Our second world- book one: Past beginnings

Chapter 7

I waited for my eyes to adjust to the sudden difference in light before reaching up to check my ears. Sure enough, they were long and pointed like the last time.

I guess in this world I'm an elf or something. At least, I think that's what Clareya called them.

When I looked down, I realized I had forgotten to change from the robe I had worn for lessons, and I hadn't put any shoes on either.

Great, so now I'm barefoot and stuck wearing something way too big for me. I'm off to an amazing start.

With a sigh, I grabbed the bottom of the black robe and tied it up around my waist to stop it from dragging on the ground. After making sure the knot wouldn't come undone, I hopped down the front steps of the shrine and onto the soft grass. The green blades were still damp with morning dew, and stuck to my feet, but I didn't really mind. It actually felt kind of nice.

Surprisingly, I didn't have a hard time finding my way out to the road that led to Emirs' village, and I made it out of the forest within a half-hour. It probably would've been faster if I wasn't walking really slowly so I wouldn't trip and hurt my bare feet on a rock or something, but whatever.

When I got to the village, it looked so much different than last time. There were loads of people on the streets; children chasing each other and women gossiping. The heads of several people turned when I walked by, but I tried to ignore the weird stares I was getting as I made my way to where I remembered Clareyas' house to be.

I found the woman in question outside in the small garden patch at the front of the house when I arrived. Her face and hands were caked in dirt that darkened her already brown skin. When she saw me, Clareya jumped up and ran over, wrapping me in a strong hug while being careful not to get dirt on my clothes.

"Mmm, It's so good to see you again, Grace!" She beamed.

"It hasn't been that long, has it?" I laughed in reply.

"I suppose you're right," Clareya paused, holding me at arms' length as she studied my clothes with a frown." What are you wearing? That is much too big for you."

"It's not mine," I explained." I borrowed it from someone else."

"I may have something you can wear," Clareya said, pushing me inside." Emir is out right now, but he should be home before sundown. I'll start dinner when he gets back."

"Oh, no, you don't have to feed me. I actually only came by to ask if there's any place nearby that I can stay," I insisted." It doesn't have to be here in the village, it's alright if it's only nearby."

"Well...I guess we have been looking for a new shrine maiden," Clareya replied thoughtfully." You know, for that old shrine in the forest. It's a shame it doesn't get as much love as it used to, but that's a long story for another day. In any case, it's yours if you'd like the position, and I'm sure the shrine spirit will be happy to have you!"

"Would that really be alright?"

"Of course! But, for tonight, you stay with us."

"...If you insist," I reluctantly agreed.

When Emir returned later that day, he seemed as happy as Clareya was to see me, though thankfully he didn't smother me in a hug. I'm pretty sure he'd crush me easily.

The three of us caught up over dinner, and I slept in their spare room again that night. In the morning, Clareya lent me one of her old dresses. It was almost perfectly my size, and the simple style was comfortable, though the blue fabric was faded in color.

The sun had barely begun to rise, yet Clareya insisted on taking me to the shrine right away. It was hard to say no to her enthusiasm, and I agreed, though reluctantly. I could already tell I'd be losing a lot of sleep because of her.