"Those who don't believe in magic will never find it..." -Roald Dahl
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My eyes fluttered open at the sound of birds singing. I felt the warmth of the sun on my face. As my eyes were finally steady, I watched as dew drops fell on the bed of grass. The fires had gone out and everything was at peace. I packed up my things then started north again.

Yesterday was the first of the month. Of course... Shadows are only allowed out of their realm once every month. The first of the month. How unfortunate for me, it had to be last night. I was just lucky there happened to be shelter nearby.

Along my way I admired the sights...

Huh, how strange...

I never really knew how beautiful the forest was. The enchantment and wonder of the forest... It truely was brilliant. The tall trees formed a glorious canopy, and the forest floor was covered in grass. Only a small patched path lead the way through the forest. I loved watching the woodland creatures running all around.

Soon I came to a fork in the road. All paths were heading north, only one of them however, went to Darsenti. The Kingdom of Knights. Or that is as the humans call it. I took the path straight ahead and continued. It took almost the rest of the day, but I made it. Just as night began to fall again.

The Kingdom's lower village was full of music and light, even as the sun died down. It was all so lively and beautiful. There was a may-pole in the middle of the town. Children were running around it. Parents were bartering and conversing with one another. Everyone seemed to be having so much fun. That's what this week was...

The Festival of Lights

Each night, of the first week of the 7th month, there is to be a festival. Each day and night the humans celebrate. This should make it easier to get what I need and go. While everyone was dancing, made my way around to the shops that held the materials. When I was finished, I decided to go to the inn.

There were people dancing, and singing, and laughing. They were having the time of their lives.

"Pardon?" I asked the bar maid, "Do you have any rooms open?"

"You're in luck. We have one more." She said. I smiled thankfully and placed the appropriate amount of shells in her hand. 5 shells isn't a bad deal.

She handed me the room key and I turned away. There wasn't much for me to do, so I just lurked around. A few kids bumped into me and amlost knocked me over.

"Be careful." I tell them. The two youngsters stared at me. Their eyes were wide and full of wonder. Oh to be a kid again. I turned away but was stopped by one of them pulling on my skirt.

"Miss," the little boy started to say, "What are those marks on your face?"

"And why is your hair that color?" The girl asked.

After they asked those questions my eyes widened. How are they able to see my marks? Is it true that kids can see what adults don't?I smiled and began walking away. But not before they could ask:

"Are you a fairy?" They asked in a quiet voice. I paused and turned to look at them with a smile.

"Now, why would you ask that?" I inquired.

"Cause," the little girl laughed, "Only fairies have weird marks and weird hair." I giggled lightly, then knelt down.

"Good point. But I am afraid I'm not dear ones." I stood up slowly and turned away, "run on to your parents."

Just before I was able to retire to the room I was given, there were yells coming from outside. The party within the tavern stopped and everyone pooled outside. What was all this noise about?

The AlchemistWhere stories live. Discover now