In the steps of Eternity

Forward: Part 4

Many suns and moons cycle as we traveled. I was kept with the young girl the whole time. Though many of the people in the group gave me unpleasant looks, she was the only one that comforted me and stayed close and seemed to talk back against the others when they seemed to be upset with me when I did things.

Today however we have arrived at a human nest where a small handful of them live. After riding through it for a short while we stop in front of a very old place of stone that looks like it is on the verge of collapse.

The young girl brings me with her off the carriage, but she seems colder and sadder than I have seen her. Following her lead we walk up to the building and an older woman comes out of it. The leader of the group talks to her for a short while before she nods and reaches her hand out to me.

Looking at the young girl that brought me here she sniffles and nods her head, as if telling me its okay to go. Confused as I am, I follow what she asks me to do before she and the rest of the group leave back to the vehicle.

Holding my hand the older lady gives me a gentle squeeze before she gently leads me towards the building and once inside I am greeted by the eyes of many children that are much smaller than me.

Speaking the same language as the group that had left me here, I can only hide behind the older woman when the children barrage me with what I assume to be questions. The older woman steps in front and calms them down before leading me to a place full of beds. Pointing to one she gently nudges me towards it. “I guess this one is mine?” I think to myself before I sit on it.

The older woman Nods and gives a 'Hm' in approval. Before she motions for me to follow her once more.

Following the older woman she takes me around and shows me the whole layout of the place. It isn't very big but it has plenty of places for storage and places for rest. The outside courtyard is of decent size.

The final place the older woman takes me is a room that seems to be one of the largest rooms in the place. It has a few small tables, a few chairs and a giant board in the front of them all.

After showing me around the older woman takes me back to the courtyard where all the other kids are now scattered around doing whatever they want to do as it seems.

I turn to look at the older woman and she just seems to nod in the direction of the children. Understanding that she wants me to go interact with the children I exhale and head out to the courtyard before just standing there in the middle of the sunlight.

Giving it all a bit of thought I decide to ignore the children and sit under the only tree and circulate my Anima.

As I sit and circulate not even a few moments pass by before I am poked and prodded by the children making me open my eyes in slight irritation.

Seeing my frown the children immediately back up and away while staring at me in shock and horror. It seems I let some of my Anima slip without paying any attention, leading to quite the fright.

And so a few years slip by. I learn very basic knowledge at what I now know is called an orphanage, where I was brought and taken care of as a favor to the daughter of a large trading firm's owner. I say taken care of, but I had a hand in helping with many many chores, especially so after they learned that I can be very strong when I circulate my Anima.

Speaking of Anima. Apparently, normal people can't use it raw. If they absorb and use it without converting it into 'Mana' they often either die from Anima intoxication or they warp into creatures that are very dangerous and very hideous.

Learning about the use of mana, I have begun to circulate my Anima intake and adjust the flow, while I also create mana to use for every day use.

OH! And Meridith. The old lady who takes care of the children here in the orphanage, she says that this town is far too remote for any Tower mages to come and examine me and my magic talent. Which, is quite unfortunate.

The name of the town where I have lived for the last few years is called Iskal, and it is located in the lands of the Vhamiir Hold. Which Belongs to the Kingdom of Farseed. The more you Know right?

The sad thing though, is the town folks seem to be getting rather weary of me. I don't seem to age and my skin has always been deathly pale. They seem to think it is quite an ominous sign that none of my features have changed regardless of how much time has passed while the children have gotten pretty close to me in height.

“Haukhi” I hear Meridith call from behind me. Turning to answer I see that she is with several children and a couple older gentlemen from the town.

Looking at the faces of the kids they seem to be rather saddened by something. “What do you need of me Miss Meridith?” I ask with a hint of concern to my voice.

“Child. You know I care for you, But sadly it is time for you to move on.” She says while I can hear her choking on her own sadness in front of me.

“Is this because of what the towns folk wish Miss Meridith?” I tilt my head while I ask hiding my frustration that they actually had the nerve to push things this far.

“You are obviously the spawn of evil. Why wouldn't we want you to leave?” One of the old men practically spat in my direction while giving me what I assume to be his nastiest glare.

“Honestly. It's quite laughable how you people see me and treat Miss Meridith, but for her sake. I will leave. I was planning to anyways. You people disgust me.” I say while mimicking his tone with a relatively sarcastic tone.

Hearing my tone the old man almost lunges at me but is stopped by the other man. He is hushed and calmed before the other man speaks as well. “Leave before sun down, and we will leave you in peace. Any longer and we will come with torches ready. You won't be the only one to suffer.”

And just as he spoke, he turned and took the other man out of the room and building with him.