Birth of a Mage - First Steps

They say one remembers nothing of their moment of conception. I beg to differ. Darkness, the overwhelming smell of fragrant blossoms of all kinds, the sound of animals unseen, metal clanking against metal, soft rushing of water in the distance and a million voices. These are my first memories, forever emblazoned into the very fabric of my being, inseparable from what I am. Then, gentle breezes touching my skin, making me shiver ever so slightly. The sounds are louder now, closer, and the smells more intense. I open my eyes.

There are no words to describe my emotions. I feel so cold, alone, confused. As I look down I realize my skin is barely covered. Standing in the center of this place, trying to get my bearings, everything moves with dizzying speed. People coming and going, unimaginable creatures of all sizes and shapes accompanying them. The brightness and the sounds are almost too much for my tender ears. I look around more freely now, taking a few tentative steps. But where should I turn? Who should I talk to? Someone touches my arm; I do not like to be touched by strangers. I retreat back into a corner, watching.

And then, for the first time, I hear her voice. I know her: don't ask me how, or from where. But I know she is the Creator."You are Samhara", she says, and it seems so right. How could it be anything else? SAMHARA - I say it slowly and the syllables melt on my tongue like ice cream or chocolate. It is a good name, a wonderfully right name for me. And in this second of recognition I know what I must do. I straighten my shoulders, lift my chin and emerge from the shadows of the corner to walk up the steps in front of me. It is tricky to get up there unscathed. There are people running up and down these stairs, humongous beasts just standing there, poised to jump at a moment's notice, with their riders ready to give an unseen command. Beautiful ladies in magnificent gowns, surrounded by showers of roses lounging near the top are distracting me from my purpose. I know I must speak to someone up here.

Luck is on my side this time, I see someone like me, barely covered by clothes, talking to a soldier to my right. And just as I know who I am, I know this person is newly born, like me. I wait patiently until he finishes his lengthy conversation and then approach the man in uniform. He looks at me with raised eyebrows, awaiting my questions. There is no doubt, he has heard the questions a million times before, but he answers me with kindness, providing everything I need to know to get along for the first few days here. I feel so relieved after talking to him. I turn around looking down the steps I just walked up on, letting my gaze wander across this town. He called it Cronus. My grip tightens around my wooden staff. I know who I am, and I know what I will be. I will be a mage. My life's purpose lays in front of me as clear as the light of this glorious day. I will fight until I can not fight anymore. I will fight the demons that threaten this place. And I will join the ranks of the great warriors and mages that came before me. I take a step, and then another, quickening as I go, I run, down the stairs, along the main road and out the gate. My first steps - into forever.

To be continued...