"David, what is that?"
I looked at the little boy holding my hand. He had his index finger pointed high up to the sky in front of him. I followed his gaze and looked up at the sky to see what he was so curious about. Then I smiled.
"Ah, those are fireworks, Henry."
"Fireworks?" Henry's eyes turned to me. Those bright blue eyes were filled with wonder. "What are fireworks, David?"
I looked back at the colourful display of explosions in the starless night sky. One stroke of light shot up to the sky, aiming to reach beyond the Earth's atmosphere, only to stop miles from it and explode into thousands of little coloured sparks, much to the observers' amusement. Then, the sparks would rain down onto the earth as its magnificent glory fades into the air.
"Fireworks are..." The little boy with rosy cheeks turned to look up at me, waiting for me to continue.
"Fireworks, Henry, are hope."
"Hope?"
"Yes, hope. Hope for a wonderful beginning." I answered. "And do you see those little sparks falling down after the lights explode in the sky?"
Henry nodded enthusiastically.
"Those sparks will bless us with miracles."
"Will we get miracles, David?"
"Yes we will, Henry. Yes, we will."
"We'll go home?"
"We will definitely go home."
His eyes shone with joy and he jumped up and down with glee. I laughed and hoisted him up onto my shoulders. I ran us down the hill with Henry laughing and my rucksack, dirty and worn out from war, bouncing against my back.
"We get miracles! We going home! Yay!!!" Henry screamed at the top of his lungs.
I'm a miracle to this lost boy. And he's a miracle to a lonely soldier like me.
Yes, one more miracle is what we both need. And a miracle is what we'll get.
"Happy New Year, Henry!"
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Light at the End of the Tunnel
There were writings on the faded grey walls of the tunnel. Among the many beautiful graffiti splattered on these rough, concrete walls were verses of poetry, confessions of love and life-long promises.
A flashlight is shone onto the walls as a pair of eyes surveyed every crack, every colour and every word. Gentle fingers grazed the dirt on the walls to feel the thick paint and engraved marks. They followed the arch of every alphabet and curve of every heart painted.
Bare feet walked through the long tunnel from one end to the other while those emerald green eyes continued to search the walls. The eyes searched for something carved into these walls since before the mysterious Syticia vanishings. Long before Arrow's vanishing and discovered death.
The footsteps stopped under a light hanging from the tunnel's ceiling; the only light in the tunnel which had broken. The glass pieces from the smashed bulb still lay on the ground, now under the bare feet. But the feet felt no pain; only the heart did.
A hand points the flashlight to the wall once again. The emerald green eyes, now glistened with tears, lifted their gaze to where a promise was engraved. Fingers reached out as bare feet shedding little droplets of blood stepped up to the wall. A small smile touched upon soft lips as fingertips caressed the words once carved by a blood-stained knife.
The clatter of the flashlight hitting the ground is soon followed by echoes of soft sobs. Drops of tears landed beside the flashlight, and some upon it. Lips parted to allow a whisper of a name to escape.
Hidden memories resurfaced and long-lost promises are found from the engraved words which held so much meaning to the heart. To two hearts. To a hundred hearts.
"For love and tomorrow."
A flashlight is shone onto the walls as a pair of eyes surveyed every crack, every colour and every word. Gentle fingers grazed the dirt on the walls to feel the thick paint and engraved marks. They followed the arch of every alphabet and curve of every heart painted.
Bare feet walked through the long tunnel from one end to the other while those emerald green eyes continued to search the walls. The eyes searched for something carved into these walls since before the mysterious Syticia vanishings. Long before Arrow's vanishing and discovered death.
The footsteps stopped under a light hanging from the tunnel's ceiling; the only light in the tunnel which had broken. The glass pieces from the smashed bulb still lay on the ground, now under the bare feet. But the feet felt no pain; only the heart did.
A hand points the flashlight to the wall once again. The emerald green eyes, now glistened with tears, lifted their gaze to where a promise was engraved. Fingers reached out as bare feet shedding little droplets of blood stepped up to the wall. A small smile touched upon soft lips as fingertips caressed the words once carved by a blood-stained knife.
The clatter of the flashlight hitting the ground is soon followed by echoes of soft sobs. Drops of tears landed beside the flashlight, and some upon it. Lips parted to allow a whisper of a name to escape.
Hidden memories resurfaced and long-lost promises are found from the engraved words which held so much meaning to the heart. To two hearts. To a hundred hearts.
"For love and tomorrow."
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Close Your Eyes
Oh little dreamer,
Don't you see all that is beautiful?
Open your eyes and see the world around you.
Once in a lifetime,
The fields will open up to you,
And the wonders of this world will bloom again.
For all this time,
I stand here watching out for you,
You held my hands and whispered love to me.
Oh little dreamer,
Look beyond the golden skies,
There's a hundred thousand stars shining brightly for you.
Don't you see all that is beautiful?
Open your eyes and see the world around you.
Once in a lifetime,
The fields will open up to you,
And the wonders of this world will bloom again.
For all this time,
I stand here watching out for you,
You held my hands and whispered love to me.
Oh little dreamer,
Look beyond the golden skies,
There's a hundred thousand stars shining brightly for you.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Tonight I Shall Sleep
A loud explosion breaks the silence of the night. My head turns to look out the small window but the darkness of the night shielded the source of the explosion.
I turned back to my reflection in the mirror. A girl with messy black hair and dark eyes to match stared back at me. She had her long fingers with dark pink nails against her pale lips. Shock and a little fear were written in my reflection's eyes.
I jumped at the sound of a car alarm ringing loud and clear from nine floors below this apartment of mine. The urgency of the car alarm continued to sound for another ten seconds before silence takes its place again.
I urge my feet to cross the wooden floor towards my single sized bed and huddle under my thin blanket. I draw the blanket my mother had sewn for me up to my shivering shoulders. I sit wrapping my arms around my knees, pulling up the blanket every time it falls off my shoulders.
A flash of lightning strikes across the sky from outside my window, as if it had broken the night sky into two. I quickly cover my ears with my hands, waiting for the loud clap of thunder which would soon follow.
I let out a soft whimper and close my eyes as the thunder lingers on for a few long seconds. Once the thunder had passed, I lie on my back and rest my head against the soft feather pillow.
My eyes would not close, depriving me of my sleep. I stare at the ceiling above me and listen hard to the usual sounds of the night:
Footsteps running along the corridor outside my apartment,
A shriek and then another, followed by a squeal of laughter,
Loud male voices echoing off the walls, saying words unintelligible to my ears,
The jingling of house keys opening the many locks on the door which would then be slammed hard against the door frame,
A tap turns on and sounds of flowing water is mixed with the groaning of the pipes behind the sink,
Continuous coughing from a man probably suffering from a throat disease,
And the howling of the wind that threatens to shatter my window.
Tonight I shall sleep...
I turned back to my reflection in the mirror. A girl with messy black hair and dark eyes to match stared back at me. She had her long fingers with dark pink nails against her pale lips. Shock and a little fear were written in my reflection's eyes.
I jumped at the sound of a car alarm ringing loud and clear from nine floors below this apartment of mine. The urgency of the car alarm continued to sound for another ten seconds before silence takes its place again.
I urge my feet to cross the wooden floor towards my single sized bed and huddle under my thin blanket. I draw the blanket my mother had sewn for me up to my shivering shoulders. I sit wrapping my arms around my knees, pulling up the blanket every time it falls off my shoulders.
A flash of lightning strikes across the sky from outside my window, as if it had broken the night sky into two. I quickly cover my ears with my hands, waiting for the loud clap of thunder which would soon follow.
I let out a soft whimper and close my eyes as the thunder lingers on for a few long seconds. Once the thunder had passed, I lie on my back and rest my head against the soft feather pillow.
My eyes would not close, depriving me of my sleep. I stare at the ceiling above me and listen hard to the usual sounds of the night:
Footsteps running along the corridor outside my apartment,
A shriek and then another, followed by a squeal of laughter,
Loud male voices echoing off the walls, saying words unintelligible to my ears,
The jingling of house keys opening the many locks on the door which would then be slammed hard against the door frame,
A tap turns on and sounds of flowing water is mixed with the groaning of the pipes behind the sink,
Continuous coughing from a man probably suffering from a throat disease,
And the howling of the wind that threatens to shatter my window.
Tonight I shall sleep...
Friday, September 11, 2009
Look Me In The Eyes
She looked over his shoulder and stared at one of the many tall trees draped with yellow Christmas lights. Her eyes looked hard at the light fall of snow on every branch of the tree and at every yellow light till her eyes started to go out of focus.
Anything, she would look at anything and everything but his eyes. She can't look into them now, not anytime soon. Those grey eyes would see through her, right down to her very soul.
I can't look into your eyes, because you'll see the sadness in mine.
"Look at me." He said softly.
She slowly tore her gaze away from the tree that had now carried a thicker layer of snow and settled at looking at his lips.
"Look at me." He repeated, this time more sternly.
She let her eyes flicker to his for just a moment, before looking away again.
This is ridiculous.
"This is ridiculous." He said, just as if he had read her mind. He was feeling exasperated, she could tell.
"Look me in the eyes." He tilted her chin so that she had no choice but to look into those dreamy, grey eyes of his.
She closed her eyes, bracing herself and opened them to meet his eyes again. He held her gaze captive and she knew that he would be able to see it all. All the sadness she had kept from him, locked away at the bottom of her heart...just so that he wouldn't be burdened by her thoughts.
His expression changed, his eyes soften and his grip on her chin loosens.
He knows.
She jerked her head away from him and took a step back. Her gaze stayed fixed upon the path leading deeper into the garden as she said, "It doesn't matter anymore."
"Of course it does. Why didn't you tell me earlier?" He asked the question she had hoped he wouldn't but had always knew he would.
She gave him the answer she had long prepared, "Because I was waiting for you to tell me yourself."
"But I wouldn't know what you were thinking! I wasn't sure if I should tell you!" His exasperation increased.
"The same goes for me." She replied in a clipped voice.
Tears were starting to form at the corner of her eyes.
This is ridiculous
She took off down the winding path where fir and pine trees heavy with snow were flanked on either side. Snowflakes rested upon her hair and shoulders as she briskly walked away from the man who was calling her name.
Her fingers wiped away the tears from her eyes before they could form streaks upon her face. He must not see her tears for it will only increase the pain and guilt now etched in his heart.
She reached what she thought must be the centre of the garden. A bench stood freezing cold with only the little warmth from the street lamp beside it in the middle of the wide, snow covered ground. Trees lined the circumference of the open area, leaving no openings except for one other path north of where she stood.
Her feet started to walk across towards the one other path but something warm bumped her hard in the back. A pair of strong arms encircled her and held hers locked limply at her sides.
He held her tightly against him, afraid of letting go. Losing her once was enough, he can't lose her again.
"I'm sorry." He whispered into her ear.
Anything, she would look at anything and everything but his eyes. She can't look into them now, not anytime soon. Those grey eyes would see through her, right down to her very soul.
I can't look into your eyes, because you'll see the sadness in mine.
"Look at me." He said softly.
She slowly tore her gaze away from the tree that had now carried a thicker layer of snow and settled at looking at his lips.
"Look at me." He repeated, this time more sternly.
She let her eyes flicker to his for just a moment, before looking away again.
This is ridiculous.
"This is ridiculous." He said, just as if he had read her mind. He was feeling exasperated, she could tell.
"Look me in the eyes." He tilted her chin so that she had no choice but to look into those dreamy, grey eyes of his.
She closed her eyes, bracing herself and opened them to meet his eyes again. He held her gaze captive and she knew that he would be able to see it all. All the sadness she had kept from him, locked away at the bottom of her heart...just so that he wouldn't be burdened by her thoughts.
His expression changed, his eyes soften and his grip on her chin loosens.
He knows.
She jerked her head away from him and took a step back. Her gaze stayed fixed upon the path leading deeper into the garden as she said, "It doesn't matter anymore."
"Of course it does. Why didn't you tell me earlier?" He asked the question she had hoped he wouldn't but had always knew he would.
She gave him the answer she had long prepared, "Because I was waiting for you to tell me yourself."
"But I wouldn't know what you were thinking! I wasn't sure if I should tell you!" His exasperation increased.
"The same goes for me." She replied in a clipped voice.
Tears were starting to form at the corner of her eyes.
This is ridiculous
She took off down the winding path where fir and pine trees heavy with snow were flanked on either side. Snowflakes rested upon her hair and shoulders as she briskly walked away from the man who was calling her name.
Her fingers wiped away the tears from her eyes before they could form streaks upon her face. He must not see her tears for it will only increase the pain and guilt now etched in his heart.
She reached what she thought must be the centre of the garden. A bench stood freezing cold with only the little warmth from the street lamp beside it in the middle of the wide, snow covered ground. Trees lined the circumference of the open area, leaving no openings except for one other path north of where she stood.
Her feet started to walk across towards the one other path but something warm bumped her hard in the back. A pair of strong arms encircled her and held hers locked limply at her sides.
He held her tightly against him, afraid of letting go. Losing her once was enough, he can't lose her again.
"I'm sorry." He whispered into her ear.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Missed You
Their eyes met from across the street,
The piercing gaze of her blue eyes,
They seemed startled.
He opened his mouth to speak,
But she turned and ran,
And he ran after her.
He didn't know why,
He didn't know how,
But she was running,
And he was chasing.
It was as if she was a magnet,
And he was pulled towards her,
Against his will,
Or maybe not.
The girl he chased,
He didn't know her,
He had never seen her,
Yet he chased her.
She was running faster and faster,
Away from him,
He doubt she knew him either,
Yet she was running.
The piercing gaze of her blue eyes,
They seemed startled.
He opened his mouth to speak,
But she turned and ran,
And he ran after her.
He didn't know why,
He didn't know how,
But she was running,
And he was chasing.
It was as if she was a magnet,
And he was pulled towards her,
Against his will,
Or maybe not.
The girl he chased,
He didn't know her,
He had never seen her,
Yet he chased her.
She was running faster and faster,
Away from him,
He doubt she knew him either,
Yet she was running.
Monday, August 17, 2009
9095
The manager guides us,
"This way",
Turning on the light on the long hallway,
"Red door to the right".
The noise that echoes throughout the long hallway,
"Have we met before?"
The rusted angel's wings,
"The blue door to the left of the red"
The destroyed revolving door,
The artificial flowers on the floor,
I wait on this chair,
"Where are you going?"
Dewdrops on your neck,
The whispers in the air,
Your lost voice,
"Who are you?"
The spider web which entangles and entangles like this, continuously,
The sandclock which started to go backwards to 9095,
Conceal your eyes,
"Don't open your eyes till I've count to seven".
Your hands on the cracked mirror,
Your hot breath,
The feel of nostalgia,
Eyes rising in the darkness,
Teardrops floating in the air,
The remains which slowly come to live in 9095.
Don't try to search for anything more,
I'll be by your side,
Once you have opened your eyes,
You can't return.
~Edited from the lyrics~
"This way",
Turning on the light on the long hallway,
"Red door to the right".
The noise that echoes throughout the long hallway,
"Have we met before?"
The rusted angel's wings,
"The blue door to the left of the red"
The destroyed revolving door,
The artificial flowers on the floor,
I wait on this chair,
"Where are you going?"
Dewdrops on your neck,
The whispers in the air,
Your lost voice,
"Who are you?"
The spider web which entangles and entangles like this, continuously,
The sandclock which started to go backwards to 9095,
Conceal your eyes,
"Don't open your eyes till I've count to seven".
Your hands on the cracked mirror,
Your hot breath,
The feel of nostalgia,
Eyes rising in the darkness,
Teardrops floating in the air,
The remains which slowly come to live in 9095.
Don't try to search for anything more,
I'll be by your side,
Once you have opened your eyes,
You can't return.
~Edited from the lyrics~
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Lost Memories ~ Part 2
Sitting in the dark shadows under the protection of the tall trees in the forest, Terra traced the engravings on her silver sword. She could not see the engraved words in the dark of the night, but she did not need to, for the words were engraved in her heart since the past two years.
She hugged the sword to her chest and a sad smile touched her lips. She leaned her head against the strong trunk of the big tree and held back the tears which were threatening to escape from her eyes.
“I miss you.” She whispered into the gentle night, for no one to hear but herself.
Her heart ached from the loneliness she was left with for two long years. She had first lost her brother, and now, she waited for the man who loved her heart and soul to return to her from the same battlefield where her brother lost his life.
Before Derrick had left with his army to help Terra’s father’s kingdom in the war, he had taken the sword Tyson had given to her and had it engraved.
The sword she held in her hands meant the world to her. Given by the ones she loves to protect her in their absence.
Derrick had promised to return and she promised to wait for him, no matter how long it would take. There were no news about him, but there were no news about him being in danger either, so she held onto hope that he would return.
Terra had soon fallen asleep while Light, her trusted stallion, stayed by her side.
She was woken from her sleep by Light’s grunts and stomping. She sensed someone’s presence and quickly drew her sword. She stood up and listened to her surroundings.
A rustle of leaves and a crunch of dry twigs sounded as she heard the stranger running towards her. She turned around and she saw the glisten of metal. She moved swiftly out of the way and slashed her sword through the attacker’s arm.
“Tell me, who are you?” She demanded.
Judging by his clothes and the dagger he had held, the attacker was nothing more than a midnight thief. She was thought as an easy target, a young lady alone in the middle of the night in a secluded forest, no surprise there.
The thief had yet to give up and attacked her once again, but failed as he was no match for her. His eyes darted to the stallion and he quickly moved to it, mounting it and taking its reins. Light kicked up its heels in protest and tried to escape from its rider.
The thief skilfully steered the stallion into a quick gallop towards the open fields. Terra broke into a run and chased after the thief. Her legs were not fast enough for Light’s strong hooves but she pursued the thief anyway.
On her pursuit, Terra tripped against one of the many rocks scattered on the wild lands and tumbled down the steep hill into darkness.
She hugged the sword to her chest and a sad smile touched her lips. She leaned her head against the strong trunk of the big tree and held back the tears which were threatening to escape from her eyes.
“I miss you.” She whispered into the gentle night, for no one to hear but herself.
Her heart ached from the loneliness she was left with for two long years. She had first lost her brother, and now, she waited for the man who loved her heart and soul to return to her from the same battlefield where her brother lost his life.
Before Derrick had left with his army to help Terra’s father’s kingdom in the war, he had taken the sword Tyson had given to her and had it engraved.
The sword she held in her hands meant the world to her. Given by the ones she loves to protect her in their absence.
Derrick had promised to return and she promised to wait for him, no matter how long it would take. There were no news about him, but there were no news about him being in danger either, so she held onto hope that he would return.
Terra had soon fallen asleep while Light, her trusted stallion, stayed by her side.
She was woken from her sleep by Light’s grunts and stomping. She sensed someone’s presence and quickly drew her sword. She stood up and listened to her surroundings.
A rustle of leaves and a crunch of dry twigs sounded as she heard the stranger running towards her. She turned around and she saw the glisten of metal. She moved swiftly out of the way and slashed her sword through the attacker’s arm.
“Tell me, who are you?” She demanded.
Judging by his clothes and the dagger he had held, the attacker was nothing more than a midnight thief. She was thought as an easy target, a young lady alone in the middle of the night in a secluded forest, no surprise there.
The thief had yet to give up and attacked her once again, but failed as he was no match for her. His eyes darted to the stallion and he quickly moved to it, mounting it and taking its reins. Light kicked up its heels in protest and tried to escape from its rider.
The thief skilfully steered the stallion into a quick gallop towards the open fields. Terra broke into a run and chased after the thief. Her legs were not fast enough for Light’s strong hooves but she pursued the thief anyway.
On her pursuit, Terra tripped against one of the many rocks scattered on the wild lands and tumbled down the steep hill into darkness.
Lost Memories ~ Part 1
Her eyelids slowly fluttered open and her lips parted slightly. Her eyes searched around her as she tried to focus on her surroundings. She swallowed, only to be reminded of her thirst that had surfaced a few hours ago. Her fingers felt the smooth, damped grass beneath her that had reduced the impact of her fall. She whispered a thank you to the overgrown grass in her gratitude towards it for saving her from further injuries.
Terra slowly pushed herself up from her position on the ground and squinted at the rays of sunlight breaking through dawn. In her upright position, she started to feel the throbbing pain at the back of her head as well as the sprain in her left ankle. Her fingers felt for the bump on her head and she grimaced at the pain the light pressure of her fingertips inflicted.
“Curse that midnight thief for this.” Terra grunted, struggling to rise on her good foot while supporting the back of her head from sudden movements that will amplify the pain even more.
She stood in the middle of a field of overgrown grass with trees lining the perimeter in the distance. Behind her was the steep slope of a low hill which was what she presumed she had stumbled upon.
The wind blew her dark brown hair around her as she stared off into the distance where her home was situated. Behind it, the sky painted a beautiful picture of colours that made her wish she could capture its beauty with her paintbrush.
“Oh, I’ll never be able to paint a beautiful sight like that. I’d only ruin the painting with my lack of talent.” Terra said to herself, smiling knowingly at the actual fact that she held no patience to sit down for hours just to hold a brush to paper. She had always been the adventurer, ready to embark on a new journey to discover the many wonders the world had to offer. The only times she would sit herself down and be the lady she was taught to be was in the presence of her parents and their many associates. There was no excuse to not carry out the duties she was born with and so, she accepted them with an open-heart.
She let out a heartfelt sigh and bent down to pick up her silver sword. She strapped the engraved sword to her waist and took in a deep breath before starting her long walk back home.
Everyone would go ballistic once they find her missing. She was not allowed to leave the perimeters of her home without a servant or a chaperone at any time of the day, much less at night. But it was not known to anyone, besides the servants, that every now and then, Terra would seek her midnight escapes once the moon is high up in the night sky and the household had turned in for the night. She would make it back safely to the confines of her bedroom before the crack of dawn and sleep till noon– much to her mother’s dismay –without anyone knowing her absence in the night.
This time though, she knew that luck was not on her side. By the time she makes it back on foot, it would be too late to cover the traces of her midnight escapade. Once her father finds out, he would do all that he can to stop her from leaving the premises and he would have more guards to keep watch on her. Terra did not need any more walls to keep her in from the world she so wishes to explore.
She had managed to walk the distance to the edge of the field where a gentle slope would lead her to the long forest trail that ends at the wooden bridge. Slowly, she carefully hiked up the slope and felt the tall grass tickle her sore ankle.
Through the many secret training and swordfights with her elder brother, Terra was strong and skilled enough to defend herself on her adventures she embarked on with her brother. But, Tyson died a little too early in battle, bringing with him Terra’s chances of freedom for adventure. Terra’s midnight escapades were one of Tyson’s many brilliant ideas and she wished to continue living the thrill of it to remain as close as she could to what was left of her brother, even if every minute of it brings waves of sadness over her.
Terra let out a small cry when her left foot kicked a rock upon reaching the top of the slope. The pain sent tremors up her leg and she bit her lip to hold back the pain. Her sore feet were exhausted from the walk and she feared her sprained ankle would not be able to take her far on the forest trail. She considered waiting out there for the search party she knew her parents would send out once they have discovered her absence, but her pride would not let her. She would achieve satisfaction if she managed to make it all the way back on foot before the search party arrives. And so, her stubbornness gave her strength to continue her journey which would not have been such a long one if her beloved Light had not gone on its own midnight escape.
Sounds of a horse’s gallop broke the silence in the forest. Terra stopped and looked into the distance to see a man riding his horse coming her way on the forest trail. The man pulled at his horse’s reins and climbed off his horse. He rushed over to her and took her by the shoulders. With a worried expression on his face, he asked, “Terra, are you alright? Are you hurt?”
She stared at him with a blank look and took a step back. “Who are you?”
Derrick did not expect that response, but he swiftly recovered, saying “Very funny, Terra. It seems to me that you are perfectly fine. Now, let’s get you home. I think we’ll still be able to make it back without you getting caught.”
He reached for her hand but she quickly pulled it back.
“How dare you speak to me in such informal manner? I demand to know who you are and who had sent you to look for me.” Terra spoke with a tone of high command.
Derrick was taken aback by the sudden change of tone in Terra’s voice. She had not spoken to him in that manner since the first day they had met. She did not seem to be pretending now as he had thought she was just a moment ago. He knew when she was lying or when she was telling the truth, not because she was a bad actress, but because he saw through her. Derrick knew her better than she did herself.
“So, why is she speaking to me as if she doesn’t know me?” He thought. He studied her for a moment before answering in the same tone she had used before, “I daresay I can speak to you in such manner because I am your fiancé, Prince Derrick Courtly of Cornelia.”
“M-my fiancée?” Terra stammered, shocked at the newfound revelation of both his relationship to her as well as his position as the heir to the throne of his kingdom. Her father had once mentioned to her about the old king of Cornelia who had only one son as his sole heir to the throne. If the man standing before her is indeed the prince as he claimed to be, then that would explain their engagement –to unite both kingdoms for reasons that revolve around the value of gold.
The kingdom of Cornelia and the kingdom of Tyrissus are strong and prosperous kingdoms that rule over much land. By having a union between both kingdoms through marriage will bring great fortune to both kings and their people. It must have been a dream the two kings have been planning all along.
But, much to her annoyance was the fact that she was not informed of this engagement and that the prince had seemed such an arrogant man to claim her as his bride and dropping all formalities even before she had agreed in giving her hand in marriage.
“This is...but I...” Terra spluttered. She tried to calm down and reminded herself of her status. A princess does not splutter, stammer or do anything in the like. She regained her composure and carefully composed her words, “I am sorry, Your Grace, for my impertinence. I did not recognise you or your status and was not informed of your visit in our kingdom.”
Derek looked at her strangely and she wondered about the man. Was he telling the truth? She had no assurance that he was indeed the prince of Cornelia. But, even if he is, how had he known her identity when they have never met? And most importantly, how had he come to find her here and why?
Before she could question him, he looked at her seriously and asked, “Terra, do you really not know who I am?”
A look of confusion crossed her beautiful face as she slowly answered, “I’m sorry, Your Grace, but I do not think that we have met before today.”
“What happened to you, Terra?” Derrick asked softly, his fist clenched at his sides.
“I’m afraid I do not understand, Your Grace. And, I’d prefer it if you would address me as Princess Terra Fawn. Even though we are said to be engaged, I wish to keep the formalities until I am fully informed of this matter by my father.”
The man seemed to not have heard her. He stared into her dark brown eyes and searched her soul, as if he was finding something that was lost within her. Terra grew uncomfortable by his stare.
“Something’s wrong...you must have injured your head.” Derrick placed his hand at the back of her head. She shoved it away and backed a few steps from him.
“How dare you? I must say, there is certainly something wrong with you.” She exclaimed, shock written on her face.
“We have to get you back at once. Please come with me, Terra.”
“I refuse to follow a man whom I have not met before. Unless you can provide me evidence that I should know you, do not even think that I would seek help from you. I am very much capable in making my own way back, thank you.”
Derrick sighed. Even though she did not remember him for reasons unknown to him, she was definitely the Terra he knows –stubborn and forever difficult.
His eyes landed upon Terra’s sword and he said, “Draw your sword and read its engravings.”
“The engravings...?” She reached for her sword and drew it out. She knew her sword was engraved and had many times read those engraved words again and again. But, for some reason, she couldn’t remember what those engravings were.
She held her sword in her hand and ran her fingers lightly over the engravings as she had always done. Her eyes read the familiar words as she whispered them, “Let my strength stay with you. Forever yours, Derrick.”
She stared in disbelieve as it occurred to her that she really did know the man. And not just as mere acquaintances...but much more. How could she not remember anything about the man? Here he stood before her, with his name engraved into her beloved sword for reasons she failed to remember, and yet, she had no recollection of ever knowing him.
“Do you believe me now? Do you...remember who I am?”
Terra looked at him apologetically and shook her head.
His face fell and his jaw tighten. His intense gaze pierced through her again as he said, “Please let me take you back to the palace, immediately.”
She was now convinced that she had known the man, and though she could not understand why she had no memory of him, Terra felt that she had to trust him. He did not seem to take no for an answer and though she had said that she was capable in returning home on her own, a ride on a strong stallion seemed to be a better option.
Derrick held out his hand for her and she took it without a word. He lifted her up with strong arms onto his mighty Archer and mounted it behind her. He took the reins and with a command, Archer raced through the forest.
The strong winds blew passed the prince and princess as the view of the forest faded into a blur green on either side of them. The prince’s warmth around her felt strangely comforting and familiar to Terra. She listened to his steady breathing that matched hers and wondered what kind of man he is.
“What happened to you last night?” Derrick’s deep voice interrupted her thoughts.
“There was a midnight thief.” She answered.
I'm not very confident about this piece, especially since I'm not even familiar with the titles of those who lived in that era. But, the idea was there and it's hard to not try writing something that had been kept in some part of my mind. It's a cliche story, I'm afraid...but its a story anyway.
Terra slowly pushed herself up from her position on the ground and squinted at the rays of sunlight breaking through dawn. In her upright position, she started to feel the throbbing pain at the back of her head as well as the sprain in her left ankle. Her fingers felt for the bump on her head and she grimaced at the pain the light pressure of her fingertips inflicted.
“Curse that midnight thief for this.” Terra grunted, struggling to rise on her good foot while supporting the back of her head from sudden movements that will amplify the pain even more.
She stood in the middle of a field of overgrown grass with trees lining the perimeter in the distance. Behind her was the steep slope of a low hill which was what she presumed she had stumbled upon.
The wind blew her dark brown hair around her as she stared off into the distance where her home was situated. Behind it, the sky painted a beautiful picture of colours that made her wish she could capture its beauty with her paintbrush.
“Oh, I’ll never be able to paint a beautiful sight like that. I’d only ruin the painting with my lack of talent.” Terra said to herself, smiling knowingly at the actual fact that she held no patience to sit down for hours just to hold a brush to paper. She had always been the adventurer, ready to embark on a new journey to discover the many wonders the world had to offer. The only times she would sit herself down and be the lady she was taught to be was in the presence of her parents and their many associates. There was no excuse to not carry out the duties she was born with and so, she accepted them with an open-heart.
She let out a heartfelt sigh and bent down to pick up her silver sword. She strapped the engraved sword to her waist and took in a deep breath before starting her long walk back home.
Everyone would go ballistic once they find her missing. She was not allowed to leave the perimeters of her home without a servant or a chaperone at any time of the day, much less at night. But it was not known to anyone, besides the servants, that every now and then, Terra would seek her midnight escapes once the moon is high up in the night sky and the household had turned in for the night. She would make it back safely to the confines of her bedroom before the crack of dawn and sleep till noon– much to her mother’s dismay –without anyone knowing her absence in the night.
This time though, she knew that luck was not on her side. By the time she makes it back on foot, it would be too late to cover the traces of her midnight escapade. Once her father finds out, he would do all that he can to stop her from leaving the premises and he would have more guards to keep watch on her. Terra did not need any more walls to keep her in from the world she so wishes to explore.
She had managed to walk the distance to the edge of the field where a gentle slope would lead her to the long forest trail that ends at the wooden bridge. Slowly, she carefully hiked up the slope and felt the tall grass tickle her sore ankle.
Through the many secret training and swordfights with her elder brother, Terra was strong and skilled enough to defend herself on her adventures she embarked on with her brother. But, Tyson died a little too early in battle, bringing with him Terra’s chances of freedom for adventure. Terra’s midnight escapades were one of Tyson’s many brilliant ideas and she wished to continue living the thrill of it to remain as close as she could to what was left of her brother, even if every minute of it brings waves of sadness over her.
Terra let out a small cry when her left foot kicked a rock upon reaching the top of the slope. The pain sent tremors up her leg and she bit her lip to hold back the pain. Her sore feet were exhausted from the walk and she feared her sprained ankle would not be able to take her far on the forest trail. She considered waiting out there for the search party she knew her parents would send out once they have discovered her absence, but her pride would not let her. She would achieve satisfaction if she managed to make it all the way back on foot before the search party arrives. And so, her stubbornness gave her strength to continue her journey which would not have been such a long one if her beloved Light had not gone on its own midnight escape.
Sounds of a horse’s gallop broke the silence in the forest. Terra stopped and looked into the distance to see a man riding his horse coming her way on the forest trail. The man pulled at his horse’s reins and climbed off his horse. He rushed over to her and took her by the shoulders. With a worried expression on his face, he asked, “Terra, are you alright? Are you hurt?”
She stared at him with a blank look and took a step back. “Who are you?”
Derrick did not expect that response, but he swiftly recovered, saying “Very funny, Terra. It seems to me that you are perfectly fine. Now, let’s get you home. I think we’ll still be able to make it back without you getting caught.”
He reached for her hand but she quickly pulled it back.
“How dare you speak to me in such informal manner? I demand to know who you are and who had sent you to look for me.” Terra spoke with a tone of high command.
Derrick was taken aback by the sudden change of tone in Terra’s voice. She had not spoken to him in that manner since the first day they had met. She did not seem to be pretending now as he had thought she was just a moment ago. He knew when she was lying or when she was telling the truth, not because she was a bad actress, but because he saw through her. Derrick knew her better than she did herself.
“So, why is she speaking to me as if she doesn’t know me?” He thought. He studied her for a moment before answering in the same tone she had used before, “I daresay I can speak to you in such manner because I am your fiancé, Prince Derrick Courtly of Cornelia.”
“M-my fiancée?” Terra stammered, shocked at the newfound revelation of both his relationship to her as well as his position as the heir to the throne of his kingdom. Her father had once mentioned to her about the old king of Cornelia who had only one son as his sole heir to the throne. If the man standing before her is indeed the prince as he claimed to be, then that would explain their engagement –to unite both kingdoms for reasons that revolve around the value of gold.
The kingdom of Cornelia and the kingdom of Tyrissus are strong and prosperous kingdoms that rule over much land. By having a union between both kingdoms through marriage will bring great fortune to both kings and their people. It must have been a dream the two kings have been planning all along.
But, much to her annoyance was the fact that she was not informed of this engagement and that the prince had seemed such an arrogant man to claim her as his bride and dropping all formalities even before she had agreed in giving her hand in marriage.
“This is...but I...” Terra spluttered. She tried to calm down and reminded herself of her status. A princess does not splutter, stammer or do anything in the like. She regained her composure and carefully composed her words, “I am sorry, Your Grace, for my impertinence. I did not recognise you or your status and was not informed of your visit in our kingdom.”
Derek looked at her strangely and she wondered about the man. Was he telling the truth? She had no assurance that he was indeed the prince of Cornelia. But, even if he is, how had he known her identity when they have never met? And most importantly, how had he come to find her here and why?
Before she could question him, he looked at her seriously and asked, “Terra, do you really not know who I am?”
A look of confusion crossed her beautiful face as she slowly answered, “I’m sorry, Your Grace, but I do not think that we have met before today.”
“What happened to you, Terra?” Derrick asked softly, his fist clenched at his sides.
“I’m afraid I do not understand, Your Grace. And, I’d prefer it if you would address me as Princess Terra Fawn. Even though we are said to be engaged, I wish to keep the formalities until I am fully informed of this matter by my father.”
The man seemed to not have heard her. He stared into her dark brown eyes and searched her soul, as if he was finding something that was lost within her. Terra grew uncomfortable by his stare.
“Something’s wrong...you must have injured your head.” Derrick placed his hand at the back of her head. She shoved it away and backed a few steps from him.
“How dare you? I must say, there is certainly something wrong with you.” She exclaimed, shock written on her face.
“We have to get you back at once. Please come with me, Terra.”
“I refuse to follow a man whom I have not met before. Unless you can provide me evidence that I should know you, do not even think that I would seek help from you. I am very much capable in making my own way back, thank you.”
Derrick sighed. Even though she did not remember him for reasons unknown to him, she was definitely the Terra he knows –stubborn and forever difficult.
His eyes landed upon Terra’s sword and he said, “Draw your sword and read its engravings.”
“The engravings...?” She reached for her sword and drew it out. She knew her sword was engraved and had many times read those engraved words again and again. But, for some reason, she couldn’t remember what those engravings were.
She held her sword in her hand and ran her fingers lightly over the engravings as she had always done. Her eyes read the familiar words as she whispered them, “Let my strength stay with you. Forever yours, Derrick.”
She stared in disbelieve as it occurred to her that she really did know the man. And not just as mere acquaintances...but much more. How could she not remember anything about the man? Here he stood before her, with his name engraved into her beloved sword for reasons she failed to remember, and yet, she had no recollection of ever knowing him.
“Do you believe me now? Do you...remember who I am?”
Terra looked at him apologetically and shook her head.
His face fell and his jaw tighten. His intense gaze pierced through her again as he said, “Please let me take you back to the palace, immediately.”
She was now convinced that she had known the man, and though she could not understand why she had no memory of him, Terra felt that she had to trust him. He did not seem to take no for an answer and though she had said that she was capable in returning home on her own, a ride on a strong stallion seemed to be a better option.
Derrick held out his hand for her and she took it without a word. He lifted her up with strong arms onto his mighty Archer and mounted it behind her. He took the reins and with a command, Archer raced through the forest.
The strong winds blew passed the prince and princess as the view of the forest faded into a blur green on either side of them. The prince’s warmth around her felt strangely comforting and familiar to Terra. She listened to his steady breathing that matched hers and wondered what kind of man he is.
“What happened to you last night?” Derrick’s deep voice interrupted her thoughts.
“There was a midnight thief.” She answered.
I'm not very confident about this piece, especially since I'm not even familiar with the titles of those who lived in that era. But, the idea was there and it's hard to not try writing something that had been kept in some part of my mind. It's a cliche story, I'm afraid...but its a story anyway.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
"Let My Tears Fall."
"No, I won't let you shed anymore tears." He brushed away the stream of tears from my cheeks. "I promised to protect you, and I'll keep that promise."
"There's only so much you can do. You won't be able to protect me for long." It's the truth we both have to face. If only he would accept it, things would be easier.
"This is not the end. There has to be a way to keep you alive." He pressed on, refusing to give up hope.
I shook my head and looked into his eyes. Those dark eyes had seen right through my soul ever since the first time we met. He knew me, and I knew him.
“Please...let me go.” I whispered.
“How can I?” He held me tightly against him. “I would never forgive myself if I ever did.”
Tears continued to spill over my cheeks as I said, “You’ll be happier that way. Find someone new, move on in life...forget me.”
“Forget you?” He looked into my eyes, the intensity of his gaze held mine captive. “How can I ever forget you? It’s impossible for anyone to replace you in my heart.”
“David...”
“You’re my everything, Mia. Can’t you understand that I won’t ever let you go, no matter what happens?”
“David, I’m going to die! There’s nothing neither you nor I can do about it.”
A shadow passed over his eyes and he looked away. Tears formed at the corners of his eyes, but he held them back.
“I’m sorry.” I whispered. “I’m sorry that this has to happen.”
“It’s not your fault. It’s not anyone’s fault.” He closed his hands around mine, then said softly, “Just please, let me stay with you...till the end.”
Staying with me will only tear him apart. I don’t want him to see me like this any longer. But, am I allowed to be selfish for this one last time? Can I have him by my side despite knowing the pain I would cause him?
“It’s what I want, Mia.” And that was all he needed to say to make up my mind.
I smiled and gave him a nod. He held me in his arms for the last time before leaning down to kiss me on the lips.
I turned to pick up the dagger lying on the ground beside me and held it before him. He stared at it in a moment of hesitation then swallowed hard.
“It’s going to be alright.” I said, as confident as possible, reassuring the both of us.
His fingers slowly closed around the dagger and he casted me one last look.
I gave him a brave smile and closed my eyes, ignoring the tremor of fear running through me.
Then, in a matter of seconds, I felt the stab of cold metal through my heart. Blood flowed from the wound and the pain engulfed me. I fell forward into David’s arms and let his warmth run through me.
It was finally over.
I smiled as drops of tears landed on my cheek, flowing with mine.
“I love you.”
"There's only so much you can do. You won't be able to protect me for long." It's the truth we both have to face. If only he would accept it, things would be easier.
"This is not the end. There has to be a way to keep you alive." He pressed on, refusing to give up hope.
I shook my head and looked into his eyes. Those dark eyes had seen right through my soul ever since the first time we met. He knew me, and I knew him.
“Please...let me go.” I whispered.
“How can I?” He held me tightly against him. “I would never forgive myself if I ever did.”
Tears continued to spill over my cheeks as I said, “You’ll be happier that way. Find someone new, move on in life...forget me.”
“Forget you?” He looked into my eyes, the intensity of his gaze held mine captive. “How can I ever forget you? It’s impossible for anyone to replace you in my heart.”
“David...”
“You’re my everything, Mia. Can’t you understand that I won’t ever let you go, no matter what happens?”
“David, I’m going to die! There’s nothing neither you nor I can do about it.”
A shadow passed over his eyes and he looked away. Tears formed at the corners of his eyes, but he held them back.
“I’m sorry.” I whispered. “I’m sorry that this has to happen.”
“It’s not your fault. It’s not anyone’s fault.” He closed his hands around mine, then said softly, “Just please, let me stay with you...till the end.”
Staying with me will only tear him apart. I don’t want him to see me like this any longer. But, am I allowed to be selfish for this one last time? Can I have him by my side despite knowing the pain I would cause him?
“It’s what I want, Mia.” And that was all he needed to say to make up my mind.
I smiled and gave him a nod. He held me in his arms for the last time before leaning down to kiss me on the lips.
I turned to pick up the dagger lying on the ground beside me and held it before him. He stared at it in a moment of hesitation then swallowed hard.
“It’s going to be alright.” I said, as confident as possible, reassuring the both of us.
His fingers slowly closed around the dagger and he casted me one last look.
I gave him a brave smile and closed my eyes, ignoring the tremor of fear running through me.
Then, in a matter of seconds, I felt the stab of cold metal through my heart. Blood flowed from the wound and the pain engulfed me. I fell forward into David’s arms and let his warmth run through me.
It was finally over.
I smiled as drops of tears landed on my cheek, flowing with mine.
“I love you.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
