The darkness clouding his vision lifts and the world unfolds before him.
Sirius slinks out of bed and opens the floodgates to the morning light. The sun peeks over the distant mountains, marking the beginning of a new day.
Still half-asleep, he packs the bag he forgot to do the night before. Whether it was in anticipation for today or the result of underlying exhaustion, he fell asleep very early last night.
With his clothes on and bag packed, he drags his feet down the halls. Entering the foyer, Aureole and Rawlin are already chatting at the bottom of the steps. To be more accurate, Rawlin is talking to Aureole who is sleeping while standing up. It is rather early...
"This will likely be a very pivotal moment for your future. Remember your studies and grow relations with the squallers. If all goes well..." Rawlin is cut off by the sight of Sirius bumming down the steps. "Ah, good morning my partner. I take it you're eager to get going?"
"...Sure," Sirius' yawn is louder than his speech.
"Good..." Aureole begins, propping up her head with her hand.
"...Morning," Sirius finishes, stopping beside her and setting down his things.
Before he can react, Aureole's head collapses onto his shoulder.
She wears her hair down which is a rare sight to see. Her dress is light and soft. She smells like flowers.
Her mind drifts and her breaths grow heavier. A faint patch of drool stains Sirius' sleeve.
-Cute...
The sight lures the boy into a sense of security. His own mind begins to drift, and his head falls on top of hers. Their consciouses mingle and they both almost fall into a fleeting slumber. The lord and everyone else do not exist. It is only them.
Their breaths collide, and both their bodies rise and fall in synch. Their quiet melody sings and spreads throughout the newborn dawn. But it is rudely interrupted.
cough
A sudden hack expels from Aureole's throat. Her head springs upward, making Sirius bite his tongue. Both of them are immediately deprived of drowsiness.
"Sorry," she looks severely disappointed in herself.
"It's alright, are you okay?" He ignores the sharp pain in his mouth. Rawlin is leaning against the railing, fiddling with something unseen.
Aureole nods sadly. "Is your tongue alright? Let me see."
"It's fine, it's fine-"
"Good morninggg everyone!!!" Korlin slides down the curved railing opposite of Rawlin and lands flawlessly. He is wearing much thicker and covering garbs, he really did prepare for the snow.
"Morning," Sirius and Aureole respond in tandem.
"Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime!?" the boy is posing on the bottom step.
Sirius gives a measly thumbs up. Aureole pumps her fist a bit. Not very enthusiastic. Unlike Korlin, whose face radiates a brimming excitement.
But among that face lies a secret. And Sirius picks up on it.
"Did you sleep last night?"
"Huh? Of course, though it was pretty hard with how excited I was..."
Underneath Korlin's eyes are dark circles. His eyelids are crinkled with sleep depravity. Sirius knows it all too well.
"Ok..."
"You're so loud..." Pholy stumbles down the steps, her golden hair in tangles. A bag is strapped over her slender figure.
Korlin's tired eyes widen.
"Seems we're all gathered," the lord stands fully up.
"Wait!" Korlin pleads to the lord. "Is she coming?! Are you coming?!"
"I'm reconsidering," Pholy glares.
"Pholy will be joining you three on the carriage ride and mission. As she is an Ember, she will be an asset to traversing the snow."
Korlin's mouth cannot possibly grow any larger. Pholy sinks in place.
"He said he'll cut my pay if I don't..."
Aureole also seems pleased with her friend joining. She rushes over and wraps her arms around a tired Pholy.
"You said us three," Sirius starts. "Are you not coming with us?"
Rawlin nods.
"I have a duty to report directly to the nobles about our departure. Cilas will be taking me to the capital before I can join you all."
"Huh..."
"Do not fret, as long as you behave, everything should proceed smoothly. All you really have to do before I arrive is act friendly and accordingly. Do not mention the map and just let Aureole do the talking."
"Yes sir," Sirius' inner Korlin pops out and he gives the lord a meek salute.
"Where's Cinth?" Aureole asks, setting down Pholy. "Is she not coming?"
"I'm afraid Hyacinth wished to opt out of this endeavor. Not that she would have a purpose in coming..."
Aureole shows signs of irritation upon hearing that last sentence.
"If you'll excuse me, I'm going to go say goodbye to her. Carry on!" She runs up the stairs and in the direction of her friend's room.
knock knock
"Come in."
Hyacinth's soft voice notions Aureole to open the door.
The purple-haired girl sits at a desk with her nose in a book.
"What are you reading?"
"The Fragility of the Mind," the girl stretches and sets down the text. "Did you need something? It's pretty early, especially for you."
"Ha... we're about to head out."
"Oh... already?"
"I heard you're not coming?"
A grin expands on Hyacinth's face.
"Mm, this is a perfect opportunity."
"For what?"
"With Rawlin out of the picture for a while, I'll be able to enter his study without any resistance. That way, I can hopefully find some answers."
"I see," Aureole smiles. "That's great!" She grabs her friend's hands and places them into her own. "I hope you find some."
Hyacinth nods and gives Aureole a reassuring smile.
"Thank you, Aureole. Please don't tell anyone!"
"Of course, your secret is safe with me."
With that, Aureole waves goodbye and makes her leave.
Left alone, Hyacinth sits back down and searches.
⧗⧖⧗⧖⧗
Stepping out into the courtyard, the group is met with a sturdy wooden carriage.
A singular, white-furred beast is stationed in front of the coach. Its build resembles that of a four-legged gorilla with thick tusks.
A manfi.
The carriage itself is open air with no roof. Four metal wheels and a short divider separating the seating area from the driver.
"Where's Wilphrey at?" Korlin asks, noticing the driver is not the old man.
"He took this time to go and visit his wife. It's likely you won't see him for a time." The lord doesn't linger on the question.
"Damn..."
The carriage driver is a coated man with dark, messy hair and a stubble beard. Apart from the small horn sticking out his forehead, the man could pass as a human. He waves and greets the group.
"Hey there! Is this everyone?" The man sounds chipper and also a little like a cool uncle.
"Yes. Thank you again for taking this job," Rawlin approaches. "Here is the first half." The lord places a sack of nem into the man's hands.
The man gives a polite bow from his seated position. "No worries, I love traveling through these parts."
Everyone climbs in the oversized carriage and sets their bags down. Aureole shuffles around hers and pulls out gloves and earmuffs. Pholy is wearing awfully casual clothes for going into a blizzard.
Korlin, as expected, is vibrating in his seat. Everyone else has settled and is ready to depart. Rawlin comes to the side of the carriage, facing Aureole with an enigmatic expression.
"I hope you can handle yourself until I arrive."
"I should be able to..."
"Remember your studies, gather intel but don't press too hard. How you handle this will affect the election. If your condition acts out, retreat yourself immediately. What is said cannot be taken back."
His pep talk is laced with an underlying bitterness. Like he doesn't believe in her at all.
"I know..."
Rawlin nods and drums the side of the carriage. "Pholy... protect them with your life." Before she can respond, the lord turns and waves at the driver to leave.
The manfi releases a great roar and the carriage jolts forward.
The journey to Alsi begins.
The pastures pass by, and the morning mist lays thick over their heads.
The squeaking of the wheels brings back memories of the time they first rode to the mansion. A nostalgic air sweeps through their nostrils. The Rawlin Manor shrinks and disappears behind the hills.
"Hey," Korlin, restless and overly excited, leans over to the driver. "How long is it going to take to get there?"
"The journey should take about a day and a half, assuming there are no pitfalls." The driver is beaming with enthusiasm, not quite on the level of Korlin, but close.
"Mmmmmm," Korlin is fighting back the urge to complain. "What's your name?"
The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.
"The name's Torque. The foremost tour guide through the Connicus Mountains."
"Ahh."
"If you have any questions or concerns about the mountains or my service, please don't hesitate to share!"
"Ah..." Korlin leans back and shuffles over next to Sirius. "Random question."
"Shoot."
"Don't you think he looks a little like Gary? Back from the capital?"
Sirius takes a closer inspection of their driver's complexion. It's true. Gary is a man with a thick beard and two horns protruding from his forehead. Looking at this man, they look practically the same. Apart from the stubble beard and only a singular horn instead of two, they could be twins.
"You're right..."
"Hey, Torque?"
"What's up? Got a question?"
"Do you know a man named Gary? He sells clothes and kind of looks like a lumberjack..."
"I don't know what a lumberjack is... but, you must be talking about my older brother! You know him?"
"Mm, he let us crash at his place one night and we became business partners."
"Business partners?! Did he finally get his feet off the ground?" Torque is absolutely thrilled.
"I wouldn't say that quite yet..." Sirius retracts. "But if all goes well with his plan, we should be in the future."
"Ah, that sounds like him alright... Is he doing well? Is he healthy? I haven't seen him in a couple of years."
"He seemed well and also very excited... he mentioned that he'll finally be able to make his mother proud."
A nostalgic smile spreads on Torque's face.
"Ever the momma's boy... I should go visit her soon as well." Torque gets lost in his own thoughts. "Ah, sorry, thank you for letting me know. I'm glad to hear he's doing well." He clears his throat, and a marvelous grin emerges on his face. "I am glad to have met you both, and as such...! I shall make this the best damn tour I've ever given!"
Aureole had been caught up on the events with Gary. But Pholy has been left in the dark and is slightly confused. Regardless...
Chuckles erupt throughout the carriage and the misty mood is lifted.
"Birds."
"Yes."
"Cats."
"Yes."
"Dolphins."
"Uhh... no?"
"Lambs."
"You mean a lambre...?"
"Ahhh, never mind..." Korlin sulks in defeat at the hands of the lambre once again. Pholy hesitantly pats the boy on his fallen head.
"What are you two doing?" Aureole asks.
"I'm seeing what animals exist in both this world and my old one," Korlin responds.
"Ohh."
"You're old world?" Torque is curious.
"Mm, we're Witch Spawn-"
Sirius' hand gestures tell Korlin to stop talking. Immediately. If Torque isn't fond of Witch Spawn, there's no telling what he will do...
"Witch Spawn? Seriously?!" In contrast to Sirius' fears, Torque comes across as totally excited. "I've never met any before! Haha! This is great! You guys are full of surprises!"
"You don't hate Witch Spawns?" Sirius asks.
"Hm? Ah, no, I have no reason. I try not to believe what I can't confirm. As far as I'm concerned, people are people! And business is business! The more people I meet the better!"
Sirius produces a relieved grin. This is the kind of man he wishes he could be.
"You're so cool..." Korlin pats Torque on the back. They share a chuckle.
The conversation leads Sirius to check the watch in his sleeve.
Still there.
The passage of time shows its head once more.
"Hey, do you remember what a lamb looks like?"
Korlin turns around and tilts his head.
"A lamb or a lambre?"
"Lamb."
"Of course, they're like big wooly marshmallows. I like to think of them as walking cotton balls."
"Huh." So, he remembers. That's good. "What are lambres then?"
"Hmm... walking bubble baths."
"Haha! I like where your head is at!" Torque exclaims.
Korlin and Torque carry on their conversation.
Pholy subtly smiles as she stares out into the distant mountains, as does Aureole.
Sirius takes out the journal which he shoved in his bag and begins jotting things down.
"This is how you write "shit", and this is how..."
At some point or another, Korlin began teaching Sirius how to write curse words in Lunalir's language.
"I see..." Sirius follows his teacher's instructions and takes in his lessons.
Pholy feels a little left out.
-Alongside writing down memories, I've also been working on a dictionary of sorts. To be more specific, I write down words and phrases and their meanings in my Earth language and then I do the same but in Lunalir's language.
Most words and phrases are similar to Earth's except for a few exceptions. Mostly, things that gained traction in modern society (like the 1900s to 2000s), especially things related to advanced technology, have no meaning here. There are also some silly differences that I have no explanation for besides cultural differences. An example being that instead of "a thorn in my side" it's "a spike in my heel."
Korlin just added to my list of words, so that's helpful. But even though I keep jotting words down... I can't help but feel that it's pointless to do so. What if one day I wake up and I can't read any of this? I can't say for certain if studying my old language now will prevent me from forgetting.
I know Timekeeper told me as long as I practice, I should be fine... but how much trust should I put into him? ...I don't really know what to do.
⧗⧖⧗⧖⧗
With Korlin's teachings out of the way, Sirius continues writing in his journal.
"What are you writing?" Aureole leans over.
"Some of my memories. Just so I don't forget them."
"You're pretty serious about this..."
"Of course, I'll do whatever I can to keep them. Who I am lies somewhere within them..."
"That's a little dramatic..." Pholy remarks.
"I know..."
"Hey Sirius," Korlin bears a face that is trying to restrain a laugh. "You must be one serious guy.
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
..................................................................................
"Never talk to me again."
"I apologize."
"Welcome to the start of the Connicus mountain range! Home of Mt. Connet and numerous other wonders!"
Sirius takes a glance up and observes his marvelous surroundings.
Indigo stone carves the landscape into towering hills. Needle trees decorate the bases of the giants in green, leaving the tops covered in snowy white. The valley is hollow and desolate, but the beauty of the mountains breathes life into the atmosphere.
One mountain in particular catches Sirius' eye.
"That mountain is huge."
"Yep," Torque adjusts his posture, entering tour guide mode. "That's Mt. Connet, the second largest mountain in the world."
"Wow, really?" It isn't too surprising just by looking at it. It towers so tall, that it's as if the base of the mountain is what is piercing through the clouds. "So, is this kind of like the Himalayas of this world?"
"Him...olyans?" Aureole gives her sorry attempt at pronouncing.
"...I have no idea what you just said but it was adorable."
"I said what you said!" She smacks his thigh and pouts. Sirius giggles and apologizes.
"I thought the Himalayan was the largest mountain in our world."
Sirius slowly turns his foul gaze to Korlin. He looks at him with all the shame and disgust he can muster.
"Are you stupid?" Korlin's smile fades from his face. "I'm kidding," Sirius reassures his companion. "The Himalayas are the biggest mountain range from where we come from. You're thinking of Mt. Everest."
Pholy elbows Korlin in the side.
"Idiot."
"You didn't know that!"
Torque roars his signature chuckle.
"Haha, no, the Connicus mountain range is the second largest in the world. The Colossals hold that title."
-This country really is second in everything...
"I see. Do they hold the largest mountain?"
"No, the highest summit would be the Aeonice Spike."
"Aeonice? Like the ice continent?"
"Yep," Aureole is the one to reply. "Apparently that mountain is so tall you can't even breathe at the top."
"Huh, has anyone ever tried to climb it?"
"Haha!" Torque finds it funny. "Of course not, that's a death sentence waiting to happen. Besides, it really is a spike. There is no footing or ledges to grab near the top, just a pointed tip."
"Huh..." Sirius leans back and stares up at the mammoth that is Mt. Connet. The second largest in the world... right before his eyes. It's breathtaking in its own right.
What could be at the top...
"But hey," Torque continues. "It's said that the base of the Aeonice Spike is home to a being capable of bringing the dead back to life."
This gathers everyone's attention. Especially Korlin's.
"Really?! That's so cool!"
"Haha yep, though obviously that's just a rumor, and no one is foolish enough to venture to the base to begin with."
"That sounds like a challenge!"
"Know your place," Pholy flicks the boy's forehead with a flaming fingernail.
Laughter erupts through the carriage and echoes through the empty valley.
The range goes on without end. And this is the shortest way through the thinnest section. The sun sinks behind the colossal walls and a chill wind dances through the valley.
Aureole shimmies over to Pholy and hugs her arm.
"Pholy... can you warm me up please?"
Pholy sighs and gives a motherly grin.
"Fine, fine..."
Steam releases from her arm and a wave of tranquility washes over Aureole.
"Thank you," she snuggles in closer. Pholy pets Aureole's head.
Korlin's eyes are fixated on Pholy's arm.
"Don't even think about it," she says, not even looking at the boy.
"I'm freezing here."
"Would you like me to warm you up?" Pholy hand ignites, and she points her pink blaze toward him.
"I'm thinking about it..."
"Why are you like this?"
"Just a little bit longer and we'll be at the lodge," Torque settles their squabble. "We'll rest there for the night and tomorrow we should be able to arrive around blooming time."
After a few minutes, and many jealous stares from Korlin (and Sirius), the manfi stops in front of a large wooden building resembling a skiing lodge.
Everyone hops out of the carriage and Torque brings his manfi into an enclosed stable area. The group heads inside and checks into their reserved rooms. The lodge functions much like a small hotel.
Apparently, Rawlin had reserved rooms for everyone separately. Meaning everyone had their own rooms to stay in.
Sirius enters his small dorm-sized room and crashes down onto the soft bed. The room is warm and cozy, it also smells like pine. While the day has been largely uneventful, he feels a small sense of accomplishment. And with that, his eyelids fall, closing the curtains on the day.
Morning comes around and Torque knocks on Sirius' door to get him moving. Sirius half expected the door to burst open, as Korlin has conditioned him to believe so.
Sirius sluggishly gets dressed, brushes his teeth, and heads downstairs to find a breakfast waiting for him.
Aureole and Pholy are face-down sleeping at the table. Korlin and Torque are chatting away about random things.
"So, if everything goes right, which it will, I should be able to become the strongest mage in the entire world."
"You are one interesting lad, you know that?"
"Sirius! Good morning! You ready to set sail?"
"Mmm..." Sirius is too tired to respond. Looking at Korlin's face, the circles around his eyes are even darker. "Are you?"
"Of course!" Despite the visible strain, the boy is as energetic as ever. "I was reborn ready."
"Right..."
After everyone eats their lodge-provided breakfast, the group hops back in the carriage and sets off. It's much cloudier than before. Also, colder.
Everyone apart from Torque up front, huddles close to Pholy, who has no issue with the temperature.
"So warm..." Aureole is sprawled across the girl. The spitting image of future royalty right here.
Korlin is struggling to stay awake, his head bobbles back and forth to stay upright.
"Pholy, can you burn me a little bit? Just to get me awake?"
"Gladly."
As told, she scorches his cheek with a tap of her finger.
"Thank you," he says, suppressing the pain.
Pholy looks mildly concerned about the boy's appearance. She shifts her view to Sirius, who is having the same thoughts. They meet eyes in paired curiosity.
"We are nearing the border to Alsi now."
Straight ahead along the dirt road is a fence with what must be border patrol. Beyond the gate lies a snowy expanse, strangely ending perfectly before the border.
A similar weather phenomenon occurred back in Auretta with the rain. Is this also barrier magic?
The carriage comes to a halt at the gate, and two guards close in to speak with Torque. He shows them an insignia he pulls from the bag he received from Rawlin. It is the same insignia Wilphrey showed the guards back in Auretta to leave.
The guards nod and disperse, allowing the carriage to pass through the now-opened gate.
The difference in climate is immediately noticeable. Snow drops from the sky and piles on their clothes in mere seconds. The once cool air now feels frigid.
"Welcome to Alsi folks," Torque states while bundling up with more layers.
"Why is it suddenly so cold?!" Korlin scoots closer to Pholy.
"Ah, first time leaving the country? We are within Alsi's barrier now, so the temperature difference kicks in quick. Thankfully, you have an Ember back there with ya to keep you nice and toasty!"
"I'm not a personal heater!" Pholy shoves back the desperate Korlin.
"And she's the best Ember in the whole world!" Aureole snuggles in closer.
Sirius sits further back so as to not tick off the living flamethrower.
"Let's just hope the snowsquallers welcome you! Haha," Torque jokes.
"What does that mean?" Korlin asks.
"Huh, oh well Embers and snowsquallers don't exactly mingle the best from what I'm told."
Korlin looks to Pholy for confirmation.
"I'm fire and they're snow, Embers like me are seen as threats to them."
"Ah... don't worry. I'll make sure they accept you." A smug look covers his appearance.
"Uh-huh..."
⧗⧖⧗⧖⧗
"So where exactly are we headed?" Sirius asks. "The lord said we were heading towards the king, does that mean to the capital?"
"No, actually. Alsi does not have an official capital. As it is only snowsquallers who roam these parts, many travel and claim their own pieces of land. Settlements and villages are fairly rare in this country, and the king's power is one mostly out of respect. With the exception of taxes, the squallers are free to do as they please, without the worry of government."
"Huh... so where are we headed then?"
"The king resides at the Laurent Outpost due south of here. It is the largest official settlement in Alsi and is the main trading and military hub. That's where we are headed."
"Do they even have a military? It sounds like a pretty undefended country."
"Alsi's military is a small elite force under the command of the king. Though, as you'd expect, they are rarely used. Other countries don't have much desire to take Alsi as their own, as you can probably tell by looking around."
It makes sense. There is hardly anything around in this snowy scape. Distant mountains and strangely shaped ice structures are all that litter the surroundings. From the sound of it, the squallers are humble, nomadic people.
"Alsi mostly trades herbs, right?"
"That's right," Torque seems to be enjoying the conversation. "They are used primarily for medicines and elixirs, but there exist some special ones for cooking."
"Don't other countries want those for their own?"
"Hm, well, given the environment, only snowsquallers have a reliable way to live out here. Since the cold doesn't affect them and they can manipulate the snow, they are really the only ones who can find the herbs and traverse this place."
"These guys sound cool as hell," Korlin exclaims.
"It is rather impressive, though it does make me wonder why they stopped their trade. With the little food sources around, they rely on outside sources as much as we rely on their herbs."
"You think something happened to the outpost?" Sirius questions. "Something stopping them from trading?"
"That's what I'd assume, I see no other reason. I do hope they're alright..."
An icy gale slashes through the air. The snow shrouds the horizon, it's a wonder how the manfi can navigate. It takes squinting to keep the eyes open. The cold ignores all clothing worn.
Everyone huddles progressively closer to Pholy, who does not seem to enjoy the attention.
Time seems to progress at a snail's pace.
How far have they gone since entering Alsi? Torque explains that manfi have exceptional vision and can see clearly in blurry conditions such as this. So, they shouldn't worry about the navigation.
While freezing and slow, everything seems to be proceeding as normal.
Until...
The carriage comes to a stop.
...
"Torque?" Aureole initiates. "What's wrong?"
"...Something's approaching."
...
An eerie quiet falls over the carriage and dark clouds. Shrieks of passing wind remain the only thing moving.
Amidst the howling snow, a hushed growl bellows out.
"Pholy, can you light the area?" Torque instructs, his tone is much more serious than ever before.
Pholy raises her hand and sets it ablaze, expanding a pink light in the immediate area. Holding their breaths, the group looks around for any sign of a creature.
Sirius twists his head around and spots a faint, red glow.
A pulsating orb of crimson emits and fades over and over behind the fog.
"There."
Everyone's heads slowly shift and focus on the fluctuating dimness.
...
Another growl.
Another light flickers next to the preexisting one.
Then another. And another.
The orbs appear one after another and slowly circle the carriage.
Sirius' heart beats rapidly. Goosebumps unrelated to the cold emerge on his skin.
"What are they...?"
"I don't know... but we're surrounded."