The Dragons' Crystal

Chapter Two

I had always wondered what it would be like to leave home; to leave my mother. I stood at the gate, looking through the window staring at her teary face. I knew she hadn't wanted me to leave, but what other choice did I have? Leaving was the best chance I had for this life. 

I had put on my boots, along with several thicker layers of clothing underneath a winter cloak. Mother had given me a pair of gloves with a hat, ones that had been made by her mother when she was my age. I had insisted for her to keep them, but she had told me she wanted me to remember her. It was a sweet gesture that almost made me want to stay home. I had remained strong and pressed on. 

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to look away from the only person who had ever loved me. I needed her to be taken care of; I needed to be taken care of. Unfortunately, the world was such a disaster that we couldn't be taken care of together. I wondered if one day, things would be different and I could return to her. Letting that thought comfort me, I walked through the gate, keeping my eyes aimed at the looming forest in the far off distance. 

Snow gingerly fell from the sky, twirling and dancing around right before it would land on the ground, or elsewhere. I focused on the beauty of it rather than the cold, knowing my time was limited to find a new home while winter continued on. 

I adjusted the packs on my back, tying the knot tighter in the front. It was heavy, but it was essential. Inside, I had packed food, water, extra clothes, several thick blankets, my favorite two books, and any other keepsakes I wanted to travel with me; things I didn't want to know a time without. In time, I'd get used to the weight. By the time I'd find my new home, I'd be thankful I had brought it all. 

I did my best to not focus on the buildings I passed as I left the village. Each one had a memory tied to it, though they weren't all good. Most of them weren't good, actually, but it was still a memory. I had spent my whole life in this village of hatred. I was leaving the only safe place I knew of; the only place I had ever been. Deep down, I was afraid. I was worried what would happen if I got lost, or if I never found another village. I swallowed. In this weather, I'd freeze before anything else.

But then, what if the place after death was my new home? What if that was what I was searching for?

I spared a glance to the sky, shivers going down my spine. It was a scary thought, but a thought nonetheless. I was at the hands of fate, letting them lead me in any direction they thought was best. 

By the time I reached the forest line outside the village, the darkness was at its prime. I could hardly see what was in front of me. I walked some ways through the trees and brush by simply holding my hand out and finding the way like that. When I finally found myself in an open space, what I assumed was a clearing, I decided to stop for the night. I was far enough out that no one from the village would find me. If a villager found me, they would assume I was escaping to cast some spell upon them, or that I was going to cast a plague; something like that. That's why I wanted to leave at night, that way no one would ever know. After the first day, none of them except my mother would care that I was gone. None of them would even remember me.

I dropped my packs onto the ground after doing my best to clear a spot free of snow, though I couldn't see how successful I was. I felt around for my blankets, pulling them all out. I laid two down directly on the ground to attempt at keeping the cold from rising, then kept the third for pulling across me. 

I pulled my hat further down, letting it barely touch my eyes. I needed to stay as warm as possible. Lying there in the snow caused me to begin shivering. I'd be cold no matter what. I cursed myself for not bringing wood for fire, but it was too late for that. I'd have to find another way in the morning; if I even lived that long. 

I pulled the top blanket tighter around me, staring at the skyline. It was beautiful to me. The trees framed a perfect part of the pitch black sky. Few stars were showing tonight, twinkling and dazzling as they had my full attention. Clouds that I couldn't see continued to sprinkle down snow. It glittered as it fell towards me, spinning and twirling again as if it were dancing only for me.

My dream came to mind again.

Those violet eyes of the dragon man appeared in my head. I had never seen anyone with eyes like mine before. Surely, that alone was proof enough. His hair was black, just like mine. Not only that, but his voice had sounded familiar. 

I smiled to myself.

When I was little, I had always pretended to have my father around. When I was alone, I'd talk quietly to myself and pretend he was there beside me talking with me. I hadn't ever imagined a face, but just a man; any man. It had been enough for me.

Now, here I was, on a journey to find my father. 

It wouldn't be all happy, though. I needed to find out why he abandoned mother and I like he did and why mother felt the need to lie about laying with him. It didn't matter what she told the villagers, but she had always told me that I didn't have a father. What reason did she have to lie to me? I didn't talk to anyone, thus ensuring her secret never left our household.

Once all the touch topics were out of the way, perhaps father and I could live as a family again. I wondered if he would return to Erstonia and rescue mother. We could all be together again, all because I set out on a long, cold, and terrifying journey on my own. I had the potential to bring my mother's happiness back. 

I watched the snow disappear into darkness as it passed the top of the trees. At that point, I could only feel them landing delicately upon my cheek. 

As I shut my eyes for the night, I slept peacefully knowing that if I succeeded with my journey, I would have that complete family I had always longed and dreamed for. I had wished upon every star growing up for this moment and now, I was closer than I had ever been before. 

This was going to change everything.