Lilith and Ammon

Lilith and Ammon

Book 3 The Khloe Alwell Series

By: Alexis Donkin

2nd Edition

Copyright 2015, 1st Edition 2013, Alexis Donkin

All rights reserved.

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Chapter 1: In The Woods

Beltane was a lazy day compared to the wildness of the last few months, especially the past week. She deserved a night of real peace. So that night when she settled into bed next to Laran, she tried not to think of the chaos around her. She ignored the problem of her crazed ex-boyfriend. She pushed aside the idea of a mole in the Sidhe council. She ignored the violent Sidhe rebel actions against humanity. Most importantly, she pushed aside her destiny to reunite the troubled Otherworld and save the world from certain destruction. Instead, Khloe let her mind go blank as she enjoyed the scents of her new home and husband beside her. She listened to Laran's breathing – in and out – and let the quiet rhythm lull her troubled heart. Then closing her eyes, slowly and gently, she drifted into a deep sleep...

I've never seen you before, said the young girl. She couldn't have been older than thirteen. Her body was still gangly, waiting hopelessly to fill in both hip and bust. Her dark hair was long and straggly from too much play and too little brushing. Her eyes were jewel green in a gamine almond shape, framed by the delicate arches of her expectantly raised brows. She folded her skinny arms, her pink lips forming a slight frown.

I just moved here, said the boy, blinking. He was just as gawky. His teeth were still settling in his mouth and his coppery hair looked like he just rolled out of a moss bed. Flecks of leaves and twig were caught in its curling clutches. His pale skin only highlighted the deep richness of his brown eyes, which reminded the girl of fertile earth and redwoods.

"Really, where? Everyone stays together. You can't have come that far! Did you cross the river to get here?" Her eyes scanned him. He was small for a boy. He couldn't have been taller than she was. He couldn't have been older than she was. Why was he all by himself out in the woods? Didn't he know a young person could get into trouble? Anyone under sixteen didn't have their full strength. Nature did as it wanted – even to its children. The boy grinned nervously. His almond eyes crinkled.

Yeah – the river, he replied slowly. His thoughts ran to his journey. Orphaned from his father's lack of foresight and ridiculous arrogance, he'd had no choice but to leave his home village. The journey had been long. He had been alone. How many times had he just escaped injury? Death? Even for someone like him – like her – it wasn't safe. The old trees held many secrets and just as many predators, waiting for a quick snack. Even in the short time he lived with others of his kind, he learned to treat the world with respect. It was important to honor the forces of nature. One didn't just take whatever he wanted. A person wasn't even supposed to keep weapons – at least, not to use against the land.

Right, well do you want me to bring you to Uruk?

What's that?

My village, she said haughtily.

You have a village? Had he come that far?

Well, yeah. She flipped her hair with haughty superiority.

Girls could be so annoying. He rolled his eyes at her. Then he sighed. Where else did he have to go? There was nothing for him in the place he'd left behind. He couldn't believe what had happened. It was wrong – the legacy of his father – what he had escaped. The story must not have reached this place yet. Even to him it seemed strange. How could such a strong man be provoked into fighting? How could he lose?!

Sure, I guess so.

Fine. Follow me. She turned and took off through the underbrush with the speed of familiarity. Meanwhile, the boy struggled over roots and branches, hopelessly trying to keep up.

Wait! he called after her, his voice cracking annoyingly. Really? Right now? He growled in frustration.

It's not much farther! she called over her shoulder even as she hopped once more out of view. How much farther was it? The forest seemed to stretch forever. Though the tree tops were not very high, the amount of green and covered space was alarming. He hadn't grown up around such things. He was used to sea, and open spaces – fields, hills, and mountains. One might wonder how he found his way to such a place. It took months – months of travel. He had avoided several villages – most importantly he had escaped the notice of Neanderthals. A child, defenseless and alone, of the People was not going to be overlooked – even by the likes of them.

That's good, he called back, as the dark hair once again came into view. I hope these people are more welcoming than the last settlement. He had run into his share of the People – scattered as they were across the countryside. They didn't usually like newcomers.

There was a sharp change in plants, and he knew what it was as soon as he stumbled upon it. It didn't take the girl stopping at the edge of the wood. As they looked out along the small hilly meadow, they could see small homes carved into the hills. His stomach bubbled as anxiety and excitement mixed.

Huh! He couldn't stop himself from smiling. It looked a little more like home than the previous stop. Maybe they'll be kinder.

Come on! This time, she smiled as she looked at him. When she did, she seemed to glow with light. He had never seen such a thing. He found his eyes inspecting her instead of the hillside retreat. Hello?! She waved her hand in front of his face, eyes wide.

Uh, yeah. Sorry. Been going a while. He blushed the color of his hair as he smiled sheepishly.

Whatever. She rolled her eyes and grabbed his hand. I'm taking you to my parents' place. With a flash they were running through the hilly homes, racing through flowers and grasses, the sounds of children laughing and women singing echoed about them. For a moment he was at war with himself.

Will it be okay? he cringed.

Why wouldn't it be? She was smiling. Her hand gripped his firmly as she directed him through the village. It made him nervous - the idea. He felt his hands go clammy and his forehead start to perspire.

I don't know, he mumbled.

Suddenly she stopped short, and he slammed into her. She turned to him scowling.

Watch it!

A little warning next time, okay? he snapped, glaring back at her. But she was already thinking of the next thing.

Okay, so we need to make you presentable. She checked him over and settled on his hair. The dirty brown pants and ragged shirt couldn't be helped. He was alone. He had clearly been traveling a long distance. It might help his cause. Still, she could do something about the rat's nest on his head. Her hands darted this way and that, plucking out leaves and twigs. Then she ran her slender fingers through his hair sending shivers down his spine.

Better! she smiled, satisfied with her work.

Right, he muttered. Arranging his hair made him even more nervous. His skin went impossibly pale, but she hadn't noticed.

So what's your name?

He stood silent, his nerves paralyzing him.

I need to be able to introduce you! she snapped, crossing her skinny arms in irritation, as she placed more weight on her right hip.

Ammon. My name is Ammon.

Huh. Strange name. She looked at nothing in particular as she scrunched up her face, trying to decide where he had come from.

Why?

I don't know. Never heard it before.

What's your name? he asked hesitantly. Her eyes flashed and she grinned widely.

I'm Lilith.

He laughed.

What?! she scowled.

My name's no weirder than yours! The laughter did much to restore him. This silly girl was just another kid who never went beyond her village. Then again, he wouldn't have either had things been different.

Let's go, she snapped. She glared at him as she grabbed his hand, squeezing it a little harder than necessary. He winced under the pressure.

Just a stone's throw away was a domed bit of earth. Cut into it was a large doorway, with an intricately carved, round wooden door barring their way. Lilith pushed it open easily.

Mom! Dad! I've brought someone! she called. As they entered the hill, Ammon's eyes went wide. The space was beautifully furnished. Screens of reed and resined grasses separated the large space, while other earthen walls closed off private quarters. Grass rugs, dyed and woven into complex patterns, covered the floors. Plush cushions thrown here and there softened the hard carved chairs and couches. The smell of smoke lingered with cooking herbs and wild game. His stomach rumbled appreciatively. It had been a long time since he had eaten anything, and even longer since he'd eaten anything cooked. The mixture of herbs and spices reminded him forcibly of his mother, which made an already difficult situation that much more painful.

Hi Lil! called a female voice. It was so beautiful, Ammon thought he was listening to a bird or one of the stringed instruments some of the People played. His breath caught as a woman came into view. She was breathtakingly beautiful. Her long dark hair was braided back away from her face. He could see small sparkling beads woven into the plait. Her eyes were a deep blue-green that reminded him of the sea, and her skin was a creamy white that again turned his thoughts to his mother. The woman studied him as he trembled.

Oh, who's this, sweetie?

This is Ammon, Lilith said gesturing grandly to the boy. I met him in the woods. The girl grabbed a grape from the table and popped it into her mouth.

The woods? came the beautiful voice again. Ammon gulped.

Ye-yes. His breath went ragged. The woman floated toward him.

I'm Auriel, Lilith's mother, she smiled blindingly at him. As she inspected him, she frowned. Ammon, are you hungry?

Uh, yes ma'am, he said quietly. Ammon didn't know how to act around this beautiful creature. She was an adult, who knew how old, and he was a foreign orphan. He was at her mercy.

Well dinner is going to be in a few minutes. You're just in time! she said, and smiled encouragingly at him.

Ammon nodded quickly,

And then you can meet Ezreth, Lilith's dad, Auriel added, as she raised her brows with a smile meant to reassure him. Ammon only paled further.

The others aren't coming? Lilith frowned.

Oh, your brother and sister are at the nemeton today. They won't be back for a while, Auriel said gently.

"I'm the baby – by a lot!" Lilith grinned at Ammon as she popped another grape into her mouth. Noticing his rumbling stomach, she forced a bunch in his hand, which he took reluctantly. As he placed a purple berry slowly into his mouth, he inhaled the tart scent of the fruit. Chewing just as slowly, he savored the thing. He wanted to eat quickly, but he wasn't sure how much his stomach could handle after his long fast. Besides, he didn't want to be rude.

Fortunately Ammon didn't have to wait much longer before Ezreth arrived. He heard Ezreth before he saw the man. Outside a loud conversation and laughter wafted through the windows before the door slid slowly open. Thundering footsteps on the densely packed earth let Ammon know exactly how large this man was. Ammon trembled.

Most males of the People were on the larger side – their shoulders were broad, their torsos and limbs long. At least, that was how Ammon saw them. But as Lilith's father came into view, it was clear Ezreth was the largest man Ammon had ever seen – a kind of giant. With steel eyes and auburn hair, he reminded Ammon of some of the robust men from his home, long gone, and very far away.

Who is this? Ezreth boomed. Though his face smiled, Ammon shook under his gaze.

This is Ammon, Lilith answered, as she popped grapes into her mouth nonchalantly.

Is your -? Ezreth began, but a furtive shake of Auriel's head silenced him. The giant cleared his throat awkwardly. So you're new here. Staying for dinner then? He really was trying to be kind and gentle. Ammon knew that. It was just his voice cracked like thunder while his eyes flashed like lightning. Absently, Ammon wondered how strong the man's weather talents were. They must have been formidable.

Yes, Ammon barely squeaked. Lilith tried to stifle a giggle, but was unsuccessful. Ammon glared at her, hurt, and humiliated. Girls can be such evil creatures.

Well, dinner is served! Auriel's voice chimed, gesturing to the table. The newcomer hesitated, even as Ezreth and Lilith took their seats. As Ammon looked from Ezreth to Auriel, his eyes hurt. They were so striking - so beautiful. He had to squint as he looked at them. Slowly he sat down at the family table. Narrowing his almond eyes, he tried to focus on the full plate of food in front of him. It consisted of wild root vegetables, leafy greens, and some roasted water fowl. This was the scent he smelled since entering their home. It looked as delicious as it tasted.

Through his travels he had been unable to eat very much – shrinking his stomach over time, he was barely able to finish half the portion in front of him.

Aren't you hungry Ammon? Auriel said kindly as she noticed his plate wasn't clean. Lilith, however, had already eaten her plate and eyed Ammon's leftovers longingly. Don't you like it? Auriel frowned slightly. Ammon's eyes widened as he put his hand out in distress.

No, no! I don't – I like – it's delicious! I just, I'm not used to eating so much, he croaked.

Well, get used to it. You're going to eat well here, Ezreth winked at him from across the table. Ammon smiled hesitantly under the encouragement. Besides, you need to eat more. You're about to hit a growth spurt, and who knows how much you'll need to eat! Ezreth boomed a loud laugh, shaking everything in the room. Auriel shook her head in playful resignation.

What's so funny? Lilith glared at her father.

There's one man on the other side of the village who eats a whole table full of food every meal, Auriel said dryly.

Really? Ammon went wide-eyed, his mouth hanging open in shock as he completely forgot his meal. Seizing the opportunity, Lilith stole his remaining food out from under him and stuffed it into her mouth.

Well, we're different than other life. And of course, some of us are a little better at things than others. Some of us need more to sustain us, Auriel said with a smirk at her partner.

I know that, Ammon said darkly, causing Auriel and Ezreth to look at the boy. The large man cleared his throat.

You don't know anyone in Uruk, am I right? asked Ezreth carefully.

Ammon shook his head slowly.

Well then, I guess you're staying with us tonight. Ezreth looked at his partner for confirmation. She nodded.

You mean, I can stay here? Ammon looked from one to another, trying desperately to ignore the noisy chewing from Lilith's side of the table.

Of course dear! You can even stay in Lilith's room if you like. We don't have any guest rooms, she started to apologize, but Ammon stopped the beautiful woman.

Anywhere dry that has a pillow would be wonderful. Thank you ma'am. Ammon's eyes couldn't be wider. He couldn't believe his luck.

"Yeah, you can stay in my room. I don't think my brother and sister would like you in their rooms," Lilith said thickly through a mouthful of food. Ammon frowned at the girl. He wondered how she could come from such beautiful creatures as Ezreth and Auriel while possessing such poor manners.

Great! He gave the girl a falsely bright smile. Taking that encouragingly, she hastily swallowed her food, stood and grabbed his hand in one fluid motion.

Come on! She yanked hard on his arm, toppling him out of his seat. Stumbling behind her, he followed her into one of the far rooms. The space was small, but large enough for two bed mats to fit comfortably. On the walls and ceiling were pictures of stars, flowers, plants, clouds, and rocks – all arranged in a beautiful pattern. A small carved wardrobe sat to one side next to Lilith's mat. Across the floor was a woven wool rug.

Lilith quickly dropped his hand and began yanking a second plush mat to one side of the room, opposite her own. She was huffing and puffing as she did so. How could she be so active and so noisy in everything she did? Did she try to be noisy? Or was it all a show?

Ammon wasn't very good at judging people. He couldn't understand girls at all – but Lilith wasn't any better at understanding boys. Even as he was nervous around her parents, she found herself nervous around him. She couldn't figure out why she felt that way. There were other boys in the village. She met other boys from other villages. They didn't bother her one bit. But something about Ammon set her on edge. She just couldn't figure out why. After all, she was good at everything. She was Lilith! She couldn't let him see her out of sorts. This was her place. So she was playing it cool. She thought she was doing a pretty good job too – all things considered. And then of course, her mother had to suggest he sleep in their house – which meant he had to sleep in her room! She knew he couldn't sleep in her siblings' rooms. They were too high-strung, and her brother had all kinds of visitors coming and going at all hours. It wouldn't have worked for the skittish Ammon to stay with him. No, she was the logical choice.

It's still early, she said a little too loudly.

I haven't been sleeping very much, Ammon croaked. He looked at the mat longingly even as Lilith threw a pillow and a blanket on top of it.

Well, if you want to go to sleep you can. Lilith turned to him. They really were within inches of each other in height. He was a little shorter, his limbs a little scrawnier. She marveled at how skinny the boy was. He must have been traveling for a long time to have so little to him.

Yeah, I think I'm just going to sleep. He flopped down on the mat. As his head hit the pillow, she watched his eyes close. Within moments, he was sound asleep, and all his tension disappeared. He looked so calm – so peaceful.

She stared at him and sighed. Then she heard her name and her ears perked. Through her chamber door the hissed discussion of her parents was just audible.

What is it with her? Ezreth boomed even when he attempted to keep his voice down.

I don't know. Something about that boy. It's strange. Auriel's voice was so soft Lilith strained to hear her. But you know what we have to do. He can't stay here long term. It won't work.

Of course not. That would be a disaster. We'll just have to take him to a village meeting. Hopefully someone will take him in – someone with some extra space. Lilith heard the frown in her father's voice.

Like who? He's so sweet! But he's older than many people would foster. Auriel's voice took on a note of pleading. If Lilith didn't know any better, she would have said her mother really wanted to keep the boy. But of course, he couldn't stay. She didn't know why she expected he would. If he was thirteen, as she was, it wouldn't take long for things to get a little awkward. Her siblings would likely stay at home for a few more decades. It would be too crowded with someone her age – not to mention a boy.

Perhaps the nemeton will take him, Ezreth said hopefully. He's polite. Maybe he could learn some things and help keep the place tidy.

That's an idea, Auriel paused for a moment. If no one else takes him, we'll suggest that. He's been traveling a long way. He looks like he's from the mountains by the sea, maybe even further.

He does seem to be very far from home – and alone. We can't let him wander to the next place. I don't think there's another village for some time, certainly not one equipped to help an orphan. Ezreth let out a smug huff, satisfied with his plan. He wasn't worried about the situation anymore. He was already moving on to the next concern.

Now, what about Lilith?

What about Lilith? Auriel was clearly lost.

Well, we can't let her spend too much time with him can we? At her father's words, Lilith tensed. I mean, her actions today! She was like a cow! His voice rose. Auriel quickly shushed him.

Do you want her to hear?! Auriel hissed.

Sorry.

I know she was acting a little strange, but it's an awkward age. Do you remember when you were thirteen? Auriel asked dryly, and he gave a low chuckle.

Ha! Several hundred years ago? Hardly! I can barely remember yesterday!

Well, I remember thirteen. Auriel gave an audible shudder.

I remember sixteen, came Ezreth's serious reply.

Everyone remembers that year! This time it was Auriel's turn to laugh. That's when your abilities come in!

Yes, and that's only three years away for Lilith. By looking at that boy Ammon, it's about the same for him. His voice layered with meaning, but Lilith couldn't understand what he was hinting at. She knew it could be a difficult time, but she had seen other kids grow into their abilities and everything be fine. What concerned her was the scrawny thing she was at the moment. Looking down she noticed her remarkably flat chest and slender hips. No one could tell she was the daughter of the glorious Auriel, not with her figure. She frowned as she puffed her chest out trying to somehow turn plains into mountains. Who cared about abilities? Lilith wanted to grow in other ways.

Well let's cross that bridge when we come to it, Auriel said, as roughly as her voice ever got.

I guess so, Ezreth conceded. First we have to present Ammon at the meeting tomorrow.

I hope someone takes him! Auriel cried.

I hope you change your mind, Lilith whispered, though she knew her confused hope was in vain.

Chapter 2: Sixteen, Lilith

Don't forget to wet down the walls! one of the instructors called behind him. I couldn't see, but I could guess who the man spoke to – Ammon.

Of course sir. His voice was soft – like brushed suede or one of those thick winter pelts found on animals in the mountains. There was none of the cracking he had when we first met. Those edges had smoothed. I shivered.

The instructor moved out of the way to reveal my friend's wiry frame. He wouldn't ever be as large as Dad. Dad was enormous – hardly anyone was as large as him. Even still, Ammon had filled out nicely in the last three years.

Not a year after he came to the village, and he shot up like a beanpole, quickly outstripping me. I remember how