A View Form Above

The town hall was just the lower half of Innestra’s residence. It had been a while since May came to her people; usually they come to her. Deep in the forest, Frick and May lived in a beautiful home constructed by Frick over 40 years ago, that she covered in her vines. She never forgot where Innestra lived because it was the biggest house on the right. May walked to the house; several other people were entering it. When May entered last, a group of people were standing around a table, chatting amongst themselves.

“The town is in danger.” Innestra started as soon as May entered

“Then we will defend it like we did last time,” the woodsman Kor said proudly.

Innestra shot him a look. “I don’t believe it’s a simple lover’s quarrel this time, Kor. Frick has been incapacitated; the shield is down.” There was a general murmur from the small crowd.

“We should tell the king this could be an attempt by Greller Landsmouth to get a foot on this continent.” The voice was familiar, and she searched her head for the name. It was Lana, Crest’s wife.

“I have already sent my son, by horse. It will take him several days. If the field is down, we need new defenses. Kor, Daniel, and Lynn, go to the mine and collect Frick’s wall. Set them up as fast as you can.” Innestra ordered. Frick always wondered if May ever got jealous of the way he always diligently responded to his old commanding officer.

“Jealous?!” May spoke aloud, interrupting Innestra; all eyes were on her. “Sorry, continue.”

Innestra looked at May, worried. “May, we need you most of all; go to Central Headquarters and find Frick’s old mentor, Malgastiforian.” The name of his old mentor came out as a mumble. Regardless, May knew who she was talking about. She wasn’t sure how that halfwit was going to help. May scoffed aloud at the halfwit comment, “The journey is long and the task is unknown; please get him back to us.” The tears from missing her loved one were in May’s eyes, but the tears never dropped. Innestra paused, waiting for an interruption. When no one said anything, she concluded by asking, “Do you need accompaniment?”

May thought for a second, but her time in the forest, talking to the trees and the river, was occupied by training and metalworking. “I will set out after I stop back home,” she thought about it a moment. “I will be protected by the forest as long as I am in her bosom.”

“Well, then go around back. I had my son get Dart ready for your journey.” The townspeople made way for her to get to the back door.

“What do you need from us, Innestra?” Crest asked as May made her way across the house. Innestra’s answer was muffled by the door she went through. A jet-black horse was huffing and puffing in the warm, sweet air around it.

She jumped onto Dart’s back, after a short ride, on an intimate pathway. Once home, she grabbed the ornate armor Frick asked her to craft for herself. She thought it was a waste of her time. He was right. “Don’t be so smug; it’s unflattering.” She donned the armor and grabbed the sword she had made herself. It was golden, but she had quenched it in her friend The River; they had made it harder than steel.

“You’ll take me to Central Headquarters, right?” she asked, patting Dart’s strong back. It neighed its response confidently. She jumped on the horse, the hat wobbling awkwardly. She flew through the forest; everything stayed out of her way. Six hours later, when, when the sun was close to the horizon, a fire had not started. Her gut ached; she slowed Dart to a stop, and got off. “Would you mind helping?” She was talking aloud to her hat. “Actually, I was talking to my friends,” she corrected, reaching up to the nearest tree and plucking some fruit off the limbs. She got down and began making preparations for a simple campfire. Grass moved out of the way as she began to place some stones in a ring. She always respected the intricate dance between fire and nature. This time was no different. The grass receded, leaving the ground bare, and she struck camp. A simple bauble lay in her pocket; it had the power to set a small protection area around her tent, as she slept. “Thanks, Frick,” she sighed, reaching into her pocket. She activated it, and a shimmer appeared, enrobing her in safety. As the night closed, she had a tent, Dart was tied to the tree, and her bed was made. When she laid down to sleep, she took the hat off, holding it close to her, gently weeping herself to sleep.