The Elementals: Return Of Creation

Chapter 3: Lost In Thought, Part 1

 Just as he passed Xylosmida's last few trees, the flash flared right above the top of Onbekend, before flicking out less than a second later. Its surroundings lit up and revealed the mountain's unusual summit. The twisted dome-like nature of the mass paired with its five separate peaks and the dark blue tint gifted by the night created a striking resemblance to a large wave, towering tall before it would come crashing down. Thick blankets of snow over the peaks even seemed much like foam, completeing the idea.

 The soft grassy plains outside the woodland edge was familiar enough to him that navigating through it couldn't be easier. Even with the dim gleam of the hidden moon he was able to find the stairs leading up to Trode's Pond without much thought.

 The higher he climbed, the air turned cooler and cooler. He even began to feel it in his toes and fingers, chilled straight to his bones. It might've bothered him, but he didn't linger on it long enough to decide. The pond was just ahead, a few more yards away.

 Trode was standing there, looking at him from the last step. The soft forgetmenot glow emitted by his blue and white robes made him the only visible thing in the dark, easing Jack's focus. Hair lusher oak-colored mane waved down to his shoulder, beard smooth and elegant, but very commanding and fearsome. His posture was tall, built light but not without any bulk. Trode's entire being announced his dominance, his power, his presence.

 Jack couldn't sort his awe. Master Trode always inspired him, raging his hope and determination.

 But even with such a strong look and feel, Trode's deep cobalt eyes were tranquil and gentle. He smiled as Jack skipped the last few steps.

 "Hello Jack," he said warmly. "I realize it's late-"

 Jack threw his arms around Trode.

 "Well," Trode scoffed lightly. The Boy felt his back secured by kind caresses. "I'm glad to see you too, Jack,"

 Jack slowly let go as Trode crouched down, now they're faces at the same height. With a shoulder pat and a wider smile, he said, "Happy hundreth,"

 The Boy could do nothing to prevent the wide beam that spread across his face. "I'm really fast now!"

  Trode tittered. "I'm very sure you are,"

 Whatever drab feelings sat in The Boy moments before were as if he never felt them. He chattered on about the games he and the elves played, the gifts he received (his favorite being a book titled 'The Adventures of Hillimur Pairsin' from Nym), and the buffet they feasted on through the walk down Onbekend.

  "Povious made the biggest roasted turkey ever! Then he and Nym took out a yummy blueberry cake for desert! I had three slices, but I've still got room for more!"

 "That sounds absolutely delectable," Trode commented. "I envy you had a chance to relish it,"

 "We still have some, I think," Jack scratched his head. He turned his head to Trode when he remembered he meant to ask, "But why were you late? What happened?"

 Trode's pace dropped dead. Jack caught a glimpse of his eyes widening more than they had ever, before Trode blinked and muttered pensively, "The answer to that question is a complicated one. But I suppose you are old enough, and you must hear this eventually,"

 Jack tilted his head quizically. They had just reached the last step, where Trode then sat and invited him. The collected look on the elf's face slowly faded. The Boy didn't know what feeling was now stirring inside, but he had his doubts that it was pleasant.