Thorns & Roses

8.

In her reclusive realm, Briar Rose wasn't very aware of the pass of time. To her, it was like a very long day with some short night periods and a visit from a certain human every now and then. Her days of solitude were filled with wholeness just with his company; she had been alone for so long... Her time was spent with chores and maintenance of her refuge. That was what she was doing while singing when Edric arrived. It was always the same exact song, a song from her earlier childhood, a song about love and tragedy between two improbable lovers. Briar sensed Edric's presence and looked back to face him.

- I was waiting for you - she declared, smiling.

- Before we begin, I want to ask you something - she nodded, giving permission - When you invaded my dream, my... nightmare... uh... what did you see?

The maiden stood quiet for a few seconds, recollecting the memory of some a few weeks ago. She talked while both were standing next the water, ready for exploring more memories and the opportunity to know each other better.

- There was a shadowy figure... No! It was a child, a boy, covered in shadows. I wanted to help him, but he disappeared before I could do anything. Why? Who was he?

- You'll see.

He gave her one of his hairs and she did the spell, reciting the strange words and turning the black stand into a dark thread of fluid light, just like the first time with hers. They repeated the ritual, passing through the tunnel of Edric's shattered memories. After the sudden fall, they landed in the middle of a golden wheat field. A gentle wind was shaking the plants and the red hair of the fairy while bringing with it guffaws of joy. Edric turned to Briar, facing her not with his usual good mood, but with a serious expression.

- Before we go further, I must tell you something, something I've been hiding to everyone.

- Why would you hide it? - she questioned, somewhat confused.

- Because I wanted to forget my past. Not talking about it was to make sure it stayed buried. But I don't want it anymore, not from you at least - he took her hands, closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to gain courage. She patiently waited, giving him all the time he needed - You were right. When you asked me who I was, I lied to you. But now, you'll learn the truth and I hope you can understand the reason why I wanted to forget.

Still hand in hand, he guided her through the wheat field until they reached a tree with fire-colored leaves where a young woman was resting while a little boy was running back and forth. The boy had jet-black hair and deep blue eyes, the whole image of the glimpse of the nightmare. The woman had the same eyes of the boy, but her hair was blonde, the same color of the wheat they landed in. Looking her closely, it was possible to see a big, linear and nasty scar of a deep cut coming from the back of her neck and ending on the left clavicle, but that did not take away her beauty. Their clothes diverged in many aspects: the boy looked like a commoner, with linen long-sleeved shirt and pants and he was barefooted; the woman was wearing a dark blue silk dress embroidered with golden details as well as her flat shoes. The boy returned to the lady with a big smile and she hugged him, smiling back. She took his hand, and both got up and leaved the golden ever-moving field.

- That was Mother - he explained while they followed the parent and the child - She was an incredible woman. Coming from a warrior tribe from the icy North, she came here to fulfill an accord of peace. She had to adapt to a new culture, putting aside her fighter side and becoming a wife and mother. But she never forgot who she was nor her roots.

It was almost dusk when they arrived at a magnanimous black-stoned castle delimited by two walls: one more external, embracing a small town with four main districts, and a more internal, separating the Lord's castle from the rest of the plebs. They entered through the south gate, crossing the military district where knights, blacksmiths and apprentices of both walked among the quarter, the shops and the stables. Every time, the boy and his mother were greeted with courtesy the moment they were spotted. They reached the large gates of twisted iron that belonged to the internal wall and a massive guard, tall like a giant and muscular like a barbarian, was standing beside the gates, making sure that any foe would not cross them. The woman stepped forward, greeting the guard, and the boy hid himself behind her, feeling a mix of shyness and intimidation.