Tales Of The Echo Forest
Twins
By
Buzz Smith
Copyright 2010 Buzz Smith
Twins
Something was disturbing the peace
that had surrounded the forest for over
four years. The normally rich foliage, was
turning brown. The forest was in trouble.
Only an awakening would stop the madness.
Prologue
She walked through the forest as she had so many times before. She was no stranger to the uneven ground or unyielding underbrush. As she came into the clearing, she could see Igus in deep meditation upon the Great Rock. He looked content, well deserved, she thought. As she studied his features, she could not help but admire such a being. He had secretly given so much and would never ask anything in return, save peace. Even in the deepest meditation, Igus could hear a pin drop. Her approach had not gone unnoticed.
“So you have finally decided to visit with me.” Igus said, without opening his eyes. “You knew I would eventually.” She answered. “I have missed you sorely. What has kept you away so long?” Igus asked. As she weighed his question, she could see his eyes start to open. “It was you who said to explore, to find answers. It was you who sent me away.” “Never did I ask you to stay away this long. Twelve years!” Igus complained. Twelve years is as nothing to us Igus.” “That is not the point! Did you not hear me beckon you?” “The time was not right. If I had come back, you would have won.” “There were no winners or losers. It is not a matter of wills.” “I love you Igus, but you could never accept that. Why do you examine every sentence and try to find your own definition?” Igus now sighed, “Look at me. Would you not question a statement of that magnitude?” “Your appearance has never been an issue with me! Even after twelve years, you cannot accept my love at face value!”
Igus thought back to their first meeting some fifteen years prior. She was bathing in Our Lady’s Lake , near the deepest part of Echo forest. Igus stood on the shore watching, immediately aware that she was special. Though not a great beauty, Igus found her to be very attractive. When she spotted him, she waved and smiled. No fear what so ever. He turned his back as she came out of the water. After she dried and dressed herself, she spoke.
“Good day, I am Arianna. I hope I did not embarrass you.” “No, I just was not expecting to see anyone.” Igus replied, knowing he should have sensed her presence, “I am Igus.” He finished. “You live in the forest do you not?” “Yes Arianna. It has been my home for many years.” As he spoke, he studied her. Her shoulder length black hair, covered ears that seemed just a little too large for a woman. Her close set, pale green eyes seemed full of knowledge and something else, that Igus could not put his finger on. Her prominent jaw, made her look almost defiant. “Where are you from?” He continued. She hesitated a moment before answering. “Have you heard of the Blue Isle, Igus?” Igus appeared stunned, “Yes, but that is on the other side of the lake! What brings you all the way here?” “Igus, could that wait for now? I could use something to eat.” “Of course Arianna, I do not know where my manners are. If you will follow me, I will prepare some dinner.”
As they walked through the forest, Igus’ mind mulled over the questions he wanted answers to. How had she gotten here? Why was she here? Why did his appearance not scare her!? She on the other hand was thinking of Igus. She already knew much about him. Destiny brought her here. It was up to Igus now. As they approached the clearing, she could smell a wonderful aroma.
“Were you expecting guests Igus? It smells as if you have been cooking all day.” Arianna asked. “No, I just whipped it up on the way here.” He replied, looking for a reaction. When none came, he motioned for her to sit. He then served her some food and floated to the top of the Great Rock, still looking for a reaction.
"This is very good!” She remarked, pretending not to notice his levitation, “You really are a fine cook!” “Thank you.” He answered, now having more questions than before. She could tell he was annoyed at her indifference, but he had not surprised her in the least.
“So Arianna, what does bring you here from so far away?” “You Igus.” “Me? What do you mean?” “You have been in my dreams for years. It is as if I have known you forever. I have felt your loneliness, and your pain.” “There have been times of happiness also Arianna.” “Perhaps, but it was always connected to someone else. Your own happiness has never been realized. Be honest Igus.” Igus looked at the ground. He knew she was right. “How did you get here?” Igus countered, trying to change the subject. “The same way you go from Echo forest to the caves, at Lost Man’s Ravine and other parts of Kingsland.” Arianna answered, now waiting for his reaction. “You seem to know much about me. I am at a disadvantage. Perhaps you could tell me of yourself that I might understand.” Arianna smiled at him and closed her eyes. Igus was not ready for what happened next. She floated to the top of the rock and sat next to him! “It seems we have much in common!” Igus declared, as a great smile crossed his face.
Arianna stayed in the forest for four years. Although she had accomplished what destiny had sent her for, over two years prior, she could not bring herself to leave. She felt as if she were part of a family. Arianna loved the little girl, Loanna. Along with Igus, they would explore the forest and the caves. A week before she left Echo forest, Arianna thought the time had come to talk with Igus about something a little more personal.
“Igus, how do you feel about me?” Arianna asked. “What do you mean Arianna? When you first came here, you made me realize that I was indeed lonely. I think I have never been this happy in my life.” “You did not answer my question. Can your mouth not say what is in your heart?” “Arianna, I am not sure what it is you want from me.” “Of course you do Igus. But if you cannot admit it, then allow me to. I love you. I probably loved you before I ever came to the Echo Forest.” Igus could not believe what was just said. He knew his appearance was barely tolerated by most, “How can you say that Arianna!? Look at me!” “Igus, I have looked at you. I love you, and I want to know how you feel.” She insisted. Igus wished she had never said it. 'Yes', he thought to himself, ‘I do love you’. He wanted to shout it to the world. “You have stayed here too long Arianna. What you want...is not here. Please, do not think me unkind. But you need to search elsewhere.” With that said, Igus turned and walked into the forest.
Igus’ mind drifted back to the present, “Twelve years Arianna! I never wanted you to stay away that long.” He lamented. “Has it mattered Igus? Do you still battle your heart?” Arianna demanded. “Can we just visit for a while? Get...reacquainted?” Igus asked hopefully. Arianna smiled at him, “Perhaps for a while, but only if you make some of that wonderful food.” “Done!” Igus agreed.
§§§§§§§§§§§§
The battle at Landon was won more than four years ago. Devon and Loanna had a little girl they named Brittany. She was a beautiful child with Loanna’s golden hair and Devon’s light brown eyes.
Gareth and Melanie had a son named Michael. Katryn would comment on how much Michael looked like Gareth when he was young, except that Michael had Melanie’s blue eyes.
A year after the children were born, Katryn was introduced to Igus. She thanked him profusely for protecting Lisa and her grandson. She was amazed that such a being existed and even more amazed when she learned that he was not the only child of nature. When Katryn asked Igus’ last name, she was told that the Children of Nature had no use of last names. She found herself looking forward to their visits to the Echo Forest. As they walked into the clearing, they could see Igus talking to a woman.
“Arianna!” Loanna suddenly shouted, running to embra
ce her. “Loanna! Look at you! You are positively beautiful!” Arianna smiled, as she held Loanna. “It has been a very long time, I did not think you would remember her.” Igus said, happily taking Brittany from Devon’s arms. “How could I forget? It is so good to see you. This is my husband, Devon.” Loanna said proudly. “Devon, you are a very lucky man!” Arianna said. “I am well aware of that! Allow me to introduce Ladies Katryn, Lisa and Melanie, and Lord Gareth.” Devon said, a broad smile on his face. “My pleasure.” Arianna replied, with a slight bow. “We need not be so formal Devon. We have been friends much too long.” Katryn chided, then added, “Please address us by our given names