Phoenix Rises

Chapter 3- Meeting the Storm

I followed in Moira's footsteps down Lavender Street. Neither of us spoke much, Moira seemed lost in thought and I was busy taking in my surroundings. Everything on this Island was beautiful. Every store and building had its unique qualities, every flower bed was over flowing with purple and every couple feet I was met with some amazing view. I understood why people called this paradise. A sudden thought almost stopped me in my tracks. If this really is the Isle of the Blessed, would not the honorable dead be found here? The possibilities caused the dark ache in my heart to lighten ever slightly. I looked at Moira and considered my next actions carefully. The last thing I wanted was for her to read too much into what I was saying. I cleared my throat, and she faced me. Her eyes still slightly unfocused.

"So", I started, "If this is the Isle of The Blessed, where are the blessed dead, and what are they like? I don't need to brace myself for gruesome zombies or anything right?" I finshed the statement with a little giggle, trying to seem aloof and curious. Moira grinned at me a little her thin mouth becoming a tiny cresent on her face, finally truely focusing on my face. In that instant I wonder what had her thoughts so preoccupied.

"The dead live all around us ironically. Here they run the shops and businesses just as though they were alive. And no hun, the dead usually appear as though they were at their happiest and most alive. Thats the benefit of being blessed" she said pausing to think for a second before continuing. "Only the dishonored dead show wounds, cursed to exist in that moment of pain" she said. A sharp pain shook me to my bones at that statement. I think Moira must have noticed by the furrow of her light brows.

"Are you okay Amoretto? Did you lose someone?" she said putting a hand on my shoulder. I quickly tried to contain my feelings, I knew she would never believe that was nothing. So I changed my story. Schooling my features into wistful sadness.

"Sorry Moira, It's been so long, I just thought for a moment I might see my mortal grandma again, though I doubt she would be on the isle of the blessed. She lived a quite life you know." I said dejectedly with a shrug. Moira's eyes filled with sympathy, and I almost felt bad for lying.

"Oh I'm sorry for bringing it up hun, but if it makes you feel any better I sure shes in Asophal or maybe shes reincarnated. I gaurantee she isn't one of the dishonored. Only the most terrible earn that punishment. You may see her again yet." she said earnestly. While I did appreciate the attempt at comfort, the words she said only confirmed my terrible doubt. I smiled sadly, letting my genuine hurt pass through.

"Thank you for the kind words, but I can't say its what I had hoped" I said. She nodded with understanding, and looked me over.

"Are you alright to go to dinner? We can go back to the dorms if you aren't up for it." she said vaugly gesturing in the direction we came from. My heart swelled at the small kindness. I shook my head.

"No, no I want to meet everyone to night! It has been a long while since she passed. I have accepted the loss." I said, meeting her eyes with sincerity. I really did want to meet everyone, and while lying about the fake loss of my grandma was making me feel like dirt, I couldn't just tell her about the specter in my dreams just yet. Moira just nodded, and we continued the rest of our walk in comfortable silence.

We turned off the Lavender Path, on to a short side path before turing once more on a brightly floral street. I swear my jaw dropped at the sight. Along this cobbled path pale pink blossoms floated in the breeze. Blooming Cherry Blossom trees could be found growing every few yards. The nature of the bussinesses and store fronts was dramatically different. There were art galleries, clothing shops, and upscale restaurants as far as the eye could see. While we walked north towards where the main campus was found I observed many more people walking along than I saw on The Lavender Path. Moira's tour guide instinct must have kicked in at that moment.