The Life I Gained From Dying

Chapter 9 - Mai's Struggle

"For all I know there isn't any settlements in or near the Redwood Forest." Elder Faye stated. "But there has been rumors of a singular person being spotted around here."

"I'm surprised there isn't much people living here." Damien said. "This place is beautiful and rich in all sorts of resources."

"Which is why this place is frequently visited by people who live in the outlands."

"You mentioned someone being spotted around here?" Ty asked.

"The witch of the Redwoods." Elder Treya said. "Rumors have been circling about her for years now. Whether she's a real witch or just some tall tale is unknown. I have a feeling though this disturbance in the lake of Lazarus might involve her in some way."

Never thought I'd get to see a witch in my lifetime. Damien thought to himself. I've heard countless bedtime stories about them that are meant to just scare kids. Let's see if this one lives up to their chilling reputation.

.....

"Right this way." Via said as she guided Aaron towards her home. "It's just on the other side of this hill."

"There really isn't any other people out here." Aaron said.

"The closest settlement is outside of the Redwoods. For some reason, people from the land of water tend to avoid this place as much as possible. They occasionally come through to mine and forage but they never stay long."

"Have you ever tried moving to any of those settlements?"

"...They wouldn't want me around."

"..."

"We're here." She said as they came around the hill.

Aaron saw that there was a tree growing on the very top of the hill, however this tree was nowhere near the size as the surrounding trees. Even so, its canopy still stretched out very far as the tree hanged over the side of the hill. The roots from the tree covered the entire cliff face that Aaron and Via were now standing in front of.

"Xemperdévo." Via said softly as she placed her hand on one of the tree roots.

The roots then immediately began to shrink and uncover the small cave that was hidden behind them.

"This is where I live." Via said walking inside. "Make yourself at home."

There wasn't much inside. Mostly books scattered all over the floor and two single beds made of wool and some sort of animal skin. Clothes were piled up in a corner next to the beds and markings were carved into the walls of the cave. Aaron walked in behind her and began to inspect his new home.

"Oh yeah Aaron, which of the four great lands are you from?" She asked sorting through clothes.

"Four great... United States?"

"Huh?"

"Sorry, what do you mean by four great lands?" Aaron asked.

"Water, Air, Earth and Fire. They are the four great lands where people reside." Via stated

"About that... I think I'm from an entire different world from this one. Everything I've seen so far would be unimaginable where I'm from." Aaron said as he sat on one of the beds.

"Oh! I've read about this!" She said energetically as she began checking all of the scattered books. "There's a chance people from different realms can be resurrected through the Lake of Lazars. If that happens, that person gains the essence of the body that was used to bring them back."

"You gotta slow down because I don't understand anything that you're saying."

Via then directed both of her arms over to the clothes pile and a gust of continuous wind shot in that direction. The wind lifted a pair of brown fur boots and carried them over to Aaron who was covering his face from the sudden gust of wind.