a nanny to look after them. The town could really use your help, and I love you so much sweetie. I want to share our lives together in Blue Haven" he explains. Tulip thinks for a moment, "My whole life has been spent here, all my friends are here. But, maybe it's time for a new beginning, one making new memories. Alright Alex, I will come with you!" He takes her in his arms and kisses her sweetly before he leaves to make ready the preparations. 

I watch as Tulip too leaves the room, but instead of heading to gather the maids to help her pack, she leaves the castle. "Where could she be off to?" I think to myself. Tulip continues through the courtyard, and down into the village. She happily greets the townspeople along her way, but doesn't stop for conversation. On the far outskirts of the village she enters the woods. As part of the protective spells of the woods her wings could not carry her, but she trots happily into the forest none the less. She follows a small stream through the woods, collecting wildflowers as she goes. She steps lightly along the forest floor, as though her feet know where each tree root and mossy patch are lurking. Finally she reaches a small clearing where two or three dozen tombstones are placed here and there. Carefully she makes her way to two medium-sized gravestones that reside next to one another, and places a handful of flowers on each of them. The stones read the names James Warner and Daisy Warner, Tulip's parents. 

"Hey Mom and Dad, I miss you so much. I really wish you were here right now. Alex has asked me to move to Blue Haven with him, and I really want to. I care about him alot. I just think he expects me to be a certain way when we get there, but it could be good for me. It made me think of leaving Brendlewood though, what I would be leaving, and who. Most of my best memories here were shared with Jax, and by leaving I'll be making new memories in a new kingdom.  That's why I'm doing it, you know, for a fresh start. I promise to come visit here though, I just wanted to say goodbye for now. I love you guys so much" Tulip says as tears fill her eyes. She rises and turns to leave but no sooner is she back in the woods when the ground around her gives a slight rumble. "Who's there?" she calls out. A low growl comes from the thick forest bushes and she pauses. All at once two large trolls emerge from the brambles on either side of her, and she screams as she steps into a run. The large hairy trolls stand more than twice her height and their large bulging feet carry them double time what Tulip can run. 

Glancing back she see's them making ground on her quickly. Her nimble feet hop gracefully over the tree roots that she knows so well. Soon she realizes that she cannot hear the brook any longer, and fears that she is being chased away from the path to the village. The ground shakes under her feet as she runs, and the trolls grunts grow nearer. The path becomes unfamiliar and making her way through the forest becomes more difficult as something brushes against her shoulder. Pain shoots through her right shoulder, but she doesn't dare stop or even glance at it. Tangles of stringy vines hang from overhead and the forest becomes a mossy tree tunnel. A lone tree trunk up ahead has fallen across the path, and she readies herself to jump over it. Running with all her might and jumping hard to clear it, she is abruptly yanked backwards and lands on the forest floor staring skyward. Catching a glimpse of the hem of her skirt, she see's it has caught hold of a pointy branch on the fallen trunk. Before she can get to her feet however, something wet and especially smelly plops onto her abdomen. She cringes looking at the slime, then back up to where it has fallen from. Standing over her with a disgusting amount of drool hanging from their jutted jaws are two very large, very hungry looking trolls. 

The larger of the two places his large mossy hand on her chest pinning her down and she lets out a horrified scream as he licks his chops. The slightly smaller troll takes her foot in his grasp and removes her shoe. With her shoe in one hand, and her ankle in the other. He sticks out his large black tongue and licks the soul of her foot then takes a bite out of her shoe and chews on it dumbly. The other troll leans closer towards her, opening his jaw widely, ready to chomp down on her head. Screaming she tries to wiggle free, but the trolls brute strength is no match for her. He draws closer and closer until his entire mouth is almost engulfing her head, and his vile breath is on her face. Warm saliva drips from his watering mouth, and she scrunches her eyes shut ready for the attack. With a final scream she feels her foot being released, and the larger trolls head falls on top of her face, then suddenly rolls off to one side. Slowly she opens her eyes, and see's the edge of a blooded blade inches from her face, two trolls with severed heads lay beside her, and Jax Debois stands over her with a worried expression on his face.  

Returning the sword to its sheath, he extends his hand to help her up. "Are you alright?" he asks as he helps her get to her feet. Tulip shakes uncontrollably and he puts his arms around her, as she begins to cry. Tulips voice trembles as she replies, "I-I am. Oh Jax thank you for saving me!" Jax holds her strongly in his arms before she leans out of their embrace. "How did you know where to find me, or that I would even be here?" she asks wiping her tears. Jax rubs a hand along the back of his neck and sheepishly replies, "I...uh...I followed you. I'm sorry Tulip, I overheard you talking with Alex about going to Blue Haven. I just wanted a chance to talk to you one on one, without him butting in. I know I've messed up bad, on more than one occasion, and I take full responsibility for that. I tried to step back and let you two be together, but I just knew that if I didn't try to win you back, I would regret it for the rest of my life. Tulip darling, I have loved you since we were kids. I saw that hair as bright as the sun, you turned around and your porcelain skin shone in the sun rays, and I knew at that moment I wanted to be with you. Please my love, please give me this one last chance, and I swear to you that you will not regret it. I love you Tulip, and I will spend each waking moment proving that to you."

Tulip stands speechless gazing into Jax's eyes, wondering if she can believe the words he is telling her. She feels herself being drawn to him, for deep in her heart she is still much in love with him. Tearing her eyes from his, she composes herself; patting off dirt and fixing her hair nervously. He gently turns her head to face him once again, and looks upon her with questions in his eyes. She softly replies, "Jax I, I don't know. I need to think..." She turns to leave him but he catches her by the hand, "Tulip wait" he pleas. She takes her hand from his, gives him one last look and asks him not to follow her. She leaves him there as she runs through the forest, and finds her way back to the village. Emerging from the forest at a bit of a run, she bumps right into Bonnie, who is tending to her small garden. "Watch it- Ahh!" Bonnie exclaims and she topples over right onto a tomato plant. "Oh gosh Bon I'm so sorry!" Tulip gasps helping Bonnie to her feet. 

"What brings you to the village?" Bonnie asks frowning a bit at the state of Tulip. "My gosh girl, what ever happened to your arm!?" Bonnie continues pointing out the large gash in Tulip's shoulder. "Must've been the troll" Tulip says under her breath. Bonnie looks absolutely shocked as Tulip recalls what just happened, and tells her all about what Jax said. "I just don't know Bonnie. I know it's a bit awkward to talk to you about him, since you two dated for awhile..." Tulip says wondering if she's said too much. "Well true it could've been a bit awkward, but we're all past that now! I'm with Arthur, and well, I'm very happy. I know you love him Tulip, and there's not a doubt in my mind that he loves you...but, well he's got what we call a wandering eye. Can't commit, ya know? I would tell you maybe give him a chance except..." Bonnie trails off. 

"Except what?" Tulip asks a little impatiently. "You see uh, Clover is pregnant. She's been telling people around the village that Jax is the father you see. All I'm saying is to make sure, think on it. Men are such pigs you know! Sometimes Arthur tries arguing with me, but I give him one look and BAM! He straightens right up! You gotta know how to put your foot down!" Bonnie says with a little smile. Tulip stands in disbelief at the news of Jax becoming a father to Clover's baby. A look of sadness comes over her, but then she perks up and snaps, "You know what Bonnie! I don't have to think about it, Alex has been nothing but wonderful to me and why shouldn't I go with him to Blue Haven! My minds made up! Thank you for being such a good friend to me." Bonnie smiles and the two embrace before Tulip tells her she'll write once she's settled. Bonnie waves her goodbye with a fist full of turnips in hand as she calls out, "Bye Tulip!  Get that shoulder cleaned up, and safe travels!"

Back in the palace Tulip and one of the maids begin packing her belongings after her shoulder has been tended to. Tulip rambles on and on to the maid trying to reassure herself that she is indeed making the right decision, when they hear a yelp of pain coming from down the hall. The two follow the sound down the hall where they find Shelly crying out in pain in her bed. Midi, who is with her, turns and expresses her thankfulness at their arrival.  "Tinette get some extra linens" she tells the maid. "Ma'am have you seen Sir Thatcher, he's a' needin to be here!" she asks Tulip. "I'll gather the others right away!" she replies before turning to leave the room. My vision doesn't continue following Tulip, but instead remains with Shelly, who is wailing and wriggling in pain upon her bed. "There now majesty, easy now. Just try to relax! Not time to push just yet!" Midi soothes as she helps prop Shelly up with an additional pillow. 

Shortly the nurse arrives, then she and Midi begin preparing everything for the baby to arrive. Thatcher bursts through the door, soaked in a panicked sweat. "I'm here! I'm here!" he exclaims as Tinette hurriedly shoo's him from the room. "WAIT! Please let him stay!" Shelly calls out. The nurse and maids exchange awkward looks, but shrug and wave him in. "Thank you, the others are just waiting outside in the reading cove" he tells them as he takes a seat next to Shelly. "Not to worry darling, I'm here now" he tells her, taking her hand into his. She gives him a warm smile, but her brows furrow as she feels another contraction coming on, and she gives his hand a firm squeeze. 

The nurse checks Shelly's vitals and tells her that it is time to begin pushing. Midi places a cool towel on Shelly's forehead and soothingly says, "Not long til the little bundle will be here!" The nurse gets into position and instructs Shelly to push, push, push! Shelly braces herself as she breathes heavily and pain shoots through her body. She gives a strong push, as the nurse exclaims, "That's it your highness, your little one is almost here! Another big push and we'll welcome her to the world!" Thatcher smiles at Shelly, but see's that she's exhausted. "Come on breathe with me darling! You can do this" he tells her running his free hand through her hair. "Ok majesty a big push now, you can do it!" the nurse tells her. Shelly struggles to push, but finally manages to give it all she's got. Soon the room is filled with the sound of a baby cry, and Midi rushes over to clean up the little one. 

Shelly and Thatcher exchange happy smiles as Midi hands the baby to Shelly. "Thatcher dear will you see the others in?" Shelly asks. He agrees and waves the others in. Everyone crowds around excitedly and Thatcher stands proudly, "May I present Juliana Sky Mason; Princess of Blue Haven." The men shake his hand in congratulations, and the women gather around to take turns holding the new little bundle of joy. 

"Oh look here! She has a very unique birthmark on the palm of her hand! Cirrus has told me about special birthmarks being destined for greatness!" Tulip tells Shelly excitedly pointing at the mark on Juliana's palm. "Oh I see it! It almost looks like a little mouth; like a pair of lips!" Roonie says excitedly. "I see it too!" Bonnie mentions. The others nod and make comments about the child's birthmark as Tulip darts from the room returning shortly with a very large old book. She turns the pages furiously, searching its contents. "Here we go! It appears she has the ability to speak with those who have died. There is a side effect of being born with this skill however" Tulip tells the group. Shelly and Thatcher look nervously at one another before asking Tulip what this side effect is. "It says here that those born with this gift will age slower than normal. It could be anywhere from 2 - 5 years slower than a child born without it" Tulip explains.  

The group murmurs to one another about how exciting this is. Roonie mentions that she's heard of gifts like these, and that the children grow up just fine. "They just age slower really, and her gift can be learned how to control" Roonie tells Shelly. Thatcher gives Shelly a look as if to question her feelings on the issue. Shelly gives him a kind smile, "Don't worry my love everything will be just fine. My mother used to tell me stories of the fae, and of their many gifts that the children can be born with. It's spectacular really!" Thatcher returns her smile and nods, "Well this is certainly good news! As a human we never heard of special gifts, magic enchantments and such. I always wondered how of all the human lands ours fell into the magical realm." "That's because a very long time ago Blue Haven was the home to merfolk. They intended on moving their families to the coast of Castlerock, but one young man sought out a witch to transform himself into a human. He then met a human lady that was temporarily docked on the shores there. The two fell in love, and became rulers of Blue Haven" Jax explains. 

"Nora my love....Nora darling" I hear Cade whisper as the vision of the group from downstairs becomes blurry and fades. "Oh my sweet, my darling wonderful Cade! How happy I am to see you!" I try to cry out but with no success. He brushes his cheek against mine, and tenderly kisses my lips. Softly sweeping his fingertips through my hair I feel something land upon my cheek, and find that silent tears are falling from his eyes. He wipes them gently away and whispers, "My dearest we will find a way to release you from this terrible condition. I will stop at nothing til it's done. I love you baby." He kisses my lips once more and then leaves my side. As he leaves my vision of the group returns, fuzzy at first, then it comes into focus.

"Your majesty! Welcome home!" the maids cry out bowing low as Cade opens the door. "We've been hearing this story for years, I'm surprised the humans didn't pass their own history down" Cade forces a laugh as he enters the room. "Just like my Cade, being brave for the others" I think to myself. Everyone welcomes Cade home as he congratulates Shelly and Thatcher on the baby. Roonie rushes to him for an embrace but her foot catches against the leg of the bed, and she topples to the ground. Luke gives her a smile and helps her to her feet as Cade pulls her into a hug. "I see some things never change" he chuckles giving her a squeeze. "How did things go with the lycans? Where do we stand with bringing down Dragon Valley" Thatcher asks bluntly. "Darling he's only just returned! Don't bombard him all at once" Shelly playfully scolds. "That's quite alright Shelly. The soldiers have done a fantastic job, but have grown weary. We've returned, and I've instructed a new group of men to continue the lycan hunt. I dare not strike battle with Dragon Valley under our circumstances. With Learia being rebuilt, and Blue Haven barely functional we wouldn't stand a chance" he tells them all. 

The group voices their agreement before Alex and Tulip fill him in on their plans to move to Blue Haven, and Luke describes the fun he and Roonie had on their honeymoon. "You seem in good spirits Cade! I'm glad of it, but have you been to see the Queen?" Arthur asks. Cade's wide smile falls, but he catches himself and forces his mouth into the most brave face he can muster. "I have indeed. It is with great sadness in my heart that I am lost for a solution. Where is dear Cirrus? Surely she can bring my Nora out of this state!" The others all exchange curious looks with each other; surprised that Cade isn't aware of Cirrus's absence. They tell him all about her note, and how they even sent word to Stone Ridge but they have yet to see her. 

"I think it is clear what we must do my friends. With our freshened solider's on hunt for the lycan, and our weary one's getting their well deserved rest, I have an idea. It's a little unorthodox, but hear me out. I move to place the royal court in charge of Brendlewood for a short time, with no immediate threat to the kingdom they should be able to do their duty. Of course there will be guards and soldiers protecting the kingdom as well" Cade informs them. He pauses reading their faces before continuing, "I think we should go find Cirrus." The others gasp and comment to one another of the dangers, the adventure, and what an odd bunch they would make for a search party. "I  know, I know. You are all thinking 'What good could we do'? But, friends I tell you this, we are a diverse group with much to offer. Cirrus is one of our own, and we need to be the ones to bring her home!" he says. They think for a moment then erupt in approval. 

"Yes what better team than us!" Jax cheers as he raises his fist in the air. "Here, Here!" Luke joins in. "We're sure to find her!" Bonnie calls out. Thatcher looks to Shelly, and places his hand on her shoulder. "I feel like I should help dear, and you and the baby should stay where it's safe" he tells her calmly. "I think not! Cirrus has been like a mother to me, I simply must help find her. "But Shelly, think of the baby" Tulip says before she can help it. "I'm sorry, it's not my business" she continues. "Midi what do you think? Would you be able to look after our precious daughter in our absence? Surely we won't be gone more than a fortnight" Shelly says. "Aye your highness, I've looked after more royal tykes than I can count. She'll be excellent care until your return" Midi replies with a curtsy. "Then it's all settled!" Arthur chimes in. Cade turns to Tulip and kindly asks, "Tulip I must ask you a favor. With Cirrus gone, you are the most skilled enchantress in the kingdom. I wonder if you might stay with Nora, and see if you can do anything to help free her from her petrified prison." "Why of course! I would do anything to help Nora! Plus I can help Midi with the baby" Tulip says turning toward Shelly. She gives a nod and replies, "That would be great, thank you." "I shall stay too your highness. I can help keep the royal court in check and help protect the kingdom. That is of course, with your permission" Alex mentions. Cade nods, "A fine idea!"

While Cade, Alex, and the others talk of the search plan for Cirrus, Jax pulls Tulip to the side. "Have you had anytime to think of a decision regarding our talk this afternoon?" he cautiously asks. "I have. Jax I want to believe you, but there has been too much hurt, and too much deception. I will admit, you had me slightly questioning my decision to be with Alex. When I left the woods I went to see Bonnie, but she gave me some news that helped me confirm my choice. My choice is to be with Alex" she replies. "What do you mean news? What kind of news? I have been with no one since our talk in the library that day a few weeks ago" Jax says in confusion. "Don't play dumb with me Jax, if you can't remember, maybe you should ask Clover" Tulip snaps. "Announcing Miss Clover of the Brendlewood Village" a guard states suddenly appearing at the door. Ignoring him completely Jax responds to Tulip, "Ask Tulip what?" "About our baby" Clover answers. "Our what!?" Jax exclaims in utter shock. 

"Oh he can't talk about that now! We're going on a search and rescue to find Cirrus!" Roonie blurts out as she overhears the conversation. "ROONIE!" Jax whispers harshly as he claps his hand to his forehead. "Oh no you don't! You're not getting off that easy mister! If you are leaving the kingdom, I'm coming with you!" Clover demands. "We do need all the help we can get, and since Tulip and Alex are staying maybe she should come along?" Arthur mentions staring at Clovers beauty. Bonnie gives him a firm nudge and scowls at him fiercely. Arthur continues in a fluster of words, "On second thought maybe it would be better if you st-" "Oh no, I am coming! My baby deserves to spend time with his father. Someones gotta help me carry it" Clover pouts and heaves her chest heavily. A button pops from her blouse under the pressure, spilling her cleavage out even more so than normal. "Oh for heaven sake! Clover cover that mess up, and fine you can come but just know that no one can carry your baby until it is born!" Bonnie erupts shaking her head in disbelief of Clover's stupidity. 

Jax turns back to Tulip, but she and Alex are no longer in the room. "Let us prepare for the journey! Jax will you help me gather supplies?" Cade asks. Jax somberly agrees, wishing there was more time to talk things over with Tulip, and follows Cade out of the room. The vision fades and I lie in bed mulling over all this new information as the door creaks open, and Tulip and Alex enter my chambers.