Forest & Kingdom Balance Read Online Free

Catherine answered as she began
brushing the knots from Dionara’s hair.
    Dionara’s mind filled with questions. “Catherine,
what do you mean, ‘Today of all days?’” Once the first question was
out, the rest came in a torrent. Before Catherine could answer, one
question followed another at a rapid pace. “What is this place? How
did I get here? How do you even know who I am?” She would have
continued unabated were it not for the captivating sound of
Catherine’s laughter, it seemed to resonate with joy and
happiness.
    “I’m sorry my lady, I should have been ready. We
knew that you would be inquisitive. Unfortunately I cannot give you
the answers you seek, but I have been asked to give you a message.
I even had to promise that I would repeat it word for word.”
    Catherine composed herself and took on an air of
polite formality reminiscent of a certain little green friend of
Dionara’s. “My Lady,” she began and attempted to get a baritone
from her beautiful soprano voice, “all your questions will be
answered, but not by Catherine. So be patient and don’t get your
undergarments in a twist.” Catherine hesitated as she waited to see
what reaction her breach of etiquette, not to mention good manners,
would bring.
    Dionara glanced down at her nude form and commented
with a smile, “Well, that’s not much of a worry, now is it?”
    Catherine raised one eyebrow in her best Froggy
persona and responded “Hmmmm, apparently not.”
    Both amused and surprised, Dionara turned to
Catherine and wondered what other surprises this woman had in
store. “You do that well.” She commented.
    Catherine’s natural effervescence returned with her
voice as she resumed her duties, “Thank you. He does have a style
that’s all his own, doesn’t he. Well, if nothing else, there’s
never a dull moment when he’s around.” She admitted with a wide
smile.
    Dionara returned to the glade in elegant style. Her
hair, softer than she had ever felt it, was tied back and
interlaced with the same pastel flowers as Catherine’s. Her dress
also matched what appeared to be the style of the day. Long and low
wasted, it rested at an angle across her hips and was accented by a
delicate jeweled chain that circled her waist. The top was
sleeveless and loosely draped, which gave her the feel of
effortless movement. The iridescent white fabric had the lightest
touch as it moved across her skin, reminiscent of a summer breeze.
Faint pastels rippled across the fabric’s intricate embroidery as
her feet glided in soft, silk slippers.
    “I have never seen you this radiant my Princess.” A
deep, resonant voice came from behind her. It was Froggy’s voice,
but different.
    “Yes, Catherine did a wonderful job.” She said as
she turned, and for perhaps the first time in her life she was
completely speechless. She looked down expecting to see her Froggy
dressed in a tiny little jacket and hat, instead she found herself
staring at a pair of silk slippers.
    Froggy spoke once more, “Up here my Lady.”
    She stepped back and raised her head to get a better
look, before her stood a man simply dressed in the color of rich
forest green. He was tall with wide shoulders and seemed to embody
the essence of gentle strength. His angled features were softened
by a closely cropped, salt and pepper beard and an expression of
pure serenity. His hair lightened to silver at the temples that
blended to its truer, deeper color behind. He was neither young nor
old but seemed to combine the wisdom of years with the power of
youth.
    “Good day my Lady.” He said as he bowed from the
waist.
    Dionara acknowledge his greeting with the customary
tilt of her head as she took a deep breath. “Froggy! You dirty
rotten, low down, son of a goat! And that’s insulting the
goat!“
    Froggy could not hide his smile as he replied in a
casual tone, “I believe my Lady meant to say, ‘You dirty rotten,
low down, son of a frog,’ did she not?”
    “No!” Dionara’s