A warmth spread across my face as the light came through my eyelids. A cool breeze swept down across the village as the streets were lively with people going on about their business. Food carts, clothing merchants, spice traders, and even traveling pedlars populated the streets with loud efforts to sell products. 

Beside me, a tall girl lay asleep with her hands under her stomach. Her face planted straight onto the floor with one foot raised straight upwards. Zeraf is not a classy sleeper, although this is one of her cuter sides.

I nearly succumbed to the temptation of not waking her up and forcing her to stress from the hurry. But, it would affect me later while we are traveling together.

(‘’Psst! Wake up Zeraf!’’) She murmured under her breath, I swear she said give me 5 minutes. A grin spread across my face as I chuckled to myself. 

(‘’Come on Zeraf, we have to pack everything-’’) A fist swung for my face followed by the elevated foot crashing down, nearly concussing me. She is just as big of a threat in her sleep! 

Fine! Whatever, she can just pack her things in a hurry then. I am not risking my life for that again. I supported myself with my knee as my bones creaked in retaliation. Every step forward felt like I was battling some sort of creature with a slowing attribute.

I grabbed the large rucksack in the corner of the room and started stuffing all the necessities. T-shirts, flannel, spare boots, trench coat, soap, tome, some pants, and a pouch of gold coins. It was packed to the seams and I don’t think anything else would fit in. 

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 

After a quick change of clothes, I swung the bag over my shoulders and headed for the double door. The floorboards creaked every other step and the stairs were simply unbearable. I would’ve changed forms to avoid the creaks but that would be a waste of frin. 

Down the stairs, the whole house was in a frenzy as maids ran around carrying various things ranging from clothes baskets to dishes. Even the chief’s wife was running along helping where she could. Though the chief was nowhere to be found. At least…that’s what I thought.

As I walked into the lounge he was sitting there digging his claws into a magical tome. That was the first volume of darkness incarnate. It was my favourite series growing up. It housed nothing more than a few beginner spells which made me more confused as to why he was interested in such a rookie book.

(‘’Good morning chief! You seem to be enjoying your time.’’) I made sure to convey my feelings exactly. He peaked his snout from behind the book and stared at me.

(‘’I see the clothes my wife picked for you fit well. You look like a rogue assassin. Haha!’’) He is as clueless as ever I see. Though I will take his compliment, and I do agree. When I looked into the mirror all that stared back was a handsome man. Hehe

My satisfaction didn’t last long as a person flew down the stairs. (‘’Abby! Why didn’t you wake me up!!’’) Her was face slightly flushed and her breaths were slightly ragged. She didn’t seem angry or upset which is always a good sign.

(‘’Well ZERAF! If you must know why then I will indulge you. I feared for my life as I fought a grueling battle against you by trying to wake you up. Did you train for combat during your sleep too?’’) I snickered at my last sentence there as I backed up behind the chief. He eyed me as I gripped his shoulders and pushed him forwards toward Zeraf. 

Sacrificing him now will allow me to leave the town in one piece. What followed after was a laugh followed by a smile forming on Zeraf’s face. (‘’That’s a good one Abby!’’) Her smile was charming and her laugh was contagious as both of us joined her in the laughs.

Together we walked into the dining room where a table full of food waited for us. The chief’s wife was already seated and patiently waiting for the three of us. Her smile warmed my body on this cold day.

I grabbed my seat beside Zeraf as the chief sat beside his wife. Various fruits were pilled into a basket in the centre of the table along with bowls of berries. In front of all of us was a glass of orange juice and steaming slices of bread. We all took our turns spreading butter on our toast. 

Aside from the bread, there were also various cuts of meat that could be stacked between the two slices. Personally, I chose to go for ham along with a slice of cheese, lettuce, and thick juicy beefsteak tomato.

Everyone else went for different combinations but this one worked for me best. And with a single bite, all the flavours put yet another large smile on my face as I wolfed down the rest. I chugged the glass of orange juice and grabbed some of the fruits to snack on.

 The rest took their time to savour every bite which I wish I had also done. Watching them enjoy food without me feels really lonely. I must pace myself going forward when it comes to meals. 

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

I grabbed my rucksack from the red cushioned couch and stood by the door as the Chief, Zeraf and his wife had one last loving moment. Though I felt something empty inside. Like a void darker than the night was consuming me from the inside out. 

(‘’It's time to go you two! You don't want to miss the competition and come home empty-handed.’’) His thick manly voice shook me out of my haze. Zeraf now stood directly opposite of me, checking through her bag one more time.

We both reached for the door handles and pulled back. (‘’’’ GOOD LUCK YOU TWO’’’’) The whole town cheered and applaud as we stepped onto the small stone terrace. Even the elderly were among the crowd who seemed as lively as the kids running around. 

Zeraf instantly ran forward to hug everyone she could get her hands on. Her friendliness sometimes makes me forget how terrifying she can get. She was beloved by everyone she met in this town, even some boys and girls our age had asked her out. It ended fruitlessly of course but it was worth the try. I wonder if she even has a person she likes. 

(‘’And now for the special event!’’) Spheres of darkness flew up and shattered into thousands of small lights. I see. He learned a party trick from that book. I guess the whole family has their own charm. Each one of them brought a smile to my face in their own way.

Though the wind was cold everyone’s presence made the air slightly warmer than usual. A bead of sweat rolled down my face as I waved to all the people in the crowd. Soon enough even Zeraf managed to embrace everybody. 

(‘’You two better be dating by the time you get back!’’) A young woman, in her mid-twenties, screamed the most mortifying thing in the world. The whole crowd nodded their heads in agreement. I couldn’t help myself but blush when put in such a spot. I averted my eyes from the crowd and placed them onto Zeraf who did the same. 

A group of kids ran up to us and gave us one last big hug before we had to leave. These are the kids that I play most of my tricks on. I am really touched that they would still hold compassion for me even after all this time. (‘’Big sis Zeraf. You better kick his butt if he tries anything funny!’’) Huh…Maybe I spoke too soon. 

They stepped off of the terrace and ran back into the large crowd. A path emerged between the people, leaving us enough room to walk through. And with that, we marched through as the corridor of people followed us through the town.

Some people occasionally stepped onto the path to say their final goodbyes and wish us luck. Some even gave us some treats for the road. I will make sure to pack them somewhere Zeraf can’t find them. They are for my tummy alone. 

…

And there it was. The large wooden gate towered the whole populace here. It bared its wooden fangs high up in the air, held up by ropes. 

Beyond the gate was where our adventure was. Not only traveling half of the world but the Kings Game too. Hidden by the forest surrounding us was a vast swamp land where our first challenge will be. 

We turned back to face everyone who had come all the way here to see us off. Over the years this was our family. My family. Sadly we must part ways here. 

(‘’Zeraf?’’) 

(‘’Yes Abby?’’)

(Let the adventure begin!’’)