The Guardian's Lair

Part Four

Lillie could see the Guardian's Lair emerge from the fog and shadows. The long walk down the narrow path was dreary. She was relieved to be at their destination.  As they were getting closer to the lair the atmosphere started to change. Everything was brighter, fresher.  Lillie started to see colorful flowers scattered on the ground. A lush green carpet began to surround them. Butterflies, dragonflies, and fat bumble bees were busy. They going from flower to flower pollinating them each in turn.

"This place is different. Are we still in the Shadow Realm?"

"Yes little Lillie. We have made it to the grounds surrounding the lair."

"It is prettier here. I thought the Shadow Realm would only be shadows."

"For the most part it is. The Guardian's Lair and grounds are spelled to keep the darkness at bay. Darkness will always creep towards the light Lillie, hanging on its skirt. It will consume everything it comes across."

Lillie thought about what Mirra said. She continued to examine her surroundings. The lair that was now in full view. It was illuminated and erected in the center of the beautiful gardens. Standing tall the smooth white marble reflected as much light as it could muster. It was like a beacon in the dark shadows. The columns, shutters, and trim were done in gold. They sparkled in the light. 

The gardens stretched around the lair and seemed to make a particular pattern, but she could not quite figure out what it was. Lillie and the cat ascended the steps to the massive double doors. They created a beautiful entrance to this magnificent place. The doors had detailed scenery of a marsh engraved in them.

They were at the top of the stairs facing the doors when Lillie realized she had not seen another being since they left the gravling and Vaeron back in the temple. I wonder if this is for the best or not. Why am I following this cat anyway. This place is strange and I know nothing about it, especially the mysterious cat. Mirra has helped me though and everything else has attacked me. What do I do? 

"Mirra, are there a lot of guardians?"

"There are more of us than you would think but most of them are out doing their job to help contain Vaeron."

"Are they all cats like you?"

Mirra laughed, "Why no silly girl, this is merely the form I have chosen."

"The form you chose. Does that mean I can change too?"

"Maybe one day Lillie, maybe one day," Mirra chuckled and lead Lillie through the massive doors into the Guardian's Lair. The foyer was beautiful. It was made from the same white marble as the outside. Everything in here was trimmed in gold also, but the interesting thing was in front of Lillie. 

A floor to ceiling tapestry hung at the top of the grande staircase. 

It was made of the finest silk and embroidered with silk threads. It depicted one of the most moving scenes one could imagine. A young woman giving her heart and soul to protect all the ones she loved. It was the most unselfish, untainted, self sacrifices.

Lillie stared in awe. She had never been drawn to something in such away before. It made her chest ache like it was missing something. What is this feeling? Why does this scene catch my breath? Why does it cause me such pain? Is this how they imprisoned Vaeron all those years ago? It has to be. Lillie wanted to ask a million questions but the cat had already started to slink away. She trotted up the stairs and headed down the left wing.

Lillie hurried after Mirra. She did not want to get lost. After a few dozen entrances Mirra turned down another corridor. Everything looked the same to Lillie. White marble walls bounced light all around them. Every adornment and decoration in the lair was gold. Everything glimmered in the light. When Mirra darted through one of the doorways Lillie almost missed the turn. This room was different. It was filled with books laying every which way. They were stacked vertically, lined horizontally, and crammed into every nook and cranny.

"Verra? Oh Verra? Where are you?" the cat cooed.

"Is that you Mirra? I have been worried all night!" A voice came from the book maze.

"Yes it is. Where are you Verra? I do not see you anywhere."

"I am looking for a particular volume. Hmmm... AH! Here it is!"

A slender but beautiful vixen stepped out from behind one of the taller piles of books. Lillie could not believe it but she walked on two feet! Her fur was orange red with tufts of white on her cheeks and chest. She had blacked tipped ears and a black nose. The fox looked peculiar carrying a book and wearing reading glasses. She wore an unadorned white sundress tied at the waist.

"And who is this Mirra?"

"Please, excuse me Verra. This is Lillie. She came to us in the middle of the night. I found her at the temple I went to investigate. The one that set off all the alarms. You will not believe what she has summoned. It is the Phoenix Staff of Rebirth!" Mirra smiled wildly. "Show it to her Lillie." 

The Phoenix Staff of Rebirth? What in the world is happening to me? Lillie presented the staff to Verra. The vixen was not able to contain her excitement and snatched the staff from Lillie. What does all of this mean? She could only stare at the cat and the fox. She was waiting for answers she felt would never be answered.