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The shade melded into the noon cast shadow swaying in the breeze. The forest here provided much welcome cover for a weary spirit.
He reread the missive that had been elegantly inscribed in the freshly pressed parchment. It had barely set before the soft calligraphy had been inked into it's fibrous flesh.
The delicate scent of garden flowers emanated from the message. It was a pleasant break from the harsh conditions the traveler had experienced on his journey into the southern realms.
The name was indeed a familiar one. He had heard it for many moons on the lips of travelers from sprites and angelic visions. It was even mentioned on rare occasion in the darkness.
The message rang with promise of splendor and memories only offered to him by a select counsel of seers.
His imagination ran wild with anticipation as to what he would learn this day.
The air around him seemed to coalesce almost instantly. She must be near. Slowly, Sutra peered from around the thick girth of the ancient elm. He spied a male courier holding a simple box, lovingly cradled on his forearms.
She was indeed here.
"Sutra...she wishes to speak with you..."
The shade slowly stepped out from the protective cover of the tree and smirked. To his amusement and wonder, a lithe figure, almost ethereal began to take corporal form.
The fountain of light emanated through the courier, as if stepping through him and stopped some paces in front of him. Slowly, her face and golden locks began to materialize before the shades eyes.
Impressive little trick, he thought to himself.
She stood before him, resplendent shades of white and sky blue draped over her royal stature.
"Dame Linden." Sutra respectfully spoke.
"Sutra. At last we meet" the duchess spoke.
The dark one nodded in agreement.
The written words he had just read again flashed in his mind She was to bring him memories of distant lands and time. Of when mother and father walked this plane. She held a scope of archives that would further broaden Sutra's ever growing library of knowledge.
His thoughts and heart began to twitch with wondrous excitement.
Her ruby lips parted into a knowing smile.
"Let us begin..." she whispered.
S
[con't]
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The general who advances without seeking fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do service for his sovereign, is the jewel of his kingdom. -Sun Wu
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