Chapter 4: Spontaneous Encounter

SETTING - Astra's room

I saw a steady beam of bright sunlight stream into my room. Tiny specks of dust seemed to dance in the shaft of morning sunlight that slanted through the window. I rubbed my bleary eyes and walked to the window. There was a pearly glow in the sky.

The earthly fragrance of an unusual variety wafted in the air which seemed quite refreshing. As I opened the window the enchanting aroma of the fascinating flowers from my garden wafted in with the cold morning breeze which invigorated me instantly. The chirping of the morning birds and the fluttering of pigeons from one tree to the other felt like divine music to my ears.

I couldn't help but to decide to go to the mountains and meditate. After freshening up and changing into training attire I decided to go on my own this morning and have some time well spent.

She decided to ride on her spirit animal named "Kuzi". Her Pegasus is a pure white stallion with a pair of feathered wings sprouting from his back. Besides his ability to fly, which literally set him above all other horses, Kuzi had an arsenal of supernatural powers. He had a free passage from the mortal realm to the immortal realm.

Astra had to fetch for her own spirit animal in her childhood and later through fate she met an injured white horse on the black mountain behind the castle who was whimpering and aghast petrified to see a human but Astra's warmth and love made him comfortable around her. She decided to nurture him as her own pet. Earlier it was a mere little ordinary-looking white, adorable sniffling horse who was abandoned and lost was brought up by Astra. Later to everybody's awe, it turned out to be a mighty pegasus.

Astra as a wanderlust persona from childhood would love to ride only on her Kuzi but Elihom always accompanied her wherever she went. Astra felt that he was confining her movements. At such times, she couldn't help but find his over protectiveness toxic but she wouldn't rebel because she knew that her father loves her and can't afford to lose her. She wasn't allowed to travel through different realms. Even restricted to visit the local market and cities of her own kingdom. People of her kingdom haven't seen for eons too.

That morning Astra decided to surreptitiously slip from the palace to visit the mountains and spend some qualitative time in solitude. She wanted to spring loose from all the obligations and rules which were imposed in her humdrum of everyday life. Who knew she was just blissfully unaware of the upcoming predicament fate was about to plunge her into...

*whoossshhh* Flying on her Kuzi she had a guilty conscience of disobeying her father and was quite wary about the aftermath situation she was about to encounter.

But the fresh air of early morning, the clear blue sky, and the sunlight piercing from the clouds and softy illuminating the streets below. The dappled sun shone through the trees, creating mysterious shadows. The blazing morning sun shone relentlessly on the hikers, the roads shimmered in the heat of the morning sun. The sunlit skyscrapers pierced the hot, blue sky. The morning sun bathed the buildings in its warm light caught her off guard, leading to forget quandary. She lived in the moments cherishing all by herself accompanying Kuzi.

The cool morning breeze and the blue sky were dotted with fluffy white clouds that drifted lazily in the gentle breeze was a respite from all the dilemma she was going through.

Landing on the mount summit she decided to sit on the stone and soothe herself.

"I wish I had mom here with me, she would've understood me more than anyone. I miss and love you, mom. I know you are always there in my heart."

Astra's heart felt full of knots when she could sense her mom in the spirit realm. Her presence always makes her feel alive at the very moment. She decided to work on herself, on her magic to be more productive even as her entire being longed for her mother's presence. A sense of solitude eclipsed on her but she was resolute not to let it dampen her spirits entirely.

Trying to maintain her mana she attempted to fabricate different elixirs with various effects and strengths. She wanted to see how far she can have her brain and brawn used to devise something new.

*centralizing all the focus and strength on circulation skills and creating elixir was tedious indeed*

"Huff HuffHuff", Astra draw a harsh breath and started panting. She had used a lot of spiritual energy for her breakthrough which ended up wearing her out. She seems to get better in no time once she replenishes her mana which was lost in a big amount making elixir. But she surely would take time to recoup.

Everyone was heedless of Astra making elixir from her own overflowing mana and storing it up for the future to put it to better use when the occasion calls for it.

She realized that she's too late and till now everyone in the palace would sense her absence and Elihom would be fuming in a rage about her missing.

Speaking to herself, "Robane is the one who's gonna face the tsunami of his anger. He chides him for no reason. Sometimes dad goes overboard for sure." She put her palms covering her face as she sighted.

"The weather seems overcast. It's surely going to rain and I should probably reach the castle as soon as possible before dad send troops of soldiers to fetch for me."

Completely wearied out, she hops on the back of Kuzi and while heading back to the castle she could already feel the drizzle that was seeping through her clothes. The beads of fresh chilly water trickled down her head to neck to spine. In a trice, she was revitalized.

"Aaah, rain and petrichor always make me feel so euphoric" Astra exclaimed feeling caught up in the moment.

Flying through the mist dimly glimpsed forest, someone screeched from below.

"Ahhhhhh please someone help me, leave me alone"...Astra heard someone shouting out loud. The voice was coming from the left side of the dark forest.

Astra was caught off guard with the sudden wail for help. Looking here and there she was trying to discern the exact spot where she heard the sound sourcing from.

Rushing on her Kuzi without giving a second thought she went for the rescue.

Her mighty animal, Pegasus, flipping its wings quickly landed over the mountain in no time as she detected a gang of ruffians fighting with a boy of her age or more. Those deviants were constantly yelling, pulling back and forth toppling on him trying to get a grip on him like a pit bull, and even punching black and blue.

Astra jumped in, trying to drag and hurl them off with the help of the powerful elixir she devised a few months ago which was enough to knock ten people at once sending them sprawling in the corner. Looking at her riding her divine creature and attacking at them with force and power, they run fearing for their lives.

The victim lay bleeding and bruised on the ground sprouting blood from his forehead. His belongings were shattered, his clothes were tattered and he could hardly move.

Astra ran towards him, feeling pitiful for the victim.....

The moment she met his eyes which were hardened by the struggle and wariness of one who has endured

pain beyond his years.

Looking at him, her own citizen Astra felt pathetic and tried to move tiny little step towards him as not to alarm him.

*Cough cough sprouting blood* he said "I don't want your fake pity, just leave me alone. I don't need your .....*cough cough* clenching his hands around his head, he rolled himself bringing his knees towards his stomach trying to bear the immense pain.

"I'm so sorry but I'll try to help you out. I don't have any ill intent. Please trust me. Don't feel wary of me. I know I'm a stranger to you but let me help you." Astra with a sigh of grief tried to explain to him and she even went as far as to unveil herself by taking off the cloak she wore to put him at ease.

Looking at Astra he couldn't help but get transfixed by her alluring graceful demeanour.

"Who are you and where are you from?" he surprisingly questioned.

"That doesn't really matter now. I hope you can be healed as soon as possible. Your wounds seem severe though. Let me see if I could help you. Since when has such severe fights been happening in our kingdom? This is terrible! Someone should report to the higher authorities.....

"What crap are you babbling girl? Where are you from that you don't know the crimes normally take place in the market and cities. I am not gullible enough to trust someone as an imbecile like you. Leave me alone." the anonymous boy said with a sigh of grief.

Astra was astounded to hear that crimes are at the peak in her own kingdom. After listening to him she was dumbfounded. Her soul swelled up with guilt for not being a capable princess to save her own civilians. She was grieving at the thought of her dad not handling the matters well as a King.

"Can you tell me how long the infraction has been taking place in our kingdom? I would like to take matters into my hands to deal with...-

Cutting her off, the boy said "Who are you to deal with crimes?....aren't you a girl with some magic tricks. I guess.... you're probably just a kiddo so go home your parents might be looking for you!" finishing off the kid subtly scoffed at her whilst not knowing that he was underestimating Astra.

"Mind your words and be within your limits. I'm here trying to help you but you seem too busy condemning my sincerity. You would've been dead if I wasn't here in time. Be grateful instead of babbling crap!" Astra replied in a sharp tone.

In the meantime, she was trying to activate healing elixirs that were in her pocket. Because she was already worn out due to the excess use of mana which made her lag a little. Being the kindest soul she decided to help the boy.

Reaching towards him and putting his hand over his belly she activated the fireflower flames which in a jiffy healed him. He could see the light illuminating from her hand leaving him flabbergasted.

"I should take my leave now. Take care."

said Astra in a distant tone.

Wait! Thank you so much. Your efforts mean a lot to me....

"It's OK!"

Running towards her Kuzi which was waiting for her at a few feets apart, she bit her lips in nervousness.

"I can sense that I'm doomed." Her inner voice screamed knowing that she will be in great trouble for wandering off.

She wanted to return to the castle as soon as possible. At full pelt, Kuzi took Astra into the sky heading towards the castle. Astra was going through a rollercoaster of emotions at that moment.

A bloodstain blemished her attire. Her whole disposition looked cold and dubious. She seemed dazed and confused after meeting the guy on the mountains.