To and Fro is the 11th chapter of The Beginning After The End Novel.
Summary[]
Arthur Leywin finds himself in a carriage with a young elf girl who has just calmed down after being kidnapped. Despite the grim scene of beasts devouring corpses nearby, Arthur focuses on comforting the girl, who is slightly older than his four-year-old self. When she inquires about the fate of the “bad guys,” Arthur avoids discussing the violence and instead tells her they had an accident.
Observing her closely, Arthur notes her potential to grow into a beautiful woman, with her gunmetal gray hair and teal eyes. He reassures her that the kidnappers won’t pursue her anymore and offers to help her get home after she expresses fear of being alone in the forest, which is said to be dangerous for children due to creatures like hounds and tree golems.
Despite his own need to return home and his amazement at the magical elements of his world, Arthur commits to helping the girl find her way back. He hopes to find a teleportation gate in the Kingdom of Elenoir to return to Sapin.
Arthur prepares to leave with Tessia, the elf girl, after shielding her from the sight of the mangled remains of the slave traders. He finds a backpack suitable for his small stature and packs it with essentials like a small tent, a leather water bag, and dried food rations. He also equips himself with Pinky’s knife. He releases the forest hounds showing his consideration for the creatures’ well-being.
Arthur considers the dangers of traveling by carriage, opting instead to travel on foot to avoid drawing attention. He leads Tessia away from the scene of death, ensuring she is spared from any further distress.
As they set out, Arthur’s interactions with Tessia reveal her identity: Tessia Eralith, a five-year-old elf with a reserved yet polite demeanor. Despite her youth, she treats Arthur with a level of respect that belies their age difference, and he finds her company to be a source of comfort and agreeableness.
As night falls, they make camp under a large tree. Arthur improvises a tent setup using a rope and rocks in lieu of traditional supports, and they share a meal. Tessia’s polite demeanor prompts Arthur to encourage a more relaxed interaction between them. This moment of levity is quickly followed by Tessia’s innocent yet pointed questions about human society, which catch Arthur off guard and lead to a humorous exchange.
Their conversation under the tree roots is a blend of cultural curiosity and youthful innocence. Tessia’s questions about human cities, societal norms, and the peculiarities of human relationships prompt Arthur to share insights about his own life and the town of Ashber.
Tessia reciprocates by describing the elven way of life in Elenoir, highlighting the educational system and the tradition of mentorship upon awakening one’s abilities. Arthur recognizes the advanced and inclusive nature of elven education, attributing its success to the close-knit structure of their society. This introspection leads him to a broader reflection on the role of culture in shaping future generations.
Upon rising, Arthur offers Tessia a hand to stand, noting her blush in the dim light, and suggests she sleep in the tent while he keeps watch outside. Tessia, showing resolve, proposes sharing the tent for mutual safety, which Arthur hastily opposes, dismissing his own need for rest.
Ensuring Tessia is settled inside, Arthur leans against the tree trunk outside, entering a state of meditation. His focus turns inward to his mana core, where he seeks to understand the “will” left by Sylvia and the mysterious markings he discovers within it.
Interrupted by Tessia’s timid voice, Arthur turns to find her partially hidden behind the tent flap, her single eye peering out. She rationalizes that beasts would likely target Arthur due to his youth, suggesting that it would be safer for him to join her inside the tent. Her attempt to conceal her fear is endearing, and Arthur can’t help but chuckle at her transparent concern for their well-being.
Teasingly, Arthur proposes an alternative: to hide in the tree for ‘their safety.’ Tessia’s reaction is a mix of embarrassment and fear, as she retreats into the tent, softly admitting her fear of being alone.
Smiling at her candidness, Arthur crawls into the tent, surprising Tessia, who quickly turns her back to him, her red ears betraying her embarrassment. The silence between them is palpable until Tessia musters the courage to ask if she can hold onto his shirt—a request that reminds Arthur of her vulnerability and the traumatic experiences she has endured.
Moving closer, Arthur offers comfort with a gentle pat on her head, allowing her to clutch the edge of his shirt. As Tessia’s breathing steadies into the rhythm of sleep, Arthur, still seated, drifts off as well.
Awakening later, Arthur finds Tessia resting on his lap, curled up in peaceful slumber. He gently wakes her, and as she realizes their proximity, she reacts with a startled shriek and apology. With a wry smile, Arthur reassures her, and together they pack up and set off once more.
Arthur’s journey with Tessia continues uneventfully until on the third night while Tessia sleeps, he experiences a sudden, intense pain in his abdomen, which thankfully passes quickly. The only other notable event is warding off forest hounds with his mana-reinforced knife. Over the nights, Tessia becomes more comfortable with Arthur, leading to more natural and playful conversations, where she teases him for trying to sound like an adult.
On the fifth morning, a clear day breaks, and Arthur inquires about their proximity to Elenoir. Tessia’s keen elven senses come into play as she identifies a familiar tree, one associated with fond memories of her grandfather. Her excitement is palpable as she recognizes a carving of her name on the tree’s trunk, a secret act of childhood rebellion. This discovery brings a surge of hope; they could reach Elenoir by nightfall if they quicken their pace.
Arthur contemplates his eventual departure, realizing he will miss Tessia. As they cross a stream, Tessia asks if she can call Arthur by the nickname “Art,” signifying the closeness they’ve developed. Arthur graciously accepts, and they playfully exchange new nicknames, with Tessia becoming “Tess.”
The rest of the day is spent in steady travel, with brief pauses for rest and nourishment. Arthur’s use of mana rotation prevents physical strain, but Tessia’s fatigue is evident. Despite this, her spirits remain high, and she continues to tease Arthur about being her “older sister” due to her being a year older. Arthur teases back, imitating her crying, which prompts a mock-angry reaction from Tessia. As dusk falls and the fog thickens, Arthur acknowledges his reliance on Tessia for navigation, knowing he’d be lost without her in the dense forest.
Arthur experiences a moment of revelation when Tess, with a look of mixed emotions, declares their arrival. Surrounded by an opaque fog and trees, Arthur is initially bewildered, unable to discern their location. His confusion dissipates as Tess approaches a tree and begins to chant, her palms pressed against its bark.
The enchantment she recites acts as a catalyst, drawing the fog into the tree and revealing a large, standalone wooden door—an entrance that seems to defy the natural order of the forest. Tess’s actions are deliberate, and she takes Arthur’s hand, guiding him toward the door with a sense of urgency.
As the door opens, Arthur is struck by a sense of déjà vu, reminded of a previous encounter with a portal. Despite his familiarity with such transitions, the sensation of passing through the portal remains unsettling. They land gently on the other side, and Arthur’s first instinct is to check for the stone given to him by Sylvia, ensuring its safety.
With the stone secured, Arthur allows himself to finally observe their surroundings, taking in the new world they have entered.