Shadow Beings

21. Zephyr

For a moment, everything was still. Fragments of the land's blue energy swam in my mind, mostly excited to greet Evelyn but they welcomed me into their home, too. There was a sense of freedom and ebullience that brimmed in the atmosphere. It felt as if the spirit of this land pervaded throughout the Valley, sitting silently, waiting for something. These moments reminded me of the good in the world and how beautiful it was to exist and witness such energies. I cherished the thought and felt at peace.

Peace. Freedom from disturbance, from war. Where there is trust, and knowledge is used for the good. Where no hatred stems from the fear of time.

Someplace far from our world.

As time went on and my concentration increased, I realised the energy was wounded and the land did its best to hide that hurt. A lot of damage had already been done since Vlad first woke up - perhaps even before that - and I couldn't bear the thought of any creature suffering anymore. I couldn't let any sort of war break out. A fight between the 'races' of Shadow Beings would set the world in absolute chaos. It would destroy the equilibrium of energy, the fabric of the Shadow Dimension, which was already at a delicate point.

"How do we find the key? This entire Valley is the home," Conrad said in deep thought as he held his chin with his hand.

"We could just ask the land," Elek suggested.

"You're kidding, right?"

I whispered something in Evelyn's mind and she repeated it for me. "Audrey says the spirit of the land is present throughout this area. I feel it too, and it is not inactive so it will listen to us."

Silence fell around us. Elek and Conrad now stared at Evelyn their eyes brightening with joy and intrigue. Her aura's vigour had increased exponentially and from the corner of her eyes, I could see a faint, comforting glow of light surround her. As she turned her head down, I noticed blue sparks of light ignite about her and a free smile tugged on her expression.

Evelyn giggled as she began to speak to the Land. "Uh, hello! I hope you're okay and that we're not interrupting anything. I'm speaking to the land, by the way. We wanted to ask you something, if that's okay."

Evelyn's tone was filled with intrigue and sincerity. The wind began to pick up its pace and softly brushed Evelyn's hair, carrying the scent of life with it. An aura of awe developed in Evelyn's eyes and my vision brightened momentarily. The air around her felt light and free, now.

"Hello, dear," came a sweet, airy voice, reverberating across the atmosphere like a whisper. "I know you wish to have the land's key, and I am aware that it is for a noble cause. However, I need firm assurance that the key will be returned to the land as soon as possible." The tone of the last few words dropped into a fearful whisper, the light around me darkening, but it lifted once again with the sparks igniting around Evelyn.

"We promise to give it back to you," Elek tried with a nervous look, knowing he had failed.

"Those are empty words. I need assurance," The wind said in a firm but kind voice.

A tensed silence filled the atmosphere now, but I could sense the light sensation of the atmosphere, and the air here was truly free of all disturbances. Evelyn returned to a quiet demeanour, deep in thought. Her eyes scanned her environment and I could feel her warm smile. She thought rapidly, earnestly. She sighed softly before addressing the spirit.

"We will only use the key to get the Demon Lord's stone, after which we will return it to you as soon as possible. I promise on the hearthstone."

I was so surprised that Evelyn's mind almost slipped out of my control.