Gemmel and I made it back to Golden Spike without any trouble. Gemmel knowing I would be leaving him, spoke of the Gnomes having Ornithopters, a flying contraption that the gnomes were far better at flying than ships. I had a good, nervous chuckle as I reflected on the submarine the Gnomes in France had made.
I gave a nod and thanks Gemmel for referring me to a way to get home. I left a sigh escape me as I looked upon Gemmel for what I was sure would be the last time. Life was about to get lonely, but alone meant no loss of those I cared about. It was going to be tough enough to say goodbye to Gemmel, but I didn’t want to burden him any more with myself.
Gemmel pointed in the direction of one of the port towns. I had to wonder if there would be a Gnome daring enough to go to France- or rather the Wetland Jungles. On top of getting read to depart from Gemmel, I felt nervous of someone recognizing me. He tried to assure me that I had nothing to worry about in the way of the Gnomes recognizing me. I told him about the folk I first encountered after climbing out of the well. They seemed to know exactly who I was. He found that unusual and once I described the place he figured it to be bandit territory I had surfaced in. Either way, he was surprised and hadn’t a clue how those folk knew me. From the way Gemmel talked, it would seem he knew everyone.
Gemmel placed his hand on my shoulder before I could start walking off toward the coast.
“Now, I know you’re nervous about going off by yourself, so here’s some help for your travels back to wherever you’re heading,” Gemmel said as he pulled out a shimmery, gossamer, black scarf from his pocket. He gave it a good shake before letting it go. I watched the scarf then take a familiar silhouette. Short stature and large horns protruding from his head. It was Isaac! Well, a transparent form of him.
“What? Where am I?” Isaac asked looking around bewildered.
“How’d you do that?” I asked Gemmel while gaping at Isaac.
“Don’t you worry about it,” Gemmel responded.
“Uh, I don’t know...” I heard Isaac respond too.
“Seriously,” I pressed at Gemmel, “How is it Isaac’s here? He should be with Cortanna!” It’s funny that I used Isaac’s and Cortanna’s names so casually with Gemmel. I hadn’t spoken of them. That’s what baffled me; how would he know them? And why summon just Isaac?
“Araja?” Isaac asked cautiously, “What happened to you?”
I looked Isaac in the eyes and caught what he meant. Last he saw me I was disguised. Now I was very much my true self and barely clothed in a robe. I could feel my skin crawl once more at the thought of my vulnerability without my gear.
“Not now,” I clipped off at him.
“Well, this is awkward I guess,” Isaac muttered, scratching his head.
“I suppose I’ll leave you two to it,” Gemmel sounded, “In case you ever need me Serrin,” Gemmel then placed a black pebble in my hand, “Just throw it on the ground.”
I looked down as the pebble sunk in and became nothing more than a dark mark in the center of my palm. I smiled to myself and looked up to thank Gemmel once more. To my surprise, Gemmel and his shop were gone. I squeezed my right hand thankful I had a way to see him again, yet at the same time thinking to myself I probably shouldn’t bother Gemmel. If I ever needed him, it would be a last resort effort. I shouldn’t rely on him to save me everytime I got into a bind.
With Gemmel gone, I focus on what was at present; Isaac.
“How’d he do that?” I demanded of him. Obviously Isaac had to know Gemmel in order for Gemmel to have known to summon him.
“Uh... well... I imagine- actually, I don’t have a clue!” Isaac spat back at me.
“But how does Gemmel know you?”
“Who?”
“The guy that was just here.”
“Oh that explains the oddness in how you were talking. For a moment I thought it was just me being summoned here that was jumbling things. Where’s he now?”
“Somewhere. Left me with a rock.” I held out my hand for Isaac to see the spot on my palm, “Pulled a Barrok, but at least he left me a way to communicate with him.”
“Was it Barrok?”
“No. I said his name was Gemmel.”
“How long has it been?”
That I found to be an odd question. But I answered it anyways.
“Um, lets see... it’s been about two months since I left you, Cortanna, and Kedra. It’s the 14th of Coqoj today,” I answered Isaac.
“Where are we?”
“Golden Spike in the Gnomish Kingdom.” Isaac looked at me funny. So I added that the it was east of the Elvish Kingdom. Isaac seemed to have a general idea of where we were.
“So, how do you think Cortanna’s taking this?” I asked. I imagined Cortanna was standing around an immobile form of Isaac, freaking out.
“Did they do something to the sun?” Isaac inquired. I could see his transparent face. His eyes were squinting as though the sun was hurting his eyes.
“Um, no. But seriously, we should try and get back to Cortanna. I can only imagine what she’s thinking with your body suddenly immobile,” I responded. I figured Gemmel had summoned a version of Isaac, leaving his body useless, to help guide me back to France. That was kind of him, but I’m sure Cortanna needed him more than I did.
“Actually,” Isaac said sheepishly, “That note you gave us and how at the end it said ‘don’t die’... well I kind of, sorta died right after reading it,” Isaac said.
“What!” I nearly screamed, “How!?”
“I put on a hat that could have made me immune to death, but clearly I wasn’t strong enough to resist the magics about it. So it killed me instead,” Isaac explained. I clenched my right hand into a fist and sent it through Isaac’s face. Immediately I regretted the action. I weird chill ran up my arm and through my body. Punching the ghost of Isaac wasn’t going to do anything to him other than leave me feeling icky inside.
Absent mindedly I shook my right hand as though I could shake the chill from it. I glared at Isaac.
“Why would you do something so risky like that Isaac!? Cortanna’s a 16 year old girl! Granted she’s an adult, but still!” I fumed. She... she was the only one left of the party besides me and Gideon. I wondered if Gideon was with her. That would at least be some extra protection for her. I doubt Kedra would of any real help.
“I’m sure she’s doing just fine,” Isaac tried to console.
“She’s in a land she doesn’t know at all! I can’t say it’s safe either. They’re stuck in time where the mark is still vile and Heironious is still almighty!” I continued on. I then took a deep breathe. Why did it matter? Either she’d die or find a place to settle down.
Hmm, settling down... that actually has a pleasant ring to it.
“She does have that horse thing looking after her.”
“I suppose. Raæin did give her his blessings for a better mount.” I then explained how I wanted to go back to France, find Raæin, and let him know that he and I should part ways. I explained I didn’t want to be attached to him like I once was so if ever he was killed I wouldn’t be crippled with loss. He had already done so much for me. It was best to give him a chance to be his own creature, to make his own decisions that didn’t have my influence in them.
Isaac asked about my gear to which I just shook my head. I only told him it was stolen. I didn’t want to go into further details. Isaac was also impressed by the ‘good’ time I’ve made having traveled to the opposite side of the globe and had been to both the Elven and Gnomish Kingdoms. I shook my head. There wasn’t anything to be impressed by considering I had been brought there against my will.
“Isaac, I don’t really want to ponder on the past 2 months. I’ll tell you more when I’m ready. However we really ought to get going toward the coast. I want to locate a Gnome willing to fly us across the world to France,” I said, trying to stop Isaac’s questions. Isaac sunk down into the ground. I could see him poke his head out ever so often. It was like having a strange puppy follow me around.
Before leaving Golden Spike, I attempted to earn some money to acquire some supplies for the rode. The Gnomes had nothing I could do to earn money or they didn’t trust my large stature to be of service for them.
I sat down for a moment. Just as I was trying to get Isaac’s attention again, I little girl cried out.
“Daddy! I want her to give me a ride for my birthday!” the girl shouted from across the street. I felt miffed being referred to in such a way to be considered nothing more than a domesticated beast. Yet, she and her father were dressed in a manner that would suggest they were wealthy. I knew I ought to let my pride go and think of a reasonable price for such a favor. If I was to fulfill this birthday request, I should try and use it to my advantage too.
“Darling, surely there’s something else you’d rather do on your birthday,” I heard the Gnome try to dissuade his daughter. She shook her head and pouted her lip. Yet about as soon as she shook her head, an expression came about her face that showed she had a different idea.
“Actually daddy, get that thing some clothes!” She demanded, “Hey lady! Come on! Let’s go shopping!” The father and I both looked at her like she had lost her mind. Why did she want to take me shopping? I wondered, but as soon as I did I chided myself thinking, why are you questioning this?
The girl grabbed her father’s hand and waved at me to follow, “Well, come on!” I’m not sure which intrigued me more: her tenacity or the fact she was still shorter than me considering I was sitting.
“I’m sorry miss, but my daughter, Claira, is feeling unusually... charitable,” the Gnome choked out. I shrugged while he worked his mouth as though a foul taste was left. Claira then latched onto my arm.
“Can she be my new dolly?”
“What?” Claira’s father and I both responded.
“I’m just kidding. Lets get her a better outfit. This one’s ugly,” Claira answered. The little Gnome girl then pulled on my arm until I stood. She then drug me over to a store and lead me inside. It was a clothing shop. I tried to remain as small as I could with my wings tucked in tight and stooping so I wouldn’t hit my head. The little girl thankfully let go of my arm and went over to one of the workers, her father close by.
Claira pointed to me and the Gnome seamstress peered in my direction over her glasses. She nodded, mentioning they had made clothes for the Elves. Claira then went about pointing out all her favorite colors and fabrics while the seamstress measured me. I mentioned to the lady that an open back with a clasp or something to tie was what worked best for my wings. She nodded her head to confirm she had heard me as she muttered numbers and jotted them down.
The seamstress said it’d be an hour before she had the dress ready. I was impressed it would be done so quickly. Either she was that skilled or Claira’s family were given specially treatment.
Claira then continued to drag me around to various stores, demanding things like a journal, a bed roll, and the happiest horse in town. It was also clear that Claira’s father was concerned about his daughter. With how he was talking to Claira, he was clearly indecisive as to whether she was suddenly ill or he was just realizing how ridiculous his daughter’s selfish demands were.
After all of that, we went back to the seamstress for my dress. I must say, as showy as it is, it’s the finest bit of clothing I’ve ever worn. The fabric shimmers and is turquoise in color. The lining had a long slit and is a pale blue. The collar is high with a small emerald or opal. A larger version of the gem gathers the turquoise fabric on my left hip. Claira insisted upon me wearing some black high heels too. If ever I was to fight in the unforeseen future, I was certain this get up would hinder me some.
I gawked at myself in the mirror. I actually looked beautiful. Maybe that was vain of me to think... but as I sit here thinking about this dress I now have, it's flattering to feel so good about my appearance.
Claira then demanded she and I go for a pony ride together. Her father fetched for a pony for his daughter since Claira insisted I ride the horse. I figured riding in a dress would be impossible, but they had a side saddle. I also noticed Clair instructing the Gnomes helping get our mounts ready to put the journal and bedroll on my horse.
The little Gnome girl lead the way on her pony while I followed. We went about a mile outside Golden Spike when Claira spoke to me.
“Hey Araja,” she said. I whipped my head around to look at her. I was completely shocked she knew who I was. “It’s cool Araja, it’s me, Isaac,” she said. He poked his head out a little and I just gaped at him.
“Here’s the plan,” he continued, “you keep going and I’ll go tell her dad that ‘I’ told you to go away,” Isaac said matter-of-factly. I felt conflicted. It was nice to not be in a robe that barely managed to keep me appropriate and to have a mount that could help carry things, but weren’t we stealing? Claira’s father was tricked...
“Uh, yeah. Thanks I guess for the dress and mount...”
“And the journal and bedroll,” Isaac said.
“So what are we going to do when we need to rest? I mean, we’ll be sleeping in the open” I said.
“Oh yeah, you have to sleep... eh, sell the horse in the next town. I’ll catch up with you in a little bit” Isaac mentioned, “Gotta return Claira to her father.”
“I’ll go about another mile along this road and wait for you,” I said pointing toward the direction of the coast. He then turned his pony around and took off. I continued on my way trying to justify what Isaac had done. Clearly the items Isaac acquired for us- well, me- was nothing to be missed by that wealthy family.
Soon Isaac was back and we began our journey to the coast.
“That dress looks mighty nice on you,” Isaac said. I felt flattered, but it then felt weird... Isaac dressed me...
We continued in silence for a bit, Isaac disappearing. After a while, the horse began to act weird.
“Araja,” a very horse like voice said.
“Isaac?” I asked.
“Yep. I can possess animals too.”
I slid off the horse. Isaac them came out of the animal, his arms folded.
“What’s wrong with me being a horse?” Isaac asked. The poor horse was shaking and sat down. I patted it’s head trying to soothe it.
“Nothing Isaac. I just didn’t feel like riding on your back.” I carefully slipped the bit out of the horse’s mouth since I had no intentions of riding him any time soon. After a few moments, the horse calmed down enough to let me lead him along, Isaac bobbing about us.
“Death has done a number on you Isaac.”
“How so?”
“You’re more carefree and, well, silly. You’re not that serious guy I remember.”
“If you say so,” Isaac responded, still bobbing about in the air.
Isaac and I came upon a town as evening began to set in. I had intentions of selling the horse, but soon after walking into town I could hear murmurs of folk assuming I was a princess or some kind of royalty. I looked around dumbfounded by such an assumption. Just when I figured I'd press on and ignore such an outrageous thought, a Gnome walked up to me with a more obsured question.
"Are you a Goddess?" I looked at the Gnome not knowing how to respond to him. "Should I worship you?" he continued to question.
"No. Don't worship me," I responded quickly. I couldn't help but feel disgusted in my own body. The way he said it just sounded so... desperate. I don't know. I'm nothing worthy to be worshiped.
Before I knew it, Gnomes were gathering left and right with plates of food and precious items. Confused I took a moment to assess the situation. I almost laughed when it clicked in my head. I came into town with a fine horse in hand. I'm in a very nice dress that is rather gaudy. I am an Angelic and I had no way of hiding it without my circlet. It felt wrong to want to take advantage of their misinterpretation of who I really was, but I figured getting a few meager items couldn't be all that harmful. They were literally begging to show their worthiness of my presence. I told them a room for the night and food for my travels would be more than enough.
They certainly went above and beyond what was necessary. They put me in the mayor's home with a meal fit for royalty. I never had such decadent food in my life! If I knew how to act better as royalty, perhaps I would have been more tempted to reign over the citizens. Alas, I knew I couldn't do that. It was hard enough accepting what they were already giving to me free of charge.
Once I saw I was alone I called for Isaac.
"Wow, nice set up you got here."
“I hate you because of this dress,” I shot at him, “But thank you at the same time. They think I’m a Goddess,” I drawled, hoping Isaac would catch my sarcasm for my enthusiasm. He remained silent. In fact I felt a bit stupid for having told him that considering he had been following me around the whole time.
“Okay then... so tomorrow. I figure we’ll rest up- er, I’ll rest up, and then in the morning I’ll just explain that I’m from the higher realm wanting to experience the common life. I’d only need some meager things, like a backpack. Food would be a good thing to have as well since I don’t know if there’ll be many towns like this one, nor do I expect it,” I told Isaac.
“Ya know,” Isaac said, his ghostly face having a thoughtful look about it, “If I were in your shoes, which I could be,” he gave a soft chuckle, “I would say ‘I’m a simple traveler with simple needs that-’”
“And throw in that Heironious will bless them greatly for their kindness unto me,” I said mockingly.
“What? No, not Heironious! Get your needs filled and by them doing so, be ambiguous by infer upon them that for meeting your ‘simple’ needs, they’ll have blessing poured upon them. It’s the whole helping the wayward traveler. You’ll be happy and they’ll be happy.”
I pondered Isaac’s words. The more I thought about them, the more I liked his suggestion. I wouldn’t be elevating myself and their generosity wouldn’t be in vain... to them at least.
“Well, I anticipate being out of here in the morning,” I informed Isaac, “I don’t want to abuse their hospitality.”
“Yeah, plus who knows when Claira’s father will come looking for us.”
“You think he will?”
“Well, I did possess his daughter. I wouldn’t be surprised if she had a complete freak out and explained the best she could what happened, or what didn’t happen. I’m not really sure what happens to the person when I possess them, but I figure it’s not pleasant,” Isaac explained, rushing his words together towards the end. I shrugged, not feeling too concerned. I then went about getting ready for bed.
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