Magic is feared. You have spent your life hiding because of it.
But when the magic across the land begins to fade, and the forests start to die, you are forced into an uneasy alliance with the very kingdom that once cast your kind out.
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The courtyard was empty when you arrived, the grass cool beneath your boots. Fog lay thick along the castle walls, acting like a veil of mist. Through the thick of it, you spot Leila standing near the tree line. Her hands were folded behind her back and gaze focused on something beyond the wall in the forest.
You slowly approach her, taking a stand next to her. "Guardian." You greet, dipping your head in respect. Leila was no royal, but you wanted to treat her with the same respect, as she is well known in the forest as the protector of peace. Many looked up to her for guidance. She spoke for the forest in dire times such as now.
"No need for formalities, we do not follow the crown's customs." She turns to you with a soft smile, studying your face for a moment. "You look tired." She saw right through you.
After the meeting, Jungkook showed you to a room which would act as your temporary residence during the period of the alliance. It was closer to the courtyard where you would be spending the majority of the day's training. When you walked in, it felt a lot more welcoming. The room was decorated more thoughtfully, and the window was not boarded up.
You had tried to head to bed early, but your mind continued to race. After the incident with Jimin, you needed answers and you needed to know how to fix it. You could not lose the only family you had left.
You pull your eyes away from the forest sluggishly. "I couldn't sleep, too restless." You also take the time to study her face, it also mirrors the same tired expression. "You neither, it seems."
She hummed in response, her gaze reverting to the forest ahead. "Something on your mind?"
You hesitated before speaking, "I am surprised at how quickly the Forest agreed to the alliance." It was something that puzzled you ever since the meeting a day or so ago. You wanted to tread carefully not offend her. "I understand why, but that doesn't mean I trust Everett to hold up their end of the bargain."
"I do not trust them either, but we must if we wish to survive what is to come." Spoken with true wisdom and grace.
"And what if they fail us?" You said something you knew a lot of people were thinking but didn't dare to voice.
"Then we train," she turns to face you. "We can only control our own actions. So we train as to not bring shame to the people that are counting on us."
"You can trust me to do that." You respond firmly, purpose in your tone.
"I know I can." She sends you another one of her signature soft smiles before she nods her head back towards the entrance of the courtyard. "Come, they will be arriving soon." Knowing very well who 'they' are, you walk back to what looked like a nice patch of grass and lie down - hoping to get a few minutes to yourself.
The morning breeze flows gently through the trees, causing them to rustle softly. Pulling your arms up to your head, you rest on top of them. A tender smile makes its way to your lips, enjoying the way the sun warms your body. It felt like you were back in the Halcyon forest again.
