The Sleepwalker (english ver.)

The Brave

JiU was standing in the middle of a small circle made of salt, helping Gahyeon to practice some easy spells that could enhance the girl's hability to communicate with other living beings. At first she was able to communicate with animals and even some trees, especially those creatures for which she had some affection like her raven. The leader explained to her that, with patience and dedication, Gahyeon could become powerful enough to communicate with the entire eastern forest through her network of roots and small beings that inhabited that soil.

The young woman was excited and paid close attention to every detail. While the two of them were busy, Yoohyeon arrived from a brief walk to the village.

- I bring some news, JiU. I think you'll like what I just found.

The girls sat down to pay attention to what Yoohyeon had to say.

- I spoke with two families in the village and both knew the man that SuA found at the bottom of the river. Apparently the cause of death had nothing to do with Siyeon... - she smiled, looking kind of embarrassed as she kept going - As we expected, of course. And they have no suspicion of our Clan. At least no one mentioned anything about witchcraft or strange things happening - she made a funny face and moved her fingers as if casting magic in a very exaggerated and cartoonish way, which made Gahyeon laugh. But JiU soon questioned:

- Wait, did you just show up and talk to them randomly? Didn't you think it would be strange to have an outsider asking that kind of question?

- Of course I didn't talk to them like that, with my bare face...They thought they were talking to an uninformed fisherman. I tried really hard to look like that random guy I saw passing by as soon as I arrived there.

Yoohyeon also had a very useful talent. She had great facility with so-called mirror spells, which allowed her to manipulate the way her image was projected in the mind of a person who saw her. In other words, she could pretend to be anyone else in the eyes of others. At first, when she started practicing the mirror, Yooheyon could only reproduce the features of emotionally close people, whom she knew well. But with the help of JiU and Dami she was improving to the point where she was able to copy any face she saw and even change some features as she wished. Once she could fully master this trick, according to Dami, she would be able to create an entirely new face or even an image of a mythical being—such as a fairy, a centaur, or a mermaid—and project herself in this way.

- Well, I feel better to know we're still safe here - said JiU - and I'm happy that you're improving the mirror spell! - she smiled in a proud motherly way.

They all talked for a few minutes until Ravena showed up flying through the trees and landed on the younger girl's shoulder. The bird had a small, tightly rolled-up strip of paper in its beak.

- A message from Siyeon! - Gahyeon was immediately happy while opening the paper. - She's fine and, apparently, she wants to speak to JiU in person.

The leader blushed.

- Let me read it, Gahyeon, please. - she asked sweetly.

Dear friends,

I'm safe so you don't need to worry. I've been living in a hidden cave not very far from you, but I don't intend to reveal the location. I've put an anti-tracking spell around the cave so you won't be able to find me.

It's only been three days since I left the Clan and I already miss everyone as if I went away years ago... But believe me, the best for you is to stay away from me, at least for now.

JiU, now I turn to you: we need to talk in person and alone. Please meet me today at the lakeshore near the daisy garden. I'll be there once the sun sets.