“Oh, is that the way it is?” Dionara sprang to her feet. “Hop quick my tasty little friend, because I do believe that lunch will be served after all!”
The chase was short but energetic and punctuated by the occasional random burst of feminine laughter, but in the end youth triumphed. Dionara took a deep breath while she held Froggy firmly. “Captured!” She exclaimed. “Any last words, lunch?”
“Well,” he said, calm and collected as always, “several things actually. First, I apologize for such a rude comment my Lady, though it did get you up. Second, have I forgotten to mention that I’ve arranged a luncheon meal for us?”
Dionara chose the far more pressing subject to continue the verbal joust. “Food? Why didn’t you say so!”
“Indeed, I just did my lady, a sumptuous feast awaits.” Freed from her loosened grip, Froggy hopped toward Foil’s saddle.
“Excellent, then all is forgiven. Let’s eat.”
“If my Lady would be so kind as to gather up Foil and place her various possessions upon him, we’ll get started.”
She shot him a questioning look. “How far must we go? I’m so hungry now that I could eat a horse.”
“Please my Lady, the sooner we start, the sooner we’ll eat and neither you nor Foil need fear, I have no intention of holding you to your promise.”
She stopped mid-step, “What promise?”
“Our banquet awaits on the other side of the falls my Lady, at the Forest gate”
Skeptical, but having decided to play along, Dionara re-saddled Foil and began to dress.
“There will be no need of those my Lady,” he instructed her. “We will be walking under the falls and your leathers would fair better in your saddlebags.” Dionara folded and stowed her clothes as Froggy’s impatience reasserted itself, “Are we ready my Lady?”
She cinched the saddlebag then bowed in regal satire. “We are as you requested dear Froggy, I am naked and the horse is dressed. Anything else?”
Immune to her jibe, he set off toward the falls. “That will do for now. If you would, please follow me. I suspect you know the way, it’s a short walk to the ledge that runs behind the falls.”
The sound of falling water drowned out any answer Dionara may have had. She followed him to the shallows at the near side of the pool and on through the falls to the ledge. The shear rock wall angled back as it reached the pool to create a hidden walkway unseen from the glade. Memories rich with secrecy and intrigue filled her, triggered by the cascade of cool spring water.
“Six, I think.” She thought to herself, “Yes that was it, I was six when I first found my secret hiding place. It was late morning and I stood under the falls while everyone’s attention was focused elsewhere. I kept going deeper and deeper into the falls and then, nothing. I was looking out. No one knew where I was.”
“Your mother knew.” Froggy’s gentle voice whispered in her mind.
“Froggy?”
“I apologize for invading your privacy my Lady, though it is necessary if you are to join me.” Startled to say the least, she waited for instructions. “Princess, take Foil by the bridle and walk along the ledge, then close your eyes and turn right. It’s that easy.”
“I don’t wish to doubt you, but that is solid rock.” She thought.
“Trust your instincts my Lady, they will not fail you.” Froggy paused, “Unless of course, I’ve brought the wrong Princess. In which case your dilemma would be the least of my problems. I would have to start all over and find the right Princess.” He added with a bit of a chuckle.
Infuriated, she closed her eyes, took three long strides, turned right, and fell flat on her face. The fact that it was onto the softest lawn she had ever felt didn’t stop her from feeling foolish. She lain there a moment, and when she opened her eyes there was Froggy inches from her nose.
“Where are we?” Dionara’s voice sounded weak, even to her.
Froggy’s small green chin raised while his entire presence seemed to take on an air of formality. “Princess Dionara, I welcome you to the Forest, my home. It is my sincere hope that one day you may come to think of this place and the people here as your own.”
“The Forest does exist!” Her mind spun as her senses began to comprehend the many wonders that surrounded her. Her gaze returned to Froggy as her thoughts settled and she recognized the formal greeting she had been given. Assuming her royal persona, she raised herself to a sitting position, leaned forward and placed a hand on the ground, palm up.
Froggy marched onto her palm with all the pomp and formality a frog could muster. She raised him to eye level and spoke gently with deep respect. “Our dearest Froggy, we thank you for your generous offer. Since you are not of our realm we cannot consider you our subject, but we know beyond the shadow of a doubt that you are our true friend in whom we grant our deepest trust.”
“Thank you my Lady” Froggy answered with great dignity. He then hopped to the ground as the Princess stood up and brushed grass off her wet skin.
“Now that the formalities are concluded, would you mind if I one, get dressed and two, get fed? You did promise me lunch.”
“It is nice to see that some things never change, no matter what.” Froggy mused, quietly.
Looking around for the first time, Dionara began to realize just where she was. Awestruck by the sight, her senses were filled with the colors, textures and fragrances of a world that was both brilliant and subtle. She and Foil seemed somehow incomplete, faded within this vibrant world pulsating with life. Her gaze followed rolling meadows that lead to magnificent forests. In the distance, white-capped mountains bordered an azure sky. She took a deep breath as her heart raced and she felt her very soul take flight, even Froggy had taken on a surrealistic quality.
“Enjoy the moment Princess,” she heard his voice, as if from a distance. “It is a memory you will always cherish.”
“Froggy, it’s so beautiful.” She whispered.
“If I may my Lady, now that I have your attention could I interest you in those minor conveniences of food and clothing that seemed to so concern you a moment ago.” He turned in the direction of a nearby hedgerow. “Catherine, would you join us please.”
Dionara looked in the direction of Froggy’s call to see a woman appear from an archway in the hedge. Her chestnut hair, interwoven with pastel flowers, fell softly to her shoulders to accent her delicate features. She wore a white, low waisted dress, embroidered with intricate patterns.
“May I introduce Catherine, my Lady.”
Catherine lowered to one knee and bowed her head, “Welcome to our home my Princess.”
“What an enchanting voice,” Dionara thought. Her observation did not impede the rebellious frustration that began to surface at Catherine’s reminder of her station. “Please, do not kneel.” She said. Then turned to Froggy, “I have neither court nor responsibilities here, why are you doing this?” Her attention returned to Catherine, “Are you ever going to get up?”
“Yes my Princess.” Catherine responded immediately to the irritation in the Princess’ voice and rose to her feet.
Dionara quickly gathered her wits and regretted the outburst. In a tone more suited for a friend than a servant, she tried to make amends. “Catherine, would you happen to know where a nude, disheveled Princess might find a place to freshen up?”
“Why yes my Lady.” Catherine seemed to define confident serenity, “Right this way. I have everything ready for you.”
As the Princess turned to follow, she noticed two white marble pillars about fifteen feet apart. They looked familiar, though the mist that stretched between them was a bit unusual. “Froggy, are those from the castle?” Pointing to the pillars, “and what is that mist?”
“That is the gate, and no, the pillars are not from the castle but they do share a common ancestry. As for the mist, perhaps my Lady would care to gaze into it and find her own answers.”
“Once, just once, I’d like a simple answer from that damn frog.” She tho
ught to herself.
“All right, I’m gazing into it. Now what?” She stopped. To her surprise the dull, grey mist began to change and take on detail. First the mist became water droplets then the droplets took on color and form. Suddenly before her was the glade at Angel Falls, somehow more real than reality itself. The pool, the lawn, the trees, no matter where she looked nothing was hidden. She realized that it was more than just seeing. She felt the quiet strength of living wood and the soft yielding texture of grass as it stretched toward the sun.
As her gaze fell upon the water, she felt a boundless freedom engulf her and for a moment her identity faded. Freed from the restraints of a solid universe, she became the water and felt the sensual movement of flowing from pool to stream.
“My Lady.” Froggy’s voice woke her from the exquisite pleasure, and once again she stood before the mist.
“What are you doing? I was enjoying that.” She chided. “Remind me to interrupt you the next time you’re really enjoying yourself.”
Froggy bowed his head in mock penance. “My apologies for interrupting your quest to answer the age old question, ‘If I were a tree, what tree would I be?’”
“I’ll have you know that I was not a tree, I was the water.” Dionara replied, arms crossed and head turned in defiance.
“I should have known,” Froggy teased, “anyone as oversexed as you would go straight for the water.” Dionara pretended not to hear his jibe and enjoyed the fleeting remnants of sensual pleasure.
“May I remind my Lady that she is not the only one who’s hungry and I cannot eat until you get cleaned up. Speaking of which, I believe Catherine awaits you at the archway, now run along and pamper yourself while I change into something more appropriate.”
She gave him a glance as she left to follow Catherine, “But Froggy, you’re not wearing anything.”
“Exactly, and since we tend to dress for meals around here, I’d better get hopping.”
“Strange, very strange.” Dionara thought. “Get a grip. If you can run a kingdom, you can handle this. Ah well, that’s what I get for following a talking frog.” She felt herself smile as her mind drifted back to the morning’s events, she recalled the deep sense of comfort that seeing Angel Falls had given her and the pure joy of a leisurely swim without a care in the world. “I’ve missed that these last few years. Why hadn’t I come back sooner?” The question faded as her mind returned to the fluid, sensual freedom of the water.
She entered the living archway to an incredible sight, a secluded area bounded by a tall hedge that led to a small hill covered in brilliant flowers who’s subtle fragrance put the rarest perfumes to shame. To one side stood an outcropping of stone from which a stream cascaded to a pool carved into the rock. Her eyes were drawn to the flower blossoms that slowly drifted across the pool and down the hewn steps. Next to the pool stood a vanity created from white birch trees, their branches interwoven as they grew to create a living work of art. The mirror was set between two intertwined limbs that split into smaller branches as they crossed to provide shade for the vanity.
Catherine rose, “I’m sorry my Lady, I was just giving my hair a quick fix. Your bath is ready.” She led Dionara to the steps and tossed her own dress beside the pool. “It’s such an honor to attend you today of all days. Don’t worry, I’ll have you fixed up and outshining the sun in no time.”
As they stepped into the pool Dionara was surprised by the warmth of the water, “I just need to rinse off, I’m more hungry than dirty.”
“Yes my Lady,” Catherine answered as she began brushing the knots from Dionara’s hair.
Dionara’s mind filled with questions. “Catherine, what do you mean, ‘Today of all days?’” Once the first question was out, the rest came in a torrent. Before Catherine could answer, one question followed another at a rapid pace. “What is this place? How did I get here? How do you even know who I am?” She would have continued unabated were it not for the captivating sound of Catherine’s laughter, it seemed to resonate with joy and happiness.
“I’m sorry my lady, I should have been ready. We knew that you would be inquisitive. Unfortunately I cannot give you the answers you seek, but I have been asked to give you a message. I even had to promise that I would repeat it word for word.”
Catherine composed herself and took on an air of polite formality reminiscent of a certain little green friend of Dionara’s. “My Lady,” she began and attempted to get a baritone from her beautiful soprano voice, “all your questions will be answered, but not by Catherine. So be patient and don’t get your undergarments in a twist.” Catherine hesitated as she waited to see what reaction her breach of etiquette, not to mention good manners, would bring.
Dionara glanced down at her nude form and commented with a smile, “Well, that’s not much of a worry, now is it?”
Catherine raised one eyebrow in her best Froggy persona and responded “Hmmmm, apparently not.”
Both amused and surprised, Dionara turned to Catherine and wondered what other surprises this woman had in store. “You do that well.” She commented.
Catherine’s natural effervescence returned with her voice as she resumed her duties, “Thank you. He does have a style that’s all his own, doesn’t he. Well, if nothing else, there’s never a dull moment when he’s around.” She admitted with a wide smile.
Dionara returned to the glade in elegant style. Her hair, softer than she had ever felt it, was tied back and interlaced with the same pastel flowers as Catherine’s. Her dress also matched what appeared to be the style of the day. Long and low wasted, it rested at an angle across her hips and was accented by a delicate jeweled chain that circled her waist. The top was sleeveless and loosely draped, which gave her the feel of effortless movement. The iridescent white fabric had the lightest touch as it moved across her skin, reminiscent of a summer breeze. Faint pastels rippled across the fabric’s intricate embroidery as her feet glided in soft, silk slippers.
“I have never seen you this radiant my Princess.” A deep, resonant voice came from behind her. It was Froggy’s voice, but different.
“Yes, Catherine did a wonderful job.” She said as she turned, and for perhaps the first time in her life she was completely speechless. She looked down expecting to see her Froggy dressed in a tiny little jacket and hat, instead she found herself staring at a pair of silk slippers.
Froggy spoke once more, “Up here my Lady.”
She stepped back and raised her head to get a better look, before her stood a man simply dressed in the color of rich forest green. He was tall with wide shoulders and seemed to embody the essence of gentle strength. His angled features were softened by a closely cropped, salt and pepper beard and an expression of pure serenity. His hair lightened to silver at the temples that blended to its truer, deeper color behind. He was neither young nor old but seemed to combine the wisdom of years with the power of youth.
“Good day my Lady.” He said as he bowed from the waist.
Dionara acknowledge his greeting with the customary tilt of her head as she took a deep breath. “Froggy! You dirty rotten, low down, son of a goat! And that’s insulting the goat!“
Froggy could not hide his smile as he replied in a casual tone, “I believe my Lady meant to say, ‘You dirty rotten, low down, son of a frog,’ did she not?”
“No!” Dionara’s voice had not lost a decibel. Her mind was spinning as she began to realize that this too was her Froggy. “To think of all the times.” She paused. “I was right, you are a rogue and a scoundrel. Wait a moment, I let you swim in my bath, lots of times, while I was in it!” Her voice took on a whisper, “I told you secrets. Oh no, I told you about my lovers!”
“My Lady,” Froggy took advantage of the brief lull in the verbal storm, “perhaps you would be more comfortable discussing my many short comings over lunch. Shall we? Oh and before I forget,” he turned to Catherine, who had been politely watching the grass grow during her highness’ tirade, “Catherine, be a dear and see to
our other guest would you?”
“Of course Caretaker.” In a single graceful movement, Catherine started to run toward Foil while slipping off her dress, her sleek, well toned body moved with a feline grace. Suddenly, in a burst of brilliant white light, she disappeared and was replaced by a magnificent white mare whose mane was interwoven with pastel flowers.
“Catherine?” The Princess inquired, in a flat, stunned voice.
“Catherine.” Froggy replied.
“Nice mare.” The Princess commented, her expression wide eyed and frozen.
“Yes, and friendly too.” Froggy added with a chuckle. “She’s always inviting me to ride her.”
Dionara grasped for anything she could understand, “Wait, did she call you Caretaker.”
“Yes I know, it’s more of a title than a name, isn’t it, but that’s how I’m known here. However, I am honored by the name you have chosen for me and I hope that you will continue to call me Froggy regardless of my form.” He offered his arm to the somewhat bewildered Princess. “All your questions will be answered my Lady. Shall we dine?”
Unable to decide on which of her many recent revelations to comment, Dionara allowed herself to be guided toward a large oak in the meadow. As they walked, a high-pitched whinny came from behind them. They turned to see Catherine gently nuzzling Foil’s neck as he stood stone still with his head lowered. The Caretaker stopped for a moment and gazed into the distance. Suddenly, Catherine darted off toward the open fields with Foil in close chase, head raised and legs flashing.
“What was that about?” Dionara asked, though a bit distracted by the wonderful sense of calm serenity that colored her very being. The Caretaker took her arm and once more set a leisurely pace in the direction of the ancient oak.
“Foil was still afraid you were going to keep your promise my Lady.” Froggy’s playful amusement was evident, “I assured him that I would never let that happen. Then Catherine told him of a field where the grass was moist and green, and dared him to catch her.”
Forest & Kingdom Balance Page 2