The Legend of the Immortal Traveler

The Legend of the Immortal Traveler

Today started as any other day. I got up and prepared to explore my new surroundings. Since I have been on my own, I have lived the life of a vagabond. I wonder through many lands, during my journey to discover the truth about  superstitions, people, and myths. The leaves are starting to change and fall to the ground, there is a coolness in the air, and the seasons are shifting again.

    Today I am traveling through a place called York. The land is full of hills that are bright green, which are a beautiful contrast to the amazing shades of red, orange, and brown on the trees. The people here are not fond of strangers, but I have gotten a few to talk to me. They have told stories of strange events around here. An older man told me stories of  large creatures in the woods here and magic that people experienced here. An older lady told me that there are dangers in the woods here. That people go in and are cursed by a evil witch , who lives deep in the heart of the forest.

    This has my curiosity peaked, what is really concealed in those woods?! I am standing at the edge of the forest, looking at the amazing view. There is a beautiful green valley behind me, a beautiful pond to my right and off to the left in the distance are blue white white capped mountains. It is a beautifully breathtaking scene.

    As I begin my exploration of the woods, I breath in the fresh air, noting the scent of fresh pine, mixing with the smell of earth, and a faint floral scent. The fresh air is something I truly enjoy. As I walk, I think about how in a forest, it always sounds like something is following you. The echo of my foot steps, and the sounds of falling branches give the impression one is not alone. It is almost as if the trees are watching my every move and alerting someone ahead of my approach. Those aspects are part of why I love being immersed in nature. 

    I came upon a group of trees that have what appears to be markings or runes. I try to copy them into my journal, so I can study them. I would like to know what they mean, and who put them here. The sun is starting to set in the sky, when I see a cabin a short distance in front of me. It looks to be built with trees and stones from this very forest. There is a steady stream of smoke from a stone chimney. As I make my slow approach, I notice a dim light flickering in one window. The light flickers against the darkness that has now fallen across the forest. Who could live here? Are they responsible for the symbols on the trees? I guess there is only one way to find out, and that is to knock.

    I slowly make my way towards the cabin, trying to not let my nerves feed off the stories I have been told. I knock on the door, preparing myself for what may come next. The door opens to reveal a beautiful fair skinned lady with raven hair, and emerald eyes. She holds a beauty that makes your senses want to relax, but makes you uneasy all at the same time.

"Did you not observe my warnings not to enter this property?" she ask in a angelic voice.

"Ma'am, I am sorry, but I did not see any warnings, just symbols carved in trees. I did not know what they meant." I replied to her noticing a shift in her emerald eyes. It was almost as if the moon itself had crossed her eyes.

"Those carvings are a warning not to trespass here. This property is protected by a spell that punishes all who trespass here." she stated, her gaze unmoving.

" I don't understand, why would you do that? And how?" I question. I am trying to believe it is her way of scaring off unwanted visitors. Spells are not real, are they?

"What is your name stranger? Why are you in this forest, tonight?" she inquired. The tone of her voice made me feel that she would know if I lied.

After a moment, I replied, "I have chosen the life of a traveler, just wondering from place to place, exploring . I want to learn what mysteries the world truly holds. I want to learn about people, and how they live, the things they experience, and learn about their views of the world. To study superstition, and the supernatural elements of our world." That was the simple truth of my life.

    She nodded her head absorbing the information. "What is your name?" This time it was more of a command than a request.

"It's Aroura, ma'am. Aroura Sky." I told her honestly, I rarely use my name anymore, no one really asks or cares to know.

"Well, Aroura Sky, I am Melody, witch of the Crystal Forest, and I have decided your punishment for trespassing here. Aroura Sky, I curse you to travel the world for all eternity, though you will long for death it will never come. That peace, you shall never find. You are cursed to travel and tell the stories of those you meet along the way. You will travel through human and supernatural towns. And you will record the stories of all you encounter, no matter species. Only when you all the creatures of the goddess join together will you know who you truly are, and why this has happened. You will remain here til day break and then you will leave the Crystal Forest the immortal traveler." She passed her sentence as I stood there in shock. This was ridiculous, wasn't it? How could that be true, magic is not real, not this kind of magic.

    I tossed and turned as the night slowly passed. At some point sleep claimed me. When I awoke, I was unsure it had even happened, that is until she brought me a book. "This is your journal. No matter how many pages you fill, there will always be room for the next story. This journal will last throughout eternity. This journal contains proof of your sentence for disobeying the warnings placed on the trees by the Goddess." She handed me the book, and walked me to the door to start my eternal journey.

    As I walk through the forest, I realize that my life has been changed forever. I was looking for the supernatural, and the unknown, I think I have just scratched the surface of what is really out there. This journey had been the start of something that for now, I will embrace as amazing. I hope to never tire of this life, never having to put down roots.