Short Trip

         It had been ten long years since last he stepped upon the grounds of the ancient ruins. Looking up he gazed over the rising walls and cliffs of the mountain that the ruins rested against. Trees sprouted and grew out all over the towering land mass, a vivid contrast to the sprawling tundra that surrounded and spread out in all directions for miles. Because of the dense foliage covering its surface it had been aptly named Green Mountain almost a millennium ago, its age and beauty dating back longer than any kingdoms memory.
         With a heavy sigh the man moved on heading through the crumbling remains of a past long forgotten. Weathered but healthy hands gripped the rock and stone of the mountain, his feet helping them to carry him up the Green Mountain. A few stray tendrils of his hair wisped about in the whipping wind, the rest of his long blonde hair pulled back in a braid to keep it out of his eyes. Steel blue eyes scanned the rock face, his mind plotting and planning his next step and handle as he made his way up, the path to his destination seemingly changing with every new visit. The cold wind tossed his dark brown cape about, matching leather travel clothes rustling. The clothes kept his lithe yet muscular body arm, the winds chill still making him shiver from its contact. Precariously he made his way up the mountain, its foliage growing denser and denser. Trees of all shapes and sizes grew about him, from wintery pines to tropical ferns. Flowers, vines and a plethora of other plants filled the gaps.
The tall, slightly rugged yet handsome man listened to the birds, insects and other various animals that lived on the impossibly green mountain as he removed his cape. The higher he climbed the warmer it got, until it reached a cool yet warm balance. The weather as well, which had been sharp, cold, and bitter, had stabilized the winds gentle and comforting. The occasional sprinkle of soft rain washed over his face, refreshing and giving him new strength to continue even when his tired limbs ached and whined to him. As the sun began to move closer to the far off horizon he grew closer and closer to his destination.
         With the twinkle of the first star in the sky he pulled himself up onto the large shelf that had been carved out of the mountain. A soft vibrant sun set bathed him and his surroundings in the light of reds and violets. The man, now in his late thirties to early forties looked upon a small cozy home that was built into the cliff that rose at the back of the rock shelf. Large yet somewhat short oriental trees made up a courtyard, a circular shape that let positive energy flow and move freely. Crashing into a gorgeous pond that expanded over one side of the area was a small waterfall. It sat beside the large circular door into the mountain home, adding to the comfortable atmosphere. He moved forward looking over the beautiful intricate green details that lined the earthen door. With but a moments hesitation he lifted the worn silver knocker and let it rap on the light colored wooden door a few times before letting it lay back to rest, waiting patiently.
         He had to wait but only a few moments before the door swung back smoothly, almost effortlessly. Emerald Green eyes that shone like the goddess’s green skin appeared from behind the door. A warm, angelic, almost motherly smile followed. A soft delicate face formed around the eyes and smile, a woman’s face. Long curly tendrils of dark hair fell about her timeless features, a cute nose finishing off its looks. A lush curvy body materialized below, her shapely figure clothed in loose comfortable clothing. Soft, dark green material formed the tunic that covered her top, an ankle length black skirt clothing the lower half. Her feet were bare, as always, but showed no neglect or signs of wear.
         Her gentle, enchanting voice filled his ears as she spoke, “A beautiful evening is it not?” Her eyes had locked to his, never moving as she spoke.
         “Indeed…” The man responded, pausing briefly to look into her eyes in return before continuing, “It’s good to see you.”
          “A long time has passed since last I saw the light of both day and night fall upon you,” she spoke, her tone soft and welcoming, giving away her joy at seeing him. She let the door open completely stepping out a bit, her soft light skin bathed in the rising moons light.
         “Far too long I fear,” his mouth uttered, his eyes reflecting on a memory of long before.
         Soft chuckling was heard from her as she smiled even more, “Only if the time was spent in vain.” She motioned inside as she to the side, “Mmmm, but let us move to a soft seat and a warm cup of tea.”
         He smiled, nodding as he moved within, stopping just past the door to remove his boots and cloak. Eyes gazed over the old familiar interior. The small earthen home was made up of spherical rooms, each doorway and wall circular. Neatly placed dark green beams lined the rooms and entryways only adding to its comfort and coziness. She led him to an inner chamber, the room filled with cushy chairs and couches with a low round table used as the center of the room. He sat in one of the couches, her smile shining on him one last time before she moved into the kitchen.
         He looked around the room, spotting a few windows here and there. They over looked the view one would have of the outside, the portals pouring light into the room. There shouldn’t have been windows, the home built deep into the rock, yet there they were.
         The woman returned a moment later, two steaming cups of tea in hand. Before sitting she handed one to him, the soft fragrance of sweet herbs filling the room. She smiled to him as he gave a look of confusion to how fast she had made the tea.
         “I knew you were coming…” She replied to his expression. “The wind carries whispers of secrets and truths,” she said with a chuckle answering his thoughts.
         "I’ve come looking for advice…” he spoke softly after a long silence, looking into the dark reflection in his tea. “Lakarta is threatening war.”
         “So I’ve heard,” was her reply after a sip of tea. Her eyes gazed to his as she thought.
         “A peaceful nation they are not,” he sighed. “Blood and power seem to be their only interest.”
         “So hatred and rage still rule that nation?” Inquired the green eyed woman.
He nodded, taking a sip before continuing, “They’ve recently discovered many of the sciences and magics, arming them with more than angry words and sticks and stones.”
         Taking a deep breath she rose, setting her drink down before sitting next to him, an arm wrapping around his shoulder. “And how is Dream?” She asked referring to his kingdom.
         “Torn and weary… Half wish to fight them now before they grow in strength, and some wish not to partake in war, fearing the loss of the peace they’ve struggled so hard to achieve.” He spoke, drinking his tea thoughtfully.
         With a soft squeeze to his shoulder she spoke, “And you?”
         His gaze lowered to his tea once more before talking, “Battered, tired, and at my wits end…” He paused to take another sip before setting the cup down, cupping his face in his hands. “I feel that I have failed my people…”
         “I hardly think that you have failed your people,” was her firm response.
         “But out of peaceful trade talked the threat of war spawns. Tell me, how does that happen? We offered them more than favorable terms and conditions…” he let out with a heavy sigh.
         “They would not have been satisfied with anything less than all that your people and country could give I believe. Lakarta has always wanted more than they can handle and more than anyone can give.” She consoled, pausing to think. She spoke carefully, choosing her words with her next thought. “Perhaps a request of alliance with other neighboring states could be reached. And with it a…. strong enough force could be presented to halt Lakarta’s hastily behavior and convince them to reflect on wiser choices.”
         He looked out of one of the magical windows as he listened. His thoughts stopped with her last thought, looking to her as a new path of thoughts showed itself to him. His eyes locked to hers as his thoughts flowed thinking out new ideas thanks to her wise words.
         “That… that just might work…” he said his face lighting up softly as a smile spread across his lips.