The Elder and the Girl

"Come child." As the Elder spoke he was already turning away, motioning passively with his hand for her to follow. "There is much I need to show you, and too little time in this life." the child scrambled to her feet to follow, not entirely comprehending the meaning of his words, but he was an Elder, whatever it was must have been wise. "Your lives will be many, and not always long. Your mother-"

"My mother?" That was something the child did understand, this Elder was the first person who would admit to her even having a mother. Everyone else either refused to speak of the subject, or never said more that she had been found and brought back to the village. "Have you met her? Do you know where she is? Will I get to meet-"

"Hush, child. I do know your mother, but we must go from here. Within a fortnight it will no longer be safe for you here. Your mother has asked me to bring you to her. You will pass through many of your lives before you do, and it will be my successor who finally brings you to her, but I will see to it that you meet her." By this point the Elder and the child had reached the edge of town, and the Elder knelt to look her in the eye. "You will never see this place again child, do you understand that?"

"umm..."

The Elder sighed deeply as he removed a small pack from under his cloak, showing the Girl how to shoulder it properly. "You will one day child. Now, we begin your journey." the Elder stood, and after handing the Girl a small walking stick and taking up his own staff, began to walk.