Mesu had become accustomed to the clanking of her armor. It was a hollow, dull sound as bone clinked against bone. The intimidation factor had helped her scare a few enemies and win some new allies. It was crafted with inspiration from a monster she had defeated. The plain rags that lay underneath were as black as the nights she used to remember. It would show through gaps when allowed.
A familiar smell wafted through the air. It was one that she had been following for days. The first time she had encountered it, she vomited. It was something new that this land had thrown at her, and she wasn’t prepared. The source still eluded her. Mesu hadn’t laid eyes on it yet, but she heard the rumors. The beast was grotesque. It would drive a man mad just by looking at it. If someone did see it and maintain their sanity, the beast’s attack would finish them off.
These were the reasons why Mesu had gone alone. The others she traveled with were of this world. They had pale blue skin. This was the result of both magic emanating from here as well as the lack of sun in the sky. Her partners feared what they might encounter and had tended to defend their home of Dawnsfell. Constant creature attacks required each settlement to fend off those who seek food or destruction.
A low orange hue in the sky lit the night. Four years had made Mesu adjust to the darker colors. The night sky swirled overhead. It was a cloudless night, but the magic was alive. The creature was said to leave ripples behind. Mesu followed each one. It led her through trees and eventually up to a hilly area. It was night when she began. With what food she had left, Mesu assumed it had been 3 days of almost nonstop walking.
A cry in the distance, part guttural, let her know she was closer than anyone should be. The hills did a good job of concealing those who wanted to be hidden. Mesu didn’t care to be in the shadows, and she knew the monster wouldn’t care either. They were both beasts in their own ways.
The hill crested, and she saw the shadowed outline of it. It stood hills away and looked up at the sky. The swirls ended above it. Mesu knew this was the one. She approached it as it stayed still. There was no point rushing in, she knew. If she was going to battle it, there was more sense in conserving her energy. She walked forward with purpose. Both hands held weapons at the ready.
“So, little one, you’re finally here.”
Mesu was taken back. This was the first monster she encountered that spoke in a tongue she understood. It had a deep voice with a rasp she hadn’t encountered yet. She stood still well out of reach. Her body relaxed.
“You knew I was chasing you?”
“I know someone is always chasing me. I am the ultimate prize, as some have said.”
“Not to me. You’re a nuisance to many people. A problem that must be dealt with.”
“I take it you know the stories?” The beast sighed. Mesu could feel a bit of a rumble under her feet with it.
“Aye.” Mesu held firm with her sword and dagger. This was unnatural for her.
“Mostly false, I do say. If I am a monster, it’s what people have made me.”
Mesu thought of the tales of this creature razing whole villages. He had numerous encounters that led to many fallen heroes. It didn’t make sense to Mesu.
“How so?”
“Their stories. Misconceptions and fabrications. I do what you see now. I walk, and I think.”
“Why is that?”
“The reason why we all do. We’re lost. This isn’t our world to be interfering with, yet here we are.”
“You aren’t from here either?”
The creature was quiet. Mesu realized she was staring and looked around her. Even though she had been here for years, it was still very alien to her. The first few months were a huge adjustment. Not only was she figuring out the customs, but her body was having trouble adjusting to the food. Enya had warned her about it. The taste was sweeter than anything she had known. It was sickening after a bit, and she just had to stomach it.
“I’ve only been here a short while, but it has been far too long. It was the surface of the water, I fell into. I emerged into this world. And now I look for my way back. Have you seen more entrances to the world?”
“No, but I have an idea of what may have happened.”
“And you would be correct.” The voice made Mesu turn. The creature did the same at a much slower pace. Enya stood just behind her. She was wearing the same plain outfit Mesu had remembered. “Now, Mesu, we must go.”
“Where to?”
“Back home, of course. There are some things that need your attention, if you choose. Always busy, always something to do.”
“Busy? I’ve been here for four years.”
Enya scratched at her head. The look she wore went from confident to confused.
“Has it been that long now? Well, we’d better get you back.” Enya started to dig around in a pouch she had at her hip.
“What about him?” Mesu sheathed her blades and nodded at the creature. He turned his head back to the sky. Enya looked him up and down as she pulled a jewel out.
“He will find his way. There is still something that he must do in his time here.”
“I fear she is correct. I’ll keep looking until I find what I am searching for. You have a safe journey, little one.” He stood up on all fours as he finished speaking. Mesu realized how massive he was as he started to walk away. A sadness came over her as she wished she could take him with her. Mesu wanted to tell people that the creature wasn’t what they thought.
“He’ll be fine. Don’t you worry. There might even be a time when your paths cross again. I can’t really say more than that.” Enya smiled. She spoke a few words in a tongue Mesu hadn’t heard before, and a tear appeared in front of them. Mesu stepped through and was hit by the fresh scent of the air around her. It mixed with an earthy, dusty smell as Mesu could see a desert stretching far in one direction. There was one thought that struck her.
Home.