Book II Chapter 6: The Calm
Vales-Temps, Chimre
The rain came down in great sheets, seeming to cover the world in shimmering iridescence; crystal-encrusted trees sparkled in the soft light from glowing patches of fungi huddled against their roots.
Valdren held his wings over his head to keep the rain from his eyes. His head was dipped low to the ground, talons cupping a tiny flower as he examined it. Chimre was teeming with mirajin, indeed-- though it wasn't quite as the stories told.
The rain was strange and oil-like with rainbow hues that swirled and danced within each drop, and the plants all had their own ethereal, dreamlike beauty; it was all he could do not to wander forever, gazing in wonder at the strange ecosystem taking shape around him.
He had come here for an escape. No one would ever dream he'd seek shelter in Chimre, or at least, no one would consider the thought for long, which suited him.
Unfortunately, the primary reason for his visit-- Opus-- had been blissfully asleep, and no amount of coaxing had roused her.
He had remained by her side for days, regardless. Perhaps, somehow, she had known he was there.
Finally, Nefirian had insisted he go. He was concerned about Valdren's close contact with the Mirajin after so many years of avoidance. Kelan had taught him how to deflect the energy, but he decided to heed the little man's warning after all.
Now, he was wandering the untamed areas of Chimre, quietly exploring the country his father and peers had feared and loathed for millenia. Vales-Temps was a beautiful forest despite the Mirajin's obvious influence, and he had yet to stumble upon any mutants of any sort.
Perhaps the forest creatures were as afraid of him as his kind was of them.
"I don't know what to believe anymore," he said to the little flower, stroking it gently with a knuckle. "How can we cleanse other creatures with the very same corruption in our hearts?"
Lifting his head, he gazed solemnly at his surroundings, raising a scaly brow momentarily as a sleek, white object resemblant of a massive lion's tail flicked away behind the trees.
"What does it truly mean to be taken by the Mirajin?"
Next Chapter: Book II Chapter VII
Category: Book II | Story
