Ancient Guardian

Silvi's Coffee Shop bathed in the golden light of late afternoon. The warm hues casting a cozy glow over the bustling patrons. Ayla, the petite dryad with green eyes and green hair that cascaded to her lower back. Moved behind the counter. Her vibrant presence added a touch of enchantment to the already charming shop.

As she poured a steaming cup of coffee for a regular customer. Ayla glanced up and saw a figure standing inside the doorway. Her heart skipped a beat as recognition dawned. The man was tall and imposing. Dressed in traditional garb that marked him as an ancient guardian from her homeland. His eyes, though aged, held a spark of familiarity.

"Ayla," he said, his voice carrying the weight of years. "It's been too long."

Ayla's breath caught in her throat. "Jordo," she whispered, her mind flooded with memories of Guilder and the life she had left behind.

Jordo approached the counter, his gaze steady. "Your mother sent me. There's a threat to Guilder that only you can thwart."

A wave of nausea and responsibility washed over Ayla. She had embraced her new life. Finding solace and purpose at Silvi's Coffee Shop, but the ties to her past were inescapable. Her homeland needed her, and she couldn't turn her back on it.

Before she could respond. Ignatius, who had been observing the exchange from a nearby table. Stood up and walked over. His presence was reassuring, a pillar of strength. Smoking his pipe, trails of smoke in his wake. His presence calming as the aromatic magic of his pipe enchanted patrons.

"Ignatius," Ayla began, her voice trembling. "This is Jordo, an ancient guardian from my homeland. He says there's a threat to Guilder."

Ignatius nodded, his expression serious. "We'll help you, Ayla. Tell us what you need."

Jordo inclined his head in gratitude. "The threat is grave. Dark forces are gathering, and they seek to destroy the Sacred Tree that protects our land. Without it, Guilder will fall into chaos."

Ayla's heart ached at the thought. The Sacred Tree was the heart of her homeland, its lifeblood. "I have to go back now," she said fear evident in her voice.

Ignatius placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "We'll travel to Guilder. Luna and I will prepare for the journey and resolve this threat."

Jordo nodded. "I will return by ship to prepare a place for your household. We must act quickly."

As Jordo left the coffee shop, Ayla felt fear and hope. She turned to Ignatius, her eyes reflecting her inner turmoil. "Thank you, Ignatius. I couldn't do this without you."

"We're a team," Ignatius said. "We'll face this together."

Ayla looked at his face. Guilt ate her from the inside. She should tell him the truth. Courage evaded her. She would find time and courage.

Over the next few months, preparations for the journey were in full swing. Luna was an efficient planner who coordinated supplies and logistics.

************

Luna stood by the large window in Silvi's Coffee Shop, gazing out at the bustling streets of Misty Cove. The enormity of the task before them weighed on her mind. Planning the trip to Guilder Island would take time. Many things had to be set in motion before they could embark on the journey. She knew they couldn't delay any longer.

Luna reached for her phone and called Elysia, who answered almost immediately. "Elysia, can you meet me at the docks? We need to talk to one of your old school friends, Brandon. He owns a merchant ship and can help us get to Guilder Island."

"Of course, Luna. I'll be there shortly," Elysia replied.

Luna made her way to the docks, the salty sea breeze rustling her hair. The docks were alive with activity. Sailors loading and unloading cargo, merchants haggling over prices. The constant hum of conversation. Amidst the chaos, she spotted Elysia approaching with a determined look on her face.

"Let's find Brandon," Elysia said, eyes scanning the area.

After a few minutes of searching, they found Brandon overseeing the loading of his ship. He was a tall, broad-shouldered man with a warm smile and a twinkle in his eye. He greeted Elysia with a hearty hug.

"Elysia! It's been too long," Brandon exclaimed.

"Good to see you, Brandon. We need your help," Elysia said, explaining their situation and their need to get to Guilder Island.

Brandon listened, nodding thoughtfully. "I can take you with my next shipment of goods to Guilder Island. We occasionally stop there to bring supplies to the merchants on the island. We can leave in a few days."

Luna felt a surge of relief. "Thank you, Brandon. This means a lot to us."

Brandon smiled. "Anything for an old friend. I'll make sure everything is ready for your journey."

Luna and Elysia returned to Silvi's Coffee Shop with their passage secured. As they walked, they discussed Clair, the mysterious woman who had recently entered their lives. Something about her didn't feel right, and they couldn't shake the feeling that she had ulterior motives.

"We need to be careful around Clair," Luna said, her brow furrowed in thought.

Elysia nodded in agreement. "Agreed. There's something off about her. We should keep an eye on her."

Back at the coffee shop. Greeted by the familiar sight of Ignatius, Ayla, and Christie busy with their tasks. Luna and Elysia decided to plan a nice outing to the nearby town of Meadowsweet. A small, prosperous town known for its trade in beef and mutton. It was one of the wealthiest towns in the border area. And supplied the surrounding villages and Mithrilen with quality meat.

Luna and Elysia invited Ayla and Christie to join them on the outing. It was a chance to show Ignatius that he had four loyal women who adored him. The following morning, they set off for Meadowsweet, the excitement palpable.

The journey was pleasant, the countryside with a patchwork of green fields and rolling hills. They arrived at the Cows and Cat's Meow Farm, a renowned dairy farm that supplies Misty Cove's milk. The air filled with the scent of fresh hay and blooming flowers.

The farm's owner, a cheerful woman named Marla, welcomed them with open arms. "Welcome! Come in, come in! We have fresh milk, cheese, and buttered bread for you to enjoy."

Treated to a delightful spread of farm-fresh products. The creamy milk, rich cheese, and warm, buttery bread were a feast for the senses. As they sat around a rustic wooden table, laughter and conversation flowed.

Ignatius took a moment to reassure them of their importance to him. "You are all critical to me. I want you to know how much I value each of you."

With that, Ignatius presented each of them with a unique gift: a choker made from fine golden thread. The intricate craftsmanship and golden sheen made it clear that these gifts were of significant value, each costing twenty thousand gold.

Elysia removed her Master's choker and showed off her new one to everyone. "Now everyone will know I'm yours," she said, her voice filled with pride. "Tell Magnus that it was a gift from Luna to show her love. That will make the salamander jealous." Elysia added with a laugh, touching her choker delicately.

"We have decided that everyone except the staff at Silvi's Coffee Shop will travel with us to Guilder Island," Ignatius announced, holding up his hand. The staff will still be paid weekly as usual. My maids will accompany us, but their parents will stay with their caregivers."

Late that evening, they arrived back home. Laughing and talking about their new adventure.

As they gathered in the living room, Ignatius pulled Elysia aside and whispered in her ear. "Tell Magnus this," he said, his voice low.

Elysia listened, a grin forming on her lips as her eyes became mischievous. "Oh, Ignatius, that's brilliant. Magnus won't know what hit him."

**************

Elysia stood in the doorway of Chief Magnus's office, commanding attention. The golden choker around her neck gleamed in the soft light, symbolising her newfound freedom and commitment. Magnus looked up from his desk, his eyes narrowing as he saw the choker.

"Elysia," he said, his voice curious. "What's with the new choker?"

Elysia stepped into the office, her posture confident. "My past is buried with my old choker, which I've placed in a jewellery box at home."

I felt a weight lift from my shoulders. She thought as Ignatius placed this new choker around my neck. Adjusting it for comfort, she revelled in his gentle touch.

She acknowledged the women at the table as equals. As Ignatius had adjusted each choker personally.

"Luna gave this gift to me as a sign of her love for me," Elysia said, touching her choker.

Magnus almost fell out of his chair, his eyes wide with surprise. "Luna gave it to you. As a sign of her love?"

Elysia, not one to beat around the bush, walked into the office and closed the door behind her. Magnus sat forward, anticipation written all over his face.

"You've finally realised how great I am," Magnus said, smugly.

"No!" Elysia exclaimed, her voice firm. "Guilder Island has asked for help. They have a problem."

Magnus sat back. Disappointment was evident in his expression. "A man can dream," he muttered, his gaze drifting to her legs. "Guilder Island does fall under our jurisdiction. Who must we send?"

Elysia placed her hand on her hip, her stance resolute. "I will go. Arrangements are being made as we speak."

Magnus raised an eyebrow. "How will you get there?"

"Brandon offered to take me," Elysia replied, opening the door to leave.

Magnus wiped his face with his hands, a concern crossing his features. "Alone with him on a ship? My innocent Elysia, will you return a conquered woman?"

Elysia turned, her eyes flashing with determination. "He has two wives and five children. He had nightmares in school that I would suck him dry."

"I will be fine. Thank you for being so concerned."

As she left the office, Magnus touched his neck, looking uncomfortable. "I pity the poor bastard who beds her," he muttered.