Chapter TWELVE: The Moon, Stars, and Sun -TALIA
...
Talia walked carefully into a large empty landing. The inside of the castle was as lovely and enchanting as the outside. The inside was of elegant design with religious undertone. Decorations of paintings, busts, and statues of the many gods of the worlds were scattered over the long stretches of the corridor. She could hear the sound of faint music playing from somewhere in the delicately lit palace. Her footsteps echoed on the royal blue tiles under her feet as she paced forward.
At this point, disoriented and still somewhat dazed, Talia was unsure of where she was heading. No one was in sight nor could she hear anyone around. Not knowing where else to turn, she decided to continue in the direction of the corridor.
Eventually, she reached another stretch of corridor that was even bigger than the adjoining one before. However, this time there was a large open door at the distant end. As Talia went towards it, she saw another room off to the side and could not help peering into it as she passed.
The room was very big, yet still elegant like vast ballroom. There were eight very large paintings a few feet apart from one another covering all the walls; she realized that it was actually gallery. Below each painting, Talia immediately recognized the bright star-shaped symbol marker of a portal.
She looked up at the paintings wondering about their significance, and realized that they were images of shrines, most likely destinations. Though, she did not recognize any of them despite having traveled the world extensively. For a minute, she gazed at each of the portraits and attempted guessing where each went to.
"Talia?" Talia heard her name suddenly being called from behind somewhere. It was the Oracle.
Talia quickly turned to face her.
"What is this place?" she asked.
"Oh, these dear are just short-cuts to the shrines for the Druids of the world. They are not used much, however, I have decided to open this room for you since I am aware that you are not quite ready to teleport yourself to the Dreamlands yet," the Oracle finished and then led her to the Dreamworld painting.
Her frail old hand, pointed at the image of a white pointy circular building with a dark violet background.
"That is the Tear Shrine in the Dreamworld. You will have to go there later on, but right now we must discuss your duties, and hopefully soon, you will meet the other druids who should be joining us shortly."
The Oracle then began walking towards the other room in the corridor with Talia following along behind her. They entered an enormous dome-shaped room with multiple windows overlooking the small city below. Dozens of strange artifacts were displayed on low shelves off to the sides and a small elegant pool of water refracted light in the center of the room.
It's breathtaking, Talia thought; but then again, the whole realm had left her floored. She wished that Devin were here with her and thought how much he would have enjoyed the scenery. After all, he was the one that liked traveling and adventures.
"-But before we begin, Talia..." the Oracle began, "we should first speak of the young man you left behind. Dear, if only I had known, I would have never summoned you to become the Dreamer. I have never had such a problem with these circumstances for any druid."
"Is there a way that I can return and be mortal again?" Talia asked just to ask, thinking it unlikely anything would change after everything.
"I am afraid that there is no way to undo what has already been done, my child. You must remain the Dreamer. It will be difficult at first adjusting to your immortality and learning how to handle your new abilities and tasks, but in time you will get used to things. For now, however, you will be unable to return to your world and must remain here to be safe. In the world, you would be vulnerable to being awoken in the Dream Realm because of distance and other magical factors that are present in the High Realm, but not in Aia."
Talia only nodded her head already knowing her sad fate: to be here forever and alone.
"Although, there is no rule stating that you cannot visit Devin in his dreams. But dear, you did not hear this from me," the Oracle mentioned and winked at her. Talia winked back, a little content about the news, but still felt low despite the Oracle attempts to give her any real hope.
The Oracle then reached into a small box that was sitting on a mantle nearby.
"Talia, this is a Priestess Guardian Ring. You should wear it at all times. It is very rare and valuable, but will help us find you if you are in any danger."
Talia immediately put on the ring on her finger, noticing that it was engraved with strange markings.
"Now, shall we discuss you duties?...You have very unique and demanding work ahead of you. You are by title the Dreamer, the Druid of Dreams, and the Guardian of Dreams. This means that you are asleep in the Dreamworld, as you already know. You must heal mortals affected by nightmares and monsters. And we cannot forget your duties here in the High Realm..."
The Oracle went on for over an hour. Talia felt as if she were back at the Collegium all over again, but listened closely anyways.
"...And finally, you will be training and also working with three other druids that help govern the dream flow in some way or another," as she finished, the Oracle looked past Talia towards the doorway. Talia turned her head and instantly recognized Leana the Moon Priestess. Behind Leana another priestess walked in. Talia realized that they looked very similar to one another.
"Talia, it is nice to see you again. You must meet my sister. This is Trinity, though you may call her Trin. She is the Star Priestess and she is also my twin as you may be able to tell," Priestess Leana said as she beckoned to her sister to come closer.
Both priestesses were fairly pretty, Talia admired, once Trin stepped out of the shadow of the room, but they seemed to contrast in many ways with each other. Leana had a friendly and quiet personality. Her long hair was light yellow, almost white, and lay loosely over her shoulders. Like the many other priests and priestesses she had so far seen, Leana also wore a beautiful blue and white robe with silver lining.
Her sister Trin, on the hand, had the same oak brown eyes and exact facial qualities as Leana, but Talia sensed Trin to be somewhat less approachable. And although it was too early to tell, perhaps a little arrogant. Yet, the resemblance was uncanny; Trin also had long gorgeous hair like her sister, but hers was as dark as the night. She also wore black and purple priestess robe and gown that were similar to Leana's priestess outfit.
"Pleasure to meet you, Trin... I am Talia the new Dreamer," Talia greeted, holding her hand out to her, but Trin simply nodded her head and looked away.
"Can you believe that they have been priestesses for over six centuries now? They have shrines here in the High Realm as well as Aia. Perhaps, some time you should go visit them, dear," the Oracle interrupted, noticing Trin's unwelcoming reaction towards Talia.
"Yes, quite a long story how we are both druids. It is not at all common. We will have to talk later sometime," Leana added.
Talia then recalled the Oracle mentioning that there were three druids that she would be training with.
"Where's the other druid?" Talia asked.
"Oh...you mean the Sun Priest? He should be here shortly. He is always so very busy," Trin finally spoke, but sounded irritable.
"Ask for where you shall be staying, Talia, you are welcomed to stay here in the castle for as long as you like. Many new priests and priestesses stay here because I am here to assist them. In time, some do wish to live in Vin'aneer or remain in their shrines," the Oracle remembered to mention.
"Yes, we mostly live here as well. We will have to show you around the castle later," Leana said happily, squinting her eyes with glee.
Suddenly, the four of them turned as they saw small flickering lights falling downwards and illuminating near the entrance. Talia unexpectedly shuddered as she saw the lights dance, but quickly ignored herself because of the commotion.
A man emerged from the lights. The Sun Priest, she knew immediately by his red, green, and golden robes.
"Talia, this is Aydan, the Sun Druid, also Druid of Light," the Oracle announced.
"M'lady, pleased to meet you," Aydan reached for Talia's hand and kissed it. "I have heard so much about you. I'm sure you will be quite the priestess."
Talia pulled her hand away a little surprised. Not even Devin, who was the most chivalrous person she knew, would ever kiss anyone's hand; but she smiled back to be polite. She looked into his stone grey eyes. He quite handsome, she thought. His skin was tanned from the sun and his hair reminded her of King Edward's from Candar, except that it was a rich dark brown.
"Um...Thank you," Talia replied timidly as she stroked her hand on her dress. Their eyes briefly locked again, but Talia looked away.
"If you are ever in need of anything, by all means ask me," he kindly offered.
Trin watch jealously from the side and left abruptly. Everyone in the room noticed, except Talia, who quietly gazed down.
"Well, it has been a long afternoon. Perhaps one of you should show Talia around the realm. I, for one will be hard at work for the rest of the day," the Oracle suggested.
"I will be happy to show Talia the High Realm," Aydan said without delay.
"I can join you two for a short while, but then I must head back to my shrine," Leana said, wanting to be able to stay with them longer.
Aydan smiled warmly at Talia as they headed outward.