Hal

It was still dark when Hal set off. He had packed lightly, because he had few possessions. Staff in hand, he left the home of his master, and took the main highway that led to the port city in the west, and then to lands beyond.

At the peak of the last hill that overlooked the village, Hal turned back one last time just as the sun made appearance. In his mind Kali ran up the road, beautiful as ever, illuminated by the sunrise. They embraced, and journeyed on together.

But she did not come, and Hal walked the highway alone.

Kali

Kali knew where to find Hal. He often spent evenings on Lookout Hill. She sat down next to him. He continued to gaze at the stars.

"Pretty, aren't they?" Kali asked.

"What? Oh, the stars. Yes. Yes they are."

Kali saw Hal deep in thought, but said nothing.

"I don't think I'll be here much longer," Hal said, "The village, I mean."

Kali held back tears. She had prayed this day would never come.

"Come with me, Kali."

Kali's heart pounded in her chest. "Yes! Yes!" it cried, but before it could reach her lips, her head intervened. "I—I can't."

The Wizard's Apprentice and the Girl

"Why are you lying up on the roof?"

Hal rose from his spot to spy a girl standing on the path that ran into town. He returned his gaze to the sky and said, "Because up until this moment, no one ever bothered me while I was up here."

"This is the wizard's house. Are you the apprentice?"

"Yes, and I'm studying."

"Studying? Without books?"

"Silly girl! A wizard's books are the elements themselves!" Hal spread his arms out toward the sky for emphasis.

"It looks to me like you're cloud watching."

Hal folded his arms, "So?"

"May I join you?"