Author's Note: I am so excited! This is my third fanfic. Please review and tell me if you like the idea. Well, that is all I have to say. Enjoy!

Chapter 1 - Consciousness

Flashback:

The world around me came into view. The edges of my vision were blurred and blackened. I first saw the sight of my precious Cloud. She lipped my hand to show her delight at my newly wakeful state. I remember spinning and feeling dizzy, then leaning over the edge of the cot and purging everything in my stomach. I slowly drifted back into darkness.

Light warmed my crusted eyes. I fought to pull open my eyelashes that here adhered together. A gentle hand slipped under my head and lifted it up slightly. Cool water rushed through my parched mouth. I drank greedily from a small skin, before I was laid down to rest. The moments of delirium just hours before seemed like a dream, but so real. It was the only thought in my mind. "Was I awake before? Did I throw up? I remember throwing up," I wheezed. I can not explain why that topic was so insistent in my mind.

A sturdy woman hobbled around to my makeshift bed and smiled kindly at me. "That ya did, lass, but we didn't git much out of ya," she drawled.

I did not know who she was, but I felt safe under her watch. I felt exhausted and weary. I must have had a healing because that is the only thing I know that makes me feel worn out even in my bones.

Scalding tea dripped into my mouth, and I fought back from the flow of the hot drink. Cool water entered my mouth to soothe my burnt tongue. The tea finally chilled to a pleasantly warm temperature. The herbs tasted wonderful in my mouth that still had the tang of magic in it. Strength filled me when I downed my second cup. I sat up slowly. My head was spinning for the change in position. I examined where I was, and the memories flooded back. The horse mistress, Onua, took me to see her horses. They pranced nervously around me. The leader in the small herd felt threatened. He approached me from behind. I could feel his presence. I could feel his leg strike out at me, but I did not have time to dodge the flying hoof or tell him that I was not a threat.

I turned to the gentle lady and she saw the concern on my face. "I'm Jarvinia Wolfard. I'm a 'ealer. A brute of a woman brought cha 'ere cause ya 'ad a right, nasty kick in the gut from a fiery pony. I 'ealed ya up no problem. The woman tol' me ta tell ya when you woke up that she 'ad to move on. Now, lay down an' rest a bit," she explained.

Jarvinia's mud brown curls evaded the harsh wind because she had a scarf wrapped around her head. She did not spare me such a luxury. I had healed up a week ago and we were moving south. Jarvinia needed an assistant, and I was perfect. I had no family to keep me behind, and she traveled along with her two sons. Her son, Cayden, was fifteen years old, while Blaine is eighteen. Their father had died when Blaine was seven and Cayden just four. Jarvinia had to make a living somehow. They traveled, selling Jarvinia's potions, creams, teas, and healing services. The boys were good for being hired out for labor, but Jarvinia needed someone to help her with her craft. The boys showed to aptitude or willingness to help her out, so she hired me. That is why I am with the Wolfards now.

We followed the river away from Cria. We are following the Tusaine and Tortallan border currently, and have just past the Great Road East. It will be a long ride before we get to our destination, the capital city of Tyra.

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That was it. The plot thickens soon after this. Review, but please be nice. I love reviews, so don't let me down.

Starlit Emerald-Eyed Empress