Author: Sparkling Moon Phoenix.

Genre: Books, Adventure, Romance, Fantasy.

Rating: T for now. Will change to 'M' later. A non-culled version of this fiction will be posted on MediaMiner.

Chapter: Act 1.3

Status: WIP (Work In Progress).

Standard disclaimers apply. I don't claim ownership of the wonderful characters or the amazing world of the Tairen Soul books. That privilege belongs to the talented CL Wilson. I am just using her creations for a fan continuation of my own devising for the enjoyment of all Tairen Soul fans everywhere. Italicized text indicates mind speech.

Tairen Soul: Whispering Souls

Act 1.3: The Mountain City – Trisanti

~:O:~

Steadying herself in the sturdy saddle, her free hand grasping onto the support handles, Luthien held aloft the sapphire brooch. Pinpricks of multi-hued light erupted from within the sapphire's core; the light of the main five branches of magic merging into one shimmering, golden rope. The jewel fragment attached to the feathered brow of the Spirit Lord pulsated with the same radiance.

Shimmering, golden threads of magic shifted through the air, striking an unseen barrier. The sound of splintering glass echoed, hanging within the winds. As Luthien pinned her brooch onto her robes, the garnered power slowly dissipated, revealing an inexplicable vision. She blinked against the bright glare of the sun. Weaving the illusion spell to grant them passage had taken most of the night. Twilight had given way to the vibrancy of day.

Snow capped mountain peaks soared into the cloudless, cobalt skies. Nestled amongst the ancient peaks were a plethora of buildings. The mountain city, Trisanti, the heart of her people lay atop the mountains.

Shall we go Beloved? Lord Revis pivoted on a wingtip, descending towards the city resting within the mountains.

'Yes Lord Revis.' Luthien gazed at the city, longing shining within her eyes.

She had been away from home far too long, her sojourn at the Pool of Rebirth keeping her away for more than six moons. By capturing two lost souls within magically created receptacles ensured she would return six moons earlier than planned. She longed to see her fellow Anameas. With the precious burden she carried, stowed in her belt pouch, she would need the assistance of those more experienced in the ways of Soul Healing.

Luthien gazed directly ahead, her eyes fixed upon one building she couldn't yet see. The life forces of various magic users and healers she detected with her powerful gift of Spirit indicated she and her Spirit Lord partner were growing closer to their destination.

Myriad hued structures passed swiftly by underneath, the colours a striking backdrop reflecting against the pristine crystals of snow, encasing the city within a rainbow nimbus. Dwellings carved from the very stones of the mountains peeped through the gently flowing mists, arranged in plateaus climbing the heights of the majestic crests. Palaces and temples, constructed from green veined marble rose within the deep blue skies, glowing softly under the brilliant rays of the sun.

Summoning a burst of white Air, Revis flexed his wings, soaring higher into the skies. Luthien tightened her hold on the grips affixed to the front of the high seated leather saddle. Rising above the highest rocky point she could see a brief hint of carved stone. Her lips curving into a smile, she laughed, her joy rising to the heavens.

Happy to be home, Beloved?

The telepathic voice of her bonded partner rang within her thoughts. She could never hide anything from the Spirit Lord, her emotions, thoughts and feelings always carrying along their soul-deep link. Her Spirit Lord could always read her state of mind, he always liked to ask.

Flying swiftly over the rise, the Soul Healer and her bonded reached the final point of their journey. A temple, larger in size than many others she previously flew over loomed high on the mountains. Five pillars, delicate ivy clinging to the white marble appeared. Erected atop the columns, five robed statues of maidens staring downwards. Immense spheres of crystal, resting within the cupped hands of robed stone figures were arranged in a circle, a path winding between.

Steps lead to a vestibule, just barely visible to the eyes of the young Soul Healer. The pouch at her waist began to grow warm, lavender Spirit flooding through the silken fabric. The two souls caught inside the containers seemed to be resonating with something within the building. Luthien frowned. She couldn't recall souls she had captured previously reacting in this manner. The way these two souls departed from the world of the living must have been violent and filled with sorrow.

Taking a deep breath, the Soul Healer knew unravelling the mystery these two essences presented would not be an easy task. She would require all the assistance the elder Anameas could provide. She couldn't tell whether the appearance of the souls within the Pool of Rebirth was an omen for good or ill. With the threat of the Elden Mages erased from the lands of Eloran, the day when her people finally broke their self imposed exile drew ever closer.

Would the Fey, humans, Elves and Danae accept their presence within the lands once more? Only time would give answers to that question. For now, Luthien and her Spirit Lord continued their journey to the mountain city of Trisanti.

~:O:~

Author's note: my apologies for the long wait for this chapter. Blame it on college, which I officially finish on Monday! Would you like longer chapters and monthly updates? Or would you like me to carry on splitting the chapters for more frequent updates?