As she followed Dante, Seraphina admired the muscles in his back. The intricate designs in his hair before the straight raven locks fell down his back. His warrior garb was on full display. The Heralds had a special armor that was a combination of elvish fae magic. They had cuffs on both wrists made by elvish crafters that had crystals and gemstones from Crystal Forest. These cuffs would project energy projected by their soul and enhanced by the gems. They essentially had soul armor specifically made for them, but there were always beasts and weaponry that could get through depending on their power and essence. She had seen the Hearlds in action, sparring with one another. They also had soul tattoos on their skin -- emblems of protection to enhance protection.
Since their armor was protection of spirit, they never needed the heavier armor most warriors wore. The Heralds' armor was blessed by the Faerie Council of Amethystia since the Heralds of Elovaius patrolled both the Elovaius and Crystal Forest. With the matebond between Lady Crystobelle and Queen Hyacinth, their kingdoms were connected as were the protective measures extended through the expanse of their joint kingdom. It was one of the reason why Dante and the Heralds were gone for long lengths of time.
Seraphina watched Lady Vylot accost Dante as they walked through the corridors, leading to the stables. Not desiring to listen to their conversation, she quickly walked by them to get into the stables where the other Heralds were waiting. She almost ran right into Lysander, who instantly steadied her. He gave a questioning look and she sighed.
"Lady Vylot and Dante are having a private conversation," she explained as her cheeks burned with embarrassment. "I did not wish to disturb them."
Lysander chuckled, shaking his head. "Oh, little one, I do not believe he would ever think you are disturbing him. However, Lady Vylot, that is another issue entirely."
Dante stormed into the stables. Aggravation was clearly upon his face. Was he annoyed with having to leave Lady Vylot behind again? She bit her bottom lip, watching him as his eyes met hers then Lysander. She noticed Lysander cough as he shifted back away from her and she couldn't even question it, because Dante called her over to him. She sighed, shuffling over to him nervously.
"I bought you a traveling cloak for our journey and travels," he told her, gesturing her to follow him.
She was about to protest, but she choked on her words when he grabbed one of the hooded cloaks from his horse, Renata. The cloak was black with maroon lining and stitching. He was already draping the lush material over her shoulders and fastening it accordingly with amethyst gemstones decorating the fasteners. His eyes scanned over her body, obviously satisfied what he saw.
"You look ready," he told her confidently as he grabbed his hooded cloak to put on.
Although, her nerves were strumming like strings on an instrument, she tried not to look so rattled by the prospect. Instead, she gazed down at the cloak, her knuckles grazing the soft lush lining. Dante addressed the rest of the Heralds and they soon were all mounting their horses.
Grateful for Aaron's instruction, she had learned how to ride a horse so she wouldn't look foolish or worse hold the Heralds back. When Dante guided her over to a horse with her saddlebags on it, she effortlessly mounted the horse. He gazed up at her proudly before he went to mount his. He glanced around at the Heralds and they all nodded as if he issued a silent question. His eyes met hers and she just smiled at him. He returned it before he forced his horse to a trot.
Dante led the way and the Heralds followed. Lysander motioned for her to follow him and she prodded her horse to catch up to him. She swallowed as pairs of eyes watched the Heralds depart on another journey away from the Great Willow Tree. Once they were away from the palace, they walked through the forest within the Great Willow Tree towards the edge of the massive tree.
"This is your first time out of here, is it not?" Lysander asked her, gaining her attention.
She nodded. "It is. I have not set foot out of the Tree since arriving here."
"It is both a wondrous and dangerous place out there," he promised. "Sera, do not fear. Dante would never allow any harm to come to you nor any of the Heralds plus your healing prowess is all something we shall benefit from."
"I always wondered how you dealt with injuries out here," she whispered to him.
She almost jumped when another Herald flanked her. "We made do. We know simpler incantations, but we are not trained as you are," the elf told her honestly.
She frowned at that. They were capable warriors with powerful armor, but whatever injuries they would receive would be damaging and possibly fatal. Her mind slipped to when Dante returned after getting attacked by wolves.
"Do you know how to heal deep wounds with energy from plants?" When both of them shook their heads, her eyes widened. How was that even possible? "All of you will be learning such spells of that nature while I am here. You need to learn more than basic healing spells. I imagine you sustain severe injuries due to whatever can actually manage to get through your armor. When you are all far away, that knowledge of the different plants to heal will benefit you. With my garden at the palace, I grew my ingredients, but you can find them all in the wilderness. You can put the ingredients in your stews. It shall have the same effect."
There was a murmur of agreement and appreciation. She hadn't realized all of the Heralds had been listening in. Her eyes darted to the front as she caught Dante glancing back at her with a smirk upon his face before turning back around.
"So you can truly teach us, Sera?" one of the Heralds asked.
She nodded her head, noting that others were now calling her by Lysander's nickname. The warmth of belonging wrapped around her like an embrace. "As long as you are willing to learn."
As they reached the entrance to the Great Willow Tree, she watched the world beyond the Tree take form through a portal. Her heart pounded in her chest as she sat upon her horse at the top of the iridescent grand staircase leading down to the Valentine River.
She watched the other Heralds descending down the steps. Her eyes found Dante as his horse made it into the shallow part of the river. When he turned to look up, she watched his eyes seek hers.
"Welcome to beyond the Great Willow Tree," Lysander declared, stopping his horse next to hers for a moment before continuing.
Following his lead, she urged her horse to descend until she was right in front of Dante. The other Heralds were heading towards the shore. She watched the awkward exchange between Dante and Lysander as they locked eyes before Lysander continued to the shore to join the others. Dante's eyes focused on hers for a moment.
"How does it feel?" Dante asked. He gestured to the waterfall and all around the Great Willow Tree.
The iridescent staircase vanished before their eyes, seeing that it's use was no longer needed. She surveyed the extraordinary image of the waterfall falling from the Silver Star Mountains and the Tree itself was incredible.
"I cannot believe I am here right now," she confessed in awe, returning her eyes to him.
He smiled. "You shall have much to see, little warrior." He flicked his reins and gently nudged his stirrups into his horse. "Let us depart. Our journey has just begun."