REMEMBRANCE CROSS

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

'Invidia! Come fast or all the best fruits will be gone!' called out Ara.

She was calling out to her best friend for the umpteenth time and yet she could not hear her all too familiar cheeky voice answer her. So, Ara decided to go into Invidia's dormitory, which was a humble wooden cottage - one among many others in the compound of a temple dedicated to Rena, the goddess of peace and unity- the only one in their town. Their town was really small. It was so tiny that it did not even have a name. Rather, it was 'the small town next to the majestic kingdom of Tranquilia'. Ara knocked twice on the old wooden door.

'Ara, is that you?' came a cheery voice.

Ara rolled her eyes.. No, I'm the grim reaper..

'Yes yes, it is me. Now, if the queen would be so kind as to show herself, I would be honored to persuade her to go fruit - picking with me. You see, there is cooking to be done for the priests. Who would call such a feast fulfilling, the one that does not provide dessert?'

'Ah, I..I had forgotten about that! But I will be right there, let yourself in.' said Invidia in a frantic and high - pitched tone, which reminded Ara of a cuckoo.

Ara went in. Ten minutes later, Invidia came out of the little chamber in her hut, prancing as usual.

'Lets go Ara! Lots to do!'

Ara smiled at her soul sister. She is still such a child, even though she is already sixteen.

They walked side by side into the orchard right across the temple boundary, each swinging a large basket.

'Ara! Look, a flock of white birds! Wow! They look so pretty. You know what? Someday I want to fly like them too. Spread my wings. Dance with the wind. Get carried away! Ah..umm..well, not literally, because then it would be bad if I get lost..I won't be able to play with you and the others again..no matter how much I would love an adventure, ah..but that does not mean that I don't enjoy playing with you..I mean honestly..'

Ara shook her head. Invidia was always like this. A huge chatter box. Once she started talking, the tornado of words became so unstoppable that it was not even in her own power to stop it. Even so, she was one happy and bubbly child in the form of a beautiful woman. Long, dark hair, big brown eyes. She looked like an angel. But as soon as she started talking, it would reveal the heart of an innocent child. She, on the other hand, had shorter hair, blue eyes and often indulged in, what were perceived to be androgynous activities, like climbing trees. They were so different from each other. Yet, there was one thing that brought them together - war craft and incantation lessons. Despite how she looked, Invidia was a ferocious archer. She was not too bad at fencing either. But Ara was better at it. Ara looked at her with teasing eyes.

'Yes yes, I get it already so stop!' said Ara half mockingly irritated and half laughing.

Invidia pouted at her childishly and then let it go as she saw the humongous apple tree - it stood out even though it was surrounded by so many other trees in the orchard. A strong wind was blowing. Yet, it had not opened it's canal of ire yet. It was still gentle and nurturing, like a mother. It rustled the young girls' hair.

Ara and Invidia looked at each other. Their faces broke into huge grins as they ran towards their favorite tree. They started plucking apples after offering a prayer to the tree.

Having picked enough apples, they started heading back. The temple came into view in just a few minutes. Invidia looked at it with shining eyes.

This temple is my home. My beloved home. It has provided me with love, shelter, care and peace. I, who never came to know her parents - neither by face nor by names, have been accepted here without second thoughts. I am really grateful. Yet, why do I keep feeling that I cannot live here forever? Is my heart playing tricks on me? I hope not. I want to live here, always and protect this temple, the deity and all the kind people here, lest they should be put in danger.

Dark times were coming. She could feel it. The night sky was always starless. The days were always windy, though they were pleasant. She touched the chain around her neck. The ornament had always been a mystery to her. She did not know how she came to wear it. But the truth was that, she did not want to let go of it. For, every time she touched it, her heart would fill with serene happiness and hope. There was an inexplicable connection. All she knew was that, it was not just a piece of ornament.

It was a part of her soul, her very existence - the cross that adorned her neck...