Impossible Promises

There’s was an unusual meeting of sorts.

It was never supposed to happen, not like this. Neither of them were supposed to be there that day, but perhaps that was the beauty, and tragedy, in their friendship.

                                                         Summer; Year X6023

Arriving at the dome of trees, Gisli smiled. He’d found this place centuries ago, though hadn’t returned in years. It was refreshing to see that it hadn’t changed- an odd assortment of colored leaves still hanging from branches, trunks leaning towards the center so that a dome-like shape was formed beneath the too-blue sky. The lack of change was arguably his fault, but he was fine with that.

He’d yet to venture inside but just the sight alone confirmed Gisli’s belief that this was a good idea. Sure, he was neglecting his duties, these handful of months being the only time each year he actually had duties to preform, but at this point he could care less. He needed to get away for a few weeks- far from the ever looming war and his eternal rivalry with Vetrliði.

Some things never change and, aside from this place, he was tired of it.

The minute he stepped foot through the dome of trees though, entering a small clearing, Gisli came to the realization that something had in fact changed. 

Standing off to the side, working on something that might resemble a shelter, was a man with fiery red hair, laid with streaks of orange, yellow, and the occasional purple. Even from where he stood Gisli could see the flash of hazel eyes- ever changing shades of green and brown.

Gisli sighed. He knew who the man was, as would he, him once he lifted his head. They all knew each other, though interactions were rare, usually only coming about if there was a problem that concerned one of them.

“What are you doing here?” Gisli asked, the sound of his voice causing the man, Svipul, to jump and let out a short yelp, clearly not expecting the arrival of anyone else.

After his heart slowed its pounding, Svipul raised his head, eyes widening when he saw who was standing before him. 

“How about you? Aren’t you supposed to be, you know,” Svipul waved his hand dismissively, “Growing trees and watching over crops and making sure it rains enough?” Gisli rolled his eyes, moving closer.

“Yes, because that is clearly what I do, Leaf-boy.” Svipul narrowed his eyes, arms crossing over his chest. “Besides, I asked you first.”

“A friend… Kalda, told me about it. Now what about you? What’s causing you to neglect your duties to come play in the trees?” Svipul asked, returning his attention to the makeshift shelter.

“Kalda? You are close to her then?” As much as Gisli tried to hide it, surprise was evident in his voice. “I didn’t know you talked to her.” Svipul glanced up for a moment, eyes questioning. 

“Yeah, I guess. I don’t know, we bonded during one of our off seasons. Are you ignoring my question?” Gisli sighed, moving closer yet again to try to see what exactly it was the man was building.

“I just… needed to get away from things for a while.”

“And by things, you mean Vetrliði?”

“She’s dead set on starting a war.”

“Are you worried?” Svipul was genuinely curious, but Gisli merely stared for a moment.

“Of course. Are you not? There is no good outcome if this war is actually started. Can you imagine what would happen should she wins?”

“I’d rather not,” Svipul shuddered. “I’ve found myself rather fond of the warmth. An eternal winter doesn’t sound too pleasant.”