10 The Black Knight

I could hardly believe my eyes. There's nothing more to this wonderful sight. Standing face to face with this majestic mane, I am this close to getting back my crest and going back home to Aelmere. And after the whips and hurtful words I received, I am going home today.

The dark horse stopped a few steps from me, standing tall in between the grandest trees. I stayed in place, hoping it won't gallop away. I looked around and said, "No horseman again today?".

I glanced at its sides, and noticed my crest. I felt so relieved, it's still hanging in there. When I moved closer to touch him, he moved back. I backed away a few steps, yet he came forth. Then I realized, the horse seemed like it wanted me to follow him.

"Come here", I lifted my hand and waved at him. He look so tough but I guest he is not what he seem. He slowly approached me and bit my sleeve pulling me away. It does want me to go somewhere.

The horse led me through the tall trees, and deep in the woods. We walked on a different pace at first, until his stride and my steps match the plod. "Where are we going?", as if he could tell me. "Is there something you want me to see?", I asked him.

As we go further, I can feel a presence with a fading light. Up ahead, there's this wounded knight. Under the rubble, he laid unconscious in his black armor. I asked the horse, "Is this what I came for?".

I looked up the rocky cliffside with dense green forest, thinking he must've fallen there. One more second, I'm certain that the pain he have, he won't no longer bear.

Removing his steel glove to feel his energy, I was dumbstruck to see his hands all grey and rock-solid… like cursed with some kind of sorcery. I knelt beside him and placed my palms on his chest, with a promise to heal him with all my best. The energy within him started to rise, until he was all healed and fine for another fight. "He's alright now, horse", I said as I rub my darkening fingers. I struggled to breathe a little, while the transfered pain lingers.

The knight's helm tipped up as he squirm a bit, revealing his thin, full, and bloody lips. I held his cheek as he groaned, "No more pain, Black Knight. You were saved by the horse".

Then, he leaned forward and pressed his lips on mine. I could taste blood from his warm lips. Why does it taste just fine?

I pushed him away with my rock-solid fist. I yelled, "Hey!!! That was my first kiss". This place is full of hateful people. I was saving that kiss for someone special.

I walked towards the dark horse with his head lowered. Did this horse just cowered? "I already healed your horseman. Now, can I have my crest back?", the horse snickered and seemed to oblige. Then, I took my crest from his side.

Not too long, I sensed someone coming. Somewhat, metals clinking, and horses galloping. When I checked the Black Knight, he is still down on the ground, as if he's sleeping. Maybe, they are looking for him.

Making my way out of the woods, I fled away as I should. I found a bed of tiny dandelions as I go straight ahead. Seeing the surroundings made my heart delighted. The birds were singing a wonderful song, and the trees were gracefully swaying to the dance of the wind for so long. Anywhere you look, there is a verdant meadow of tall grass and dandelions, smelling like honey, hay, rosemary and saffron.

I closed my eyes and spread my arms in the air as I walk, with the butterflies drifting in salk. I then remembered clearly why I have certain fondness of this place. Nether captured my heart because it is undeniably giving me a daze.

Not as simple as it is, living a hard life here is like vines climbing the largest trees. However, despite how damaging, belittling and hurtful the people here, I will always come back for the flowers and the.. kiss?

I stopped in the middle of the field and held my crest. I'm in so much zest, my heart could literally leap out of my chest. I took one piece of wildflower, tucked one behind my ear and another. Dancing under the blue sky, until I drop and lay. I guess it's time to end this one fine day.

I closed my eyes, and tried to see, the place I can soul travel freely. But then, I furrowed my brows and opened my eyes. My crest is not working to my surprise. I shut my eyes tightly to do it again. I looked at my crest, "Why is it not functioning?".

Breathing heavily as my heart beat fast, I kept asking myself. "What's happening?", staring at my crest. Time ticked fast and further, soul traveling is just getting harder. Should I just wait until I get summoned by mother?

Am I being played by destiny? How can I wake up from this anxiety?

The sky slowly turned from pink to blue, the sun sets down as my heart sink too. I stood up and brushed the hem of my dress. When I turn around, I found the Black Knight a mile away. I hid the crest behind my back, does he have something to say?

He come forth with his heavy armor, and his helm still intactly on. 'Does he recognize his healer?', I thought as the sky sets on its horizon. He stopped in the middle of the field, is there something more he wants after getting healed? His presence and energy seems so calm, warming and familiar. That kiss was short and sweet, but not that sensational.

I sensed someone coming as the sky started rumbling. A girl's voice from the woods can be heard echoing. Then, the Black Knight left with no words, walked out quietly with his dangling scabbard. A simple gratitude would be better. After being healed from a dark magic, is it that hard to be a go-getter?