1. The Law Of Fire And Ice


    Date: 8/28/2015, Categories: Fantasy & Sci-Fi, Author: ChrissieLecker, Rating: , Source: LushStories

    moment all of Holly’s thoughts brought images of death. Her breath grew fast and shallow. “Come,” the woman urged again, gripped her hand and guided her towards the edge. “Lucy!” It was just a gasp. Frozen still in time, her friend still stood just a few feet below the crater’s rim, both hands reaching upwards and with eyes so full of fear that it broke Holly’s heart again. “No!” she screamed in helpless protest. “Not Lucy! No! Not her!” She was twirled around until she faced the woman. “The fire gives. It warms and nourishes us all, but for what it gives, it also needs to take. It is the law of fire and ice.” Rage and despair like she had never felt before welled up in Holly, but then she took a breath of icy air and clarity took hold of her. “Take me then,” she demanded, and when the woman didn’t instantly react, she gripped her by the shoulders. “Please! Take me! You -- God, you do not even know her! She is so -- wonderful! She mustn’t die!” “I see.” The woman’s hands once more cupped her cheeks, but no visions came to Holly this time. Instead, a smile spread on the woman’s lips. “You love her.” “Yes, I do.” It was the first time that she said the truth aloud, and now too late. “And you would willingly switch places with her now, knowing all that waits is just a painful, fiery grave?” Holly caught her fingers digging painfully into the woman’s skin and let her go. “Anytime. I will.” This kiss was unexpected. Cool lips pressed tightly against Holly’s own, and then a ...
    tinkling laughter rang like crystal bells in Holly’s ears. She stumbled back. “Do not forget. One day the fire and ice will ask their price, and while no life needs taking, do make sure to love. For once that payment’s due, your only loves left will be Iceland’s fire and ice. We’ll meet again, on the endless dawn, where the water spans a curtain to the sun.” “Wait!” The woman’s form began to shimmer, but Holly’s fingers gripped her wrist. “What -- who are you? What does it mean?” “Haven’t you guessed? You call us elves, or hidden people. We call ourselves the wardens of the land, preservers of the fire and ice and keepers of the balance. I am Hekla.” “Hekla, as in…” “...the volcano that is my home. But I must go.” ***** In an eye’s blink, Hekla faded from her sight, and Holly’s hand clenched empty air. Hissing, rumbling, bubbling once more filled the air, and with a mighty, “Ooof,” she toppled backwards, Lucy in her arms. “Oh God! Oh God! I almost…” Lucy’s trembling lips were just an inch from Holly’s own. “But you didn’t.” Awe and wonder swung in Holly’s voice, followed then by joy. “You didn’t!” And before she could think twice, she pressed her lips against those of her friend and poured all emotions she had penned up deep inside herself for years into that single, loving kiss. Her heart sung out in joy when Lucy didn’t pull away but answered her lips’ touches with her own, and then she parted them and tongues sneaked out to dance that old, intimate dance of love. “You…?” Holly ...