CHAPTER VII
A Short Break
The blissful breeze was blowing in the air, spreading the fragrance of exquisite flowers from the garden. The dazzling sun was high in the clear, cloudless sky. Aerien could hear the delightful chirping of the birds. She could feel the silky cloth underneath her, spread upon a soft, delicate cushion, on which she lay.
She was afraid to open her eyes, lest the beautiful dream would fade away and she should find herself in darkness, all alone.
“Wake up dear.” Whispered a female voice. It was melodious, yet careworn. “Wake up dear, you must eat something.” She said.
Slowly and hesitantly Aerien opened her eyes, expecting to find the shadows mocking at her. Instead, she found herself in splendid room, with artistic wooden carving and furniture. The room was spacious and well lit. Beautiful fragrance from her dream hung in the air. The bed she was lying on was no less grand.
But none of them matched the beauty of the woman sitting next to her. She had pale skin with lovely grey eyes. Her long, brown hair was let loose. Her every feature was perfect and looked queenly. She wore a simple long gown of faded blue colour. An aurora of light seemed to radiate from her. Next to her, Aerien felt small and insignificant.
“Wake up dear.” She repeated in her musical voice.
“Where am I?” Aerien managed. Her voice hoarse and husky.
“You are in the Silverhouse of Folvar. And I am the lady of this house. Gealethwen is my name. Who are you young lady?” She asked.
“I am Aerien Estelimiel.” She said. “You are the one who rescued me from the…beasts…whatever they were.”
“They were tigers, ferocious beasts. Haven’t you heard of them?” She asked her eyes curious like a child’s.
“No, we don’t have tigers from where I come from.” She answered thoughtfully and she paused, thinking something.
“Am I dead?” Aerien finally asked.
“No no dear you are not.” Gealethwen answered. “I have sent the foul beasts away. They won’t trouble you when you are here. I have brought and tended you.” She said and laughed. Suddenly it seemed to Aerien that she looked familiar. She had seen her smile somewhere. But then the suspicion passed the next moment.
“Say how is your arm now?” Gealethwen asked.
Aerien looked at her left arm. She had completely forgotten about it. It was now cleaned and properly bandaged. She felt no pain at all. She was also wearing a simple, clean dress and her hair was braided.
“It is better. I cannot feel the pain.” She answered.
“Good. It was in a terrible shape when I found you. But it won’t get any better until you have some food. Come. I have set the table for you.” She said and offered a hand for Aerien.
Aerien took the hand and carefully stepped out of the bed. At first she stumbled, but after a few steps she was able to walk normally. The soaring pain in her body had vanished completely. Aerien suspected that the lady was more than she had let her know.
The dining hall was as magnificent as the other rooms. It was set in an open area, overlooking the garden and in the middle stood a little table with chairs for two people. To Aerien’s surprise, the table was laid according to the food of her time. There was bread, cheese and meat. Nothing too ostentatious.
Gealethwen gestured her to sit down. She did as she was asked and Gealethwen followed. The food was plain but flavorsome and appetizing. Aerien was vaguely aware of Gealethwen watching her every move.
YOU ARE READING
THE LAST LIGHT
FantasíaShe remembered the day the Great War came to an end. She was five at that time. Everyone was rejoicing but her mother cried, her brother had shut himself up in his room. They told her that her father was dead. But she did not understand, she did not...
