Chapter Text
Two Time looked up from their book, the sunlight filtered through the trees and birds chirped joyously, trying to ring in a mate before the day was done. They decided to head back to their dwelling and turn in for the night. They closed their book and got to their feet, walking through the forest, making their way back to the trail. After they had jumped over several logs and debris and stumbled through the undergrowth they finally found the trail. They readjusted their book bag and started down the path. the smells of fire carried on the wind and Two Time wondered if it was a forest fire or just a ritual because it smelled pretty distant. They continued down the quiet path, the only sounds being the birds and occasional rustle in the bushes.
After a few more minutes Two Time had made it back to their dwelling, their hand resting on the knob of the front door. They pushed the door open then stiffened as a familiar voice stopped them. "Two Time," Two Time slowly turned to face their mentor, Amarah. "I am in need of a favor." He said, placing a calloused, wrinkled hand on their shoulder. They flinched slightly but looked up at him, he must have noticed them flinch and the lines in his forehead deepened as he pursed his lips.
"Yes, father Amarah?" Two Time asked, standing as tall as they could without straining their spine.
"I require you to collect firewood for a ritual tomorrow, my child."
"Yes-yes father." Two Time nodded briskly and let out a breath they hadn't even noticed they were holding as Amarah gave them one last look then swept away, his gray-blue robes billowing out behind him.
They gathered their bag once more- just in case they found any pretty rocks while out- and an axe that sat by the entrance to another follower's dwelling, they surely wouldn't mind, Two time just needed it for a little wile, they'd return it in one piece! They slung the axe over their shoulder and walked through the gates.
The sun was just barely peeking through the trees as the moon rose in it's place, replacing the rhythmic tweeting of the birds with the croaks of toads and chirps of cicadas and crickets. The forest was eerie during nightfall, all the shadows seemed to reach out at Two Time as if the trees were trying to grab them. Two Time was startled at every rustle in the bushes even though it was probably just a rabbit. Having the axe resting on their shoulder as they walked comforted them a little but not by much.
Once they arrived at the lumber gathering place they gently set their bag down, collecting some twine from within a small pouch inside of it. They hoisted the axe up and let their gaze skim the clearing, spotting a fallen branch they could probably break apart easier. They dragged it towards their bag, grunting with exertion and resting every so often to catch their breath. They were not cut out for this job, they were far too weak and malnourished. They ignored the pain in their chest and dizziness swirling in their head and lifted the axe.
The satisfying thunk the axe made as it hit the branch sent chills down their spine and their tail swished happily. They chopped a few more smaller pieces then gathered them up and wrapping the twine around the bundle in order to keep it held together. They froze as they heard a snap in the bushes behind them. Their senses suddenly were cranked up to eleven as crunching and thudding noises emanated from the bushes behind them. They turned slowly, their heart racing as the bundle of firewood slipped from their grip. They slipped on a wet leaf and hit the ground, breathing erratically as the noises got closer. They had been told that a beast haunted the woods but they never believed the warnings. Now the beast was approaching them. They knew it couldn't be a coyote because it was far too large. Not a bear either, it was too small for that. Two Time inched backwards on the ground, reaching for the axe then squeaking panickedly when they realised that it was too far away. Now the beast was emerging from the bushes.
It had to be at least six feet tall and it stood fully in shadow. It lifted a large paw towards Two Time, ready to strike and Two Time yelped, falling back and covering their face when- was the beast offering them a hand to help them up? The clouds parted, revealing the full moon which shed light onto the "beast". He was tall with tan skin and freckles speckling his nose. He dawned a warm smile and brown wizard hat with all sorts of charms hanging from it, the shadow from said hat making his eyes fall into darkness, unviewable. Two Time took a deep inhale then took the strange person's hand, letting them help the pale person to their feet.
"You're covered in mud.. oh dear- I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to scare you!" The person rubbed the back of their neck, a brown shawl complimenting the matching sepia brown shirt and deep mahogany pants. Two time couldn't look away from this strange person. "Uhm.. It's fine." They said, attempting and failing to clean the mud out of the knees on their gray pants. The person still looked apologetic. Two Time looked back to his face. He held out his hand once more.
"Azurewrath, but you can just call me Azure." The man smiled.
Two Time looked him over, he seemed trustworthy. "Two Time." They said, shaking his hand. Azure smiled widely then looked over at the lumber. "Need any help with that?" He asked. Two Time grimaced. Father Amarah would lecture them about taking advantage of others' kindness if they accepted help. "Err, not at the moment, i have the situation under control." They said even though they knew that they'd have trouble carrying the logs home. "You sure?" They nodded. "Hmm, well, okay." Azure shrugged. Two Time gave a polite smile then gathered their things, preparing to leave when Azure stopped them. "Hey, would you like to organize a time to meet up later this week?" He asked. Two Time tilted their head. "You- you just seem like an interesting person!" Azure said, smiling weakly. Two Time nodded. "If my mentor will allow it, i'd love to find a time to get to know you better."
Azure grinned. "How's Wednesday?" He asked. Two Time smiled. "I'll ask." They waved goodbye and were off. What a strange person.