“My dear girls,” said Grandfather in a resonating, cheerful voice. “It will all depend on what you value you most.” His twinkling eyes turned to Cam. “That is what you must decide.”
Two
Camaria and her sisters were hardly ever allowed in the ballroom
unless it was a special occasion. Cam had ventured through the doors merely three times. The first two for Fiera and Terra’s sixteenth birthdays. The third, for Fiera to meet suitors at a ball organized by their mother.
The ballroom, which was embellished according to Silva's taste, held a copious number of roses, scattered about tables and walls. The musicians were stationed at one end with an enormous, crystal chandelier dangling from the high ceiling. Its light reflected off of the tall, glass panes. The ballroom was expansive with plenty of room for a few hundred guests. Plants were brought from all over the Realm to decorate the room as well as ivy, which hung from the walls and crawled across the window panes. The servants had laid out an array of refreshments on a rectangular table.
Cam held herself erect outside of the room, peering in through a side door. Mista was dashing about in a flurry of frill and lace to speak to guests. Fiera slouched in the corner beside Adria who had her entire body bent over a book. Terra was humming about and servicing anyone in need of refreshments. Grandfather dozed in a chair opposite the musicians. Silva and Kazbek welcomed the guests who by this point, were flowing through the ballroom doors.
The room glowed with warmth as guests laughed and chattered in clusters. Cam heard the clink of glass and lifted her gaze to Kazbek, who was saying, “May I please have everyone’s attention?” The din diminished. “As you know, my and Silva's third daughter has had her sixteenth birthday today, and we would like to honor this new season of her life with the good company of our fellow realm dwellers and this evening of enjoyment through music and dance. And now, may I present our daughter Camaria.”
Cam barely caught these words as she dashed through the hall to the huge double doors of the ballroom. They swung open, and she flashed a smile at the onlookers while hastily straightening her dress. The people blurted a cheer of approval as Cam dipped into a small curtsy and waved to the guests. “May the dancing begin!” declared Kazbek, raising his wineglass. The musicians plunged into a lively waltz, and the guests partnered up. Cam was instantly claimed by a young man she hadn’t seen recently except in passing in the village.
“Well, well you’ve reached the age at last,” her old friend Owen said with a grin. He swung Cam into position, and she smiled in return. “Say, would you be my partner at the Magic Ceremonies this year?”
“I seem to remember, dear Owen, that you have already secured a partner for the next ceremony. Your sister may become devastated.” She laughed softly.
“Sheis not as agreeableas you,” hereturned with a wry grin. Cam was used to such nonsense. She and Owen practically grew up together. Although he was a year older than her and poorer, she had insisted on his presence at her birthday ball.
“I do hope you stay, Cam,” he said solemnly. “I haven’t made any decisions yet, but if I do leave, the most difficult part will be our parting.”
“And parting with your sisters.” She nodded. Owen and his sister and three brothers were the Briar girls' steadiest companions throughout their childhood. A hint of excitement gleamed in his green eyes once again, and Cam noticed that his usually rumpled dark hair was now smoothed to the side. “But about you,” she said. “How are you? It’s been two weeks since I saw you last.”
“My apologies; I meant to meet you, but we were too preoccupied. Gnosi Realm dwellers have been arriving mysteriously for some reason.” By “we” Owen indicated the Watchers of the Forest, also known as Tree Jumpers among the children. These were the nearest the realm had to warriors. They were often skilled hunters and brilliant at hiding and camouflaging themselves. Owen’s position as one was the main reason why Cam’s parents somewhat disapproved of their friendship. He was not the sophisticated influence they wished upon her. He was also poor which…
Made Cam stiffen. “Because it’s not his fault.” She glanced at her parents. “And no one should judge him or his family for it.”
Cam frowned slightly at Owen’s news. Why would Gnosi spies be at their borders? The two people groups were the closest relationship to enemies there was without actually being so. Owen seemed to be reflecting on the same thing. He related that he and his fellow Forest Fighters had kept a careful watch on the boundaries of the realm.
“I was hoping to see you today. We were near your home only hours ago. Terra was hiding there.”
Owen gave Cam a sheepish smile. “I was at the borders. A brawl broke out between one of the spies and my brother. I barely made it here.”
The mention of the spies reminded her of something.“We found something...near your home,” Cam said after a moment in which they had danced without speaking. “A wooden ball like the ones you made us for our game except…” Cam relayed the message that she had read.
“It holds no significance to me. Have you kept it?” Owen replied.
“Fiera has.”
“It was most likely someone playing a prank or something of the sort.”
Cam nodded. “Probably.”
The music slowly diminished at the conclusion of the first dance, and the guests cheered for more. Cam felt a tap on her shoulder as Owen held her in position, prepared to lead her into the next dance. She turned, and instead of seeing another young man make Owen jealous, she recognized Grandfather. “Will my young granddaughter of mine accept my partnership in the next dance?” She nodded, and before accompanying Grandfather stood on the tips of her toes and kissed Owen lightly on the cheek.
He grinned. “Happy birthday, Cam,” he said with a brush of breath over her ear. He then disappeared into the crowd of brilliant green costumes. Unlike Owen who was graceful, Grandfather danced like a brick would if a brick could dance. It wasn’t entirely awful for Cam was willing to lead him through the awkward steps. She suppressed a smile and felt grateful that this dance was slower than the last.
Halfway through the dance, Grandfather halted and said, “My dear, this tires me easily. Take a rest?” She led him from the ballroom unnoticed. She extracted him through the back door into the beautiful garden, the center of the realm. Feeling inclined to rest herself, she plopped next to Grandfather on a bench secured against the glass panes of the ballroom. The exposed part of her back tingled with cold against the chilly panes. She sighed happily, gazing up into the clear night which was sprinkled with stars.
“Look at the dove, Camaria,” Grandfather said with a small reminiscing smile playing on his lips. He pointed into the silversprayed suspensions of an enormous tree. Hundreds of trees grew in the Medulla Realm but none like this one, which blossomed in the center, never failing to be the most abundant. It never died either but continued to prosper through all seasons. Its branches were robed in leaves of silver and emerald dust and its fruit was golden, for this was the magic tree, the only source of magic in the realm.
Each year, before the Magic Ceremony, the sap that grew in its wood was extracted and given to each member above the age of sixteen. This extraction was the healing magic that could be applied to any cuts or serious wounds and replenish the flesh. All the sap would be extracted, and when the tree closed itself again, the sap would begin to form through the year. Each realm had a source of magic and held the same event. The frequent use of magic was encouraged to be limited, however, for the magic was not infinite every year.
Cam’s eyes darted to where Grandfather pointed, and nestled among the leafy branches of this beautiful tree was a gleaming, white dove. A moment later, it took flight. Cam rarely saw doves because many years ago, those in Royal positions had most of them hunted in order to extinguish symbol of a rebellion Cam knew little about. What fascinated Cam was the manner in which the doves would hover about the tree as if they were protecting it. The tree was indeed in need of pr
otection. Stone walls surrounded the garden, keeping safe the magic of the realm. The magnificence of the tree kept Cam’s attention fixed on its stature until theback door burst open, and Fiera flew through.
“Thank the heavens that’s over!” she exclaimed, over- enunciating each word. Grandfather and Cam exchanged glances and waited for her explanation. “Mother and Father had me meet someone.”
“Oh…” Cam replied in realization. Somehow, their parents managed to cram in yet another guest from Cinis Lumen to meet Fiera, and she wasn’t in the least bit happy about it. Cam never really understood for several years why the men of Cinis Lumen would have any desire to forage other realms for wives. Eventually, Cam supposed their realm wished to recruit more soldiers.
“Ifind no enjoyment in your party, Cam. I shouldbein Cinis Lumen, not here. Besides, this dress is such a hassle." Cam squeezed Fiera’s shoulder. “What happened?”
Fiera was silent for a long moment. With a sigh, she said, “Nothingtooterriblereally.I wasn’t warned! That is what infuriates me,” Fiera replied angrily. “His name is Caleb. He’s a good dancer, but he talks too much. Not to mention that his ego is much larger than himself.”
“So, you did dance with him?”
“I had to! No choice was given. Not with Father andMother prowling around fake smiles pasted on their perfect mouths.” She released a long sigh and leaned against the window as if the explanation had exhausted her. Cam snickered. Fiera had their mother’s mouth. Beautiful but often thinned.
Fiera’s fatigued expression lept into a look of alarm when Grandfather nodded to a young man who was looking steadily through the glass at them. He wore a broad smile under hazel eyes and a crown of golden hair. Cam’s eyes widened. Based on Fiera’s explanation, he could have been an old hermit. He was clad in colorful clothing which surprised Cam somewhat. She had expected a tall, dark man wearing black leather laden with weapons. "He doesn't look half bad," Cam said with a shrug.
Fiera groaned and hauled herself from the bench, claiming shewas goingto bed. Grandfather pattedCam’s knee, sayinghewas going to do the same. Cam, however, was not in the least bit tired. She turned back to the window and found that the young man was still smiling at her. She waved. With an impossibly broader smile, he turned and melted into the crowd. Cam returned to the ballroom. Music still lingered in the air, but dancers were breaking over refreshments. She swept swiftly through the room searching for Owen, but he was nowhere to be seen. In her distracted state, she nearly collided with Terra. “Watch where you’re going!” she exclaimed, balancing wine-filled glasses on a tray.
“My apologies Terra! Where is Owen? Have you seen him?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact, I have. He just passed me a few moments ago and handed me this.” She produced a folded piece of paper and handkerchief. “He asked that I give it to you and then apologized for early departure.” Cam’s heart sank somewhat as she received the paper from Terra.
“Thank you.” Terraleft her, carrying the tray above her head to prevent the risk of having it knocked over. Cam slipped quietly to the back of the room and behind a curtain, dimly lit by the candles on the other side. Hurriedly, she unfolded the paper and read Owen’s message.
“Dear Camaria,
My only regret with leaving the Medulla Realm as I do on this night is that I have no inkling when I will set eyes on you again. The explanation for my absence must stay confidential, for now. My time of return stays unknown to even myself, but you can rest assured that I will return to you.
With much love,
Owen.”
Cam’s mind was bombarded with questions. Owen didn’t seem to have any problems except that of the mysterious Gnosi prowlers. But why would he have to leave the realm to resolve that? This proved to be yet another mystery to unravel along with her choice of which realm she would dwell in the rest of her life. Another thought dawned on her. If she did indeed choose to stay, Owen was sure to return. But he could not be gone for more than a year, could he? Cam certainly hoped not. She fumbled with the piece of cloth and quickly caught a glimpse of silver gliding through her fingers. She drew the object closer to her eyes so as to examine it. It was a thin, silver chain with a perfectly crafted dove attached to the center. Its wings were spread as if ready to fly. “The symbol of the rebellion,” she murmured to herself, drawing in a small gasp.
She attempted to clear the situation from her mind and replaced the necklace into the folds of the cloth. She reappeared in sight of the guests and was presently swung into a waltz. Though she attempted to dance her troubles away, Owen’s absence left a heavy feeling hanging in the air.
“I have found that I enjoy Medulla’s festivities more than any other. Although Medulla’s excessive means of order suffocates pleasant opportunities life has to offer, they are like home. They are more of a home than I have ever experienced. They welcome us with open arms. We dance with them under firelight. Shael also seems tobequiteathomehere. His eyes neverleavehis new‘friend’ Asta. I think they would make a decent pairing.”
-From the writings of Daniel Adriel on his travels in Mirabelle, written during the Third Age.
Three
Cam was still in her ballgown when she awoke the next morning.
She supposed that after the ball had ended she was in such a fatigued state that she had not bothered with undressing. All she was able to do was pull the heavy, warm blankets over her and fall into slumber. Now that she was awake, she lay in bed, staring out the window and reflecting upon the exciting events of the previous night. The butterflies were still fluttering inside her stomach. She could still distinctly hear music in her mind and feel her feet on the ballroom floor swaying with the music.
The ball had been wonderful. Dancing could help one forget their problems, but now troubled thoughts reentered her mind. Owen’s sudden disappearance was one. She hadn't ever really been afraid of decisions before but then in the Medulla Realm one hardly was ever permitted to make their own decisions. Everyone lived under a certain set of rules, created for the benefit of the community at whole.
“I’ll certainly have a much more freedom in the other realms,” she surmised. “Especially Gnosi.” But this forced her to wonder if she could value freedom above all else. She could not be sure. She rose to her knees in bed and glanced over to the small wooden table beside where she slept. Her stone necklace was draped over the side. She picked up the stone which seemed so precious to her, even if it was just a rock. Eventually, it would be embellished with the jewel of her choice. She lightly fingered the smooth, gray surface of the stone and turned it over to examine the spot where her jewel would be placed.
That was when she realized there was something different with her necklace. At first, she thought there existed a discrepancy, but this was a false assumption. The night before, there had been one tiny hole through the center of the stone. Now the center hole had disappeared and instead, there were four penetrations. This was strange indeed, for surely she would have noticed if it had been there before. Perplexed, she swung her feet out of bed and headed to her door.
The late summer morning was cool. The colors of the trees were brilliant against the gray-cloaked sky. She slipped on her boots at the back gate of the garden and left the sleeping house behind. She clenched her cloak around her frame and hurried quietly through the forest on a rutted path.
She passed villages which were only beginning to stir. The forest swept past in an array of warm colors. She halted and the colors sharpened, setting into shapes of leaves. Cam caught her breath and began the brief climb up a rope ladder. She scrambled towards the door of a quaint house built among branches, raised a fist, and knocked twice upon the wood.
A moment later, the door creaked open, and a short, plump woman smiled up at her. "Good morning, Asta," Cam greeted her. Asta pulled her loose, maple colored hair back from her face, revealing green eyes which matched Owen's. The woman allowed Cam's entrance into the dimly lit interior of a cabin-like structure.
>
"We must keep quiet. The children sleep.” Cam glan ced through another small, circular doorway into a minuscule room in which a bundle of children lay among straw and woolen blankets.
Cam’s heart clenched in her chest at the sight, for she had just awoken in a large bed in her ballgown.
"Eat," Asta said.
Cam shed her cloak, sat at the wooden table and took a small bite of the food placed before her. She dared not refuse the woman's gifts, for she would be offended even when they both knew the food would be better served for the younger children.
"You saw Owen last night?"
Cam nodded. "He left," she said simply.
Asta continued shuffling. She added wood to the fire and stirred breakfast in a pot. She did not seem surprised. “He has been planning his departure for quite some time.” Her reply was low.
Cam leaned forward on the bench, clasping the warm bowl between her palms. “What is the time of his return and where he has gone? You do know, don't you?" Asta turned slowly, approached the table, slipped onto the bench opposite Cam, and nodded.
She laced her fingers together. "That I cannot tell you, Miss Cam."
Cam’s brows furrowed. It was not like anyone in this family to be so secretive. "Do explain why then."
Asta sighed. "North. He traveled north. He is meeting...some people who were friends of my late husband's for quite a time during his life. As for Owen's quest, it must remain a secret."
"Is it a dangerous quest?" Quests were what she, her sisters, and Owen held in the forest. Not something he ventured into on his own. Without them.
"The comrades he joins are involved in a quite possibly dangerous quest, yes, but I doubt that Owen's part holds hardly any peril." Asta gave her a weak smile that said otherwise. "His time of return remains uncertain, but I do not expect it to last for more than five months."
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