The Augury

Chapter 02: The time has come.

“Harmony, dearie isn't it your big day today? Why do you looked so sad?”

The day everyone had been eagerly anticipating had arrived; it was Harmony's 19th year. Yet, contrary to expectations, she was far from elated. Her face, usually bright and cheerful, was masked with a somber expression. The entirety of Emerald forest was alive with the festive spirit, celebrating Harmony's day with joy and fervor. However, Harmony herself didn't seem to share in the mirth. After all, what was there to be joyous about? Despite turning a year older, she was still confined within the forest, forbidden to step foot into the world beyond.

At that moment, Harmony was in the majestic castle situated in the heart of Emerald forest. She was accompanied by her friend, Aestas - the daughter of Agatha who was a year older than her, her senior. The two had formed a strong bond in their youth, and they were always seen together. Recent events, however, had driven a wedge between them. Unlike Harmony, Aestas had the freedom to venture out and explore the world, leaving Harmony feeling somewhat isolated.

“I don't know, Aestas... I just, I'm already 19 today yet I'm still not allowed to do what I want.” Harmony admitted looking away, her face fixed with sadness and sorrow.

Seeing her friend's gloomy state, Aestas immediately positioned herself in front of Harmony, trying to lift her spirits. She gently raised Harmony's chin, forcing her to meet her gaze. “Dear, look at me,” she implored, pausing for a moment before continuing, “You are 19 - young, sweet, and on the cusp of adulthood. Life is just about to begin. This is where your journey truly starts, darling. All you need to do is to wish for it, ask for it.”

“After all, it's your birthday right? Every birthday celebrants are granted a wish on their special day, you should make yours count.” Aestas added with a small wink.

Harmony sighed and answered, “What if it doesn't work? I mean wishes are just there to make us feel good, it doesn't necessarily mean it's true.”

Aestas, taken aback by Harmony's pessimism, replied softly, “Oh dear, why are you being so negative? Have you forgotten that it was you who taught everyone in the Emerald forest how to wish?” As she spoke, Aestas was gently arranging Harmony's hair, adorning it with delicate white flowers. “Do you remember what you used to say? ‘Wishes do come true, but only if you know how to wish with your heart and not only with your mind.’”

Harmony didn't respond, choosing instead to remain silent as she tried to recall her own words. It was true; she had taught them how to wish. Harmony had always been a beacon of optimism, the joy and pride of the entire Emerald forest. She had inherited her mother's grace, her kindness, strength, and dreamer's spirit. Yet, after 18 long years of being confined within the same familiar surroundings, she was beginning to question whether she could still dare to dream.

“Now, now, enjoy your big day, sweet Harmony.”

–

The inhabitants of the entire Emerald forest convened at the grand pavilion. The location was beautifully adorned with an array of vibrant flowers, glowing lanterns, and other enchanting decorations. It was a gathering that brought together the diverse residents of the forest - Dryads, Drus, Elvens, Centaurs, and even the typically reclusive Goblins had come out to partake in the joyous celebration of Harmony's day. The atmosphere was vibrant and full, bursting with the sounds of laughter, the soothing rhythm of music, and the excited murmurs of conversation.

“Today, we have all come together to celebrate the 19th year of the late Queen Elenara's only daughter, Harmony Sage Asterlayna,”announced Queen Agatha, her commanding voice capturing the attention of all present. Standing beside her were Harmony and Aestas, their positions in the center of the pavilion underlining their importance on this special day. They were all gathered around the gigantic birthday cake, a sight to behold in itself.

“Let's all sing her a happy birthday!” declared Queen Agatha.

The crowd erupted into a harmonious rendition of 'Happy Birthday,' their voices filling the air as they paid tribute to Harmony.

She stood there, a picture of elegance in her white long dress adorned with white flowers along the side. The dress, with its off-shoulder long sleeves, accentuated her grace. The finishing touches to her outfit included a radiant diamond necklace and a vine intertwined with her long, brown curls, making her look as ethereal as ever.

The moment the final note of the song resonated in the air, Harmony, with her heart beating like a wild drum, stepped forward towards the gigantic, ornately decorated cake. The single, brightly burning candle cast an ethereal glow on her face. Her eyes rested on the flickering flame, and she sighed, her hand balling into a nervous fist.

Her mind echoed the words of wisdom she used to say, ‘Wishes do come true, but only if you know how to wish with your heart and not only with your mind.’

Overwhelmed with a torrent of emotions, she took a step closer to the cake. The warmth of the candle's flame grazed her face, and she closed her eyes, allowing herself to fully feel the moment. She let the raw hopefulness she carried in her heart and the unwavering faith that had kept her going envelop her one last time. This was it. It was now or never. Whatever was to occur, would occur.

With a whisper that barely disturbed the silence, she confessed, “I want to explore the sky.”

After the heartfelt wish slipped past her lips, she gently opened her eyes. Her gaze, filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation, met the candle once more. And then, with a swift, gentle breath, she blew the candle out.

The place was buzzing with vibrant claps and enthusiastic chants, a celebration in full swing. However, the atmosphere changed suddenly when she moved away from the cake—

“MASTER AGATHA! THEY'VE ARRIVED!” The voice of Drus echoed throughout the space, jolting everyone to attention. A loud noise reverberated, followed by an unexpected figure plummeting from the sky, landing straight onto the cake.

The gathering was a diverse one, consisting of centaurs, dryads, drus, goblins, and elvens. They all shared the same look of surprise as the venue was suddenly filled with unwelcome visitors - shadowy figures that seemed to envelop Harmony, who was just as taken aback as everyone else. Agatha, however, remained unfazed. She simply nodded, allowing the scene to unfold in front of her, knowing that this was an eventuality she had been prepared for.

“W-what's happening?— I-” Harmony's voice wavered with panic as she watched the chaos unfold, with guests fleeing the pavilion, chased by the shadowy figures.

As she turned around, she found herself locked in a gaze with a man whose cerulean grey eyes bore into her honey brown ones.

Before her, standing in stark contrast to the environment, was not a mythical drus or a satyr but a man. He was an anomaly amidst the magical creatures that inhabited the mystical forest. This was a man with long, chestnut brown hair that cascaded down to his shoulders. His hair was somewhat disheveled, a result of his recent fall, but it did nothing to mask the striking features of his face. His jaw was chiseled as if it had been sculpted by the gods themselves, a pointed nose that added an aristocratic air to his appearance, and his lips... his lips were captivating. They were the kind of lips that held a promise of a thousand unspoken words, the kind that any woman, mortal or otherwise, would find difficult to resist. His face had an allure that was undeniably potent, a magnetism that drew one's attention and kept it there. It was a face that could make any woman swoon, and possibly even make the stars jealous.

“Hey there darling, you're certainly coming with me.” The man’s words were accompanied by a mischievous smirk that played on his handsome face. Before Harmony could react, she found herself hoisted into the air, thrown over his shoulder as if she weighed no more than a sack of rice.

“H-hey! Put me down!” Harmony protested, her voice filled with confusion. “Athy! Athy! Help me!” She squirmed, trying to free herself from his grasp, but he simply laughed in response, a sound that somehow managed to be attractive despite the situation.

“Harmony, dear... The time has come. Go with this man. It'll be alright.” Agatha's words were calm, a stark contrast to the chaos that surrounded them. She watched as her goddaughter was about to be whisked away by a handsome stranger.

“W-what?! Athy! I don't understand!” Harmony's confusion was palpable as she continued to struggle against the man’s hold. “H-hey! Hey let me go! This is an order from me, let me go!”

“No can do, doll.” His voice was firm as he made his way through the middle o the pavilion, still carrying the struggling Harmony.

“You said you wanted to explore the sky, right? Your wishes is may I command.” With a hearty chuckle resonating in the air, a monstrous, black dragon suddenly appeared before them. Its eyes, piercing and intense, seemed to stare straight into the very core of Harmony’s soul, unsettling and intriguing her in equal measure. The way she had known it, her life about to undergo a drastic transformation.

Nothing would ever be the same again.