Cealania

Chapter Four

I followed them down the neatly paved dirt path. Which was a relief to walk on after the rough, messy forest floor we took here. As we walked, I studied the trees. I just couldn't get over how big they where. But what I really couldn't get over was that these Centaurs lived in them. I wonder what's inside of them. If their even larger on the inside? If they furniture like humans? If they cook and if they do, then how do they cook without burning down the tree? More questions continue to cloud my mind, making the curiosity too great to ignore.

Without giving it a second thought, I walk up to the closest tree. I was standing in front of the large round door, and standing so close I notice something else about it. The door was beautifully carved, beautifully detailed. There are tree branches carved throughout the door with leaves both big and small coming out of them. And on the right sitting atop a branch, was a birds nest. The birds nest was so detailed that I could see each twig put into the structure holding the nest together. And sitting in the nest was a bird. I don't know what kind of bird, to me it looks like a regular bird. Like the who hang out on the tree tops and annoy you half to death with all their chirping. Only this one was larger. And prettier. Before reaching for the door handle, I stared mesmerized at the amazing art work displayed on the doors. I wonder if there's any meaning behind it?

This is weird, I have to look up at the door handle. And I had to jump to grab a hold of it. I tried to push it open by pushing my knees against it while I turned the handle at the same time. That didn't work. I mean this door is unnaturally heavy. Now I try pushing it open by turning the handle, then swinging my body hard into the door. Which wasn't the best idea, because it hurt a lot. But the door did slightly open, and the door is as thick as it is heavy.

"BLAKE!" Dad, I mean Uncle Jeff yells.

Startled, I lose my grip on the handle and I fall. I land hard on my feet, which sends shockwaves of pain up my body. Like hitting the door didn't leave me in enough pain.

"Blake, you can't just open someone's door!" Dad/Uncle Jeff scolded. "These are their homes. It would be like walking into someone's house without permission."

I wouldn't really know anything about walking into someone else's house. Being that I haven't been to anyone else's house. But I hold my tongue, not wanting to ruin the excitement of being introduced to the Centaurs. Instead I just nod my head and let him lead me away.

After what felt like forever, we finally reached the end of the path. Which is good because I was getting bored of looking at the long row of tree houses. The path opened up into a gigantic clearing. Like the size of four football fields. And set up for as far as I could see where tables. Regular round wooden tables. Only they where about three feet taller than regular tables, and there where no tables set up around them.

"What now?" I ask losing my patience.

"Just wait, he'll be here soon."

And sure enough my eyes widen in fascination yet again, as the most disturbingly beautiful creature approaches us. He was literally half man and half horse. From the waist up he was a very muscular shirtless man. Right under his belly is when the skin begins turning to fur. His dark fur looks surprisingly clean and beautifully smoothed out, with a natural shine coming off of it. His horse body was thick and unnaturally muscular, unlike the pictures I've seen. In the pictures the horses look more lean and thinner, like their legs are going to snap when they run. He definitely didn't look like that. When I looked up I was barely able to see his face. He stands at about eight feet tall while I'm barely five feet tall. So you can imagine what a giant he was to me. I took a few steps back to get a better look at his face. The first thing I notice are his abnormally large elf like ears. Similar to mine, only his are more rounded then mine. Tucked behind his ears lies rough, dark brown, wavy hair that falls right below his shoulders. He has small bright yellow eyes, and a flat long arrow shaped nose between them. His lips, so thin it's like he doesn't have any.

"Greetings Jeff and Kayla! And welcome back, it's always a pleasure to be visited by friends." He begins in a deep, strong, noble voice. He then rests his eyes on me, curiously looking me up and down. Making me shift uncomfortably. He must have noticed because he continues. "And you must be Blake. Forgive me, it's just that I've heard so much about you over the years. Frankly I can't quite believe that I'm finally meeting you. I am Ceaser, leader of the Centaurs. It's a pleasure to meet you."

I just simply nod my head, too stunned to find my words. When they realize I'm not going to answer, Mom decides to break the silence. "Thank you for taking us in on such short notice." She said she hurriedly. "It's just that we've received word that the Elf Hunters are....."

Ceaser puts his hand up to silence her. "No need to explain, I'm well aware of the situation." I wish they would explain it to me. "It's our pleasure to have you, you are welcome to stay as long as need be."

"Thank you." Mom answers gratefully, relief written all over her face.

Not able to keep my mouth shut any longer, without thinking I just blurt out the question that's been on my mind since we arrived. "Where is everyone?" That earned me stern stares from my parents. But I honestly didn't care, because if I can't get answers from them maybe I could get answers from him.

Ceaser must have noticed my parents glare because he quickly cut in. "It's quite all right. This is all new to her. I would expect she's only curious of her new reality, she meant no harm." My parents both nod in agreement. Ceaser then turns to me. "Now to answer you question. The majority of our females are mothers, so I expect they are in their homes tending to their little ones. Our males are out hunting this morning, but I expect they shall return shortly. Our children are in training. And finally our older children, who I expect are closer to your age. Since their training doesn't start until later in the day, I believe they are playing leaf blade."

That last part really caught my attention. "What's leaf blade?"

Ceaser laughed at that. He was probably expecting me to be interested in that. "Why don't I take you there. It will give you a chance to meet some children your own age, and get to know more about us. Plus it will give me a chance to discuss some things with your parents." He motioned for me to follow him. And without any hesitation, I did.