by G. S Tucker
Chapter Two
Eve considered the revelation of the prophecy for two days. Everything she believed to be true had been torn to shreds. Her sense of self-was now as fragile as a butterfly’s wing, one touch and it would come apart, never to be the same again.
“Why is this all happening at once?” Eve moaned into her soft pillow, taking the meagre amount of comfort given by its delicate scent of honeysuckle. Peeking over the top of her soft haven, Eve once again gazed upon the faces of the family she was born to but until three days ago, never knew existed.
I must try; it may help me discover what became of my brother. However, remote this chance may be, if I do not at least try, then regret will surely haunt me for the rest of my days. Having resolved this internal dilemma, Evangeline now had another difficult task. I have to tell Mother.
An hour and a half of pacing across her room and practicing different deliveries in front of the mirror, Eve was resigned to the fact that however the words left her, it was still going to cause her mother pain. With leaden steps and a heavy heart, she headed downstairs.
Gwen was pruning her roses when Eve appeared at her side, a look of sadness marred her pretty countenance; yet a spark of determination was also evident in her new luminous eyes. She is leaving. Gwen thought her heart must surely break, without her daughter, she would be alone, as selfish as she felt, Gwen knew once her Evangeline had set her mind to something, there was no swaying her.
Eve had prepared herself as best she could for the inevitable, she took a deep breath, “Mother I...”
“You have decided to take up the quest.” Gwen interrupted her, “I could tell just by looking at you, Sweetheart; you have always been easy to read.” Eve opened her mouth then closed it again, taken completely aback, for a few moments all she was capable of doing was staring at her mother.
“How did you... I … I’m sorry to leave you and our home, but truthfully, to not take up the quest that the prophecy has set before me when there could be a chance, however, small that it could shed some light on the disappearance of my…other family, my brother. Mother, please understand, I must try.”
“You are strong willed just like your father, he would be so very proud of the woman you have become, and so am I. Though I will worry every second and miss you more than I can express. Darling, you must follow your heart wherever it may lead you.” Tears glistening in her grey eyes, Gwen held her daughter in an embrace she hoped conveyed all the love she was unable to express eloquently in words. Holding her beloved Eve at arm’s length she put on her best reassuring smile.
“Come on, I will help you prepare.”
Together they packed a large leather satchel with everything one could possibly need on a quest. These included the wooden box Gwen had given her a few days previously; its contents returned to it. Gwen also added some food, money, and herbs to make simple medicines. Her father had shown her how to prepare them before he died. Eve also had her toughest shoes ready and her warmest cloak.
I am as ready as I’ll ever be. Glancing around her room, sadness enveloped her heart, this room; this house was all she had ever known. Though she felt melancholy, Eve’s sense of adventure was fighting to burst to the surface. After all, it is not every day one gets to fulfil an ancient prophecy.
Gwen was determined that their final dinner together for a while, she refused to believe it was forever; should be a memorable one. She had carefully prepared their favourite dishes, even baking a glorious cake decorated with sugared rose petals, picked from her own blooms. Lastly, she retrieved the silk wrapped gift she had for Eve and placed it to the right of her plate. Gwen stepped back to admire her efforts, pleased with what she had achieved it was time to call Eve down.
When Eve saw the effort her mother had gone to, it was difficult of hold back the tears, everything looked so beautiful. Taking her usual place at the table, Gwen placed a delicate china plate before her.
“Purple carrot and pomegranate salad. Your favourite,” she beamed.
Eve laughed, “Thank you, Mother, it looks delicious.” Picking up her cutlery that had been crafted by her great-grandfather, she began her meal.
After two fabulous courses, Gwen carried through the cake. Eve knew her mother had a great talent for baking; anticipating the richness of the sponge, tartness of the huckleberry jelly that was sure to be liberally smeared in the centre and finally the lightness of the meringue frosting. It was fluffy as a cloud, pure decadence on the pallet.
“I cannot imagine a more fitting finale to such a feast than the masterpiece you have created Mother; please may I have a very large piece?” Exclaimed Eve, cake fork already in hand. A huge smile in place that lit up her whole face Seeing her daughter’s expectant expression, Gwen was transported back thirteen years to Eve’s fifth birthday, such a day it had been. John had made the chest that still sits at the end of Eve’s bed; back then is was for her toys now it stored her most precious memories. Gwen had baked a cake that day as she did every birthday. That year stuck in her mind; maybe because the image of her husband and daughter laughing together was still so fresh in her memory like it had happened yesterday. Then, like today the wonder on Eve’s face was so innocent, Gwen suddenly felt fearful. What if she never returns? What if something happens? This could be the last time we ever spend together. Holding back the tears that threatened, she placed the cake centre stage, smiling down at her, Gwen replied.
“Of course, you can darling; I will never know where you put such a slice, like your father you can eat enough to feed a household and still be slim and strong. Many an elfin maid would love to have such luck!”
Laughing together they enjoyed their desert. Once Eve was finished, Gwen picked up the gift she had placed by her right hand earlier. Getting up she passed the token to Eve. Looking at the purple silk wrapping, Eve understood whatever this contained was sure to be important, a keepsake to treasure; they were not, as a rule, the type of family to frequently give gifts.
“I hope you like it.”
Evangeline carefully removed the silken sheath to reveal the secret within. A large locket sat nestled within the folds, exquisitely engraved and the size of a chicken’s egg. She lovingly caressed the surface.
“Open it.” Gwen urged her. Very gently Eve squeezed the sides to open it, inside was a revelation; a miniature photo album, each one as thin and delicate as a spider’s web. Taking care, she turned each frame to reveal the portrait hidden behind its predecessor. There were six in total, her mother, and father and one of her as a child of five. The next three were of her birth family, copies of the pictures now safely stored in the bag.
“So wherever you travel, you will carry us with you. I know we are not your birth parents, but you are, and always will be, our beloved Evangeline.” Quickly closing the locket so her tears wouldn’t damage the delicate treasures within, Eve got up from her place and embraced her mother.
“No matter who gave birth to me, you and dad will always be my parents, and I love you so very much.” Kissing and hugging each other, they allowed a few moments for tears.
“Let me put it on you; I bought the silk especially”. Eve moved her russet mane so the silver clasp on the emerald silk necklace could be fastened, the locket sat perfectly just below the hollow of her throat.
“Turn around so I can look at you; ah yes the colour really brings out your eyes and sets your hair aflame.” Gwen gushed. Looking in the mirror, Eve too admired her appearance, though not a vain person, she was not ignorant to her beauty.
“Thank you Mother; it truly is a beautiful keepsake I shall never take it off.”
After clearing the table, they retired to the snug; Gwen picked up some sewing, while Eve took this final opportunity to sit in her favourite chair with a book and become lost in a hero’s adventure. Tomorrow, she would be embarking on her own.
After a restless night, Eve prepared to leave; she was pretty sure a Kaleidoscope of rather large butterflies had taken up residence in her stomach. H
eading downstairs, she was relieved to see some ginger and chamomile tea waiting for her.
“I wasn’t sure what you would want to eat; I thought some tea would be palatable...?” Gwen placed the honey pot on the table, knowing Eve liked to add it to her tea.
“Thank you, I really don’t feel like eating just now. I will take some bread and an apple for later.” Eve mumbled while absentmindedly adding a spoon of honey to her drink. They sat in silence, neither one knowing what to say, though both extremely aware that the time to say anything at all was fast expiring. After her second cup of honeyed tea, Eve stood.
I must not cry, Gwen admonished herself. Plenty of time for tears later, right now, I must be strong for my daughter. She must be terrified, I know that I would be. Moving towards the front door, Gwen helped Eve with her things, carefully rolling her cloak and securing it to her bag.
“Here is your food for later; I have wrapped a piece of cheese in nettle leaves as well, it should stay fresh for a day or so.” Adding the food parcel to her bag Eve was out of things to do; their time was up. Looking around her, she desperately wanted to stay, but knowing that if she were to surrender to this feeling, regret would plague her forever.
“Well… I guess this is it,” she stammered.
“I guess it is,” replied Gwen. Embracing for what could be the last time, they held on tight to each other.
“I love you,” they said in unison. Eyes once again glinting with unshed tears; they both put on a smile, to try and comfort the other.
“I will be back before you know it, and what stories I shall have to tell!”
“You will, my sweet girl, and I shall make a cake to celebrate your return!” Opening the front door Eve walked to the front gate, the sun was shining in the pearl coloured sky, and the sound of finches chattering reached her on the slight breeze. It was a beautiful, peaceful morning to embark on an adventure. Turning back to look at her mother standing in the door- way, she smiled her best smile and raised her hand in farewell.
“Go east, Eve, that is the road to Clear Water Valley. It would make sense to pass through the realm of our allies first,” Gwen called. Nodding, Eve opened the gate and took the first step of her journey, reaching back to close the gate, she wanted to turn to see your mother’s gentle expression once more.
“Don’t look back again child; your path is east. Only look forward now, I shall be here on your return!” Gwen called, not wanting Eve to see the tears that were now sliding down her cheeks, in silent streams of sorrow.
Squaring her shoulders and trying to quell the swarm of what now appeared to be very angry butterflies; she turned her face to the morning sun and headed east towards Clear Water Valley, the Realm of witches.
Eve enjoyed her morning walk through the eastern lands of Hermoria; it was not somewhere she frequented often. The flowers here were in full bloom, even her mother’s favourite orange fire lilies. I will have to remember this when I return she thought to herself. Wondering about how the flowers were still blooming, the season for them had passed; Eve noticed an Elder coming along the road on the left. Even from her vantage point, she could see that he appeared to be muttering to himself. Probably going over his address for tonight’s gathering. Eve thought, she was suddenly relieved she would not have to attend; having everyone stare at her again was not something she wished to repeat.
“Good Morning, Elder,” Eve called out with a wave and a ready smile. It was not the ‘done’ thing to be so open with an elder; however, Evangeline seemed to get away with it. As the elder drew closer, Eve recognised him as the Elder, who had performed her gifting.
“Good morning, young Evangeline, and what are you doing out so early, on what I must say is a most beautiful day?” The Elder smiled down at her; he had now reached her on the road, for an old Elf, he sure moved fast! Unsure if she should tell him her reason for being on the road so early, she decided that a half-truth would be sufficient.
“It is indeed a most glorious morning Elder; I am on my way to meet with a Witch. My Mother wishes me to give her some herbs.” Opening her pack, Eve showed the Elder the herbs and grasses. Worried that he would question her further and not being an accomplished liar, Eve gave him her best smile.
“I will wish you a good day, Elder and thank you for performing my gifting a few days past.” Drawing himself up to his full height, the Elder looked rather pleased to have been thanked. With a smile playing at the corners of his mouth, He nodded to Eve and once again bid her a good morning. Continuing on her way. Evangeline felt guilty for not confiding in the Elder; she was not by nature a dishonest person, yet something had held her back.
“I must follow my heart like Reena instructed.” Eve murmured, feeling better about not being completely honest, she began once again to ponder about the prophecy.
The sun was past its highest point when Eve decided she could no longer ignore her grumbling stomach. Wary of the now mildly irritated butterflies, that seemed to have taken up residence permanently in her stomach, she delicately nibbled at a piece of bread. Once she had finished and felt slightly fuller, Eve looked about for a stream to have a drink from and refill her water bottle. Not far from the road she saw a twinkling through the long grass. Reaching the stream, Eve had a refreshing drink and filled her bottle, drying the canister on her skirts. Eve glanced up to see a Doe taking a drink on the opposite side of the stream.
“How beautiful you are,” she whispered.
The doe’s ears pricked as though it had heard her, then to Eve’s amazement the doe looked her in the eye and bowed. Evangeline was flabbergasted, never in her whole life had she witnessed or indeed heard of an encounter like this. The doe seemed to recognise her, or so she felt. They continued to gaze at each other, the afternoon sun warming the animal’s coat to a glorious chestnut, with flecks of amber and gold. A flock of black jays suddenly took flight from the trees behind the doe startlng it, and just like that the magical moment was lost.
Completely entranced by the event, Eve did not immediately notice the thundering sound that was carried to her on the balmy breeze. Shaking herself, she followed the bank towards the sound, after and few miles the stream widened into a river. The thundering had grown progressively louder, and as she navigated through some rather robust long grass, she saw the source of the sound. A magnificent waterfall, cascading over what looked like the edge of the world. Eve was in awe of such beauty.
I will always remember this view for as long as I live, she promised herself. Walking to the edge of the cliff, to fully admire the wild beauty of nature, it suddenly dawned on her; she was very high up. “If this is a cliff how on earth do I reach the lands beyond it?” Eve muttered. Looking out and down from her vantage point, Eve could clearly see golden hills and the continuation of the river meandering its way through the lush vista below.
“You must be invited in,” said a musical voice just behind Eve.
Chapter Three
“OH MY LIFE!” Eve all but screamed.
Feeling quite sure her heart was going to burst from her chest, Eve whipped around drawing the small dagger she carried from her belt as she went. Now facing her would be attacker, ready to defend herself, she was surprised to see a rather tiny woman standing behind her. In fact, she was a full head and shoulders shorter than Eve. Seemingly unfazed by the dagger, the woman repeated herself.
“You must be invited in.” Smiling up at Eve, she reached her hand out in welcome. Feeling slightly foolish for being afraid of such a tiny unarmed woman, Eve sheathed her weapon and took the woman’s hand in greeting.
“I am Evangeline, daughter of Gwen. I am on a journey to Clear Water Valley.” Finishing her introduction Eve wondered if she should have disclosed so much.
“A pleasure to meet you, Evangeline, I am Violet, Keeper of the gate,” Violet replied with a smile.
Before Eve could ask, what exactly a keeper of the gate was and where the gate led to, Violet had moved to stand before two willow trees a few meters from the c
liff edge. Intrigued, Eve followed.
“Please stay there,” Violet called over her shoulder when Eve was twenty paces away. Not sure what was to happen next, she did as she was bid. Violet raised her arms over her head, muttered a few words, and as the last word left her lips, she brought her hands down in front of her as if in prayer. Then palms facing outwards she drew her slender arms apart as if parting a pair of curtains to let in the morning sun.
Before her the forest that nestled in-between the two majestic willow trees rippled and sparkled. Eve watched in wonder as the woodland dissolved into a million, glittering fragments. Now, in its place was a road.
“As I said I am the keeper of the gate,” Violet repeated as she beckoned Eve forward. Eyes like saucers, Eve walked towards Violet and the road that just a second ago definitely had not been there.
“Wow!” Was all she could manage to articulate. Laughing, Violet took Eve’s hand and passed between the willows and onto the road.
“I guess you have never met a witch before?” Violet inquired while trying not to allow amusement creep into her voice. Eyes dancing, she continued to smile at the beautiful elfin girl before her.
“A witch? But that means… I made it… I made it to Clear Water Valley!” Eve whooped and did an impromptu jig, twirling and laughing. Violet was amazed to be witnessing such a bizarre reaction. Noticing Violet once again, Eve blushed as red as her hair.
“Sorry,” she mumbled.
Not passing comment, Violet just began to walk. Eve quickened her pace and caught up with her. For someone with much shorter legs, Violet could sure move fast! They walked in silence; Eve, still embarrassed by her childish behaviour, took in her new surroundings. The road was a buttery gold colour and seemed to be almost like clay; making a note to investigate its texture later, knowing that later would need to be a return trip, she continued to peruse the landscape. The trees were much more delicate than back home; with wispy green leaves that looked a lot like feathers and their bark was a silver- white.