Walkswithwheels: Hello readers!

Glory: That was sort of a rough spot you left me in last chapter.

Richelle: Yeah, can't you be kinder to your own character, let alone the main one?

Walkswithwheels: Sorry. I had meant to condense this into one chapter, but it was getting long, so I split this up.

Ehlen: Now now, what the author says goes. I would just like to point out that you may have spelled Richelle's name wrong more than once.

Richelle: Am I not important?

Walkswithwheels: No, you're very important, but my computer likes making typos...

Ehlen: If people find any misspellings, be sure to let her know in a review.

Glory: I will do the disclaimer. The authoress does not own any characters or settings except for the ones she makes up.

Richelle: Hey, you're supposed to be unconscious! Get back in bed!

Glory: Doggone it!

3: Respite

Sunlight streamed through the windows, its warm touch gently caressing my back and face. I fidgeted in bed, slightly disturbed by nature's alarm clock. Simultaneously, I welcomed the warmth, as the last thing I'd felt was that freezing, horrendous, mist. My eyes were still shut, mostly in bewilderment (the other part being I was lazy and reluctant to get out of bed).

Sunlight?

A bed?

I didn't remember entering civilization.

So how had I gotten here?

How long had I been asleep?

Days?

Weeks?

Months?

There were few things I was uncertain about, but this was one of them.

Nothing to do but answer my own question.

I attempted to slowly open my eyes, but my efforts were halted by the sun. It flashed brilliantly right in my face, blinding all in its bright light. The warmth may be enjoyable, but now it was rendering me immobile. I tried shielding myself with my hands, but since I was squinting, this proved useless. I groaned feebly, and threw my head back on the pillow.

The cry may have been weak, but it still attracted attention.

In the next instant, someone shouted at the top of his or her lungs.

"She's waking up, thank the gods!"

Another scream pierced my ear directly after the first one.

"Shut the blinds!"

Feet frantically scampered to follow the command, although I couldn't distinguish who they belonged to or what person had issued the order in the first place.

However, I did not care.

Rapidly, the sun faded, replaced by dim unnatural light.

I breathed a sigh of relief and proceeded to open my eyes.

Unfortunately, what I could see was hazy, as I was not used to the dim light.

My vision blurred as my surroundings methodically came into view in front of me.

Currently, nothing made sense.

If my eyes weren't confused enough, my head was even worse.

I still had no idea where I was, or how I'd gotten here.

I couldn't even familiarize myself with the little blobs that slowly took form.

It was in this haze that I realized I was still half asleep.

Perhaps I'd hit my head on my trip to the ground. Yes, that seemed likely.

Then again, I was in a bed. Maybe I'd simply transitioned to sleep. If I had gone into slumber, it must have been deep. I typically wasn't this groggy, even in the early mornings.

"What?" I moaned drearily.

Just as before my voice was barely audible, but again people took notice.

"Steady now. You've been out for quite a while." A voice murmured. It sounded like an adult male, and he seemed rather close.

Suddenly, I heard the voice of a younger female.

"Concentrate. Focus all of your energy on distinguishing what is in front of you. That should help you get used to the light and wake up completely."

I nodded weakly, following the female's words. From the looks of things, I had no other options right now. I couldn't really go anywhere until I assessed the situation.

I opened my eyes as wide as I could make them. They strained to see after having been trapped in darkness for so long. Slowly, but surely, the objects became real.

As reality revealed itself, I realized I was in a small bedroom. The bed was unadorned, boasting only a simple design of wood. Strangely enough, it did not creak when I moved, so people at least had the mind to take care of this place and keep it clean. The thin sheets were pure white, almost reminding me of a hospital bed. Considering my situation, I may as well have been in one. The pallid walls were devoid of design, but I truly did not care. Despite being awake, my powers did not yet find me. Without them, I still couldn't see as well as I would have liked. My eyes slowly darted around, silently wondering why the room was still so dark. I got my answer in the form of the sole light source. This object turned out to be a lamp, which was in surprisingly good shape considering the rest of the place. It sat on what crudely resembled a nightstand. The lamp wasn't on, but it didn't really need to be.

The last thing I could make out was two genuinely concerned faces. I was not at my full strength, but I was still an incredible reader of people's feelings. I immediately detected the worried glances that the two shot each other. Hushed whispers greeted my ears, but I couldn't understand what they were saying. Along with these whispers and faces came body language that indicated distress. Each movement was sharp, but not aggressively. It was so rapid I thought they were dancing. Although I may not have been well enough to use my powers, I could put two and two together pretty easily. These signs gave away the fact that the dynamic duo were the ones that had spoken to me earlier. I wanted to reply, but I couldn't find my voice.

It seemed I was still on recovery lane.

Suddenly, I was aware of a hand resting gently on my shoulder.

"Are you hungry?"

I didn't quite know how to answer that.

I was virtually immune to disease and almost every other factor, so health was a secondary concern. My claim to fame involved going without food and water, shelter, sleep, and even breath almost obsessively. Once I was fixated on something, nothing could tear me loose. I drove every healer I knew mad, but no one could break me of my ancient habits. After all, my age matched time itself.

While I was pondering what to say, I was alerted to a pang in my stomach.

It was incessant, but not followed by waves of sickness. I instantly understood that it was from hunger.

I chided myself for not remembering. My power may be great, but even it needed the materials to operate. Food was one such material. I should be able to use it again after I ate a little.

Looks like my body was speaking for me.

Flushing slightly, I nodded my head.

Upon my request, I heard the male speak up.

"Excellent, in that case..."

Without further ado, the male opened the door and disappeared. I could detect lithe footsteps as the female scurried to put the lamp on. The light it cast was pathetic, but it was better than nothing. My surroundings were a little clearer but still not up to my regular standards.

All that changed in about five minutes.

The male brought the food in without even calling for me. He must have assumed I was weak from my previous experience. It was better to be safe than sorry, so I didn't push the subject. Instead, I sat up obediently on the bed as the man laid a bowl with a spoon in it in my lap.

I automatically recognized that he had brought me oatmeal.

Imagine, a respected goddess, eating a peasant's dish! How absurd this sounded!

I couldn't care less.

While I did enjoy the lavish foods of the divine, oftentimes I found myself requesting that of mortals. This garnered a few stares, if nothing else. Why eat something so inferior when one could feast upon the luxurious masterpieces of ambrosia?

Mortal food was a work of art in its own way.

Simplicity was perfection.

It was all the flavors, all the textures, all the nutrients combined into something that seemed too good to be true. That is why I loved such food.

I had this state of mind when I dug into breakfast. I resisted the urge to groan with pleasure. It had been so long since I last ate! I didn't notice how much I was enjoying myself until the man took the bowl away went to refill it. He had to do this four times over before the monster I called hunger was satisfied. Luckily, he didn't seem to mind at all.

By then, my powers kicked in and I could clearly view the two people in front of me.

One of them, the female, smiled broadly.

"You look much better. I'm so relieved."

I nodded my thanks and replied.

"What are your names?"

The female actually put her hand up to her mouth, stifling a gasp.

"Oh! I've completely forgotten about my manners! I'm Richelle, and this is my comrade in arms, Ehlen. We're both very pleased to meet you."

I nodded again.

"Well met."

Now that the initial introductions were over, I had time to study the two. I first stole a glance at the warrior who had identified herself as Richelle.

I could tell from the armor and sword she was wearing that she was a Svelte. Unfortunately, her shield was probably somewhere else, as I did not see it on her. Richelle wore black for her underclothing. This proved to be a good match for the gray armor over it. She looked to be about my size and height, although I did not know if that would be true once I left this guise. Her blue hair was straight down her back, although she kept it straight. Richelle also wore some sort of gray headpiece with her other armor, but it seemed to be for protection rather than keeping her hair out of her eyes. Richelle's eyes were revealed to be a deep blue grey, and they were much darker than her hair. Her eyes weren't black, but almost. Richelle looked like she could be my age, but I knew that wasn't possible considering I didn't really have an age.

Next, I focused on her companion, Ehlen.

He was noticeably older than Richelle, but still in his prime. His brown hair was long for a male, but not so long that one would confuse his gender. Ehlen wore grayish white armor, but it was only displayed on his hands, arms, hips, feet, and legs. The rest of his body boasted a different set of armor, with designs far more complex. Intricate blue patterns contrasted sharply with pitch black color as they weaved their way down his body. I wondered why he dressed that way, because the clash of colors deliberately made him stand out. His green eyes held no answer to that question as he analyzed me. Thankfully, I couldn't detect any malice. Like his companion Richelle, he also wore a headband, though it was clearly made for noncombat purposes. This headband was also more elaborate than Richelle's, showing off a set of shapes. I couldn't quite tell what that was supposed to be, but it looked like two brown diamonds entwined on top of each other.

Although Ehlen had many a striking feature, there was one in particular that I recognized.

He was one of my warriors, sent forth to keep close watch over this world.

"You, you're a Seer... Are you also called the Demigod?"

Ehlen nodded.

"I am. What do you know of the Seers?"

"Much."

"Pray, enlighten me."

"The Seers are the best, brightest, and purest of all warriors. They partake in rigorous training that gives them incredible knowledge about the world's ways. This knowledge earned them their names. However, seers are not only useful in battle. They are known as healers, peacemakers, tacticians, advisers and almost every other title I can think of. The requirements to become a Seer are among the most rigid ever known, but all Seers had something to remember their accomplishments by. Upon completion of their training (or anything considered the equivalent), warriors are awarded with a special name. This name is known for all eternity, even after the battler departs from the living world. Seer training is split into eight levels, with each level symbolized by a signet. These signets are typically worn on clothing, and all apprentices are distinguished by their ranks."

"Wow, you know quite a bit!" Richelle exclaimed and then added.

"Do you happen to know the lore behind the Seers?"

"Yes."

"Then speak it, please."

"Long ago, the Great Goddess created everything. She loved all of the creatures in the new world, and watched over it as its mother. Yet, She did not construct the universe on a whim. From the moment She took Her first breath, a mission, known to Her people as the Magnificent Undertaking, cried to be fulfilled. She dedicated all of Herself to this task, but soon realized She could not do it alone. Thus, She selected the most powerful and most dedicated of Her people, and trained them to become the Seers. She taught them everything She could, and in return they had to protect their fellow man when She could not. The name Seer comes from the vast knowledge and power these followers acquired while pursuing their training. Originally, becoming a Seer was solely reserved for the most faithful to the Goddess, and only those who proved themselves through tests of strength. As a result, finding a Seer was extremely rare. Later on, the original Seers was realized that anyone could achieve the ultimate potential, provided they were given the chance. They also thought that this is what the Goddess would want, and began to expand the invitation out to anyone. The ranks of the Seers swelled, as people joined of all shapes and sizes. Now it is quite uncommon to find a place without a Seer or an apprentice. Even though one can see more of them, the Seers have not lost their respect from the common man."

I nodded my head, signaling the finish of my tale.

Richelle was wide-eyed, and I could see the faintest trace of a smile on Ehlen.

"Impressive. Your knowledge far outstrips that of any scholar I've ever seen." The latter commended.

Before I could reply, the former chimed in.

"Indeed it does! What is the name of such an amazing person?"

Unlike before, I did not need to wait before I made my decision. These people were trustworthy, so I could be honest.

I extended my hand politely as I replied.

"Glory."

If Richelle's eyes were wide before, they were the size of dinner plates now.

"Oh, what an honor!" She squealed with delight, and I couldn't help smiling. Seeing my people happy was my greatest joy.

Ehlen flashed a grin of his own that was completely noticeable. He also ruffled my hair, and then I found myself blushing.

I was the highest being in the world, and now I was being treated like a little girl!

"You lucky child. Bear that name with pride."

An embarrassed laugh was all he got from me, but he didn't seem to care.

"Glory is the name that the Great Goddess uses when she traverses our world, or so the legends say. Because of this, she is also known as the Glory Goddess. Whether they are true or not, the name Glory is the paragon of nobility. It is especially popular among females, although it has come to be unisex."

"Thank you for your compliments." I stated politely.

"Well, complements are not the only thing you can be thankful for." Ehlen replied bluntly. Another person might have taken his comment the wrong way, but I automatically understood its implied meaning.

"You two are the ones that brought me here?"

"I found you unconscious in the backwoods. I feared you dead, but then your chest rose with life. I tried to take you back myself, but that task proved too much for me." Richelle explained and nodded for Ehlen to take over.

"I was the one who actually carried you here. Richelle brought me to you, and we worked together. The innkeeper says you can stay as long as you want for free, so that you can have time to recover without worries."

"How thoughtful of you." I replied.

"While we are on that subject, what were you doing in the forest anyway?" Richelle asked.

Ehlen quickly added in.

"We thought you might be injured, but it appears you are healthy, aside from being a little shocked."

Immediately, I decided to be honest, since their hearts were pure. Besides, one of them might know more about the mysterious figure I had seen in the backwoods. The girl did not show herself when I was with Richter, so there was a chance that she would only visit me if I was alone. Numbers brought comfort, and safety.

"It should be so, because I did not experience combat. There was something in the woods that startled me, and I kneeled over in a dead faint."

Richelle's face blanched but this time Ehlen showed no expression.

Unfortunately, my powers were not at their full strength, so I could not know what he was thinking.

"Oh no, what could frighten one as delicate and fair as you?" Richelle cried.

I resisted the urge to laugh as she spoke her comment.

Yes, I could see myself being called fair, but delicate? Not in the least.

Fortunately, I managed to remain polite and kept my composure.

"An apparition is the source of my fear."

"A ghost? Ahh, the forest is haunted!" Richelle shrieked.

Ehlen glared straight at Richelle.

"Get a hold of yourself! And don't interrupt!"

Richelle apologized and Ehlen turned a softer gaze on me.

"Spirit sightings the common these days. Please do go on."

"This ghost was unlike anything I've ever seen. She approached me with a cold mist, typical of her kind. I called out to her and she revealed herself to be a young girl. When I started asking her questions, she answered only once and I couldn't even get her name."

Ehlen stood up and met me face-to-face.

"That sounds rather eerie indeed. If you don't mind me asking, did you tick anyone off lately?"

"No sir, I haven't."

"That's very awkward. Spirits acting like that are typically vengeful, and will spare no effort in frightening their opponents."

"She did not seem irate. Rather, she seemed to want something from me."

"Do you know what it was?"

"No."

Suddenly, Richelle interrupted again.

"Is that what made you so scared? The fear of not knowing?"

This time, Ehlen did not rebuke her, and I shook my head.

"Then what caused you distress?"

"Well, firstly, the encounter startled me. I asked her she was from the village, and she said no. However, she talked almost robotically, almost as though someone was forcing her to say the words."

"What cruel heart would force a spell upon an innocent little girl?" Richelle cried out.

Her voice had risen in tone and volume. I didn't need to use my powers to figure out she was outraged.

"That's what I thought too, but I didn't detect any traces of magic."

"Then what caused you distress?" Ehlen prompted.

"Well, when I went to ask her more questions, I detected something from the girl that made my hair stand on end."

"What was it?" Both humans asked in one voice.

For once, I was thankful my powers weren't with me. If they were active, I would have betrayed my surprise. Fear had not overtaken me, despite what I was about to say next. I suspected my change in demeanor was because having someone else there comforted me. Granted, these people barely knew anything of me, but their compassion and sincerity towards a complete stranger was reason enough to trust them.

I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and prepared myself.

"The girl was a carbon copy of me. Everything from her personality to her loved ones was exactly the same. It was almost as though I was staring straight at myself."

"Oh my God! How absolutely terrifying!" Richelle covered her mouth and gasped loudly. Her face was whiter than a swan's feather

Ehlen, however, remained calm and interrogated.

"Do you perchance have a twin?"

"No sir, not to my knowledge."

"Then perhaps you have been replicated?"

"I have, but I possess incredible powers. All of the replicas died upon trying to hold them."

"I see. Did the information alone make you faint?"

"No. I asked her who or what she was. In that instance, her eyes became akin to a dead man's. Her eyes were subject to a heavy fog, and I immediately understood that this was the same mist I felt before."

"Did she answer your question?"

"Yes, she did. She did not use her monotone voice, but instead matched my own. I tore my head away, but then she was gone."

"And I presume you fainted afterward."

"Correct."

Suddenly, Richelle, who had given us absolute silence before, chimed in.

"No wonder you looked so horrible!" Her face suddenly went back to normal as she gave a look of greatest sympathy.

She crouched down slightly and the sweet warmth of a hand greeted me. I let out a deep sigh of relief as it caressed my back. Were it any other time, I would have blushed with embarrassment, for this could be seen as a display of immaturity. However, this time, my content was like that of a small child with a blanket. I realized indeed I was that. I was turning to these people for security, comfort, and protection, much as a child relies on a parent. It felt so awkward, being the greatest of the greats, and yet having to rely on something so lowly.

Then again, it wasn't like these people minded.

Quite the contrary.

Richelle murmured soothingly.

"Don't worry. We'll get to the bottom of this. You can count on us to be with you every step of the way."

"You're going to follow me? Surely you have other things to do than run after someone." My high-pitched tone gave away my surprise as I spoke.

"If we had to pick a time to sidetrack, now would be it. We are actually Arkdian soldiers on our way home from duty." Richelle explained.

"Then I would not delay you on your journey."

"There is nothing to delay. Despite being ordered home, we do not have a command to return at any specific time. Besides, every young lady needs an escort. If you go alone, the incident with the apparition could happen again. That, above all else, must be avoided." Ehlen stated definitely.

I nodded.

"You're right."

There was no use in arguing. Once determined mortals made up their minds, even my powers saw its limits.

Ehlen continued the conversation, and this time I did not interrupt.

"Very well. Where would you like to go?"

"I don't have a particular destination in mind at the moment. Actually, I'm up for anything."

Richelle put in her two cents.

"Then why not explore the town with us? Coriander may be simple, but it's a beautiful place nonetheless."

"Okay."

Suddenly, a question popped into my head. It longed to force its way out, as irritable as a persistent rash. This question was completely irrelevant to the current subject, but I felt I had to ask anyway.

"How long have I been lying here?"

"Only about a day." Ehlen replied.

Silently, I commended a decision I made earlier. I had sent Aster up to my graces almost as soon as I left the place where he had died. I did not want to keep him from paradise's glory any more than necessary. This proved to be an excellent choice.

My mind immediately returning to the present, I asked.

"Could you please tell me where my clothes are?"

"Oh, I'll get them!" Before anyone else could act, Richelle vanished with the quietest step. She returned with my garments, all neatly washed and folded.

I beamed, silently giving her my thanks. She returned it with the widest and sweetest smile I've ever seen. Perhaps even sweeter than the look it was its sincerity.

I would have two people following me everywhere, and I would not regret a thing.

A gesture from Ehlen, and the dynamic duo proceeded to leave the room. Right before, Ehlen turned his head and spoke over his shoulder.

"I'm going to lock the door. Just come out when you're ready."

"Thank you."

With that, Ehlen gently shut the door. Within seconds, I heard the clicking of a lock, understanding that he had locked it from the outside.

Now that I was alone, I glanced down at what I was currently wearing. I couldn't help blushing.

The thin white evening gown was almost completely see-through. While one could not see my extremities initially, they could be viewed if one was close enough. It made sense I was wearing it though, because it was comparable to a hospital gown. Luckily, I'd been given the all clear.

Thankfully, my powers were back up to speed, so I'd no problem seeing what was in front of me. I grabbed my clothes and changed my attire within minutes. There was no mirror, but I could instinctively sense that I had done my preparations correctly.

Rapidly, I unlocked the door and stepped out of the room. Richelle and Ehlen were patiently waiting for me in a corner.

"Are you ready?" Ehlen asked.

"Yes."

"Then let us proceed."

I nodded.

Richelle grinned.

"To the village, and adventure!"

I couldn't agree more.

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