a gorgeous white by Heather_anare

242: The years that passed

A brief silence filled the area. Only the calm whispers of the forests could be heard.

Moulin blinked, and his shoulders relaxed. Hands raised slowly, entering his sight. Moulin looked at them in shock and confusion. It was the first time his mana casted on its own without his guidance. A maeruthan's mana wasn't spontaneous. Aside from the protection and the effects it caused on the owner's body, it was still and submissive unless the maeruthan wields it.

Silver pupils quivered. What is happening to his body?

He breathes slowly. Suddenly, his vision began to blurry. Blotches of black gradually filled his sight. His body swayed with dizziness. This time there wasn't the presence of warm hands that used to catch his falling body. This time, he fell hopelessly on the snow.

The darkness then claimed Moulin. The last thing he heard was heavy footsteps hurrying towards him.

..........

..........

The thick distinct smell of something putrid and steak filled his nostrils. Something was burning. It smelled uncomfortably familiar. It brought memories-the flash of burning blood-red flowers. The flames crackled sinisterly. Massive pillars of smoke rose towards an invisible wall-a barrier enclosing all. Black corrupt energy engulfing all that is pure. Not even the spiritual temples could cleanse it.

But amidst the destruction, the chaos... a single blue flower remained untouched and pure. It glowed gently, warmly. A sense of longing then washed his soul.

'...-re you?'

A voice resounded within the darkness of his mind. Deep and familiar.

'-where... are you?'

That deep familiar voice was growing clearer and more evident as though nearing his ears. He sounded desperate, laced with ever-growing despair. And yet, something deep and dark lurked within his voice.

'Moulin...'

This time, he recognized it. Moulin felt his soul tremble. As though there was something warm embracing him the moment the word was spoken. The voice of the man he longed so much.

'Please... come back to me...'

Snap!

"Hadrian!

Moulin abruptly opened his eyes and rose. Chest rising and lowering rapidly as he breathes. When his vision finally adjusted, he froze, eyes darting around. He didn't recognize the place he was currently residing.

Furs and animal pelts filled the floor he was sleeping on and fabric draped down the ceiling. A colorful light filled the room even though there was only one lamp that illuminated it. Perhaps it was because the gauze-like cloth filtered the light around him. The equipment lying around didn't look primitive, unlike the room he was in. The room looked more like a cavern...

"Done sleeping?" A voice made the youth stopped.

Moulin turned his head to witness a beautiful woman entering, parting the partitions. Her sapphire eyes dazzled extravagantly against the dim light. Her skin was fair, and her hair was a pretty pale blue. The youth stared at her expressionlessly.

The woman chuckled, "The incense must have been effective on you..."

"Where am I?" Moulin asked, watching her pick up the clay bowl from the floor. His eyes noticed her webbed hands. There was only one race that he knew, which possessed such features. 'Merfolk...' He thought.

"You're resting in one of our caves..." She answered with a smile as she shed down the furred coat she wore. A strip of fabric was wrapped around her chest, and Moulin turned away, embarrassed. His reaction only made the woman giggle.