Chapter 6

Six

Will

I can’t believe it. After all this time she’s finally returned. As soon as my little spark entered the forest her soul’s song called out to me, leading me through the fog and trees until I found her walking alongside the old crone.

A woman of ancient magic, her aura keeps the fog away as they walk, sadly keeping me from getting close. The crone’s magic temporarily trapping me and the others in our flame form while in her presence. Leaving us only the ability to flicker and glow, to try to entice my spark to leave her side and come closer. But my little spark will not be fooled by such silly traps, having learned long ago what happens to mortals who dance with wandering souls.

“Will O’ the Wisps,” a puff of condensation formed in front of her mouth as she whispers the words in awe.

“Aye,” the crone nods, barely giving us a second look, “The forest calls them here when they get tired of wandering and need to renew their energy.”

Or during times like tonight, when the veil starts to thin and our souls are granted the chance to find our mate.

Together they walked in silence, seeming to enjoy the peace of the forest. Every time one of my brethren would cause a bit of mischief and change the path, the crone would smile and keep walking, knowing her magic would ensure that the path she chooses would always be the right one.

Silently I followed along, admiring my little spark from the distance allowed. My flames burning brighter than any others, in response to her own calling out to me. The feline form of her magic peeked open an eye, watching for a moment, then returned to its slumber. Perfectly at ease with being so close to a being who is strong enough to end a life thread with nothing more than a pair of shears.

Despite being a fully grown woman now, her soul shines just as bright as the night I first saw her. Gone is the little girl with the long braided black hair, piercing blue eyes, and a curiosity that knows no bounds. Now, in her stead stands a young woman full of silent strength, shadows one gains with experience, a tamed wild magic, and soft curves. In response I find that gone is the love a guardian feels for their ward, now replaced with the kind of love felt between two lovers.

Now, I just have to hope the crone will allow me to leave the forest with her.

Hours pass, or maybe only a few minutes–it’s hard to tell when one is nothing more than a drifting flame, unable to do more than just watch the world pass by–before they come to the crone’s cottage. Just as the fog keeps us contained, so does the wards surrounding the small clearing. Keeping us restricted to the boughs of the trees, only able to watch from a distance.

Overhead the sun journeyed across the sky. The trees shadows began to lengthen, creeping closer to the cottage. The wind blew and birds began their preparations for the night. Most of my brethren became bored, waiting for their return and wandered off, as is the way with wisps. But I remained, patiently waiting. Unable to leave her side again.

Eventually the door creaked open, my spark hesitating at the doorway as she looked around, taking notice of the shadows, “Thank you…” she hesitated, stepping to the side to allow the crone some space, “I’m sorry. I keep forgetting to ask you for a name.”

“Just call me grandmother,” the crone answered, handing my spark a small cloth bag, “All my children do.”

“Thank you, Grandmother,” my spark lowered her head, taking the bag, “Please, take care. I hope to see you at the festivities tomorrow.”

“Oh, I’m sure you will,” she chuckled, a spark of magic flashing for a brief moment in her eyes. Gone so fast I’m sure my little spark did not notice.

Suddenly my form began to change, the binding around my flames releasing, allowing me to take my second form.

‘Come forward, wisp. I have a task for you,’ her voice sounded in my mind.

‘A task?’ As soon as my form solidified I began walking toward the cottage, the ward surrounding the area allowing me passage.

The crone gave a subtle nod, ‘Indeed. The stars have spoken. It seems you have wandered long enough. It is time for you to continue along your path, by her side, if she’ll have you.’