1
When I was a child, I met Reina. We'd collided while secretly exploring a forest in Avalonian territory. We had promised to keep it a secret, and we started meeting more often. Before long, we were best friends. She knew me like the back of her hand. I trusted her with a great many secrets. She was artistic, a painter. We loved exploring together, and I always played my guitar for her.
One day, we decided we needed somewhere to meet, somewhere that inspired her with her art, and me with my music. We staked out an area near the Avalonia border, where we could see forests, hear birds, smell sweet flowers. It was perfect. We built a cottage, but soon ran out of wood. We used stones, sand, anything we could find to build a small shelter. It didn't look great, but to us it was a castle. I presented Reina with a beautiful gem to use as a door handle. Like I said, it was perfect
Now, years later, I realize I love her. She seems oblivious to my feelings, but she knows me too well for that. So why won't she talk to me about it?
On this particular day, we were sitting on the roof of our cottage. She painted as I strummed my guitar.
“What do you think of these happenings with the Drow?” She asked.
“I don’t see why we’re sitting idly by and not helping Nocturnus,” I replied. “Kaliphlin traders think war’s good for the economy, but they’re selfish. War could tear Historica apart.”
“None should ever stop you from doing what you think is right,” said Reina, “Do what you feel in your heart.”
I pondered that for some time, before telling her, “I had a vision come to me in my dreams.”
“Of what?” Reina’s interest was captured.
As I described it, she worked feverishly to capture the vision in a painting.
There was a fiery land, like the realm of Hell itself. Completely black beings of darkness came streaming from its depths. They were attacking, invading a brighter place. Heaven, it seemed. The beings of light, guardians, were struggling to fight them off. They were fighting a losing battle.
Her painting depicted it perfectly.
“But what does it mean?” I inquired. “I can’t believe that it’s just a random occurrence. It has to mean something!”
“A prediction of what’ll come from the war.” Reina said grimly. “I’m sure that’s what it is.”
“Promise me you won’t get involved.” I pleaded. “I won’t bear it if something happens to you.”
“I’ll do what my duty as a Kaliphlin requires.” She said. “I’ll make no promises.”
“If you’re planning anything dangerous, I’m coming.” I said. “That’s not an option.”
She smiled, shook her head, and began painting again. I picked up my guitar. Suddenly all of the chords seemed haunting.
-Nariek Francis
To be continued...
Here's some more shots of the cottage:
Front:
Sides:
Back:
A minifigs PoV for interior:
There's a chair, a simple bed, and my favourite part, a fireplace:
Thanks for looking, C&C welcome and encouraged!
Looking forward to see where this heads.
