Cherreads

Chapter 2 - Demahni

"Now calm yourself, Adrain. Your questions are valid, and the confusion you feel is natural. The vessel you inhabit, this body you now call your own, is attuned to this realm in a way your previous form never could be. It is designed for what lies ahead, a necessary tool for the path you have chosen, whether you yet understand it or not."

The shadow then expanded, not physically, but as if its presence permeated the very air around Adrain, and images, faint and fleeting, began to shimmer at the periphery of his vision – glimpses of vast landscapes, towering cities unlike any he'd known, and forms that defied earthly categorization.

"You find yourself in Asha, a world teeming with life, far richer and more complex than your previous existence allowed you to perceive. Unlike the singular species that dominated your former home, Asha is a tapestry woven from countless species and a myriad of creatures. Each possesses its own history, its own cultures, its own unique place."

The voice deepened, taking on a more instructive tone. "Know this, Adrain: on Asha, the line between 'friend' and 'foe' is rarely as clear as you might wish. There are the Kindred Races – beings of intellect and intricate societies, much like your own kind once was, but vastly diverse. You will encounter beings of grace and profound connection to the natural magic that pulses through these lands, often wary but capable of immense compassion. There are the species that have their civilizations carved deep into the mountains, stubborn and proud, yet their loyalty, once earned, is as unyielding as the stone they work. And then there are humanoid, scaled beings who can command the very elements, their tempers as volatile as a storm, but capable of fierce, protective bonds."

The phantom images shifted, now showing more primal, monstrous forms. "Beyond the Kindred, and often interacting with them, are the Creatures of Asha. These range from the majestic Sky-Serpents that glide through the highest currents, powerful and territorial but rarely aggressive without provocation, to the Grove Guardians, ancient, tree-like entities that defend the deepest forests with surprising force against those who desecrate their homes. There are also the Grim-Hides, beasts of immense strength that roam the plains, predators by nature, but their ferocity is instinctual, not malicious. And then, there are the Shadow-Weavers, ethereal beings of pure energy that can consume light and life, malevolent and dangerous by their very essence."

"Understand, Adrain, these are only a few of the things you will encounter here where both peace and extreme danger reside within every corner of this world, often within the same being or species. An Eldrin, usually serene, can unleash devastating magical power if their sacred groves are threatened. A Dracaeni warrior, while capable of great brutality in battle, might show profound respect and camaraderie to a worthy opponent. Even a seemingly gentle beast, if cornered or protecting its young, can become a force of unimaginable destruction. Conversely, a creature born of the deepest shadows might, by some rare alignment, reveal a surprising vulnerability or even a path to understanding."

The shadow's light pulsed, as if emphasizing its final point. "Your past life taught you caution and distrust, born from personal pain. Here, that caution will serve you, but it must be tempered with discernment. Your purpose demands that you learn not only to command the strength within you, but also to understand the myriad forms of life around you. To discern intent from instinct, threat from misunderstanding. For in Asha, Adrain, true peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the harmonious, often precarious, balance between all its vibrant, dangerous, and wondrous inhabitants."

"What am I?" Adrain demanded, his voice echoing with a raw intensity that seemed to ripple through the air.

The shadow pulsed, and its voice, though still resonant, took on a more direct, almost clinical tone. "You are a convergence, Adrain. A mixed breed of a Human and a Demahni. Such unions are scarce, almost unheard of, yet immensely powerful. The Demahni are a long-lived species, recognized by the horns that adorn their heads. Typically, they possess two, and their color and size are deeply intertwined with their traditions, symbolizing their potential for power. These horns grow throughout their lifespan, sometimes reaching over six inches in length."

The entity paused, and Adrain felt a strange pull at his own head, an unconscious touch of fingers to his scalp.

"One horn is traditionally considered a mark of weakness among the Demahni," the voice continued, acknowledging his unspoken curiosity. "However, the vessel you inhabit, this body forged from the Aether itself, already bears a single horn of four inches in length. For a body that is roughly seventeen years old, this signifies immense potential, defying the common understanding of Demahni strength. The power contained within you is so profound, so divinely touched, that your horn is pure golden in hue."

A flicker of light, like a golden spark, seemed to emanate from the shadow. "Should you encounter full-blooded Demahni, you will likely face ostracization again. They may perceive you as weak, a deviation from their norms. Yet, not all may see you in that light. The true extent of your acceptance will be a path you must rediscover."

"Fine," Adrain muttered, the word laced with a bitterness that quickly faded into resignation. "I guess I can't complain, since it's already been done to me. So, what now? Where am I supposed to go?"

The shadow pulsed, its golden light intensifying slightly. "You will go to Klen. It is a large earldom, not far from here, to the west. There, you must seek out the place of the Calling Ceremony. It is there, through trials and tests, that you will discover your power and your true station within this new existence."

"But how am I to live? I have no food, no currency, nothing!" Adrain exclaimed, a fresh wave of panic rising.

As if in response, the shadow expanded slightly, and at Adrain's feet, a small pile materialized. A neatly folded set of sturdy linen clothes, a second pair of durable boots, a surprisingly lightweight yet spacious satchel, and nestled beside it, a large, well-honed hunting knife with a comfortable grip.

"These provisions will serve you on your journey to Klen," the entity's voice resonated, its tone devoid of further explanation. "The path ahead will require more than just sustenance; it will demand ingenuity and resilience. Trust in the gifts you have been given, both internal and external. Now go, Adrain. Your journey begins."

With that, the shadow began to recede, its golden light dimming until it was completely absorbed by the surrounding organic luminescence of Asha. Adrain was alone, the weight of his new body, the strange horn, and the unexpected provisions suddenly very real. He looked at the clothes, then the knife, a flicker of resolve mingling with his confusion. The path to Klen and the Calling Ceremony beckoned.

More Chapters