Chronicle 2

"The Journey Begins"

The conversation with the elder dragged on for what seemed like ages, but the group sufficiently had any questions they had answered. As much as most of them wanted to deny such a dangerous task….they knew they couldn't. And the hard part wasn't accepting, but what would follow. Telling their families that they were leaving to collect myrrh. And that scared some of the group more than going out into the miasma.

When the group dispersed to go to their homes, Fae Ree and Clouse remained in front of the elder's house. Clouse's breathing was super fast and Fae Ree quickly grabbed his hand to calm him down.

"Hey…..it's gonna be okay. I….I know this wasn't anything we expected but….you're not alone, Clouse. We're all here to look out for each other and I know that-"

"How can you?" Clouse questioned with shaky breaths. "The last caravan were so strong and brought back myrrh for five years! There's no way we can do this!" he yelled frantically.

Clouse grabbed the top of his head and began grabbing fistfuls of his hair. "I…..I don't want to fail everyone. I don't want my parents to lose another son."

Fae Ree's face saddened as she pulled Clouse into a hug.

The last caravan had people that both she and Clouse knew. The leader of the old caravan was Clouse's brother, Ramsey. And one of the other members was a Selkie by the name of Dae Rah….who would have eventually been Fae Ree's brother in law, had they survived.

"We'll….be okay. We just have to stick together. You know you can always come to me for anything, okay? We'll get through this, I promise."

Though the words fell from her lips, Fae Ree had doubts of her own.

00000

Len Sol walked into his home when he was suddenly put into a choke hold.

"Hey little bro! Welcome home!"

"Ah! Gan Noo let go! I'm not in the mood, okay?!" Len yelled.

"Aw, did that Fae Ree give you a hard time again, little brother? Just give up, she won't go for you. Now, let's talk about you skipping on doing the chores for today and leaving your nice older brother to do them, huh?"

"Gan Noo, let your brother go. I made a fresh pot of beef stew. Would you both like to try some?"

Both Len Sol and Gan Noo winced at the thought. Their stepmom could NOT cook and if someone was dumb enough to eat her food...big mistake.

"That sounds great and all Loo Kul, really, but where's dad? I need to tell you guys something really important."

"I'm in here son, give me one second." his dad called from the other room.

"What's up with you, little bro? I haven't seen you this serious in a while. You okay, bud?" his older brother asked while putting a hand on his shoulder.

"I'm….fine, I guess, but that's no important. You guys might want to sit down."

"This better not be another one of your stupid pranks or I'll dunk your face into that pot of 'stew' our dear Loo Kul made just now." his brother threatened.

Len's dad came from the other room and sat at the table with everyone else.

"What's got you all doom and gloom, son? This isn't like you at all."

"Dad, Loo Kul, big brother…..please don't be upset. Though I'll understand if you will be, but…..I've been chosen to go on the next caravan."

00000

Mira'vera walked into her home and headed straight for her room. She knew she had to quickly pack before she forgot anything she needed.

"Mira? Is that you, honey?" her mom called from the kitchen as she was halfway up the stairs.

"Yeah, I'm heading up to my room for a minute! Can you get dad and meet me in the sun room? I have to tell you guys something important!"

"Everything okay, honey? You sound upset."

Mira didn't answer as she quickly started rummaging through most of her books in her room. Ash she grabbed a book on magicite, she heard the familiar sounds of small footsteps running towards her bedroom.

"Mira! Can we go outside and play in Al'dooran's fields again? That was so much fun!" her little brother squealed with excitement.

"Not now, Heinrir, I'm looking for something. Do you remember where dad put the map of the miasma streams?"

"It's in the sun room, remember? I was studying it yesterday." Heinrir groaned. "Why do you need it anyway? I thought you knew that stuff already?"

"I do, but I want the map, okay? It's really important. Can you go get it for me please?" she asked, her patience growing a little thin.

Mira's little brother sighed as he exited the room.

"Since when have you been so antsy, Mira'vera? He just wanted to play with you." her older sister's voice echoed from the doorway.

"Please don't lecture me Iurilas, I've got a lot of packing to do."

A laugh echoed from under her sister's helm. "And why is that, little sister? You planning on going on a big adventure with your friends in Al'dooran's crop fields again?" she laughed again and rubbed her feathery hand over Mira's helm. "You're so cute!"

"I've been chosen for the caravan, okay?! Creators above, can you please go get me some phoenix downs?!" Mira yelled.

"You what?" her sister breathed. "That….that can't be…"

Mira sighed. "I'm sorry I yelled at you…..that was uncalled for. But I really want to be ready before I leave tomorrow okay? Please?"

Iurilas stared at her, though no expression could be seen behind her helm. She nodded before exiting the room.

"And….let me tell mom and dad, okay? I want them to hear it from me."

00000

"So tell me son. What's got you in such a slump, huh?" Clouse's father asked as they worked on a sword together. "Do we need to take a break?"

"I…..promise you won't get mad?" he asked uneasily, even though he knew that his dad would.

"No promises, kid, but I just want to make sure you're okay. You've been acting funny since you got back from the Elder's house."

"Dad, I-"

The door to their home suddenly opened and out came Clouse's mother, Katey and his little sister, Paulie.

"Be careful with that, honey. Give it to your brother." Katey said with a smile.

"I will." Paulie came up to Clouse with a cup of spring water. "Here you go, big brother."

Patting her head softly, Clouse took the cup of water and drank it. "Thanks, Paulie. It really hit the spot." He said while wiping his forehead with his sleeve.

"Is everything alright?" Katey asked her husband.

"I don't know, apparently our son here has something to tell me. He made me promise not to get angry."

"I see." Katey replied, holding her chin. "Well I don't think it's bad if Clouse is involved. I mean, you did teach him better."

A big hearty laugh followed as he pulled Katey into a hug.

"I'd say that was more you than me but I'll take that as a compliment." Clouse's father teased.

They both laughed but Clouse still felt uneasy.

"Well, go on kid, what's this all about?"

Clouse began to shake and his eyes began to well up with tears.

"I'm so sorry….but I've been chosen to go on the next caravan."

A moment passed and Katey suddenly fainted, Clouse's father quickly caught her. Clouse looked at his dad's face and shuddered. His dad was furious…..and he knew the Elder was probably gonna get an earful.

00000

As she came up to the outer fence surrounding the front, Fae Ree greeted her little sister Momo Phiy who was playing with a ball of magicite.

"Fae-Fae, want to play magicite with me?" Momo Phiy asked in an excited manner. Fae Ree giggled at her little sister's nickname for her.

"Maybe later kiddo, I've got to talk with mom and dad okay?"

Momo Phiy looked a little disappointed but smiled and ran back over to her magicite.

As she walked into the house, Fae Ree noticed Foo Kloo, her big sister, running around in a panic. Marking her scroll as she went around the room, she frantically mumbled to herself. There were lots of items all over the tables and chairs. Even the floor was cluttered with stuff.

Fae Ree gave a puzzling look and walked over to some striped apples piled on the countertop.

"Don't even think about it Fae, those apples are for the store." her sister called as she still eyed her scroll.

Fae Ree gave a nervous chuckle then gave Foo Kloo a peeved look.

"What's the point, Foo Kloo? We barely have enough customers anyway so why let it go to waste." She reached out for one when Foo Kloo slapped the top of her hand with the quill she was using.

"Ow!" Fae Ree yelled.

"I said no, Fae Ree. Creators above, you are going to be a terrible merchant if you eat all the merchandise before selling it."

Fae Ree grew tense at the words about to come out of her mouth. "Sis…..I wanted to tell you first before mom and dad but….I've been chosen to be on the next caravan."

Foo Kloo laughed at the thought. "Right, like anyone would let an eighteen year old go out into the dangers of the miasma. The elders wouldn't be so stupid."

Silence filled the room, making Foo Kloo turn around quickly.

"You're….joking, right? Please, for the love of everything, tell me your kidding?!" she asked frantically, her grip on her quill growing tighter.

Fae Ree remained silent, which only made Foo Kloo panic more.

"Fae?!" she yelled.

"I don't want to do it, Foo Kloo, but we don't have a choice! The village will die if we don't bring any myrrh back!" Fae Ree yelled.

"There is no way I'm letting them do this! No! Not again! Someone else can go in your place!" she yelled.

"What is going on in here?!" their father's voice yelled as he entered the room. "The whole damn village can hear you!"

"Dad, we've got to do something! The elder's chose Fae Ree for the next caravan! Please, we have to make them pick someone else!" Foo Kloo said in a panic.

"Is….is this true, Fae?" her dad asked.

Fae Ree couldn't take it anymore, tears welled up in her eyes and she ran to her room.

00000

Whistling a melancholy tune, Kreise sat on the edge of the fence surrounding their cow's pen. One of the cows, Poppy, came up to him and nudged him slightly.

"It's alright old girl. I'm fine." he said as he patted the top of her head.

The door to his home opened and out came his brother's, Alphonse and Heinrich.

"Oh, hey Kreise, when did you get back?" his older brother Alphonse asked.

"Just now….is dad in there? I gotta tell you guys something."

"Did you get in trouble again?" Alphonse asked.

"No, but I kind of wish I did…..that would be good news compared to what I've got to tell dad."

"He's out in the pasture with the cows, he should be back in a few minutes. Hey Heinrich, can you get the cows some more hay please?"

"Okay!" Heinrich called.

"You sure you're okay? You wanna tell me before dad? Make you feel a little better?" Alphonse asked an unusually quiet Kreise.

"Huh? Oh, I don't know. Can you tell me where dad keeps his old spear? I'm gonna need it." he gave his brother a look, hoping he'd catch on.

"Shit…..you're going on the next caravan, aren't you?" he asked sadly.

Kreise nodded. "I didn't think I'd be this nervous….I've always wanted something more than taking care of cows, you know? But now that it's finally happening…..I'm kinda scared actually."

"If it makes you feel any better, I think you'd do a better job than me." he said with a grin, patting his leg. "This leg wouldn't get me anywhere."

"You're so stupid." Kreise groaned. Remembering an accident from a few years ago where his brother fell off the roof fixing a hole.

"Hey, you should get to your chores or dad's going to freak." Alphonse added as he handed Kreise a pitchfork. "Take Poppy out to the pasture when you're done filling up the troughs with hay, okay?"

"Yeah..." Kreise hopped off the fence and went around back to help Heinrich with the hay.

"And Kreise?"

"Yeah?"

"I think you'll kick some major ass out there. Just….make sure you come back, okay?"

Kreise nodded and began leading Poppy out back.

00000

When Alicia entered her home, the wonderful aroma of freshly baked bannock filled the air. She smiled warmly as memories flooded her mind.

"Oh, welcome home sweetie. Did your new friends enjoy the bread?" Her mom asked as she kneaded a piece of dough diligently.

"They loved it, mom. Thanks for teaching me how to make it." she replied.

"You act like it's your first time making it. Was your time at the elder's house good? What did they want to talk to you about?" she asked with a warm smile.

"Where's dad?" Alicia asked.

"He went to meet the farmer…..oh shoot what was his name again? But, he should be back soon."

Alicia remained quiet….not sure how to start the topic about the caravan. She walked over to a bookshelf in the living room and pulled out a book about magicite. Something she read frequently as a kid in her spare time.

"Honey…..I know it was hard leaving all of your friends back in Fum, but I know you'll make some new ones. What's wrong, sweetie?"

"I've….been chosen to go on the next caravan. I didn't tell you back in Fum because I knew you wouldn't want to move here. I'm sorry."

Her mother's face got pale and she covered her mouth. "The…..caravan? Th-that can't be right….you're only seventeen. That's far too young! When I finally meet that elder, he is getting an ear full!" she yelled as she went back to the dough she was kneading. She began kneading far too roughly and it began to deflate.

"Mom….it's okay. I'm not alone. We'll make it back okay? I prom-"

"Don't! I don't want you making promises you can't keep! You know how dangerous being in a caravan is! I swear, what are they thinking?! This is why we moved away from Fum so you wouldn't….!" she stopped, realizing what she was about to say.

"Everything okay?" her father's voice asked from the doorway.

"Hi dad….can you look after mom? I have to go pack. She'll fill you in, I think." Alicia said softly, heading up to her room. "Is your old sword and shield still in the attic?"

00000

Al'dooran sat on an old stump near the fields of his farm. He was carefully cleaning an old hammer, making sure it was ready for the journey tomorrow.

"Al, my boy, come give me a hand with this wheat, will you?!" his father called from out in the fields.

"Of course, be right there!" he called back, laying the hammer on the stump as he got up.

Walking over, he saw his dad throwing up separated grain into the air. Though when he did so, Al heard his father grunt painfully and reach for his lower back.

"Here, let me do it dad." Al said while grabbing the winnowing basket from his father's hands.

"Sorry to burden you again, my boy. My back isn't what it used to be." he said apologetically, rubbing his lower back. "You've been awfully quiet since your return from the elder. Anything you want to tell me?" he asked.

"I've been chosen for the caravan, dad…..but I wish I wasn't. You're going to be working the fields all by yourself. I'm afraid you'll get hurt."

"The caravan, huh?" his father breathed, looking up at some nearby clouds as they rolled by. "Just like your mom so many years ago."

"Wait…..you never told me that. She was a part of a caravan? When?"

"Before you were born, my boy. She was a phenomenal healer, kept her group safe until their time with the caravan was through. You were born not that much longer after that."

"Are you….upset? That I have to go with the caravan?" Al'dooran asked uneasily.

His father shook his head. "Who am I to stop destiny? You were chosen….I can't do anything about it."

To be honest, Al'dooran wasn't expecting such a straightforward response like that. It did put him more at ease though, knowing his father wouldn't worry as much. Not much else was said as Al'dooran continued to winnow the wheat in the basket. But the nerves swirling through his stomach continued.

00000

"Ow!" Breyna gasped as the needle she held pricked her again as she tried to stitch a hole in her favorite hat closed. She realized that her hands were shaking, no doubt from the fear of what was to come tomorrow.

"Breyna, darling, that's the third time you've pricked your finger in a short time. Is everything alright?"

"No, I suppose not." she answered truthfully. "Malayde said she'd bring some more of her green tea later." she said a bit more cheerfully, quickly changing the subject.

"I need to find out what she does. I've always found the stuff so bitter!" Breyna's mother added. "Do me a favor and hand me the embroidery kit, sweetie. There's a patchwork order I have to fulfill before the end of the week."

"How is business today?" she asked, grabbing the embroidery kit from the table.

"Slower than I am use to, but I actually don't mind it. It gives me more time to perfect each stitch."

Breyna was silent as she eyed a beautiful piece of Alfitarian silk hanging not far from the window where her mother worked.

"I'm about to make some stripped apple tea if you want some, darling."

"That….sounds lovely." Breyna replied softly, still eyeing the silk.

"Are you alright?" her mother asked, walking over and placing a hand on Breyna's forehead. "Do you need to sit down?"

Breyna shook her head. "No….but I suggest that you probably should."

Her mom gave her a confused look, but sat down across from her. "Now….what's got you all in a slump, my love? I haven't seen you like this since we moved away from Alfitaria."

"Well….as you know, I went to the elders house today. It turns out that my friends were called there too, along with the new girl who moved into the mill."

"Oh yes! Thank you for reminding me to make them my famous striped apple tarts! I'm sure they'll love them!"

"Mother, focus please." Breyna sighed. She grabbed her mother's hands tightly. "I'm….going to be on the next caravan, mother. I'm going to bring myrrh to the village."

Her mother stared at her without any sort of reaction. Instead, she got up and headed straight for the door.

"Um….mother? Where are you-?"

"Don't you worry, darling. I'll handle this absurd situation right this instant! There is no way my only daughter is being sent out into the miasma. The absolute gall of those bloody elders!"

Before Breyna could protest, the front door slammed shut, leaving her alone and completely stunned.

00000

Later in the day, as the sun began to set. It was clear to all of the families involved that no matter how much they protested, the chosen of the caravan could not be changed. The group decided to meet out on the cliff-side path overlooking the ocean where their small town resided.

Fae Ree and Alicia walked side by side under the orange and pink colored skies as they headed up the path. The boisterous sounds of Kreise and Len goofing off could be heard all the way at the bottom.

"I….still can't believe we're leaving tomorrow." Alicia said nervously. "It doesn't seem real."

"I know what you mean. I always thought I'd take over the family business…..but I guess Foo Kloo's gonna be helping dad now. She was always better at it than me anyway. Though she has made it very clear that she doesn't want me going out into the miasma."

"My mom wasn't too happy either…I doubt anyone in our families are happy about it, to be honest."

"There you guys are! Took your sweet time, huh?" Kreise called from the top of the cliff-side hill.

Fae Ree and Alicia joined the group at the top. The setting sun starting to touch the ocean's surface, making it glow. Fae Ree nudged Alicia forward with a smile, letting her take the scene in.

"It's so beautiful!" Alicia exclaimed.

"Take it all in, little lady. This is one of the things our little town is known for." Len replied.

"It truly is. We always come here together before the day is done. Maybe you can be a part of it now too, Alicia." Mira'vera added.

"That sounds like a lovely idea, Mira." Breyna replied.

Al'dooran nodded.

"We didn't want you to miss out on this before we left. Granted, you could have seen it any other year but…." Fae Ree trailed off at the thought of being in the caravan.

The rest of the group also grew quiet, no doubt thinking the same exact thing.

"We're going to make it back." Clouse finally spoke up, being quiet up until now. "We have to."

"Yes, we will." Al replied.

"No one's gonna stop us from bringing myrrh home!" Kreise yelled excitedly. "Those stupid monsters better watch out!"

"Alright, save the enthusiasm for when we're actually out there, stupid." Len replied with a smirk, watching the lilty start throwing fake spear jabs.

"I'm just excited, okay? I've always wanted to see the world!"

"Yes well, the world is a dangerous place, you bloody oaf. Or did you forget about the miasma floating upon the very air?" Breyna lectured coldly.

"Why do you always have to ruin the mood, princess? You're such a brat!"

"I beg your pardon?!" Breyna squealed. "I'll have you know-!"

As the two lilties bickered amongst themselves, Fae Ree walked over to Clouse and put a hand on his shoulder.

"Let's get through our first year and see how we do. We might even enjoy it." She tried to say a bit optimistically, shooting a playful smirk at him to hopefully lift his spirits.

"If anyone enjoys doing this, their crazy." Clouse replied, giving Fae Ree a soft smile.

"Will your dad be okay gathering crops by himself, Al?" Mira asked, tilting her head slightly.

Al was quiet for a moment before shrugging. "Don't know…..he's never been alone before."

"I-if you want, I can ask my family to help him every now and then while we're gone. I know how hard your father works to give our little town food every year. I'm sure they won't mind." Mira suggested.

"Um….that sounds nice. Thanks." Al replied while scratching the back of his helm.

"Oh! I almost forgot!" Breyna yelled suddenly. She walked over to a basket and held it out to the group. "My mother made too many striped apple tarts. Please, help yourselves everyone!" she beamed.

The group were super excited, especially Len.

Alicia timidly took one and smiled. "They look delicious. Thank you Breyna."

"You're welcome! I'm a little envious, if I must say. You're trying my mother's tarts for the first time. Another thing about our little town that's famous!"

Alicia took a bite and beamed. She looked up at Breyna and then back down at the half bitten into tart, then over at the rest of the group with such a shocked expression.

"Delicious! I've never had anything like it!" she yelled excitedly.

The group laughed, enjoying Alicia's enthusiasm. Their final day was over…..and tomorrow would be the start of something completely new to each of them. None of them knew what awaited them, but they knew that as long as they were together, they could overcome anything.

Or so they hoped.

00000

The Next Morning…

The group all met in front of the village, their nerves finally getting the better of them. Pointing to the edge of town, a large beast was attached to a large wooden caravan. The group, having only seen the beast from afar last year, grew slightly anxious.

The tension in the air was so thick, you could cut it with a butter knife.

"Good, you're all here. Are you ready to go?" Elder Roland's voice asked as he came down the hill with his wife in tow. In his arms, he carried the crystal chalice….something both Fae Ree or Clouse never thought they'd lay eyes upon again.

Roland immediately walked over to Clouse and handed him the chalice.

"I'm sure you all know what this is. Three drops within will be enough to keep the miasma away for a whole year. It is imperative that you fill it and come home to us safely. Be warned, for the myrrh trees take another year to replenish, so you will have to travel further every year until then. Keep the chalice with you at all times and protect it with your life."

Clouse's hands were shaking as he held the chalice in his arms. He pulled it close to his chest and started taking deep breaths to calm the anxiety that threatened to burst out.

"Pama here, your papaupomous, will get you where you need to go." Malayde said with a smile as she gave the beast a few scratches. "She's a gentle giant, but easily spooked, so be careful."

When Malayde rejoined her husband, an eerie silence surrounded the group. Then came the sound of Len smacking his cheeks with both hands.

"Okay!" he yelled. "Everyone have everything they need?" he asked, looking somewhat like a leader.

"I-I think so." Mira replied with a shaky breath. "I have a map if we ever need to use it."

"Great idea, Mira. That will definitely come in handy!" Fae Ree exclaimed, though her voice was also a little shaky.

Soon the group's nerves were somewhat dissipating as each of them put their things into the caravan. Clouse hopped into the caravan with the chalice and set it down long enough to help Breyna inside. Alicia joined them, sitting on the back with her feet dangling off the edge.

Mira decided that she was too antsy to sit down, so she volunteered to walk next to the caravan. Her nerves clearly visible as she clutched hammer tightly in her hands, close to her chest.

"Who's driving?" Len asked, eyeing Pama nervously.

"I'll give it a shot." Kreise replied, rotating his shoulder in confidence.

"Marvelous, we'll be dead before we even reach our first destination." Breyna teased.

Kreise huffed, glaring daggers at the pompous lilty. "Fine, then someone else do it! But I'm sitting up there too!"

Without saying a word, Al'dooran got into the front and started fiddling with the reins.

"Do you know what you're doing there, Al?" Kreise asked, watching Al get a feel of the reins.

"No…..but I want to try." he replied rather straightforward.

"Well that's not very assuring." Kreise laughed nervously.

Fae Ree was a little indecisive about whether she wanted to walk or sit in the caravan. Len came up beside her and gave a little pat on her back.

"A beautiful lady such as yourself should probably sit in the caravan. Save your strength, fair maiden." he said with a smile.

"Call me that again and I'll go get your stepmom's cooking and shove it down your gullet, you pervert."

Len swallowed hard and backed away from her. "Alright, alright…..jeez. Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning."

Ultimately, Fae Ree decided to walk alongside the caravan, but on the same side as Mira.

"Alright, guess I'm walking next to the caravan. Sounds good to me." Len said with a grin. "Everyone have their weapons?" he asked as he adjusted the racket on his back.

"Be pretty stupid not to bring one." Kreise replied. "But yeah, I got my dad's old spear!

"This is more for if anything gets too close, but I'm ready to use magicite for spells." Mira answered, holding up her hammer.

"I know how to use magicite too, but I have my dad's old sword and shield. Though I'm not that good with it yet." Alicia replied, gripping the hilt of the sword tightly.

"While I detest fighting, I have a spear. I took fencing classes back in Alfitaria when I was young. Though my skills are little sub-par, I will do my best." Breyna said proudly with her head held high.

"I'm a little nervous about using this old racket. To be honest it looks like it'll break any moment, but I'll do my best. I don't have much experience, okay none at all, with fighting, but I'm ready to learn." Fae Ree said shyly, clearly a little embarrassed.

"What about you, Al? You gonna use the hammer or magic like Mira?"

"Both." he replied, reaching over to pet Pama.

"Clouse? How about you, buddy?"

Clouse was really quiet as he stared at the sword and shield under the seat.

"Yeah…..I know some stuff." he replied softly, his gaze still on the sword and shield. "My um…..my brother taught me a lot whenever he came back. So, I'm good."

Clouse got up and took the chalice out of the caravan. He walked to the front, but a few feet away from Pama, and took a deep breath.

He looked back at the group, who were now all watching with baited breath as Clouse walked forward with the chalice.

"Here goes nothing..." swallowing nervously he walked out into the miasma. Instantly, the crystal on top of the chalice glowed and they were protected by a barrier. Everyone let out a sigh of relief as Al urged Pama to move.

Just as the caravan began to head down the road, everyone heard their names being called from behind them. The whole town had gathered and were waving, crying, and shouting their goodbyes to the group.

The group tearfully waved and yelled back to their families. Their journey had finally begun.

(End of Chapter 2! Apologies for a kind of long chapter. What's next for Tipa's caravan? Will our heroes get to River Belle and get their first drop? I hope you guys enjoyed it. PLEASE review and I hope you will look forward to my next chapter. ^.^ Next Chapter: River Belle Blues.)