Chapter 10
Rejuvenation
The next day, while he knew Alianna had been at work, Rionan ventured through Porthan on his own.
He asked a gentleman who was sweeping the roads where he would find the public gardens, and was given directions there.
He found them sure enough, and made plans to come back in the evening, after nightfall.
Rionan
Alianna
17:03: I have a surprise, so the evening would be better. Not so dark that you can’t look around, though. Same sort of time as yesterday? Will leave Shadow at home.
Rionan
17:05: Same time as in, the time we planned to meet, or fifteen minutes later, because you might be late?
I am joking. But…same time, or Ali-is-late time?
Alianna
17:06: Ali-is-late time. Aim for just after 6pm. See you tomorrow
***************
Rionan ventured back to the gardens that night, exploring further than he had when he found his way here earlier.
Alianna was right, they probably had seen better days.
The plants were in desperate need of pruning; they were underwatered, and everything looked a bit tired.
The time of year and lack of water were apparent, with things wilting far earlier than he would have anticipated had the space been properly cared for.
Rionan glanced around and listened, ensuring nobody was there before he dropped to his knees and placed his palms on the ground.
He felt an electricity stir to life within him, reaching for his fingers and pulsing outwards.
It moved out and down. He breathed in and out.
Slowly, steadily, the feeling of the life emanating from his hands was more satisfying than he imagined it would be.
After what may have been a few minutes, he opened his eyes.
The flowers around him were now luscious, colourful.
The foliage was striking and vibrant, in shades of greens and reds.
The trees surrounding them seemed to hum with energy as they welcomed the night air, beckoning the wind to flow amongst their branches.
A vast rainbow of contrasting beauty and life surrounded him, and he smiled, feeling more whole than he had done earlier that day.