Family Reunions

He would probably have gotten a hug had I not an arm full of child.. but I did kiss his cheek when he neared. Aiden. I would not dare tell him so, but he was his father’s son. There was a time when I thought I loved him, before I met Kain. I was not the woman for him, this known by both of us. But neither did I have any regrets. He had found his love, as I had found his father.

"Tal Astraea.. Tal Little Charm." How are you these days, it's been awhile."

I was doing well, as was Charm, and he would be graduating in a few moons, after which he would companion.

"Astraea how old where you when you first showing signs of the gift?"

So there was a reason to his visit. "Six. I took the cards from my mother's desk and began to play with them. My mother was shocked that I knew what each meant, being she'd never showed them to be before. She asked me how I knew and I told her they whispered to me. She took them away, not giving them back until I was eight. And only then because I asked for them every day the two vars inbetween. Why do you ask?"

"I can feel her.." He was speaking of Charm. "She's very curious.. aAre you going to keep the cards from her as well."

"No, I am not. When she shows an interest, they will be hers. Though I think I will have trouble letting go."

"Do you think your child.. or children, will have your gift Aiden?"

"My gift is much different than yours.. or so I think, we've never really spoken much about it. But I should hope that no one has such a gift as me. It's a curse most days. She's really quite a lovely girl.... My little sister. You won't keep me from seeing her will you. Once you and Kain are companioned?"

"Of course not. You may see her whenever you like... Companioned? Aiden, I know he loves me, but do you really think he has any intention of companioning me? I mean.. really, he can't, not with his job and all. and I understand that. I'm happy the way things are. So when is your big day?"

He indicated my right wrist and the leather thong. "Yes I do. Come for a walk with me.. I don't want to talk about companionships."

I handed Charm off to her nanny, something that is getting easier to do with time. I could sense there was a sadness in Aiden, but I wasn’t sure what to say or do to make him feel better.

Astraea why do you not talk about your gift?"

"I don't know. I guess because it's such a part of me. Like an eye, or a nose. I don't talk about those things either." And too, it tended to frighten some, so I had learned at an early age to keep silent on the subject. "Would you like to talk about it Aiden?"

"I do not know.. is the extend of your gift hearing the cards? Have you ever felt things? Heard, saw things?"

"Yes.. when I was .. still a virgin. Sometimes the gift was transferred through touch. But that was lost the night you.. we.." Not a conversation to get into now. "But I'm not sorry it's gone. I don't miss that part of the gift. It made it hard for me to touch anyone. So to answer your question in more direct manner, yes, my gift seems to now.. only extend to the cards."

"Are you still mad that I did that?"

"No. I was never upset about that. I understand why you did it. It's in the past. You were forgiven vars ago. Are you sorry?"

"Mostly."

I remained in the coldness of gardens after he left, thinking on what he had said. "Valerians seem to have a thing for you." I’m not sure how long he’d been there, but his timing was impeccable. "What'd he want ?"

"He was just visiting. Curious as to Charm's and my well being. I hope I set his mind at ease.

Father and son seem to always be competing.

"I have a surprise for you. Charm is staying a few nights with her aunt and uncle. We are going to throw ourselves a party and we are going wake early and take a trip." Before I could argue he injected me. "I had your shop confiscated by the city and because the city loves me so, it was put into my name. I think I am going to sell the space and get you something nicer.. something more in the central city."

I remember little after that, save that I revolted against the plan of him taking my place of business, however long that might have lasted.

I want you close to me, Astraea.. But if you prefer to have that little toilet of a shop, so be it."

And then all was a blank page, but I think I was a very.. naughty girl.