Songs of fire and light

Chapter 5: The magnificence of spring

Nennialine’s pov.

Licht’s lures we’re relentless. A boy desperate for attention, any attention from anyone willing to provide some. 

After our a meeting, the boy slipped back towards his father’s encampment. Only to get caught by his fathers hellwolf, Helios. Soon Leon knew where his son spend his afternoon, graced with the company he lusted. Ever since, Leon nor any of his followers entered my woods. Instead, they kept back in safety, beyond my reach, on the other side of the border. 

Whilst his son visits each passing day. Where he tries to persuade me in leaving my forest and move out with him to his father’s domain. Pledged for a slight glimmer of hope that lies low, deep within people’s dreams. 

The pleasant breath of spring flooded the earth, my woods and heart. The small regular drizzle rain nurtures the soil with new blossoms of life and hope.

Men need the coldness of winter to cherish the blessings of spring. A lovely reminder of the beauty of life. Even in the tiniest aspects. 

I walked through my forest, a garden sculpted after my own design, nurtured with my touch and spell. The grass green, as are the leaves of the awoken trees. Rested from their winter slumber, crisp and fresh, ready for the new season. Some carry a few buds, taking an innocent glimpse from their green leave shell. 

My hands touch the petals, careful, admiring the softness of them. 

I remember the day I found this place. Trees on the verge of death, yellow, dried grass and not a flower in sight. Faded and gloom, forsaken by Califar. The highest force of our world, our creator and God. 

It reminded me of him...

A sole drop of sorrow slips, met by a patch green soil, pursued by a fresh sprout spurting from its essence. A neverstar lily, a flower unknown in these lands. One of the most glorious of blooms I ever saw.  A strong dark green stem. A large flower, a slight twinkle from its lengthy, fragile petals. 

A sudden surge of loneliness coiled within my soul. Haunting memories drained my mind. 

My breath crystallized the air around my lips and danced in the air as I spoke, “One day, we will be reunited for eternity.” I remained for a moment, my fingers touched the soft petals.  

With heavy feet and trembling heart, I urged myself forward. I regained my humming once more, walking idly through my forest. A single touch, so light, for every tree I passed. It's rough texture of the bark grated my delicate flesh. 

My humming soothed the forest. It was a hymn of my departure. The forest did not weep but sang along with me. The birds whistle, the leaves jiggled and the wood cried with the wind. 

I felt a shadow linger in my wake. “I shall return.” I whispered with my back towards the shade. “Until then, protect this home.”

Beyond the boundaries of my woods, Leon and his vessels awaited our arrival. 

His eyes widen by our sight. “And here I expect you riding all white, including the horse.” A pathetic mock I ignored. 

With spring in full bloom, there is not much need for me in my forest. Therefor to rid myself of Licht’s relentless nagging, I agreed to accompany him to Leones. his father’s domain. For a few days alone, no longer. Trapped with these dogs until the end of times would be intolerable. Hence I chose the most favorable ruling. 

I rode my black mere, her long curly manes wave in a soft, crispy spring breeze. That’s why she’s named Neanii, meaning night blossom  in elvish. 

Before me, Licht, settled, leaning back against me. Safe tucked away between my arms. Feet dangling beside Neanii. 

Unlike when within the safety of my forest, I wore my outside clothing. Which I have not worn in a very long time. 

A deep purple, sleeveless dress, with a collar and the skirt cut in four equal strips. Black knee boots, over black well-fitted pants that at a shift of light might seem see-through. a bluish-grey-colored top with sleeves that extended past my knuckles. My silvery-white hair pulled back in strands, tied with silver rings. 

My Elven, to human strange features hidden behind a long blue-grey mantle. Held by broche adorned by white gemstones, by my right shoulder. 

Worry stirs my mind. This world, even after such a long time, would still be a place of bottomless horror. By no means a place of childlike clarity where everything can become untangled by the touch of a good heart. 

My face perfect sculpted in keeping any troubles secret. After her teachings, I need to portray fierce and cold as a gem. Never give away any secrets without comfort. No matter how difficult it may serve. 

Beyond my forest boundaries, Leon and his followers await our arrival. A cocky smile has me loath the man more than usual. Although his features can seem somewhat pleasing, his behavior overrules any windfalls they offer. A slight dash of hope peeks past the clouds of arrogance, when my eye fall on his entourage. Unlike their precious prince of fools, they do not share his sentiments. Seated on their own mounts, they linger behind a cautious eye with reason. 

“Greetings, my lady. A lovely day for an excursion do you find not?” The cocky prince strives to tarnish my reasonable mood. Flashed me his pearly whites. That I would rather find enjoyable to remove by force. Withheld, for the sake of the child in my embrace. 

His futile attempts to please fall silent mid audience. Guided Lichts’ directions, we head off without the man and his followers. Towards the south, we go.

~

The sceneries on our way are not as enjoyable for one’s eyes. Neither of them could ever hold a candle against my forest or any random Elven woods. Even the once cursed woods of Sylvearim held more beauty than these large grasslands. 

Shades more yellow than green, with an occasional fruitless tree. 

I find myself regret my decision. Yet I am bound to my promise with the small frame asleep between my arms. As his father seizes his chances, creeps up in a comfortable trot and signature smile in place. 

The only answer he earns is a cold glare. 

Never being one to fall in place, he dares speak. “Since our first encounter, I wondered if such a woman made of ice would remain similar in spring.” Caius mocked coldly, eyes burning with zeal, I saw his lips curve into a feral smile. He would annoy me every day from now on. I could tell. Revenge for the misery he called upon himself as an intruder. He should simple given up and returned home, yet this man is beyond selfish. Without cause. 

“Well, now you have your answer, you can disappear from my sight.”  I taunted nicely. “Not like you would, even if you could. You’ll follow us everywhere we go, like the dog you are.” 

He smirked, accepting my challenge. “Precisely, my dear sprite.”

Tired of this wretched prince of fools, I spur Neanii on. Her breath deepens, strides wider, leaving before long the prince left in our dust.  With haste we make way. In the distance, we hear Leon and his men. Desperate to keep up with our dashing pace. 

We rode day and night, perks of riding a Zóinín. A horse breed once known for their high endurance, beauty and grace, beyond their lesser kin. Blessed with long life. Regardless, few remain running this world. 

The journey was not easy. Leones being two days away if traversed by hoof. Each day and night grew warmer and brighter as we drew away from my beloved forest. 

Leon and his men tried and failed in holding out with our steadfast pace. Earned at least a day ahead. Neither of us minds. Not even Licht showed any sign of missing his father with his snide remarks. 

A mild spring sun swelled east. It's delicate light roused the trees from slumber. Some remain cold and barren. Having forgotten what blessings spring holds.

 Neonii enjoyed the cool waters of a near nonexistent stream. Me and my companion observed the peaceful scenery. Unseen by shadows of a sleeping apple tree. 

One featherlight touch, has the tree grew vast, full of life. Brilliant red apples besieged by crowns  of leaves.  Neanii gulps them down, one after another. Too fast for count. While me and Lucius enjoy the one. Seated comfortable on a fallen tree beside the rushing waters.  

“How did this tree grow apples this early in spring?” He eyed me with suspicion I left unanswered. If the boy is anything likewise his father, he would discover soon enough. The only answer I reward him with is a knowing smile. 

With our bellies satisfied, we mount Neanii once more and head on. The haunting if his trailing father draw too near for comfort. Alas, the prince of fools lives very much up to his name. 

~

The stars shone their glorious light up in a pitch-black sky. High above our heads, far from reach of harmful hands. 

A silent, dead of night, except for the soft breaths resonating from my juvenile companion. The trees were grey by the grim glow of a full moon night. 

A chilling spring breeze seared past the trees, shaking their fresh awoken limbs. At their tips a rare few luscious green leaves already flourished, near unnoticed in some places. 

Another breeze went by, sending shivers of cold down the small frame beside. Curled up beneath both our capes, he leaned deeper into my warm embrace. Soon the silence of night broke. 

“He seems so innocent when taken by slumber.” His father stated. A few hours past, when he and his follow found our trail. His men rested a few feet away, leaving us three in peace. 

The man eyed smug when he gained my company. Even if it remained unwanted from my opinion. 

Much like his mother… I could feel the pain her death caused. And its effects. An emptiness within the hearts who she left behind. In a blink of a moment, I found myself unable to find a snide remark. As I was once left without a mother’s warm embrace. 

Licht might act similar as a young unruly pup by day. At night the pup turned kitten curled up against me close and safe. Both he and his father came off fragile and alone, true feelings shown. 

Poor boy…

They huddled together near a fire of their own make. As they shared a light meal. Bread with some cheese, an apple taken from my tree without question. Something I found odd. Does the irritating mutt feel ill? Or is he concerned about his son? 

His men, however, we're far from silent. They gossiped about trivial matters, for which I cared little to none. 

Night soon made way for dawn. Dowsing the lands with the fires of twilight. 

“We should not linger. These lands might be named Leontes, yet are not safe from creatures of darkness set to leave demise in their wake.” I spoke, waking all companions as I readied my horse. 

For once the prince did not complain or linger as we passed the borders of his fathers lands and made way from his lands. With swift haste towards Leones. 

We crossed a dead river walled with giant rocks. Where not even grass dare lay root. I could sense the despair that plagued these lands. Something did not felt right, a strange feeling plagued my mind.  The air felt weary and foreboding. Suddenly I found it hard to breathe. A slight sting hit my chest and I felt my muscles tighten. These lands and its flora lived not in peace. The ashes of war lay heavy upon its soul. 

 ~

Soon me and my companions reached the price of fool’s castle. A massive castle hidden between the woods. Made of black stone. Men dressed in black and blood red fabric, finished with golden armor, stood guard. High in the air, their banner flew in the near nonexistence wind. Made of red fabric with a golden lion roar. 

At the sight of their ruler, the gates opened, and the guards saluted. We rode into the inner court, greeted by more than low-ranked guards and soldiers. Eager to see what their prince brought back from his month stay. 

“Welcome back, my lord! Did you enjoy your outing, my prince?”

A middle-aged man and another whose age fell more near Leon. Both well dressed, bowed in front of Leonis. 

“Evander,” Leonis addressed the older man. “This is lady Nenya, she is my guest and will treated with the highest regards. Give her the diamond suite.”

“As you wish, my lord.” The old man called Evander bowed before his prince and turned to me. Standing beside Neanii, Licht close against me. A tight grip on the hand not holding my precious horse. 

Doubt tinkled my mind, alas, what have I placed myself in. 

“My lord, we have urgent matters that need debate.” The other, younger one interrupted his lord. Before he could reach me.  

Leonis clicked his tongue, visibly irritated, yet kept his gaze on me and his son. “Sergius, do you need annoy me within the hour of my return? It best be important; or your death will not come swift and merciful.”

“It is my lord, otherwise I would not dare disturb your enjoyment of your new...” Sergius gave me a once over in disgust. “Plaything.” 

I smiled at his tone. This one does not hide his tongue, does he? 

I do not like this one. My skin crawled at the gloom, emitting from every of his pores. 

The childish voice I now knew so well changed shape into something foreign to my sensitive ears. “she’s not fathers toy, she’s my friend!” Rage ruled Licht’s voice, a shade of his father. “So show some respect or ill have father take your head. Or did you not take notice of fathers instructions he passed down earlier? You were standing near enough.” Smugness washed away rage, a cocky smile much as his fathers showed. “She is the lady of the forest. if you do not treat her with respect shell blow you away as she did with father and his soldiers many times.”

I bit back a smile, I knew I liked this boy. A bittersweet reminder of him. 

Sergius stood bubbling like fish on dry land. Eyes darting from place to face. Must be hard, being scolded by a child. 

“Sergius, I will come and hear your troubles. But it would be wise to heed my sons warnings for they are true.” Leon grinned between his teeth before taking my hand in his. A softness bled upon his face. “Forgive me, my lady. I have urgent matters to attend. I will leave you in my son and Evander’s care for the time being.” He leaned in for a chaste kiss upon my skin. 

Only for my hand to make a swift escape of the gallows. Left the arrogant prince, surging the fires of annoyance amidst the ashes of any patience. “It matters not. I prefer Licht’s company over yours any given moment.” 

Without another word, Leon walked inside. A shadow of his entourage on his trail. Sergius gave me one last glance. Leaving me alone with Licht and the old man called Evander. Unlike the other, this man had a sense of serenity that shrouded him. Both mind and body cut by enemy blades, scneem that run deep. 

“My lady, I Am Evander,” the old man bowed deep. He wasn’t a large man, barely reaching my shoulders. His body had a peculiar square shape. Once strong muscles of a warrior now wrinkled and sagging. The man continued with a soft, calm voice. “trusted advisor of the third prince of Zion. Sovereign of Leones. If you would follow me, I will show you to your lodgings during your stay.” A firm handclap had servants popping up from every corner. 

Not odd at all. Were they waiting for it?

Entrusting Neanii in the prince of fools servants care. After a pledge of honor that she would well looked after in the castle stables from both Evander and Licht. I followed the old and young men. The castle servants turned heads when they saw, me. A stranger, dressed in light clothing. A young girl trudged behind us, carrying my small bag containing a few clothes. 

The castle was little of interest to me. A castle build as many of its siblings. Big, made of stone, adorned by gold and paintings of men long forgotten. Alas, not much to behold, except for fortunes flashed about. 

A strange woman caught my sights. A woman of a different shade, not lighter or darker, just another shade. One Ive seen before ages ago during my travels. Far east, the inhabitants of the eastern islands live between a diversity of regions. Portrayed in a pink kimono with a flowery motive. Her black hairs pulled up by delicate hairpins sculpted glass after cherry blossoms. 

Based of her features, I’d say, she must be from Asahi. A large island filled with samurai armies, daimyo instead of governors and an emperor for a king. 

I enjoyed the beauty of the lands and most of all blossoming cherry-blossom trees. Or, as they call them, sakura. 

After an unending trail of stairs, we reach the highest floor. I noticed a sudden change. The walls were white, not pitch black as the outside or any lighter shades of greys that filled the rest of the castle. 

Evander paused by a large double door. “These will be your quarters during your stay with us, my lady.” He announced, as he pushed open the wooden doors. 

It was vastly what I expected from a name as the diamond suite. 

A spacious room that was very white with golden follies. Large windows dowsed the room in light of the midday sun. There stood a desk with a chair in the corner, cushioned chairs around a table decorated with a vase of fresh flowers. A large canopy bed, with side tables and a chaise covered with furs placed before a lit fireplace. Another double door lead to a luxurious bathroom with a large bath and different varieties of potions scattered on the rim. 

The girl left my bag on a trunk by the edge of the bed, curtsied and left. Along with the other, Evander gave me some time to freshen up. 

I flooded the bath with boiling hot water. On closer inspection of the flasks of oil, I deemed them useless. Nice smells, useless for anything else. Upon re-entering my bedroom, another item stood beside my bed. A wooden chest, decorated by the preciseness carvings only elven can. A gift from when, a young girl. Keeper of items most precious to me. Collected and given over the centuries. Brought and guarded by my loyal shadow. 

I pulled a fur from the bed, concealing the edging on the lid. My family crest, a dancing phoenix. Why did he bring it? 

The chest left aside, I took some herbs from my bag. Grown, collected from my private garden. 

My bath completed with herbs I dowsed my bare from under the hot liquid. Dirt washed from my skin and silvery locks. The herbs fulfilled their task stimulating my muscles to relax.

After a bath, I changed back into my gown. Wearing my matching white slippers, a gift from centuries ago. Hiding my features beneath the hood of my cape. A soft knock arrived favorable on time.