Doldred threw her against the wall. "With these new element powers, I am immortal." He roared a horrible laugh, "you shall be given the same punishment for your attempt to defeat ME!" He wrapped her in the vines along with the others and stormed o...
As they headed toward the snowy mountains, Virago was very quiet, she hadn't said anything since they left. As they reached the higher side of the mountain, snow began to show up and around them. The others broke out their coats, but Virago looked to not even notice the cold. She was focused only on the map. . . or so it seemed. They arrived in the mountains and stopped for a rest. They could see the frost-covered hill in the far distance.
Nea asked, "Are you ready?"
Virago sighed, "Can we just do this before I come up with an answer for you?"
Caspian grumbled, "Let's get going." He was annoyed still from being woken up so late last night.
They headed up the mountain with Virago leading the way. Although it was high enough and cold enough for snow, it was beginning to melt as summer was approaching. It truly was a beautiful trail on that late spring day. Little patches of grass and wildflowers started popping out of the snow signaling the start of the hot summer days to come. The trail was so overgrown with wildlife, an occasional rabbit or squirrel would scurry past. Soon, they were standing at a snowy cave entrance. It was overgrown with flowering vines and frost-covered branches giving the cave an eerie feeling like a ghost of the past still roamed the area. Virago stopped in her tracks.
"What is it?" Fay asked, shivering from the cold.
Virago swallowed, "We're here."
Nea's eyes were wide, "This is it?"
Virago stepped toward a mound of snow on the ground, and suddenly sank further down into the snow. She started clearing away the snow.
"You're just gonna stand there. Help me clear the snow." Virago's voice was calm yet a little shaky for this was the cave from which she dared not return to. Once they had cleared the cave enough to open the wood door, they went inside.
To their surprise, it was quite warm inside. A fire crackled in the fireplace. Fay was too creeped out to say anything but took the opportunity to warm herself. She wasn't exactly dressed for the mountains.
Nea asked, "Why is it warm in here?"
"A fire?" Caspian was so confused.
Erwin answered with amazement, "A magical fire, it never dies out. This proves it."
It was a magical place indeed. There were still potions on the wall like there were so many years ago, the clothes hung to dry long ago were still strung by the fire. Even though everything was covered in dust and cobwebs it still brought a sense of togetherness. A feeling of home.
"I think I need to do this alone," Virago told them.
Erwin spoke up, "And what happened to the whole 'you can't do this by yourself' thing?"
"This is different," Virago said calmly.
"Hmm? How so?" Erwin shot back.
"When Adelis and Barin lived here I always looked to them for answers. I think I need to face my past alone," She looked at everyone with assurance. Her face lit up by the fire's warm gleam. "I know what I'm doing. Can you all trust me on this one?"
It was silent for a moment.
Then Fay spoke up," I trust you, Virago."
"If you think it'll work."
"I trust you," Nea said. " Erwin?"
Erwin sighed heavily, "Ok, I trust you."
And they let her be, to sort it out on her own.
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Virago walked around the one-room cave. She was overwhelmed with memories of the joyful times she enjoyed with Adelis and Barin. Her one mission for now; find the crystal. She poked around the shelves; peaking in corners, emptying canisters, checking in cabinets. After about thirty minutes of doing so, she noticed a magenta-colored glow seeming to be coming from the fireplace. She approached it slowly. As she looked into the fire through flickers of light she saw the crystal floating in the center of the flames. Not thinking she reached in and tried to grasp the gem but soon realized the heat before getting too close. She tried everything she could to try and reach the crystal without having to put out the fire but it was all in vain.
I have to put out that fire, she thought to herself. But- but I-I can't. Once the fire is put out it is unable to burn again. The fire . . . will be gone. Forever. She regretted knowing how to put out such things as a magic fire. Her eyes were welling up with tears as she approached the flames. She focused hard. She held her hands in front of the fire. A soft breeze blew in. The flames swirled into a spiral and then collapsed into nothing. Instantly the room went dark. It was cold and empty. Her tears blurred her eyes, she had to feel around for the crystal. But once she touched it lit the entire room up in a vibrant purple. She stood up and walked clumsily toward the door. Before opening it to leave, she whispered through tears, "Goodbye, old friend." A soft breeze rushed past her as if to hug her and say 'so long'.
As Virago returned to the others she held out her hand to show them the crystal. As she did, a small, grey whirlwind appeared around the crystal and lifted it above her hand. Then they left the cave. Just as quiet and peaceful as it was long ago; full of life. And full of. . . magic.
