Description
Of Light and Shadows : Chapter 9 - Part 5
[Cover ]
Previous: The Dovahshiral: purple lights
Next: When Fate Intervenes
⚜️ Chapter 1 . ⚜️ . Chapter 2 . ⚜️ . Chapter 3
⚜️ Chapter 4 . ⚜️ . Chapter 5 . ⚜️ . Chapter 6
⚜️ Chapter 7 . ⚜️ Chapter 8
[ Story chapter guide ]
📌 Just to remember that English is not my first language, if you find any really grotesque mistakes, let me know. But I hope the text is clear enough for everyone to understand and that everything makes sense.
Engulfed in a frantic chase, Aerin, her brother Cahyr, Willow, Caelia, and Syllie raced through the palace gardens, attempting to capture the elusive purple lights that danced ahead of them.
Finally, they reached the palace walls, and the purple lights seemed to fly even faster, escaping into the woods behind them. Instantly, Caelia suggested that Cahyr and Aerin use their teleportation powers, as only those of royal lineage possessed such abilities. Cahyr could carry Caelia and Sillie, while Aerin would take Willow. However, although Aerin had the ability to teleport to the other side of the walls, she didn't know how to do it on command. The only time she had succeeded was during a dramatic situation, and she had no idea how it had happened.
Syllie was the first to notice her hesitation and mocked her with scorn, commenting on Aerin’s inability to teleport.
"Look at you, Aerin," Syllie jeered. "You can't even figure out how to teleport a wall. It's pathetic."
Aerin's eyes flashed with defiance as she retorted, "I don't need to teleport a wall. I can climb it, or break it, or find another way around it. "
Cahyr, shot a supportive glance at her and agreed, "That's right, Aerin. We have other options. We can leave through the gates or find another way around."
Caelia, frustrated with Syllie's behavior, scolded her, "What's the matter with you, Syllie?"
Syllie rolled her eyes and clicked her tongue in annoyance. "I'm not going to make a fool of myself chasing after those spirits. I know none of us will be able to catch them," she declared. "I'm going to get a drink instead. Have fun!"
With that, Syllie turned and left, leaving a tense silence in her wake. Aerin, however, couldn’t help but feel happy for having defended herself. Willow broke the tension with a joke, mocking Syllie’s arrogance.
"Looks like someone needs a lesson in humility. It seems Syllie's pride is as vast as the kingdom's treasury! Perhaps we should appoint her as the Royal Keeper of Arrogance." Willow quipped, her laughter contagious.
Caelia joined in, her voice filled with mirth. "Indeed, and let her ride upon a chariot of self-importance, pulled by peacocks, for all to witness her grandeur!"
Aerin smiled and joined the laughter, feeling more confident than before.The four of them continued their pursuit of the shimmering purple lights, heading toward the nearest gate.
As they exited through one of the garden gates that led into the Court's woods, Aerin couldn't help but gaze around in awe. The beauty of the place never failed to captivate her. The tall trees stood majestically, their branches adorned with moss and delicate blossoms that shimmered under the gentle moonlight. The air was filled with the enchanting scent of wildflowers, perfuming the surroundings, while the soft melody of hidden nocturnal creatures added to the mystical ambiance.
The woods were a world apart from the bustling celebrations. It was quiet and mysterious. Her gaze wandered, taking in the twisted branches and the gentle sway of the foliage, creating a dance of shadows and moonlight.
Aerin’s eyes roamed over with curiosity the unlit fire pits and decorations that dotted the place. She couldn't help but wonder about the purpose they served.
"What are those fire pits for?" Aerin asked, her voice filled with genuine curiosity.
Cahyr smiled at his sister's question. "Those fire pits are part of a ritual celebration," he explained. "They are prepared in honor of the goddess Astraia, the patroness of renewal and rebirth. As the night deepens, these fires will be lit, symbolizing the burning away of the old and the welcoming of new beginnings."
Caelia added, her voice carrying a touch of reverence. "The flames serve as a beacon, guiding the spirits of nature and inviting them to join the festivities. It is said that when the fires are ablaze, the barriers between our world and theirs grow thin, allowing for a harmonious connection."
Aerin listened intently, her fascination growing with each word. She imagined the forest bathed in the warm glow of the flickering flames, creating a mystical ambiance.
They spotted the bright purple lights of the elusive spirits again, floating and darting through the trees, and without wasting time, they all bolted again towards the lights. The girls hastened their pace, lifting their dresses slightly to navigate the forest floor more effortlessly. The pursuit was exciting, their laughter and footsteps filling the air as they weaved gracefully through the old trees, guided by the flickering lights ahead.
The small group darted through the forest. Their determination to catch one of the elusive purple spirits fueled their movements, each of them jumping and spinning in a synchronized dance of pursuit. Aerin, with her heart pounding in her chest, enjoyed the thrill of the chase.
As they approached a crystal-clear pond, Aerin's gaze remained fixed on a particularly mischievous purple spirit. With an agile leap, she extended her hand, her fingers brushing against its ephemeral glow. For a brief moment, victory seemed within her reach, but the spirit moved away with a mocking flicker, challenging her efforts.
Despite the forest being quieter than the heart of the party, there were some high fairies with their colorful masks in the woods, chatting animatedly with each other or admiring the decorations.
As they raced along the edge of the small pond, Aerin stole a fleeting glance at her friends, who followed closely behind. It was in that moment of distraction that disaster struck.
OLAS Gallery
The art I put up on Deviantart is for my commissioners,
my personal art and gift's to close friends. Please do not repost or edit!