Destiny

Disclaimer: I don't own Elf Quest. Richard and Windy Pini do. But I own Crecy.

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Chapter 2

I had ended up sleeping in, so when I finally woke up, it was about late morning. I looked down at my wrinkled and dirtied clothes. 'I need to change those. They weren't meant for this kind of weather.' I thought. I stood up and brushed off my shirt as best I could. Walking from the caves, I decided to have a look around and think. '… What am I supposed to do now? Its not like I can't just watch from the sidelines or anything. Just being here could change what is supposed to happen. I guess I'll just stay awhile, if things change too much, I'll head out on my own.' I concluded.

"Excuse me." I heard.

I looked up to see Adhri looking at me. "You need something?"

"Savah wanted to see you." I merely nodded and she led me to her hut.

"Hello?" I asked, my uncertainty slipping through as I walked through the beads.

"Come in my child. Do not be afraid." Her voice was comforting. "We have much to talk about."

I nodded and walked to where I stood in front of her. "What do have to talk about?"

"You can do things others can not, am I right?" At my nod she continued. "I believe you have some type of magic that is just taking shape. Will you be willing to become a student under me to learn to control this new magic?"

I tilted my head to the side in thought. 'It might be useful. And I'm curious as to what the magic is… although If I become her student, then I'll be staying much longer then expected, and It might change the timeline. Wait, what If she makes Leetah heal me? Then she'll know! I don't think I can…' "I thank you for your offer, but I think I'll pass."

"What are you afraid of child?"

"What? I'm not afraid of anything." I crossed my arms stubbornly.

"I think you are afraid to show something. Is it so drastic that you must bury your right to control your magic?"

"I… know things, and am things, that the others can't know. It's difficult to explain…"

"Hmmm… Are you willing to let this aged elf know? I will not judge you if that if why you are worrying."

I glanced uneasily around the room, then back to her. It would be good to let it out to someone. "… Promise?"

"I promise." She assured.

"Well… I'm not from this world. Or even this dimension. I came from a different one. I was human there." I flinched, waiting for a reaction that never came. I looked back up too her, to see understanding eyes. "In that world, this whole place was nothing but a fragment of someone's imagination. It became a popular comic book, which is like pictures and words… Written words were one of the ways we communicated without talking. I loved reading about all of this. I know what's going to happen soon, going as far as years from now. I can't let anyone know, they might accuse me of being as heartless as not helping when I know I could. But things are going to happen that my presence can't change. I don't know how to get back, or if I want to. I feel more at ease here, I don't want to leave, but I have to. I will leave soon to prevent anything that might change the future."

I watched as Savah contemplated what I had just told her. "Do you wish to forget this knowledge to live peacefully here with us?"

"I don't know. I don't want to change things more then they already are."

"I can take this knowledge from you mind, I will know it, and you will be free to live as you want without this burden on your heart."

"…Why?"

"My child, you deserve this at least, you are to young to have to deal with this."

I thought a few moments more, then decided. "You are willing to help, then? I… agree with this…"

"Come here, child. You will remember all but what will happen in our future." I walked up to her and she gently placed her fingertips against my temple. A light surrounded us both, one that became so bright, that shone out of every crack in the hut, startling the Sun Villagers and Wolfriders in the area. I felt my memories swirl around my mind, some leaving; some being stirred up like a dusty surface.

It took some time to erase these things from my mind; the magic from both Savah and myself surrounded us in a colorful burst of light. When it was over, I was completely exhausted, it didn't help that Leetah was right and that so called 'little bump on the head' was taking its toll on me.

I open my weary eyes to meet Savah's, she didn't nearly look as tired as I did. "You should sleep now, things will be better when you wake up, child." I nodded slightly before blacking out completely.

~*~

I opened my eyes to find the roof of a hut in my view. My eyes were still heavy from the deep sleep I was in. Suddenly Cutter's head came into view.

"You're awake. Can you tell us what happen?"

"… Where am I…?" I blinked, trying to get a clear focus on things.

"Your in Leetah's hut. Do you remember being in Savah's hut?"

"… Yes… I remember that… Why am I in Leetah's hut?"

" Savah told us to bring you here so Leetah can heal you after you wake up. " A new voice entered. I looked over to see Skywise; I hadn't realized he was there.

"… No… I refused to be healed. "I murmured. The pain in my head was worse then before, much worse then I thought it would be.

"How can you still be so stubborn? You are dieing." Cutter said. "You will be healed, we won't lose any tribe members because you're too stubborn."

I looked at him, startled. "… Tribe member…?"

"Yes, now will you let Leetah heal you?" Skywise prompted.

Then the healer, herself, came into view. She kneeled down next to me.

I turned away from her and the others, but voicing no complaint about being healed. I closed my eyes as I felt the sensation run through my body, healing it. She didn't gasp and draw away in surprise like I had thought, she didn't even flinch. I knew that she knew, I didn't know how, I just did. I few moments later, she was finished. She stood up and walked away.

For the first time since I came to this world, I didn't feel any pain. Well, physical pain, I have yet to be healed mentally and emotionally.

"Feeling better?" Skywise asked.

"I don't have a headache anymore." I answered, intentionally not answering the question fully.

"What's wrong?" Cutter asked.

I turned to them, masking my emotions. "Nothing, just thinking." I stood up, still weak from both magical encounters. I nearly collapsed again, but Skywise caught me.

"I don't think you should get up yet. You should rest." Cutter told me.

I nodded, but drifted to sleep before more was said.

~*~

I sat straight up, startling those around me. The memory of my nightmare brushing against my conciseness. I closed my eyes and willed my breathing back to normal.

"Are you okay?" Nightfall moved next to me and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. I flinched from the contact and drew away.

"I- I'm fine." My voice betrayed my feelings. I couldn't remember what the dream was about, but the terrified feelings remained. I stood up abruptly, and left the cave, I climbed the rocks found my way to a fairly secluded spot away from the others. I laid back and watched the stars that have risen while I was resting. I looked for the familiar constellations of Earth and was surprised t find then there.

"At least the skies are familiar." I mused as I began pointing out the stars I knew of.

"You see the pictures in the stars too?" Someone asked behind me. I glanced to the side surprised.

"I know a few names and 'pictures', but not a lot, Skywise."

"What do you see?"

I pointed to one, "See those 3 stars right next to each other? That's the belt of Orion. And over there is what I call the big dipper. "I continued to tell him all of what I knew and he watched in fascination. I was a really big astronomy fan back in the other world. (Which is true. I don't know much though. I'm still learning).

After I had finished with what I knew, he began to show me what he knew. He pointed out the Wolf and the clumsy, human hunter I was laughing. I knew of it, but I could see it.

"So, did you come up here to just watch the stars?" He questioned.

My carefree mood immediately vanished. "Well, no… It silly now that I think about it."

"Will you tell me about it?"

"Just don't laugh. I had a nightmare. I can't remember what it was about, but I was so upset about that I came up here."

"I've always look to the stars when I need comfort. Feel better now?"

"Yeah, actually I do." I turned to look over to him. I knew his soul name, but he didn't know that. His eyes met mine. His Name whispered in my thoughts, he leaned closer… his lips coming closer to mine… We kissed gently, my eyes closed… He pushed me back until I was laying down our kisses became more passionate. I felt the strange need to do this, but then I remembered something. I couldn't do this, I wasn't ready, not while being raised the way I was. I wanted to give in, but I couldn't. If I had to leave, then I can't let this stop me. I gently pushed him back and broke the kiss.

"What's wrong?"

I felt his hot breath against my lips and I almost gave in again. I resisted. "I've… never done anything like this. I'm not ready."

He nodded, and sat up. He helped me up and rested his arm around me. I leaned into him. Changing the subject, he said, "Did you hear about Cutter? Rayek challenged him today while you were resting."

"I didn't know. When is the challenge?"

"At dawn."

I settled against him again and relaxed. It felt so good. So right. I didn't know how or why I felt this way. But I liked it. We continued to watch the stars set and the sun start to rise.

"We better get back, they'll start soon." We stood up and started our way back to the village. When we got there, they were already setting up. We walked over to Cutter and wished him luck. Skywise let Cutter borrow his loadstone.

The first Trail was about to start. It was the Trail of Hand. Both Cutter and Rayek were to balance on two poles that are on a cylinder that will tilt about crazily while both elves attempt to throw the other off.

"One falls, loses all. Ready yourselves. Begin!" Suntoucher said.

The contest began immediately. Cutter and Rayek began calling each other names while trying to get the other to lose concentration and fall.

Eventually, the winner was named Cutter.

The next Trail was the Trail of head, or mind. You are to use your wits to find your belonging, in this case their swords, and bring it back to the village. None of us had a very good view of what would happen, but I didn't mind. Sometime later we found Cutter rushing up to us telling us about his discovery. He gathered the ties to his pants and started to string them back in, that was about the time Rayek showed up. I watched as Cutter showed him how he got his sword.

"Cheater!" He shouted.

"Wrong, Rayek, he use it only as a token of luck, he didn't know it had a natural attraction to medal." Savah replied.

He stalked off, going by and talking to Leetah in the process.

I shook my head. Memories were stirring in my mind. I knew exactly what happened in there. I was so confused, that I decided to go to Savah.

"Savah? Can I ask you something?"

"Yes, Child? What is troubling you?" She asked.

"I don't know how, but I'm remembering things. I thought you pushed those thoughts away so I wouldn't know."

"Child, I said I would bury the thoughts of the future, but as you go along, they will return to you." She explained.

I nodded. "No wonder I'm getting a serious case of déjà vu."

"I know all you know. You should not be troubled about it."

"Troubled about what?" Skywise asked.

"Er- nothing. Don't worry about it. Thanks Savah." I walked away from them both and moved to the side a hut to get out of the sun.

The day moved on and it became time for the last Trail. The Trail of heart. Cutter was to cross the bridge of Destiny. He trembled as he glanced down the sheer cliff.

"This should be easy for you, Cutter. Why, I've seen you walk a tree branch no wider than this without stirring a leaf." Skywise encouraged.

"But it was never so far to fall, Skywise. Never so far to fall."

He walked to the bridge and started to walk across. About mid-way, he looked down.

"He's losing his balance!!" I heard someone yell as I my eyes widen. He'd better not fall! I felt another sense of déjà vu as my body stumbled. I fell to my knees as the memories of what happen today came crashing down all at once. I looked back up to see the Wolfriders helping their Chief back to safety. I turned to Savah who was watching things quietly. I sat there, feeling drained, watching, waiting. Soon Rayek went to go across the bridge, easily. Easily, that is, until a burst of wind pushed him off. He fell, barely catching himself on a ledge. Cutter managed to save him, and he completed Trail 3.

Rayek took off after that. So did Leetah, but to separate place.

~*~

It was much later that night. I was still feeling a bit drained, but I stayed up. I knew that there was something. …Something, but what?

Just then Cutter called for a counsel. I stayed where I was, I wasn't considered a Wolfrider. I didn't have a wolf friends or anything. The others left and I sat at the mouth of the cave.

*Crecy, are you coming? I called counsel. * Cutter sent.

*What? I didn't think you wanted me there. I'm not a real Wolfrider. *

*Come on. And after Leetah healed you, she told me you have wolf blood. *

*Really? Wow. * I said as I walked to the flat where the Howl was being held. They nodded while I came, excepting my presence, which surprised me. Cutter took out his sword and pricked his hand enough to draw blood. The others began chanting the names of the 9 chiefs before Cutter. Cutter then began to unfold a tail so real yet horrifying. The story eventually ended, and the counsel ended.

Another set of memories hit me hard. In my mind I could see the vividly colored pictures for the story that Cutter shared, then the pictures began to morph, changing into the reality. I watched it as though I was there. My eyes snapped open, terror shaking my form. The whole thing had only taken a moment, but for me it felt like an eternity. I had fallen to the ground when it had started, and the other Wolfriders were startled. I pushed myself up staring at them, then turning around and running. I didn't know where to go, but I needed to think. I couldn't sleep if I tried like this. I soon found myself lost in the cliffs and boulders. Which way was the Sun village? I sat down. I didn't want to be alone anymore. Why had I gone running so blindly?

"My head hurts from that… that… memory, if you could even call it that." I mumbled to myself. I looked up suddenly as a sound made its way to my ears. "Whose there?" My voice trembled slightly, betraying my feelings. I pulled my knife out and listened closely. My instincts told me to follow it, while my fear told me to run like heck in the other direction. I decided to follow, my curiosity ruling out.

I moved towards the sound and found a small hole in the cliff. It smelled like a wolf. 'Wolf? When did I learn to tell the difference between smells?' I shrugged the thought off and called out softly to it. To fit in there, it couldn't be more then a cub. "Come on, I won't hurt you. Its okay to come out."

A few moments later, small yellow eyes appeared followed by a face, body and tail. As soon as its whole body emerged from the tunnel, it pounced on me, attacking with his tongue. I laughed as pulled the cub back to get a good look at it. "Hmmm… I think I'll call you Shadowstalker." It immediately tried to lick me again; I took it as he liked the name. (I was thinking for a name, and I liked this one. I can't remember if another wolf [maybe elf?] had the name or not. But my wolf is being called this, or until I change it if I find out someone else's wolf was named that.) I picked him up (Its male.) and carried him a bit, at liked being in my arms, but then I heard him turn away and growl.

"What's wrong Shadowstalker?" He jumped down from my arms and I pulled out my knife. I held it tightly, but when the creature jumped out at me, my inexperience showed greatly.

*Cutter! Come quick! * I sent. I needed help, and fast. The Wolfriders responded to my sending quickly while I was doing every thing I could to stay alive. I've never encountered this animal before, and I had no idea to bring it down. I jumped to the side as it charged me again. Finally I help my knife out in front of its face as it turned around and charged. What it did, I didn't expect. I dove under the knife and threw its head back, thus jerking my only weapon out of my hands. It growled as it cornered me. I had nowhere to go, that thing was smarter then I gave it credit. My new wolf friend ran passed it and stood in front of me.

It charged at me in what would be its final time. And arrow struck its side when it was only a foot away. Though dieing, its momentum sent it crashing into me. I barely missed its sharp teeth and it missed Shadowstalker entirely. I groaned as I tried to push the weight off me.

"What happened?" Cutter asked as soon as the animal was lifted off of me. I looked up at him still a little dazed, then I grinned. "What are you so happy about?" Just then my wolf friend, who was hiding in the shadows before now, pounced on him. I laughed as Cutter swung him around and held him in front of him. "When did you get a wolf friend?" He asked, cradling the cub and petting his head.

"Now I KNOW I named him right!" At Cutters questioning look, I explained. "I named him Shadowstalker."

"Now, you a true Wolfrider!" Nightfall grinned as she joined in the conversation.

"Really?" I asked surprised.

"Yep, a little more hunting experience, and you could have taken that down on your own." Cutter said.

I jumped up, and took Shadowstalker from Cutter, and laughed. "Never thought I would be Wolfrider material."

We wet back to caves while bring the dead animal with us for food. After the Wolfriders had their share, we all went to bed.

Nothing eventful happened over the next few days. Except that Rayek left Sorrows End, and Leetah and Cutter are now Lifemates.

~*~

è Years Laterç

"Child, you are almost there." Savah encouraged me.

The reason those 'wishes' came true long ago was because of my magic. I remember when Savah and I ha first talked about it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Flashback~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I'm here, Savah." I said as I walked to her chair.

"Good, Child. Now lets see what you can do." She smiled at me.

"Um… I'll try… Um… what do you want me to try?" I stuttered.

"You do not know what you can do?" I shook my head. "Well, what have you been able to do lately? Something that you know others cannot do?"

"Hmmm… I wish I had a pen and paper." Like usual, it appeared right in front of me. I sat down and began to write all the things that have happened that I couldn't explain.

Savah raised an eyebrow. "That is your power, Child."

"What?" I asked looking up. Then I realized what she was saying. "You mean wishing for stuff and getting it? But, Savah. What about the other bit. I mean, well. With the flute, I didn't know how to play it until I wished to."

"Have you ever seen someone play? Or hear the tune you played?" I nodded. "Even if you were only to glimpse it, then you are merely remembering details from that memory."

"But what about when I wished for others to know what I knew. The music."

"You also have the ability to share your knowledge without sending." I nodded.

"Alright. So what do you want me to try first?" I asked.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ End Flashback~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Almost there." I repeated. The others knew, my power was unique. That was for sure, but I couldn't make big things come as easily as I can a pen and paper like the first day. Actually, right now I was making a large rock appear, then disappear. I did it repeatedly to get the hang of doing this with big things.

"Hello Savah. Crecy." Cutter said as him and Suntop entered the room. Sweat trickled down the side of my face as I worked, completely oblivious to their presence.

Suntop grinned. "This room always gives me my magic feeling!"

I continued to concentrate, not giving up. I tuned out of the conversation as I tried to keep going. The boulder was now completely here, so I started on making it disappear. It began to fade from this plain of existence as I continued to work. Moments later it was completely gone.

"I think that is enough for today. You should rest." Savah told me just before I could bring it back here."

"I can keep going, Savah. I'm not tired!" I protested.

"You shouldn't push yourself, Child. Rest, and we'll work more tomorrow."

I sighed, looked up to her and nodded. I pushed myself up from the floor, "Oh, Hi Cutter. Hi Suntop! When did you get here?"

"We came while your concentrating." He answered. Suntop went over to Savah as we left the hut.

"Oh, so anything else new?"

"Not really. We have meat for tonight."

"Yummy." I grinned. We went our separate ways and I went over to the caves to get a nap in. I was Tired from all that training. Hmmm… Hopefully I'll get better soon.

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Yay! I'm going good at long chapters. So I'm asking you to pretty please REVIEW!!!!! I know there aren't many EQ writers out there, but when you do read, just come on and say, "Nice story" Or something. Something as simple as that will encourage me to write chapters faster.

Shade and Sweet water.