The moment Aisling walks through the doorway Astila has his arms around her. He holds her so tight she can barely breathe. Bringing his hands up to cup her face , looking at her closely. He sees the dark circles under her eyes and that she has become even thinner. Not caring who is in the room he lifts her in his arms and carries her upstairs. The two uncles look at each other and just grin at them. John helps Inola put the things away before asking him about the trip. "So what all did she learn there? I am worried she is going to do something to endanger her soul." His jaw is clenched like he is bracing himself for unpleasantness.
"Aisling saved my great gran she had pneumonia and was close to delivering a child. If Aisling had not been there to care for her and pray over her . Astila and I would not be here. I know your concerns, Aisling is pure in heart . I think that is why G.o.d has chosen her for this journey. She learned how to change her appearance so that she can complete what she needs to do. I know you don"t agree with her using witchcraft. I also know that some aspects of my beliefs are considered witchcraft as well. Aisling always prays both before and after asking for his guidance. She is a very special lady. You would have been proud of her courage and compa.s.sion. " Inola knows what john"s fears are, he knows how he struggled with having the gift growing up.
"You know that I was given the gift, but I misunderstood what it was. I abused it and suffered greatly until I found Christ. I just don"t want her to suffer. She is precious to me and to my brother. " John sighs sadly at the thought of Aisling being hurt because of embracing this gift. Inola pats him on the shoulder to rea.s.sure him that she will be fine.
Upstairs Aisling is snuggled beside Astila resting . He is watching her sleep wondering what she did and what she learned? How long it was while there? For him it had been only a weekend . For her he has no idea how long it had been. So many questions keep going through his mind. The only thing that is important is that she is here and safe in his arms again. He closes his eyes to drift off to sleep.
When Aisling awoke Astila was not beside her. She gets up and showers. The smell of dinner was making her stomach growl. Quickly getting dressed she runs down stairs to be greeted by her family. Debra and Salali prepared dinner for her. Everyone was anxious to hear about what happened to her and Inola. She is so excited to see everyone especially Astila and the twins. Astila notices that she is especially clingy with the twins tonight wondering why. Walking up behind her kissing the nape of her neck.
"What is it ? Why are you not wanting to let the twins alone for even a moment?" She turns to look at him. Her voice sounds like she is ready to cry.
"While I was there I saw you ancestor. It was on the trail of tears. She was sick and very pregnant. I used all of the natural herbs I knew for fever and congestion. She wouldn"t get better. She was very weak and went into labor. I was so scared that if I gave her the medicine you packed something would happen. Finally I was brave enough I gave it to her and she was recovering when we left. All I could think about was if I mess up in the past that I would lose you." By this time her face is streaked with tears and her breathing is coming in gasps. Salali walks over and pulls Aisling into a comforting hug.
"You went there to save her. We grew up with stories of how the Sun G.o.ddess came and saved our great gran. How ? because she came our grandfather was born one moon early with the strength of ten babies. They say she could change her appearance at will." Salali looked at her thinking that was just an exaggerated part of the legend. Aisling bites the bottom of her lip looking at Inola. Wondering if she should show them. He nods at her that it"s ok . With that she closes her eyes and whispers the glamour spell thinking about Woya . Within seconds she here"s a collective gasp. There standing before them instead of Aisling is a beautiful Cherokee woman dressed in a cotton dress. She looks at their shocked faces. And closes her eyes again and thinks of Moll this time she changes to a striking blonde with sky blue eyes and a colonial dress. This time she looks at just her uncle John . Wanting to see his reaction. He looks angry and ready to explode. Closing her eyes again she changed back to herself.
"In order to not cause alarm I needed to blend in ,to not draw attention to myself by being different. That is what Moll taught me so that I can free the evil that plagues our family. I hope you understand Uncle John I will not use this except only when there is no other way. I promise you I will not use this for any wrong doing."
John looks at his niece, if it was anyone else he would be terrified that they would use this for evil. Not Aisling though he can feel her sincerity . He gives her a tight strong hug. Letting her know by his actions that he understood and trusts her judgment. He turns to everyone and announces .
"I think it"s time to let her rest and we can visit again tomorrow. Remember we still have a wedding to prepare for at the end of the month." Kissing her forehead he bids everyone goodnight. The rest followed his lead and within a few minutes Aisling and Astila was sitting on the balcony looking up at the night sky. Enjoying just holding each other.