Guardian of Elements

Chapter 39 - Into the unknown

"How...?" was the only thing Arneia was able to say, when a sizable boulder that Kate was holding in midair fell back on the ground.

"It's just... who I am. You can make amazing crafts and play your flute, things that I'd never be able to do. And just like that, I can do this," she smiled and conjured a small orb of water from air and let it float in front of the girl.

"Wow... I'd never think I'd see this. But what does that mean, that you are a Guardian? What do you guard?" she asked without letting her sight off the ball of water.

"My home," Kate answered. "A forest, far to the west. But being a Guardian means much more, but you probably wouldn't understand that."

Arneia suddenly burst into laugh.

"A talking blue cat that can do magic is teaching me what I would and wouldn't understand. I've seen everything."

"No, you've seen nothing of the outside world," the Guardian of Minds, who was keeping her distance during Kate's talk with Arneia, came forth.

"Yes, I know," she replied when she calmed down.

"And now it's time to fix that. Come, we will show you your former home."

"So, you've approved her idea? Heavens, can this day turn any better?" Her face was overflowing with happiness.

"No, I'm certain it won't get better." That wasn't a cheerful voice. Eriana was obviously worried.

"Go get what you want to take with you," Kate advised. "I hope that we'll be back before sunfall, but one can't be sure."

"I'll be right back!" She ran into the den.

"I know I'm going to regret this," said Eriana with a grim face.

"Come on, it will be fine," Kate tried to reassure her.

"You don't know what's out there. Humans as cold as night, wandering around aimlessly. They may not be hostile, but they still bear the corruption. Even though they won't try to harm us thanks to their Marks, they're still a threat for Arneia. And I don't know what might happen in the village."

"Well, we'll have to find out," Kate winked at the incoming girl.

"Find out what?" she asked.

"What's waiting for us out there. All right, lead the way Eriana."

The three left the clearing. Kate and Arneia were chatting most of the time. Arneia was curious about Kate's home, while she was eager to learn about humans, what they could do and what they might be like. Arneia wasn't able to answer most of her questions, partially because her attention was constantly being divided by things new to her, but mostly because she remembered only faint images of her life before Eriana.

The Guardian of Minds was silent. She was searching for human minds around them, but so far, there were none close enough to be a concern. But more troubling for her was what might happen when they would reach the village. She was checking on it often, but always from a good distance. She had no intention to make contact with them.

"Wait," Arneia suddenly stopped.

"What?" Kate was surprised.

"I... I think I forgot something back home." She seemed to be very confused.

"What could have you forgotten? You don't have many belongings from what I've seen."

"I... I don't know. I need to check. Wait for me here, I'll return in a minute."