5 Different...

The cool breeze caressed his body softly as he lay on the grass covered ground of the forest looking to the sky. The light from the moon directed at his face. Making every other thing in the forest an allure as though they glittered softly around their edges.

At his feet a slow flowing river produced calming molodies while he relaxed on the grass covered bank. The river refracted the light rays from the moon scattering the light. To the observer, the river looked as though it had diamonds in it.

The atmosphere was peaceful and yet had an undertone of mystry. Yet Daryn felt total comfort...and at home in this place. Where was this place?

Before he could ask the sudden question that crossed his mind, a soft hand stroked his hair. He was suprised but he wasn't startled. It felt like a mothers touch. The motherly care and protection could be felt in the touch. And then he looked up.

A woman he hadn't met before....but he felt he knew was looking at him...tenderly as though she watched her own child was seating next to him stroking his hair with warmth.

She had dark flowing hair like the night that fell loose behind her back. She wore a white tunic that reached to her stretched out legs on the grass and on the crown of her head sat a cresent in the shape of the cresent moon. He would have asked who she was or what he was doing in this place..but he didn't. He felt he already knew this place...Knew this woman.

"I'm sorry for the hardships my child but i needed to get you here....to cross over" the woman said

And like a child who has been wronged, Daryn sulked

"It really mangled me you know?"

The woman laughed lightly

"Sorry my dear. He was only supposed to bring you to me but you weren't making it easy."

Daryn snorted.

"He expected me to just follow him? I doubt i will be following him again with that approach".

"Why have you called for me. What am i needed here for?" He asked

She stopped stroking his head and alight to rub his cheek as though she was cleaning something from his face. Then she said in a soft voice.

"The tounaments will be starting soon. I need you to represent me to the rest when its to be held".

"How far is it?"

"Seven full moons from now"

"I'm not ready mother"

She sighed and kissed his head

"I know. Which is more of a reason for you to prepare. You wouldn't want to be knocked out at the early stages would you?"

"Never been an option. Can't the big guy move the time of the tournament.

"It had been agreed long back. It can't be changed now"

Daryn sighed.

"I Should have taken you earlier i know"

"Its ok I can manage. Just tell me who i can get training from"

"The other champions are scattered around Azra. Some trying to prove themselves already. Find your allies and you would be taking your first step. You need to wake up now my child. Your body needs training".

She gave him one last motherly kiss on the head and Daryn woke up.

¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤

"Mmm" Daryn had not woken fully before his stomach growled. "I am so hungry"

"Its almost ready give me a minute". Darla said

He opened his eyes. The room was dimmed with a little light coming from the lamp on the bedside table. Though Daryn could see every detail without hinderance.

"That smells good" he said

Darla chuckled.

"You are just saying what your stomach wants you to say" she said

"My stomach tells me i should have already eaten"

"Here have this. It will help give your strength" she said serving him a plate.

"Thank you"

Daryn immediately dived into a plate of roasted paw paw and wild honey for topping.

"Hmm this is delicious"

"You also need meat so tomorrow, we hunt"

"Ok but I'm not good at it. I tried in the jungle and caught nothing"

"Its understood. I doubt you had any true exprience before anyway" Darla said serving herself as well. Those words stabbed his ego but he had to admit they were true.

"That is true"

They fell silent as Daryn recollected the dream he had. Then Darla asked;

"Tell me Daryn how did you get here?"

"You mean in your world?"

"Yes. I would like to know about your transition. Did you have a family?"

Daryn felt his heart slice as he remembered the whole incident. His face pinched.

"Hey; its ok if you can not talk about it now....we'll talk about it when your ready" Darla said

"No....I can talk about it." He said and began explaining the accident, how he awoke in the jungle and his encounter with the wolf.

"You definitely had a trip.... I am sorry for your loss" she said

"Its ok. Can't change what has happened"

"Mhmm...Some take harder trips to be honest" His eyes widened.

"Are there others like me that made that transition?" Daryn asked

"Yes they are but not everyone makes it to Azra complete. Some die immediately they arrive"

Daryn's heart lept this meant his sister could still be alive...his family.

"What happened to those that survived?" He asked

"They made new lives. Though none of them could return back....the lost ones are scattered around Azra today" she replied ominously.

"So you mean to tell me there isn't a particular place we lost ones transist to" Daryn said

"Mhmm... lost ones arrive in different locations unable to go back or know how they came to Azra"

"Wow. So i can never return then?"

"Exactly. Even if you were to return, i think you will be already dead" she said

There was sense in that.

Seeing his emptied plate, she served him another meal.

"I understand it might be too much.....be happy you are alive at least. Regain your strength and sleep. We hunt tomorrow"

Daryn just nodded and did as she said.

When they had finished eating, she brought out her furs from the closet and laid then on the ground. She washed the used plates and disposed of them properly. Then she put off the lamp and laid on the furs.

That night Daryn taught through everything she told him. He felt hope that his sister might still be alive that she might have survived....hopefully and then sleep took over his senses.

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