Beyond the Tree

Passage to an Unknown World

Day 1

I fell asleep under a tree. When I awoke, I felt a warm chill - I swear. Upon opening my eyes, I saw a vibrant light growing brighter from behind me. I cautiously moved around my tree to discover, what I could only imagine to be, a portal of sorts. Before I could send a message to my companion, the light began to fade. My curiosity overcame me and I hastily leapt into the unknown.   This world is unfamiliar. I could not send the message, so I can only assume I have no magic here or I am far from home. Am I still within La Chiave a Croce? Am I even on Tarantellia? Surely, this place is not a different plane of existence! Surely...   I will wait here for the portal to open and bring my Bellie back to discover this world with me.  

Day 2?

While the sun remained in the sky, it moved into dusk and remained there for what felt like a night. The portal did not reopen. What if it only opens during certain times of the year... I can't let my fears hold me back. It's too soon for that kind of talk.   What I can tell you: this world is full of magic. Even the "night" has something extraordinary about it. I spent hours watching these little lights floating across the sky. At first glance, they appeared as little fireflies, but there was no source to the light that I could see nor feel. The longer I watched, my childhood began to bubble in my belly. Memories of my eldest brother casting spells poured forth. Where had these lights come from? Why are my emotions so easily transfixed?   I'm going to take another "night" to check for the portal, otherwise, I may venture further into the world.  

Day 5

The plants here remind me of the dreams I'd've has as a young boy. Some of the stems appear blue, and some gold! And the petals shine like jewels with all the colors of the rainbow! How indeed like the dreams of child is this place! Surely I will surface from this slumber, yet there was a small part of me that did not want to. I pricked my finger in hopes that it will awaken me and found myself sobbing in pain.   My Bellie would love this world. It's so bright and I feel like I'm on top of the world, unstoppable!! Oh, I miss her so. She'll get that sewing kit when I return. She deserves so much more.  

Day 11

Today's journey began much like the previous days, no real sources of food or water, but my magic has kept me well fed and hydrated. I'm finding all kinds of wild plants. Bellie could turn these flowers into some powerful potions, I'm sure of it! Oh, I don't tell her enough how strong she is. I hope I return home soon. My heart feels like it's falling apart.  

Day 24

With no departure in sight, I'm limiting my writing until I find more ink. The people here are short, odd and brightly colored, but also pretty intelligent. They are mostly humanoid, although quite a few speak to the trees. I cannot understand the trees, but I can hear creaking and rustling as if in reply. Maybe they will help me return to my precious Bellie. Only time will tell.  

Day 38

I'm not sure there's a point to writing any more. I'm learning so much, but I'm not sure I can continue to go on without my heart.  

Day 60

They have promised me that they will send me home, if I surrender my samples and take one of their scouts into our world. Anything to be home again.  

Day 62

Home, here I come! I could burst!

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(written shakily) The scout... He did burst... I can feel a weight upon my shoulders. I know I was not the one who killed him. Entering my home again I could feel the energy leave my body. I feel weaker. Did I feel like this before or am I weak from my journey?

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(tear stained) I sent a message to my Bellie. I told her briefly where I'd been and sh-she's remarried. Three years, she said. Three years! How could this be? At least she has her sewing kit...  

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Home Again

While the scout is no longer with us, it seems a bit of the magic came home with me in the form of what I'm calling a Poof. The future will show if I can recreate some of the magics, but first I must master it. Until then, no one shall know of my Poof or what I found beyond the tree.