Lilly’s POV

About two days earlier.

“Grandpa, Grandpa, Grandpa.” Jenn keeps crying out. She’s pulling on my husband’s, Rowan’s, arm. I love her dearly and I’m so relieved that she’s back to herself, after that “catalyst’s” interference. Rowan’s father is coming and she just adores the man. That Paladin never cared much for their false beliefs. But he’s certainly has been a champion to my dear Jenn.

I’m glad that we’re here, in Community Farms, and not back in the Grove. I know that’s harsh to think, but what could I do once they found I was with child. Rowan was livid when he found out how they felt. He amazes me still, having recently forgiven them, for what they did. He has such a kind heart and I love him so.

Ahh… That catalyst again. We need to find him his way back home. My Jenn looks over at him with those eyes of my ancestors. If my sisters could see the purity in those eyes, they would know the atrocity they committed. No one cared what I did with Rowan, not that it mattered to them. He would be gone in a hundred years or so. But to be with child and mix the family’s precious pure blood, contaminating it, tainting it. “Grandpa is coming…. I have to get my sword…” Haha, my husband pursues her. As if he could catch the wind.

“Jenn, JENN!” Her father calling after her.

And now this “Dog” comes. At least the catalyst knows his place. He should be leashed to a tree in the Grove, like the pup he is. I need to leave before this one needs correction again.

“Your father bids you come see him,” Daylor says.

He mocks me. Even now, it still rips at my heart.

“He asked for you by name.”

I have spoken with my father many times since. I have visited him and brought his granddaughter, Jenn. Yet, he has not spoken my name. It is time. I must do this. I am a daughter of the Root of Aarush. I will stand and be proven before the Great Tree, as is my right. “I will make the journey.” They can no longer deny my Jenn, she has strung a Great Bow.

“He is here now.”

My breath is spent. My heart forgets to beat. My legs falter.

“He bids you come now.”

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I look to my home. My father has forgiven me.

*******

I find myself a few steps outside, opening myself to the forest behind Community Farms. Waiting for my father to reveal himself to me.

A moment and his presence is there, back in the right corner near the lake. Two strides I have kicked up grass as I drive myself forward. I don’t care, as I race to him.

I enter the woods and as I see his face, his arms are open wide to me. I tackle him and hug fiercely into his chest, yet he barely moved from the impact. That is the strength of my father, Elder Reyansh Aarush.

“My Lilly, My daughter.” He says as I notice a herd of our Elven Bowmen dispersed throughout the area. “My heart rejoiced when I received your messenger. When I felt the Bow awaken, I feared for your safety. I am relieved to hold you again and know that you are safe.”

I step back. Looking into his eyes, I see the relief soothing over him. “I am the one who is overjoyed and honored with her father’s presence.” Daylor and others have gathered around, but not closely, giving us a more private moment. “You know I would make the journey. I am glad you are here.”

“I will always protect my daughter. Now tell me, and I will ensure that you and your family are safe.”

“Jenn is safe. The tear is mended and guards patrol.” I explain. “The M-trolls and goblins have been removed. We are currently safe, but watchful.”

My father glancing over to Daylor. “There was no greater danger?” he asks.

I also glance at Daylor. “Not… That I know of.” My attention returning to my father.

“You awakened the Bow.” My father says to me. “What are you not telling me?”

“I am your daughter.” Not understanding why I am being questioned, and how this joyous moment is starting to turn dark. “I am your daughter, of the Root of Aarush. My Bow has been awakened since my ascension.” Looking at my father, trying to understand.

“Stag. Stag is awakened. Why would you wake Stag for goblins or trolls” My father, the Elder Reyansh Aarush, questions. “I feared for your life, my daughter!”

And dark it starts to turn. “I have not touched your granddaughter's bow! Which you gifted her! You! Knowing that wh…” And the light dawns. With the dawning light of understanding, a mother’s wrath awakens.

“CATALYST!” “I WILL HUNT YOU!”

…..

…..

“Daughter?”

I know it is because of him.

“Daughter.”

To TAKE advantage of her.

“Daughter!”

HE Will Not Touch HER!

“Lilly!”

“Father?” My voice is weak as I find myself lifting my head from staring at the ground, hands clenched in fists of rage. I feel my strength and anger draining as I see my father’s stern expression.

“Who…Strung the Bow?” His question is straightforward, commanding a response. Arms crossed in front of his chest. I cannot read his intent. His eyes looking into me.

“Jenn” I softly reply. The forest is eerily quiet to my ears. I know all those here, heard my voice.

….. My father is just standing there, arms crossed, looking at Community Farms.

“My granddaughter…Stag?” He asks, still looking towards the buildings.

“Yes, Father.” My voice, steadier.

…..

Another moment passes. “My Granddaughter awakened Stag.” Still, he looks.

I realize I had not known. “I, do not know. Only that she has strung her Bow.” Nor did I realize it wasn’t a question.

My father seems to grow in stature before my eyes. His bearing regal. I see the crack of a smile on his lips.

“Daughter, did we hunt your beloved when you made your choice?” His words dissipate whatever anger and frustration were left in my soul.

I notice father looking at me with his loving eyes, waiting until I give him my full attention. “She has her mother’s, and mother’s mother's strength of heart.” He steps forward and embraces me in a gentle hug. “Such are all the daughters of the Root of Aarush.”

As he releases his hold on me and holds me at arm’s length. Looking over at Daylor, then back to the others. “It is decided. I will rest here. Set a watch. Explore as you wish.”

Turning back to me. “I will see how my granddaughter is occupying her time.” And starts walking towards the main building. “Come, show me what you have done.” Part of the Elven herd is still guarding and watching at a distance, as we walk back together.