1 The Soul Who Wanders

Staring up the rustling leaves covering the bright cerulean sky, I stood alone in the middle of the forest with a will and hope to find what I seek. Despite surrounded with century old trees and with no certain paths to walk on, I could still sense my way to some place I needed to be. With a troubled mind, I looked up ahead and finally found the blue spring water not too far from where I stood. I lifted my long filthy olive green tunic up and followed the sounds of the soothing flow of running water. I felt something tight on my leg, yet, I can't remember getting injured. I set my footing as I walk carefully with my throbbing limb. From limping to freely walking, I reached the spring as I heave a sigh of relief.

I was edging nearer when I suddenly felt a strong energy that seemingly watches every step that I make. A warm presence that kept me at peace so it didn't bothered me at all. I curved my lips up, and walked by. This place had its way of tempting and alluring strangers like me, that wherever you look, there's life. The trees are green, and the land is moist. I could even smell the good life in the wind.

I stopped at the damp rocks, and stared at my reflection on the clearest water I've ever seen. I touched my face in disbelief and awe. This body felt like home even if it really isn't. I noticed an antique silver damask arm cuff with a shiny yellow gem in the middle that loosen down my wrist. All along, I thought this body is from a peasant.

As I continue, I removed my shoe and decided to dip my toes. The water is certainly inviting. I was about to jump when I heard the rocks move. I looked to the side and saw a dark horse, standing motionless facing me. Unlike the horses from where I came from, this one is a lot bigger and more majestic with its long mane, black shiny fur and dark blue eyes.

I looked around for the horseman, yet I found none. Its stance didn't threatened me at all. The horse neither seemed would bite, nor looked friendly. I slowly approached the horse... so close that I could see it's battle scars and fresh wounds. "Poor thing", I whispered. I reached out for it's head carefully, not without caution. Surprisingly, It didn't moved an inch. As I caress it's face, I transferred my warm light to heal its freshest wounds up to its deepest scars. "All better?", I whispered as it snickered in approval.

Noticing the black ornate caparison over its body that showed an emblem of a sword wrapped in a thorned vine, he must belong to a noble. Hanging on the saddle, I saw the important piece that I have been looking for - the piece that I needed the most.

My round gold crest crafted with pink peonies and a blue hummingbird with the size of my palm.

My heart leaped in delight, that for several sun down and moonrise, I am finally arms reach to the crest embodied to me by the heavens. As I was about to grab it, I heard a familiar voice calling my name, pulling my soul like magnet. And in a matter of seconds, before I could grab my crest, my soul released the body that I do not own.

"Helena? Helena?", the voice repetitively called my name. "Where did you go this time?", I easily recognized my father's face when I opened my eyes. He's wearing his usual clothing ensemble - a white chamisa, with a brown belt, and a pair of black trousers and his only pair of leather boots.

His brown eyes were brimming in much enthusiasm to hear the words that would come out of my mouth. He held my hand and pulled me up from the field of peonies I laid on. "Tell me, were you able to get back to that place again?", he asked as he held my cheek gently.

I have had a few dreams in my sleep, and this is not exactly one. And when I felt the dry hot air steaming my face, and the hard dry land on the ground, I knew I'm back.

"Is it time already, Father?", I rubbed my eyes at the sight of the morning sun. Then, I gasped as I widely opened my eyes in my great realization. "I almost had it! I actually found my crest!!", I excitingly exclaimed, squeezing my father's hand in so much joy. I flinched in the fresh wounds and bruises on my arms.

"That's amazing, darling!", my father's genuine smile stirred my happiness, knowing he has a bit of anxiety that naturally goes with what I do. His smile faded when he noticed the wounds I've gained. "What happened here?", he gently held my wounded arms to see.

"I healed a horse back in there, but I'm fine. They will heal later", I said as we watch my wounds heal until its gone. "Anyway, Father. I found my crest! But, I could use another second for me to grab it", I said with uneasiness.

My father tucked a strand of my long black hair behind my ear. "Well, another second my dearest daughter would've trap you in that place. And you know, without the crest, you cannot soul travel. " he said with obvious concern. "Also, you cannot heal others too. Look at what happened" he added as he pointed at my healed arms.

"That gives me more reason why I should go back again. I promise I won't take long", I positioned myself to lay back down.

My father smirked and nodded sideways in disapproval. He firmly held my shoulders and said, "Your mother has been looking for you child ever since the sun hit the sky. I am already lost of any more excuses. You and I will be in so much trouble if she finds out that we are teaming up.". My father tapped my head gently like he always do.

Despite my undying urge to get back down, I just abide the wishes of my father. "So.. how did you find me?", I asked as I stood up and shook the hem of my velvet tunic and white chemise.

"Have you looked around? This is supposed to be a dry land, and yet, you made a bed of the most beautiful peonies. This makes it easier for me to look for the soul who wanders. What you do is truly amazing", my father said as he pluck a peony and placed it behind my ear. "Beautiful", he added. He then led the way back to our caravan as we walk on the arid land, catching a sight of his fretful face like he heard a dreadful news.