Tears of Avalon

Chapter 8: The City of Trees

It took three days for Ilyia and Taren to reach Dryad, the City of Trees. By day they traveled by wing, or by foot when it rained. At night, they huddled against a small fire after one of Taren's weapon lessons. His teaching technique left Ilyia with more than a few cuts and bruises, but she didn't complain. The more she learned, the more she could defend herself.

But Ilyia wasn't the only one who needed training.

She taught Taren how to use a sling and showed him different mushrooms and plants they could eat. Oh, he knew enough items not to feast upon, but Ilyia had searched the land long enough with her mother to learn what herbs and vegetables could lend more spice to their meals.

When teaching and cooking were said and done, and the stars dotted the velvet sky like diamonds, Ilyia and Taren settled down to talk. Ilyia was fascinated by Taren's history. He'd visited so many different cities of their world. He knew creatures that she hadn't even realized existed; centaurs, harpies, phoenixes, gnomes, and more! There were books about the beings, but she hadn't realized they were real.

Her own history seemed paltry in comparison. And yet, Taren clung to every word as she talked about the life she'd shared with her mother. Then again, she supposed it was hard not to be interested when he'd grown up without his mother from a young age. And to have his brother disown him? What life was that for a young fairy?

Near dusk on the third day, Ilyia caught sight of lights on the horizon. She clutched her map in her hand and looked at Taren with a wide smile. "I didn't think it would be so bright!"

"It's incredible," Taren said, almost breathless. "My mother took me there when I was still learning how to use my wings. I thought it was a dream."

Ilyia brushed her hand against his, drawing a grin from him. She buzzed ahead and watched as the lights grew brighter and brighter.

Suddenly, the grass gave way to a road that led up to a glowing silver gate surrounding the base of an incredible willow tree. Lanterns filled with glistening magic dangled from the lower limbs, casting rainbow light across the sky. Closer to the trunk were homes woven through the branches and leaves, also glowing. It was as if someone had painted moonlight on each jade leaf. More strings of lights looped around the branches, creating a glimmering beacon in the night.

"Beautiful..." Ilyia breathed.

Taren looked at her. "It really is."

She shared his smile and fluttered down to the ground. He landed beside her and touched her shoulder.

"Here," he said. He smoothed down her blue monarch wings and tucked them beneath a makeshift cloak they'd made out of leaves. He pulled a hood up over her head then did the same thing to himself. "Just two weary travelers. Let me do the talking. I don't think we'll run into trouble, but in case we do, stay behind me."

"You know I can defend myself now, right?" Ilyia argued, patting the dagger he'd leant her.

Taren gave her a look. "Do you trust me with a sling yet?"

"Not since you almost hit yourself in the eye with a rock, no." She stifled a giggle.

"Uh huh, same reason why I don't quite trust you with a blade. Stay close, Ilyia." His voice softened. "Please."

Ilyia wanted to argue, but she knew he was right. Besides, if one of them got hurt, they'd need her powers. "Very well."

He patted her arm then led the way to the front gate. Ilyia didn't know what made the metal glow, but it was mesmerizing. If she listened closely, she thought she could hear a musical hum.