Villainess From the Stars

24. Names

Vienna stopped counting the days and soon the roof was finally upon the small abode that they'd been building. Time passed and Vienna watched as Aelius began to court Eirlys. One day when they were in the woods searching for some mushrooms that Eirlys loved, Viennacouldn't help but notice the excited thrum of activity surrounding them.

The forest seemed to be bursting with life that day; all the Elemširdis had came out to play among the leaves or hunt like them for little treasures hiding beside the visible roots. Vienna's hand grasped a nearby tree branch tightly in hand gazing up at its boughs reaching towards the skies and gasped as her ache slammed itself within her chest causing her to lean upon the trunk. Her eyes closed as she took deep breaths, trying to calm her heart.

It had been so long since she had been home.

Her eyes drifted towards where the copse of trees grew denser; a feeling within seemed to almost tug her forward. Breathing deeply she began running through the trees swerving through them so as not to step on unsuspecting Elemširdis.

A branch would get in the way and she'd grab it swinging upwards only to find the surge of assurance growing stronger the more she moved forward.

She followed the tugging sensation at the depths of her soul until she reached a clearing at the heart of the forest.

Viennalet out a small cry.

The Old One stood before her in all its beautiful wise glory, its thick branches reaching up towards the skies. Vienna ran toward it and hugged the base, her hands not being able to reach around even the whole front but she let out a laugh as the tears overfilled her eyes.It had grown even bigger than when it had been at the estate, but she could feel it was the same.

The roots were so large that she could duck underneath, beneath them she found a whole 'hiding space' within the Old One. Perfect for a little getaway just for herself.

The Elem seemed to be gone from the area, not one glint upon a wing could be found. She was alone to talk to her old friend and hug the roots. Deep down she knew if she sent her emotions through, somehow they'd make it to her father. As the days passed the little hollow within the old one grew and soon she had her own home within the 'old one's' embrace, her private nook.

Although she cared for her Aelius and Eirlys sometimes it felt like she hadeyes watching her wherever she went. In her hollow, she was safe from crying eyes.

—-

As more of the odd timeless sort of days passed, she would find herself exploring the Secret Garden with Aelius and Eirlys along her side.

It would be when she was having a picnic of flatbread with jam and fresh persica juice that she'd see a different side to the two of them.

It was while she explored the fields of wildflowers she met more of theElemširdis she had helped set free.

"Be careful Bhelfl'ōr stay where we can see you!"