The Remembered (Elements II)

Chapter 1

Tentatively, Korith made his way towards her pond. She hadn’t changed much over the past two years, although the weeping willow by her pond had steadily grown larger and stronger.

With a sigh, he sat on the bench, hanging his head and closing his eyes. He was lost, and needed his mother’s help and advice.

“So you’re the cause of the breeze, un annwyl.”

Her tone was light, teasing him, and he looked up at her. She was standing in front of him, unchanged but for some new tattoos, her deep green eyes betraying her concern.

“How are you faring, fy mab?”

He shrugged. “Alright,” he replied. “How are you?”

A wry smile crossed her face and she came to sit down beside him. “Your brother’s causing trouble again.”

He stared at her, startled. Now that she was closer, he could see a glimmer of silver threaded through her dark hair. Yet she didn’t look old.

“I need some help,” he admitted.

She smiled. “That’s what I’m here for, un bach. What’s the problem?”

He sighed again, and looked down. “It’s Sofie,” he muttered.

“Ah.”

He glanced up, and saw that the water in the pond was swirling, rising up and into the shape of a dragon, as she often did.

“What do you want me to do then, Korith?”

He shrugged. “I don’t know,” he said helplessly, dropping his head again. “I don’t know what to think. I don’t know what to do.”

“I know, feinwen. Look at me.”

He obeyed her, and lifted his head. “What can I do?” he whispered.

Behind her, the dragon roamed the clearing, seeming to sniff the surrounds, exploring. She lifted his chin gently, and he shivered. She’d grown in power – he could feel it.

“You love her, do you?”

He felt the blood rushing to his face, and pulled away from her touch. He refused to answer, making her laugh.

“And what does she think of you?”

He shrugged. “I don’t know,” he muttered. “She left a few days ago.”

“I know, feinwen.

Startled, he looked at her. She nodded, and rose, returning to her pond. Anxious, knowing that she was ready to leave, he rose with her, wanting her to stay.

“Don’t go,” he pleaded.

She stopped, watching him with her wise green eyes. “I have to go, feinwen. I’m being called.”

“But…” he trailed off.

“You will work it out, fy mab,” she assured him. “Do you know what Sofie thinks of you?”

He shook his head. “No.”

“I’ll speak with her, Korith, but I can’t promise anything.”

He nodded. “Thank you,” he whispered.

“Ti yw fy mab,” she responded, and called the dragon back to her with a twitch of her fingers. The water being twined around her, and Korith watched in awe as her outline shimmered, and then she was gone, merged with the water that was so much a part of her.