Broken

Lost and Found

                    Before pulling out of the driveway, I turn back for one last look at the home that isn’t mine anymore.

                    “Pluvia ignus.” Is the last thing I say before leaving the house to burn to the ground. 

                    I felt something change in me then. Like fire flowing through my veins, a fiery fury that could only be satisfied by blood. By revenge.

                    Pulling up to Anya’s house, I bring the bag I packed inside and go straight to Anya.

                    “What else do I need to bring with me?” I ask as I shove my bag toward her so she can see what’s in it.

                    Surprised I hadn’t even greeted her, she takes the bag and looks inside, nodding in approval.

                    “I have everything else you need set aside for you,” as she walks us into the other room, she holds my arm at the elbow and leans her head closer when she asks, “What happened, Fina?”

                    Taking a deep, steadying breath to calm the raging storm inside me, I dig my nails into my palm to keep me focused.

                    “They’re dead,” I said, as monotone as I could manage. “They killed a few of those bastards, too. I don’t know how many there were, but I know they put up a good fight. I laid them on the couches in the living room and said my goodbyes, then got my stuff and burned everything as I left.”

                    Seeing the pain in her eyes almost pushes me over the edge. Digging my nails into my palm, I focus on the physical pain instead of my emotions, by the time I get a grip on myself blood is pooling in my hand. Instead of acknowledging it, I hug Anya with my other arm knowing how painful it is for her, too.

                    “I’m gonna kill that motherfucker, Anya, if it’s the last thing I do.” I promise.

                    “I know you will, just be careful.”

                    When we get to the closet on the other side of the house, she pulls out a bag and a map, handing them to me.

                    “The supplies in this bag will be helpful eventually. There are many healing potions, among other kinds. They’re all labeled, so you can find what you need. I’ll be right here waiting for you to come home,” she squeezes my hand before passing me the bag.

                    “This map is enchanted, you say where you want to go or where you’re looking for and it will show you. It will lead you to Riverhill where you can get a horse to travel with. Use it wisely, dear.”

                    Walking to the kitchen, she places a metal bottle and salt cured meat wrapped in brown paper into the bag. Adding some fruits and vegetables and, bless her, instant coffee.

                    “This should hold you over for a while. The bottle won’t run out of water, so at least I know you’ll be hydrated. Please, be safe. Take care of yourself.” Hugging for a long moment, we enjoy our last few moments together.

                    Grabbing everything Anya gave me, I put the bag inside my duffel and the map in a pocket on the side before heading to my bike.

------

                    It’s been seven hours and I’m going to have to drive for almost sixteen more  to reach the town where Anya told me to go to find a horse. Pulling over, I take the map out again trying to find any shortcuts. The only shortcut I find is through the forest, the town is straight across.

                    I could walk through the forest quicker than I could driving around the forest and weaving through every damn town on the way. The map said it should take around six to seven hours of walking. f**k it. I’d have to leave my bike in that town anyway, might as well leave it behind a few trees covered with branches. Probably safer that way.

                    Climbing from my bike, I walk a few trees deep and lean it against some of the thicker trees, picking up fallen branches and leaves to blend it in. With my duffel at my back, it’s strap across my chest, it doesn’t feel like I’m carrying anything while I’m walking.

                    This forest is beautiful. The trees are so tall, the leaves range in color from a gorgeous deep green to purple and blue, even pink. I’ve never seen anything like it.

                     The sky is barely visible above, just enough light reaches through for me to see where I’m going. It’s almost mesmerizing.

                    How long have I been walking for? Maybe I should check the ma- what’s that smell? Strawberries… and oranges? Lavender too? Where’s it coming from?

                    It smells so good. Following the scent to find what it belongs to, I forget to pay attention to which way I’m going. Walking dreamily, I feel like I’m in a daze and I know it should worry or bother me, but I just don’t care.

                    Suddenly I’m laying in a circular field higher up the mountainside than the direction I was walking, surrounded by the tall trees of the forest. I can’t remember how I got here, the memory is right there but when I try to grab it, it’s just out of reach.

                    A loud noise snaps me out of my confusion. Darting my head from side to side, trying to find where the noise came from, everything seems normal and still. Suddenly covered in shadows, I instinctively look up and what I see makes my heart drop.

                     A dragon?!

                    Pitch black scales shimmering a dark green when the sun hits them just right. It’s as beautiful as it is terrifying. The horns protruding from its forehead and small, sharp, jagged spikes under and around its neck, so majestic. So dangerous.

                    Immediately jumping to my feet, I try sprinting to the tree line. Before I make it even halfway there, the dragon swoops down and blocks my path.

                    I swear that fucker just smiled at me.

                    Turning on my heel, I dart the other way. I could have sworn the dragon chuckled. I hadn’t even gotten fifty feet when it swooped back down, my fear is rivaled only by my frustration.

                    Looks like he likes to play with his food.  

                    Suddenly the dragon’s eyes shoot behind me. Glancing over my shoulder I see a tall man walking up to us.

                    He’s pretty handsome. Rolling my eyes, I mentally scold myself. Not the time, Fina. We’re both probably gonna die soon.

                    But then the man says something, his voice deep and strong.

                    “Sile. Non a faga dano. Tu autem seguiras a mina ut draco eu son parens tua.” His voice booms across the field.

                    Dragon tongue?

                    By the time I process what he said, when I look back, the spot the dragon stood is already empty. His wings flap in the distance, carrying him higher up the mountain until he’s just a black spot in the sky, and then he’s gone completely.

                    “Are you okay?” he asks lightly, so close to my ear that my hair moves with his breath. In his rich, smoky voice I hear a tinge of concern.

                     “Y-yeah. Thank you, I would’ve been supper if you didn’t come along.” I try to laugh it off like I wasn’t terrified moments earlier.

                    “Yeah well, don’t make a habit of it.” He teases.

                    “You’re a dragon shifter, you called yourself his kin. You’d have to be to influence dragons anyway.” Turning, I finally face him and my breath catches in my chest for a moment.

                    The sight of him up close is so much more than I thought it’d be. Hazel green eyes, long black lashes any girl would be envious of, full lips, and a sharp, strong jawline. His hair is black, but when the sun hits it just right it shimmers a dark purple. He must be at least six feet tall, and from what I can see of his muscular arms, they’re covered in tattoos.

                    “Yeah, that’s right. I’m Abel. You speak dragon tongue?” His voice brings my attention back to the moment, my cheeks burn as blood rushes to them when I realize I’d been staring at him.

                    “I’m Serafina. It’s nice to meet you, and yeah, I’ve studied it for years.” I extend my hand to shake his, tilting my head to the side trying to hide the color of my cheeks with my hair.

                    “So what are you doing here, Serafina?”

                    “I’m on a… quest, I guess. This was the shorter way to get where I gotta go,” I tell him, shifting on my feet as I look around the field. “Obviously, it didn’t work out so well.” Shrugging my shoulders, I can’t help the snicker that escapes while shaking my head.

                    “What about you, why are you here?” I look up into his eyes as he answers, we’re close enough for me to see the golden amber shade of whiskey arching around his pupils mixing with the obsidian green hues and honey brown flecks.

                    They’re the most beautiful eyes I’d ever seen.

                    “I cut through here pretty often to get to different places, I’m on my way to a town where I trade at the market sometimes.”

                    “If you’re going to Riverhill, we could travel there together.”

                    “That’s probably a good idea, I’d put money on you getting lost again if you went alone.” He teased as we walk toward the trees again.

                    “That’s so rude,” I laugh, shaking my head. “But probably accurate.”

                    Walking through the forest, I start to hear music while admiring the beautiful multicolored flowers. The melody is so mesmerizing, soon it’s stuck in my head and I’m humming along to it while I walk. The next moment Abel’s grabbing my arms, inches from my face. He’s talking but I can’t hear him, all I hear is the music. Abel looks concerned, when I try to ask him why, I can’t. All I can do is hum along with the music. My heart starts racing when I realize I don’t have control over my body. For a singular moment Abel lets go of me and my feet move without my permission. Following the music, even though I’m screaming in my head to stop. Before I get far, Abel grabs my arm and spins me back to face him. Pushing me against a tree, his body is pressed up against me and his leg shoves mine apart. So focused on how his body feels against mine, I don’t notice what he’s doing at first.

                    His left hand is resting next to my head against the tree, as I see a knife coming up toward my face, confusion and panic fight for dominance in my mind. Unable to speak or move of my own accord, I just watch helplessly. With the knife in his right hand, he presses the sharp blade to his forearm before letting it drop to the ground. Soaking his finger in the blood as it streams down his arm, he paints a symbol on my chest with the ruby red liquid.

                    When his fingers leave my skin, the music stops. My brain’s trying to catch up to what just happened when Abel gently grabs my chin, tilting my face forward so we’re eye to eye. His face is so close to mine our noses are practically touching and I can feel the warmth of his breath on my skin.

                    “Can you hear me now?” he asks, eyes full of concern as he searches my face for any sign that I hear him. It takes me a moment to answer. Clearing my throat, I nod.

                    “Y-yeah, I hear you now. What, um, what happened?” I stuttered.

                    “This forest is dangerous. Many things that live here have many ways to lure you to your death,” he nods to my chest where his blood is drying. “As a dragon shifter I’m immune to the calls, I used my blood to block them from reaching you.”

                    As my heart slows to a normal pace I realize I’ve been gripping Abel’s waist, unintentionally pulling him toward me. Quickly pulling my hands from his waist, I pin them to my sides hoping he won’t take it the wrong way.

                    “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to-“ cutting me off with the shake of his head, he grabs my hand pulling me away from the tree.

                    “It’s fine,” he smiles impishly. “I’m the one who pinned you to a tree.” His laugh echoes through the trees, it’s so infectious I can’t help but laugh with him.

                    “Well, thanks. For helping me… again.” I offered. Noddind his head, he motioned for me to follow.

                    “It’s no problem, if I’d let you get yourself killed I’d have to walk all the way through the forest alone. That gets boring after the hundredth time or so.” He smirked, looking back at me.

                    “I’m so glad I have the honor of amusing you on this journey.” I drawled, sarcastically bowing at him. Laughing, he bows back to me with equal sarcasm.

                    His laugh is so genuine. I’ve never laughed like that… until today. I wonder why I feel so comfortable with him, a total stranger? Maybe it has something to do with him saving my life. Twice. Doesn’t hurt that he’s pretty damn handsome, too.

                    Smiling to myself, I watch as his laughter slowly fades.

                    “As you should be, my fair maiden. After all, I am the king of this forest, or haven’t you heard?” he quipped.

                    Laughing at each other, we continue to walk and companionable silence takes over. Admiring the beauty of the sunset and all the colors it brings, watching the flowers and trees that we pass, I hadn’t seen the root sticking out of the ground in front of me and fall flat on my face.

                    “Thanks for the heads up, asshole,” I grunt as I push myself back to my feet and dust myself off while Abel snickers in front of me.

                    “Don’t blame me, how was I supposed to know you weren’t paying attention?” he argued.

                    Rolling my eyes, we continue walking, and I look at him with a smirk so he knows I’m not actually angry.

                    “We’re going to have to make camp soon,” he gestures to the sky. “the sun's going down. Walking through the forest at night isn’t the best idea.”

                    “How far from Riverhill are we?” I question, confused at how we’ve been walking for hours and aren’t there yet. Or at least close enough to keep walking.

                    “We’re almost a two day walk away,” facing me, he sees the confusion and surprise on my face. “when you were lured to the dragon, you went pretty deep into the forest.”

                    “But… when I entered the forest, it was only a few hours walk. I couldn’t have walked that far in such a short period of time.”

                    “Do you know how long you were walking for?” He challenges.

                    Trying to think back and guess how long it could’ve possibly been, everything’s kinda fuzzy. It doesn’t feel that long, but it feels like forever all at once. Seeing the confusion on my face, Abel rests his hand on my shoulder comfortingly.

                    “Because of the haze, you’ll only be able to remember single moments. Like a dream. If you entered somewhere on the road that goes around the forest and mountain, you would’ve had to walk a few hours into the forest to be affected. From there it would’ve been about an eighteen hour walk, maybe more.”

                    “No, that’s not possible. It was light out when I entered and it was light out when I met you, and I would’ve been exhausted after walking that far. That’s – no that’s not right.” I ramble, not able to accept almost a whole day passed while I was in a haze.

                    “Hey, Serafina. It’s-“ he grabs my shoulders, spinning my to face him. “it’s okay. Fina. It’s okay. I know it’s a little jarring, it might even be scary. But it’s okay.”

                    “But how? How didn’t I notice a whole day went by? How wasn’t I exhausted?”

                    “I mean, it was around the same time of day when the haze lifted as it was when it started and it didn’t feel like any time passed,” he sighs, rubbing my biceps up and down trying to soothe my nerves. “and my best guess, the haze probably affects your body in a way that it doesn’t tire or hurt from the walking. Like a drug, I guess.”

                    Regaining my composure as best I can, I try to just accept all the weird s**t that happens here and use it as a lesson.

                    Never go into another forest again. At least without knowing what the f***s in it.

                    “Okay so,” taking a deep breath, I try to focus on the present. “we’re further into the forest than where I started, yeah?”

                    “Mhm.”

                    “And we’re a day away from the town?”

                    “Closer to two.” He mutters, correcting me.

                    “Okay, two days away. Well, I guess we should make camp then.” I concede.

                    Patting my shoulder, Abel smiles before walking past me.

                    “Atta girl.” He laughs, lifting the mood.

                    For the next half hour or so, we hunt for some firewood. After I find enough, I start a fire while Abel gets enough for the rest of the night.

                    “Pluvia ignus,”  I whisper, holding my hands above the fire.

                    “Nice work, magician.” Smirking, he drops his pile of wood off to the side and sits across from me at the fire.

                    “Thanks, dragon boy. So what do you trade at Riverhill?” I question, wanting to learn more about my temporary companion.

                    “A few things. I make jewelry believe it or not. I also sketch, sometimes commissioning a portrait or something specific someone wants, other times just selling what I’ve already created.”

                    “Can I see some?” I requested, surprised and intrigued by his hobbies.

                    “The jewelry or sketches?” he offered, looking surprised but pleased.

                    “Both,” smiling, I add for his comfort, “if you don’t mind.”

                    Laughing, he pulls his bag out from behind him and searches for his items. Handing me his sketchbook, he continues looking for a piece of jewelry to show me.

                    When I open the book, what I see takes my breath away. Flipping through the pages I see beautiful portraits of women and men alike, an old ruin of a castle on a hill by the sea, birds and wolves and dragons. A mermaid, underwater, with flowing hair and surrounded by seaweed, turtles, and fish.

                    They’re all so realistic and beautiful. The passion and effort put into each of them is amazing. When I look up, he’s holding out his hand with a necklace snaking through his fingers. Gently dropping it into my open palm, I bring it close to my face so I can see all the details.

                    The silver chain is thin but incredibly strong, on the chain is a dragon also made of silver. The incredible detail in the dragon is breathtaking, from the scales to the horns, the teeth, and the wings. The eyes of the dragon are beautiful, one is a deep sapphire blue crystal and the other is emerald green. On its forehead, in the middle of its two horns is a purple amethyst. In the mouth, kept secure behind its fangs is a red ruby, and in the middle of its chest is a yellow garnet stone. They’re so small, but look so powerful.

                    “This is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.” I breathe. Barely a whisper, but Abel hears it and a smile bigger than I’ve seen on anyone stretches across his face, causing me to smile with him.

                    “I’m glad you like it. Do you know what the stones symbolize?” he asks.

                    “It’s the elements, right?” I question, pretty confident in my assumption.

                    “Yeah, all five elements are represented by the stones. But do you know why they’re there?” he clarifies.

                    “Oh, um. I’m not sure exactly.” Slightly embarrassed, I look off to the side for a moment.

                    “Most people don’t anymore, it’s alright. The dragon has been associated with all of the elements for as long as they’ve been in existence. Most dragons used to be able to control their own element, depending on what kind they were. It’s not as common today, but some still can. A few shifters can, too but that’s even rarer.

                    The stones along with the dragon represent balance, all of the elements connected. In many places, dragons symbolize ancient wisdom, psychic power, strength, and loyalty. Though most people in these territories only see dragons as angry beasts.

                    With the stones connected to the dragon, I wanted this necklace to represent passion, strength, truth, wisdom, power, and loyalty. Even if I’m the only one who understands the meaning, creating it meant a lot to me.”

                    The intensity and emotion that filled his words struck me harder than I thought was possible.

                    He’s nothing like you’d expect him to be when you first see him.

                    “It’s incredible, you should be proud of it. Anyone would be privileged to have that,” I insist, hoping he feels how sincere I am. “And plus, now I know the meaning too. So you’re not the only one.” I add jokingly, handing him back his book and necklace.

                    “Thank you, I really appreciate that,” he smiles, putting them away. “we should probably get some sleep soon.” He says, looking toward the moon.

                    “Yeah, you’re probably right. But don’t you want to eat something first?” I ask.

                    “I don’t have any food, I was going to trade for some at the market.” He says.

                    Wait, did he just sound embarrassed?

                    Grabbing my bag, I pull out some of the salt cured meat and some bread, holding in front of him a little more than half.

                    Big guys gotta eat.

                    It takes a second for him to take it, but eventually with a smile and a nod he pulls it back to him. Once he’s gotten his food, I search my bag for a cup but realize I hadn’t packed one.

                    f**k it. Sharing is caring, right?

                    I place the metal bottle in between us so he can reach it, too.

                    “The water doesn’t run out, drink as much as you want. And if you’re still hungry when you’re done let me know. I got plenty to go around.” I offer with a smile.

                    For a while, we just sit in companionable silence while we eat. When we’re done, I lay out a bedroll and pull a pillow and blanket from my bag. Courtesy of Anya, that old b***h thinks of everything. I snicker to myself. But then I notice Abel’s just laying on his back on the ground and I cringe internally at the thought of how that must feel. Going through my bag I pull out two more blankets and another pillow, tossing them right at him. When they land on his face, I burst out laughing. My laughter only dies down after I’m gasping for breath.

                    “Your reaction was priceless. What did you think was landing on your face, a dragon?” I snicker.

                    “Very funny,” he says sarcastically. “But thank you, you didn’t have to.”

                    “Yeah, I did. Seeing you lay on the ground like that was hurting my back.” I joke before laying down. Listening to the sound of nightlife in the forest, sleep quickly takes me.

                                                                             “Serafina?”

                                                                             “Serafina?”

                                                                             “Serafina!”

                                                                   Mother… where is she?