Warsong | Celeste Academy Series Book #4

Chapter Twenty-Eight ⚜ The Grandest of Goodbyes

Iolani stirred. Though she was a bit weak, she quickly regained her strength. Her breathing came easily and she was able to get up, looking at Valeriana with thanks. Despite the obvious relief, her bearing hinted of desperation.

"This is the scent I've been smelling since this morning." Keelan sniffed as he looked at the marvelous scene, bending to pick the pollen-seeds that scattered across the wooden bridge. "It's kinda . . . you know." He rubbed his nose as his voice turned high and nasal. "I wanna slee—achoo!"

"Bless you," Brindon commented beside him.

"Thanks."

"So this is the perfume you brought, Valeriana?" Eres inquired.

She chuckled guiltily, goosebumps trailing her skin as she looked at the white jade in her hand. The flowers that had grown from its pollen emitted a soft, ethereal glow. She doubted for a second that she was responsible for such a commotion. Tiger brushed against her side, making her sigh at the comfort offered by the feline.

"Yeah, kinda." She then turned to the bird familiar. "How are you, Iolani?" Valeriana asked.

"This one is fine, lheuim ansur. The matter is urgent. Thou art the only one that came to mind."

Valeriana stood, bringing Iolani with her. Tiger stared at the bird and mewled, taking a paw to the air and waving. "Alright, let's leave immediately."

Kalev came forward, rounding Chief Tilde only to stop at her side. "You've come a long way and the trip must've cost you days. Surely, you didn't come just to ensure our safety as guardians? Your friend here has also mentioned about something."

Valeriana winced in her heart as she tucked the white jade back to its pouch. It slowly closed up, assuming its ordinary sphere form. For now, they didn't have to worry about Dirinia being overtaken by demonic energy, especially with the presence of the valerianas all around their territory.

This kind of energy was pure and positive. Demonic energies or negativities would sizzle the moment they were touched by it.

"Then I'll be impetuous," Valeriana said with a thick face. "I came to ask for the Blessing of the Mountains from you Ivalis. If you were to agree to give it to me, how long will it take?"

Chief Tilde didn't seem too taken aback by her request, but there was mild surprise in her eyes. She held Valeriana's gaze calmly, drinking in the sight of the girl like she was some strange, exotic wine. "I don't have any issue with giving a blessing. But that decision is not mine to make but Denovega. And convincing him to grant it . . . takes time. After all, he is as . . . lazy as he is diligent."

"Then forget it," Valeriana stated. Her brows furrowed with deep creases. "Since the matter with Larkovia is urgent, I won't wait. Tamara asked you to come to me for help, didn't you, Iolani?"

The bird nodded.

"Then I can't turn her down." She then smiled. "I'm just glad they asked for me. That's more than enough."

"Oh, Valeriana." Iolani light shook her head as she squawked. "I apologize for this. I would've not bothered thee if it was not so important."

"It's fine, Iolani. Nothing's your fault. I'll just have to come back for the blessing at a later time." She looked at Chief Tilde. "You'll still be here, won't you?"

The woman nodded in affirmation. "Yes."

"Then it's no big deal," she said.

"I am honestly against this decision, but weighing the loss, I get where you're coming from," Eres said as he lightly shook his head, regret in his eyes.