Her family, like most Elven families, worshiped the five old gods. Their alignment with the earth made it easy to commune with them. There were some ceremonies but as it was their belief that the gods and the elements were one, worship was done on a more subtle level as they interacted with life around them. Gratitude and servitude were woven together and once an elf reached majority, the idea that he or she was a guardian of nature was firmly set. Airleas, and her family believed Navro’anai could only help with that.
On the day she finally chose to leave, her father took her aside. “You will meet other creatures and races on your journey. Most will be kind natured, but be on your guard. Not all look at life as we do, daughter.” He paused and handed her a pack. “Your mother packed this for you. It has some food and supplies. You will need to quickly put your skills to the test in finding food and shelter.” He could see the question in her lavender eyes. “Your magic will not work once you leave the homelands. It is why some decide not to make the journey. Much of what comes easily to you now, will be difficult out there. You will need to toil to make your way.” Her face faltered and he smiled gently. “I have faith in you, Airleas. We must not fear that we do not understand. I know you will rise to the challenge.”
Despite her father’s encouraging words, she wondered if she was making a wise choice. Many who left were gone for years. There was no guarantee she would return. Tears did not come though. Her father was right and this was simply her uneasiness with change and the unknown. She would face this and be refined by the gods. Once her mind turned in that direction, leaving was a bit easier.
After bidding friends and family goodbye, she began to walk down the path towards Sléibhte Mór, the mountains that separated the Elven homelands from Illarion. Here, traveling the path was safe, but she had been warned to keep to the forests and shadows once inside Illarion. Traveling the road could be dangerous, especially since she was unarmed.
The mountain passage was not easy, but she found herself blessed daily with finding little bits to eat as well as adequate shelter. Sleeping out of doors was not in the least distressing. In fact, sleeping underneath the canopy of stars was comforting and she usually drifted off with a smile on her lips.
Her steps took her through Galmair and while she met several pleasant individuals, their desires and drives did not align with her own. She was advised that Runewick might be more to her liking. So after another three weeks, stopping a few times to work for food on the way, she found herself within Runewick.
Her initial impression was that it seemed a quiet place she could call home for a while. Only time would tell. She would wait and see what the gods had in store for her.