Esterpine

Claire ripped a warm bread roll in half, tore off a smaller chunk, dipped it in honey, and plopped it into her mouth. Her eyes closed, savoring the taste, well aware that in the coming days, she would desperately miss fresh bread. Even though her upcoming trip into the forest wasn't technically a solo journey, any provisions brought along wouldn't compare to what was spread before her now.

The queen's table was lavish. Jade had spared no expense for this luncheon. Fresh bread, sautéed vegetable medleys, fruit salads, potatoes, and all manner of non-meat dishes were spread before her. Taylynn and Feowen sat across from her. Beside her, Lord Marquin. And at the head was Queen Jade, presiding over them as if she were holding court.

"Have you decided how long you will be away this time?" Queen Jade was saying. "I do hope you won't keep away for too long."

She swallowed another mouthful and washed it down with a gulp of crisp apple cider. "I believe a week, Your Majesty. Two days simply wasn't long enough. Time is running thin and I hate to be away from Kastali Dun longer than necessary."

"I...see. So you do plan to return then?"

"Of—"

"She has made no such plans as of yet, Mother. Let us not forget her blood. The noble families have not yet met with her to discuss matters of the crown."

The queen shot Taylynn a scathing look. "Clearly she has no interest in that, do you dear?" Jade returned her attention to Claire.

"Uhm..." This was not how she'd hoped this meal would go. She almost shot Taylynn the same scathing glare.

"She can hardly have interest in something she knows little about," Taylynn continued, speaking to her mother. "Once she meets with the noble families and the council, she will better understand what her blood sake means and what it would mean to rule—"

"How dare you?!" Jade hissed, her composure shattering. "You would dare encourage her to depose me then, and you would speak of it here in front of me!"

"Peace, mother." Feowen's voice was calm. "We are all family here. I think what Taylynn means,"—he too shot his sister a scathing look—"is that Claire should understand her blood right entirely. I think we can all agree that she has no desire to take up rulership in Esterpine, especially given her desire to return to the capital, to return to the friends she has made there."

"Yes, exactly," Claire quickly added. She made a mental note to hug Feowen when next she had the chance. What would Koldis say about all this, were he here? A deep sigh slipped from her lips. "As it stands, Your Majesty, I am eager to return to the capital city. Thus, I will be spending a week in the forest to hone my magical ability. I've already spoken to Lord Marquin about it"—she bowed her head toward the Sprite beside her, who'd remained silent during this exchange—"and he is in agreement that a week is reasonable."

"Indeed, Majesty."

"Very well, Lady Claire." Jade nodded, as if to clear the air and rid herself of the matter entirely.

Claire stole another glance at Taylynn. It was rare to see the princess wielding any sort of emotion, but this time, Taylynn's distaste was clear in her clenched jaw, flushed cheeks, and the frequent glares she paid her mother. If she wasn't mistaken, things between them had escalated since the Blood Stone incident.

Much of the remainder of the meal was spent in silence. She did manage to catch Feowen's eye several times. He always offered an encouraging smile. So different was he to his sister, almost a direct opposite, as she'd come to observe during her time here.

Most of her plans for tomorrow were complete. Koldis had already explained to their pairs what was happening. They would cover for his absence, if the need arose. Taylynn wouldn't be missed, as she was often gone more than she was present. All that was left was to survive the remaining afternoon and evening.

***

The following morning saw Claire up early and eating as much as she could stuff in. She drank gobs and gobs of water too, even though she knew her companions would bring supplies. The reminder of her previous adventure was still fresh.

"You have everything you need?" Koldis asked, motioning toward the small bag she'd packed, sitting in the living room.

"All packed," she confirmed.

"Good. We will give you enough time to depart before we sneak off after you. I'm to meet Taylynn by the southern gate. She wants you traveling south-east this time. I think she plans to take you all the way to Ashvale," he said.

"Ah-ha! So the two of you've been talking, then?" She lifted an eyebrow.

"Do I look as if I want to speak to her? No, we said nothing more than what was exchanged last night."

"Riiiight." She didn't bother hiding her smirk. She'd seen Taylynn pull Koldis aside during dinner, seen the fire flashing in both pairs of eyes. But he was correct in that the conversation had been short.

"Just finish eating, would you? So we can get this damn trip over with." He stalked off before she could offer anything snide. So she resorted to mimicking him under her breath. That, at least, lifted her mood and made her smile. He'd become so...dramatic.

There was nothing formal about her departure. No one besides Lord Marquin and Koldis came to see her off. Aolis looked her over, as if inspecting her to make sure she hadn't snuck anything with her. She was entirely covered, which wasn't a stretch. Being an outsider, Sprite blood or no, she explained away her conservative attire easily enough with the change of autumn to winter, even if the forest was climate controlled through magic. Otherwise there'd have been snow on the ground.

"You will do well I think," Lord Marquin said, offering a genuine smile. "Your mastery of the Ednuar has surpassed even my expectations."

"Shalaya, Kenya." Thank you, Teacher.

"Mekvelli an barah nin an morviah sinahaya." May the peace of the forest be upon you.

"Edah sinahaya, Kenya." And upon you, Teacher.

Blessings received, she turned to Koldis and gave him a big hug, whispering loud enough that Lord Marquin would hear her reluctant farewell.

"I'll see you when you get back," he said for good measure.

She nodded, departing along the southern path that would take her out of Esterpine. Daring a backward glance, she saw them both standing side by side, watching her until she rounded a bend and left them entirely.

As she walked, she hummed to herself, thinking about the various possibilities this journey would bring. Her biggest hope was in finding the staff. That would certainly speed things along. But if that happened, she'd have to stop off at Pelwyn's on the way back. She certainly couldn't waltz into Esterpine carrying a long lost relic. Not that she believed anyone would remember it. She wasn't even certain Jade had been alive when Queen Isabella had ruled. Jade was Isabella's niece, after all. And Jade's mother, Queen Ametrine had ruled nearly fifteen thousand years once Isabella left the forest to take up rulership beside Eymar.

Gods! Living and ruling for that long. She couldn't even fathom it. Couldn't fathom what Pelwyn's life must be like with so many countless years stretched behind him. It felt like an age.

But time moved differently here somehow, among immortal beings. Some moments stood still, while others raced by. Sometimes it felt like the world was a speeding bullet train, flashing by so quickly, each window a different moment, each individual experience merely plucked from its moving cars—

"Enjoying your walk?"

Claire faltered, blinked. "Jeanine?"

Jeanine smiled and jumped from the foliage, like she'd been— "You were waiting for me, weren't you?" Jeanine smiled. "Come to see me off then?"

"Oh, more than that! I'm coming with you on this...journey."

"As am I," came the familiar voice of Feowen as he ducked out onto the path from behind Jeanine.

At that, she couldn't help her laugh. "And does Taylynn know?"

"Believe me," came another musical voice from behind them. "She knows and she isn't a measure happy about it." Taylynn strolled up, Koldis behind her, scowling at the princess's back.

"Well then," Claire said, hands on her hips, grinning, "I think we will make a merry little party, won't we?"

"I couldn't miss the opportunity to visit Ashvale again," Jeanine quipped.

"Ashvale?" Claire scowled. "So we really are going all the way to Ashvale? And how is it that Jeanine knows when I don't?"

"My brother might have pried the information from me." Taylynn offered Feowen a harmless glare.

Koldis harrumphed, annoyed. "At least someone is capable of prying information from you, Princess. I wasn't sure it was even possible."

Taylynn ignored him entirely.

"Well then..." Claire looked between them. "Shall we get going?" Koldis grinned at her, tossing her the small pack she'd made him bring. She caught it and slung it over her shoulders, setting off. "I do hope I'm going the right way," she said over her shoulder.

"The forest will lead," was all Taylynn said as they set out. She supposed that would have to suffice.

***

They'd been walking for hours when Claire heard the thunderous crash through the underbrush. It echoed and the entire forest went quiet. Her first thought was of the darkness, of it seeking to claim her like it had before.

For most of their journey thus far, she'd kept her talking to a minimum, learning quickly that it was pointless to question Taylynn. The princess didn't appear interested in giving up any information at present. So she'd been content to listen to Jeanine and Feowen chat—mostly Feowen as he explained things about the forest.

"What was that?" she whispered, coming to a stop as the others came up behind her. Another loud crash sounded, and with it, a slithering. From the reaches of her memory, she recognized the sound. Her muscles went rigid as she tensed.

"Peace, Lady Claire. It is only a Simeík. It will not harm you."

Her shoulders relaxed. "Oh. Is that so?" At this, she thew Koldis a glare. He shrugged as if to say, How were we supposed to know? She remembered all too well the last time she'd encountered one of these creatures, she'd been absolutely terrified as Reyr pulled her into a hiding place to watch its passing, convinced it would kill them should it spot them.

"They are guardians of the forest," Taylynn said by way of explanation. "There are only a few. Ancient beings. The King Tree's shepherds."

Another crash sounded and this time, the creature in question came into view. It looked exactly as she remembered. In fact, it might have even been the same one, with its skirt of roots that slithered, detaching and reattaching to the ground as it moved. It hesitated, spotting them—spotting Taylynn.

Taylynn stepped forward, greeting it in Ednuar. It held forth its hands as if in question, protecting a glowing orb of glittering greenish-blue light. "A soul," Taylynn said quietly, but loud enough for them to hear. "One of the reborn."

Taylynn lifted a hand to hover over the Simeík's and whispered a few words. Claire strained to hear but couldn't discern what was said. The orb of light glowed a little brighter, as if recognizing the princess.

"Well, that's not something you see every day," Jeanine whispered.

Claire could only watch, mouth agape, as the root being bowed its head and then turned away from them, thundering off into the forest.

"Uhm..." Claire cleared her throat. "So it's true then. Sprites are reborn into the forest. Do they all get shepherded somewhere like that one?"

"Only those who are truly worthy. All souls find a home here, but those who have done great work—as deemed by our King Tree—are specially honored to inhabit some of the wisest and oldest trees."

Behind her, Koldis grunted but said nothing.

"Wow..." she breathed. "So the trees...they really are alive. I'd thought I felt them, before."

"Many are, yes. Though, they are not alive in the way that you think. But they do possess a sentience that lends awareness and connects them."

Claire was too awestruck to say much more as they once again began their journey, this time following after Taylynn as she strode forward and led them down the path they'd been following.

***

Evening arrived at last. They stopped to make camp and sat around a fire of green flames, carefully constructed by Taylynn. They'd passed several creeks that had allowed them to refill their water supply frequently. From Taylynn's limited explanations, she gathered that the path had turned from south, to south-east, taking them towards Ashvale.

"It will be a little over a two day journey," Taylynn had explained when she'd asked.

"What do you hope to find there?"

"It is not what I hope to find, Lady Claire, but what I hope you might find while we are there."

It was as close to an answer as she'd expected.

A loud, content sigh sounded beside her and she looked over, watching Koldis stretch his long limbs out as he leaned back against his pack. Nearby, she heard the singing of metal as Jeanine and Feowan sparred. She was surprised that Koldis hadn't suggested they do the same. Her skill with a sword had grown, and she'd gotten much better at channeling Cyrus. It had taken practice, but she found that without letting him take over entirely, she could relax her mind just enough to pluck techniques from his ancient soul-memory. She did it more and more frequently.

"Hah!" A shout of triumph from Jeanine had her turning towards their sparring. Taylynn sat nearby, legs crossed, eyes closed. She looked to be meditating, but Claire knew better. If she focused her own mind, clearing it and putting the blossoms at the front and back, she could see the telltale signs of white light surrounding Taylynn and branching away from her in strands. She wasn't sure what, exactly, the Sprite princess was doing, but she had an inkling feeling that Taylynn was communicating with the King Tree somehow.

She glanced at Koldis and caught him watching Taylynn too, but as soon as he caught her, he looked away, closing his eyes as if to rest. Koldis and Taylynn hadn't spoken a single word to each other the entire day. Perhaps the Shield was determined to prove that there wasn't anything unfolding between them, but she didn't buy it.

In fact—"Taylynn, do you think we might practice while we have some time?"

Taylynn's eyes snapped open. "A wise idea, Lady Claire." She stood and came to sit before Claire. This got Koldis's attention. His eyes cracked open and Claire didn't miss the way they fixed upon the Sprite princess.

"Shall we work on your focus with the earth elemental?" Taylynn asked. "I believe that's what you were struggling with when last I interrupted you with your tutor?"

"Yes, growing vines," she clarified. Pelwyn had suggested it. At first, it seemed like a mundane ability, to conjure green tendrils from the earth. But it wasn't. She remembered all too well the vines that had tried to snare her in the forest, to keep her in the clearing of blackness, to trap her.

"Vines have all sorts of uses," Taylynn said, as if sensing her thoughts. "They can be used to hold things in place, to construct bridges, act as ropes, snares, and more. Well then, show me how you've progressed."

Eager to please, and well aware that she now had an audience, she crossed her legs and exhaled, closing her eyes and tightening her focus. Then she lifted her hands over the soil and began humming. She often started like this, wordless. It was a recommendation Pelwyn had offered, to center herself and find a tune. She didn't bother with words this time, putting the blossom in the back of her mind to quiet her nagging thoughts, and imagining the vines she wanted. Curling green tendrils broke from the soil. She didn't need to open her eyes to see them. Everything she pictured in her mind played out before her. Jeanine's small gasp was further evidence that her efforts were working.

She didn't allow the vines to shoot up too far, instead, strengthening their stems before allowing several runners to branch off. Then she allowed them to both grow and strengthen as they shot up above her, to tangle in the trees overhead. Only then did she stop her humming and open her eyes.

It was Koldis she found first—found him gazing at her, mouth agape. She hadn't shown him much of her progress over the past week and suspected that seeing her magic was entirely different from listening to her recount her small successes.

"Very good," Taylynn said. "Now, allow these to grow around our clearing. If you create enough runners, you can generate an entire weave around us, a small cocoon with us safely inside. Think of the creepers as the structure and allow them to thicken with the main shoots, the supports."

Claire nodded, closing her eyes again to hum. And so she continued on like this for a while, building and reinforcing each of the vines she created, until she hissed. Along her left forearm, she felt the familiar burn that signaled a new mark. She opened her eyes to survey her work. The thin tendrils she'd initially summoned had turned to a thick woven stock in the middle of the large hut she'd created all about them, sheltering them within. A cocoon of green with little leaves that filled in the sparse areas, blotting out the world beyond. Jeanine and Feowen were still standing behind Taylynn, swords in hand.

"Well, that's handy," Koldis said, smiling. His eyes sparkled with approval.

"It's more than handy, Drengr. An ability like this could save her life some day."

Koldis's jaw clenched. He looked like he was about to fight back, but Claire paid him a look that silenced any retort he might have made.

"Shalaya, Taylynn," she said. "That was...instructive." Truthfully it was more Sprite magic than she'd managed with the new techniques Pelwyn had taught her.

Remembering her arm, she pulled up her sleeve. There along the skin of her right inner-forearm, vines twisted in a single woven strand from elbow to wrist, with leafy shoots that branched off. It was beautiful. Koldis scooted closer, taking her arm and brushing his finger over the marking.

"Well done, my queen." He didn't bother hiding what she was in front of the others. "I daresay, our king might not even recognize you when you return," he added.

Something in those words left her beaming. It wasn't that she wanted to appear a stranger to Talon. Rather, she wanted to return to him strong. Strong and better than ever. She wanted to be a worthy queen, worthy of his love and his throne. And she had every intention of making that happen. 

⭐️🌟⭐️🌟⭐️

Happy Friday Bookdragons!

We've finished decorating the house for Christmas and it's magical. Last night we had date night at the out door ice skating rink. I fell while practicing my backwards skating, oops. My wrist guards protected me from major damage, but I definitely bruised enough that writing this weekend probably won't happen. BUMMER! I've only gotten two chapters beyond today saved up. Let's hope that once my hand is healed, inspiration strikes and I can write a couple to catch back up. I'd hate to have to take a break in posting. I try to have a couple chapters saved for emergencies like this weekend.

Next week's chapter is "Fort Leader Vote," and it's from Tamara's POV. We'll get to hear a little of what happened to Verath after he took it upon himself to be the group's lab rat...

Hope you all have a great weekend!

All my best,

Mel