12. Thillak

The intoxication of memories had settled over us like a delicate mist.

Each corner of the house was a trigger, pulling us into moments of our shared past.

Isla, lost in her recollections, moved around with a serenity I hadn't seen before.

It was as if these memories had provided a missing piece to her intricate puzzle.

Watching her glide through the rooms, my mind kept wandering to that time.

She was different, and yet, unmistakably, she was my Isla.

The verdant hue of her skin back then had been the color of fresh spring leaves, vibrant and full of life.

I remembered how that skin felt to the touch — smooth with a slightly cool undertone, like touching a water lily.

Her hair wasn't hair in the way we understood it now.

It consisted of long, flexible tendrils that moved with a life of their own, reflecting her moods and emotions.

When she was curious, they'd extend and move playfully; when she was relaxed, they'd cascade down like a gentle waterfall.

The sensation of those tendrils wrapping around my fingers, soft and responsive, was one I could still recall vividly.

But it was her face, the bone structure, the arch of her brows, and the depth of her eyes that had remained consistent.

Those were the features I'd fallen in love with over and over again across countless lifetimes.

They transcended species and forms, hinting at the essence of the soul beneath.

The smells of that era were a peculiar blend of sweet and earthy.

With every breath, I could recall the aroma of the herbs she used to brew, the fragrant oils she adorned herself with.

That aroma would cling to our suite, a mix of her essence and the natural fragrances of that time.

Sounds, too, took me back.

The soft rustling of the trees outside our home, the distant calls of birds, the gentle murmurs of water.

But above all, it was the timbre of her laughter that I remembered most, melodious and infectious, making my heart dance every time.

Taste was an evocative sense too.

I remembered the fruits of that era, some tangy, others incredibly sweet, and the rich, spicy dishes we'd share during our long dinners.

But the most poignant memory was that of her lips, which held a hint of the fruits she loved so much.

Lost in these thoughts, I suddenly realized something that sent shivers down my spine.

In all our past lifetimes, Isla had always been that green-skinned species.

My memories of her, spanning millennia, had been consistent in that regard.

How could I have not seen it before?

Every incarnation, every shared experience had her in that form.

And yet, now, she was human.

Why?

What had changed this time?

What cosmic roll of dice had altered the course of our shared destinies?

I needed to understand, not out of mere curiosity, but out of a need to ensure our paths remained intertwined.

If something had changed in the very fabric of our reincarnations, I needed to know if it would threaten our ability to find each other in subsequent lives.

Turning to her, I watched as a smile crept on her lips, those beautiful lips that no longer held the taste of exotic fruits, but something just as sweet.

She seemed to sense my introspection and wrapped her arms around me, pulling me out of my thoughts and into the present.

"We have now, Thillak," she whispered, a hint of tears in her eyes. "Let's cherish it."

But as we held each other, the mystery lingered in my mind, casting a long shadow on our otherwise radiant day.

The thought remained: what made this lifetime different?

* * *

The sun was startingits descent as Isla and I mounted our Hiikas for the journey back to the inn.

The valley, with its story-filled ruins, faded behind us, replaced by the scenic pathway lined with bioluminescent plants that glowed softly, giving the evening a dreamy, ethereal quality.

The ride was almost meditative.

The Hiikas moved with a rhythmic grace that resonated with the very heartbeat of the planet.

A gentle breeze was blowing.

Each breath felt purifying, as if the planet itself was sharing a part of its ancient wisdom with us.

Alongside us, flitting through the ever-darkening sky, were the Zireflyes.

These weren't your typical dragonflies; they had broad wings with a span of nearly a foot, shimmering in a myriad of colors.

The Zireflyes emitted a soft, harmonious hum, which added to the musicality of the evening.

The luminescence from their abdomen painted fleeting streaks of light in the dim, creating an otherworldly display of nature's brilliance.

Their presence was soothing, their gentle hums and lights painting a tapestry of calm around us.

My fingers brushed against the rough, yet oddly comforting texture of the Hiika's reins, guiding the creature with gentle tugs.

The gentle sway of the ride, combined with the muted sounds of our surroundings, was entrancing.

Every now and then, I'd turn to look at Isla, the gentle glow from the surroundings casting a surreal light on her face, accentuating her features.

As we approached the town, I couldn't help but recall our earlier meal at the inn.

I remembered the delicious, hearty dishes, rich with spices that tingled and danced on the palate.

The thought of another such meal waiting for us quickened my pace, and Isla laughed, challenging me to a playful race back.

Handing back our Hiikas to the stable hand, I felt a sense of gratitude towards these creatures.

They had carried us through time — both metaphorically in our journey through memories, and physically across the mesmerizing landscape.

"Such an evening, Thillak," Isla whispered, her voice filled with contentment. "It feels like a dream."

I nodded. "It's moments like these that make lifetimes worth living."

We shared a soft, lingering kiss, the taste of her lips mingling with the ambient scents of the evening.

Just as we were about to enter the inn, a peculiar aroma reached my nostrils.

It was out of place — acrid.

I halted in my tracks.

The joyful hum of the Zireflyes faded into the background, replaced by a menacing silence that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

I felt the blood drain from my face.

An instinct, honed over countless lifetimes, screamed danger.

Isla, sensing my sudden tension, whispered:

"What's wrong?"

Without a word, I placed my hand over her mouth, pulling her close to me, melding her body into the shadows of the inn's entrance.

My eyes darted around, scanning the vicinity, trying to pinpoint the source of my unease.

The peaceful evening had taken a sinister turn, and every sense was now on high alert.

What had started as a dreamy ride under the twilight now threatened to become a nightmare.

* * *

The momentI sensed the danger, my instincts, refined over lifetimes, took over.

I gripped Isla's wrist gently but firmly, pulling her away from the inn's entrance and towards the Hiika stables.

The evening had started with such serenity, but now my every nerve was on edge, every sense heightened.

The faint hum of the Zireflyes seemed distant, as my ears picked up soft murmurs from a group that seemed to be converging near the inn's entrance.

The gentle coolness of the evening had been replaced by a subtle warmth, probably from my adrenaline.

Upon reaching the stables, the Hiikas and leather hit my nostrils.

But among that familiar smell, there was also the reek of nervous sweat from the stablehand as he watched our hurried approach.

"No more rides tonight!" the young stablehand protested, his voice shaky, his eyes darting to the shadows as if he too sensed the change in the air.

"We need the Hiikas. Now." My voice was firm, but not threatening.

I didn't want to intimidate the boy, but there was an urgency I hoped he could understand.

He hesitated, taking in my determined expression and the frightened look on Isla's face. "It's too dark," he stammered, glancing up at the night sky, where only the glow of the Zireflyes provided any light. "You could fall, hurt yourselves. I can't allow it."

"Listen to me," I said, stepping closer, allowing the ambient glow from a nearby lantern to illuminate my face.

I took a deep breath, tasting the slightly dusty air of the stables, mingled with the earthiness of the Hiikas. "We don't have time to argue. It's important. Life and death."

His eyes widened, and he took a hesitant step back.

His hand moved defensively towards a metal rod kept to control unruly Hiikas.

Seeing this, I reached into my pocket and pulled out a handful of shiny credits — more than a stablehand would see in many months.

The metallic discs clinked softly together. "This is for you," I whispered, placing them into his outstretched, trembling hand. "We'll take two Hiikas, and you won't tell anyone they're gone. Can we trust you?"

The boy gulped, his fingers closing around the credits.

They felt cold and heavy in his grasp, a testament to their worth.

For a moment, greed and fear waged a battle in his eyes.

But then, with a reluctant nod, he said:

"All right. But be careful. I'll want them back by morning."

"I trust they can find their own way back?" I asked.

He nodded.

I helped Isla onto one, securing her with gentle hands, reassuring her with a brief, comforting squeeze.

The sensation of her hand gripping mine provided a brief respite, a reminder of why I was so desperate to get away.

Once atop our Hiikas, I gave a nod of gratitude to the stablehand.

He watched us, the weight of the credits and the weight of the secret equally heavy in his mind.

As the Hiikas moved, their rhythmic cadence was somewhat soothing.

The cool breeze as we sped along carried with it the mixed fragrances of the flora, slightly tangy and refreshing.

The only light came from the path-side plants and the Zireflyes, which seemed to dance around us as if guiding our way.

Beside me, I could hear Isla's breathing, slightly rapid due to the mix of fear and exhilaration. "Thillak," she whispered, her voice trembling. "What's happening? Why are we running?"

I wished I could reassure her with words, but now wasn't the time.

Instead, I reached over, intertwining my fingers with hers.

The touch was enough for now — a promise that I would explain, that I would always protect her.

"We'll be safe soon," I murmured, even though uncertainty gnawed at me. "I'll tell you everything then. Just hold on."

The last echoes of the town faded away as we raced deeper into the countryside.

The promise of safety, while not yet realized, was at least a little closer.

* * *

The rhythmic thud of the Hiikas'feet against the dirt path filled the air, punctuated only by the nocturnal calls of distant creatures.

The cooling evening wind swept against my face, carrying with it the fragrance of blooming nocturnal flowers.

It was almost enough to distract me from the weight on my heart.

Almost.

Suddenly, Isla's Hiika pulled alongside mine, its soft, chirping call breaking through my daze.

The inquisitive gaze she threw my way made my chest tighten. "Thillak," her voice was filled with both concern and determination, "why are we running?"

"We're being followed," I began, realizing that, indeed, there was more to our story than I'd previously divulged.

Not because I didn't trust her, but because I'd hoped this chase would never resume.

She shot me a confused look, silver moonlight reflecting off her eyes. "By who? And why?"

Drawing a deep breath, I savored the crispness of the night air, a slight tang underlying its freshness. "There's more to our past than I've shared. I wasn't completely sure until… until I picked up on a certain scent back at the inn."

Her face contorted in confusion. "Whose scent?"

My grip tightened on the reins, the worn leather feeling rough and calloused beneath my fingers. "The Balance," I whispered.

Every few moments, I'd throw anxious glances over my shoulder, certain I'd caught the hint of a shadow, or the faint rustling of leaves that didn't fit with the natural rhythm of the forest.

Each time I looked back, it increased the tight knot of anxiety in my stomach.

"The Balance?" she echoed, her voice trembling slightly.

I nodded, taking another quick glance behind us. "They believe our recurring romance, our love story that defies time and reincarnation, is a mockery of Fate and her plans. They think no one should have knowledge of their past, let alone the ability to see into the future."

Her eyes widened in realization and disbelief. "But why? Why do they care about us?"

Exhaling, I brushed a hand through my hair, feeling the slight dampness from exertion. "Every time we find each other, every time we fall in love, our bond grows stronger, crossing lifetimes. This bond gives us a power very few possess: the ability to not only glimpse the future but to see it."

I watched as the implications settled in her mind. "So, they're after us because of our bond? Because we're… powerful together?"

"Exactly," I affirmed. "And they'll stop at nothing to ensure that power isn't realized."

She fell silent, taking in the enormity of the situation.

All around us, the night seemed to hum with energy, with potential threats lurking in every shadow.

The glow from the Zireflyes cast dancing specks of light on the path, both illuminating our way and casting deeper shadows.

A faint light appeared on the horizon, signaling the approach of a dwelling.

As we neared, I recognized it as a quaint cottage, nestled between two sloping hills.

Warm light emanated from its windows, casting a soft orange glow against the twilight backdrop.

To my relief and surprise, the door of the cottage swung open, revealing a rosy-cheeked couple.

Their smiles, while warm and inviting, also carried a hint of recognition.

"Ah, Thillak! Isla! We've been expecting you," the female exclaimed, her voice melodious, the kind that immediately puts one at ease.

The male nodded, his face crinkling into a broad smile. "Come in, come in. You're safe here."

They barely reached up to my waist.

I glanced at Isla, noting the dazed expression on her face.

The revelations, combined with the warm reception from people she didn't recall, was understandably overwhelming.

Sliding off our Hiikas, we approached the couple, their familiar yet unfamiliar faces beckoning us closer.

Freshly baked bread and something sweet wafted out, offering a comforting embrace.

Without a word, Isla, still in her daze, followed the couple inside, and I trailed close behind, grateful for this unexpected sanctuary.

The Balance might be on our trail, but for now, we had friends, memories, and each other.