The Weeping Willow
As the Seeker and Madam strolled through the winding corridors of the ancient Willow tree, they couldn't help but notice the faded, dying bark and the brown leaves gently cascading down. The pages seemed to be trickling from the top of the great tree. They of dark fiction were different; the Keepers could not summon them. Gliding from the roof and coating the ground with sorrow.
The mortal world was beginning to lose hope; stories were being altered, forcing them to endure the evil antagonist winning. The scale that balanced between good and evil had started to tip. The weather in Windrun was changing dramatically, with powerful gusts of wind blowing through the wildflowers and heavy rain descending like bullets from the sky.
Seeker informed the Keepers about the ongoing changes, and together with Madam, they secured the door of the willow tree, ensuring they remained sealed inside the trunk.
Seeker and Madam found themselves in a dimly lit, narrow hallway, the walls lined with intricate tapestries that seemed to absorb any sound. The only noise was the hushed whispers they exchanged, a cautious conversation meant to avoid notice by anyone nearby. Madam appeared noticeably fatigued, her eyes heavy with exhaustion and anxiety, while Seeker seemed lost in deep thought as he spoke.
"We need to teach them how to defend themselves." Seeker said.
"They are just librarians, Seeker; they cannot fight," she exclaimed.
Suddenly, their conversation was abruptly interrupted by a loud boom from the other side of the door. Seeker and Madam exchanged worried glances before silently agreeing to head up the stairs to the glass alcove.
As Seeker made his way into the room ahead of Madam, he came to a sudden halt by the window, his face turning a haunting white. Madam hurried to his side, her hands flying up to cover her gaping mouth, a mix of shock and horror in her eyes.
The mountain pass had been inaccessible for centuries, and on this day, the misty rain could not hide the black clouds. Smoke rose from the blockade, creating a dark wave in the sky.
He spoke in a whisper, "Something has broken through the pass. We need to prepare them immediately."
They stood silently together, watching lightning crash across the smoke-filled sky.
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The scene within the Willows dining hall was that of a chaotic rush. Madam stood center, instructing the Keepers to move the table and seats to the wall, clearing the floor for them to prepare. Seeker, standing in the doorway, his eyes watching the young Keepers as they carried the smaller items out of the way. His heart ached with sympathy for them and what they were about to have to endure. The heartbreaking scene continued to unfold in front of him. As he scanned the room, he whispered a prayer over Lyra's quest.
"Willow, please assist her in reaching her destination and steer her on her quest. Ensure that she is safe and shielded throughout her journey." He touched the bark, bowed his head, and began to hum an age-old hymn.
The hymn's melody filled the dining hall, caressing the ears of the Keepers and seeping into the crevices of the Willow tree. It then glided over the valley, where the evergreen trees swayed in the strong breeze. It passed by the fields of wildflowers and the dry waterfall, drifting gracefully towards the mountain pass and making its way to the intruders.
Lavinia led a group of dark and desolate creatures toward the great Willow. Her purple battle armor shone in the lightning that lit up the night sky as she rode upon a shadow mount. This dark steed was created from dark magic, with smoke in place of its mane and tail and its eyes a menacing shade of blood red.
She stopped her dark horse and turned toward the direction of the hymn. She approached the edge and observed the Willow tree amidst the ongoing storm. Despite still glowing, its light was fading.
Lavinia's face twisted into a wicked grin as she remarked, "Your end is near, dear Seeker." Her laughter pierced through the storm like a sharp knife, haunting and filled with despair. A dark cloud carried it across the valley; it descended upon the Willow, halting the room in its tracks as it snaked through the cracks and attached itself to the Keepers.
They glanced around the room; dread filled the faces of the young Keepers. Tears dropped from the faces of the older ones. Madam looked across the room at Seeker. His face was more determined than ever, for he knew she was coming.
"Keepers!" His voice roared through the hall, "We are now preparing for combat. Stand tall! We are the protectors, the guardians! We will defend our home! We have very little time to learn what we must, so straighten up, and let's proceed quickly!" The Keepers straightened their shoulders and nodded in silent agreement with him. They moved quicker now, shuffling the items out of the way.
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With the room now cleared, Seeker stood in the center of the room. "Dear Keepers, today is a significant day. I am sorry, for I have kept something from you for many years. Now, it's time to learn how to fight. The younger Keepers will be taught the basics, but my intention is for you to hide in the root cellar and not participate in the battle. However, you will be taught to defend yourself if we are unsuccessful. We will divide into groups, with Madam instructing the younger Keepers and me guiding the older ones. I regret that it has come to this, my friends." As he approached the Keepers, he bowed and placed his hand over his heart. To his surprise, they all knelt before him, acknowledging him as their King of Windrun. Even Madam, whom he respected greatly, joined in the gesture of respect. A feeling of hope and joy filled his heart as he realized that the companions he had to lead into battle were not only courageous but also honorable and faithful.
"Thank you, friends. I need you all to gather weapons and potions from the root cellar and meet me back here. Madam, could you please follow me to my office? I have one more plan," he said as he left the room.
———
Kyda hurriedly walked beside Lavinia's horse, her short legs scurrying to match its long stride.
"Kyda, I need you to do something for me. I want you to step into the next book for me. Gather a few more recruits." Lavinia said.
"But Ma'am... I cannot enter and exit books." Kyda replied. Lavinia reached into her saddle bag and pulled out a black quill. She looked over it, smiling momentarily, then engulfed it with her purple magic. She passed the quill down to Kyda.
"I must warn you that the device is only capable of a few jumps and can't be used beyond portals. However, I have faith in you and trust that you won't let me down," Lavinia said, looking directly at the small faun. The message was clear: Kyda had to succeed in her mission. Kyda nodded in agreement, fully understanding her task.
Without hesitation, Kyda thought of the following books they had discussed and leaped through the portal of purple smoke.
Lavinia watched her leave, then returned her gaze towards the dark path before her and her dark minions. As she glanced over her troops, her head began to ache unexpectedly. She placed her hand on her temple. Lavinia then halted her horse and motioned for the soldiers of darkness to march on ahead.
The ache grew stronger and stronger until the world around her vanished.
—————
Lavinia slowly opened her eyes, feeling the sun's gentle warmth on her face. As she sat up, she found herself surrounded by a sea of vibrant yellow flowers, their petals dancing in the soft breeze. She took a moment to take in the beauty of her surroundings, her lilac sundress billowing in the wind as she felt the earth beneath her bare feet.
"Are you going to sit there all day, or are you going to get up and explore with me?" Before she could respond, a hand reached out, leading her to the face of a man who spoke to her. A young Seeker offered his help, and his face was lit with a smile as bright as the morning sun.
"Had I fallen asleep?" She asked, standing up beside him.
"You've been napping for a while; I guess our swim at the beach really tired you out." He replied.
"I had the strangest dream." She said while grabbing her forehead.
"Don't worry about it; let's go on an adventure today!" He smiled.
They began running through the fields, having fun as they laughed and danced amidst the exquisite flowers. "I bet I can race you to the river!" He teased.
"You're on!" Together, they ran swiftly down the path, through the thick trees, until they arrived at the riverbed. Sitting on the damp ground, they exchanged a joyful chuckle about the exhilarating race they had just finished.
"I almost had you!" she said as she playfully pushed him in the arm.
"Maybe next time," he said with a laugh. "I've missed you," he added.
"Missed me? I only took a small nap." She looked at him, confused by his expression.
"It was a long nap." Heartache filled his voice. As her delicate fingertips glided across his cheek, a jolt of electricity coursed through her veins—a sense of familiarity washed over both of them as they leaned in closer to each other. With a tenderness that spoke volumes, she pressed her lips gently against his, a silent language of desire passing between them. He eagerly responded, surrounding her in his embrace as they surrendered to the overwhelming intensity of their passion. The world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in an eternal moment of bliss. However, the harsh reality of their past came crashing back as she suddenly opened her eyes. It was a painful reminder of the memories that had been concealed, and she stumbled backward, her body colliding with the damp earth.
"Are you okay?" He attempted to touch her, but she held his hands back and turned her face away.
"You think you're being slick, don't you?" she hissed. Seeker's face froze. "You invaded my mind, you cunning Seeker." She stood up from the ground and inspected the outfit she was wearing. "So, what was your intention? To make me remember our past. Do you honestly believe that would work?" She gave him a cold stare.
"I want to know what happened to you, Lavinia; sure, you got hooked on power. We could have fixed that." He stood up and then slowly walked closer to her. "What did you see in our book?"
She turned her face towards his with a look of intense anger in her eyes. "You have tricked me; for that, you must pay." With a swift motion, she lifted her hand and unleashed a powerful bolt aimed directly at him. It struck his face, and he let out a cry of pain. "Next time, I won't be so forgiving. Thanks for the kiss." And with that, she vanished from the memory."
"Seeker!" Madam vigorously shook him as she called out his name. A young Keeper quickly brought her a damp towel and a bowl of water. She began to clean the fresh wound on his face.
Taking a deep breath, Seeker suddenly sat up and frantically scanned the room. He winced in pain and gingerly touched his cheek. Blood stained his fingertips.
"Are you okay?" Madam asked.
"No, but yes, I am fine. I was unable to get through to her." He stood up and walked over to the study window. "Looks like we still fight." He said hauntingly.
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