Lost and Alone

[Flamebird]

"Try and walk, Felicity"

The familiar voice echoed in my mind as I dreampt a shapeless, formless dream. Shinsou?

"Felicity, listen to me."

This was not some imagined enigma or magical mind play. I could just tell the voice was from a memory.

"Hey, hey, hey. Listen to me."

I squirmed in my sleep. I felt his sympathetic care and desperate plight in his rushed tone of voice.

"I didn't recruit you because I didn't believe in what you can do. I don't bring losers to Whitevale."

I awoke in a hazy daze. I looked up at the tent skin ceiling, held up by a bone spike. Here I was, lost in Salvar again. It was cold, and I needed to get up.

I flung the heavy fur blanket off of me.

I pulled open the animal hide flap of the tent. I was met with a landscape laden with sparkling snow, spanning forever and ever. I gulped. On this brisk morning, I would start my long journey home.

Thaynes help me, if you can hear me!

From a smoldering fire nearby, Sash ran towards me with a furry lump in her arms. I realized that I recognized the saber tooth cat fur from yesterday. Sash grinned as she skidded, spraying some snow on my pants.

"Hey!" I took a step back, but felt enticed by this playful energy. I was so tempted to kick some snow back at her, but the situation was far too dire. Sash did not seem to notice, however, as she held out the bundle, "Ta da! Some proper clothes, you little stripper!"

I felt myself flush in embarrassment. I had never imagined in all my years that I would ever be called a stripper. My heavy shirt and loose pants covered plenty! Yet, I reached out and took the soft furs, coming to the understanding that this was an entire outfit! Still flustered, I hastily nodded to Sash and reentered the tent as she laughed.

As I dressed, I still felt the effects of minor bruising. Thanks to my connection with magic, I had practically healed overnight from my injuries. One or two of the bigger cuts and bruises remained, but were rapidly healing themselves with no time to leave scars. If only my healing factor could bring my left pinky back... The glove I pulled on humorously flapped in the empty pinky sleeve.

I was newly garbed in Salvar appropriate gear. I was ready.