Disclaimer and Notes
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The land was untouched, but beautiful in its bareness. An island in the cerulean, glass-calm ocean, temperate but without settlement. The sandy beaches gleamed whitely in the sunlight, unmarred by human footprints. An expanse of virgin wilderness, with pale sedges waving in the wind, led to dark, unexplored forest. So peaceful, so very peaceful. In the very center of the island, there was the greatest mystery.
When the light was just right, the tall, gleaming towers of a glorious castle could be seen. Sailors were superstitious about it. How did that castle get there, on an island so obviously uninhabited? No one wanted to explore the place, afraid that the mystical castle housed a sorcerer or sorceress, and that the one who had the audacity to explore the uncharted territory would disappear never to be seen again.
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In the cold, silver light of the moon, the waters of the surrounding ocean were suddenly whipped into storm by the wind. Icy ocean water splashed on the beach in torrents. In the castle in the distance, the towers were lit with light from within, and a slender silhouette could be seen from a narrow window in the highest tower. It was a woman, her clear brow furrowed in worry. The sea was going to send in something that would alter her life. Life! Her beautiful face became cynical for a moment. She had no life. Yes, she had everything she would ever need: unlimited resources, her private kingdom, peace, a knowledge of sorcery and the magical arts of healing, augery and conjuration. She had the intelligence of Pallas, the purity of Vesta, the graciousness of Ceres, and the majesty of Juno. Yet she was unhappy. She was alone. There was no one for her to share herself and her heart with. When she awoke this morning, she knew that something extraordinary was going to happen, but she did not know what, and she was not certain if she wanted to know.
She twirled a blue rose in her fingers, its light, cool aroma spreading on her slender hands, as she watched the sea intently. All of the sudden, the rose dropped from her fingers as a bolt of lightning forked its brilliant path from heaven to earth, illuminating a strange shape that, at that very moment, washed up on the beach. Startled, the lady of the tower looked at the shape. It was a man, clinging to a wooden board for dear life. His eyes were closed, and he did not stir. Frightened, the lady disappeared from the tower window, only to reappear on the beach a moment later with a silver lantern in her hand. Setting her light down, she inspected the castaway.
He looked about twenty-two, certainly no more than twenty-five, with a tall, lean frame, clad in tattered, sea-drenched clothing. His long, wavy hair was wet and tousled, but, the lady believed, would be blond and glossy as corn silk when it was dry. His face was fine-featured, masculine yet pure, extremely handsome, tanned by the sun, but not burnt, and he looked strong and wiry. The lady blushed for a moment at her wayward thoughts, then composed herself. She had to get the man out of the rain. Putting her small hand gently in his, she closed her eyes, and, with a glimmer of blue light, both disappeared.
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The next morning, the man awoke. Groggily, he looked around the room, unsure of where he was, and how he got there. He was lying in a four-poster bed covered with immaculate white linen and curtained with pale blue gossamer. The sunlight shone softly through the narrow casement, illuminating the room. The furnishings were simple but fine: a fine wedgewood porcelain basin and pitcher, both filled with water, sat on a teak stand inlaid with silver. A teak lady's escritoire stood at one window, scrubbed to a shine, two silver candlabras with new white tapers stood on it, and a matching carved teak chair stood straight- backed by his bed, with a fresh suit of clothing neatly folded over it. A pair of blue crushed velvet chairs stood at the other end of the room. The only sign of life was an azure rose dropped haphazardly on the floor by another casement opposite his bed, facing the now serene sea.
The man looked around, taking in the details of the room with his sharp green eyes. He got up, and looked at the tattered clothing which still hung on his frame. He tentatively changed into the fresh clothing left for him by his mysterious hostess, and found that they fit to a nicety. Then, he recalled how he got there.
He was Zoisite Acton, Lord Eisley, the captain of the Arabella Milvere. His crew, a gang of unruly, foolish sailors who had deserted the ship when one of them claimed to see the castle of "t'divilish i'land". Zoisite had heard of the place, evidently the island in the distance, of virgin wild, supposedly with some mysterious castle in which resided some horrible witch or wizard. Zoisite dismissed the notion as superstition. Nowhere had he ever heard of such creatures. As he had thought of the arrant foolishness of the mutineers, a tempest suddenly struck the sea, and the small craft had been tossed in the waves like it was made of twigs. Zoisite had tried to brave the storm, but to no avail, it was nighttime and the winds were too strong. As the ship split apart, he clung to a piece of the mast for dear life, and was tossed by the towering waves on the island's shore. The impact of the contact with land had rendered him unconscious, and when he awoke, he found himself in the room.
Slowly, he walked to the door, and found, to his surprise, that all the wounds he sustained in trying to steer the ship to safety had been healed. He was rejuvenated and clean. Trying to figure out what must have happened to him, Zoisite walked out of his room.
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When he started down the corridor, he heard a soft sound downstairs. It was the silvery sound of a harp or lyre. The haunting threnody of the sea wind and the wistful notes of the harp drew him on, and, as if in a trance, Zoisite followed the direction of the music, walking down the white marble staircase, down a long corridor, and into a sunlit hall.
In the corner sat a lady, dressed in a flowing gown of misty blue, with her back turned to him. Her bare arms waved in the air as her slender fingers flew over the strings of a silver harp. Her song came to a stop at the instant that Zoisite stepped into the room. Without turning her back she spoke to him, her voice like the sound of the sea on a calm day, soft, even, gentle, and in its own inexplicable way, slightly sad. "Have you been rested adequately, my lord?"
Zoisite, startled that she could have detected his presence, nodded as he took another look at her. She replied, "I am glad." as she slowly turned to face him.
She was slender and sylphlike, dressed in ice blue. Her alabaster skin was smooth and clear, much more natural and pure-looking than the ladies of his homeland, who blotted out any imperfections with paints and powders for their flawless cream complexions. Her hair, to his amazement, was blue, blue as the ocean, blue as sapphires, blue as delphiniums, as were her eyes, except they were a darker, deeper blue, clear as crystal with a pensive light. Her cheeks were slightly pink, and her lips were parted, the color of fresh strawberries. She was beautiful in a pure yet unearthly way, like an angel yet reminiscent of mermaids or naiads or sirens at the same time. Her coloring was suggestive of water and cold, but her countenance was kind and soulful.
The lady felt herself being gazed at by the man, and looked at him. He was much better looking now, awake and alert and purified. He was nearly a head taller than she, with broad shoulders. He was dressed in the garments that she had left him, his golden hair neatly tied back behind him. But it was his eyes that amazed her the most. They were green as leaves, green as emeralds, sharp and intelligent, yet, she noted, full of compassion and kindness. He smiled, a respectful, frank smile, and said in a low voice, "My Lady, thank you for your kindness and charity, and for saving my life. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Zoisite Acton, Lord Eisley, the captain of the Arabella Milvere. May I know who my fair hostess may be?"
"I am Ami." the lady replied. No surnames, titles or other identifying words accompanied her name.
"It is an honor, Lady Ami. May I enquire what is this place called?"
"This is the isle of Ecalpon, and this castle is called Mysteyse. And please, call me Ami, Lord Eisley.
"Then, call me Zoisite."
"Well, then, Zoisite, will you have some repast?"
Zoisite nodded. "Thank you for your kindness, lady."
"Ami." Ami said as she led him to another hall, where a dining table stood, and a plate of steaming food was set. Ami waved Zoisite into the seat, and sat down opposite him, watching silently as he ate with relish.
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Zoisite finished breakfast, and started to converse with Ami. She found out that he was the only son of a wealthy man, but orphaned at age 17. He was provided for by his father's will, and, being a profound scholar and excellent warrior, was knighted and made a lord by the king. However, two years ago, at age 22, he decided to explore new worlds, preferring pioneering to the peaceful life he had. In fact, he was lonesome and bored living alone, and wanted to see something new. He was headed towards the fabled lands of the Orient on his ship when his crew abandoned the ship at the sight of her island, stricken with fear by superstitions. "They created a mutiny as soon as they caught a sight of this castle. They believed that a wizard lived here, since only such magical persons could create a palace in the midst of this island without destroying the land's verdure." He concluded.
Ami looked at him wryly, "They were somewhat justified. I am learned in those arts that they are so frightened of, but I mean no harm. You see, there are two types of sorcery: black magic and white magic. Black magic is the magic of evil, founded on evil desires: alchemy, curses, trickery, poisonous potions. I agree that anyone who practices such wickedness should be punished, but I do naught but white magic: the arts of healing, spells for good luck and love, the pure conjurations, and blessings. I used my powers to build this castle so that I would not damage the livelihoods of the creatures who were here at this isle before my advent."
"Ah, so you arrived here, like me. How did you come?"
Ami averted her gaze from his curious gaze, and did not answer him. He was too much of a gentleman to pry, and decided to change the topic. "So, Ami, how old are you?"
Ami looked at his quizzically, but saw that he had no ulterior motives in his eyes. "I have 21 years." She replied softly. "Four of which were spent here in solitude."
Now it was Zoisite's turn to wonder. "So, you moved to this place when you were 17. Is that so?" Ami nodded. He continued, "I have traveled to many a nation of the world, but I have never seen the likes of you, Ami. From whence did you come?"
Ami looked at him in surprise and sadness. "I am sorry, Zoisite, but I cannot tell you, not at this time." Having finished, she gave him a last glance before leaving the room, her eyes still shadowed with sorrow. Zoisite's eyes followed her down the hall, and in his heart, he made a silent promise. Before he left, whenever that was, he would make the beautiful, blue-eyed Ami smile.
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Zoisite walked about Mysteyse, exploring the home of his contemplative hostess. The castle was not very large, but more than big enough for a solitary woman. The ballroom was empty and unused, but the library was very elaborate and well-stocked. Zoisite looked around him with delight. The bookshelves were filled to overflowing, with anything from ponderous old volumes with embossed titles of golden script and leather covers, containing classic tales, to thick, well-thumbed scientific journals of biologic science, chemistry, physical and metaphysical sciences, healing, the mantic arts and predictions, and the books of spells, written in a language consisting of feathery curlicues that Zoisite could not understand.
He suddenly heard that gentle, lilting voice, the wistful tones of Ami. She was talking, having a philosophical discussion with someone. "Aquagelida, it is said that the meaning of life is not in what is transitory, what do you believe?"
Another voice was heard, sounding just like the tinkling of ice or the flowing of water, pleasant but not half as musical as that of Ami, in Zoisite's mind, replied, "I know not, lady, the lives of spirits are so unlike those of thou people. Most of us have but the sole wish to be substantial and tangible like thou art in thy kingdom come. However, it is not uncommon for the spirits more ambitious than others to pursue knowledge or skills. It is hard to say for those sans emotion."
Zoisite's handsome face was full of astonishment. Who was this second entity in the castle? He strode toward the sound, and soon saw Ami seated on a blue velvet chaise lounge, with a book opened on her lap. There was no one with her. Ami looked over her shoulder and saw Zoisite with a confused look on his face. "Greetings, Zoisite."
"Good day, Ami. I thought I heard someone talking here, so I came over. Is that all right?"
"Oh, it is perfectly all right. It was just Aquagelida and I."
"Aquagelida?"
"My spirit guardian, the spirit of ice and water." Ami explained. "Dear Aquagelida, please show yourself anon."
Gradually, a shape started to materialize at Ami's side, and became a misty woman, icicles and snowflakes frosting her wet black hair. Her face was a pale, peaked oval, with ice-blue eyes and lips. She was shrouded in what looked like ripples of water. Zoisite smiled as he realized the meaning of her name: the spirit's name was what she was the embodiment of: Water-Ice. He bowed over the spirit's hand, but when he touched her, he found that she was without any substance, his hand could go through hers like it was air, only ending a little damp. Aquagelida gave him a thoughtful look, and smiled. "It is a pleasure not thought of to meet thee, Zoisite."
"The pleasure is all mine, I assure you." Zoisite replied, glancing at Ami. Aquagelida nodded and said to her mistress, "Lady Ami, I take my leave of thee at this time, it will be past the next hour of Aurore when next I see thy face. Fare thee well." And with that, she disappeared.
"I am very sorry that I disturbed your conversation, Ami." Zoisite said to the lady next to him. Ami shrugged slightly.
"It is all right."
"What role does Aquagelida play in your life, Ami?"
"She was my maidservant, my confidante, before I came here. I took her with me. But she is but a spirit, not endowed with heart, soul or ambition. Her company is good for mental stimulation and discussion, but nevertheless I feel lonely here."
Zoisite looked at Ami and understood. "I think I know what you feel, Ami. You have everything you need to live, except one: a worthy companion. You want companionship, you want a friend. And your desire is understandable. I was lonely, too, but I do not think that I am as lonely as you. But, if you please, may I ask a question? Why did you remain here if it gives you such sorrow?"
Ami looked at him, silent, then, sighed, "I had to escape. This was the only way. It was this, or certain death."
Zoisite's eyes widened, then, with a forwardness very uncharacteristic of him, took Ami's cool hands in his own and sat her down on the couch. "Ami, please tell me."
Ami was held by his gaze, so full of care and compassion that she felt warmed by it. Softly, she began her story.
* * * * Ami's story * * * *
"I was born to the royal family of Hydrona, the only daughter of King Nere and Queen Aquala: Princess Inverna Merline Aimee. Of course, that name was too long for convenience, so everyone in our court called me Aimee. I was very happy as a child, with doting yet disciplined parents, who taught me the importance of knowledge and kindness, of justice and truth, of compassion and equality. However, besides my parents and my maidservant Aquagelida, I had no true friends. But in those days, their company was enough for me.
Then, when I reached age 15, lords and princes of other kingdoms began to vie for my hand. I did not like any of them: all of them had more interest in my station, money and beauty than in me. At first, I just refused them, and it was not too bad, but then, another suitor came.
When he first came, I thought that he would just be like the others. He was Prince Etah of Malevil. He was handsome, yes, but in a sinister sort of way with slick black hair and narrow red eyes, tall and towering. He was courteous to me, but he always seemed so cold: not the beautiful cold of ice, but evilly cold. Well, he underestimated me, when he monopolized my time and space. It was only a short time before I realized that my suspicions were right. He WAS evil. He had been possessed by an evil spirit, and the strength of the evil spirit fluctuated with the tides every day.
One day, at high tide in the evening, he did something unforgivable: he stalked into my private chamber at night, and tried to...to have his way with me. Of course, I resisted, and he never was able to accomplish his heinous deed before my parents and the guards came to my rescue. But he was so strong, and when he saw that I had backups, he summoned his minions as well, and there was a fierce battle. My beloved homeland was destroyed, and my parents both cruelly killed, but not before him and his evil henchmen were obliterated. I was alone in the world, with no one but Aquagelida at my side. The citizens of my kingdom were furious at the destruction caused by the Malevilians, and blamed it on me, saying that had I not piqued the interest of Prince Etah, none of it would have happened. It was no longer safe for me to stay there, and therefore, along with Aquagelida, I fled, taking on the name Ami. A-M-I are my initials reversed, and beside, it was reminiscent of my pet name Aimee. Well, to make this long story short, after I left, the peasants of Hydrona seized power, and renamed it the kingdom of Atlantis. However, they were wicked, and soon, the kingdom vanished from the face of Earth, hence the legend of lost Atlantis."
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Zoisite looked at Ami in amazement. He looked into her eyes, and saw that she was telling the truth. Immediately, he dropped to one knee. "I beg your pardon for my rudeness, princess."
Now it was Ami's turn to be surprised. "Why, Zoisite, I am no longer a princess. I am Ami. Princess Inverna Merline Aimee was mortally injured in her soul when her parents died, and her spirit left her when her beloved kingdom collapsed. I see now that it was selfish and cowardly to have fled, but now, it is too late." Twin tears rolled down her soft cheeks.
Zoisite became frantic. Unaware of what he was doing, he grabbed both of her hands and clutched them to his heart. "Ami, princess, NEVER EVER AGAIN say something like that! Why, in my homeland, the women would not even have the spirit to resist a ravisher like you did! Also, you were very brave to take me into your home, when you knew nothing of me. It was an act of pure charity on your part, and for that, I am indebted to you. You certainly could have left me to die on the beach of starvation or be drowned. You are no coward, do you hear me? You are brave, you are beautiful, you are wonderful, do you hear me? DO YOU HEAR ME, Ami?!" Then, after his vehement speech, he suddenly noticed that his hands still clasped Ami's, and that her face was turning pale and red by turns. Blushing with mortification, he hastily apologized before dashing off, cursing himself for being so gauche, wholly unaware that Ami was staring after him, her eyes wide, before a small, fleeting smile touched her lips. But it was there only for a moment. Then, her face was serene and meditative again.
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Zoisite ran, in mortification, to the outdoors. All of the sudden, he felt a sensation of cold. He swiveled his head to see Aquagelida at his side, a secretive smile on her face. "Art thou surprised to see me, Zoisite?"
Zoisite nodded, staring at the shape-shifting spirit. "I may not have a soul of my own, but as a spirit, it is not hard to see that of those who are of substance. I know the heart of my lady, and now, I can see thine as well." The spirit said matter-of-factly. At Zoisite's look of alarm, Aquagelida grinned. "Worry not, Zoisite. My lady is not heartless. Though she was born to the folk of ice and water, her soul is true and deep, and her heart is warm. When her hurt hath passed, all shalt be well." Aquagelida said, before disappearing into thin air. Zoisite looked around him as he pondered her words of encouragement, then resolutely walked back to the castle.
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He heard the sound of Ami's harp when he entered, and followed it to find her in the front hall, singing softly her haunting song as her white hands flew over the harp strings. She stopped when Zoisite came in.
"No, don't stop, Ami, I wish to hear you, if you please." Zoisite said to her. Ami nodded silently and started to sing again:
"Where do I begin to tell the story of how great a love can be? The sweet love story that is older than the sea, the simple truth about the love he brings to me. Where do I start? With his first hello, he gave a meaning to this empty world of mine. There'd never been another love, another time. He came into my life and made the living fine. He fills my heart. He fills my soul with very special things, with angel songs, with wild imaginings, he fills my soul with so much love that anywhere I go, I'm never lonely, with him along, who could be lonely? I reach for his hand, it's always there. How long does it last? Can love be measured by the hours in a day? I have no answer now but this much I can say, I know I'll need him til the stars all burn away, and he'll be there."
Ami finished her song, the last note lingering softly like a snowflake in the still, cool night air. Zoisite was silent, speechless for a few seconds before breaking into soft applause. "That was beautiful, Ami. You are quite the talented lady."
Ami blushed slightly. "Thank you, Zoisite. What would you have me do for you now?"
"You are welcome, but you need not concern yourself for my sake, it is enough just to be in your gracious company." Zoisite answered warmly. The blush on Ami's cheeks deepened. Zoisite decided to take the chance.
"Ami, I wish to apologize for my uncouth behavior this morning. It was uncalled for, and I should not have gotten --- carried away." He said to Ami, his voice full of sincerity.
"It is all right, Zoisite. I should not have burdened you with my life. You did not have to be a listening post to me just because I took you in." Ami said, equally sincere.
"Oh, NO." Zoisite said, his voice again vehement. "Your charity was not the reason that I behaved as I did. You are a very special woman, Ami, and not just for your kindness and altruism, although it is extremely admirable."
"Thank you." Ami said, uncertain of what he meant precisely, looking at his handsome face with cautious, clear blue eyes. Zoisite's intense green gaze held hers as securely as his hands had held hers that morning.
"Anything for you, Ami." Zoisite said. Then, he smiled at her, and gave a deep bow. "My life is in your hand, princess."
His mock serious tone of voice and goofy grin was so infectious, soon, Ami found herself smiling back. Zoisite's heart was exultant. Ami gave him an appraising look and asked curiously, "Why are you so happy all of the sudden?"
Zoisite looked at her deeply in the eyes, "Because I made you smile." He said honestly. "It brings me joy to see you happy, Ami."
Ami was touched by his words, but even more by the honesty she sensed in him when he said those words. They stood thus, smiling at each other, when Ami suddenly broke the spell. Her beautiful blue eyes held a remnant of panic, and she hurriedly put her harp away. "It is late, it is time to go to bed." She said nervously. "Come." She said over her shoulder as she dashed up the stairs. Zoisite, snapped out of his reverie, followed her up the stairs.
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Zoisite awoke to sounds of whimpering and moaning. Ami had insisted he take her room again, and she had gone out, to goodness knew where. Zoisite lit a candle and looked around. It was still dark, about four hours before dawn. He heard the sounds of sadness again, and decided to follow it.
He walked out of his room and entered the one adjacent. In it, he saw Ami, asleep on a small bed. She was in a state of deep sleep, but seemed to be having a nightmare. Her brow was furrowed and glistened with sweat. Her covers had been thrown to the foot of the bed as she tossed and turned. As he watched, she started to moan, "No! Mother! Not you, too! Mother! Father!" in the most dejected, doleful tones that could be imagined. Zoisite felt his heart wrench as she uttered those tragic words in her sleep, and almost snapped in two when tears started to flow down her cheeks, leaving faint silver tracks down her beautiful face.
Zoisite came to a decision. He just could not stand watching her cry in her sleep, and he walked up to her. He sat down on the bed right next to her and gently lifted the covers back up to her chin as he whispered, "Hush, Ami, princess, go to sleep." as he gently wiped her pale brow with his handkerchief. Suddenly, Ami rolled over, right into his arms. Surprised, Zoisite looked at the young woman who had burrowed herself into his lap, and, unsure of what to do, he gently stroked her hair. Gradually, she calmed, and the tension left her body. In the dim candlelight, Zoisite could see her smile, her nightmares gone. She was exquisitely beautiful when that shy smile flitted across her rosy lips, and with a pang, Zoisite realized that he loved her, worshipped her, cherished her more than his own life, more than anything else in the world. He wanted to stay there, to protect her from the demons both without and within, but he knew that he could not, did not have a right to do so. Remaining just long enough to make sure she would be all right for the rest of the night, he planted a soft, tender kiss on the place where her hairline met her forehead, and then left her in a peaceful slumber for the remainder of the night.
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Ami awoke feeling refreshed. She was perplexed, though. She remembered mistily that she was having a nightmare, and overwhelmed with sadness, when all of the sudden, she felt a wave of love wash over her, of someone protecting her from all that threatened her, of someone whose very presence calmed her. It was very strange, but she actually remembered feeling such a benevolent presence in the room, but it couldn't be. Aquagelida was loyal and kind to her, but since she was a spirit, she had no emotion. Then, what could it possibly have been? A bell suddenly rang in her head. Zoisite!
She went downstairs. It was just dawn, but he was awake, looking out at the sunrise. Suddenly and unexplicably shy, Ami halted hesistantly at the door. Zoisite turned and saw her. "Good morning, Ami."
"Good morning." Ami replied. "Have you slept well?"
"Yes, thank you." Zoisite answered. Ami gave him a thoughtful look.
"Zoisite, may I ask you a question?"
"Of course."
"Were you the one who comforted me while I was asleep last night?" Ami asked directly.
"Yes." Zoisite said honestly. "You were crying in your sleep, and it woke me up. I went to see if something was wrong, and you seemed to be having a nightmare. So I stayed with you for a while to make sure you could go to sleep. If I had upset you in any way, I apologize."
"There is no need. I thank you for helping me." Ami said sincerely to him. "It was very kind of you."
"Well, princess, you know that I'd do anything for you." Zoisite said, his tone light but his eyes serious. Ami blushed, apprehensive and uncertain. Noting her discomfiture, Zoisite said, "Let us go outside today. It is such a beautiful day, it would be a shame to spend it indoors all day. Let us have a picnic."
Smiling, Ami agreed. After conjuring up a basketful of food, she took his offered hand, and, laughing like children, they went out of the castle and headed for the prairies.
When they arrived, Zoisite looked around and gasped in awe. The prairie was covered with silken mint-green sedge, with windblown wildflowers: fragrant violets and lavender, golden buttercups, scarlet poppies, delicate daisies. Ami had changed from her satin gown into a simple white print dress with a pattern of tiny blue asters with green leaves. Closing her eyes, Ami conjured up a blue blanket, and together, they sat down and started the picnic.
Zoisite opened up the basket to find sandwiches, fruits, chocolate cake and lemonade. Taking out the food items one by one, he handed some to Ami and kept some for himself. Laughing and talking, they did justice to the picnic, a pair of beautiful young people secretly in love.
After finishing all the food, Ami said to Zoisite, "All right. I cannot eat another bite. Let us explore. But first, let us change form." With a snap of her fingers, she changed the two of them into a pair of milk-white doves. It was amazing, but both of them looked just like doves from nature, and instead of human speech, both spoke in coos. Yet, they could understand each other and other doves perfectly.
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Zoisite was supremely happy. Flying was an incredible sensation, and by his side, Ami flew, also with a light heart. They flew through the forest, and Zoisite learned things that he never thought possible for a human to know. But then, he was a dove at that moment, not a human.
"This is why the wilderness of this island was kept unmarked by human feet." Ami was saying. "It is much easier to find out and explore when one does not look suspicious."
Zoisite could not but agree to the logic of her words. "You know, Ami, you are brilliant."
Ami seemed to blush. "Thank you." They continued to explore the wild, with Ami pointing out the various beauties of the forest and plain. They saw a gurgling brook, bluebells in bloom, cavorting butterflies, heard to the busy chatter of querulous squirrels, the incessant pecking of a woodpecker, the song of the lonely lark and the humming buzz of bumblebees. Never had Zoisite been so amazed at nature's beauty.
All of the sudden, Ami felt a shadow over them. She looked up and gave a gasp of horror. Heading straight for them was a hawk, talons extended. Quick as a bullet, the hawk dove for Zoisite, and caught him in its claws. The cruel talons pierced his skin, and blood dripped from the wounds. Frantically, Ami changed back to a human, and, tears gushing from her clear cerulean eyes, she called upon her powers and aimed a column of icy water at the hawk. The bird of prey was hit by the deluge, and, frightened out of its feathers almost, it let go of its catch. Ami caught the injured dove in her hands and gently set it on the ground, her tears falling down like rain and streaking her pale face. With a snap of her fingers, Zoisite returned to his human form, his immaculate linen shirt stained with blood, and his breathing labored. But he managed to open his eyes, and looked up to see Ami's lovely face, crying for him. She was cradling his head in her lap, and his body hurt all over with a searing pain that grew more and more intense with each ragged breath. Wincing all the while, he lifted a nerveless hand to stroke her cheek gently, wiping away a tear. "Do not cry, sweet Ami, I want to see you smile one last time..."
"No! Zoisite! Don't say that! Don't you thing such things! You will not die, you can't die, not when I love you so!" Ami gasped out between sobs.
Now it was Zoisite's turn to shed tears. "Oh my princess, my sweet Ami, I love you too. Do not cry. I want to see you smile once more before I d---"
He never got the last word out, for Ami, who had gently lowered him to the ground, had, with unprecedented boldness and passion, covered his pale lips with her own when he was on the verge of that word with a kiss. She sent a wave of healing energy from her own body, closing his wounds and easing his pain. A shimmering blue glow filled the forest glade as Ami transferred her energy from her body to his.
Zoisite felt a cool, calming energy coursing like quicksilver through his veins. The excruciating pain that he had felt at his sides gradually faded away. He was amazed. His angel, his princess, his naiad actually healed those wounds with a kiss! Was there anything she could not do? His surprise turned to dismay in a moment, though, when he saw that she was unconscious, her face pale as snow, her pulse faint. Then, it struck him.
"AAAAAMIIII! How could you be so heartless?!" He howled to the heavens, his voice laden with an anguish from the very core of his soul. "Don't you know that if you die, I would die, too? You said that you loved me, then, how could you be so merciless? HOW COULD YOU DOOM ME TO DIE OF HEARTBREAK?! WHY did you do it?! Why, Why, WHY?!" Holding her precious form as close to him as possible, he tried to will some life back into her.
All of the sudden, he heard a whirring sound behind him. He looked over his shoulder, still clasping the lifeless Ami in his arms, and saw Aquagelida. The spirit floated over to her lady, and peered closely at Ami, nestled in her lover's arms. After a while, she gave Zoisite a reassuring smile.
"Worry not, Zoisite. Mine lady Ami, thy love, shalt in time recover the energy which she used to heal thy wounds. However, we must anon to Mysteyse. Do you clasp her close, and close thy eyes." Zoisite, sighing in relief that Ami would live, did as Aquagelida requested. He felt a gust of wind swirling around him, then opened his eyes to find the two of them at the gate of the castle. He quickly entered, and carried Ami to her room. After he laid her down on her bed he took a towel and doused it with water, and tenderly wiped her face clean. He then sat down on the chair by her bed and kept watch on her.
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Ami did not awaken until moonrise. When she opened her groggy eyes, she saw Zoisite sitting by her bed, dozing lightly. She pulled herself gingerly to a sitting position as she started to recall what had happened.
The rustling covers awoke Zoisite, and when he opened his eyes, he saw Ami looking at him with star-lit blue eyes. For a moment, neither moved, then, Ami burrowed tightly into his arms, and they held each other fiercely. Zoisite, holding Ami protectively, planted countless kisses on the top of her head while whispering into her hair, "Never, never, NEVER scare me like that again! Never! NEVER!!" Ami smiled through her tears and lifted her head up from his chest to meet his eyes. "Look who is talking, Zoisite! Who was the scoundrel who scared me and said that he was going to die? Let us make an agreement: I will never do that again if you promise never to scare me like that again. All right, love?"
"Anything for you, my sweet. Princess Inverna Merline Aimee ---Ami--- I love you." Zoisite said, and lowered his lips to hers for a short, sweet kiss before smiling into his beloved's brilliant blue eyes. "We still have to finish our day of joy, do we not, love?"
Ami nodded, but frowned. "It is too late for a picnic, though. The moon has already risen." Zoisite shrugged.
"We shall have a ball, then." Taking Ami's hand in his own, he led her downstairs to the ballroom, where, by the work of the beaming Aquagelida, the room was lit dimly and romantically with candles in crystal candleholders. The rich, resonant notes of violins could be heard, playing a waltz. Ami, a smile of joy on her face, whirled about in the ballroom, and the rustic garb she wore transformed into a silk gown before Zoisite's eyes: a long, lovely powder blue satin dress with thin straps and a fitted bodice, with swishing skirts and lacy white gloves. Zoisite's bloodstained shirt was also replaced by a clean white one. He gave a low bow, as Ami gave a fluid, graceful curtsey, and they started to dance.
As they twirled around the ballroom, their raiment altered again, with Ami's dress becoming white as snow, frosted with silvery lace, and her head was covered with a misty white veil and wreathed with a garland of white lilies and blue roses. Zoisite's coat became the color of cream, and a blue rose appeared in the buttonhole. Two matching platinum rings jeweled with sparkling sapphires and diamonds appeared on both their fingers. Thus clad, they danced the night away, finding in the lovelight of each other's eyes the true meaning of life, the answer to the riddle that philosophers had been trying to solve for eons: a reflection of what really lasts to eternity and beyond.
~Fin~
