A while had passed before any of them spoke up again. “Five hours away Mother.” Lysander spoke as if he was responding to a mysterious message that only he received.
Merci looked over at him curiously as she was confused. “Who?”
“Sorry, my mother was just checking in on my journey.”
“What’s your mother’s name?” Merci questioned as she couldn’t help but wonder if this woman would be one she would meet once they got to the castle.
“Everlynn Maria Ironwood. She was the Queen of Sunne before the title was handed to myself, and my wife Elara.”
There was that name again, Elara. Elara was Lysandere’s wife? Merci’s heart ached for Lysander as she got an overwhelming sense of love and loss.
“It’s alright dear.” Lysander sighed heavily as his footsteps came to a stop.
“Another break sir?” Nikalus asked as the brothers stopped directly behind them.
“Yes.” His voice was firm but Merci could pick up a bit of sadness in his voice and she couldn’t help but feel guilty as she was the cause of his pain.
“You alright sir?” Nikalus asked as he placed his hand on his King’s shoulder. As they all watched his demeanor change as he was reflecting on the past.
“I’m fine.” Lysander stepped away from the three, “Watch her.” He walked off towards the east away from the group.
Merci couldn’t help but stare at him as he walked off. “He’ll be back right?” Merci questioned softly.
“Yes, Merci.” Octavius said in response.
“Elara, just brings him bad memories.” Nikalus spoke up. “He loved her deeply, to only lose her not once but twice.”
“That can hurt a guy's soul harder than you know, Merci.” Octavius said. “Just give him a few minutes.”
Merci nodded and just stared off in the direction Lysander wondered to. Her heart hurt for him. Heck, she just wanted to wrap her arms around him and squeeze him as tightly as she could, however, she didn’t know if that would do more harm than good.
“I’m alright, just give me five minutes alone.” Lysander urged her to stay put but if he knew her, he doubted she would listen.
And that is what Merci did, she didn’t listen to him but to her heart. She found herself walking in the direction he traveled despite the brother’s failed attempts at stopping her.
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“Merci I wouldn’t advise…” Octaivus began to say but stopped as she was already out of his arms reach.
“Merci please don’t.” Nikalus begged but in a soft voice as it seemed both knew all hope was lost in stopping her.
“We tried.” Nikalus said to Octaivus as they watched Merci’s red hair fade from view.
Merci found Lysander sitting on a large gray colored stone that sat at the edge of a cliff. He let out a long and heavy sigh as her footsteps stopped as she was standing above him. She could tell that he was clearly upset but she hoped she could distract him long enough to get his mind off of her.
Lysander looked up into her violet eyes and smiled softly, “I knew you wouldn’t stay away. Sit.” Lysander was still hurting but that didn't stop him from patting the smooth stone.
Merci sat down next to him and let her legs hang over the ledge of the stone. She placed her hand gentle on his left thig as she glanced over at him briefly before spanning her eyes over the view that lay in front of her. “The view…” Merci breathed as her eyes widened in shock as a stunning view spanned before them.
Bountiful colors of flowers and shades of blue and green grass intertwined creating a mesmerizing scenic view. Within the field there was a gentle flowing stream that had countless curves and sandy shorelines. The coloration of the river was so crystal clear that Merci could almost see to the depths within it. She saw fish swimming, kelp and various plant life thriving in the river. Amongst the river there was bountiful waterfowl and various other animals that Merci hadn’t seen before.
“The waterfowl, the white and gold tipped wing birds are Gold Tipped Wing Swans. They are truly a beautiful species of waterfowl. The black birds that are swimming on the water are called Frostwing Brants. These two species of waterfowl are completely harmless and peaceful creatures.” Lysander spoke as he watched Merci’s eyesight fall on the birds that were swimming along the crystal clear river.
“What is the river’s name?” Merci was curious if they named the rivers and other bodies of water like Zanderia did.
“The river’s name is Ethereal Cascade. This area here is more of the end of the stream and the beginning of the stream is a good fifty miles away.” Lysander pointed in the direction up from the river. “The river streams from a waterfall that is called The Ethereal Stairway. As the waterfall reaches high into the sky.”
“Interesting…” Merci mumbled as her eyes traced the river and quickly soon saw the river fade out of view. “What about the brown things with horns?” Merci’s eyes soon fell onto a four legged creature with brown fur, a bushy tail and two horns sticking out of it’s head.
“Those there are called Wyrmhoof’s. Typically gentle creatures but can often lead to violence if provoked. They are hunted for sport here as there are plenty of them. They are pretty tasty too especially if cooked with a smoky flavor.” Lysander smacked his lips at the thought of tasting the delicious meat he was describing.
“Perhaps that could be my first meal here? I’m starting to get hungry.” Merci’s stomach grumbled as the sheer thought of food caused her mouth to water.
“How long has it been since you…” Lysander began to question as he hoped they would have fed her the night before.
“Almost a full day. I think.” Merci said, “I hadn’t really thought too much on food due to everything that has been going on. But the mention of food, well…” Merci lost her train of thought as she continued to look off in the distance at the Wyrmoofs.
“Well, I can’t let you go hungry now can I?” Lysander questioned as he stood up and looked down at her. He held his hand out to her once more and helped her up. “Let’s get the brothers and you can witness a hunt.” Lysander held a sly grin on his face as he seemed to be happy once more at least.