The Swan Song - страница 5

Yet, amidst his words, he recognized the undeniable truth, for honesty had always guided his righteous existence, flowing through him like the currents of a steadfast river. In the face of righteousness, the power of love dimmed. Nal was reminded of the first words he had spoken to the four celestial lords. "I stand before you as your devoted servant. How may I serve you?”. Truth, his mightiest sword along the path of righteousness, prevailed in every word that he spoke. He took a few moments to gather his wits and senses. Though his mind remained numb and his vision obscured, he humbly accepted to the divine decree.

"But how may I deliver your message amidst the watchful gaze of men and the keen senses of the creatures guarding the queen?" – inquired Nal, standing before the towering divine lords. No sooner had the words escaped the lips of the desolate lover than Lord Indra produced a crystal vial containing a shimmering silver elixir.

"You are blessed with our divine favor. Consume this potion, and you shall remain unseen until you desire to be seen" – he proclaimed, extending the boon to the shattered prince, who wept inconsolably not in his tears but in the shreds of his innermost soul. "Bring us tidings from the princess. We await eagerly. Our presence shall be nearby, We’ll show up as soon as you desire to meet us" concluded the Thunder King, bidding farewell as the Nal embarked on his divine duty along his righteous path.

As he approached Damayanti’s palace, he gulped the potion and within moments could see his shadow disappear. The light seemingly passed through his body as he could see the grass beneath through his stretched-out palm. He stealthily entered the palace unnoticed. He stood beneath the magnificent arch that adorned the entrance to Damayanti’s chamber. Delicate curtains in shades of white and indigo gracefully adorned the intricately carved sandalwood frame, while the ceiling of the halls seemingly reached for the heavens. To his left, a beautiful wooden bed adorned with fluffy, pristine white clouds beckoned, and to his right, an angelic figure sat by the window. Damayanti, the epitome of boundless grace, occupied the seat near the window, her gaze fixed upon the long queue of lords and kings gathered outside the royal coliseum. It was as if she sought the king who resided within the depths of her heart among that crowd.

Like a radiant pearl resting upon a vibrant seabed, amidst enchanting ferns and mythical mermaids, Damayanti occupied a seat meticulously carved from a single teak tree. Draped in a celestial green garment that cascaded gracefully along her slender form, she emanated a serenity that would make the seas envious and a charm that would bring delight to Mother Nature herself.

Surrounded by maidens adorned in hues of red and white, Damayanti resembled an everblooming flower nestled amidst a heavenly orchard. Jasmine blossoms adorned her hair, and a gentle smile graced her lips. The perfect harmony of these elements captivated the love-stricken prince, compelling him to suppress his ardent passion and contain the overwhelming love that surged within him. Yet, with each passing moment, his love flourished, multiplying a thousandfold. The mere sight of his beloved, his one and only Queen, brought him an unparalleled joy. Ultimately, love triumphed, and the prince yearned to reveal himself, desiring to be seen by Damayanti.