Crossing Paths
Marcelle woke up to the assault of her alarm striking the time of 6:00am. She grunted and blindly swung her arm over making contact with the snooze button, silencing the noise and rolled onto her side facing the wall away from the alarm, grouping the blanket around her face to block out the sun. When the alarm came alive again she whipped the blanket fully off the bed and slammed her hand down on the alarm while slowly removing herself from bed.
She walked towards the bathroom and snatched her towel that hung off her computer chair as she passed it. Shutting the door to her bathroom, she rubbed her eyes and faced the mirror. Marcelle glanced in the mirror and stared into her eyes. She watched as her irises fade between the colors blue and green and remembered the conversation she had with Adrienne just a few hours ago. Leaning in closer to her reflection she saw shapes form in the colors like they were trying to say something to her. Squinting, she tried to make them stay on one color but nothing could stop the movement in them. Giving up, she moved away from the mirror and began to get ready for school.
While walking down the staircase she smelled the strong scent of her mother’s cooking coming from the kitchen and followed it to the dining room table.
“Good morning sweetheart; we’re having some eggs and toast this morning. Your father went into work earlier so he won’t be joining us.” Ree said looking over her shoulder kindly to her daughter.
Marcelle said nothing back, only watched her mother cook while the things she discovered about her mother’s past ran through her head. She was pulled from her trance when Ree placed a plate in front of her with her breakfast on it.
“You alright?” Ree said noticing her daughters distance.
“Where did you live before I was born, mom?” Marcelle finally let out.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, what was your life like before you had me. You’ve never really said anything about it.” Ree sat for a bit pondering her question.
“That was so long ago. Everything kind of just blends in and becomes blurry once a certain amount of years past by.” Ree said, satisfied with her answer.
“Well could you tell me anything? I know about your high school years and a few after that but what about from there until I was born. Who did you hang out with, who did you date before dad?”
“Well, I don’t think there was anyone before your father, really. I spent those years focusing on school work. I didn’t really start dating or being around people until after I graduated college and got a job.” Ree said.
“There wasn’t even one boy during college that you had a crush on in the slightest?”
“Well, if you must know, I always had a dream about this one man. I never met him or at least I don’t think I have.”
“Was his name Orion?” Marcelle questioned.
“Yes, yes it was. How did you know that honey?” Ree said shockingly.
“It was a lucky guess. What were your dreams about?”
“They were strange. They took place in a strange world nothing like our own. We were constantly running away from something but I can’t remember what, but I know that we were in love and we had a daughter. Which was you; actually. I used to dream about you before you were born. Isn’t that something? Funny. Why are you asking all these questions?” Ree said.
“Like I said, I’m just wondering. I have to go to school now though.” The young girl said getting up from the table and walked towards the front door.
“Okay, have a good day at school.”
“Thanks mom.” She replied as she grabbed her bag and jacket by the door and headed down the pathway following the trail to school.
She met up with her two friends at the corner of the street just like they’ve done every day of high school. They talked about random things that happen in school and at last night’s practice, but nothing caught Marcelle’s attention as she followed along in silence. They passed the road that she traveled down the night before and she stopped.
“Hey why’d you stop?” Bethany, the taller brunette asked while she almost ran into Marcelle, focused on the conversation she was holding with Noelle, the shorter brunette.
“Let’s go this way to school.” Marcelle said staring down the abandon street.
“Why? It is a longer way to school, we might be late.” Noelle said.
“Come on, I took it last night. It wasn’t that long of a walk. We will make it.” Marcelle said while she began to walk down the middle of the street.
The two girls just shrugged their shoulders and followed Marcelle.
As they passed the house Marcelle went into the night before she slowed her pace and looked in all the windows, searching for Adrienne but found the house looking the way it did before.
“Hey. Marcelle; let's go. We are going to be late” Bethany said noticing the distance between them and Marcelle.
Marcelle gave one more look to the house and turned to catch up with her friends.
“What’s with you today? You’re acting strange, even for you.” Noelle said.
“I just have a lot one my mind.” Marcelle said finally caught up with her friends.
“Like what?” Noelle asked.
“You guys promise not to laugh or make jokes and just listen?” Marcelle said wondering whether or not she should tell her friends.
Even after the words left her lips she was unsure as to whether or not she trusted them enough. She had been friends with these two for most of her life but still debated if they would believe her when she told them the truth.
“Sure.” They both said.
“I went into that house last night. “ Marcelle said pointing back to the house. “And I met some women named Adrienne. She told me some things about myself.
“Like what?” They said curiously.
“Well, she told me that I’m not from here.”
“From Asheville?” Bethany said.
“No, from well, earth or this realm.” Marcelle added.
“Realm?” Noelle asked.
“In short, she told me my father is actually from another realm, a magical realm; opposite of this one. That the realms balance each other out and my mother crossed over to the other one long ago where she met my father. They fell in love and had me, but she was forced to come back due to creatures trying to kills us. Oh, and that I have a unicorn.” Marcelle said stopping her pace and looking back at her friend for their response.
They both stared at her saying nothing for a few seconds. Then, just when Marcelle thought they were going to say nothing at all; they both burst out into laughter.
“Marcelle, where are getting this from?” Bethany said.
“It’s the truth.”
“No, no really stop messing with us.” Noelle added.
“Alright; you’re right. I’m just kidding with you.” Marcelle said finally giving up.
They continued to laugh for a bit then moved on to the useless topics they were talking about before. Marcelle only walked in silence while the other rambled.
The school day was nothing special and went by in a blur for her. She couldn’t stop thinking about the night before and by the time school was finished she had passed in an unfinished test and couldn’t recall a single day of lessons. Finding that practice would be just the same, Marcelle skipped out on it and was out the fronts doors of the school by the time the school bell rang. She knew where she had to go and began to follow the trail.
She stood in front of the old house for a few minutes, staring at it in the daylight. It looked even more run down then it had in the night. She could see more places where it looked like it was falling apart and most of the exterior paint was chipped away.
Finally, she walked to the front door and gently pushed it open as to not push it off its hinge. It creaked while it opened and her footsteps echoed throughout the house. She slowly walked to the living room and allowed one of her hands to rest on the dusty couch as she searched for something although she did not know what.
“Adrienne?” Marcelle called up the staircase. “Adrienne, please come out. I’m sorry for last night.” She added walking across the hall into the kitchen.
She saw a table broken in half and most things covered in dust and graffiti.
“How do I make this work” Marcelle sighed to herself as she looked around.
Nothing responded to her throughout her search and after about twenty minutes of walking through an abandon house and being covered in dust, she headed towards the door. She pushed the door open and started to walk through when she heard a voice come from the kitchen.
“Wait!” It said echoing through the rooms.
Marcelle turned around to find nothing and began, once again to leave the house.
“Wait, Marcelle; I’m here!” She heard the familiar voice say.
Again, Marcelle turned around and this time she found herself looking into the house she spent most of her night in. There was the fire roaring away in the fireplace and noise coming from the kitchen. She walked into the hallway and shut the door behind her.
“Adrienne?” Marcelle said as she peaked into the kitchen.
There she found the older blonde working away, preparing some lunch and tea. The kitchen had the most memorizing marble countertops and appliances and looked like it came straight out of a home goods magazine.
“Sorry, I heard you come in but I wasn’t ready yet. I wasn’t expecting you until after your practice. Once I heard you coming I quickly started to make you a lunch. I figured you probably were a bit distracted today to eat.” Adrienne said turning to the young girl with a plate in her hand that held Marcelle’s favorite sandwich.
She was right. Marcelle skipped out on lunch that day because she couldn’t think of anything else but the night before and didn’t want to sit and listen to her friends talk about the useless things they always talked about at lunch. She was afraid she would try to bring up everything she was told again and didn’t want to relive the morning. So, she just didn’t go and went to the library instead looking up fairy tales.
“Thank you.” Marcelle said accepting the plate of food as Adrienne motioned her to sit at the dining table.
They both sat in silence as Marcelle began to eat her lunch and Adrienne sipped her tea.
“I’m sorry for the way I acted last night.” Marcelle said breaking the tension.
“It’s alright, I understand. I knew you would come back.”
“I spoke to my mom this morning about it. She doesn’t remember it but she thinks it is a dream she had while going to college. Which I’m guessing she never went to?” Said the young girl.
“No, she didn’t. Those memories were placed into her head from the spell but interesting that she thinks her real ones are a dream. Normally, they are completely forgotten. In rare occasions, when the person truly doesn’t want to forget, they turn them into dreams.”
“She even knew his name; Orion. So, it’s true. All of it.” Said Marcelle.
“Yes, indeed.”
“But, why are you telling me this? Why can’t I just live here without knowing like I always have?”
“Because, I’m afraid you must come back. With your father missing; you are the rightful air and must take control. Ruler Crane has all but destroyed the magical realm and it needs its true ruler to come back and set things right.”
“Me?” Said Marcelle; almost chocking on her food.
“Yes, I know it’s a lot to ask of you.”
“I don’t know how to rule anything, I’m not even allowed to have a pet let alone rule over a whole realm. I can’t do it.”
“But you can! It’s in your blood. It is what you are born to do. Come back and you will be taught.” Adrienne said tapping onto the handle of her cup.
“What about this Crane guy? He’s not going to let me just walk right in and take over.”
“No he won’t. This will not be easy. This will be the hardest thing you will have ever done in your life but if you don’t; the magic realm will fall and soon after, this one will as well. This was the life you were born into and although you were hidden from it for so long, it has caught up to you and you need to confront it.”
Marcelle said nothing for a bit; only looked at her now empty plate while she pondered her dilemma.
“I’m just some high school girl. What can I do against someone so powerful?” Marcelle said defeated.
“But you’re not just some high school girl. You are the daughter of Orion, rightful ruler and most powerful begin that was known to the magic realm. You are also the first created from both realms, making your magic have no boundaries or limits.” The older blonde said as she rose from the table.
“Yes, but I am just discovering this now.”
“Come. Come with me.” Adrienne said as she walked towards the living room.
Marcelle followed and watched as Adrienne stopped right in front of the fire place.
“This is not an ordinary fireplace. It is always burns the same pieces of wood; never going out and never having to add to it. This; is a pathway.” The blonde said resting her right palm on top of the mantel.
She touched her mark and it rose off her wrist doing the same thing it did the night before when Marcelle touched it.
“Do you want to go over?” Adrienne said turning and looking at the young girl.
“You mean, to the magic realm?” Marcelle said, staring at the fire.
“Yes, just to see and to show you some of the magic you have within you. We do not have to stay if you wish to come back and you will be safe.” Adrienne said and then quickly shoved her hand into the fire.
Marcelle gasped as she watched the older women willingly place her hand into the fire. She had expected her to scream out in pain but the blonde only smiled at her while she allowed the flames to stroke her skin. The flames whipped around her wrist viciously and the mark spun quickly still floating above her arm in the flames. Within a few seconds it burst out into blue light that took a hold of the fire, changing it to the same color of Adrienne’s mark and eyes and was now roaring at a calm pace.
“There, it’s ready. We may cross now.”
“We have to walk into the fire?” Marcelle said shockingly but Adrienne only laughed.
“You will be fine, it won’t harm you. Give me your hand and I will lead you through.”
Marcelle walked towards the fire and stopped in front of it looking back and forth between the flames and Adrienne’s extend hand. Slowly she reached for her hand and the blonde took it firmly into her own.
“Ready?” Adrienne said.
Marcelle said nothing; she only shook her head as Adrienne began to lead them into the fireplace. She didn’t think they would fit but as soon as they were mere inches away from the mouth of it the fireplace expanded out to fit both of them at once. The flames danced around their forms and although they were warm, they did not burn or catch their clothes on fire. The pit of the fireplace extended into a brick hallway covered in the blue flames and towards the end she could see a room but could not make it out. She extended her free hand above her face while they walked and watched it as it was covered in flames but felt nothing she thought she would feel walking into a pit of fire.
“Amazing” Marcelle said staring at the site.
“Just wait, there is much more then you know.” Adrienne said smiling.
As the walk down the hallway the room at the end got closer and Marcelle began to notice a few things in the room. She saw the same leather couch and loveseat and the side tables holding the same golden lamps.
“Are we going back? It’s the same room.” The young brunette said looking behind her to see the room they had just left still there, looking exactly the same.
“Yes we are going to the same room but it is not in the same realm.” Adrienne answered as they reached the end.
She let Marcelle go through first and then walked through herself. She tapped her wrist once again and the mark reappeared on her right wrist changing the fire back to its normal amber colors. Marcelle looked around the house and found that everything looked exactly the same.
“Go to a window and take a look outside” Adrienne said noticing the girl’s curiosity.
Marcelle obeyed and walked towards the windows in the living room. She pulled back the laced curtain and saw things she thought she would never see. The sky was hung in a darken gray but the land was lit in light so bright that you would swear the sun was visible. The trees that surround the village stayed grounded, but twisted and turned at their own free will holding the most beautiful colors in their leaves. The landscape was vast with hues of green she had never seen and mountains hovered in the clouds in the distance.
She was looking out into a small busy village. People were running around focusing on their daily routines but that’s not what caught her eye. What Marcelle had noticed was the things besides people walking around the village. Minatare were mingling with people, fairies flying around the busyness, children with pointed ears were playing a game just a few feet in front of the house and even unicorns were in her site as well. She watched as she saw things only in books come to life before her very eyes.
“See anything interesting?” Adrienne said startling Marcelle.
She was so wrapped up in watching the scene in front of her that she had completely forgotten where she was and who she was with.
“This is amazing! I’ve never seen anything like this.” Marcelle said watching the children play with a floating globe that sparked into a different color depending on which one of them touched it.
“Are those children elves?” She added, finally turning away from the window and looking at Adrienne.
“Yes, they are. Here humans and elves live in harmony with one another along with all the other species.” The older women said smiling at the younger girl. “However since Ruler Crane has taken over he has casted a sore eye upon anything that is not human or a vipron. He is dividing this realm apart. It hasn’t affected this village yet but many villages and cities have been taken over by Crane’s laws and have banished or executed anybody who isn’t human or vipron. Sadly, some creatures have even become extinct.” Adrienne said showing the sadness in her eyes.
She continued to watch the children play their game with the globe until they ran after it as it took off in the sky down a road.
“Come with me.” Adrienne said resting a hand on the heavy burden shoulders.
Marcelle turned around and followed her down a hallway, taking her to the opposite end of the front door. Adrienne took her through a back door onto a porch that opened out to the woods only a few feet away. She led her down the porch steps and inches away from the edge of the woods. She turned to look at the younger girl and smiled.
“I think you should meet someone. He’s been waiting some time.” Adrienne said growing her smile bigger.
“Who?” Marcelle said looking into the woods as the trees dance their limbs around.
“You’ll see.”
Adrienne pulled out a small wooden hallow oval object that had many holes in it and pasted it to Marcelle.
“Put your mouth over this hole and blow. It is like a whistle or flute. You put your fingers over these holes to play a note.” Adrienne said as she showed the young girl how to hold it and move her fingers around. Marcelle held it to her mouth perfectly.
“Great. Now play.” Adrienne said stepping back a bit.
“Play? Play what?” Marcelle asked.
“It will come to you. Just play what you feel is right.”
Marcelle looked down at the strange instrument and put her mouth back over the hole. She played one note quietly and heard the most stunning sound. She grew with confidence and played the same note louder. She closed her eyes and let her fingers flow freely over the holes on the small object. The outcome was a masterpiece of a song she had never heard before. It was simple and quick, but beautiful to hear. When she was finished she opened her eyes and lowered the instrument from her lips.
“That’s it.” Adrienne said with a lovely glow on her face.
Marcelle was about to question her when she heard rumbling through the woods in front of her. The sound grew louder as she saw something black come towards them in the distance. The sound became more defined and turned into a gallop. She stepped back away from the woods when the large creature leaped out in front of her.
“Wow.” Was the only thing that could leave Marcelle’s lips.
The creature before her was a unicorn and the size of a full grown horse. Its skin was the color of a moonless night and its main, tail and horn shimmered a silver tone that shined in the light. It nuzzled its head on her chest and Marcelle noticed its eyes matched her own. She smiled at this site and raised her hand gently petting its head.
“He’s name is Echo.” Adrienne said laughing.
“Echo, huh?” Marcelle said stoking his side.
“Yes, it’s what you named him when you were younger at the ceremony. He is your unicorn. The one you are bonded to. The song you played is a song you created at the ceremony. He hears it no matter how far away he is and will come to you.” Adrienne said placing a hand on his side.
Echo turned and nuzzles his face against the side of Marcelle’s delicately which causes her to let out a small giggle.
In that moment Marcelle felt something flow through her veins she could not feel before. It was warm and strange but comforting all at once. Once it graced her veins, she knew she didn’t want it to stop. It filled her with power she had never known existed.
“He has missed you.” Adrienne said through a small laugh of her own.
“I can’t believe he remembers me and I have no memory of him.” Marcelle said.
“He will always remember due to the bond. You have only forgotten because of the spell that was placed upon you and your mother.”
“Can it ever be lifted?
“No, no spell can ever be lifted once in place. You will come to learn this place again.” Adrienne said.
“So, it starts now then?” Marcelle said looking into Echo’s eyes.
“Yes, only if you want it to. I will not force this or anything upon you. I can only tell you the dangers of what’s to come if you decide either way. I would not put this upon you if I had a choice and for that I am sorry.”
Marcelle could feel the weight of responsibility begin to press on her shoulders as she watched the sadness grow in the blonde’s eyes. She knew she would have to be the one to fix this somehow and that she could not walk away from it. She understood why her mother never wanted to leave this place. It was the most beautiful place she had ever seen even if the sky was gray and it was doomed.
She walked towards the bathroom and snatched her towel that hung off her computer chair as she passed it. Shutting the door to her bathroom, she rubbed her eyes and faced the mirror. Marcelle glanced in the mirror and stared into her eyes. She watched as her irises fade between the colors blue and green and remembered the conversation she had with Adrienne just a few hours ago. Leaning in closer to her reflection she saw shapes form in the colors like they were trying to say something to her. Squinting, she tried to make them stay on one color but nothing could stop the movement in them. Giving up, she moved away from the mirror and began to get ready for school.
While walking down the staircase she smelled the strong scent of her mother’s cooking coming from the kitchen and followed it to the dining room table.
“Good morning sweetheart; we’re having some eggs and toast this morning. Your father went into work earlier so he won’t be joining us.” Ree said looking over her shoulder kindly to her daughter.
Marcelle said nothing back, only watched her mother cook while the things she discovered about her mother’s past ran through her head. She was pulled from her trance when Ree placed a plate in front of her with her breakfast on it.
“You alright?” Ree said noticing her daughters distance.
“Where did you live before I was born, mom?” Marcelle finally let out.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, what was your life like before you had me. You’ve never really said anything about it.” Ree sat for a bit pondering her question.
“That was so long ago. Everything kind of just blends in and becomes blurry once a certain amount of years past by.” Ree said, satisfied with her answer.
“Well could you tell me anything? I know about your high school years and a few after that but what about from there until I was born. Who did you hang out with, who did you date before dad?”
“Well, I don’t think there was anyone before your father, really. I spent those years focusing on school work. I didn’t really start dating or being around people until after I graduated college and got a job.” Ree said.
“There wasn’t even one boy during college that you had a crush on in the slightest?”
“Well, if you must know, I always had a dream about this one man. I never met him or at least I don’t think I have.”
“Was his name Orion?” Marcelle questioned.
“Yes, yes it was. How did you know that honey?” Ree said shockingly.
“It was a lucky guess. What were your dreams about?”
“They were strange. They took place in a strange world nothing like our own. We were constantly running away from something but I can’t remember what, but I know that we were in love and we had a daughter. Which was you; actually. I used to dream about you before you were born. Isn’t that something? Funny. Why are you asking all these questions?” Ree said.
“Like I said, I’m just wondering. I have to go to school now though.” The young girl said getting up from the table and walked towards the front door.
“Okay, have a good day at school.”
“Thanks mom.” She replied as she grabbed her bag and jacket by the door and headed down the pathway following the trail to school.
She met up with her two friends at the corner of the street just like they’ve done every day of high school. They talked about random things that happen in school and at last night’s practice, but nothing caught Marcelle’s attention as she followed along in silence. They passed the road that she traveled down the night before and she stopped.
“Hey why’d you stop?” Bethany, the taller brunette asked while she almost ran into Marcelle, focused on the conversation she was holding with Noelle, the shorter brunette.
“Let’s go this way to school.” Marcelle said staring down the abandon street.
“Why? It is a longer way to school, we might be late.” Noelle said.
“Come on, I took it last night. It wasn’t that long of a walk. We will make it.” Marcelle said while she began to walk down the middle of the street.
The two girls just shrugged their shoulders and followed Marcelle.
As they passed the house Marcelle went into the night before she slowed her pace and looked in all the windows, searching for Adrienne but found the house looking the way it did before.
“Hey. Marcelle; let's go. We are going to be late” Bethany said noticing the distance between them and Marcelle.
Marcelle gave one more look to the house and turned to catch up with her friends.
“What’s with you today? You’re acting strange, even for you.” Noelle said.
“I just have a lot one my mind.” Marcelle said finally caught up with her friends.
“Like what?” Noelle asked.
“You guys promise not to laugh or make jokes and just listen?” Marcelle said wondering whether or not she should tell her friends.
Even after the words left her lips she was unsure as to whether or not she trusted them enough. She had been friends with these two for most of her life but still debated if they would believe her when she told them the truth.
“Sure.” They both said.
“I went into that house last night. “ Marcelle said pointing back to the house. “And I met some women named Adrienne. She told me some things about myself.
“Like what?” They said curiously.
“Well, she told me that I’m not from here.”
“From Asheville?” Bethany said.
“No, from well, earth or this realm.” Marcelle added.
“Realm?” Noelle asked.
“In short, she told me my father is actually from another realm, a magical realm; opposite of this one. That the realms balance each other out and my mother crossed over to the other one long ago where she met my father. They fell in love and had me, but she was forced to come back due to creatures trying to kills us. Oh, and that I have a unicorn.” Marcelle said stopping her pace and looking back at her friend for their response.
They both stared at her saying nothing for a few seconds. Then, just when Marcelle thought they were going to say nothing at all; they both burst out into laughter.
“Marcelle, where are getting this from?” Bethany said.
“It’s the truth.”
“No, no really stop messing with us.” Noelle added.
“Alright; you’re right. I’m just kidding with you.” Marcelle said finally giving up.
They continued to laugh for a bit then moved on to the useless topics they were talking about before. Marcelle only walked in silence while the other rambled.
The school day was nothing special and went by in a blur for her. She couldn’t stop thinking about the night before and by the time school was finished she had passed in an unfinished test and couldn’t recall a single day of lessons. Finding that practice would be just the same, Marcelle skipped out on it and was out the fronts doors of the school by the time the school bell rang. She knew where she had to go and began to follow the trail.
She stood in front of the old house for a few minutes, staring at it in the daylight. It looked even more run down then it had in the night. She could see more places where it looked like it was falling apart and most of the exterior paint was chipped away.
Finally, she walked to the front door and gently pushed it open as to not push it off its hinge. It creaked while it opened and her footsteps echoed throughout the house. She slowly walked to the living room and allowed one of her hands to rest on the dusty couch as she searched for something although she did not know what.
“Adrienne?” Marcelle called up the staircase. “Adrienne, please come out. I’m sorry for last night.” She added walking across the hall into the kitchen.
She saw a table broken in half and most things covered in dust and graffiti.
“How do I make this work” Marcelle sighed to herself as she looked around.
Nothing responded to her throughout her search and after about twenty minutes of walking through an abandon house and being covered in dust, she headed towards the door. She pushed the door open and started to walk through when she heard a voice come from the kitchen.
“Wait!” It said echoing through the rooms.
Marcelle turned around to find nothing and began, once again to leave the house.
“Wait, Marcelle; I’m here!” She heard the familiar voice say.
Again, Marcelle turned around and this time she found herself looking into the house she spent most of her night in. There was the fire roaring away in the fireplace and noise coming from the kitchen. She walked into the hallway and shut the door behind her.
“Adrienne?” Marcelle said as she peaked into the kitchen.
There she found the older blonde working away, preparing some lunch and tea. The kitchen had the most memorizing marble countertops and appliances and looked like it came straight out of a home goods magazine.
“Sorry, I heard you come in but I wasn’t ready yet. I wasn’t expecting you until after your practice. Once I heard you coming I quickly started to make you a lunch. I figured you probably were a bit distracted today to eat.” Adrienne said turning to the young girl with a plate in her hand that held Marcelle’s favorite sandwich.
She was right. Marcelle skipped out on lunch that day because she couldn’t think of anything else but the night before and didn’t want to sit and listen to her friends talk about the useless things they always talked about at lunch. She was afraid she would try to bring up everything she was told again and didn’t want to relive the morning. So, she just didn’t go and went to the library instead looking up fairy tales.
“Thank you.” Marcelle said accepting the plate of food as Adrienne motioned her to sit at the dining table.
They both sat in silence as Marcelle began to eat her lunch and Adrienne sipped her tea.
“I’m sorry for the way I acted last night.” Marcelle said breaking the tension.
“It’s alright, I understand. I knew you would come back.”
“I spoke to my mom this morning about it. She doesn’t remember it but she thinks it is a dream she had while going to college. Which I’m guessing she never went to?” Said the young girl.
“No, she didn’t. Those memories were placed into her head from the spell but interesting that she thinks her real ones are a dream. Normally, they are completely forgotten. In rare occasions, when the person truly doesn’t want to forget, they turn them into dreams.”
“She even knew his name; Orion. So, it’s true. All of it.” Said Marcelle.
“Yes, indeed.”
“But, why are you telling me this? Why can’t I just live here without knowing like I always have?”
“Because, I’m afraid you must come back. With your father missing; you are the rightful air and must take control. Ruler Crane has all but destroyed the magical realm and it needs its true ruler to come back and set things right.”
“Me?” Said Marcelle; almost chocking on her food.
“Yes, I know it’s a lot to ask of you.”
“I don’t know how to rule anything, I’m not even allowed to have a pet let alone rule over a whole realm. I can’t do it.”
“But you can! It’s in your blood. It is what you are born to do. Come back and you will be taught.” Adrienne said tapping onto the handle of her cup.
“What about this Crane guy? He’s not going to let me just walk right in and take over.”
“No he won’t. This will not be easy. This will be the hardest thing you will have ever done in your life but if you don’t; the magic realm will fall and soon after, this one will as well. This was the life you were born into and although you were hidden from it for so long, it has caught up to you and you need to confront it.”
Marcelle said nothing for a bit; only looked at her now empty plate while she pondered her dilemma.
“I’m just some high school girl. What can I do against someone so powerful?” Marcelle said defeated.
“But you’re not just some high school girl. You are the daughter of Orion, rightful ruler and most powerful begin that was known to the magic realm. You are also the first created from both realms, making your magic have no boundaries or limits.” The older blonde said as she rose from the table.
“Yes, but I am just discovering this now.”
“Come. Come with me.” Adrienne said as she walked towards the living room.
Marcelle followed and watched as Adrienne stopped right in front of the fire place.
“This is not an ordinary fireplace. It is always burns the same pieces of wood; never going out and never having to add to it. This; is a pathway.” The blonde said resting her right palm on top of the mantel.
She touched her mark and it rose off her wrist doing the same thing it did the night before when Marcelle touched it.
“Do you want to go over?” Adrienne said turning and looking at the young girl.
“You mean, to the magic realm?” Marcelle said, staring at the fire.
“Yes, just to see and to show you some of the magic you have within you. We do not have to stay if you wish to come back and you will be safe.” Adrienne said and then quickly shoved her hand into the fire.
Marcelle gasped as she watched the older women willingly place her hand into the fire. She had expected her to scream out in pain but the blonde only smiled at her while she allowed the flames to stroke her skin. The flames whipped around her wrist viciously and the mark spun quickly still floating above her arm in the flames. Within a few seconds it burst out into blue light that took a hold of the fire, changing it to the same color of Adrienne’s mark and eyes and was now roaring at a calm pace.
“There, it’s ready. We may cross now.”
“We have to walk into the fire?” Marcelle said shockingly but Adrienne only laughed.
“You will be fine, it won’t harm you. Give me your hand and I will lead you through.”
Marcelle walked towards the fire and stopped in front of it looking back and forth between the flames and Adrienne’s extend hand. Slowly she reached for her hand and the blonde took it firmly into her own.
“Ready?” Adrienne said.
Marcelle said nothing; she only shook her head as Adrienne began to lead them into the fireplace. She didn’t think they would fit but as soon as they were mere inches away from the mouth of it the fireplace expanded out to fit both of them at once. The flames danced around their forms and although they were warm, they did not burn or catch their clothes on fire. The pit of the fireplace extended into a brick hallway covered in the blue flames and towards the end she could see a room but could not make it out. She extended her free hand above her face while they walked and watched it as it was covered in flames but felt nothing she thought she would feel walking into a pit of fire.
“Amazing” Marcelle said staring at the site.
“Just wait, there is much more then you know.” Adrienne said smiling.
As the walk down the hallway the room at the end got closer and Marcelle began to notice a few things in the room. She saw the same leather couch and loveseat and the side tables holding the same golden lamps.
“Are we going back? It’s the same room.” The young brunette said looking behind her to see the room they had just left still there, looking exactly the same.
“Yes we are going to the same room but it is not in the same realm.” Adrienne answered as they reached the end.
She let Marcelle go through first and then walked through herself. She tapped her wrist once again and the mark reappeared on her right wrist changing the fire back to its normal amber colors. Marcelle looked around the house and found that everything looked exactly the same.
“Go to a window and take a look outside” Adrienne said noticing the girl’s curiosity.
Marcelle obeyed and walked towards the windows in the living room. She pulled back the laced curtain and saw things she thought she would never see. The sky was hung in a darken gray but the land was lit in light so bright that you would swear the sun was visible. The trees that surround the village stayed grounded, but twisted and turned at their own free will holding the most beautiful colors in their leaves. The landscape was vast with hues of green she had never seen and mountains hovered in the clouds in the distance.
She was looking out into a small busy village. People were running around focusing on their daily routines but that’s not what caught her eye. What Marcelle had noticed was the things besides people walking around the village. Minatare were mingling with people, fairies flying around the busyness, children with pointed ears were playing a game just a few feet in front of the house and even unicorns were in her site as well. She watched as she saw things only in books come to life before her very eyes.
“See anything interesting?” Adrienne said startling Marcelle.
She was so wrapped up in watching the scene in front of her that she had completely forgotten where she was and who she was with.
“This is amazing! I’ve never seen anything like this.” Marcelle said watching the children play with a floating globe that sparked into a different color depending on which one of them touched it.
“Are those children elves?” She added, finally turning away from the window and looking at Adrienne.
“Yes, they are. Here humans and elves live in harmony with one another along with all the other species.” The older women said smiling at the younger girl. “However since Ruler Crane has taken over he has casted a sore eye upon anything that is not human or a vipron. He is dividing this realm apart. It hasn’t affected this village yet but many villages and cities have been taken over by Crane’s laws and have banished or executed anybody who isn’t human or vipron. Sadly, some creatures have even become extinct.” Adrienne said showing the sadness in her eyes.
She continued to watch the children play their game with the globe until they ran after it as it took off in the sky down a road.
“Come with me.” Adrienne said resting a hand on the heavy burden shoulders.
Marcelle turned around and followed her down a hallway, taking her to the opposite end of the front door. Adrienne took her through a back door onto a porch that opened out to the woods only a few feet away. She led her down the porch steps and inches away from the edge of the woods. She turned to look at the younger girl and smiled.
“I think you should meet someone. He’s been waiting some time.” Adrienne said growing her smile bigger.
“Who?” Marcelle said looking into the woods as the trees dance their limbs around.
“You’ll see.”
Adrienne pulled out a small wooden hallow oval object that had many holes in it and pasted it to Marcelle.
“Put your mouth over this hole and blow. It is like a whistle or flute. You put your fingers over these holes to play a note.” Adrienne said as she showed the young girl how to hold it and move her fingers around. Marcelle held it to her mouth perfectly.
“Great. Now play.” Adrienne said stepping back a bit.
“Play? Play what?” Marcelle asked.
“It will come to you. Just play what you feel is right.”
Marcelle looked down at the strange instrument and put her mouth back over the hole. She played one note quietly and heard the most stunning sound. She grew with confidence and played the same note louder. She closed her eyes and let her fingers flow freely over the holes on the small object. The outcome was a masterpiece of a song she had never heard before. It was simple and quick, but beautiful to hear. When she was finished she opened her eyes and lowered the instrument from her lips.
“That’s it.” Adrienne said with a lovely glow on her face.
Marcelle was about to question her when she heard rumbling through the woods in front of her. The sound grew louder as she saw something black come towards them in the distance. The sound became more defined and turned into a gallop. She stepped back away from the woods when the large creature leaped out in front of her.
“Wow.” Was the only thing that could leave Marcelle’s lips.
The creature before her was a unicorn and the size of a full grown horse. Its skin was the color of a moonless night and its main, tail and horn shimmered a silver tone that shined in the light. It nuzzled its head on her chest and Marcelle noticed its eyes matched her own. She smiled at this site and raised her hand gently petting its head.
“He’s name is Echo.” Adrienne said laughing.
“Echo, huh?” Marcelle said stoking his side.
“Yes, it’s what you named him when you were younger at the ceremony. He is your unicorn. The one you are bonded to. The song you played is a song you created at the ceremony. He hears it no matter how far away he is and will come to you.” Adrienne said placing a hand on his side.
Echo turned and nuzzles his face against the side of Marcelle’s delicately which causes her to let out a small giggle.
In that moment Marcelle felt something flow through her veins she could not feel before. It was warm and strange but comforting all at once. Once it graced her veins, she knew she didn’t want it to stop. It filled her with power she had never known existed.
“He has missed you.” Adrienne said through a small laugh of her own.
“I can’t believe he remembers me and I have no memory of him.” Marcelle said.
“He will always remember due to the bond. You have only forgotten because of the spell that was placed upon you and your mother.”
“Can it ever be lifted?
“No, no spell can ever be lifted once in place. You will come to learn this place again.” Adrienne said.
“So, it starts now then?” Marcelle said looking into Echo’s eyes.
“Yes, only if you want it to. I will not force this or anything upon you. I can only tell you the dangers of what’s to come if you decide either way. I would not put this upon you if I had a choice and for that I am sorry.”
Marcelle could feel the weight of responsibility begin to press on her shoulders as she watched the sadness grow in the blonde’s eyes. She knew she would have to be the one to fix this somehow and that she could not walk away from it. She understood why her mother never wanted to leave this place. It was the most beautiful place she had ever seen even if the sky was gray and it was doomed.