Enslaved

Chapter 20: Nym

The only way to the town of Nym is to go through an underground tunnel and walk into a waterfall. It’s a cleansing of sorts, a baptism before entering a land unlike any other. 

Nera emerged from the waterfall into a floating stone walk path. The stone walkway arched through a crystal lake and down to a grassy field. She and her horse didn’t look the least bit bothered by how soaked they were, attention solely on the land in front of them. 

All Nera could think about was that everyone was right, this was the most beautiful place on earth. Evordon couldn’t compare nor could Caelum.

Nera gazed back from where they came from and all she could see was a magnificent cascading crystal blue waterfall. 

“Welcome to Nym.” Thane grinned at her from the field, eyes focused on how she took everything in. He too was amazed by the splendor of Nym. Thane had already been here once but still he could not stop his amazement.

A big contrast to Tosa, the town of Nym is known for its never ending meadows where wildlife is abundant and the season of spring never quite leaves. It’s always a comfortable weather of soft blowing wind that smelled of pine and the sun is bright enough to let things gleam and sparkle. 

The meadows itself are blooming with flowers of every kind and color. Beautiful crystal blue streams flow through and countless majestic waterfalls surround the place on all sides, wrapping in itself like its own tiny world. Tall elegant trees and lush green grass were as far as the eye could see. Wild horses roam the hills. Colorful birds flew overhead. Shiny fishes swam and jumped above water. 

There were people too. Some were fishing, a few were swimming while others picked at flowers or tended to healthy crops and most just sat on the grass having a peaceful picnic with the most wondrous view; Nym.

Unlike most towns and cities which are made from rock, the town of Nym is made purely of white wood and colorful painted rooftops. White structures of traditional architecture pulled at any who looked to call it home. 

As they neared the prosperous town of Nym and got a better view of the small buildings, it was truly a place of solace. Everywhere you go people are smiling, children are playing freely, dogs and their puppies are barking happily, the livestock is crooning. Somewhere in the distance a drum is beating along with a melodic bard. 

It was a place that has not known war of any kind. To wield a sword here is almost a crime.

The two navigate through the town fairly easily, heading to the widest building in town. It was white as was everything but the roof was painted in colorful shades of reds and blues. As they entered, a woman in cotton robes greeted them.

“Welcome to Crystal Lake Inn.” The woman beamed, handing the two of them a glass of water. “I hope the journey to Nym was peaceful.” 

“It was.” Nera chirped happily.

“I have the perfect room for the two of you.” The woman winked, giving them a key as white as the wood the inn was made of. “You’ll find out exactly why we’re called Crystal Lake Inn.” 

Curious and already too excited, Nera takes the key while Thane pays. The inn itself was only two floors but it was long and wide. The first being the foyer and tavern while the second was rows of rooms. Nera found theirs at the very end of the hall. She pushed open the doors and dropped everything she was carrying in utter surprise.

The inn was named cleverly for having half of its structure hover above a crystal lake. Thane and Nera’s room in particular opened right onto the glimmering lake and a distant waterfall. The room had a balcony in which the two could jump right into the water if they wanted to.

The bed was big and soft with rich wine colored bedspreads. There were no shortage of white fluffy pillows and the blanket was thick and comfortable. The floor was carpeted in luscious fur. Several white wooden desks, upholstered chairs and sleek cabinets littered the room as well as bookshelves. Like the rest of the inn, the room was lit by a light blue lantern which glowed pleasantly. 

“This is paradise.” Nera whispered breathlessly. 

Too engrossed by the sights around her, she doesn’t notice Thane creep from behind her. He scoops Nera up in arms and promptly jumps into the crystal lake making her scream. The water is surprisingly refreshing. Not too cold and not too hot. The perfect temperature. She playfully shoves at him before splashing around. They swam, laughter and giggles filling the quiet surroundings. 

By nightfall, they were floating on their backs, facing the stars. Even the stars shined brighter in Nym, proving yet again that is the most beautiful place in the world. The water was shimmering because of the bright moonlight and fireflies flew around the shore, creating a mystifying atmosphere. 

Thane found his gaze gravitating towards Nera once more. She melted perfectly into Nym like a painting. Every movement she did was like a brand new painting. With Nym glowing in the night with its light blue and white colors, her fiery red hair was a stark contrast to this. 

His mind wandered back to Michael and what he said. Thane quietly admitted to himself that he did in fact feel drawn to Nera. It was a different kind of attraction he didn’t quite understand. 

Thane shook his thoughts away as Nera began to float closer to him.

Glacier blue eyes seemingly bluer, she smiled shyly. “I’m hungry.” 

He chuckled. “Of course you are.”

They swam towards their room where a wooden staircase connected the lake to their room. Changing into their nicer clothes of silks, linens and cottons, they both left the room and headed towards the tavern.

Soft melodic music was playing, soothing every muscle and every thought. Laughter of other patrons were present but even that was calming. 

The tavern is a high ceiling, low light, open area that oversees a vast meadow. A multitude of intricately carved tables and chairs are scattered around the expanse of the place. Wines, ales and mead are offered as well as large and juicy cut meats oozing with delight. Vibrant fruits and flowers were also on the tables. 

Thane and Nera found an empty table by the open wall. They watched lights dance in the night and listened to the tranquil music play. 

It was easy to forget your worries in Nym. Brutus or any other problems felt so far away and with the grand army guarding outside... it really did feel untouchable. 

Thane ordered flutes of the finest wine, juicy seasoned mutton and roasted potatoes. It was a meal fit for kings. All the while, he admired how Nera gawked, gasped and gaped at everything and anything. Whether it be to the singing bard in the corner, the taste of her food or the pine scented breeze that came in.

He takes her hand in his, feeling himself smile. “When all of this is done, I want to take you to the south.” 

Nera hasn’t heard much of the south. It was as far as Slaugh and is known to be inaccessible for most people. “What’s in the south?”

“The water city.” He tells her. 

She awed at the name, lips shaping into an o. “Really? Tell me about it.”

Excited, Thane put down his eating utensils and imagined the south from his last visit. “The entire city floats on the ocean. The only way to get there is by riding a massive boat that takes you to a jungle cliff side by an alcove. It’s summer there all year round.”

Sheltered with her life only ever in Evordon and the short visits to Caelum, it sounded all too surreal for Nera. “It sounds so beautiful and tropical.” 

“It is.” He nodded, happy to have her attention and enthusiasm. “They’re connected by bridges and small canoes. Once a year they hold a fishing tournament and everyone goes. There’s also this one competition where they ride pieces of wood and ride large waves. The celebrations go on for months there.”

Typical Nera, she leaned in with her lips parted. “And the food?”

“The food is an endless supply of seafood; crabs, fish, lobster, squid and clams.” He counted off with his fingers trying to remember everything he ate. “The jungle has an abundance of fruit that can only grow in the south. Fruits like mangoes, bananas, watermelon and pineapple. There’s even what they call passion fruit. They could make it into juices too. You’ll love that.”

Nera’s mouth watered. Half of the things Thane said were foreign to her but it made it all the more thrilling. 

“The ocean is clear to swim in it also.” Thane continued. “There are ruins, shipwrecks and reefs you can explore.” 

She pulled at his hand. “Let’s go now!” 

“We will.” He promised. “Soon. I’ll take you everywhere.” 

Nera fell asleep in Thane’s arms that night, mind wondering about all the places she could go with Thane.