Prologue: A Festival of Flowers

The neighbouring Kingdom of Igneo had often, if not always, been feared by many. Few of the Moonhaven folk would dare visit Igneo as their Prince, the sole ruler of the Kingdom of Igneo has been known to possess magic and was therefore best left undisturbed. Igneo's denizens are not so different from those of Moonhaven however, despite being more warlike in nature, in recent times they have mostly kept to themselves and to the Prince's command of not unnecessarily going out of their territory.

Meanwhile, in Moonhaven, Queen Tara was busy talking to her Elders of the Council, discussing the upcoming Flower Festival held annually in her kingdom where all the forest gather to celebrate the multitude and vibrancy of almost every single flowering flora of the Forest. It was a big festival, sometimes going on for days where dancing, music and an almost endless supply of different culinary dishes and drink is had by all. At night, the sky would light up with fireworks to the enjoyment of many. Children would be running around and playing games. Families gather to talk about good times and have fun. The scroll-keeper Nim Galuu would provide entertainment and whenever he is around, a guaranteed packed audience is sure to be present. Not to mention the snail and slug duo, Mub and Grub who would have a field day. It was also the most colourful, as the residents of the Forest would create masterpieces of flower arrangements, all to be personally viewed by the Queen. There is also a competition for the best ever flower arrangement which if chosen, gets to be displayed in the Queen's palace for all to see.

The Flower Festival is also a monumental security risk for the Leafmen, Protectors of the Forest, as they try to keep the peace as well as continue to guard their most beloved Queen. General Ronin in particular was never fond of such festivities, and thankfully this particular one is only held once a year. And so far each festival has come and gone without any incident, and Ronin was hopeful it would happen this time too.

"Something in your mind, Ronin?" Queen Tara gently asked after she has dismissed the Council Elders. She noticed him brooding as he stood guard watching her going through the final details with the Council. Then his Queen rose to gracefully walk over to where he was, getting too close that he could almost smell her perfume. He was not certain whether she does wear perfume, all he knows is that whenever she gets this close, he can smell her scent, and it was enough to drive him crazy. So much so that he had to consciously take control of his mind and keep to the job at hand – that of guarding his Queen with his life, and not allowing his emotions to take the better of him.

But they were alone now, and she is this close to him….

In his eyes, she is the only breathtakingly beautiful woman he has ever known, but his heart keeps reminding him that she is equally the most unattainable. At the same time, he is a man, and he can't help noticing the sway of her hips causing ripples along her flowing gown or the slight incline of her regal head as she looked at him with concern.

"Your Majesty," he started, "I am not overtly keen on you continuing such a Festival…"

"Oh Ronin," the Queen smiled, "It will be all right, just like all the other festivals before it. And it would be fun so I'm expecting you to smile a lot…." She slowly touched his cheek, trying to reassure him. Ronin struggled hard to maintain composure, despite the tingling charging effects running through his body whenever his Queen fleetingly and innocently touches him. If only she would realize what this simple gesture was doing to him! Ronin sighed, and cupping his hand over Queen Tara's, he raised her hand to his lips. Momentarily giving in to his normally controlled emotions, he kissed her hand and whispered: "I hope you are right, Your Majesty…"

Chapter 1: The Emissary

Laughter pierced through the blue skies looking down at a huge gathering below. Moonhaven has come alive with people bringing in assortments of flowers, creative works of art, stalls full of handicrafts, mouth-watering feasts, instruments of every kind, trinkets and clothing from across the kingdom. There was endless chatter and music, and some the Leafmen stationed on the ground were joining in the festivities. Street performers were here and there, some dancing, others singing, and the rest performing their particular talent, one of which was a comedic ventriloquist who created quite a stir among the crowds. Mub and Grub were enthralled at a certain puppet show depicting how the Leafmen managed to push back the Boggans in the last battle. The main attraction was of course, a parade of flower arrangements soon to stand in a row so that Queen Tara gets a chance to view each one personally.

The Queen arriving in her royal barge manned by dozens of dragonflies was always a sight to behold. Despite being surrounded by guards, her presence always brings a sense of pride and unity in her people. There were often a lot of "oohs" and "ahhs" each time she makes an appearance, and on this particular day, she looked more radiant and elegant as ever, clearly enjoying every moment and waving to everyone.

In a distance, among the trees, General Ronin astride his hummingbird kept a watchful eye on his Queen, occasionally glancing among the trees to ensure that his army of Leafmen was also standing by and on guard. Catching sight of his second-in-command, Finn among the trees, he signaled to him that all is well so far but to keep vigilant. As he returned his eyes on his Queen, a young female Leafman flew right next to Finn.

"Commander, all present and accounted for, as you ordered."

Finn nodded to the young lady Leafman, noting that this is Reena who has been promoted to squadron duty and who has proven herself a good warrior in their last battle with the Boggans. Underneath her helmet, strands of blonde hair were peeking through and her trained blue eyes rested on Ronin some trees beneath them.

Unbeknown to Finn and to everyone else, Reena has long since harboured a secret longing for their General Ronin. She knew him of days gone by, a long time ago when they were children. She knew not of where he came from, except that he seems bigger than the average Jinn who are natives of the Forest. But there was always something about him that attracted quite a few females, including herself who could never be immune to his bearing and stature. Despite all that seriousness, she knew that underneath lies a heart of gold very rarely exposed to anyone. She also knew of Nod's father who sadly passed away and of the young Tara before she was Queen. She briefly met the young Tara before she (Reena) was sent away by her family to finish her schooling elsewhere. But even then she could never understand Ronin's fascination to Tara to the exclusion of everyone else. This she ignored, thinking it was a temporary childhood phase and just maybe, General Ronin would notice her one day, or so she hoped.

She trained hard on her return to Moonhaven and enlisted in the Leafmen army just so she can get closer to him, honing her skills to almost match that of the greatest Leafmen there are. But now and again, each time she manages to catch a glimpse of Ronin, she would stop and stare at him. In her heart, he was her inspiration to be among the best and she was convinced that he is indeed the one for her.

So now she watches him, just as he was intently keeping his eyes on their Queen.

Suddenly, a trumpet sounded from afar. News of a visitor was coming their way. All Leafmen were instantly on high alert, with weapons drawn and Ronin immediately flew down to be next to the Queen. Reena returned to her squadron without delay while Commander Finn took over the position just vacated by Ronin to await further commands from the General.

A hush descended on the crowds. Here and there, people were stopping what they were doing and looking at where the trumpet sounds was coming from.

Mub and Grub craned their necks to find out what was going on and Nim Galuu stopped his singing midway through as the trumpets continued to blare. Queen Tara was in the middle of a procession when she was stopped in her tracks. It was not long before Ronin was by her side and Leafmen guards quickly surrounded her. More guards went in front of the crowds standing in line to protect them. People and guards made way as an entourage of important looking officials and a group of ten soldiers appeared. They were riding on lizards whose forked tongues tasted the air now and again while slithering their way through. The two soldiers at the front of the entourage carried red flags that depicted flames of fire and their insignia had the symbols of the neighbouring Kingdom of Igneo.

The most decorated of these officials effortlessly slid off his lizard, and on one knee, bowed to the Queen as soon as he caught sight of her.

"We come in peace, Your Majesty," the official started, gesturing to his soldiers who equally came off their rides and bowed deeply to the Queen. As Tara was about to approach the bowing official, Ronin stood firmly before her. "Ronin, it's all right," she said, gently putting her hand on his forearm, "Lower your weapons." Ronin hesitated for a moment then quickly bowing to his Queen he gave the signal to his men to back down.

"Speak, please…" Queen Tara asked the official when she was close enough for him to hear her. Ronin continued to remain at her side, his hand ready on his sword.

"I am Asmodeus of the Kingdom Igneo. My Lord and Sire, the Prince Bellum wishes an audience with the Queen Tara, the One we know as the Life of the Forest. "

"And when does he intend to do this?"

"On the third night, when the moon is at its fullest, Your Majesty…"came the reply.

"It is most unusual for a royal from Igneo to venture outside their borders, Lord Asmodeus. Did he tell you why he particularly wants to see me?"

"Your Majesty, I am unfortunately not privy to that information. My instruction was merely to announce that he wants an audience with you, and as a token of good will, we bring to you personal gifts from His Highness."

Asmodeus stood up, signaling to the last two soldiers who came forward carrying the largest display of roses ever seen in the land. As this was laid at Queen Tara's feet, two more officials also laid smaller caskets of rare and endangered species of potted and blooming healing plants. As the officials and soldiers bowed and retreated, Queen Tara said; "Lord Asmodeus, these are indeed very impressive gifts, but there was no need for His Highness to go to such lengths."

"Your Majesty, it is the fervent wish of my Master that you would agree to see him. I was told not to leave until you said yes."

"Then his wish is granted. Tell His Highness that I appreciate his gifts. May goodwill indeed remain between our kingdoms," Queen Tara smiled. As the entourage departed, and the crowds resumed their enjoyment of the festival, Ronin looked at the gifts and then at Queen Tara.

"I feel this is a bad idea…."Ronin started. The Queen merely looked at him and held his hand, a gesture that Reena's keen eyes did not miss even when sitting astride her hummingbird from afar.

~ To be continued ~