Page 62 of The Divine Shallows
“Orix, I want you to meet someone. This is Elowyn,” Draedenaddressed the gryphon, reaching out to pat its massive beak. He then motioned for Elowyn to approach. “Elowyn, meet Orix. He’s my father’s divineanimus. Orix is quite gentle and sweet-tempered.”
Elowyn took a tentative step forward and extended her hand for Orix to inspect. Her words carried a mixture of nervousness and wonder as she addressed the divine creature. “Hello, Orix. You’re quite the handsome gryphon.”
Orix took a deliberate step towards Elowyn and sniffed her outstretched palm. Chittering, he nudged her hand playfully, eliciting laughter from Elowyn as she stroked his sleek feathers. The texture was remarkably soft, smoother than silk to her touch. Orix squawked with delight, standing on his lion-like hind legs to flap his wings cheerfully. Their powerful beats created gusts strong enough to require Elowyn to ground herself firmly, so as not to be swept away by the wind.
“It seems Orix has taken a liking to you,” Draeden remarked happily. “That makes things much easier.” With another whistle, Orix turned to Draeden, approaching him obediently and lowering himself to offer his back. Draeden effortlessly swung his leg over Orix’s spine, mounting him with practiced ease. Extending a hand towards Elowyn, he offered her an encouraging smile. “Now comes the best part.”
Elowyn’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she accepted Draeden’s hand and mounted Orix with his assistance. Positioned in front of Draeden, she felt his strong arms securing her from both sides, a warmth spreading through her as she resisted the urge to lean back into him. Sensing her reaction, Draeden leaned forward, which caused her cheeks to flush even more. He whispered something playful in her ear, rousing laughter from her in response.
Straightening his posture, Draeden let out a low whistle, signaling Orix to take flight. With a triumphant screech, Orix propelled himself into the air with powerful beats of his wings. Soon, Draeden and Elowyn were airborne, soaring through the sunset sky. Elowyncouldn’t help but notice how different flying on Orix felt compared to riding Bane or Stryx. While the firedrakes’ flights were rugged and vigorous, flying on Orix felt graceful, effortlessly fluid.
Elowyn lifted both hands to the sky as she let her fingers dance in the wind. Laughter bubbled from her lips like a playful melody as Orix glided across the orange hilltops.
“Just a few more hills and we’ll reach our spot!” Draeden shouted, joining her in laughter.
Orix continued to glide smoothly over the badlands until he reached a grassy hill covered in verdant greenery. Tucking in his wings, he descended towards a niche in the burnt-orange landscape, aiming for a smooth stretch of ground just above it. With precise movements, Orix landed, his talons and paws finding purchase on the solid ground. He lowered himself, inviting Draeden and Elowyn to dismount.
Draeden hopped from Orix’s back first, landing on the grassy terrain. Extending his arm, he assisted Elowyn as she slid from the gryphon’s back, murmuring her thanks, and affectionately brushing her fingers across Orix’s feathers. Draeden then rewarded Orix with a piece of jerky from his cloak pocket, which the gryphon eagerly devoured before letting out a contented chitter. Draeden chuckled and gave Orix a final pat before the majestic creature took off, soaring into the sky.
“Where’s he off to?” Elowyn said, watching the gryphon take flight.
“He’s hunting. There’s plenty of small game in the recesses of the rock formations. He’s always thrilled to be out here,” Draeden explained. “Now, close your eyes. I’ll guide us to the oasis.”
“I have to close my eyes?” Elowyn asked skeptically, but she complied, as she took hold of his hand.
“I won’t let you fall.” Draeden guided her carefully down the grassy hilltop and into an open clearing. He positioned her into a specific direction before covering her eyes with both hands, his fingers closed. “Are you ready?”
“Yes,” Elowyn replied eagerly, a laugh escaping her lips. “The suspense isdriving me mad.”
Draeden removed his shielded hands and dropped them to his side. “You can open your eyes now.”
Elowyn’s delicate eyelids fluttered open, and she gasped in awe at the scene before her. It was a hidden paradise, a glistening oasis nestled within the cavity of the rocks. Tall palm trees surrounded the serene waters, their fronds creating a canopy of shade. To the right, a blanket was spread out with a cloth-lined wicker basket.
“Did you set this up?” Elowyn asked, astonished. “This is one of the most thoughtful things anyone has ever done for me.”
“Surprise,” Draeden chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. “I wanted to show you one of the hidden gems in Orwyn. It may not be as grand as your mountain castle or as ethereal as a kingdom in the clouds, but there’s a serene beauty here, too.”
“It’s perfect,” Elowyn turned to him with appreciation shining in her eyes. “This is something I’ll remember forever.”
“That was the idea,” Draeden grinned. “Now, let’s enjoy lunch.”
Draeden led her to the plush blanket and helped her settle onto one of the cushions placed atop it. Taking his own seat, he began unpacking the contents of the wicker basket. Setting out a place setting for each of them, he poured a sweetened fruit drink into two glasses, handing one to Elowyn. She accepted it gratefully, relishing the taste. Draeden continued to arrange sandwiches, fruits, and sweets on a tray, then raised his glass in a toast to her.
“Here’s to your first time in Orwyn,” Draeden smiled warmly, clinking his glass with hers. “And cheers to your first time riding on a gryphon.”
“Here’s to more firsts with you.” Elowyn lifted her glass to him. She couldn’t deny the happiness she felt with him. Perhaps she had more in common with Lyra than she realized.
As the day passed, Elowyn’s fondness only grew. She studied the contours of Draeden’s face, committing every detail to memory. His golden eyes held her gaze, more precious to her than any treasure. Theclaret-red strands of hair framing his face were both charming and alluring all at once. Her eyes wandered over his body, no longer cloaked, clad in a simple loose tunic and pants. She admired the cord of his muscles, visible with his animated explanations. She found herself lost in the sound of his voice, unable to focus on anything else.
“I have one more surprise for you,” Draeden said, his tone nervous yet eager. “I know how much you love dancing and music. So, before you came, I crafted an enchanted bell for you.” He produced a small silver bell, no larger than a button, and extended it to Elowyn. “It’s charmed to capture any sound and replay it indefinitely. However, it can only capture a sound once—I recorded the song we heard in the music house together. Simply ring the bell, and the notes will play for you.”
Elowyn opened her mouth, but no sound emerged. She struggled to find her voice, her heart pounding with overwhelming emotions. With trembling hands, she reached for the silver bell, holding it delicately in her palm. The air seemed to still, holding its breath in anticipation.
Elowyn closed her eyes and rang the bell.
The ethereal notes of Aunora’s song filled the air, wrapping Elowyn in a cocoon of emotions. She listened intently, every note resonating within her soul, stirring memories and feelings she couldn’t quite articulate. Tears threatened to spill from her silver eyes as she savored the bittersweet melody until it faded into silence.
“I wanted to give you something special to remember your first time in Orwyn,” Draeden began, but his words were abruptly cut off.
