A slightly transparent face appeared above the map; it was a man in his late 20s, with a slight stubble and long curly brown hair. He had a long, crooked nose that had been broken more, and deep set blue eyes. He had the kind of roguish face that immediately said, “I’m a handsome smart ass and I know it.”
“Good morning, Thatcher!” Clara said brightly. The face, which Maia correctly assumed was Thatcher, looked at Clara with slight annoyance, his nostrils flaring.
“I believe I said not to activate my map for another 20 years, unless there was a geography related emergency.” Thatcher said with a huff.
“Well, it has been at least ten years, and as it happens, there is a geography related emergency. Now stop being so grumpy, and let me introduce you. This is Maia.” Clara gestured at Maia, who sat forward trying to understand if the face was science or magic, and was resisting the urge to wave her hand through him. Thatcher was unique even in the Between; the only sentient map known to have been created, likely because the method to create one is extremely immoral, unethical, and violently painful. However, this is something Maia would not learn until later.
Thatcher’s face slightly turned, and his eyes widened, “A human? How long has it been since another of us has arrived here? But…they don’t look like anything special.”
“Excuse me, I’m right here, you steampunk version of Google Maps.” Maia said impulsively. She usually only thought things like this, but maybe it was being transported to an entirely different dimension or remnants of the cider and its hangover. She was completely out of her very small comfort zone and had no patience to be insulted as well as ignorant. Unfortunately, Thatcher had no idea what a ‘steampunk’ or a ‘google' was, and so, did not know how offended to be.
“I wake up only to be insulted by a human dullard, how wonderful.” Thatcher huffed.
Clara’s eyes gleamed with amusement, “Now, now. You two play nice. You are both going to benefit from working together.”
“I don’t see how. He’s clearly the lesser known asshole version of the map from Dora the Explorer.” Maia grumbled.
Thatcher rolled his eyes, “If you are trying to insult me, at least do so in a language I know how to be offended by, instead of whatever nonsense you’re sputtering.” Clearly, they were destined to travel together; if you don’t have at least one tense relationship in a traveling party, you might never get where you are going because you enjoy the company so much.
Clara interrupted with a slightly more stern tone, “Listen, you both have something the other needs, so hush up. Thatcher is the best map you could ever ask for and can lead you on the quickest path to visit the Parliament, Maia. Thatcher, you have been stuck here for too long. You are an explorer. This is your chance to get out into the world again. Perhaps even back to the human world, if you want.”
Thatcher narrowed his eyes, “Fine, but I’m not happy about it. I’m only going to use you to get out of here.” He said, his head swiveling towards Maia.
“That’s fine by me, though I’m not sure I can trust you to lead me safely. From what I can tell, you’d lead someone right over a cliff.” Maia retorted. As you can tell, reader, this dynamic, while amusing, could lead to difficulties in the future. Clara wished desperately she could go with them, both to keep them safe and to watch them quarrel. However, Clara had gone on many of her own journeys, and it was time for her to enjoy her retirement. Clara felt as many retired people do, eager to relax, but also nostalgic for an adventurous past. She was still that young woman in her mind, and sometimes it was difficult to remember her body wasn’t. Though we change over the years due to experiences and hopefully wisdom, we carry with us core moments, in which parts of our personality are set forever, usually in early adulthood. However, we have all met those whose personalities are sadly set in their teens. Thankfully, Maia was still growing and had plenty of room to build upon an already sturdy foundation; in fact, she had already begun gathering moments since her arrival in the Between.
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
Clara pulled herself out of her self reflection, “Thatcher, please chart the safest path from the Way Station to the House of Parliament.” Thatcher’s face winked out from above the map, and suddenly a red dotted line appeared extending from the Way Station.
Thatcher’s voice emanated from the map, as the view of the Way Station grew closer, “It is approximately a three week journey from the Way Station to the House using the safest route.” As he spoke, the map drew an arrow looking down a path, before suddenly rushing forward as if they were seeing the view of a horse running down the road.
“There are three major stops and possible obstacles between starting point and destination. The first is Shiverdawn Falls, the city of constant rain.” The arrow shot forward and the map displayed a town covered in mist, all buildings upon large stilts and connected by swinging bridges.
“The next is Eternal Carnivale, the festival city of both novelty and excess.” The view once again changed, and a rainbow of colors appeared in the form of tents, banners, and buildings. Maia could even see crowds of people on the street in flamboyant and outlandish clothing, drinking and laughing.
“And the final location before the House, the Jade Passage. It is a pass through the Ethereal Peaks.” The scene changed, and now it looked as though they stood in front of a great green arch, leading between two thin mountain peaks.
Maia was relieved none of these places seemed very intimidating. Sure, she would definitely be sore from hiking a mountain pass, but the Carnivale town actually looked rather fun. She did not consider that places like Las Vegas also are fun, but not necessarily always safe. Let’s allow our dear heroine to have a moment of optimism though.
“That doesn’t seem so bad!” She said happily. Clara and Thatcher looked at one another and shared an amused look.
“These are just the very notable locations; this doesn’t include the paths between, which will doubtlessly involve unfriendly wildlife, bandits, and inclement weather at the least.” Clara responded, “The Between is a beautiful, magical place where you can experience the most extraordinary and breathtaking moments, but like anything we do with any worth, it can be incredibly risky and oftentimes downright dangerous, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the world.” As you can see, Maia’s optimism was quite short-lived, and she deflated slightly.
Thatcher let out a slightly mean-spirited chuckle, but Clara patted her arm reassuringly. “I will prepare you as much as I can before you set off, and I have someone who can help protect you on your way, as long as she agrees to go.”
Maia nodded worriedly, and Clara and Thatcher began to chat about the supplies she would need and possible transportation she could take. Maia was both relieved and disappointed that Thatcher seemed extremely knowledgeable about traveling and the needs that could arise. He earned a begrudged amount of respect from her, but she also supposed that a talking map should know this much about such things. She was not really surprised by anything Clara was capable of. Indeed, Clara had many talents: she could pick locks, dance the dance of seven veils, ride a griffin, and cook a wonderful pot roast; and that only names a few. It is often a sign of a life well lived to have such varied abilities.
Thatcher and Clara seemed to finish their conversation, and murmured a quick goodbye. Clara turned to Maia, “It’s time for you to meet our cook.”
Maia wondered what form the cook would take, a talking spoon, a robot? Despite her initial reaction to Thatcher, she found her heart pounding in anticipation of meeting another new resident of the Between. She gave Clara a nervous thumbs up, “Let’s do it.”