”Be cautious with your footing, the ground here is slip due to the high amounts of rain this forest gets. If you need to stop, please let me know.”

Cilas warned his traveling companion, Iona who had decided to come with him on his journey back to Iria. Normally he would have just returned back to his dragon form and flown to the southern city on the Parvpora continent. This time though they had decided to make the trek towards Sularia in order to take an airship there. It was the perfect time during their long journey to teach the wisp about the world in her newly acquired body.

”Again, I apologize for our rush out of the Village. The fault was mine, we could have stayed till the morning sun, but apparently, they did not like me pushing back that man.” He said the look of guilt apparent on his face. Though that was the story he had weaved to the-wisp, the truth of the matter was that he had shown his dragon heritage to the man, and one thing men did was fear and try to hunt down dragons. They cared not if they were feral or the intelligent bred, men feared the power behind dragons and Cilas did not want Iona to get hurt because of that fear. So it was better that they had left as soon as Iona was finished within the maiden’s house that gave her body to her.

We do need to rest though, we had been traveling with far little breaks

The dragon thought to himself, for sweat was pouring down his brow from both exhaustion and the ungodly humidity of the rainforest. He knew that if he was exhausted, he was sure that the woman behind him was probably even worse for wear not being used to their mortal frame. He stopped and took a look around, his breathing heavy. His eyes were trying to scan for an area where they could stop and make camp for the night. One thing that he did know was that the rainforest was far more unforgiving during the night. ”Come there is a tree nearby that will be perfect for shelter.” Not only did its canopy provide shelter from the rain, but his ears also picked up the sound of a river nearby as well.

”Please rest, i’ll go gather some firewood for the night and fill up the waterskins again. I know the ground isn’t the most comfortable thing in the realm, but we have to make due with what we have.” He left to go do just that, leaving her to either rest or take in the sights of the vibrant rainforest. Unbeknownst to the wisp he had also cut his hand open and started to spread a small amount of his blood around the area. Marking the territory so that way no jungle-based predators went after them in the middle of the night. He did this all the way to the river he had heard.

Kneeling down he cupped his hands, a slight sting from the water washing over the wound he had caused which was already healing, and splashed his face with the cooling water. That was bliss to him. He took out the waterskins that he had on his person and held them under the water, allowing them to fill to capacity before sealing them up again and placing them on his belt. ”Strange, I never would have picked up a traveling companion before. Wonder why I did this time.” He asked himself before shrugging it off and making his way back to where Iona was.

On his way back he had managed to gather a large handful of dried pieces of wood and twigs for kindling. He placed them up next to the tree they were situated at and undid a waterskin from his belt holding it out for Iona.

Who could have known that one night could change one’s life so drastically. Years upon years people turned their backs on the Wisp and fled out of fear. Each passing day its soul was slowly slipping away a little at a time. But, somehow, the Wisp never lost hope. And all it took was one kind person that was willing to listen, and willing to act. In one single night, the Wisp had obtained a body, a name, and a friend. She could have had a home, too, if she had stayed within Blackmore. Yet, she seemed to be gaining so much more by staying at Cilas’ side. She did not quite understand why they had to leave, but she followed him without question and with great loyalty. This choice was allowing her to see what lies beyond Blackmore and Moonlake, an opportunity to learn about cultures and peoples. She would not give it up for anything.

And, she owes Cilas. No matter how modest he is, he truly had performed her a great service. If she had not gone along with him then repaying with gratitude would be much more difficult. As of now, she was uncertain as to how she will pay him back, but she felt that the solution would come, so long as she stays with him.

Vast, open land quickly turned to forest as they traveled. She had noticed the change in weather as well, as it went from a comfortable warmth to hot and sticky. The trees and undergrowth all smelled odd to her, and the sounds seemed just as strange. She wondered what the proper names to the sounds and aromas were, as she had never learned much about the mortal world. Trees, creatures, grass, people. She knew the basics, but not the difference between races and breeds, nor what distinctive things your senses might notice from them. The feelings her own body were experiencing were new to her, also. The longer they walked the heavier her limbs began to become. She could no longer take proper steps by picking her feet off of the ground. Instead they were dragging slightly, her legs hardly moving with tiny steps. And there was an emptiness within her abdomen, accompanied by a mild clawing sensation. Was this weariness and hunger?

Even so, she continued onward and followed closely behind Cilas. Iona did not speak of the things her body was experiencing. Complaining was something she never wanted to do, as she feared it would make her appear ungrateful for the body she was given. She had already understood that human bodies have weaknesses and flaws before she decided to have one. And she accepted it with all of her heart. Imperfection is what makes humans human. She loved them just the way they are. Never will any complaint come from her lips, nor will they brew within her thoughts. She only wondered how she is supposed to deal with these feelings.

“I will take careful steps, thank you,” she replied to his warning. The maiden paused in her walk as Cilas suddenly stopped. His head movement indicated that he was looking at their surroundings, perhaps searching for something. Iona smiled softly when he invited her over to rest beneath a tree. A nod was given is response, and she settled herself by the tree’s roots, “I do not mind. It is better than getting no rest at all.” Her pale, dainty hands smoothed out her dark clothes, but the dust and dirt that was building on the fabric (from the lack of cleaning) was rather stubborn.

As Cilas walked away, the maiden’s blue eyes scanned the rainforest. The trees towered over her and masked the sky from her sight. The sun’s golden light barely shown through to show that it was starting to set, as the gold was tinged with orange and pink. She wondered how dark the rainforest will become the moment the light fades with the arrival of night. The moon had always been a reliable source, but under the tree canopy she believed it will not be available to them. Iona looked down and swept her fingers along the root of the tree. Stiff, rough, sharp— her finger flinched as something sharp struck it. She winced and turned over her hand. A small red liquid slowly swelled from her fingertip. Was it blood?

Cilas returned with arms full of wood of all sizes. Iona rubbed the blood from her finger onto her dark dress and offered him a welcoming smile. She was relieved to see that he was alright. Although she felt he could protect himself, she could not help but worry for his safety. Certainly since the forest is shaded and growing darker with the fading daylight. She knew not what lurks beneath the stars. He set the wood down next to her and offered her his canteen. “Thank you,” she said gratefully and took the waterskin. As she took a sip, her dry mouth and throat slowly rehydrated. It was cool and refreshing, a delightful sensation. Once she was finished, she offered it back to him. “What is the wood for?” Iona asked with a curious tilt of her head.

He took the waterskin back and took a drink himself. Since they were so close to a fresh, clean source of water they can drink until they were adequately hydrated. He placed the cap back onto it and put it up against the tree along with the second skin that he had on his belt loop. He looked over at the firewood that he gathered, as Iona asked as to why he gathered it. ”It will be a source of heat for us, and light for when the sun finally sets fully beyond the horizon,” he explained to her, ”Even though at the current moment the rainforest is humid and warm when night hits the moisture in the air will cause it to chill quite rapidly.”

He got up and went over to start and step up the wood in a way that would burn effectively. It was a simple cone shape that tapered wide down near the base of the stack. ”Starting the fire is usually the hardest part of the whole ordeal. One cannot just toss would in a pile and hope it burns well. While it may burn, it will burn fast and unevenly, wasting precious resources trying to keep it alive.” He rambled on explaining the basics of fire making to the young woman. He just wanted to make sure that if see so ever went off on her own that she knew how to keep herself warm during cold seasons.

”Now kindling is usually needed. Kindling is usually dried out grass or other quick-burning materials. When struck with a spark it would ignite then slowly you could add smaller twigs before placing it beneath the base. But…

Cilas could have shown her how to do exactly as he explained but his tiredness had made him a tad bit impatient and he was not very skilled in starting a fire that way. He did have his own way of lighting the flames. He held his hand up over the wood and a ball of flame ignited from his palm. ”Those keen in magical arts can speed up the process.” His eyes stared into the ball of flame, watching as the danced above his hand. Usually, a spell such as this was used for more offensive purposes but it would do for what he needed to it to accomplish. ”That is if one is able to control their mana.” he added on as he lowered his hand to the wood. Immediately it caught flame and Cilas pulled his hand back before it got burned.

He got up and sat back down near Iona at the base of the tree. He pulled his knee up and rested his arm upon it as he looked at the flames. ”Now that we have a fire we just need to keep it alive with more fuel. We can also now cook meats with it if we decided to catch anything for food.” He knew that sooner or later they would have to do exactly that, as Cilas was not packed with foods for a long trip like this. For now, they would have to live off of what the land gave them. ”Fire itself is the key to how men could live, and evolve the way they did. If it was never found, who knows if civilization ever would have come to this star.”

Iona set herself on her knees and leaned forward to put her hands on the ground. She crawled a little closer to where Cilas began setting up the sticks and wood in a peculiar setup. Rounded and wide at the base, while the top came together to make a point. She blinked and watched Cilas’ movements intently. As he explained what the wood was for, she had a difficult time imagining it. She did not understand how a fire was made, nor what its uses were. Her flame-like light emitted no heat of any kind, only illuminated in the dark. But mortal fire is seemingly different. In Blackmore it burned large and brilliantly every year during their festival. She could always see its orange glow from afar, and the stream of smoke it threw into the sky. But never had she seen a flame up close, and she certainly had never witnessed all it can do. She was very intrigued to watch Cilas make fire.

He went on to explain that the wood itself does not make the flames, but it is some form of fuel. Kindling was also necessary to help the fire stay alive, and supposedly a spark is needed with all of these ingredients to be successful. She was not entirely certain whether she fully understood or not. How would she be able to tell what materials are burnable or not? Which burn the best? She did not ask, though. She trusted she will learn in time, if not upon this night.

Her blue pools looked up at Cilas as his voice trailed off. His eyes appeared heavy, limbs following suit. His appearance matched the way her own body felt. Perhaps he was also weary. He had traveled a long way. She knew not where he had come from, but Iona was certain he was from no place near Blackmore. Along their journey here she had not spotted a single village for miles. He must have traveled a ways to find her, and then left again to take her away. How long had he gone without any rest? Together they took very few breaks, but only to rest their feet and to eat. Sleep still had not come for either of them. He must be so tired…

She watched him move his hand over the stacked wood, and a mix of red and orange and yellow suddenly burst to life in his palm. Her eyes widened with astonishment, the bright, beautiful dancing flames reflecting in her blue pools. Her pink lips had parted, but had yet to speak a single word. This was magic, Cilas said. Magic. She had heard that it can do so many things. Fellow Wisps claimed that there is no limit, no boundary that magic cannot cross. Some can destroy, some can heal, and some can even bring back the dead. And, as shown before her, it can create flames just as well. It seemed that it was so much easier to make a fire to warm them if magic is used, instead of going through the apparently long and difficult process of making it with sparks and wood and kindling. However, Cilas explained that in order to do such, one must have great control over their mana. She knew not what that is, but she knew one thing for certain: magic is a wonderous thing.

He allowed the fire to spread and cling to the wood and retreated his hand. Moving with him, Iona moved back and sat against the tree once more. She pulled her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around her legs. A ghost of a smile was stuck on her soft face as she watched the fire flicker and burn. It was so warm, and she knew by the sensation that if she came too close, it would become too warm to handle. And as the night arrived, the temperature of the atmosphere within the rainforest did just as Cilas said it would. It cooled until her clothes no longer felt like excess heat. Now, she welcomed its warmth, though it was not quite enough. She rested her chin on her arms, listening to Cilas explain how important fire has become to mortals. She did not understand…but she liked to imagine it anyway.

“This land is filled with so many wonders,” she said, her voice soft as silk and sweet as honey, yet quiet like a whisper upon the wind. “There is no shortage of things for me to learn. I wonder if I will ever truly belong.” Her words were meant more for herself, though she did not speak so quietly that Cilas could not hear should he listen. As much as she wished to remain and be accepted, she could never deny what she is deep inside. A spirit possessing a human. It is like a wolf wearing sheep’s skin. A mask, and nothing else. Even if she does learn everything there is to know about the mortal world, even if she becomes skilled at their talents, and laughs among them, she will never truly belong. Perhaps they will accept her, but she never will, because only she knows the truth. Learning what she can as she walks with Cilas will never make her better at being human, because she is not human. It only adds to the lie she can never tell.

The cold embrace of the night soon fell upon both of them. Cilas had not noticed how fast it had encroached onto the travelers beneath the trees embrace. The rain that had been falling now stopped, though knowing the forest they could pick back up at any time. He had glanced over at his traveling companion and saw the smile she bore as her eyes watched as the flames danced ahead of them.  He looked forward, his eyes staring at the flames themselves. The tranquility of their rest was starting to get to him, as his eyelids started to get heavy. Sleep was slowing starting to wrap their arms around the dragon, and there was little that he could do to fight it.

Her words though stirred him awake again. He knew exactly how she had felt, and wished he could bring to words to help her more, but did not want to give away what he truly was beneath his human form. ”Aye, there are plenty of wonders in this world. Some that I still have not yet to see or even know if I will see in my lifetime. It is these wonders and our experience in the world that places us where we are needed. You are as new as a babe to the mortal realm, in time you will find where you truly belong. Trust me on that.” He said exactly what was on his mind, and hoped it would settle the thoughts that she had,

”At the current moment though, I believe we need our rest, our bodies need the energy for the journey.”

Moments had passed, Cilas making sure to keep the fire lit as the night continued on. He had been just listening to the fire and the creatures around them, just in case one decided to stray into his marked territory regardless. He had not realized that Iona had fallen asleep next to him until he looked over to make sure that she was okay. He had to guess that she was not used to the fatigue of her mortal frame and the night’s grasp got to her faster than it did him. He undid his now dried cloak and draped it over her to cover her. Though they had a fire going, it was not a large one. His body was more used to cold temperatures for being raised in the Cradle.

He grabbed the one, now empty, waterskin that they had and got up slowly in order to not wake Iona. He went to refill it, making sure along the way to see if his blood marks were still upon the trees. It did not take him very long to do the small tasks and he sat down against the tree next to Iona. ”Sleep well my friend.” he spoke softly and closed his own eyes. It was almost immediate that sleep took him, his body exhausted and sore from the journey they had from the village. It was also the longest that he had been in his human form as well and he needed to recharge his energy from that.

Iona looked up at Cilas as he began speaking. It appeared as though he was making an attempt to encourage her as he had done once before. She smiled tenderly at him, and a slight warmth swelled within her chest. The future is so uncertain. Iona knew not how she will come to belong in this world, but she knew deep in her heart that Cilas’ words rang with truths. Perhaps she will find her rightful place with time. It may not even be in the world of mortals. Someday, she may finally belong among her own kind in the spirit realm, if this land is not where she can forever remain. She needed a home, someplace, sometime. But she was patient. She had awaited the day to obtain a human body for several centuries; she will wait even more to find a permanent place to reside.

As the maiden looked back to watch the fire she briefly wondered about Cilas. This is his world, and there is still so many things he has yet to come to witness and know? What all has he seen? Where has he been? How far has he traveled thus far? The strong urge to question him about his travels and experiences abruptly washed over her, but she managed to hold her tongue as he suggested that they rest. “Very well,” she spoke softly with a quiet yawn. Her heavy eyelids gradually drifted shut, her vision blurring until all that she could see was blackness. The sound of the flickering fire faded along with the noises from the forest. Then, silence. It was quite a peculiar sensation, but the weary maiden welcomed it.

For lengthy moments the silence extended. But it was short lived.

“Help me,” a soft voice cried out. “Please, will someone help me?” The darkness surrounding Iona was broken by a bright, silvery light that she knew all too well.

Moonlight.

She looked above her to bare witness to the full moon shining at its brightest. No cloud darkened its pure light, yet, no star spotted the night sky. How odd… She turned her eyes ahead where a blue light danced at the adage of a forest like a small ball of flame. A Wisp?

“You, fair maiden. Will you be so kind to lend me aid?” The Wisp spoke to her, its voice akin to a sigh of relief. “How may I assist you?” Iona asked, but her voice sounded strange. It was not her own, not Iona’s. Not quite. Was someone else speaking instead? “Come, closer,” said the Wisp. Without sparing a second thought, she did as the Wisp commanded. However, the moment she took a step forward, her whole world darkened once again. A sinister laugh caused her body to chill. It was as if something had frozen the blood coursing through her veins. “So naive,” a voice cackled. “Your foolishness has served me well, but you have lost so much. Perhaps you should question one’s intentions before you agree to them blindly. One day, you will reach out to aid a stranger, only to have her hand cut off by them.”

“Wait-“ she stepped forward once more, but found herself tumbling forward and falling into a pool of dark water. She dropped deeper and deeper, and no matter how much she tried to swim to the surface, she only sunk lower. She was engulfed by dense darkness…

Her eyes shot open. A warm yellow light broke through the forest from somewhere just over the horizon. Judging by its coloring, and the still coldness in the forest, she thought it must be sunrise. Iona blinked with confusion as her brow creased slightly, her lips forming the softest of frowns. What were those images? It seemed so real, yet, none of it made a lick of sense. Were they visions perhaps?

A soft warmth suddenly caught her attention. She looked down at herself. Cilas’ cloak was draped over her shoulders. Glancing over at him, it appeared he was still sleeping. Maybe he put it on her before he began to rest. A tender smile replaced her frown. The more she came to know him the more she discovered how deeply rooted his kindness truly is. She had never been so blessed to meet a human quite like him before. She pulled his cloak off from her shoulders and moved closer to wrap it around his own. Iona was careful not to disturb his sleep as she did so. Then, she glanced around. The fire Cilas had made during the night died down until only embers remained. Other than that, however, nothing appeared to be new. Her stomach clawed at her for food, and she stifled a quiet groan of hunger. They still had not eaten since earlier the day before. Perhaps she should search for something? She knew not what was edible in the forest, but she did not wish to wake Cilas and ask. He needed the rest he was getting.

She began wandering away from their resting place, gazing in wonder at the forest surrounding her. Her eyes were large and bright with amazement. Everywhere she looked she found something beautiful. This world is brimmed with such beauty, something wonderful compared to the spirit realm she lived in for so very long. Soon enough she came across a waterfall that cascaded into a small lake, which then became a river that flowed gently through the forest. Iona dropped to her knees and dipped her fingers into the cold and refreshing water. It was so clear that she could see the bottom, as well as groups of scaled creatures that swap with grace and ease. Were they fish? Fish can be eaten, yes? Perhaps she could catch one and bring it back to Cilas.

Iona reaches into the water to grab one, but it dashed away far too quickly for her to catch. She needs to be fast, it seems. She lifted her dress and tied a knot at her hip, exposing her legs all the way up to her upper thighs. But modesty was the last thing on her mind. She waded into the water until her knees were submerged, and then she waited. Another fish swam by, but again she was too slow. Over and over she suffered through trial and error, desperately trying to learn on her own.

The normal dreams that usually visited the dragon did not come this night, or he could not recall them if he had dreamed. His body and his mind were far more tired than he could have imagined as the first sun’s rays did not even wake him even as the beams shone into his eyes. His body was completely shut down as it recharged physically, mentally and magically. It wasn’t until he started to feel a warmth flow over his body that his eyes started to open. The brightness of the sun shining through the limbs of the towering trees. He moved to adjust himself from his position and felt his cloak fall from his shoulders. He remembered vividly putting that on Iona before he sat back down, she must have woken up before he had and covered him up in return.

He looked over to where he last saw her and immediately bolt straight up. Natural reflexes kicked in as his unfocused eyes gazed about the surroundings. The only thing he could see was the smoke rising from the embers of the fire that was extinguished. He breathed in through his nose, hoping that he did not detect the smell of human blood, but the only thing he could smell was the char from the fire. He rubbed his eyes in order to try and focus more. He looked around again, and this time he had noticed the depressions in the ground that led away from their little camp.

A small sigh of relief washed over Cilas.

She must have gone out to explore on her own

He could not help but to be worried about the woman still though. She was still new to this world and he did know if she would find herself in danger that she wouldn’t know of. He felt that it was his responsibility to watch over her until she could get a footing in the world herself. He knew that everyone needed their own space, as he himself did at times, but Laeto of all places was not the best to go out alone. He got up and brushed the dirt off of himself before heading out to follow her light footsteps to where they led. His stomach growled as he walked. ”Perhaps she was hungry herself, it had been a while since we last ate. The question remains, does she know what is edible or not.” he murmured to himself.

His ears picked up the splash of water, and he quickened his pace. His overprotective nature was once again getting the better of him as he did not know for sure if she was drowning or what was going on for that matter. Not only did he hear the splashes, but the large flow of water as well, a waterfall. Too many factors were running through his mind, especially when just waking up.

His fears were for naught though, as when he reached the source of the sounds he just saw her at knee level into the crystal clear lake waters. He looked over at the waterfall that lined on edge of the body of water. Must be the source of the water that I filled the waterskins up in. He watched though as she tried to grab at something in the waters. Was she trying to catch a fish? While he knew skilled enough people were able to grab a fish within waters, she would just exhaust herself trying. Perhaps she was trying to catch one for them to eat, which he was impressed that she was even making the attempt.

”You can keep trying, but Fish rule the waters. Their movements are perfected within its embrace.” He called out to her, after watching her for a few more tries trying to catch the aquatic animals. ”Not only that, the water distorts where we see them. They are not where they seem to our eyes.” He would wait to see if she would ask him for advice, or try and find a solution herself. Either way, this would prove to be a good learning experience for her.

Iona was beginning to figure out that fish are very elusive creatures. Swift, agile, and graceful, they were. Every once in a while, she would pause her attempts with a quiet and soft huff. Desperation was making itself known to her the longer she went without satisfying the hunger within her stomach. But she would swiftly remind herself to be patient. Only misfortune comes to those who do not wait. The Wisp had learned firsthand that patience can be truly rewarding. For centuries she patiently waited for someone to help her escape her prison beneath Moonlake. And despite her desperation to survive then, she kept her patience intact. In the end she was blessed with what she desired, her life spared. She was not certain what humans would believe is the cause of their fortune, but to her, it was the fruition of her own actions, and the kindness of one stranger.

Speaking of which, she needed to repay him. Somehow, someway. He claims that having her along with him on this journey back to his home is enough for him, but she was not satisfied. She knew that catching a fish could never measure up to the deed he’d done, but she wondered if it would please him at all. Even if it is just a small fish, would he be happy? She supposed he might be, considering how difficult fish are to catch. Perhaps he would be proud if she could manage such a feat. The image she conjured for herself made her heart swell with a strange warmth. She wanted to make him smile, perhaps hear his laugh for the first time. Seeing such things from a human always had a way of making her happier. Happiness pleases her, especially the happiness of another person. She wished this for Cilas, but not just because it pleases herself. It is simply because it pleases him. Doing good for others only to make yourself feel good is selfish. Her own happiness does not matter in her eyes. She wants to give to others, and ask for nothing. Their joy is all she truly desires.

After countless attempts, Iona was soaked with water. It was cool on her flesh, but she was grateful that the morning coldness was fading. Otherwise the water would be too cold to bear. Another splash from another attempt. Her fingers managed to graze the slickness of a fish, but could not get ahold of it. She huffed again. The sound of approaching steps turned her eyes away from the water and to the riverbank. Cilas was standing there, watching her poor attempts. “Good morning,” she said cheerily, although slightly out of breath. Her body was not accustomed to moving so much it seemed. It was quite embarrassing how easily she gets weary from such small actions. She did not wish to hold Cilas back any, especially during their travels. Tis why she never mentioned when she needed rest thus far.

Cilas put into words what Iona was figuring out. Surely he knew of a better way to catch a fish. If the water fools her into believing that the fish are where they aren’t, then she stood no chance at succeeding this way. “I see,” she replied with a sad smile. Her cheeks warmed with slight embarrassment. She had hoped to make him proud, but she only further proved what how foolish she is.

Such a naive little witch.

She blinked suddenly, wondering where that thought came from. But she forced her attention back to her current situation. Iona looked to Cilas. She had wanted to learn how to manage on her own, to not be a burden to Cilas and have him doing everything for the both of them. She wanted to help in any way that she could. But…she was not certain whether she had any choice other than to seek his guidance. She waded out of the water and stopped before Cilas. Her skirts were untied and let down, although it seemed pulling them up was useless in the first place, as her entire dress became soaked in the end. The thin, dark fabric clung uncomfortably to her figure, concealing very little of what needed to be hidden simply because of her lack of undergarments. She had only ever seen what humans wear on the surface, so she had been unaware that there is meant to be more underneath for modesty. Oblivious to this, she smiled softly up at Cilas, “Is there a better way for me to catch a fish? I would very much like to learn, if it is not a burden on you.”

Her reply made the dragon question whether he should have said it the way he had. He was always the type to be straightforward with explaining things to people, yet it seemed to him that she was disappointed with his answer and the flush of embarrassment he could see in her cheeks. She was trying to do something on her own will, trying to catch something for the both of them so that they can sate their hunger. The next time she decided to try something on her own, perhaps it would be better for him to guide than just explain things in such an academic way that he did.

”it was a valiant effort though, be proud that you tried.”

She started to approach Cilas on the shoreline, and he had to divert his eyes a bit. When she was standing out in the distance he had not noticed, as the fabric was dark enough at that range, but getting closer he could see that the dress she wore was thin. Though most of her were covered, the wet fabric clung to her figure outlining the curvature of her body well and slight bits of skin were showing beneath the dark cloth of her dress. He had gazed upon her naked form already when she arose from the water, but he still felt a bit of embarrassment regardless.

Next time we are in a town, perhaps buying more thick attire would better suit situations like this.

She asked for his advice on how one was supposed to catch fish. Remembering his own earlier advice he smiled back at her, his eyes making sure to lock into her own, still trying to avoid looking elsewhere if he could help it. “A simple tool was made just for that purpose,” he waved his hand in front of him and two of his own poles appeared before him which he caught with his other free hand. “An aptly named fishing pole. A relaxing past-time if I must say.” He handed Iona the other free pole, before making note of the hook at the end of the string. ”Fishing hooks are extremely sharp, so be careful around the hook.”

He could have summoned some bait for both of them as well, but they were in a place that had plenty of insects and even worms beneath their feet that would serve as such. He knelt down to the ground, setting his own fishing rod to the side, and started to dig into the moist ground beneath them. He dug a few inches in before he managed to spot the slender body of a worm trying to burrow away from his digging hands. Quickly he snatched it up and picked his pole from the ground. “First thing, one needs to find suitable bait such as this. Most fish around the realm is drawn to worms so they are the most common bait you will come across.”

He carefully threaded the worm onto the hook. He made sure the hook was secure and watched the worm wriggle around still alive. ”Everything has its place, the food chain is a vicious cycle, but in order for us to eat the fish needs to eat and that is when we hook it.” He said and glanced over at Iona again to make sure she was understanding what he was showing her. He then stepped up to the edge of the lake and cast out his line. ”Now we wait when the tip of the line bends far more than it should it means we have got a bite and then it is the small fight to reel the prey in.”

Iona tilted her head curiously. It amazed her that there was a tool made to catch the swift fish. Although, she could not quite see how something could keep up with their speed. She was curious to learn, and Cilas was willing to teach her. Two long, thin objects were conjured out of thin air, and she blinked with wide eyes. Silently she wondered where they came from. But she recalled being told of magic just the night before. If magic was capable of making fire, and bring objects from nowhere, then it must be very powerful. She wanted to know what else it could do, how many impossible feats it could make possible. But, for now, her task was to fish.

She learned that they were known as fishing poles, and Cilas claimed that they make a relaxing way to pass time. She gladly took the one he handed to her. Her eyes were locked onto it, following the pole to the very end where a silvery object dangled and shined when the light hit it. She was just about to reach out to it when Cilas warned her not to. Her hand withdrew. Movement from the edge of her vision drew her attention back onto Cilas, only to see him kneeling on the ground. His hands pulled up the earth and turned it, making a small endention. She leaned forward next to him for a better look. Soon enough, a small, long and slimy creature was exposed from beneath the dirt. It wriggled wildly, attempting to make its way back into hiding. But Cilas caught it.

She watched as he impaled the creature -a worm, as he called it- with the hook whilst explaining that it was bait, and the importance of having such a thing when catching fish. Her tender smile faded into a small frown. Creatures are killed to capture another creature that, too, will be killed? That is the steps for survival? This food chain he spoke of sounded like an awful thing. But she preferred not to think about it during this moment. Whether she liked it or not, they needed to kill a fish to eat, and first they needed to catch one.

Cilas glanced at her briefly, then moved to stand at the edge of the river. He pulled his rod back then abruptly thrust it forward. The baited hook was sent flying across the water, landing near the other side. He said they should wait, and explained how they will know when they have caught a fish. Iona knelt down and dug for a worm of her own, trying her best to follow each step as properly as she could. She winced as she put the worm onto her hook, careful with the way she handled it, as Cilas warned her to. Then, she tried to mimic the cast. Her first attempt got her hook caught in a tree behind her. But each try she progressed, until she finally figured out the technique and got her line into the water. She beamed, eyes gleaming with self pride.

And then, the wait began.

For a long while, they stood in silence. Her eyes were locked onto her rod, watching for any signs of a fish taking her bait. She did not allow herself to relax even for a moment, for she could make a catch and lose it because she was unprepared. Eventually, her patience was rewarded. At first, it appeared as though the line was moving, but there was no pressure on the rod. She waited and watched, until there was a sudden jerk. It was swift and strong, almost pulling her from her feet and into the water. She wanted to call out to Cilas with joy, but it seemed there was no time for celebration. If she was not careful, she would be pulled into the water. Although it was not too deep, she did not want to be dragged into it. It is certainly seep enough to be dangerous, and to save herself she would likely need to let go of her rod. But then she would lose the fish. She was desperate to succeed, and determined to somehow manage on her own. She wanted to prove something to Cilas, that she will not always burden him by having him do everything for them both.

She gripped the pole in both hands as tightly as she could and pulled. The battle did not last long, but it had tested her strength. Her small frame was not accustomed to handling such a powerful creature. But alas, she managed to bring the fish to the shore. It was a greenish color, with pointed scales and a long mouth that was filled with dangerous looking teeth. It wriggled and writhed wildly. Iona grabbed the fish before it could work its way back into the water and held it tightly against her chest, hoping to restrain it some. Even just a little. “Cilas!” She called out with a bright smile. Pride swelled in her chest, as well as warmth as she hoped that he would be pleased by her accomplishment.

Then, the fish suddenly began flailing again. A sharp and very unpleasant sensation struck her wherever the fish had touched, and she let out a loud cry. The feeling was so severe that she was forced to drop the fish, and it flopped its way back into the water. She looked down at herself. Blood dripped from lacerations all over her hands, along her arms, and across her chest. The fish’s scales had cut clean through her clothing and flesh, as if it were nothing.