Alchemy.
The medieval forerunner of Chemistry. An ancient practice shrouded in mystery and secrecy. Alchemy is the process of taking something ordinary and transforming it into something extraordinary, usually in a way that cannot be explained. It is concerned with the transmutation is matter. It is a form of Chemistry and also speculative philosophy initially practiced in the middle ages.
An interesting art it is; one that a curious young woman such as myself couldn't help but get ropes up in. My parents never supported my taste for the extraordinary especially since we are living in modern times. My father is a strong believer in science and technology and believes that Alchemy is nothing but witchcraft and should not be encouraged in our generation. My mother couldn't care less about alchemy. She had no need for it and she was no good at it either. She had no problem with having alchemists around but performing alchemy was an entirely different matter. She would also rather it not be performed by someone she was close to because it would make her feel belittled.
I, on the other hand, have always loved alchemy since childhood. Even before I was adopted by my parents. But since the had given me everything and only asked for one thing in return, that I stop practicing alchemy before I harm myself or others, I had no choice but to give it up. My parents had always been nothing but lovely to me and I planned to be the same for them.So I threw out all (or most) of my alchemy related books, pushed my alchemical knowledge aside and turned over a new leaf as a normal child not at all interested in the paranormal.
But no matter how hard I tried to suppress my urges, I was always being drawn to alchemy. Be it a meeting with one of the best alchemists of our time or a simple preschool presentation on alchemy. It always sparked my interests. But unfortunately I had no time to pursue my hidden interest even in secret. Being the only child of the wealthiest family in the world wasn't exactly easy but I've held up until now and if say I'm doing a pretty good job of it.
But every once in a while. There's a time where I don't have any duties. A time when I can be free and do whatever I want, take a break from the billionaire lifestyle and be a normal girl. And today is one of those days.
Today is an especially tranquil morning. The sun is shining warmly and the air is fresh, the birds are chirping and the scenery makes me feel relaxed. So I got in my car and took a drive out to the edge of the woods on the other side of town, planning to visit my secret place where I can be alone and study as much alchemy as I want. I sit on the hood of my car for a while to admire the scenery of the forest. It's beautiful. The way the light reflects off the trees and the tiny drops of dew falling ever so gently off the leaves and onto the soil. I smile to myself, taking a deep breath and a mental picture before getting my bicycle, which I had brought along, out of the trunk and going for a ride through the forest.
I ride down the path I usually do. There wasn't always a path here due to my constant visitation I've formed a hardly noticeable psuedo trail. For the first few miles, it's just a normal ride through the forest, through thick trees and their leafy branches. Then there's a turn that leads into a part of the forest with less trees that seems to have more rocks. The bumpiness of the ride always makes me bubble with quiet laughter. Oh, how exhilarating it is to be free.
After the rocky path is a cool narrow valley that's fairly difficult to pass through, even on foot. But being an expert cyclist like me and having rode on the same path so many times makes it a breeze for me. Beyond the valley is what I believe to be the most beautiful part of the woods. It's like a butterfly garden, overgrown with all sorts of beautiful and wild flowers and plants. The air smells so clean and different kinds of butterflies are fluttering around. The birds are chirping and the hue of the trees is also breathtaking. Over all, the scenery gives me a sense of serenity and that's why I come here.
Although I enjoy spending time here immensely, I wish there was something else I could do that wouldn't involve me inconveniences myself so much. It's a long drive here and though it's worth it, I find myself rarely coming here. Probably because I'm too lazy to make it all the way at times. If only there was something else to keep me occupied, something interesting and out of the ordinary.
I sigh quietly, getting off my bicycle and sitting down on the warm soft grass. Smiling softly to myself, I take out a small notepad from the right pocket of my black skirt and open it. From the other pocket, I pull out a small piece of metal and prepare to practice a little alchemy. That is, until I feel something ominous. The air is suddenly thick and something feels off... I put my notepad down momentarily and look around, scanning my surroundings before packing my things up and preparing to leave.
I don't like this feeling, it feels something is about to go wrong. Gently standing up, I listen attentively for any signs of trouble. I gasp softly when I start to hear shuffling and the sound of dry leaves crunching underneath someones feet.
!
Hiding behind a tree, I try to quiet my breathing and calm my erratically beating heart, listening for whoever could be there while remaining unnoticed. From the breathing patterns I would assume the person is running from something or someone. I only have a moment to decide whether to offer some help or run for my life. For all I know, that person could be on the run from the law. My safety should be my top priority, I should leave as quickly and quietly as possible.
I begin to sneak away without turning back but I feel a small pang in my heart. It would be shameful for me to run away cowardly without even offering any help. I hadn't even seen the person to know if they could be a threat or not so I shouldn't jump to conclusions. I take in a deep breath, pressing my back against the tree and closing my eyes tightly. I really hope I am making the right decision. I exhale and look around the tree I've been hiding behind to see who the person was and as it would seem;
I believe I did make the right choice.