Guardian Of Ancient Wood

Chapter 41

Leaf awoke early, the subtle chill in his bed alerting him that something was amiss. At around five in the morning, he reluctantly extricated himself from the warmth of his covers, compelled by the curiosity of Furie's absence. A silent determination led him through the familiar paths of his dwelling, a yearning to find Furie and ensure her well-being. To his surprise, he discovered her in the living room, deeply engrossed in a notebook, pen dancing across the pages with purpose. Leaf observed her for a moment before she acknowledged his presence, her greeting ushering a warmth into the room that belied the early hour. "Good morning, Leaf," Furie greeted him, her eyes reflecting a mixture of focus and affection. Leaf, with sleep still lingering in his eyes, found himself enchanted by the sight of Furie immersed in her thoughts. "You're up early, Furie. Are you alright?" he inquired, a hint of concern etching his words. Furie responded with a gentle smile, patting the space next to her on the sofa. "Come sit, Leaf. I've been up for a while, and I have an idea I want to share with you. But first, I need to ask you a few questions," she said, her voice carrying a blend of excitement and determination.

Leaf, with an endearing messiness to his usually impeccable appearance, settled onto the sofa beside her, wrapping himself in a piece of the blanket that had adorned Furie's lap. The morning light began to seep through the windows, casting a soft glow on the pair engrossed in the unfolding conversation.

Furie's questions flowed like a river, each one revealing a deeper curiosity about the intricacies of Guardian life. "How old is the Queen?" she inquired, her eyes reflecting an eagerness to understand the world she had entered. Leaf, the seasoned guide to the realm of Guardians, shared his knowledge patiently. "Queen Guaya is nearly 300 years old. She has held the title of Guardian Queen for close to 200 years now," he divulged, his expression thoughtful as he delved into the historical aspects of their monarchy. As Furie absorbed this information, she couldn't help but ask about the general lifespan of a Guardian. Leaf explained, "Guardians can live up to 500 years in human terms," unraveling the thread of time that wove through their existence.

However, the extended lifespan came with its own set of challenges. Leaf illuminated a less-discussed facet, "Guardians' fertility is different from humans'. Have you noticed the scarcity of children in the Guardian world?" Furie nodded in realization, acknowledging that children were indeed a rare sight in the realm she now called home. Leaf continued his informative narrative, describing the protective cocoon that enveloped Guardian children during their formative years. "Guardian children are rare, and their parents go to great lengths to ensure their safety. For the first decade of their lives, they hardly venture outside, with their parents diligently preparing them before they take their first steps beyond the safety of home," he revealed. Furie absorbed this revelation with a mix of surprise and understanding, her mind processing the complexities of Guardian life. Leaf's patient explanations wove a tapestry of knowledge around her, giving her deeper insights into the world she had become a part of.

Furie's curiosity sprouted anew, her questions weaving through the fabric of Guardian ages. "How old are you, Leaf?" she queried, her eyes gleaming with intrigue. Leaf, with a gentle smile, replied, "I am 128 years old." He observed the emotions playing on Furie's face, noting the transition from surprise to contemplation. As Furie processed this information, her inquisitiveness sparked again. "What about Ash? And Rain? And Zephyr?" she pressed on, eager to unravel the ages of her newfound friends. "Zephyr and I share the same age, I think" Leaf answered, allowing Furie to grasp the scope of their lifespans. "Rain is young, he is 75 years old. As for Ash, you might want to inquire about his age directly," Leaf suggested, sensing that Furie's journey of discovery had only just begun. Furie, still absorbing the revelation, couldn't help but express her amusement. "You call 75 years old young? Suuure," she teased, her tone playful. The concept of age in the Guardian world was reshaping Furie's understanding of time and longevity.

The realization hit Furie like a wave – she and Blaze, at 28 years old, were considered mere children in the vast expanse of Guardian existence. The prospect of an extended life stretched out before her, altering her perspective on time and the experiences it held. The weight of the ages around her, like the wise branches of an ancient tree, whispered stories of a world beyond the confines of her previous understanding.

After a little while, Leaf made some coffee and grabbed a mug for Furie. As Furie sipped her coffee, she felt the warmth of its embrace as her words unfolded before Leaf's intrigued gaze. "I think I could make an offer to Blaze," she mused, her eyes meeting Leaf's with a spark of determination. Leaf, leaning in with an intensity in his gaze, listened attentively as Furie unraveled her idea. Instead of immediately seizing the throne from Guaya, Furie proposed a different path. "What about Blaze and I wait for the Queen to finish her reign?" she suggested, her mind weaving a vision of a different future. Furie explained that rather than diving into a clash for power, she wanted to negotiate with Blaze. The plan was to propose a truce, urging her sister to postpone the inevitable duel. This would grant the two sisters centuries of a happy life together.

Furie's reasoning flowed as she detailed her desire for a genuine connection between herself and Blaze. She wanted to cultivate understanding and camaraderie, free from the shadows of the prophecy. The Queen, in this vision, would peacefully conclude her reign, leaving the path clear for Furie and Blaze to live their lives without the looming threat of a duel. Furie harbored no desire for hatred toward the Queen. Instead, she aimed for a peaceful coexistence, a life where the Queen and her throne were distant concerns. Peace, above all, was Furie's true aspiration. The delicate aroma of coffee lingered in the air as Furie articulated her vision.

Leaf's eyes held admiration and understanding as Furie unfolded her plan. The simplicity and wisdom behind her proposal resonated with him. Furie's idea felt like a breath of fresh air in the midst of tension and uncertainty. Leaf found himself appreciating Furie's mind and the way she approached the complex situation. "I think this could really work," Leaf affirmed, his voice carrying a touch of optimism. His words weren't just an acknowledgment; they were a statement of belief and support. Furie's plan had struck a chord with Leaf, aligning with the values he held dear – harmony, understanding, and a pursuit of happiness.

In the quietude of the room, Leaf's encouragement became a beacon of hope for Furie. The shared vision of a peaceful and fulfilling future seemed within reach, fueled by their joint determination. As they contemplated the possibilities, the room echoed with the subtle resonance of agreement and the promise of a different fate for the two sisters.