setting off ...

[This is an ongoing chapter a week story that began with the first Words for Wednesday for 2025 on 1 January. I'm hoping to continue it through 31 December, the last Wednesday of the year. To start from the beginning, click on the Words for Wednesday 2025 label to the right and it will pull up all of the weekly posts, beginning with the most recent. To start from the beginning, continue to click "Older Posts" at the bottom of the page until you get to 1 January 2025, then click "Newer Posts" to read the next date. You can thank Blogger for the inability to list them by chronological order under the labels.]

  Elder Elowin handed her the purple satchel with the books and jellies to Lyri.  "You will need to carry this, my dear, because I sense in you a spirit for healing.  I have also included some additional salves and herbs that you will need.  You will know when and how to use them.  Trust your instincts.  I've also included a blank journal for your writing pleasure so that you can record your journey."  Lyri took the satchel gratefully, wondering if there would be a time when someone would find the journal if they didn't succeed.

  Kael licked his lips nervously and sauntered over to where Elowin stood as the others continued to gather their items.  Elowin took his hand and looked into his eyes.  "You need not be afraid, child.  You have a strength within you that has not yet been fully seen.  The trials you recently faced in your journey from the stone house were only the first of many, but you will be successful in all that you do."

  He nodded, unsure of whether to believe her or not, but trusting that the others would have his back when the time came.

  Eldrin returned to the group again, this time without his loud armor, but carrying a satchel full of berries and apples.  "I thought it might be a good idea to gather some things to eat along the way since we haven't supped yet.  It would save us some time when we stop for a rest."

  The four of them now turned to look at Elder Elowin, realizing that there was nothing more to do except to start their long journey.  She looked at them and nodded, and the four bowed slightly out of respect before disappearing into the darkness of the forest.  There was nothing more to be said, and any further delay would let doubt enter their minds and hearts.  

  They silently walked through the woods for several hours, thinking only of what they might face in their journey.  The path was lighted only by fireflies they had caught in jars.  Finally, Eldrin caught up with Thal and elbowed him.  "I think this might be a good time to stop and rest.  The sun should be up soon, and we have passed the edge of our own forest.  I'm ready to put a fork into some berries as well."  Thal nodded, and the four gathered some wood and moss to build lean-tos that would shelter them from the sun during the heat of the day, and from eyes that might have been sent to spy on them.

  Lyri dispensed equal measures of the food Eldrin had brought with him, and using a small knife sliced one of the apples so that each could have a piece.  She saved the other apples for later, knowing that they were less likely to find an apple tree on their journey, but that berries could be plentiful.

  Looking over at Thal, she said softly in the silence before the birds began to announce the rising sun, "Perhaps this would be a good time for you to tell us of your dreams?"

This week's Words for Wednesday prompts can be found here.