Chapter 13: Walk Through The Gardens

Walking down the street I hear Snow a young tan woman with white hair down to her waist, calls out to me, "Espiana hurry up."

I smile at her as I run to meet up with her, her light blue dress twirls around with her. The scent of carnelians fills the air. After catching up to her, the subtle hint of lavender joins in with the smell of carnelian.

Side by side we walk in the still darkness. Only the light from her dim flashlight to guide us down the path. She catches sight of so.e jasmine. "Ain't it wonderful how we can enjoy the beauty of nature in this garden together?" She whispers.

I laugh, "Made all the better with you."

She giggles as a luna moth flutters by. With a smile we watches the moth lands on the flower. She looks at me and winks, "These walks through the garden are always more enjoyable with you by my side."

My cheeks flush red and I grab her hand, "As long as we have each other what does it matter, what we do. It will always be a joy."

She turns her face away and giggles. Wrapping her fingers around mine, she continues to lead the way. The crickets chirp and we smile as we walk through the garden.

We had just finished a difficult fight in the game Demon Crusades. As after we killed a boss in a dungeon, thousands of other players came to take the rewards from us. We managed to kill then all and get to our base.

After difficult fights we tend to walk through the gardens. It helps calm our minds. "Stop that and enjoy the moment."

I laugh as I watch the owls above head illuminated by the stars above. I see a feather fall down. I reach and grab it.

Snow laughs patting my shoulder. I put the feather into my pocket and we continue down to the lake. Looking at the reflection off the moon of the lake I sit down.

She sits down next to me. As she sits I lean my head on to her shoulder. She rests her head on top of mine. I wrap my arm around her. She does the same.

Smiling, we watch as the dragonflies briefly touch the water surface. The cool breeze of the night brings over the smell of peaches. She stands up and grabs my hand.

We walk over to the peach trees. I climb up and pluck two from the tree. I toss one to her and jump down. She catches me in her arms.

I smile and we start to eat the peaches. The sweet juice trickles down my face. She hands me a piece of cloth. The soft wool cloth soaks up the juice. I tuck it into my pocket.

With a bright smile that illuminates the path she hugs me. I hug her back. The soft and thin hair of hers slips through my fingers.

She undoes my ponytail and my red wine hair falls mostly behind me with some falling in front of my eyes. She brushes my hair to the side and giggles. 

Without a word she turns around and sprints. I run to catch up and shortly we are before the rose bushes with the buzzing bees. She stops in front of them. Before I run into her I jump and flip. 

She laughs, "I always enjoyed seeing you flip over the top of me."

I laugh, "And I always fall for that trick of yours."

She reaches down and plucks a rose. She carefully places it into my hair. I smile and carefully place a rose into her hair.

We laugh and watch as fireflies gather around. Watching their light show we smile and walk further down. We walk and make it to a small stream. Through the clear water we can see the fish swimming. 

Next to the small stream we see a small black and white cat. We walk over to the cat. She picks it up. It starts to purr.

I reach over and give it a scratch. After a minute it goes to hit my hand. I laugh and pull my hand away. After letting the cat Snow puts it down and it runs away. 

Smiling, we walk further down and the cherry blossoms are falling from the wind. She takes a speaker out and plays some music.

As the cherry blossoms fall she grabs my waist with her other hand. With the music playing a soft melody we start to slow dance.

"Espiana, can you promise me something?" She whispers with a somber tone.

"Don't make it sound like you'll die soon," I respond with tears starting to form.

"Have a fantastic life. Don't let my death slow you down. If reincarnation is true do make sure to come find me if it is at all possible," she let's go of me.

I nod, "I promise. But you are healthy."

"Espiana we might have won this fight. But the war is lost. They've already located me," she looks down.

"Then we fight together like always," I stand behind her.

"No one of us has to continue," she replies.

"Then we can go underground. Go somewhere where they can't find us," I cry.

"They've already started to block off any escape for me," she holds my hand, "Don't you go get yourself killed. My family sold me out."

Returning to the present a guard hits my shoulder. I turn and punch him. Sending him flying. A tall well dressed man says, "Most be a reincarnation."

"In a way. Just got surprised by that hit," I reply unclenching my fist.

"Memories from your previous life I take it?" He asks.

"Memories with a friend from there. Since reincarnation exists. I have to try and keep my promise. But who knows where she could have reincarnated," I sigh looking down.

"Welcome to my mansion. I am Randalin," he offers a handshake. 

I shake his hand, "I'm Espiana."

"Let's go inside and talk," he gestures for me to enter.