As she entered the portal, a fragrant breeze welcomed her, carrying the scent of fresh sampaguitas and the warmth of soft morning sunshine. She had only been away for days, but she missed the place dearly. From the portal, she gazed upon a magnificent sight—a colossal Narra tree whose roots and branches stretched far and wide. This ancient tree was the heart of Luminara, adorned with charming houses and pathways that glowed with a soft, magical light.
Nestled in the tree's massive boughs were cozy homes with wooden turrets, balconies, and gently glowing lanterns. The tree itself seemed to pulse with gentle lights, illuminating the scene. Winding staircases and bridges connected the various homes and platforms, blending nature and architecture seamlessly.
The atmosphere was peaceful yet lively, with the rustle of leaves and distant sound of flowing water adding to the charm.
Deep within the tree, almost hidden from view, the palace blended seamlessly into the trunk and branches. Its warm, inviting lights twinkled softly through the tree's bark, making it look like the palace was a natural part of the ancient tree.
When she entered the Great Hall, it was crowded. Samika decided to remain standing by the large wooden doors.
"Wait here, Lady Samika. I'll call Dao." One of her Engkantado escort said, squeezing himself in the anxious assembly.
She lived her whole life in Luminara, and she knew everyone that resides there. However, the faces in the crowds were unfamiliar to her but she ignored it.
Maybe they're just visitors, trying to learn about the progress of the Prophecy. She murmured to herself.
Samika knew her presence was requested by the council, but it seems like they are currently occupied by other business. Instead of waiting, she decided to visit the healers first. She excused herself and informed her escorts to have Dao drop by the infirmary if they found her.
She made her way to the healer's quarters, her steps growing slower with each surge of pain from her wounds. She pushed through the ornate wooden doors. Inside, the room was filled with the soothing aroma of herbs and flowers. A lone healer, a serene-looking Engkantada with silver hair, greeted her while carefully mixing ingredients at a large wooden table.
"Lady Samika," the healer greeted and bowed, as she looked up, she noticed Samika growing pale. "What happened to you?" Her voice gentle but concerned.
"I was attacked," Samika replied, wincing as she revealed the wound on her abdomen and arm. "The nails of my assailants seem to have some poison in them. It's not getting any better."
The healer's eyes widened as she examined Samika's wound. "This is serious. Come, lie down here."
Samika followed her to a bed made of soft leaves and moss. As she settled onto the bed, the healer moved swiftly, gathering rare herbs and magical ingredients. She placed a Moonlit Orchid into a mortar, its petals shimmering softly, and added Starlight Dew, which glistened like stars. Lastly, she poured in a vial of Celestial Water, the purified essence from Barili's sacred springs that was blessed by engkantos and diwatas.
The healer began to chant softly, her voice blending with the natural hum of the palace. The mixture in the mortar started to glow, a silvery light emanating from it. She carefully transferred the shimmering liquid into a crystal vial.
The silver-haired engkantada approached Samika with the cure, "This elixir will neutralize the toxin and restore your healing abilities. It must be administered quickly."
She gently applied the elixir to Samika's wound, and a warm, tingling sensation spread from the injury. The pain began to fade, replaced by a deep sense of relief. Samika let out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding.
"It is my first time to encounter such a thing," Samika admitted, "and I know that it won't be the last time. Do you have any idea what kind of poison it was?"
The healer nodded sadly, "The poison you encountered is known as Luna Essence, from the thorns of the Luna Thorns plant. Its toxins create a magical barrier around the wound, disrupting your natural healing abilities. It is more potent under a full moon, and this is far more deadly to mortals."
"Can you make more of this? I really need it."
The elderly engkantada smiled, "Of course. Stop by here on your way back. I'll make the elixirs right away."
Samika nodded, gratitude apparent in her eyes, "Thank you. I don't know what I would have done without you."
"You'll need to rest for a while," the healer said softly. "Your body needs time to recover fully, even with the elixir."
Samika watched as the healer closed the woven curtains around her bed, giving her some privacy. She felt safe and comfortable, closing her eyes and letting the warmth and peace of the palace surround her.
☆.｡.:* .｡.:*☆
"I came as soon as I heard."
Samika opened her eyes, unaware that she had fallen asleep. The voice outside was familiar. As much as she wanted to stand up, she couldn't. She heard the healer and the man having a light conversation before the woven curtains drew open.
"Samika!"
A man towered before her, his gray eyes full of anxiety and worry, yet he managed a gentle smile. Samika's arms flew open, and she hugged him tightly, despite wincing in pain.
"Ama!"
"This is what I was afraid of," he exclaimed. "You nearly died!"
"It's not that serious. It was just a scratch," Samika reasoned.
Ananmayka wiped her face in frustration and let out a deep sigh. "If we didn't need to cater to these refugees, I would personally ask my brother to put this quest to an end."
Samika struggled to sit up. "Refugees?" she asked, raising a brow.
Her father sighed again. "Yes, refugees. Right now, a gathering is being held in the Great Hall to discuss the possible future for the clans affected by deforestation. Our resources are limited, and we can't supply everyone."
"I see. I was there earlier, thinking there would be a meeting to discuss the prophecy, but I couldn't get through. That explains why the crowd I saw earlier seemed unfamiliar."
Ananmayka broke the brief silence between them. "We'll discuss it later. I still have something else to tend to. I hope you'll stay for dinner."
Samika smiled sadly and embraced her father. "I can't promise yet, but I hope so—" Her sentence was cut short when Dao burst into the infirmary, panicking.
"Lady Samika," the Diwata curtsied, "the council is requesting your presence."
With a series of grunts and winces, Samika managed to stand and head to the Great Hall. When she entered, the hall felt gloomy, slowly losing its soft and natural warmth. The majesties were still seated on their throne, but they looked helpless.
An Engkantado standing by the doorway announced her arrival, "Lady Samika Myria Narr'Abun Magdahon, daughter of the Great General Ananmayka Magdahon, niece to the King, and companion of the Seven."
Despite the troubled expressions on everyone's faces, Samika felt a surge of pride hearing her new title: companion of the Seven.
"Finally," one of the Wise Engkantado clasped his hands. "Lady Samika, this is Luningning," he said, introducing a young Diwata behind a mortal device known as a laptop.
Luningning smiled widely, but shyly, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Samika."
Samika beamed in return, "Likewise."
"We need to discuss the next steps of your journey, Samika." The King announced, now pacing near the colossal table before them. "And I hope you are in the right mind to listen too, Ananmayka?"
Ananmayka placed his hand protectively on his daughter's shoulders, and glared angrily at his brother. "Yes."
The King sighed in relief, "Very well, then. Let us begin."
The Great Hall felt unnervingly cramped, its atmosphere thick with unease despite the few people present. Discussions about the prophecy added to the palpable tension, leaving everyone on edge.
"How many demigods have you located?" the Queen asked, hope evident in her eyes.
"One," Samika replied, her disappointment clear.
The Queen's frown was brief, but she maintained her composure. "Do not worry, my dear. I am confident you will find the rest soon."
"Yes, the son of Anitun Tabu is currently helping me expedite the search for the remaining six."
The Wise Engkantos exchanged approving nods, a silent acknowledgment of Samika's efforts.
"My daughter was attacked by a Dalaketnon," Ananmayka interrupted, causing gasps from everyone except Samika.
"Ama," Samika shot a reproachful look at her father.
"What? They need to know the dangers involved in this quest."
"A Dalaketnon?" Luningning whispered loudly to the elder Engkantado beside her.
"But a Dalaketnon is almost like us, isn't it?" the Queen asked, seeking reassurance. "Aside from their deceptive nature and tendency to kidnap humans, we should be able to counter their attacks, right?" She looked around, her gaze searching for answers.
Samika shook her head. "These were different. They have poisonous nails."
The King raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"I fought three of them. I admit, I underestimated them, but I didn't expect them to cause such severe injuries," Samika said, lifting her shirt to reveal scars on her arm and abdomen. "But it's nothing our healers can't handle." She smiled, trying to alleviate the concern in the room.
"We'll need to call Ina Baylan, our chief healer, to discuss this poison and explore ways to build immunity against it," the King said, scratching his chin thoughtfully. "This is troubling."
"Ina Baylan mentioned that the poison is most potent during a full moon. I've requested a few vials to be brought back to the human realm. Now that I understand their capabilities, I won't be complacent again."
Luningning broke the silence that followed. "Since Lady Samika is here, we should also address the ongoing catastrophe."
"Yes, the crisis," the Queen agreed. "Our resources are limited, which is why Luningning is here while we await your friend Algi's arrival."
Samika's eyes lit up. "Algi is coming?"
"Yes. He has been summoned to help us understand the current events in the mortal realm. Many of our kind from various clans in Mindanao have lost their homes due to unexpected deforestation. While some have abided by the law and refrained from harming humans, others had no choice. We need you to investigate and determine if there's any connection to the Intumbangel's awakening."
"I will, my Queen."