It was evening. The gibbous moon and stars shone above them and served as their source of light. People gathered at the shore. They wore robes that fell to their ankles.
A shadow fell over Kristina and was reminded of the person who had brought her here. Arty bent towards her with his hand, once more, outstretched to help her up. He muttered something unintelligible and said sorry when she frowned at him.
They waded toward the group watching them. As they got closer, she saw that their faces were youthful with eyes that held wisdom beyond their years. Their clothes were immaculate that she felt self-conscious of her appearance. Her recent dip hadn’t improved her shabby t-shirt and shorts.
A red-haired man and a platinum blonde woman came forward. They exchanged a look between each other in silent communication. The rest looked on quietly. It was eerie when none of them spoke and held themselves so still that they didn’t seem to be breathing.
Arty and the red-haired man clasped each other’s forearm in greeting, their gazes locked into each other. The man’s forehead wrinkled and spun towards Kristina, his eyes wide with understanding and nodded.
“What is your first name, child?” The man addressed Kristina with a vague accent, his mouth rounding out the words.
“Kristina.”
“True names are important and should be guarded with utmost caution. For now, you will be called Karina Menesarios. Menesarios is he who has found you and saved you from Them.” He patted her arm. “You may call me Sola and she Sara.” The man gestured towards the woman beside him.
“There are many things Arturion and I have to discuss. We will talk again when next we meet.”
Sola drew his arm around Arty’s shoulder. The man led him and the rest of the company away. Arty looked over his shoulder and smiled. A smile that promised everything will be alright. If only she could trust him enough to stop thinking that they have changed places. She was now the stranger in a much stranger land.
Sara linked arms with Karina and guided her to a road. Three women with matching blue eyes followed at their heels.
“Do not mind them,” Sara spoke. “They are simply curious about you. If you doubt it, then be assured that the Mother protects her people from harm always.” She looked at Karina at the corner of her eye. “You have a question.”
“What happens to those who want to harm you?”
“It has never happened before.” Sara considered it for a moment. “Our world is still a part of yours only to a certain point. You have heard of faeries and spirits, correct?”
“Yes.”
“The physical eye does not see these creatures because they stay in another world. Your people would call it a dimensional plane. It is much the same way with ours. Our world is like an onion covered in layers; only, this time, it is less discernible to the naked eye. People who are driven by evil intentions simply cannot see us… It is not easy to explain.” Sara shook her head apologetically. “Our nature is less driven by ego compared to your people. It makes us slow to anger and to take offense.”
“I don’t understand. I’m nothing like you, I’m very much human. Why am I here?” Karina halted, forcing the others to stop as well.
“Did Arturion not tell you?” The woman angled her head to the side. “Your condition is not an illness. Yours is an accelerated state of development.”
“What are you saying?” She took a step back from the woman.
Sara frowned at her confusion.
“Karina, you are evolving.”
Evolution wasn’t the word she expected to hear. Still, it was better than hearing that your days are numbered with a wasting disease. Her mother had died of cancer and she had begun considering the possibility that she also has the same illness.
The rest of the trip was spent in silence as Karina tried to absorb her guide’s information.
Sara explained that Karina’s world, situated at the third dimensional plane, was shifting. The Mother, the Essence of the planet, had wanted to raise Her frequency for years. She had waited for humans to realize that their destructive actions would continue to deplete natural resources and pollute the environment.
The Mother, however, could no longer risk waiting as the planet was gradually becoming uninhabitable. She had taken matters in Her own hands. Species thought to be extinct were actually disappearing because animals and plants were transferring to a higher dimension.
The human souls were an exception. Having the gift of choice, mankind was given the option either to continue living in a world where people blindly follow those in power; or, to follow the Earth as it ascends to the higher realms, governed by compassion and truth. Humans, who chose the latter, inevitably had to adapt to the changes; hence, their evolution, which some people coined as Ascension.
Half an hour later, they reached a different road. Glass orbs, running parallel the tree-lined paths, glowed softly as they hovered in mid-air.
“Welcome to Merleina. The City of Learning,” Sara spoke.
“Where is everyone?” Trees towered above them, its shadows extending beyond. There were neither buildings nor a living being present. It felt more like a haunted forest than a city.
“Our homes reside beyond these trees.” Sara ushered her past an ancient tree. “It is a countermeasure of a time long past. They formed an alliance with Merleina to protect the city against Them. The tree spirits remain good friends of the community.”
Twigs snapped and leaves rustled in their passage. Karina kept her eyes on the ground made uneven by roots and detritus. Her companions made walking in a dark forest as easy as strolling in a park.
Sara paused. Her hand gestured to Karina to stay behind her. The woman’s face set with calm authority and seemed to stand taller. She stared ahead of her and advanced a step.
Gradually, the trees before them diminished and a narrow path appeared.
Karina heard one of the three sisters sigh.
Sara continued walking and Karina didn’t have a chance to question her guides what had happened.
They arrived at a small round structure which her companions called a house. The look of skepticism must have been etched on her face when she caught the younger of three sisters smother a smile.
Karina was instructed to leave her shoes on a shoe rack next to the door before entering the house.
Inside, her jaw dropped at the number of rooms it accommodated. The external façade and structure of the house had deceived her. A quick scan of her surroundings made her notice that the furnishings were made of fibers, glass, wood, earth, and stone. She made a mental note that there was an absence of metal.
The living area was dominated by a woven carpet of golden whorls. At its center, stood a low circular table; its flat wooden surface balanced on a leg made of slender glass. A stack of papers and glass tablet with etched symbols lay at the table’s edge. Colorful silk pillows littered around the table. The corner of the room, however, made her smile. It was occupied by a floor-to-ceiling glass book case, filled with books bound in different colors and various crystals.
“I see that you have noticed the glass room,” Sara said delightedly. “You will have time to read them once you have settled. You will rest tonight and tomorrow, we shall try to answer more of your questions.”
A brief tour of the house commenced, preceded by a hot bath and change of clothes (one of the longish robes but made of lighter material); a cup of the familiar green tea; then, Karina was off to bed.
Chapter 6
Karina
Someone shook her lightly by the shoulder. She groaned and turned to the side. Even with eyes closed, the glare of the sun beat at her eyelids. Lying on her back again, she looked up. Smooth white ceiling without corners nor breaks to indicate the standard painted plywood of home greeted her. The sheets of her bed were soft and smooth, made of fine material unlike the cotton bed covers at home.
Where am I? She rubbed her eyes. Events of the previous night came back to her.
Karina shot up.
I haven’t even said goodbye to anyone. Aly must be sick with worry. She threw the covers and… Then what? She was a stranger to this place. The only friend she knew had left her stranded in a house in the middle of the forest.
Arty. It was difficult to see him as a friend when he had kept all this a secret. She had confided in him for so long. And for what? Only to be betrayed. Karina shook her head to clear her mind. No. There must be a reason.
She put herself in his shoes. Of course, keeping this world to himself is easier when people would’ve dismissed it as a purely imaginative story. He would’ve gone straight to the nut house if anyone heard him speak of it. But…
“Karina.” A young female voice disrupted her thoughts. Seated near her bed with a tray of tea was the youngest of the sisters.
“Kala.” The girl placed her palm on her chest. “My name is Kala.” She touched her forehead with her index and middle fingers, then her chest and extended her palm to Karina.
“It is a formal greeting used on important occasions or in making new acquaintances. And this,” Kala lay her palm on her chest once more and slightly lowered her head, “is an informal greeting. It is more commonly used in this area.”
The girl looked at her expectantly.
Karina imitated Kala’s movements and was made to repeat it until the latter was satisfied with her. Then, Kala taught her the morning salutation. Soon, it was made clear that the young woman would be her guide and companion when Sara was fulfilling her duties as high priestess.
Kala taught Karina that even the most mundane things were deemed important. Every action has an effect on the universe and will consequently affect the many. Thus, it was practiced that each task was done with utmost consideration. It took years to master this skill that a mantra “Pure Heart, Pure Mind, Pure Spirit” was recited in all households.
“You mean I have to recite this all the time in my head?”
Kala smiled.
“No. Only our priestesses and priests do it. We only recite it once before we start on a task as a reminder,” Kala paused, thoughtful for a moment. “Also, we recite it when we are upset about something or someone.”
Karina knew what Kala was referring to and felt embarrassed.
“But, in my opinion, it is more to calm ourselves than as a reminder. Upsets and stronger emotions similar to it can hurt others. It emanates very dense energy sometimes so strong that it could strike down the person you are angry with.” Kala turned about and studied Karina’s face. “I hear of hate and violence in your world. It is a wonder any of your kind survives.”
“We’re not as advanced as you are,” Karina replied.
Kala wasn’t offended and seemed to go over their conversation.
“Advanced is a relative definition. I find some of your technology more advanced than ours. In answer to the subject at hand, perhaps you are right. But that is about to change.” Kala shrugged and continued to lead her to Sara’s residence.
Karina thought of the times Arty was present when discussions became heated and led to one or both parties getting angry. He didn’t look affected by the atmosphere. In fact, his face was politely neutral most of the time – like a mask.
Sara’s residence was annexed to a temple at the heart of the city which was distinctly a large clearing formed in a circle of trees. The temple was made of natural rock formation made smooth by elements and at its center was a great ancient tree. People meditated on the grass floor, their heads turned towards the direction of the sun.
Karina made the greeting she learned that morning for those she met as they left the temple. They returned the gesture and smiled warmly to her.
Does everyone know who I am? She looked at her new set of clothes to see if she missed something.
“You have yet to learn how to walk through the forest,” Kala whispered in her ear and giggled.
“Kala,” a stern familiar voice reproved.
Sara gestured for them to enter. They were offered tea and sat on the cushions proffered to them. The high priestess addressed Kala first, inquiring about their recent activities. Kala recounted the things she had taught their guest, the high priestess nodded approvingly after Karina demonstrated some of the gestures she had learned. Satisfied, Sara thanked Kala and was asked to return in mid-afternoon.
Now that they were alone, Karina looked at her hostess in a different light. Sara looked ethereal in her priestess robes and seemed to emit a strange glow from within. Her aura was light itself. Questions Karina wanted answers all vanished but one: “Why me?”
Sara sipped her tea slowly as if it was the most important thing in the world. She was an epitome of calm and serenity. At last, she replaced the cup on the table and turned her whole attention to Karina.
“The Goddess does not choose Her instrument based on physical form, intellect or status. It is a great mystery in your world too. Simple folks chosen to do something beyond their means; a prince seeking enlightenment leads to the birth of a new way of life; a craftsman’s son becomes a renowned teacher whose legacy lasts throughout the ages. A politician whose corruption knows no bounds can move people to action. We are all born to play a part of the Great Plan. Not every role is pleasant to the human mind but it acts as a catalyst to change.
“Some of us were not originally from this planet. Our spirits come from a different part of the universe. We chose to be seeded – be born on Earth to help raise Her vibrations to gain entrance to a higher dimensional plane.
“You are here because you have chosen to see the truth. It is not always a comfortable position to have your gift. But if it pleases you, members of our community have their own special talents, which your people call ESP.”
It wasn’t exactly the answer to her question. However, it reminded Karina that she had left her world without saying goodbye to anyone.
“Aly,” she whispered to herself.
Sara reassured her that Arty would take care of everything ending the matter with a statement that Arturion would do everything in his power as Gate Keeper.
It felt to Karina that she should have known about the Gate Keepers. The high priestess didn’t offer any explanation and was occupied with clearing the tea things. Karina made a mental note to ask Arty himself. She had a long list of questions prepared for him to answer to her.
The hostess motioned to her visitor to follow in the adjoining room. Unlike the rooms Karina had seen recently, it was sparsely furnished with the common glow globes floating in midair. It was similar to the clear crystal globe she had at home.
Two mats lay at the center of the room. They sat on these and Sara instructed her to meditate. It was easy for Karina to fall into a meditative state. Her mother, a gifted psychic and yogi, had taught her the basics.
“Good. We will begin cleansing ourselves of negative energies,” Sara breathed. She gave instructions on the cleansing process including breathing techniques. Karina knew some of these too, although it was slightly different from what she was used to. She had practiced regularly for half an hour when her mother wasn’t very sick then.
Aly and their father used to leave the house to go someplace more interesting while their mother turned the garage into a classroom full of New Age people.
Karina was a homebody and found the classes intriguing. Her mother would lead seven or more students into meditation, then to a sort of energy manipulation for healing the self and others. Those early years, she was just happy to imitate them and the adults had welcomed her in the circle easily.
She was eleven years old when an incident during one of the sessions put a stop to everything. She vaguely remembered it. It was nothing out of the ordinary, just a simple demonstration that surprised several members of the group. This, however, made her mother decide to change the venue of the classes. Karina never knew its location but her mother always encouraged her to practice what she had learned regularly.
She sighed into the teacup between her hands. The fragrant scent of jasmine tea wafted in her nostrils.
Outside, the sky was tinged with orange. The air had chilled considerably as the sun began its slow descent but it was still pleasant for an evening stroll.
“We have such fine climate and good neighbors. Outsiders often say that our home is an idyllic place. Yet, to think that anyone would want to leave this place for another fraught with danger at almost every corner is a mystery to me,” Kala wondered aloud.
Karina only smiled at this. Her young companion evidently loves her home and, from what she’d gleaned from Sara, had never ventured out of their world. From what Karina has seen of Merleina, she could only agree with Kala’s statement. Again, her thoughts drifted to Arty. Would he rather be called Arturion now? He was surely one of those who preferred coming to her “world fraught with danger” than stay in Merleina.
Her eyes lingered outside. The trees would be mere shadows in a few minutes. Already she could hear the sounds of activity from nighttime creatures. The susurration of insects; the hoot of an owl; the flap of wings; and…the sound of drums?
Sara had warned her not to leave the house unaccompanied, especially at night. Forest Folk or spirits usually tolerated the community but they were notoriously playful. New additions, visitors like her, were favored targets to their pranks. Her first night traversing through the forest with the high priestess and Kala’s sisters was the perfect example. She had been fooled by illusions that the forest floor was full of tree roots and other things which could trip her until Sara put a stop to it. It was only then that a path appeared before her eyes, which seemed not to have impaired the others’ sight.
The wind shifted, carrying the music towards her. A lone flute played in the midst of the beat of the drums. The overall combination matched the wilderness and had the power to make her want to dance to its tune.
It took only a few minutes before the breeze changed course once more, leaving behind a night as silent as a forest could ever be and a heart longing for home.
The Realms of Ethair Page 4
