Author's note: This time we take a look into two of Sage Sevil's memories. A short chapter, but nevertheless a flashback to his shock and resolve that he must build to follow through with the promise discussed in this chapter. As well the feelings he has for her. While Sevil doesn't come out and admit it, the deeper connection is hinted at here. The two flashbacks have first person narrative beginnings, but are remembered in third person. Just for those of you who question the prose and who is ultimately telling the story.
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Chapter Two – Memories of Sage Serena
The little angel that had lead me astray and then saved my life was Sage Serena. A girl with a fiery spirit and a love of adventure, disillusioned with the world. It was one giant dream come true for her, it was my skepticism and fear prevented me from following her.
“What do you mean you want to stay! Sevil! You won't come with me?” growled Serena, pressing her index finger into his chest. “It's been nine years. You are the only one that I truly know! Will you let me go off all alone?”
Sevil shook his head and looked away from Serena's piercing stare, arms on her hips, leaning into him, “If I recall correctly that didn't stop you last time.”
Gasping in shock, Serena didn't know whether to hit him or run away in tears. Rooted to the spot, she closed her eyes in anger and sadness, “Fine! When you come for me, you won't find me. Even a single day is too late. You left me all alone for a year, in the mountains. I waited so long for you...”
“I had no idea, I was scared!” he whimpered.
Serena jumped off the boulder and started off for Fian at full stride, “I didn't realize you were such a crybaby-”
Sevil jumped off the boulder and ran after Serena, “I am sorry! I'll do anything.”
“Come with me.” demanded Serena. Turning around to face Sevil, her long brown hair twirling as she spun on the spot and raised her finger to point at him again.
Continuing past her without a glance behind, Sevil shook his head, “Except that. I don't like adventure or danger as much as you. I've had enough for one lifetime, in fact...a dozen lifetimes.”
“Then a promise. Can you manage that?” she said softly, reserved and unsure of herself.
Turning around to face her, he nodded and asked, “What kind of promise?”
Serena brushed black her brown hair and clasped her hands together in front of her stomach, “Since you won't come with me, I want you to promise...”
“Promise...” he repeated.
“If I should ever be unable to continue on, I want you to be the one to take my life.” Serena said with both eyes staring serenely into his.
“I promise, but you have to promise the same thing.”
Serena quickly said with a grateful smile, “I promise. I'll be back in a couple of years to see you. Maybe then you will be ready. Oh, and don't go home without me. Cause I really will kill you if you aren't there to welcome me back.”
The night Serena left was sudden and unannounced, she was determined to make it on her own wherever she went. Following the wind and her heart, but leaving the smallest part behind with me. Back then, the two of us shared a small home, which was unorthodox given the custom, but the two of us were not exactly normal children. We lived together for eight years after the elders approval, on special conditions that even I could not understand. Serena had taught me, but it was many years after her leave before I became fluent in the language, which I relished over English.
The full moon was rising slowly into the sky outside of the window as the silhouette of Serena crossed in front of it. She swayed back and forth, peering out the window, the light of the moon flickering on my face with each rock of her head, stirring me from sleep. The pale light faintly shone upon her back and hair, casting her outline against the darkness of the room.
“Serena. What are you doing?” he yawned and rubbed the sleep from his eyes.
“Sevil, I am leaving tonight, but I couldn't leave without saying goodbye to you...” she turned around and looked to the boy still half asleep in his bed, she leaned over him and planted a soft kiss onto his cheek.
“Ser-”
“Shh. Go back to bed. Sevil.” she whispered as she pulled away from him, her red face hidden by the pale light, “See you soon.”
Sage Serena left suddenly and without word, disappearing into the thick fog that crept across the mountains in the middle of the summer. Velafiar, Jibune, 15th 334. The date she left me. The date she left us. Leaving the farming town behind for an adventure towards the north. Even in those days, Serena knew the risks of heading south into the Kingdom of Zar. Enslavement and torture would surely await her if she was to be captured or distinguished as a foreigner. In the land of 'Gingers' it was impossible to live amongst them.
Few words would ever reach Fian in the years after she left, only rumors and stories of a child sage performing miracles and being welcomed in the Forum of Philosophers. Salvation and justice in the form of a child god and finally, as an officer of an expeditionary force in the Kingdom of Clair.
In seven years, she had ascended to a position of importance and power. Even the church spoke highly of her, using the title 'Sage Serena, Daughter of the Order of Spirits' in prayer or ceremony to that brown haired cherub. While poor little Sage Sevil spent his time consumed in thoughts and history upon the mountains, a recluse, a hermit awaiting her return. Now upon the eve our reunion, the promise has been called upon. Without a moment for joy, she wants her blood to be spilled by her closest friend in this world, what was she thinking. She returned only to die by my hand? Maybe I knew what she was thinking, but I couldn't understand it. Not in this place, not now, but soon enough.
