Legacy (The Biodome Chronicles) (33 page)

Leaf looked to Canyon and the rest of the Daniels family, watching the red-haired lad shift uncomfortably in his chair while resisting the urge to roll his eyes at Windy. Leaf could not help but smile, finding the scene most amusing. Lake, his little brother, stuck his tongue out at Gale, his freckles popping out against his skin the more irritated he became. The youngest Daniels was such a rascally lad.

Norah, the Water Element, sat gracefully, enjoying a conversation with her daughter, Rain. Norah’s auburn hair reached her waist in soft curls, the envy for many maidens in the village, or so he was told by Willow. Everything about Norah was graceful and kind, and her hands gave love, support, and affection wherever she turned. He felt saddened as he looked upon her emaciated frame, wishing she was healthy and whole.

Mist, her eldest daughter, one year his junior, walked over and provided Norah a tumbler, fussing over her mother like a hen with her chick. The Water Element endured the fear-driven babbling well, giving her daughter a patient and kind look. Leaf felt compassion for the Daniels family, and his heart broke as he watched Mist struggle, over
compensating for the grief she felt in watching her mother die by becoming overprotective and rather bossy. He remembered watching his mother’s life fade from her body, and he knew the pain Mist suffered.

Norah was graceful and loving, but she was also feisty, and this dominant personality trait was fully reflected in each of her children. Their mischievous and fiery temperaments were legendary in New Eden.

Jeff watched on with humor as Mist continued to fuss and fret. It was the first time all week that Leaf had noticed the barrister smile. Was the guilt of whatever ate away at him no longer troubling his soul?

The blacksmith stood and walked to the center of their living room, and everyone became silent once again. Leaf felt his heart rate accelerate, nervous as to when to jump in, shifting the celebratory atmosphere into a meeting. He would become the Earth Element, ensuring the title was rightfully bestowed upon him and maintained within his family, even if he had to spar words all night until they relented.

Connor cleared his throat. “Lords and Ladies, tomorrow we will lose an esteemed son as he courageously leaves these city walls and walks the Earth for the first time. Let us lift our drinks one more time to Leaf, Son of Earth.” Connor raised his wooden tumbler and the others in the room followed suit. “You have become a man of honor, Leaf Watson. Your father would be proud of you this night.”

Leaf felt the muscles in his throat constrict.

“To Leaf!”

“To Leaf!” the gathering cheered.

Leaf took a deep breath and walked to the center of the room while Connor found his seat. The candle card poked Leaf’s leg as he moved, and his nerves pulsed to new heights.

“Good evening time,” Leaf began. “As you know, tomorrow marks an important day for New Eden. A second generation shall glimpse the Outside world for the first time and a new resident shall be reborn into a world not their own.” Leaf watched as everyone nodded their heads in agreement. He took a fortifying breath. “Although I am leaving tomorrow, I wanted to settle the affairs of a new Earth Element leader.”

“Leaf, I appreciate your maturity and candor, but what makes you think that we have not already been discussing a plan? And why do you believe it is your job to settle affairs?” Connor stretched his legs out in front of him, sinking into his chair more comfortably.

Leaf winced, but recovered quickly, hoping the other Elements did not notice. He had a pleasant visit with Connor the other night; however, he had been too tired to bring up the Earth Element candidacy and now he wished he had. Ember smiled at him from across the room, encouraging him to continue.

“I think the reason why is rather obvious, but I shall expand.”

Leaf paused nervously, willing the right words to come forth. He was having this discussion because his father was dead, because someone had killed him. This was his moment to walk forward as a man, no longer fearing that he could never walk in his father’s footsteps properly.

He found a spark of confidence, and pushed through the turbulent thoughts, willing his voice to remain even as he continued. “As my father was the Earth Element, I have a lifetime of observing his duties. I gleaned an education directly from him, including leadership skills. I also sat underneath Jeff for a time.” Leaf looked over at the attorney giving him a nod. “I work with the earth, so I shall not need to refocus or learn a new purpose. And as for my thoughts, I have no doubts that you are already discussing a plan—I simply wish to be a part of that conversation. As the Son of Earth and his firstborn, I am his representative in his absence, as your children are for you; and therefore, per tradition, it is my right within the Nobility to partake in any conversation regarding the Earth Element head Noble position.”

Looking around the room, he was relieved upon receiving a warm smile from Norah. Connor shifted in his chair, and Leaf could tell he was weighing his words with heavy consideration.

“How will you do your duties from the Outside? Especially Harvest?” Timothy asked.

Skylar gave him a
concerned look, and Leaf could not tell if he was being mocked by Timothy or if the Wind Element was making a simple query.

“Of course. I am hoping as fellow Elements you will manage Earth in my absence, and then I shall begin my duties upon my return. Willow shall be my representative, and I trust her to help in that role. Living in the Outside world may provide further education,” Leaf said confidently. All eyebrows rose up at this comment. “This would be beneficial upon the Second Phase.”

Brianna interjected, giving Connor a pointed look. “We can tell you have placed a lot of thought into this, but this decision needs to come from the head Nobles privately.”

In response, Connor rose and walked over to Leaf and grabbed his hand. “You have turned into quite a remarkable young man. I would be proud to call you son, and I know your father held exceptional pride in the man you have become. However, if this is your focus this evening, I must bid you goodnight.”

Connor gave him a look full of remorse but also a resolute firmness, squeezing his hand. And then he began to walk toward the door, nodding his goodbyes as he whisked by, Brianna close by his side. Was the Fire Element denying him out of fear for his life? For his family? To please his wife?

Leaf felt his anger rise and he refused to allow Connor to leave without a worthy explanation. “Forgive me, but I find your response unreasonable. Who do you wish to appoint as Earth Element in my father’s stead if not his son who has been first representative since age fifteen?”

Connor turned at the door and gave him a hard stare.

“Son of Earth, you are making demands you know nothing about and you dare challenge me? Do you know the history of how The Elements came to be?”

Leaf remained quiet and maintained an even stare.

“As I thought.” Connor turned toward the door, holding it open for Brianna.

“Yes, I do challenge you,” Leaf said, “and anyone else who would stand in my way.” Leaf walked up to Connor and stood before him to show he did not fear his response. “I was appointed to leave this community by The Elements following my father’s death, and I am asking an honor price for such a request. I wish to be elected this eve before I depart, and Willow shall act as my representative until I return.”

“Shall we consult The Aether on a decision?” Timothy asked.

Leaf turned his head and narrowed his eyes suspiciously at
Timothy who kept his eyes fixed on Connor.

Then Norah, too, turned toward the door. “Connor, wait,” she said.

Oaklee always enjoyed watching The Elements interact, piecing together in her mind how each leader truly personified their reign. Norah had the soothing ability to cool tempers and forge new directions, relentlessly moving forward at times. Her job presently was to put out the fire. Connor was being as polite as possible, but it was evident he was upset with Leaf’s attempt at control, something Brianna had pointed out in her usual way.

Norah’s voice became cool and fluid. “Exactly what is there to consider? Who else could do the job better than Leaf? We know the next leaders come from his generation. In my estimation, the answer is rather obvious, as Leaf so wonderfully pointed out.” Norah turned to look at Timothy. “Do you have any concerns or comments that need to be voiced
privately
?”

On the last word, Norah gave Brianna a look as if to remind her that she was not a head Noble and
spoke out of turn. Oaklee almost laughed, enjoying how the meekest in the room could wield such strength.

“No, I believe bringing Leaf on as the next Earth Element makes the most sense. It is always good to work
closely
with people familiar with leadership, right Connor?” Timothy winked at Leaf, and then returned his focus on Connor. “Catch my drift?”

“Is that an air joke, Timothy?” Connor asked with an annoyed smile. The room responded with nervous laughter. “Yes, I catch your drift.” Connor returned his stare to Leaf, radiating his authority over the Noble leaders with each silent second.

Leaf stood up straighter.

“I have one condition,” Connor said.

“Yes, My Lord?”

“Let us go for a walk. I wish to speak
privately
with you.”

Connor gestured toward the door. Brianna arched her eyebrow at her husband in question but said nothing, walking out the door upon realizing that she was being excused, flipping her long dark hair over her shoulder as she exited with Blaze and Corona in tow.

“Excuse us for a moment,” Leaf said to the gathering with a bow, leading the way out the door, Connor close behind him.

The remaining guests looked to Oaklee for direction. She sat unsure of what she should
do next, shifting uncomfortably in her chair as she mulled over how the discussion ended. She reached into a hidden pocket and caressed her golden leaf, as if willing it to speak to her on her father’s behalf, giving direction and confidence. What condition could Connor possibly discuss with Leaf that required such privacy? She stood up and met Rain’s questioning brown eyes, who then glanced over to Ember. The Daughter of Fire stood near the hallway, holding her usual peaceful countenance, and seemingly unbothered that her father gave her intended a condition for acceptance into the leader’s circle. Did anything ruffle Ember?

The gathering continued to peer at her in question and Oaklee realized that, as hostess, she needed to direct the group.

“Dear friends, please help yourself to the refreshments. I am sure Connor and Leaf shall return shortly,” Oaklee said, fumbling for the words while walking over to the table, picking up a wooden trencher. Ember joined Oaklee, acting natural as usual. “Is something the matter, Ember?” Oaklee asked, leaning in toward Coal’s twin.

“I am sure father has perfectly good reasons.”

“I am sure he does,” Oaklee responded flatly.

Rain, Daughter of Water, looked inquisitively at Oaklee from across the room after observing their small exchange. Oaklee shook her head and offered a slight shrug in response. Norah noticed Oaklee’s gestures and looked up at her daughter with a wary look in her eye, one
Oaklee would heed herself, not wishing to cause gossip where Leaf was concerned.

Oaklee
walked past Coal toward her seat when she felt a tug on her hand, his rough calluses sending nervous jolts through her body. She halted her steps and kept her eyes fastened upon the wooden floor while balancing her trencher with a steady hand.

“Please sit with me?”

“No thank you, My Lord.”

She began to walk, but he held onto her hand, tightening his hold.

“I wish to speak with you.”

“I do not possess the same wish.”

Oaklee pulled on her hand, but he did not let go.

“Oaklee, please. I am asking as your
friend
.”

“Release my hand.”

“Not until you sit and speak with me,” Coal said, his voice becoming urgent.

“You heard her request, Coal. Be a gentleman and let go of her hand.” Skylar stood before them, and gave Coal a firm stare. Reluctantly, Coal let go of her hand. The Son of Wind peered at her. “Are you well?”