Journey of the Phoenix

She liked to travel in the cool evening, when only the fireflies and hoot owls were awake. She missed her family desperately, but returning home was not an option. For their sake she had left, never to return, and in effect she had no family anymore. Asher was desperately lonely, hoping that she would eventually find her true family, wherever and whoever they might be. I wonder if I will ever find my purpose. Will I ever know what I am, why I am different? Will I ever find the place where I belong? She quietly floated along the path as it headed downriver, away from home. The bitterness of late autumn was growing, and she knew she must find shelter before the truly icy weather arrived. Even Asher’s fire could be dimmed by snow and ice, as she’d found one winter when out hunting with her family. She’d been buried under a small avalanche off a steep rise, and her brothers, sister, and mother had to dig her out. The snow around her had started melting the moment it buried her, but under the mountain of ice her fire began to dwindle. Then, the melted snow became a solid wall of ice as it refroze, effectively creating a snow globe around her. When they finally cleared the snow, Morsa had slashed through the ice with her gigantic claws. Asher had needed to be warmed then, as she was very weak and cold. Presently, though, the evening air was refreshing, and Asher continued to sweep quietly through the forest, the river ever on her left. The fireflies had long been to sleep, so Asher was stunned and delighted when she broke through a wall of dense forestation and into a beautiful clearing. A gentle mist floated above the dewy, soft moss that mixed with scattered wildflowers. Tiny lights glimmered and twirled in the moonlit meadow. Asher felt a sense of wonder as she stood and stared from the edge of the clearing. Despite her joy, she felt her heart beating uncomfortably fast. It felt like she was intruding on a sacred place, so she was cautious. She continued to watch the lights and a joyful smile warmed her face. They seemed to beckon to her. Curious, but also wary, Asher contemplated. Hmmm… this is very strange. What sort of magic could this be? Is it safe? She wished to uncover the mystery, but knew she could not unless she ventured forward into the unknown. Finally her feet worked, and she cautiously stepped out of the shadows. She heard a sweet, small giggle echo before her. “Hello? Is anyone here?” she inquired. Another twinkling chuckle was followed by the abrupt appearance of what she could only describe as a little child with pointed ears and an impish grin. Upon further examination, though, the tiny lad appeared to be not quite human. For one thing, he was surrounded by all of the little lights now and floating above the misty moor. His eyes twinkled like emerald fire, and his short brown hair danced, as if it were alive. Asher was in awe. "My, you are remarkable! My name is Asher. Who are you?" she uttered bravely. "We do not share our true names. However, you may call me Finn," the strange being giggled. He flitted through the shadows and moonlight, first appearing in one spot and suddenly another, his laughter echoing through the meadow. He capered and cartwheeled, hooting and hollering, and Asher’s heart leapt in her chest. She was entranced by this joyful cavorting and found herself floating a few feet off the ground. I know what this is! He’s one of the faery folk! Asher had heard tales of faeries from creatures she had met along the way. They were tricksters and powerfully magical. They could bless her or destroy her, and she would have no choice about it. The faery suddenly popped up right in front of her, chortling, and danced a little jig. Her fear started to inexplicably melt away and, for the first time in months, Asher began to laugh in her harmonious way. The creature disappeared and reappeared farther away. He waved his hands at her and capered across the tall grass. She hooted with laughter and weaved like a serpent over the mist. As she reached the boy, he disappeared once again and reappeared farther into the meadow. She gave chase and found herself in the forest once again. The little lights that had danced so sweetly began to gather around her in a brilliant swirling cloud. “Hello? Where are you, small one?” She heard the imp’s snickering, but could not see him. The glowing orbs began to move faster, zipping in, a chorus of ringing bells growing louder. They tapped her here and there, as she spun around in wonder, trying to catch them. Then, their tapping slowly turned to pinching. “Ow! Stop that,” she shouted. The little lights were relentless though. Soon, she was dizzy from the blinding bright flashes and their attack. She began to crouch down and felt her light growing dimmer. They were taking pieces of her feathers, stealing pieces of her light. She turned in circles, looking for a way out of the tightly winding cloud that moved around her. They began to squeeze closer and soon developed into chains of light, winding around Asher’s body, cinching tighter and tighter. Asher’s breath was being squeezed from her, and her sight was growing dim. Mother, where are you? she wordlessly cried. “My child, do not cower in fear, for you are one of the Old Ones, more powerful than you know. No creature can dim your light, unless you let it,” an ethereal voice echoed through her mind. “Stand up, child. Stand up and fight!” Asher trembled and summoned all of her strength. With a mighty roar, she exploded upward, scattering the lights to the farthest reaches of the meadow.