Sandabury Academy

Awakened

**Valerie's POV**

A solid two hours goes by of Terry and I resting together on the cot when the flap of the tent opens. Expecting to see Jaheara holding our food, we are instead greeted with Raquel's scowl.

"Were you just going to stay in here all day? Come along, we have much to discuss."

She abruptly turns back around and walks out of the tent, leaving Terry and I looking at each other with worried expressions. Jaheara should have been back by now.

A few minutes later, Terry and I stroll into Raquel's hut all cleaned up and ready to get down to business. Raquel is sitting on the floor in a meditative state with her legs crossed and eyes closed on the other side of the fire pit. But before either of us step one foot onto the lush carpet, her voice slices through the silent room.

"Shoes off!"

We immediately comply and sit down across from her on the opposite side of the fire pit. Raquel speaks first.

"Why have you come to me if you do not know what you truly are?"

Obviously this question is directed towards me. I look over at Terry to see his reaction and slight understanding overcomes his features as he realizes she is referring to the "awakened" thing. I look back at Raquel to see her now piercing eyes open and aimed at me.

"First things first, we were told that you might know how to help my friend. She's a-"

"Fire elemental. Yes I am aware. How long ago was she summoned?"

"About three years ago and we don't know who did it or how she's been able to stay here for this long. The only clue we have is a piece of paper with strange writing on it that was left after the portal had closed."

"Show me."

"It's with our supplies. Jaheara went with that guy from earlier to go get them. They should be back any time now."

Raquel grows silent for a few moments as she undoubtedly debates on whether or not she will help us. A solid five minutes goes by and I can hear Terry shifting impatiently before Raquel suddenly leans forward over the fire pit.

"Tell me everything."

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**Jaheara's POV**

I would have been so screwed if I had tried walking through the forest without a guide. I gotta give Val and Terry more credit for always knowing where to go. Only problem is I'm used to the constant remarks from Terry to liven the trekking, but the hooded guy has remained silent the whole time. I decide to try and change that.

"So what's your name?"

He acts like he doesn't hear me and continues walking without breaking stride.

"You know it wouldn't hurt you to use those vocal cords right? I bet you have a nice voice... unless you're mute. Oh my god are mute? I am so sorry if you are! I didn't mean to-."

"I am not mute. My name is Logan. Now please be quiet. We don't need to alert anything of our presence."

I let out a soft giggle and that makes him turn towards me in bewilderment.

"Got ya to talk, he he he!"

He sighs in response.  Shortly thereafter we reach a small clearing.

"Finally!" I breathe as a jog over to our abandoned campsite from the night before.

I notice all of our stuff is still here as I ruffle through our bag to make sure nothing was stolen. I sling the bag over my shoulder since it isn't super heavy and head back over to a waiting Logan.