Journal Entry #278

It was another one of those ‘inside’ days today. Apparently, one of the farmers, I think Jenei, thought she saw a Felyn poking out of the grass, but according to Hallen, when they found it, it was just a Gorthin. Let’s see…how to describe it. It’s kind of this fuzzy lizard thing that can stand on its hind legs and sorta has big, long rabbit ears?

Honestly, it looks nothing like me. Even from a distance. I mean, shouldn’t they know what a Felyn looks like?? I’ve only been living here for, like, a couple years.

Anyway, I don’t know if I’ve written about it yet, but, ‘inside days’ are just whenever the villagers get especially riled up at the idea of Felyn invading…soooo I just stay inside and write a bit. Or draw. Whatever comes to mind, really. As long as I’m in the house, Rine expressly forbids anyone else from visiting, even friends, and Hallen’s usually good at redirecting their anger in…a not-hurting-me direction.

I really have to give it to him. He’s a gruff jerk, but he’s really good at talking people out of really bad ideas.

Though, honestly, sometimes it’s kind of boring, being cramped inside for a day or two at a time just to keep safe. That, and both Rine and Hallen generally don’t let me help out in the farm fields, either, even though I keep offering. It…does suck to be told, again and again, that I’m too small for the heavy work, and that there are a lot of farmhands who don’t trust me. Sooo. Isolation on bad days, and I’m stuck in the town on good ones.

The one exception to the whole isolation rule, though, is Byron.

He’s…I dunno, he’s nice. A lot nicer than he used to be, anyway. I guess, for a while, he was just, like, really nervous about talking to me after apologizing for the whole ‘Rock Incident’? But he’s actually started, like, actually hanging around. Sometimes I’ll lend him some parchment and we’ll draw. Or he’ll bring something he made out of wood, usually some sort of cool toy or something.

…Don’t laugh but I’ve been secretly trying to get him to make a wooden Pikachu figure. Kiiiinda couched it under describing a dream I had that was maybe secretly a game I played in my past life. Plus a few details I couldn’t quite remember and made up on the spot…

…Anyway, Byron’s nice.

Also, speaking of dreams, I had…another one today. I kind of hate whenever I ‘remember’ something, because my sheets are always a mess and I wake up panting. This time Rine was even hovering over me…really super embarrassing.

But, I remembered a person this time, and that’s new. Usually if there’s people in my memories, I just sort of…remember the idea of them. Like they’re a list of features that haven’t quite been put into a solid ‘form’ yet. But, this time, I remembered her, Kaylee. She had bright red hair and just the biggest smile, and I…remembered smiling, talking to her?

I think we were standing just outside of a movie theater. It was cold, but we couldn’t stop chatting about…everything. I think we used to be really close friends, and then I moved…away? College, I think. But the conversations went from, like, our favorite foods, to where she should visit while she was in town, to…oh, me talking about how I…wished I was different. And she smiled again, and…aaa, that was when I woke up, I think.

There’s always more than just, like, the things that happen, too. I remember some of the context, past events that lead up to that point. And…this time, I think I remembered her.

Kaylee. Like…maybe twenty, thirty percent of the reason, I bet, why I was reborn in this body, specifically, if I’m allowed to give credit.

Thank you, Kaylee. I think I miss you now, too.

—---------------------------------------------

The sun was well overhead, the farmers were finishing up tending to the community crops, and Mei once again found herself confronted by her peers.

“You’ve got nowhere to hide this time, lil’ kitty,” sneered Delton. Previously, years ago, he had been the boy with the rocks, and now he’d evolved into the young teen with the broken wooden slat. “Looks like your mom ‘n dad are gone out to the farmstead, too. Which means it’s finally time for us to defeat a monster, once and for all.”

Mei kept a steady, impassive gaze, even as she was backed up against a tree, standing in the shadow of a boy literally twice her height. Over the years, his lackeys had thinned in number, and now only two other boys, ‘Torn Pants’ and ‘Bowl Cut’, stood behind him, brandishing their own remains of what had to be a broken fencepost.

And, squeezing her bag against her chest, she sighed. She just had to wait.

“I’m tired of this. You bother me, like, once a week, and I’ve literally never done a thing to you. Just…let me go back to my tree, and write, and leave. Me. Alone.” Mei said, more exhaustion in her tone than fear, or anger.

But none of that tone sank into Delton, who just laughed…and paused, and looked back at his lackeys. Then they laughed. It, too, was exhausting.

“Hear that? She just wants us to let her be! Well, guess what, everyone’s been sayin’ there’s more and more Felyn at the borders. I reckon you’re probably close to staging some sorta big takeover any day now. Which means-”

“Beat you black ‘n blue!” shouted Bowl Cut.

There was a pause, and Delton cleared his throat. “-Which means today’s the day where we’re gonna drive you out, for good!” His big, stupid teeth flashed in his mouth as he took a step forward. Mei didn’t move. “I’ll give ya to the count of ten to get your furry arse out of our town, before we have to get violent. It’d be a shame if I didn’t get to show off my new-”

Mei closed her eyes for a moment. “It’s my town, too,” she murmured to herself, quietly.

That seemed to make Delton snarl. “Shut it. Our town doesn’t have little furry monsters running around, thinkin’ that this all is theirs. I told ya, you have until the count of ten-”

And, surprising everyone, including, ever so slightly, Mei, the petite Felyn stomped her foot as hard as she could into the dirt. “It’s MY town, too!” She shouted up at her looming adversary.

That was, seemingly, Delton’s trigger. He lifted his plank of wood high into the air, twisting his whole body to make his blow as powerful and hurtful as he could, gritting his teeth as he brought it down…

Only to feel a sharp pain below and his breath leave his body as the tiny Felyn launched her entire body to land an elbow into a direct and precise blow to his groin.

Delton doubled over, wheezing, and both Bowl Cut and Torn Pants simply stared at him in shock for a moment, which was all Mei needed to swerve around the three boys, dig her padded feet into the dirt and take off past them, all in one fluid motion.

Experience told her that she was the fastest sprinter in the town. Despite having legs that were half as short as anyone else’s, that didn’t seem to stop the agile little Felyn from scampering little circles around them. That, combined with her increased proficiency at using the town’s buildings and amenities as her own personal jungle gym meant that Delton and his crew had never, ever been able to catch her in a footrace.

With the three behind her, Mei still sighed, internally. Someday they’ll have to get bored, right? …Whatever. I’ll just head home. …Oh, or maybe Byron’s back from the city. I could always try his place…

And yet, even as she scampered into town, Mei couldn’t ignore a sudden creeping sensation as it tingled up along her spine. Something dangerous. Behind her.

The black cat turned to look at where she’d left the three bullies…only to see Delton, hoisted up by Torn Pants and Bowl Cut, raising his fingers towards her. There was an odd light Mei could see, even from twenty meters away, and she simply watched, in slow motion shock, as his fingertips started to glow bright, and hot.

“Calliem Fuegi-” Delton hissed through gritted teeth, his hand trembling. With every syllable, those fingertips grew brighter, and the air between him and her started to shimmer.

And with Delton and his goons focused both on whatever was going on with his hands and Mei before them, none of the trio were prepared as a giant hand made entirely of gnarled wood slammed into all three of them at once. With the impact, Delton yelped, crumpled and the tips of his fingers immediately fizzled out, returning to normal save for a bit of smoke.

Stepping out from amidst the trees, and sliding long, pale fingers along the enormous tree-palm that was, already, starting to wither back into the ground, was an extremely tall woman with long, pointed ears silken silver hair that fell around her waist, and a pair of small round glasses perched before some glittering green eyes. Her body was covered, head to toe, in a long reddish-orange cloak, simple, but colorful enough that it stood out in a village of browns, off-greens and greys. And on her back was what looked like a kitchen cabinet’s worth of bundles, bags, and what looked like dozens of colorful bottles affixed by leather straps, all on one enormous…backpack?

It honestly was a ludicrous amount of things for one person to carry along with them, but the elf moved as freely as if it wasn’t even there.

With a graceful motion, she stepped forward and kneeled lower, she and her pack casting a shadow even over the growth-spurt-blessed Delton, who despite his prior anger, shuffled back a half step.

The elf’s smile never left her lips, as she said, simply, “Mages that turn their precious gifts towards the meek and defenseless never seem to live long. That was an impressive incantation, to be sure, especially for a fledgeling like yourself. But I would implore you to think again about whom you turn your hand against. Yes?”

Mei stood still in a mixture of waning shock and utter awe as Delton seemed to nod, his eyes never leaving the elf’s own.

“Yes, m’m.”

The elf nodded, and stood up again, her arms patiently crossed in front of her.

And that was seemingly all it took for Delton, Bowl Cut and Torn Pants to scramble to their feet, their leader giving one quick, shocked look to Mei, then back to the elf, before fleeing.

The small Felyn simply watched her assailants run away…and breathed a sigh of relief. And in a moment, the enormous elf was at her side, watching with her. Despite, at most, coming up just above her knees, the petite Felyn craned her little neck to give her an appreciative smile.

“Thank you, Myaria,” said Mei, gripping her bag tightly to her chest again. “I…didn’t think Delton knew how to do stuff like that. Or…that he’d try it on me.”

Myaria still seemed to stare down the town path for a few seconds longer, but eventually her smile pointed well down to the Felyn below her.

“He’s about the age when most begin to develop their magical talents, so I suppose it’s to be expected. What a shame he’s already thought to turn it against others. Perhaps I should…” the elf paused, thoughtfully, before gently shaking her head, “…no, another time.”

Mei felt some curiosity around Myaria’s pause, but brushed it off. In the little she’d gotten to meet the traveling merchant that saved her life, she always seemed to drift off in thought like that.

“Um, so, what brings you here?” asked Mei. “Not…that I’m not happy to have your help, but, weren’t you just here a few months ago?”

Myaria chuckled. “I was, wasn’t I? Well, actually…in a word, it’s the weather that brings me here, you see.”

Mei bristled, her ears wilting. She couldn’t help but stare right down at the dirt.

“Oh. The Moon Flash, right? It’s…almost here, again?”

“That’s right, little one,” the elf smiled a little wider, and kneeled down, just enough to rest a single, large hand atop Mei’s head. The palm alone nearly covered both of her ears. “But do not fret; it never comes to the village. And, might I add, the other Felyn are very, very talented at sensing the stirring of magic in the air. I am certain your clutter is fine.”

Mei felt a lump in her throat, but nodded. And again, she glanced up. “You haven’t…seen them out there, have you? Heard about where they are? The others?”

There was a twinge of sadness in the elf’s eyes, and she gently shook her head.

“Even the adventurers have not seen them within those woods, recently. It is possible they traveled further east to resettle. But I promise you, child. The second I hear word of their whereabouts, I will return to help reunite you with them, personally. You have my word and name.”

The smile had still never left Myaria’s lips. Mei couldn’t help but feel…a little frustrated at how difficult it was to stay anxious and defeated in the elf’s presence.

“Thank you, Myaria,” she said, managing, at least, a little smile in return. “Honestly, for everything.”

“It’s my pleasure, little Mei. Now…” Myaria rose to her full height, and set her sights towards the town at large. “...I did wish to stop by and see your caretaker, Tarrine. And perhaps Hallen, too, if he’s amicable. Would you be so kind as to lead…?”

No matter how silly it must’ve looked for the little Felyn to jog alongside the long, patient steps of the tall elf woman, not a single villager batted an eye as the two wandered home.

—---------------------------------------------

Journal Entry #91

Today, I got to meet the person who rescued me for the first time.

I…I don’t know how to say this without exaggerating, so I’ll just put it plainly. She is BIG.

Her name is Myaria and she’s apparently an elf. They’re all tall, but as she explained, she likely comes from some lost royal elf lineage or something, so she’s even taller. She has to bend her way through doors to go inside, and on the rarity that she actually stays to talk, she just sits directly on the ground. No chair needed, apparently, to be eye level with other people.

I know I’m a runt and everything and most humans tower over me by default, and I thought I was used to it, but apparently I’m not.

Anyway, she’s very kind, and she’s long-time friends with Rine, too. I guess they used to travel together, a long time ago, as adventurers? Even Hallen seemed to nod along, so I guess that wasn’t a joke. I’ve heard people talk about ‘adventurers’ a lot, and I kind of wonder if that’s…what I think it is.

I wonder if I could be an adventure, someday.

Oh, also, apparently, she knows magic. Not a lot, she said, but enough magic to brew potions and some spells having to do with plants. She gave me a little flower in a clay plot that she grew from a seed, in under a minute. It was…honestly really cool.

I keep it next to my bed now. Apparently, it’s called a tsyrra. Its petals are pink and blue and I love it.

I did ask her if she could teach me some magic, and she said I wasn’t quite ready, but she would check my aptitude when I got old enough.

I don’t know. Myaria is just the coolest.

—---------------------------------------------

“...it was a perilous battle, to be certain. But the look upon the zellian’s face as you struck swiftly with your blade…was magnificent. Stupefied well after it’s head had fallen upon the stone!” Myaria gave an enthusiastic laugh that was a bit more hearty than her usually stoic serenity displayed. Across the table, Rine could only smile through a blush, rolling her shoulders.

“I-it was nothing. I was more relieved that we’d opened the way for its captors to escape,” she replied, bashfully. “Truly, it was your barriers that saved us all from its heat…”

“They were protective, certainly, but one must do more than simply react. It is why we made such a good party,” Myaria smiled. As she brushed her hair to the side, a single tiny round, dark-blueish jewel glittered from a little gold bezel, all upon a piercing of one of her long, ears.

“Mmnh…” grunted Hallen, turned away from the two, at his workbench.

Rine shot him a quick look and hissed through her teeth. “Not now,” she said, before rolling her eyes. “I swear, he has the jealousy of a child sometimes. As though I haven’t been bonded with him for over a decade…”

With his back turned towards the two of them, neither his wife nor the massive elven visitor could see the hint of a smile his gruff face was wearing.

“What’s a zellian?” Asked Kei, perched as a third wheel at that central table, resting on her knees. It was the best she could do to hope to reach the tabletop comfortably, and if nothing else, her seat usually had a cushion on it. Besides, she wasn’t the only one sitting strangely; due to her height and general overall mass, Myaria had foregone a chair altogether, seating comfortably upon her own legs directly on the ground. Even then, she was still a few inches taller than Hallen, even sitting.

The tall elf perked up, smiling down to Kei. “Mhmm, it has…a hard carapace and sectioned body, with broad pincers. Its eyes are dark, and its front section rises up, covered in armor-piercing, pointed legs. It can also breathe fire…which, I should say, seems a little excessive when it already primarily lives within volcanic mountain burrows…”

Kei’s eyes widened, and she made a mental note to add this to a journal entry later. Giant, firebreathing, deadly ants, kinda sounds like. I do not love that.

Still, she said what came immediately to her young, fascinated mind. Regardless of her additionally lived lifetime, her sense of wonder was as fresh as ever. “T-that’s amazing! Rina, you fought one?”

Rina gave another meek smile down to Mei, her cheeks redder. “I did, yes. But, truly, anyone who could hold a blade could fight one, if they paid mind to its eyes and legs. T-they’re clumsy monsters…”

“And yet so few could face them without receiving some mark or burn from battle proper!” the elf retorted. “Your caretaker, little one, truly was a master of her craft-“

“S-so, what does bring you here this early, Myaria?” Rina swiftly changed the subject. Kei was subtly aware that the woman’s hands were gripping her knees.

The elf’s smiling expression didn’t seem to change, but perhaps in a minute reflection of her eyes, her joyous reminiscing was replaced with a slight melancholy.

“The Moon Flash,” she said, quietly. “The season for it is almost upon you, and I arrive to witness it, once more.”

“Like…to gather mushrooms? Like when you found me?” Kei piped up. Myaria nodded, though…there was an aspect to it that Mei couldn’t place. There was, maybe, the slightest hint that the elf was choosing to avoid something.

“Exactly that, little one. Though I do hope I find no orphaned young within the forest, for their sake,” Myaria smiled back down to her. That hint of hesitation was gone. “Although, I will look, as promised, for the other Felyn. I cannot promise or imagine they would return to their old home when the Moon Flash draws so near, but if I catch sight of any tracks, I will do my best to locate them.”

Rina gazed down, momentarily looking pained at that thought, but nodded along. “Yes. Even after all of these years, it would…be best if she could be reunited with her family once more.”

There was another quieter grunt from Hallen, though he again said nothing.

Myaria simply nodded. “Worry not, I will return with news one way or another. And, as always, I warn you and yours to steer clear of the southern forests. I am afraid this particular Flash may be one of fire…”

“F-fire?” asked Kei, leaning forward. “What do you mean? Isn’t the Moon Flash just all wind and rain and thunder and lightning? At least that’s what I remember…”

“That is but one element the Moon Flash may take. If I may be so bold, the Moon Flash you succumbed to an inch of your life to, one of elemental wind, was the calmest of them,” Myaria explained, her smile fading a few millimeters. “Upon other cycles, you may have been bombarded with balls of burning heat and sweltering temperatures, or rain could have been so hard and dense that you may have gotten swept clear out to the Great Sea. Or, worse yet, the ground could have quaked so terribly that you could have been consumed into a deep and unending chasm…”

Kei realized that her entire body had tensed up. She didn’t know when her eyes had dropped from the towering elf to fixate on the individual grains of wood on the table before her, or when her ears had flattened out almost entirely, but that was certainly the way she sat, now. “Oh,” she said, quietly.

Rine reached over to ever so gently stroke her fingers along Kei’s head, before gazing up to Myaria. “That was maybe a little much,” she said.

Myaria, for once, bowed gently in apology. A hint of color also touched her pale cheeks. “I do ask for your forgiveness, little…ah, Kei. It was not my intention to cause distress…”

Kei let out a deep breath that physically made her shudder, for just a moment. “I-it’s alright. That was a long time ago. I’m okay.”

And, as silence fell across the table, it was, oddly, Hallen’s voice that broke through. Still with his back turned, he mumbled, “Do you need us to put you up, Myaria? I can’t promise comfort, but we could move the table and give you space to lay-“

“O-oh, no, I would not trouble you for such things. And you both have already been such wonderful guests. I plan on distributing my wares for a little time, and leaving for the forest on the twilight,” Myaria nodded, and very gently, gracefully rose, seeming to stand…albeit with an ever so slight hunch under the shorter ceilings…within one fluid motion. “Though I did adore catching up with you-…ah, Mei.”

“Oh! Yes…?”

Myaria gave a slightly deeper bow than the one her upright form was forced to give. “I promised you that on our next meeting, I would test your magical aptitude. While I unfortunately do not have the time at present, I vow to return here once the Moon Flash ends. And will personally assist with your initial lessons at no expense. Is this amenable…?”

Kei couldn’t help but smile, even at the delayed promise. She…resisted the urge to hold out a hand to shake. She’d accidentally done so a few times and…offering your arm to seal a deal apparently just wasn’t a familiar gesture in this world. “It is! O-of course it is. Um, just…I hope you come back safe!”

Myaria smiled a little more warmly, and nodded. “I will care to return safely,” she said, before giving one more deep bow to the others. “Rine, your care for the little one is as admirable as your prowess in swordplay. Hallen…Rine does love you dearly. Remember that. And do also remember that if you toughen that strip of leather any further, it will tear apart.”

And with one more gracious, deep bow, Myaria…awkwardly bent herself through the home’s small doorway in a way that still felt more graceful than if any other given 8-foot giant had squeezed through it, and disappeared off into the town proper.

Mei smiled, her earlier anxieties overwritten at the idea of soon being able to use actual, honest-to-goddess magic. Cast spells! Everything!

“Damnitall,” Hallen grumbled, following the thick, groaning sound of a sheet of leather tearing in half.