Chap 17 Voyage to the exotic island of Calaius

Xandria-Call of the Wind! Fly to your heart (Tinkerbell)

Ilkar's excitement mounted on their journey to his homeland! Drizzt agreed, only they had to search out where ports might be to sail there. The sun had set by now.

Felicia could not tell the difference from all the nonCommon words. One evening, Ilkar decided to answer her curiosity about his old life. "The main, warriors are called Al-arynaar. The other is Al-drechar a group of wise old women mages."

"They got same pointy ears?" she immediately piped up. Serif seemed to laugh, wagging his tail. Ilkar fought a guffaw. Originally he would be pissed that they got summed up like that.

"Yes. At my country, we will see the first group I mentioned. They defend the faith from strangers. Humans had wars with our kind. But I didn't hate humans. I am strange." Fel was quiet, though he had anticipated her pressing need to understand why. She was learning tact very quickly. Drizzt touched him gently that he'd resupply the water.

"Interesting story. I'll be right back." The drow slipped into the trees.

"Then your homeland is Cala- what? So hard to say it."

"The south continent is Calaius. Let me draw it." Ilkar used a branch to make a huge circle. "Then I cross here. My home Tannepol- guess what it means?" Serif sniffed his stick. "No boy not for playing. Go elsewhere." The elf waved him away.

Fel beamed. "Oh food! Something to eat. Hehe" she licked her lips.

He laughed and when he caught his breath, "No! Town on the river bend. First time someone guessed differently. People were always serious. I too had mixed emotions going home."

Felicia looked at him with sympathy. But she did not poke into it. In truth, he felt every bone of his age everytime his mind wandered to Calaius…. Since that time when the Raven set foot and they were met with hostility. Because he was also an elf, many secrets could not be revealed. His brother had been convinced, that no matter how close Ilkar got to humans (which he did succeed at), Ilkar would Always be apart from them. Races outside of the Elven world, will not understand their mysterious ways and for eternity. Why not?

He felt a small poke on his stomach. "So quiet, what are you thinking?" she said into his ear.

Ilkar puffed out a breath and tweaked her hair.

"A lot, but it's difficult to explain in Common. I am worried how my people will perceive any visitors I bring there, but I also am filled with joy. I miss them dearly!" Ilkar wanted it to be true. That finally- His people would welcome him with open arms, not view him as some outsider who betrayed them. "I don't always speak of my past. I hope that I will be released from the burdens because I have always been the only person who can't get along with the usual traditions. They were angry you know, when I set out to be a mage. My parents and all relatives I mean."

"But why?"

He nodded slowly and stared into the firelight. His ears pricked and his voice thickened,"I felt the Calling, inside. I couldn't abandon the dream of being a mage, of casting of leaving Calaius. Rebraal chided me that this was betrayal of all of them. He's my only brother. Fortunately, someone talked them out of it, though I was not given any blessing when I set off to Julatsa."

Felicia was silent and their Familiar wiggled into his arms. Ilkar stroked the fur, and smiled.

"Boring routine life of praying, exercise, training and prayers. I couldn't do that all day."

"Oh. It's over now, Ilkar. Better now?" she said, head on his shoulder. The mage sought consolation from her serene energy and the war inside of him neutralized. Noting a slight movement in the vert, his hand reached for a sword. The person stepped into view .

"Drizzt!" he said and relaxed. The ranger handed them waterskins. "Thank you. Did you hear my story?"

Drizzt's pendant swung from side to side as he sat closer to them. Felicia had fallen asleep against Ilkar. "Most of it. I am sorry they did not support you, Ilkar. i bhraitheannar do shondeartháir."

The fair elf smiled, swallowing back a lump in his throat. Worthy members of the Raven should they join.

Felicia

"Wait, I'm thinking why didn't you write them a letter that you love them?" I had awoken with dreams of papers flying. We ate a small breakfast of fruits and vegetables. There would be a port of call when we reached the border of Gelingi. Since it would take five days on hard riding, we needed all the energy we would get. Some farmers had kindly let us trade some of the loot I got for food. Then Ilkar wove a spell of forgetting lest our identities were leaked.

"I had written before. Before I joined the Raven, more than twenty years ago." Though today Ilkar's voice did not tremor, I felt pity for him. He had almost cried last night, during his story. I glanced at the dark elf, hoping he would make some joke. Drizzt chewed on his food.

"Did he tell you his long name? N'a'shezbaernon."

"No. It sounds beautiful. Can call you that eh?" the mage grinned. Drizzt scowled at me and threatened not to speak to me again.

"If not in a mood I won't answer you. Maybe the letters did not reach them?" he commented.

"Yea 20 years of floating around on some ship but never went ashore," I said happily and picked up a bottle mimicking Ilkar's paper inside floating. Our laughter set off the birds nearby in a chorus of protest. The elves sounded melodious.

Ilkar gasped, "Hey what happened to the ships?"

Then I called his brother Rebbie, partly because I forgot the true spelling. "What, it's not that simple. Rebraal, my brother is very serious. I hope he is all right, the last I knew he had become the leader of the Al-arynaar. He wouldn't like the change of names, Fel. He might want to come after you with a spear."

I said I could duck and dodge pretty quickly. "We shall see. Those warriors train everyday, hard to match their speed. Enough of me, I'm thirsty."

We continued our journey on foot. The horses had served us well and one had got lame. Drizzt set them free. I liked walking, but Ilkar might be exhausted so we had to look out for him. The terrain was smooth with some trees which Drizzt cleverly kept to so the heat would not weaken him. "I shall need to rest during midday," he told us.

"Ok. What?" I glanced at Ilkar who had held my hand.

The mage had a thoughtful expression. "What of your past? I'm sorry I did not listen closely. We can trace your family roots, if you wish."

I hesitated. My past- so fragmented and so little. perhaps my mind had been damaged. I was never rooted to one place, the single time and moment with my mother was fleeting when I was combing her hair. "I think… she was also a mage some animals fighting, cruel mocking, fire. Circus too, if we didn't perform well, we couldn't eat. I don't know much, guys." I was walking between them, Serif bounding in front and waiting obediently till we came before nosing the ground.

They said nothing much, but I knew my chaos was accepted. Drizzt showed us his knowledge of tracks of animals and I got them right too. "I'm curious, you can hear them?" he asked me.

I nodded. "I Cast. Funny I didn't have this ability before, until Ilkar showed me how to. When I cast, I can see the animals that passed by, that was a stag. The branches were broken, he had gotten himself free. I think there're some badgers and foxes too, there."

Drizzt smiled. "All correct. I'm actually envious, I have always been the finest tracker." Then we stopped to rest, all covered with sweat. The dark elf soon dozed off, while we watched over him. Ilkar had not spoken since I told about my past. I called Serif to me where he was digging a hole. Exchanging the images with him, Serif showed his contentment and how he would remain a wolfdog for now.

Seeing the map, there would be a big expanse of water, with the continents of Arkantos and Vestia before Calaius. "A ship is the ideal answer. I am sorry, my friend," Drizzt told us in all practicality. Ilkar paled visibly almost grey. I held his arm.

"No.. don't be. Quite bad. At the thought of bobbing on the ocean is- upsetting to my stomach," the mage responded, closing his eyes but signaling with his palm upright to give him room. "Is there no land route?" He frowned, tracing on the continents. ! I was standing and pacing, Drizzt had laid out the map on a flat rock and Ilkar had sank on the ground.

"Huh why?" I asked not getting it. We had not even stepped on board a ship yetHe cleared his throat, flushing and looking away. "I don't normally make it a point to announce to the world, but- I feel sick on boats, even if they don't jerk. I can fly,ride, walk, anything but ship. Hey, stop smiling." I glanced at the dark ranger who was almost about to guffaw. Indeed that was a first time for Drizzt do'urden too! Ilkar pricked his ears, brows furrowed. "That is not kind. What is so funny? When you're in my position you wouldn't like the trouble either."

I asked what he meant by flying. Ilkar was silent, no doubt fuming. I coaxed, "Sorry. There're ways to stop that uncomfortable feeling. When I used to be on ships, I also got sick. For me climbing higher up will ease the queasy sensation."

Drizzt talked to him, hand on his shoulder in elven. The mage didn't change his sullenness much. Then he added, "My symptoms are dizziness, then throwing up, stomach unsettled. A substance, yellow in color called Lemir helped. It is drunk or smelled." He watched me and for a moment I worried that he was going to scold me. Then he gently bopped my head as he passed me.

"Cool we'll go find stuff like that. Yeay!" I beamed, carrying Serif though he was quite heavy. My Familiar barked affirmatively. We talked of other plans like lodgings and food, for Ilkar did not wish to smell so bad after walking for so many days. Nights were also warm and humid, making our clothes cling to our skin. My feet were quite sore though I did not complain. Why, because I did not feel like I was alone and abandoned. We did have some change of clothes, currently the previous set was drying by the fire.

Drizzt's ears twitched and he disappeared from us. He was touching Guen's head and having a silent speech with her. "Guen said she has seen where we can resupply. Are your feet in pain?" he asked me.

I nodded. He had some salve handy for blisters so he deftly coated it on my feet. Then Drizzt also ministered to Ilkar. The mage remarked, "Fel why didn't you say something?"

"It's alright. I want to be brave. Oh dear yours look quite serious too." I truly did not feel too much pain. Ilkar was seated beside me, I noticed the sheen on his skin. These days he resented being hugged because touch would heat up the temperature. Now Ilkar had also taken off his robe, I looked at the slim muscles of his body like a dancer's. Since I'm a girl, I still wore a thin blouse. The drow was clothed in a ranger's tunic, armor off. "All right?" I checked.

They both said yes. Our mage did not do any casting, whether the trance kind or practice. I worried about that. Possibly Ilkar's fatigue would make him unhappy. The Julatsan covered his face with both hands. Drizzt shook his head whispered- don't bother him. I understood.

When we lay down for sleep I decided to crack a joke. "All elves there are going to have what color hair and skin?"

Ilks had sat up, adjusting his pack for better comfort. This pack was designed by Drizzt and me, since we noticed that the mage rubbed his neck often from the aches. It helped him to sleep more soundly. One fine day, Ilkar noticed it with his stuff and looked puzzled but he accepted our gift. He yawned. "They will look like a darker version of me, brown and green eyes more. Some got tattoos if they are warriors. And facepaint."

"Ok. White hair?"

Ilkar grunted. Drizzt chuckled. "Don't disturb him. No I doubt so, only my kind have white hair. The rest will be old folks." There was some space for stretching out, and I had my eyes closed, fumbled until I touched Ilkar's hand, damp. He did not move away. I think I mentioned some other question but Ilkar must have dozed off.

"Sorry. Goodnight. I love you both." Silence greeted me. Okay I presumed they acted deaf at my words. The sleep came deeply, until someone's leg kicked mine. I cursed.

What the hell! In front of me was the night sky with stars. Serif panted and stood up to lick the person. I turned on my side- aha it should be Ilkar. He had come closer to me. After a while, his hand pushed Serif away and he rubbed his eyes. "Did you just kick me?" I whispered.

My friend smiled. "Did I? Oh, you're injured?" He did not look guilty. I did not hold it against him though. To my surprise, he continued speaking, "Initially my people will be quiet. They are suspicious of strangers. Don't make too much eye contact, let me speak for us. The previous time, I brought the Raven… some elders were unhappy. Times have changed now, hopefully. We can live at my parents' house, hospitality should not be a problem. Drizzt is Elf too and you're a ranger."

I rubbed my hip. Ilkar asked if I needed healing. "No no. Thank you, I'm glad. Won't want them angry with ya." I glanced at him. "How long ago was that?"

"Many years ago. I went there to recruit mages and humans had killed some elves. They were mistrusted. My brother, Rebraal, was really angry. So hard," he answered softly, lying down more comfortably. I changed the topic by fondling one ear. "Hey stop it. Let me." Ilkar acted angry, and I knew it was fake by the exaggerated hey. I recognized when his fuse was short. I laughed.

Few days later, all of us were on board a ship. Drizzt got acquainted with the captain who was a trusted friend of his friend, which boded well for people's sentiments. Serif was just a regular dog, and the sailors petted him. "Nice powerful fella!" they mostly remarked. I beamed.

Ilkar did not get seasick immediately. He ate little and slept mostly in our cabin. We shared while Drizzt took the next cabin, as the place was not spacious for all of us. Serif chose to move from here to there all the time. It was great how accepted I was! One day, the ship lurched quite a lot as the waves were stronger on this ocean. I could not find Ilkar during the mealtime. I had saved some dried herbs. I checked our cabin, yes there he was.

"Elf? Are you ok?" The mage had a green tinge to his face, while gripping a basin. I hoped he wouldn't throw up. After a moment, Ilkar wobbled on his feet, pointing up. As the boat tilted, we slipped against the wall. He retched.

He needed help, was just enduring until he could vomit somewhere proper. Ilkar covered his mouth, I supported him up the deck. Ilkar gripped the rails and retched into the waters. A sailor rubbed his back. Oh dear, I went to find the Lemir. Seemed like only a bit was left from the emptied pouches in our cabin. No wonder he got seasick again. I told Serif to go join him.

The fair elf stayed above, facing the sea, dark hair fanned by the breeze. I got him a warm cup of water. He washed his mouth. "Thanks. You seem well. I'm jealous." Ilkar had the same ash paleness of the time he fell ill. Indeed he meant it seriously. I regretted smiling.

"How can I help? Actually I wanted to give you some food. The Lemir's gone out?" I said, rubbing his back.

"Ah no I can't eat. Don't mention food. Yes. Less sick now," he answered, touching his stomach. "Hello dog." Serif had come to nose him and he whined.

"I'll ask. Look far, Ilkar. That's a nice horizon eh?" I pointed.

He agreed. Later when he was not about to pass out, a sailor helped him to another side of the ship. I went in search of the powder cure! The captain laughed heartily when I told him why and generously gave more. "Do I smell it or drink for effect?" He taught me how people could drink the brew or hang a pouch close to the chest for smelling. I fashioned one.

Elf almost cried, I think, when I looped it for him and explained. He squeezed my shoulder hard. Over the next few weeks, Ilkar had ups and downs to his seasickness. We took care of each other. Once when I cut myself, he looked for salve to apply to my wounds. I made sure he ate, so that he would keep his strength up even when he did not wish to.

Drizzt supported him to our cabin one night. "You seem to have caught a chill, Ilkar." I touched his forehead, indeed he was clammy to the touch and shivered violently. But bravely, the mage told us a sleep would cure it. Drizzt bundled him up in extra blankets. Of course, Ilkar insisted he did not need 'mothering' but I knew otherwise.

On the last day of the voyage, someone shouted Calaius! Yay! I jumped up, Drizzt had slept here too this time. I ran up the decks, not seeing my other friend. Serif hey where are you both? Rain in a drizzle wet everything in wolf popped out from behind a few had a hooded cloak on, sipping from a mug as he leaned sideways against the railing. His sharp angular features were the only distinguishing trait. I called him.

He gave the mug to another sailor and turned. As the ship tipped he almost lost his balance. "You okay? We should be there today." I greeted, stabilizing him.

Ilkar agreed. "It is. I recognize the trees. Thank you." His hazel eyes were so enchanting that I lost myself in them. "Why? Miss me a lot?"

"Eh, no. Look, there's a horse cloud!" I changed the subject, looking up. He chuckled. The good news made him forget about his current condition and he spoke to us about the culture, what to do, what not to do. I roughly understood not to stare very intently at any elf.

Facing the open sky improved Ilkar's condition, and we walked to a place to sit down out of the crew's way."I'm too tired to insist sternly now. Could you stay a while with me so I don't keel over?" Ilkar admitted shyly. Much recovered, the mage lacked deep sleep and dozed off while I held him.

A sailor taught me a word 'keebler' for elf were not amused by my prank calling of this new slang. Haha!

*Also he did recruit mages, but events have changed in my context!