The Aurora Stone Read Free Page A

beautiful. Taking her usual place at the table, Gwen placed a delicate china plate before her.
    “Purple carrot and pomegranate salad. Your favourite,” she beamed.
    Eve laughed, “Thank you, Mother, it looks delicious.” Picking up her cutlery that had been crafted by her great-grandfather, she began her meal.
    After two fabulous courses, Gwen carried through the cake. Eve knew her mother had a great talent for baking; anticipating the richness of the sponge, tartness of the huckleberry jelly that was sure to be liberally smeared in the centre and finally the lightness of the meringue frosting. It was fluffy as a cloud, pure decadence on the pallet.
    “I cannot imagine a more fitting finale to such a feast than the masterpiece you have created Mother; please may I have a very large piece?” Exclaimed Eve, cake fork already in hand. A huge smile in place that lit up her whole face Seeing her daughter’s expectant expression, Gwen was transported back thirteen years to Eve’s fifth birthday, such a day it had been. John had made the chest that still sits at the end of Eve’s bed; back then is was for her toys now it stored her most precious memories. Gwen had baked a cake that day as she did every birthday. That year stuck in her mind; maybe because the image of her husband and daughter laughing together was still so fresh in her memory like it had happened yesterday. Then, like today the wonder on Eve’s face was so innocent, Gwen suddenly felt fearful. What if she never returns? What if something happens? This could be the last time we ever spend together. Holding back the tears that threatened, she placed the cake centre stage, smiling down at her, Gwen replied.
    “Of course, you can darling; I will never know where you put such a slice, like your father you can eat enough to feed a household and still be slim and strong. Many an elfin maid would love to have such luck!”
    Laughing together they enjoyed their desert. Once Eve was finished, Gwen picked up the gift she had placed by her right hand earlier. Getting up she passed the token to Eve. Looking at the purple silk wrapping, Eve understood whatever this contained was sure to be important, a keepsake to treasure; they were not, as a rule, the type of family to frequently give gifts.
    “I hope you like it.”
    Evangeline carefully removed the silken sheath to reveal the secret within. A large locket sat nestled within the folds, exquisitely engraved and the size of a chicken’s egg. She lovingly caressed the surface.
    “Open it.” Gwen urged her. Very gently Eve squeezed the sides to open it, inside was a revelation; a miniature photo album, each one as thin and delicate as a spider’s web. Taking care, she turned each frame to reveal the portrait hidden behind its predecessor. There were six in total, her mother, and father and one of her as a child of five. The next three were of her birth family, copies of the pictures now safely stored in the bag.
    “So wherever you travel, you will carry us with you. I know we are not your birth parents, but you are, and always will be, our beloved Evangeline.” Quickly closing the locket so her tears wouldn’t damage the delicate treasures within, Eve got up from her place and embraced her mother.
    “No matter who gave birth to me, you and dad will always be my parents, and I love you so very much.” Kissing and hugging each other, they allowed a few moments for tears.
    “Let me put it on you; I bought the silk especially”. Eve moved her russet mane so the silver clasp on the emerald silk necklace could be fastened, the locket sat perfectly just below the hollow of her throat.
    “Turn around so I can look at you; ah yes the colour really brings out your eyes and sets your hair aflame.” Gwen gushed. Looking in the mirror, Eve too admired her appearance, though not a vain person, she was not ignorant to her beauty.
    “Thank you Mother; it truly is a beautiful keepsake I shall never take it off.”
    After