Authors' Note: TW - Descriptions of minor injury
Hello there! I hope you do enjoy this chapter dear reader, and please do let me know of any potential mistakes or errors I may have made. In addition, please feel free to give me any constructive criticism that you'd like, as I'm always looking for ways to improve! I am a beginner writer so I do not promise the work will be very good, but I hope it is enjoyable nonetheless!
Bliss was an emotion quite like no other. Here, in nothingness, did she drift along with it. She lay motionless against the cool, serene currents as the murky depths of her mind emptied itself. She could not perceive, but that did not perturb any when brought into a grander perspective. As such, it did not worry her. Only was it of major importance to be and to dwell. What it was to dwell. Thinking came easily when she could do so. However, it was not always the greatest of ideas to simply think. What there was to conjure thoughts about had not yet dawned on her.
Silence was quite interesting. It could mean the best of outcomes. However, it could also signify the worst. It would be the situation determining that factor. Where she was, it did not mean either. Only in literature was something purely evil or good. Hells and heavens. Heroes and villains. No gray unlike now, unlike the quiet. A greater threat would never occur here, but neither would a divine intervention. It was not a definite fact, but it is what she chose to confide in.
In this expanse, there was not an immense amount of pressure. She was not meant to do. What there was to be done was non-existent, just as she was as well. She was miniscule in the essence of the universe, in this reality. A singular mass where there was no one else. At least, to the extent of her limited perception. Was she truly alone here? Loneliness did not yet possess her, but would it? It would be a shame for this loveliness not to be shared with another. Basic it was here, and it was that simplicity that made it ever the more pleasing. Perfect.
If only a chance of fate, was it so that a glow appeared. White and burning it was, yet at the same, quite marvelous. Not without meaning but puny in its form. It was bright and unwavering, yes, but merciful as well. Not harmful despite briefly seeming so. The beginning of something. The birth of a star. A star that could be destined for a fate beyond the control of any. She could not see it but rather, feel. She felt it expand, grow larger. Turn and shift. Felt it scorch as it danced across the surface and ignited pure, unending light.
It sparked into a cold fire spread far and wide. Burnt and lit the sea as it made its way towards her. White in a tango of blacks as they both fought for control. The waves spanned high and low with every move, the true battle commencing between the two. However, despite their looming presence shortly and surely becoming known, it made no difference to her. She made no attempts to move away from the battle, only waited as the opponents raged with furious intent.
Yet, no destruction had been left behind by the clash, but the effects were still apparent. The river turned rough, and her body, trapped by the liquid all around. It was still ever the more peaceful for her despite this. Her movements restricted to absolutely nothing at all, yet it did not bring upon any worry. It inched closer, the water turned lukewarm. The bleached blaze roared in her ears as it overtook.
Mellow, fiery hands grasped her as the flames blanketed her skin. Yet, it did not hurt. It felt more like a docile animal, calmed. It rose her up, pushed against her resting place. Higher and higher it rose, fear not to be found. She was no longer going to remain here; she knew at that second. Yet, it would not be detrimental. Desire surged in her chest to the rhythm of her breath. Somewhere, somehow, she would be all right.
Consciousness arose in her as all disappeared. The light blinded her, caused her pupils to constrict against the harshness of it. She quickly adapted to the unfamiliar environment as she felt the new, petite leaves against her flesh, the smells of freshly cut grass amongst other things. In her mouth, she tasted newborn rosemary, the tangs of the spice enlightened her tongue. She could move, she felt. Her arms, touched by the smooth grass blades. Her back rested against nature's bed. Mari's eyes, previously hidden in the darkness of the void but weightless despite her previous slumber, opened to a scene unlike anything she had ever witnessed.
Honeydew and lavender intertwined with the soothing, warm breeze as expansive fields of pale and elegant winged blooms swayed along to the soft sounds of a poetic melody thought to have been lost long ago. The wisp-like clouds, white as the orchids, slowly rolled into view whilst keeping the brilliant summer sky clear. The sun's rays shimmered onto the delightful landscape. In the far distance barely within the eyes' view appeared a canopy encircled with the very plants to be found everywhere, the light curtains on its exterior doing nothing to hide the contents inside. A dimmer hue of wood was used as the foundation and flooring, the barely darker shades given to the occupied, albeit orderly, furniture. The figure, in front of the wide window with similar if not the same curtains that the structure had, sat patiently on their chair alongside a table with a stunning tea set on the top of it. Another chair identical to theirs was there as well, at the opposite end. They quickly but with precision drank from the object before and, without missing a beat, noticed she had come to awareness. With what appeared to be a toothy smile on their pale face, they beckoned her forward to join them.
She stood up; her silky dress pristine as she would have always wished it to be. She saw not but a reason to decline the kind request as not a suggestion in the body language of the stranger indicated any need to be cold or suspecting. Youthfulness surrounded her very features as she did so, traced around her body in a gentle but playful manner. Quite a surprise to her, she supposed, the new feeling of limitless energy beyond whatever she could have hoped to desire, but it was not quite unwelcome. Her hands, her fingers, as she held them up to her face, were free of the blisters and calluses she had obtained before. Mari, having touched them to her neck, could feel the delicateness of the amethyst asters, the amber hibiscus, and the snowy chrysanthemums braided together. It reminded her of a foggy memory she could not quite place, even more so when she found an identical one placed atop her head. A group of young children, and a boy like herself; faces of joy and glee as they went about their activities.
Despite the obvious happiness of every individual, she felt something else. Many conflicting emotions; thoughts. No, thoughts but not quite thoughts. Another river of bittersweet symphonies, unwinding into simple echoes as they whispered past. Twists and turns within the music that they created; secrets yet to be uncovered from the very glassiness of her reflection. A life beyond the watery veil it was hidden behind, the truth yet to be told. These flowers she wore were significant somehow, in some way she had trouble comprehending. There must be some sort of reason for them to be there, an explanation.
She took a painless step forward, her bare feet carefully dancing with the pale beauties beneath her as they laid a path only given as to continue onward. With such grace and silence, she noted. Yet the personality that hid beneath those petals in the movements they carried out was not lost to her. Some seemed to go quickly as if a simple touch would shorten their lifespan. Whilst, contrary to their siblings, others appeared aloof. As though moving was only necessary when there was a true and deep need for it. Subtle as they were, the almost hidden qualities truly shined through if one were to put much thought into the subject itself. The unspoken, eloquently crafted words and vibrant personalities said in a language few had the capability of understanding.
It spurred a recollection of one of the people from before. Silent, yet not quite so. Little. Thoughtful. Sunny.
Walking came easy to her once all had been cleared. Wind brushed her long and silky hair, the ebony color absorbing the sunshine gifted to her as she observed more of the little world around her. The rustles of grass and flowers as obscured rabbits played with friends. The chirps and calls of concealed sparrows and owls long gone to sleep. The slow trickle of liquid poured into a fine cup. Sounds of these things mixed with the sweet strings and tender keys of the familiar tune, the love behind it all quite apparent to her. Uplifting, tinged with the slightest bit of another sensation; one that struck a chord deep within the core of her soul. It shook. Haunted.
Mari, heart alight with spirit of all kinds, strolled further to the figure. Their appearance became clearer with every moment that passed. Just as magical as her surroundings felt, the stranger invoked that same sense of mystical curiosity. Their black cloak fluttered around as all, but their mouth was covered by the slim golden trim around the edges. Milky bones lined with illuminated, intricate patterns replaced the fleshy skin that was worn by many as they locked and popped into each other with every minor movement; the unconscious process that allowed such smoothness in milliseconds suddenly unveiled with the first glance at such a being. Every tiny detail was put into all aspects of the work, as if it was so that every creature's body was created with such devotion and mastery never given a true realization before.
In their chest were distinct species of plants and vegetation. Emeralds, ivories, baby blues, and candy pinks sprouted through into a plain but magnificent assortment of plants wrapped around their rib cage. Swirled the colors were, with comparable likeness of an old painting, yet it did not appear to have been confined by any canvas. Looking up towards their head Mari noticed quite a few more things. Onyx hair, much like her own, cascaded down their robes nimbly like a needle to thread. Sockets embedded into their skull where a singular, gleaming circle rested. An arrangement of teeth, white as lace, shown easily without an exterior layer.
Mari bounded high atop the structure's grounding at the individual's slight nod, a smile upon her lips as she slowly drifted down. Her toes touched the wood in such a manner that made the material itself seem spun from spider's silk as the creaks were not as prominent when she made her way over to the velvet-laced chair. Sitting upon it, the apparent effort that must have been put into the well-decorated comfort was known. The planks arranged and sanded to its utmost highest potential as the fabric, woven with luxurious thread and confounded senses of something she was once aware of, displayed designs that felt complex despite their uniformity. They aroused unconscious thoughts that dangled above her grasp as they clouded and fogged with every tick of time that passed her by, made Mari's heart ache with sensations she had not a way to put into description. Longing for the past. For a silly thing she could no longer have but never quite remember. But, oh how she wanted it. Even a glimpse, an idea, of what it was she yearned for would suffice. A minimal piece of knowledge that would quench the ravenous thirst that the deep pits inside her were infected with.
The clink of a teacup jolted Mari out of her own head, the skeleton-like creature smirking lightly as they poured the heated leaf drink for her. Their hands moved in such a precise form as to prevent any of the tea from leaking out of the steady stream of the glass teapot, the flower inside rotating subtly as it was done. They brought the lemon-brimmed cup up to her palms, folded in her lap just a mere instant ago, as they sprinkled a few tiny petals into the dark red liquid. Consoling warmness radiated from the object as it hugged her limbs. The nutty aroma blessed her nose as she graciously took a sip.
The tea traveled down her throat like honey, reminiscent of that to a luminous autumn day. A hint of chocolate made her recall the leaves that always ended up under the feet of children, jumping and rising with the pleasing sound of their crunches. Caramel lingered in the breeze as the last of summer's heat gave birth to bright oranges and yellows for the world, a minor look at what was to come with the winter fast approaching. A new kind of lively-like decay, failing to be unmasked until only was it so that the final moment remained. It was breathtaking, to see what the future held in store, what fate was to be conceived. Cold and bitterness, then enjoyment shortly after. Spring came after the season of death, as if to prove Earth's resilience. It would return once more, it was unavoidable to at least acknowledge that fact, however it let the peaceful and memorable days be ever more astounding. Content.
"If it would be all right for me to ask, child, how is the tea? I have prepared it quite a few times now, however some say that it is not exactly fitting for their tastes." The individual finally inquired as they slowly drank, a grin apparent despite the cup covering their mouth.
"It's lovely. Thank you." Mari replied, her lips curved upward. She placed the empty porcelain down onto the table, allowing for the other to fill it with what she now recognized as hōjicha once more. Despite what the figure had said the drink was a pleasant mixture of flavors. It reminded her of hot cocoa, perhaps, but more befitting of the fall season than the aforementioned. The tea lacked some of the original sweetness as well, not that the fact had brought any annoyance upon her. She accepted that not all items would give equivalent experiences.
They chuckled, placing their own teacup atop the table as their small but mannerly laughter filled the room. "No need to thank me young lady. Although, I am quite glad you enjoyed it. As I had mentioned, many seem to find their first taste to not be, for lack of better terms, pleasant. Once more, I am pleased you seem to have taken a liking to it."
A small bout of silence had come upon the two as the figure's posture laxed.
"Oh! Silly me. I do believe I forgot to introduce myself, yes? Many call me Luc, however you can choose any other name you see fit. It is delightful to meet you dear." Luc recalled; their bony finger rested against their chin.
There were layers to Luc, one look would certainly determine this. They were quite intriguing with their speaking patterns, elderly tone, and fantastical-like presentation. They were friendly to a degree, yes, however they carried an air of wisdom with them. It was not unlike an elder that asked about her day and enthusiastically told stories of the far past. The ones who gave purpose, encouragement. Who loved until it was once again their turn to leave. Those to be cherished.
But she quite liked that name. It fit them well. However, she felt like she had heard it before their interaction. Or, at least, a variation. She was not sure where the name would have been said but, even so, it was not something that gave her any frustration.
Cheerfully, despite her pondering, she answered in response. "It's very nice to meet you! My name is Mari."
Luc reached to their flamboyant torso as they plucked a scarlet spider-lily from it. They brought it up to their face and gave it a kiss as the divine thing started to glow. They gave it a blow, their chest swelled, and it dissipated into the air around them. They grasped one of the rosy orbs that came from it with their finger, pinched it for a moment, then let it go. Passionately, it floated with the others and drifted into the wind. Perhaps, never meant to be seen by any again.
"Quite beautiful, is it not, young Mari? Life does indeed have a wonderful way of showing itself in such mysterious terms. You can only begin to genuinely appreciate the value of it when it is gone, when it disappears from your very sight." They sighed and glanced forwards to the field, softness in their tone.
She could agree with that statement. It was such a lesson she, fortunately, did not have to learn the harsher way. She was incredibly lucky in that regard, compared to most.
"It is."
She shifted her view to an alluring butterfly that had approached from the corners of her vision. Its wings were frozen, sapphire-like oceans, the black tips to that likeness of her resting space with chalky specks of light. She could hear the delicate thumps of its flight, unrestrained to the pain of living. It was this that made her wish to be able to be such an insect, for even a minute. To be lifted from it all.
A question had begun to pull at her, one that could not be ignored at that sudden time. She had not any indication that this was somewhere familiar to her. This area was not a place she had been except for that present period. It was an unknown. But, as Mari took another drink of the calming liquid, she figured she could always ask the skeletal person in front of them. In a polite manner, of course. It would be shameful to not do so otherwise.
"Excuse me, Luc, thank you for the tea, again, but I'm having a hard time understanding where we are. Do you know, by any chance?" She questioned as a tinge of embarrassment graced itself atop her cheeks.
Gleefully, as if they were waiting for this for quite a while, they chuckled as their sockets ever so slightly enlarged, "I so very welcome you to my humble home afar from home, if you will. The Fields of Rest, as I had often called it. Been here since I was a younger one. Not much unlike yourself, Mari."
The Fields of Rest. Befitting for such a wonderful field of flowers, of illusions, she supposed. Though it did not quite match the sereneness that was the void, it was still glorious in its appeal. If not for the ever-constant persistence of longing that suppressed her, she could have awaited the endless passage of eternity here with Luc. She could have been here for as long as she happened to exist. A perfect existence in a plane few could not begin to imagine. Days would have been spent relaxing in the stems, playing with the animals that took residence in this unending glade, and speaking with Luc on all topics of knowledge. However, that would not have been a true life to her, would it? She would have been alleviated from all the chains that compressed her into an inch of her very being. Perhaps, all her needs would have been met within the very instance they were required. But it would have been quite a sheltered way to be alive. She would not have ever been truly living. It would have been a dream-like figment of delusion, not reality. Her dilemmas, she would never be able to outpace them. They would come to her, give her trouble, once more. The truth of being a person, though one of agony, would prevail. No one would be able to grow past it in any other circumstances.
Where she was once before, the abyss, was wondrous. However, she never felt human there. As though she were a true mortal, in control of what she was to do. It was predetermined and never differed when she drifted, her fate spun into a singular, unbent line. She would drown in the inky tides, coherency lost, when it came down to the finality of silence. That was what made choice a thing of importance in this place. The string wouldn't bind her down, only was it herself that could do so. Limits set only by her own doing. That was her will.
"I sense a change in you, dear. As much as many like to remain here, they must go at a certain point. You cannot endure long in this place, sadly. But that is not what you seek, yes? Young Mari, you are quite unique. I have seen your type quite a bit over my old years, however it has been much harder to come across with children as young as you. You must leave soon, sometime quite soon. And I do think you are ready to do so. You know of that, yes?" Luc said as they turned to her, a rueful smile had eclipsed their features.
"I must get you to understand, child. The path you must go upon will be filled with distress, with utter sorrow. However, with all the pain that will come within this path, rewards you will reap. There will exist temptation, such as here, that will inhibit you from obtaining your destiny. However, if you were to tap into your strength, you will persist. You must not succumb. I hold you in high regard, Mari. Follow the melody, and you will find what you are looking for. A seed cannot be a flower in the mere hours of a twilight. I am not ever far; we will meet again in those dreams of yours. Good wishes on your journey, young one."
Luc stood up regally despite their sprawled cloak and brought Mari to the edge of the wooden dome, where all begun to part, their bare hand encompassed around her wrist. As they gifted her a little nod, her feet touched the grass-bed. Warmed against the Sun, a stray draft whipped it around. It formed a few patterns of rolling hills, and the orchids swayed with nature's song. They followed the beat in unison, united by roots under the surface. She was connected to these miracles of creation, just as the Moon was to be connected with the horizon. The egrets bloomed together under Mother Nature's care, just as she did. There were restraints, challenges, however their growth never ceased. They flourished despite the circumstances. A celebration of significance they appeared to be, they showed what could be done with some awaiting of the future.
Twirl she did around the plants as she gave Luc one final wave goodbye, acknowledged with a slight upturn of their head once more. This lone area was not as lonely as she thought it to be, as she never wished it to be. Her never-ending quest to the forest had begun. Whispers echoed throughout the outside, as if the little flowers had started to speak with Mari; perhaps to lead her to the secluded wood. It gave a holy-like hue of sound. Her stride, light-footed as she flew with the gentle waltz upon her lips, was effortless. A hum escaped her, her tune beautiful against the gust.
She had always been oh so very pleased by the littlest of things, of details, getting caught up in them quite often. This splendid day was no exception to any of that. Was it without its flaws? Not quite. All had flaws, though she wished she hadn't had any herself. It was unfortunate, the miniscule dents in the leaves, the smallest of bites in the petals. Though, the big picture is what mattered when it came to the grander scheme of things. It would be what most reminisced of, remembered.
All began to change to moss and scarce, alabaster plants; lush pines clouded the sky with their newly developed branches. She had started to spot an elk as it skipped around the glades, its charcoal hooves barely making a sound. The furry, tan coat their body was enclosed with, which would, without a singular doubt, be cozy against the biting frost yet to come. Majestic antlers spun around like a chandelier, tangled with flowers much like herself. They met eyes, beady against soft, and shared a quick insight into each's history. A measly fawn to a mighty beast. One young sprout to an imperial valley lily. Both with struggle, with hardship, to be who they always had been deep within themselves.
As short as their interaction was, it fled just as swiftly; gracefully, it sprung over the brush and into a clearing. Just as if an invitation to follow, to lead her to where she was meant to be. Where it was that she would find. Finding what, she did not have any idea as to that.
The melody shifted into something more like the dawn of a new beginning; innocent and naïve, albeit with a tone of knowledge as she ran with it. A sense of security of mistakes never to be committed once again, or at least in a deliberate manner. Something to place reliance upon in periods of uncertainty.
The elk's pace became brisker and brisker, the tempo accelerated as she followed with a bit of difficulty. It was steadily becoming common that she would have to pause to readjust to the uneven terrain. Robins, no longer the other birds she was so accustomed to hearing or being accompanied by their silence, sang harmoniously as the dark shadows above her sobbed. Clear teardrops dripped down onto her face as the race to keep up with the woodland creature grew harder with every waking moment. Her knee started to ache and buckle as it lost the energy from before, a hard-hitting surprise as she was forced to slow down despite her attempts. Increased pain she did feel, it took her more strength to go on.
Mortality, vulnerability. None of these were seen in the fields or the abyss. Pain did not exist there; the crisp did not exist. It made not an ounce of sense to her why it would be here that it was so very different. Maybe, was she going somewhere without the peace, the dependency, of these places? Of these worlds? It was the first instance in which she felt the deep pit in her stomach make itself known. Far too late to turn herself back at this point.
However, a swell of adventure escaped from her lungs. Despite her worries, and the lack of a proper plan, perhaps, everything would be alright. She could attempt to strive for the unreachable and be content with what it was she had. Embrace what it was that made life beautiful. Her loud laugh made it across the woods, echoed like a shout in a dense cavern. She felt alive. Fearful, yes, but alive.
Salty sweat dripped from her forehead, like moths climbing out of cocoons. Her eyes reflected brilliant sparks of light despite the sharp pang that shot through her leg; her face twisted into an ecstatic grin. The slow run turned into a bouncing sprint as adrenaline traveled into her veins, grappled through her bloodstream. It was relieving, this idea of freedom. There was torment and distress, however all of it was worthwhile for the chance of release from the shackles.
The forest shrouded around her, as if to prevent the leaving of this place. While remaining she would have liked to do, she heeded Luc's previous words. A craving ravaged and thrashed in her bones to push her boundaries, push her physical limitations to whatever it was possible. If it was so she could follow, she could satisfy It. She could feel the disease climb her throat, choke it with the parasite. Tremors gave to light an abundance of shakes that racked her body, uncontrollable against the misery of the glacial downpour. The icy, bitter tears slapped her flushed cheeks, the freezing temperatures hellish, until it turned her fingertips a sickening light indigo.
She did not anticipate her slip as the deer-like creature leapt to the bottoms below.
Mud caked her feet and dress with filth as she slid down the mountainside, the bushes having done well in their disguising of the drop. Stones collided with her skin; small droplets of crimson intermixed with rainwater and stained the ground. Her hair had caught the many sticks that laid barren amidst the rubble, dead. Her face, decorated with thin, sticky lines and bruises galore. The appearance of hers was discarded with the mess she had become, as though she were a dirty handkerchief, abandoned.
Her anguish reached her mouth, busted, and split with her fall into the depths. A screech of cords it became; violins strained in their crescendo; strings broke as the untuned notes damaged her ears. Kindly, holy keys turned offbeat, their deepest tones discordant against the wind. So much imperfection in one disoriented, broken harmony. No longer 'twas it breathtaking, it fed into her utter terror. The affliction of this torture was unbearable. The hits she sustained were nothing against this agonizing sound.
Mari could sense it all come to a halt as she was in her deepest despair. Within a sudden moment, the noise had passed, disappearing as though it had never been there at all. The barrage of water had not yet slowed, but it fell peacefully in comparison to beforehand. Animals began to chatter with absolute enjoyment as the clouds dripped softly into the forest's eclectic ecosystem, the silver patter of beauty they had become spread far and wide within its hold. Huddled amongst another for the slight tepidity of it. The smell of the rain's aroma gave her new strength, to try to get up, to attempt to readjust.
She, after a bit of exertion to steady herself, stood with the grace of that of a duckling and stumbled, seeming as though a minor force could knock her over within a mere minute despite any resistance. Although, uncertainty she did feel at the thought that she had any left after such a tumble. Her arms, at her sides to ensure that if it was so that she did collapse once more nothing would come of it. As she did maintain her balance, with the smallest bit of difficulty in the task, she noticed the elk as it stared. Once, it seemed, she could walk, it carried on its path, she just close behind.
Their short expedition commenced. With the few, weight-filled steps it took to get her to the clearing, it took her by surprise the worth of it all. What the creature had led her to was spectacular, beyond whatever she could have dreamed of within the unfortunate shortcomings of her own mind.
A grand tree, encircled by royal-blue, jeweled butterflies as they flittered about the valley lilies on the bronze branches. It spread its limbs far and wide, as though it were welcoming all those who were to come within its sight. The buds sparkled in the rainfall like crystals from the deepest of caverns, crafted by the finest of magma. Petrichor wafted in the air, heavenly to those knowing of its smell.
What was unusual about this tree was what laid etched into its trunk, a strange door. To what it was it led to, she had not a coherent thought. Was it as magical as the world she had come upon? Perhaps, it was a piece of woodwork, unable to work and only there for others' enjoyment. A door without an entrance. Yet, the curiosity seeped itself into her once more, to open. To know. The woodland animal paused as it came upon the vastly expansive plant, a sentence transferred between both she and it. She knew what it was she was meant to do as it quickly stepped aside, her fate.
It took her only a moment to reach the embedded object, but it was that moment that determined her decision. With a final breath, she grasped the knob, twisted it, and walked right through.
The duet had begun.