The Embrace of Home

Her uncle cried; it made her feel terrible, knowing that she made the man shed tears for her, but when he expressed that he was happy she was safe and healthy, the uncomfortable feeling in her chest eased considerably. MK was there as well, patting her father on the back as the man cried in sorrow and relief, as Éabha could do little more than smile in assurance.

Thankfully, Ronin stepped in before Bomba could begin to worry about her.

"We will take excellent care of her here in Moonhaven. The Queen has taken quite the liking to her, so I doubt she will ever want for anything." His assurance caused even Éabha to glance at him in mild surprise, before her expression softened into bashful happiness. Even MK seemed to relax a little more after listening to Ronin's assurances. She knew him, she trusted him, and she fully believed that if he gave his word it would be kept.

"Thank you," Bomba breathed out finally. "And please, thank your Queen for me. It broke my heart to think that someone as kind and gentle as Éabha was being taken from this world so soon." Éabha blushed faintly at the praise from her uncle, but Ronin agreed to relay the message with a firm nod of his head. "Promise you'll stay in touch?" he asked as he turned his gaze back to Éabha.

"I'll do my best. I don't want to burden someone with bringing me to the nearest camera, so I cannot guarantee that it will be as often as you wish-"

"Nod could always teach you how to fly!" MK suggested. "I'm sure he'd be happy to help."

"Nod is an excellent flyer, but perhaps someone more seasoned and patient," Ronin countered calmly, sounding almost concerned as he gave Éabha a sideways glance. She was small and frail in comparison to the men and women Nod had been surrounded with when it came to training. He had faith that she could surprise them all, but he felt better leaving her in the careful hands of Finn or himself. Nod could treat her a bit more confidently than he should.

She was not MK; she was not thrown into a life or death situation to save the forest. Her life had been on the line as a human, but she did not need to fight to survive as a Leafwoman.

MK gave him a calculating look before she nodded along, remembering what she had been put through when she was with Nod. It had been a hell of an experience, yes, but she didn't want her recovering cousin to live through the same thing when it wasn't necessary.

"Let's take this one step at a time," the new Leafwoman interrupted calmly, holding up her hands as she glanced between Ronin and MK. "For now, let's just get everything else figured out. I don't even know what I'll do while I'm here. Let's leave flying alone for now."

MK gave a slight pout, but she nodded in agreement nonetheless. "You've got a point. But please promise me you'll try and talk to us when you can?"

Éabha offered a soft, reassuring smile as she nodded her head. Red curls bounced around her face and neck from the movement, drawing Ronin's eyes to the long, pale elegance of her throat. She was truly a beauty; it was no surprise the men thought she was a sprite. "Of course, I promise. And in time, I will learn to fly but for now I think I need to build my endurance back up. I haven't been healthy for many years."

MK blushed, having forgotten that Éabha, healthy now, had been sick and dying only a day before. "Sorry."

Éabha only shook her head, smiling sadly. "I do wish I could have spent more time with you and Bomba; you are wonderful company and I'm sad to have grown up so far from you. You should go and do your studies, MK, and live in whatever way makes you happy."

MK's eyes glittered with moisture, knowing that Éabha spoke only from the heart after she had lived with an imminent death hanging over her head. "I promise," she responded. "And you, too, missy! This is your second chance."

Much like MK's, Éabha's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she nodded in agreement. "I assure you, I will live for as long as this new life will permit me. Thank you again, MK, for all of your help. And your acceptance. Uncle, no more tears; I'm healthy and happy now." Bomba swiped at his cheeks and nodded along, though she could still see the distinct tremble of his lip. "I'll speak with you both again soon, I promise. Be well."

"You, too, Éabha," MK smiled, waving to the camera with Bomba mimicking her exaggeratedly from behind her. The screen blackened as she ended the call, leaving Éabha to stare at her and Ronin reflecting off the slightly weathered surface.

Exhaling softly, Éabha looked down at the bark of the tree she was standing on. "Are you alright?" Ronin asked calmly, understanding the emotional and physical strain that she was under.

"I am," she answered immediately, only honesty colouring her tone. "It's…an adjustment. And I keep thinking about how different everything is, and will be. There is so much I need to learn." Tapping her foot gently against the bark of the tree, she bowed her head and took a deep, calming breath as she took a silent moment to collect herself. Ronin waited patiently, watching as the wind gently caused her red curls to sway, the whisper passing through the leaves around them like a distant symphony.

There was a distinct feeling, like the forest was rejoicing at her being there.

"We should get back," Éabha declared once she'd taken a moment to compose herself. "Before we have an upset Queen on our hands."

Ronin gave a subdued smile as he nodded. "You're right."

Just as they had when they were leaving Moonhaven, Ronin mounted first and offered Éabha a hand up. She let him pull her atop the saddle with ease, situating herself more easily this time. It was a sad realization that she wouldn't be able to spend her time with MK and Bomba, but at the same time the thrill and encompassing relief of being alive warred with sadness. She knew that she would still be able to speak with her family, but from what she understood…the Jinn and the Leafmen didn't age the same as humans. She would most likely outgrow her human family.

It was a mournful thought. But she also knew that if she hadn't been found by the Queen, she would have been the one subjecting them to loss. They would have been forced to watch her die.

In that regard, she had been selfish. She didn't want to die alone, in a hospital, with no one but doctors around her. She wanted to have a few months of happiness with the last family she had.

Even if that meant they would be hurt when she eventually died.

The takeoff was much less jarring this time, and Éabha forced aside her negative thoughts as she took the chance to enjoy the nature around her. Every journey she made on one of the birds was an amazing experience; there was always so much to try and see. The towering trees gave such a different perspective and view while she was so small, it was an entirely new world.

Insects once small were monumental, and the speed of a hummingbird was something new to consider while riding the bird. She found herself gazing down passed the birds fast wings toward the ground. Remembering how Nova had controlled the plants while they were running from the Boggan, especially since they towered over her like buildings, was an awesome and terrifying thought.

"You seem distracted," Ronin finally spoke up after several minutes of silent flight back in the direction of Moonhaven.

"I'm amazed," Éabha admitted. "And humbled. This world is terrifying but awe-inspiring all at once. When Nova first shrunk me down and we were running from the Boggan; I was just remembering how huge everything was. Plants that I used to think were so small, the size of a footprint, were enormous. I don't know how I'll ever adjust to this."

"One day at a time," Ronin assured, glancing back at the woman over his shoulder. "Little by little, day by day, you'll become accustomed to things. What was once foreign will be familiar. What was once intimidating will be comforting."

Éabha hummed in understanding. She hoped it was so simple. "The strange thing is…I feel so comfortable here. It's like coming home to the embrace of a loved one. Honestly, it reminds me of my father before he died. I would return home after being away for work and he'd take me in his arms like we hadn't seen each other in a lifetime. This forest…feels the same."

Ronin glanced back at her again, taking in her wistful expression as she watched the light dance through the trees' canopies. It was the sadness of someone who had lost, and the reverence of finding that again.

"The forest wanted you here," he assured. "I can't begin to try and understand the way of the forest. It is deep and complex, thousands of interconnected trees and plants and life. But all of that, the life in this forest, wanted you here. Whatever the reason, it wanted you home."

Éabha's brilliant green eyes met his gaze and her once sad smile bloomed into such radiance that Ronin had to fight the flush of his cheeks. She was like the life of the forest personified. Her fiery hair lit like the sun on fresh blooms, ivory skin as soft and delicate as new roots delving into the rich soil below, and eyes the colour of fresh leaves opening to the word for the first time.

Whatever reason the forest had for saving her life, for bringing her to them, he knew it would be something amazing.

They returned to Moonhaven with much less fanfare than her initial arrival—much to her relief. There was, however, an additional Leafman waiting for Ronin. The younger man calmly helped Éabha down from the saddle, recognizing her inexperience, before he addressed his commander. She thanked him politely with a smile, stepping aside to him Ronin a chance to do his job.

Approaching the edge of the small rockface where the bird landed, she overlooked the pond that made up the entrance into Moonhaven. It truly was a wonderful view.

She took the time to look over the surrounding forest, her attention catching on the movement of some of the plants. Flowers and mushrooms, dandelions and sticks. They moved independently, a living thing. She fought against a splitting smile as she watched some of the Jinn look up to where she was standing as well, stopping in their journey to wave up at her.

The smile won out and she returned the silent greeting, waving to the few Jinn that she could see from so far away. Nova had once been like them; a Jinn gazing up at the Palace like it was a star too far to touch.

"Éabha."

Ronin's call brought her attention back to focus and she turned away from the edge of the rocks with a final wave to the flowers and other plants that had steadily gathered. Was she something so strange to them? Considering the experience some had with MK, she wasn't sure what the thought of her. Did they even know she was human? Or had been, anyway.

"I feel like I'm in a dream," she admitted to Ronin with a laugh. "I was waving to flowers. And they waved back."

Ronin couldn't help but to smile back at her, though far more subdued. Seeing everything through her perspective, it all being so new and enchanting, made it feel like he was seeing everything for the first time as well. "Day by day," he reiterated from earlier, offering her his arm to escort her back inside. "We've received word back from Nim. He wants us to come this evening; he's looking forward to meeting you."

"I hope he has some answers," she pondered quietly. Her steps matched Ronin's as they strolled the semi-familiar halls of the palace. Where he was taking her, she wasn't completely certain, but she was glad to have someone to lead the way. "MK told me about when she visited Nim, and he brought her down to the scrolls. Do you think they will have an answer for me?"

Ronin wanted to assure her somehow, but he truly had nothing to give.

She seemed to understand without the need for words and shook her head only a moment after the question had been posed. "I'm sorry, I know you must have as many answers as I do."

Ronin reached over to gently pat her hand, still looped around his elbow. "I wish I could tell you more."

The same infectious smile brightened her features. "You've done so much already. It's time I be patient, and let the answers come as they're meant to." She pressed in more closely to Ronin's side as they were passing a Leafwoman, who bowed her head politely—more so to Ronin. "I'm sure you have more important things to be doing than babysitting me and escorting me around; General Ronin." Her tone was light and teasing, but he knew she was honestly worried she was stepping on some toes.

"I trust my Leafmen," he started calmly, "Knowing the Boggans are back is a concern, but it's nothing they can't handle. Much less than we dealt with before your cousin saved our Queen's legacy. And, though we don't exactly know how, you are important. Important enough that the forest prompted the Queen to save your life."

She was happy to be alive—and it still felt like she was walking in a dream. It would probably be a long time before the surreal feeling went away. And as much as she wanted answers, she wouldn't force them. "So, where are we going now?"

"Queen Nova will be in her lessons for a while longer, so I'm bringing you to meet with the seamstress. I'm sure you would prefer to have more than one outfit." Éabha nodded along, realizing that she hadn't actually considered something so simple. "It'll take a bit longer before you get them, but I'm sure everyone here will be jumping at the chance to help. The Leafmen and the Jinn are curious about you. They don't know you were human, but they see how close you are to the Queen and want to know why."

"They don't know I'm a…stomper? Is that the right word?" she questioned; her tone carried a teasing lilt to it as Ronin stuttered for a moment over the unfortunate name they came up with for humans.

Clearing his throat, Ronin pushed aside the slight embarrassment that had come up when MK had first called him and Nod out for their mockery of her father. "But you aren't anymore," he reminded. "Now and forever more, you are a Leafwoman. One with the forest, and her people."

Éabha smiled. Thankfully, it didn't carry the sadness from earlier after her conversation with Bomba and MK. "It still doesn't feel real," she admitted.

It was also a drastic change from her life as a human. It was embarrassing to think about the way people treated other people—and how different it was in comparison to the Jinn and the Leafmen. She was sure they would be disgusted by the way humans would often treat strangers or people they knew. She'd grown up in a competitive field and had many people spread horrid lies or rumors to try and crawl under her skin. Over time her skin thickened against it, but it had never truly gone away. Hearing only the negative for so long made for a self-conscious individual.

"It is truly that different from your old life?" Ronin asked in honest curiosity. The only reference he had was when he, Nod and MK had gone to her father's house to steal some of the Boggan gear. "I imagine not everyone is as eccentric as your uncle."

A laugh bubbled free at the thought of there people more people like Bomba. "Heavens, no! I don't think I've ever met someone even remotely as eclectic as him. But, yes, our worlds are greatly different. And not only because of the gadgets and technology, but it was…cold? It's hard to explain, but it's a very impersonal world. People get up to work, make money, day after day as their lives pass them by. I made a career for myself with my music because it was what I loved. I thought that going to work to play would be a dream come true.

"But even doing something I love, there's people that want to have my place. To be where I am. And they often do not obtain it with hard work, elevating themselves naturally. People are ruthless to one another in my world. Here…I'm an outsider and I've been so welcomed."

They had stopped their trek as she was talking, Éabha barely conscious of the change, and were stood outside of a curtained off room. She blinked at the beautifully embroidered cloth before looking over to Ronin.

He had the faintest smile on his face, with something akin to realization in his eyes. "Finn said something this morning. He was amazed by how kind you were, when having to face the reality of dying. Most grow bitter when they know they are going to die and can't stop it. But even before you grew sick, you faced people that would make you into something dark. Poisoned by words or actions. Yet still, you are kind."

"Kindness begets kindness." The statement was simple and straightforward and told him so much about her with those three simple words. "My father raised me to believe that when someone is rude or mean toward you, it's often because they are hurting inside because of how they were treated. And sometimes, showing someone kindness can act as a balm to those old wounds. I came to realize that those who treated me badly, when I didn't respond with hostility, often walked away embarrassed or even ashamed with themselves."

She didn't change anyone with her ways, but most would stop trying when they realized they were thrashing against someone who wasn't going to fight back.

"Such heavy conversations," a new voice spoke up, causing Éabha to jump in surprise and Ronin to tense momentarily. They'd both been so focused on their discussion that they hadn't noticed the embroidered curtain open in front of them.

An older Jinn, who Éabha realized was a violet Iris, was standing patiently with her hands folded in front of her as she looked between the two.

"Now, there'll be none of that. Weighs too heavy on the shoulders." She had the courage to glance at Ronin with a wink before she rushed forward with fluttering petal skirts and made a circle around Éabha. The once-human woman jerked in surprise but tried to hold still as she was looked over with a quick, though none-the-less critical eye.

The Iris Jinn came to a stop in front of her again and reached forward to take hold of Éabha's hand. "Dear, it's wonderful to meet you. I'm Anya. Come, come, let's get you settled and out of that uncomfortable Leafmen garb." She was already tugged on Éabha's hand, pulling the woman forward. This Jinn barely came up to her chest but she was strong as she easily moved Éabha forward.

"Hey," Ronin protested the slight against her clothes—and those of his Leafmen.

Anya actually blew a raspberry back at the General, all while shoving Éabha through the curtain. "Shew, shew, off with you. She's in good hands."

The curtain fell closed between them, Éabha's laughed muffled but still audible from the other side.