April Picture Prompt Contest Winnner Is:

The Promise by Nancy J. Ebinger aka: the Starchild

The Promise

The Song captivated him, ensnaring both thought and will, the haunting melody imprinted upon his soul. Wildfire raced through Jonathon Black Hawk’s blood; each quicksilver note licked along the length of his limbs like tongues of living flame, blazing in his heart. He couldn’t ignore it any longer; he had to go.

~* * *~

Lifting slender, translucent arms to the sky, the Seeker released the Song. Unrestrained, the clear crystal of the Singing Orb rose into the gilded light of two newly risen suns. It glistened, then dissolved, dispersing the purity of the Seeker’s voice upon the spirit winds, always searching for signs of the People .

Eyes closed in reverence; Kaylin allowed the cool air rushing into the Valley of Guardians to curl about her body. The search had been long and lonely, but she was not without companionship. She smiled; even the air caressed her gently as it flowed, reluctant to pass without acknowledging her presence.

Slowly the euphoria of the Song faded and a sense of sadness reclaimed her soul, smothering the fleeting pleasure of the music.

How long?

Courage Kaylin, Wolf Spirit called to her, his gentle voice echoing from the cliffs; soon we will celebrate the return of the People to the land of their birth.

I am…lonely, Ranul .

One will come, Seeker Kaylin, and soon.

Tilting her head back, Kaylin closed her eyes and lifted her face to the duel sun’s warmth. It cannot be too soon for me .

I’ve been faithful to my purpose. I sing. I release the call . Her shoulders slumped. My people are gone…only a faded memory upon the fabric of time.

Have faith in the promise sweet Seeker , encouraged the eagle, silently gliding past. The People’s hope resides solely with you.

Ah…it’s only loneliness speaking. My heart yearns for something more.

The People’s needs come first, rumbled the great Bear, but there has been left to you some compensation for your terrible sacrifice.

Skepticism colored her response. The Promise? What if the Elders manufactured that piece of fiction to placate my mind as they placed my body in stasis? Mere words meant to assuage their guilt and comfort my soul as my spirit passed between time and eternity.

Not mere words shrieked Eagle. Truth! The Promise, and you, will be fulfilled.

~* * *~

The silvery ship skimmed the thin clouds wreathing Mystic’s atmosphere, orbiting the large moon twice before making its final approach. Unconsciously Jonathon held his breath as the vibrant green valley surrounded by dark craggy cliffs came into view. No doubt, this is where he must go.

The blue-green world sang to him, its compelling chorus permeated his mind with longing, flooding his body with raw need. Sweet sounds and alien words ebbed and flowed warm and tingly along each sensitive nerve ending.
In close proximity to the valley, a strong need to sing in response rose up in his throat and soared beyond his control. Unable to resist he opened his mouth and inherent instinct tore passion’s cry from the depths of his heart.

~* * *~

Joy had her lifting her voice in song, its subtle harmonies reaching out to the other and flowing like sweet honey from her lips to his heart.

~* * *~

Come. The Seeker…awaits.

He began to run. The Song pulled at him, tugging him ever closer to the cliffs as sharp avian cries reverberated in the crisp morning air.

As he drew closer swirling shapes within the valley’s narrow entrance called to him, beckoning him forward to venture between the massive rock formations. His legs slowed of their own accord, a sense of fear rising up to choke him.

Be not afraid, son of Black Hawk. Behold…the Seeker .

A pale blue column of what appeared to be solid crystal stood on a raised platform and deep within its cool recesses hung the suspended body of a naked woman. Arms raised, palms up, her head thrown back and mouth parted slightly as though in ecstasy.

The serene expression upon her face drew him closer to lay his hands upon the vibrating surface. Slowly the music filled him, subtle, then stronger, building until only the Song remained. It reverberated through his body insistently pulling the words from his mouth.

“Abrai soh-hechem me-ne. Hay-na soh hechem me-ne. Shee-ay soh hechem me-nah. Abrai me-nah por soh.”

The air around him thickened…iridescent vapor streamed down into the valley to spiral about the crystalline structure. Over and over he sang, his voice merging with the Song in perfect harmony.

Joy swamped his senses.

As the song’s fervor increased the mist glowed brighter, enfolding her captive in shimmering golden light. Slowly the light began to merge with the hard surface of the crystal, penetrating toward the exquisite form captured within.

A pulsating hum emanated from the strange formation. It grew in volume and intensity and the entire structure began to throb.
Jon threw up his arms to protect his eyes; surely it would shatter into a thousand deadly shards. Instead it began to dissolve from the top down revealing the woman.

He rushed forward to catch her as in slow motion she crumpled to the ground. Gathering her close he watched in breathless anticipation as she drew her first breath. Lushly rounded breasts rose and fell, her eyes, blue as the summer sky and fringed with thick black lashes, opened. She smiled and his world stood still.

“Jonathon…”

“Kaylin.”

The whispered wonder in his voice reached deep inside her soul and brought tears of joy to her eyes.

Helpless to resist he lowered his mouth and brushed his lips over hers. Teasing, worshipping, then deepening the kiss to chase her small moan of pleasure with his tongue.

His arms tightened, crushing her closer. Desire for this coppery skinned beauty inundated him. He wanted to bury himself deep inside her, spirit, soul and body; needed to join with her in every way.

Burning lips traced a sensual path along the vulnerable curve of her ear. Burrowing into the thick black silk of her hair, he inhaled, imprinting for all time the sweetness of her unique scent upon the pathways of his mind.

Her soft cries urged him on. Nuzzling the slender length of her neck, he nipped the soft flesh. As he salved the tiny wound with his tongue., he felt her body tremble beneath him. Suddenly her arms locked about his neck.

“Please Jonathon…love me.” She arched her back pressing against him, needing the intimate connection. “I’ve waited so long.”

With tender care he lowered her to the ground, oblivious that where once had stood the shining object of her captivity, now only a mossy riverbank remained.

Reluctantly he pulled away to remove his shirt, hot black eyes raking down the length of her body. Coming down between her legs, Jon gently nudged them apart until one uniformed knee pressed against her most intimate flesh. Reaching forward, he drew her up and tenderly cupped her face, lifting her mouth possessively to his.

Kaylin sighed, her breath mingling with his as his mouth worked magic all its own. Talented fingertips traced a trail of fire up her arms and down her back, sliding lower to grasp her hips. His breath was hot on her forehead, her ear, her throat as he pulled her firmly against his heat.

“Kaylin?” he rasped, his heart hammering, his breath coming faster. “I need to touch you. Let me touch you.”

The urgent question in his voice melted her heart; she reached for his hands and placed them on her breasts.

He could still feel the music as his blood heated to thick hot syrup and flowed like lava through his veins. Unable to stop himself he once again lowered her to the ground and stretched his body out to cover her.

~* * *~

The wind sang a soft chorus of joy, diving happily through narrow openings and swirling about the rocky spires. From one end of the Valley of Guardians to the other the animal spirits gathered, protectively encircling the newly joined couple. Approval glowed in their eyes. All would be well, the Promise had been fulfilled and the People would come home.