I suddenly found myself standing in a vast, lush forest bathed in the golden light of a setting sun. Ancient trees towered overhead, their branches adorned with shimmering leaves that seemed to glow with an ethereal energy. Birds chirped melodiously in the canopy above, their songs blending harmoniously with the rustling of leaves.
In the distance, I saw figures moving through the forest with purpose. Without much ado, I walked toward them, pausing when I noticed that I was literally gliding on the air. My feet weren’t touching the grassy ground.
I opened my mouth to gasp in surprise, but air didn’t ooze out of my mouth, neither did a sound come out.
I couldn’t talk here? If that was so, then I hoped that I couldn’t be seen.
As I approached the figures, I realized they were villagers clad in simple yet elegant garments, their faces painted with elaborate colorful patterns. They spoke in a language that echoed with ancient wisdom, their voices carrying a solemn reverence.
Among them stood a woman of striking beauty and baronial demeanor, adorned in garments woven from shimmering threads of gold and silver. Her eyes sparkled with a wisdom that seemed to transcend time itself.
This was the first Queen. I realized, the visionary leader who had forged alliances, conquered territories, and united her people under a banner of unity and strength.
I wasn’t sure on how I came to know this piece of information, seeing that I never have seen a picture of the first queen, but I knew. I knew she was the one. She was nothing like Queen Aliana. Her white hair was braided, like a warrior’s would be, and there was a golden tint on her forehead.
I wasn’t sure what it was, the golden tint, but I couldn’t see it from here. I stepped closer, but it seemed obscured, purposely, from me, by whoever was directing this vision.
Who was directing it?
Was it my significant other?
I tried to ask it, but my senses couldn’t make the connection.
That too was suspended here?
I watched in awe as the first Queen addressed her people, her voice carrying the weight of authority and compassion. “Our lands stretch far and wide,” She proclaimed, her words echoing through the forest. “But unity and courage shall be our shield against any who would threaten our way of life.”
The villagers nodded solemnly, their expressions filled with determination and reverence for their queen. I watched them, the small numbers, and knew that without them, our recent community wouldn’t be standing, or even the nearby one.
This is because I could see different people in the mix. I was sure they had separated as they grew, with the light of the Queen in their hearts, to keep the flame of unity burning. I knew that I was witnessing a pivotal moment in history that had shaped the destiny of the community’s ancestors and probably my own.
My lineage.
I felt the connection, but I wasn’t sure where it was coming from.
As I continued to observe, I saw the queen’s advisors approach with reverence, presenting her with certain designs and sketches on a wooden board. They spoke of creatures-majestic beasts forged from magic and empowered with the sole purpose of protecting their community. Each creature bore unique traits and abilities, crafted to defend their homeland from any threat.
The first Queen listened intently, her brow furrowed in thought. “These beasts shall be our guardians,” She declared finally, her voice filled with conviction. “They shall roam our lands with strength and vigilance, ensuring the safety and prosperity of all who dwell within our borders.”
I smiled, understanding what was about to happen next, when the Queen threw the board to the ground, and started to make incantations.
This was when it had happened. This was the exact moment when the beasts were created.
However, before I could see the creation process begin to manifest, the vision began to fade.
I couldn’t stop it. I didn’t bother to. It would be just as the previous encounters. I was helpless against these things.
Nevertheless, I knew when I had returned to my own time. The woody scent of my room was enough indication that I was home.
My eyelids fluttered open. I inhaled deeply when I noticed my vision was blurry, struggling to make sense of the misconduct of the organ.
When I shifted in the bed, a wave of disorientation washed over me. My thoughts became suddenly fragmented, as if I had just emerged from a deep and profound experience that defied logical explanation.
The images and sensations from my dream flickered in my memory-a forest alive with ancient magic, the voice of the first queen echoing through time, and the solemn faces of villagers adorned in ceremonial attire-as if they had come to stay.
I blinked several times, trying to ground myself in the present, but the lingering sense of the strange vision remained.
Focus. I mentally commanded my system, trying to have a firm grasp on my thoughts, and actions. I felt okay after all, why was my body misbehaving?
I sighed in relief when my body needed to my request finally and soothed itself. Slowly, I reached for my bedside table, grabbing my phone to check the time. The cool touch of the device in my hand helped anchor me too in the present moment.
6pm.
Nice. I could still roam around.
No way was I making the same mistake twice. Leaving the house, without checking the time? Never again. No matter how the weather or sky was. Seeing the beast once, was enough. I don’t intend to see it again, not if I can help it.
Taking a deep breath, I swung my legs over the edge of the bed, and planted my feet firmly on the cool hardwood floor.
The disorientation tried to raise its ugly head once again, but I shook my head mentally, and banished it to the abyss. No more.
‘This is just the beginning.’
I ignored my other.
I chose rather to focus on the open magic book laying idly on the floor.
I chose rather to focus on the fact that I could understand the writing on the book explicitly now.
I chose rather to focus on the strange flower, lying next to the book, which had turned burnt black.