The Lost Tale

Another New World

We've been walking for hours- the steps steep and laboring as we rise into the sky. I peak over the edge of the railing that has been attached to the root we climb- below us are tree tops scattered as far as my eyes can see. Nilyha's warning sits in my stomach like a rock as Ove and Eluf walk one in front of the other ahead of me; I wonder if I should tell them about the ritual we did.

I mull it over in my mind, focusing on the surging buzz along my skin that serves as a reminder to myself of my power. Eluf would be upset- he already distrusts me... adding abilities to the image he sees of me as a monster might break him. Ove on the other hand would be understanding- I think. I can feel the crease in my forehead as my temples press together; I'll keep it to myself... at least for now.

As if he can hear my thoughts, Ove peaks over his shoulder from a few feet ahead. I return his gaze with a soft smile and he turns forward once again. The pathway is too narrow still for us to walk alongside each other- this pathway feels odd- I note to myself a cold shift in the atmosphere as we reach the clouds. My lungs feel heavy as we curve around the higher spindles of the wood. It's incredible how the tree stands- how it's roots draw from the worlds; my eyes peer out along the skyline at them.

Far above us spheres are held by branches in the upper part of the tree; they hang like bells in the sky. My eyes turn again to focus on the world this path brings us to, the cool blue surface glitters brightly- the beauty of it is incredible. The path ahead begins to loop and twist tightly as it grows nearer to the orb, with each deep curl we can see more of the land below.

Shining buildings glint in with piercing light, the landscape surrounding them deep emeralds that fade into pale jade. Heat reflects from the surface; the sun's warmth bouncing from the world and sweat beads at my skin as the end of the roots come into sight. The wood nearly meets the sphere, narrowing to a slender tip where a thick rope extends downwards into its atmosphere- a green man stands beside the rope with a sneer.

We reach the end of the wooden path- the thick wire descending into the realm sends shivers down my spine. How do we get down from here? "You'll pay the fine for travel." The gruff voice sounds out of place up here, the silence before it gone now. The green man extends his hands expectantly- clicking his tongue against the back of his teeth.

I look across the sky- the empty blue spans leagues around us as the wind blows harshly against my cheeks. I look into my bag, the coin I have left pays for our access to the wire- and in little time we are given metal bars that fit over the wire. I sit on the edge of the root, arms outstretched to each side of the metal. My heart beats so hard in my chest that my fingers shake. Ove and Eluf spare each other a terrified glance- and before I can talk myself out of it I push myself from the comfort of the wood; my weight flinging down the line. The metals of the wire above me screeches against the metal bar, the wind whips my hair behind me and I can't tell if the guys have begun their descent.

The glide feels like forever, the force of the air knocks me around and when my feet hit the ground my stomach turns around itself- twisting and molding uncomfortably as I take a few steps. The ground beneath me is softer than I expected; the blues and greens of the blades fluff around my boots. I hear Ove grunt as he hits the ground- each of us still silent as Eluf follows. It takes a few moments for our stomachs to calm before we really take it in.

We stand in a valley, the ground spreads around us lazily- leading off into the distance where translucent pillar shaped buildings shoot into the sky. I take out my charm, the cold chain pulls in small circles until it settles in a direction; without another thought I make my way. This world is magnificent- the landscape around us becomes dotted with trees, though they are unlike trees at home. The trees here look to be made out of the same materials as the buildings in the distance- glinting with light as the sun shifts downward.

With still a few more hours of sunlight we walk freely- I feel myself missing the comfort of Lankin's Inn. The grandeur of this place makes me uncomfortable- as if even the lightest touch would scar it's perfection; everything looks so elegantly fragile.

Ove falls into step with me and I smile at him as he clears his throat. "Never seen anything like this before..." his sentence falls short, sounding as if he stopped himself from adding something on the end. I bite my lip softly; a piece of hair falls in front of my face- curling from the whirlwind earlier. "Who do you think built these things?" His fingertips brush against the base of a tree we pass and I mimic him, the bark of these trees seems cold to the touch- nothing like the warm hum of an oak sapling.

The moon crests above the horizon as the sun sinks, the pale grey glow makes the landscape sparkle in the most subtle of ways- starlight dances across the smooth surfaces. "I'm not sure, but I have a feeling that we will find out." He nods, and we begin to set up camp as the light begins to fade from the sky- a comfortable silence falls between us as we all settle around the flame I've lit. The flickering light glows with a soft blue hue- contrasting the ground starkly as I sit against the soft grass.

My body feels heavy- the muscles in my legs are stiff as I lay against the floor; my eyes fluttering close with sleep. I dream flight, I see myself like I did before- long outstretched wings flutter and lift me higher into the sky and my smile widens as my eyes glow eerily to those below. I surge with a heavy pulse- unlike my heartbeat; coming from deeper within my core.

The woman I am here- she hangs in the air with a smile that seems genuine and warm, sparks of energy at her fingertips dance like small jolts of lightning as the sky darkens calmly. I watch her in awe as she soars above a village; and as I look closer I recognize it to be my home- the village my mother raised me in before it was torn apart.

I scan the houses each of them just as I remember as I study the path to the crop fields. I spent years in this place; I learned so much here. The earth seems to grumble in response as I move my eyes back to the dream version of me- her hair is far longer than mine and it cascades wildly amidst her being as she lowers herself in the air.

The surging power between her fingertips has now grown into a mass with dark depth that lets out a melodic ringing; my head feels light as she settles her toes to the floor. She glides along the ground; she stops at doorways and windows to peer inside, a sad sigh falling from her lips as her smile falters.

I follow her gaze into a warmly lit window- my mother Tyra stands over the small table with broad shoulders. Her brown hair falls against her freckled cheeks as she seems to look up at me- though her murky eyes focus straight past me. Someone opens the door- a stout but strong man enters the room with her; his presence is overwhelming in a sense.

"For the eye of Odin." Her voice trembles and I can't pull my eyes from her face as she takes a knee; "What is it that I've done for you to come here?"