Thank you for all the amazing support for this book series, especially this book! I love how involved everyone became with the story, and how you had your own theories! It means the world to me that you enjoy my work enough to read my silly little stories. I love you all very much.
As far as why I have chosen the song above, it comes down to simply the meaning of it: asking for help out of depression and hard times. Or muddy water. One can struggle with the world around them, and sometimes it's hard to keep your head above water. But, if you let someone in to help you, love you, the world can change. The muddy water becomes clear, and things can start to look brighter.
Enjoy loves :)
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Five Years Later
The sun was high in the sky, the wind causing the leaves and grass to dance, and the sweat from the heat of the day was causing my body to be drenched in sweat. The days had went from blurring together, to being so defined and sharp that I could cut myself. We stood at the base of Mother Tree, her limbs growing and stretching to the sky, rejoicing as we all were. The branch had been planted in her ashes, and now, after so many cycles, it was almost time for her awakening. Smiling, I stepped back before raising the axe in the air, bringing it down quickly, cutting the logs once again. My time in Marinas had taught me several things, and a large portion of that was the structures of the buildings.
For five cycles, I had been showing my people the ways of how they would cook their food, how they would walk, show them how they used the limited land to their advantage. It was difficult at first, trying to teach my people that perhaps our ways were growing old and tired, and it was time to place some of them to rest. There were more of us now then when I had found them at the base of a distant mountain, a land that was not claimed by anyone but my people. Now, we used that land, and with only half a days ride towards it, we could separate the work load between the men and women. I stood with Mother Tree, taking care of my people like I had seen my Father do so effortlessly.
The children ran around, some rushing to carrying the freshly cut logs to the fire, while some that were still too young ran and played, chasing and laughing around my legs. Smiling, I stood, placing the old axe down on the head of the cutting boulder. Sweat ran in small rivers down my spin, soaking the thin cloth that covered my chest, binding it close to my body, while the leather trousers flowed around me, catching the soft breeze, allowing it to cool off my heated skin.
The land had changed over the cycles, the tress that were under our home had grown, reaching to where we could walk onto the branches, not having to use the vines to climb up. Now, the elders would use the trees as a way of making the journey between the mountains easier, giving more time for the travel. Mother Tree had grown, having once been turned to ash.
Memories flooded my mind at the sight of her tall and wide trunk turned to black ash. She stood tall even then, holding herself under the lightened weight. But, once my Father's branch had been returned, it was like the world had awoken from a deep slumber. The days were no longer gloomy, but shaded under her healed oak and limbs. Placing my hand on the large root that ran by my side, I looked at how it curved and bent with the land. It moved over rocks, wrapped around trees, connecting all the islands together. She was our world, and now she was almost ready to awaken completely.
Our home would never be the same, and neither would any of us after such a travesty. Yet, in a way, our lives had been purified by the flames. We had been burnt to the ground, my people killed and turned into ash. But now, we stood proud, rising from the ashes like a great Phoenix with our Mother.
"Vixas!" I heard behind me. Turning to look at the voice, I smiled as Nikat walked towards me, her smile always prominent on her sweet face. I hadn't recognized her when we were reunited. In the cycles that I was gone, she had grown and blossomed. Now, she stood before me, tall and slime, her dark and curly hair in a tight braid that flowed down to the ground. Large, brown eyes sparkled in the late afternoon light, the dimples in her cheeks blending in with the sharp edges of her cheekbones.
"Whenever I heard your voice, all I can see is that shy child that refused to dance." She smiled, her dimples deepening. "Are you afraid now?" I asked, tilting my head to the side.
"I'm not a child, Vixas." I smiled back at her, feeling foreign speaking my native language. I listened to the kindness and sincerity in her voice, her eyes gentle and known, constantly scanning the area. "But, it is difficult to remember that when you continue to speak of me as a child." She rose a brow at me, taking half of the wood that was left. Gathering the rest in my arms, we walked to the fire. I could smell the spiced wood burning in the air, the black smoke billowing into the air, swaying and moving while the land danced from the wind.
"You did not answer my question." I said, raising up after the elders had placed the fresh logs in the fire. Turning towards her, I motioned towards my tent, knowing fully well that time was running out for our time together.
Opening the flap that allowed us inside, I walked in, feeling her follow behind me. Laying it back down, I walked towards the hammock, removing the bow and arrows from my back, along with the leather strap that held my blade against my outer thigh. Nikat didn't speak, just stood silently, looking at the bowl of paint and the brush that I had laid down on the tapestry rug. The air of the small space had changed in a matter of a blink, her anxiety seeping through the leather. Taking a breath, I started to unravel my braid, knowing fully well this would be the last time I would wear one as the chief of this tribe.
"I would be a fool to not be afraid." Nikat whispered, going to sit down beside the bowl. I nodded my head, looking at her with a small smile. Pointing towards the brush, she handed it to me as I sat down beside her, our knees touching. Giving her knee a squeeze of comfort, I sat and brushed my hair, waiting for her to speak. She simply sat there, her back straight, looking from the paint to me. Taking a breath, I placed the brush down, only to stand on my knees, going to undo her braid. "You do not have to do-"
"Hush now. It's my honor to braid your hair for tonight." I smiled, removing the curled strands from the braid, freeing them. "My mother would braid mine before every festival. And though you are not my birth child, it does not mean that I do not think of you as my own." She turned her head, looking up at me. Placing a hand on her shoulder, she placed her hand on mine, squeezing it softly. Bending my head down to kiss the top of her forehead, I could feel the air change again. "There is no need to be afraid. You are ready." I whispered.
"I do not believe that I will ever be ready." She returned, looking at the paint. "Not for this." I sat back on my heels, listening to her as I ran the brush through her hair, the tight curls becoming lose and large. The strands were shinning, like there was a candle lit above it, causing it to glisten.
"One might never be ready, but that is not an excuse to not do something that is needed to be done. You have to use your mind and heart with choices like this. Yes, there will be times that all your wish is to run and hide, never looking back, but that's not an option. Your problems do not blow away in the wind, and a weapon will not use itself. Life is full of choices, Nikat. And it is up to you if you chose the right path or not.
"You are ready, I know this. I've taught you everything that I know. There's nothing else that I can do that will make this any easier." She let out a shaking breath at that. Giving her shoulders a squeeze once again, she leaned back into my touch. "The tribe will never have a greater Chief." I whispered.
"And what will you do?" She asked as I started to braid her hair again, placing the flowers between random strands. Smiling, I placed a vine lilly into the strand by her left ear. "After the Silver Moon is high in the sky tonight, you will no longer be the chief." Taking a breath, I thought on that a few moments, an image of a face that held crystal eyes smiling at me.
"Do not worry for me. Worry of what has to be done tonight." I returned, feeling the air shift once again. Tonight, he would die. After nine cycles of living with hundreds of lives on his shoulders, Maketis would give our ancestors justice. "Now, once I am finished with the paint, you will need to decide if you will take a life mate." She smiled at that, her cheeks slowly turning into a soft pink, reminding me of clouds during a sunset. Leaning over to where I could see her, I rose a brow in curiosity. "You have peeked my interest now."
Looking down at her hands, I could see her long lashes fanning across her blushing cheeks, a small smile growing on her lips.
"I have chosen..." She said as she looked over her shoulder at me. I blinked a few times, curious to know who it was that had won her heart. "And I believe that he has chosen me in return." I continued to weave the strands, placing the vine lilies in her hair, hearing the pounding of her heartbeat matching that of my own. Crystal eyes were looking at me in my mind, and I knew that the distance between us had been far too much for us over the cycles. The only thing that had kept me from going ill in the mind was the letter that I had read countless times.
"And how do you know that he is the one for you?" I asked, getting close to the end of her hair.
"It's this feeling of joy that flows over me whenever we are together. We don't need to speak or touch, but being around the other is enough. Not a day goes by that I cannot speak with him, and I go out of my way to make sure that I see him. I do not feel complete unless we are together." Nodding my head, I finished the braid, standing up. Looking up at me, she rose a brow in concern. "Is something wrong?" I shook my head, smiling.
"Don't ever let that feeling go." I simply stated, only to go over to my chest, grabbing the letter, and leaving my tent.
When I was in the safety of the trees, away from the bustle of the tribe, I unfolded the parchment, looking down at the perfectly cursive writing. Smiling, I ran my thumb over the slightly smudged, dried ink. The slight scent of salt and musk wafted from the page, and I closed my eyes for a few moments, wishing to be back home.
____
Little Warrior,
Tonight I write this letter in silence, waiting for you to find me, yell at me, or enrage me in some way. My days are never dull since you have come into the kingdom. My nights are filled with sweet dreams of you and I, and I find myself smiling constantly. It is you that has placed this smile on my lips, and there will never be a day that goes by that I do not thank the gods for you. Each day is brighter, and the world is more vibrant in color. I only wish that some day you will understand the love that I have for you, and pray that you will someday return it.
In our short time together, I have come to appreciate the world in a different light. Our worlds are different, and I have grown to become grateful for the small things in life. I see the beauty of spring now, appreciate the sweetness of honey, and see the light in the darkness. You have changed my world for the better.
As a King, I am forced to make judgments that I never thought I could fulfil. You push me to be the best man and King that I can possibly be. And someday, I wish to be the best husband and lover to you. I will give you the world, but first I must tell you that I have given you my heart. Without you, I am nothing. Without you, I cannot live this life, nor the next. You are my world now, and I will treasure you for the rest of our lives.
I love you, Little Warrior
Kratos
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Smiling, I folded the paper, knowing the words by heart now. holding it close to me, I listened to the rustling of the leaves, the laughter in the distance flowing around me. Tonight was my last night with the Eenacks. And though I would never truly leave my tribe, I knew that my life had been changed for the better. After years of separation and the feeling of need to be close, I would finally return home.
Nikat came to the mountains edge, knowing fully well where I liked to be alone. She smiled at me, her face covered in paint, and a handprint on her neck and jaw. I returned the smile, standing and holding onto the branch above me. Nodding my head to her, I knew fully well it was time to sacrifice my old life and rise to the new and greater one.
______
My face held a simple design, a single red strip down my nose, lips, and chin, along with three red dots under my right eye. I hadn't worn this paint in cycles, and though the feeling was foreign, it was also comforting. Though not much had changed in the past cycles, I felt like I was looking at a stranger. My hair had grown down to my knees, always in a braid, but now it flowed free around me in large waves. My body was covered in leather straps and trousers, showing the scars of my body, my ear holding my Father's cuff, while my feet were bare. I looked like a warrior, but I felt like a stranger.
Strapping the blade to my thigh, I took the bow and arrows and placed them on my back, moving my hair out of the way. Large green eyes looked at me, and for a moment, I expected Kratos to step behind me, placing his arms around me. I found myself waiting for that warm touch to flow over me, but it never came.
He was still far away.
Taking a deep breath, I turned from the tent, looking behind to see the place that I had slept for cycles now. Smiling, I looked at the tapestry, seeing the mirror that showed my reflection, the hammock that I had slept in. All of it was familiar, but it was no longer me. My life was different now, I was stronger, and life was filled with the need to do more for others than myself.
Turning away from the tent, I opened the flap, stepping out into the night sky. The silver moon was almost at its peek, the tribe around me, waiting for the moments that were to come. Nikat stepped forward, her body covered in a flowing dress that showed her scars, her neck baring her mate's marking, along with the paint that matched my own. Nodding towards her, she gave me a small smile, the tips of her pointed ears turning slightly red.
The tribe stood around us, watching and waiting for the next moments to come. Taking a calming breath, I stepped into the heart of the circle, standing beside Nikat. Placing my hands on her shoulders, she stood still, looking up at me with large eyes.
"My friends!" I called out, looking around us, giving each a soft smile. "Tonight we celebrate the rise of Mother Tree, and the fall of our horrid past. Tonight, we celebrate life as the New Cycle rises closer. Tonight, we are reunited with our Mother!" Cheering filled the night sky, matching my own. Tilting my head back with Nikat doing the same, we cried out in joy, ready for the ceremony.
Looking to my left, I could see the man that was held in ropes, standing at the base of Mother Tree, his body tied tightly to the large root. His grey eyes looked at me, lifeless and dull. Simply taking a breath, I turned away from his death-like gaze. There was not a man in those eyes anymore, and there hadn't been for several cycles now.
Nikat stood before me, her eyes large with excitement and fear. Giving her an encouraging smile and nod, she took a breath to calm her frantic heartbeat. Stepping back, I took the bow away from my body, along with the arrows. With a smile on my lips, I bent down on left knee, offering my weapons to her. Closing my eyes, I could feel the air shift. Something inside her seemed to ignite then, filling the darkness with light.
Her fingers brushed over the bow and arrows, gentle and timid. Looking up at her, I could see the tears in her eyes, threatening to overflow onto her cheeks. And I did not blame her. Tonight was a great night for us all. Never had a female been the leader of the tribe, always a man. Yet, I had taken the place of Chief as soon as I had returned to my people. Maketis was not fit for that title, no murderer or coward was fit to watch over hundreds of people, let alone keep them safe. But now, as she slowly wrapped her fingers around the bow, lifting it up, I could see the flame of a single candle fight away the darkness. At one point she thought that there was nothing to offer, but now I could see that she was what she needed to offer.
"This bow represents our way of life." I called out, standing. The Eenacks around us watched, all standing, all holding smiles of joy and anticipation. "We are a proud people, living off of the land, never asking the world for anything more than what we need. This bow is like that of our bones, strong and bendable. The wind will blow down trees, but not us. We bend and sway with the land, standing by Mother Tree for shelter and guidance. Our bones, the foundation to help us stand and live, is now yours." She smiled up at me, her dimples deep.
"Do you accept this gift of your people?" I asked, looking at her with a serious expression. No longer could I smile.
"From this day unto my last, I swear to hold the foundation strong." She called out, holding the bow with her right hand, the dominate hand. Nodding my head, I slowly removed the golden arrow from the pouch that she would hold against her back.
"This arrow represents hope." I called out, showing it to her, the arrow pointed upwards. "For as long as you have an arrow, you will eat. May your people never go hungry. May you always hunt and thank the gods and Mother for the beasts that roam. With hope, all things are possible. With hope, there is no darkness, only light that can grow and grow. This arrow is like that of our souls, living and thriving, never aging, only growing wiser. The wind will show the way for you to fly through the air, and you must trust the last and hope for a better tomorrow." Placing the arrow in the palm of my hands, I held it for her to take.
Grasping the arrow, she placed it in her left hand, holding the two. Turning towards the people, she held her head high.
"Do you accept this gift of your people?" I asked, stepping forward to stand beside her.
"From this day unto my last, I swear to keep my faith and hope strong, so that my people will be as strong as the roots of Mother Tree." The tribe smiled, some of the children jumping slightly from excitement. I held in my cries of joy, knowing fully well the air was shifting once again.
Turning towards her, I reached out to touch her shoulders with my hands. She looked me in the eyes, fear clear and bright, but the light was also glowing with joy and hope. She would be a strong and kind leader to the people. Mother Tree would guide her when I could no longer do that. Nikat, though not my child, had followed in my footsteps, becoming my only child after losing her family in the great fire. Now, we stood as one, before the people, the flowing of leadership from Mother Tree like a bright light, flowing from breast to breast.
Slowly raising my hand to her forehead, I pressed my thumb in the center, allowing her to see the world in her third eye.
"Tonight, you die as a child, and rise as a woman. Tonight, you are no longer Nikat, you are Chief Nikat, first of your name, and leader of the Eenacks." Opening her eyes, she looked at me with a soft smile. "Promise to protect your people, show kindness, and always strive for a better future for your people? Do you swear to always thing of the tribe before yourself, and promise to always seek help from Mother, along with serving justice that is needed to those that have done wrong to Mother and Eenack alike?"
"On this night and all nights, I do promise to keep these words true and strong." She called out.
Nodding my head, I stepped back, showing her to the people. I could feel the weight lifted from my shoulders, and I could feel the hands of Mother as she stood beside Nikat now. The tribe smiled as I did, watching as she stepped forward, the fire at her feet.
Looking at us, I could feel the breeze start to blow around us, and the image of my Father came into my mind. Smiling, I spoke the words as he once had.
"With the power given to me by our Mother Tree who watched our tribes before me, like the gods before her, I name you chief of our people. Protect and honor our people, as well as our Mother." Cheers cried out as I stepped back. The feeling of something laying on my chest then flew away, leaving me with a sense of peace and joy.
"My Friends!" Nikat called out, raising her head to them. She walked around, offering her hands to those around her, instantly going into contact with the tribe. "Tonight, after a decade of wanting justice, we end the evil among us!" Turning towards Maketis, she glared at the man that was now growing slack at the knees, buckling under his own weight. "Tonight, we will receive justice and peace after so many years of torment and agony. Tonight, we burn those who burned down our way of life." Cries of victory filled the air. I rose my fist into the air, crying out with them. The air picked up the cries, carrying them around us, allowing them to dance upwards towards the stars.
Stepping forwards, Nikat took the arrow, holding the large point close to her hands as she walked over to Maketis. He had grown strong, having been forced into labor to make the birth of Mother to come all the sooner.
I watched with the others as she took his braid, cutting it from his head. His head was jerked around as she cut strand after strand. With a blank expression on all of our faces, we listened as she cut away, the crackling of the fire coming to our attentions. Raising the long braid into the air, I watched as it drug on the ground as she walked, twice the length of her own. Walking to the fire, she kept her expression blank and dark as night.
"For your crimes of murder, burning our people to the ground, along with Mother Tree..." Nikat dropped the braid into the fire, allowing the flames to lick and consume it entirely. I smiled at the sight of it burning, the fire turning blue and white as it was consumed. "I Nikat, first of my name, Chief of the Eenacks, sentence you to death. You will not join our ancestors in Mother Tree, but your sacrifice will awaken her after the slumber that you placed on this land. Do you wish to speak any last words?" She called out, looking at him with a raised brow.
Slowly raising his head, I could see the glare in his eyes. His lips were in a snarl, his hands behind his back, his body naked, rope being the only thing to keep him slightly covered from the eyes that looked upon him. I stood there, beside Nikat as she watched him, as we all watched him.
Without a word spoken, he simply spit to the ground, a hiss leaving his lips.
I rose my brow in surprise, but in disappointment as well. Nodding her head, Nikat dipped the arrow into burning hair, allowing some to be placed on the rock, burning in a soft blue flame. Placing the arrow on the bow, she looked and aimed at him, her breath steady and even.
And with only a few moments of hesitation, she released the arrow, allowing it to slice through the air, landing his side, between the open of the rope around him. I watched without anger or worry as he started to struggle, the flames starting to consume the rope and lick at his skin.
He screamed then, in fear and in anger, struggling in his binds. I simply watched, while most eyes turned away. I could feel the joy and sorrow fill the hearts around me as his screams turned into bloody cries. Chills went down my spine as I watched his body become consumed with the blue flames, his body thrashing in the binds, only to eventually stop. Nikat reached for my hand then, never looking at me as his slowly started to fad. I grasped her hand, giving it a soft squeeze.
She had done right by the tribe, done right by me, done right by her. Yet, there was still a sense of pity in my heart for him. A cowards should not be given the responsibility of the people. And now, he would be lost in the darkness of the afterlife, never knowing what it would be like to be with his family and Mother Tree in death.
Yet, as he burned to the ground, his skin turning into ashes, I could see the life start to grow around her. Small blossoms started to litter the bark that was around him, the wood never scorched in flames or harmed in anyway. The rope burned away, falling to the ground, along with the ashes of his body as he burned. Yet, the small blossoms grew larger, consuming the majority of the root, only to grow up the root, connected to the others, reaching up higher and higher.
My eyes widened as the flowers started to grow, some vines forming, flowing down the branches that they grew from. Her limbs stretched, the trunk widening with age, and the height reaching into the clouds. She was touching the stars now, returning back to where she once had been, now only stronger. Each area that had been blackened from the fire was now covered in vines, moss, flowers, fresh bark. She was healing, waking from a deep slumber.
Smiling, I looked at Nikat, seeing that there was a man standing beside her, a mark on his neck. They held hands, watching as Mother woke, leaning on each other. Releasing her hand, I watched as she looked towards me, her eyes wide as I stepped away. Giving her one last nod, she nodded towards me, a sad smile on her lips and eyes.
Sinking into the woods, I watched as the tribe gathered around her, all reaching and connecting with her. My smile grew as I sunk into the brush, giving one last look before turning and following the sound of rushing water.
Fireflies flew around me as I walked forward, pushing aside any limbs that would be in my way. Walking with soft feet, I moved over rocks and fallen trees, taking my time as I moved towards the waterfall. Each new moon for every month, I would come to the waterfall, wishing to have good memories, of this place. Tonight was my last night of sleeping in a tent and hammock, and tonight was my last night of being with the Eenacks. Though I would always be a part of them, I was no longer once of them. My life had change, and it was bright with colorful light and waves crashing on the beach.
I was naked, floating in the middle of the lake, the waterfall at my feet, the sky at my fingertips. The night was quiet here, and as I looked up at the night sky, I looked at the stars. It struck me then, how what I saw now, was what everyone in this world could see. We were far apart, yet the stars that I see, the moon that I see, they see them as well. My hair flowed around me, my body sunk in the water enough to keep me warm, yet above enough to keep me cool. I was in a sense of libido now. There was nothing around me, and with my ears underwater, I could hardly heard the sounds of the water crashing into the lake from the waterfall.
Smiling, I looked at the stars, seeing the black and deep navy night sky littered with them. Countless specks of light were above me, and yet it seemed like I could just reach out and touch them. Did Kratos see what I see right this moment? Was he reaching for the stars, reaching for them with me?
Closing my eyes, I simply allowed myself to float, wishing this feeling of loneliness would go away. But it would, soon. Tomorrow morning, at first light, I would be returning home.
Opening my eyes at that though, I smiled as I saw a shooting star light across the sky. It's tail was purple, seeming to head towards Namaria and Marinas. It was like Mother Tree showing me the way back home. And with the smile still on my lips, I allowed myself to sink below the surface of the water.
______
With over a week of travel behind me, I stood at the shore of the glass sea. My body was covered in a cloak, keeping me warm against the cold wind that blew in from the sea. In the close distance, I could see a Kingdom that was moving, moving at a slow and constant pace. Smiling, I looked for a way to get to my home.
To my left, I could see a dock for a few boats, along with a few people waiting at the port. Making my way towards it, I checked to make sure that my money was in the pouch on my side. With a pouch full of coin, a stomach that was full, and a heart that was skipping a beat, I quickened my pace to the dock. Small stands for produce and other items littered the walk way to the edge of the dock. I was offered bread, fish, jewelry, and even some sort of book. But, what truly captured my eye was the painting that an elderly woman was holding.
Walking over to her, I looked at the painting. She didn't have a stand, only a cart and stead that held a few baskets containing artwork. Lifting it up to my eyes, I could see the painting of the city Marinas on the gods back. Smiling at it, I looked at the details of the coral buildings, the pearl accents, and the people painted in the streets. The elder woman pointed at me and then to a small place in the painting. Raising a brow, I looked down at the place she was pointing towards.
But the instant I could see what she had pointed at, I reached for the pouch of coin.
In the painting, I stood on the balcony, Kratos wrapped around me, both of us looking out at the kingdom. I didn't know how it was us, but something inside me new that balcony was the one that I had spent so much time on, and I knew that was Kratos, if nothing but the bun on his head. Reaching out, I traced the lines of him, knowing it was perfectly painted for me, even if others never saw it that way.
"How much?" I asked, bringing out the coins. She shook her head no at me, only offering it to me. I grew wide eyes as she rolled it up, handing it to me. Grasping it, I looking down at it with a smile. "Thank you," I whispered, reaching to hug her. She was small, bend over, a cane in her hand. But, even though she seemed frail and weak, her embrace was warm and comforting, strong and solid. While she hugged me, I placed the coins that I had in my hand in the bucket beside her. It would be enough for her to never have to work again, or for her family to have to work again.
"Last boat before noon is leaving!" I heard from the edge of the dock. The woman let me go, giving me a smile, only to sit back and watch as I turned away, hurrying down the dock.
With the coin in the mans hand, I sat down and waited for the few of us to leave.
There were thirteen passengers on the boat, including myself and the captain. I stood at the front, watching as we sailed off to sea, the kingdom close. I could see the dock on the edge of the kingdom, the shell of the turtle flat and under the water, leaving it to where it seemed like a floating island on a glass sea. Excitement filled me as we reached closer to the kingdom, the docks close.
A young man helped me from the boat, allowing me to be on solid land once again. Looking down into the water, I could see the flippers of the turtle moving slowly, allowing the kingdom to glide across the water. In the cycles that I had been gone, it seemed that life was now thriving in the kingdom, still in contact with the water, the guards still standing around the kingdom, keeping guard and watch. And soon, I would be standing beside them as I entered the kingdom.
I passed the street venders, the food, fish, cloth, jewels, spices, anything that could be sold was being sold to the people around me. I smiled, walking past them, the cloak over me, the hood over my head, keeping me hidden from eyes. Something inside me wanted to just rush to the throne room, but another part of me wanted to take my time, become familiar with the world around me, and remember my home.
Things had changed in my leave, though not much. Houses had been renovated, there were more people now in the city, and I could see that the guards were walking around, communicating, and even -what it seemed- to be returning home to their families. So much had changed, yet it all looked the same, only more open, more inviting. Gone was the bubble that kept these people trapped, and now they were able to roam free.
Passing between the legs of the guard that held the entrance to the kingdom, I smiled as I placed my hands on the stone. The crystals in the rock shown brightly back at me as my fingers traced over the small patterns. Above me, I could hear the cries of seagulls as they flew over head, the crashing of waves against the land, and the laughter that ran through the streets.
It was as if the world was smiling at me, welcoming me back. Looking up at the sky, I could see the moon at its peek, high in the night sky, though it was as bright as day. Smiling at the guard, I could see the crystal gaze it held around the kingdom, protecting and serving. Letting out a sigh, I held the painting in my hand, moving the cloak around me, heading into the city to the castle. And with the crowd heading towards the palace, I was curious as to why so many people were going.
Children ran past me, smiling and laughing, following their parents. A young woman was ahead of me, smiling down at her son as he jumped and swung from his parents arms. Smiling, I walked up behind them, following the crowd.
"Pardon me," I asked, tapping on her shoulder. She turned her warm gaze towards me, offering a smile. Removing the hood from my head, I smiled at her. "Why are so many people going to the palace?" I asked. She gave me a smile.
"On the second week of each month, King Kratos opens the doors to the public, allowing us to come in, eat, offer gifts and gratitude, along with requests for something that would make life a little easier. Today is the second week of this month, so we are going to thank him for the herbs that he gave us, allowing me to have a child." She said with a soft smile, looking down at her toddler that giggled as he swung around.
Nodding my head in thanks, I pulled the hood back over my head, following the crowd as we walked into the gates of the palace. I could recognize some of the guards as they walked around, greeting and offering food and water to the people that wandered over to the tables that held food. Smiling at that, I ducked my head down, going up the stairs as I passed a few bodies. It seemed that I would be going to the throne room after all.
_____
A few hours had past, and it was now my turn to speak with the King. I paced back and forth in the hallway, waiting for the guard to come out and tell me to go in. My heart was racing, pounding in my chest, and thoughts of the conversation that we would have ran through my mind. But, every scenario that I came up with just never felt right. I could dance around the subject of who I was, let the mystery surround me for a while. But, that didn't seem right.
I could just walk in with my head held high, rushing into his arms and kiss him. But, that didn't feel right either.
No, what felt right was being back in the palace, being back home where I belonged.
And then the idea struck me, of how I would approach this after so many cycles of being away from him. There was only one thing that made sense in my mind, and this was it. With a smile on my lips, I faced the door as I took in a large breath. Pulling the hood down over my eyes, I nodded at the guard as he told me I could now enter.
Holding the painting in my hands, I walked into the throne room. Instantly, I was met with the scent of salt and musk, along with the soft chatter of those in the room. I could see the carpet that lead to the throne, and I followed it. Nothing had changed in the throne room, nothing that I could see.
With my head down, I walked until I could see the foot of the steps that lead up to the throne. The smell was stronger now, and I could hear his faint breathing above me.
"My friend, what can I do for you?" He asked, moving in his chair. I could hear the slight sound of the wood creaking under his weight as he shifted slightly. And with that, I bowed down at him, showing the respect that I had for him. It caught me off guard how easily it was for me to bow for him, when once I would have never even blinked at the thought of bowing to a man that I once hated. Even out of spit or rudeness, I never would have done this over a decayed ago. Yet now, I would do it every day if needed be.
Standing back up, I didn't look at him, only down at my hands as I unrolled the painting, placing it down at the foot of the steps before him. Stepping back, I placed my hands inside my robe, waiting for his reaction.
A small woman came up to the painting, lifting it up, only to go up the stairs and offer it to him. I waited, listening to any sound that would cause him to grow worried. But, it never came. Instead, I could hear the smile as it grew on his lips.
"Thank you," Kratos said with a smile. Bending my head up slightly, I could see him as he looked down at the painting with a soft smile on his lips, tracing over it slowly. "This will be framed and hung in my chambers." He stated, raising his head to look down at me. I could tell that he couldn't see my face, only my chin. But, I could see him.
His hair was longer now, flowing down his shoulders in waves, his body covered in the same robes that I had seen him so many times before, a crown on his head, a beard on his face, and leather trousers that covered his long legs. He had aged ever so slightly, the hair beside his ears darkening slightly, and the lines of his smile had deepened. Yet, even with the little age he had gained, he was still the same to me.
"Now, please tell me what I can do for you in return." He said, placing one leg over the other, his ankle on his knee.
Taking a breath, I allowed the smile to grow on my lips, and the pounding of my heart to slow slightly.
"I had always known that your culture was strange to my own, but it never occurred how similar we are. Not until a little while ago." He straightened up in his chair as I spoke, his brows lifting slightly. Taking a step forward, I blew out a shaking breath. "My people, they do not choose who they want to spend their life with by giving a gift. For them, that's silly." I smiled, raising my head up completely. "And though I still find it odd, I understand the thoughts behind it.
"I have nothing physical to give to you, nothing of great value that you can hold in your hands." Lifting off the hood of the robe slowly, I looked up at him. His eyes grew wide as his lips parted slightly. I smiled up at him softly. "When making a proposal, you give the thing that is most valuable to the person that you love. But, I have nothing that you can touch or hold to give." Smiling up at him, I removed the cloak from my body, allowing him to see the leather clothes that I had worn for so long now. I wore what I wore when I went to hunt, to eat, to work. "All I have is this." I shrugged my shoulders, knowing the leather and knife strapped to my body were a different sight to him. "This is all I can offer that is physical. But, it would never be enough.
"For a proposal, you give what you value most, showing the person that it is nothing compared to what you feel for them. My greatest treasure, the thing that I hold dear to me the most, is the memories that I have with you." I whispered, looking up at him. Kratos watched, slowly bringing his leg off the other, standing up from the throne. "Through the good times and bad, each memory that I have with you is special, reminding me that two different worlds are still the same. We can come together, create a better world, a better life. But, a life without you is not one that I wish to live. Not anymore." I said, shaking my head. Smiling up at him, I watched as he slowly started to descend the stairs.
"My life means nothing without you, nothing without my life mate. And a day away from you is far too much. So, all I ask that you do to make my life better, is to love me unconditionally." He stood in front of me now, looking down at me with a mixed expression. I could read it, but I knew there was disbelief and joy there. I knew it, because I felt the same way. "Acted my proposal, and my life is forever filled with joy. That is all I ask." I said.
Raising his hand up slowly, I watched as he tried to make out if this was real or not. Placing his hand on my cheek, I watched as the warmth grew and spread over him as it did with me. Smiling, I placed my hand on his, the chill that I had grown to know melted away then, leaving me in the light and warmth of the sun. Now, here I stood, right before the man that I loved.
"Vixas...." He whispered, running his thumb over my cheekbone. I smiled, moving into his touch completely. Closing my eyes for a moment, I moved my head to where I could kiss the skin of his hand. He let out a shaking breath then. "I thought you had left me... that you had decided to stay home with your people."
I shook my head, opening my eyes as I looked at him with a smile.
"This is home." I whispered, reaching my hand out to cup his cheek. He smiled down at me, tears filling his eyes, along with my own. "Wherever you are, that is home." I said to him, nodding my head. He smiled at me as a tear ran down my cheek. Pulling me in, he wrapped his arms around me in a tight embrace as he lips reached for mine.
The world seemed to melt away then. My body molded against his, fitting perfectly, holding him close to me. I was right, he was home to me. I could be without a place to sleep, no food, no coin, no clothing. But, as long as Kratos was by my side, I would always have a home.
"I love you," I said as I pulled back from him. He smiled down at me, placing his forehead on mine, letting the tip of his nose touch mine.
"And I love you." He said before kissing me again. Smiling, I wrapped my arms around his neck, holding him close to me in a warm embrace. The scent of salt and musk, along with the sweetness of honey filled the air, and the fluttering in my chest went from anxious to joy. I felt safe again, I felt warm and completely whole. No more would I wander around, not knowing what to do with my life. Today with the start of the rest of my life, and I would do it with him beside me, always.
He was my life mate, he was my love.
Closing my eyes, I snuggled into his embrace, feeling as he kissed my cheek and ear, wrapped around me in a tight hug. Smiling, I placing my nose in the bend of his neck, holding on tightly, never allowing myself to let go.
He was my love, my life, my night sky, my sunrise and sunset. Everything about him felt right. He was right.
Kratos was my home.
"I'm home," I whispered as I allowed the tears to flow down my cheeks.
He tightened his arms around me, kissing my head as he held the back of my head in his large hand.
"Welcome home."
The End