Chapter 20: Getting Home

Graemes smiles, her peppery-white hair braided up in a bun, loose-fitting cotton overalls over a bright shirt, and oval glasses on her nose. “I didn’t expect to see you here, Fen!”

Prism looks up and gasps, “Graemes!”

Distracted from Fen’s sketches by the shout and a glistening cloud of sneezes, Graemes looks up to see Tonic, Prism, and Petrichor. “Oh no! Tonic, you don’t look well. It seems you Wildlings have discovered some new opportunities to overcome. Here, I have some allergy medicine that will help.” Graemes digs around in an acorn-shaped leather bag and says, “Let’s get Tonic something to drink. Water is probably best.” Petrichor hurries off to buy a water, and Fen pauses sketching to put a small speckled stone in Tonic’s lap.

Once Tonic has swallowed the medicine, Graemes says, “Everyone okay? Is this your first trip into the World of Myth?” Prism nods. Graemes continues, “That looks like a serious food allergy reaction. The medicine will help. We should get Tonic to a hospital to ensure everything’s okay, but as this is your first time here, you won’t be able to prove you exist.”

Prism’s mouth opens to object, “That’s the stupidest…” Graemes holds up a hand, cutting off the thought and she says, “I know. Obviously you exist; you are right here. But sadly, the system they use here to allow you to be treated by healers requires extra proof. I think the best thing we can do right now is get Tonic inside, and watch to ensure the medicine works.”

Despite being anxious from the recent lack-of-breathing, Tonic sleepily nods and says, “I’m glad we found you, Graemes. Quest complete.” before starting to doze off.

Sitting back inside Petrichor’s apartment, Graemes says, “Getting back is never quite the same as going out. Sometimes you can take the same path, but rarely. I usually follow the Changing Wind.” Fen sketches a picture of a happy breeze, as Graemes goes on, “The Changing Wind isn’t easy to pin down a time or location you will find it. In fact, part of the Changing Wind is that it happens rather unexpectedly. It is a cool breeze after hot days, or the warm, earthy, morning gust after cold. For traveling the World’s Between I find the Changing Wind when it is a breeze like the ocean, and I follow it.”

Prism looks up smiling and says, “I know that wind! It’s a cool evening wind, with edges of heat clinging to it. It feels like sunburns and sea spray, like calling gulls and tomato sandwiches. Like warm nights and rainbow sunsets with clouds racing away. Like grill outs and ghost crabs, and what shore creatures you can find first thing in the morning. Like sand between your toes.”

Graemes nods with a wistful laugh, “Yes, indeed! That is the Changing Wind that calls me to the ocean, where I sail to the Land of Legends, and back to the World of Myth.” Turning to Petrichor, Graemes says thank you again, “I really appreciate you taking care of my friends, and letting us use your place to watch over Tonic. The medicine generally makes you sleep for about 8 hours, so we are so grateful to you.”

Prism speaks up, “Graemes, having an adventure, finding you; this was all Tonic’s Wanderlust. Now that you are here, I’m not sure what’s next. How do we get home? Do we go? Do we stay in this fantasy land?”

“Once Tonic wakes up, we will get you all sorted.” Graemes says reassuringly.