" ..... He will be delighted to meet you. "
" Why? Because I look like Queen Ariya."
" [Smirk] Yes,...and perhaps we can get our answers too."
After this small conversation we went back to sleep. I was tossing and turning for a long time but couldn't got sleep even for a minute. Finally it was time for sunrise. After a restless night I had to cheer myself up and get ready for a new day. Getting cleaned up I went to kitchen where Lan and Roger were waiting for me with a serious look.
" Why so serious? Is something wrong with the both of you?"
" [seriously] I told Lan about your dream .... We decided to go there today and meet Fire King "
" Lets get ready then...."
" But it is a little difficult to cross the borders now." Lan stated.
" Why is that? I mean the time is reversed to three years back so....?"
" Even though the time is reversed, all borders are sealed and guarded by the knights to avoid war situations. Unless you have a valid seal of your name or a letter from palace you cannot enter other cities." Lan explained
" And you don't have a seal. "
" So what can we do now? Cant we get a seal now?"
" Its not that simple. Each child in OruPrana who takes elemental education and passes all 6 exams get a seal in accordance to their power from Clairvoyance stone. " Roger explained.
" So what's the plan then?"
" Do you like to fly Lady Ariya? "
" I am not a bird Roger. I am a Human. I can't fly? "
" Then get ready to fly. "
(" Has Roger lost his mind because of too much thinking. Why is he insisting on flying? ")
I was deep in my thoughts when Lan grabbed my hand and handed a red coloured transparent glass slab around the size of a mobile with my name engraved on it. It had Ruby stones on it and a shiny glaze.
" This is your seal [Wink] "
" How did you.....,.?"
putting his finger on his lips he whispered,
" It is made from magic. "
and we both grinned at each other.
" Lady Ariya don't forget to wear your Phoenix pendant ."
" Show this seal to the Knights of Fire when we pass through the check post before entering Ignis city. "
" Hmmm,..... [nodding ] Ok.... Who are knights of fire? "
" Knights of Fire are knights that guard Fire Palace and are in charge of protection of King and Royal family. It is said that their life is filled with hardships but the sacred fire in their hearts, compels them to value honour and dignity above wealth and power. Due to war situations they are put in charge of the border as well as palace." Roger explained briefly.
Preparing ourselves we stepped out and walked a distance near a cliff surrounded by trees on one side while valley on the other. The fog formed in the valley due to cold weather looked like cotton clouds. Busy in enjoying the scenery, I was distracted by the blowing wind with a sudden moment, the small white flower petals touching my cheeks with its soft tender skin. The blowing wind directed my attention towards Lan who was looking at me with a soft smile. He stood a small distance from me. As our gaze met, his smile fade when he started approaching me. My heart fluttered. The agitation increased as he moved his hand up touching my cheeks to remove the petal stuck on my face. The softness in his smile made my heart beat even faster. When our eyes met once again, he suddenly turned back with his ears red.
(" Is he Blushing?....[Grin]")
(Why am I blushing,..... I am a dude... But the way she looked was really cute,.... I couldn't help myself but move towards her )
Hearing his thoughts made me smile even broader. Roger was busy looking in the forest. So he looked confused when he looked at me.
" The wind is getting stronger. He should be near somewhere." Roger said.
" He? "
" My elemental companion."
" ??"
Roger was about to answer when we heard a Screech from a distance in forest. As soon as Roger heard it he whistled and a creature flying in the sky approached us. And it was a magnificent one. It was the Legendary Mystical creature, GRIFFIN, the one with the body, tail and back legs of lion while head, wings and front legs that of an eagle. It landed slowly maintaining its grace on the ground. It looked strong like a Lion and had Keen eyes like an Eagle. As Roger approached him, it started behaving like a spoiled pet. They had a great relation. Roger asked us to go him and bow him in gratitude. We did as he said and it bowed back allowing us to ride on his back. Hence climbing on his back, it spread its wings and took a flight in the sky. The wind, the coldness, touching our face.
Suddenly Lan asked,
" Hey Roger , I heard Griffins can hear peoples mind. Is it true? "
" Why don't you ask him yourself ..."
" How can I ask him....as if.."[cut off in middle]
" I can hear yours as well as Rogers mind but ... This lady... I cannot read her mind....." [shocked]