𝖈𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖆𝖎𝖓| Nikolai Lantsov

Where it all began |

I remember the moment I learned to swing but for some reason I can only see the memory in black and white. I'd look to the sky, making myself dizzy with imagination trying to decipher the shapes of the clouds. I remember my childhood backyard, the palace, the Queen's flowers pecking over the fence. The excessive dirt always changing all of it beautiful mess. I never spent much time in that palace I was always outside with my brother and Nikolai, my childhood fading away. Now I wish I had spent more time in the palace. It feels like it was only a dream.
Mere deja vu.

But some memories never leave your bones. like salt in the sea: they become part of you.
- and you carry them.

Summer in Os Alta ~

15 years old

Today was the last day of Summer. Dominik and I decided to take Nikolai to the beach to enjoy our last glimpse of freedom.

We have been friends with Nikolai since we were little due to our parents serving in the 1st army and our father being a general. But when our parents died, the Lanstov's took us in as their own. It was hard to fit in, especially with my powers being in the way. Many made fun of us, we were the "orphan twins" the ones with no family to turn to. Well that was with the exception of Nikolai. And over the years, our trio became closer and closer.

Over the summer, going to the beach became a habit. All three of us trying to escape our responsibilities; Dominik was to join the 1st army in September and I was to continue my training and gain control over my powers. Nikolai was often dragged into meetings by his father and was appalled when he was tolled that he had to join Dominik. It was definitely not all fun and games anymore.

______

It had been a couple of hours since we arrived at the beach and both Nikolai and Dominik were messing about, splashing each other in the water. The sun was already beginning to set so I decided to sit back and enjoy the view.

I sauntered down the beach as I watched the resplendent sunset with an unwavering gaze. The sun shined crimson and saffron, and the sky embraced it gracefully like an everlasting union of two love-souls.

As I sat down relishing the solitude for time-being, I felt the crimson rays of sun kissing my face and arms, laminating me with its warmth. The cool summer breeze which was full with the smell of sea-salt satiated my soul like a honey-bee finding an indefectible dandelion flower.

The sea glistened like an emerald, refreshing my memory of the day spent at trekking in the dense forest of sublime Western Ghats. When I gazed at the harmonious waves, I had a transcendental experience of life itself. For the first time in a long while, I felt one with my soul. I felt free as I looked at the crepuscular rays shading the atmosphere.

The serene and content ambience reminded me of the prince finally meeting Rapunzel after years of wandering in the forest. The symphony of nature slowly reached its epilogue as the twilight dawned before me, giving me an epiphany of taking a break and reminding me to unwind myself, after tolling away all day long.

I took my book out and began to read; the same book I had read many times this Summer. The lives of Saints. It had become one of my favourites. I loved the adventure of each story and the dangers of each one. I mean, what is like without a little risk?