I have been working on a little story for some time. I add to it every now and then. I know that the world needs more light, truth, and beauty, and if I can produce even a tiny glimmer of that, then my imaginative effort is not in vain.
In the spirit of taking the risk of sharing snippets, and trusting that someone may read what I share and connect with it, or ponder the questions raised, I am sharing some samplings of a few chapters.
The prelude I have already shared on my blog, but you likely missed it. Read that HERE.
Read Chapter I HERE.
Read Chapter 2 HERE.
Chapter III
She thought it might be rain, at first, looking up she saw no droplets falling, but the sound of rushing water came from below. Swifter than any tide, a wall of water swept through the forest, rising as high as a five or six story building, she guessed. From the height of the platform, maybe nine or so stories from the ground, the water appeared quite close. As she was staring at the water, she failed to notice the two other guards on the platform.
"What...How is that possible?" she asked anyone. But one of them simply motioned for her to move to the other side of the platform to another staircase that spiraled up another tree, taking them yet even higher. But it did not grow brighter. More mystical and atmospheric, though it certainly grew.
Soft lights in tiny lanterns adorned each step and hung from above in a beautiful, cascading manner. It felt like she had stepped into another world in another time, where even guards dress nobly and treat strangers decently. It was a fact that the guard had just saved her life. She turned back to him as she stepped, "Thank you for saving me".
To which he replied, "It is my duty and privilege."
This only confused her, as he almost acted like he knew who she was. Perhaps that was just their cultural phrase, instead of "you're welcome". The truth was, she didn't know who she was. She only knew that she loved to write and imagine, but her memories were fogged over, at best, and that point didn't seem relevant.
At last they came to another platform more ornate than the first one. Clearly, they were headed up to the places of dwelling. The carved rails and teardrop lights cast a lovely scene before her. It had a soothing ambiance, and the crashing water below seemed a world away. In fact the sounds had already mostly diminished. They moved from the platform along floating walkways that now connected all the trees, homes, places of living. It was stunning - a city amongst the tree tops.
She was brought to a lovely hut, with two grand doors that opened for her. The sweet scent of flowers were immediately at her nose, as she passed by a vase overflowing with delicate blooms. The next room beyond there was a round table set with cosy chairs, and a tea setting. The room was ornate and decorated with soft colours. She was made to sit, and the guard left her. She gazed around from the rich carpet on the plank wood floor to the crisp coloured bark covering the walls like wallpaper, elegant and detailed. Flowers were on every table. Books, too. She had a notion to get up and take a look at the stacks of books, when the host entered.
He was tall, graceful, older. Greyed hair was kept short and tidy. He wore a vest similar to the guard, but a jacket over that. All rich fabrics that compliment and layer. He had piercing blue eyes that immediately drew her gaze to his.
He reached his hand out to her, "Welcome, Nella. May I pour you some tea?"
In a dazed motion, she shook his hand, and he didn't wait for her to reply, but sat down across from her and poured two cups of tea. He knew a name that she had not heard in ages, in fact she had almost forgotten it. How was she known in a place she did not herself know?
She almost asked the question on the tip of her tongue, and when he saw that she was confused, he said gently, "In time, you will receive answers, but first, have some tea and allow me to introduce myself. I am Master Louver, and I am the leader of this realm. You were brought here because your purpose is here. Your talents are needed."
Brought here? How could that be?
She sipped her tea, which tasted earthy, but somehow sweet. Not by sugar, but some leaf that must be naturally sweet. It was delicious.
He continued, "You are a writer, are you not? Our realm has long been without a philologist, and our people are eager to learn and grow, which is what you can help with."
"How do you know of me? How was I brought here? I stumbled upon a door in that dreadful tunnel..."
He raised his hand to stop her gently. All his motions were sweeping and graceful, "As I mentioned, in time your questions will come to light with answers, but for now you must be tired, as you have been walking for some time. Let me show you to your hut so you can rest."
So many questions still swirled within her, and she didn't know how to pin one down to figure out. Master Louver lead her across several wooden walkways that linked trees and huts. She felt like she was in a dream. The dim light fell softly through the topmost branches, and the glow from the lanterns created a soothing atmosphere. She walked slower than Master Louver, who was tall, but he slowed to allow her to keep up.
He stopped at an intersection, and indicated a pathway leading to the front door of a small, neat, hut.
"This will be your hut. Please go and rest. Some food should be waiting for you, and I shall see you again."
With that, he took her hand in his in a gentle acknowledgment, and moved away. She stepped toward her door. It was not locked. The carved door opened easily. Inside, it was cosy and warmly decorated. Flowers also sat on a table ahead of her. It was a small, round table where she could eat. Indeed, food was placed there. A tray of vegetables, glazed and cooked, fruits fresh and juicy, a flat pancake looking bread, a milky drink, and it all looked so appetizing. As she sat down, she saw the adjoining room was her bedroom with lovely double doors leading into it. Windows let in an abundance of natural light, that only a few lanterns seemed necessary. She ate with an appetite she didn't know she had, and wondered who prepared it for her. She didn't see a kitchen.
When she finished eating, she moved into her room and saw a desk facing a window that looked out to the treetops. It was a stunning view. She was in the treetops, but they still went higher. She saw other huts in the distance. The misty atmosphere invoked so many longings inside her, mysterious and unknown, even to herself. She just knew the longing was there, and the utter beauty of this realm brought all those inner feelings to her mind.
She looked down, and on the desk there was a book, an empty journal, and a quill pen. Her heart leapt inside, and she sat at the desk. The book was handmade, and filled with smooth pages that smelled like trees. She picked up the pen and began to write pages about her experience thus far. The sights, sounds, scents, emotions. All that she knew at that point. She had no explanations. Just descriptions, and questions.
When she became drowsy, she got up and went to the closet across the room. It was stocked with lovely drapey dresses, a jacket, soft shoes, and a gown for sleeping. A washroom was attached to the room, so she cleaned up, changed her clothes that fit perfectly, and crawled into bed that seemed to sink with the weight of her questions.
Darkness was falling, and as she drifted off to sleep she wondered what her next day would entail. Somehow she felt safe with these tree-folk who seemed to know her and want to take care of her. Still, the mystery swirled, all into her dreams.
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