New paths -A Story about Eilaer

[AKManUFan]

The Wind blew through Eilaer's dark hair as she gazed down at the sea from the top of Wildwind Peak. She had been here for several days, contemplating, asking, pleading. She had felt a change in the air since the Exodar crashed. She had been unable to act upon her feeling until now, too many wounded and dead to be taken care of. She thought of the countless hours she and her sister had spent healing and caring for sick and afflicted people. Her Sister, Eilaena, was about the only person she knew who did not look upon her abilities as a shaman with distain; well, Eilaena and Master Nobundo of course.

Again the wind blew into her hair, bringing that slight, sweet smell of something different. Change was coming and she had to know what she should do about it. She Rolled several small objects in her dainty hands before casting them onto a leather square about one foot by one foot. She Observed which objects landed where, the ruby beside the Elekk bone upon the Rune of air. She furrowed her brow, which like most of her expressions did nothing to distort her elegant and beautiful features. She repeated the process, observing with keen eyes where the objects landed. After several repetitions of the ritual she sighed and gathered the small objects into a pouch, and rolled up the leather square.
"I am going to need more direct guidance" she thought to herself as she rose and walked toward the cave she had been sleeping in.

The fire illuminated Eilaer's face with an orange glow, she sat near the small fire warming her hands and mentally preparing for what was to come. She knew she would need to be open-minded and ready for whatever the spirits had to say. She supposed it would be an air spirit, she had developed a good relationship with them and they seemed to think highly of her. After several minutes she placed a bundle of Herbs into the fire and inhaled the smoke that came from it. Time slowed for her, and her sight and mind went fuzzy for what seemed like an eternity. Presently there was a blinding flash and everything became clear; nay, Clearer. It was as if she had been looking through a dirty window that had suddenly been cleaned to perfection. She beheld a being of immense power and beauty standing before her. The Air spirit took the shape of a female, her hair was of wispy white clouds, her body was devoid of clothes and mind bogglingly beautiful. Eilaer blinked and bowed her head reverently. The being's voice was like singing that had been carried by the wind to tease the ears.
"Eilaer, You have been a force of good to your people though they give no thanks. We have not been blind to your works, and know that you should not doubt your reading of our will. The time has come for you to leave this place and venture forth, for there is much evil in these lands to be stopped, and much healing to be done. Therefore gird yourself and depart, for your destiny lies before you; and hold yourself with pride, knowing you have done well in our sight."

With another blinding flash the vision was gone. Eilaer found she had been crying, tears of awe and thanks streamed down her cheeks. when she had regained her composure she stood up and stamped the fire out. There were many things to prepare, and little time to do them.