Chapter 1: The One Who Was Chosen
" No one should look nor touch the cup of everlasting life except the one that guards it. Such is the ultimate rule that our ancestors passed upon us, and our forefathers hold this law dearly. And for a good reason-" Markim the Elder said to the private court of the La Divina.
" I just want to see it. I want to know if we really have it or it's just a silly law that we blindly follow", Came the bellowing voice of Agrid, a behemoth of a man, he could pass a giant. Rumor has it that he had the blood of trolls-gigantic monsters that lurks the dark.
"You don't understand Agrid, it's clearly stated on the scroll that breaking the rule would bring havoc to the kingdom. We don't want to risk the lives of many. History has proven that those who disobeyed suffered the effects of an ancient magic, no one had ever had the chance to destroy it. I don't want to risks the lives of many just to prove something that is sacred, and should not be within sight nor reach to us the unworthy." Markim's gentle yet clear voice resonated throughout the chamber.
" But you have to admit, Elder Markim, we would remain curious, and more curious as days passed when we won't have an answer to our curiosity. We can't even see the guardian. We don't even know the guardian's name or face. How do we know that our priceless treasure is in good hands if we don't have any idea to the identity of the one that guards it?" The sweet voice of Nelfa, the druids queen question sent the whole room into murmurs.
" The tree of life had been protecting our clans from the harms of the other side. She, the mother, had given our ancestors the cup of everlasting life. The mother promised us that as long as the purest water of Nephil still flows into the cup, and the guardian is near to it, we will remain safe, until the mother chooses another guardian. Such is our practice, and no one dared to disobey. Those who did, suffered the great wrath of the mother. As to the identity of the guardian, no one knows but the mother. They are called by the mother, and were given instructions on how to reach the cup that was hidden inside the tree of life. Even if we search for it, we won't see it because it was not meant for our eyes to see."
"This did not ease my curiosity. What you said, Elder Markim, just made me want to find out who the guardian is. What clan is she to possess such great power, that bestowed by the mother herself. I want to know her more!" Agrid said in a loud voice that it almost echoed throughout the room. The murmurs grew older. Most of the representatives from the 10 clans were starting to argue with each other.
"Silence! This has been part of our history. Be weary, and heed to the laws of our kingdom that peace and harmony will continue. We both know what happened to the kingdom of Latvinia. Someone tried to steal the cup from the guardian, and hell-fire descended upon them, their kingdom no longer to be seen." Elder Markim's loud voice silenced the room.
" But that was 1000 years ago. And we don't know if what happened was because of the cup of everlasting life. Maybe it was just an unlucky for them. Maybe it was just an accident-" said Jakus, leader of the wolf clan.
" The moment that we doubt the mother's supremacy, and glory, disaster follows. Tread carefully Jakus for the mother has ears everywhere."
" Elder Markim, how do we know that the mother has chosen a new guardian?" ask Merlia, a mermaid princess.
" It's simple princess, the tree of life, starts to bloom flowers that became golden when the sun's light hit. It would be a feast for our eyes and mouth for we can eat these flowers that holds healing powers. A balm for the weak, the tired, and the disheartened. I remember the first time I tasted one, nothing can compare to it. It was just sublime." Teary eyed Markim looked around the room.
"Now that I am 500 years old, I asked the mother to grant me eternal rest that I may join the people I loved. I would like to ask for your careful consideration. Choose the leader that will do all the best for the kingdom. The mother has given us a choice to select only the best among us. Fit to lead the clans altogether, and fit to handle the conflicts within clans." Elder Markim said in a serious voice.
" How much time do we have Elder?" ask Gory, the goblins leader.
" If the elder has succeeded 500 years of living, and encountered no problems throughout the rule, he is granted eternal rest by the mother if he so ask. He could decide to be a member of the council, while the rest elect the new elder by the time the mother decided to choose a new guardian. As is written in the book of law."
" Elder! Elder Markim! " A frantic assistant wizard came running into the room,
" What are you doing here? This is a sacred place not meant for-"
"A thousand apologies Elder, but I bear a great news! A new guardian has been chosen! The flowers of Emira are blooming! Here!" the little wizard unfurled his hand and there lies the beautiful flower that heals everything.
All the people in the room stood up to look into the hands of a boy, and then outside the window. Sure enough the tree of life is blooming. Some of it are falling, into the hands of the people of La Divina. Such a great time for the people outside, so little time for the people inside for they have to choose a new elder right now, there's no time to waste, as written in the book of law.
Elisse had just turned 25. She had been living on her own since she was 16. Her parents had been a victim. They were researchers, on a mission to know more of the other side. But just like what always happen, once the human people know about their real identity, they were sold to the wealthy, to be exploited, that such disgrace would weaken a fairy's soul. By the time her parents were rescued, it was too late to heal their wounds. Physical wounds were easy, it was the soul that couldn't be saved.
She was on her way to the town to sell the flowers she had planted and harvested herself. She's just one of the few fairies that can grow beautiful flowers. She didn't know where she got her gifts, for her parents were more gifted in academics. She just love growing flowers, and it was this gift that had help her survive on her own.
She was humming while she was walking, and the suddenly,
" Child, come for the time is nigh for you to embrace your destiny" said the enchanting voice she'd heard.
She felt panic rise up to her throat, she looked around hoping to see someone, to tell her it was just a prank.
" No, No,no----" and everything went black.
(AN: Please let me know what you think of this chapter. Thank you! Also, I would love to hear about cover ideas for this story. Thanks again , XOXO)
YOU ARE READING
MONSTER IN PARADISE
FantasyElisse was on a run. Her life was put in danger when she became the guardian of the cup of everlasting life. And so many beings, from the average to the powerful ones, are after it. Damien was a renegade. He abandoned his pack after he was brokenh...
