Chronicle 1
'Strength In Sadness'
Two wooden swords clatter against one another as two clavat boys grunt and laugh. The tallest of the two grins with confidence as he begins to push the smaller clavat back.
"You're using up all of your energy too quickly again, little brother. Remember what dad said?"
The youngest clavat boy swung again with all of his might, his breathing erratic. "Don't talk like you've already won, Ramsey!" he yelled, his foot kicking up dirt as he strained to keep his footing.
Ramsey sighs heavily, shaking his head and shrugging his shoulders. He steps back, allowing his little brother to stumble forward before spinning around behind the young clavat and thrusting the hilt of his wooden sword into the small of the boy's back.
The youngest clavat, while mid swing, cried out and fell face first into the dirt. His wooden sword clattered to the floor and slid a few feet away.
Ramsey winces a bit at the boy's face plant, worried that he pushed a little too hard. Walking over, he holds out his hand to help his little brother up.
"Are you okay?" Ramsey asked.
The boy was quiet but nodded, rubbing his forearm under his nose.
"You're getting better, Clouse." he praises, wiping the dirt from the young clavat's face. "But keep this up, and a lowly little Mu will put you in the ground instead of me." he teased with a smirk.
"It's not fair! Why can't I ever beat you? Dad's been training us both equally every day since we could hold these wooden swords!"
Ramsey puffs out his chest and grins, resting his hands on his hips.
"Because, little brother, I'm older and stronger than you. I'll be joining our seasoned caravan next year, after all. I can't go losing to my kid brother before setting out as a crystal warrior!" he boasts.
"You're so lucky….I wish I could go with you." Clouse replied with a hung head, his gaze falling to the ground.
Ramsey, seeing the now saddened state of his brother, walks over and raises the boys chin with his hand.
As Clouse met his brother's gaze, the pink and orange hues of the setting sun cast a miraculous light behind Ramsey.
"Maybe one day, little brother, but don't be so quick to join that kind of life."
Clouse tilts his head. "Why? Being a caravan warrior is the best thing ever! Better than a blacksmith, or a baker or even a tailor!"
Ramsey's gaze rose to the crystal they stood in front of in the square, it's glow more pronounced by the warm colors of the sunset behind the elder's house.
"I know the thought of being in the caravan is exciting, but it's a dangerous job, Clouse. To be chosen as a member of the caravan is to be chosen to die."
Fear struck Clouse's heart for a moment before he shook his head in denial. "That's stupid! Our caravan is super strong and they always come back! Why would anyone die?"
Ramsey sighed at his brother's naivete and turned around to face him. "Our caravan is strong, Clouse….but for how long? There are no guarantees in this world of miasma, little brother."
"I don't get it….what do you mean 'for how long'?"
"Think of it this way. If every caravan was as strong as you claim ours is….wouldn't the miasma be gone by now? Why hasn't anyone found its source or a way to get rid of it?"
Clouse clutched the side of his head. "So many questions…..I'm so confused."
Ramsey chuckles and ruffles his brother's hair. "Another reason you aren't ready to join the caravan, little brother. You still have so much to learn."
"Ramsey, Clouse, it's dinnertime boys! Come wash up and let's eat!" their mother called from the kitchen window she just opened.
Ramsey stretches his arms high and let's out a big sigh. "I hope mom made her cream stew tonight. It always hits the spot after a long day of training." he wondered, walking towards the house.
"Ramsey?"
Ramsey stopped and turned to face his brother, whose gaze fell to the ground. "What is it? Did you get hurt after all? Let me see before we head inside."
"You'll come back, right?"
00000
Tipa Village
Clouse's eyes flutter open as the early morning sun began to creep through the windows of his room. He brushed the sleepiness from his eyes as he got up out of bed and began to dress himself up for the day.
Glancing out of his window, he watched the cows over in the pasture beginning to walk out of their barn. A few moments later, the familiar form of the rancher's son, Kreise, walked out with his arms full of hay.
Kreise noticed him and waved, allowing the hay to fall to the ground at his feet. Before he could rectify what he did, the cows began to surround him and he tried to push them away.
Clouse smiled and decided to head downstairs to help the now suffocated lilty out.
Before heading downstairs, he peeked into his sister's room to check and make sure she was okay, deciding to tuck her into the covers more securely. Paulie stirred but for a moment to roll over, but fell back into slumber with small smile.
Heading into the kitchen, Clouse found his mom slicing some bannock and setting the table.
"Oh, good morning, sweetie. I….couldn't sleep so decided to start breakfast early. Where are you headed?" she asked, her voice a bit monotone, quiet and filled with exhaustion. Dark bags hung under her eyes and her hands were shaky as she grabbed plates from the cabinet.
"I was going to help dad at the forge, but saw Kreise struggling with his cows. Might go help him." he replied quickly, heading over to the door to start putting on his shoes.
"While you're over there, would you mind asking Kreise about that milk order I put in with his father? I need it for Ramsey's….."
Clouse grew silent….hearing his brother's name fall from his mother's lips.
His mother stopped, realizing what she started to say.
"Sorry sweetie…..I forgot again, didn't I?" she asked, her hands shaking again.
Clouse finished putting on his shoes, the room so silent that the clock ticking on the wall was loud and more pronounced. He walked out the door without saying a word.
00000
Aldooran rose from a squatting position to stretch his back, taking in the sunrise as he finished watering some newly grown sprouts peeking from the recently plowed fields of his farmland.
A rusty creak was heard to his right and on cue his father stepped out with a winnowing basket and started heading towards him.
"I already checked the wheat, dad. It's not ready yet. About another day or so."
Aldooran's father grunted but nodded. "Seems we're getting closer to harvest season a little early then. The new miller and his family will be happy to hear that." he placed the winnowing basket against the fence, pulling out a wooden stool. "I merely came to repair this one. It's been used a lot recently and I thought it could use some tending to before the big harvest."
"I think I saw the merchant selling some other winnowing baskets. Do you want me to get another one when they open?"
Aldooran's father waved his feathery hand. "No need, son. This one will be fine. Most of the harvest will be going to the mill and Mar's Pass anyway, so we won't need to winnow that much this year."
"Um, hello?! Mr. Enselus?! It's Miralesca! I brought your back pain tonic?!"
The two turned to see the alchemist's daughter standing in front of their home gate near the main road.
"Will you go grab that for me, son? I just sat down." his father sighed.
Aldooran nodded and walked over to greet Miralesca.
She watched him approach and waved a feathery hand sheepishly.
"I'm sorry for bringing this so early, but my family has a lot of research today, so we weren't sure when we'd be able to deliver it. I hope that's okay?" she asked, her voice a little soft and shaky.
Aldooran nodded. "It's fine."
Miralesca handed him a vial of green liquid. The color almost resembling a cure magicite. She tucked her feathery hands behind her back and looked at him.
"H-how are you? I hear that you're about to have a pretty big harvest this year. I can't wait to try it once it's been made into fresh bannock."
Aldooran nodded again.
A mourning dove cooed in the distance, the awkwardness of the two yukes felt even to it.
Miralesca rubbed the back of her helm with a feathery hand. "Well, I should head back now. Let me know if you need more of that tonic for your father, okay? Tell him I said hello."
"Sure." Aldooran said plainly. "Come by anytime."
Miralesca bowed and began to wander up the road towards the square, heading back home.
Aldooran watched until she couldn't be seen anymore, then turned on his heel and brought the tonic back into the house.
00000
"Is there…..anything else you need?" Rah Sie asked comfortingly to the other selkie woman before her.
Fae Ree watched the woman hug her mother, tears threatening to fall. Her heart sank, seeing the family all packed up and ready to head somewhere new.
"Thank you for everything, Rah Sie. I'm sorry we couldn't stay. It's just…..so hard staying here. I know my dear Rena Jeh would want us to remain here, but we can't. We just can't."
At the mention of Rena Jeh's name, Fae Ree's expression saddened.
As Fae Ree focused on the two mothers comforting one another, a hand lightly squeezed her forearm. She looked over to see Tay Nam, Rena Jeh's brother.
"I'll miss you, Fae. I tried…..I really did. They just….can't go on without my sister."
"I know….I know." Fae Ree replied softly. "Any idea where you're headed?" she asked.
Tay Nam nodded, a weak smile forming. "We have some family in Leuda, so we'll be staying there until we can get back on our feet."
Fae Ree just stared at him and he pulled her into a hug.
"I really liked you, you know. I hate that we have to say goodbye like this." Tay Nam whispered softly in her ear.
Tears started to fall down Fae Ree's cheeks. "Just promise me you'll take care of yourself." she croaked, not wanting to let her best friend go. "I'll find a way to Leuda and kick your ass if you don't."
Tay Nam chuckled. "Oh, I believe you, don't worry."
When the two separated, Fae Ree quickly gave the selkie boy a peck on the cheek, followed by a punch to his shoulder.
"I mean it." she threatened, balling up her fist.
Tay Nam crawled up into their caravan and waved goodbye.
The caravan pulled away and Fae Ree followed all the way to the edge of the crystal's barrier. Tears flowing down her cheeks as her best friend's caravan disappeared out of sight.
When she turned around to head back home, she was greeted by a familiar face.
"Hey." the selkie boy greeted, his face saddened by Fae Ree's tears.
Fae Ree wiped the tears from her eyes and rubbed her forearm under her nose. She looked back towards the road out of town, hoping that the caravan with her best friend would come back and that this was all a very bad dream.
"It's not fair, Len. Why did they have to die? Everyone I knew is gone now."
Len Sol, the fisherman's son, walked up to Fae Ree and pulled her into a hug.
Fae Ree pushed him away. "Just because Tay Nam isn't here anymore, doesn't mean you can make a move, asshole!"
"I can't comfort a friend?!" he yelled incredulously. "Look, you've made it very clear that you don't like me like that, I get it! I was trying to be nice!"
"Yeah?! Well I didn't ask you to! Just leave me alone, you jerk!"
Before Len Sol could shout back, Fae Ree ran off towards her home.
00000
After finally getting his cows out to pasture, Kreise finally was able to start the morning chores.
He huffed irritably, removing yet another stray piece of hay from his plant-like hair. As he rounded the corner to head into his home, he jumped at the boisterous voices coming from the village exit.
"I was trying to be nice!" a familiar voice yelled.
"Yeah?! Well I didn't ask you to! Just leave me alone, you jerk!" another familiar voice spat back.
Peeking over the fence, Kreise watched as Fae Ree sprinted away, tears in her eyes, towards her house. Concerned for the selkie girl, he began to leave, when he noticed his best friend shuffling his feet up the road.
"Damn, what did you do now?" Kreise asked dumbfounded. "By that reaction, I'd say it was something pretty stupid."
"Shut it, plant-head. I don't want to hear it from you." Len Sol replied coldly. "She didn't have to yell at me like that! I was just trying to be nice! She was crying and all I did was hug her, but she pushed me away and accused me of making a move!" he yelled.
Len Sol crouched down, grabbing fistfuls of his blonde hair. He yelled in frustration. "Can this year get any worse?!"
Kreise replied with a shoulder shrug.
Len Sol let out a heavy sigh. "Need any help with your stupid cows?" he asked. "I don't feel like going home right now."
"First of all, screw you, my family cows are not stupid and second, why?"
Len Sol grimaced. "My lovely stepmother decided to try to force me to be a taste tester for some recipes she was 'working on'. I flew out of that door like a bat out of a mineshaft! Nope!"
Kreise chuckled. "Yikes. That's going to be nice and awkward when you get home later. I don't blame you though. That 'striped apple pie' she made a few weeks ago?" he shudders at the thought.
"All things considered, it could be worse." Kreise pointed out, then grew silent in recognition of what he just said.
Len Sol gave him a stern look, but nodded in agreement. "Yeah….you're right."
"When do you think they'll pick the new caravan? We're getting close to the summer festival, which means our crystal only has-"
"Knock it off, Kreise, I don't want to think about the crystal." Len Sol interrupted.
"Sorry." Kreise apologized, his gaze falling to the ground. "Can you blame me for wanting to know though?" he asked.
Len Sol sighed heavily, turned on his heel and began walking back towards his house.
"Honestly? I hope the old man has a plan."
Kreise gulped nervously, watching Len Sol walk down the road. He rubbed the back of his head, his mind swirling with all kinds of doom and gloom scenarios involving his village. When he realized that his mind was getting the better of him, he gave both of his cheeks a good smack to break himself out of his thoughts.
Damn it, Kreise, stop thinking like that! The village will be fine!
He walked up to his front door and grabbed the handle.
Won't it?
00000
Staring into the amber colored liquid of tea in her cup, Breyna's mind was in a fog.
"It'll get cold, dear." her mother's voice cooed before going back to humming a low tune as she knitted a handkerchief in her lap.
Breyna looked over at her mother, watching her adjust the ornate pair of glasses resting on her nose.
Her mother's gaze rose to meet her own and her brows furrowed.
"Everything alright, darling?" her mother asked, stopping her work.
Looking past her mother, she noticed Clouse running past her home and up towards the road leading to the cliff-side view that overlooked the ocean.
She quickly got up, gave her mother a peck on the cheek and decided to follow.
"Darling, are you not going to finish your tea?!" her mother called as Breyna opened the door.
"I'll be back later, mother!" she called before the door closed behind her.
She ran up the hillside, cursing the creators for her short stature as she struggled to make the climb. She stopped halfway as she saw Clouse standing at the top, the wind from the sea blowing through his hair.
Not wanting to startle him, she walked up next to him in silence and took a deep inhale of the salty air.
"My mother mentioned Ramsey again." Clouse said dryly, aware of her presence after hearing her footfalls from behind.
Breyna's face saddens and she reached up to rub circles into Clouse's back. "I'm so sorry, Clouse…though I'm sure 'sorry' doesn't mean much anymore with how often you've heard it, I'd imagine." she admits.
Clouse nods.
Breyna remained silent, unsure of what to say anymore.
When the caravan was alive and well, she and Clouse were close, but not as close as he was with Fae Ree. Everyone kept to their own friend groups among the villagers and only made small talk and formalities when it came time for festivals or big events.
That changed drastically at the death and disappearance of the caravan last summer. Everyone came together in sadness at the loss of what seemed like an untouchable caravan who constantly recruited new members every few years.
After the funerals of both Ramsey and Rena Jeh, everyone kept to themselves again and an air of uncertainty hung like a dark stormcloud….similar to the one that fateful day. Four months have gone by since they laid the only two caravan members left to rest.
The elder, meanwhile, had yet to make any announcements on whether a new caravan would be formed or not. Leading many to believe that the crystal would fade. In turn, the families of the missing caravan began to leave one after the other.
"I'm sorry, Breyna. Do you want to go to Kreise's with me? He was having trouble with his cows. Though, he might have handled them by now." Clouse said with a smile, scratching the side of his face awkwardly.
"Kreise always has problems with those cows. We should just let him deal with it on his own. It might even help him grow up a bit. He could use the extra maturing. Though that in itself would take a miracle." she huffed, irritated with the thought of encountering the immature lilty.
Clouse let a soft smile appear on his face for a moment. He glances down the road and his gaze fell to the weathervane of the roof of the mill.
"I just realized….didn't the new miller family move in today?" he asked.
Breyna shook her head. "They moved in about a month or so ago. Rena Jeh's family left today though…..I hope they find happiness wherever they decide to call home."
A warm breeze blew as the two stood in silence. Breyna watched Clouse's face, hoping for some sort of response.
"Let's go introduce ourselves." Clouse replied. "I haven't met the new family yet. I'm sure they're very nice."
Breyna smiled. "A fine idea! I'm sure they'd love the company." her brows rose excitedly. "Oh, that reminds me! My mother was planning on sending the new family some of her famous striped apple tarts! Maybe we can deliver them!" she yelled.
"Your moms tarts are pretty tasty. They'll love them, Breyna. I'll go with you." Clouse replied with a smile.
To see Clouse smiling again warmed Breyna's heart. After everything the poor clavat had been through, Breyna hoped that this was the start of some well needed healing.
She grabbed his hand excitedly and pulled him down the hill. "Let's go!"
00000
Miralesca slumped into the nearest chair when a knock came at her front door. Her father raised his feathery hand, allowing her to remain seated.
She watched him answer the door and standing outside was none other than the elder of the village, Roland.
She stiffened a bit and rose from her chair to stand behind her father.
"Oh, Elder Roland, good morning." Romulus greeted, his voice a bit shaky from no doubt being caught a bit off guard.
"Good morning to you, Romulus. I hope you and your wife's work is going smoothly. Do you mind if I come in? There's something I must ask of you both."
Romulus nodded, holding out his arm to welcome the elder inside.
Roland saw Miralesca and nodded in greeting. "Hello, child."
"Good morning, elder." she replied, bowing.
"Mira, honey, will you go make sure Machis is awake? It's his turn for chores." her mother called from the kitchen.
"Y-yes ma'am." Miralesca replied. As she started to head up the stairs, she watched both the elder and her father take a seat at the kitchen table. She hovered at the top of the stairs, hoping her parents didn't see her.
"You both know why I'm here, correct?" Roland asked.
Both of her parents nodded.
"Are you forming a new caravan, elder?" her mother, Lashauni, asked.
The elder was quiet for moment before nodding. "I don't want to admit it, but yes, I am. It hasn't been an easy decision, but one that is necessary."
"Am I right to guess that you have come to choose one of our children for the task?" Romulus asks, his body starting to stiffen.
It was at this moment, Miralesca couldn't hear anything else because Machis began to trudge down the hall.
"What are you doing?" he asked, seeing his sister crouched down at the top of the stairs.
Miralesca put a feathery finger to her helm. "Quiet, little brother. I'm trying to hear."
When she turned to listen again, the elder was already walking out of the door. Miralesca's shoulders slumped and she crossed her arms.
"Well that didn't go to plan." she said aloud, her brother still standing next to her.
"You're being weird. Can you move?" Machis asked, crossing his own arms and tapping his foot. "I have chores to do."
Miralesca moved and allowed her brother to descend the stairs. Her mind began to swirl with what little she heard and anxiety bubbled within.
I need to tell the others. She thought with worry. I can't believe another caravan is being formed!
Before she allowed her parents to stop her, she ran out the door and began running toward Fae Ree's home.
00000
Fae Ree, still fuming at what transpired with Len Sol, took a few deep breaths before entering her home. She was greeted by her little sister, who ran up to her enthusiastically, throwing the little weight her body could muster full force into her sister's legs.
"Fae-Fae! Will you come play magicite with me?!" she asked, her voice rising in pitch to almost a scream.
Fae Ree winced at her sister's high octave tone and placed her hand on the young selkie's head, pushing her backwards.
"Maybe later, kiddo. I'm not really in the mood." she replied.
Momo Phiy folded her arms, puffed out her cheeks in irritation and began huffing. "What did Len Sol do this time?" she questioned, well informed and familiar with Len Sol's antics. Or rather, his ability to make Fae Ree upset.
Fae Ree was already heading upstairs. She waved a hand and rolled her eyes. "Take a guess. What hasn't he done?"
Leaving her little sister to find another means of entertainment, Fae Ree stopped just near her own door to eye another at the end of the hall.
The door in question was to her sister, Foo Kloo's, bedroom.
Fae Ree's face softens, ready to hide any sort of bad temper or signs of being upset should the door open. She gave a light knock and listened for a response.
After a few moments, she knocked again. "Foo? It's Fae. I just wanted to see if you want any breakfast? I can grab some for you if you want?" she asked, her voice a little shaky.
There was no response and Fae Ree sighed heavily.
After the tragedy of their caravan's demise, her own family suffered to a degree. One of the caravan members happened to be her sister's fiance. They were supposed to be married when the caravan returned. Ever since the funeral, her sister has remained locked within the confines of her room.
Her family constantly tries to usher her out, but is always met with screaming and yelling to get out. Her meals are brought to her door, of which half the time are untouched.
Fae Ree holds her hand to the handle of her sister's door, but stops herself from entering.
"Fae Ree?! Are you up there?!" Her father called from downstairs.
"Um….yeah! Coming!"
Fae Ree comes back downstairs and gives her father a curious look. Her father looked a bit uneasy, his arms folded in thought as he stared out the front door.
"Daddy? What's wrong?" she asked, a bit on edge with how serious her father looked.
"Miralesca, the alchemist's daughter? She's outside and wants to talk to you. She seems a bit frantic about something. I hope she's alright. I asked her if she needed anything and she just said to get you."
Fae Ree was a little confused. Her and Miralesca were friends, certainly, but not really enough to warrant such a surprise visit. Fae Ree nodded and walked out the door to indeed find Miralesca standing at the edge of her home, pacing.
"Uh, hi Mira…..is everything okay?" she asked, watching the yuke pace back and forth.
"Fae! Thank the creators, we need to gather everyone fast!"
Fae Ree held out her arms. "Whoa, whoa, easy Mira. Calm down. Take a deep breath and tell me what's going on." she soothed.
Miralesca took a deep breath beneath her helm, wrapping her arms around herself. Some silence followed, almost as if she was second guessing the idea of opening her mouth again.
"Fae…..the elder is forming another caravan…and I think I'm going to be in it."
Fae Ree's ears began to ring, her footing growing a bit unstable as she was almost ready to faint. Her thoughts were broken as she saw both Clouse and Breyna approaching the millers house across the way.
"Clouse!" she yelled suddenly, her voice filled with panic.
Clouse spun around at Fae Ree's voice, immediately running over.
At this moment, Fae Ree's breathing became erratic and she reached out to her closest friend.
"Fae, what's wrong?! You look as white as a ghost!" Clouse yelled, panic in his own voice at the sight of his best friend.
"He's sending another one, Clouse….." she choked between breaths. She grabbed at his tunic and clenched her fists. Burying her face into his shirt, she started to hyperventilate.
"Fae, breathe, it's okay." Clouse soothed.
"No, it's not….." she sobbed.
Now standing next to Breyna, who grabbed the yuke's feathery hand in comfort, Miralesca gawked at the view before her. Regret tugging at her heart like a ball and chain.
"Fae, you're scaring me….please try to calm down."
"The elder's forming another caravan." Fae Ree choked out, her face still buried in Clouse's shirt.
Clouse froze, falling to his knees, bringing Fae Ree down with him. She began to sob into his lap, all the while more people began to gather around them.
"I'm so sorry….I didn't meant to-"
Breyna stopped Miralesca from saying anything else. "Come on, let's leave them alone."
"No." Clouse spoke up. "Find the others, Breyna….we need to go see the elder."
"Clouse, are you sure?" Breyna asked.
"He's right." Fae Ree sniffled, finally starting to calm down. "If what Mira said is true, then we need answers."
"I can confirm it." a voice replied.
The four turned around to see a clavat girl with short brown hair looking on anxiously. She fidgeted in place but gave a reassuring glance.
"The elder was just at my house…..he said that I was chosen to be on the caravan." she replied. "I heard him discussing it with my parents."
Hushed whispers from the crowd that had gathered began to echo. People grew frantic and began to return to their homes, leaving the five teenagers alone.
"Children….it seems you have discovered our recent decision on the fate of our fair village. Why don't we head over to my home and have some tea. Roland and I will explain everything, if you'll allow us."
The teenagers flinched at the elder's wife, Malayde, standing behind them. The five of them looked amongst each other before agreeing to her proposal.
"If you'll gather the other three of your friends, I'll meet you there."
00000
The conversation with the elder and his wife dragged on for what seemed like ages, which was spot on considering the sun was beginning to set, but the group had any questions sufficiently answered. Alicia took the time to introduce herself to everyone, of which to her didn't seem like the right time, but also felt the need to should the new caravan come to fruition.
The hard part wasn't accepting for most of the group, but what would follow over the next few days. Telling their families that they were leaving to collect myrrh scared some of the group more than going out into the miasma itself.
During the talks, both Clouse and Fae Ree were especially against forming another caravan, especially so soon after the demise of the last one. However, after hearing the elder's concerns, everyone's opinion began to shift.
The eight teens walked up to the cliff side view to have a meeting of their own, one concerning if they were going to accept or not. While Roland did inform them that they didn't have to accept, he did tell them what would happen should no caravan be formed.
Needless to say, it practically scared most of the group into accepting.
"I can't believe this!" Fae Ree screamed. "To put so much pressure on us like this! What is that old windbag thinking?!"
"I'm with Fae, this is so messed up." Len Sol replied. "Especially asking her and Clouse of all people when they lost people in the last caravan." Len pointed out, his arms were crossed and the urge to punch something was getting the better of him.
"But if we don't….we'll have to leave, right?" Alicia chimed in. "My family just got here and we can't afford to move away again. I don't want to put that burden on them." she fidgets in place. "I know my opinion doesn't mean much since I'm new here and all….but I want Tipa to be my home too."
The group continued to chime in over each other. One would think the entire village could hear them.
While the teens argued their opinions, Clouse stood silently, watching the sun set on the ocean's horizon.
"I'm going to join." Clouse spoke up.
The group grew silent, turning to Clouse at this.
Miralesca nodded. "Me too…I don't want to leave Tipa. I don't want to leave my friends. If this is what we must do, it can't hurt to try, right?"
"Clouse, no!" Fae Ree replied incredulously. "Are you seriously about to put your family through this again?!"
"You think I want to?!" Clouse spat back, his voice shaking with uncertainty. "Do you want everyone to leave? Do you want Tipa to disappear and end up like Tida?!" he yelled back.
The group grew silent at the mention of Tida. A village that existed long ago. It's crystal faded when their caravan never returned. It is said that the people, while waiting until the end, turned into the very monsters inhabiting the now desolate home of a myrrh tree.
Fae Ree had no rebuttal to this. Knowing full well what could happen. It still didn't feel right to her, though. Instead of fighting it, she bit her tongue.
"I won't lie…..I'm absolutely terrified." Breyna said after a few moments of silence, cupping her hands together to her chest. "But who else is going to do it? Our village isn't that large." she felt herself feeling faint. "My poor mother is going to have a fit."
Kreise put a reassuring hand on Breyna's shoulder. "For once, I agree with the princess here." he teased. "The elder clearly sees some potential in us." he shrugged his shoulders. "Either that, or we're a last ditch effort. As for my opinion, I've always wanted to see the world! Yeah, it's full of miasma and monsters, but it can't all be bad, right? Think of the new people we'll meet and the cities we'll see." Kreise grinned widely, hands on his hips.
"I think you're a little too excited about this, Kreise. Read the room, man." Len Sol scolded. "If everyone else wants to do this, I'm in. I refuse to let y'all do this on your own. But are we really qualified to do this? We have no experience….zero! Are we expected to train ourselves and hope for the best?" Len pointed out.
"I can't promise that we'll make it back….but it's better than not trying at all. It's like Alicia said, we'd all have to leave. Tipa is our home and I don't know about y'all, but…I want to save it. I don't want our former caravan's sacrifice to be for nothing. I don't want my brother's sacrifice to be for nothing!" Clouse yelled, clenching his fist.
Suddenly, a warm green glow surrounded the group. They all turned their heads to see Aldooran, who had been silent until now, using a cure spell. Obviously, no one was hurt, but the gesture was what counted. It came from a ring on his finger, of which Miralesca knew it once belonged to his mother.
"Sorry…..I just wanted to calm everyone down." Aldooran stated, rubbing the back of his helm.
Len Sol walked over and put a hand on the yuke's shoulder. "Don't apologize, big guy….we all needed that. Thanks."
"My mom used to be part of a caravan before we came to Tipa. She was a great healer. I'm a little afraid for my father, since he'll be in charge of the farm by himself, but I want to help."
The group was silent for a moment. Fae Ree was still fuming. She walked over to Clouse, who stood firmly in place, ready to receive any kind of punishment that Fae Ree felt the need to dish out.
Fae Ree raised her hand, Clouse in turn shutting his eyes and flinching. All he felt though, was her flicking his forehead.
Clouse was reminded of the times his brother would do the same thing and opened his eyes to look at her in confusion.
"You're so stupid…..but I'm coming with you." she choked, head down with tears threatening to fall. "I don't want to leave Tipa either….but I'm scared."
Clouse pulled her into a hug. "We all are, Fae. We'll get through it….somehow."
The group stood together, newly formed friendships brewing amongst them all. The new caravan for Tipa village, while afraid of what awaited them, were together for one common goal.
To protect their home. Bringing myrrh to the crystal was how they were going to do that. Fears aside, that was more important.
The next step….telling their families. This would be the hardest part of all…..and none of them would be ready for the reactions in the coming days.
(While Tipa village still mourns its former caravan, a new one has been formed. What awaits this new caravan in the dangers of the outside world? Can they muster the courage to leave everything they know behind? Next Chapter: Uneasy Departure!)