Our beginning

Jason and I met in a strange way. I wrote a story about it.

I posted it here almost a year ago and I would like to post it again in honor of our wedding anniversary.

Our Story

Huge orange sails billowed in the wind as she stood on the dock looking skyward, her dark hair pulled back into a bun on the top of her head. Her angular face was slightly pale, her large hazel eyes made people look twice. Her tight knit shirt fit close against her skin and showed off her small frame. Argo was the name of the large bulky ship that would carry her from her homeland to the island of Kymer. It swayed before her with the rhythm of the rocking waves. Her eyes glistened with both hope and sorrow. She feared leaving her family and the only place she had ever known. But, the promise of a new journey was something her mother and father had always wanted for her. Now she had the chance to spread her eager wings and fly.

She boarded the boat with only the clothes she wore, a few coins in her pocket and some crackers her mother had given her. She waved to her loved ones as she walked onto the deck. Swiftly the ship spun in circles and she was tossed to the side. A beautifully colored parrot was perched near a doorway, welcoming her onboard. He squawked out loud and exclaimed that his name was Hermes. She thought that it was a strange and delightful way to begin her travels. He then asked her name. She cleared her throat and whispered Phaedra. He seemed overjoyed at this and then asked to have one of her crackers. She gladly shared, her head swam from the sea too much to eat them herself. After crunching down his snack, Hermes informed Phaedra that the notice posted by the cabin door would tell her everything she needed to know for her new journey in life.

It read: “Greetings!

Welcome to the ship Argo. You have entered the domain of Dream and are now sailing to the Island of Kymer, the ancient island of Reverie.

The Argo will soon dock at the City of Phantasus, the Kymerian city of many mysterious secrets. There you will be welcomed by other dreamers such as yourself--who thrive together in the city. We hope that you will enjoy your new home and the many people you will befriend there.

Yours truly,

In the Service of Morpheus

Capt. Proteus of the Argo

Phaedra thought her family would never believe any of this though she recorded it all in her memory for her first letter home.

She approached the edge of the ship and peered out. Hermes squawked again and told her to follow him. He showed her the way to the wooden plank that soon extended before her. A light fog danced around and parted slowly showing her the beautiful island of Kymer. People stood at the dock ready to welcome her. She felt the anxiety twist in her stomach and was glad she had not eaten her crackers after all.

Flags of every color waved high and people cheered as she walked off of the Argo. A map rolled up and tied with red silk ribbon appeared in her hand. Men and women greeted her with open arms, asking to show her around. She was led to a shop with lovely wardrobes bursting with colors and fabrics. There she was given clothes of her choice and showered with delightful gifts. She was then taken on a quick tour around the city of Phantasus. It was more wondrous than she had ever imagined. Phaedra could not wait to get settled in and feel her way around the intricate parts of the city. There was much to see and learn and smell and touch and absolutely exhaust herself with.

Later that evening, after all of her affairs were in order, Phaedra set out to explore on her own. She saw buildings with amazing architecture, statues of marble, lush greenery, fountains with dragons that poured forth cool water, wild flowers that bloomed everywhere. There were shops of all sorts and many places to meet friends. Oh, what interesting things she could get into there.

She explored for hours. The stars twinkled in the clear sky and she became mesmerized by their beauty. Soon she realized that she had wandered far and did not know how to get back to her apartment. The map she had with her seemed more confusing as it turned dark outside. She turned it upside down and right side up. She held it up to the dim light of the stars. Soon her shoulders slumped and her eyes washed over with tears. She leaned back against the building she had stopped at and looked at the ground. She was scared. Her first night away from her parents, her siblings, her home and now she was lost. She cursed herself for being so childish. Her body slid down the wall and she sat on the sidewalk, weeping silently. She stayed in place, hoping someone would come along and help her. No one passed by for what seemed like hours.

Phaedra awoke the next morning on the cold floor of a room constructed completely out of marble. The hard smooth surface against her cheek felt oddly safe. She sat up and looked around at her surroundings. There were burgundy candles burning in ornate candle holders and large green ferns in pots along the walls, glowing gold drapes and an alter. She stood up abruptly and backed out of the room. Fear soared through her. She turned and began to run. She passed four rooms with carved pictures on the outer walls. Candles, fountains and plants decorated the beautiful sleek marble. She stumbled along until she burst through and into the street. The large doors were stained glass, rolling white clouds and black ravens adorned them. People stopped and asked her if she was all right. Her breathing was shallow, her hair a mess, the bun no longer intact. She felt a bit silly as she looked around at the crowd she had attracted. Things seemed so different in the daylight. The sun shined down on her and warmed her skin. She asked someone to direct her toward her new home. An elderly lady in robes gladly accompanied her and walked her to her door. Phaedra assured her she would be fine and hugged her.

She traced her memories and could not remember much except for crying and falling asleep. She was chilled and then felt warmth. There was a sense of kindness and love. She shrugged off the experience in order to move on with her day. She was not there to get tangled up in drama. The first night, lost, afraid, tired…anything could have explained the memories away.

After a busy day of forming her new life, Phaedra curled up on the floor of her apartment and stared up at the ceiling. Her body relaxed into the soft green ferns that were her bed and her eyes drifted closed. Dreams began to flood her mind. Delightful dreams, angelic dreams, dreams of pure wonder. She did not want to wake when the sun rose. The desire to continue to slumber and live in the dream world was enticing. Her eyes popped open and she remembered. Hands, large and gentle, lifted her and carried her into the Temple, laid her down on the marble floor and watched over her through the night. He made sure she was well, he tended to her tears. O, sweet Morpheus!

She hurried back to the building she ran from the day before. Her feet knew the way even if her spinning head did not. She found herself sprinting through the streets, down the sidewalks until she reached the glass doors. They loomed before her, gilded knobs waited for her shaking hands to touch them. She quivered slightly, or was it the building? She placed her hands on the knobs and soothing heat surged up her arms. She opened the doors. This time she did not blaze past the rooms. This time she entered each one, admiring the handiwork. She took in the scent of every candle, she ran her fingers through every drop of sparkling water. Her once empty body filled with the feeling of “home” again. She reached the tabernacle and entered quietly. There was a robed person kneeling at the alter. Her face was covered by a hood, but Phaedra could tell from the person’s stature that it was a woman. She seemed familiar. She noticed Phaedra had walked in, nodded to her and left. The door closed behind her and the room was empty and utterly still. Phaedra fell toward the alter and tears streamed down her cheeks. Dreamlike visions swirled in her head. She felt great hands move her hair from her damp face and comfort her trembling spirit. When she opened her eyes, there was no one there with her. She stood up and spun around. She was confused again, her mind could not comprehend the situation.

A voice came low and deep. It echoed in the room and vibrated through her body. Phaedra stood completely still, eyes wide and staring at emptiness. She was not frightened, she was in awe.

Morpheus spoke to her that day, words she never uttered to anyone. She was at peace, she was at home. He called her to service and she accepted. She became a devoted student of dreams and a reverent sister to Morpheus.

Various times of the day and night, as part of her spiritual service, she would stand there, guarding the doors of the Temple of Morpheus. She and her fair haired sister in piety were called Templytes. Gatekeepers to the tombs of Earth, Air, Water, and Fire, Protectors of the great Book of Names. These beautiful women knelt at the tabernacle alter and offered themselves to Morpheus. They strolled through the Temple Courtyard to smell the sweet nectar of the morning glories and lounge under the hanging garden. Some hours they sat beneath the weeping willow trees and giggled at the wild birds that fluttered and played in the crystal waters of the birdbath. Their voices sounded like musical notes that strummed in the hearts of the dreamers. Their eyes were filled with rapture and enchantment. They were alluring yet angelic and both men and women desired them. The captivating sisters did nothing to attract attention. They simply worshipped life through the power of Morpheus.

Some passersby would stop and chat for a bit, some would just nod and continue walking. Everyone knew these enchanted women were promised to Morpheus and, as enticing as they were, were virgin brides wed to the Dreamweaver of Phantasus.

Phaedra led a life of wonderment. She wrote home often and described her love of the island, the flourishing community, the richness of the land, and her ever alluring dreams. She was content in the feeling that the dreamscape around her was perfect.

As all stories go, something must happen to change the course of events. And such a thing happened to Phaedra one late hour. The darkness grew thick around her as she and her sister stood guard. The night swept through the streets as if it were something alive and breathing. This eve was different than others she had experienced. There was not fear in her, but a definite uneasiness. It was a feeling that something was coming, something powerful. She shook her head to clear the fuzziness and continued her conversation with her sister. She failed miserably.

It grew inside of her, it filled her to the edges of her skin. It had the aura of a god, less than Morpheus, but not by much. To her left entered a creature she had never before encountered.

All black garments stretched tightly across the muscles of his body, his face was a shadow among the glow of a golden crescent moon. She raised her arm to shield her eyes from the brightness. It overwhelmed her senses. Her hearing was deafened, her eyes blinded, her skin was ice on fire, the taste of metallic sugar rested on her tongue. She stood where she was and did not run, not through choice, but because her knees felt as if they were melted on the spot.

He spoke to her, his voice strikingly gentle and forceful all at once. He introduced himself as Eblis, Guardian of the Night. He bowed, all the while staring into Phaedra’s squinted eyes. He glided out of sight taking all of the gloriousness with him.

Phaedra felt a sudden jolt as the sensations slipped away from her body. Her sister was there in front of her, shaking her and calling her name. Phaedra looked at her as if she was waking from a dream. Perhaps she had. Dreams came and went so smoothly there. Her sister had seen no one during this period of time, Phaedra was alone in her bewilderment.

The following night seemed to come more quickly. Phaedra again stood guard on her side of the decorated temple doors. Hours floated by as the stars twinkled high above her head. She became lost in the sky and watched the clouds swell and wrap around the waxing moon. The scent of thick forests and fresh nighttime blew across her path. She took a deep breath and let it fill her lungs. Her eyes closed and a smile spread across her lips. When she opened her eyes, she saw a man standing there. It was the Guardian of the Night. That night, his face was not covered by glowing light, it was pure and natural. He was pale, like a night walker would be. His skin was almost the color of the marble within her beloved Temple. His ebony hair flowed as if a breeze always swirled around him. Her fingertips ached to touch his cheek. It took all of her strength to resist the urge and keep her hands by her sides. He bowed and smiled. Phaedra was mesmerized by the stars that seemed to be trapped in his dark eyes. They swam and danced to music that she could not hear. He asked her about her night and about the happenings at the Temple. She answered, her heart thudded so loudly she could not make out much of her own voice. Again, he bowed and walked on his way. This night was better, he was not dazzling, only extremely enchanting.

On the third night, Eblis stopped by, bowed before Phaedra and spoke to her inside of her mind. At first she was taken aback by the softness of his voice along her skin. It tickled the inside of her stomach and gave her visions of hundreds of crimson butterflies freed for the first time. He apologized for his appearance the first night they had met. He was unaware of the effect he had on her until after it happened. She was the only one that had ever had that experience. He was sure to tone down his aura from that night on. Phaedra expressed her gratitude, but was somewhat concerned about having been the only person to react to him in that way. The Guardian went on to talk about how he had not known how the Templytes felt about his presence and was afraid to speak to me. She giggled at the thought of someone fearing her. She told him that she had felt the same about him, especially after the overpowering first meeting. It was then his turn to laugh. They talked until the sun began to awaken on the horizon. They were both surprised to see how much time had passed as they were spellbound by each other. They bid farewell and made promises to talk again soon.

For the following few nights, Phaedra did not stand guard outside of the Temple. Those lonesome nights she prayed at the alter. She asked Morpheus for his guidance. She pledged her never ending devotion to him. She drifted in and out of consciousness as she laid inside the Tabernacle, allowing Morpheus to speak to her in dreams. She was falling in love with a superior being, one that was rivaling Morpheus in her heart. Eblis possessed powers that held all of the life of night in his hands. He, in a way, helped Morpheus enter the worlds of others, for nightfall was the easiest time to weave dreams. A conflict that no one ever thought could happen had suddenly grasped her spirit.

Four days and nights passed with Phaedra in a state of meditation, fasting and dreaming. The Guardian of the Night came each twilight to see her, but she was not at her usual post. Her sister, knowing Phaedra’s plight, merely told him she was in prayer and she would return when she was ready. She felt the pain her sister was going through and wished her answers from Morpheus to be swift. Eblis tried several times to reach Phaedra through mind speak but she was shut down to the outside world. All he heard were his own words echoed back at him. His heart was heavy, he too knew he had fallen in love with someone that was untouchable. A virgin bride of Morpheus. How could he have been so careless as to involve himself with a servant of the highest god in Phantasus.

Phaedra appeared in the gardens the next morning. Her fingers brushed the feathery soft petals of the wild roses. Her face was serene, as was her soul. She smiled at the playing birds and hummed a song to them. Her sister happily ran to greet her. She embraced her tightly and kissed her on both cheeks. She gazed into Phaedra’s eyes and knew that Morpheus had answered her prayers and she was once again at peace.

Darkness slipped over Kymer as if a curtain had slowly covered a stage. Phaedra stood guard at her side of the temple doors as she had many times before. Within minutes Eblis was at her side. He frantically searched her face and hoped for a response to his questions, needing to know if she was well. Phaedra’s eyes reached his and he knew. He knew that his heart was bursting with emotion and pain was running through his veins. She felt the familiar feeling of burning ice, the feeling you get when a Guardian of the Night spreads his aura to you and engulfs you in his powerful presence. Creatures scurried in the thick forests, ravens soared in and out of clouds. The glorious moon once again set on Eblis’ form and brought the brilliance of light to all that surrounded them. There was no need to shield herself that time. She watched the twinkling stars dance in his eyes. Phaedra’s face glowed as if the moon had rained gold dust upon her skin. His fingers raised her chin and he placed a kiss on her soft lips. The taste of metallic sugar filled her mouth as he poured his emotions into her. The force behind this gift was enormous. He embraced her and held her close to his body as her knees buckled beneath her. The amount of sovereign passion that dove deep into her through his kiss seized her heart. He wound himself tightly around her soul. Light and love, sadness and comfort, darkness and pain flooded her senses, her limbs, her thoughts. Phaedra was breathless as he released her, his mouth parted from hers slowly. Her body and spirit recovered only to feel her love for him more intensely than ever before. They smiled, they laughed. Morpheus passed the hand of his virgin bride to another god. The Guardian of the Night had become Phaedra’s guardian as well. They were married by an Acolyte of Morpheus and exchanged promises of love and lifetimes…and many blessed dreams.