“You’ve been to another world?!” Aleesha exclaimed and slammed her palms against the desk.

Vandelor nodded. “Indeed.”

After hearing that an archmage could travel between worlds, Aleesha quickly made the request to speak with one. Now, she had one in front of her. The same archmage that had saved her life.

“How come we haven’t heard of this?! This is huge! You should have told us!” Aleesha exclaimed. 

Vandelor let out a laugh. “Shau, why do you think I’m not held in high regard despite being an archmage?”

Aleesha stared at him. “...The councillors didn’t believe you?”

Vandelor sighed. “They didn’t. Accused me of eating a mushroom that muddled my mind and made me imagine it all. Got myself revoked as a Shau as well.”

Those old farts...

Aleesha realized her mouth was gaping as she stared at the archmage sitting in front of her. “Where did you go?”

“A world called Ramay. I actually got there by accident, as I simply wanted to get somewhere as far away as possible and panicked.” (Vandelor)

Aleesha had so many questions that she didn’t know where to begin. “What was different? What kind of races lived there?” 

“I believe they were called humans. They lived in groups, like we do when we live in this city. Except their larger cities had walls around them. And they have made paths between their settlements. Travelling was quick and easy.” Vandelor spoke as he was looking away, seeing something only he could see. “They didn’t have forests everywhere either. There were large plots of lands that the humans used to grow their food.”

Aleesha once again realized her mouth was gaping. She sat down and covered her mouth as she contemplated. 

They have plots of land to grow their food?

Maybe it’s not so different from how we live in the city. We often have to go far to find things to forage. But that’s because most of the vegetation isn’t edible. 

Focus, Aleesha! You can think about that later.

Aleesha shook her head and looked at Vandelor. “These...huemans? What were they like? What do they look like? Did they worship the gods?”

“They were...strange. I think they are a short lived race, similar to the centauri. Highly social from what I could see, although more tempered than the centauri. Rather than adapting and living alongside nature, they prefer to bend nature to their will.” Vandelor explained.

Aleesha frowned. “That...could cause a bit of a clash between us.” 

“Indeed. As for their appearance, I actually have something to show you.” Vandelor opened his satchel, and brought out a small wooden figurine. It had the appearance of an elf, except that it had short, round ears and wings protruding from its back.

“The humans, or at least the females, looked like this if you exclude the wings. You can likely guess what the males looked like. They are quite similar to us in appearance.” Vandelor explained.

Aleesha looked at the figurine as a realization dawned on her, as she recognized the being as one of the winged beings from the drawings in the records. “Is this their goddess?”

Vandelor nodded. “Indeed. Her name is Ezme.”

Aleesha showed the figurine to Zenon, the sapling that still hadn’t moved from the corner since its arrival. “Have you heard of Ezme, wise elder?”

After several moments, Zenon responded. [This one has not heard of a goddess by the name of Ezme.]

Shame. 

Aleesha sighed and put the figurine down on the desk. Vandelor spoke with an amused tone. “I actually got into trouble when I took this. Apparently, the humans conduct trade by exchanging something called ‘money’ for items.” (Vandelor)

Aleesha frowned. “You didn’t think of showing this to the councillors to prove that you’ve been to another world?”

Vandelor cocked his head and asked with an amused smile. “Would you have shown a figurine like that, after being accused of having a muddled mind?”

Aleesha took another look at the figurine that intricately depicted the intimate details of the goddess’ naked body.

“It would just be adding fuel to the fire, wouldn’t it?” (Vandelor)

Aleesha nodded in response.

 

_______________

 

“So that is your plan? To send an archmage to Teyrin?” (Vhau Heyleene)

Aleesha nodded. “Yes.”

“It’s ludicrous! You’re as mad as Vandelor!” (Vhau Vamellen)

“Why do you say that? Something must be done, and Shau Thessinda has clearly suggested the best-” (Vhau Heyleene)

“Even if it comes to the point that we should send someone, we can’t send an archmage! None of them are capable of acting as an envoy on the behalf of our people!” (Vhau Vamellan)

“In that case we simply have to send someone with the archmage.” (Vhau Heyleene)

“The only archmage that’s currently capable of using the spell with additional travellers is Vandelor! We can’t rely on him!” (Vhau Valmellen)

“That is up to debate. After all, given the situation, the reasons behind his revocation as a Shau seem to be flawed.” (Vhau Heyleene)

“Even if he becomes a Shau again, he never had interest in the needs of our people! He’s unfit as an envoy. And whoever the envoy is would need to be a Hau.” (Vhau Vamellen)

“Then we simply send someone with him.” (Vhau Heyleene)

“Hah! Who would be mad enough to-” (Vhau Vamellen)

“Ahem!” Aleesha cleared her throat as she stood up. The councillors all turned their eyes to her, some of them frowning at the interruption, while a few widened their eyes in realization.

Aleesha drew a breath before she spoke. “I’d like to volunteer.”

Silence ensued in the chamber at her declaration. 

“I’m a Shau, and I’d like to believe I’m the elf that currently has the most knowledge on matters such as other worlds and the gods. I’m clearly the most suited.” Aleesha calmly explained.

Another silence ensued. After a while, Vhau Heyleene let out an amused laughter. 

“I guess that settles it.” (Vhau Heyleene)

 

 

Exiting the council chamber, Aleesha let out a sigh. Zanadell and Vandelor were waiting for her.

“How did it go?” Zanadell asked.

Aleesha nodded. “It was approved. Now we can begin the preparations. Which the councillors will have a lot to say about.” 

Vandelor cocked his head. “Weren’t we going anyway? It’s not like they could stop us.”

Aleesha shrugged. “Less hassle when we get back.”

Vandelor grinned. “True. Nobody wants to listen to the rant of the councillors longer than absolutely necessary.”

Zanadell frowned as she contemplated. “We could announce our plan to go to Teyrin. Less people that will come asking how the investigation is going that way.”

“Good idea. You’ve had it rough, haven’t you?” Aleesha asked.

“Not very.” Zanadell sighed. “But it would be easier if people had stuck to trying to catch you in your office during the day. Especially that centauri.”

“You mean Fawn?” Aleesha asked in surprise.

“Indeed.” Zanadell nodded. “She comes by daily. When it’s silent, I can still hear her squeaky voice.”

“I see.” A wry smile spread on Aleesha’s face. Speaking with the centauri was often tiring, but since the time at the infirmary and her office, Aleesha had begun thinking that Fawn was amusing the times they had met afterwards. “You can let her in from now on. I can deal with her.”

Zanadell’s strict face didn’t show any change in her expression, making Aleesha almost miss the faint exhale of relief. “Thank you, Shau. I’d advise you to be on your guard however. I’ve often seen her come by with scissors.”

 

 

 

 

_______________

 

 

 

 

Finally.

Aleesha donned her armor with the help of the dawning light that came through the window. Many moons of preparations had gone by before the councillors approved their departure. 

Little of it was spent gathering supplies or other necessities. Instead, Aleesha had been endlessly instructed by the councillors how she should interact with foreigners. Most of the advice seemed ridiculous to her, but she knew that it would go faster to merely listen to the advice than argue. So she listened, while retorting in her mind that none of them had interacted with foreign cultures anyway.

Zanadell and Vandelor had both been training to act as her escorts, and given their own education on how to properly act as escorts in the presence of foreigners. They too had found the advice they were given pointless for the most part. 

But after enduring, the councillors had to concede and say that they had all learnt what they had to. And today they were going to be sent off.

Aleesha looked over her room for the last time. Not out of a sense of nostalgia, but to make sure she didn’t forget anything. Travelling was something she was used to, and what made her excited. What made all elves and centauri excited. But this time, she felt nervous as well.

I’m going to another world.

Confirming she had everything, Aleesha stepped out of the room and was met with a familiar face.

“Father.” (Aleesha)

“Aleesha.” Her father gave her a complicated look. “I...want you to know that I’m proud of you. Even if I haven’t said it, or made that clear in the past.”

Aleesha nodded. “Thank you, father. I’ll make sure that you can remain proud when I return.”

“Don’t bother about that. Just make sure you return.” Feynhil sighed and wrapped his arms around her.

Aleesha returned the embrace, taking in the scent of her father.

Even though we’ve lived in the same city for seasons, I had almost forgotten this scent. When was the last time we hugged?

“Be careful. Your safety is more important than anything else. If the natives are hostile, then-” (Feynhil)

“Fall back and go elsewhere. We can always come back later.” Aleesha finished his sentence.

Feynhil pulled away from his daughter and nodded. “Good. Out of all the lessons, that is the only useful one.”

A wry smile spread on Aleesha’s face. “You thought so too.”

“Everyone thought so. Even those who said it.” Feynhil sighed. “Now go and meet your companions. I’ll see you at the ceremony.”

Aleesha nodded, taking in the sight of her father leaving before she turned and went to find Zanadell and Vandelor.

After meeting up with her escorts and going through the plan in the event of first contact as soon as they arrived, they made their way to the ceremony. 

As they got close enough to see the crowd, Zanadell drew Aleesha’s attention to an anxious individual.

Fawn stood outside the crowd, looking left and right as if she was looking for someone.

“How likely do you guys think it is that she's looking for you?” Zanadell asked.

“Very.” Vandelor commented. 

Fawn had come by often, and Aleesha had gotten to know the centauri quite well. Every time she would chatter endlessly, but Aleesha didn’t mind. Even when the subject went somewhere Aleesha had found it uncomfortable in the beginning.

Fawn was free-spirited, like most centauri were. Talking nonsense with her made Aleesha lose the tension that she kept in during her lessons and duties. Throughout the many conversations they had, she realized that centauri were very anxious people. Talking nonsense was how they eased their own tension and assessed others by their reactions. 

All Aleesha had to do to have a pleasant time with Fawn, was to make sure nothing fragile was out in the open and have a look if she brought scissors with her. For some reason Fawn had an obsession with Aleesha’s hair, but after refusing several times to allow her hair to be cut, Fawn eventually stopped bringing the scissors. However, she never stopped commenting on Aleesha’s hair.

Fawn’s eyes lit up as she spotted them, and began skipping towards the trio.

“Here we go.” Vandelor whispered with an amused tone.

“Come on guys, be nice. Fawn is a good person.” Aleesha retorted.

“We never said she wasn’t.” Zanadell commented.

Fawn slowed down as she got closer and approached nervously as she kept her hands clasped at her chest. She appeared to be fidgeting as she stopped in front of Aleesha before she looked up at her with large, clear eyes. 

“Aleesha.” Fawn said seriously.

Aleesha smiled. “Hello, Fawn. Came to say goodbye?”

Fawn nodded as she bit her lip and inclined her head, before she held out her hands to Aleesha. “For you.”

Surprised, Aleesha looked down at Fawn’s hands. In her palms was a braided bracelet that seemed to be made of hair. The same red-brown colour as Fawn’s hair. 

Just as Aleesha was given enough time to realize what it was, Fawn continued. “We centauri are short lived. Since you don’t know how long you will be gone, I might not be here by the time you get back. So I thought I’d give you this. Elves and centauri might not always see eye to eye, but I consider you a friend a-and I want y-you to r-remember-”

Fawn kept her face hidden while she spoke. Her voice slowly began breaking during that time, and her shoulders started shaking. 

Aleesha quickly clasped Fawn’s hands as she felt distressed, both at the thought that this could be their last conversation and at the sight of someone she cared about breaking down. After managing to swallow the lump in her throat, Aleesha responded. “Thank you, Fawn. But I’m sure I’ll be back. We’ll see each other again...my friend.”

“If I’m your friend you should accept my gift, not give me words. For centauri, you’re not friends until you carry a bracelet made of their hair. Elves are s-s-so slow and stupid sometimes, when y-you don’t realize-” (Fawn)

As understanding dawned on her, Aleesha interrupted. “I accept your gift. Help me put it on?” 

Fawn nodded and her shoulders shook less. After Aleesha got her glove off, Fawn wrapped the bracelet around her wrist. Fawn took her time tying the ends together, and Aleesha felt something wet fall on her wrist. Neither of them spoke.

Once she was done, Fawn moved back and wiped her eyes before she looked up at Aleesha with large, wet eyes. “Now that you have yours, you need to give me mine.”

Aleesha smiled at Fawn, feeling dumbfounded. “I...didn’t prepare one.”

“I don’t need a bracelet, but I want your hair to make one myself. I really like your hair. It would make a beautiful bracelet. It would catch the light beautifully.” Fawn said seriously as she stared up at Aleesha, with an expression that said she wouldn’t back down no matter what. 

“Alright.” Aleesha sighed and smiled as she bent forward towards Fawn. “Don’t pick them all from the same-aow!” 

Fawn had instantly grabbed a lock of hair from her bangs and yanked it with more strength than Aleesha thought the centauri would possess. Aleesha leaned back and rubbed her sore scalp as she looked at Fawn, who was staring at the blonde hairs in her palm with sparkling eyes; her previous sadness nowhere to be seen. 

“Thank you. Safe travels!” Fawn exclaimed with a wide smile before she turned around and skipped away, shouting over her shoulder. “You know, I think I’ll do some travelling myself when you’re gone. Elf cities are so boring. Nothing ever happens there, and there are no centauri here so it’s much harder to find someone to keep you company at night-Ah!”

Fawn skidded to a halt and turned around, looking at Aleesha. “Aleesha?”

Aleesha returned her gaze with a smile. “Yes, Fawn?”

“If...when you meet the goddess...could you tell her something?” Fawn asked.

Aleesha nodded. “Sure thing. What should I tell her?” 

Fawn thought for a moment before she replied. “I’m not a fighter, and I won't be alive when the time for the battle comes. But if I had been born later, then I’d join the fight. But many of us centauri won’t have a chance to do anything. We’re not allowed to have a say in the fate of our souls. So I want you to tell her to win. I want you to win. For all of us.”

Aleesha nodded seriously. She could imagine herself being depressed if she wasn’t given the opportunity to fight to determine her own fate. She still wasn’t sure if she would be given the chance, but she felt hopeful.

“I’m no fighter, but I still know a few secret moves to win a fight quick and easy. I want you to pass on my secret to her, too.” (Fawn)

Aleesha widened her eyes slightly. “Oh? What secret?”

Fawn smiled wickedly as she replied. “Tell Amara...to kick the demon lord in the bags. It’s a weak spot.”

““Pfft!”” Zanadell and Vandelor both burst out laughing behind her, while Aleesha’s smile grew strained. 

Fawn stared at them as her mouth gaped, clearly offended. “What?! It works, I tell you!”

 

 

 

_______________

 

 

After their arrival, the ceremony began. Aleesha’s father retold all they knew regarding their situation, and the purpose of their journey. 

Most had already heard a short version as it had been spread mostly by word of mouth. And upon hearing of the departure, the city was the most populated it had been since the demons began their retreat. And most of those that had arrived were centauri, making the ratio between the centauri and elves turn on its head for the first time in living memory.

I suppose we elves feel less urgency on the matter...we'll live for hundreds of seasons, while centauri live for only a handful. Maybe I shouldv'e expected the centauri to take a greater interest in this.

After her father finished, the councillors all gave their last advice. All of which were far more vague and less complicated than they received during their lessons, such as telling them to always be wary of danger.

Lastly, a large centauri with antlers came forward and drew everybody’s attention. Aleesha had already been told who it was. 

He was the seer, that gathered all the tales regarding the gods and retold them. This time however, he didn’t tell a story.

“Friends. Let us pray to Amara together. Let her hear us, and ask her to guide and protect our friends on their journey. Join me in prayer.” (Seer)

Aleesha had been told the meaning of prayers by both Zenon and Fawn. Although she doubted Amara might be listening, she did it anyway as it would cost her nothing. After all, if it was true that their prayers made Amara stronger, there was no reason not to.

It never made it feel any less ridiculous, however. But she joined the united prayer, regardless of how she felt.

Once the prayer was over, the area was cleared around Aleesha and her companions for the ritual to take place. Aleesha suddenly felt increasingly excited as Vandelor made the large magic circle appear. He stood with his eyes closed as he concentrated.

Aleesha and Zanadell both bent their knees, having learnt the lesson from their first teleportation.

Aleesha’s eyes found both her father and Fawn in the large circle of people that were looking at them. Aleesha smiled and nodded to them, before she drew her sword and prepared herself for the arrival in a new world. 

For several moments, everything was silent while Vandelor concentrated. 

Suddenly, the blue magic circle flared up with a white light as it activated. Aleesha drew a sharp breath.

 

 

But the sight in front of her didn’t change. They were still inside the circle of people staring at them. 

Is it still activating? 

Aleesha turned her eyes and looked at Vandelor. He stood with his eyes opened, his brow furrowed in confusion.

“Well...that’s awkward.” (Vandelor)