Eril's Story

Day 13

My morning routine was simple the next day. I went about leisurely with the necessities that had to get done, one of which was, stretching out a few sore spots that had made themselves known after I woken up and got water from the nearby stream. My breakfast bubbled away as I tried to get the last knot out of my muscle. Normally for breakfast I would just grab a small snack of preserved food instead of going through the trouble of cooking, but today it felt right to go a bit beyond, treating myself, including some foraged in season herbs and nuts.

After reclining and eating, I searched through my bag for the ultimate prize, a portion of dried root that I kept tucked away in a small pouch, incredibly sweet and with a tart aftertaste - the perfect way to wrap up a meal. Cleaning up my mess and packing my things, I set my sights beyond the dusty plains, towards a patch of green in the distance that was framed by a formidable backdrop of dark mountains. Each peak embracing the sky in a procession that went on for as far as the eye could see. Only their bases visible under the cover of thick clouds.

When I had walked for some time, I started to consider stopping for a rest, when in the distance I suddenly realized there was a figure that had been sitting peacefully unmoving under a tree, their back to me. I couldn't make out any of the person's features, and despite being similar in build to a human, it certainly was not. Approaching from afar, I was about to call out so as not to surprise this stranger, but before I could, it stood and turned to face me in one fluid motion.

Taller than any man that had ever lived it stood, looking me over with pale all seeing, unblinking eyes. The most shocking moment was when it greeted me by name, how it knew this was beyond me, for we had certainly never met before, though by now I had put together the pieces and knew this was a Seraph - a creature of uncanny ability, as old as time, and driven by purposes that would occasionally lead to the crossing of paths with humanity. In all my years, I only knew of one that had ever come to Tenora, staying a few years before departing suddenly, and the only reason I knew that much was simply by word of mouth.

Standing in the presence of this majestic entity, I felt wholly stunned and humbled, in a stupor, feeling that any question I could muster up would be inadequate or just plain stupid. Then the Seraph, speaking first, with the sound of a deep stream rushing over rocks, and from a mouth that hardly moved but still had strong resonance, 'Since I know your name, it seems only fair you know mine. I am called Zo'.

All the polite human pleasantries didn't seem adequate for such a meeting, so I settled with the simplest, 'It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance', though I wasn't fully sure if I was yet. Zo asked if I would like to share a meal together and I accepted the offer and sat under the tree, taking off my pack. It stooped low from its lofty height, rummaging around in a small travel bag slung at the base of the tree, until a small box with many tiny seeds rattling around inside was produced.

These Zo dropped into a hole made in the soil, and then covered them again with dirt. In wonder, I watched as with outstretched hands over the spot, the Seraph tilted it's head towards the sky, uttering an otherworldly sound. Chills went down my back - there was something happening in the dirt. It writhed and moved, tendrils circled each other until a burst of life emerged from the ground, blooming into a radiant flower, the stalk of which sprouted multiple kinds of fruit, all good for eating.

It was a miracle to behold, and I had never seen such an exotic looking plant in my life. I was encouraged to take my fill from it. Nothing that grew from it was like anything I had tasted before. The intricate and firm texture of each fruit, mixed with the sweetness of honey, was beyond compare. Not overwhelming the senses, but playfully tugging them along on a journey. I was completely astounded, trying them all eagerly, each one satisfying completely, and the only thing compelling me to try more was curiosity.

Zo had not partaken but was waiting patiently beside me, sitting peacefully, almost as if in a trance, though, I could sense the awareness flowing forth in all directions. Once I was finished and had cleaned my hands Zo stated, 'I have something to show you, grab your spear.' Tentatively, I did as told, following the creature to a small clearing a short distance away. I was indicated to raise my weapon, doing so, I sunk into a ready stance, feeling a strange extra sense of vitality from the fruit I had just eaten.

There was no warning as a blade flew towards me. I hadn't even seen where it had been drawn from, having just barely the time to block with the haft of my weapon. It was a shattering blow, and had my spear been made of any less quality and strength, it certainly would have been rent in two. The blade Zo wielded, was over half the length of the spear I held, deftly and easily swung in the creature's nimble hands. Towering over me, I knew that I was outclassed in every way, all I could do was block strike after strike, losing ground with each.

A swipe aimed at my stomach was barely avoided by jumping backwards. The thin limbed Seraph was able to move it's body in ways that seemed impossible, and at speeds that were at the very limits of my perception. I knew it was holding back, but I still gave it my all, there would be no honor in forfeiting.

Unfortunately I had not trained or sparred in many years, and it was now showing plainly. Zo got past my guard, swinging for my dominant leg, then suddenly right before connecting, the blade was turned, and I was battered by the flat of the blade, striking the back of my leg, causing me to stumble towards the ground. Off balance, my spear was swatted away, while the blade in Zo's hand was quickly flipped, knocking me off my feet with a strong smack of the pommel.

I lay half sitting, and panting profusely on the ground. Zo offered me a four fingered hand to get up, grabbing it, I was hoisted up with as much effort as a person would have picking up a loaf of bread. Ruefully I grinned, 'I thought I was going to get at least one lucky strike in there somewhere.' It was hard to read Zo's expression, but the Seraph seemed doubtful. Instead it said, 'The road ahead of you will be a challenging one, your skill with a weapon and your agility will be of vital importance. I will show you a form that will benefit you, should you choose to practice it.'

A gesture was made indicating Zo wanted me to hand over my spear. I was intrigued, watching as the weapon was swung with expert hands like a sword, slicing through the air with the cutting side of the blade. I watched the footwork that accompanied the slashes and thrusts, trying to commit as much as possible to memory. Then Zo leaped over a dead stump and unleashed a flurry of attacks on it, dead wood flying in all directions. I was surprised at the ferocity of this graceful being, as it walked back to me, handing back the spear. 'Your turn.'

We went over the drill until I couldn't hold the spear up anymore, at which point it was deemed enough, and I gratefully crashed down on a patch of grass. I started a fire and offered a place by it, welcoming Zo to join me, promising to cook something delicious - but as I looked into the twilight, It was off in the distance, standing motionless, an alien silhouette on the landscape. Then all that it said was, 'There are others,' and with that strode off.

A curious thing I saw when it left, and I couldn't be sure because of the dimming light, but I swore as I watched the creature walk away, that it was enveloped by the air itself, disappearing before my very eyes.