couspiredeja

A steward is someone responsible of looking after the elemental assigned to them at birth. A young steward, Antigone, was a ten-year-old girl who was just merrily picking up fallen leaves when her fate changed. Being the first-born daughter of Lorisa who is the head steward of the air, and Damasto who is the head steward of the water, she quickly plummeted as the most precious gem in the Black Forest Kingdom.

Theodore Lin is a budding engineer who have worked with several international projects before. However, a plane crash decides to change his fate after he lands into an unknown place composed of lush, green scenery.

Join Antigone in her struggle for power and love, as Theodore introduces a new world to this promising heiress.

101 FOREST NIGHTS

It was an awkward dinner for both Antigone and Teddy. Whenever their eyes  met, they quickly evaded each other's gazes.


It was soon sleeping time and all went to their quarters.


"Wow, how is that man so cheeky and cute at the same time? Ooooh those warm brown eyes," Antigone muttered to herself, "No--no! No, no. Okay Antigone he's not. You just met him."


She repeatedly fought with herself whether the new guy is cute or not. And that cycle made her sleepless. Morning soon came and she looked so disheveled.


When breakfast time came, all eyes were on her.


"Darling why does it look like you did not get enough sleep? Did you open  your windows?" asked Lorisa in a very concerned voice.


"Yes ma, I was just tired with all the walking yesterday," she responded with a yawn.


"Well you have to rest for the day because your big day is four days from now," replied Lorisa, "so make the most out of your freedom for now."


"Yes, mama. I'll never waste the remaining days," she sheepishly said with a smile.


Teddy, who was quite lost in this conversation, saved his questions for later as he ate his breakfast. Her father, Damasto, also sat in silence as he ate. The meal was finished and Antigone's parents went on their daily routines as the head stewards. 


 Antigone collected the plates and transferred it to the washing basin. Teddy quickly went to her side and helped her collect every plate. 


"Hey uhm Antigone, sorry about yesterday," he muttered.


"What? Your voice is too soft," she replied.


He put another pile of plates in the basin as he spoke, "Well if I made things awkward because of the way I talked and acted, I am expressing my apologies."


"No, it's okay. I am the one who acted immaturely. Here in our culture, we are conservative, that is why," she replied with a small smile.


Teddy nodded, "Okay them I respect that aspect in your culture. I have a question though."


"What will happen after four days?" he asked.


She stopped washing the plates and smiled at him, "I am being inaugurated as the head steward. Meaning, my rank in this forest will elevate."


"So it means you'll no longer live here with your parents?" he asked.


"Yes, it is one of the many sacrifice that I have to make. I am also obliged to transfer from village to village, to make sure that the operations within is refined," she smiled as she spoke.


"How old were you when you were groomed for this kind of work?" he asked.


"I was about ten when I was named by the oracle, some sort of a fortuneteller in here," she replied.


"You were pressured at such an early age? Wow, that's why you are a very responsible person. Don't worry, being able to do more for others is such a very fulfilling role," Teddy remarked.


She smiled at him while she continued washing the dishes. Teddy, on the other hand, recounted his experiences about how he was groomed up to inherit a large construction company. How he pressured himself to be on top of his class and how every eye judges his every move.


CHAPTER 6: GREETINGS