Mayabelle's head spun as she was recounted the tale of her possession. She shuddered at the thought of her body shrouded in darkness, of attacking her friends. Glancing down at the blisters on her hand, she quietly began to cry. 

"This is all my fault," she whimpered, "if I hadn't wandered off, if I hadn't trusted that thing I-" 

"Hey," Ember said, cutting off Mayabelle's words, "don't be so hard on yourself. Mistakes happen, but nothing is your fault." Idril nodded her agreement. Mayabelle rubbed her tears away and tucked her knees to her chest. 

"Before you go," Which Whispers asked, "may I read your fortunes?" All three nodded in unison. Idril began, giving Whispers her right hand. Mayabelle noticed a symbol tattooed on her wrist, one she hadn't noticed before. 

"Idril Luthien, daughter of the Elfin Royals of Farintine Forest, a melodious path lies before you. The pride you seek will not be granted, but delivered by another source. Your words will open the Path of Light and free the bonds of the Hidden One." Idril stepped back, startled at the old woman's words. They seemed to resonate with her deeply. 

Ember pulled up her sleeve, handing the woman her dark red hand. 

"Ember Zealous Jelomang," the old woman started. Idril and Mayabelle gasped and Ember stumbled back. The old woman, who looked a bit indignant that her ritual was interrupted, glanced at the shock on the three friend's faces. "Whatever is the matter, dears?"

"How-" Ember sputtered. "That's my name?"

"Goodness child, don't you know your whole name?" asked Whispers. Ember silently shook her head. Whispers' expression softened. She reached out her hand for the tiefling again. Ember shook herself and sat back down to let the witch continue. 

"You will right the wrongs in people's minds, freeing your invisible bonds and lifting the curses that you have needlessly suffered. Although you might be broken, you will find the strength to continue, no matter the stones hurled at you. Darkness will be your friend, but evil will flee by your hand. You will find your true family, no matter how long it takes you to discover them." Ember bowed her head in thanks, then looked towards Mayabelle, inviting her to replace her seat by the woman's side. 

Mayabelle stood unsteadily, hobbling over and seating herself gingerly on the wooden stool. She held out her right hand, which still glowed red with the blisters from the coals. Gently, Whispers took it in her own. 

"Mayabelle Daisychain Honeycomb, daughter of the lost soul, you shall bring the justice that is duly yours. There's a spirit that cries your name, and soon you will free his bonds. A power lies within you that has not been uncovered yet. The strength will come to you, or you to it, and it will be your second strongest faculty. For your strongest, you will be the Guiding Light to the ones who care for you most." 

Mayabelle pondered these words, and their possible double meaning. A Guiding Light, a lost soul. Who could they be? She sealed the words away in her mind, keeping them to be her mantra. 

"Before you leave," Whispers said, standing cheerfully, "a gift for each of you. Dear," she said, addressing Ember, " please bring your dragon inside. I want to bless him." Ember started for the door, opening it and whistling shrilly, causing Ceaser to slither through the door and sit politely in a corner. 

Bumbling over to a chest, she started rummaging through it until she pulled a beautiful silver beaded hairpiece and brought it to Idril, placing it over the raven-black hair. 

"Both wisdom and beauty are great with you, take this, an enchanted item from my own youth." Idril stepped back. Mayabelle thought she looked like a queen wearing it. 

For Ember, Whispers put her two fingers on the tiefling's collarbone, and when her fingers were taken away, a symbol of fire was marked there, like a faintly glowing tattoo. 

"Fire lies within your soul. This will strengthen you, but it may only be used three times. Use it wisely, O Flaming One." Ember bowed gratefully. 

"For you," she said, turning to Mayabelle. From around her own neck, she pulled an amulet, shaped like a jade whitetail deer. "May both your feet and mind be swift and nimble for all of your days." 

She walked over, placing her hands between Ceaser's horns, and speaking in the language of dragons, she blessed him. His horns glowed faintly blue after the blessing, and he stretched his wings in thanks. 

In a few minutes, Mayabelle felt as though she was strong enough to continue. Whispers supplied them with more food and water for their journey, as well as a flask of the lavender liquid for in case Mayabelle started feeling unwell again. As they waved their farewells, Mayabelle turned Whisper's words over and over in her mind, preparing herself for what was to come.