The sun was setting on a forgotten kingdom. The orange sun illuminated the sky saturating the ruins of a crumbling stone castle now over run with weeds and wild flowers. Smaller homes were scattered in all directions of the castle and seemed to suffer the same fate if not worse. Vines wove their way up Alabaster columns protecting delicate flowers with it's sharp thorns. In the center of the once beautiful castle stood a massive tree. Underneath the tree in the shade of its luscious foliage laid Adharéal. Her eyes were closed and a peaceful expression grazed her features.
The expression was short lived once she began to stir awake. Adharéal groaned painfully gripping her head which felt like it was going to split into two. Pushing herself up to rest her back against the tree she took a few deep breaths as she waited for the pain to subside. Once she felt like she could move she took in the surroundings around her. Something about the place felt safe and familiar but she did not know why. Gently she slid her hand down the smooth bark of the tree before standing. Leaning on the tree for extra support she sighed before stepping away from the tree and exploring what little of the castle that remained in tact. Eventually she made her way back to the tree and felt the warm feeling of safety once more. Narrowing her eyes at the tree she wondered if she could speak with it like she had done with the tree sprite but after a few attempts of being answered with silence she leaned back on the tree.
"Where the hell am I?" She wondered aloud.
There was no answer as she was left alone with her thoughts. Adharéal shook her head as she tried to fight an exhaustion that took her over all of a sudden. Adharéal narrowed her eyes at the tree when a thought came to her. Placing her palms against the bark she gasped in shock when she felt her mind being invaded by an unseen presence. She desperately tried not to break focus as she let the tiring feeling overtake her in her meditation.
"Adharéal" A voice whispered through her consciousness.
"Who's there?" Adharéal cried out. The voice was strong but it did not frighten her.
"My beautiful daughter. You finally return home. You're journey has been a long one" The voice responded.
"Who are you? How do you know me?"
"I know all that is living and has lived" The voice answered simply.
"Great another tree that talks in riddles" Adharéal huffed.
The voice chuckled humored by the outspoken young woman.
"You come in search of answers"
"Yes" Adharéal answered.
"Then answers you shall receive"
A bright white fog filled Adharéal's mind clearing it of all thought as she drifted aimlessly through what felt like nothingness until the fog lifted.