Seekers of the Stone Maker

Myla dropped from her horse and tied the lead with a bowline knot against a sturdy tree branch that hung low. She turned and watched as Ana’s magic had already taken place, and a giant owl stood where she once had been. Her wings opened, and she took off into the air, spraying dirt and grass from around her as she flew upward. After a few seconds, the owl was already out of Myla’s visual range in the darkness, and she smiled, remembering the last time she could fly due to Ana’s magic.

The party made camp, setting up a small fire and placing their bedrolls. After being away for almost a year, she was excited to be so close to the campgrounds. While the Archmage’s Tower was comfortable, Stillmight Campground felt like home, a safe space away from people she didn’t know, where she wouldn’t always be on alert that someone would recognize her or her sister.

Myla sat down, facing away from the fire, and let her sister rest her back against hers. She pulled her knee up, grabbed a small canvas and a piece of charcoal, and started to work. Her mind had felt overwhelmed with inspiration since they left Moonbright. It was quieter out here. Fewer people meant fewer minds that she could accidentally listen to. She worked on the canvas for a while, resting while her sister relaxed and ate. After a while, though, something seemed to sneak in.

Why didn’t anyone ask about Helena?

She could hear Rhokhishi’s thoughts. She didn’t want to dive in, but the ideas were quite loud, and she could see something was bothering her.

Hello, Rhokhishi. Are you okay?

Rhokhishi stopped eating mid-chew.

Are you in my head?

I’m sorry, Rhokhishi. I heard something come out and wanted to check on you.

Myla carefully kept working on her art, trying not to draw attention to the silently happening conversation.

When you had your dream this morning, did you see Helena? Or hear her voice?

No? Did you?

Yeah.

What did you see? Can you show me?

Myla waited a moment, then closed her eyes. As Rhokhishi remembered the vision, Myla watched as Helena came into view. The new information came to her quickly, and it took a few minutes for her to catch it all.

I didn’t see any of this this morning.

No?

No, Rhokhishi. This is new. It’s something more.

I was wondering why no one asked about it. Did you see that she spoke to Leaf?

I do. It’s late tonight, but we should bring it up later.

Okay.

Her mind quieted as Rhokhishi’s mind became calm again. Then, the wind picked up for a second as Ana soared down and landed nearby, returning to her eladrin form. Myla watched as the feathers turned into clothing on her body, her beak moved into her face and changed to a mouth and nose, and her eyes slowly converted back. It was strange to watch, but she remembered how it felt and considered that it weighed out the appearance.

Soon after, the party was fast asleep inside the dome. Myla tossed and turned for a bit, trying to make sense of the new information, and eventually fell asleep. As if blinking, Myla woke up, and the sun was already in her face. The party ate, readied themselves hastily, and were on the path within an hour.

How much longer til we get there? Lyla asked.

Soon. Ana said it was only a couple of hours out.

Did you hear me?

Yes? Myla answered, confused.

How much longer?

A couple of hours.

Myla rubbed her eyelids, trying to break up the migraine that was starting to form. It didn’t help that Lyla’s thoughts felt like electrical static, but she brushed it off as anxiousness. They traveled for another hour, just trying to drink enough water to brush off the pain.

Myla?

Yes, Lyla?

Did you not hear me?

She looked over at her sister, who was riding next to her. She stared for a moment, trying to understand what the issue was.

I asked if anyone would have left already.

Oh… I didn’t hear that. Um… I don’t think so. Usually, Kohl leaves a couple of weeks after with Sir Max, but we might have reached them in time to say goodbye.

Lyla nodded, then turned back to the path. Myla could see that she looked worried. It was rare that their bond stopped or felt off.

It must be the migraine. She thought to herself.

While it was in the back of the campground, the large, almost three or four-story building came into view first. The tent was massive, but instead of being one that could be taken apart and traveled with, it was made of wood, like a large cabin, with a cavernous entrance. The more they crossed, the log barrier around the campground popped up, with ten-foot-high doors at least ten feet wide and four feet thick.

As they made their way inside the campground, Myla could feel various thoughts coming from all directions.

Valas needs to start picking up his shirts. They keep getting wrapped around my hooves…

Potatoes are in. Need to add the onions soon…

Should we even open next year…?

Myla opened her eyes, and a wave of comfort came over her.

We’re back.

Stillmight Campground was Lyla and Myla’s home for the past few years. VerdantKnoll had its comforts, but nothing could compare to their freedom here. While working, there was always a slight scare of being noticed. They had to wear wigs, stay high in the air, and stay out of the crowds whenever possible. Here, they could be free to do whatever they wanted. They had their cabin near Shaynth’s, which added an extra set of ease in case anything wrong happened. Being the older sister was challenging sometimes, but this place was as close to complete safety as possible.

While the main spaces were toward the back, such as the tent space, the kitchen and dining hall, and even the outhouses and bathing area, the rest of the campground was filled with various cabins of different shapes, sizes, and intricate details that were added as the years went on. The stables and guest cabins were on the left, near the front of the barrier. In the middle was a large bonfire lit every night, keeping most of the needed light inside the walls.

Before really getting a chance to take it all in, her mind erupted in joyous exclamations as many creatures shouted their names and approached them. Nuv and Kiks jumped onto Mr. Muffins’ horse and happily kicked their feet forward, swinging them with large, toothy grins. Lopper and Rags came out of their cabin, smiling and waving with rags that Myla assumed were being used for cleaning from the dirt and grime on them. In front, coming from the main tent, Torra held onto Elysium’s arm as he used a can to make his way slowly over.

The attack must have done a number on him. Lyla stated.

Myla nodded, then hopped off her horse, which lazily made its way over to the stables to drink from the trough. She watched as the carnival troupe made their way over and smiled, happy to be back.