Chasing down a barefooted and blind old lady through a forest only to get shot at was NOT how Wren Caster had expected to spend his day. In fact, the boy's intentions were quite the opposite: get a disguise, sneak out of the main town into a more private and secluded part of the kingdom, and decide from there how to proceed with his plans to travel the world. Was that too much to ask for? Apparently so. Either that or it was really not his day. 

How had this all started exactly? Right, this morning, Wren had been trying to make his way to the edge of the city, armed with a backpack full of supplies, a cloak that covered his face, and a walking stick. He had intentionally made sure to leave early, despite his own complaints about his lack of sleep, convincing himself that it was for his own good in the long run. When he had snuck out of home, the cobblestone streets were still relatively dark and quiet for the kingdom's capital, and only a few merchants were around stocking up their stalls with goods that would most likely be sold by the end of the day, just like usual.  As he walked through the streets, Wren couldn't help but look back and admire the castle glinting in the sunrise. It truly was a beautiful sight, especially with all the flowers and plants the king had ordered to help decorate the many balconies of not only the castle, but of many of the houses surrounding it as well. That was the beauty of Cresselia, nature was the most important force, and there were always festivals celebrating the abundance of greenery to support growing all different kinds of food for the whole kingdom.  

Wren shook his head to snap out of his reverie, of course he would miss his home, but it was too late to go back. He had already decided to leave and travel the world freely and without restriction, which was what he intended to do without fail. As he walked further along the path, he couldn't help but notice an old woman in long robes and a hood that covered most of her face, except her long silver hair, hunched over and patting the ground as if looking for something. No one else seemed to be helping her or paying her any mind for that matter. Of course, he could have done the same, and this would put him behind schedule, but Wren couldn't just let an old woman in distress alone. "Excuse me, ma'am, are you alright?" He started as he approached the lady, before stumbling back with widened eyes when she looked up at him. 

Her big round eyes were stunning, as if she held all the wisdom of the world, and yet could pierce one's soul with a single glance. Though it did take the male awhile to realize she was blind. Despite that and her silver hair, it was hard to pinpoint the woman's exact age, as her face seemed to hold something ethereal and everchanging. Her neck was adorned with many gemstone necklaces, and her fingers were equally as adorned with rings of turquoise, silver, moonstone, and other gems he had never seen before. Was this old lady a witch? Wren had heard many stories about witches and druids living amongst them, though he had never actually met one. Was that why this one's eyes seemed like they were so full of power despite their inability to see? 

The old woman put a hand on his face, tracing his facial features with a hum as if to imagine what he looked like. For a second, Wren's heart clenched in his stomach, was she going to recognize him? Many people knew each other in the town, but it was still impossible since he had never met this woman, had he? Wren was further reassured when the woman took a step back and smiled warmly at him. "Oh my, young man, do you think you could help me? I was supposed to meet my son at the edge of town, but I seem to have lost my staff somewhere. Would you be kind enough to take me there if it's not too much trouble?" 

Wren thought about it. On one hand, he wondered why this son didn't just come to pick his blind mother up, and would leave her to walk all the way to the edge of town by herself. Then again, he guessed that really wasn't any of his business. On the other hand, the edge of town was exactly where he was going, so it would really make no difference to him, and at least this way he would have done one last good deed in his hometown. He then nodded, before realizing she probably couldn't see that and rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly, before gently taking her hand and setting it on his arm. "Of course I'll take you. Just hold on so you don't lose me. I'll be able to guide you better like this." 

The trip past the stands of merchants was rather easy. The hard part was the many slopes that lead through the valley, and by extension outside the city. Many giant roots blocked their path, making any traveler trip and fall on a good day. Luckily, sunrise had come to pass and it was now fully daytime, making it easier to see the roots. Unfortunately, this didn't help their situation much. On many occasions Wren had to carry the old lady across, and subtly use his powers to even out the ground she walked on. It was true, Wren had the rare ability to move the earth, though it was mostly small things at a time. Strangely though, he could never recall when he had gotten it, and sometimes it felt like he had just woken up one day and the abilities were there.

The journey eventually got easier as the path straightened out more, though as they neared the end of their silent trip, the brown haired male couldn't help but to glance at the old woman who had yet to make a single complaint about the road. More specifically, he couldn't help but to stare at her unusual jewelry. He was quick to snap out of his thoughts when she spoke to him without sparing him any glance nor slowing down her walk. "You seem to want to ask me something about my attire? Go ahead, I won't be offended"

Wren shook his head. "No, I-how did you know?"

"Call it an old woman's intuition, I can sense little things like that."

"Well, I was just wondering," he started nervously, fidgeting with his fingers, "are you a witch?" 

To his surprise, the woman chuckled warmly, her tone that of amusement. "I will neither confirm nor deny. What do you think I am?" 

Before the boy could respond, to tell her he thought she might be, the woman let go of his arm, turning her face up towards the sky. Perhaps it was something to do with the strange woman, but he must have zoned out again, because now they were at the edge of a forest path that he was sure he had not seen before. "Was... there always a path through the forest under the valley?" He asked with a frown, "because I'm fairly sure this was not here a few moments ago." 

"Of course not, because I created it just now. What, did you think you were the only one with special gifts over the earth, dear boy?"

Wren's eyes went wide with shock. How was she able to do that? Then was she really a witch after all?  But wait, more importantly, how did she know he had powers? She couldn't have seen him use his, so how did she-

The old woman must have sensed the shock from the silence, for she started talking once more. "Yes, I know about your powers. I knew you were using them to help me down the slopes, it does after all take one to know one." She then took off her shoes and walked towards the forest. "Well It seems you have brought me to my destination, you truly are a worthy chosen one. May our paths cross again, until next time, Wren Caster." 

This one was even more of a shock. How did she know his name? He never even gave it to her. "Wait how did you know-" Before he could even finish his sentence, the woman took off in a sprint that should not have been possible for someone in her condition, and the path she had created was starting to fade. Before he could process it himself, he was now running after the old lady, hot on her tail. Why? He wasn't really sure, but something just told him he had to. There were too many questions that he needed her to answer. Though it seemed she wasn't making this easy for him, nimbly ducking through trees. Wren chased after her through the trees at full speed, only to fall face first through a slope into a clearing. Well, actually, it was more like a giant yard covered perfectly by a limestone flooring, with a rather large house in the middle. But it seemed as though the boy wasn't going to catch a break to admire the details as an arrow came down and lodged itself in the dirt right beside his face. Then, a girl jumped into view right in front of the fallen boy, readying her bow and aiming another arrow down at him. "You better start explaining."

[A/N: May have gotten sidetracked on this, I sincerely apologize for how late it is, so here is a hopefully long enough chapter. If you guys are still interested in reading this I'm very happy, if not and you had a character in this, please let me know. ]