The Fire Element

Chapter One - The First Meeting

It was a misty day in the mountains of Villamonet.  The chief's brother and his son stepped out of their homes to trade. Everything was planned as usual. The goods were packed and ready for mounting onto horse back the previous night. The Ten of the best horsemen were picked to accompany the entourage. There were a few who would be carrying other things aswell like, food, beds to stay, tents, weapons and more. Krei was riding with his father on a horse to the village in the foot hills. He was very excited as this was his first visit. He was born and raised in the mountains just like every other Agni. The Agni's were a peaceful clan who kept to themselves. They never mingled with people of the other tribes. They would come down once in a few months and meet the chieftains to trade their things. They never interacted with the villagers in the foothills nor did they leave their lands. They never caused any problems either. There have been many stories about their ancestors but no one knew about the present Agnees these days except the chief of the village in the foothills where they were headed. There have been stories about the friendship between the two tribes that date back more the 150 years. But now, they were no more then a legend to many who live away from this forest.

The chieftain of the Jalum Clan had warned his people never to disturb the Agnees. The Jals had great respect for their leader.  So they obeyed him and kept their distance from the Agnees whenever they visited. Little Cira was the Jal chieftains daughter. She was a bundle of joy to her parents. She was born after 8 years of their marriage. She was a only child and she loved to play as kids her age. Since she was the chieftain's daughter, no one ever minded her presence. And she had the whole clan in her little finger. People would jump to please her. But, she was a kind soul who never took advantage of the privileges she was offered.

One morning the Agnees had sent word that they were visiting. Everyone was told to stay away and continue their duties. Little Cira didn't know about it. The Agnees came on horse back, about 12 of them. There was a little boy of 5 who was also among them. He was beautiful and striking to Cira. He had the most bluest eyes and long blond hair. It was tied back with a thin leather rope just like hers. The boy was looking around their village as if he had never seen such a place before.

There was an older man along with the boy. He was tall and thin with quite strength. He spoke something in the boys ears who nodded in return. The man smiled and lifted the boy down from the saddle. They turned towards her house and walked in. At that , moment she noticed that they looked similar like father and son. Cira, ran towards the back and entered her home from the kitchen. As she was running towards the main room her mother grabbed her from behind and carried her over to the work table.  She made Cira sit and told her that there were people visiting her father. Cira was not allowed to go inside till the visitors left.

Her mother was a very beautiful woman. She was always kind to everyone and told her many wonderful stories of people who had magical powers. She gave Cira some broth and herb bread stuffed with some delicious cheese. Cira soon forgot all about the visitors when she started to eat. She didn't realise how tired she was till she sat down. Her mother picked her up soon after the Meal and carried her to her room. She was cleaned, dressed and put to bed. She kissed her mother and fell asleep immediately.

That night, Cira had a very strange dream. She dreamt of a land filled with mist around her. The grass under her feet was more lush then what she was used to. She had lived here earlier. The houses in the hills below looked familiar.  There were people moving around the houses. They looked more like shadows because of the heavy mist. The sun was hidden behind the cloud casting a diffused lighting all around her. A flock of birds suddenly went flapping above her. There was a slight breeze ruffling her skirts. She turned around slowely to her left and saw that the mountain had a deep drop there about 10 paces away. She recognised this as her home. The wind slowely picked up its speed but, still not strong enough to be uncomfortable. She heard a voice calling her. Some was telling her that her mother has arrived. She turns back to her right towards d hills where the ppl dwelled. As she tries to take a step the winds get strong and she gets pushed backwards. She uses all her might to move forward. She squeezes her eyes, bends forward and tries to take a step. But she couldn't move. And suddenly she is shaken up. She wakes up to see a boy next to her bed. It's the same boys he saw earlier that day.

He says that he heard her muffled crying and came to help her. He was sleeping in the next room. He asks her if she is doing ok. "Yes, tnk u". She whispers softly and looks towards the small water pitcher on her bedside table.  The boy notices it and brings it her. "Would u like some water? " he asks her in a strange accent. "Yes, pls. Thank you!" He pours her a glass of water and watches her drink it. Once she is done, he keeps d glass away and smiles at her. She smiles back at him and it lights up her eyes. Her beautiful hair falls forward. He smiles at her and wishes her gud nyt before leaving the room with a smile fixed on his face. Cira goes back to sleep afterwards with a smile on her lips.