Esterpine

Claire found herself in the palace garden the morning after the feast, as advised. Queen Jade had requested it to discuss her training. Koldis trailed in her wake, along with two pairs, keeping a respectful distance. She hadn't expected a garden in the forest to be much different from the forest itself, but it was. It took her breath away. Filled her. Enchanted her.

Everywhere she looked, there was something to gawk at. Fountains gushing with water for birds to frolic, elaborate pots sculpted into the shapes of animals filled with overflowing growth, trees grafted into intricate twisting archways. It was paradise.

She had only to wander the paths a few minutes before the queen emerged with an unfamiliar Sprite male beside her. "Lady Claire! Welcome."

"Your Majesty!" She curtsied.

The queen took her shoulders and gave her much the same greeting as the day before. "You enjoyed the feast, I hope?"

"I did, Your Majesty. Thank you. It was perfect."

And it had been. Much to her delight, there were a variety of foods...except meat. Spiced breads, vegetable broths and medleys, seasoned potatoes, custards, fruit pies, cakes, and more. She'd all but gorged herself, as had everyone else in her entourage. Even Koldis managed to keep his grumbling to a minimum.

There had been music too, and dancing, and plenty of mingling. She'd learned more names than she could remember. One Sprite after another sought her out for introductions. Luckily, Jeanine had quickly found her and helped her navigate the rigors of it. She'd even met the villagers of Kaljah, who were most eager for her attention. By bedtime, she'd all but collapsed into an exhausted, dreamless sleep, only rousing when Koldis insisted she wake up to resume their training. She managed to shrug him off, only to remember she was to meet Queen Jade after breakfast. That had her jumping out of bed and dressing for the day ahead.

"Good. I am glad you enjoyed yourself," Queen Jade said, all smiles. "Now, I wanted to introduce Lord Marquin."

"Lady Claire." The male bowed deeply. She eyed him a moment, taking him in. He was only half a head taller than she, and didn't appear as young as Prince Feowen, but it was impossible to gauge his age. Sprites were immortal. His skin was flawless, but his golden eyes were old and intelligent. Like most Sprites, his features were angular and feline, his chin, the sharpest of all, which made him look inhuman. "It is a pleasure to meet you," he added. "I am honored that the queen has selected me for this task."

"Lord Marquin is a dear friend of mine," the queen said by way of explanation. "He has graciously agreed to assist you. Our magic is quite different to that of the Drengr, as I am sure you have gleaned." Jade's eyes flicked to Claire's markings and back.

"Yes, thank you. It is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Marquin. As you say, Your Majesty, I have never felt quite comfortable with Drengr magic. But Sprite magic..." She let the sentence go unfinished. Behind her, Koldis shuffled but said nothing. Thank the gods for that.

"I can assure you, Lord Marquin is accomplished. I can think of none better suited for such a task."

And the queen was probably right. In looking at her new instructor, she believed it. Lord Marquin was dressed conservatively in a pair of knee length pants and a sheer white tunic, which hung loosely about his torso. She saw a plethora of glowing marks through the fabric covering his chest and arms. Badges that spoke to his abilities. She was certain they scrolled over his legs too. And probably in places she's rather not picture.

"You do me great honor, my queen." Lord Marquin placed a hand over his heart, offering his queen a respectful bow.

Queen Jade gave a nod, glanced briefly about, then returned her gaze to Claire. "I will leave the two of you to work out the details of your training. I shall not interfere, but know that you may always come to me for anything at all, Lady Claire. Anything." And her tone spoke more than her words. She expected Claire to trust her. To tell her everything. Which only made Claire want to do anything but that. "Know that while you are here, you are family."

"I...thank you, Your Majesty." Claire curtsied and watched her go before turning back to Lord Marquin. Sprites were overly formal. Even more formal than nobles in Kastali Dun. But she was not ill equipped nor ill prepared. Desaree had trained her well enough on court politics. She knew to tread carefully. Words were weapons in settings like these. So were smiles and jewels and anything else that made a statement. Thus, she'd worn a mask ever since entering the forest. Had cemented it into place with each feeling of unexpected unease that plagued her.

"Lord Marquin," she said, offering him a demure smile now that Jade was absent, "thank you again. I am eager to get started. I defer to your expertise regarding my training."

"Excellent." He eyed her up and down in a way that made her feel all too exposed. "Let us walk." He extended an arm. She took it, disguising her hesitance. Behind her, Koldis cleared his throat. "You may accompany us," Lord Marquin said over his shoulder, giving her Shield permission. She bristled but said nothing.

They left the garden in silence, but as soon as they began wandering the paths through the city, Lord Marquin spoke again. "Everything in our forest is connected. The lifeblood we call living water spreads through our kingdom like veins, sustaining us, feeding us, allowing us immortality."

"From the King Tree?"

"Yes. That is were it originates before flowing out into the world. Sprites, as you know, were not always this way. It is said our people were Spirit Singers once, who fled persecution and made a home here, beneath the shade of the Tree."

She listened in silence, eager to learn more. Lord Marquin began by recounting the history of the King Tree and the first Sprite in detail. Some of it she was already familiar with, but she listened nonetheless.

Ellia had wandered far and wide, alone, looking for a place to rest. A place she might call home. When she discovered a small oasis in the middle of a vast open grasslands, she took shade beneath its large tree and drank from the water.

Sated, she began to sing a sad, sorrowful song. A song of her nomadic people displaced by the cruel tyranny of the Asarlaí. The tree was pleased by her company but saddened by her song. When it asked her why she cried, she told it of her people's struggles. Eager for company, the tree bid her to return with them, to make the oasis their home.

She did this, brining the wandering tribes together. Beneath the tree's shade, they quenched their thirst and laughed, glad for the living water that now flowed through their veins. In joy for finding a new home, they linked hands and began to sing. As they sang, the lonely tree grew and grew and grew. Soon it was a king of a tree, stretching up to greet the heavens. But the tree was still alone, and the people who had settled beneath it did not wish for it to be lonely.

Together they sang again, and with the tree's help, companions sprouted from the ground, spreading across the land. Channels were cut deeply into the earth where living water extended to quench the thirst of the newly grown but hungry forest. And beneath the shade of its gables, the trees became home. But one tree would always rule supreme. The King Tree was pleased by its new family and the people who took shelter in its shade. It gave the Sprit Singers a new name and welcomed them for all eternity.

"And so we dwell," said Lord Marquin. "But eternity is a long time. When we are ready, so too is our King Tree, to welcome us with open arms into its bosom where we may at last find peace."

Claire's eyes widened. "So it really is real—the King Tree? It's not just as story?" She'd always believed it purely mythological.

"It is real. And when one is ready for death, one wanders into the forest and eats of its fruit, falling into a soundless but peaceful sleep, to become part of the forest. Reborn in the trees and animals. It is said that all new trees are reincarnates of our people. And the animals, flowers, bugs...We are everywhere."

She swallowed and glanced about, suddenly uneasy.

Lord Marquin laughed. "Never fear, Lady Claire. Though our forest is a living, breathing thing, I don't think the trees can be expected to speak." She nodded, remembering the sentient intelligence of the forest the first time she found a way to Esterpine. "Now..." Lord Marquin lead her farther down an overgrown path. They had long since passed out of Esterpine. "Magic is a very personal thing for every Sprite. No two marks are the same, though they can be very similar. Yet, for each magic that is learned and then mastered, a mark is gained and evolves." She nodded. This much she had surmised. "But each mark is also hard-earned. As I am sure you understand."

"Indeed, I do." She thought of everything she'd done to earn hers.

"Do you know how our people gain marks?" he asked. She thought at first he might be mocking her, but he appeared genuinely curious.

"They make journeys into the forest where they conquer difficulties and search for inner strength."

Lord Marquin nodded, pleased. "That is correct. The forest may be home, but it is an untamed thing. We do not have schools like the Magoi, where one goes and sits in a stuffy library to learn diction and...control." He said the word like it was filthy. "Our magic is learned through experience." She liked the idea of learning-by-doing. But she was tempted to frown because something nagged at her, something Talon had said. Instead, she kept her face a mask. Lord Marquin's explanation was not in agreement with what Princess Taylynn had mentioned to Talon, but she wasn't about to argue with her teacher. Moreover, if she had to learn everything on her own in the forest, what was the point of a teacher? She didn't voice this concern, either.

"So I just go in there for a while,"—she waved an arm towards the dense undergrowth—"and I come out with new abilities."

"If you are lucky." He hesitated. "But before even that, you should become comfortable with the forest. Our children, rare as they are, grow up here. This world flows through their veins before they ever set out on their own."

"And...how long are they gone?"

"Ah. It varies. A day. Five. A year. As long as you wish to spend."

Her stomach flopped. She didn't have a year. But she could do a day. Or five...if she had to. Though the thought of wandering out into the trees for days on end didn't sit well.

"And I should also mention," said Lord Marquin, "that these journeys-of-self must be done alone." He glanced at Koldis and the others behind her. "Learning stems from need. And if you have someone protecting you, there won't be much need."

She nodded. That made sense.

"Now, as to the other glaring fact, you do not yet speak our language. That puts you at a disadvantage. Lessons in language and time spent with the forest will help a great deal. I propose that we meet each morning after breakfast to practice speaking our native tongue. It will be an opportunity for us to discuss what you come to learn of the forest during your...explorations. Afterward, I will release you for the day. I recommend you spend it wandering our paths. Do not go too far. Not at first. But spend time outside the city. See what the forest wishes to show you. It has a way of being exactly what we need it to be...if you catch my meaning."

"I do. That sounds...reasonable."

"Good! Then follow me." He led her along a path that opened to a clearing and bid her to sit across from him where they begin.

***

Hours after Claire had finished with Lord Marquin—whose first name she'd learned was Aolis—she ate a hurried meal with Koldis and a handful of her pairs. They ate in the large dining chamber of her apartment suite, which was the largest next to the queen's. It seated nearly fifteen. The queen had informed Claire that she would take her breakfast and lunch in here, in the privacy of her quarters, unless otherwise invited to dine with the royal family. Dinners were done in the large clearing outside the palace. She was plenty happy with this arrangement.

Brain like mush, she contentedly listened to the others talk about the exploring they'd done that morning. Her pairs seemed at ease in their environment, despite the true nature of where they were. She wasn't sure the Drengr and Sprites would ever get over their age-old dislike, but at least the Sprites remained polite. Always polite. But there was a fine line to it. When did politeness turn to disdain? Could sugar to be so sweet it burned?

"You will want us with you when you venture out this afternoon?" Koldis asked.

It was more of a forceful suggestion than an innocent question. She leaned back in her chair, sighing, contemplating what remained on her plate. She'd stuffed herself on bred, a vegetable medley, and potatoes.

"We would be happy to come along, my lady," Faedrol said, looking up. Beside him, Hannah smiled.

"I suppose you might as well." Though she was tempted to decline. "It isn't as if I'm going to master some monumental ability on my first day trekking through the forest."

"You never know," Koldis said, winking, but she sensed his relief. "Lord Marquin and I agree on one thing, at least."

"That is?"

"You should better acquaint yourself with the forest before you venture off alone. I'm not sure how safe it is."

"That's the whole point, though, isn't it? That it's not safe?" She frowned. "And besides, it isn't like I'll get lost. Finding my way back is in my blood. You on the other hand..." She glanced at the rest of them. "Don't venture out very far alone or someone will need to find you." Nokin and Madeleine shifted uneasily. They'd already gone out that morning and hadn't returned until Faedrol realized they were missing. He told one of the palace attendants who sent a small rescue party after them. Sure enough, they'd wandered outside the city far enough to get lost. Unable to find their way back.

As they finished their meal, Koldis invited a couple of pairs to join them, then said farewell to the rest. They set out into the afternoon light, though it was difficult to tell the time of day with the mists and trees blotting out the sky. Claire made a mental note. Ask Prince Feowen to take her up to the treetops and perhaps show her the way, so that she might venture up whenever she felt the need for open sky.

She picked a path remembered from yesterday, the one that had taken her to the unicorns, and followed it. Koldis kept pace beside her, silent. Contemplative—

"Claire!" Jeanine rushed from an adjacent path, pausing briefly to eye her entourage. They exchanged a friendly greeting, though Jeanine was out of breath, like she'd been in a rush. "Please tell me you're getting out of the city for a little bit?" Jeanine asked, hopeful. "Prince Feowen is driving me mad. I was hoping I might join you?"

She laughed. "He can't be that bad, can he? The prince?"

"You'd be surprised." Jeanine looked as if she wanted to say more, but stopped herself.

"Well, you might as well come along. We probably won't go far."

"No matter, I've got all the paths around Esterpine memorized."

Claire eyed her a moment, impressed. They began again. This time Koldis took up a position just behind them, so she and Jeanine could walk and talk together.

"How do you keep from getting lost?" she asked. Jeanine frowned, perhaps confused. "Wait...you haven't had any trouble finding your way back to the city?"

"Well...I don't go far. But...no."

"Hmm..." She told Jeanine about Nokin and Madeleine, which only made Jeanine frown deeper. "Maybe it has to do with what they are," she mused. "Being Drengr. Perhaps the forest sees them as more of a threat."

"Well, I'm certainly no threat," Jeanine said, laughing.

They continued to walk and talk, discussing everything from Jeanine's village, to her adjustment in Esterpine. Claire didn't quite have the courage to ask about Prince Feowen yet. But she was sure it was a story Jeanine would be happy to tell.

Around them, the path became more overgrown, but it never quite disappeared. Perhaps it would've if she'd been anyone else. But the forest knew her. She could sense it. A recognition that hummed beneath her skin. That same...awareness. The same sentient existence she'd first sensed when coming here all those months ago.

But this time it was stronger. Something in the very air screamed in relief at her presence. As if her arrival had been long awaited and much needed. But why? And what would she find when she learned the answer? She had a feeling there was only one person who could help her better understand. Princess Taylynn. And the princess was nowhere to be found.

⭐️🌟⭐️🌟⭐️

Happy Friday!!

Wow, it seems like Claire has her work cut out for her. Learning a whole language? But...I wonder if it might come easier for her? Considering that she is part Sprite? Maybe something in her genealogy or the magic singing in her blood might make it go a bit faster. Otherwise, we're going to be here a while! What do you think? 

And what about this darkness she senses? What could that be, I wonder? Maybe she's just the person needed to figure out what's going on...(hint hint). You'll definitely find out a little more about it in next week's chapter. I promise! Next week, we get to see Koldis's POV for the first time ever!! How exciting!

Have a great weekend!

-Mel

PS. I do want to note that I LOVEEEEDDD reading through all your comments on the first two chapters. There were so many good questions, theories, etc. You guys are awesome! I try to respond to as many as possible and keep my responses varied between all of you so that i'm not favoring one person over others, because I just cannot respond to everything. So even if I don't respond, I promise that I saw it and it made me smile. 

I generally read the comments on a chapter once, usually at some point within the first week of posting. After that, I don't generally go back and read old comments for time sake. So those early commenters who read/ comment within the first few hours or the first week are most likely to be seen. But I do try to at least read everything that's posted during the first week after the chapter goes up. So you ARE getting seen by me! XX