Raven 47
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Chapter 47: The Umbral Gate: Finale
"Cailen" I said turning around and I wasn't surprised when I saw the now familiar black shadow of Cailen Sieger.
"Raven" his smile glistened at me as he moved closer to me
"You did not leave with the others?" I asked
"No, I still had something important to attend to" he said
"What is that?" I asked as I realized he was coming closer and closer to me and I took a step away.
"You" he said
"What about me?" I asked
"Raven I cannot possibly begin to tell you the service you have done for my people, but most importantly what you have done for me" he said
"I didn't do all that much" I said
"I had a lover Marco who was a human; my father discovered him and killed him in front of me. After he died I hid myself away into the shadows and fled from the Elven world. In the past I had been a Dragon Caller and a captain of the Imperial Guard. For being gay and with a human I was cast out." Cailen said
I watched as the shadows around Cailen began to distort and seemed to be stretching outwards towards the walls. Slowly a figure emerged from the shadows and cast into light.
He was an elf for sure as his ears seemed to flow an impossible length over his head. He was wearing the most elaborate armor I had ever seen. It was golden and wrapped snugly around him. He was wearing a robe-like tabard with a tree with a sword as the trunk. The robe was purple and the tree was a golden yellow. His eyes were a startling light blue and his reddish brown hair was short and spiky. His ears were long and pierced.
"I am Cailen Sieger Al Ada" he said "I am the first son of Lord Zasuan, and High Prince of Aldena and High Lord of the Dragon Callers."
"Dragon Callers?" I asked
"I can control Dragons" he said
"I have been trapped here since the beginning and I have been waiting for you, and watching you from the shadows the whole time." he said "From the moment you met the Gallants to meeting Jackson and coming here and meeting Aldo, every spell you have cast I have been there waiting for this gate to open, you have done well"
"You've been following me?" I asked
The elf simply nodded
I would have sensed him, my magic would surely detected him... unless I wasn't looking for him... Someone I already knew...
I looked at him again...
The eyes, the hair my brain was racing a mile a minute and I suddenly realized he had been with me almost the whole time. He was almost always near.
I then felt something tug inside my heart as I looked into the eyes of this stranger. I felt connected. I knew that feeling, it was the feeling I got when I was with Ian...
Ian
Virgilian
Cailen
"Ian..." I said realizing the truth
"NO!" I cried
Cailen walked forward towards me and I watched in horror as his face shifted to the face of the man I knew and loved...
"Ian..." I whispered I felt tears running down my face
"Please don't cry..." he said taking his hand and brushed the tears on my cheek
"It was all lies" I said "everything I've done and you said... and even everything with Jackson." I said "all orchestrated by you"
"I've been waiting for you Raven, for most of my adult life. Here I have lived lifetime after lifetime pretending to be different people, but with you I could almost be myself. My father was religious and overbearing, he cast me out but I loved him, hearing of his death has weighed heavily on my heart." He said
"But it's still not true" I said "I loved you Ian!" I screamed and I wanted to hit him but I realized I couldn't bring myself to do it and I collapsed to the ground in a heap.
"Raven I love you, I am still here because I wanted to stay behind with you" he said and I looked up shocked "I want to be with you always."
"You're lying" I said
"It's true" Ian said "Jackson in particular thought I was being crazy, but... I love you Dustin, please... please... I'm begging you..."
In my heart I loved him. My soul was screaming for me to just rush forward and hug him and never let go. But I couldn't... I was afraid...
"Raven" he said and I looked up into his beautiful eyes and I felt the tears coming from my own.
"I have had other lovers over my lifetimes. Some have kept with me and others faded. But none of them come close to the feelings I feel for you. Everything I said and did was real, but I could not tell you my secret, as I was magically bound by oath to nor reveal my nature." He said
"I don't even know you. You're a stranger to me." I said finding the strength deep within me even though the words were breaking my heart.
"Sure you do" he answered "I'm the same person"
"No you're an elf, and I am a mere human" I said "I will die and then you will live on and on"
"Aye I am" he said sadly "but I wanted to tell you how much I loved you, and if you died I would surely perish as well, we have bonded and although I have been with others you are the only one I have bonded to since marco."
"I loved you too" I admitted "with all of my heart, I honestly felt that you were my soul mate... Ian I... I think you should go home."
I look of pain was etched across his face
"You honestly feel that way?" he asked
"You manipulated me, and lied to me, not one thing you ever said to me was true." I said
"I love you!" he cried back to me "That is the honest truth!"
"I don't even know you; this is worse than what Jackson did to me. But you..." I trailed off "I should have heard everything from you right from the start, as soon as I realized what was happening to me was magic"
"I'm sorry" he said and I could tell he really was.
"I am too" I said and for a moment he looked hopeful "but you need to leave" I said "your people need you."
"I don't want to leave you" he said and I felt his pain. I realized that it was our bond.
"They need you" I said "your world needs you"
"You realize we're bonded, neither of us can have another fulfilling partner without the other dying." Ian said and I nodded dumbly
He leaned down and gave me a tender kiss on the cheek
"I love you Raven" he said "My heart will forever be empty without you." he brought his hand up to my face and I did the same to him.
"You do make a beautiful elf." I said and Ian blushed
I turned my head and kissed him on the lips and soon our kiss turned quite passionate. He rubbed his hands through my hair. I pulled away and picked myself off the floor.
"I will miss you" he said getting up himself and looking deeply into my eyes. He rubbed his hand down my face and I felt the ring I gave him on his finger. It was shimmering with my magic and I could feel it.
He turned around and faced the gate. He took a few steps towards it.
"I knelt back down and I felt the tears begin
"Do not cry" he said without looking back "this is what you wanted"
My heart was breaking into a thousand pieces and a part of me wanted to shout at him to stop but I couldn't do it.
He walked forward until he was upon the event horizon. I watched as the light was only a mere inch away from his face.
"I love you Raven!" he called and took the final step forward
Instantly I felt magic explode outward in a huge flash of light. Suddenly it became very dark as if someone shut off all the lights. I saw a bright blue light ahead and realized it was coming from my ring.
The ring a gave Ian
Imbued with my magic...
NON ELVISH MAGIC
"IAN GET AWAY FROM THERE!" I shouted
An explosion rocked the chamber and I watched as stones fell from the ceiling. One stone hit the top of the arch of the gate and bounced off of it. Ian was still standing below
"LOOK OUT" I shouted and pulsed my magic outwards in an attempt to protect him.
I got off the ground and raced up to Ian who appeared dazed
"What happened" he asked
We were now both standing on the event horizon and all the light from the gate seemed to be gone
"The ring" I said looking at Ian's hand. The ring was glowing
"Shit" he said
Suddenly I heard a noise like the sound of rushing water. I looked up and saw the ceiling was about to cave in.
"We need to get out of here" I said
I didn't get another word in when one of the stones from the ceiling hit the gate and the archway suddenly sprang to life and the light surged from the arch in a tidal wave of magic. The rushing sound filled my ears as I was blinded by total light. I felt us being pulled into the gate.
I felt the magic wash over me and knew I couldn't escape.
"Ian" I shouted and I felt his hand in mine
"Don't let go!" he shouted but I couldn't see him
I felt my feet lift off the floor and it felt like I was falling
I felt his fingers fall from my grasp
"RAVEN!" he cried
But I was lost in the light...
Falling...
Falling...
"RAVEN I LOVE YOU!" I heard
And that was the last thing I remembered before I lost consciousness.
THE END
POST THOUGHTS
I friggin hate cliffhanger endings don't you?
When I started writing this story I drew on many of my home influences; such as the town where I grew up and other things. But there some other things that were not so I have posted this section as a post script of sorts to explain certain terms, ideas, and some questions about the story itself.
Anam Cara- Is a real Celtic belief that speaks about soul friends. It was referenced by Kurt Vonnigurt's `Cat's Cradle' as a wampter.
Roche Radius- Is the distance in which an object can maintain a constant orbit around a planet. This was in reference to Ian's indifference to Raven.
Syzygy- Is the alignment of three or more planetary bodies. This is in reference to Ian, Jackson, and Raven.
Umbral Shadow- Refers to the shadow left on the moon by the earth.
Saber's Beads (Tears)- are the mountain peaks that show through when the moon in nearing a full Umbral shadow. (New Moon)
Raven's and Ian's Birthday's fall on December 21st – This is the Winter Solstice and is the darkest day of the year. I made no reference to Ian enjoying his birthday but the party was for Raven and not for Ian although it was also his birthday too.
Spencer is a real town in Massachusetts, but is not a real part of my story.
The ship with masts Raven was referring to, is the U.S.S. Constitution in Boston Harbor; which is located near the Elven Conclave.
There was a cool back story that I never got to elaborate on. Raven asks which of Dan and Jackson was adopted and they act like he slapped them across the face. Well Jackson is pushing his magic out to make himself look more like Daniel. (Harry Potter fans might call this a glamour charm.) Raven's magic is so strong he can see right through it without even thinking about it, or realizing it.
A transcendental thought about magic... Magic in this story is perceived as light (the more powerful the magic, the more light.) Without light, there is only darkness. So in this sense Ada is in reference to Rah, the god of the sun, not Isis who is the god of magic. (though we might get to meet her too.)
A Brief and Complete Cast List (In order of Appearance)= Now with Spoilers
Dan Farrell- Raven's Father. No longer appears in the series.
Judy Farrell- Raven's Mother. No longer appears in the series.
Dustin Raven Farrell- Main Protagonist has fallen into the Elven Realm.
Colleen Bentley- Is a neighbor to Raven. No longer appears in the series.
James Blackwell- Homeroom teacher, No longer appears in the series.
Cailen Sieger- (Virgil Octavian Holliday) Love Interest, First son of Lord Zasuan, Prince of Aldena
Corey Vancil- Raven's Middle school Nemisis. No longer appears in the series.
Gilles Greene- Principle of Birchmont High School. No longer appears in the series Amanda Bleakly- Cailen's ex-girlfriend. No longer appears in the series.
Timothy D. Driscoll- English teacher, No longer appears in the series
Coach Gene Clarke- Swimming Teacher. No longer appears in the series
Colin Gallant- Bonded Mate to Aden Fuego. Proficient Archer and something else.
Daniel Petrie- Human adopted brother of Aden, No longer appears in the series
Pastor Maximilian Holliday- Human subject adopted and used by Cailen Sieger as a human cover No longer appears in the series
Dr. Trap Willis- our good doctor friend, No longer appears in the series
Aden Fuico (Jackson Petrie)- Grandson of Mage Venore and is currently holds the position of First Prime to Lord Cailen.
Adam Brunelle- Imperial Secret Police, and assasin
Christine McCarthy- civics teacher who comes to Raven's aid in bathroom. No longer appears in the series
Justin McDonald- Corey's friend who Amanda is cheating on Ian with. No longer appears in the series
Sarah Turcotte- Colin's date to the Halloween party. No longer appears in the series
Katrina Bean- Danny's date to the Halloween party. They eventually get married and raise a happy family. No longer appears in the series
Crystal Gallant- youngest gallant and only sister to colin.
Terry Gallant- Colin's mother
Clayton Gallant- oldest son. Serves the temple of Ada. Huge muscular gay hunk. Eagles glance, steady hand
Casey Gallant- effeminate older version of Colin. Is a musician and lightfooted
Chris Gallant- straight gallant, serpant stealth, steady hand
Greg Stefanakis- quarterback Birchmont bruins No longer appears in the series
Laura Phoenix Farrell- Raven's sister No longer appears in the series
Velour Voa Al Voa- Aden's former master. Has died
Caius Voa- friend of Aden, son of Velour Voa
Daius Voa- twin of Caius
Lamalia Voa- Sister of Caius and Daius
Twfen Solador Al Rune- Nephew to Lord Zasuan Phoenix ( from his sister, not in series yet)
Lord Zasuan Sieger Al Ada- Lord of Aldena, land of the elves.
Orion Firebrush Al Ada- Priate of the Aldenian Sea
Albor Dun- Harbor master and captian of the Aldenian Army
Cecellia Ro- General of the Aldenian Army
Venore Fuico Al Ada- High Priest for the hands of Ada, and Aden's grandfather. Dead. No longer appears in the series
Lady Talenna- Wife and bonded mate of Lord Zasuan. dead No longer appears in the series
Rivven Sieger Al Aldena- Cailen's younger brother. Dead. No longer appears in the series
Lord Zathrow- Lord Zasuan's brother. villain
Tim- guy who rescued Aden from the medical research center, No longer appears in the series
David- the guy who wanted to keep Aden at the research center, No longer appears in the series
Jared Petrie- father of Daniel Petrie. A human descendant of an elf, No longer appears in the series
Jacob Petrie- Jared's Elven brother, is a surgeon
Aldo Vera- squire to the hands, is the leader of the Temple of Ada in the human realm
Veritas Vera- Aldo's first son is in control of the temple, and leader of its finances and power.
Vash- Son of Aldo Vera, Spy for Lord Cailen
The Danvers Massachusetts paint factory explosion was a real event that took place and the timing coincides with the story.
Poignard- a French and Latin combo word for dagger, and it will make another appearance in the sequel.
Ada Ky'rae – The will of Ada and is what Raven has become. The hands of Ada are bound to obey him. This is an allegory of the separation of church and state. Kyra is Greek for `like the sun'...
Some of the town names in the Elven Realm
Aldena- Capital City Located over Boston
Monsauyr- referenced in the story. It is actually Bermuda
Nune- south of Larent
Larent- major merchant village, Long Island New York
Aldetta- is a region south of Aldena covering most of New Jersey and parts of New York
Voa- Town in Aldetta
Raven; Edgar Allen Poe- Poem referenced by Jackson. Describes Raven a bit.
978- Local area code for Warrenville
Saint Cecelia- Patron saint of music and is also the name of the church The Farrell's have been long time members of. This is also a real life church located in Leominster mass. I suggest googling `Saint Cecelia Leominster' mass and check it out. Really beautiful place, gotta respect it.
The cloak of shadows Cailen wears (Which makes his appearance pitch black) when shadow walking to hide his identity (despite several fundamental differences), is a reference to Comicality who has (his/her) own site here http://comicality.gayauthors.org/ and is also used in the story "Gone from Daylight" which an excellent Vampire story which is truly amongst the best I have ever read (So if you're reading this, I just wanna say I love your work)
Chapter 18: There's only us, there's only this...
Rent- No Day but today
(The image)
Raven giving the prep speech to Ian and then they both push each each other while rushing down the lanes of the race.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbljhS4xDlU
Chapter 19: Tik Tok
Kesha- tik tok
(The image)
Raven and Jackson breaking into dance and fitting into the crowd.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iP6XpLQM2Cs
Chapter 21: Falling back to Earth
Billy Joel- And so it goes
(The image)
Jackson and Raven dancing in the floor of the living room and Jackson softly singing this in Raven's ear
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHO6a2H-pqY
Chapter 22: Que sera sera
Pink Martini- Que Sera Sera
(The image)
focusing on the tension and indecision as things begin to build. it climaxes as Colin falls into the water.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxsu9060VEg
Chapter 23: There Can be Miracles
Prince of Egypt soundtrack
(The image)
The magic running through his hands as he begins to realize his inner power.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZHA9_AwBTM
Chapter 24: Red is Blue
Ben Folds- Red is Blue
(The image)
It really speaks for itself. No explanation required.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7j1g9WSP8A
Chapter 25: Scarborough Fair
Sarah Brightman- Scarborough Fair
(The image)
The vision sequence as Raven thinks he is making love to Jackson. as their bodies press together and they are floating through the dream.
Incidently this song is about a man dying from the plague and it is a small reference to the bit of Jackson that remained in Aldena. (his heart)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuwZsbNQaOg
Chapter 28: You've left me speechless
Lady Gaga Speechless
(The image)
Not really related but it was what i was listening to.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhEMxle0yEY
Turkey Road Mall = Pheasant Lane Mall
Lastly I would like to thank all of you viewers who are reading this message right now. It is you the reader who has gone on this journey with me, written me your thoughts, and have followed these long months to see this story to its conclusion. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I won't go to mention you all by name, but thank you all so much.
Cailen
Thanks for Reading
Reviews, comments, and questions are always welcome at cailenauthor@yahoo.com