Toward the freedom [Mephistel] [Open]

[FlowyWolf]

Raholin stopped behind a tree, trying to catch his breath.
His run had been endless, he still felt the fear pushing in his chest.
That night would always be in his mind, he knew it.
While the wind was blowing in his thin, little ears, he couldn't do anything but think about what happened.
He felt so guilty, he has been training for years, only to learn how to hide his magic. And yet, it all came out.
He didn't want to think about it, it all was a fearful picture in his head, yet he wasn't able to think to anything else.
He stroke his own mates, the people he used to grow up with.
Suddenly, when he raised his look, he finally realized the sun had risen. A whole night had passed, and yet, he never stopped from running.
He sat near a tall tree, trying to catch his breath, when suddenly he heard a noise.
He wasn't alone.

[Mephistel]

The breeze rustling trough the leaves was a bit cold, yet refreshing. The song of birds chirping as morning came could be heard from all around. It was peaceful, despite the rush of emotions. A soft and yet unclear voice came echoing along the line of trees, near the entrance of the forest.

It was still a bit dark outside but slowly, the sun was reflecting on the far away water of a lake, red and orange tint of sun whispering along the waves. Something moved among the branches of the tree, but as Raholin would look, nothing to be seen. Once more, something moved, but nothing to be seen.

It took a few minutes, before the small silhouette of a young man...or child, it was hard to tell with his soft and androgenous look. His dark blue hair falling over his yellow eyes, as the feathers on his shoulders started to rustle a little. He was standing there, a few feet away from him. His purple dark skin reflecting the orange tint of the sunlight.

He looked very calm, and quiet, he hadn't said a word. That strange entity was just...looking at him, as if wondering, what was that person doing there.

[FlowyWolf]

Raholin started looking around, trying to find that sound's source, when he finally saw that creepy shape.
He couldn't say if it was a boy or a girl, actually, he wasn't even aware if it was a human being. The only thing he knew was that it looked very creepy. He looked as if it was a normal boy, he wore no shirt as Raholin, but yet no pants, only a small black piece of cloth around his hips to cover his private parts.
Yet, his skin was different from his, it was the color of an eggplant, and his eyes, they were so scary, so bright as if the sun itself enlightened them. However, the most scaring things to him, it was those blue and green scales and feathers that grew from his shoulders, giving him the look of a human peacock.
He wasn't human, Raholin had no doubt about it, yet he seemed to be so innocent that the young guy managed to send away his fear and, after a deep, strong breath, he found the courage to say, concealing his inner thoughts:
"Hi, sorry to bother you... can you help me?"

[Mephistel]

Ahuzanel tilted his head on the side, still quiet, observing the young human, it was one, he knew. He had seen few of them in the forest and the spirit rarely left the deeper parts of it, but today was an exception. He had felt the rush of emotions coming from this young human, and here he was, looking at him.

He stepped back a little and lower itself to the ground, almost kneeling, quietly looking at him while he spoke. The young person opened his lips a few time but no sound came out, as if wondering what to say. Eventually rising up again, he walk up to Raholin and put his hand on the boy's forehead. It was fresh and soft.

-You are effraid....and lost...-

He said quietly, almost whispering. His voice wasn't very loud, but it was warm.

-What is it...that you seek?-

He asked, this time stepping back, his hand leaving Raholin's head.

[FlowyWolf]

When he saw that weird creature walking toward him, Raholin felt the pulse to run away, as he was scared, but for some reason, he didn't.
He had never seen anyone like Ahuzanel, he didn't even think there could exist such kind of beings in the world, and yet, here it was.
When finally the spirit came close to him and raised his arm toward his forehead, however, he couldn't avoid wincing in fear, but luckily, the spirit didn't seem to notice it.
When Ahuzanel's dark hand touched his forehead, Raholin was surprised to feel the warmth coming from his skin. His voice was strange, for some reason, it remembered Raholin the whisper of the wind, a warm, comforting breeze.
But what surprised him the most, more than his voice, were his words.
When the spirit asked him that final question, in fact, he got speechless.
What was he seeking? During his long run, he never thought about anything but run away the furthest from his village. Now that he was there, however, what should he had to do?
Ahuzanel's bright eyes keep on watching him, he was waiting for an answer, but what could he tell him, if he neither was aware of what he was doing?
Finally, the only possible answer he could give appeared in his mind, flowing then in his mouth.
"I seek freedom."

[Mephistel]

Freedom...such a vague concept. Something that couldn't be obtain so easily, as it was one's own will to break from his inner shackles, to free oneself was to live without prejudices of the world, to be able to move on from one's past. Ahuzanel could feel sadness, pain, guilt and fear inside the mind of the young man. His heart was aching from all of these feelings.

The spirit couldn't tell from where it came from, it could be many things. To seek freedom was a forever run against itself. He nodded slowly. It seemed that the first thing to do would be to mend the young man's heart and mind, to lift his spirit to a better understanding of himself.

He smiled kindly at him and turned around, his feet light on the ground weren't leaving any trace as he started to walk toward the forest. He knew there was no better place then close to Nature itself to regain some self control of the mind.

-Follow me...-

He said, once again, very softly.

[FlowyWolf]

For a long, endless moment, Raholin felt lost inside Ahuzanel's eyes. He didn't understand why he was acting like that with a so weird creature he had just met, it was as if he was under some sort of incantation, some mysterious spell that forced him to speak as if he knew him since years.
Probably, however, there was no spell, no incantation, but only despair. In one single night, he had lost all he had built in twenty years of his life, and all for such a stupid reason.
When Ahuzanel suddenly turn his head, Raholin got back to reality and, trying to regain the control of that odd situation, opened his mouth as to talk.
Before his voice left from his mouth, however, the spirit had already started to move and, as for preventing him to use other useless word, simply ordered him to go with him.
While walking behind that supernatural creature, Raholin was asking himself why he was following that unknown being, but he got no answer. 
– So - he thought – if I have to trust this creature, I guess I should know who exactly he is. –. Then, he hasten his steps and, getting behind Ahuzanel's shoulders, he finally managed to ask:
"Sorry, but... what exactly are you?" 

[Mephistel]

The spirit advance was swift, yet calm, his feet making no sound. He wasn't running, nor was he really walking, it was a bit strange and hard to describe. The slender figure of the creature was soft, sometimes light shed a colorful orange on his scales and feathers. Entering the forest, they passed trough the first line of trees and were soon cut off from the light of the sun.

The thick roof of branches and leaves made it hard for the sun light to pass trough, even in broad day light, but it was still morning. The trees looked dark, almost asleep, leaves of all colors were providing a soft layer under the feet. The atmosphere was soft, tint with a subdue light, soft yet slightly humid. Raindrops still hanging at the edge of the leaves.

There was no traced path as they moved on. It was as if man had never came to this place, it was silent, except from some early birds, singing as the day came to life. It was a bit colder now that they were in the shadow of the forest. When the young man spoke, Ahuzanel didn't stopped moving. But his voice was still very soft.

-I am call Ahuzanel...your kin call us Spirits...-

He answered. They were getting deeper into the forest and soon, the small line of light coming from the edge of the forest, could no longer be seen. It had long faded away and they kept walking among the trees. Sometimes, a small animal could be seen running from a tree to the others.

They eventually reached a small pond, or more exactly, what seems to be a hotspring, the water looked very warm and flowers were growing all around. Despite the place been a bit dark, it felt peaceful. Ahuzanel stopped there and kneel before the pond, putting his hand in it, smiling softly.

-May you accept this lost soul into your waters...calm his soul and mend his mind...-

A small prayer, it almost seemed like the nature responded to him. His feathers started to glow slightly, eventually fading off as he stood silently, eventually nodding.

-They have accepted your presence...you can cleanse yourself in the spring now if you wish...-

[FlowyWolf]

A spirit... Raholin couldn't believe what he heard. He did know about their existence, of course, but he never thought he would ever meet one of them.
However, he wasn't as the other villagers said, not at all. They've described the spirits as evil creatures, equipped with sharpen fingers and pointy fangs and with cruel eyes. Instead, that spirit was so similar to him, and he didn't seemed evil at all.
While walking, a shiver shook his body, they were getting deep in the forest and the sunbeam were too far from his pale skin to make it warm. If only he hadn't lose his shirt, maybe he didn't feel so cold. Or maybe, it wasn't the air that was cold, but only his hearth.

Suddenly, the spirit stopped in front of a hot spring and kneeled before it, whispering some words as if he was praying. That warm, smoky water seemed so inviting to him, he had to fight hard against himself not to jump in it quickly. However, seen how the spirit was acting, he feared he could violate some sort of sacred spot.
Then, as answering his prayer, a gentle breeze brushed his feather, and for a moment, Raholin thought they even glowed, but he wasn't sure about it.
And then, finally, he addressed him that so highly sought invitation. When he heard he could merge into those wonderful, warm waters, he couldn't resist anymore. In a moment, Raholin threw away his shoes and his pants and jumped into the small pond, disappearing under the water.
It really was as he expected, so warm and comfortable, so he stayed submerged until he had no more breath in his chest. It was all so peaceful there, all his fears had disappeared in a moment, leaving him finally alone.

When he emerged, however, a horrible fear came into his mind. If it was a sacred place to him, could he have violated it with his behavior?
Fearing the expression the spirit could have on his face, Raholin rubbed his eyes and, after a deep breath, he opened his eyes wearing a guilty look.
"Sorry, I... I really needed a bath..." 

[Mephistel]

Ahuzanel watched as the young man jumped into the water, splashing it over the edge onto the flowers. It seemed that the warmth of the water had been quite attractive. The spirit didn't mind the actions of the young human, perhaps his need was that huge that he couldn't wait any longer. He couldn't really feel the cold as he was almost naked, but it wasn't the same for humans.

He slowly sat at the edge of the pond, waiting for the young man to come back to the surface. He had been surprise to see with what swiftness the boy had disapear into the water. Ahuzanel brough back his knees against himself and crossed his arms over it, now looking into the water, sitting with the flowers and leaves that covered the ground.

It felt fresh but it didn't matter to him, as the water was swelling up with the boy getting back to the surface. The spirit wore a kind expression, as he could feel the boy's worries dissipate slowly, not all, his heart was still in need, but the fatigue and probably the uneasiness were washing up.

He slowly shook his head.

-Do not fear child of man...these waters have accepted you so you can relax to your heart content...-

He said. Once again, his voice was really soft but clear, as if even the atmosphere couldn't shake him up. He was observing him with curiosity, it wasn't everyday that he could see a human. he tilted his head on the side, his yellow eyes locked on to Raholin.

-Do you feel hungry? Should I gather some fruits for you?-

He asked, softly.

[FlowyWolf]

When he realized Ahuzanel was not upset for his behavior, Raholin felt really relieved. The more he spent some time with that spirit, the more he get sure he wasn't bad at all.
The villagers were wrong once again, with their certainty that all magical creatures were evil.
Relieved, Raholin started washing again his body, trying to look more posed than before, when Ahuzanel made that tempting offer. In the very moment those words reached Raholin's ears, instantly his stomach woke up, trying to answer instead of him with its rumbling.
Raholin thought about it for a while, he really could enjoy some fruits to eat, since he didn't eat anything since the evening before. On the other hand, he didn't want to take advantage of Ahuzanel's kindness.
At the end, however, after the tenth growling of his empty stomach, he came out from the water and, smiling politely at his new friend, he finally said:
"We could do it together, if you don't mind, so maybe we can start knowing each other." 

[Mephistel]

Ahuzanel was patient, so he waited for the young man's answer, even tough it seemed to take him some time. He wonder why he was so hesitant. Eventually getting the answer, the spirit tilted his head on the side, curiously as his yellow eyes looked at Raholin.

-Then are you done with the spring? Is your mind better?-

He asked. He hadn't got up from his spot, looking up at him. The breeze was reaching them from the top of the trees, it was fresh and a bit cold. Ahuzanel didn't seemed to feel it, but it did rustle the feather on his shoulders.

He rise up, dusting the dirt on his naked legs and looked around for a moment, then turned back toward Raholin.

-If you are sure, then don't forget to thanks the pond for welcoming you in...-

He walk to a small flower and delicately took it out of the earth, roots included and gave it to the young man.

-Put it in the water and say thank you...-

He added, nodding slowly.

[FlowyWolf]

Raholin didn't get the response he would have expected from the spirit, but he didn't care too much.
Ahuzanel's question was unusual, why was he asking about his mind, if he only had taken a short bath?
However, it all became more understandable after he gave him that flower saying those odd things.
-So, I was right, it's a sacred place to him- Raholin thought, again feeling guilty for how he could have seemed disrespectful jumping in those holy waters as it was just a normal pond.
So, trying to redeem himself for his mistakes, he took solemnly that small flower and, kneeling near those sacred waters, he laid down the small flower onto the surface of the water. As the first root brushed against the water, Raholin closed his eyes and, as solemn as he could be, said:
"Thank you, holy water, for welcoming my dirty body and my filth mind and for washing them with your sacredness." As he finished, he feared he overdid with that odd prayer, but he tried not to look too worried and, rising again, start walking close to the spirit.
Raholin was still a bit frightened by Ahuzanel, he couldn't believe a spirit like him could stay there, close to him, willing to aid a stranger like him. Yet, more than frightened, he was curious, so he asked him:
"So, you're a spirit? You know, I've never met anyone of your kind before, actually, people from my village described you in a really different way from what you truly are..." he was talking too much, he know, it wasn't a good idea to talk about how the villagers talked about them as cruel monsters, so he quickly tried to change the subject.
"Anyway, what if we hunt some rab..." even before finishing his words, he knew he could have done a terrible mistake. 

[Mephistel]

The spirit smiled as Raholin made his strange prayer while putting the flower into the water. This flower would eventually grow into a spirit too. A simple thank you would have sufficed but it wasn't bad to add a bit of it. If the feelins were true, it's all that really mattered.

The small flower seemed to respond to Raholin's prayer as it glowed slightly before floating away trough the steam. Ahuzanel gave the young man a soft smile as he finished. It was still pretty silent in the deep of the forest, the song chirping in the trees could be heard and the buzzing of insects.

The forest was full of life, even tough some was hidden, in the trees, the plants, the ground, behind a rustling bush. And the spirit was part of it all. He could feel that Raholin wasn't exactly sure and seemed to easily worried. As he spoke, Ahuzanel had started to walk, but stopped again, turning back his yellow eyes toward him.

-There are many different kind of spirit...and we are all unique in our own ways...-

He answer to him, the next sentence was cut in half, as if something was holding the young man back. Ahuzanel looked at him, his expression unchanged. He had the idea that the young man meant rabbit at this end of his sentence, but had stopped for some reason.

-Are berries and fruits not to your taste?-

The spirit asked, tilting his head on the side. He didn't really mind it. He knew humans were hunting animals to feed, and as long as it was in order to live and the rabbit's life didn't go to waste, Ahuzanel had nothing to say about it. But he still prefer to eat berries.

[FlowyWolf]

As the spirit spoke again, Raholin felt relaxed; even if he probably understood what he was going to say, he didn't seem to be upset. However, his answer looked pretty explicit to him and, since he didn't want at all to upset him, he quickly answered to Ahuzanel's question.
"Yes, of course, some berries would be great!". As to give more strength to his words, he started looking around for any kind of fruit while talking with Ahuzanel again.

"So, you were saying there are many different kind of spirit, so... what kind of spirit are you? I guess that's something tied with nature, isn't it? I mean, in my village, they were always saying the spirit were linked to an element, or... you know, this kind of things.".
He shook his head lightly; once again, he was going to speak too much, without giving any chance to answer to his speaker.
Moreover, he knew he had to stop from talking about what the people of the village used to say, all their stories were full of fear and hate toward creatures like Ahuzanel. And now, after finally met one of those creatures he heard so much about, he finally get the proof all their stupid ideas were nothing but a lie.
He really liked Ahuzanel, he felt as he could trust him, but still, he didn't know anything about the spirits and he feared he could say something stupid that could upset him.
–I need his help, he's probably the only one I can call a friend now, I don't want to do anything wrong with him.-

Luckily for them, they didn't had to look for some berries for too long, as Raholin finally noticed a high bush of red berries near him while they were talking. So, he got close to it and started collecting some of that bright red berries, eager to finally eat something. In fact, his stomach was keeping on in starving loudly and he was really ashamed about it.

[Mephistel]

Ahuzanel, as quiet as always, simply walked by his side as they headed toward different area to find some berries and fruits. As they walked, the human spoke, asking about spirits, curious as he was, it made him smile softly. The forest ground was large but filled with many obstacles to walk, roots, bushes and branches didn't make it easy but somehow Ahuzanel was making his way trough as if the whole forest was bending itself to let him pass. Making it easier for Raholin to walk, even tough he wouldn't notice it.

-You are a curious one...but that is fine...-

He spoke, softly as they reached one of the berry bush. Red small round fruits hanging from the branches as the young man started gathering them. On his side, Ahuzanel started collecting small blue fruits from the nearby tree while answering Raholin's question.

-They were correct, some spirits are related to elements, like wind, fire, water and earth...while others are related to land, like forest, lake, mountain...some are more specific, like flower spirits, undine, fairies...and the such...-

He explained.

-I protect the forest as I am a guardian...but I'm not originally from this one...-

He said slowly, his gestures slowing as he was thinking. He turned his eyes toward Raholin.

-Something dark came into this forest...and is hurting it...I've received a call for help from this forest spirit but...-

He fell silent.

[FlowyWolf]

Raholin listened to the spirit, fascinated; he was revealing him a whole new world.
-So, the villagers weren't entirely wrong, at the end. But one thing is sure, spirits are not evil as they said.-

When he heard about the fact he wasn't originally from that forest, Raholin opened his mouth to ask the spirit where he was from, quivering with excitement, but his voice suddenly froze.
Ahuzanel's expression had changed all of a sudden, his eyes looked worried; something was happening, Raholin could sense it.

"Something dark came into this forest" Ahuzanel's said, and those few words drove away all that little happiness Raholin was hardly trying to find.

All the fears he had tried to ignore until that moment, all the scary thoughts he have fought back, it all assaulted him fiercely, ripping his mind in thousand pieces. A deep shiver crossed his back, her skin got paler than ever, sweat begun to drop from his worried forehead.

The forest started to grow around him, the trees became bigger and darker and those innocent bushes transformed in horrible, spiky brambles. All of a sudden, that relaxing, safe place turned into a nightmare.

He couldn't know what Ahuzanel was talking about, he didn't hear anything, yet, he actually knew what was going on.
There was only one explanation to that sudden problem, he couldn't think to anything else.

"It's them, they're here for me!". 

[Mephistel]

Ahuzanel quickly noted the change in Raholin's emotions, he turned his head toward him, worried but when listening to his words, he understood that this was probably a misunderstanding. He shook his head, putting a hand on the young man's shoulder.

-No...you are not at fault...this darkness was here way long before you came...I am sure that you have nothing to do with it...please rest at ease...-

He said softly. His voice sounded like the rain, a soft and soothing rain. He tried to smile a little. But the problem of the darkness was still there.

-But I will have to take care of it...perhaps...This might seems unreasonable from me...but, would you help me?-

The spirit asked, looking at him, this time, with pleading eyes.

[FlowyWolf]

When Ahuzanel's hand touched his shoulder, he finally managed to gain control of his body again.
He listened carefully to his words, the spirit's voice was so relaxing, as a gentle breeze that blew away all the clouds inside his head. If anyone else had said the exact same words, he wouldn't have believed him.
But his voice was truthful, Raholin had no doubt he was right.

And then, that unexpected request. At first, Raholin thought not to understand Ahuzanel's words, it was impossible that he needed his help.
However, the spirit's eyes were not lying, he really meant those words.

All of a sudden, his eyes sparkled for the unforeseen chance. Ahuzanel had been so kind, helping him even before he discovered his name, it was the least he could do.

So, trying to fight back the last few shadows in his mind, Raholin closed his fists and punched his own left hand, wearing instantly a serious look.

"You can count on me, friend."

[Mephistel]

Ahuzanel was a bit surprised by the sudden urge of energy and seriousness in the young human's voice, but it seemed, like he could count on him. That was reassuring. Perhaps he was a protector of the forest, a guardian, but he wasn't almighty and was more of a kind and pacific spirit.

It was rare that Ahuzanel had to fight, he usually could calm the situation and come to a deal with both parties involve, but this time, it was different. His eyes showed some gratitude as he smiled softly to the human.

-Then, can you please share your name with me? I have yet to hear it...-

He asked softly. Turning around, he pinch his fingers to his lips and whistle, it was a long inhuman one, like a song, even sounded like a flute or something similar. It wasn't a sound any human could just do. Like a call or something.

He turned toward Raholin.

-I've called a friend...he will take us there...-

A few moments later, probably one of the biggest white wolf the young man had ever seen came running their way, stopping at ahuzanel's side and pushing it's head, twice the spirit size, against his small body. He caress the giant wolf fur and smiled warmly.

-Wolfang...this is my new friend...he will help us!-

The wolf turned his icy blue eyes toward the young man, observing him with attention.