Chapter 14: A Distant Threat

Five Months Later:

Spring dawned on the Earth once again and the once bare trees were teaming with all manner of shades of green and formation of leaf, blossoms and buds beginning to coil through the rich soil and sprout when the sun gave them the attention they needed. It was a beautiful day, untainted, unspoiled, unsullied by anything, the land pure in its riches and wonders as the sons of the Earth basked in the turn of the season and the natural birth of life around them as forest gods roamed the surface peacefully while the gods of the air and sea provided fresh currents and soft breezes. It was a wonderful time to be alive, with all myriad of animal and beast roaming the forest, mountains, seas, skies and in the rich mineral filled soil around them. One daughter of the Earth was revelling in all the joys of the first day of spring while she could. It was a feeling only the children of the Earth could understand and connect with. Man could appreciate it but would never form a bond as Earth's children did. Man were born with impurities and so craved more than what the Earth gave to them, whereas the sons and daughters of the Earth lived off the natural resources, blessed to receive Earth's gifts and to bask in the glory of each day, connected to each plant, tree and living creature around them. All the children of the Earth shared a bond so strong that one day it would prove vital, perhaps when man became a threat but for now the Earth was at peace and Bamba only hoped it would remain this peaceful and beautiful. She dreaded to think what would become of the Earth if man became more ambitious, wanted more in his conquest of the Earth but for now Bamba pushed that to the back of her mind as the luscious chorus of bird song and fairy humming filled ears, pure, clean air filled with pollen particles as the rays of the sun streamed through the gaps in the emerald canopy above her, tickling her skin with warmth. The children of the Earth honoured the gods of the Earth and all they received, all natures gifts all they would ever need to survive and exist, the florae and fauna around all creatures a complex network of connections that weaved through the ground and air, a bond only they could understand. In the coming months man would become more of a threat, breaking out of their settlements and small tribes to explore the world, expanding their territory and destroying all manner of natural things. Humans would keep innovating, keep manufacturing vast, unnatural structures, pollute and foul the air, toxify the soil and poison the forests around them until it was too late. They would never be satisfied with what they had, always yearning for grander and more impressive structures, not heeding the destruction they left in their wake.

The children of the Earth however basked in a time of peace and plenty and mankind would not threaten their lands for several centuries so life went on as normal, this threat being in the future, not present to the minds of Earth's creatures, as they lived out their days in warm sunshine and balmy nights. Bamba revelled in the turning of the winter to spring, when the cold winds had died down and the Earth was awash in greenery and the chittering of the goblins, the guttural calls of trolls and the murmurings and songs of other fey echoed across the Earth in a lush magical sound. Flowers of every colour and other plants of every shade burst into life almost as if the sun commanded them to awaken from their sleep. It was a wonderful transformation of the Earth from dormant in the winter to alive and vibrant in the spring as Bamba strode through her favourite woodland, as always letting the sights and sounds of nature run through her like a pure river as the forest spoke to her in tones high and low, from rustling leaves to scurrying creatures, her acute hearing picking up every sound in this beautiful place. Her feet were careful as her silken step treaded lightly on the root entwined ground, not wanting to disturb the network of life below her as she outstretched a slender hand to trace the pollen particles in the air when a beautiful red bird with an orange plumage fluttered down from the trees above and perched on her outstretched hand. Bamba in awe of the lovely creature for a moment as a bond between both animal and elf formed, children of the Earth always at one with each other. She gazed at the bird in wonderment of his striking colours and how majestic he looked as another red bird; the same species circled above as if waiting for the male still at ease with the elven woman.

"Your mate is calling to you…" Bamba spoke in the elvish tongue, her accent gentle as she rose her hand to the sky and the bird took flight to join his partner in the treetops, Bamba sighing as seeing the sight of two creatures in harmony made her happy. Perhaps she would find a strong elven male to care for her one day. The sons of the Earth were misogynous but no species more so than the elves who partnered and mated for life. She hoped in the future to give her heart to someone who she loved, who would court her through the spring and summer months. It was an honoured tradition that the elves courted each other in the spring but Bamba knew when it would be the right time for her and now it wasn't. She had her whole life ahead of her and would fall in love when she was ready. She remembered her father and mother talking to her about their courtship, how besotted with each other and how in love they were as she very much enjoyed the story, knowing even to this day her parents shared an unbreakable bond, their love a testament to their strength as she spread her goodness to as much of the Earth as she could. She was about to resume her stroll when she couldn't help but feel she was being watched. She gazed behind her, golden eyes attentive, lovely brow furrowing but no one was there. Brushing the feeling away she continued her morning amble, free of the duties of court as were the rest of her family as she inhaled the many aromas of the forest, pine, elm, cedar, copper-beach, moss and other varieties of bark and natural algae's. She allowed her eyes to close for a moment, the clean, pure air filling her lungs, walking steadily, at one with every living creature and plant around her. The children of the Earth possessed the power to give life back to the Earth, just as they had been created by the Earth as the elves had strong botanic alchemy at their disposal. Bamba noticed a frond of bracken not looking well as she stroked the green leaves with her fingertips as she passed and instantly the plant sprung back to life, regaining its natural shade of green, unfurling until it looked healthy. Much better…Bamba thought smiling as she set about searching for any other parts of the forest that needed her help. Unknown to her however, a pair of golden orbs watched behind the majestic trunk of a towering oak, observing her as she gave attentiveness and kindness to all around her. He was fixated by her as he watched her work. After a hour of healing various species of plant until the whole glen was buzzing with life again she got that feeling she was being watched again, she sensed a powerful presence, a familiar presence as she was about to enquire who was there when the elven prince wearing a layered golden tunic and red leggings stepped from behind the tree, trusted weapon sheathed behind his back, his white-blonde hair tucked behind his pointed ears. His dark eyes engaged with her for a moment, hoping he had not startled her as the lily like Bamba welcomed the presence of her lord, bowing low at the waist as even though she was a close friend she endeavoured to show him the same respect which the rest of their people did. Bamba greeted her leader with her customary sweet smile as her golden eyes glimmered with all the life and kindness in the worth.

"Sire, how wonderful to see you" Bamba said happily as knowing she was in the presence of a friend having shown her necessary respects she turned to slowly amble through the glen, reaching out for the aura of any plant that needed her help.

"And you dear Bamba. I see your powers have grown" the prince offered the praise, folding his arms across his powerful chest as Bamba almost gushed at the compliment but kept it together. The prince rarely offered praise and when he did it was not to be taken lightly. He always meant what he said and Bamba knew he was serious.

"Thank you, your highness. However, my magic is still young…" Bamba paused and then gestured to the beautiful red and fuchsia flowers she had managed to save as she gave energy to the tangled network of roots beneath the soil. "Aren't they beautiful?" Bamba admitted even to herself that she adored the colours as the prince strode up crouching down beside her as he examined the beautiful flowers before him and what her magic had done as he clasped a hand on her right shoulder with affection, Bamba instantly knowing he approved.

"Some life would not have survived today without you Bamba. You have potential. I see your mother's power in you" the prince pressed his golden gaze to her, the elven pair locking eyes for a moment as Bamba knew that was high praise and for a moment she was speechless. Her mother was one of the most talented alchemists throughout Bethmoora and for her friend to say her powers were almost the same standard as hers was a privilege.

"I will endeavour to live up to you and your sister's expectations of me sire. I promise" Bamba said, an air of commitment about her voice as even with the watchful eyes of the prince on her, burning with the intensity of many suns she added the final flourish of healing magic to the bed of flowers until she rose to stand at his side, a smile crossing his handsome face.

"Bamba I have told you addressing me with those titles is not necessary. You are my closest friend and it is not required of you" the prince said with a wisdom beyond his years Bamba had not heard before as she lowered her head in a gesture of respect, remembering that day the sea breezes dancing around them when she called him by his true name. That moment meant much to her. "Will you walk with me Bamba? There is no one else I would rather spend this day with" he asked, Bamba's beautiful face immediately lighting up with a broad smile as with his permission she took his arm, the elven pair rambling slowly through the forest, aware of every creature and plant that dwelled and grew here. A bond only the children of the Earth could have with the world around them. After a moment of silence, they talked the morning away until it melded into a glorious, warm afternoon, Bamba admitting she could have listened to his stories about him and his sister growing up for hours. She was honoured he placed so much trust in her.

His closest friend…Bamba thought contentedly, remembering his previous words as after another hour of talking about other matters and her family they rested in the shade of an open glen during the hottest part of the day. The prince letting the trunk of a tree support his spine as Bamba sat down beside him, tracing the grass with her fingertips. After a while he wrapped an arm around her shoulder, pulling her close. Bamba obliged instantly, resting her head on the upper part of his chest, his relaxed breathing almost sending her to sleep but the myriad of nature's song around her contributed to the lovely moment. He only hoped she would say nothing more, just to treasure the moments they had together, when the Earth was peaceful and she his greatest friend was at his side but she did, something that had been plaguing her mind for a while, brow furrowing with a mild worry.

"Bamba what's wrong?" the prince asked, concern evident in his voice as she sat up in his hold, golden eyes connecting with his.

"I am most probably worrying about something that is not important but sometimes I can't help but worry…" Bamba breathed out slowly as he ran a hand down her arm, her head lowering to his chest, snuggling against the silken folds of his tunic speaking her mind.

"You can confide in me about anything dear Bamba…Always…" the prince purred warmly against the crown of her head as feeling compelled to express her concerns, at peace with her friend and the world around her she exhaled and said it.

"I fear one day we will be threatened. I can sense it. There seems to be an unknown power we are unaware of and I fear in the future if we don't act it will destroy us and this world…I don't know…" Bamba trembled in his hold slightly as he knew she meant it, the pure lily bunching herself close to him, huddling close to her source of protection. The prince understood her fears and rightly so. Since the dawn of time the children of the Earth had been born with another race known as humanity. They were peculiar creatures, not at one with the Earth like they were and so posed a threat. For now, they dwelled in small clans and settlements, keeping to their tribes and colonies. Royalty had been surveying their activities and for now they stayed in the boundaries of their hand built towns but the prince knew they were capable of becoming bolder, of destroying the natural wonders that surrounded them to expand their own territory until they saw fit to conquer the Earth completely. The prince hoped man would never develop that state of mind but if he did, he would see fit to defend his home and his people from whatever threat man would bring. He sighed, stroking a hand down the side of her head. Leaves from the green canopy above them fell in the soft spring breezes from the tree and caught in their hair.

"You sense correctly Bamba…There are other creatures on this world that are not like us, that have the potential to be dangerous, but they remain contained and will not venture outside the confines of their lands. I will personally oversee this threat to make sure they are of no harm to us…You have my word. I will let no man harm my kingdom or my people…Never…" A low growl escaped his throat as thinking on manmade the ire rise through his chest as Bamba wanted to ask about man and what their purpose was, but he merely soothed her into quietness as she refused to question him. She dispelled the worries she felt and cuddled close to him, the best of friends sharing the first day of spring together. She wanted to know, but perhaps another time when he was willing to tell her, when she was strong enough to cope with the notion of man laying waste to everything, destroying anything natural in their path to build their own cities and larger settlements.

"They sound lost…" Bamba sighed as she caught his golden gaze and knew he was listening intently. "I can help them. Show them our ways and surely they can understand the joys of this world like we do…I want to help…" She pleaded but the elven prince was having none of it, knowing she was serious, but he needed her to realise, man would not accept her help. They would just throw her kindness back at her, use her and ignore her, abuse her trusting, lily like purity and forgiving soul. Those creatures were undeserving of any help, especially from her. The prince knew Bamba gave much to this world, almost too much. Bamba was selfless and would do anything to aid anyone but this was a cause she could not defend, not the humans. Instead of angering at her he sighed running a hand through her silky hair wanting her to see reason. His ochre eyes glowed in the handsome onset of his face as she inclined her head, saw him looking down at her and knew she had to listen, was compelled to listen to her friend.

"You cannot help them dear Bamba. They have to help themselves…" the prince explained as Bamba wanted to respond but he made sure his words reached her first, tone level, eyes engaging with hers. "Humanity is not deserving of your kindness and they will not listen, no matter how much you try to help them. They will never learn Bamba and…" he paused, Bamba enraptured by the myriad of birdsong and calming nature of his voice as her mind was open to him. "You have given enough already. You are the purest soul on this world and no amount of human ignorance is going to change that. They do not understand us or the connection we have to the Earth, they do not appreciate it like we do. It is everything to us, our life's blood and man will never realise how much it means to us. And…" Again, a pause in his words as Bamba clung to everything he was saying, never knowing he cared so much for her, how much he wanted to protect her. "I won't lose you to them Bamba. They will not appreciate anything you give to them and no matter how strong your resolve. There are people in this world that don't think like you do and some don't think at all…You know how to forgive and have a selfless soul, these people don't…You cannot reason with them Bamba. They don't deserve you…" A phrase Bamba seemed to be hearing all too much but it all made sense now. He wanted to keep her safe and felt that one day man would become a threat. She wanted to protest, to say something against his words but the commitment in his words had chiselled away her resolve to aid mankind for now as she snuggled her head against the soft folds of his tunic, wanting to spend the time with no one else.

But for now, the Earth was at peace, man was contained, and the sons of the Earth lived and roamed freely, each animal and plant growing and sprouting where they pleased. Bamba was contended in herself and the world. She had two of the most wonderful friends she could ever hope for, the prince and princess, the leaders of her people and she was blessed to know them, not only as her sovereigns but as her closest friends. She sighed, letting words escape her. She could only find these words to reply with, but they were enough.

"Thank you, my friend…Nuada" she whispered softly as the prince and the flower like elven woman spent the rest of the day sharing each other's company and desiring to spend time with each other. Earth was peaceful and life was perfect, but as man's ambition for domination of the planet grew and a deeper set of feelings for Bamba awoke in him that he could not suppress he knew he would have to fight. In the end that was what it came down to. The prince of Bethmoora would fight, for his people the children of the Earth, the world and for her. The future for now was bright but someday it would be clouded by war and the ultimate test of the Earth's children survival would begin…If this confrontation ever came to pass he would personally drive back man's advances himself but for now the Earth was teeming with life, the children of the Earth free to roam the world without hindrance or threat and only wished it would stay that way. As the day drew to evening, holding the fairest elven maiden in his arms he hoped it would stay that way…Bamba, the lily flower, a daughter of the Earth and his first friend…She meant more to him that she knew and in the future she would discover that. Earth was a wonderous place and nothing now would shatter the peace…Life was good.

The End