10 Part to Play (2/2)
While in his meditative trance, his flames depicted his desires, forming the face of his father, and then that of his mother. It was because of his desire to find Isabelle that he was okay with being in this other world, to find her and bring her home no matter what the cost. Jonathan deserved at least that much. If Jonathan was a true Minnesotan, that would just leave his mother as the one that originated from Crystallia, how else would he have these gifts?
As the red flame burned bright with his mother's image, Will heard footsteps coming out to his tree. Quickly he willed the flames back within his aura as he turned to see Maya, and the thoughtful expression that adorned her features.
”Hard at work as always I see.” She said as she sat on the grass next to him. Within the few months they spent together, Will had gotten pretty close to Maya. They spent most of their day out in the field picking herbs and talking about life. Will wasn't really that good at locating anything of which would be useful, so usually he would just be there for conversation. Maya didn't mind his lack of knowledge, instead she found comfort in his company. Ever since that day in which he saved her, she had always felt safe by his side. Will continuously renewed his vow to ensure her safety no matter the costs. He knew all that she had lost so far, and he couldn't bare if she lost anymore.
Most nights while Will was training his flame, she would watch him sit for hours, constantly doing the same monotonous routine. Over the time she had seen the improvement he'd made, though never questioned how he seemed to know each step to overcome every obstacle. It was like watching a genius in action. She had always known he was different, of that, he would never try to cover up. He had already told her he was from a different realm, so even though he knew what he did, she was sure their was a reason for it. Every once in a while she would see him take out his phone and check it, she knew there was a picture of the woman he loved that he couldn't stop thinking about. To see the look he'd made after each time he'd check, as if he were in a far away place completely alone, it would make her heart ache for him.
Will summoned up both flames, and in an instant they flew one foot above his head. ”I've finally figured out how to make multiple flames,” He began. ”Though the density of the flame seems a little wild and untamed, it will only take a little more practice to be able to make something of these.” He pointed above his head with a smile playing on his lips.
Maya started fidgeting, playing with a blade of grass she plucked when she sat down. Will had noticed a long time ago that she only did that when something was on her mind. ”Have you enjoyed your time with me?” She asked with a half smile.
”In my time within this world, you have been the only one to show me true hospitality,” Will said in a matter of fact tone. He allowed himself to fall back on his sleeping mat and look up at the stars. ”If I could express the way I feel towards you it would be the feeling I have for a family.” He said, turning his face from the heavens to look into the eyes of his friend.
Maya's half smile turned full as she looked down to her single blade of grass. ”I'm honored you feel that way Will,” She said quietly. ”I am going to Nearwood Village in a few months in order to give the herbs to the town herbalist for our annual sale. Since you've been here for a few months helping out, I should get a much better turn over than last year.” Maya looked back at Will. ”I was wondering if you might accompany me to the village, after my incident a few months back with the guards I do not really feel safe alone.”
”Do you even have to ask?” Will chuckled as he looked at the serious expression Maya had. One that turned from steeled to a look of embarrassment as Will took hold of her hand. ”As if I would let you go off on your own after the way we met in the first place.”
Maya moved Will's hand away and instead embraced him, her head buried in his chest. ”I knew you wouldn't let me down.” She said as a tear of happiness fell to the grass. For a few minutes, Will allowed her to remain within the embrace, but as the time passed, his thoughts drifted to Bianca.
Maya noticed Will's eagerness to get out of their hold and quickly let go. She wiped her cheek and stood up. ”Two months from today we will leave, until then just rest and gather yourself for the journey.” Will nodded with a smile, and she turned on her heel to walk back to the shack.
Just before the door to the cottage shut, Maya saw Will turn his phone on once more. Looking at Bianca in the picture she sent him, the picture showing him that she was still there for him, all he could do was shut it off and look up. Maya could feel the loneliness Will was going through and wished with all her heart that there was something she could do for him.
There was not even a single cloud in the sky as Will looked up. 'If only my mind could be as clear as this night,' he thought to himself as he allowed his aura to make a wave of flames, constantly showing him pictures of his loved ones within his own world. The more Will saw, the more he realized just how alone he really was.