Chapter 2: Stepping Away

  The ascension ceremony came to a close. Many people were left confused and couldn’t understand what had happened. Ren stood in silence, trying to get a hold of herself.

  The neckce now hung heavy and vibrant around her neck. “Elder Valerian, what is going on? How can I be the chosen one?” Asked Ren worriedly. The elder patted her head and gently responded “Do not worry little Ren, we will figure everything out in due time.” Elder Valerian finished addressing the people, thanked them and encouraged everyone to partake in the feast and rejoice in the deities' blessing.

  “Come little Ren we have much to discuss.” Elder Valerian, nodded to another elderly man as if to signal him to take over and finish the festivities. Ren and Elder Valerian quietly stepped away, heading toward the northernmost part of the vilge.

  The moon still hung high and full, its color now white and opaque. Ren seemed worried and a bit frightened, not sure where the elder was taking her; many thoughts raced through her mind. She lightly brushed her fingers over the pendant to her surprise it was warm to her touch. It seemed to help calm her nerves; it was as if the pendant was resonating with her feelings.

  The elder noticed her grasping at the pendant and curiously asked “Do you feel it?” “Feel what?” Ren replied. “Do you feel it’s power?” Said the elder. “Power? I don’t know. It is warm to my touch and its presence is comforting. It has settled my nerves as you still have not told me where you are taking me and we are alone.” Elder valerian let out a little chuckle and said “Oh yes, I’m sorry dear, you’re right. Do not worry, no harm will come to you. We are going to my home to have privacy away from prying eyes and ears. There’s much we must discuss.”

  Ren, still holding the pendant, nodded and continued to follow her elder as they walked; it was almost like the moon lit the way. Ren had never been to the northern part of the vilge, it was off-limits to regur residence and non-Ascension candidates.

  Wisps blinked in and out of the darkness, water could be heard bubbling and flowing. Its echoes verberated against stone and wood. It’s very beautiful she thought, though the darkness surrounded her she could still see vibrant outlines and shadows that mirrored off the wisps and moonlight.

  Coming to what seemed to be the edge of the forest and an end to the moonlit trail stood a tall willow surrounded by mounds of moss, jade vine and ghost orchids. “Yes! Here we are.” said Elder Valerian. Ren blinked a few times wondering where exactly here was. Could this be his home? A willow? But how could it be? Perhaps it’s an enchantment. She thought.

  Elder Valerian pressed his hands together and softly spoke “ Obsecro Aperire.” (Please open) The willow let out a low rumble, parting its front trunk and roots creating a simple opening.”Let us go in, come along now.” Said the elder. Ren stood in awe, never seeing such an enchantment in person. She shook off the magical encounter and followed behind Elder Varian.

  To Ren's surprise upon entering, it was a cozy, expansive dwelling: a rge firepce crackled with warmth, a wood and stone table nestled beside the firepce was set with cups, and a kettle ruins glowed and shifted upon the walls. A picture of the purple green moon hung above the firepce as a winged dragon perched itself a top of it flying, and encircling the moon then returning to its original starting point.

  Ren though not a stranger to magic only ever using basic craft and chore magic enchanted paintings were a rare site usually only kept by the wealthy or those that chose the historians path. So many ruins, glowing and shifting tomes nestled tightly upon oak shelves excitedly, letting her eyes wander at all the magical curiosities. She wanted to take it all in sit, read and study. She wished too herself that someday she too could have such an expansive collection.

  “Yes, yes there’s much to see!” excimed elder Valerian. “Come sit and let us ponder.” Ren let out a sigh of relief, smiled at Elder Valerian, and joined him at the table. She chose the seat facing the firepce so she could take it all in and to watch the painting as it brought her joy and pleasure to watch. Elder Valerian waved his pointer finger in a back and forth motion as the kettle floated and the tea poured into their cups. “Thank you.” said Ren. “You're welcome. Now, down to business!” snickered the elder.