Rhythm of the Vernal Equinox (Gauntlet Series 2)

Chapter 6. Preparations

I can't tell if I'm dreaming or if my entire mind is awake right now. The words of Nott imprinted themselves on the center of my chest. Not a mark at all, but rather a wound that will eventually turn into a scar. How many hours do I have to just look at the wall of the tent? Five or more in total? On the ground that is covered, he has a sound sleep. He really couldn't care less at this point. 

When we were younger, I remember that he was more concerned about my well-being than he was about his own. He never stopped worrying about my well-being or happiness. He never failed to give me the impression that I wasn't on my own when I was with him. Under the night sky, we would collaborate to make our wishes. Both of us had dreams about going to Cairos, which is where the elemental keepers are located. Since he was aware that we had both been endowed with a green mark at birth, he made it a point to constantly work on improving my green skills. He brings to mind the adage that haste makes waste. to be able to exercise patience and become skilled at waiting.

But now everything is completely different. I changed into the complete antithesis of what he envisions for me, and he evolved into the perfect challenger for the greens.

Sa sobrang dami ng mga bagay na naglalaro sa utak ko, pinuyos ng pagod at antok ang gising kong diwa at dinala ako sa isang lunduyang kanina pa hinahagilap ng pagod kong kaluluwa. Payapa. Sa sobrang payapa dito sa lunduyan ng panaginip ay tila ayaw ko nang bumalik sa realidad.

Nakaduyan ako. Umiihip ang malamig na hangin mula sa karatig na baybayin. Nagsisi-awitan ang mga kulisap at ibon sa mga puno habang tahimik na nakamasid ang mga tala sa mamahaling telon ng kalangitan. 

This is a dream. I know, but it feels so real. 

"This is real, Lind." Isang kalmadong boses babae ang kumausap sa tulog kong diwa.

Pinilit kong bumalikwas para tuluyang magising pero tila naging bilanggo ang natutulog kong diwa sa mundong iyon. Napalunok ako. 

"You are real. You're not a dream..." 

"S-sino ka?" nabahala kong tanong. Inilibot ko ang aking paningin. Bigla kong naramdaman ang tila banayad na pagtulak saakin ng malamig na hangin patungo sa gilid ng karagatan. Nagpaubaya ako kahit na may nakahambang takot sa aking dibdib.

Matapang ako at magaling magnakaw, pero sa totoo lang matatakutin ako sa mga multo.

Nanginginig ang mga binti ko habang tinatahak ang mabuhanging baybayin. Patuloy sa pag-ihip ang banayad na hangin. Humahampas ang maalat at mamasamasang samyo ng karagatan sa aking balat.

Ilang saglit pa ay namataan ko sa di kalayuan ang babaeng nakasuot ng asul at tila kalahok sa winter arena. Sa hindi ko maipaliwanag na dahilan ay paikot na sumasayaw ang mga niyebe palibot sa katawan nito habang ang liwanag ng buwan ay tila nakatutok lang sa kagandahan niya. She's got dark brown eyes, ebony hair and a beautiful elven face. Her face defines bravery.

"Isa ka bang t-tala? S-sino ka?"

"Lind Vor," she calls my name like we've known each other for years. Her gaze makes me feel that we've been connected since the day we were born. "I am the winter heiress. You are me. I am you. We will meet in flesh very soon, but I have one request for you."

"W-winter heiress? Like the heiress from the Old Tales?"

Tumango ito.

"I am just an ordinary green elf, madam heiress. I have no green skills. Hindi ko nga kayang patubuin ang buto ng munggo. W-why are you talking to a lowly ranked green elf like me?"

"The most powerful thing in Springgan is unexpected. You are special, Lind. You just have to believe and find your core. Your true purpose."

Muling sumayaw ang malamig na hangin sa paligid. Hindi ako makapaniwalang isang season heiress ang kausap ko ngayon. I only read them in tales and heard them from bards and historians. I never knew they're real.