I never lived

A City of Gold

By the time I woke in the morning, the pink hue of the sun's fingers had barely touched the night's dark blanket. I decided not to wake Lane, he snored peacefully against a tree and I guessed he watched over me as I slept. Searching my mind, I tried to grip at an unfamiliar emotion rising in my chest. I seemed to know basic emotions that came with my body, but as I looked into Lane's tired face, something new pulled at my heart. Something complex that seemed to draw me to him. I shook my head and ignored the dull ache in my chest. Since Lane was fast asleep and it was still early I decided to seek out a body of water. I felt the need to wash away yesterday's encounter with Igna, and clear my mind from this new emotion.

I stretched my aching muscles and quietly crept from my warm nest. The chill of early morning greeted me once I began wandering the expanse of the forest around me. It nipped my heals, as if leading me somewhere, and I followed. I trudged deeper into the thick darkness until the breeze stopped leading me. My head whirled, where was I? This was unwise.

I waited for my vision to adjust to the haze around me. I thought I could see a small lagoon nestled into the crook of a sharp looking cliff jutting out above me. There were fewer trees now, and I felt softer soil beneath my feet. I felt almost relieved as I studied the lagoon, until I felt the prescience of another being watching me. It wasn't quite light enough to fully understand the shapes around me, but as I studied the tree line I could tell there were many human-like creatures surrounding me. Panic began to set into my lungs, making my breathing hitch.

"H-hello?!" I managed to whisper out, despite my increasing eerie feeling.

"Ssshhh, be quiet!" A masculine voice whispered out, "the darkest creature might find you here, it's not safe."

"Who are you?" My thoughts traveled back to Igna

"We are patrol men for the Golden City. Do not fear us, we are like you." A masculine voice rushed out in a whispery tone, "you're on the border between our city and the darkest creature's territory, please come to us." He urged.

I took a step toward them, then hesitated. How could I trust them? I didn't yet know this world, that if they too wanted to claim my soul? "how can I trust you'll do me naw harm?" I questioned hesitantly.

" Madam, women are so rare in this world, in our world. You're much too precious to harm." A husky voice calmly explained.

"Ah, yet I've met a female here already." I said, trying to assure they were truly good.

"You have? Who was she?" The husky voice demanded

I felt compelled to answer this stranger, but I denied his request until I could trust him. "I can't tell you, I don't trust you enough." I stated, mustering all my courage.

"Now tell me how I can trust you."

At once the man with the husky voice came forward, he bowed at my feet and set a weapon there, a knife of sorts. "I offer you my knife and my services." He spoke softly. "I am the leader of this patrol, and my men and I only want to ensure the safety of your soul my lady."

My instincts told me these men were not going to harm me, but yet I felt uneasy. I picked up his knife and bent to look at him. This world was so foreign and strange. "I suppose I'll trust you." I murmured, somewhat compelled by this new stranger.

He looked deeply into my face and smiled widely. His smooth black hair dangled low on his brow, accentuating his deep amber eyes. He seemed genuinely pleased I had placed my trust in him. "Please come with us." He spoke softly.

Forgetting about Lane in the prescience of this new man, I nodded complacently.

With this, he turned on his heel and seemed to silently communicate with his men. They all seemed to understand his silence, because they flanked us as we began to creep back toward the area of the woods which was thickest. The sky was lighter now and I could make out about a dozen well-built bodies. I took a deep breath, ready for my new adventure. Whatever fate had in store for me, I would face it head on.

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The sun was high overhead when the forest abruptly ended and a sleek city came into view. It seemed to shimmer and glisten like some sort of precious gem in the sun's gentle light. A soft golden hue emanated around the whole of the city, growing more prevalent around the large, castle-like structure in its center. Birds sang joyful melodies and time seemed to release its grip on this place. It seemed so surreal, enchanting even.

I turned to my guide and smiled, "you were right, this city is truly a magical place".

He returned my smile brightly, "it's like no other place in this world, or any other world for that matter" he chuckled.

"My future lies within this city then." I murmured, still mesmerized by this expansive city. "The Golden City".

"Are you excited, Journey?" Rhett's husky voice tickled my ears as I realized my stomach was dancing in anticipation of starting my new life.

"You'd better believe I am!" I giggled brightly.

"Then get going." He chuckled at my sudden anticipation.

I nodded and took my first step into my new life. Hoping to have my questions answered and uncover the mysteries surrounding me, I quickened my pace. Rhett had told me, on our trip here, that we needed to go to the holy one's castle and have my soul sealed to this world. So I set my sight toward the impossibly majestic castle that stood in the center of the city, as if watching over its citizens. I turned to see Rhett talking to one of his men, I think his name was Junior, and I was puzzled.

"Rhett!" I called, halting my steps.

He looked at me and waved "I'll see you again soon, I promise." And with that he turned and vanished from my sight.

So I had to face this alone. Suddenly I felt a twang of grief and loneliness as I remembered the way I'd forgotten Lane in my excitement. He must be worried sick by now. I was going to be starting my life with a guilt on me it seemed. Less excited now, I trudged towards the castle. "Better get this over with." I muttered to myself.