14

'Noooor!!'

Huh? Who is speaking? I am really not in the mood right now.

I was in a completely different place, giving an impression that I have once again transported into another world. This time it was an orchard laden with red juicy apples. There a green grape vine entwining with black ones giving sweet fragrance. The grass beneath my bare feet felt soft and moist giving off a cooling sensation at my soles. It was bright sunny day with no clouds in the sky however it was neither hot nor cold just a little warm which was spreading its wings like a bird drying its feather after a heavy shower of cold rain. Saccharine smell of various fruits lingered in my nose. Someone tip toed behind me, hugging me in a welcoming embrace.

'I knew you would come to get me some day' It was a girl's high-pitched voice who was embracing my waist tightly.

I gazed at the young girl. She was a little different from what I saw her may be just a minute ago. Her hair was golden brown this time which were neatly set with jeweled hair pins. The eyes were clear amber and her face was rosy and soft. She looked every bit of a child that entity could never be and her ichor eyes were the brightest I have ever seen, brighter than even young master.

'What is it Lady' I said while looking at my surroundings. There were nine people behind her were of different regions of the world, dressed in white linen with gold embroidery at the corners giving the feeling that they were some scholars. They were smiling at us, looking a little relieved.

'Call me Delphi' the girl said while picking up a beautiful pink rose from the small garden at the center of the orchards. There were only pink roses there encircling the marble statue of Goddess Delphi. She looked youthful and modest in her linen gown adorned with laurel wreath on her crown. She was holding a lyre and a book in each hand representing both literature and culture however on her back there was a crossbow with arrows. Her hair was loosely tied at her nape giving her a sloppy appearance that was usually not made by the sculptures. Delphi was always made upright, serious and frowning. She was the Goddess of scholar with no crossbow or joy, with a severe expression as if scrutinizing things but the statue over here was relaxed and lovely. As if this was the true nature of the goddess, a ditzy and kind heated genius scholar who had a playful side to her.

'Are you the Goddess Delphi one of the founding ichors?' I asked the younger version of the goddess.

She smiled prettily as if her heart was blooming just like the roses. 'Yes, I am but don't be so serious! We are friends after all'

'So, am I dead? Heaven looks nice for sure' I said nervously as if I was speaking to the principal of my school.

'No, you are not. I wanted to meet you Noor. You are the only one who could liberate all of us.

Liberation …means death

'*Sigh* All the people I am meeting wants me to kill them.'

'Heh… Heh… Noor sure is busy huh. Let me tell you why though'

'Sure, now I want to know the reason. Young master is very secretive so I need to get information from other sources.' I said while putting my hand on my waist as if ready for any kind of situation.

'Young master? You mean that child? Delphi mumbled under her breath '..oh well just ask me any question .'

She knows young master but I do not want to ask about him. She won't tell me anyway.

'What is this Dreamless Town' I asked ready for a rapid-fire round.

'The fragment of my soul which is imprisoned by someone very powerful.'

'There is no remnant of Damocles there?'

'Huh? where did you get that idea from?' she asked me cluelessly.

DAMN YOU…. YOUNG MASTER!!! FOR MAKING ME LOOK LIKE AN IDIOT IN PRESENCE OF A DIETY!!

'Why were you captured there and by whom?'

'For my sin by my master. All the founding ichors were taught under the same master and we grew up like his own children. However, we were to follow some rules master set in stone known as the commandments. As we grew up, became independent and started to make our own countries. Like a young bird out of our cages finding everything new and interesting we defied our master and suffered from his wrath. Major remnants of our soul are now captured in various part of the continent burning in the inferno of resentment and pain, devouring any one who come in contact with us. For the people we are gods but in reality, we were reduced to nothing but mere vengeful spirits suffering from many thousands of years in this mirage we have created through our powers'

'Why did your master punish you in such brutal way? Was the crime so grave that it required such extreme treatment?'

'I don't know, I just loved someone.'

'Just loving someone caused you this much grief then why did you not ask for forgiveness. Maybe you would have not suffered so much?'

'I asked forgiveness but not for loving them but for not being with them. Not to master but to them because love can happen to anyone, there are no boundaries. Love itself is complex and nobody has ever understood its full meaning. What you feel is love and that is your definition. Master was angry at me and I decided to simply accept my punishment because if I would have asked for forgiveness, I may have been forgiven but my lover would forever be tormented. This is just how it is. When you will love someone Noor maybe you will understand it then.'

'How can I liberate you?' I asked with firm resolve.

'Heh... Heh' she smiled cutely in embarrassment; her eyes squeezed so much that they were not visible. It was a smile which was peaceful and playful, like daisies bobbing their heads up and down. Scratching her chin, she asked 'Will you show me your dance?'