Alone

Nazmi and Xanithe had lived on the outskirts of the human kingdom in a small city called Servan for as long as she could remember. Though there wasn't much nature for them to live off of, Xanithe had managed to keep them afloat long enough for him to make connections with useful people. He was very charismatic, so it came naturally to him – even if human culture was difficult to understand at first. It led to him having plenty of odd jobs to keep things afloat.

That, mixed with frequent visits to parks, things were relatively smooth sailing for them.

Xanithe originally had to use his own magic to help Nazmi maintain a human form, but as soon as she turned six she was able to manage it herself. It was then that they were finally able to blend in completely.

Over the years he had made friends with an elderly couple whose names were Henri and Lili, that owned a greenhouse. They grew flowers, herbs, fruits, and various other plants that they sold in their small shop. He often visited with Nazmi and asked if they could relax in the greenhouse. After several months of this, they allowed Xanithe to work for them.

It wasn't long until they noticed how well the plants grew since he started tending them, and they grew to adore precious little Nazmi. Henri and Lili offered the father and daughter a place to stay. There was a small garden shed in the greenhouse that they allowed Xanithe to fix and renovate to his liking.

Henri and Lili were like grandparents to Nazmi growing up, but it had been ten years since Henri's passing, and four years since Lili's. Xanithe inherited the solarium, and tended to it loyally. He was content.

That feeling of contentedness never settled in Nazmi. She had always had a weak constitution and struggled to keep up in human schooling, and had an even harder time making friends. Other than her father, that she did love deeply, she felt no connections to Servan. Her heart and mind perpetually seemed elsewhere.

As woodland nymphs, she and her father were able to share memories if they opened up to one another. Xanithe had no desire to hide their past from her, so when she turned twelve he allowed her to see what happened to their people. It was from then on that she finally had somewhere to channel her feelings.

She grew to be filled with anger and frustration for herself, her father and mother, and their whole race.

That is what led to her decision to leave home.

—

Nazmi had gone to sleep after their discussion. Her heart and mind had time to relax through the night, but her decision remained the same. It was time for her to go on her own.

She packed a small bag with the things she needed, and made breakfast for herself and her father as she always did. Xanithe came out and sat with her to eat, and they talked as if nothing had happened. He told her about the well-being of each of the plants in the garden, and told her stories from living in the grove with her mother.

After they were both full, Nazmi walked to the front door with her bag, ready to bid her dad farewell. It was only temporary, as she had no intention of leaving forever, but for some reason it still felt very final.

"I'm sorry for being difficult," she said with sad eyes.

Xanithe, who had followed her knowingly, smiled. He looked down at her affectionately. "You are not difficult. You are ready to learn things on your own, to walk a path by yourself."

Nazmi felt her heart ache. She buried her face into his chest and hugged him. "I love you, dad."

"I will be here, whenever you need me. I can't support you in your goal, but I will always provide a safe place and a home for you. All you ever need to do is come to me," he said. He rested his head on top of hers and pet her hair gently. "But you don't need me anymore, precious girl. You can plant yourself wherever you want. Your heart belongs to you now. Share it with someone, somewhere, who will protect it for you."

Nazmi breathed in his familiar, woody scent. She couldn't help shedding a few tears, but she quickly pulled herself together.

"Don't go anywhere. I will be home soon," she said determinedly, pulling away from the embrace.

Xanithe continued to smile, and place a single kiss on her forehead. "Of course. I love you. Be good, Nazmiseia."

—

As soon as she got to the edge of town, she sighed. She wasn't really sure what she should do. It wasn't like there was much she could plan, anyway.

Even though she had deliberated revenge for half her life, she couldn't enact it all as powerless as she was… and the only way to truly learn how to master her nymph power would be for an older, experienced nymph to teach her… but for obvious reasons, that would be almost impossible.

'I wonder if a wizard or sorcerer might be able to teach me something useful?' she thought to herself.

Nazmi sighed and shook her head. 'Father told me once that the way their mana flows is different from ours. I doubt they would be any help.'

She pulled out a small map that she had purchased at a market in town. It showed everything under the humans' jurisdiction. Her eyes wandered to the various dead nature reserves along the border.

"If I can't ask anyone alive to teach me, perhaps I can commune with the spirits instead," she decided aloud, under her breath.

Nymphs' souls were returned to the earth when they died, where they are absorbed back into nature. Their presence nourished and invigorated all the living things nearby. Though difficult, it was possible under the right circumstances and with strong enough focus, to connect and communicate with them.

Nazmi reached into her bag and brought out one of the two succulents her father had sent with her. She held it close to her face and breathed in the earthy scent. It calmed her down slightly, and helped her relax her mind.

It wasn't necessary for her to eat, as long as she got enough sun she wouldn't experience hunger. So the only things she packed were clothes, water, and a few plants. Since she got to pack so light, traveling would be a bit easier… except the desert surrounding Servan was a problem indeed.

Nazmi looked out at the vast, flat sand in front of her. She was alone, with no understanding of her body or capabilities, and no other means of protecting herself.

Revenge was far out of her reach for now. The only thing she could do was move forward, even if she had to do it all alone.