Dappled sunlight filtered through the branches and leaves of the Forest of Iröstos, casting an interplay of light and shadow upon the forest floor. The vibrant shades of green rustled and swayed as Elysha, a young child who had recently awoken in the forest, immersed herself in the world unfolding around her.
In her small hand, she clutched a long, olive-colored shepherd's crook that served as a conduit to her imagination. A smile crossed her lips as she swayed it back and forth, her eyes active with the wonders dancing within her mind.
When an idea came to her mind, Elysha closed her eyes, pressed her lips together and summoned her inner spirit.
“I, Elysha, wish and dream of becoming a mage,” she proclaimed. “I want to learn everything and use theonum magic, just like Elder Mera. I like to read stories and see many things, because I was born into this world, and I want to explore new places, and…”
A giggle of unbridled joy escaped her lips at the obvious act, and she calmed down before continuing—
“... Because I want to become a great mage, just like Elder Mera.”
Holding a long crook with a firm grip, she twirled it in the air and watch it spun a few times mid-flight. Her long blue dress, adorned with a decorative white half-apron, blew around her as if caught by the breeze. She also wore white sleeves and a long purple handkerchief dangling from her collar. Her hat, a white mob cap with a light blue ribbon, nearly fell off her head.
As Elysha's crook whirled through the air, she tried to catch it before calling forth an imaginative play of magic—
*plat*
“Ah!” She reached out and picked up the crook from the ground. Fortunately for her, the object was light enough to hold without much effort, but she still wiped the sweat from her forehead and exhaled.
“Whew, and then…”
She closed her eyes and her mind translated her visions into the surroundings, and with each swing and movement she spoke a series of enchanting words in a stuttering conlang of her own creation.
“Ste-steraa enjetiraa… Mi-mijanmira tiraa korja!”
The atmosphere seemed to whisper in silent anticipation as Elysha's incantations faded into the air. Turning around, she saw a leaf fall from a tree, and a faint smile graced Elysha's lips as she indulged in her false notion of prowess.
"I can use theonum magic," she thought aloud in a quiet, determined tone, pointing the long stick skyward. “I can cast my own magic through my staff and learn many wonders and all kinds of things. I will fight the Beast of the forest, like the one in the story, and protect the forest and my home.”
In the exuberance of her energy, Elysha swung her staff and began to dance like a marvelous mage, mindful of the delicate flowers that that adorned the forest floor. She continued to dance, smiling and feeling at one with the world around her as she spun around and around through the dappled sunlight of the Forest of Iröstos. With each step, she felt the thrill of sensation coursing through her veins, and her heart swelled with excitement.
But when the dance reached its climax, the constant motion threatened to overwhelm her, and a quick misstep caught her feet in the folds of her flowing dress.
“Ah—”
She stumbled and tumbled to the forest floor, the soft earth cushioning her fall.
For a moment, Elysha lay there, stunned and disoriented, her heart pounding in her chest. Despite the mistake, she let out a breathless giggle that echoed through the quiet forest like the tinkling of bells.
“Hehe…”
The mishap couldn't dampen the little girl's spirits, who propped herself up on her elbows and breathed unevenly as she regained her composure.
As the world slowly stopped spinning, Elysha stood up again, brushing off the dirt and leaves that clung to her dress. With an optimistic gleam in her eye, she placed her hat back onto her head and held her shepherd's crook firmly in her hand.
Then, she continued her adventure, skipping and prancing through the forest with unhindered imagination.
~ ❈❇❈ ~
Eventually not too long after, Elysha's youthful energy finally drained, and the layer of her magical acts waned, signaling to her that she needed a moment of rest.
She saw a lonely tree needing company and decided to sit next to it, her back leaning against the trunk.
“Ah, I’m tired now,” she said in resignation.
Closing her eyes in a momentary pause, Elysha recharged her own energy until she shifted her focus to the sounds of nature surrounding her.
…
She opened her eyes and looked up at the sky, her gray-gold eyes staring into the vast expanse above: White clouds meandered lazily across the azure expanse, casting fleeting shadows on the forest. A sense of calm came over her as she let her mind wander amidst the surroundings with her listless gaze.
“How pretty…” She murmured under her breath.
As the forest fell to silence, Elysha's gaze remained fixed on the sky above her. She watched the slow, languid movement of the clouds as they crossed her sight. Then she stretched her arm towards the sky, her fingers longing to caress the soft texture of the fluffy objects that graced the expanse.
In her mind’s eye, a whimsical thought took form. She imagined a scene in which she lay down on a bed, which consisted of the soft textures of the clouds. She nestled on a cloud, fluffy and inviting—like a soft, cozy pillow.
‘The clouds look cuddly,’ Elysha reflected, ‘like a pillow. Pillows are cuddly.’
The mere thought of it brought a smile to her lips and comforted her as she felt embraced, as if she could effortlessly drift off into a peaceful slumber amidst the cloudy expanse of the sky.
"Maybe one day," she whispered to herself, "I could sleep on the clouds in the sky."
Elysha gazed longingly at the sky for a while, until her mouth opened for a breath. “I wonder,” she mused, her voice barely audible, "if one day, I will be able to fly into the sky to see everything that lies beyond."
Then a question came to her mind. "Could there possibly be a place beyond the clouds?" She mused to herself. “Maybe I should ask Elder Mera about it later. She told me yesterday that I can learn to fly.”
She continued to watch and think, until at some point she was overcome by boredom.
Elysha rose from her place on the forest floor and observed the world that surrounded her: Nature's melodies filled the air, as if flora and fauna were having an interesting conversation. The trees stood tall and proud, their branches swaying rhythmically. Dense shrubs, vibrant grasses and an abundance of wildflowers adorned the forest floor, forming a painting of colors and textures. The cool spring air promised new possibilities, its breezes bringing life to every corner of the forest.
*chirp*
In the distance, a chirping broke the silence and caught her attention. Elysha wiped her drools and turned her gaze to the source of the sound.
“Chirp, chirp!”
She stood there and watched as a single bird took to the skies and effortlessly carried its wings into the sky above her. Soon other flocks joined the single bird and formed a procession that disappeared into the endless sky.
~ ❈❇❈ ~
As Elysha continued walking through the paths through the forest, her thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a familiar voice echoing in her head.
It was the voice of Elder Merakia, her guardian, and the memory of their conversation resurfaced like ripples on a calm pond. It had taken place that morning as they sat together at breakfast, their plates filled with nourishing food.
“Are you curious about what lies beyond this window next to us?” Elder Merakia asked as she placed her cup down.
Elysha lowered her fork and looked at her guardian before turning to the open window and answering, “Is it not the garden that lies beyond?”
Her guardian chuckled and said, "Well, there's more to see than the garden, my dear child.” Elder Merakia had said, her voice warm and encouraging. “Go out and wander around, today is a beautiful day to explore the forest."
"Go out?"
“Yes,” Elder Merakia nodded. “The weather is indeed pleasant today and offers you the opportunity to explore the forest beyond the boundaries of this house.”
“Explore… the forest?”
"Yes, you can also go on your own little adventure and get to know the world one step at a time, that is until you are ready to take a full journey yourself when you are older.”
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.
The memory of these words echoed in Elysha's mind, mingling with the scents and sounds of the forest that surrounded her. The thought of exploring the great unknown was scary at first, but before long she began to enjoy the exploration as much as she had enjoyed the garden.
“Turn around,” Elder Merakia instructed.
Elysha turned around, revealing the outfit her guardian had chosen for her first outing in the forest.
“My dear child, you look remarkably lovely in those clothles.” She commented, trying hard not to smile broadly. “What a pity, if only my camera worked, I would have taken many photos for the album by now, but unfortunately I can't leave the forest at the moment.”
Elysha blinked her eyes. “Huh?”
“Oh, just a matter of mine not necessfully important to discuss, I will eventually get the camera working at a later time.”
Then, Elysha’s memories shifted to the moment before she left the cottage home and entered the forest. She was standing at the doorway when Elder Merakia spoke in an concerned tone, "Before you leave, be warned not to stray too far from the cottage. It is important that you heed this advice. Do you hear?"
Elysha nodded earnestly. “Yes, Elder Merakia," she replied softly, gripping her shepherd’s crook in her hand. "I hear you, and I will be careful."
Elder Merakia smiled, reached out her hand, placed it on Elysha's shoulder and said, "I trust you, dear child. Explore, learn and enjoy the beauty of nature that surrounds you, but always remember to protect yourself. The world is big and full of sights to behold, but it can also be unpredictable at rare occasions. Return to the cottage if you ever feel unsafe or need advice, and remember, you are never alone on your journey. Please make sure you are back by noon.”
“I will, Elder Mera.”
Then with a warm smile, Elysha stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Elder Merakia, hugging her guardian tightly.
Elder Merakia returned the hug, her arms enfolding the little girl. "Take care, dear child," she said tenderly. "And remember, I'll always be here for you."
~ ❈❇❈ ~
As Elysha strolled along the dirt path that led her through the forest, her gaze lingered on the whispers of nature that surrounded her: The rustling leaves, the melodious chirping of birds, and the murmur of a nearby stream—all of which together were part of her exploratory adventure.
Immersed in her own little world, Elysha's eyes widened as she caught a glimpse of an unfamiliar creature standing among the trees: It had sturdy legs and a graceful figure, with large, beady eyes and two long branches reaching up the sky. Its fur was brown and matched the earthy tones of the forest very well. The ears were small and moved up and down, looking just as curious as the little girl.
Elysha's heart skipped a beat as she stood there silently, her small hand instinctively reaching out for the mysterious creature—
“—!”
But in the blink of an eye, it was gone, leaving her alone with the brief memory to behold.
Perplexed and yet full of awe, Elysha couldn't help but think about the creature she had just caught sight of. She had never seen anything like it before. She knew it wasn't a wisp of light or a bird, but what was it?
With a smile on her face, Elysha continued her stroll through the forest, thinking of the possibilities that awaited her at every turn. Who knew what unknown creatures and hidden sights still awaited her discovery in this wondrous forest?
However, her legs gradually became tired from walking and she sought rest in the shade of a tree. She settled down, leaning her back against the bark and feeling its natural, woody texture. After a short pause, she reached into her shoulder bag and her fingers brushed the edge of a children's encyclopedia.
The pages of the book were a collection of descriptions about nature and life, accompanied by illustrations that made each pages much more colorful and lifelike. As her fingers grazed the edges of the pages, Elysha took her time to look at the contents of the book and read the words that accompanied each picture:
‘The Cat (Felis catus)
With four legs and a long tail, cats are small animals that many people keep as pets. Cats are curious creatures and like to explore, play, and spend time with their owners. They also like to hunt small animals like birds and mice.’
----------------------------------------
“Hunt birds?” Elysha frowned.
Today was different from yesterday.
Since this morning, Elysha had woken up and realized that the words in the books were no longer blurry.
“Oh, I can read now.” She spoke in surprise, blinking her eyes.
“What do you mean that you can read now?” Elder Merakia asked, confused.
Elysha held the children's encyclopedia out to her and said, “See, this is a ‘mushroom,’ and it says here that mushrooms are fungi that grow in damp places.”
“That is indeed true,” her guardian said. “But tell me, what do you mean you couldn’t read before?”
Elysha shook her head, a puzzled expression on her face. “The words were all blurry, but now they are clear.”
“I see, hm, but still, it's a remarkable progress considering you have the ability to read words now compared to before. Your mind seems to be actively growing.”
Elysha nodded, “It’s like the words just make sense to me now…”
It was as if a door had opened, giving her access to the knowledge in the inked lines. She didn't understand what had caused the change from vague to clarity, but she was satisfied enough to learn and understand what the once blurry words now meant.
She continued reading:
‘The Bird (Aves)
Known for flying high in the sky, birds are winged creatures that come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. They eat different things like seeds, bugs, fish, and sometimes even small animals. Birds build nests out of twigs and grass to lay their eggs. They have special behaviors like singing and dancing, and they help nature by spreading seeds and eating pests like insects.’
----------------------------------------
“I want to fly too.” Elysha commented as she leaned against the tree.
Elder Merakia's words echoed in her mind, reminding her of the tasks she was assigned to this morning—documenting interesting lifeforms and collecting specimens, and capturing the essence of the forest through her sketches.
A feeling of satisfaction settled over her, knowing that she had already completed most of her tasks.
With a calming breath, Elysha reached for her sketchbook and pencil. With a steady hand and an attentive gaze, she began to sketch, letting her imagination guide her to capture the essence of the forest.
Concentrating, Elysha began to sketch a cat. Her pencil moved across the paper and traced the contours of the animal. However, the creature presented an artistic hurdle.
"Ah, this 'cat' is hard to draw.” Elysha murmured quietly, frowning with a mixture of frustration and determination. Undeterred by the challenge, she let her hand work with purpose and vision.
As the sketch of the cat took shape, Elysha turned her attention to the background of the illustration. She concentrated on sketching an oak tree, highlighting details and then adding a bird on one of the branches.
"Cat and bird..." Elysha murmured as she scattered the petals of the tiny flowers and the grasses on the forest floor.
A contented sigh escaped her lips as she finished her illustration. "I hope Elder Mera likes my drawing,” she murmured, wondering if Elder Merakia would appreciate her efforts as the sketches offered glimpses into the world she had encountered on her forest stroll.
“But I haven’t met a cat yet… or many other creatures.”
She folded the sketchbook closed and tucked it back into her backpack before continuing on with her adventure.
~ ❈❇❈ ~
As Elysha let her gaze wander over the forest, a newfound restlessness stirred within her. She gripped her shepherd's crook; having completed her tasks and explored the areas near the cottage, she craved more adventures.
The Forest of Iröstos, with its vastness and many as yet undiscovered wonders, beckoned her to explore it further.
As she thought about what to do next, Elysha stretched her limbs and felt the energy flowing through her veins.
"Hm, where should I go now?" She pondered aloud, her voice mingling with the wind rustling through the leaves. "Should I go home, or?”
She stopped walking and continued, “But, there is still so much to see in this forest. The picture book showed me lots of creatures and things, but I haven’t met all of them yet... ”
The child was just about to walk on, but not too far, when a small creature ran past her without giving her a sign.
Elysha, who was only marginally aware of the animal's presence, turned around and saw the creature already some distance away. "Where are you going?" She asked the small-sized creature.
The creature did not answer.
From the looks of it, the creature had dark, black fur and white eyes resembling seeds. The sight of the creature made her cautious, but her curiosity remained.
As Elysha approached the mysterious small creature with cautious steps, snippets of knowledge from her book flickered in her mind.
"A cat…” she whispered, remembering the distinctive features that matched the cat in front of her.
A fleeting thought crossed her mind—
“... If I can keep the cat as a pet, will they come to love me? If Elder Mera allows me to keep it, that is..."
The prospect of it gave Elysha a glimmer of hope, though she knew the final decision was up to Elder Merakia.
Taking a few more strides, Elysha attempted to befriend the cat, her outstretched hand an offering of trust. With each step closer, the feline mirrored her movements, except retreating a few paces before surprising her with an unexpected gesture—a gentle lick.
Elysha froze in astonishment, her wide eyes blinking in disbelief. "You..." She whispered, a mixture of awe and bewilderment in her voice.
But just as quickly as the cat had approached, it darted away once again, pausing to cast an expectant gaze back at Elysha. Understanding dawned upon her, and a smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "Oh," she uttered in surprise and intrique at the same time. "I see..."
Without hesitation, Elysha followed the elusive cat, her determination unyielding. She meandered through the trees, her steps guided by the fleeting glimpses of the cat's ebony form. The chase led her to a stream, its clear waters meandering against the setting of tranquil nature. Her eyes scanned the surroundings, looking for the cat, until she saw it sitting on a rotting tree trunk.
With curiosity, Elysha slowly approached the enigmatic cat and came face-to-face with it again.
She let out a soft sigh, a blend of exasperation and amusement. "You are indeed a strange cat, to have me run after you like this..."
The cat returned her gaze with an cryptic expression and then tilted its head slightly.
Elysha crouched down and looked at the cat's distinctive appearance. She paused thoughtfully, a question on her lips. "You are different from the book I read about you, aren't you?" She asked, waiting for the small creature’s response.
The cat remained silent, its dark, void-like visage with white eyes fixated upon her; eyes that seemed to possess something beyond words, an understanding beyond human comprehension.
“Hm,”
Undeterred by the lack of response, Elysha's lips curled into a half-smile, “You have eyes like me, hehe.” Elysha commented. "You're a strange cat, it would be nice to keep you as my pet. Would you be okay with that?”
The cat shook its head, signifying no.
“A ‘no’ then?”
In response, the cat nodded, affirming her assumption with a simple gesture.
“… You really are a smart kitty.” She remarked. "Then, from this moment forward, I shall call you 'Kitty.'"
The cat meowed in apparent disapproval, but Elysha remained oblivious to its plea, instead her thoughts were on her new pet.
Her gaze drifted to a tree that stood proudly on the bank of the stream, its lush foliage catching the golden hues of the sunlight. A contented hum escaped her lips as she soaked up the joy of her new friendship and found contentment in the scenery surrounding her and the cat.
Kitty watched her as she sat down in the grass beside the rotten tree trunk on the bank of the flowing stream. The trees swayed as the golden light bathed them in its warmth, and Elysha said with a smile, "We are going to make lots of memories together, Kitty."
“Meow.”