Emma inhaled deeply, trying to steady herself as the weight of Anna’s words settled in her mind. Four weeks. A whole month lost. She exhaled slowly, brushing her silver-white hair back from her face, her fingers threading through the strands as though the motion would help clear her thoughts.
"Wow," she murmured, her voice calm but tinged with resignation. "Time really doesn’t wait for anyone." Her lips quirked into a faint smile as she glanced at Anna. "Anyway, let’s not dwell on that. I have so much to tell you."
Anna tilted her head, curiosity lighting her green eyes. "Oh?"
Emma nodded, a spark of excitement flickering in her gaze despite her weariness. "It’s a long story, but I think you’ll enjoy it. Let me tell you about my journey with Mom—from Windfield to Eldo-Clearoth."
Her words painted vivid images of Mount Lily, known as the Saturn of Lily Valley, a place that seemed almost otherworldly. She described the well-worn trail that cut through sprawling meadows stretching endlessly on either side. The grass was a rich emerald carpet, interspersed with vibrant flowers—golden marigolds, crimson poppies, and sapphire lilies. Among them were the celestial blooms, their petals shimmering faintly, even under daylight, as if touched by the moon’s light.
The air was intoxicating, carrying a sweet minty aroma with floral undertones. Emma said she could still remember breathing deeply, wishing to hold onto the memory forever. She spoke of the mountains bordering the valley, their mist-crowned peaks cascading silver waterfalls that sparkled in the sun. On the left, the meadow teemed with magical creatures that roamed freely, their forms both mesmerizing and strange.
Anna listened intently, her green eyes wide with wonder, as Emma continued. She spoke of the Dome of the Wyverns, a foreboding landmark where the mountains changed their demeanor. Jagged peaks gave way to rounded slopes, dotted with yawning caves that seemed deliberately carved, like nests for ancient, fearsome beings.
Then, there were the Fettocks—extraordinary, intelligent birds that resembled doves but were larger, with long tail feathers and crests atop their heads. Their flight left trails of magical blue dust, and their glowing eyes shimmered in hues of white and silver. Emma explained how they were integral to the forest’s vitality, though she omitted the darker truth about their transformation into fruits to sustain the land.
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
Anna’s amazement grew as Emma described the air-train, a sleek metallic marvel that hovered above the rails. It pulsed with energy, its vents hissing steam while mana-powered lamps illuminated the bustling platform. The streets of Eldo-Clearoth Kingdom were equally impressive, Emma said, bustling with life and energy. But Anna interjected with a knowing smile, mentioning that she had read about the kingdom in books. They both laughed, their voices filling the hospital room.
The conversation flowed naturally, with Emma delving into tales of the Deformation Period, a time when gods clashed with otherworldly beings. She explained the dichotomy between creation gods and destruction gods, and how, despite their differences, they united against the same adversaries.
Anna was captivated, hanging onto every word as if Emma were recounting a magical tale from a distant land. Her attentiveness spurred Emma on, and she continued talking, her voice steady, her expressions animated.
The conversation was interrupted by the sound of the door opening. Emma turned her head just in time to see her mother, Vivian, and her elder sister, Ellie, stepping into the room. Vivian carried a paper bag filled with lunch, while Ellie’s face lit up the moment she saw Emma sitting up.
"Emma!" Ellie’s voice cracked with emotion as she rushed to the bedside, wrapping her arms tightly around her younger sister.
Emma barely had time to set the cup down on the table beside her before Ellie’s embrace enveloped her. "Ellie, careful!" Emma laughed softly, though the warmth of her sister’s hug was a welcome comfort.
Vivian set the bag on a nearby table, her unique white eyes glistening with tears as she approached. She joined the hug without a word, her arms encircling both daughters.
For a long moment, none of them spoke. Emma could feel the tremble in her mother’s arms, the relief and gratitude radiating from her like a gentle wave.
Finally, Vivian turned to Anna, who had been watching the scene with a quiet smile. She reached out, taking Anna’s hand in hers. Her voice was soft, almost a whisper. "Thank you," she said, her eyes shimmering with sincerity.
Anna’s face flushed a deep shade of red. She stammered, "I-It’s no problem! I was just doing what any best friend would do."
Her voice, though meant to be quiet, carried across the room, drawing laughter from everyone.
Emma smiled, her gaze drifting to the window. The sunlight bathed the room in a warm, golden hue, painting everything in shades of yellow and orange. The sight was serene, almost otherworldly.
"I’m finally back home," she whispered, her words barely audible but filled with a profound sense of peace.