Asriyah swam through the tall seaweeds. They had left Joules alone in Artemisia's house once they'd decided their mission begins now. Before they left, Artermisia had shrunk before Asriyah 's eyes and perched herself on her shoulder, ready for the journey they were about to take. And now, they really were in the middle of nowhere, out to seek Asriyah's twin flame and the one who held all the answers, Esmerelda. "Do you know of any place that we could eat at? I'm starting to wish I had eaten your coral biscuits." Asriyah's stomach rumbled loudly.
"Islia i'n't far now. There're loads of cafe's we can sit 'n' have a good drink at. Hopefully Esmerelda's still hung around."
There was awkward silence, and to fill that Asriyah decided to ask more questions to Artemisia. "So...how do you know I was hearing voices in my head?"
"Well i'n't it obvious deary? Your soulmate is always the voices you 'ear in your head." Artemisia had curled herself on Asriyah's bony shoulder.
"Well shouldnt that apply to everyone? Everyone is meant to be with someone. Everyone's supposed to fall in love at some point. But not everyone hears voices in their heads."
"Being in love is completely differen' from findin' your soulmate."
"What's the difference?" She asked her.
"Between the love of your life and your soulmate? One is a choice and one is not."
To Asriyah, it didn't make much sense, but at the same time it sort of did. The more Asriyah thought about it, the more it became clearer to her. This isn't someone she wanted to be with for lust or love, this is someone she is meant to be with, someone she is made for, because they are the same soul...practically the same person. Maybe they'd connect when they meet. And even fall in love. Asriyah was now more than desperate to seek out her second half. She wanted to see the person she was communicating to all this time. The person who she had no idea would complete her.
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Islia was a small town. It's buildings were rustic and rundown unlike Erres with it's extravagant towers and tall buildings. And it was deserted. The small, square buildings with it's broken windows and unhinged doors were dark and empty inside. The whole place was a dump really. "What happened here?" Asriyah murmured quietly.
"Let's hope Esmerelda's 'ere" she whispered. "She'll know. And then our minds'll be at peace."
They swam through the town until they reached the very edge of it on the other side. There, standing alone, was a small square building with a flat roof. It was very rusty and looked like it would collapse any second, just like Artemisia's home. Did anyone live in decent houses here? "Well I guess we're not having food afterall." She looked at Artemisia. "This place is completely destroyed. Who could've done this?"
Artemisa just stayed quiet. Asriyah had a feeling that Artemisa knew what happened. She was just too afraid to say it. To admit it. They waited outside the wreck of a building before Asriyah plucked up the courage to knock somewhat loudly. She was expecting some giant, terrifying mythical creature to jump out and rip her to pieces any second. Instead, what greeted her surprised her. A woman, a humanaid, stood before her. And she looked exactly like her mother. Same turned up nose, same beauty spot on her upper lip, same rounded eyes. Her eyes were a deep green and her skin was tanned. Her jet black hair was tied into a high pony tail and she wore a headband. Her white shirt was extremely baggy and she wore aztec patterned loose trousers. Just looking at her made Asriyah homesick. Sure Yramir was a humaid too, but this woman looked identical to her mother. Aside from the clothing choice of course.
