The ascension of Asena

Chapter 1

Asena’s POV

I woke to the pitter patter of rain drops hitting our make shift tent in a steady, soothing pattern. It served to calm my nerves when I shot straight up out of a deep sleep with my heart pounding in my ears. I slowly took in a deep breath and let the sounds of the surrounding forest help to sooth my frazzled state of mind, while practicing to reorient myself completely with mind, body and soul, just as I’ve been taught. As I sat there in the darkness trying to slow my heart rate and get my bearings, a freezing trickle of rain went running down by back and wetting my shirt which had me feeling like I might possibly be hyperventilating. As I started cursing the rain that I had momentarily appreciated I became more aware of the heavy breathing and body heat radiating off my over sized best friend who had managed to continue his peaceful slumber despite one of my feet be jammed under a good portion of his body weight. I know we both must have been sleeping pretty hard and been in this uncomfortable position for quite awhile because the sensation of tingling pins and needles and loss of circumstances is now radiating up my leg. I couldn’t stand the sight of his undisputed sleep anymore and decided I wasn’t going to suffer alone any longer and used my foot that still had feeling to give him a swift kick in the ribs and was rewarded with the instant and gratifying sound of him sucking in air so fast you’d think he had the wind knocked out of him or something. I tried not to laugh but couldn’t stop the smug smile that spread across my face. As usual, Fenrir was being over dramatic and curled into a fetal position while holding his ribs and rocking himself back and forth while he continued to moan and groan.

Fenrir’s POV

SHIT, s**t, s**t, what the hell did I do to deserve that Asena! “Oh quit your belly aching Fenrir, you were crushing my leg in your sleep! Fine, I’m up now and off your leg. What are you doing up anyway? It’s not even daylight yet. Remind why we’re out here again? I finally calmed down enough to look at Asena and despite the satisfied little smirk on her face I knew her leg wasn’t the only reason she woke me up. I used my heightened senses to determine if anyone else in our group was up yet and I could tell we were the only ones. Asena had recently received her proclamation from the high council in our pack after turning 16 where she, along with a select chosen few were sent on a quest of self discovery to put it simply. Each member of our pack that originated from a specific blood line were given a set of instructions unique to that individual when they reached the age of sixteen. All her cousins before her have completed their’s and most have chosen to not return to our pack and instead venture out and let their destiny guide them. All of them having a unique power or skill that sets them apart from the rest of the pack and while she may understand the significance of starting her journey there are many things she is not aware of yet. Even those of us that have been tasked with the honor of being her guardian’s do not know the full extent of her purpose. I am one of four guardian’s they have been raised with her since birth due to each of us being born into a long line of guardian wolves. Each of us are around a year older than Asena and were not even aware of our own purposes until we each reached the age of 16 as well and were then sworn into service and silence on our sacred purposes. Leaving Asena in the dark both figuratively and literally while I internally muse about what brought all of us to our current situation. Earning myself another smack in ribs from her, apparently my mental monologue and silence didn’t do much to ease her mind.

Asena’s POV

Do you think it will be daylight soon? I asked Fenrir. Why don’t you tell me Asena, focus and tell me what you feel. I heave a big sigh and try to focus yet again. As I steady my mind, breathing and heart rate I allow my consciousness to spread out beyond my physical being. Tuning into the surrounding energy of the forest. I start with the small living organisms that are in close proximity and expand out, sensing the trees, the animals, my friends that are still sleeping and then tuning into the elements that surround us all. There’s a barely contained energy that is slowing awakening. In my minds eye I see all these things and with each aspect there’s a distinct hue of various colors that envelope each element, helping me to identify it’s origin. I pull everything back into myself and smile at Fenrir. We’ve got about an hour till sunrise I tell him, much of the forest is just on the verge of awakening while some are already starting to stir in anticipation of the coming light and energy that comes with a new day. He gives me his signature smirk and says good, I’ll get the fire rekindled for breakfast before everyone else wakes up. If we get going early enough we should make it the “Pools of Perspective” by midday. Just thinking about the beautiful silvery pools of water that litter the floor of the deepest part of forest gave me a kick of energy and anticipation. The pools are revered and heavily guarded by forest Fae as well as the children of the trees. Let’s do it, I stated.