The Legend of the Immortal Traveler

Shawn

Today, as I begin my journey, I am traveling through a place called Crestfield. It is beautiful countryside between two mountains. Walking through the valley, clear blue sky above. The days are getting warmer, with a slight cool breeze. I truly enjoy the signs of nature’s rebirth; trees with new leaves budding. They are beautiful.

As I walk, I see a group of young adults, having a picnic and laughing as they enjoy nature. They seemed so happy. I was startled out of my thoughts by a young man walking my way. He began to speak to me.

“Hey, how are you doing on this beautiful day?” he asks.

“I am fine, thank you for asking. How are you?” I responded.

“I am great. Where are you heading?” he asks, trying to seem non challan, but I could tell from his body language that it was more.

“I am just traveling through no real set destination. I am just enjoying taking in the beauty here, so I was taking my time.” I told him.

He studies my face for deception, and responds, “I am Shawn, I live in the Crestmoon Pack.”

“Nice to meet you, Shawn. I am Aroura. I am traveling, recording my journey along the way in search of my destiny.” I responded.

“That is such a cool way to look at things” he says, smiling.

That is when I stopped to take a good look at him. He looks to be around twenty. He stood about six feet tall, with long dark brown hair that laid in curls along his shoulder and amazing brown eyes. He has a subtle nose, with a round face and well defined cheek bones. He had an impressive build, he had very defined muscles and he looked chiseled out of stone. He was very attractive, to say the least.

“May I walk with you some?” he asked.

If you would like to, then I won’t object”, I answered.

We walked in silence for a short distance before he spoke again. “So, where are you coming from?” The question was meant to sound casual, but I could tell he was also checking to see if I were a threat.

“I have been to many places; York, Ledford, Crestwood, and I just left a friend in Waterfall Crest. I just go where my feet take me,” I told him honestly.

“You left your friend in Waterfall Crest?” he asked curiously.

“Yes, I found her alone, living on the street in Crestwood, and I helped her find a fresh start in Waterfall Crest. Every soul deserves a chance to find happiness.” I explained to him.

He stopped and looked at me, as if seeing something amazing for the first time. His eyes studied me for a few minutes before asking, “Would you like to join us for lunch?” motioning to the picnic.

“Are you sure your friends won’t mind?” I replied. “I don’t want to intrude.”

He stares off into the distance for a moment, and then answers. “They won’t mind at all.”

We walked over to join his friends. He stops to introduce me to everyone and they all seem excited about talking. A beautiful blonde-haired girl is talking about a party they are planning. I listen to all the talking around me, when we are joined by an older gentleman. He seemed to be studying me carefully for a few minutes. He had dark brown hair, and the same brown eyes as Shawn. The similar features lead me to believe he was Shawn’s father. After a few minutes, he spoke.

“Hello, my name is Wayne Crestmoon. I wanted to personally welcome you to our packland. It is truly an honor to meet you,” he began. “Is there anything you need after your journey? I can’t let you leave without making sure you have everything you need,” he finished.

“Thank you, sir. I am Aruora, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I usually travel with what I need for a day or two. I don’t really plan too far ahead. When I run low, I find a town to stay in an work to build up money to survive on.” I replied.

“I would like to invite you to join us for dinner and to stay the night. The least we could do is offer you a good night’s rest,” Wayne offered.

“That would be amazing, thank you so much sir. I responded.

“Call me Wayne,” he told me.

“Ok, Wayne.” I nodded.

He motioned for me to follow him. The group Shawn was with began to gather their stuff and follow us. We walked through a forest with beautiful trees reaching to the sky. The walk through the forest took about thirty minutes, when we emerged from the forest we were standing in front of a beautiful five story brick house. The porch was massive with pillars supporting the roof, and large wooded double doors. We entered through the double doors into the most beautiful home I had ever seen. Mahogany floors, with walls painted in pastal blue with silver trim. Wayne had someone show me to a guess room on the fifth floor. I am told these rooms are reserved for special guests. The room was huge, with a king-sized bed with dark blue and silver bedding on it. The walls were midnight blue with white sprinkled throughout, which gave the impression of stars. The bathroom was colored in the same pattern. It was breathtaking to see.

It wasn’t long until I was informed that Wayne wanted to speak with me, and I was escorted to his office. Upon entering, I recognized Wayne, but beside him was a break-taking woman. She had long raven black hair that laid in curls to her waist, her eyes were crystal blue like a river, her cheeks were kissed with a rose tint, as were her lips. She was wearing a soft pink full-length gown that complemented her beauty.

Wayne began to speak, “Welcome Aroura, this is my Luna Karrie. My Beta Jerry is out on pack business but you will meet him at dinner. I wanted to speak with you. During your visit here you may see and hear things you don’t understand yet. I will explain what I can but there are many things that you must learn in time on your journey. When the time is right, you will understand everything.”

“It is nice to meet you, Karrie. I don’t want to sound ungrateful. Wayne, but I really don’t understand why I am here.” I replied, starting to feel more confused.

“Our pack oracle told us that you would be traveling through our land, and that we should invite you here and help you understand a bit more about yourself and your journey. You will find that there will be help for you all along your path during your journey. People with information, food, supplies and places for you to rest in safety. Your journey will affect the future of many lives, and help to mold the future of our world. You are meant to do great things. You are so much more than you know, and you are tied to the destiny of our world.” Wayne explains.

“I do not know how I could be that important to anyone’s future, I am just a simple person, who was in the wrong place,” I told him honestly.

“You are more special than you know. Many futures depend on your journey. You have never been in the wrong place, the goddess guided you to where you needed to be.” Kerry spoke for the first time.

“We have been instructed by the oracle to add our location to your map. You will need it to return here someday.” Wayne stated, motioning for me to retrieve my map.

I gave him my map, and watched as he added the location to my map. “I see you have met the Crestwater pack, they are our allies.” he informed me. “Now let’s get some dinner, so you can relax and rest.”

I nodded and followed as they led the way. We descended the mahogany stairs, and traveled down a hallway lined with pictures of the pack members, to a large dining room. It must seat at least two hundred people easily. It was set up in a buffet style. As we entered, everyone looked at us. Everyone stayed seated while Wayne, Karrie and I fixed our plates, and took a seat. Once seated, Wayne took a spoonful of his food into his mouth. With his action, everyone began to fill their plates. It was a strange sight, but I guess this is their custom. Just as I finished my thought, we were joined by a tall, well-built blonde gentleman.

“This is my Beta Jerry, he is my second in command around here.’ Wayne introduces him, “Jerry, this is Aroura, the traveler.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Aroura, I have heard quite a bit about you.” Jerry said with a friendly smile.

“It’s nice to meet you as well,” I replied. “May I ask you a couple questions?” I asked Wayne, Karrie, and Jerry.

Wayne nodded, “Just remember there are some answers I may not be able to give you right now.”

I nodded, “ You use words I do not know. Luna? Beta? What do those words mean?

Wayne looked at me, “ Do you know what a pack is?”

“Not really. I have heard stories but that is all,” I answered.

“Well, Aroura, we are the Alpha and Luna, which means we are the leaders. The Beta and female beta are the second in command of our pack. They help us when we need it, and run things for us when we are away. The beta also helps to train the pack and keep them in shape. The pack itself is a group of people who all live under one Alpha. That is all I can tell you right now. Too much information could put you in danger along your journey.” Wayne explains to me.

We talked about the places I have been to and how beautiful it is here. The conversation carried on for quite a while, during which time, many pack members stopped by to say hello and welcome me. Everyone seemed so friendly here. I realized how late it was getting, when someone walked in and asked to speak to Wayne and Jerry. They stepped away for a moment while conversing with the other gentleman. Wayne glanced my way with a nervous look on his face, then walked towards the table.

“I apologize, I have some matters I must deal with. When you are finished, someone will be sent to get what laundry you have, so it can be cleaned before you leave tomorrow. I will also have the kitchen staff prepare some food and supplies for your journey. Have a good night, Aroura.” he spoke calmly, but still had a nervous look.

“Thank you, Wayne. I greatly appreciate everything. I don’t think words can express how grateful I am for everything. I have felt so welcome here,” I replied, and with that he was gone.

A kind young lady walked me back to my guest room, and collected my laundry. She told me it would be ready by sunrise. After she left. I wrote down a few notes in my journal and laid them down to rest. As I lay down, I heard a howling off in the forest. Within a few moments, I drifted off to sleep. The night slipped by too quickly, and as I awakened from the quickly fading dream, I could only grasp two words: Dawning Star. Not sure what it meant, I got up and prepared to leave to continue my journey. I dress and gather my belongings, my laundry is ready sitting by the door as promised. After I finished, I started down stairs, where I am greeted by Shawn, Wayne, Karrie, and Jerry, along with other pack members. Shawn is holding a pack.

“This has food and supplies for your journey,” he smiles.

“Thank you. You have all been so kind to me.” I told them all.

Shawn smiles and asks, “I know this sounds strange, but could we get a picture with you? It’s for our wall of guests.”

I nodded, and someone came in with a camera. They snapped a few pictures of us together, and I was handed a copy of the photo.

“This is for you, to remind you that you have friends out here, if you ever need us.” Wayne tells me.

“Thank you,” I began “You all will never know how much this means to me. It has been a honor to stay here and meet you all.”

With that, I make my way outside and begin my journey again. Wayne and Shawn walked with me to the border of Crestmoon land. I waved to them as I continued on my way. Though I had learned about their family, I think I learned more about myself on this journey.