Chapter 2: The Journey Begins

The sounds of birds fill the air as the sky begins to lighten. What was once dark blues and purples sprinkled with stars begins to shit towards lighter blues as the sun begins it's journey into the sky. The mountain range to the east hasn't let its full light reach the village yet, but even now the sounds of life begin to come out.

The clock ticks away before the sound of a neighbors rooster awakens Michael. With a yawn and a stretch he begins his day the same. A smile on his face and a glance towards the darkened mountains. He chuckles to himself "another day, another fish." He lights a candle with a basic magic. The rook illuminates to reveal it is a small cabin. The only other room clearly being that of a bathroom.

Standing and looking around the room where most would go and take care of themselves he goes to a pristine set of bamboo fishing poles. He sits at a small table and begins to gently wipe them down even if they clearly don't need it. Their lines being thoroughly checked for any damage that would risk losing a catch. You could hear a pin drop in the room as he begins preparing his hooks.

"It would be a shame to let these go to waste. Though I guess today is to win the competition." He referred to a competition the guild held every year. For various jobs they'd launch competitions to ensure certain goods were always in stock. For Michael it was to catch the biggest fish. Though he had never won. He claimed it was because he was just bad at fishing. Though part of it was his donation to the church. He never would turn in one of those to the competition.

He found himself lost in thought as he began to tie his first set of hooks onto the poles. A careful grace as he thread the line with ease. Inspecting the knots to make sure he couldn't pull them free even with violent and strong pulls. The words of his grandfather swimming in his head as he did so. "If you can't pull it apart then the fish can't pull them apart. Make sure you are confident before you even step out of that door or the fish will know and you'll never catch anything."

He clapped his cheeks after setting the poles down. "Confidence. I will catch the biggest bass anyone has ever seen!!!!" He repeated this line over and over again. His motivation growing he grabbed an old looking knife. Unsheathing it he checked the blade for even the slightest blemish. "Now to start the day right! Grandma would be proud to see her knife in such good condition." He went to the small barrel and pulled some fish and veggies.

The knife glided through the fish as he prepared it and set it by the fire with a bit of bread. The salted fish being his breakfast every day. His blessing being he could do this every day without worry. The sounds of humming as he gave a tune to his preparation. By the time he was finished the smell of fish filled his nose. He pulled it off placing it on a pair of simple sandwiches with some sliced celery picking one up. " Thank you for the meal and may grandma know one day I will give my wife the smile she gave me."

Eating in peace he took care of the rest of his daily preparation quickly. Gathering his supplies he made his way out the door. Looking over the town he called home he began his trek. He checked a map to see where was the best place to catch a bass. Without a doubt in his mind he set out to make it to the spot marked.

As he walked he hummed a happy tune to himself until he finished crossing town. The other villagers giving happy waves and greetings as he passed through town.

"Thank you for the help the other day" a kind old man said. Having had a delicious meal thanks to Michael.

"You have to sharpen my knives again when you have time Michael!" The butcher happily shouted as he walked.

It was all okay until he approached the church. The various clergy excitedly watching him gave Michael the shivers. He gave them what he considered trash and they still greeted him like a hero. Even the high priestess would do the same. He knew he should admit he gave them what he thought was trash, but at least the best of what he caught. However, he didn't have the confidence to deal with their ridicule if they knew. It was already bad enough merchants offered him more than he expected for his fish. How could he ever expect to get the church to handle his horrible offerings?

He did have an easy walk to a beautiful crystal blue lake. Arriving at midmorning he didn't have much of a struggle to get there. He did get annoyed when some green monkeys tried to hassle him, but he learned from his grandfather how to kick them away. However their interruption was exactly what he wanted. They gave the perfect bait for trout.

Only delayed slightly, practically unnoticeable by his pace he had what he needed. Fresh bait fit for catching a bass of glory. Maybe he'd be able to beat his grandfather's record. That being a 3ft long 80 pound bass. He thought away with a smile as he pulled out a small folding seat and set it along the shoreline.

"Now to enjoy my day and bring home something amazing to give to the church!" He happily exclaimed as he followed it with a challenge. "Lake Grier give me your best and I will reward you with nothing shy of my admiration!" He set out a net and then cast his lines.

Winding his arm back he released the hook with a graceful flick before snapping it forward in a perfect arc. The hook soaring through the morning air as if carried by fairies. It landed in the water almost as if it was never there before aside from a small ripple only those with high perception would be able to notice, not even a fish could see.

Sitting down he smiled watching the tip of the pole with laser focus.