“Excellent.” He turned to Leyance whom had been quietly watching them converse the whole time. “You may come if you like, Leyance.” Leyance nodded and followed them as they walked out the door, down the impressive hall, and out into the brilliance of the nature surrounding them.
It was the most beautiful paradise Gina had ever seen. The city was divided by a beautiful river which broke off into many pools and creeks, mostly concentrated in the front of the manor where Gina stayed. It resembled a Japanese garden complete with flowers and lily pads growing in the small pools. Amazingly, rose petals continually floated down the small waves wherever there was water. Little lights floated in the rivers, as well, like they were water droplets themselves. Gina noticed that there were no true bridges anywhere in the city. Instead, each time a road or path intersected water, the way to the other side was through cautiously stepping from one flat rock to another which had been placed in the water, close together, to provide passage to the other side. Of course, there were no cars or machines of any kind that Gina could see where this type of bridge would cause a problem.
On this side of the river was the manor and, to the right of Gina’s window, an orchard and farm area for growing crops extended far in the distance. On the other side of the manor was a training field next to another forest which hid a cliff overlooking the river and creating a waterfall in it which little lights ran down. Across the river rose many green hills with cottages speckled here and there along the hillside. Gina could see that the cottages had thatched roofs and resembled houses found in Elizabethan times in England. The forest that she could see from her bedroom proved vast, hiding secret paths and providing a barrier from outside cities. Each tree shimmered as if glitter had settled on every branch. Occasionally, Gina saw a Nythagién horse trotting through the trees.
Across the river, down the road, and along to the east, was a big gate marking what appeared to be the only entrance and exit to this paradise. This gate was entirely made of vines and flowers combining to make a beautiful Celtic design complete with little windows. This was what seemed to be the only way to see the outside world for the forests, cliffs, and hills blocked any view from the outside-in as well as the inside-out. Fheyrhil acted as a guide, explaining the customs of the land, but Gina did not hear a word. Who could listen to a lecture when such a wonderful ecstasy lay all around her?
They continued on the petal-and-leaf-covered road meeting many inhabitants on the way. Every time another Nythagién spotted them, however, they stared at Gina with such reverie that she began to feel even more uncomfortable. A certain woman had even kissed Gina’s hand when she held it out to shake.
“How do you like it?” Fheyrhil asked Gina, studying her from the corner of his eye.
“I love it! This is just like a wonderful utopia!” she exclaimed.
“Yes, it is. It’s a wonderful place, isn’t it?” Leyance agreed.
“Indeed it is. Better than your daydreams, Regina?” Fheyrhil added. Gina spun around and looked at him, shocked.
“How did you know,,,?” she asked.
“Ah, my dear child, you will come to learn that I know a great deal about you.”
“But how can that be…?”
“In time, my dear, in time you will know,” explained he. “In a few hours, I am holding a counsel in which I mean for you to attend. That way you can meet a few more of the council, and I can present you to them.” Gina nodded and continued to look around. After a few seconds she turned to Leyance.
“I don’t understand something, though…” she started.
“Yes?”
“I know you said that we arrived here through that haze, the gateway, but how did this place come into being? I mean, do people know about this place?”
Leyance smiled. “No, no one in your world knows about this land, besides those who are Nythagiéns themselves living there, that is. You see, in the beginning of time we all lived in your world. Back then, there were three groups of people: those only purely good, those whom were purely evil, and those who were mixed. Those purely good saw that humans did not appreciate their gift of this world. They saw others destroying themselves and each other and couldn’t take it. They always had had a belief that something else was out there – I’m sure you’ve had the feeling. Everyone does, everyone knows that there is something more, but few trust that feeling, few trust themselves and faith alone. These people did, though, and they found what they knew to be there. They found this land and moved here to create a perfect world. But, of course, nothing can be perfect can it? Those humans who were evil followed them. There resulted a huge battle of good versus evil. Eventually the good claimed this land, Nythagié, and a few others. The evil were left to roam and eventually settle in other areas. So you see, no one in your world is purely good or purely evil, despite many preconceived notions, for those who possessed the extremes moved here. One extreme, it has come to be proven, cannot exist without the other. There are even those who possess both extremes, however confusing that might sound. Yet, to be purely good means to be perfect and perfection cannot truly exist. There will always be flaws, and that’s what makes everything even more beautiful. Even we are no longer purely good. Evil has affected us as well, just not as much as it sometimes affected those humans in your world. The evil beings, however, have never been more purely evil than they are now. Instead of becoming more mixed, they become more of their extreme. Their hate began to consume them and, with no enemies there but each other, they turned to some sort of self-mutilation. They became creatures, monsters, and the human side vanished forever. That is why we must be extremely careful and be ready for battle with very little notice.”
“Oh,” Gina whispered. It seemed to her like a very elementary response to such an advanced explanation but it was all just too much to take in. Gina felt lost. She loved what she saw and knew she could feel at ease here, but so many questions encircled her mind. What am I doing here? How do they know me? Were those Übels after me? What did they want? Are they the purely evil creatures Leyance spoke of? What is happening back in my world? Are those creatures still there? Are my friends alright? How long will I have to stay here? What will I have to do? These people are good right? They won’t hurt me? What is going on? And why is Leyance staring at me?! She had turned to catch Leyance looking at her. A million thoughts seemed to be going through his head as well. She was about to ask what but the woman whom had earlier kissed Gina’s hand now came up to them.
“Excuse me,” she started. “I was wondering if I could give the lady a token of my joy for her re…” she glanced at Fheyrhil. “For her visit,” she completed. Gina wondered what she was about to say before she had caught her mistake. She didn’t have much time to think however, for Fheyrhil nodded and the woman produced a crown made of flowers, sparkling in the light. Gina gasped at the beauty that had been created just by using simple flowers. The woman stepped forward and lovingly placed the crown on Gina’s head.
“Thank you so much. It’s beautiful!” Gina exclaimed, hoping she had a mirror to look into. Fheyrhil guessed her thought immediately.
“Thank you, Esmeralda,” he said, and then he turned to Gina. “Regina, follow me, let us see how well you look.” Gina followed him to the water’s front and gazed in. The crystal clear water smiled back at her in her likeness. The crown rested on her brown curls making them glow with the flowers’ gentle radiance.
“The crown looks like it was always meant to be there, does it not?” Fheyrhil inquired, but Gina didn’t answer. The eerie fact was it did.
Gina was beginning to get familiar with feeling uncomfortable, but the council was by far the worst experience since her strange arrival. She sat at the long council table with Fheyrhil separated from her by one empty chair. Silver plates filled with exotic-looking food sat in front of each place, but Gina couldn’t eat. She tried to listen to the rest of the many members who were talking amongst themselves as they emptied their plates. Besides Fheyrhil, Gina only recogni
zed Elenzel. He was the blond man who had helped rescue her. Being surrounded by so many strangers made her feel uncomfortable.
Very frequently Gina would jump at hearing her name being mentioned in side conversations. Over the course of the last half an hour, Gina had shifted to a slouching position while all the others sat with perfect posture. Despite this city’s magnificence, there was something to be said concerning their restrictive nature. She had now completely given up eavesdropping on conversations that might hopefully hold the key to her attendance in this land, and instead only tried to keep awake. With her head cradled in her hand, she prayed for something more exciting to keep her from drifting off into dreamland. Gina had already taken in too much for one day, and it seemed that she was the only one who could see the sky darken and the hours pass.
Her flower crown still rested on her head, and she began to finger it abstractedly as she tried to sort out all the new information she had received since the attack. But no matter how hard she tried, she just could not concentrate. The increasing acceptance of information had caused her brain to simply shut down. Perhaps it was doing so as a defense mechanism in order to keep her from going everywhere at once from the intake of too much. As the cool sense of indifference flowed through her, calming all the nerves she knew should be screaming out for understanding, she was aware that before long she would be made to understand. It seemed that she alone would have to deal with whatever lie ahead. No one would be able to help her. She knew when that happened, that she might not be able to take it. Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted as she felt the warming presence of someone placing himself in the empty chair next to her.
“How are you doing? Bored out of your mind yet?” asked Leyance. She sat up quickly. Gina tried to smile, but it was a weak one. Leyance laughed quietly at her expression which told him that his assumption was correct.
“I’m surviving, but some answers to all this would be greatly appreciated,” Gina mumbled, her head back in her hand. Leyance smiled.
“I know. I would tell you myself, but I was given strict orders not to.” He paused. “Do you know the expression ‘ignorance is bliss’? My advice to you is to enjoy not knowing while you still can. Things will only get more complicated.” He started to eat his plate of food and noticed Gina’s. “Aren’t you going to eat?”
“Uh, what is it?” she asked, poking the food with her fork.
“Nothing you’re used to, I’m sure. We have a special diet here that supports long life. Our food has all natural ingredients but with a slightly magical flare to it. Eat it, it’ll still be warm. It doesn’t get cold.” He continued to dig into his food so Gina followed his example. She slowly grabbed some food with her fork and brought to her mouth. An instant warm, delicious sensation slid down her throat. It was by far the best thing she had ever tasted. Its flavor was beyond words.
“It’s delicious!” she exclaimed.
“I knew you’d like it.”
Gina smiled and continued to eat. She’d forgotten just how hungry she was. Soon her plate was empty along with the rest, and Fheyrhil took the break to begin. He stood and addressed the crowd.
“As you know, we have a very special guest joining us. It is my pride and privilege to introduce to you, Regina Cassidy.” He motioned to Gina who sat up in her chair. “Though, of course, you know her already. She should find assistance from anyone at anything she requests. She is to be treated with the utmost respect. Now, however, we will continue on with business, for I am afraid we have gotten off to a late start.” He sat down and shifted through his many pieces of parchment lying in front of him. Yet, as he did so, Elenzel stood up to address him.
“With all due respect,” he began. “Should we not discuss the prophecy? Regina’s prophecy that is?” Fheyrhil jumped at this mention as did Gina.
“What prophecy? What does it say?” she asked, hurriedly.
“Not now, Elenzel. We will not yet discuss that,” Fheyrhil stated towards the man still standing.
“Why not?” Gina countered. “Look, I don’t mean to be rude, but you haven’t told me anything. I deserve to know if there is something written about me.”
“Regina…”
“Is that the reason everyone knows me? Is it because of this prophecy? What does it say that I am supposed to do?”
“Regina, it is not the right time.”
“Will it ever be? Now is as good a time as any. You’ve basically kidnapped me to bring me here. Does it say that I am supposed to be someone? Because I seriously don’t know any of you so it must be a mistake…”
“Regina!” Fheyrhil roared. Gina stopped dead in her sentence. Suddenly she realized what she had just done. She had crossed the line and had been rude to the very person who had been so kind to her and appeared to only be trying to help her. After all, they did save her life.
“Gina, maybe it’s time for you to get some sleep,” Leyance coaxed. “After all, you’ve had a hard day. I’ll escort her to her room, Fheyrhil.” He nodded in agreement to Leyance’s suggestion.
“Very well, goodnight, Regina,” Fheyrhil acknowledged. Gina slowly stood but as she did so, the rest of the council stood as well, each saying goodnight. It startled Gina.
“I’m sorry, Fheyrhil, I didn’t mean to be rude,” Gina whispered as she passed him. “You people saved my life, so I should be grateful.”
“Do not worry about it, my dear. The stress is just simply getting to you. I knew it would eventually. Leyance is right, you need sleep. Goodnight, and do not worry, you did not offend.” Gina nodded and walked out with Leyance.
When they silently entered her room, Gina went straight to the bed and sat down against a post. Leyance went to the window and looked out at the water whose twinkling lights shone out, floating underneath the small waves. They stayed in peace for a long while but eventually Leyance broke the silence.
“I’m sorry,” he declared.
“Why are you sorry?”
“For the pain you’re in. You think I don’t see how much you’re suffering? I wanted you to come here… as did everyone – more than anything. Yet, maybe it would have been better if you hadn’t come.” He continued to stare out the window, perhaps not having enough strength to look Gina in the eyes.
“I don’t understand. I don’t understand anything. Why won’t anyone tell me what’s going on? I’m so…”
“Afraid, confused, worried?” he interrupted, walking up to her. “I would be too.”
Building up confidence again, Gina spoke. “You say you’re sorry for the trouble this is causing me, so are you going to help me?” He looked up at Gina and the beauty his eyes possessed shocked her.
“What can I do to help?” he asked quietly and sincerely. He leaned in as he talked to her, making her slightly move backwards. It was so obvious to Gina how much he cared and truly wanted to ease the tension, but those eyes hypnotized her and that scared her. She looked away as she spoke.
“Just explain. Explain why I’m here, how you all know me. What do you want from me, and what is this about a prophecy?” She waited for Leyance to respond, but he just stood silently for a long time.
“I will, but I just can’t now. You are too over-tired for this, but I promise, I swear I will tell you soon. Fheyrhil made me promise not to, but you have a right to know. It’s your choice and since you wish it, I swear I will tell you,” he vowed. He turned to leave, but again turned back to face Gina. “I will tell you soon, and then I’m sorry to say that your journey and confusion will really begin.” With that he turned and left. Gina felt warm tears begin to trickle down her cheek. She wanted to go home. She hated being lonely and confused and confined. The tears she had held back for so long finally began to flow.
Chapter 3
“Becoming the Memory”
Gina lay in bed staring at the night sky above her glass ceiling. So many thoughts swirled around her head that no complete idea took shape. She realized in her heart that if she knew what everyone else was keepin
g from her, life would never be the same again. It would complicate everything to the point of no return, but the very fact that something that life-changing was right underneath her nose was killing her. Everyone in this land knew this critical thing about Gina but her. Finally, she tossed off her sheets and threw on a gossamer robe. She heaved open her double doors and ran out.
She ran down the steps from the manor and followed the path by the river, now lit by the lights dancing in the water. She had no idea where she was going, nor if there was any place to go. But still she ran. Rounding a bend, she saw a small overgrown path leading to a clearing with lights a little way down. Quietly, Gina started down the old trail, jumping at every little noise she heard. Finally she crossed the threshold into the clearing. The absolute beauty she saw took her breath away. This small cove had a large pond deep enough for swimming with overhanging rocks in front of thick trees on one side, blocking sight from any onlookers on that face. The side of the cliff blocked yet another and the thick trees and bushes completed the circle. The cliff housed a waterfall that fed into this pond. This was Gina’s first look at Nythagién water at night. Lights lit up the water, though they seemed to be coming from no source. Lights even flickered down the waterfall. Gina climbed up the rocks a little way to a flat boulder that made a perfect bench above the water. She rolled up her pajamas and stuck her feet in the water. The coolness soothed her nerves and relaxed her tired feet. All worries were swept away as she enjoyed her own company in this secluded place.
Gina awoke with a start. She looked around her and at first could not distinguish where she was. Then she remembered: she was still at the cove and the sun was just beginning to share its morning glow. Gina got up as quickly as she could and ran down the hidden path to the main road along the river. While running towards the manor, she glanced behind her at a noise when suddenly she hit something. The impact flung her to the ground, and she quickly looked up to see what she hit.
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