Heed My Warnings and Survive (Second Draft)

Chapter Seventeen

Traveling with Coan, and Phonwhin was much easier than traveling with only Kiara to help me with Finley, but now we all could take turns when he needed help to walk, and since Kiara was arguably stronger than me, she bore the brunt of it, so I was thankful there were people for her to share the work with. We had been traveling for days when we entered a part of the forest that felt warmer than our previous place of interest. It was warm, but not in the stuffy humid way it normally was. It was calm, and somehow felt like home, which I didn’t understand, but I didn’t mind. It was nearing nightfall, so we set up camp. When the sun set, it wasn’t cold, and that had me very skeptical.

“Coan. Do you know where we are?” I asked. He shook his head.

“I’m none too good at directions. Whin?” Phonwhin looked at him.

“Yes love?” She said, in a pleasantly soft voice.

“Do you know where we are, darling?” Coan asked.

“Tuliana’s forest,” She replied.

“I’ve never heard of this place,” I said, a bit confused. I had studied maps extensively when I was young, and I knew most of the country’s forests, but this one I’d never seen on a map.

“No, not many have,” Phonwhin said. “It’s a hard place to leave.” I furrowed my eyebrows.

“Why is that?” I asked. Phonwhin smiled dreamily.

“Because of the meaning of the first king’s name. Tuliana, it means tranquility, and this forest is a blessed paradise,” She told me.

“Can you explain further?” I asked, curiosity taking me over. Phonwhin nodded.

“Well King Tuliana was a just and righteous man, and people across the lands would gift him with blessings, and gold, and anything they possibly could, so his kingdom became a plentiful fruitful place, but best of all there were magical beings, and users who would bless his land, they made his land beautiful, and tranquil, like a paradise, they called it the afterlife of the living, they thought it was close to what Vinhar was like. Some even thought they had died, and reached Vinhar, but others disproved that by being scoundrels, and taking over the lands that Tuliana once ruled, and now there’s only this forest, left off all the maps so that only the worthy can find it, those who live here believe only those not seeking paradise may find it, that is what they pray for, that only those of kind, and pure may enter they’re home, if we’re lucky we might even see them,” The history fascinated me, and I wanted to know more, but Phonwhin started to yawn, so I didn’t press her. I wasn’t tired, so I let the others sleep. The sunset, but the cold never came, which still seemed odd to me, but there really wasn’t anything I could do about it, so I didn’t bother trying too hard. It was easy to stay awake that night, It was peaceful, and well like Phonwhin had said, Tranquil. The little scuttle of the animals running too and from was peaceful, and I felt safe here, safer than I had felt since the day I left home. Then I heard a bigger noise, the sound of footsteps. They weren’t coming near us, but I could hear them all the same. We had picked a spot that was secluded by thick bushes, you couldn’t hop over them, but you could just see over them, and there was only one entrance. I crept to the edge of the bushes, and looking over saw the most beautiful thing I’d ever beheld. There in a clearing were two figures, one dark, and the other green, the forest’s life, and the forest’s death, both looking to be clad in leaves growing from there body’s, the woman’s formed a long beautiful gown, and the man’s a sharp ink black tunic, and trousers, they looked elegant, and as they danced in the moonlight it was near impossible to tear my eyes away, and I only did for a second, as I woke Kiara to witness the beautiful scene. She looked awestruck, and as I became more aware of her presence, I found it easier to look at the more beautiful scene, of her watching in wonderment. I smiled, and she almost caught me staring, and somehow I wouldn’t have minded, the feelings I’d felt for her seemed amplified in this forest, it made my cheeks flush to acknowledge that, but acknowledge it I did, and it made my heart flutter. I looked back at the dancing figures, taking my eyes off Kiara.

“Draven. They’re beautiful,” She said, still mesmerized. As are you. I thought to myself, almost uttering it outloud, but I held off. Maybe I’d regret holding my tongue in days to come, but unfortunately then I had no clue.

“Indeed they are,” I agreed. She smiled softly as she watched, as though remembering a time when she danced like that. “Can I ask you a question?” she looked at me, and nodded. “Why is that ring so important to you?” She looked down at her hand.

“Someone I was close to gave it to me. He told me to keep it safe until he returned, and well, he never returned. A few days later we got word of his death,” she said sadly.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories,” I said. She smiled.

“It’s not a bad memory, just a sad one, and you would’ve found out eventually anyway.”

“What was his name?”

“Leland, he was very kind, and sweet, and. I loved him.” my heart sank at those words, but I tried not to let that show.

“What melody do you imagine they’re dancing to?” I asked her. She smiled more happily this time.

“Perhaps that of the breeze, and the crickets,” she said dreamily. I smiled. Then an idea came to me. I bowed, and held my hand out to her.

“Do you dance princess?” Kiara chuckled, curtsied, and taking my hand replied,

“I do Kind gentleman.” we engaged ourselves in a Tarnian waltz, dancing in our little spot, away from our friends, in the solitude of the bushes which seemed to have surrounded us. Kiara placed her head on my shoulder, and I closed my eyes, knowing that I would forever cherish this moment. It wasn’t long before our waltz finished, and we broke apart. Kiara’s cheeks were flushed a beautiful rosy pink. I smiled lightly, as did she. Just then we heard a noise. My head snapped to the side, looking for the source of the noise, but alas it was only Finley.

“I apologize my friends. Did I interrupt you?” He said. Waggling his eyebrows. I shook my head, the moment Kiara, and I had just shared didn’t leave room for embarrassment. My heart was elated.

“Yes in fact,” Kiara said, matter of factly. I chuckled. Finley looked surprised.

“Come along now, let’s go back to the fire,” I said. Sheathing my sword, and walking back to our small camp.

“Where did you all go off too? Leaving the old married fools behind?” Coan asked. I laughed.

“How could we?” Kiara said. Finley sat in front of the fire.

“They were waltzing,” He said. This time I blushed, not intensely however. Coan, and Phonwhin gave each other a knowing look.

“Well if that’s not being in love, I don’t know what is,” Phonwhin said in a loud whisper, and my face heated. They didn’t have much time to tease, because before long we saw figures approaching us through the tree’s. I drew my sword once more, as did the others. The figures got close. They’re were three of them. The woman in front had long black braided hair, her face had features that I’d never seen in Tarni before. Her nose was slim, and pointed, her eyes were big, and dark. And her lips were plump, and looked as though they enjoyed smiling. On her head was the head of a hawk carved out of wood, with feathers sticking out of the back. The other two were men, they had the same headdress except their hawks covered their faces.

“Who are you?” the woman asked. Coan raised his hands.

“We’re travelers. My wife, she has been here before,” He said. Phonwhin stepped forward.

“Vina. It’s me.” Recognition showed on the woman’s face.

“My sister,” She said, walking to Phonwhin at a quick pace, and hugging her.

“You’re from here?” I asked, surprised. Phonwhin smiled.

“How do you think I know so much about the place?” She asked. I chuckled disbelievingly. Coan patted my back.

“Don’t worry. You get used to it,” He said, walking forward, as the two women began to retreat into the woods.

“Where are we going?” Finley asked, still limping slightly. “And is it far?” Vina turned.

“Help him,” She said to the two men beside her. The men walked to Finley, each placed one of Finley’s arms over their shoulders. And an arm under each leg lifting him as though he weighed nothing.

“Woah,” He said unsteadily. “This isn’t necessary,” He told them. They ignored him, and carried as far as we walked.

We entered a small circle of hut’s, where people came out to meet us.

“Vina, you have returned,” one villager said, rushing to her. Vina nodded.

“What news have you?” She asked.

“The outsider is resting easy, his wounds are healing,” The villager informed her. Vina nodded.

“Ahanna,” She said. -Ahanna meaning thank you-

“Do you often use the old speech here?” I asked Vina. She looked back at me.

“Questions in a moment, but first come, we must eat.” We entered the biggest hut. In it lay a low table with cushions set around it, and food set out on it. My mouth watered as I looked at the food, and Finley almost lurched out of the men’s arms. Vina let out a small laugh.

“Set him there, and the rest of you, please sit.” We did as she said. Kiara, and I sat beside Finley, while Phonwhin took a seat next to Vina, and Coan beside her. Villagers sat around us, plating, and passing food. “We thank the blessings of Tuliana’s forest, and those who blessed it, as well as its namesake, for our home, our food, and our sanctuary. And now. We eat.” The people around us dug in, eating quickly, but neatly. The same couldn’t be said for me, I ate as much as I could, as fast as I could. The meal was excellent, and I wanted to continue enjoying it, but I feared if I ate anymore I’d explode.

Soon after our meal, Vina led us to a small hut. We sat in a circle, just the six of us.

“Now I believe you had some questions,” She said, directing the statement towards me. I nodded eagerly. “And no, we do not often use the old speech, but the phrase Ahanna has stuck with us. I believe it to be a more beautiful way to show gratitude than the words Thank you,” she told me. I nodded again.

“How long have you lived here? Your people I mean?” Vina smiled.

“Since the days of King Tuliana himself,”

“Incredible. And the lifespan here. Is it above the average?”

“The average lifespan here is one hundred years, and if you’re very lucky one hundred, and fifty.” My mouth hung open.

“Is that due to medicinal arts? Or the blessing’s surrounding your home?”

“Both. We have trained physicians, and the blessings of the forest keep us from needing them often. But enough about us.″ She turned to Phonwhin. “What of you?” Phonwhin cleared her throat.

“Well to start. Coan, and I have married.” Vina chuckled.

“You took your time,” She said. Giving Coan a look. He raised his hands defensively.

“Being in the military is a tough job, and doesn’t leave much time for marrying,” He said. Kiara chuckled, and I swore then and there never to join the military. Finley crossed his arms resolutely.

“I solemnly swear to disprove that statement,” He said seriously. I raised an eyebrow.

“Got someone in mind, Fin?” I asked. He smiled at me. “Ah, the butcher.” The effect of those words was just what I wanted. Finley’s face turned scarlet. I chuckled. It wasn’t easy to tease Fin, but when you succeeded it was priceless.