While Zev began carefully working on secret escape plan by gathering important ingredients, many miles away back in Glipwood forest, Zev's older sister, Elisheva was also taking the initiative.

Now that she and the Igiby family intended to spend the summer up in Peet's treehouse, it was time for a new plan.

Once the resplendent hues of autumn commence to grace the natural landscape, the Igiby family would embark upon their perilous journey towards the northern regions. In this forthcoming expedition, Elisheva was sternly determined to inquire and attentively discern any news pertaining to the whereabouts of her family.

In the meantime, it was imperative for everyone to meticulously ready themselves, undertaking not only the necessary arrangements but also augmenting their preparations for the inevitable travel. To pass the time at night, Elisheva had taken to telling the Igibys and Peet stories from her home.

Within the tapestry of Elisheva's storytelling repertoire, a diverse array of literary gems unfolded before the rapt audience. Some were whimsical anecdotes, evoking laughter and mirth, while others were enchanting fairytales that transported the listeners to distant realms of wonder. Yet, interwoven among these narratives lay profound Biblical tales, resonating with profound themes that held profound significance to the Bennet family.

Moreover, whenever Peet had panic attacks, Elisheva ventured beyond the realms of storytelling and had taken to serenading him (since he'd reacted positively to her). These gentle songs, imbued with heartfelt emotions, served as a balm for his weary soul, forging a deep wholesome connection between them in the quietude of their shared respite.

And as such, she even opted him to teach him her name since he'd hadn't exactly learned hers. Elisheva sat down on a log beside Peet, who was knitting a new pair of socks. "Peet," she said with a smile, "I've been meaning to tell you my name."

"Oh, Curly-braids!" Peet exclaimed, looking up from his knitting. "I've been meaning to ask."

Elisheva chuckled. "It's Elisheva. Eh-lee-sheh-va."

Peet repeated the name slowly, trying to get the pronunciation right. "Elisheva. Eva-Lish. Elishiva. Did I get it right?"

Elisheva smiled. "Close enough, Peet. I'm impressed."

Peet beamed with pride. "Thank ye, Eva-Lish. I'm glad I'm getting better at this."

Elisheva gently patted him on the back. "You're doing great, Peet. And who knows, maybe someday you'll even be able to say my name perfectly."

Peet grinned. "I'll keep practicing, Eva-Lish. I promise."

Then Elisheva's feet hit something. She looked down and picked up what looked like trips of leather. "Where'd you pick this up?"

"Old leftovers but don't know what else to do with them." Peet responded brightly as he continued knitting.

As Elisheva held up the leather strips, a lightbulb went off in her head. "Well, I think I do." she said with an inspired smile.

Aside from vocally comforting the troubled sock man and sharing some songs from her homeworld with her new friends, an unexpected metamorphosis began to unfold within her own being. The act of singing, performed with deliberation and grace, commenced the gradual process of rekindling the embers of her waning self-assurance.

Through the power of her voice, she rediscovered a newfound sense of purpose, as her melodic offerings acted as a conduit for the restoration of her own resilience. Thus, the harmonious cadence of her singing became a catalyst, breathing life into her wavering self-assurance and instilling within her the unwavering belief that she had the strength to confront the trials that lay ahead.

Furthermore, Elisheva knew that if she was going to survive in this new world, she would need to learn how to fight. Recognizing the limitations of relying solely on physical strength to navigate this treacherous landscape, the imperative need to acquaint herself with learning to use cold weapons and other weapons had become a must.

This meant she would have to take up sword fighting. Podo seemed like the perfect person to teach her, given his experience and how well he wielded the cold weapons.

"Hey Podo, think you can teach me how to fight with a sword?" she asked one day, mustering up the courage to approach him.

Podo looked at her skeptically. "Why do you want to learn, lass?" he asked, eyeing her warily.

"Because I'm a 19 year old girl who both wants and needs to be able to defend herself in this harsh world," Elisheva said. "And I especially want to be able to help my friends and family if they're ever in danger."

Podo considered her request for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Alright," he said. "I'll teach you. But be warned, it's not easy. Sword fighting is a dangerous business, and it takes years of practice to master."

"Yes, sir!" Elisheva nodded eagerly, determined to learn.

Podo took her under his wing, teaching her the basics of sword fighting and helping her to develop her skills over time. The boys were soon learning as well at his insistence as additional survival skill.

At first, Elisheva struggled with the weight of the sword and the precision required for each move. But with Podo's guidance, she gradually began to improve, gaining confidence with each passing day. As she practiced, Elisheva also began to understand the deeper significance of sword fighting. It wasn't just about physical strength or agility, but about focus and emotional control. She learned to stay calm under pressure, to anticipate her opponent's moves, and to use her surroundings to her advantage.

The leather strips she found, she'd taken to weaving them into shepherd's slings. Recognizing the value of equipping not only herself but also her friends, Nia and Leeli, she meticulously crafted additional slings for their collective defense.

With practiced precision, Elisheva ensured that each sling possessed the ideal balance and resilience, capable of launching projectiles with remarkable accuracy and force.

And as she honed her skills, Elisheva began to feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. She knew that she still had much to learn, but she also knew that she was capable of defending herself and those she cared about.

In the end, sword fighting became more than just a means of survival for Elisheva. It became a symbol of her strength and determination, a testament to her willingness to fight for what was right, no matter the cost.

The world of Aerwiar was full of danger and uncertainty, and she knew that she had to be cautious if she was going to survive and rescue her family wherever they may be...

"Hang on, Dad. You too Zev." Elisheva whispered as she looked out the window. "I'll be on my way soon."

Skree, meanwhile, was shrouded in darkness. The black storm roiled in the sky, and the bright moon could not penetrate it. The Dark Sea of Darkness moaned and heaved beneath the thundering expanse. Among the glipwood trees, chorkneys and thwaps and toothy cows alike sought shelter from the mighty wind and rain, and the town of Glipwood sat as barren and windblown as a ghost town. The hearts of the people and trolls and Fangs all across Skree were black on this night while they tossed and turned in gloomy beds. Darkness was everywhere.

Except, of course, in a tree house, deep in the murky heart of Glipwood Forest, where the Jewels of Anniera shone like the sun, and with them the Key's growing faith beamed bright as a star.

To be continued in Arc 2 "Dangers of the Northbound journey"…


Author's note: And that's Arc 1 with events from the season 1 animated series, don't miss Elisheva's further aventures with the Igiby family in Arc 2 "Dangers of the Northbound journey" once the new season begins. Also feel free to check out my growing collection of oneshots/drabbles "Key and Wingfeathers", now that I've finished reading Book 4 'Warden and the Wolf king', I feel inspired with so many ideas.