Crystal Shade Episodes 01

different. There was one that Grace, her family, and many Odess’ianans waited all cycle to see, Azen and Vessa, the two talented Aserian hall singers from Andrenia. They always came to the feast to share their unique and beautiful performance in the renowned Long Hall of Odess’iana. But nightfall was far off and day was still ahead of Grace to discover the Feast.
    “We’ll meet you right here before twilight,” said Eion as they arrived at the great fountain in the marketplace.
    “As you wish, father,” Grace nodded and quickly looked around to memorize the place.
    “May I go with her?” asked Aurora hopefully.
    “No, my dear. You’re coming with us now,” responded her mother. Aurora pouted and turned sad eyes to Eion.
    “Sorry, Aurora,” said her father kindly. Aurora crossed her arms, defiantly looked away, and turned her nose up. “But if you want, we can search for some Serianan tasunkes,” her father added.
    Glee sparkled in Aurora’s eyes as she completely forgot about her defiance and Grace. “I love them, father. May I hug them?” Her father nodded with amusement. Aurora searched the area with wide eyes in hopes of spotting a tasunke. “Where are they? Let’s find them.”
    She loved the animals, the graceful tasunkes with gleaming coats and flowing manes, especially those bred in Seriana.
    “Go and explore the feast, little angel,” said Margey with a kiss to Grace’s forehead. “And remember. Your Guardian is always watching over you. If you lose your way, just ask her guidance.”
    Her parents knew that she was fully capable of taking her bearing anytime and never worried that she would get lost anywhere on Eecrys Aredia. She had the senses to find a place, home, or any person. Just like every other place throughout Eecyrs Aredia, Odess’iana was safe; no one needed to fear anyone or anything. The Aserians guided and protected them all as they had for thousands of cycles.
    Grace enjoyed their full trust. Now she could hunt out everything that she was curious about and not only those things her parents wished her to see and learn. She had earned total freedom until dusk and Grace intended to use it.
    Leaving the marketplace and her family behind her legs already carried her to the destination she had planned to visit a long time ago; the district where her great heroes, the Aserians live.
    If the guardian doesn’t come to Gracie, Gracie goes to the guardian , she thought happily as she strolled closer to her destination. Her heart beat faster and faster in her endless excitement, her eyes scanned the crowd to find one of her heroes. Then after a long search, her eyes opened wide. In the crowd, she noticed the first winged Aserian who slowly marched up the polished stone steps and into the large temple. In the Aserian culture, the shape of the wings represented the class they belong. From the large graceful, strong feathery white wings, Grace knew; he was an Aserian Guardian.
    Cold air embraced Grace like a shy second shadow, the little girl followed the Aserian into the temple and moved from column to column. Excited, Grace curiously peeked out from behind the column and watched him from a distance. She hoped her eyes would find something to remind her of the almighty crystal blade – so her Spirit Guardian dolls wouldn’t be empty anymore.
    The footsteps of the Aserian echoed on the long marble corridor. His azure toga, like his large white feathery wings waved gently in the air as the sunlight highlighted them through the windows. A golden metallic piece hung on his belt. It looked as if two cavernous mingan skulls had grafted to the two ends of a long strange golden scroll holder. It was masterfully crafted and elegant. Grace glanced up in time to see sunbeams touched them. Other than that, which made Grace believed the Aserian were some sort of messenger; she hadn’t seen anything that would look like a crystal, a blade, or the combination of the two.
    Disappointed, she shook her head. Then the large beautiful angel statue, which looked down at her from close by, reminded her why she was really here. The Imagination of a daydreaming little child insisted that the statue pleasantly smiled at her, the gazing stone eyes bolstered her bravery.
    I can do it, Grace reassured herself as she watched the majestic Aserian from behind the column. Yes, I can do it.
    Grace took a soft sigh as she gathered all her bravery to face the legend; a real Aserian. The angel statue watched