Chapter Three:
On the Finding of Foomy
Alunze stood to the northwest of Sundletan, about a five-day's journey from Elcid. The terrain was mostly grassland with scattered groves of trees spotting the landscape every now and then. They traveled along the shoreline of the Eastern Sea, where the air was beginning to warm at this time of year.
Glorious sunsets painted the sky night after night. The differing colors wove in and out of the clouds, as if they were at play with each other. Maxim would go on to say that they were the most extravagant sunsets he had ever seen.
Perhaps this was because they reminded him in the days to come what he was leaving behind, appearing as he departed his homeland. Or perhaps it was as though they greeted Maxim as he came into a new life for him. Whatever the reason, it filled him with great hope that he did not fully comprehend.
Maxim was in his element under the stars and clouds, but Tia was not as used to it. She did not gripe, however, and the joys of traveling grew on her as the days went on.
Soon Maxim turned his thoughts to the Ceremony. He remembered hearing stories in his youth about valiant kings and their realms. Now he was only hoping to glance at the regal splendor the King was sure to attire himself and his realm in, believing the actual virtue of kings to have diminished. It was also a way to hide from the roads of thought that would inevitably lead to these mysterious balls of light and his unclear role in it all.
Deep into the afternoon on the third day of their travels they came upon the edge of the Ilberet Woods, which stretched westwards to the feet of mountains, blanketed with its trees. A small part of the road to Alunze passed through this amazing forest. Trees of every shade of green, red, and gold could be found here. A great river poured from the mountains, down countless waterfalls into smaller waterways, but few humans of recent history had laid eyes upon such a feast.
Legends abounded throughout Estpolis (many of them forgotten) of the strange creatures that used to populate these woods, when it was a much larger forest. It had once ranged the whole southern portion of the continent housing many creatures that have never been seen by human eyes, but was now contained in a much smaller area. Too few humans gave the forest's diminishing much thought, though.
They decided to camp along the forest's edge for the night and settled down after the fire was quickly started. The night was a warm night currently, but would quickly turn cold.
After dinner Maxim started telling Tia some of the stories he used to hear from his grandfather about these lands they were now traveling through. They were pleasant stories and Tia enjoyed their telling. Stories of heroic men and deeds worth noting; stories of strange creatures both good and rotten; tales of triumph, friendship, and humor. Maxim had loved hearing his grandfather tell him these stories and loved telling them himself. It brought back the good memories of days no longer here. And once again he missed their presence.
It was not anything he liked to talk about in depth to many people, but Tia knew the whole story. Plus, she could relate having lost her mother a year before Maxim lost his grandfather.
His parents had died when he was really young, leaving his grandparents to care for him and Maxim to grasp at memories of them. And his grandparents did care for him, greatly.
It had almost been five years since his grandfather passed away and four since his grandmother joined her husband, leaving a well-prepared seventeen year old to life on his own. And here he was, twenty-one years old and tramping off on who-knows-what. He laughed at the thought of what Grandpa and Grandma would have said to that. He was just like his grandfather, but Grandma would have worried dearly.
Maxim spoke of the legend of the Giant Catfish, which was once believed to be the creator of earthquakes in the area. "I wouldn't want to be in one of those, I imagine," Tia said about them.
Other quick tales involved torments such as fire rain and fog that would close in about you to steal your breath away. And to Tia's dislike the temperature was cooling off, a light drizzle began, and a mist started to creep throughout the canopy of the forest.
The next morning brought even more rain and a deeper mist, which was now shrouding part of the forest floor. Tia was unsure about entering the forest, but Maxim reassured her that it would be okay. It wouldn't take but a couple of hours to get through the forest, the path could easily be seen, and the fog would lift shortly, he assured her.
Tia prepared a fire and cooked a hearty breakfast of sausage, biscuits, and gravy along with somewhat bland coffee. Despite the weather their spirits were raised as their stomachs were filled and they became eager to pierce the haze that crept at their boundaries. When the rain halted, the couple set off.
Tia was not too encouraged, an hour and a half later, when the fog showed no sign of thinning, but actually thickened. It was too late now to turn around, Maxim decided, relying on the fact that it should not take but another hour at the most to reach the end of the woods.
Following another thirty minutes of trudging through the denser, encroaching fog Maxim stopped. The forest path had seemed to narrow and Maxim was no longer sure that going forward would be the right decision to make.
For the first time on the trip Maxim's spirits were dragging (finally catching up to Tia's state of mind). To be lost was one of the worse shames a Tracker would put upon himself, and Maxim did just this. This was supposed to be his element, but he had no idea what to do or even if they were where they wanted to be.
At first Maxim wondered (quite jokingly) if some twist of nature was working against them. He had heard of such things in tales before. Almost immediately, however, Maxim began to doubt his own skills. How could he be expected to find his way on this adventure if he could not even make it through the Ilberet Woods to Alunze.
In that moment doubt—an unbidden yet persistent companion—attempted to stake its claim in Maxim's mind and will concerning his quest. It won a foothold.
They decided to rest here and wait on the fog to make its next move. While Tia worked on creating a fire for warmth, Maxim noticed a hill slightly off to the east and hoped that they could get a better look over the forest from its peak. He wanted to see how much longer this forest went on.
Maxim climbed up and then down a tree atop the hill with nothing to report, but plenty to report it to. Tia was frozen speechless near the campsite surrounded by a half-dozen small, furry creatures holding a shiny instrument in each of their hands that looked only too much like weapons. Maxim's weapons and gear were near Tia, but she did not even think of moving and Maxim's access was blocked.
Not only that, it quickly became clear that these creatures traveled in rather large packs, where a couple of weapons would not help the two. Maxim noticed that the fog had begun lifting, but he did not like what was taking its place in the forest. Soon, Tia and Maxim were huddled together surrounded by at least thirty creatures.
These were, in fact, one of the creatures that had lost contact with the human race ages long ago. They were also much more at ease than their human counterparts at the moment.
You might be wondering what these creatures looked like. Perhaps nothing like you might expect. Their bodies did not have much definition to them, being full of curves, covered with no armor or cloth, but only long, curly hair. They had what must have been arms with mitten-like hands. They had no semblance of a neck and the top of their head (which really was not separate from their torso) was only slightly raised above the top of their arms where most creatures show shoulders. They showed no legs, either, as their fur covered them, but they were very quick. Their hair was of assorted, yet similar colors, light in shade yet dark at its tip. It was short and curly, covering their whole body giving them the appearance of foam, which is where they got their name, as you will see.
Maxim thought them to be very interesting creatures indeed, but they did not seem to know human language. At least they chose not to speak to them. Even more they did not seem to speak to each other and this made Maxim and especially Tia uneasy.
"What are they, Max?" Tia finally managed, holding even closer to him.
"I'm not sure, but I would love to learn what they are..." Maxim said, perhaps foolishly more awestruck than scared at this turn of events.
"I'm not so sure we want to know too much about them. I would very much have liked to have never met them," she said clutching Maxim's arms as one from the crowd of furry creatures finally murmured amongst the others.
The creatures wasted little time in knowing what they wanted to do with their catch. And although Maxim did not like being separated from his gear and horse (which the creatures were also bringing, he had no choice but to comply. So he reluctantly escorted Tia in following the creatures" lead.
They were herded further south along a shallow ravine until a rough opening led them down into it. Tia would have liked to seen stairs, almost sliding all the way down at one point, but finally and carefully made it. They then backtracked slightly north and then ascended the other side of the ditch. Maxim actually thought it fun, despite the circumstances. Although climbing on one's own accord was much more peaceful and enjoyable.
"If they just wanted to harm us they could have done that by now," Maxim tried to encourage Tia as they scampered along. He did not succeed.
Once on the other side of the ravine they were halted in a small clearing of the forest. Here the creatures began to murmur more excitedly amongst themselves. Something told Maxim that these visitors were friendlier than they seemed, but Tia was not so easily swayed. And yet another surprise, of which Maxim was quickly tiring of, met them.
A creature of a different sort fluttered into view. I say fluttered because, from looking at her, it is said one cannot tell whether she flies, walks, or something different altogether. At her entrance every creature went silent.
"I am the Keeper of the Forest," an angelic-sounding voice came from this being. She spoke the Common Speech (human) as perfectly as they had ever heard it spoken before. It was as if she elevated their speech even beyond the boundaries of language.
A glow also seemed to emanate from her, casting doubt on whether she was actually a creature like them or of some other substance, possibly even just light. Ancient myth would tell you that she is a descendant of the stars themselves, but of that I cannot say. Her form and face was so that you could not truly describe it to someone. Let it suffice to say that one was not burdened by anything when one looked upon her.
"These are the Ilbaetz, a noble people and warriors of light. Your race once called them Foomy, I believe. They have always fought for what they believe in. Are you such people?" the female voice asked, after answering one of the questions on Maxim's minds about these creatures.
Neither Maxim nor Tia knew what to say to this question and neither answered, both feeling quite humbled at the moment.
The Keeper did not allow the silence to last for long, aware of their stunned condition. "Do not be afraid if you do not see it. You both have much to see and to go through in life. You will play out your parts well enough, whatever they are, I believe." Then she continued, "There is someone here that would greatly like to meet you both. And you would do well to meet him. Follow me, if you will." Maxim and Tia felt as if they had no choice in the matter, they were drawn to the Keeper, wherever she would lead them.
The fog around them had dissipated completely, after they had reached forest's open circle. Looking around Maxim saw that the fog still shrouded the forest around this clearing. Yet, perhaps out of respect and honor, it did not touch this area they now walked.
Looking around themselves they could see that almost every tree in the forest was of spruce, yet in different shapes, thickness, and greens. They spotted small hills and shallow gulleys, but hardly any felled trees as they made their way through a sea of Foomy.
Before long they heard a faint sound of water bubbling. In a couple of minutes they reached its source: a pretty large pool, with part of the water bubbling into a stone basin. Its ultimate source of water surely was underground feeds from the Great River.
"This is sacred ground you are treading upon," the Keeper said, knowing the questions on their minds, "and there is much history behind it. That is why the fog is forbidden to enter this place. This spring has flowed since the beginning of the Ilbaetz and has been a center of their forest life. The councils of elders have always met here and it has become a symbol of clarity and unity. When one needs to clear their mind it is good to wander here. Please feel free to do so as we await the Ilbaetz- Su'uri."
Not knowing what the Ilbaetz-Su'uri was or when to expect it put Maxim and Tia on edge, but they still managed to look around. They peered into the still, light blue water of the pool. And shortly thereafter the largest foam-creature they had yet seen moved his way towards them. A (somehow) younger-looking but almost as bulky Foomy trailed at his right side.
Then the Keeper spoke again, "This is the Ilbaetz-Su'uri, the Leader of the Ilbaetz, Feltsz and his son, the Ilbaetz-Su'urin, Jelze."
With that angelic introduction the Leader of the Foomy began talking in the Common Speech. "My people have long awaited another day as this," the foaming creature bellowed out in a slow, stretched-out sounding voice. Maxim and Tia were amazed both at its ability to speak and at the very words it slowly roared, not knowing how to react to them.
Seemingly taken aback at their silence the furry creature continued, "You are on the journey to fight that which streaks the sky, are you not?"
"How did you know about..?" Maxim stammered out, looking at Tia in bewilderment. Much of him wanted the furry creature to tell him what he was to do.
"Good. Your coming is greatly welcomed and your leaving of even more importance. But allow me to converse with you for a short time, there is much I would like to know." No emotion was visible, but the Leader made Maxim and Tia feel somewhat at ease.
At this time the Keeper of Ilberet excused herself from the group with the lightest of words, of which Maxim either could not or chose not to recall later in his life. Her parting seemed to take away from the forest and the very experience of the present moment. Maxim and Tia were unexplainably sad at the departure of such a fair being, but the Ilbaetz were apparently used to it.
The Leader continued, "But before I seek answers from you, allow me to tell a bit about my people, the Foomy your race calls us. Or used to, I should say, when we were believed in. We were given that name years ago, when our races first meet in these sacred woods. Since, we have strayed in many ways. Our pace of life is slow, comfortable. We rely on this forest for everything from food to shelter. Unfortunately the inhabitants of Mada Eve no longer recognize us as the stewards of Ilberet, nor do they know the Keeper of the Forest and her ways."
"sorry to interrupt...Sir...but where is this town of Mada Eve, I have not heard of it," Maxim asked, trying to decide what to call the creature.
"Ah, you can speak. And you may call me Feltsz," the Foomy slowly bellowed back. "That's right, this world's name has changed amongst your people. Fittingly so some might say. You call it Estpolis. In the ancient tongue Made Eve means Jewel of Delight, a much more fitting name for this world than Estpolis. Or at least how this world should be and once was. But sometimes, I guess, names say less about the object and more about the one who names it.
"We have had little interaction recently, though we do see your kind often along the forest path. Yet isolation is not undesirable, and it has benefited us greatly. We are a simple people. Our numbers are few compared to other races and our realm is diminishing. Soon isolation and existence may not both be possible. And perhaps not either will be an option for us.
"But I have waited as long as I can stand, I must know more about you two. For some time now I have been anticipating a meeting such as this. Tell me about yourself and your companion, Onyt-Kiel," the creature finished painstakingly slow.
It took Maxim awhile to respond due to the creature's entrancing speech and intimidating words. "My name is Maxim and this is Tia. We come from the town of Elcid and we know not how much we have to do with these balls of light. We are at the start of the very journey to learn these things." Maxim felt a part of himself cringe at being this vulnerable, but the other part felt in perfectly safe company to speak so.
"Onyt-Kiel, names have much more to do with you than that which your parents label you. It has always amazed me how you humans always keep the same name, especially when it's meaning does not fit you anymore. For it is better to be known by one's character than a simple label. I would not have wanted to remain...oh the best approximation in your language would be 'Chubby'...for longer than my infancy." At this moment Maxim started to wonder about Feltsz" gaining a mastery of his own language, but was soon interrupted by more of the Ilbaetz's speech.
"We have little doubt that you Onyt-Kiel fits you well, however. Even in our short time watching you in these woods, it fits you." Maxim did not like the idea that he had been watched and he wondered for how long this happened, but had no time to ask or think anything else of the matter as Feltsz continued his speech.
"It is also a pleasure to meet you, Tia was it? That name I have not heard spoken before, yet it is the most delightful to reach my ears in my many days in this world. I shall first name my next offspring this, if you would not mine."
"That...would be...fine..." Tia stuttered out, suddenly feeling a mix of self-consciousness and pride.
"Like I said, I have been awaiting this time. I have seen many things in my resting hours that speak of a magnificent time before us. A man I have seen there I now believe you to be. I have not seen Tia (and here the speaker had slowed down to almost a complete stop of speech), though. Your part in this, I do not know. Perhaps the Keeper knows, but she is too oft-silent for my liking on matters such as these." He finished this statement with a loud, hearty laugh (that his son echoed), which caught the two by surprise.
And turning to face Maxim he continued, "I look forward to seeing what your part looks like played out, friend. Our isolation does not extend into the realm of outside news, you know. Now, you say you come from the town of Elcid at the south end of this continent. Were you both born there?"
Maxim spoke for the both of them, unsure if Tia was prepared to answer right away. "Tia was, however I was not. I was born in the town of Alekia, I am told, though I have no memory of that place."
With a much softer (though still quite loud to Maxim and Tia) laugh Feltsz responded, "Ah yes, another piece that fits my seeing."
"Yes, my grandparents raised me in Elcid...soon after my parents passed away," Maxim said, lost in a painful thought he often tried to escape.
"I am sorry to hear that, however, your grandparents appear to have done well, where your parents assuredly would have as well," Feltsz said, trying to comfort Maxim and it was comforting to him. "Tell me more about yourself."
"I don't really know where to start, my life really isn't that exciting." Maxim began to feel a little self-conscious yet Feltsz's presence brought some peace to him. "About the only productive thing I do is track," he said with his first laugh in awhile.
"Track?" Jelze, the son of Feltsz questioned.
"Oh, yes...I'm a Tracker. When beasts are terrorizing local populations, especially in areas where the local armies don't care to defend, I step in."
"So you are a warrior like I am," Jelze commented. "Your standing would be great in our society." With that Jelze bowed (as much as a Foomy could). It almost looked like the creature was a pile of snow quickly melting into the ground.
"Something like that, I guess, however it's not so prized a life in Elcid."
"And what about you, Tia," Feltsz asked, taking extra time to say her name, as if he relished its sound.
"Well," Tia said, having gained some confidence in her company, "I help run the restaurant my dad owns in Elcid. I cook and clean and just about everything, I guess."
"You have greater skill and character than that. We could tell that from the short time you were in the forest before coming here to talk. You are a strong women indeed." Tia was greatly encouraged by Feltsz' comforting words. She felt like she wanted to sit and talk with this great creature for days on end.
The conversation continued for quite some time, with Maxim and Tia answering many of Feltsz' and Jelze's questions. Most were basic questions from what their daily activities were like to what they enjoyed to eat. Much was similar to the Ilbaetz, but much was also different, particularly in what their diets consisted of.
Maxim and Tia were beginning to wonder what they would have to eat while in the Foomy's borders, but they were reassured that they would have their regular diet provided for them. Interspersed with only a few Ilbaetzian specialties, usually involving the native foliage. At this point, however, food was the farthest thing from their curious and spellbound minds.
As the night was coming into its fullness the conversation died down. First Jelze excused himself and soon sleep was calling Tia and Maxim, if no one else. Feltsz lead the couple through the woods to the nearby sleeping quarters personally. "Here you go," Feltsz said pointing to two neatly made nests of very soft, silvery leaves from the surrounding spruce trees. Next to this was their horse (appearing very well fed) and the rest of their gear. "We hope it will be to your liking. You have no need to worry about safety in our Forest. Sentries are always keeping watch and nothing enters the Forest without our knowledge, nor comes to our sanctuary against our consent," Feltsz bellowed and his words were true.
Tia thanked their host for their generosity, saying it was more than adequate, and Maxim echoed his thanks. It did make Tia wonder what would have happened to them had the Foomy not wanted their presence, however.
The bed was much more adequate than they really thought it would be and even had hoped for. Bristly looking leaves felt as soft as feathers and kept their place well under their bodies. A slight aroma, not overpowering, also emanated from these leaves and it seemed to help drowsiness turn into slumber. Their sleep came quick, their rest was sound, and their dreams were sweet.
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Morning arrived and Maxim and Tia awoke to a new dawn. They felt revived and only reluctantly rose from their inviting nests. The Foomy had breakfast hot and waiting for them to eat alone. It was apparently a dish of sausage and eggs (in spite of its unusual color—for the worse—and foreign smell—for the better), was surprisingly flavorsome, and refreshed their bodies even more than the rest that preceded it.
They spent another day in the company of the Forest stewards, learning more about their society and speaking less about their own. Both were enthralled. Tia was able to meet the other half of Feltsz' family, his wife Enwit, and their daughter Aymma enjoying their company very much. While Maxim got to know Jelze as well as one can in just a day. He felt he was living a piece of the fairy tales he once heard as a child.
Perhaps you would like to know more of what they spoke about? Well, I would suggest seeking out the Ilbaetz (or literature pertaining to them) yourself, for we have already detoured a long time here. We must be moving on for there is plenty left to go.
In part the two were greatly encouraged on the journey they set out on. The Ilbaetz were tremendously uplifting. For the other part, however, the mere joy of interacting with this foreign culture took their minds away from the task altogether at times.
The next day they had to pack up and were brought (with horse) before Feltsz in the Open Circle. And so we must prepare to leave this part of the story.
The leader of the Foomy was awaiting their arrival and the Ilbaetz assembled all let out tremendous, belly-deep laughs. The Keeper of the Forest was there, too. She approached the two and spoke, "This greeting of laughter is the Iyl-baetz culture's greatest sign of respect and fellowship. Most of the time it is used to greet returning, long-time friends and kin. But for the first time in the Forest it rings for friends newly acquainted." The smile (or so it was somewhat like one) greeting them with these words seemed to brighten the already angelic face even more.
Maxim bowed, and Tia followed suit, in Feltsz" direction. He obviously acknowledged it for a returned sign of friendship and respect.
Walking closer to them, he continued, "Now has come the important time of your departure. I wish we could have lingered together in speech. I still have many curiosities, but time will not wait for me, sadly enough." These last words carried a slight chuckle with it, causing Maxim to break a smile.
Neither Tia nor Maxim wished to leave at that moment as they felt they had found something akin to paradise and it was too soon to have it stripped away from them. They quickly conceded, however, that this must be so.
"Three others and myself will accompany you back to the road, closer to its end, if that pleases you. Sentries are encamped all over the forest as well, and will provide any protection needed as long as you are within the reaches of our realm. Whether it is needed or not, you will not see any signs, though." Feltsz chuckled again.
"That would be most pleasing, Feltsz," Maxim answered.
The group made their way through the spruce forest for less than half an hour before re-converging with the main path to Alunze. Maxim loaded some of the equipment the Foomy had carried onto the horse and himself. Feltsz slowly spoke again, "The edge of the Forest is a half-hour up this path. May the rest of your journey be as wonderful as your next half-hour within this glorious Forest."
"And may these woods continue to care for your people as you have cared for us," Maxim responded in blessing. With that he took the reigns of the horse and started to walk down the path, with Tia following.
"Your fight is just, my friends. The Ilbaetz will always remember this famous encounter...most acceptable it is to us. Your way is full of light. Go in peace." Feltsz belted out another thunderous laugh of respect, with the accompanying Ilbaetz following suit. Smiles formed across Maxim and Tia's faces reflexively as they waved good-bye, turned, and prodded down the path.
Within the hour they had made it out of Ilberet into the open, sunlit plains leading to Alunze. The feelings of their recent experience a fresh reminder of what they had to leave behind. "I do wish we could have stayed longer, Max," came often from Tia's lips ever since then.
On the Finding of Foomy
Alunze stood to the northwest of Sundletan, about a five-day's journey from Elcid. The terrain was mostly grassland with scattered groves of trees spotting the landscape every now and then. They traveled along the shoreline of the Eastern Sea, where the air was beginning to warm at this time of year.
Glorious sunsets painted the sky night after night. The differing colors wove in and out of the clouds, as if they were at play with each other. Maxim would go on to say that they were the most extravagant sunsets he had ever seen.
Perhaps this was because they reminded him in the days to come what he was leaving behind, appearing as he departed his homeland. Or perhaps it was as though they greeted Maxim as he came into a new life for him. Whatever the reason, it filled him with great hope that he did not fully comprehend.
Maxim was in his element under the stars and clouds, but Tia was not as used to it. She did not gripe, however, and the joys of traveling grew on her as the days went on.
Soon Maxim turned his thoughts to the Ceremony. He remembered hearing stories in his youth about valiant kings and their realms. Now he was only hoping to glance at the regal splendor the King was sure to attire himself and his realm in, believing the actual virtue of kings to have diminished. It was also a way to hide from the roads of thought that would inevitably lead to these mysterious balls of light and his unclear role in it all.
Deep into the afternoon on the third day of their travels they came upon the edge of the Ilberet Woods, which stretched westwards to the feet of mountains, blanketed with its trees. A small part of the road to Alunze passed through this amazing forest. Trees of every shade of green, red, and gold could be found here. A great river poured from the mountains, down countless waterfalls into smaller waterways, but few humans of recent history had laid eyes upon such a feast.
Legends abounded throughout Estpolis (many of them forgotten) of the strange creatures that used to populate these woods, when it was a much larger forest. It had once ranged the whole southern portion of the continent housing many creatures that have never been seen by human eyes, but was now contained in a much smaller area. Too few humans gave the forest's diminishing much thought, though.
They decided to camp along the forest's edge for the night and settled down after the fire was quickly started. The night was a warm night currently, but would quickly turn cold.
After dinner Maxim started telling Tia some of the stories he used to hear from his grandfather about these lands they were now traveling through. They were pleasant stories and Tia enjoyed their telling. Stories of heroic men and deeds worth noting; stories of strange creatures both good and rotten; tales of triumph, friendship, and humor. Maxim had loved hearing his grandfather tell him these stories and loved telling them himself. It brought back the good memories of days no longer here. And once again he missed their presence.
It was not anything he liked to talk about in depth to many people, but Tia knew the whole story. Plus, she could relate having lost her mother a year before Maxim lost his grandfather.
His parents had died when he was really young, leaving his grandparents to care for him and Maxim to grasp at memories of them. And his grandparents did care for him, greatly.
It had almost been five years since his grandfather passed away and four since his grandmother joined her husband, leaving a well-prepared seventeen year old to life on his own. And here he was, twenty-one years old and tramping off on who-knows-what. He laughed at the thought of what Grandpa and Grandma would have said to that. He was just like his grandfather, but Grandma would have worried dearly.
Maxim spoke of the legend of the Giant Catfish, which was once believed to be the creator of earthquakes in the area. "I wouldn't want to be in one of those, I imagine," Tia said about them.
Other quick tales involved torments such as fire rain and fog that would close in about you to steal your breath away. And to Tia's dislike the temperature was cooling off, a light drizzle began, and a mist started to creep throughout the canopy of the forest.
The next morning brought even more rain and a deeper mist, which was now shrouding part of the forest floor. Tia was unsure about entering the forest, but Maxim reassured her that it would be okay. It wouldn't take but a couple of hours to get through the forest, the path could easily be seen, and the fog would lift shortly, he assured her.
Tia prepared a fire and cooked a hearty breakfast of sausage, biscuits, and gravy along with somewhat bland coffee. Despite the weather their spirits were raised as their stomachs were filled and they became eager to pierce the haze that crept at their boundaries. When the rain halted, the couple set off.
Tia was not too encouraged, an hour and a half later, when the fog showed no sign of thinning, but actually thickened. It was too late now to turn around, Maxim decided, relying on the fact that it should not take but another hour at the most to reach the end of the woods.
Following another thirty minutes of trudging through the denser, encroaching fog Maxim stopped. The forest path had seemed to narrow and Maxim was no longer sure that going forward would be the right decision to make.
For the first time on the trip Maxim's spirits were dragging (finally catching up to Tia's state of mind). To be lost was one of the worse shames a Tracker would put upon himself, and Maxim did just this. This was supposed to be his element, but he had no idea what to do or even if they were where they wanted to be.
At first Maxim wondered (quite jokingly) if some twist of nature was working against them. He had heard of such things in tales before. Almost immediately, however, Maxim began to doubt his own skills. How could he be expected to find his way on this adventure if he could not even make it through the Ilberet Woods to Alunze.
In that moment doubt—an unbidden yet persistent companion—attempted to stake its claim in Maxim's mind and will concerning his quest. It won a foothold.
They decided to rest here and wait on the fog to make its next move. While Tia worked on creating a fire for warmth, Maxim noticed a hill slightly off to the east and hoped that they could get a better look over the forest from its peak. He wanted to see how much longer this forest went on.
Maxim climbed up and then down a tree atop the hill with nothing to report, but plenty to report it to. Tia was frozen speechless near the campsite surrounded by a half-dozen small, furry creatures holding a shiny instrument in each of their hands that looked only too much like weapons. Maxim's weapons and gear were near Tia, but she did not even think of moving and Maxim's access was blocked.
Not only that, it quickly became clear that these creatures traveled in rather large packs, where a couple of weapons would not help the two. Maxim noticed that the fog had begun lifting, but he did not like what was taking its place in the forest. Soon, Tia and Maxim were huddled together surrounded by at least thirty creatures.
These were, in fact, one of the creatures that had lost contact with the human race ages long ago. They were also much more at ease than their human counterparts at the moment.
You might be wondering what these creatures looked like. Perhaps nothing like you might expect. Their bodies did not have much definition to them, being full of curves, covered with no armor or cloth, but only long, curly hair. They had what must have been arms with mitten-like hands. They had no semblance of a neck and the top of their head (which really was not separate from their torso) was only slightly raised above the top of their arms where most creatures show shoulders. They showed no legs, either, as their fur covered them, but they were very quick. Their hair was of assorted, yet similar colors, light in shade yet dark at its tip. It was short and curly, covering their whole body giving them the appearance of foam, which is where they got their name, as you will see.
Maxim thought them to be very interesting creatures indeed, but they did not seem to know human language. At least they chose not to speak to them. Even more they did not seem to speak to each other and this made Maxim and especially Tia uneasy.
"What are they, Max?" Tia finally managed, holding even closer to him.
"I'm not sure, but I would love to learn what they are..." Maxim said, perhaps foolishly more awestruck than scared at this turn of events.
"I'm not so sure we want to know too much about them. I would very much have liked to have never met them," she said clutching Maxim's arms as one from the crowd of furry creatures finally murmured amongst the others.
The creatures wasted little time in knowing what they wanted to do with their catch. And although Maxim did not like being separated from his gear and horse (which the creatures were also bringing, he had no choice but to comply. So he reluctantly escorted Tia in following the creatures" lead.
They were herded further south along a shallow ravine until a rough opening led them down into it. Tia would have liked to seen stairs, almost sliding all the way down at one point, but finally and carefully made it. They then backtracked slightly north and then ascended the other side of the ditch. Maxim actually thought it fun, despite the circumstances. Although climbing on one's own accord was much more peaceful and enjoyable.
"If they just wanted to harm us they could have done that by now," Maxim tried to encourage Tia as they scampered along. He did not succeed.
Once on the other side of the ravine they were halted in a small clearing of the forest. Here the creatures began to murmur more excitedly amongst themselves. Something told Maxim that these visitors were friendlier than they seemed, but Tia was not so easily swayed. And yet another surprise, of which Maxim was quickly tiring of, met them.
A creature of a different sort fluttered into view. I say fluttered because, from looking at her, it is said one cannot tell whether she flies, walks, or something different altogether. At her entrance every creature went silent.
"I am the Keeper of the Forest," an angelic-sounding voice came from this being. She spoke the Common Speech (human) as perfectly as they had ever heard it spoken before. It was as if she elevated their speech even beyond the boundaries of language.
A glow also seemed to emanate from her, casting doubt on whether she was actually a creature like them or of some other substance, possibly even just light. Ancient myth would tell you that she is a descendant of the stars themselves, but of that I cannot say. Her form and face was so that you could not truly describe it to someone. Let it suffice to say that one was not burdened by anything when one looked upon her.
"These are the Ilbaetz, a noble people and warriors of light. Your race once called them Foomy, I believe. They have always fought for what they believe in. Are you such people?" the female voice asked, after answering one of the questions on Maxim's minds about these creatures.
Neither Maxim nor Tia knew what to say to this question and neither answered, both feeling quite humbled at the moment.
The Keeper did not allow the silence to last for long, aware of their stunned condition. "Do not be afraid if you do not see it. You both have much to see and to go through in life. You will play out your parts well enough, whatever they are, I believe." Then she continued, "There is someone here that would greatly like to meet you both. And you would do well to meet him. Follow me, if you will." Maxim and Tia felt as if they had no choice in the matter, they were drawn to the Keeper, wherever she would lead them.
The fog around them had dissipated completely, after they had reached forest's open circle. Looking around Maxim saw that the fog still shrouded the forest around this clearing. Yet, perhaps out of respect and honor, it did not touch this area they now walked.
Looking around themselves they could see that almost every tree in the forest was of spruce, yet in different shapes, thickness, and greens. They spotted small hills and shallow gulleys, but hardly any felled trees as they made their way through a sea of Foomy.
Before long they heard a faint sound of water bubbling. In a couple of minutes they reached its source: a pretty large pool, with part of the water bubbling into a stone basin. Its ultimate source of water surely was underground feeds from the Great River.
"This is sacred ground you are treading upon," the Keeper said, knowing the questions on their minds, "and there is much history behind it. That is why the fog is forbidden to enter this place. This spring has flowed since the beginning of the Ilbaetz and has been a center of their forest life. The councils of elders have always met here and it has become a symbol of clarity and unity. When one needs to clear their mind it is good to wander here. Please feel free to do so as we await the Ilbaetz- Su'uri."
Not knowing what the Ilbaetz-Su'uri was or when to expect it put Maxim and Tia on edge, but they still managed to look around. They peered into the still, light blue water of the pool. And shortly thereafter the largest foam-creature they had yet seen moved his way towards them. A (somehow) younger-looking but almost as bulky Foomy trailed at his right side.
Then the Keeper spoke again, "This is the Ilbaetz-Su'uri, the Leader of the Ilbaetz, Feltsz and his son, the Ilbaetz-Su'urin, Jelze."
With that angelic introduction the Leader of the Foomy began talking in the Common Speech. "My people have long awaited another day as this," the foaming creature bellowed out in a slow, stretched-out sounding voice. Maxim and Tia were amazed both at its ability to speak and at the very words it slowly roared, not knowing how to react to them.
Seemingly taken aback at their silence the furry creature continued, "You are on the journey to fight that which streaks the sky, are you not?"
"How did you know about..?" Maxim stammered out, looking at Tia in bewilderment. Much of him wanted the furry creature to tell him what he was to do.
"Good. Your coming is greatly welcomed and your leaving of even more importance. But allow me to converse with you for a short time, there is much I would like to know." No emotion was visible, but the Leader made Maxim and Tia feel somewhat at ease.
At this time the Keeper of Ilberet excused herself from the group with the lightest of words, of which Maxim either could not or chose not to recall later in his life. Her parting seemed to take away from the forest and the very experience of the present moment. Maxim and Tia were unexplainably sad at the departure of such a fair being, but the Ilbaetz were apparently used to it.
The Leader continued, "But before I seek answers from you, allow me to tell a bit about my people, the Foomy your race calls us. Or used to, I should say, when we were believed in. We were given that name years ago, when our races first meet in these sacred woods. Since, we have strayed in many ways. Our pace of life is slow, comfortable. We rely on this forest for everything from food to shelter. Unfortunately the inhabitants of Mada Eve no longer recognize us as the stewards of Ilberet, nor do they know the Keeper of the Forest and her ways."
"sorry to interrupt...Sir...but where is this town of Mada Eve, I have not heard of it," Maxim asked, trying to decide what to call the creature.
"Ah, you can speak. And you may call me Feltsz," the Foomy slowly bellowed back. "That's right, this world's name has changed amongst your people. Fittingly so some might say. You call it Estpolis. In the ancient tongue Made Eve means Jewel of Delight, a much more fitting name for this world than Estpolis. Or at least how this world should be and once was. But sometimes, I guess, names say less about the object and more about the one who names it.
"We have had little interaction recently, though we do see your kind often along the forest path. Yet isolation is not undesirable, and it has benefited us greatly. We are a simple people. Our numbers are few compared to other races and our realm is diminishing. Soon isolation and existence may not both be possible. And perhaps not either will be an option for us.
"But I have waited as long as I can stand, I must know more about you two. For some time now I have been anticipating a meeting such as this. Tell me about yourself and your companion, Onyt-Kiel," the creature finished painstakingly slow.
It took Maxim awhile to respond due to the creature's entrancing speech and intimidating words. "My name is Maxim and this is Tia. We come from the town of Elcid and we know not how much we have to do with these balls of light. We are at the start of the very journey to learn these things." Maxim felt a part of himself cringe at being this vulnerable, but the other part felt in perfectly safe company to speak so.
"Onyt-Kiel, names have much more to do with you than that which your parents label you. It has always amazed me how you humans always keep the same name, especially when it's meaning does not fit you anymore. For it is better to be known by one's character than a simple label. I would not have wanted to remain...oh the best approximation in your language would be 'Chubby'...for longer than my infancy." At this moment Maxim started to wonder about Feltsz" gaining a mastery of his own language, but was soon interrupted by more of the Ilbaetz's speech.
"We have little doubt that you Onyt-Kiel fits you well, however. Even in our short time watching you in these woods, it fits you." Maxim did not like the idea that he had been watched and he wondered for how long this happened, but had no time to ask or think anything else of the matter as Feltsz continued his speech.
"It is also a pleasure to meet you, Tia was it? That name I have not heard spoken before, yet it is the most delightful to reach my ears in my many days in this world. I shall first name my next offspring this, if you would not mine."
"That...would be...fine..." Tia stuttered out, suddenly feeling a mix of self-consciousness and pride.
"Like I said, I have been awaiting this time. I have seen many things in my resting hours that speak of a magnificent time before us. A man I have seen there I now believe you to be. I have not seen Tia (and here the speaker had slowed down to almost a complete stop of speech), though. Your part in this, I do not know. Perhaps the Keeper knows, but she is too oft-silent for my liking on matters such as these." He finished this statement with a loud, hearty laugh (that his son echoed), which caught the two by surprise.
And turning to face Maxim he continued, "I look forward to seeing what your part looks like played out, friend. Our isolation does not extend into the realm of outside news, you know. Now, you say you come from the town of Elcid at the south end of this continent. Were you both born there?"
Maxim spoke for the both of them, unsure if Tia was prepared to answer right away. "Tia was, however I was not. I was born in the town of Alekia, I am told, though I have no memory of that place."
With a much softer (though still quite loud to Maxim and Tia) laugh Feltsz responded, "Ah yes, another piece that fits my seeing."
"Yes, my grandparents raised me in Elcid...soon after my parents passed away," Maxim said, lost in a painful thought he often tried to escape.
"I am sorry to hear that, however, your grandparents appear to have done well, where your parents assuredly would have as well," Feltsz said, trying to comfort Maxim and it was comforting to him. "Tell me more about yourself."
"I don't really know where to start, my life really isn't that exciting." Maxim began to feel a little self-conscious yet Feltsz's presence brought some peace to him. "About the only productive thing I do is track," he said with his first laugh in awhile.
"Track?" Jelze, the son of Feltsz questioned.
"Oh, yes...I'm a Tracker. When beasts are terrorizing local populations, especially in areas where the local armies don't care to defend, I step in."
"So you are a warrior like I am," Jelze commented. "Your standing would be great in our society." With that Jelze bowed (as much as a Foomy could). It almost looked like the creature was a pile of snow quickly melting into the ground.
"Something like that, I guess, however it's not so prized a life in Elcid."
"And what about you, Tia," Feltsz asked, taking extra time to say her name, as if he relished its sound.
"Well," Tia said, having gained some confidence in her company, "I help run the restaurant my dad owns in Elcid. I cook and clean and just about everything, I guess."
"You have greater skill and character than that. We could tell that from the short time you were in the forest before coming here to talk. You are a strong women indeed." Tia was greatly encouraged by Feltsz' comforting words. She felt like she wanted to sit and talk with this great creature for days on end.
The conversation continued for quite some time, with Maxim and Tia answering many of Feltsz' and Jelze's questions. Most were basic questions from what their daily activities were like to what they enjoyed to eat. Much was similar to the Ilbaetz, but much was also different, particularly in what their diets consisted of.
Maxim and Tia were beginning to wonder what they would have to eat while in the Foomy's borders, but they were reassured that they would have their regular diet provided for them. Interspersed with only a few Ilbaetzian specialties, usually involving the native foliage. At this point, however, food was the farthest thing from their curious and spellbound minds.
As the night was coming into its fullness the conversation died down. First Jelze excused himself and soon sleep was calling Tia and Maxim, if no one else. Feltsz lead the couple through the woods to the nearby sleeping quarters personally. "Here you go," Feltsz said pointing to two neatly made nests of very soft, silvery leaves from the surrounding spruce trees. Next to this was their horse (appearing very well fed) and the rest of their gear. "We hope it will be to your liking. You have no need to worry about safety in our Forest. Sentries are always keeping watch and nothing enters the Forest without our knowledge, nor comes to our sanctuary against our consent," Feltsz bellowed and his words were true.
Tia thanked their host for their generosity, saying it was more than adequate, and Maxim echoed his thanks. It did make Tia wonder what would have happened to them had the Foomy not wanted their presence, however.
The bed was much more adequate than they really thought it would be and even had hoped for. Bristly looking leaves felt as soft as feathers and kept their place well under their bodies. A slight aroma, not overpowering, also emanated from these leaves and it seemed to help drowsiness turn into slumber. Their sleep came quick, their rest was sound, and their dreams were sweet.
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Morning arrived and Maxim and Tia awoke to a new dawn. They felt revived and only reluctantly rose from their inviting nests. The Foomy had breakfast hot and waiting for them to eat alone. It was apparently a dish of sausage and eggs (in spite of its unusual color—for the worse—and foreign smell—for the better), was surprisingly flavorsome, and refreshed their bodies even more than the rest that preceded it.
They spent another day in the company of the Forest stewards, learning more about their society and speaking less about their own. Both were enthralled. Tia was able to meet the other half of Feltsz' family, his wife Enwit, and their daughter Aymma enjoying their company very much. While Maxim got to know Jelze as well as one can in just a day. He felt he was living a piece of the fairy tales he once heard as a child.
Perhaps you would like to know more of what they spoke about? Well, I would suggest seeking out the Ilbaetz (or literature pertaining to them) yourself, for we have already detoured a long time here. We must be moving on for there is plenty left to go.
In part the two were greatly encouraged on the journey they set out on. The Ilbaetz were tremendously uplifting. For the other part, however, the mere joy of interacting with this foreign culture took their minds away from the task altogether at times.
The next day they had to pack up and were brought (with horse) before Feltsz in the Open Circle. And so we must prepare to leave this part of the story.
The leader of the Foomy was awaiting their arrival and the Ilbaetz assembled all let out tremendous, belly-deep laughs. The Keeper of the Forest was there, too. She approached the two and spoke, "This greeting of laughter is the Iyl-baetz culture's greatest sign of respect and fellowship. Most of the time it is used to greet returning, long-time friends and kin. But for the first time in the Forest it rings for friends newly acquainted." The smile (or so it was somewhat like one) greeting them with these words seemed to brighten the already angelic face even more.
Maxim bowed, and Tia followed suit, in Feltsz" direction. He obviously acknowledged it for a returned sign of friendship and respect.
Walking closer to them, he continued, "Now has come the important time of your departure. I wish we could have lingered together in speech. I still have many curiosities, but time will not wait for me, sadly enough." These last words carried a slight chuckle with it, causing Maxim to break a smile.
Neither Tia nor Maxim wished to leave at that moment as they felt they had found something akin to paradise and it was too soon to have it stripped away from them. They quickly conceded, however, that this must be so.
"Three others and myself will accompany you back to the road, closer to its end, if that pleases you. Sentries are encamped all over the forest as well, and will provide any protection needed as long as you are within the reaches of our realm. Whether it is needed or not, you will not see any signs, though." Feltsz chuckled again.
"That would be most pleasing, Feltsz," Maxim answered.
The group made their way through the spruce forest for less than half an hour before re-converging with the main path to Alunze. Maxim loaded some of the equipment the Foomy had carried onto the horse and himself. Feltsz slowly spoke again, "The edge of the Forest is a half-hour up this path. May the rest of your journey be as wonderful as your next half-hour within this glorious Forest."
"And may these woods continue to care for your people as you have cared for us," Maxim responded in blessing. With that he took the reigns of the horse and started to walk down the path, with Tia following.
"Your fight is just, my friends. The Ilbaetz will always remember this famous encounter...most acceptable it is to us. Your way is full of light. Go in peace." Feltsz belted out another thunderous laugh of respect, with the accompanying Ilbaetz following suit. Smiles formed across Maxim and Tia's faces reflexively as they waved good-bye, turned, and prodded down the path.
Within the hour they had made it out of Ilberet into the open, sunlit plains leading to Alunze. The feelings of their recent experience a fresh reminder of what they had to leave behind. "I do wish we could have stayed longer, Max," came often from Tia's lips ever since then.