Ancients.
I take a moment to myself before deciding to look down. I’m quite literally in the thick of the Great Oak, with every space around me surrounded by greens and browns. The sight of it all is truly immaculate, and the gentle breeze that flows through the tree makes all of its leaves whisper in tender greeting. I can even spot Golem through all the thickness still standing on the ground floor, the magical creature hiding in the shadows as he keeps to himself.
I sigh at the sight and close my eyes.
Am I happy?
Yes.
Did I achieve what I set out to do?
Yes.
Without question.
So why am I notsatisfied?
I glance again to the enveloping limbs surrounding me, scowling at how comforting the strong Oak hovers in its embrace. The lanterns of bottled moonslight are shining from every limb, their twinkling lights acting as faux stars in the night as they wink back knowingly.
I have successfully climbed the Great Oak, something I’ve wanted to do so many times in the past, so why am I still not satisfied?
The answer hits me like one of Lord Daniel’s boulders.
Because the Oak still remains too inviting and friendly.
Yes, my muscles ached in getting up here, but once I had a handle on my movements the rest of the way up felt like a breeze. My heart yearned for the cutting edges of the Shadow Oak, for the black granite stone that weaved itself around the wood. That Oak would never allow me to attempt such a climb and would have laughed in my face for even considering it.
But most of all I yearned for the smell of firewood in the air, not the soft greenery that wants to soothe. I yearned to let that fire fill my lungs, to fuel my body with its own flames as the raucous sound of laughter and mugs clanked on tables below me. Nothing here was right, despite this grand room being so beloved to me over the years.
I don’t stop myself when my need for more pushes hard against my abdomen. I push all of my yearning desires for Keane to join me, desperately calling out to him in a request to add his own fire and lively presence. Will he feel it? Will he recognize the desperation in my need?
I quickly grab the oak slab and pen from my bag, pulling at the cloth aggressively. The wood remains blank as I push my need out to him again, willing for Keane to look for me,find me.
I feel you…
His strong words etch themselves over the wood as I heave a deep sigh of relief.
Locate through me,I write back.
Keane’s curiosity summoning hits me hard but I’m ready for it. I welcome the familiar gripping of my chest as my lungs constrict in anticipation, my breathing stuttering for a long moment before he releases me just as quickly. My exhale is violent as I rub against my collarbone, my fingers trembling when his words appear again.
What are you doing, Alexis?
Searching.I write.
Not finding.
I swear I feel the ground shake below me the moment the words disappear.
There’s no way. NodamnAncients way.
I’ll be there tomorrow.
I close my eyes and envisionhim here in Bardot, grinning at the thought of him walking down these halls.
How do you plan on getting down?
The question makes me glance to the bottom with a frown. HowwasI going to get down? I shrug and let my body relax against the oak behind me. I’ll deal with that problem when I’m done here.
