It was barely long enough for a blink. The first thing I saw when opening my eyes was... a town. That's it. A small town, looking somewhat run down, but not menacing in the least. Peering over my shoulder, following the sound of people, there was two men walking down the road. The taller one was wearing a pair of pants with no shirt. His chest was covered in tattoos, arms too. Some were easier to recognize, while others just looked like scribbles from a toddler. Where as his male partner was fully clothed, head to toe, in what appeared to be armor? What a weird pair. Tel and I were probably one hundred feet from the town. Nothing seemed off about it though. Simply asking, "Are you sure this is Ashire?" He hesitated before answering, which made me somewhat weary. "Yes, this is Ashire. The part i'm from at least" Through a silent choke from a cough I managed to inquire, "You are from here?" A simple smile broke loose, answering he was truly from this barren land. Before he finished speaking the rich smell of honeydew caught my nose. That's... strange. The place doesn't seem like anything I've read of or heard. There's no infected forest, people screaming, or burning flesh. Quite the opposite actually.
I followed my new "chaperone" into a quaint hut, which was only six minutes from the village. Passing by twelve other cottages, I counted them myself. The one nearest to Tel's place had a small garden full of fruits from all colors, almost. A small thing I've noticed though, there's not a single item of red around. Not even one wild flower. Tel strolled up to the wooden door, opening it with one hand movement. That's when it finally hit me. Like my feet were plastered to the floor, I couldn't think straight. I'm actually in Ashire. My MOTHER send me here. My new home for who knows how long. Knowing no one other then Tel, who barely talks. What torture is this? It might not be as bad as I thought, but I was still sent away. Like she didn't want me there. "Are you coming in, Miss Raven?" My name echoing in the air. "What? Oh, yeah. Give me a second" I dazedly answered. Nope, I can't think of that. Out of sight out of mind, am I right? One foot after the other and I was at the entrance.
Taking a deep breath, I walked straight in. It is the most... beautiful thing in the world! Not even believing my eyes, it's the most exquisite thing. All of the colors on the walls, the apple cinnamon smell in the air, the abstract figures. To the moon even a thousand words couldn't do it justice. Even the floors, they're not wooden, or marbled, not even carpet. They, they were grass! Actual real grass. The softest kind, clouds and marshmallows don't have anything on this grass. The walls were covered in murals, of all animals, designs, quotes, anything the heart could desire. It was huge, yet felt homey. What kind of magic could this be??
By the smile on Tel's face I could tell I let my expressions leak. "Are you enjoying the interior design Miss. Raven?" He questioned. "How could I not? Everything here is more then anything one could imagine! And please, just call me Raven" letting the words slip off my tongue. Speaking again I added "If that is okay with you, of course." Letting out a small chuckle Tel replied "I would be honored to. Although I'm glad you see my house in such high regards, this is truly just a modern home here. You should see the Tendervald's house." "What a strange name. Wait, who are the Tendervald's?" Curiosity getting ahold I couldn't help but ask. Revealing, he answered, " The Tendervald's are the ones who keep this land from destruction. They keep a shield surrounding to hide us away. Their family has since the downfall of Ashire. At least that's what the story tells. Recently though the shield has been becoming weaker. Once it breaks there will be no hope for our town." No words came to my brain, but the first thing that did I blurted aloud," I am so sorry Tel. Is there anything I can do? Surely we could tell my mother! She would help, I know it." There was silence, and a look of what seems like hesitation on his face? Before thinking anymore Tel finally spoke "Actually, Raven, that is the reason you are here. To your mothers wishes, you will be assisting me in finding the resources necessary to rebuild the shield." The words breaking the happiness that had just been there replaced with hatred and worry. My mother, my mother my mother, I was starting to believe she sent me here for a sliver of kindness. I should have known better. How will I help?? I don't know a thing! Finding the right words I began, " To the moon! She really has lost her mind. I don't know the first thing that could help you. How could I in the first place?" Like he had the words ready on his brain Tel fastly retorted, "I will be training you. I believe you have potential, more then you let yourself imagine. Unfortunately for us, we only have a week to train. Until the day we leave we both will work our asses off becoming the best we can in hopes of will be enough." I can barely process a word he speaks. A week, that surely can't be enough for anyone. Let alone me with no prior experience, no prior training, NO FREAKING KNOWLEDGE!! "You really think I'll be ready by then?" I asked. "I know you will Raven, unlike yourself I actually have faith in you. If you for some god and goddess forsaken way we shall make it work." The words were like he actually cared or at least had faith in me. Feeling my cheeks starting to warm I spun my head away staring out the door. Once it left I could eventually began my words. "If you're willing to try and fail, I guess I could see how this would go." I shrugged my shoulders and left it at that. "I'm always up for a challenge. Training starts tomorrow, Miss Raven"
It started becoming too late, Tel showed me to my room and left. We had a nice dinner beforehand though. So there was a plus. I finally changed my clothes and laid down my head. Today, today was a lot and tomorrow will be so much more. Wanting to not think I begun and finished my wishes. I eventually closed my eyes, and was asleep in a blink.