Tales of a Dead God

Chapter Seventeen: The Beautiful Coward

Noah and Theo had awakened to an empty room. They messed around for about an hour until Theo began getting restless. Neither Ciro nor Gabriel came to relieve their boredom so the boys decided to explore on their own. Both threw on some clothing they had found lying on the couch. Noah peaked his head out looking down the hall as if they were about to sneak out. Theo however pushed past him and started down the hall with Noah hot on his heels.

A few maids were busy with morning duties. Noah smiled their way trying to blend in. Truth be told he stood out more with the lost look in his eyes and the hesitant walking. Theo was as lost as ever, but he had learned the art of blending in. He took turns left and right hoping they wouldn't end up in the dungeons. Luckily, they didn't and instead found themselves near some gardens.

They made their way to the largest garden that sat right center of the palace. Large Weeping Willows hid the entrances with their long snake-like limbs. A gazebo sat in the center giving some nice shade. Different flowers and plants blossomed into an array of colors for all the senses. The sweet smells of many and the soft touch of the leaves. It was like a mini haven in an already magical place. Theo had stopped talking and was now closely studying all the different plants. Noah, lost in thought, aimlessly wandered through the garden letting his hands graze the taller plants. With a sigh, Noah sat down on the pathway and looked up at the forming afternoon clouds.

What I would give to be back home as a kid again. Noah thought. He let out a soft sigh and watched Theo. He couldn't figure out how Theo was so carefree at a time when war was right there on the horizon. Maybe it was a good thing though. Theo was able to still be a kid for just a little longer.

God knows the boys that enter into war truly die when they wave their goodbyes.

As Theo continued bouncing around to the different flowers, a soft jingle sound caught Noah's attention. At first, he thought it was just some wind chimes in the distance and he brushed it off. Again the jingling only it was closer. Noah turned his head towards the sound but nothing was there. He laid back hands behind his hand to enjoy the warm day. The soft jingling occurred again but Noah didn't look if he stayed still, maybe he could see what the source was. A few minutes later he felt a small weight grow on his right shoulder and tickling on his cheek. Noah tilted his head to the side and saw the strangest thing he had laid eyes on.

A large red rose floated on his shoulder, but in fact, it wasn't floating at all. The petals moved to reveal a little face. The creature climbed up with some trouble but made its way onto Noah's chest as he lay there in shock. A rose rested as a crown on its head but more of the red petals fell into a small dress for the creature. It gave a wave and smile at Noah and floated up a few feet.

Noah raced to his feet feeling his heart pound in his chest. "What the hell is that thing?" This made Theo turn to the outburst.

"What's going on?" Theo yelled from across the courtyard. Noah was too stunned to speak and stood in place. "Noah, what are you looking at?" Theo came over and saw what Noah was frozen in place for.

"I don't fucking know!" Noah yelled out. The little creature was now floating a few feet above their heads now waving. Theo waved back while Noah was wide-eyed staring at the strange thing.

"It's a flower?" Theo looked at Noah but he clearly was of no help. "Well, it looks like a flower." Right about that time two more floated up to meet the first one. One looked to have a delicate-looking petal dress made from soft white orchid petals with a pink orchid placed on its head. The other was a magnificent violet that had a small crown made from the leaves of another plant. "I'm not sure what they are."

The three creatures floated down to Theo and giggled but it sounded like wind chimes. Theo smiled and held out his hand for one to land on. Noah came up for a closer inspection. While looking at the one Theo was holding, Noah didn't notice that the rose had landed on his shoulder. Both boys were in awe of the strange little creatures and their playfulness. They were so caught up in the new friend that no one noticed the new visitor that had appeared in the garden.