Once again, Kiyor and Rowan were walking along a street.
“What are we still doing here?” demanded a slightly agitated Rowan.
“Always the one in control?” teased her
companion. “We’re still here because an image of the place
does not say where or what it is. Besides, I thought I’d show you
around.” Rowan groaned. “What?”
“I’m fed up of walking.”
They stopped. Kiyor looked around.
“Alright. Let’s go to the park and sit under that tree over there.”
They walked for a few metres until they reached the
park and sat themselves underneath a large tree. Rowan sat down with
gratitude, but seemed burdened.
Kiyor looked at her with his caring brown eyes. “What’s the matter?”
Rowan’s solid blue eyes were tearful.
“This place…I’m tired it…it’s so
strange.”
He sighed. “I know it’s a direct
contrast to the Dark Kingdom but, give it some time and you’ll
adjust.”
“It will take a lot of time. How can people be so at ease here?”
Kiyor was confused by this. “Take a look
around. There’s no one dangerous, everyone feels safe.”
“They shouldn’t,” Rowan panicked.
“They are prone to attack, it’s not safe here!”
“Rowan,” addressed Kiyor soothingly. He
thought about what he should say. “What makes the Light Citizens
feel safe are the open emotions. I know it’s hard for people to
get used to a new idea, but you’re so scared. Why? I don’t
understand.”
She sat very still. She just couldn’t
understand why she felt so threatened. “It’s…so
strange here…maybe…” she looked down in shame.
“The thing is…I… I hate to feel invisible.
Something from my mother…I think. I always like to be noticed
someway. In the Dark Kingdom I am Miss Rowan Kirilian, everyone must at
least acknowledge my presence.” She sighed. …
“Maybe…I need something I…recognise.”
“You mean like me?” He leaned forward and kissed her on the mouth.
Warm, loving memories flooded back from last night.
She embraced this love, this flow of passion and connection. This man
she could trust, she could follow him anywhere and say anything. She
found herself lying on the soft grass. She must be drowning in this
flow of emotion.
But then a Fairy appeared. He had golden skin, green
eyes and a long, green robe. His hair was white and short, but even
though it was obvious he was old, there were no telltale signs like a
beard or a bald spot.
“As much as love is encouraged, this kind of
scene is better kept secret!” dictated the Fairy sternly.
Kiyor broke away quickly. “Er…sorry!
We’re leaving! No disrespect meant!” He got up and lifted
the dazed Rowan onto her feet. She allowed herself to be pulled by him
in confusion.
“Who was that?” she asked, awake.
The pair stopped walking. Kiyor faced her.
“That was an Oak Fairy. Oak Fairies guard Oak trees and are very
protective of them. Believe me you
don’t want to cross them.”
She was still confused. “Are they dangerous?”
He grinned in an attempt to stop laughing.
“No, they just get angry. And you don’t want them mad at
you.”
Rowan let her eyes wander. She caught sight of a
pair of police officers. “I saw those people further away,”
she stated in bewilderment.
“What people?” he asked curiously.
“Them, in the uniforms.” She pointed at the police.
“Oh yeah, the cops,” answered Kiyor as
if he realised something. “You see Rowan, unlike the Dark
Kingdom, the Vangelion of the Light Kingdom is led by one person, the
Mayor, and a council underneath them. It’s because of this that
the entire city has the same laws, the same police force that upholds
them and the same doctors that work for everybody, not just the rich
people who can afford them.”
Rowan started to seem worried. “I need someplace quiet; away from here.”
He nodded. “I know a good place, follow me.”
They set off at a normal walk alongside the park.
They walked some distance when another Fairy appeared in front of them
suddenly, startling Rowan and making Kiyor laugh. The skin of this
fairy seemed painted pink and her dark purple dress seemed made out of
a flower. The skirt of the dress was very short and seemed to stick up.
Her curly blood-red hair was fixed above her head. Her eyes were baby
blue and surrounded by a dark purple paint, with sparkling glitter
trailing from the corners. Her red lips were fixed in a wide grin.
She then proclaimed in passion: “I,
Sissirini-lily, Fairy of Love, sense strong passion and love between
you two. As gifts and symbols of this blossoming love, I give you these
gifts of pink tulips for well-being!” The Fairy gleamed as she
held out the tulips.
Kiyor took one of the two as he beamed at the Fairy.
“You take one too Rowan, not accepting a fairy’s gift can
mean bad luck.”
Rowan took the other tulip but she was still bewildered. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome!” beamed the Fairy. She magically disappeared.
Rowan remained where she was. She couldn’t
believe what had happened. Kiyor seemed happy with his present, then
took his bewildered friend’s arm.
“Come on Rowan, I thought you wanted someplace quiet.”
As they ascended the steps, Rowan caught sight of another Fairy,
sitting on the top of the stone steps. He wore a white tunic, white
tights, white boots, white gloves. He had white hair, blank white eyes
(no iris or pupil-nothing!), black eyebrows and silver skin. He noticed
Rowan staring at him as the human couple went up the stairs.
“What are you staring at me for?” he accused. “Do you expect me to say something?”
“Never mind her,” apologised Kiyor. He opened the door and signalled to Rowan to hurry.
They went through the door. Inside the church, there
were wooden seats, a grand altar of gold at the front and a large
window where beams of light shone through. In front of the altar stood
a young girl, who wore a white dress with flowers on it and had blonde
hair. Unbeknownst to Rowan, she was singing sweetly a version of a song
called ‘Pange Lingua Gloriosi’.
“We’re in a church?” whispered Rowan in surprise.
“Yeah,” whispered back Kiyor.
“It’s completely different by day isn’t it?”
“It’s so peaceful,” whispered Rowan in awe. “Do people come here to meditate?”
“Sometimes.” Neither of them seemed to want to disturb the girl’s singing.
They walked quietly forward and came nearer to the
girl. As they came nearer, Rowan saw that the girl somehow seemed older
than she should be. She continued to stare as she and Kiyor sat on a
seat a few rows behind the girl.
“She seems strange,” whispered Rowan.
“Yeah,” agreed Kiyor. “Elves give off that kind of feeling real easy.”
She faced him in fear. “Elves?!” she exclaimed in a fierce whisper.
“Don’t worry,” he whispered in
reassurance. “Don’t believe the Dark Kingdom rumours.
They’re tough, but they’re really wise and discourage
violence and brutal aggression. Elves in the Light Kingdom are as
important as Vampires in the Dark Kingdom. Humans and Fairies turn to
them for comfort and advice because they’re so wise and ancient
and…”
The Elf abruptly stopped singing and faced the
couple. “I’d rather you didn’t comment on my kind
behind my back,” she accused. She actually seemed more like a 20
year old but her stern blue eyes showed she was at least 10 times older.
“Sorry,” Kiyor immediately apologised. Rowan bent her head down.
The Elf laughed. “What are you doing?
You’re treating me like a higher entity.” Rowan lifted her
head up, embarrassed. “Oh, I see, you’re a Dark Citizen.
And I can tell by your eyes. And yes, it’s likely that every
other Elf will be able to tell as well.” The Elf’s ability
to read Rowan so clearly was evident in the Dark Citizen’s
surprise. “My name is Karissa and on behalf of all Elvenkind,
welcome to the Light Kingdom. As I’m supposed to give spiritual
advice, do you have a question?”
“Can you explain to me the purpose of the fairy outside?” asked Rowan.
“I’d like to know that,” added Kiyor.
“He’s a Guard Fairy,” Karissa
explained. “He doesn’t allow anyone with the intention of
vandalism or abuse inside. He helps keep things holy.” There
seemed to be a moment of silence. Karissa narrowed her eyes. “I
heard those stomachs rumble.”
The couple stood up. “I guess it’s time to eat,” commented Kiyor.
Karissa said more as they made their way back to the
entrance: “When you go out, turn to your left and there are some
great cafés up ahead. Have a nice day!”