The Alchemist

While Gretel and Henox’s shapes were already fading through the woods, Fyor’s serene gaze followed them.

“A child’s heart is a precious thing. I hope he is able to take care of it.”

     Almes didn’t answer, simply giving his friend a sidelong glance. A rather unconvinced look which was greeted by a smile.

***

Gretel had fallen asleep on the way, wrapped up in the sorcerer’s downy goatskin. Thus retrieving for a few hours the silence’s companionship, Henox had continued walking. Halt? What a strange idea. These kinds of practices were these of beings gifted with an ephemeral life, or dreamers. Henox wasn’t part of any of those categories.

“Head towards the east. Go deep into the forest, and you’ll eventually find on your path a rock with a singular shape.”

     So, instead of it, he followed the instructions Fyor had given them.

     The sorcerer’s footsteps stopped. He raised his eyes to observe the rock formation in front of him. Lianas, moss grew here and there. Luminescent flowers had filled the hole in one of his eye sockets but it was still easy to recognise a skull’s shape carved into the stone.

     A wry smile crept across his face for a few moments. Fyor’s words crossed his mind. How long had it been since this world had a period of peace?

“After all, maybe to reconcile certain living beings with life is only possible on their deathbed. What do you think about it… Griselde?”

     Without waiting for an answer that couldn’t come, he resumed his walk.

“Once you have passed it, continue for another hour and you will take sight of a cottage.”

***

Coward as it was, darkness fled to cower among shadows.

     Crouching between the clumps of moss, a young woman gathered dry branches against her legs. She took care not to place them near the edge of her azure tunic, which happened to be wet. The sun rays piercing through the dense foliage reflected upon her belts’ inlay of precious stones. She wore two, too large for her waist. Pastel green strands of hair fell against her cheek, tickling her shoulder.

     Hearing footsteps coming closer, the young woman turned her head to lay emerald eyes upon the silhouette shaping in front of her. According to its horns and fur, she thought she recognised one of Pan’s many offsprings. Unwavering perverts.

“A satyr?” She thought, wary.

     Though the young woman then distinguished the features of a man under the curly fur.

     She saw a little being perched on his shoulder, yawning while stretching.

     Gathering the dry branches in her arms, the young woman straightened up while keeping her eyes fixed on these strangers. There was a glow in her glance, as if she just made a fabulous discovery.

“There you’ll find an alchemist. I can only think of her as someone who would be able to help you.”

***

Rejoicing, the little fairy watched with delight as a trickle of chocolate-flavoured liquid poured into her cup. Or, to be more precise, into the modest walnut shell she had been given.

     As she finally placed a plate of cookies on the middle of the table, the young woman sat in turn, facing Henox and Gretel.

“So Sluaghs directed you here? Well, I didn’t think I’d have such a reputation.” Their host added, giggling. “But, that aside, tell me. What are you precisely looking for? It’s the first time I see a sorcerer. Oh, and you,” she added leaning closer to Gretel “which kind of fairy are you exactly?”

     Taken aback by the young woman enthusiasm, the fairy began to swing from one foot to the other.

“Ohh, uhh, I am the fairy of delicacies.”

“How cute you are!”

     The young woman leant against the table, resting her face in the palms of her hands.

“Your innocence seems sincere, devoid of malice. Fairies like you are rare. Fascinating.”

     As Gretel was at a loss for words because of so much attention, Henox coughed.

“About the reason of our visit, we are looking for a way to fix her torn wing. Are you capable of it, miss…?”

“Oh! Kemishi. My name is Kemishi, I forgot to tell you. Though, well, a name doesn’t tell much about anyone, don’t you agree?”

     A spark lit her gaze.

“Mmm,…”

     But Kemishi didn’t let Henox enough time to answer.

“There are so many things to learn about people around us. For instance, mister sorcerer,” her voice had grown heavier “why do you wear a Gwyllion’s skin?”

     Her gaze never let Henox’s, whose attention she had captured. She was on the lookout for every word, every gesture that Henox would make.

“Kemishi? We have visitors?”

     A slightly husky voice interrupted the young woman, gazes turning towards a man who had just appeared at the corner of the wall, leaning against it. It was impossible not to notice his odd-coloured eyes. One hazelnut, the other as clear as a reflect upon the surface of a river.

“Lennac! You should have stayed lying down…”

     Kemishi immediately stoop up to support the young man until he sat down, her fingers firmly pressed against his waist. They slid there with an ease that betrayed a customary gesture.

“This is Lennac. He is a friend. He lives here along with me.” Kemishi explained, noticing the sorcerer’s probing gaze.

“A friend, so.”

“Nice to meet you.” The young man greeted them cheerfully. “Are you travellers?”

     The sorcerer glanced at Gretel.

     Although curious, the little fairy was half-hidden behind the cookie she had grabbed. That was a lot of unknown people in such a short time for her.

“Indeed. I’m accompanying this fairy in order to find a way to heal her wing.”

“To heal her? Oh, well, that gives you a common point with Kemishi.”

“Lennac!” Kemishi protested.

“Well, what?” The latter asked in surprise. “The fact I am sick is not a secret.”

     In fact, if it had been supposed to be a secret, it would have been at least necessary to keep up appearances by concealing this pale complexion of his; Lennac’s red hair not helping to hide it. But Henox refrained from making a remark.

“You are sick?” The fairy’s soft and compassionate voice repeated.

“So it is. I have one year left to live.”

     A silence fell in response to these words uttered almost carelessly.

     Lennac, realising the mood’s shift, hastened to add.

“Still, as you can see, I am in very charming company.”

     And turning words into actions, he put his arm around Kemishi’s back so he could place the hand against her shoulder. His fingers brushing her gently, he pulled her towards him. Although trying to pull her would be more accurate. For as soon as he did so, Kemishi took on an annoyed expression and freed herself from Lennac’s hold.

“Hands off!” She growled, turning away from him.

     Clutching her hand against her forearm, she half-closed her eyes. Then added.

“Anyway, I’ll find a way to heal you.”

“I don’t understand.” Henox began. “If he has still a year to live, where does the problem lay?”

“Eh?”

     All eyes were on him.

“The world’s end will come before that. You have more time left then necessary. Why this loss of time in the search of a cure?”

“It’s not a loss of time!!”

     Gretel jumped. Slamming her hands against the table, Kemishi had straightened up, leaning towards Henox.

“Come on. Come on…”

     Lennac made a gesture to appease his friend, though without taking the risk to touch her. Perhaps he was used to the counter-blows.

     However, Kemishi managed to calm down. Her fingers slid against the slick wood as she clenched her fists. Lowering her head, she then sat back.

“After all if ever,.. if ever the world continued to exist… I can’t just end up my research. I can’t let him die.” She added, her voice a mere whisper.

     Such statements were faulty. No more, no less. To hear her speak, one would think that there was still hope for this doomed world. Yet we all know how irrelevant this is, don’t we?

     So why did this bring tears to Gretel’s eyes? Why this gaze, this softened smile from Lennac? He didn’t understand. No, Henox really couldn’t understand. They were all insane.

“Stay here for a while. And I will do my best to heal your friend as well.”