A Bit of Paradise

As Kai came closer, the sun barely peeked over the tip of the structure. Its shape was unlike anything Bard had seen in the cities and ruins, let alone dryadic or human settlements. With square like features that would be easy to sweep the sands off, and channels filled with water that flowed, it was an extension of paradise in this desert. At the central area, a strange light emitted that seemed both warm and cold at the same time. And orbs of sunstones began to turn off as the light of day reached around to them.

Bard furrowed his brow. One sunstone would never receive direct sunlight, so how was it lit?

As Kai came close, some catfolk with wings flew out and stopped in front of them.

“State your business, human.” One of them said in their language.

“I bring word of Kihana’s return and ask for further guidance by the dawnseer. My name is Bard, one of Elder Paradise’s token bearers.” Bard answered, and the two catfolk looked surprised. “I wish to be instructed in the ways of light, so I may not be in the dark.” Bard bowed, grateful, Kihana had invited him to come here before. Her diligent and unwanted instruction for how to approach was proving useful.

“It is well met, Bard. The Dawnseer has foreseen your arrival and inquiry. She is waiting inside for you at the circle of enlightenment,” the other winged catfolk said with a humble bow. The other catfolk followed in turn, and then the two flew above the sands and beckoned them to follow. Kai was able to keep pace with them, and they stopped at the entrance to the temple. It was large, but not big enough for Kai to follow, unless he wanted to crawl, and that wouldn’t mean he could follow indefinitely.

“Your beast can go to the other entrance. I will guide him inside.” The winged catfolk said.

“My thanks,” Bard said calmly, grateful that such an entrance existed, but confused by it. She turned and patted Kai’s head, and Bard nodded when Kai looked at him inquiringly. The two left.

“Sorry. I don’t speak much human. But you seem able to understand us.”

“I do. But not good at speaking this language.” Bard said in broken catfolk tongue. He wondered what this language was called. The dryads called theirs Asternum, and the human tongue was called Teka by the dryads, just what did the catfolk call theirs and his? The minor curiosity left him as the winged catfolk’s deep voice summoned him to follow him inside.

It wasn’t bright, but it was well lit inside. When they entered, the catfolks’ wings glowed and looked as if it was made of light. Bard was fascinated by them. If he had some, he could keep the Shades away more easily.

The catfolk turned into some side walkways and then guided him up some stairs. They passed a few splitting paths before entering into a large room with a huge orb of light. Its light wasn’t overbearing, but it was bright. The room was ornate and decorated with runes that glowed. Plants grew around the place and water fell around them and down to circle around the orb. He wasn’t sure where it went after that. A single winged Priest sat on the ground. Her wings pointed out and up in a strange position. The catfolk who guided him, had him pause and then flew to the one on the ground. They talked briefly, and then she stood and her wings shifted. She then flew over and Bard felt some sort of strange energy about her.

“By the grace of Erasaphim, may the Twelve light your path, Bard. I am Dawnseer Lifeweaver Mansi,” the Dawnseer said. Bard felt a pit form in his stomach. There was a reason he hadn’t wanted to come. Too much structure and formality. He preferred the ways of the Elders. As he swallowed back his reservations, he bowed politely.

“A pleasure to meet you, Dawnseer. I bring word of Kihana and her caravan. And ask for more knowledge of light,” Bard said as best he could. His memories were a bit fuzzy. As he raised his head, he could see the other winged catfolk was bristling with anger, meaning he likely did that wrong. The dawnseer seemed unfazed, which Bard counted was more important.

“Seraphos. Leave us,” Mansi said. The winged guide, gritted his teeth and then left. Mansi smiled and then turned her gaze to Bard.

“Come. Bathe in the light of the sun of healing,” she said as she descended the stair to the floor below.

Bard followed and took another glance around the room. He stopped when she paused in front of the sphere. She moved her wings into that upward position. Her gaze fixed on Bard.

“In the Name of the Sun of Healing, third child of our God Eraspahim, may your days be radiant, your nights guarded, and your spirit ever healed,” she said and Bard felt completely out of his element here. “You seek to understand our ways, do you not? Come,” She said, turning and indicating to the spot next to her. Bard walked forward and felt a general pressure that grew as he came closer. As he stepped next to her, the pressure vanished.

“You are indeed worthy to learn, now sit and we shall talk. Within my presence, you shall not be pressured by the essence of the divine.”

Bard sat down with her and faced her. This place was strange.

“Now Bard. You have many questions. Speak your mind freely,” Mansi said.

“I know you worship the suns, but I’ve not heard of Erasaphim. And you mentioned sun of healing?”

“Ah. Erasaphim is the main sun, the largest and father of the smaller suns in our sky. His twelve children support him in his mission to eradicate darkness.”

“The shades?” Bard asked and she nodded.

“This war against darkness is said to have begun before the world was. Before the moon was shattered even. Erasaphim built this land for his brother the moon so he would have a place to dwell until the moon was rebuilt, but the goddess of the night sought to thwart his efforts, and so she keeps destroying what he builds. This is why we were created. To destroy her minions and keep darkness at bay so that our God may rebuild the moon and restore his brother.”

Bard listened as she described the destruction of the goddess of the night by the four oldest children. Their names were hard to remember and keep track of.

“However, it seems even their efforts were not enough, as her minions rose up and took her in. They declare that she will rise up again. So we are to remain vigilant against them. Their growing numbers and increasing attacks are worrisome.”

“So it wasn’t just my imagination,” Bard muttered.

“I’m afraid not,” Mansi looked at the orb of light before her. “The third sun, the one who guides this temple, the master healer, he is the one who has kept the sickness of shades at bay, and so we do not fear them like others.”

“Are you referring to how others can turn into shades?” Bard asked. Mansi looked confused and shocked by this.

“Do you have evidence of this?” she asked, and Bard gritted his teeth.

“Not with me, but I have watched the trees of the silver woods in the south. Those that were attacked and swarmed by the shades, they became blackened and shaded.”

Mansi looked down thoughtfully.

“This is distressing. I must consult with the third sun about this,” She muttered. “I’m sorry, Bard, but our discussion will have to wait.” She rose and extended out her hand to help Bard up. “The Twelve shine behind you, before, and within you. Go with their blessing.” Bard took her hand and rose. He then bowed.

“Thank you for your time and instruction.” Bard returned. Kai’s voice sounded behind him, and he turned to see that face sticking out through a large hole that wasn’t there before. Bard looked on in surprise until he gathered his wits and walked to Kai.

“Hey, bud. How long have you been there?” he said, relieved to see him. Kai hummed at the affection, and then his head retreated, allowing Bard to see the massive hallway behind him. Kai waited for him eagerly to follow. Bard looked back at the dawnseer, but she was already paying attention to the orb. He walked out with Kai instead, and was grateful to feel the wind as it blew across him as they exited. He climbed on Kai and noted the winged Catfolk around the temple watch them as they left. He was sure that he could have more discussions if he wanted, but frankly, he wasn’t sure they had the answers he was searching for, and trying to keep up with all the respectful actions and words was a bit much for him.

The catfolk outside were up and about, beginning to weave around the tents. Merlants walked above, and a few winged catfolk patrolled the skies. Bard urged Kai towards Sen. He felt a sting of worry.

As they came to the lake, he saw her, and she paused and stood, waving in greeting. Bard returned the greeting and then a commotion was heard. The sound grew as more catfolk’s voices joined. Bard looked over and saw a caravan return from the gate they had entered. From this distance, he couldn’t catch the riders, but he recognized Jamil’s merlant, meaning Kihana had returned. How had they made it so quickly? It hadn’t been two whole days since he and Sen had gotten here. That’s when his eyes caught sight of strange dark marks on some of the merlants. Had they been attacked by shades? While Kai seemed interested. Bard reminded him to go to Sen first. They swam across the lake and met up with Sen, who was relieved to see them.

“Bard!” she greeted with a big hug. Bard checked the suns in the sky. They were high, meaning it was the middle of the day. Her cheeks were a bit flush, but this greeting was a bit enthusiastic for such a short time away. Sure, he was the one who had left, instead of the other way around, like it was with the human village, but still.

“Hello, Sen. Miss me?” he teased and she chuckled.

“I’m glad you’re here. You can explain to those weird catfolk with wings that I’m supposed to be here. They wanted me to swim back,” she complained, and Bard realized in that moment that there were several catfolk up in the palms, watching them.

“I see,” Bard said simply. One by one, they began to fly down.

“Leave this place, now,” they said.

“And what does Elder Paradise have to say to this?” Bard asked.

“They wouldn’t listen. They said it was for his protection,” Sen answered. “Because I am not purified.” Bard looked at the catfolk and sighed. They did seem a bit hostile right now. He pulled out his tokens and then pulled out Sen’s.

“You would stop a ritual that has long endured beyond your own religion and practices?” he asked. “Know your place.” He whirled the tokens around, and Paradise’s own song grew in volume. The wings of the catfolk began to fade, and they shrieked in terror. Sen looked on in surprise. Bard stopped and the catfolk hastily landed, looking even more hostile.

“Enough!” a voice resounded. The word repeated in the catfolk language. Bard paused and looked to the other side of the lake. Kihana stood there with other winged catfolk. Behind her, a strange and regal looking catfolk towered over the others. He had golden fur with long fur around his neck and head. It created a strange looking mane. What stood out even more was his strange and impressive wings on his back. This catfolk flew over and stood in-between them.

“A child of the forest?” he said as he looked at Sen. He then whirled and faced the catfolk who were on the island. “You fools. Children of the forest are always allowed on this ground. You dare!” He growled out. Bard heard the sloshing of water and looked back at Kihana.

“Bard. Is everything alright?” she asked as she quickly climbed up and greeted them.

“We’re fine. We came to have Sen receive a token and got stopped by these lot when I went to meet with Dawnseer Mansi,” Bard said.

“How dare you say her name!” a winged catfolk said as they began to charge at him.

“That is enough!” the large catfolk said as he intercepted and slammed the charger into the ground. “Sit! All of you!” he ordered in the catfolk language. There were a few who hesitated. Bard looked at Sen, who seemed bewildered by the whole thing.

“I know why you had her hide her hair, but…” Kihana spake softly. Bard groaned and then glanced at Sen. He gently grabbed her wrap that she had faithfully kept on.

“Sorry. I had hoped to keep you away from this,” he said. She shook her head and smiled.

“It’s alright,” she said as he helped her take the wrap off. Without the weight, her hair floated out. It was mostly green, but the tips still held a bit of white from winter.

There was a bit of a collective gasp from the catfolk on the island. Some others started to jump into the water as well. The large catfolk let out a terrifying roar and that stopped anyone from coming closer. Sen covered her ears and got close to Bard.

“But, seriously Bard. You didn’t think to have her purified first?” Kihana whispered in his ear and he felt his neck shrink. He was already aware of that.

“Just another day in paradise,” he chuckled, letting some of that discomfort leave. Kihana looked at him in surprise and then laughed.

“Indeed.”

While the large catfolk reprimanded the winged ones, those who were on the shore watched them with eager anticipation. Sen noticed their stares and stayed behind Kai and Bard.

“I’ll have my caravan and the others keep them at bay. Though it might be easier if I had something to draw them to instead,” Kihana said glumly.

“I have an answer to all of that,” Paradise said. Those on the island looked at him. “Because your presence has disturbed the peace and paradise of my island, the water will become painful to you. The air will become dangerous. I will personally make it so.” He sounded a bit smug about that. Bard snickered. He knew exactly what that meant. The catfolk looked on in shock.

“Lord Paradise, you can do that?” someone asked.

“Just test me,” he answered coldly. “I will allow you all to leave, but you may not come to the island until I say so.”

“But-” someone protested. The large catfolk stopped them and then bowed to the tree.

“As you decree. We will inform the others,” he said. He repeated the conversation to those who didn’t know the human tongue, and they also spoke up in what sounded like protests. Kihana let out a laugh.

“You always bring so much drama, Bard. It’s good to see things haven’t changed just because you became pledged to a Dryad.”

“It’s not like I wanted to!” Bard growled. He had tried to prevent most of this. If only he had thought about that stupid purification ritual earlier.

“Disperse!” the one Bard was guessing was a commander, the large maned one, commanded. The winged ones left the island and landed on the shore. Many came nearby and when they conversed with them, they let out cries of disappointment. It was stirring up quite the commotion.

“Daughter of the forest, my apologies for my subordinates,” the large commander said. He bowed, and Bard took note of his tassels and stripes on his arm bands and anklets. He was definitely a high ranked individual.

“Oh, Bard. This is Solarion: Kahdim, my father and leader of the Seraphos of the third sun,” Kihana said as she held out her hand towards the large winged catfolk.

“Solarion?” Sen said.

“That’s his title. Like a chief, or leader, I think humans would call it commander,” Kihana answered. Bard inwardly groaned. More title stuff. It was a pain to keep track of it all.

“The blessing of our god, Erasaphim be upon you. His light guiding your paths,” Kahdim said in greeting. “And once again, I apologize for their rash behavior towards you,” he said, deepening his bow.

Sen leaned more into Bard, and he gave her shoulder a squeeze. She looked up at him and he smiled.

“We accept your apology, Kahdim,” Bard said.

“I thank you,” he said, rising. His wings glowed as he took off and left the island.

“Well, I better get going soon… or perhaps. I should stay with you two, just to make sure, and to postpone the purification ritual until Sen is off the island.” Kihana said. Bard smiled at that. She was a fun and more relaxed catfolk to be around.

“We appreciate the offer, but I’ll leave it up to you,” Bard said.

“Then I think I’ll stay. I’ve wanted some uninterrupted time to soak up the sunlight before the ritual to get my wings,” Kihana said with relief. “If that’s alright with you, Elder Paradise, of course,” She said looking up at the palm tree.

“It is quite fine, Kihana. The suns hit the third palm the most. You know the spot,” Paradise said.

After Kihana thanked him, she left for this spot.

Bard looked out at the water and noticed it changed a bit from that shining clear water to a darker color of blue that was hard to see through. Now he was trapped here. Perhaps this is what Sen had felt.