Tyranny: Onwards

Chapter 150- Heath

I now extremely look forward to arriving and meeting the strange people that have been so often mentioned throughout the past month or two. Genesis seems startled and a little confused by all the strange creatures about; since she hasn't even seen half of their kind. Aegis is now completely swarmed by excited caribou and the Phoenix appears quite content on Phoenix's shoulder, cute Swift Foxes pool around their Dagwood and Blaze, while Rin still emits her rageful aura.

Now Aegis comes to my side grinning like never before and the caribou follow gracefully, avoiding the Swift Foxes to stick close by him. Nichele is busy talking excitedly to Dagwood and Blaze about the foxes and admiring the Phoenix up ahead of us.

"Do you want to ride one?" Aegis invites me and I am taken aback completely.

"Uh, what-uh- sure-yes? Can you even ride them though? Like is that okay?" My voice is shakey and hurried while I look over the gorgeous thick layers of hair and the heavy strong set antlers some bear, and the large black eyes, soft wet noses. They seem at ease and not dangerous at all to me, though I am aware they could easily kill me.

"Don't worry its fine, they might like you if you treat them right," he chuckles at my instant tension and motions one to come over. It is slightly shorter than a horse but this one is taller than most the others so it basically measures up to a horse. Aegis tenderly takes my hand and brings it up between the eyes. The hairs are silky and tender too upon my palm. Aegis lets go of my hand and I continue to stroke the beast, mesmerized by its utter beauty.

I gaze up at the intricate antlers and stare deep into the dark eyes before going around to its side, fingers trailing ever so carefully, treating the animal with the utmost respect and care, acknowledging the power.

"How do I do this?" I inquire Aegis, not wanting to hurt the graceful caribou. He comes over and guides my hands before offering me a boost which I graciously accept. I sit up atop the great, powerful caribou excited and bubbling like a simple child finding a new hiding place for a fort. Phoenix sees and comes over, the Phoenix greets me with a squawk and I cautiously rub its velvety head feathers. 

Every other animal and all the other people of our group seem much smaller, except for the groundbreaking tree ahead of course. Aegis hops naturally onto a different caribou and trots along beside me as I stroke mine constantly while savoring and relishing every bit and piece. A shiver vibrates through me and I try to force my legs to ease up but they refuse with the memories of Hester and the look of hatred from Rin, my stomach throws and feels sick, I want to be sick in a sense even.

The animal halts and sniffs my leg in concern, I stroke its head and lean forward so I am practically laying on top with my cheek resting on its tough but velvet neck, my arms wrap around the hefty neck thankfully. It has been far too long since I even ever trusted all of my being and weight into the Earth, to soils. Soon my arms hang and my muscles all release and gratitude fills me to the brink of tears. I am relaxed immensely by the rhythmic sway, the now familiar movement of muscles, feeling the deep breaths, widening and shrinking of its chest.

This feels like home. Right here on this caring animal willing to carry a tired Human the rest of the way. No longer can I keep my eyes open nor a frown upon my face in such a beautiful fantasy, so they close and the sweet scents fill my nose, the sounds of joyous reunion too. Before I know it Aegis is waking me delicately but I really don't want to slide off of the soft and concerned animal which has so much power yet chooses the potential for empathy and care.

"We are at the tree Claire," Aegis announces and informs me.

Instantly I raise my head and sit up, staring up as far as my neck allows to inspect the long, thick, wide branches overhead and spot the dark doorway right in the roots with no door, there is a ladder of logs seemingly tied together with vine and two vines hanging beside that; very much like the Luzumi had in the Redwood forest. 

Nichele smiles at me before going to the doorway and slipping inside. We all wait still completely awed and I slide off the caribou hesitantly, just wanting to stay with it forever.

"Girl or boy?" I inquire Aegis, feeling the animal deserves much more respect than 'it'.

"Girl," he grins wider as I turn back to her and want to keep her close to me and Genesis; who is now quite glad that I have returned to the ground in one piece.

Nichele reappears as we all wait in a tense anticipation. A rather short man reveals from the deepest shadows from the grand roots, wispy white hair, emerald green eyes, but he doesn't walk with some great 'wisdom' as I subconsciously expected due to the movies and books. A cloak not unlike the Luzumi's is hanging from his slender build and appears made of silk, it matches the field of colour at our feet in an odd way.

He doesn't have wrinkles, he doesn't seem old, doesn't move more cautiously or stiffly; I would guess him to be about thirty if I didn't know better. The wizards eyes scan over our group and become bright at seeing Phoenix, Aegis, Dagwood, and Blaze but even brighter when he spots his long gone staff with Rin. In a way, he reminds me of Ozwald stuck in the Key with slick, short, black hair and looking the same age. This is when I am drawn to the Key, sensing how it is becoming stalk cold then burning hot as to hurt me and forcing me to remove it.

Of course, I expected as much since they fought together a great battle.

"Well, nice to meet again Phoenix, Aegis, Dagwood, Blaze," the man greets them all in turn with a gentle face and a sense of old friends reuniting.

"Yes, it is," Aegis nods still fitful with joy.

"How have you been doing out here?" Phoenix inquires as they shake hands and bring it into a curt hug, chuckling.

"Oh, you know, pretty good, no enemies that are too much or anything," they both laugh at what must be an inside joke of sorts.

"Nice to see you again Master," Dagwood tips his head in respect, grinning and offering him a firm handshake.

"Oh come here, my boy! Don't be silly, drop the formalities would you?" they laugh again and care sparks between them.

"Uh, hi," Blaze greets hesitantly.

"Ah, I see things have been a bit rough wherever you've been hm? We have much time to exchange stories later over tea though." the old man observes tenderly.

"Hello, I am Heath and I believe you are bearing my good friend Ozwald in that Key necklace of yours?" Heath takes the Key from my hand to caress it, running light fingertips over the designs. "I see you've still got you fire!" Heath roars in laughter as the Key burns his hands forcing him to resort to merely looking it over and holding the chain.