Cote: Parallel World

0.2: An elf of eternity

I wake up to the sounds of birds tweeting their beautiful melodies as the sun rises over the horizon, the golden yellow ray illuminates my room, casts shadow into the corners. A short yawn comes out as I start my morning routine.

For breakfast, I pick out some green tea with biscuits which energize me through the early morning of the day. Today I have to wash the cows and restock their feeds; so I decide to collect the feed first and head outside to the shed. As I walk down the pebble path the chilly air cuts through my clothes and I can feel it tingling on my skin, the sound of twigs and leaves crunching underneath my boots break the stillness. The shed is quite small but it does its job, the feeds are on the back left shelf under some bags of fertilizer and seeds. I manage to get the feed out without much trouble and carry it over to the barn house, which is just some paces away. I could already hear the sounds of my animals inside.

I couldn't help but wonder what they are chattering about. As I enter I get greetings from the cows, the chickens, the sheep and a couple of birds perch on the second floor railing. "Good morning everyone!" I reply smiling. I always enjoy talking to everyone here; they are just like family to me.

"Hey Shiina, you've been acting quite a bit different lately, what happened?"

"Ehhh!?? W-what do you mean Bessie?"

"No no no , Bessie is right, something's definitely up."

"What?? You too Izzy?"

"Quiet down everyone, it can only be one thing."

"What is it?"

"It must be the visitor."

Murmurs of agreement come from all directions and everyone eyes turn towards me looking for an answer.

"Well I'm leaving now. I've got some business to take care of."

I quickly leave after restock their feeds to prevent the situation from progressing further. Sigh they were quite accurate, this is the first time in a while I'm having a guest at my house. I don't want to be immodest. Well I can't worry about that now, I have to get ready.

On my way back I stop by my veggie and flower garden to collect some ingredients and flowers. "Hmm, this one looks perfect", it's a camellia in full bloom, its bright pink petals stand out and it's gleaming in brilliance, it's definitely going to be the center piece for the flower set I'm going to make. Inside I get the fire lit to warm up the place; it's nearly the end of winter so air is starting to warm up a little but still quite chilly. As I sit on my chair waiting I feel oddly nervous but I dismiss this feeling instantly. "Hmm, I wonder how today's going to be?"

I hear a light knock; I walk over and open the door. A man is standing there. He's in his early 20s; his hair sweeps over to one side and he has small stubble around his chin.

"Good morning Hiyori-san, thanks for having me today, I hope I don't cause any trouble."

"It's no problem at all Simon-san, it's great having you. Would you like something to drink?"

"Yes please, a cup of tea would be nice. Also I brought the book you were looking for, I found an old lady selling it and decided it would be a nice present."

"Wow, thank you very much, I'm very grateful for this present!" I take the book wrapped in leather and place it carefully on the kitchen counter, the book is an old piece of mystical art called 'Andelig forbindelse til Oppstigning'. It's a story about a Utopian civilization and its downfall. The author claimed it was the truth but it was called absurd and improbable. He was called out for his 'insane' remarks and beliefs; he was listed as a cultist and heretic, which led to him being publicly executed.

.......................................

"I know you've just got here but I'm wondering if you want to see my little ranch?"

"You have a ranch? That's amazing; I would love to see it." I am glad that he want to see it, it puts a smile on my face as I walk him down the path. I'm hit by the bright rays of light shining down from the sun; a gentle, cool breeze blows across the ranch, makes the leaves rustle and blows my hair over my face.

"So... What do you think?" I ask as I turn to face him. Simon's jaw is hanging low, his face has a dumbstruck expression painted on it and is completely immersed in the beauty of what's before him.

"I-I-I don't know what to say, this has completely exceeded the image i had in my mind. It just looks great."

"I put a lot of work into making it. I'm happy that you like it. Let me show you the flower garden and the greenhouse and the lake, I'm so excited about hearing your opinion on everything!"

The first place we go to is the greenhouse and I show him my collection of fruits and vegetables; he seems surprised, maybe he has never seen some of the varieties before. Next up is the flower garden, he doesn't look very interested but he patiently waits as I show him around. Finally we stroll over to the small lake not so far from the ranch; it's always bustling with wildlife and glistening in the rays of the sun.

"Wow this is beautiful, are those lilies on the water?"

"Yes they look nice, do they not?"

We walk closer to the bank and gaze at our reflections in the water. Simon breaks the silence. "You look really pretty today Hyori-san."

"Thank you." An awkward silence follows by my reply.

"So... Hiyori-san, I want to tell you the reason I visit you today, I have been drafted into the army and... well, i want to see you once before I leave".

"Oh my... Don't talk like you won't see me again, I'm sure you will come back safe; and when you do, I'll be waiting for you"

"Well, seeing that smile on your face makes me feel a lot better, thanks Hyori-san."

"No need to thank me. So... when are you leaving?"

"I'll be on the way to the capital tomorrow morning. Thanks for everything Hyori-san; I'm taking my leave now."

"I wish the best will come to you." Another awkward silence hit us as I walk him back to the front door. "Thanks for coming over Simon, I had a great time".

He smiles and walks off, his aura somehow feels weak, his pace is slow and lacks energy.

I hope he will come back, after the war is over, and peace is bestowed upon the land.