Somewhere far away, there was scuffling of pages. There were books scattered all over. The room was lit with multiple candles. It resembled someone's study. It was full of books yet it looked more like someone's resting place.The ceiling was covered in some ancient calligraphy and paintings. The place looked as if it was untouched for ages yet there were signs of somebody living in traces. The lit candle tips flickered even though there wasn't any wind or breeze. The candles burnt but didn't melt. The place was as strange as the one residing there. The person was greedily going through pages of a very old and worn out looking book. He then went away for awhile and came back with another one. After awhile he went to bring another one. The pattern was on repeat mode for quite a lone time. Whatever the person was looking for, apparently couldn't be found."I can feel it. I can feel it. The time is coming nearer by the hours, but why can't I find the answers yet. Where are they hiding. Bu
"Let me tell you a story" The lady told Mia as she sat comfortably beside her "this is the story of a girl. Daughter of a proud father who ruled the kingdom in the West. She was more precious to her than his entire kingdom put together. He dotted her. She was the most pampered in the heavens and earth. There was nothing that she wished for that she didn't have. The tiniest and most whimsical of her whims were written down as Royal edicts. Soldiers would scout the three realms just to fulfil her cravings in the middle of the night. Even though the king had many sons, his world started and ended with his darling daughter. She was the Apple of his eyes. For the little girl, life was like a fairytale. There was nothing called sorrow or pain in her books. Little did she know that the rest of her life would have just those words written in every chapter and page of her existence. "She paused and took a deep breath. Mia couldn't understand whether she was catching her breath or heaving a si
The ride in the stars was as enchanting and magical as it sounds. One would get to choose from the few exotic soul animals that would help them complete this voyage with ease and comfort. Then a path would be laid out to connect the land with the heavens. This was no ordinary road. It was made of the finest pearls, with gems and precious stones scattered all over. It was luminous. It shone with a brilliant gleam made up of several colors at once. To prepare for the ride one had to take the purifying shower under the souther spring in the northeastern mountain. Though the journey was a nocturnal one, it diverged beyond time after the first space bent. As a result, the voyage lasted for almost around three days and nights instead of just one night. It was an experience of a life time. This bent in space took place only once a year, hence everything had to be prepared before even the start of the completions. Both the winners was super excited about it. But little did they know that this
Nanako opened her eyes to utter horror , finding herself without clothes, tucked comfortably beside the naked Jin. She freaked out. But before Jin could open his eyes, she collected her scattered garments, got dressed and left the place in a hurry. No sooner than she took a few steps she could hear voices cing her way. She hid behind s structure to let them pass. Instead they stopped too and their voices grew loud and clear."You think it worked" Asked one voice."It's full proof. Brother Jin is going to be thankful to us for the rest of his life" Said another."What if jhe gets angry? " Was another curious voice."No he wouldn't. Wasn't he the one who placed the bet on the first place. " Assured another."Come on. Come on. Let's not waste time and go catch them in action. " Said another."Go.go.lets go. " The chorus faded as the crowd got going.The words pierced Nana's heart like a sharp blade. She didn't know how to react. What a disgrace she has been. She swore in her mind to stay
Nana's carriage swept past through the rugged mountains at full speed. Jin was close in pursuit. It was his first time seeing the breathing taking western sceneries. They were never told how beautiful a land layed in the Western countries. It was too beautiful for eyes. The clouds were of a pink and blue hue. The land stretched into beautiful gardens with flowers never known to his eyes. They danced magnificently in the subtle breeze. The valley gave way to hillocks at many places. Streams sprouting from here and there. The aura filled the entire stretch, calming the mind and cooling the view. The hillocks gave way to gigantic mountains. Those were decorated with flying lanterns to make transportation easy for travellers at night. The peaks were covered in snow and at places there could be seen wild fountains and waterfalls. The animals were the gem on top of the crown. There were so many species, grazing, hunting, playing, that one could spend their entire life gazing and marveling.
The next morning Nanako opened her eyes with her father's kiss on her forehead."Come on sleepy head. Time to rise and shine. Did you rest well? " Her father inquired.She nodded her head smiling happily."Good.Get dressed and eat something. We will be leaving soon? " He said as he got up from her bed and started to go.Nana grabbed his robe and tugged and said " Go? Where? Right now? "" Yes darling. We will go to the northern borders. It is still not too late for us to catch some snow. It seems like it's been ages since we went out together. " He patted her head and went away.Nana stood up and hurriedly called for her maids. As they ran inside, she shouted instructions about her food, dress, hair and so on. The room got busy decking her up for the day. The kitchen too was alive with clutter as the chefs hurried to get Nana 's favorite dish ready in the quickest possible time.Jin on the other hand was dreaming happily on his humble bed when suddenly the rooster started crowing at h
"What happened after that? Did she survive? " Mia was listening mesmerised. But when the lady stopped for a moment she could not hold back her excitement. "Tell me what happened next. " She urged with eager eyes, wide with excitement. The lady smiled at her enthusiasm and patted her messy hair softly."Looks like you are quite enjoying yourself. " She teased her."Did she forgive him? What happened to the wolf?Dont tell me she died. I want to know their full story. " Mia looked like a child eagerly waiting for her candy. The lady smiled again."Well Mia I can tell you that she did survive. How else would there had been a story for you to hear right now darling. " The lady stroked Mia's hair and adjusted it lovingly. " Let's continue then... "When Nana opened her eyes, she found herself comfortably lying on a pile of hay. She looked around and found herself in a cave. There was a fire at the side of her feet that kept it lit. Jin was sitting there, feeding the fire. She looked at him,
" You really don't know? Or is this another of your dirty games? " Nanako asked." Believe me, I am not lying. Tell me what happened that day? " Jin looked Nana in the eyes . A stern and determined look.Nanako told him about their night together, how they were drugged and the conversation she had overheard. She told him everything. As he listened to Nana's words, his eyes popped open. It got redder as her narration progressed. He could not hold back his tears as Nanako teared up, narrating the pain and embarrassment she had been through." Nana. Believe me. I swear on my ancestors, I did place the stupid bet, but I had clearly told them and walked out of it the moment we returned from our starry trip. My feelings towards you are genuine Nana. I had no part or knowledge about the mischief of my mates. I am sorry Nana for violating you. I have no recollection. But I apologize to you with my whole heart and am willing to take any punishment you want for me. I am madly in love with you N