《The Shadow They Cast》


 Part one

    In the beginning, there were two brothers. Twins. Their names were Winston and Cedric Hearst, the only sons of a poor, widowed baker. Cedric was the kinder of the twins. He was a smart young man with a scientific mind, willing to help anyone in need. Winston had always been the bolder of the two. Everywhere Winston looked, he saw a chance to innovate. To him, everything was an opportunity. Despite their differences, the brothers had been inseparable.


    The village the Hearst twins lived in was small and close-knit. The village itself was in-between two sacred forests that had stood for thousands of years. The forests held power no mortal man could even dream of possessing, bestowed by the gods themselves. The forests could not survive without each other, because power had to be balanced. That''s where the Guardians came in. A Guardian had to match the spirit of the forest, which was actually a living creature who had never been seen. If they didn''t match, the surge of energy, without a doubt, would kill them.


    Being chosen to be a Guardian was a high honor, and very distinguished, so everyone was surprised when the poor sons of a baker were chosen over the many nobles. Winston was given guardianship over The White Forest, and Cedric, The Black. The Black Forest, also known as Ehfinia, had a much more volatile power, and the distrust surrounding Cedric grew. No one trusted a man of science.


    The brothers grew apart, separated by their duties and loyalties. Cedric kept to himself, intent focus on his studies, but Winston would not allow that. He began launching full frontal attacks on Ehfinia, madly convinced that ''elves'' lived within its borders. This fractured the brother''s relationship beyond repair and started a bitter war that spanned decades.


    For the next 80 years, whenever a male descendant-sorry ladies-came to the required age of 22 years, they were tested to see if they would be the next to be bestowed the title of Forest Guardian.


    This specific story focuses on the newest Guardian of The Black Forest: Nason Hearst. Nason sat next to his twin brother, Tanin, who looked just like their Great Grandfather Winston. Nason was the spitting image of their Great Uncle Cedric, with curly, rust-red hair and cool blue eyes. His face was dusted with freckles (something Tanin teased him about), and thick, dark lashes.


    They sat together in a tense silence-well Tanin was tense. Nason was watching a bug steadily march up his arm. It was no longer than a copper coin, and as thin as a small twig. The bug, that is, not Nason''s arm. It seemed to have no destination in mind, a slow, relaxed pace as it walked. Tanin glanced over and let out a small scoff, going to flick the bug away. Nason caught Tanin''s arm with quick reflexes, frowning.


    He released Tanin''s wrist, cheeks flushing slightly. He could not make a fool of himself, especially on today of all days. Nason set his bug friend down and stood, straightening his clothes. A glance at the sun overhead signaled that it was nearly time to leave. He carefully made his way upstairs, the sun warming his back.


    The room Tanin and Nason shared was warm and airy, and stacked floor-to-ceiling with books. The books were on various subjects, but all had been read and re-read. Nason put a few in how well-worn satchel, turning to look at the only thing he''d inherited from Great Uncle Cedric-besides problems.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Hanging above the entryway was a sword. not only did it (allegedly) provide spiritual protection, it was a sacred beauty. The handle was wrapped in leather for grip, and perfectly weighted. The blade was solid black, made from a crystal only found in Ehfinia. The sword was the only of its kind, cutting better than than any metal in the land. It couldn''t snap, and was resistant against any magical. All in all, Nason was proud to have inherited the sword, and he rarely felt pride.


    Nason took the blade off the wall, sheathing it at his side. When he made his way downstairs, Tanin was standing by the door. He looked different . . . if only for a moment. His happy nature, which had always secretly pleased Nason, was nowhere to be seen, replaced with a frown. When Tanin noticed Nason, he smiled and held out his hand.


    "It''s about time, Nas. The people are curious."


    "Not about me." Nason replied, but he accepted the offered hand, glad for the comfort.


    It was tradition for the newly appointed Forest Guardians to make their way through the village together before they reached The Path. Tanin waved and grinned at everyone they passed, while Nason preferred to keep his head down. People were careful to stay out of his path, whispering and holding their children close.


    As a child, people had already been suspicious of Nason. They treated him as if he were going around with a pitchfork and snake eyes, instead of a quill and book. He''d always been a curious child, and the other kids had been forbidden from playing with him. Nason hadn''t minded terribly. The only person he''d ever needed was his brother, and that was how it had always been. Now, as Nason was of age, people avoided him like the plague.


    Nason was pulled from his thoughts when Tanin came to a stop, his grip tightening on the other''s hand. His stark white hair blew in the wind, and Nason resisted the urge to smooth it down. Tanin would not appreciate that, especially not in front of anybody. He was staring off into the distance, brows furrowed. The Path diverged now, with each going in the opposite direction. One led to Nason''s destiny, the other to Tanin''s. Both to danger.


    "You-"


    "I love you." Nason cut Tanin off, hugging him.


    Nason''s face was in Tanin''s chest, and Tanin slowly lifted his hand to pat his head. Nason rarely showed emotions beyond curiosity as he got older, so Tanin was slightly flabbergasted. I''ll-uh-be seeing you, Nas. I love you too." He pressed a kiss against Nason''s temple.


    "Mhm. We''ll be together in a few moons for the festival of the lights, remember?" Nason liked the Festival of the Lights.


    It was a wonderful, fleeting night, meant for blossoming lovers. Of course, Nason had no romantic relationships to speak of, but he still attended with Tanin every year. It was beatiful to watch people forget about their hate and prejudices and simply celebrate love in its purest, simplest form.


    Nason watched Tanin''s figure retreat, then turned to face his own destiny. After a few minutes of walking, he reached the tree line. The trees were so tall, Nason craned his neck and still couldn''t see the tops. The trunks were thick and mighty, forming a dense, impenetrable ring.


    As soon as Nason passed into the tree line, all sunlight was diminished. It was the kind of darkness that prevented him from seeing his own hand Infront of his face, the only light provided by a tiny lamp attached to his belt. The small orange flame flickered weakly, hardly illuminating anything. A sharp wind whipped past ruffling Nason''s hair and putting out the lantern. Darkness threatened to swallow him, but then Nason''s eyes and adjusted.


    A thousand blue, bioluminescent flowers grew on the trees, falling all around him as they scattered at his feet. The Black Forest truly was beautiful. The wind, calmer now, whisphered sweet nothings as it danced by, nudging Nason further into the forest.


    *Part two coming soon!!!*

 Part two

    The wind was an exuberant playmate, weaving around Nason as he walked.


    "Won''t you cut it out?" Nason muttered, though he wasn''t truly annoyed.


    In all honesty, Nason was focused on Cedric''s cottage.


    The small structure had been overtaken by nature in the last eighty years. Vines had grown on the outer walls, curling around the chimney. The cottage''s cobblestone path was cracked, stones shoved aside by various flowering plants.


    Nason shoved the door open with his shoulder, coughing into his fist from the force exerted on his chest. He gasped softly when he''d fully entered.


    In the center of the cottage, a tree was growing. This tree was unlike the other in Ehfinia, its bark completely free of ridges and bumps. The branches had grown and woven to form the roof, its leaves a dull silver. This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Nason had re-lit his lantern, but now he blew out the flame. Plunged into darkness, Nason sat at the base of the tree of his tree, his back against the smooth trunk. Not for the first (or even second), time that day, Nason''s heart hurt.


    No matter how beautiful the place was, it wasn''t his home. It didn''t have any of his memories. It didn''t have his brother.


    Nason was dimly aware of a leaf that was fluttering down, and he ignored it, until it landed on his knee. When Nason touched the leaf, his eyes shut unwillingly and he drifted off.


    At first, Nason was unsure what had awoken him. It was still dark within the cottage, and silent. Too silent. He could almost make out a figure standing above him. That was impossible, for no normal human could survive the constant the surges of Power Ehfinia produced. Despite that, there was definitely someone leaning over him.


    With a swift kick to the strangers legs, Nason toppled them. Instead of falling, the stranger dragged him flat to the ground, pinning his wrists to the ground.


    "Your fighting skills are rusty, Nason." Laughed a female voice.


    Nason''s struggle paused, his anger rekindled.


    "How do you know my name?" He snarled.


    "I''m your new protector."

 part three

    "Pardon me?" Nason blinked.


    The woman moved away, striking a match to light the lantern, illuminating the cottage once more. This stranger was beautiful. She had long, curly black hair held in a braid over her shoulder, along with a prominent streak of white. Her eyes were a sharp, mesmerizing green, and her ears were most definitely pointed. This woman stood above him, one hand resting casually on the dagger strapped to her lower thigh. That kind of casualness was only held by the skilled and the arrogant, and this woman did not strike Nason as arrogant.


    "The name''s Darsel." She extended a hand.


    "Uh-huh, and you''re a . . ." Nason accepted her hand, and Darsel pulled him to his feet.


    "Nymph. I''m truly surprised that you didn''t recognize that instantly. Wars don''t start over nothing. I know your big brain is buzzing with questions, but they can wait until morning. I swear I will answer anything you ask, but sleep now."


    Nason, who was no stranger to authoritative women, only nodded. If this mystery of a woman killed him in his sleep, he wouldn''t care. He went over to the small cot and lay down, discarding his satchel and sword on the floor beside him. He was asleep instantly.


    When Nason next regained consciousness, the flowers outside the cottage had changed to a beautiful golden as Nason rubbed his eyes. Darsel was sitting in the rocking chair, having let her hair down. The wild white streak only made her look more badass as she peeled the end of a stick with her knife. Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    "Are you . . . whittling a spear?" Asked Nason, urging his sleepy brain to catch up with the rest of his body.


    "It''s more proactive than knitting." Replied Darsel, re-sheathing the weapon.


    Nason could understand that, he supposed. He stood, smothering a yawn. Darsel had gone silent, watching Nason with surprised eyes. Nason''s hair came well past his knees, making it a very long, curly red mess. he kept it pinned up in a tight bun, but it had come out while he slept. Nason barely noticed it anymore.


    "Hold your tounge." He cast a sideways glance at Darsel, who smirked.


    Nason truly wasn''t in the mood to begin the tedious process of brushing his hair. Tanin typically helped with the upkeep of it, but  Nason clearly couldn''t rely on him anymore. That thought seeped the slight amusement he had felt. As if she had  Nason''s thoughts, Darsel spoke up.


    "May I offer help while I answer you questions?"


    "I would appreciate that. Thank you."


    Nason sat her feet, feeling, for all the world, like a child once more. Darsel''s fingers moved with a practiced ease as she spoke.


    "As I previously stated last night, I''m your Protector. All that means is that I made a promise to Cedric many years ago that I would keep an eye on you."


    "Great Uncle Cedric knew of me all those years ago? I find that difficult to believe." Nason subconisulsly leaned into Darsel''s gentle touch.


    "Believe it. You were all Cedric spoke up. He adored you decades before you were even born."


    "You speak of my Great Uncle as if you knew him well?"


    "I knew him very well." She replied.


    Nason recognized the wistfulness in Darsel''s Voice, having heard it from many people for the majority of his life.


    "Did you love him?"


    "Terribly."

 Chapter four

    Darsel shook her head, willing the memories away.


    "I''m finished." She touched Nason''s shoulder.


    The young man went to look in a mirror above the basin, and Darsel felt her throat tighten. He looked so much like Cedric that it hurt. Oh Ceddie, he has your smile, though he rarely uses it. He has your curiosity and stubbornness as well.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Darsel had put Nason''s hair into a loose braid, skillfully knotted at the end. She was surprised when she caught a little smile on his face as he gazed into the mirror.