Journeyman's Journey

Not for the first time in recent days, a crease of worry edged it’s way between the fine white blond hairs of the elf’s eyebrows.  Her emerald-green eyes swooped the forest, as she nervously tucked a strand of her long silvery blond hair behind her pointed ear. The slight elf girl played with the transparent crystal pendant on the chain of her mother’s amulet absentmindedly. She was thoroughly lost. What had Kniles said to do? Find the flowing water and follow it downstream. Her friend had insisted it would only take a few hours to find a stream to follow. He had been wrong. She had spent every hour of sunlight looking for cursed flowing water since leaving elf land. It had been three long days since the journeyman sorceress had left the elven city of Ar behind for the great unknown. Three days since she had departed from the only home she had ever known. Three days of sleeping on the ground and eating nothing but cold tack. Three days of wandering around the forest lost beyond even the outskirts of her people’s land. Three days of dirt, and filth, and wilderness. Three days of a crushing loneliness she had never before experienced, because, of course, she had always been in Ar, her home, with her people. It wasn’t any secret among the elves that Zi was to be the next High Sorceress of Ar. (Actually “Zirielana, journeyman sorceress; daughter of Meriniel, the Unchained, Under High Sorceress of Ar; granddaughter of Celiesta, the Liberator, Bringer of Light, Keeper of the Obsidian Gate, High Sorceress of Ar” was to be the next High Sorceress of Ar--but that was too much of a mouthful to bother with.)

It was rare for any elf to depart from elvish lands for any reason, but the sorceress’ journey was one preordained and steeped in tradition. In order to become a full sorceress, it was paramount that the young elf venture from her home for a year and a day in order to complete a quest that was prophesized on the day of her birth. So it had been for every High Sorceress before her, so it would be for every High Sorceress after her. The fact that Zi was to be the youngest journeyman sorceress in Ar’s long history by a twenty year margin had little impact on this necessity. At seventeen, she was barely out of girlhood by elven standards. Her century and a half year old grandmother would have preferred to wait until her 27th birthday for her journeyman’s journey, but the council of elders would not hear of it after the eleven year disappearance of the Under High Sorceress. With only one High Sorceress born per generation, Zi’s training had required expediency. High Sorceress Celiesta had rejected the council’s plan to force the rite for Zi at age seven only a year after her mother vanished. That would have been too soon. She could not have been prepared. Seventeen was better, but not by much. The average journeyman sorceress received upwards of forty years in training from her mother before taking the rites and going on the journey. Zi had completed her novice training in ten years. They were grueling years, but she had passed all the required tests. Grandmother Celi would say it was because Zi was her second apprentice, so she had already known what mistakes to avoid and how to best instill each important lesson. The truth was Zi had talent, an eagerness to learn, and a good teacher.

And so, on the day of her seventeenth birthday, the Council of Elders, the Lady Seer, and Grandmother Celi finally met to read the prophecy, give the rites, and send the young, frankly clueless, elf on her way with little more than a knapsack with a few rations, a map of the Realm and a rather large satchel of gold--none of which Zi really knew what to do with. Her studies had left her fairly ignorant to the intricacies of financial transactions, deciphering maps, or surviving the wilderness on her own. Zi had spent most of her life preparing for this very journey, and yet she had none of the skills one would expect she needed to be on her own. She could, however, do quite a bit with the wooden staff, and ancient spell book she toted around on her slight frame. She had most if not all of the simple spells memorised, and could pull off any of the more complicated spells given she had adequate time to prepare and study before her attempt. Zi wasn’t particularly concerned. She had earned her journeyman position, and felt she could magick her way out of most any situation that could arise. She had already used numerous spells during her short encounter with the outside world. Why, she had drawn clean water up from the ground to refill her rations only this morning, and the fires she built for warmth and light in the evenings would not have burned without her spellwork. Besides, the Lady Seer would have forewarned her of any issues she couldn’t face alone. That was the point of having a seer, wasn’t it?

Though, the seer certainly hadn’t warned her that she would be lost right now. That was an inconvenience, but Zi supposed the Lady Seer knew what she was about. Bits of prophecy still rang in the sorceress’ head. She had taken to repeating the parts she remembered to herself. Unfortunately, she didn’t remember very much. Something about righting a wrong of her own making, a valiant deed worth undertaking. Or was it something to do with aching? Breaking maybe? Why did these things rhyme? It definitely mentioned six stones for six alone to carry, then something about how she shouldn’t tarry but that was so vague she had written it off entirely. Another line mentioned visions bold, and troubles old, but Zi couldn’t wrap her head around what the meaning could possibly be. There was more about a noble quest and a dark usurper, two sides to a coin and stark precursors. Or was it stark usurpers and dark precursors? Honestly, she would have paid more attention to the whole reading of the prophecy if she hadn’t been so sure they were going to give her the scroll afterwards. It defied all reason that she wouldn’t be able to read over and dissect the future on her own. As it was, she wasn’t even certain she had the words correct, much less in the right order or syntax. She approached the Seer after the ceremony, only to have the woman cryptically pass her an ornate dagger saying the words, “You will need this.” When the young sorceress pressed the issue, having never touched a weapon in her life, the Lady Seer only smiled and asked Zi to trust in her Sight. “Don’t worry, dear,” she soothed, “It will all work out for the best.” Seemingly as an afterthought, the Seer patted Zi on the shoulder. Smiling, the woman added, “I will see that my son behaves himself. It would not do for you to use that dagger on Kniles.” Zi screwed her eyes up at the woman, trying to get answers,  but the Lady Seer only beamed at her in response as if she had told a wonderful joke. This was not the most confusing thing the Lady had ever spoken to the young elf, so Zi did what she always did in this sort of situation. She smiled back. The sorceress found that smiling got her out of most awkward situations. One of the few lessons her mother ever taught her. A little kindness can go a long way. Still, it was frustrating that the Seer hadn’t really bothered to give her any hard details.

When Zi mentioned the slight to Grandmother as they were saying their goodbyes, the elderly elf chuckled knowingly. “Better not rely on prophecies and Seers, child. They only make sense in hindsight.” The younger elf did not consider this to be a satisfactory answer, and, when she opened her mouth to say so, her grandmother gave a hearty laugh and a hug. “Better keep the dagger on your person all the same,” the elderly elf suggested. Zi nodded, and was certain to store the small dagger in her boot. Zi said her goodbyes to the rest of her friends and family, and then she was to leave the only place she had ever known. Quite the daunting task. She only had a year and a day to fulfill her destiny before she would return and be granted rights as a full elfin sorceress.

At least the council had allowed Kniles to escort her to the border of the elf territory. Although Zi was leery of the man after the Seer’s cryptic warnings, he acted his usual self. He had taken the time to give her some advice for her travels, but, she had ignored most of it. Zi didn’t need his help starting campfires, learning which bark or herbs held which healing properties, or finding drinking water because she had sorcery for those things--Well, admittedly she should have listened better to the finding water part of his lecture. Maybe then she would have been able to follow a stream to civilization. His escort did open her eyes to one truth: Kniles was surprisingly knowledgeable about the wildwoods. She suspected it was the time he spent with his human family. Kniles was the only half-elf in Ar in six generations. His mother held an important position in Ar as the Lady Seer and his father was a hunter who wandered the wildwoods. His human blood afforded her friend a larger build, broader shoulders and incredible height when compared to the other elves at the cost of a shorter life span. He seemed to take it in stride, and enjoyed living at the cusp of two worlds. The half-elf had been her dearest friend for as long as the sorceress could remember, although he was three years her senior, and, to be honest, she was harboring a bit of a crush on the man. Kniles spent his summers with his human family, and the rest of the year with the elves in Ar. Much of his knowledge of the outside world came from the time her spent with the humans. Before they were to part ways, she gave him a quick hug and he gave her the suggestion of following the streams to civilization. She had nodded her consent. She could follow streams, that didn’t sound very difficult.

“Wait for me,” the half-elf insisted, with a ferocity Zi hadn’t expected. “The Village of Sol is right along the river. You can’t miss it if you follow the water.” He took a step forward, drawing her close. “I promised Mother I would let you start your journey alone, but I didn’t promise I wouldn’t meet up with you later.” He took her hand in his, and drew it to his heart. “Please, Zi, promise me.” She blinked up at him, a warm feeling in her chest.  Their eyes met, and she couldn’t deny him this.

“Sol,” she repeated, breaking his eye contact, “I can remember that.” She took a moment to look over the man who had been her dearest companion, as if memorizing him should something happen to keep them separated. At a height of well over six feet, he was the tallest person in all of Ar. He had fair features and the customary blond elfen hair, like his mother, and unusual intense dark chestnut eyes that were unusual for an elf.

Those eyes were burrowing into her now. “Promise me,” Kniles whispered with a new intensity she didn't think possible.

“I promise,” she said, eyes riveted to their intertwined hands resting at eye level on his chest, and for some reason her voice sounded breathless to her ears. The pair was almost in an embrace, and Zi thought her heart would pound out of her chest. Kniles gently lifted her chin with his free hand and that forced her to look him in the eyes again. His gaze darkened, and drifted down to her lips.

They stood like that for a few heartbeats, statue still, before Zi decided Forget it, and, arms suddenly around his neck, she pulled him down to her level so that her lips could bush against his. He was most accommodating, and soon his arms were around her waist and he was pulling her to him just as fiercely as she in their passionate kiss. The feeling was unlike any the elf had before experience. The kiss was tender, an expression of something she hadn’t even realized they both needed. As soon as it had all begun, the moment was over, and the kiss broken. Zi stood there unblinking for long seconds as heat crept into her cheeks. Kniles squeezed her hand. “Sol,” he reminded her, drawing her out of her trance. “Don’t forget. We will meet in Sol. Find the flowing water and follow it downstream. Please don’t forget.”

“I won’t forget,” she said, her voice quieter than she expected. She almost couldn’t hear it over the blood rushing to her ears.

Kniles gave her one last quick embrace and kissed her on the forehead. “See you soon, Lady Journeyman.” He graced her with one last smile, before turning around and disappearing into the wildwoods, heading back to the elven city. She watched his towering frame depart, feeling somewhat dazed. It would be awhile before the elf sorted that business out, but now was not the time. That had been three days ago, and it still wasn’t the time to sort anything out. Zi had often wondered if Kniles was tall for a human, or merely average. She had only seen one other grown human in her lifetime, and that was Kniles’ father who was just as tall as his son, if somewhat more stout. She had seen a little human girl a few times too. Kniles’ half sister, with dark features and eyes so like his own, was around the age of Zi. She had tried to talk to her multiple times, but the girl had always hidden instead of speaking to the curious elf-child.

Zi questioned if she would see other humans during her tenure away from Ar. Of course she would. Supposedly they were the most common of the intelligent species, but her knowledge about them had been limited to conversations with Kniles and her grandmother. Most elves held the view that other peoples were not as superior as elves which explained their culture’s seclusion. Zi did not see it that way. Kniles was one of the smartest, most wonderful people she knew, and the dwarven caravans that brought trade items in the spring and autumn held some of the most interesting and worldly folks she had ever met. She wondered what path the caravans took to get to Ar. Maybe she could find their path and follow it to their next stop? Could she find Sol that way? Probably not. She had spent three days looking for something as ubiquitous as water. She needed help.

Three days was long enough to wander about the wildwoods completely lost. She had to do something, and it was in her ability. The young sorceress withdrew the ancient spellbook she carried, and examined the chapter on summoning. Why hadn’t she thought of this before? Summoning spirits was difficult spellwork, because it required complex preparation far more than the standard incantations, but she was a journeyman sorceress now. She could handle anything. She would summon the spirit, bind it to this plane, have it perform the duty of guiding her to Sol, then dismiss it. It was practically foolproof. Zi would be out of this forest by nightfall!

Zi could not quite find all the components for the summoning spell in the book, but she made due with similar ingredients. Substituting ingredients was common enough with some potions. She didn’t see why that wouldn’t transfer to a summoning circle. Instead of salt of the earth, she took the salt from a tear she shed for home. Instead of earth from the town where she hoped the Guide would take her, she decided that it was logical to use soil from the forest in which they would be traveling. Her final alteration to the spell involved the gift for the spirit. Her spell book suggested an animal sacrifice, a bit of her essence or a gift of great wealth. Zi couldn’t feed the guide a living animal, that would be cruel; she wasn’t interested in tying herself with an unknown spirit; and she was hesitant to give up her gold so soon in her journey. So, she offered the next best thing, a bit of her food rations. She carefully placed all of the items in the required places around the circle, and double checked that her circle was flawless. She would find a guiding spirit, and she would finally get out of this accursed forest! She set to work on the ritual, saying the words in a slow, practiced tone. The summoning seemed to be off to a good start. The circle lit up with a dim white light that began to get stronger as Zi read the words in her spell book aloud. The wind seemed to pick up, and the glowing reached an apex just as she was nearing the end of the summoning spell.

Something is wrong, Zi felt instinctively before snapping her vision up from the page of her ancient book. Something didn’t feel right. She had made a mistake. A terrified cry filled her ears as the form of a human woman appeared in the middle of the circle. Zi knew by looking that the woman’s tie to the circle was perilous. Her figure kept fading in and out of the aether, and she appeared to be doubled over in a great pain. Zi had to act fast. If she paused for even a moment, the woman’s soul would dissolve into the aether and be lost forever. The young sorceress could not let an innocent pay so dearly for her own foolish mistake. She began to whisper a spell of stabilization under her breath, maybe giving her time to think. Journeyman sorceress indeed. This was the grave mistake of a novice. Her eyes searched frantically for a suitable surrogate in which to house the woman’s soul until Zi could figure out this mess. It would need to be mobile, and preferably of a similar size and shape to the human. Her eyes scanned the clearing around the failed summoning circle but saw nothing suitable. She was running out of time. Despite the spell Zi muttered, the woman’s form was growing dimmer by the moment. That left only one option. She took a deep breath, and reached for the ornamental dagger the Seer had pushed on her. She would need to do a blood pact in order to save the woman. She took the knife in her right hand, and took the tip to the palm of her left hand. She took a deep breath, and plunged the knife into the sensitive flesh. She bit back tears, as she deliberately carved a simple bonding circle into her palm. She could add extra protections when time was not a factor. Having drawn a bonding circle in which even her High Sorceress Grandmother couldn’t find fault, the elf prepared for the next step. With the knife still firmly held in her right hand, she held her bleeding left hand at the ready. She took a steadying breath, before cutting the circle with the knife, and thrusting her left hand with the bonding circle into the form of the woman. Zi had a moment of seeing the ghost of the woman’s eyes look at her in abject horror, before the soul was pulled into Zi’s body through her hand. The force was so strong, Zi’s body was thrown back several feet.

“What have you done to me?” Zi heard her own mouth say in a voice that was not quite her own. She was pushing herself into a sitting position.

“I have saved you,” Zi replied, somewhat timidly. From my own stupidity, she thought miserably to herself. She hit herself in the forehead. She shouldn’t have thought that. What if the human soul could hear her thoughts?

“You have?” Zi felt herself ask in that strange other voice.

Good, it doesn’t look like she hears thoughts. “Yes,” came Zi’s careful response, “If I hadn’t bound your soul to me, you would have dissolved into nothingness in a matter of minutes.” It was the truth, she shouldn’t feel guilty. “You have suffered a great curse,” she heard herself saying. Technically true. “I am the elfin sorceress, Zirielana; daughter of Meriniel, the Unchained, Under High Sorceress of Ar; granddaughter of Celiesta, the Liberator, Bringer of Light, Keeper of the Obsidian Gate, High Sorceress of Ar.”

“Quite the mouthful,” she heard her other voice state, perhaps with a hint of skepticism.

“I usually go by Zi,” the sorceress piped up, “Like the letter!”

“That’s… easier,” came the woman’s voice. “My name is Yuna.”

“It’s very nice to meet you, Yuna,” Zi began, before feeling guilty again. “I mean, uhh, under the circumstances--”

“It’s fine,” Yuna cut in, which was quite an odd experience for Zi. Having parts of your body taken over by another presence was really very different. The woman continued, “I know you were trying to be nice. We will need to get used to this arrangement.” Zi nodded enthusiastically, but then realized she wasn’t certain if Yuna could tell she was nodding at all. She opened her mouth to tell Yuna so, when she continued speaking. “So, Zi, what are we going to do?”

“Break the curse,” Zi said automatically, before freezing up. Right a wrong of your own making. Her eyes grew wide. This curse was the wrong. The prophecy was correct! Gods! What was she getting herself into? She planned to continue on, before Yuna broke in:

“And how do you plan to do that?”

“Well, with my sorcery, of course,” Zi said stupidly.

“Well, let’s get to it! Fire away! I am ready to get out of here!”

“Uhh,” Zi started, voice going timid again, “I don’t actually know how to break a curse like this.” She could feel her face falling into a frown that was not her own.

“Well,” came Yuna’s still unfamiliar voice. Zi could tell she was gathering her courage. She could appreciate that in the perfect stranger who now shared her body. “We will have to find a way around that. Where can we go so you can learn to break the curse? The elves? I have heard they have very strong magic.”

It was Zi’s turn to frown on her face. “No,” she said, shaking her head, “I can’t return to elf land for nearly a year. I have been sent on a rite of passage, and cannot return until I fulfil my destiny.”

“Then what do we do?” asked Yuna, her voice sounded desperate.

“We will go to the fairies in Vana Vale,” Zi said, with a conviction she wasn’t certain she felt. “Their magic is older than the elves, and they have a great Library full of ancient tomes. One must cover how to break our curse.”

“That sounds great,” Yuna exclaimed, her voice full of hope. “Let’s go!”

Zi stood up, finally feeling a little better about all of this. At least the two of them had a plan. She picked up her pack and began to take a step forward when she paused. “One thing,” she said, feeling wretched again, “I am completely lost. I don’t know how to get out of this forest, let alone travel to the fairies. I have never left Ar before this journey.”

Zi felt her mouth turn up in a smile, before laughing a laugh that was not her own. “Don’t worry,” said Yuna, “This patch of forest is not far from my family’s farm. I can get us to the road. Do you see the smoke above the trees?” Zi looked, and she did indeed see the smoke. This answered one the many questions bouncing around in her head. Yes, Yuna could access her sight. It stood to reason she could access her other senses. “Follow the smoke, until you see the farmhouse,” Yuna continued. “From there, we should be able to see the road.” The words made Zi realize something: she had her guide.

A thought occured. “Can you get me to Sol?” Zi asked.

“Sol?” contemplated Yuna. “We would need to backtrack four days travels. I think it would make more sense to head forward to Windermere. There is a tavern there which will have someone we can hire to take us to Vana Vale.”

Zi deflated a little bit. “You mean you can’t take us?”

“Definitely not,” laughed Yuna, the feeling of someone else’s laughter bubbling to her lips was still strange to Zi. “I only know the lands around my family’s farm. I have traveled to other communities in order to trade or sell for the farm, but I have never been so far as Vana Vale.”

Zi sighed. She couldn’t very well tell the woman in her head to stuff it, and take her to where she could meet Kniles. That would be horribly selfish, especially after Zi had ruined the woman’s life. “Lead the way, Yuna,” Zi said, throwing her hands up.

Yuna’s smile flashed across her own face again. “I am not certain I can do that, but if you would head towards the smoke from the house, that would be a start.”

Zi grinned despite herself. At least smoke was easier to find than water.