Secrets of the Trees

8 - Discovery And A Secret

I awoke early in the morning, to the sound of quiet chattering in the other room. Lifting the blankets, and stepping out of bed, I made my way to Kael's library/kitchen.

"And this one. What is it about?" Asked Deliah, pulling a rusty colored book from the bookshelf.

Kael turned his head toward her. "Just old folktales about the Eramthgin. Nothing special."

Deliah made a 'hmm' noise and shoved it back in, moving her lithe body towards the little armchair.

"Good morning Lily! How have you slept? I assume well enough. Kael go fetch her something to eat. We'll be in the other room." He just nodded, and the fiery-haired fairy tugged my arm into the bedroom.

What did you make for me? I'm starving." I asked when he came back after I had dressed. Reaching into one of the cabinets, Kael pulled out something round and covered in a white cloth, and handed it to me. After I unwrapped it, then familliar sight of the moist apricot-tasting cake came to view.

"Thank you."

"It is my solemn duty to serve the high powers of this land." Said Kael, bowing in a cheesy manner, to which I replied with a classic eye-roll and a shove of his shoulders.

"Deeeeliah! Can we start my fighting training already? I feel we're wasting time now."

She flitted into the kitchen and outside, so I followed.

Several hours passed of difficult tricks and tips that I had to learn. You know how in gym class they make you stretch before actually participating? Oh, well apparently, there's no such thing here. My day started immediatly with trying to out-run Kael in the forest which was a total fail. He was way too quick for me, and constantly disappeared from sight.

Great, so, their teaching me first how to cower. If I didn't bike everyday, this would have been really painful. Deliah perfected my technique on archery. Thanks to my mom, every year at summer camp I took archery so it was just a review for me, and actually really fun until she made me chase down a rabbit and try to kill it.

 Of course, I got yelled at when i barely penetrated its skin, pinning it to the ground. So I guess when you shoot animals, you're supposed to hit them in the head, or in vital organs so they don't have a slow and painful death. Oops.

Luckily, there wasn't anymore training to do today. But guess what's for dinner? Yep, rabbit. And it is not actually that bad...

More sitting around the firepit was totally awkward. No noises but chewing, and the fire cackling in the moonlight. It was so mezmerizing to watch the flames dance around, licking the air as they ascended. Finally, Deliah broke the silence.

"Overall, you have had a most successful day. I am sorry to say that tomorrow will not be the same. It is the right season for berry picking, so we are going to collect some. Along the way, you will practice the language, and if we happen to see any more edible animals, you know what to do." With that said, she waved goodbye, and flew away from sight, into the shadows of the woods.

The next morning came by quickly, but this time Kael woke me up. He handed me my satchel, and a black velvet cloak to cover myself in the cool morning. We left the house, and began walking through several bushes and brushes until we came to a small dirt path. It looked so much like the one back home in Elkwood.

 I was half expecting to see the red painted on the trees. And to my surprise, there actually was red on some trees! Not in a descending line like back home, but around part of the path, were 6 trees with crimson splashed across. My jaw dropped.

"What are you staring at?" Questioned Kael. My finger pointed to the sight. "Oh that? I'm not actually sure what that is, or was. It has been here for several years. I came across it once when I was young, exploring the forest."