章節 14: Head in the clouds [1]
Slender fingers lost themselves in the auburn roots, trimmed nails gingerly scratching the scalp of the freshly washed hair, allowing it to fall in mass waves down the little one's back.
The touches faintly seeped against the crown of the head, rewording indulgent chuckles; the resonance of purity echoes into the small cottage, blending pleasingly to the hearing.
" Do you think they'll be pleased with my offering," hesitates the little one, those caresses pacifying, grasping a mass of wave into a delicate bun few strands spill to the side of fluffy cheeks while fingers let a few locks dangle behind the ears. " Answer," a mope took over her cherry lips as the response delayed.
A solicitous fatherly sigh was heard. " Pleased, they're blessed to have your offering,"
Expectant eyes turned to look back at the damsel who knelt beside a wooden stool where the little one had been sitting patiently. " Ah, ah, not yet, Flower," they cautioned.
Her head stayed in the same position, small hands clasped in her lap. Even so, eyes gazed on the silvery full moon, just her white dress embroidered with silver thread shimmering in the lantern glow.
An aromatic smell of jasmine oozes from each strand, prickling the nostrils, long eyelashes saccadic with every concentrated blink once the bun was secured carefully with scant wooden pins, svelte hands outreached for the small basket gathered in newly picked night blossoms.
Its bouquets, luminescent, glowing in the dimness were carefully tucked into the little one's hair. " There you go Sylvia," declared the sugar-coated mouthpiece, stepping back to admire their handiwork once they were finished.
Sylvia beamed, blueish orbs shone in excitement, dainty features ardent as they met the blonde-haired damsel a twirl of her dress evident her glee. " Thank you, Lissy, Sylvia is joyous," her small hands wrap around the lustrous figure's waist ample cheeks pressed against the belly a big palm resting on the small of her back
" Now go show your friends ?" encouraged the damsel patting the little one shoulder. Sylvia nodded eagerly and dashed out of the cottage; the other juveniles' ebullience laughter mingled as they ran together. " Be careful with running!"
Heels rose and began to make their way out of the cottage into the night, her purposefully steps ensuring everything was perfect for the rite that marked the message of spring and new life.
The full moon hung in the sky, casting its brilliance over the village, the cool crisp air carrying the scent of pine and sandalwood, the soft rustle of tree leaves docile in the breeze, lanterns flickering along the cobblestone-lined paths, its warm light guiding the villagers as they prepared for the sacred rituals. They bowed their heads as she passed, her kind smile and nod reciprocating their reverence.
"Lissy?" a voice called, stopping in her tracks. She turned to see a villager holding a bunch of brightly colored dahlias. "Will this do?" he asked, his grey brow furrowed with concern.
The damsel shook her head gently, a forbearing grace on her face. "No, Sir. Only lilies. Father needs them for the blessing. But worry not, I've gathered plenty for everyone."
He nodded in gratitude. They continued walking while she offered a little guidance here and there.
As they got to the heart of the village, the sacred altar adorned with offerings of fruits, flowers, and intricately carved totems stood, awash in the soft incandescence of the moonlight.
Profoundly, she checked everything thoroughly, satisfied with being in place. She took a moment to close her eyes and breathe deeply, feeling the winds cherishing her face and whispering something to her. 'What was it?' she thought. 'Something wrong?' It blew again. When she fluttered her eyelids open, the sight of Sylvia with the other little children mirthfully swelled her soul.
"Beth!"
She sighed. Of course, it wouldn't be too easy. Something was definitely wrong. She looked back. "Yes?"
Long tresses billowed around the delicate wrist as the girl's alluring form rushed forward almost a harbinger of divine trouble.
The dark brows frowned without a word, her wrists were clutched and leading with a swift to a secluded side where no villagers could eavesdrop on their wordings. " I can't find him anywhere. Something must've happened."
"Calm down Althena." She sought to quiet her sister, angling her head to observe the area if anyone had noticed their presence. " Did you look in the woods?'
"Of course I did! I even called. Am telling you it's them."
Her heart tightened, fear and dread coalescing in her chest. The woods were familiar, and the forest was safe, but beyond their ancient large trees and unknown sights of the mountain lay danger—the royal palace, the most perilous forbidden place for them. "Here, call him," Althena urged, holding out a cherry blossom.
Hesitantly she acquiesced and clasped the blossom. Please, not there, she prayed. Not there. The delicate petals brushing against her palm she closed her eyes. " Leo," her soft whispering plea carried by the wind as the cherry blossom floated away, spiraling through the air.
Upsurge adrenaline courses their veins, and they hold their breath, straining to hear a response amidst the chaos of the villagers and the eerie noises of the unprecedented forest creatures.
Time elongates into eternity until a faint, small plaintive cry reaches her ears. Her eyes snapped open wide in the realization of the same horror mirror of her sister's divine visage. " They caught him."
Biting softly into the supple flesh of her lower lip, she set forth, but before a single step could unfold, her wrist was grasped in tender touch. " We should tell Father first it's dangerous."
She shook her head with unwavering firmness. " There's no time. He is preparing for the rituals if we wait. They'll take Leo's flesh off and use it as they please."
A soft exhale, a pause, then a demure utterance. "But—"
"Are you coming or not!" Looking away, her stride began, voice stained. " Fine, I'll go alone."
" I'm your elder sister, you're not going without me."
Came the fierce answer a hint of gratitude touched her lips, and their eyes locked. " Then let's go and bring him home," she murmured, resting a gentle hand on her sister's shoulder. "Please, Ally."
Warm hands squeezed hers in steadfast assurance. " Okay,"
Glancing back at the villagers and their father, who was inside a cottage deep in conversation with another sage, they exchanged a silent nod.
Seizing the opportune moment, they departed from the commotion.
Once in a quieter domain, she called out, "Sky!"
Emerging from shadow was a resplendent steed, its coat a glossy midnight shimmer under the moonlight, its powerful muscular frame moving with symmetrical tort. The sound of its hooves was steady against the earth as it approached dark manes and tail flowing like molten satin soulful eyes reflecting pallid light and gentle whinny escaping its lips.
Gently, she stroked its face, feeling the warmth beneath her fingertips. " We've to sneak out again. Will you help us?" In response, the steed made a mild understanding noise that resonated deep within its chest. Its ears twitched and nuzzled her hand.
Althena watched the exchange, her skepticism melting into a warm smile. "Fine, fine, I understand. You'll help. Now, let's go."
With practiced ease she mounted Sky, feeling the powerful muscles beneath her. Reaching down she helped her sister up. The manes brushed against her hand as she held the reins.
Celestial beams enshrouded a shimmering argent tint as they rode away from the safety of their home, replaced by the haunting crackles of nocturnal night birds.
The wind whispers through her side the powerful muscle moving beneath each rhythmic sound of the steed hooves striking the ground as they propelled onward deep into the darkness of their guardian trees. Her gaze-focused lips set in a thin line.
"Last time, we nearly met our end rescuing the fairies. Promise me tonight won't be a repeatò," Althena asked.
She laughed, a mellifluous and hearty sound that rebounded through the night, earning a robust yet jocular pat upon her back—a comforting reminder of their sisterly bond.
"My Althena," began the damsel, eyes twinkling with mischief, "I, Elisabeth, your precious younger sister, assure you that if death ever knocks on your door, I'll be the first to greet him with open arms."
Another slap landed, this time harder. "Don't you dare say that!" Althena's voice was authoritative, but the worry in her tone betrayed her affection.
Delish lips curled into a mischievous grin. " I won't ridicule it. But really, who knows? Maybe it's my fortune to embrace grim before you."
Althena's eyes narrowed. "If you ever say that again, I'll make sure you regret it."
The steed, sensing the tension, emitted a faint nicker. Her chuckle eased the moment. "Alright, alright. Let's just focus on getting through tonight, shall we?"
The air grew cooler as they neared the royal palace, the scent of pine and damp earth coupling with the faint essence of evening primrose.
The towering structure loomed ahead, a silhouette of a dark contrast against the moonlit sky; ancient stone walls adorned with ivy and guarded by stoic statues.
She tightened her grip on the reins eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of danger. Her sister, equally alert, leaned closer, gaze darting from shadow to shadow.
They approached the outer gates and silently climbed down the steed, which, perceiving the solemnity of the occasion, stood, its big eyes watching them intently. Althena led it to a secluded grove just off the main path where the underbrush was thick enough to conceal its presence from any prying eyes. " Stay here, Little fella," she whispered, touching its manes gently as it neighed softly in response.
Both of them crept towards the palace gate, breathing shallowly as hearts pounded the gravel underfoot, crunched softly with each step, careful to avoid any noise.
The gates were guarded by two royal sentinels in gleaming armor stood slightly ajar eyes appraising as they assessed the situation.
Mentioning her sister to follow her they crouched behind a large oak tree, its gnarled roots providing a cover. " How will we get inside ?"
Similar thoughts. Mind race, she glanced around and spotted a pile of loose stones nearby. Gathering a handful, she handed some to the latter. " On my signal," she mouthed, eyes fixed on the guards. She threw a stone into the opposite bush of the hiding spot. The sudden rustle caught the guard's attention, their heads swiveling towards the noise.
" What was that?" muttered one of them taking a cautious step forward.
Althena followed her lead, throwing another stone further. The second guard moved, leaning the momentarily unguarded. " Now," she hissed, grabbing the blonde's hand as they darted from their hiding place, slipping through the ajar gate into the forbidden palace grounds.
The courtyard suffused with a spectral argent glow, casting long ominous shadows as they pressed themselves against the cold stone wall. " This way," she whispered, guiding Althena along the perimeter sticking to the darkest corners, vigilant of not making any misstep that could spell disaster.
As they neared a side entrance, she paused, peeling around the corner. Two more guards stood face stern, void of any emotions. She turned to her sister, their eyes meeting a silent communication.
Before she could come up with a belief, her sister pulled a small vial from her pocket and uncorked it to toss it towards the guards. As the vial shattered, a thick smoky vapor began to rise, enveloping the guards in a dense fog; they coughed. Seeking that opportunity, Althena clenched her hand firmly, sprinting through the door.
Inside the palace, dimly lit torches cast a warm glow on the marble floors. The grandeur of the surroundings was overshadowed as they concentrated on their steps, their footfalls muted, resonating echoes made by the distant sound of the revelry from the main hall.
The grip on her hand fastened as she watched her sister edge nerve ears attuned to any sign of danger.
Finally, they reached a small chamber hidden from the main passages. She pressed her ear to the door, listening strenuously.
Gratified it was empty, she pushed it open, revealing a modest room filled with old furniture and dusty tapestries.
The door closed gently behind them and she turned accusatively. "Father told you not to use those things, and yet here you are, carrying them around?"
Her sister shrugs. "He allows us to use them only in emergencies. Is there any greater emergency than saving our lives?"
She sighed conceding the point. "However, we can't stay here for long they'll look for us soon"
" Can you sense him?" inquired the elder sister l, voice tinged with optimism.
"I can try but first we've to get out ."
Althena nodded. They slipped out of the room continuing their meticulous journey across the labyrinth corridors.
Within the second turn from the left, she paused, her heart thudded as a ripple of delicate, feminine laughter resounded through the chilling, stone corridors.
Sweet, girlish tones imply almost cruelty in their contrast to the oppressive silence and tense surroundings. The laughter was akin to a spectral melody, mocking her with recollections of warmth and light that seemed eons removed from the darkness they now navigated. She shook her head, dispelling the disquieting echoes, and forced herself to focus ahead.
After roaming through, they reached the dungeons, where the atmosphere was imbued with a dank, musty, metallic tang. The torches nearly penetrated the domineering murkiness, her heart pounding as she led the way.
Suddenly, a low sorrowful whimper reached their ears, distinctively laden with anguish. She halted abruptly, breath caught in her throat. " Leo!" she cried urgently running to the shadowy recess.
Yellowish gold orbs gleamed in the gloom as a pair of eyes lifted. The majestic noble beast fettered to the wall bore once fluorescent greyish fur now matted with blood and dirt. A deep cut of an arrow marred his paw. His usually vibrant eyes now collided with pain and exhaustion.
" Leo," she whispered, her voice trembling with repressed cry. She knelt beside him, finger gently brushing the bloodstained fur.
" Those monsters! How could they inflict such cruelty upon a pure creature?" Althena exclaimed in rage. " Those royal blooded hungry for nobility deserve to be here. Hang to death." She muttered through gritted teeth, nimble hands worked to unshackle the chains. " Just a moment," her voice softened. " You'll be home soon," her words imbued with warmth.
With final exertion of their combined strength, the chains snapped but not without leaving a deep gash on Leo's paw. He let out a pained whimper her heart ached at the sound. Without a second thought, she placed her hand over the wound and closed her eyes concentrating. A soothing heat emanated from her touch, drawing the pain within herself, feeling the sharp sting of the injury in her ankle.
Her sister observed with wide eyes as she gently laid a hand atop hers. " Father told you not to do this anymore,"
She offered a faint reassuring smile. " Family is an exception." Once the pain subsided a little she tore a strip of cloth from her dress and carefully bandaged Leo's paw. The grey wolf nuzzled into her hand gratefully his gaze regained the usual spark while her sister gently tended to her ankle.
"We need to move," Althena urged, voice fraught with urgency. "Can he walk now?"
"He can, but only at a slow pace. And…"
"And?"
A silence followed. "We can't depart together. They're looking for us. Someone has to distract them."
"Okay, then I'll—"
"No. Take him with you. I will distract them. You know where to wait. I'll be there."
In unyielding determination, her hands were grasped. " Don't be ridiculous. We came together. We will leave together. I'm not leaving you."
"Sister, please understand. Nothing will happen to me, but if we go together, we'll get caught. Trust me."
Althena shook her head in stubbornness. "I'm not leaving without you."
"You won't. I give you my word," she stated, "I will join you both. Now, take him and go."
Althena gazed at the limping creature, laboring to rise, then at her sister. She removed the long scarf from her neck and handed it to her. "Make sure they don't see your face."
The dim illumination of the dungeon flickered upon the stone walls, casting wavering shadows. Dark eyes blended with melancholy found hers as she took the scarf and hesitantly nodded.
"Wait. I know that expression. You're hiding something again. Speak now, Beth."
"Ahmm, you know," she said, nervously rubbing the back of her neck. " If someone is fated to see my face, they will. I can't do anything about that."
"I care not. Swear to me." The elder one demanded.
"I can't promise something I can't keep."
An exasperated groan escapes. "At times, I truly despise you."
To which a toothy grin follows. " Only because you love me, sister,"
Delicate hands quivered as she secured the scarf around her sister's head, concealing her features. The coarse fabric contrasted with the tender intent; sensing her inner conflict, the grey wolf pressed himself against her.
" Be safe," Althena whispers, eyes lingering over her baby sister's face, fingers brushing upon the cheeks before delivering a warning squeeze. " Don't make me find you in trouble."
"Hai!" she cried, rubbing the bruised skin eyes following them as they vanished into the shadows.
In taking a deep breath, her mind swirled with anxious possibilities. Tightening the scarf around her face, ensuring her features were hidden, she advanced silently toward the guardroom. The muffled sound of conversation and clicking armor grew louder.
" He claimed to have seen that wolf," they remarked.
"Someone accompanied it," another replied. She heard the shuffle of feet and the hurried clattering of armor."My lord is with Your Highness in the garden. We should issue an alert."
Pressing herself against the cold stone wall, she waited for the guards to pass before maneuvering into the guardroom. Her eyes scanned the area, noting only a few guards present, their attention diverted.
In the corner, she spotted a rack of weapons and armor. Silently, she moved towards it, grasping a sword, its weight familiar in her hand, and overturned the rack, causing a resounding crash. The guards leaped to their feet, shouting.
"There's someone here!"
She darted out of the room, sprinting down the corridors, ensuring her footsteps were loud enough to draw the guards' attention.
Spying a staircase leading to the upper levels, she ascended without skepticism into a grand hall with a high ceiling adorned with faded murals. Spotting an enormous tapestry, she cut it down, sending a cloud of dust into the air and smashing a candelabrum to add to the chaos.
"Up here! The intruder is here!" a guard shouted from the staircase, their pursuit growing closer. Her steps quickened as she headed towards the balcony at the end of the hall.
Thinking swiftly, she grabbed a loose piece of masonry and hurled it over the edge. It shattered upon the ground, drawing the attention of the guards below, who scrambled to respond. She used the confusion to her advantage, slipping back into the hall and finding a narrow passage leading to a hidden stairwell.
Descending quickly, her thoughts lingered on her sister and Leo. The courtyard must be in turmoil; she hoped they had already escaped.
Just as she was about to reach the lower levels to escape she heard heel clamps behind her. Terror knotted in her belly.
"Going somewhere, Phantom?" came a sweet, taunting utterance, followed by a soft, cruel, and familiar laugh—the same laugh she had heard earlier in the corridors.
Keeping the scarf knuckle-tight around her face, she held her ground, her mind scrambling for a plan.
She didn't want to fight. They never fought, never harmed. Her father has morals, and so does she.
"It's wretched how everyone believes you're a thief," the voice continued, almost playfully. "Fools, they are…or perhaps it's you, too clever for your good."
The weight of the person's gaze burned on her back. Taking a steadying breath, slowly she turned her head just enough to catch a glimpse of the girl from the corner of her eye.
Sharp features were illuminated, but the face remained unraveled. " Because of your foolish acts, I lost my game. My victory. My chance," the person drawled, each syllable dripping with malice as they took a few steps closer. "You will pay for it."
Pulses quickened; she sought to buy time and find a way out of this perilous situation. Her hand slowly reached to the hilt of the small knife concealed beneath the layer of her dress. She wouldn't harm, but for survival, just would fight- enough to get out. No bloodshed. The person behind her wasn't willing to listen. Perhaps if she tried to talk...
" Hmm, not a talker, I see. Good. I will take your head as my prize then ."
Nevermind. No talk. She could see the girl's stance. There's no room for negotiation; the person wasn't interested in her side story. The cold menace in those words made it clear that the royals were nothing but cruel dominators.
She took a step toward the balcony, but as she was about to leap over the railing, a sudden gust of wind swept past her, and an arrow whizzed by, embedding itself in the wall with a sharp thud.
"Don't. Even. Dare." The girl's voice was a cold, uncompromising warning.
Moonlight casts patterns on the floor. The ritual is going to begin soon. Father was waiting. All of them were. They need her. This was do or die. Her heart raced, beating at an abnormal pace.
Swallowing hard, she took one last step forward, ready to leap, but before she could jump, a strong grip clamped down on her shoulder. The pain was sharp enough to make her cry out as she was pulled roughly around to face her assailant.
The face before her was a vivid, spectral blur. A silver dagger shimmered with icy radiance as it was lifted. " Enough, I say," Lethal murmured declared before, with a precise motion, the blade plunged into her chest.
The impact was scorching and instantaneous causing her to gasp in agony, her sight dimming at the periphery vitality ebbing from her soul.
Eliena yelped, a rush of exhilaration stirring the memory felt so lucid, so real she still could feel the piercing pain in her chest.
For a moment, taking her time to shallow and presence of mind, she looked around her surroundings, which were almost entirely red. The floor beneath her bare foot was wet and moist.
A heady metallic smell hung in the air making her stomach churn. Ahead there was a light, faint, soothing beckoning her forward like a siren's call.
Drawn by the light, she stepped near to the source, where she saw a person seated on the floor, their figure hunched over something in their hands, her brows furrowing in bewilderment.
She walked closer and her footsteps tapped onto the wet surface. Suddenly, the person stopped their actions, sensing her presence, and looked up. Eliena squinted her eyes, unable to fully discern their face but their voice struck a deep chord within her.
"Eli!" They screamed welling with happiness as they stood up. The light cast long sinister shadows across their features. It was then she noticed the crimson stains on their dress stark and horrifying.
"You came!" they explained, stepping forward with an urgency that sent a chill down her spine. Instinctively she took a step back.
"Elisabeth?" Their voice grew desperate, a sharp edge of impatience creeping in. "Where are you going?" They demanded, their tone morphing from joy to something darker, more insistent. " You can't leave me."
Fear spiked as the person stepped forward. She turned and ran into the surroundings red. The floor beneath her felt sticky and treacherous, but she pushed on, driven by sheer panic. The voice behind her grew more aggressive.
" Come back I say!"
Hell no.
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