Chapter VI

Chapter VI

    

    Eona sat up in bed, sleep denying her request. She was in a daze, her eyes trying to adjust to the dim light of the room. She was exhausted, praying that sleep would have taken hold of her. But the new information she had learned from Esperanza was troubling her. Even though Kaizair’s good spirits had helped her feel better, she was still having doubts. There was suddenly a small knock on her door and Esperanza walked in. “Trouble sleeping, dear?” she said in a soft tone. Eona nodded as the woman was making her way over to the bed. She sat down, and looked at Eona. “What is rattling around your mind?” she asked. Eona looked down at the floor, wondering whether or not to let this woman into her feelings. “I’m so confused, Miss Esperanza. I’m so tied up with doubt that it’s keeping me awake. If what you said is true, how can I possibly hope to achieve this goal? I have faith in my companions; I know they’re strong. But I’m not. I just feel so weak. And it isn’t helping that within the past few days I’ve fallen in love with one of those companions. What if I let him down? What if I fail him? How can I expect him to love me back if I do?” she said, attempting to hold back tears. 

    Esperanza laid back, giving the water mage a calm smile. “The earth user, I presume. A great man, like most earth users are. But, you are too concerned with things that are past, and things that have yet to happen. What you need to concern yourself with are the things that are happening right now. These beautiful moments that you are going to share with your friends. Things that you are never going to want to forget. If you worry too much about the past and the future, those moments may slip by you, and you will regret it. As for this battle, you must not doubt yourself. You have no reason to. Eona, I’ve only just met you, and already I can tell that you have grown into a mature, caring and talented young woman. You are so much more than you realize. And I’m sure that Havock can see all of the good qualities you hold as well, and that is why he is so taken with you,” Esperanza put a gentle hand on Eona’s shoulder. It felt so good hearing her say that. Eona relaxed, suddenly thinking of her mother and how much this woman reminded Eona of her.

    “You’re right. There is no way that I can even hope to succeed if I continue to feel this way. I need to have faith in myself, along with my companions. That is how we will win this war,” she looked up at Esperanza and smiled. The dark clouds that had been floating over Eona’s conscious were beginning to drift away. Esperanza seemed to have the ability to put everyone at ease. Though a little strange, she was a wise mage and a very kind woman. “By the way, Esperanza, I wanted to ask you something. How do you know about all of this? I mean, it doesn’t seem like something that everyone would know about. How did you know that we were the chosen ones? How did you know to have that carrier deliver that letter to me?” Eona asked, her eyes becoming suddenly intrigued. Esperanza’s eyes widened, obviously not expecting those questions to be asked. “Well, I suppose I should be honest with you. I am a lot older than I look. I was apart of the last crusade against Astaroth. While it was difficult, we triumphed. Following the prophecy, one mage of the group is supposed to pass on the knowledge of our legacy. That is exactly what I am doing for you. Now that I think about it, I know the reason you and I get along so well. When I began my profession in magick, I was a water mage. I have learned many other magicks since my days of youth, but I will always be a child of water,” she closed her eyes, as if trying to remember colorful moments from her past.

    Eona was speechless. Esperanza was at least two hundred years old, and looked no older than thirty-five. She assumed it was magick that was keeping this woman alive, but decided not to press the matter. “Thank you. I think I’ll be able to find sleep now,” Eona said, giving her one last smile then laying back down. Esperanza lifted herself from the bed and walked over to the door, looking back at Eona before opening it. “By the way, Eona. In terms of your relationship with the earth mage, you have nothing to worry about,” Esperanza closed the door behind her, the sound of her steps drifting off down the hallway. Eona rested her head on her pillow, closing her eyes. She wondered if Havock was sleeping. She wondered if he was having pleasant dreams. She wished that she could climb into bed with him, even just to hear the sweet sound of him breathing. She remembered what Esperanza had said, and it made her smile. She’s right. We can, and will win this war. 

     

Author's Note

I welcome criticisms, as long as it's civil. Thank you :)