Astrid is an artist who creates incredible masterpieces inspired by her dreams and visions from her vivid imagination. But lacking memories of her life before one ominous day in a forest, has caused her to live a disconnected life.
Only when she en...
The streets of Natanstrelle never ceased to amaze Astrid's inexperienced eyes. Walking hand-in-hand with True, she allowed his warmth to bring her security as they explored the central city together.
The surrounding buildings towered over them, with bricks of gold, silver and white. Carved in their outer walls were swirling symbols. These shining patterns etched into the stone lit up Astrid's violet eyes. An unaccounted for feeling of love radiated from these buildings and grabbed at her heart.
"What are they?" she asked True, pointing at the shiny, spiralling markings.
A scorching heat prickled True's eyes and a lump came to his throat. These symbols were an everyday thing for him, he took them for granted. But Astrid. How would she know what these were? Why would those that dragged her up within the Emerald Army tell her of such a beautiful, love filled Natanstrellean tradition? The injustice of this realisation caused True to scowl. However, the curious look in Astrid's eyes as she waited for an answer, melted all that anger away.
"These are family symbols. Local families mark their place of residence with messages of hope and pride for where they belong and those they share a home with," he explained in tenderness.
"Oh," Astrid looked at all the curling shapes in the structures standing all around her. "They're beautiful," she breathed in awe. "Were they carved with light magic?"
"They certainly were," True confirmed, with a smile. "Now, watch this!"
He took out his light orb and let the power grow to fit his palm. He grabbed Astrid's hand with his free hand and pulled her closer to his side; lifting the orb in front of them both. Just like that, the symbols lifted off the walls like bright, glowing stickers. They floated in the air around the couple, dancing in a flurry, like dozens of golden butterflies.
Astrid was speechless at the sight, she stared with eyes wide. Mesmerised by the beauty, she let go of True's hand and walked up to the fluttering gold symbols. She reached out and let one land with grace upon the back of her hand. It sat there for a few seconds then dissolved into her skin like a snowflake. With an excited giggle, she flung her arms out and encouraged more symbols to land on her. She spun on the spot and danced with glee. True watched her every movement, his heart skipping, for what he saw moved him so deeply.
When True returned his light orb to his pouch, the very last of the flying symbols returned to their carved image and dissolved into the brickwork they were carved into. Astrid watched them as they went and turned to face her husband with a beaming grin. She then ran to him and leapt into his arms.
"Thank you!" Astrid squeaked, as she squeezed him in a tight hug. He wrapped his arms around her and stroked his hand down the length of her ebony hair.
"You are very welcome, my Astrid," he whispered into her ear. "You are always welcome."
They stayed in that place for a few minutes until True decided it was time for them to return home. With a nod of agreement Astrid walked by his side back towards Slànacus house.
Three pairs of dark eyes peered from the shadows and watched her every move, with evil, scheming grins.
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