The Secret of Blood Mountain

☽ 11 ☾ Jimeonn

"Hey, little one," Jimeonn cooed, his voice a melody of warmth. "I will take you out for some fresh air while they prepare your supper. Would you like to see the birds?"

Outside, dusk painted the sky with muted hues. Jimeonn squinted at the soft light, shielding his eyes with his arm. Yet, the vibrant colors of the sky, reflected in the child's clear eyes, stirred an intense love that brought tears to his eyes—tears not from the blazing light, but from the profound beauty before him.

It was Jimeonn's responsibility to bring the child outside each day, allowing them to bask in the blessings of the fading daylight and thrive. Winter, having grown too close to the child's mother, could not be entrusted with this task.

Observing the budding connection between Winter and the child's mother, Jimeonn recognized the silent exchange of love between them. They understood the risks, knowing Taeleorn's potential for vindictiveness. Unable to bear witness to their destruction in a jealous rage, Jimeonn kept his thoughts to himself.

With a melancholic heart, Jimeonn sang in his high, sweet voice as he cradled the child against his breast.

"She came around all hallow's eve 

I fear to pay the teind 

the queen of the fairies took your mum 

in yon green hill to dwell 

for pleasant is this fairyland 

to them that in it dwell 

but at the end of seven years, 

they pay a teind to hell"

The child gazed up at Jimeonn with large, innocent eyes, responding with a sweet smile. A mere baby, still in need of his mother, the child's dependence tugged at Jimeonn's heart, saddened by the knowledge that he could not have her.

Jimeonn pointed out pretty flowers, and mimicked the sounds of birds and frogs, eliciting joyous laughter from the child.

"Pay no mind to my song, dear child, for you are too precious to us. We could never let you go, our dear little prince. You will stay with us forever, and I will play my harp for you. We will dance in the wooded dell and make crowns of flowers for our heads."

Though the baby couldn't comprehend his words, the soft voice and gentle kindness resonated with him.

Thus, Jimeonn spent the time until the stars emerged, and the baby, growing fussy, yearned for milk. He returned the child to the maid and marveled at Jeongyl's artistic creation. The beautiful artwork warmed his heart, grateful for the presence of such friends.

(Edited 1/28/24)