Protector of the Enchanted

When I come to, it’s to the sensation of sun rays shining in my eyes and an empty spot beside me. The faint sound of arguing reaches my ears as my groggy body fights the instinct to sink back into the comfort of the bed. It grows louder until it can no longer be ignored, making my bleary eyes blink awake.

 

Yawning, I get out of bed to follow the direction of the noise. Rubbing my eyes, I find myself face to face with two strange beings. They seem almost ghostly in nature, hovering over the ground with translucent bodies, but the large wings on their backs gives them away.

 

Blinking, I realise the translucence is slowly fading into more solid colours. Revealing the exhaustion on their faces. They’d fallen silent as I entered the space, now looking at me with wide eyes. Probably not expecting someone to be there.

 

Maybe they know where Gem is.

 

“Have you seen Gem?” I enquire, deciding it doesn’t hurt to ask.

 

They tilt their heads to the side, blinking out of their stupor.  “No, I believe she left home close to dawn.”

 

Oh. “Well, do you know where she went?” They shake their heads apologetically, muttering something underneath their breaths. I don’t stick around to find out what.

 

Having no clue where she could have gone, or any idea at all about this world, I’m left wandering in circle. It’s not easy to search for someone when you barely know the area you’re in. It would be much easier to simply stay in the house until she gets back. But something within compels me to look for her.

 

A nagging thought enters my mind, maybe she left because I told her I might not be staying. Did she leave because she doesn’t want to think about it? I could tell she desperately wanted to break that curse. My lips purse as I take in the sky.

 

There’s a storm brewing. Grey stormy clouds starting to replace the sky, and thunder rumbling in the distance. I need to find her before it starts raining. She shouldn’t be out here in this weather. The longer it’s taking me to find her, the bigger the knot of worry in my stomach gets.

 

Luckily, as I reach the edge of another set of trees, I spot someone in the distance. It takes me a moment to realise it’s not Gem. But maybe they would know where she could be. Striding up to them, I open my mouth, the words forming on my tongue. Before any of them can get out, the figure raises a hand stopping me in my tracks.

 

“Are you looking for Gem?” A voice too clear for its distance vocalises. I nod in reply.

 

“She’s probably gone to her tree.”

 

Her Tree? As in she has a specific tree? Well, it doesn’t really matter all that much.

 

“Mind telling me where I can find this tree?”

 

In the centre of an abandoned clearing stand a towering oak, it dwarfs its surroundings, casting a circle of shadow beneath it. On one of the thick strong branches sits a treehouse made of wood. Its dark cedar floor littered with books and toys. In one of the corners, there’s a large red beanbag with a tiny frail figure nestled into it. Her body shakes with sobs as tears run down her small face.

 

She felt so alone and afraid. They’d told her that she needed to be strong, but all she wanted was her parents. She longed to bury herself in their arms and feel the sense of security they provided. Her tiny arms just weren’t enough.

 

After what seemed like a lifetime, footsteps approached her spot, boots breaking branches in their way. Leaves rustling as the approaching silhouettes arrived at their destination.

 

“Don’t cry my dear, we’ll always be with you.” Her mother comforted, coming to scoop her up in her arms.

 

“Even if our minds don’t remember, you’ll never be far from our hearts.” Her father added on. His hand stroked her head in a comforting motion as she buried her head into her mother’s chest. “You need to be brave, my darling. I know you can be.”

 

“But I’ll be all alone! What if you never come back to yourselves?” The girl asked through her diminishing sobs, the words sounding a little muffled.

 

“You won’t be alone for too long.” They exchanged a sad look over her head. It wasn’t an unfounded fear. It was one that dwelled in the back of their minds as well. But the need to comfort their child was stronger.

 

“It’s not fair. I know that.” Her mother whispered, hugging her close. “But it will get better. I know that there will come a day when we’ll see each other as this again.” She forced a comforting smile when the girl pulled back. “And I’m sure there will be someone who’ll stand by you, who’ll stay with you, when we can’t.”

 

It was something they hoped with all their hearts was true. The weight of knowing shouldn’t have to be put on shoulders that small. So, they wanted to protect that innocence for as long as they could.

 

Putting a hand up to shade my eyes, I look towards the tree I’d been told to find. It helped me focus on the ladder that ran up it to the treehouse above. It’s an odd place for it, but I think it’s cute. At the very least, the view would be pretty. Not that I could see anything with the drips of rain that had started.

 

Reaching the top of the ladder, my heart almost stops when I see a still body in the corner. For a very long second, I fear the worst, but the rise and fall of her chest eases those worries. Thank the gods. I still feel her pulse to make sure though.

 

“Hey…” I whisper into the silence, as I hover over her.

 

Her body stiffens for a second, before her eyes meeting mine have her relaxing, “Hey.” Comes a muffled response. She yawns, rubbing her eyes as she makes to sit up.

 

Not knowing what else to say, I take a seat beside her. Just as I open my mouth to say what I’d been wondering the entire way over, the rumbling of thunder interrupts. Suddenly, the drips of rain have turned into heavy pours. A bolt of lightning striking in the distance.

 

I find myself blinking in disbelief. I don’t think getting down is a good idea. The ladder will be too slippery to attempt it. Luckily the treehouse is insulated and has a strong roof. It’ll suffice.

 

My legs spread out in front of me as I lean against the bean bag we’re seated at. Glancing to the side, I see Gem staring intently at the storm raging outside, her eyes wide and mouth agape. A snort of laughter escapes before I can stop it, muffling it with my hand doesn’t stop it from being heard. When her wide eyes turn to me, it grows louder until I can’t muffle it at all.

 

I exhale, traces of laughter still able to be heard. “I suppose.” Inhale. “I suppose you weren’t expecting that?” It’s not really a question and her face tells me she knows, a blush coming to her cheeks as she turns her face away again.

 

Shaking my head, I decide to get back on track. “What are you doing here?” When her head turns back to me, I add on, “Why didn’t you tell me where you were going?”

 

“I…” She starts and the abruptly stops, biting her lips. “I just needed some space. I come here whenever there’s a lot on my mind.”

 

“Makes sense.” I hum. “And the second question?”

 

She hesitates. “I’m…I’m just not that used to having someone to tell.” I suppose that’s something we have in common. A beat of silence follows, before her eyebrows furrow. “How did you find me?”

 

“Hmm.” My mind takes a second to process the question, “Oh! One of your neighbours told me that you might be here.”

 

“Why even come looking?” She mutters and then takes a double take as if she hadn’t meant to ask that aloud.

 

“I was worried.” I answer anyway. “It looked like it was going to storm, and you weren’t home.” A beat of silence. “And…I didn’t want to be alone in such a big house.” I’m guessing that’s why she would come here too.

 

Gem stares at me for a couple of seconds, as if she hasn’t really seen me before now. She opens and closes her mouth a couple of times. “I’m…I’m not used to that either.”

 

“Well, get used to it.” I smile. If I’m going to stay here, for even a short while, she needs to tell me these things. “Now’s a good a time to start.”

 

In the backdrop another rumble of thunder sends tremors through the tree. The downpour not getting any lighter. Even still, she’s looking at me as if none of those matters, tears welling in her eyes. Ah. I guess I’m not the only one who’s been lonely.

 

“You said we’re family, didn’t you?” It’s tentative, and I still haven’t really processed it, but it’s enough. More than I’ve ever had before. When her lips turn into a grin, I realise it’s the same for her.

 

“Does that mean, you’re going to stay?” Hope lights her words, the tears starting to dry.

 

“For now. I don’t really know how to get back, regardless.” The truth is better than giving her false hope with a lie.

 

“Is that the only reason?”

 

I shake my head. “Of course not.” I send her a meaningful look. “Do you think I would stay for such a weak reason.”

 

A surprised snort leaves her at that. “No.” A smile. “I don’t think you would.”

 

Returning it, another thought comes to mind. “Gem, what was that book you were holding yesterday?” What was so important about it that you would lug it with you even in panic.

 

Her mind seems elsewhere for a moment before her eyes come back to meet mine. “Memories. It was a book of memories.” She hesitates. “Maybe later, you could look through it with me?”

 

Memories. I’m guessing not just hers. Maybe even of my parents. If she’s my cousin, that’s a reasonable conclusion. A part of me is starting to come to terms with that, but the rest of me doesn’t dare hope. Still…

 

“I’d like that.”

 

She beams. Her eyes sparkle as she suddenly looks wide awake and simply happy. It’s infectious. Not a smile that should go unreturned.

 

“So,” She gulps after a few moments of silence as we watch the rain. “What now?”

 

“Now?” I hold out a hand. “For now, I think, we should just focus on getting to know each other better.”

 

“What about-”

 

“We can worry about the rest later.” I interrupt. “If it’s waited this long, it can wait a little longer. This is more important. We’ll take it one step at a time.” I’m not budging on that.

 

 Luckily, I don’t have to. “Alright.”

 

“Great!” I beam. “Now you can show me how to play those games in the corner.” She stares at me. “Surely we’re not just going to sit and watch the rain.”

 

She tries to hide it, but I can see the smile, nonetheless. Under my expectant look, she stands up and gets them before retaking a seat. “Alright so, this game…”

 

Listening to her explain the game as we start to play it, the storm outside doesn’t seem so loud. Soon, I feel myself so engrossed in it that I don’t notice when the noise dies down at all. Neither does Gem, not as she laughs at my attempts to cheat. Throwing a glare my way when I foil hers in return.

 

It’s nice. This feeling. Even with the chill outside, all I feel is warmth.

 

“Gem?” A tinkling voice from below distracts us enough to notice it’s no longer raining. “Are you up there? I heard you have a guest.”

 

As I look down, our eyes meet. I don’t hear what Gem says in response. A tug of familiarity engulfs my senses as I peer down at her brown hair and crystal blue eyes. The ground beneath me feeling a little shaky.

 

I feel like I know her.

 

The feeling grows as we climb down, and I see her more clearly. My heartbeat accelerating as I feel her eyes wander over my face. When her hand comes up to check my forehead in concern as I stumble, my breath stalls.

 

My chest caving in from the sheer force of the longing. It reverberates through my very soul, leaving me staring at her face with wide eyes. Why am I feeling like this?

 

“Find a way!” She yells at the bumbling baboons in front of her. She was starting to get a headache as she listened to them, a hand placed protectively over her stomach.

All this yelling was not good for the baby. She knew that. But she’d felt herself becoming more irritable the past few days. As if the hormones weren’t enough, she had these fools telling her there was no hope. A determined glint entered her eyes. There had to be.

 

She was not going to let her baby pay the price for a millennium old grudge.

 

“Calm down hon.” Her husband comforted, “Yelling isn’t good for you or the baby.”

 

She gave him a look that conveyed exactly how she felt about calming down. Tears welled up in her eyes, it wasn’t her fault she was so irritable. If anything, it was his. Why did she need to be the pregnant?

 

“Don’t cry.” Whispered the panicked voice of her husband, “I’m sorry.” It may have been a tad cruel, but his panicking caused a long stream of chuckles to burst out of her mouth. Hormones. It because of the hormones.

 

“We’ll try all that we can, Your Majesty.” He said it so politely that it made her feel guilty for yelling at him.

 

“I’m sorry for raising my voice.” She hoped he could sense sincerity.

 

He waved his hand with a reassuring smile. “In this case, I believe it’s understandable to be frustrated.” Then he and all the others left the room, leaving her alone with her husband.

 

Not a word was exchanged between them before the doors once again fell open to reveal a toddling infant. A small smile appeared on her lips as she watched her two-year-old niece approach. She was adorable. The smile faded as she remembered that she too would face a great amount of heartache. The poor child.

 

“Come here sweetheart.” She scooped her up with a smile.

 

She raises her tiny hands to the woman’s face with a cute smile before curiously looking at her stomach. “Wats dis?”

 

“That’s your cousin.” Her dear husband supplied in an adoring voice.

 

“Co…ca…cussie.” The toddler said with a proud smile, despite struggling to say the word.

 

The couple laughed, “You take care of her, ok?”

 

“Okie.” The girl yelled, raising her arms.

 

That was all the conversation they could have before she got tired of being lifted up and struggled in her hold. After being put down, she slowly waddled away. The couple stared after with a sad smile, knowing they likely wouldn’t be able to see their own child the same way. Two pairs of hands came to lay over her swollen stomach as longing struck their hearts.

 

“Hello.” The strange woman said, “Are you alright sweetheart?” Her hand goes to cup my chin as she tilts my head to check if I’ve hurt myself.

 

I don’t mind it. “I’m…fine.” I manage to mutter as I try not to move too much. “Thank you.”

 

“If you’re quite sure. She smiles, ruffling my hair gently. “I’m guessing you’re Gem’s new guest.”

 

“I am.” Strangely, I miss her touch. It’s warm.

 

“Might I know your name?”

 

“It’s Astriliana…but most people call me Astri.”

 

“Astri. What a beautiful name…” Her smile grows bigger.

 

Mine grows to match. “Thank you.” I’m starting to feel more like myself. “What’s yours?”

 

“Cordelia.” She replies. I can see Gem mutter something underneath her breath before smiling behind me. What’s that smile for?

 

“Do you mind if I walk with you? We’re going the same way.” Cordelia says with a warm smile, “I know it’s strange, but I find myself wanting to get to know you better.”

 

It’s not strange at all. I feel the same way. “I don’t mind at all.” Warmth tinges my own smile, making Gem make a peculiar expression. I ignore it for now.

 

On the way back, I feel myself talking more than I have in a while. Our conversation flowing into one topic after another. I laugh when she tells me she keeps finding chicken feathers in her house. My eyes light up when she tells me that she and her husband are raising dragons.

 

“Can I see them?” I ask immediate, giving her a pleading look. “Please? Do you mind?”

 

“Of course.” I can see the amusement in her eyes. Her hand once again comes up to stroke my face, and I find myself leaning into it. “You can come by whenever you like.” The gentleness in her voice makes me smile.

 

“How about tomorrow?”

 

“Tomorrow sounds perfect.” Her hand seems to linger as she pulls back. “Gem knows the way to my home. See you then.”

 

As she walks away after exchanging goodbyes, a smile lingers on Gem’s face. She shakes her head when I shoot her an enquiring look, leading us both inside to have a very delayed lunch.

 

Oddly as we eat, something Gem said yesterday reverberates in my mind. Growing louder until it sinks into my crevices of my mind, churning my stomach, even as I force it back to focus on our conversation.

 

‘The curse made people forget the ones they love the most’.

 

What an odd thought to have.