Dark One Rising(149)

“Things will seem second nature in time. No one expects you to know everything in one day. You have to remember, though, that you are an honored guest here, a guest that the beings of Vallis thought they would never see.”

“I don’t want to be some idol, some untouchable hero.”

“Your destiny is what it is. You cannot change it. You cannot change who you are or why you were placed in this world. All of us have a purpose. Yours is just more important than everyone else at this time.”

The children came back and set two wooden trenchers down at her feet. They were filled with various fruits, pastries and cheeses. Her mouth started to water, and she realized for the first time since she woke how hungry she was.

She reached across and grabbed a variety of things and started to eat. She was surprised at just how good everything tasted. The fruits were extraordinarily juicy and sweet; the cheese and bread were fresh and perfect.

“You probably already know. We do not eat any meat. The animals of this world are one with us, and we do not eat our kin. You will only eat things that nature supplies us or things that are made by our own hands, with ingredients that nature provides. You will find that the foods grown and made by elves will keep you strong, lean and healthy. You will never feel deprived. What you eat will always fill you up and keep you satisfied.”

Melenthia continued to eat, and when she was done, Dallen shooed the children away. Dallen told her they would explore, and she would show her around their city. She would teach her how to find her way around and how to know she was within the boundaries of the city. She led Melenthia out the door, the children quietly in tow.



***



“Again, again!” Tomaz said, looking down on Melenthia sprawled out in the dirt at his feet. She was bruised and sore, and every bone in her body felt as if it had been broken. Her mind was a blur of thoughts. She could not get a grasp on any of them. She was breathing hard, her eyes welling with tears. She determinedly got up from the ground and did her best to stand erect. She managed to do so, and no sooner had she lifted her sword, did Tomaz come at her again. She managed somehow to parry his attack and come in with her own over the shoulder blow, but he gracefully moved out of the way and parried. She flung her sword across her body to stop the blow, which came frighteningly close to the side of her head. She continued to fight off his attacks, which came at her stronger and harder with each swing. Her boots were covered in dust, and she could hardly see them as they danced fluidly and quickly around the arena. She was trying hard to breathe properly, but she was so tired; she could hardly take a breath in before she had to exert herself again against him. After another hour of this, he finally dropped his sword to his side and bowed to her.

She lowered her sword as well and bent over to breathe in, hoping to alleviate the stitch that had built up in her side almost twenty minutes prior. She placed a hand to her side and pressed, not understanding why her breathing was so labored and why she had let herself get riled up. She had been doing this for weeks and couldn’t understand why it wasn’t getting any easier. It frustrated her that she was so weak. When she was frustrated, she got mad, and being mad only made her make more mistakes. The more mistakes she made, the more beat up she got. Today was no exception. Tears came to her eyes, and she collapsed again on the soft earth.

He noticed her break down and sat down beside her, placing a hand on her shoulder; drill master replaced with companion. “The emotions you are feeling are normal, Melenthia. Letting them go is the best way to push through them.”

“I don’t understand why this isn’t getting easier. I feel like my body is getting stronger every day, yet my mind seems to weigh me down.”

“You are right. You are getting stronger physically. I feel it in you every time we spar. It is getting more difficult for me to fight off your attacks. However, I too am unsure you are emotionally stronger. I still feel doubt in you and distress over people you left behind.”

“Fallon is growing stronger. I can feel him every day pushing past the barriers. I’m afraid that he’ll find a way in.”

“He cannot harm you here. You may feel him, but it is only the threat of him that you feel, not the reality of him. He cannot penetrate your thoughts while you are safe in these walls.”

“What about when I leave here?”

“He will then be able to get to you, but only if you let him. You need to work harder on shielding your mind from the thoughts that create confusion and fear.”

“What about the thoughts of the people I care about?”

“Those thoughts can affect you as well, but not in the same way. The people that you love can be your strength if you let them be, but you must erase the worry from your mind and concentrate on what you are doing to guarantee their safety. Once you start down a path of fear and worry, you will not be able to turn back. No more shall we do today. Go home, rest. I will send Dallen to bring you some liniment for your body. Put it in the bath and soak for an hour. Your bruises will remain, but the soreness from them will subside. Then take some time to meditate like Dallen taught you, and practice your calming exercises. These will help you find control. Tomorrow we will continue.”