Submission (#7292) Approved

The sunlight filtered through the vibrant green forest, tinting everything in warm colors. The soft grass and leaves barely made a sound as Subaru walked up to the clearing.
He was on his way to meet the Sylvan Queen and he couldn’t help but feel nervous. It wasn’t everyday that he got to meet a royal elnin and he had no idea what to expect. Was he even making the right decision? With every step, his concern grew. Maybe he should turn back now, while he still could. Maybe this was a dumb idea to begin with. Maybe-

No.

Not showing up would be so much worse. That was not an option. He just had to keep it together a little longer. In a desperate attempt to not lose what little was left of his courage, he focused on the surrounding sounds of the forest. The familiarity. But it was as if even the forest knew that something grand was about to happen and all the noises were subdued.

As he stepped onto the clearing, he could already spot Sunleth beneath a grand old oak tree. Her teal coat shimmered like the sea at dusk and she was the perfect embodiment of grace. The air was warm, carrying the scent of blooming flowers and the promise of a peaceful evening. Subaru approached her with a gentle purr and her relaxed demeanor calmed the whirlwind of feelings that was rushing through his body.

“My queen…”, he whispered as he got closer and lowered his head in a respectful bow.

“Oh, none of that my dear.” Her laugh was bright and she raised her head, welcoming him with a soft nuzzle, her eyes reflecting the deep wisdom the centuries granted her. Subarus’ heart seemed to skip a beat and he nodded meekly. He couldn’t help himself, all his instincts screamed at him that he was in the presence of something divine.
Trying to keep his composure, he took a deep breath, before he circled her, his fur brushing against hers, which sent shivers down his spine. He finally settled beside her, their bodies naturally fitting together like clockworks and his head rested gently next to her paws. Almost instantly he could feel himself become calmer and he let out a contented sigh.

The royal elnin smiled at him and wrapped her tail around the younger one, pulling him closer. “See? Not so scary now, mhm~...”, she joked, before also settling next to him and she placed her head on his back. Subaru was sure she could hear his heart pounding in his chest and her touch sent little waves through his whole body. It wasn’t until he heard the gentle hum of her purrs and felt the soothing vibrations that the rest of his anxiety and tension washed away; all that was left now was comfort …and the faint memory of feeling at home. Her purrs resonated deep within him and he slowly fully relaxed next to her, which didn’t go unnoticed by the royal elnin. She kept purring and added a simple humming melody that lingered in the evening air.

As they laid there in silence, it slowly got darker. Fireflies filled the clearing, turning the whole meadow into a blinking festival of lights, just as the stars above them started to appear as well. This location was near a mana well, and the harmony of energies was ever present.
Subarus ears flicked at the little sounds of the forest around them; the soft whooshing of silent bird wings, the little tippy-taps of mice and bunnies darting all around them.
It felt peaceful, tranquil even and Subaru hadn’t felt like this in a long time.

After a while he noticed that their breathing synchronized, a soft, rhythmic motion that calmed his mind. It was like a warm blanket was put over him, and he could feel how the world faded into the background as he and Sunleth both drifted into a peaceful slumber. As they lay entwined, their auras began to harmonize. The bond forming between them was new and fragile, but growing stronger by the minute. Sunleths’ aura was serene and soothing, a steady flow of calmness that spoke of her gentle nature, and it was exactly what Subarus' troubled mind needed.

In his dreams, Subaru was back home at the shore of Strynhalde. The air was chilly and crisp and he looked out to the dark, wild ocean. Yuji was sitting next to him in the snow, his white fur reflecting the cold winter sun, and the snowflakes landed on him without melting.

“Have you found what you’re looking for?”, he asked, his voice softer and more melodic than usual and he gently swayed his head from left to right while the wind tucked at his teal hair.

“What I’m looking for?”, Subaru repeated the question, a bit confused.

“Yes. You’ve set out on a quest, have you not?”

“...I guess so.”

“And? Were you successful?”

The white elnin turned his head, piercing green eyes looking at Subaru with great expectation. Hopeful. Longing. Desperate.
“Think about it”, he continued. “It’s been so long now. But you made a promise, all those years ago. Have you forgotten?”

Subaru sat there for a while, just looking at his friend, a great melancholy in his heart.

“... No.” His voice was quiet. “I could never forget. I promised you I would become stronger. I promised I would free you. And I intend to keep my promise.” There was a bitterness behind his words as well as fierce determination.
“Just hold on a little longer, Yuji.”

The younger one turned away from him, gently smiling, but with tears in his eyes.

“Please hurry.”

The dream shifted and Yuji faded into snow dust, carried out onto the open ocean by the wind. The sky turned dark and Subarus heart was heavy.
Was he running out of time?
Did he take too long?
What if-

“Don’t worry, little one.” Suddenly, Sunleth appeared next to him; and with her, the sunlight came back. “Everything will be alright now. Your heart is strong, and soon, you will be as strong as you need to be to protect the ones you love. And now…it’s time to wake up again.”

When Subaru opened his eyes, he was greeted by the gentle rising morning sun. The forest was already buzzing with life, and the meadow around them was glistening with morning dew. Despite the dream having unsettling undertones, it filled Subaru with new-found confidence. He would not deter from his path. It was now clear in front of him and the purple elnin wanted to achieve his goals more than ever.

For his sake.

For Yujis sake.

His friend was counting on him and he couldn’t let him down.