Chapter 48
Vellstone had grown dark, it was now well into the night. The group of warriors dispersed hours ago after Lux concluded the instructions for the next day. They were each a bit restless as he had warned them that much would change after the next day's events took place. He bid them farewell, then he took Thaddaeus aside and spoke with him for a while longer. The young lad left the discussion visibly shaken. Once again, he departed on his own appearing to have a great deal on his mind. All of the warriors had separated to their individual corners of the realm in preparation for the next day.
Lux held Telu's hand as he crossed over a stream with her following close behind. They made their way across the rocks as they were consistently sprayed by the nearby waterfall. The sound of it drowned out any other noises the wilderness made. As they made their way up the riverbank, a dense forest came into view. The deafening sound of the waterfall quieted slowly.
After some time weaving their way through the trees, they had found it. In the middle of the forest, one tree stood out from the rest. It was taller and wider than any of the others, so much so that no other tree could grow in the area around it. They began climbing it and didn't stop until they rested on the very highest branches. Once they reached their destination, they pushed back the leaves revealing the most spectacular view of the night sky in all of Vellstone. They sat above all other trees with nothing blocking their field of vision.
There were no stars above Vellstone as it was a realm outside of realms. Instead, the night sky filled with streaks of color as though it existed amidst the nebulae. The eight elements were all that surrounded the realm. They danced through the sky at night leaving the people of Vellstone to wonder in amazement.
"How many Tempus have passed since that time?" Lux asked as he stared at the lights. Telu turned her head slightly in confusion. "Do you remember? You were quite adamant in your request. You made me promise that we would live in this place someday."
Telu giggled, her cheeks blushing as she spoke, "I believed you had lost the memory. We were but silly cubs when we first discovered this beautiful tree. I hoped we would never have to leave. In my young age I did not understand that we would inherit the House of the First when you became Tempestas. In which case, my demands are of little consequence." She smiled and waved her hand, "I hereby release you of your oath."
Lux shook his head and laughed, "Unacceptable, we will fulfill the vow made between two foolish, young cubs. It is only fitting that a beautiful princess would live in a place of dreams." His face turned more serious as he looked into her eyes. "I have been truly blessed to find you. It is not all Primis who connect so deeply with their Life Socis upon the first meeting. The very moment I saw you, I loved you with every part of my being. In the beginning, we refused to leave one another under any circumstances. It was many Tempus before we allowed ourselves to be separated for a single day."
Tears filled her eyes, "Yes, I remember each and every moment of our time together. I could never bring myself to request any amount of happiness beyond the life I have lived with you. We will continue to grow stronger together as long as we live." She suddenly giggled and placed her hand over her mouth. "Do you recall the first Tempus? Fira and Ignis attempted to kill one another."
Lux burst into laughter, "I had almost forgotten. They fought over anything and everything. However, they eventually grew to very much appreciate the opposition they offered one another. It was almost like a fire growing stronger from another fire. They are perfect together."
"I am glad we found her. I do not know if Ignis would survive without her."
"I am as well, My Dewdrop. It was well worth the years spent." Lux' eyes narrowed as he looked at her. "I have attempted to restrain myself, but I must ask. Are you aware of the scale of your power?"
Telu crossed her arms as she contemplated the question. "I suppose I have some feeling as to its depth. It began to change when we returned home. It felt as if it was shifting underneath me. I realized what was happening after some time, although, I still cannot sense the full extent of how it has grown. I will not know my power until I use it fully. I hoped to test it out on the others, but I grew fearful when I reached out and felt the vastness of it. I had not even begun to dream such power was possible. Truthfully, it frightens me."
"I have no doubt that is the reason behind it." Lux' response was so simple it surprised her.
"In what sense, My Light?"
"As I grow in my understanding of Vellstone, I grow more convinced that very little is accidental. You have grown powerful, yet you have no desire for it. You will never abuse your strength through a love of power. You will use it only when necessary. That is who the Primis were meant to be. I believe your spirit is drawing power from Vellstone in a way most of the Primis do not. You are quite the enigma."
"I see, I am impressive," she said, smiling. "I have even grown more powerful than you."
Her comment took him by surprise. He furrowed his eyebrows briefly, then burst into laughter, "An enigma indeed."
The two made their way back to the House of the First where their friends had gathered. The group of them slumbered together in the center of the main hall. Lux and Telu piled in with them. All of them together resembled a pile of puppies sleeping on a rug.