Obsidian Monarchy

Dream Space

It was easy enough to scarf down breakfast, it was the dried fruit in her bag, however it was more difficult to find a safe place to relieve herself.

They were still in the fae forest, further in than Seraphina had ever braved. They had the Sigel of her home town, but they would need to be quick and respectful of the forest for them to make it out safely. The one thing that the forest spirits would never take kindly was harming the forest.

She was able to find a rock to hide behind to relieve herself. She turned to leave, but a ringing filled her ears. It sounded like little bells filling the air, singing a tune she had never heard. Seraphina felt no anger from it so followed the sound of the song. She soon passed an ancient tree and glimpsed the purest form of grace in the shape of a deep red fox. It stood well above her head.

Seraphina froze, one hand on the tree next to her. The fox spirit had their eyes closed, listening to something that the woman couldn’t hear. It felt like she had walked in on a communion that she shouldn’t have. Taking a step back to leave but the fox opened its copper eyes and watched her. Fearing insult, she instead took a step forward, lowering into the bow of respect. Left hand on her stomach, the right touching the flat of her pinky to her heart before moving it toward the fox.

“I meant no harm; I heard the bells and was curious. I shall leave now.”

Before Seraphina could take a step back, the fox began slowly walking toward her. No sound for their footsteps echoed, in stead the bells grew louder almost dancing around her head. In a few short strides, the fox was towering over her while looking down at her curiously. They slowly blinked their eyes while leaning down to match her level.

The woman refused to move, that could be taken as an act of aggression. She was then gifted with a rush of wind as the fox opened their mouth and blew a stream of air in her face. It smelled of winter rain and warm summer air, she had her eyes shut and could almost see a different place, but only for a moment. When she opened her eyes, the fox was just disappearing into the woods, only the tip of its tail could be seen.

A shaky breath filled her lungs, she knew that they meant no harm to her however the spirits of the forest were able to see through to a person’s soul and knew their true self. If she had any intent on harming anyone or anything in the forest, she would already be dead. Knowing that, she held the highest respect for the spirits, they were the guardian she wanted to emulate.

After far too long, she made her way back to the cave and gathered her supplies. Aster was sitting at the entrance of the cave, waiting expectantly for her. When she mounted with both bags strapped to her and a hand full of fruit, she told him as they sped through the woods.

“Do you know what a dream space or mind space is?” The wolf shook its head, trotting down the animal trails while heading south. “I just learned. Last night I tried to contact Jordan, my predecessor Monarch, and instead I landed in Adrian’s mind space. I am not sure how much you know.”

In response, Aster shook his head causing his mane to shimmy in the sunlight. Seraphina took that as he knew little. “The bare bones of it are, I am the inheriting Monarch. They have existed for thousands of years, each on of them are born with magical power then later chosen by the reigning Monarch. After taking the mantel of the Monarch they gain more power than any one Mage can usually wield. That is due largely to six ceremonies that they endure, each gain the Monarch access to one of the six previous Monarch’s soul. As far as my predecessor taught me, when a new Monarch inherits the throne, they can astral travel and find the first predecessor Monarch. They can’t tap into their power but can gain wisdom and guidance from them. That is Jordan.”

They jumped over a stream then a sharp turn to the right, they were now speeding down a hill. The suddenness of the drop caused her to stop talking. When they leveled out, she sat back up and continued explaining.

“The last few Monarchs were under the control of the Hunt family, the Regents of our country. Jordan ran from them with the six ceremony books, she never told me why but I think she did because the Monarchs are the one that can guide our country to true freedom. Which brings me to Adrian, he is the last son of the Hunt family. He is to inherit the title after the Madam hunt passes, which is unlikely due to the anti-aging power source under the Manor. We have been engaged since my fifteen years, she put a life bond on each of us. I think that means, when I astral travel I will be drawn to his dream space, and he mine.”

She didn’t speak for a while, after saying that she realized how compromised she was. Madam Hunt had insured that she received no teaching of anything Magical, handy caping her. The only way she would have any chance of protecting herself is to learn it, and quickly. However, that led to one very unfortunate realization. The only person that can teach her magic that she has access to is also the same person she is currently running from.

Adrian.

“I have to learn magic; Aster I know it’s a risk but right now I am vulnerable.” That caused the wolf to stop suddenly. She was barely able to keep herself from launching over his shoulder. He looked over his shoulder at her and growled. “I know it’s a risk, but doing nothing is just as dangerous. I have known him for close to half my life. He may be subjugated to his mother but he is a kind person. Adrian has never hurt me or treated me like I was less. We are also life bonded so he can already find me because of this mark.” His concerned look remained but he slowly nodded, he then slowly began his run.

She petted him on his shoulder and remained quiet for the rest of the day. It would be a marathon before they arrived at Tellimader, talking spent too much energy.