Travelling Tales

(Quick Note: This story is being re-written first before it is updated beyond Chapter 14. The re-write currently extends from the Prologue to Chapter 7. Please enjoy!)

Small rocks crunched underfoot as the pair climbed the hill. The pebbles that were disturbed rattled down the slope, chipping away at the landmass. The path grew ever more worn.

Ba-bump. Ba-bump. She could hear her heartbeat throbbing in her head. The girl panted as she stared down at the task below, managing her steps so as not to fall. She first thought to treat it as a sort of game, stepping to and fro, looking for stable footholds, but gradually, she was flagging behind him.

“Come on, Ellyn. Keep up.” The weary man said. She peered up to see his head slightly turned to view her in his peripherals. “We have a long way to go.”

“I understand.” Ellyn cringed inwardly at how far behind she was. She took a hurried, misjudged step, and the rocks slipped out from underneath her foot. “H-Hah!” She exclaimed as the loose rocks tumbled down behind her. She hurriedly righted herself, regaining her footing on more steady ground.

“I could have already made it past this hill, in fact, halfway to the next town if it weren’t for her.” Simon sighed, stopping while he waited for his apprentice to catch up to him. He watched her semi-large, fumbling form with narrowed eyes. She peered up at him from under her wide-brimmed leather hat, behind those foggy spectacles. Upon noticing his hardened look aimed at her, she averted her gaze. He squeezed a fist, softening his expression somewhat. “Calm down. It’s not her fault. She’s just a girl.” When she reached his side, he continued to climb. His long legs made easy work of the hike, and when he realised this, he reluctantly slowed down even further for his apprentice. He worked to keep a steady pace to match her own, to not leave her behind.

It was a nice day for travelling, Simon supposed. The graceful sounds of nature surrounded them. Leaves and grass rustled in the wind. Flora of all shapes and sizes surrounded them on their trek. Small clouds crept across the sky at a snail’s pace, casting shadows down upon the landscape. A clear sky accented the brilliance of the day, and he periodically heard his student’s gasps of awe behind him.

His “student”...

“Let’s stop here.” Simon said, breaking the peaceful silence. Before them was a small clearing of flat boulders and logs, a place that had forever served as a resting point for travellers nearing the town at the foot of the hill. A small, ashy firepit lay in the center, and the grass around it had flattened. Conveniently around the clearing were tall trees, their branches extending over the campsite to provide some shelter. Little pin pricks of light adorned the area.

Simon sat down on one of the boulders, despite barely feeling fatigued. He removed his rucksack from his back, letting out a small grunt of relief as he did. He rolled his shoulders, rubbing his back with calloused hands, before retrieving his drinking flask.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the camp, Ellyn practically collapsed onto one of the logs. She let out an embarrassed noise as the aged wood creaked under her. Simon looked to her and she laughed nervously.

“Sorry, hehe…” She trailed off before coughing, thumping her chest with a fist as she caught her breath. Her chest heaved underneath her baggy travelling clothes. Simon viewed her with an exasperated expression as she rummaged through her belongings, removing some of the items and placing them onto the grass. At last, she procured her drinking flask, helping herself to a generous mouthful of water before directing her attention to the gorgeous landscape below.

The bustling residents of Euret were going about their days, and the distant sounds of chatter and work reached the pair’s ears. There were people walking and talking in the street market, and students from the Magical Academy enjoying their lunches outside. The white stones of the town shone under the midday sun, and a grin spread across Ellyn’s cheeks as she admired the spectacle. Simon exhaled through his nostrils, rubbing his thighs as he followed her gaze. He yearned to progress further on their journey, but he let Ellyn have her moment, while her breathing returned to normal.

“Simon, may we have lunch now?” Her voice brought his attention back to her. Simon paused for a moment, surprised at the question.

Right. He was not alone anymore.

“Sure.” He simply said. Ellyn grabbed a small cloth package from her kit, and undid the string carefully tied around it. She unveiled a sandwich, with a small slip of paper on it. Simon arched a brow. “What’s that?” Ellyn flinched, surprised that he was paying attention.

“Ah, well, it’s a note from my Mom.” Simon grabbed his own lunch while she read the letter aloud, already satisfied with her answer. “Dear Ellyn, hope you’re doing well on your travels so far. Stay safe and be careful! We love you, wishing you all the best!” Ellyn smiled to herself, slipping the note into her bag before beginning to eat. They ate in silence together, looking out at the town.

...How did he get into this situation, again?

(Please consider favouriting, and sharing with a friend. Thank you.)