Chapter 6
They had begun at daybreak, riding along the countryside watching for any sign that Clef was nearby. Most of the Cephiroians had come along: Lantis, Lafarga, Ascot, and Ferio all taking places in the front, and Presia and Caldina taking up the rear. The Magic Knights stood in the middle, their armor glistening in the sun. And in the very center walked a very sad and tired looking Emerria.
They hadn't seen anything by the time that twilight arrived and had traveled quite a bit. As the members of the party began setting up the large campground, Emerria began to walk towards the forest. She needed to feel the earth beneath her fingers, and talk to the great mother who created her. She knew that somehow, this would lead Emerria to Clef, someway or another.
Reaching the center, she sat down on the earth and closed her eyes. A warm feeling swept over her body as she felt her spirit essence touch the mother spirit. Smiling, she sent out a thought to the mother."Greetings, my Great Mother."
"I feel your sadness, my child." said a gentle and ancient voice in her mind. "I miss him too."
"Do you know where he is?" Emerria asked in a worried tone.
"Yes, but you may not like what you see hwen you meet him again." The ancient voice grew low and sad. "He's changed, my child. He will frighten you, and he may even try to harm you."
"I had a feeling this was going to happen." Emerria said as she sighed.
"My child, you are the key to his returning safely. He needs you more now than ever before."
Emerria felt soft tears flow down her face. "I miss him so much...." she sobbed. "But... I understand, great mother." Her voice cracked. "I will be there for him."
"You endure so much, my child."
"For him, I would endure the pain of a thousand deaths." As the thought passed, Emerria felt a lurch in her mind, and the separation form the mother. Feeling the emptiness, she began to cry wracking, body wrenching sobs. Normally when she would separate herself from the mother, she would have Clef's warm arms around her conforting her before she even lost contact. Now, there were no arms to comfort her, and she had never felt more alone in her life. As the night ran its course, she sobbed herself to sleep
On to Chapter 7
Back to the Library
