Love by the Mystic Sea

Chapter Five ☾

I sat on an old wooden bench in the back of my home. The back of our home is a small gorgeous garden that is Mother's pride and joy. After their mating ceremony, Father had laid the foundation of Mother's garden. Small beds of colorful flowers sprung up from the ground. Large trees with thin trunks provided shade from the scolding heat of the sun. Most of the trees were filled with flowers or fruit. 

The flowers in the garden brought a pleasant aroma throughout the garden. Most people would assume that the vast variety of flowers would have a powerful aroma. However, it had the opposite affect on people. A sense of calm filled the air and they were able to relax easily. 

My bare feet are resting on the cool bench as my back leaned against the benches frame. The gentle breeze causes the bottom of my soft peach gown to flutter. I love the cut open sleeves and and blue beaded waistline of this gown. The large ancient  book of the Emerald Isle is open and rests on my lap.

I tried to continue reading in my bedroom, but I could no concentrate. I would catch myself looking away from the page. It was as if I was trying to memorize every detail of the room, so that I will recall every detail after I leave. After I realized this I decided I may have an easier time if I moved outside. 

The strategy worked and I have been able to read quite a lot. I am currently reading about the Crossing and mating ceremony. Apparently, before I depart on my journey I will receive gifts from my family. The gifts are typically hair accessories or jewelry. Then once I reach the Old Forest I will meet my future husbands Father, King Thorin. I have never met him before, but I have heard War stories from the Elders. He is a force to reckon with on the battle field. 

King Thorin will present me with a gown that I will wear while crossing the Jade Crossing. Then King Thorin will escort me to his son, King Blyn. Afterwards, we shall pass the Crossing together. I hope that I can handle the Crossing. The book mentioned that the Jade Crossing is hidden with powerful magic. There are times when I feel weak against powerful magic. However, this weakness only occurs if I have used too much of my own magic. 

I am able to feel a sense of calm even if I may feel slightly weakened because Asher is accompanying me. He specializes in healing and protection magic. In the event I become ill Asher will be there to ease the unwell feeling. 

As I continue reading I discover that once I have crossed over to the Emerald Isle the mating ceremony will begin. The mating ceremony is quite similar to the binding ceremony here on the Lunar Isle. I sigh in relief at the similarities of the ceremonies in both our lands. As I continue reading I feel a hand press down on my shoulder.

I jump slightly at the sudden contact against my skin. I turned my head slightly to see my Father staring down at me. A smile brightened his tan skin and softened his strong square shaped face. The long scar under his left eye appeared smaller due to his smile. The sun rays reflected off his hazel eyes. The wind caused the fluffy front portion of his black hair to sway.

"Good afternoon Father" I said while looking up at him. "Good afternoon Carita. May I sit beside you?" asked Father. I nodded while I moved to the left of the bench. Once Father had enough room I stopped moving. I bent the corner of the page I was reading and closed the book. He stretched out his long brown leather boot covered legs. 

I am glad Father decided to sit down because he is quite tall. His 6'1'' lean yet muscular frame towers over my 5'4'' height. "Are you prepared for your departure?" asked Father. I let out a soft sigh and slowly shook my head. "No not entirely, but I am preparing myself" I said while holding onto the book. 

My nails slightly dug into the soft leather cover of the book. He placed his large hand over mine. "Please believe me that once you reach the Old Forrest all will be well. After you meet your future husband everything will make sense" he said. I blinked slowly unsure of the meaning behind his words.