The Queen of Elysium

Chapter 66 - Road to Redemption

           
The eagle spirals down and lands by the arbour on the hill. Aren transforms back and takes a seat on the bench. In the past few days since his ill-fated birthday, he has found solace in coming here and gazing over his homeland. It gives him a sense of peace, and while he normally sits in solitude, he never feels alone.

The very first rose bud is starting to unfurl pure white petals with shimmering veins of gold. There are many other snowy heads starting to emerge, so he snaps off this one and reverentially cradles it in his palm. Already it gives off a delicate bouquet. With care, he tucks the bloom into his waistcoat pocket.

Melodic laughter, like the sound of wind chimes, carries on the breeze. Craning his head over his shoulders, he can see no sign of anyone else up here. A flash of movement within the shadowy depths of the oak quartet catches his eye. It could be just a trick of the light.

Still, he is curious enough to investigate and cautiously approaches, calling upon the enhanced senses of his primes.

I can neither hear, nor smell anything, yet my twitching whiskers tell me that something is in there, the tiger warns and adrenaline enlivens his limbs.

One moment there is nothing and the next a woman taller than he, is standing between two of the trees. Her dress is made from livid-green, newly emerged oak leaves whilst garlands of acorns adorn her throat, wrists and the crown of her head.

"Welcome, Eagle Prince, to my bower." The dryad bows and steps back, gesturing for him to enter.

On the floor lies a soft carpet of leaves and the branches overhead intertwine to create a roof. Whilst the inner space is small, the open gaps between the trunks stop it from feeling cramped.

"I have you to thank for my new home. It was time to leave my mother's bower and I heard the trees calling to me from miles away. I had to answer their call."

"It is hard to believe that this was once the table that stood in my rooms for as long as I can remember."

"The touch of the Child of Nature can bring life even to dead wood." The dryad strokes the very living trunk that was once a table leg and smiles. "Your memory is imprinted on its heartwood. We think fondly of you."

Memories flash in his mind: camping under it with his brother, dining upon it, playing cards with his friends, studying with his books spread out and even one time he used it with a young lady. His cheeks infuse with heat at that last one.

In an attempt to cover up his embarrassment, he seizes upon one of the things the dryad said and quizzes, "Child of Nature?"

"Yes, we wild folk as you sometimes call us, believe that the Great Earth Mother, Gaia has sent Elissa to redress the imbalance in nature and restore Elysium's vitality."

Aren cannot believe his ears and he blurts out, "Elissa is the daughter of a goddess?"

The dryad shrugs. "You people are always so literal. I am one with these oaks and when their acorns spring forth new life, they will be my children. They are not of my flesh and sap, but I will cherish them as such."

It is a relief, for even though he knows that Elissa is beyond him, he has no desire to meet a god or goddess. They seem to be bad news. He gives an involuntary shudder.

"I had better be going. Thank you for showing me your beautiful home. I hope that you will be happy here."

The dryad gives him a beautiful smile. "Should you ever need my council, I will always be here to welcome you."

......

Aren exhales a shaky breath and dusts off his ink stained hands. It is done now. I need some air.