* At last, Chapter 5!! Thanks for hanging in there while
I struggled to get this chapter done, especially Lili M. That
extra review really revived my inspiration for this fic.
*This chapter has some of JRR Tolkien's Elvish language in it, and some familiar characters will be named in Elvish. See the bottom of this page for translations.
* In chapter 3, we kinda killed off Ruby Moon as one of Nikki's dead family members. But I thought she would make a much better elf, so now the dead sister is Tokiko from FY, who you never really see anyway, so it's all good. OK, let's begin!
DISCLAIMERS - We don't own any of the characters in this story, (except the original ones) or the shows they came from.
Clamp, Kodansha, Yu Watase, etc. etc. - they own it all.
Zachary awoke to the sound of birds chirping. As he opened his his eyes he found himself in unfamiliar woods. His entire body felt sore, and he tried to remember what he was supposed to be doing out here, but he was just so tired that he couldn't. Groaning, he put one hand to his head, but stopped when noticed that it was caked with blood. He propped himself up on one elbow, and found, upon further inspection, that most of the rest of his body was bloodied as well. He guessed he must have been out here on an errand and been waylaid by bandits. Zachary he knew he needed to find a place to clean himself up. Despite the angry protest from almost every muscle in him, Zachary succeeded in standing. When he tried to get his thoughts in order, the first thing that came to his mind was the word Underground . Feeling a little better by this fragment of memory, but still a bit unsure of his purpose, he set out at a halting walk, hoping to find someone who could help him find his way.
* * *
A few days after the dance, Chelsea was taking one of her routine trips into the forests of Enigma to see how the trees and animals were doing after The Explosion. She was glad to see that some of the trees had started to bud again, and most of the animals were doing fine. After tending to a family of raccoons, Chelsea thought she heard human voices, a few yards away to the east.
Slinking in that general direction so as to investigate, she came upon a clearing, where several of the Imperial knights were sitting and eating lunch. Startled, she shrank back into the cover of the trees to hear what they were saying. Maybe she could get some news of Sir Zachary if she listened. However, no comments on that subject were made. The men were discussing the lands beyond Amour. Chelsea heard talk of an estate just south of the river, and how some noble had possibly gone to live there.
"Too bad they didn't mention Zachary," she thought to herself. Suddenly, a brilliant thought struck her. If nobles had gone south of the river before, maybe Zachary had gone there too. Chelsea was so pleased with this idea that she began to skip. Until she remembered something. The knights had said that group of nobles now owned Masque. If that were true, she doubted that they would just let any peasant come traipsing through, claiming she was looking for a wayward knight.
She just had to find a way, though. Someone of authority could surely enter Masque if they pleased. But how was she going to get an authority to come with her on a wild goose chase? She only knew one noble, and that was Zachary. Sighing, she slowly walked towards her house, hoping she would come up with an idea by the time she got there.
* * *
Zachary stared at this strange new thing in front of him. It looked like the opening to a cave, but there was no back wall. Not only that, but there were carved decorations on the rocks forming the entrance. The knight thought for sure that this led to where he wanted to go - Underground. He was so glad to have found it, that after only preparing a torch, he headed off into the dark.
After what seemed like a very long time, the black haired young man looked about in confusion. He had gone through the tunnel fully expecting to find his way home at the other end. But he must have gotten turned around somehow, because he was back out in the forest again.
It was then he realized that maybe he would never find his way home. Not to mention that he was beginning to get tired. Even though he hadn't even been searching a whole day yet, his already hurting body was not willing to take much more abuse. Sitting down in frustration and fatigue, he moaned and laid his head in his hands.
Just then, he became aware of the sound of running water. He looked and saw a small brook just a little way off to his left.. Deciding he was thirsty, he crawled over to it and drank greedily. He slurped the water and didn't care. That is, until he saw the shadow of someone fall over him from across the stream. He backed away defensively, preparing to fight, but saw that it was only a girl holding a basket of greens. Her auburn hair shone in what sunlight came in through the trees.
She looked at him quizzically, but started suddenly as she examined him more closely. Zachary guessed she was not used to seeing bloody men lapping at streams during her normal days. But soon it was his turn to be startled as he noticed her ears. They were pointed, shaped like leaves. He couldn't ever remember seeing anyone with pointed ears. But then again, lately, he couldn't seem to remember much at all.
"Adan... " she whispered.
Wondering what that was supposed to mean, he offered her a hello.
"Hello," she returned.
" Tell me lady, if you know, what place is this?"
"This place is called Artaurion, but you, sir, are not a native son. Where did you come from, and how did you get here?"
"I was..." he started, but stopped. He couldn't seem to think of where he came from. That was just because he was tired, though. Wasn't it?
"Well, if you can't tell me that, at least tell me your name."
"My name," he thought, "This should be easier." He opened his mouth to say it, but found he was unable to do even that. Sudden panic welled up inside him as he realized the farthest back he could remember was waking up all bloodied and bruised. He cast about wildly in his mind, sweat breaking on his brow, but still could not give an answer.
The look on the girl's face changed slowly, as if comprehending something tremendous.
"I, I don't know...." he said at last, and hung his head, as if admitting it had sealed the fact permanently. "I don't have any recollection except of what's happened to me today."
"Well, I can imagine," she said, "looking the way you do, it probably got knocked right out of you." She reached out to take his hand, and helped him to his feet. "Come on, vanwadan, I'll help you find your way ."
Zachary was surprised that she accepted his confession so lightly. She never accused him of lying, never questioned what his motive might be, or if he even had one. For this he was grateful at least, since any questions she asked he would not have been able to answer. He really did not remember anything, and it scared him.
* * *
Chelsea opened the front door to her house and immediately called for her brother. As he appeared before her, she asked if he would like to go on a trip to Summit with her. She thought that since Chiriko went to school in Massif, a town right at the feet of Pinnacle Palace, he might know some of the courtiers there.
"Uh, I guess," he said hesitantly.
Chelsea smiled
"But why?"
The smile faded. She had to think fast. "I...well I..." she faltered, unsure of how much Chiriko knew, and debating whether she should tell him the truth. She decided the truth was too personal. "I heard there was an animal that was really badly hurt over there. You know, it got caught in a trap accidentally." she finished quickly, hoping Chiriko would believe her, even though she knew he probably wouldn't.
Chiriko eyed her suspiciously, but to her relief, did not ask anything. Chelsea knew he would like to come, and would therefore not ask very many questions. That was why she suggested it.
"But," he said, "Mother and Father would be angry at us if we left and didn't tell them, so we'll have to wait until they get home to ask."
He looked up at his sister and asked; "Can this so-called "animal" wait for a little while?"
Chelsea smiled again. So Chiriko really hadn't been fooled after all. Well, at least he wasn't going to reveal her secrets, and she could be thankful for that. "Yes," she answered, "I suppose it can."
* * *
The girl with red hair walked with him, supporting him against her shoulder, since he was far too weak now from his injuries and a full day of traveling. She walked and he limped, out of the forest into a rolling meadow dotted here and there with rather large houses. But these were not like normal houses. Their very walls were made of only a fine layer of filigree, with intricate carving all about. This elegant style had obviously been perfected over many, many years. The windows had no glass, and the trees around the outside extended their branches gently into the rooms. The girl led him inside one of the said houses, and took him to a small, sunny bedroom.
"Mistress Caranithil," he said, having since learned his aide's name, "your houses are amazing. Where did your people learn such art?"
She laughed. "We did not learn it, we have always had it. Besides, half of the time, we live in the trees."
"Trees?"
"Yes, we are elves after all."
"Elves! Of course!" he thought to himself. "Her ears, (which by this time he had quite forgotten) her odd words and phrases.
That must have been how I came out from that tunnel without finding an end. It was elven craft that did it."
He didn't notice that she had left the room until she came back in, holding a water pitcher and a basin. She set them on the floor beside the basket she'd been carrying when Zachary first saw her. Mixing the plants in with the water, she made a sort of poultice.
"All right, off with your shirt now," she said nonchalantly.
"My what?! Excuse me miss, but...." he started, mortified, but he didn't have enough energy to protest for long.
"How else can I tend to your wounds?" she asked evenly.
"Oh, all right then," he laid down on the bed, suddenly exhausted. Weakly, he pulled his tunic up over his head. Caranithil gently took it from his hand and laid across the foot of the bed. She leaned over him and ran her hands over his multiple cuts and gashes. To Zachary, it felt like cool water rushing over him. He wondered at this, but remembered that she was an elf, and didn't worry about it more. At least he could remember that.
Giving himself up to the girl's healing hands, Zachary contentedly closed his eyes and let himself drift into sleep.
* * *
Their parents did not get home until late in the afternoon, so Chelsea and Chiriko had to wait until the next morning to set out. Riding across Lea would take all day. That was only, of course, after they had convinced their parents that Chiriko needed to go over to his school for some reason or another. Chelsea couldn't remember what tale she made up, she was just glad that she was in Summit now. Chiriko led the way to the town square, but Chelsea felt the smallest bit silly that her little brother was showing her where to go.
The place was buzzing. People were buying, selling, and trading at stands set up in the street and also in the shops run by the professional dealers. The air was filled with sounds of vendors praising their "exquisite" wares, customers asking for "something not so expensive", and every other typical market sound that Chelsea would have expected.
Children were playing games in the corners, in front of doorways, and every available space. Here three girls were playing with a skipping rope, there a little boy was rolling a small wooden horse back and forth. Chiriko strode confidently to the livery stables, where a young dark haired man was inspecting the soundness of a small grey pony's front legs.
"Hey Tomite!" Chiriko called cheerfully to the man, who's head snapped in their direction when he heard his name called. He was a knight, judging by his garb. And he certainly looked the part with a bow and quiver of arrows slung on his back. The most noticeable thing about him though, was his determined grey eyes. His eyes definitely stood out the most.
He smiled when he saw Chiriko, and said said something to the old man holding the pony's lead. The old man smiled, nodded, and led the pony away, and Tomite began walking towards the kids.
"He was friends with a knight and didn't tell me?" Chelsea was thinking, "Well, at least maybe his friend will know Zachary."
"Hello there, Chiriko," Tomite said as Chiriko and Chelsea made it inside the stables. "What brings you here today?"
"Oh, my sister just wanted to see what it looked like down here," the boy answered glibly.
"And does she like it so far?" he asked, looking at Chelsea the while.
"Well, what I really want to see is the castle, I've heard that it's really pretty on the inside," she was proud of herself for coming up with that on the spot. But she also felt bad, because it meant she becoming an expert on telling lies.
"I think can help you out there," the knight said, smiling.
"Oh, would you?" she asked innocently.
"Sure, just follow me."
Chiriko gave his sister a questioning glance, but followed the knight anyway.
"Excuse me, sir," Chelsea got alongside the knight, struggling somewhat to keep up with his large strides, even though he was not walking all that fast. "Sir, uh, Tomite. Before the Day War, did you ever know a knight named Zachary?"
"Why, is he a friend of yours? A relative?"
"No, just a friend, like you said."
"Sorry miss, but although I have heard that name, I didn't know him personally."
"Oh...all right then." Chelsea sighed. There went her chance to pull off her goal without having to actually go in front of someone important.
"There's the palace," Tomite pointed to a massive mountain that loomed some distance ahead of them. Part of it appeared to be in the shape of castle. It was Pinnacle Palace, hewn out of the very mountainside itself. The great grey spires of rooftop rose up out of the peaks to pierce the clouds. Chelsea was impressed. "Even if I don't see the king, I think I'd still like to go inside a place like that!" she thought.
* * *
The former knight opened his eyes to see a young, sturdy tree waving its arms in the wind at his window. He could hear the rustling of the leaves clearly, since, if you will remember, there is no glass in elven windows.
Suddenly, he became aware that a tall and silver haired youth was standing at the foot of his bed. But although this person appeared to be a young man, his eyes held an ageless wisdom. Zachary assumed this was an elf as well, but where was Caranithil?
"Oh, vanwadan, you're awake!" she said cheerfully, suddenly blowing into the room as if carried on a breeze. "This is my brother, Ithilhir,"
"I suspected as much," he smiled.
"How do you feel?" she asked.
"Much better, thank you."
It was her turn to smile. "I am glad to hear it."
"Well, miss, I am glad to say it, if it makes you happy."
She blushed a little, and remembering that her brother was in the room, abruptly changed the subject. "So, mellon, is your memory any better today?"
"I'm afraid not. I'm sorry."
"Oh, don't worry yourself about it. I'm sure you'll find your way soon enough, and if you don't, you can stay here with us," she replied cheerfully. Secretly, she half hoped that he would not remember. She wanted him to stay.
"For that I thank you," the other said, getting out of the bed. But suddenly he grabbed the bedpost and leaned heavily against it. His eyes rolled back in his head for a moment, and his knees buckled underneath him. But the strong arms of Ithilhir were around him in an instant, supporting him.. "Don't push yourself too hard," was all he said.
Caranithil came around to help her brother. "Please get some more rest," she urged their charge as they lifted him back onto the bed. "You've not yet healed as well as I should have liked. I wonder what happened to you?" She was now mainly talking to herself and Ithilhir. The figure on the bed was again drifting into sleep.
* * *
Tomite led the siblings through several narrow, low roofed, hallways. "This isn't so great," Chiriko whispered to himself. But as soon as he said that, the hallway opened up into a magnificent indoor courtyard that was tall almost beyond imagining and spacious enough for at least two hundred people to stand together in a crowd.
Both children gaped at the room they now found themselves in. Staring straight up, they saw the vaulted ceilings about two hundred feet above their heads painted with specks of gold, making it look like a night sky dotted with stars. All the walls had busts of ancient heroes carved into them. Moving their eyes down from the ,ceiling Chelsea and CChirikosaw the open ccorridorsof the upper floors railed with white marble banisters. Each hallway eventually fed into one of the three majestic staircases that went all the way down to the ground. At the base of each of the staircases, golden angel warriors stood tall and proud on the banister's end. In each of the four corners of the room, a thick pillar ran from the floor to the roof, and smaller, thinner pillars connected each of the upper floors to the one below it.
Chelsea realized that her mouth was literally hanging open, and she quickly shut it, hoping no one had seen her. But she looked and saw Chiriko's knight, his arms folded across his chest and a smile playing on his mouth. Quickly, she looked away, not liking the looks he had been giving her since they met at the market.
"Pretty impressive, isn't it?" he said as he walked over to them.
"I'll say," Chiriko replied. "Is this where the Emperor meets the people that come to see him?"
"Oh no, but I'll show you the throne room if you'd like."
"That would be fine!" Chelsea cut in quickly before her brother had a chance to say no.
Tomite straightened up. "All right then, miss," he smiled, "I'll take you there."
After walking up a few flights up one of the many staircases, the knight turned from the path and stepped onto the hallway floor. "It's just through those doors," he said, pointing straight ahead of them to two tall and heavy doors. Walking before his companions, he leaned on the doors with his hands and pushed them open. But he was shocked to see that Emperor Hikitsu was actually in there, reposing on his gilded throne. It appeared he was about to entertain several important looking courtiers.
"Forgive me, your majesty. I was not informed..." Tomite started, bowing an apology.
"No need, my good Tomite," the king said, waving off the formalities. "You know you may have audience with me at any time."
He smiled at Tomite, who relaxed a little. "I know, but I didn't want to interrupt you with these sight-seers."
"Not at all, not at all," Hikitsu replied, getting up and walking over to stand by Tomite.
Chelsea felt her stomach begin twisting itself into knots. So they were actually in the throne room now, and the ruler of the country was right in front of them. What better chance could she ask for? But she hadn't really expected to meet the Emperor himself!
Tomite might be of some use, since he seemed to be on friendly terms with the emperor, but she couldn't really use him just to get favors from the king. So this thing - this plan of going to Masque - was all up to her. She alone would have to set it in motion. "Well, it's now or never," she thought. "Do it, Chelsea!" her mind shouted at her. "Better go before I lose my nerve entirely."
As Hikitsu and Tomite were conversing, Chelsea, out of nowhere, dropped to one knee on the ground, and said quickly,
"Forgive me, my lord Hikitsu, but I must ask a boon of you," Chiriko, Tomite, and Hikitsu, and all of the courtiers looked down at her in shock.
"What would you ask of me?" the Emperor said slowly.
"I know that one of your knights has been missing since the Day War, presumed dead, but I believe I know where to find him." she said
"Which knight, and how would you know him?"
"Zachary of Enigma, sire."
"And of what use would this knight be to me? He would most likely be dead by this time."
"Oh no, sire. He..well I..." Chelsea was stumbling, looking for an excuse. What was she supposed to say? She very well couldn't tell this deity that she had some silly crush on Zachary. She racked her brained one more time, and came up short.
Suddenly, she felt a strong hand on her shoulder. Her heart sank when she suddenly remembered the rumors of the Emperor's bad temper. She looked up fearfully, expecting to see some guard ready to haul her off, but instead looked into the shining eyes of Tomite. He smiled reassuringly at her, and then looked to his ruler.
"Your majesty, I know this girl, and she would not speak hollow words. Zachary was...is a noble knight. Much skilled with the blade, and though he is from Enigma, he was ever a friend to our kingdom.." In a more earnest tone, he added, "Hikitsu, I believe you would come out the better for it, should you grant us leave to search for this knight."
Chelsea was amazed. Tomite hardly knew her, and didn't know Zachary at all, but he told his lie with such smooth confidence and poise, that even she believed that he did know her knight. And he had done it all for her.
"Tell me girl," Hikitsu spoke, "where do you say this Zachary is?"
"Masque, your highness," she answered meekly, getting to her feet.
"Masque," he said musing. "Enigman, too." After debating for a few seconds, he looked up and took a deep breath. "As a token of the friendship between our two kingdoms, I shall grant you leave to search for the man. You may take Tomite with you, and any other men that he sees fit to assist in your search."
Relief flooded through Chelsea's whole body, and she happily grabbed Tomite's hand. He kneeled in front of the king and Chelsea followed his lead. Behind them, Chiriko quickly did the same, even though he felt somewhat foolish. He now knew why his sister had wanted to go to Summit, and it was embarrassing. In front of him, he heard Chelsea thanking the king with all the flowery language he could come up with. Tomite said his thanks as well, and pulled Chelsea up and out of the room before she embarrassed herself.
As the throne room doors closed behind them, Chelsea laughed excitedly, shaking Tomite's arm up and down. "We did it! And I couldn't have done it without you, Tomite!" It was then that she realized that she was still holding his hand. Awkwardly, she let it drop, and averted her face from him. But she was surprised to hear Tomite laughing.
* * *
"Randir, echuio..."
"Hmmmm?" The young man opened his eyes groggily and sat up slowly. He realized he wasn't in a bed like he thought he was...but outside somewhere. He was lying beside a pool of clear, splashing water, into which a waterfall fell from the rock formations several feet above. There were colorful flowers all about, circling the perimeter of the pool. He covered his mouth with his hand as he gave a great yawn.
Caranithil laughed softly at his tiredness. "You fell asleep," she said simply. She was holding a bouquet of the exotic flowers, all of which he had never seen before. "You looked like you were enjoying yourself." She gracefully sat down next to him, setting the flowers on the ground, and brushed away the stray blades of grass from his tousled hair.
His strength had been growing daily. He'd been staying with the ithilchin for - how long had it been? The passing of time was hardly felt in elven lands, so he could not be sure. Caranithil had ever been by his side, keeping a vigilant eye on his progress. When she saw that he was strong enough, she had begun taking him out to see Artaurion and to meet other elves. The Elves called him Randir, which is Wanderer in their language. This particular day, she had taken him out to the Lanthir Lamath , The Waterfall of Echoing Voices. Birds chirped in their nests and trees swayed against the cool gentle winds.
"It's rather peaceful here," Randir commented. Caranithil leaned back and propped herself up with her elbows, staring up at the clear blue sky. Randir watched her and found himself to be very fond of the elf. She let him into her home and took care of him. He would almost say he loved her...but there was something tugging at his heart, like he wasn't supposed to, like there was someone else, yet he couldn't remember anything about his life before that day.....
"What are you thinking about, mellon ?" Caranithil asked, seeing the distant look in his eyes.
Randir shrugged. "I don't know...I think I'm remembering something. Do you think I'll get my memory back before the summer ends?"
Caranithil frowned inwardly. Summer was coming soon, and if he left...then she wouldn't know what she would do. She felt so attached to him. But she knew that once he remembered his past, she was going to have to let him go, and she couldn't bear to see him leave her, after they'd been together so long, and she having nursed him back to health and everything.
Luckily, Randir changed the subject. "What is the name of this place, again?"
"This is Lanthir Lamath. Maybe I will tell you the stories about later." She stared at him for a while as he lay back down, putting his hands behind his head closing his eyes. Caranithil shifted to her side to face him. "Randir," she started.
"Mm-hm?" he responded softly.
"If you do get your memory back...would you just leave me?"
Randir looked at her questioningly. "Leave you?" He spotted the saddened expression on her face and felt a little bad.
"I mean... we would still be friends even if you went home, right? She was starting to blush
He grinned at her affectionately. "Let's not worry about that now, Caranithil." He turned to look at the sky. "Let's enjoy the peace and quiet while we still have it."
*********************************
Caranithil-red moon (Ruby Moon)
Ithilhir- moon lord (Yue)
Artaurion- Noble Forest (Get it? The chapter title, Floret silva, means "The Noble Forest")
Lanthir Lamath - Waterfall of Echoing Voices
adan - a man
echio - awake (this is used as a command)
ithilchin- children of the moon
mellon- friend
randir - wanderer
vanwadan- lost man
*********************************
Hoo-ah!!! It's finished!!!!!!! Broken computers, massive amounts of schoolwork, time-consuming extracurricular activities, deleted files, system crashes, final exams, band tryouts, Christmas shopping, then the return to school.....basically all of junior year..... has all conspired to keep this chapter from ever being finished. But I hope you liked it. I've worked my royal backside off trying to find time to get it done.
I know it seems like this story is going off on random tangents and not really getting anywhere, but I PROMISE PROMISE PROMISE that in the next chapter, everything will start tying back together again. Elcyion is working on it right now, and all the events are tightening up nicely.
*This chapter has some of JRR Tolkien's Elvish language in it, and some familiar characters will be named in Elvish. See the bottom of this page for translations.
* In chapter 3, we kinda killed off Ruby Moon as one of Nikki's dead family members. But I thought she would make a much better elf, so now the dead sister is Tokiko from FY, who you never really see anyway, so it's all good. OK, let's begin!
DISCLAIMERS - We don't own any of the characters in this story, (except the original ones) or the shows they came from.
Clamp, Kodansha, Yu Watase, etc. etc. - they own it all.
**********************************
CARMINA BURANA ~ CHAPTER 5
FLORET SILVA
(THE NOBLE FOREST)
By Elcyion Pitye and *Aeris Tiniel Mirime*
**********************************
Zachary awoke to the sound of birds chirping. As he opened his his eyes he found himself in unfamiliar woods. His entire body felt sore, and he tried to remember what he was supposed to be doing out here, but he was just so tired that he couldn't. Groaning, he put one hand to his head, but stopped when noticed that it was caked with blood. He propped himself up on one elbow, and found, upon further inspection, that most of the rest of his body was bloodied as well. He guessed he must have been out here on an errand and been waylaid by bandits. Zachary he knew he needed to find a place to clean himself up. Despite the angry protest from almost every muscle in him, Zachary succeeded in standing. When he tried to get his thoughts in order, the first thing that came to his mind was the word Underground . Feeling a little better by this fragment of memory, but still a bit unsure of his purpose, he set out at a halting walk, hoping to find someone who could help him find his way.
* * *
A few days after the dance, Chelsea was taking one of her routine trips into the forests of Enigma to see how the trees and animals were doing after The Explosion. She was glad to see that some of the trees had started to bud again, and most of the animals were doing fine. After tending to a family of raccoons, Chelsea thought she heard human voices, a few yards away to the east.
Slinking in that general direction so as to investigate, she came upon a clearing, where several of the Imperial knights were sitting and eating lunch. Startled, she shrank back into the cover of the trees to hear what they were saying. Maybe she could get some news of Sir Zachary if she listened. However, no comments on that subject were made. The men were discussing the lands beyond Amour. Chelsea heard talk of an estate just south of the river, and how some noble had possibly gone to live there.
"Too bad they didn't mention Zachary," she thought to herself. Suddenly, a brilliant thought struck her. If nobles had gone south of the river before, maybe Zachary had gone there too. Chelsea was so pleased with this idea that she began to skip. Until she remembered something. The knights had said that group of nobles now owned Masque. If that were true, she doubted that they would just let any peasant come traipsing through, claiming she was looking for a wayward knight.
She just had to find a way, though. Someone of authority could surely enter Masque if they pleased. But how was she going to get an authority to come with her on a wild goose chase? She only knew one noble, and that was Zachary. Sighing, she slowly walked towards her house, hoping she would come up with an idea by the time she got there.
* * *
Zachary stared at this strange new thing in front of him. It looked like the opening to a cave, but there was no back wall. Not only that, but there were carved decorations on the rocks forming the entrance. The knight thought for sure that this led to where he wanted to go - Underground. He was so glad to have found it, that after only preparing a torch, he headed off into the dark.
After what seemed like a very long time, the black haired young man looked about in confusion. He had gone through the tunnel fully expecting to find his way home at the other end. But he must have gotten turned around somehow, because he was back out in the forest again.
It was then he realized that maybe he would never find his way home. Not to mention that he was beginning to get tired. Even though he hadn't even been searching a whole day yet, his already hurting body was not willing to take much more abuse. Sitting down in frustration and fatigue, he moaned and laid his head in his hands.
Just then, he became aware of the sound of running water. He looked and saw a small brook just a little way off to his left.. Deciding he was thirsty, he crawled over to it and drank greedily. He slurped the water and didn't care. That is, until he saw the shadow of someone fall over him from across the stream. He backed away defensively, preparing to fight, but saw that it was only a girl holding a basket of greens. Her auburn hair shone in what sunlight came in through the trees.
She looked at him quizzically, but started suddenly as she examined him more closely. Zachary guessed she was not used to seeing bloody men lapping at streams during her normal days. But soon it was his turn to be startled as he noticed her ears. They were pointed, shaped like leaves. He couldn't ever remember seeing anyone with pointed ears. But then again, lately, he couldn't seem to remember much at all.
"Adan... " she whispered.
Wondering what that was supposed to mean, he offered her a hello.
"Hello," she returned.
" Tell me lady, if you know, what place is this?"
"This place is called Artaurion, but you, sir, are not a native son. Where did you come from, and how did you get here?"
"I was..." he started, but stopped. He couldn't seem to think of where he came from. That was just because he was tired, though. Wasn't it?
"Well, if you can't tell me that, at least tell me your name."
"My name," he thought, "This should be easier." He opened his mouth to say it, but found he was unable to do even that. Sudden panic welled up inside him as he realized the farthest back he could remember was waking up all bloodied and bruised. He cast about wildly in his mind, sweat breaking on his brow, but still could not give an answer.
The look on the girl's face changed slowly, as if comprehending something tremendous.
"I, I don't know...." he said at last, and hung his head, as if admitting it had sealed the fact permanently. "I don't have any recollection except of what's happened to me today."
"Well, I can imagine," she said, "looking the way you do, it probably got knocked right out of you." She reached out to take his hand, and helped him to his feet. "Come on, vanwadan, I'll help you find your way ."
Zachary was surprised that she accepted his confession so lightly. She never accused him of lying, never questioned what his motive might be, or if he even had one. For this he was grateful at least, since any questions she asked he would not have been able to answer. He really did not remember anything, and it scared him.
* * *
Chelsea opened the front door to her house and immediately called for her brother. As he appeared before her, she asked if he would like to go on a trip to Summit with her. She thought that since Chiriko went to school in Massif, a town right at the feet of Pinnacle Palace, he might know some of the courtiers there.
"Uh, I guess," he said hesitantly.
Chelsea smiled
"But why?"
The smile faded. She had to think fast. "I...well I..." she faltered, unsure of how much Chiriko knew, and debating whether she should tell him the truth. She decided the truth was too personal. "I heard there was an animal that was really badly hurt over there. You know, it got caught in a trap accidentally." she finished quickly, hoping Chiriko would believe her, even though she knew he probably wouldn't.
Chiriko eyed her suspiciously, but to her relief, did not ask anything. Chelsea knew he would like to come, and would therefore not ask very many questions. That was why she suggested it.
"But," he said, "Mother and Father would be angry at us if we left and didn't tell them, so we'll have to wait until they get home to ask."
He looked up at his sister and asked; "Can this so-called "animal" wait for a little while?"
Chelsea smiled again. So Chiriko really hadn't been fooled after all. Well, at least he wasn't going to reveal her secrets, and she could be thankful for that. "Yes," she answered, "I suppose it can."
* * *
The girl with red hair walked with him, supporting him against her shoulder, since he was far too weak now from his injuries and a full day of traveling. She walked and he limped, out of the forest into a rolling meadow dotted here and there with rather large houses. But these were not like normal houses. Their very walls were made of only a fine layer of filigree, with intricate carving all about. This elegant style had obviously been perfected over many, many years. The windows had no glass, and the trees around the outside extended their branches gently into the rooms. The girl led him inside one of the said houses, and took him to a small, sunny bedroom.
"Mistress Caranithil," he said, having since learned his aide's name, "your houses are amazing. Where did your people learn such art?"
She laughed. "We did not learn it, we have always had it. Besides, half of the time, we live in the trees."
"Trees?"
"Yes, we are elves after all."
"Elves! Of course!" he thought to himself. "Her ears, (which by this time he had quite forgotten) her odd words and phrases.
That must have been how I came out from that tunnel without finding an end. It was elven craft that did it."
He didn't notice that she had left the room until she came back in, holding a water pitcher and a basin. She set them on the floor beside the basket she'd been carrying when Zachary first saw her. Mixing the plants in with the water, she made a sort of poultice.
"All right, off with your shirt now," she said nonchalantly.
"My what?! Excuse me miss, but...." he started, mortified, but he didn't have enough energy to protest for long.
"How else can I tend to your wounds?" she asked evenly.
"Oh, all right then," he laid down on the bed, suddenly exhausted. Weakly, he pulled his tunic up over his head. Caranithil gently took it from his hand and laid across the foot of the bed. She leaned over him and ran her hands over his multiple cuts and gashes. To Zachary, it felt like cool water rushing over him. He wondered at this, but remembered that she was an elf, and didn't worry about it more. At least he could remember that.
Giving himself up to the girl's healing hands, Zachary contentedly closed his eyes and let himself drift into sleep.
* * *
Their parents did not get home until late in the afternoon, so Chelsea and Chiriko had to wait until the next morning to set out. Riding across Lea would take all day. That was only, of course, after they had convinced their parents that Chiriko needed to go over to his school for some reason or another. Chelsea couldn't remember what tale she made up, she was just glad that she was in Summit now. Chiriko led the way to the town square, but Chelsea felt the smallest bit silly that her little brother was showing her where to go.
The place was buzzing. People were buying, selling, and trading at stands set up in the street and also in the shops run by the professional dealers. The air was filled with sounds of vendors praising their "exquisite" wares, customers asking for "something not so expensive", and every other typical market sound that Chelsea would have expected.
Children were playing games in the corners, in front of doorways, and every available space. Here three girls were playing with a skipping rope, there a little boy was rolling a small wooden horse back and forth. Chiriko strode confidently to the livery stables, where a young dark haired man was inspecting the soundness of a small grey pony's front legs.
"Hey Tomite!" Chiriko called cheerfully to the man, who's head snapped in their direction when he heard his name called. He was a knight, judging by his garb. And he certainly looked the part with a bow and quiver of arrows slung on his back. The most noticeable thing about him though, was his determined grey eyes. His eyes definitely stood out the most.
He smiled when he saw Chiriko, and said said something to the old man holding the pony's lead. The old man smiled, nodded, and led the pony away, and Tomite began walking towards the kids.
"He was friends with a knight and didn't tell me?" Chelsea was thinking, "Well, at least maybe his friend will know Zachary."
"Hello there, Chiriko," Tomite said as Chiriko and Chelsea made it inside the stables. "What brings you here today?"
"Oh, my sister just wanted to see what it looked like down here," the boy answered glibly.
"And does she like it so far?" he asked, looking at Chelsea the while.
"Well, what I really want to see is the castle, I've heard that it's really pretty on the inside," she was proud of herself for coming up with that on the spot. But she also felt bad, because it meant she becoming an expert on telling lies.
"I think can help you out there," the knight said, smiling.
"Oh, would you?" she asked innocently.
"Sure, just follow me."
Chiriko gave his sister a questioning glance, but followed the knight anyway.
"Excuse me, sir," Chelsea got alongside the knight, struggling somewhat to keep up with his large strides, even though he was not walking all that fast. "Sir, uh, Tomite. Before the Day War, did you ever know a knight named Zachary?"
"Why, is he a friend of yours? A relative?"
"No, just a friend, like you said."
"Sorry miss, but although I have heard that name, I didn't know him personally."
"Oh...all right then." Chelsea sighed. There went her chance to pull off her goal without having to actually go in front of someone important.
"There's the palace," Tomite pointed to a massive mountain that loomed some distance ahead of them. Part of it appeared to be in the shape of castle. It was Pinnacle Palace, hewn out of the very mountainside itself. The great grey spires of rooftop rose up out of the peaks to pierce the clouds. Chelsea was impressed. "Even if I don't see the king, I think I'd still like to go inside a place like that!" she thought.
* * *
The former knight opened his eyes to see a young, sturdy tree waving its arms in the wind at his window. He could hear the rustling of the leaves clearly, since, if you will remember, there is no glass in elven windows.
Suddenly, he became aware that a tall and silver haired youth was standing at the foot of his bed. But although this person appeared to be a young man, his eyes held an ageless wisdom. Zachary assumed this was an elf as well, but where was Caranithil?
"Oh, vanwadan, you're awake!" she said cheerfully, suddenly blowing into the room as if carried on a breeze. "This is my brother, Ithilhir,"
"I suspected as much," he smiled.
"How do you feel?" she asked.
"Much better, thank you."
It was her turn to smile. "I am glad to hear it."
"Well, miss, I am glad to say it, if it makes you happy."
She blushed a little, and remembering that her brother was in the room, abruptly changed the subject. "So, mellon, is your memory any better today?"
"I'm afraid not. I'm sorry."
"Oh, don't worry yourself about it. I'm sure you'll find your way soon enough, and if you don't, you can stay here with us," she replied cheerfully. Secretly, she half hoped that he would not remember. She wanted him to stay.
"For that I thank you," the other said, getting out of the bed. But suddenly he grabbed the bedpost and leaned heavily against it. His eyes rolled back in his head for a moment, and his knees buckled underneath him. But the strong arms of Ithilhir were around him in an instant, supporting him.. "Don't push yourself too hard," was all he said.
Caranithil came around to help her brother. "Please get some more rest," she urged their charge as they lifted him back onto the bed. "You've not yet healed as well as I should have liked. I wonder what happened to you?" She was now mainly talking to herself and Ithilhir. The figure on the bed was again drifting into sleep.
* * *
Tomite led the siblings through several narrow, low roofed, hallways. "This isn't so great," Chiriko whispered to himself. But as soon as he said that, the hallway opened up into a magnificent indoor courtyard that was tall almost beyond imagining and spacious enough for at least two hundred people to stand together in a crowd.
Both children gaped at the room they now found themselves in. Staring straight up, they saw the vaulted ceilings about two hundred feet above their heads painted with specks of gold, making it look like a night sky dotted with stars. All the walls had busts of ancient heroes carved into them. Moving their eyes down from the ,ceiling Chelsea and CChirikosaw the open ccorridorsof the upper floors railed with white marble banisters. Each hallway eventually fed into one of the three majestic staircases that went all the way down to the ground. At the base of each of the staircases, golden angel warriors stood tall and proud on the banister's end. In each of the four corners of the room, a thick pillar ran from the floor to the roof, and smaller, thinner pillars connected each of the upper floors to the one below it.
Chelsea realized that her mouth was literally hanging open, and she quickly shut it, hoping no one had seen her. But she looked and saw Chiriko's knight, his arms folded across his chest and a smile playing on his mouth. Quickly, she looked away, not liking the looks he had been giving her since they met at the market.
"Pretty impressive, isn't it?" he said as he walked over to them.
"I'll say," Chiriko replied. "Is this where the Emperor meets the people that come to see him?"
"Oh no, but I'll show you the throne room if you'd like."
"That would be fine!" Chelsea cut in quickly before her brother had a chance to say no.
Tomite straightened up. "All right then, miss," he smiled, "I'll take you there."
After walking up a few flights up one of the many staircases, the knight turned from the path and stepped onto the hallway floor. "It's just through those doors," he said, pointing straight ahead of them to two tall and heavy doors. Walking before his companions, he leaned on the doors with his hands and pushed them open. But he was shocked to see that Emperor Hikitsu was actually in there, reposing on his gilded throne. It appeared he was about to entertain several important looking courtiers.
"Forgive me, your majesty. I was not informed..." Tomite started, bowing an apology.
"No need, my good Tomite," the king said, waving off the formalities. "You know you may have audience with me at any time."
He smiled at Tomite, who relaxed a little. "I know, but I didn't want to interrupt you with these sight-seers."
"Not at all, not at all," Hikitsu replied, getting up and walking over to stand by Tomite.
Chelsea felt her stomach begin twisting itself into knots. So they were actually in the throne room now, and the ruler of the country was right in front of them. What better chance could she ask for? But she hadn't really expected to meet the Emperor himself!
Tomite might be of some use, since he seemed to be on friendly terms with the emperor, but she couldn't really use him just to get favors from the king. So this thing - this plan of going to Masque - was all up to her. She alone would have to set it in motion. "Well, it's now or never," she thought. "Do it, Chelsea!" her mind shouted at her. "Better go before I lose my nerve entirely."
As Hikitsu and Tomite were conversing, Chelsea, out of nowhere, dropped to one knee on the ground, and said quickly,
"Forgive me, my lord Hikitsu, but I must ask a boon of you," Chiriko, Tomite, and Hikitsu, and all of the courtiers looked down at her in shock.
"What would you ask of me?" the Emperor said slowly.
"I know that one of your knights has been missing since the Day War, presumed dead, but I believe I know where to find him." she said
"Which knight, and how would you know him?"
"Zachary of Enigma, sire."
"And of what use would this knight be to me? He would most likely be dead by this time."
"Oh no, sire. He..well I..." Chelsea was stumbling, looking for an excuse. What was she supposed to say? She very well couldn't tell this deity that she had some silly crush on Zachary. She racked her brained one more time, and came up short.
Suddenly, she felt a strong hand on her shoulder. Her heart sank when she suddenly remembered the rumors of the Emperor's bad temper. She looked up fearfully, expecting to see some guard ready to haul her off, but instead looked into the shining eyes of Tomite. He smiled reassuringly at her, and then looked to his ruler.
"Your majesty, I know this girl, and she would not speak hollow words. Zachary was...is a noble knight. Much skilled with the blade, and though he is from Enigma, he was ever a friend to our kingdom.." In a more earnest tone, he added, "Hikitsu, I believe you would come out the better for it, should you grant us leave to search for this knight."
Chelsea was amazed. Tomite hardly knew her, and didn't know Zachary at all, but he told his lie with such smooth confidence and poise, that even she believed that he did know her knight. And he had done it all for her.
"Tell me girl," Hikitsu spoke, "where do you say this Zachary is?"
"Masque, your highness," she answered meekly, getting to her feet.
"Masque," he said musing. "Enigman, too." After debating for a few seconds, he looked up and took a deep breath. "As a token of the friendship between our two kingdoms, I shall grant you leave to search for the man. You may take Tomite with you, and any other men that he sees fit to assist in your search."
Relief flooded through Chelsea's whole body, and she happily grabbed Tomite's hand. He kneeled in front of the king and Chelsea followed his lead. Behind them, Chiriko quickly did the same, even though he felt somewhat foolish. He now knew why his sister had wanted to go to Summit, and it was embarrassing. In front of him, he heard Chelsea thanking the king with all the flowery language he could come up with. Tomite said his thanks as well, and pulled Chelsea up and out of the room before she embarrassed herself.
As the throne room doors closed behind them, Chelsea laughed excitedly, shaking Tomite's arm up and down. "We did it! And I couldn't have done it without you, Tomite!" It was then that she realized that she was still holding his hand. Awkwardly, she let it drop, and averted her face from him. But she was surprised to hear Tomite laughing.
* * *
"Randir, echuio..."
"Hmmmm?" The young man opened his eyes groggily and sat up slowly. He realized he wasn't in a bed like he thought he was...but outside somewhere. He was lying beside a pool of clear, splashing water, into which a waterfall fell from the rock formations several feet above. There were colorful flowers all about, circling the perimeter of the pool. He covered his mouth with his hand as he gave a great yawn.
Caranithil laughed softly at his tiredness. "You fell asleep," she said simply. She was holding a bouquet of the exotic flowers, all of which he had never seen before. "You looked like you were enjoying yourself." She gracefully sat down next to him, setting the flowers on the ground, and brushed away the stray blades of grass from his tousled hair.
His strength had been growing daily. He'd been staying with the ithilchin for - how long had it been? The passing of time was hardly felt in elven lands, so he could not be sure. Caranithil had ever been by his side, keeping a vigilant eye on his progress. When she saw that he was strong enough, she had begun taking him out to see Artaurion and to meet other elves. The Elves called him Randir, which is Wanderer in their language. This particular day, she had taken him out to the Lanthir Lamath , The Waterfall of Echoing Voices. Birds chirped in their nests and trees swayed against the cool gentle winds.
"It's rather peaceful here," Randir commented. Caranithil leaned back and propped herself up with her elbows, staring up at the clear blue sky. Randir watched her and found himself to be very fond of the elf. She let him into her home and took care of him. He would almost say he loved her...but there was something tugging at his heart, like he wasn't supposed to, like there was someone else, yet he couldn't remember anything about his life before that day.....
"What are you thinking about, mellon ?" Caranithil asked, seeing the distant look in his eyes.
Randir shrugged. "I don't know...I think I'm remembering something. Do you think I'll get my memory back before the summer ends?"
Caranithil frowned inwardly. Summer was coming soon, and if he left...then she wouldn't know what she would do. She felt so attached to him. But she knew that once he remembered his past, she was going to have to let him go, and she couldn't bear to see him leave her, after they'd been together so long, and she having nursed him back to health and everything.
Luckily, Randir changed the subject. "What is the name of this place, again?"
"This is Lanthir Lamath. Maybe I will tell you the stories about later." She stared at him for a while as he lay back down, putting his hands behind his head closing his eyes. Caranithil shifted to her side to face him. "Randir," she started.
"Mm-hm?" he responded softly.
"If you do get your memory back...would you just leave me?"
Randir looked at her questioningly. "Leave you?" He spotted the saddened expression on her face and felt a little bad.
"I mean... we would still be friends even if you went home, right? She was starting to blush
He grinned at her affectionately. "Let's not worry about that now, Caranithil." He turned to look at the sky. "Let's enjoy the peace and quiet while we still have it."
*********************************
Caranithil-red moon (Ruby Moon)
Ithilhir- moon lord (Yue)
Artaurion- Noble Forest (Get it? The chapter title, Floret silva, means "The Noble Forest")
Lanthir Lamath - Waterfall of Echoing Voices
adan - a man
echio - awake (this is used as a command)
ithilchin- children of the moon
mellon- friend
randir - wanderer
vanwadan- lost man
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Hoo-ah!!! It's finished!!!!!!! Broken computers, massive amounts of schoolwork, time-consuming extracurricular activities, deleted files, system crashes, final exams, band tryouts, Christmas shopping, then the return to school.....basically all of junior year..... has all conspired to keep this chapter from ever being finished. But I hope you liked it. I've worked my royal backside off trying to find time to get it done.
I know it seems like this story is going off on random tangents and not really getting anywhere, but I PROMISE PROMISE PROMISE that in the next chapter, everything will start tying back together again. Elcyion is working on it right now, and all the events are tightening up nicely.