It was raining that night, soft, calm rain.
Archis can remember that to this day, because it was the first thing her friend spoke to her about. She was laying by a small fire when he came, while her mother was probably cleaning something, or listening to her father ramble about the increase of Meridell soldiers that had been stationed in the village.
Archis never really paid attention to grown-up stuff like that. Adults always seemed so uneasy about silly things, like money, or crops, or how things would be fifty years from now. They never took the time to stop and watch a small fire, or smell the fresh air after a clean breeze, or more importantly, listen to the soft patter of rain on a wooden roof.
Archis closed her eyes, lying her head down against her paws and snuggling her two pair of wings closely by her sides, ready to fall asleep to that beautiful sound.

Tis a very relaxing sound, is it not?

Archis' head shot up, glancing around the room.
Pardon?
She looked over at her father, now beginning to fall asleep himself. He showed no sign of having asked anything, and made no acknowledgement towards Archis' question.

The rain. It makes a lovely sound, does it not?

Archis glanced around a bit more nervously this time.
Who's there?

Her father lazily opened his eyes half-way, and grumbled something beneath his breath before closing them again.

My deepest apologies, I'm afraid you probably can't see me. I merely wished to talk, not frighten you…shall I leave?

What did you want to talk about? Archis asked with a bit more curiosity than worry.
Her father opened his eyes again. Who are you talking to?

Archis didn't answer, far too occupied with the conversation she was having with her new, unseen visitor. And so, her father went back to sleeping without a second thought.

Oh, nothing in particular, the voice replied nonchalantly. The lovely look of a forest in the morning when it's covered in frost, the feeling of sand between your toes at the ocean, a-
Archis suddenly interrupted eagerly, Oh, I've never been to an ocean before! What's it like?

I'd be happy to tell you, the voice replied warmly, But first, may I ask your name?
Archis! What's yours?!
The voice was silent for a moment...and then continued softly as if telling some sort of important secret.
I'll tell you…but you have to promise not to tell anybody else.

Archis pondered this for a moment before responding enthusiastically, Okay! I promise!

And Archis' night was filled with cheerful conversations about rain, the appearance of a forest in the morning, the feeling of sand between your toes, and happiness.

Two weeks after their first meeting, Archis and the voice were still having conversations rather often. At first, he'd just show up at night to tell Archis a bit about some place she had never been to before, or talk about stories he once heard at some point or another.
And then he began making small comments on things through out the day, where he and Archis would exchange a few quick sentences before her parents would interrupt them.
And finally, the voice seemed to be there constantly, always ready to strike a conversation with the young Draik.
And their attention to others around them became next-to-nothing.

Finally, her parents decided to talk to her about, what seemed to be, her on-going conversations with nobody.

Archis, who are you talking to?
Her parents liked to ask that a lot now.
Adults can be so repetitive sometimes...

Archis glanced sideways, as if listening to someone standing right beside her. After a few moments, she smiled and gave the same reply she always did.
He doesn't want me to say his name.

Her mother narrowed her eyes in annoyance (adults seemed to do that a lot too actually).
She turned towards Archis' father and, in a poor excuse for a whisper, commented sharply.
She can't stay here. You know what will happen if she stays here.

Archis' father stared at the child, who made no sign of paying attention anymore, for a few moments before sighing and rubbing the back of his neck. He looked as if a more difficult decision had never needed to be made in his life.
Contrast to him, her mother looked like there was nothing she'd ever been more sure about.

If we just wait a few more weeks...see if it goes away-

His wife was looking back at their child softly, an obvious fight with herself not to frown taking place. She replied in a tired tone, as if what she was saying was exhausting on its own.
You've been noticing the increase in stationed imperials around this village for almost a month now. If one finds her, it would put us all in danger...you know they'll see little use in a child they believe is... She sighed and looked away again. So peculiar. To keep her here would be condemning our own child to a most likely cruel fate.
Sending her off to live on her own hardly seems much better.

Unbeknownst to either parent, Archis had started listening in again, and suddenly spoke up to their surprise.
He says you two plan on having me leave.
Her light smile left little question to how unimportant the matter seemed to her.

Yes, we...believe getting you away from this village is...the best option for you, Archis. Her father spared a nervous glance towards his wife, who gave a quick nod of reassurance. You and your...friend.

Archis was silent for a moment or two, causing her parents to worry how she would react. Both jumped slightly in their place when she looked down and began giggling.
After she regained her composure, Archis glanced back up with the most innocent of smiles.
Her head tilted slightly to the side. Everything about her seemingly calm and cheerful.

Sounds like fun.

It was raining again.
One week after Archis and her companion left home, it was raining.
It seemed unusually fitting.

There had been no grand send off for Archis. No group gathering for farewells, or tear-bringing last words from friends. On the contrary, everything was kept hidden between only Archis and her family, until the evening she left. For a gathering would arise suspicion, and a group of imperials questioning her daughter was the last thing Archis' mother wanted.

Besides, Archis was perfectly happy to leave, as long as her friend was leaving with her. It wasn't that she didn't love her parents as well, she simply had the undeniable idea that she'd come back home when ever she wanted to.
Things wouldn't actually be so simple, but the best thing about being a kid is that even the complicated things are simple.
Living is simple. Choices are simple.
The concept of talking to somebody only you can hear:
Simple.

Regardless, Archis' mother had mentioned a form of communication between them, but Archis wasn't really paying much attention at the time. In fact, now that she thought about-

Archis?

Archis shook her head and glanced to the side.

You stopped walking rather suddenly, the voice noted kindly. Where are you going now, anyways?
The ocean! She responded excitedly. She moved to a temporary shelter underneath a tree, pulled out a ragged old map her parents had set her off with (along with a few other basic items to go traveling with: Food, water, and such), and unrolled it out by her feet.
It can't be too far away now.

Finding the ocean from Archis' home really wasn't very difficult. About a weeks worth of traveling in the general East direction would get you to the water eventually, but after being lost in thought for at least twenty minutes, mindlessly avoiding trees in which ever direction was most convenient...making sure she was heading in the right direction wouldn't be easy.
Not that Archis would think anything of it.

This is simple. We keep traveling in one direction, and which ever landmark or town we reach first will let us know if-
You were still headed in the right direction.
Pardon?

The voice chuckled lightly, I didn't wish to interrupt you while you were thinking, but you've been walking in the same basic direction so far. I simply wished to know where you were headed towards, as the topic had yet to come up this week.
Oh. Archis rolled the map back up quickly, slightly embarrassed about her poor sense of direction.
However, the voice simply suggested to her kindly, Perhaps we can find a compass further south...after we visit the beach of course.
A compass, Archis repeated softly. I've never heard of one before.
Ah yes, you see, many of the lands beyond yours have a lot of things you've probably never seen or known about before. A compass is a wonderful little item that can help you find your way when you're lost.

Archis smiled as she left the dry shelter of her tree, and stepped back into the rain she adored so much.
Seeing all the wonderful things she'd never heard of sounded great, but she couldn't help but think she didn't really need a compass.
Archis already had someone to help her when she was lost.

We're almost there. Can you hear it?

Archis paused in her steps for a few moments and to her delight, over the soft patter of rain, she heard a low crash and rumble nearby. After a quick sprint, she found herself on the wet shored of Meridell's boundaries.
And everything was even better than the voice described it.

Archis sat down just where the water could barely reach her feet, and stared off towards the horizon.
It's lovely...
Hmm. I always thought so too.

You wish to travel the world, right Archis? I'm willing to bet that we could find a boat to catch if we continue down shore.
Yeah, Archis stared down at the water and tilted her head from side to side. You really think we should take a boat? Walking seems so much nicer, but if you think we should...

The voice seemed to ponder this for a moment before replying nonchalantly, Perhaps not. It would most likely cost money that you shouldn't spare too carelessly for now.

Archis smiled, pleased that he agreed, even if not for the exact same reason. As beautiful as the ocean was, something about crossing it so close to home made her feel uneasy. Like to start here would mean never turning back, and exploring something with no boundaries to signify an end...
Traveling by foot never gave her that feeling.

You're coming with me, right?
Naturally, the voice responded without hesitation.

A few hours later, Archis was drawing random patterns in the sand with her claws, seeming very focus on her task; despite how unplanned the end results seemed to look.
Suddenly, she stopped and glanced to the side.
You haven't told me very much about yourself, you know. And the only thing you have told me, other than stories from your seemingly endless journeys around the world, I can't even say out loud.
That is true. I suppose we'll need to come up with a new name for me soon. Well, ask away then.
Archis smiled. Adults used to make her feel like asking questions was a waste of time, sighing or rolling their eyes when she asked about something. Of course, her friend never acted like that.

Well, how come I can't see you? I know you're there, but there's never any real...well, sign that you are. No paw prints in the sand or anything either.
You mean like a physical impact on the world around me? The voice laughed, No. No, I'm afraid I don't really have that affect on things anymore. It's quite the long story really, but for now let's just say I made enemies with a crowned fool, who had a very, very interesting idea of punishment.
But I-
Another time, I promise. For now, it's probably a bit beyond your years.
...okay. Archis bit her lip for a moment before continuing her questions.
How old are you?
The voice seemed to think this question over for a little bit, and replied with slight hesitation.
I am nineteen.
Really? You seem smarter than most nineteen year-olds, Archis snickered.
Well, I'm also two-hundred and sixty nine, if that makes any difference.
This time Archis rolled her eyes. Do tell how that works then.
Two-hundred and fifty years ago, I 'supposably' died. Does that answer your question?
Not really, she laughed. But I'm guessing you won't explain it yet anyways So, what do you look like?
You mean, how do I see myself?
Er, sure.
The voice paused to think again before laughing.

Different from what you see everyday, that's for sure.

As the rain finally softened down to a drizzle, Archis began making her way down the shore.
In a smart decision to avoid the Haunted Woods, Archis and her friend continued that path for nearly a month. Finally, exhausted from the trip thus far and somewhat low on supplies, they agreed upon stopping at the next large city.
Which was, quite honestly, a not-so-smart decision, considering it involved crossing through the desert.
Of course, they stuck to it anyways; being two equally determined, or bluntly deranged creatures.

Either way, Archis didn't really care how hard the journey was, because she knew it would end eventually. And she knew her friend would be there the entire time.
So what else really mattered?

Qasala has changed quite a bit.
Archis looked nervously between the multiple merchants holding out oddly shaped fruit, which happened to look far more life-threatening than appetizing, in front of her face.
You've been here before too?
Oh, of course, the voice replied casually. I actually lived here for quite some time.
Archis finally managed to shove her way out of the bazaar after grabbing some of the basic things she actually needed, and ended up in a much more spacious plaza.
Noting the clear fountain in the center, she grinned. This place is really nice considering it's in the middle of a desert. Archis glanced around and spotted a small Aisha kneeled over something on the ground.
What's the matter, Archis?
That kid, she nodded towards the small Aisha, he's doing something funny with his shadow.
You mean shadow puppets?
She shook her head. No, he's actually changing the shape of his own shadow.
Surely enough, the little Aisha was dragging his nails around the shadow, pulling the edges into different shapes.
He looked incredibly focused, but he was smiling all the same.

Ah, magic then?
How does it work? Archis asked, seemingly entranced by the sight.
The young Aisha glanced up; seeming to think Archis was talking to him. His shadow began fidgeting slightly on it's own as he stopped focusing on it, and the Aisha grinned up shyly.
It's pretty basic magic I think, my mother taught me this. It's all I know. He looked back down at the squirming shape by his feet. She said that if I tried hard enough, it would almost be like a petpet...but all mine does is squirm around.
Oh, Archis nodded before glancing over her shoulder, Do you think that would work for you?
What?
Who?
Archis looked back at the boy and smiled. Sorry, I was talking to my friend.
Your...friend?

Archis was already lost by a discussion with said companion, Well, don't you think it would work? You could use a shadow as a shape until we find something more solid, I guess.
I'm not quite sure that would work, Archis. For one thing, I don't know anything about that type of magic, and-
We could learn together! she interrupted eagerly. Archis looked back at the Aisha who was showing a mixed face of curiosity and confusion on his face.
Is there a library around here?
The voice sighed.
Y-yeah, umm...over there, the boy pointed towards the North. Right next to the palace, it's really big actually. So, err, who-
Great! Thank you very much! Archis spun around and began running towards the palace. This will be great! It'll be like you have your original body back, right?
I don't doubt it.
In truth, Archis' friend did not think living as a shadow, and having a body were of equal value, but Archis seemed so happy to help in some way or another, it seemed heartless to refuse. So he simply thanked her for the effort, and promised to do whatever he could to help as well.

Excuse me.
Archis peeked her head over a small, wooden counter, attempting to make eye contact with the librarian.
Excuse me, she repeated.
The Lenny sighed in annoyance and set his book down quickly. What?!
After flinching slightly at his sharp response, Archis said quietly, Umm, well I'm looking for a book.
Oh, well aren't you the clever one? Coming to a library to look for a book. How very original. He left his seat and began leading her to the next room in the library, continuing his ramble out loud. It's a good thing you told me, after all, we wouldn't want to accidentally mix you in with those people who come here to get their foot cut off or anything. What kind of book exactly?

Since Archis had stopped paying attention to what he was saying, the librarian spun around to face her, tapping his foot impatiently.
Oh, umm...Sorry, beg your pardon?
The type of book, child. The basic foundation of which the book you are searching for was most likely written about that fits your particular interests?
Oh, umm, magic.
Now aren't we just bristling with originality today? What kind of magic?!
Don't be so nervous, Archis. This Lenny is nobody to be intimidated by.

Archis nodded and looked up at the librarian with as much confidence as possible.
I'm trying to learn how to shape and figure shadows.
Shape and figure shadows, he repeated while walking away again. Very popular hobby of children nowadays it seems. Yes, yes...
The Lenny headed directly to one corner of the next room, as he seemed to know the exact placement of every item there. He skimmed his feathers over the bindings and finally pulled out one book...
And then another...
And another...
Until a pile was balanced in front of Archis, reaching up to her snout.
So many...
Many of these books are about magic in general. It's rather clear you know nothing about the concept, so it'd be fairly dangerous to just welcome you to such a dangerous art with open arms and a marching parade.

Archis tilted her head to read some of the books titles before asking a bit spacily, How'd you know I've never read about magic before?
Well, for one thing, it's called 'Illumination' magic, as you're shaping both shadows and light. And secondly, you're a child. And children in general have a tendency to be over-eager, spastic little things.
Archis gave him a funny look that the Lenny either ignored or didn't notice. ...Spastic?
Regardless, don't just skim over things. I don't want to start hearing stories about how a young Draik was eaten by her own shadow, just because a kind, well-intended librarian gave them the resources to do so...
Kind?
Now! If you have any questions, please, puh-lease, hesitate to ask.

Archis sat next to the large pile of books as the Lenny walked back to his small desk, and sighed.
You really needn't go through all this trouble, Archis. That is not to say it isn't appreciated of course, but I don't want you to-
Nonsense. This shouldn't be too difficult, Archis said simply, flipping through one of the books before setting it aside. She grabbed the next one on the pile and read the title out loud, First Records, Edition Four; Basic Skills in the Ancient Arts. I guess this is what we start with then...

About ten hours later, Archis set the book she had just finished in a separate pile of books she had already read. At that point, said pile consisted of an entire three books.

I had no idea magic was so complicated, Archis groaned and fell over pathetically.
The voice chuckled, You didn't think rearranging natural elements would be easy, did you?
Archis grumbled something beneath her breath and slowly dragged the next book in front of her. I finished the basic skill books. This one's specifically on Ilum-Illum-
Illumination.
Illumination, she nodded sharply, It might explain how to make the connection between a shadow and somebody's personality...that sounds like it would work for you, right?
I doubt we'll know until we try.
Right! I promise I won't let you down.
For the first time since Archis had spoken to him, the voice didn't respond.

Almost, Archis. Let's try again.
Archis nodded and looked back down at her shadow, trying to do exactly what the books had told her. Both she and her friend had an important part in the process, but Archis couldn't help but think that she was the one messing up.
However, before she could give another attempt, they were both interrupted by a loud, ear-piercing screech.
You cannot practice magic in this LIBRARY! Do you know how much damage you could cause with the smallest mistake? I'll give you a hint: Somewhere between a lot, and the equivalent value of your soul. Do you have any idea of what you could have ruined?!
The librarian was now rushing between the shelves, pointing out random books that apparently held potential value.

Archis, creatures like this aren't worth dealing with...
Archis nodded once again and slipped away while the Lenny continued his tangent to nobody.

A bit later, Archis stepped into an empty alleyway and sat down at the very end. She sighed and looked back at her shadow again, which was now much more defined with the full moon above her.
She tilted her head and smiled slightly, Again?
Again.

And it wasn't long until Archis had succeeded in her half of the task. Right in front of her stood Archis' own visualization of her friend. It was strange, looking at something with such a void-like appearance, where almost his entire form was pitch black. However, the most important part of their experiment was not yet answered.
Archis tilted her head forward slightly, Did it work? I think I came up with a name for you.
The form turned its eyeless head towards her, baring a wide smile.
She closed her eyes and smiled back, Hello, Shadow.
Hello, Archis.

Ehehe, sorry to get any hopes up, but this isn't finished yet ;P I'm working on Kathius' petpage first...

(Well maybe that's a relief to some.)