Kiyne cleared his throat, moving off the shore and toward our little bonfire.
Mara emerged from the trees, her bag filled with an array of odd berries and strange mushrooms. Her face had relaxed, and it was clear she had calmed down from the day before. She sat her things by the fire, making quick work of her gatherings in some odd wooden bowl she must’ve carved out the day we got here.
She looked up at Kiyne, the two exchanging words I couldn’t quite hear before she erupted in a laugh.
I approached with caution, my feet taking small steps to get closer, “Mara... I-”
“How’d your little sparring session go?” She said, looking up at me with a wide grin across her face.
The red that I’d convinced to fade from my face began to rise again, much fiercer, taking over more than my cheeks this time.
“Kiyne said you had some clever tricks up your sleeve,” she snickered. “Or perhaps up your shirt entirely.”
“Shh!” I hissed, my body threatening to falter and flail at the mere thought of Kiyne and I being intimate.
Mara laughed, the sound of her voice bringing joy back into my body but, still not relieving me of the embarrassment that now whirled around my head.
“I think I know someone who can help us,” she added, calming her laughter. “Someone who can tell us what that gem of yours can really do.”
Chapter Nine
Mara unrolled a large silken map covered in land and etchings I’d never seen before. Large trees were drawn in like their own land masses, and narrow seas gouged between massive continents. The language seemed vaguely familiar yet I couldn’t read a single word.
The three of us hovered over it, Kiyne and myself looking on with awe as Mara read through each location with pride. We soon discovered the language was old, very old, giving struggle to even her as she riddled off the instructions written on the tattered edge.
“It’s a map of the Ethereal,” Graven voiced, “the spirit land that dwells beneath your own.”
I glanced at Mara, her hand rolling across her chin as she was deep in thought, “Graven says it’s the Ethereal realm,” I stated calmly.
It was as if I’d flipped a lever, and Mara’s eyes lit up with excitement, “that’s it!” she exclaimed.
She snapped her fingers, beginning to chant an assortment of words in her native tongue. As she did so she panned her hands across the map, just above its surface, a strange mist of bright green forming from the air around us and abiding by her every whim.
The map began to shimmer, strange texts becoming more and more prominent than the others previously read. Continents began to split, oceans opening wide between them while the large trees faded beyond our sight. I began to recognize the map, the landmasses, the vast rivers and mountains that stretched across it. This map was our map, the one of our world.
Mara stopped her practice, leaving the map to glisten with the two worlds combined, “we live on this plane,” she began, “but my people, are born on this one.” She pointed at where the large trees had been, and where the sparse markings of the larger landmasses remained.
“Its name is Algundar, the Bright City, and its where I was born long ago,” Mara said.
Kiyne and I were both mesmerized. We knew of the Elven coming from the beyond but, we never thought it meant another plane of existence entirely. We were told stories by the bonfire, from our elders, about the first Elven that came to our world to aid us, protect us, and nurture us. We thought that meant across the sea, not across the realms.
“Few have journeyed from this world into the Ethereal, and even fewer Humans so we’ll have to be on our guard,” Mara explained. “I know someone there who will give us the answers that we seek.”
I gathered up my things, the few I’d salvaged from my burned village, and the ones we’d gathered. Some food, a bedroll, and the hatchet that had now been named my weapon of choice. We did our best to hide what remained of our time on shore, and moved the fire pit apart, tossing rocks back onto the sand and kicking away the ashes. If anyone stumbled upon our little camp, now they’d assume we were just passing thieves or travelers, and nothing more.
The Fern dragon had chosen to stay with us for the time being. She’d chosen to tell Graven of her intentions, and have him share them with me so we could all be on the same page when it was time to move on.
Her name was Pendas, and she would join us as far as Algundar, where there, she would stay. It was close to her own kind, her home and she wanted to rejoin them. She’d mistakenly came to our world while following youngling cries. The sounds pained her, and when she broke through the veil between worlds she arrived at the Dens. They deemed her a new mount but, she cared for few riders and would recoil from their offerings with a glare. From there, she remained for a few months, until our meeting with the Marauders.
I climbed onto Graven, finally used to the sequence; knowing which scales to hold, and which leg to boost myself from. I was a bit wobbly in my steps, second-guessing my position more than once but, I was confident in my success. Kiyne had waited until I was settled to hop up himself. Graven didn’t seem to mind the extra weight at all, not even saying a word, as we made sure everything was secure.
I took hold of the larger spikes that sprouted from his back, feeling hands slowly slide against my sides to do the same. I looked down, feeling Kiyne’s warmth against me as his hands came to rest by my own.
“Ready?” he said.
I gulped, “mmhmm,” was all I managed to reply.
We took to the skies, the small clouds blocking nothing from our view. We rose, higher and higher, flying with gulls and sparrows, looking down to see the ocean waving at us far below. From the first flight to the next, there was no feeling quite like soaring freely through the air.
The sun was setting, dusk quickly rising to greet us as we moved forward. Mara and Pendas had kept ahead for most of the time but, soon they dropped back to fly at our side.
“Get ready to hold on,” Mara instructed, yelling against the wind. “When the sun sets, we have less than a minute to get into the Ethereal, or we’ll miss our chance and get thrown who knows where.”
Kiyne and I nodded, ready to follow Mara’s lead but unsure of her words exactly. How were we going to get into the Ethereal by pursuing the setting sun?
The sun drooped, leaving the sky as a painting of blues and purples, calling the stars to its surface. Mara and Pendas moved just ahead of us once again, keeping a small gap but, making sure we were still close behind.
A small flash crossed across the horizon before our eyes, and we caught the sight of Mara and Pendas, diving downward in a rolling motion. I clutched Graven’s spikes, holding on tightly as I felt my stomach drop while he followed Pendas’ guide. I closed my eyes, I wouldn’t watch, I couldn’t. What if we crashed? What if we flipped over and drowned? We were upside down. I could feel it.
I opened my eyes at the last second, Kiyne’s shouts of excitement pulling my curiosity. We hit the water, churning below the surface of the waves until before my eyes we were no longer upside down, but rather, above the water and soaring through the air again. We’d made no impact, yet we had clearly run through something. I looked down, seeing the dark water below us; I looked up and saw the star-filled sky.
“Are we?”
“Dead? Nah,” Kiyne replied. “We made it Alina! We’re in the Ethereal!”
Chapter Ten
Silence dominated the remainder of our flight, the new sights and sounds overwhelming our senses. Graven glided over the water lowly, no longer feeling the need for cloud cover or the ease of ascending to escape. We could see a mysterious white glow growing against the sea, its form whimsical and captivating. As we got closer, we could see large trees with an amber aura, rocks with a blue hue, and the land a deep translucent green.
“Welcome to the Ethereal,” Graven said warmly.
We landed on the beach, my body hesitant to touch the sand but, the sight of Mara landing eased my tensio
n. I waited for some strange glow to encompass me, just as it did everything else, but it never rose to consume me.
Kiyne leapt down first, offering a hand to help me but I didn’t accept. I took note of the sand and carefully jumped down, bending my knees at the right moment so I wouldn’t stumble or hurt myself. We adjusted ourselves, looking around to determine a trail.
“Into the abyss,” Mara joked, moving onto the lush grass at our center, both Dragons close behind.
Graven and Pendas wandered freely, exploring the forest, each of them uttering strange sounds reminiscent of laughter. I felt an overwhelming sense of joy, and I watched as Pendas began to radiate her own aura, just like our surroundings.
“Where will they go?” I asked.
“To find the others,” Mara replied. “There are many Fern Dragons in these Forests, and no doubt they already know she’s here.”
I was satisfied with that answer. It meant she wasn’t alone, and that she would be happy here. Graven, I wondered, would he join them?
“C’mon,” Mara broke, “we should reach the city soon.”
Her pace had picked up, no glow to surround her but, an extra spring that was noticeable in her strides. I kept a quick pace, not wanting to get lost or left behind. Kiyne took up the rear, his eyes wandering onto every strange bird or insect that floated by our path.
Large ivory pillars greeted us, shaped and standing like the trees that grew all around us. Mara ran forward, excitement clearly taking over her. I paused, breathless as the city opened itself to me. Row after row of beautiful architecture spanned the landscape, crafted from stone and tree to become one and the same. Staircases climbed this way and that, leading to large atriums, towers, and temples. Statues stood at almost every alcove, their visage one of grace and warmth, never causing fear or sorrow. Waterfalls streamed down a vast mountainside of trees, flowing through the city naturally before disappearing into the woods. It felt peaceful here, quiet yet lively all the same.
“Welcome to Algundar,” Mara said, turning to me as I wandered in, “the birthplace of Elves.”
We were greeted by a few bodies, each one bowing silently, and offering to take our things. I watched Mara for instruction and guidance. She handed off her bag and even her bow before they let her be. They came to Kiyne and it took several minutes before they convinced him to give up his sword.
“There is no malevolence here,” Mara said, looking at Kiyne. “It will be kept safe.”
Kiyne grumbled, a grouchy look covering his face as he folded his arms over his chest in protest. They’d even taken his cloak and satchel, leaving him with only his tunic and trousers.
I felt anxious, knowing they’d take my things. I could give up my bag, and the hatchet but, my cloak? And what about the gem? Would they take that too?
“Welcome, Lady Alina,” a soothing voice rang out. A small Elven girl stood a few feet from me, seeming to appear from behind the others in the blink of an eye, “let us carry your burden.”
I handed over my things, waiting, hoping they’d let me keep my cloak, at least for now. She handed my things away but, she didn’t leave, “there is no judgment here,” she pressed. Her hands were held out, waiting for something. Why couldn’t they leave it? Did I give them my cloak or the gem? Would they be satisfied with just one or the other?
I shrugged off my cloak, folding it up before reluctantly passing it to her. I knew I couldn’t give up the gem, not yet. And what would they have done with it anyway? She smiled in response, pulling the cloak into her chest. “Please, enjoy yourself here. Lady Mena will see you shortly.”
I felt relieved as she walked away, the gem still safe at my hip but, I still felt slightly naked without my heavy cloak to conceal me. It hid me, protected me, and kept the world’s prying eyes from falling upon my existence.
Mara came to my side, a hand on my shoulder, “relax,” she said. “You’ll get your cloak back soon enough.”
We were led through the vast city that swelled with glowing portraits carved over thousands of years. Battles, accomplishments, and even small celebrations were all immortalized in stained glass, and marble stone. The more we wandered, the more relaxed I became, feeling my body and spirit fill with serenity and the desire to hide away being pulled from my senses.
Enchanting songs drifted through from some unseen songstress; their words undecipherable to my ears but the sound still more beautiful than anything I’d ever heard. Strange, natural lanterns dangled high above from tree branches; tiny, clear leaves forming bulb-like orbs and filled with the glow of hundreds of tiny torch bugs.
Mara paused, two, young Elven standing in front of us, twins, I assumed, from their appearance; it was often difficult to determine even male and female Elven apart, however, due to their beauty and similarity.
“This is Vali, and Lily,” Mara said, the pair of youths both bowing at their introduction.
“We’ve come to lead you to your rooms,” Lily said with a smile.
“Follow me,” Vali said, blue eyes locked on Kiyne.
Kiyne shrugged, following his Elven guide away from us with nothing more than a small wave that meant he’d see us sooner rather than later.
Lily began to part in the opposite direction, Mara following close behind.
I kept my eyes on her, her pale complexion and nearly white hair not unfamiliar but, still awe-inspiring. Intricate braids weaved with long golden tassels as they descended from crown to backside on her head. I always wondered how they maintained it all; the thought of long hair in the summer, or during work, just irritated me. It was too much of an inconvenience.
We were led up a large set of stone stairs to a single dwelling, a heavy wooden door looking down on us. It opened with the slightest breeze to reveal a dream-like setting; two large, fluffy beds, a table with two chairs where tea and several food items awaited us, and a small nook filled with a stack of books. The food was still steaming, and I rubbed my eyes in disbelief, Mara’s laughter telling me it was all too real.
“The pools are just beyond the portrait of Algun. Please wash up before dinner,” Lily said, tending to a few minor things in the room before departing and closing the door behind her.
“T-this is for us?” I stammered.
“Absolutely,” Mara replied.
I sprinted, leaping onto one of the beds and burying my face in a pillow. I felt the comfort envelop me and I could’ve nodded off right then and there if not for our obligations to the people of Algundar.
“Hey,” Mara giggled, “let’s get cleaned up first and head to dinner before you nod off again.”
She was right. We hadn’t had a proper bath in days and there was no doubt in my mind we still smelled of ash and dirt.
Chapter Eleven
“I’m impressed,” I whispered, navigating the narrow path with a caution unmatched by Mara’s elegant steps.
“By what?” she replied.
“Well...everything really. But I meant you.”
“Me? Why?” she seemed startled.
“You still remember this place, after all these years...how...how long have you been away?”
“Time is...different, here, for us. What seems like years for you is only a few weeks or months in this place. It’s all still familiar to me; it’s still home.”
I could almost feel a bit of sorrow in Mara’s words. Did she truly miss it here? Was our world just a temporary trip? Was it work? I didn’t want to pry but, I felt almost bad for her.
“I’m sorry,” I uttered carefully.
“For what?” Mara replied hesitantly.
“Well, I don’t know. That you can’t be here, all the time. That you can’t be home.”
We came upon the pools before Mara could respond. The path split into several directions, some leading into the surrounding forest, and others to more pools. The steam that rose from them danced into the night air like fairies disappearing in a whirl as they curled upward into the blackness.
Mara remained silent as s
he tossed off her boots and clothes without a single care. Long, golden hair that had been carefully braided was unravelled, swaying down to her hips as her naked form glided into the warm waters. A few moments passed before she rose up, a look of relief reflected in her grey eyes.
“Well? Coming in?” she smiled.
I wasn’t like Mara. I cared about who looked at my small frame, naked or not. She was tall, fit, and beautiful. I was a little goblin disguised as a Human, or so I liked to believe.
“Oh, c’mon. It’ll help with that wound on your back,” she called, splashing water in my direction.
I scowled falsely, taking off my mud-covered boots and throwing them in a heap. I took a few steps down, feet greeting the hot waters with a whimper.
“It’s too hot,” I protested.
“Liar,” she teased.
I sighed, glancing around to make sure no one else was around. I was quick to remove both my shirt and trousers; giving no second thought to removing the gem from my pocket as I hurled myself into the depths to remain unseen.
I could hear Mara’s laughter below the water just as I resurfaced, the splash I’d made with my entry soaking our pile of clothing off on the side.
“Shoot,” I grumbled, staying partially submerged to my chin.
My reflection stared at me as the water settled, green eyes filled with so many questions; about home, about our people, about myself.
“A Human Arcanon,” Mara went on,” never thought I’d meet one in my lifetime.”
“How do we know for sure?” I pressed, finally peeking out of the water to my shoulders. I found a seat near the edge, deeper on the opposite side of the pool’s entrance.
“I guess we don’t,” she replied. “But we can do a few tests. See if you’re truly worthy.”
I was puzzled by her words. What kind of tests did I have to endure? Flying? Fighting? Magic? A strange tingle along my back broke my thoughts, seeping into my muscles and my bones. My soreness was beginning to fade, and I felt almost rejuvenated like I’d slept for two whole days without interruption.
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