Chapter 26: Chapter 25

Hiiiiiii! So sorry I am posting so late. I had to take my mom to the E.R. She was bleeding from a ear but all is fine! It turns out it was just a scratch in her ear. Whew!

Anyway, I feel like the story is finally gonna get crazy from here on out. LOL And yes, I know how the story will end and all, so eeek! I'm excited.

As always, thanks for your support by commenting and voting!

Enjoy~

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The ground crunched under my weary foot, following the dryad who moved silently through the forest, her bare feet floating over the dirt and fallen branches. Her long auburn hair erupted in fiery red under the sun dripping past the tall branches. Her braids barely swished with every step she took, taking us to an elder.

I stepped over a jutting root of a tree. I raised my hand to swipe at the sweat droplets forming on my forehead. My curls hung limply and clung to the back of my neck. A nice, long shower sounded like a dream to me. I heaved sounded ahead of me. I glanced at Bodhi who dragged her pink hiking boots to keep up with quick stepped dryad. The barefoot dryad dodged the rocks and trunks with ease. The sound of the creek got louder. The trees grew denser and the mountains neared as well. We were now hiking out of the park's bound. I nearly chuckled at the irony of the park's name. Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve–aren't dryads basically elves?

"What does the elder want with Red?" Bodhi climbed over another fallen branch.

The dryad voice chimed, "She wants to speak with her. We have been watching."

I stumbled, "Watching?"

The dryad stopped and faced me, her face softened, "Of course, we have seen nothing of your sort. A human with a heart." The dryad smiled sweetly. "You care very much about our home." She gestured to the green forest around us. Birds tweeted, the branches rustled and the creek babbled in the distance. It was beautiful.

"What is your name?" I asked.

The dryad lit, "I am Pala." She bowed her head in my direction and I jerked into an awkward bow, recalling that it was my first time bowing.

"I'm Meredith, but you can call me Red."

"Meredith," She tilted her head, "Protector from the sea?" She glided so smoothly that it took me a moment to register that she was right in front of me, sniffing my hair.

My sweaty hair.

My face heated as I stumbled back, "Wha–"

Pala wrinkled her button nose in confusion. "A human indeed."

I rubbed the back of my neck, "Uh, yes, I'm human..." I didn't think I'd ever had to tell so many people that I am human.

"But you're immune to glamours, yes?"

"How did you know?"

"Trees see and hear everything." She may seem like she is a teenager, but her mannerisms said otherwise. With that, Pala spun and continued walking. "Let's not keep the elder waiting."

"Who is the elder?" I huffed as we walked up-hill.

Bodhi answered this time–or more grunted the answer as we climbed upward, "Elder is someone who is highly respected in the sidhe world since they have reached their power with age and skills."

"Like a leader?"

Bodhi bit her lips thinking, "More like..."

"Like a teacher." Pala said smoothly. "Someone we go to for answers and guidance."

"Your elder is a dryad?" I sidestepped a large rock the size of a bowling ball.

"Yes, all our tribe members are dryads. We have a few other nymphs as well."

"What's the difference–between dryads and nymphs?" I could never keep the terminology straight.

"Ah, dryads are oak nymphs. We earned our own name since we live we tend to outlive most trees."

"Your spirit is tied to the tree, right?" I asked, vaguely remembering my greek mythologies.

"Yes, it is. We live as long as our tree does." Pala continued, "Oaks in general can live for two thousand years, but with our spirit tied to it, we can live triple the years. Dyads live for more than six thousand years."

My eyes bugged, "Whoa,"

She chuckled, "Not impressive as our fellow brethrens. The pine nymphs can live past fifteen thousand years."

Trees see and hear everything is what she said earlier. I could barely fathom what the trees have seen; thousands of years worth of stories. They have witnessed every bit of human history; all the wars, loves and all the evil and goodness in the world. Trees have always been there. I have always wondered if trees could speak, what would they say. Looks like I'm getting my answers today. Maybe the elder would have answers on how to free the mers. Or maybe even know why I have this ability? My step had a little spring as I followed Pala, nearing the creek.

The trees grew taller and thicker, the moss on the ground became apparent as we traveled deeper into the forest. We reached a curtain of vines that hung from the branches between two large trees and it swept the moss covered ground. Pala stopped and–I jumped back in startlement.

Two tall man stepped out from behind the trees and went to the vines, they each parted a side for us. Pala bowed in thanks, Bodhi and I hesitantly followed her through the vines and past the men. I peeked at the men.They seemed to be nymphs as well. They were dressed in an attire that was very boho style and both had long hair. Most of all, they were devastatingly handsome. Were all sidhes this beautiful?

One of the men with long dark hair and olive skin caught me staring. He gave me a heart-wrenching smile, "No, not all sidhes." He winked.

I gasped. Aw, crap. He can read thoughts. My face heated hotter than this humid weather. And he read my thoughts. Just kill me now.

He laughed behind us.

I groaned as my face further heated to the point I could probably cook an egg on my forehead. Pala smiled at me over her shoulders, "Ignore Takoda, he can't help but hear thoughts."

Bodhi peeked back at the nymph. "Ha, I wondered if he can be traumatized by thoughts."

I scoffed, "Probably by yours." Bodhi bumped into me, causing me to stumble off the path. I hissed, "Hey!"

"Oops." She motioned to her legs, "New to walking."

I glared at her, seeing past her innocent expression into her devious soul. "Sure, Bodhi. Sure." I lengthen my stride to catch up with Pala.

Bodhi giggled and trailed after me.

I noted that there were more trees here, taller and thicker than any other trees in the park. Pala stopped before a small stone stairs, covered in vines and moss. I wouldn't have seen it had not Pala paused before it. The small set of steps had only three steps that lead up a small mound and past between another two tall oak trees that sat above the mound, forming a doorway almost. The dryad waved us forward, "Just up the steps,"

Bodhi bounced upward as I followed behind. Pala walked behind us. Just as I passed the trees at the top of the stairs, I experienced the strangest vertigo. The air grew thick and I had to kind of push through the air, like I was trying to run in a dream state, heavy and unmoving. Wind blew strongly as I passed. I glanced at the doorway, "Whoa, what was that?"

"A glamour. I'm surprised you felt that. Most humans don't." Pala wondered, "And I can see the fuss now. It didn't even touched you, only a whisper."

"What's the glamour for–" I stopped in my path and Bodhi nearly bumped into me, seeing the answer to my previous question. I felt like I stepped into another world. So many people stopped to stare at us as entered.

Men, women and children of all ages and colors blinked in our direction. A soft murmur rippled through them. There must've been a hundred people here, scattered throughout this little field of trees and the ground was completely covered in moss like carpet. Every inch was covered in nature and sunshine. The glamour was hiding this place from humans. It was so peaceful here. That is if you don't mind having a hundred pairs of eyes on you.

The nymphs were all so tall and inhumanly beautiful. I noted that all of them had long hair, even the men. I felt like I stepped into a film set of Lord of the Rings and am surrounded by beautiful elves. I half expected Orlando Bloom to appear with his blond hair and pointed ears. I peeked at one of the male nymphs near me, looking for his pointed ears. The young man with tan skin and long black hair had rounded ears. Hmm, I didn't trust my eyes. He could be glamoured, but I didn't want to ask out of fear of appearing naive.

Their voices got louder as we neared and I was able to pick out some words.

"...a mermaid on land..."

"...what is a human doing here..."

A child clung to woman with long wavy, brown hair that must be his mother, staring at me in awe. He looked up to his mother, "What is that?"

The mother hushed him, "That's a human."

My face heated. I hurried after Pala, wanting to be out of the spotlight. Pala spoke, a smirk evident in her voice, "It's been a hundred years since a mer stepped into our home, longer since a human."

"Oh, I see." I swallowed. I interpreted as saying that everyone was keeping an eye on me. I glanced at a Bodhi, but she was too busy gawking at everything. It didn't occur to me until now that this was probably the first time she was seeing such nature since she was from the sea.

"I sense your complexity, Red. Nature will not harm you. It is your home too." Pala glanced up. "We are near, Red."

I looked up to see what she was seeing and stared in awe. We walked closer till I saw the most magnificent tree I have ever laid eyes on. It was beautiful, wild and untamed by humans. Pala, Bodhi and I ducked over the low hanging branches, entering this small world the tree made for itself. I stay rooted, breathing in awe as I took in this beauty.

The oak tree loomed above the branches of the other trees. It stood tall and strong against the fiery sky. The numerous gnarled branches spread far and wide, proudly in every direction. Some of the thick branches glissade over the mossed cover ground, twisting over the jutted roots and beyond the thick trunk. Moss kissed knobs and swirls of the tree. Vines weaved and swirled around the branches. The sunlight filtered through, casting this small private in a magical glow. I could live here forever, safe and at peace.

Bodhi spun slowly, taking it in. "Wow, I've never seen anything like it." I smiled at Bodhi's astonished face. I was contented that she would get to take this memory to sea when she returned home.

"She is beautiful," Pala smiled at our expression.

"She?" I looked to Pala.

"Red, meet the elder." Pala stepped to bowed to the tall, majestic tree. "Elder Maiara, I brought her just as you wished."

The wind blewed and the leaves rustled in answer. The trunk of the tree manifested a bare foot.

A slender leg followed till a woman manifested from the oak tree.

I choked at the sight, "Wha–"

The elder called Maiara smiled warmly at me, "Hello, my child." She glided over to me, her long white skirt swishing at her ankles, her bare feet peeking with every step. She stood a foot before me and she looked over me like a mother would over a child, I instantly felt warm and safe. "Meredith Tesifa Pierce, my goodness, you are just as beautiful as your heart."

My cheeks warmed, "Ah, th–thanks." I mumbled. I scrunched my brows, wondering how she knew my name. "How did you–" I stopped. "Right. Trees see and hear everything."

Maiara let out a warm laugh. She then bopped me on my nose. "You're learning quick, my child."

Her long dark, peppered hair swished against her waist and her warm brown eyes crinkled from her smile; smile lines appearing. Maiara seemed to be in her late fifties or so, but I learned that look is deceiving. For all I know is that she could be thousands of years old. Her eyes made me paused. It was so ancient and unwavering in strength. It had me rooted in revor. I was probably standing in front of someone who probably seen everything. I felt small and insignificant before this primordial being, but yet safe and protected.

"And now who is this stunning mermaid?"

Bodhi grinned and she curtsy crookedly, "Bodhi Hailang from Eytheria sea,"

"Hailang. Strong waves, how fitting for you, my child." Maiara eyes warmed.

Bodhi smiled in thanks, "Yes, it's derived from the chinese language.

"I didn't even know your last name." I frowned guilty, "Eytheria sea?"

"Eytheria is the indian ocean and It's okay. I didn't tell you my last name. Plus, I didn't even know your middle name." Bodhi clucked, "What does it mean?"

"Hope in amharic," Maiara said, "And how appropriate it is." Maiara then turns to Pala, "Pala, would you fetch our tired guests some food and tea?"

Pala bowed, "Yes, Elder." She ducked under the branches and left.

Maiara sat on the moss and leaned back against the trunk. "Bodhi, Red, please sit!" She motioned to the ground in front of her. A low rumble echoed and one of the low branches moved and curled around Bodhi and I. The thick branch stretched across the ground, encircling us–Bodhi and I with Maiara–forming a half-ring.

She could control the tree. No–scratch that–she is the tree.

Bodhi gasped, "So cool," She plopped to the moss covered ground.

I nearly groaned at how soft the ground was and leaned back on the branch, lessening my tired back. I sighed in relief.

Maiara chuckled, "How exhausted you must have been, with all that hiking and the danger of the dark fay."

"You know about Ash?" My eyes widened.

"You remembered his name." Maiara's brown eyes softened.

"How did you know?" Bodhi looked to me.

"He said it on the phone, before he died." I cast my gaze down, trying not to remember the blood and gore of his death.

"Yes, I also know that if he had not passed, you would have been killed. That would have been a tragedy if you had died." Maiara consoled. "Although death can be precipitous and cruel, it is natural as nature. It was his time, not yours."

"I suppose," My chest lessen, "I guess I should be grateful that Obsidian saved me."

"Obsidian?" Her eyes crinkled in confusion.

Bodhi nodded, "He is a rogue fay, he used to be a dark fay."

"Ah, is that his name?" She smiled, "I have seen a wandering fay around here."

"Is he trustworthy?" Bodhi leaned forward.

She tsked, "I am afraid I cannot tell you. Who you trust is entirely up to your instinct."

I bit my lip, recalling I how felt in his presence, "I... trust him. I didn't feel like I was in danger with him."

"There you go, my child, you have your answers." Maiara leaned back, "We cannot put a value on a person because of where they were from. We give ourselves value by where we are going."

"Pooh," Bodhi huffed, "I wish you could just tell me if he is bad or good."

Maiara laughed, "So young," She tapped her chin. "Now what is this that I hear, you're immune to glamours?"

"Yes... ma'am." It felt weird to call her by her first name, almost rude.

She laughed and I almost smile at her laughter that turn my insides into honey, "So respectful. Please call me Maiara, my child."

"Ah, sorry, Maiara." I said, testing the strange name.

She twinkled, pleased. "And you are helping Bodhi free the mers?"

I nodded, "Yes, I am."

"Why?" Maiara tilted her head, "Why would you do that when you know that the dangers the dark fays could impose on you?"

I stopped, fear lodged deeply in me, but my heart thudded–worried for everyone trapped in that aquarium; Tristen, Gale, and Nixie... I looked up to answer and–

"Amazing." Maiara breathed as she stares at the air around me.

"I–uh–didn't say anything." I stammered.

"You don't need to, I am gifted to see auras." She waved around me, "You are glowing with compassion that I have not seen in a long time."

"You can see auras?" Bodhi marveled.

"Yes, colors and I can almost feel it in the air around you as well."

"Incredible," I claimed.

The elder chuckled and her eyes drifted up. "Ah, food is here." Pala and another two young women appeared with plates and cups. Another man appeared as well with a blanket which he wished out and set it before us then the women set the glasswares on it like a picnic.

My eyes grew wide at the beautiful sandwich with potato chips on the side, resting on porcelain plates. The mug shone white with tea filled to the top. Finally, a plate of chocolate chip cookies sat on the middle of the ivory blanket.

Bodhi squealed with excitement, "Food!" She took a giant bite of the sandwich, mayo dripping from the edge of her mouth. She groaned, "I'm living here forever."

The nymphs chuckled and Pala snorted before she turned to the elder, 'Will that be all, elder?"

The elder bowed her head in thanks, "That'll be all. Thank you." The nymphs bowed and left.

I gingerly bit into the sandwich, tasting it. The flavor of spice and smoke of roasted chicken bloomed in my mouth. My eyes nearly rolled back from the taste of lettuce, cilantro and cucumber as well. I proceeded to finish it in monster bites, not caring if I looked like a savage eating. I was too damn hungry to eat ladylike. Once finished, I leaned back satisfactorily with my tea, sipping the honey-lemon flavored tea contentedly. "That was the best sandwich I ever had." I said.

Maiara chuckled. "We naturally grow all our food here."

Bodhi lounged against the branch, patting her belly happily. "No wonder it tasted so fresh." She glanced behind her, "Do you think we could take some to go?"

I elbowed her and hissed, "Bodhi."

She blinked innocently, "What?"

Maiara chuckled, "Sure, I'll have Pala send you off with some."

Bodhi sighed after she downed her tea and then she put her teacup down. She straightened herself up, "Now, are you gonna tell us the real reason for this hospitality?"

"A soldier indeed–straight to the point." Maiara smiled, "Well, as you know, a powerful dark fay has casted a powerful glamour over us and it has begun to weaken us, the dryads."

Bodhi shook her head, "A powerful dark fay. As in just one fay has casted this?"

Maiara glanced up to the sky, to the glamour. "Yes, the glamour is giving off one aura, the caster only." She looked down to Bodhi, "The fay is able to cast this by siphoning other sidhes power in the area. Its siphoning our powers too." Maiara lifted something from the ground, an oak leaf–her oak leaf. "Our trees are slowly dying because our connection to the trees are weakening."

My chest twinged. "That would mean you are dying."

"Indeed it does, but It's not just me. The tribe is getting weaker as well."

Bodhi added, "And you want us to get rid of the glamour."

Maiara frowned, "I am not selfish," She glanced at me, "I know you are just human. I brought you both here to let you know that the dryads will be behind you in this fight."

"Fight?" I twisted my hands.

"I do hope it will not come to it, but based on earlier events, I am afraid such ordeal will occur." She smiled sadly.

A fight. Like a physical fight with swords and all? My stomach rolled at that. I can't fight. I never threw a punch in my life muchless hack someone's head off.

Bodhi exhaled harshly, "Okay, I'll accept your aid."

"Excellent!" Maiara turned to me with glee, "Also, the dryads wanted to gift you, for cleaning our home and for helping us."

I blinked, my internal anxiety forgotten, "A gift?"

Maiara grinned, "You can't see past the glamours, right?"

I shook my head slowly, "No, I can't." Where was this going....

"And how you like to change that?"

I raised my brow. "Huh?" Did I hear that right?

Bodhi jerked up, "You're gifting her with the Sight?" She shook her head, "How? You are not a god."

Maiara brown eyes lit, "No, but I can call for one."

"You know a god?" My voice hitched.

Maiara calmly sipped her tea, "Of course, he is trapped here."

Bodhi asked slowly, "Who is trapped here?"

"The god of the wild," Maiara said, "Pan."

I dropped my cup and the tea spilled across the moss. Talk about spilling the tea. "Pan? The Pan?"  My voice raised, "Pan with the goat legs and horns?"

"The one and only," Maiara grinned mischievously before sipping her tea, "And he owes me a favor."

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The model is Yasmina Rossi. I found her photo on pinterest and I added the filter and typography.

If you wanna see Takoda and Pala's profile pic, check out Glass Prision's insta at andie_s.e or tumblr at yourandielexxis!

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