~Chapter 4~
Ember reappeared in the stormy sky of Burgess. Lightening flashed overhead and a chill spread down her spine. It looked much better in the forest pf River Valley than here. Maybe Jack wouldn't even be out here then? Not when there was a chance to be struck by lightning. But then again it wasn't raining yet and Ember knew Jack was as stubborn as a cow. So she made her way around the forest that surrounded Burgess, making sure to stay in a shadow incase a fearling was about. The last thing Ember needed was to be attacked by one of those horrid monsters right now. Or for Pitch to find her!
Ember was then struck by an idea. She remembered how all the lights had gone out. Ember was surly not the main cause of that, Pitch had to be making personal visits to the kids. Maybe she could stake out a few houses and see what's going on with Pitch. Maybe he would show signs of why he is in such a pissed off mood? It was risky, but Ember was determined now.
Ember hung on to Star Scream as he took off into the night, keeping an eye out for any intruder that could harm Ember. He flashed from shadow to shadow until they were inside the town of Burgess. The kids had been asleep only for a little bit. But that never stopped Pitch. A long sleepless night of pure terror was his favorite, Ember knew that first hand. Mainly because in a way she loved it to! How could she help it? Making tiny noises in the night, growling coming from under the bed, it was enough to make a young kid wet the bed. Ember was tempted to go and scare a kid now; it had been a little bit since her last scare. But she had a mission, and bringing fear would attract a fearling surly.
So Ember perched herself on the brim of a shadow on top of one of the apartment buildings and kept an eye out for any movement. Star Scream was on extra alert; Ember even had him try to stake out other buildings. Star Scream refused at first. He wasn't ready to leave Ember, but Ember eventually persuaded him promising she would be fine, and he took off with a growl and a quick glance back. Ember would have sent miniature dragons out to stake out as well, but it would attract Pitch's attention for sure.
Ember kept an eye out for quite a while, but nothing turned up. A fearling slithered in a bedroom once, but that was about it in Burgess. Ember found this odd; usually Burgess was a major target since it was soo close to Pitch's cave. But he was nowhere to be seen. The rain was threatening to fall soon, and Jack was nowhere to be found either. Ember was ready to head back to Begaeon's tent, and she was about to summon Star Scream back when she felt eye's on her back.
"Who are you looking for?" A voice whispered in her ear. Ember screeched and fell backwards. She would have fallen off the building if it wasn't for the stranger grabbing her hand and pulling her away from the edge. "Jeez Ember, what's gotten into you?"
"Jack! You- You Jerk! You nearly caused me to have a heart attack!" Ember exclaimed as she grabbed at her chest. Her heart was beating a million miles, and her muscles ached from the sudden adrenaline rush.
Jack laughed and threw up his hands in surrender. "Yesh, sorry. Who knew the daughter of fear could be scared like that!" Ember glared at Jack for this remark. "Okay okay, I'm sorry… But that was still pretty funny!"
Ember stood up and was about to show him the meaning of funny when Star Scream tackled Jack to the ground in a blur of frost and nightmare sand. He bared his razor sharp teeth and pinned Jack down with one claw. Ember began to laugh at Jack's petrified expression. The perfect pay back. But Star Scream meant harm if Ember didn't stop him. "Okay buddy, let him go. I think he's learned a lesson." Ember commanded Star Scream as she walked over to them and petted him. Star Scream growled and let go of Jack as Ember commanded. "What was that saying about karma?"
"Oh ha ha Ember." Jack rolled his eyes as he got back up to his feet and leaned back on his staff. "What's with the new outfit?"
"Oh, I ripped my other dress so I'm wearing this for now." Ember lied as she shrugged her shoulders. Jack looked at her curiously for a moment, but then shrugged his shoulders to.
"It looks good on you! But-" Jack stopped and traced over the knife wound with his finger as gently as he could. "… It's healed nicely." Ember shivered at his touch and involuntarily pulled herself away.
"Yes. Bunnymund's potion worked wonders." Ember mused as she looked at the scar in disgust. It would be a mark she would wear for life now. And it wouldn't be worn with honor, but humiliation. She had acquired it out of defeat. It was a badge of weakness to Ember. "I wonder if there could be anything to get rid of the scar."
"It should fade more over time, but I'll ask Bunnymund if he has anything for it." Jack assured her as he spread a thin layer of ice on the ground with his staff. The designs splayed across the ground and created a beautiful winter scene. But a light sprinkle began to wash it away. The rain that fell near Jack turned straight into frozen ice, creating icicles on the edge of the building.
"Thank you Jack." Ember sighed as she leaned back on Star Scream. He let out a tiny whine mixed with a growl as he stared into a shadow. Ember looked over to where he was looking and her blood froze. Fearlings. They had snuck up without Ember noticing! There was a few in the shadows by Jack who was completely unaware, and a few more behind Ember.
Now. She had to get out now or be dragged away. It was one or the other. "Listen Jack... I, um. I have to go! I'm sorry I can't hang out longer but I think my father wants to see me..." Ember nodded to the shadows behind Jack. Jack looked to see what she was talking about and understood perfectly when five fearlings began to crawl out of the shadows. Their claws reached out for them like it was a life source needed to keep them alive. It was grotesque to Ember.
"It's alright, I'll see you soon though. Be careful!" Jack began. "If Pitch is still acting odd... Just stay careful alright?" Jack made Ember promise to be careful, and she did. Jack squeezed Embers hand, and then took off into the sky looking back to make sure no fearlings were following him. But the fearlings didn't even blink an eye at Jack, they were focused on Ember who was stricken with fear.
Ember took a breath, and then Star Scream took off as fast as he could. They dove off the building, and into the shadows of the streets. They had to dodge two fearlings on their way down as they grabbed out for them, but it was too late. As soon as Ember hit the shadows she was tumbling into soft grass and nearly cried out of joy. She allowed herself to lay in the grass feeling the soft blades as she ran her hands through it. The entire forest smelled like sweet flowers and fresh morning dew. It had been decades since Ember had smelled this.
The last time was when she still lived with her parents and she had just gotten a book out of the library. It was about a kingdom with magical speakers. They could control fire, wind, water, and even people. Yet the earth was only controlled by itself, which Ember found fascinating. She had climbed up into an old oak tree in the back yard of her house. It was in the morning and her parents had already went to work. Ember spent the entire day in that tree and read for hours on end, just smelling the fresh scent of flowers and dew on the grass. It was magical to Ember to say the least.
"My lady are you alright?" Begaeon's voice exclaimed as Ember came back to her senses. Begaeon rushed over to where Ember was sprawled out in the grass with his sword draw. "Did you get attacked?"
"Begaeon! Haha! Yes' I'm alright. It was a close call though! Have you ever just laid in the grass before? It's simply brilliant! Oh do try it!" Ember giggled and rolled in the grass a few more times before Begaeon picked her up and laid her against a tree. Ember couldn't stop laughing at this point and hugged the tree . "Oh what a beautiful tree Begaeon! You know, this is why I love your forest! The tress, oh they are magnificent and brilliant. I have never seen tree's like it before!"
Begaeon shook his head and pry'd Ember off of the tree. Ember giggled and swayed until Begaeon gently lifted her onto his back. "Hang on and don't fall off. It seems you came back and fell right into a patch of Eidos Dyosmou. How it even has an effect on you I am not sure! But-
"What are you doing to my hair?" Begaeon asked as he tried to look at what Ember was doing. Right when Ember had been lifted onto his back she instantly began to braid his brilliant hair. It wasn't long enough for a real braid, so Ember grabbed up a tiny bit at a time and braided them one by one. Begaeon sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Begaeon! What's going on? Is everything alright?" A male voice called out from the forest. Ember looked up from braiding Begaeon's hair to see another male Centaur trotting their way with a sword brandished. He had long golden hair, the same as his body. He was not as nicely built as Begaeon, but his green eyes made up for it.
"No need to get alarmed Doroth, everything is safe. Our friend here though seems to have gotten into the Eidos Dyosmou." Begaeon nodded to Ember who was still braiding his hair and looking up at Doroth.
Doroth snorted and stamped his hove's. "You let a human ride your back Begaeon? Have you lost all respect as a Centaur!?" Doroth exclaimed as he sneered at Ember.
Begaeon let out a deep growl and stamped his hove's back at Doroth. "Do not insult me Doroth! Nor this girl! I should have your head for your comment. Here before you is the daughter of night Ember who guards the stars as we sleep and is friend of the moon itself! I found her badly wounded and dying in the forest last night and healed her the best I could. She is a friend of this forest, and unless you would like to start a war I suggest you lower your sword towards her!"
Doroth starred at Ember in wonder and slowly lowered his sword. "My apology's Princess Ember, daughter of the night." Doroth apologized as he bowed his head and kneel'd on one hoof. "And my apology to you Begaeon. I should have not assumed matters so quickly."
"Princess? I never thought about it like that before! I'm flattered sir Doroth." Ember beamed at him. "Also Begaeon! I bring dreams to children of all ages. I guess I forgot to mention that... Oh well!"
Ember giggled and began another braid in Begaeon's hair. She would have grabbed up some tiny wild flowers to put in it, but she couldn't figure out how to get off Begaeon's back. Ember tried to gently slide off But Begaeon quickly lifted her back into place on his back. "Oh no you don't! My lady do stay still until you are back to your normal state."
"What are you talking about? I feel better than ever Begaeon!" Ember exclaimed as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
"How did the Eidos Dyosmou have such an effect on her?" Doroth asked as he eyes Ember. "I didn't know it had an effect on... well, whatever manner of creature she is. I'll say, she looks more human than a goddess of the night!"
"I cannot say Doroth. I was wondering the same thing. And yes, she does have a human appearance, but she wore a different appearance before I found her injured. I had to replace her cloths, they were covered in blood that ran black! Now you tell me what human bleeds black blood and has a pet 'dragon'." Begaeon explained.
"She bleeds black blood? And what in the kings name is a dragon?" Doroth asked bewildered. Ember was shocked that even Doroth had never heard of a dragon. Ember would have made a remark but she was cut off by her own thoughts. Where exactly was Star Scream?
Ember looked behind her and saw that Star Scream was still lying in the patch of Eidos Dyosmou. "There! That's a dragon!" Ember exclaimed as she pointed at Star Scream. Doroth gave a rather loud gasp when he saw the creature that lay behind Begaeon.
"Is it a hazard to the forest Begaeon?" Doroth asked, his hand wavering on his sword. Ember could of laughed even more then. No sword could cut down Star Scream. Only a fearling could do that.
"No, he has been of no threat to anything here. In fact he seems to be a protector of Ember." Begaeon explained as he turned around to see Star Scream. "Is he my lady?"
"Hrm? Oh, yes! Star Scream protects me from the fea-" Ember cut herself off, a lump stuck in her throat. Fearlings... That's right! Ember suddenly came out of her happy state caused by the Eidos Dyosmou and came back to reality.
"My lady, are you alright?" Begaeon asked as Ember remained silent for the moment.
"Yes... I'm fine. I'm deeply sorry Begaeon! I'm not entirely sure what came over me..." Ember rubbed her temple and sat back up on Begaeon's back. She would have gotten down but she couldn't make herself move. "But as for Star Scream, he is my friend and protector."
"Ahh, it seems the Eidos Dyosmou has worn off quickly! I can't say as much for your... Uh, dragon friend there." Doroth commented. "Lucky for you Begaeon. She would have braided every strand of hair it seems!"
Ember looked back to Begaeon's hair and snorted. "Heh, sorry Begaeon." Ember apologized as she began to take the braids back out.
"It's okay my lady. I'm sorry to leave you so soon Doroth, but I must go take care of some matters at hand. I have promised Lady Ember here a trip into the capital." Begaeon explained. Doroth smirked and shook his head.
"As you please Begaeon. Have a fair day Lady Ember, princess of the night!" Doroth bowed again to Ember and nodded to Begaeon. Begaeon nodded back to Doroth and he took his leave.
Begaeon began to walk through the forest again, and Ember had to call Star Scream to get him to follow. Ember gasped in wonder when Star Scream came flying up to her with the happiest smile she had ever seen in her life. Ember saw that Star Scream now possessed more golden dream sand than nightmare sand! The two sand mingled as if they were fighting a war, and it seemed that the golden dream sand was winning. How was that possible? The only way that could have happened was if Ember had personally purified it herself.
"Umm, Begaeon? Did I do anything strange while I was intoxicated by that grass stuff?" Ember asked as she continued to look at Star Scream. Begaeon snorted and began to laugh lightly.
"I mean beside's braiding my hair and trying to get me to role around in the grass with you, no. Why do you ask?" Begaeon replied as he continued to maneuver around the thick trees, making sure not to step on any blooming flowers that were springing up form the ground. "Is something wrong?"
Begaeon paused for moment and looked back at Ember who was still starring at Star Scream who was happily gliding in between trees. Begaeon followed her eyes to Star Scream and cocked his head. "Dragon's change colors?" Begaeon asked furrowing his brow.
"Yes, but no... He isn't supposed to be a good dream." Ember mused. She glanced at her hands, wondering if she was doing it unconsciously. Surly not, that would take a little bit of focusing to do. But then how was this happening?
"Did you just say dream? That dragon is a dream? My lady, are you insinuating dreams are these dragon creatures?" Begaeon asked.
Ember sighed. She didn't feel like hiding her magic anymore from Begaeon. If he took it as a threat, or an insult Ember would just have to try and explain herself the best she could. "Begaeon... No, dragons are not dreams. But, Star Scream is made up of dreams." Ember held out her hand and let golden dream sand flow in the wind and twirl around the trees. Begaeon gasped and abruptly stopped. "When I became the daughter of night I gained these powers from my father. I bring dreams to children of the world... even nightmares. I mean no harm though Begaeon! You have been nothing but kind to me, and it would kill me to attack anything in this forest."
Begaeon stayed quiet for a moment. His eyes didn't leave the dream sand that was flowing and twirling about them. Begaeon reached out hesitantly and touched it. The dream sand twirled into a butterfly, and Begaeon gasped at the change. "What type of sorcery is this?"
"It's the type of sorcery that holds this world together. My job is mainly to give nightmares to the ones who need it... It keeps young teenagers on track and afraid of what they need to be. The good dreams give them hope, a dream to look forward too in life. This sorcery plays an important role in the world..." Ember touched the butterfly ever so gently, and when she did the sand changed back to nightmares and the butterfly disintegrated.
"So that is what your companion here is made of? Dreams?" Begaeon asked as he tried his best to look back at Ember. Ember nodded and smiled. When she looked back at Star Scream there was only a streak of nightmare sand left in him. Something about this forest was purifying him... and if Ember wasn't careful it may start to have an effect on her. In fact Ember was beginning to wonder if it already had.
"Well then, it seems I have made a very important friend then!" Begaeon laughed as he began to walk again. Ember laughed and shook her head. Begaeon took that better than Ember had expected! Ember was sure he was going to buck her off and trample on her for possessing that type of magic. But then again the Centaur's do posses an odd sort of magic themselves...
"Here we are my lady! Would you like anything to eat before we head to the capital? Or anything else to refresh you? It would be rude of me as your host to ignore your needs." Begaeon asked as Ember gently slid off Begaeon so that she could walk now.
"No thank you Begaeon, you have been a wonderful host! I do not eat very much though, take no offense." Ember assured Begaeon. Begaeon smirked at Ember and bowed sarcastically. Ember laughed and shook her head.
"A young girl like you needs to eat, my lady. But it is not my place to decide what you do. In that case however I shall get some things and we will start out." Begaeon stated as he trotted inside. Ember slowly followed him, gazing at the beautiful Oak trees and patches of flowers in the lovely grass.
Ember heard Begaeon rustling around inside, muttering to himself about something she couldn't understand. She peaked in and saw that Begaeon was filling a leather pouch with silver coins and some gold. Ember wondered what he would need that for... maybe it costs something to enter the capital? Ember couldn't decide, she didn't even really have time to before Begaeon was trotting back out of the house and locking up. "Would you like to ride on my back again? It is a bit of a walk." Begaeon asked as he fastened a few things to his belt.
"No, I don't wish to be a burden. I will ride Star Scream." Ember answered as she admired Begaeon. He had changed, rather quickly at that, into a leather vest that had a crest on the breast. His hair was soo neatly shaggy it was almost irresistible, and his mane was freshly groomed. His belt contained his sword, a few pouches including the one filled with money, and a tiny gem studded dagger. Ember nearly had to wipe drool from her mouth Begaeon looked so dashing.
"St- Star Scream! Come boy!" Ember stammered as she whistled to the air. A joyful noise came from the dragon as he rushed up to Ember, and she climbed onto his back. Where Ember touched Star Scream his sand turned black again for a moment, but almost instantly turned back into regular dream sand.
"Are you ready Ember?" Begaeon asked as he stamped the ground with his hoof. Ember nodded, and they began to travel at a fair speed. Begaeon was almost at a trot as Ember glided along on Star Scream. Ember did have some difficulty controlling him since every patch of Eidos Dyosmou they passed Star Scream tried to dive into it. Only once did Star Scream succeed and Ember barley managed to escape with a slight high that lead to Begaeon carrying her for the rest of the time. They agreed it was better not to take another chance with Star Scream and the Eidos Dyosmou again.
Ember was tempted to start braiding Begaeon's hair again, but had the presence of mind to restrain herself. So instead she twisted herself around on Begaeon's horse back so that she wasn't facing him and laid back. Her head rested on his muscular back as she folded her arms behind her. Ember watched the trees pass above her, their beautiful leaves coming to life and blowing in the wind. Some of the flowers that sprouted on the limbs also began to flow off into the wind and join the others as they swirled like the current in a stream. It was a beautiful sight with the moon in the background, however the sun did slightly bother Ember. It burned her eyes and her flesh when it was openly exposed, but not much. With some concentration she was able to push out the dark and let in the light. But of course she could only push out the dark soo much.
After what felt like a little less than half an hour Begaeon began to slacken his pace as if he was really trying to concentrate. Ember barely noticed... something was off. She realized that the flowers and leaves of the tree's that kept blowing off was following them. From time to time she imagined that she saw a lovely face appear in them, but it disappeared too quickly for Ember to decide what it really was that she saw. It began to grow almost violent as it swirled faster and faster above and around Ember. It was then that Begaeon stopped completely under a dense canopy of ancient Oak trees filled with dog woods, Banyan's, Coastal Coral's, some White Poplars, old Olive's, and a few Larch's. It was a scenery Ember would never forget. It was as if she had just stepped into a dream.
"We are here my lady." Begaeon announced as he looked at the bunches of flowers that began to fly off the trees and swirl around them. Ember gently rolled off Begaeon and thought it best to stay beside him. The wind that usually controlled itself, as Ember had noted years ago, was being controlled by someone and or something else. Ember wasn't sure if it was good or bad... but she became nervous. Even Star Scream, who had been gaily frolicking in the flowers a moment before, was now sniffing the air curiously.
Begaeon began to bow and motioned for Ember to follow. She did as he told her, but remained curious as the flowing stream of flowers began to swirl directly in front of them, and start to take a human form... yet not human at all. "Travelers! What is it you seek?" A harmonious voice asked. It sounded like soothing honey and joyful bells in Ember's ears. She could listen to that all day, and never grow tired of it.
"Guardian of the Capital of Yirelith! Spirit of the tree's! I am Sir Begaeon of the guard, son of Xyfocrin Lord of the Centaurs. And this is Ember daughter of the night and wielder of all dreams. We wish to enter the capital." Begaeon stated, still bowing. The human form stared at Ember for a moment, for the trees new Begaeon well. But Ember was a stranger.
"I sense a darkness in you daughter of the night... Tell me. Are you friend or foe to the trees of Yirelith?" The soothing voice asked again.
"I am a friend to all living things in Yirelith, and I intend no harm. Only peace." Ember responded without looking up as Begaeon had done. There was a silent pause as the spirit of the trees pondered Ember. Ember was afraid she would not be accepted into the city, but thankfully after a moment the spirit spoke again.
"Your wish is granted. Feel free to enter into the capital, and know that the spirit of the trees will always be with you!" The spirit opened up her arms, and in a flash of blinding light appeared the capital of Yirelith. Begaeon stood up from his bow, followed by Ember and admired the view.
"Lady Ember, welcome to the capital of Yirelith!" Begaeon smiled. Ember was star struck when she saw the capital from a distance. A valley, about a mile long stood before them. Some activity could be seen among all the tree's Ember didn't recognize. They had a wonderful golden and silver bark that was smooth like silk, with flowers of bright moonlight shaded pedals. But Ember was puzzled by what seemed like Fawn's bustling about, along with Nymph's that laughed and played among the trees. Some taunted multiple variations of creatures Ember could not make out. There was even Griffins that could be spotted soaring over the great valley. She guessed some of them were centaur's. But when the valley came to an end a great stone wall over a few hundred feet high, with stone trees that guarded the entrances, surrounded a mountain that hosted layers upon layers of houses and stone buildings. You could see the bustling streets from some distance, but the castle at the very top caught Ember's eye. It seemed to be made out of one gigantic tree alone with a good few windows. It overshadowed the city, and seemed to watch over everything. In fact it was the heart of the forest.
"Come my lady." Begaeon said as he lightly pushed Ember forward. Star Scream came racing by them and flew into the air with the griffins. The griffins quickly avoided him, and shrieked at him. Star Scream let out a playful growl, and chased them. Begaeon laughed at the playful act and shook his head. "They wont be very happy about having a dragon here. They're not used to such creatures flying with them."
"How do humans not see this place?" Ember asked both to herself and Begaeon. "They have plains and drones that survey every part of the earth and yet I don't think anyone knows about it! Even my father doesn't seem to know about this place..."
"Again, the forest only shows itself to the ones it trusts. Granted, we do have some evil hearts around here but for some reason the forest doesn't seem to care. But it would never reveal itself to a mortal. Only one villager knows about this forest. But I wouldn't call him human." Begaeon explained as they descended into the valley. Ember got some strange stares from the fawns, and a few centaurs that seemed to be lazing around. But the wood nymphs only smiled at her with a hint of curiosity.
"How is he not human? Is he a magical creature in disguise?" Ember asked as she kept a bit closer to him. Begaeon shook his head and sighed.
"He is an old wizard... You may not be able to tell from the looks of him. I guess he has some non-aging spell. But if you look into his eyes, you can see the ancient years he has put behind him. I do not know his name, but he was a friend of my mothers a long while ago. I think he is friendly, but I prefer to stay away from such beings. You never know what will set them off and have them turn you into a toad or something." Begaeon shook his head and Ember laughed.
"I thought the entire turning people into toads was just child's play for witches and wizards?" Ember said as she watched a fawn trying to chase a nymph. He almost did, but the nymph turned into a beautiful tree before the fawn could and he slammed straight into it. Ember snorted at the scene and shook her head. What was it with people and loving nymphs?
"Is it? I wouldn't know. Like I said I stay away from such things." Begaeon shrugged. Ember nodded. She knew enough about magic to know it was a dangerous thing to mess with. Even the powers she possessed were dangerous to all. You just needed to know what you were dealing with, and you'd be fine.
Ember and Begaeon walked for almost ten more minuets before they began to near the massive wall. Two magnificently stone carved trees blocked the entrance into the city, but Begaeon didn't seem worried about it. "Here we are my Lady!" Begaeon exclaimed as they came to stand under the shadow of the wall. Ember looked up and felt instantly dizzy.
"Uh... Begaeon. How do we get passed the trees?" Ember asked rather confused. The limbs of the stone carvings blocked the entrance. Not even a small mouse could possible enter through. How was a Centaur and a girl supposed to fit through there?
Begaeon smiled down at Ember and took her hand. "I'll show you."