The underground world
When they finally entered the famous cabin, they were amazed. The inside was different from the outside and not at all the way they thought it would be. Instead of going into a neglected place, there was instead a vast library.
Shelves and shelves of books, which soared so high… As soon as the door was closed, they noticed no window, and no ceiling, but rather a sky, filled with thousands of sparkling crystals, various colours. It looked like a beautiful starry night, even though they were in broad daylight. It was amazing!
Yvan laughed at their bewildered expression:
- If you see your heads right now! And you haven't seen anything yet... On the other hand, nobody touches my books without my permission, is that clear? I care a lot about it, and just as much as you will not have signed a form correctly, which certifies that you have lent one...
- What, seriously? A form! They are that precious, Brakir laughed, pretending to want to take one.
- Even for you, my beautiful, there will be no exceptions. If I had a motto, it would be my books first! And know that, I can find all those who would have stolen a book from me, so that they return them to me. And this, anywhere! It's the same for everyone!
- I think the word "weird" isn’t enough to describe you!
The hermit chuckled, happy to hear it:
- Oh… What a lovely compliment! I'm flattered, you know?
- Okay? Are we having this conversation?
- Hahaha! Why not? And what do you want? My house, my rules. My books are essential to me because they are worlds in their own right. In truth, I am an eccentric person. But don't worry, we will be able to get along, even at b...
- I think you're getting lost, Yvan. Are we going to eat, yes or no? Yrckos reminded them, interrupting them.
The latter nodded, giving Brakir a final wink who stuck his tongue out at him. Their behaviour amused the princesses, especially Hyra, who found the hermit more agreeable than he looked! His duality made him unique.
Suddenly, Yvan hit the ground with his foot forcefully. This revealed an underground staircase, lit by various phosphorescent rocks, on the walls.
Surprised, all followed him, descending deeper underground. After a good two minutes, they came to a large golden gate, decorated with two figurines of ravens opening their wings. The hermit made his staff appear and knocked it on the ground three times, reciting a magic spell.
The portal opened before them while the two statuettes closed their wings at the same time. He revealed a path dotted with luminescent purple flowers on both sides.
In wonder, Hyra crouched down for a moment to admire them. Yvan, in front of his apparent interest, suggested:
- You see, I am a gardener in my spare time. These are my creations: variants of peonies, camellias and red roses. I cultivate them with care, and if you want, I will show you around my garden a little later.
- That would make me happy! I can't wait!
They then continued on their way, which ended in a long underground gallery. A multicoloured light was diffused, by three enormous crystals, suspended in the void. Their position formed a triangle around a huge tree, which spread its covered branches over the entire arch. The crystals were spinning slowly, casting shimmering reflections on the water from a splendid fountain, which flowed from this tree.
It was so tall that even its gigantic roots sprouted from the ground. One butterfly, then two, and a whole cloud flew gracefully. There were all colours. They were so beautiful to see !!! A monarch butterfly came to rest on Hyra's nose, who was delighted.
A fragrant and fresh air enveloped them pleasantly.
The hermit took a deep breath, happy, before announcing:
- Welcome to my home! The only rule here that you will have to respect is not to enter a room without permission. Other than that, be comfortable. I'll show you around soon. To begin with, I would advise you to cool off a bit before eating. You will find new, more suitable outfits waiting for you. Since we'll be spending more time underground than on the surface, right Yrckos?
- Indeed! Since the demonic creatures are on our heels, we will be safer with Yvan. Time for the twins to train and get stronger. It's primordial.
Suddenly, a young boy of about eight, with large black wings flying just above them, came to a smooth landing. He bowed for a moment before raising his head. A fringe of her white hair, on the right side of her young face, hid one of her eyes. Like the other, black as ink probed them happily. Before he exclaims, clapping his hands:
- Master! We will be able to keep them finally! You made the right choice!
- We don't keep them Rendou. They are our guests! Do not forget. And I expect their stay here to be as pleasant as possible, understood?
Rendou? Decidedly, they were going from surprise to surprise with this hermit. Hyrio dared to ask the question everyone had in mind:
“Is that the crow you had on your shoulder not long ago?" How is it possible?”
Rendou laughed, answering, amused:
“I got you, eh! My master is unpredictable, and you haven’t seen anything yet. Five centuries ago, he transformed me into a human because loneliness weighed on him. I am proud of…”
Yvan reprimanded him immediately:
- Rendou! These are not things to say!
- Forgive me, master...
- Do not embarrass me anymore, and show their apartments to the ladies here! And be quick about it!
The boy hastened to obey, taking the left hallway with Hyra and Kahelle, while the hermit took the opposite hallway with the others. In the passage they were walking in, also lit by crystals, there were several doors. On each of them, a symbol was inscribed. Characters like: a tree, water, a human, wind, fire, and many more, all in gold.
One of the doors shook for no reason, making the princesses jump. It reminded them of the noise the cabin made before.
“Do not worry! My master is mighty, and each piece reflects a trait of his exceptional personality. He's not mean, you know?”
At his revelation, they looked at each other, astonished. They didn't understand what he meant or why, but Hyra felt all the affection he had for Yvan. She approached him gently:
- You like him very much, don't you?
- Yes, a lot! He is like a father to me. I will follow him everywhere! He did so much for me...
The young boy was smiling, speaking of the hermit. They continued on their way, amid butterflies flying around them, carefree. Arrived at a door, the symbol of a heart of gold, Rendou stopped to open, inviting them to enter. What they saw then left the princesses speechless.
The first detail they noticed were large flowers that slowly descended over a stream, around two large canopy beds in solid wood. These flowers came from a plant, sprawling across the ceiling like climbing ivy.
It looked like a mixture of blue lotus and clematis but with larger petals. Their particular colour was a very bright cyan blue. Their intoxicating and soothing scent, unlike anything known…
- This is another creation of my master. He called this plant a souterrillia, and these flowers are souterrillias. They are not found anywhere else. These flowers have incredible medicinal properties. Do you know that they increase your vital energy while purifying your mind? Even the tea from these flowers is delicious!
- Rendou, they are magnificent!
Kahelle captured a flower with both hands because they were so big. One hand wouldn't have been enough to hold it. Even the petals were soft to the touch. They were surprising! Besides, looking at it carefully, their underground room also had all the comforts possible.
What was still astonishing was that this stream, which flowed peacefully against the walls, descended into a large steaming basin filled with souterrillias.
“I hope you like it! My master went out of his way to receive you. Now I leave you, see you later!”
As Rendou left, the princesses were impressed. Was that their room?
Their stay was promising to be incredible...