AFTERNOON HAD come like lightning. I never noticed the time had passed. Me and Sevasti are at a hill not far from Gudan's house. From here, I can see the mountains and the village from down the hill.
We are the only ones here, sitting on the ground that was given color by the bountiful green grasses that grow, leaning on the large trunk of the tree that was hanging low not far from the ground. It was the one that gave us shade, protecting us from the sun. Sevasti was laying down while his head rested on my lap as I was looking at him who was playing with my hands. Staring at every line, trailing it ever so softly, seemingly memorizing it.
"Are you counting the calluses on my hand?" I asked in a humorous manner. There was never a callus on my hand, but it was rough given the training I did for the past years prior to the five years we ha
I immediately walked towards them, Sevasti was behind me as I walked."Five silver coins for the information you wanted to know," said one of them.They never noticed I was approaching them so when I held the shoulder of the one in the middle, shock was written on his face when they landed their eyes on me. But that was just for a second when they suddenly grinned when they stared at me with their hungry eyes."Aliara!" said Gudan. His face lit up when he realized it was me. "Sevasti!" he added, looking at Sevasti. My sight never missed the reddening of his cheek and the blood that was spilled on his lips."What can I do for this beautiful lady in front of me?" said the one whom I held shoulder. He was smiling with malicious intent in
RIDING A horse, we started our journey going to Prahara, where Mikhel was currently residing. We rented two horses from Gudan's acquaintance. He was riding solo on one of the horses while Sevasti and I were together on the other one. He was behind me as he was the one who had the lead, controlling the horse.We slowed the phase of the horse when we happened to pass by a small town here in Widolla. There, Vivi flew towards us and settled at Gudan's shoulder, perhaps tired of flying around since earlier this afternoon.The town was simple and most of the places were full of grown trees. Creatures passing by were turning their heads on us.Sevasti placed his hand on my stomach, looking protective as if someone was going to steal me from him. I just smiled at him and slightly leaned on his chest.I looked at the sky which was nearly dark before turning my gaze to Gudan. Good thing we got here earlier before dark. This was the second town we have passed
SEVASTI STOPPED the horse that we were riding as we finally approached the entrance of the third town. The surroundings were now covered in darkness and the only thing that gave light to the path was the torches and lamps from the nearby houses in our sight.We slowly let our horses walk as we look for a house to rent. Moments later, we stopped by the house made of concrete. It was a long one and had four doors on it. On the upper part of the house, there were four round lanterns to give light to the vicinity of the house. Those lanterns were also the reason why we knew that this was a rented house.Sevasti preceded to unmount the horse as he stood beside it and helped me down. He held both of my waist while I held on his broad shoulders. He did not even flinch as he carried me down the horse.I smiled at his actions. With the lead of the horse on my grip, I held the horse in place for a moment, Gudan mirrored my actions as we patiently waited for Sevasti to fin
"HURRY, Vivi. We are going to talk for a while," said Sevasti as he scooped my pet on my shoulder and took a few steps away from us."Can I know where we can find the man, Miss?" Gudan said, catching the attention of the lady.The woman smiled again and immediately nodded. "You can see him here later because he will be the one who will deliver the dried animal skin to us," she even looked at the surroundings, looking for something. "I think it will be now," she added so I looked around the place, mirroring her.I nodded at Gudan and left him there as I went where Sevasti was to move away from the store. I held him on the arm where Vivi was resting and pulled it towards me."Seems like Mikhel is already at this place, Vivi. Go and help us find him," I commanded."Indeed, My Lady! Indeed!" he said as he flew away from us. I just watched him fly above the market in circles."Be alert too, Sevasti. Tell me if you have seen any sign of him," I sa
He was carrying a sack that was made of cloth. I took my knife out of its pocket and took a turn to the path I knew he would not see me. I get behind him and slash the sack that was in his back without him noticing me.His steps continued as the stuff from the sack flowed out and he halted when he realized it. I did not move from where I stood since I slashed his sack, he saw me standing right here. I welcomed him with a sweet smile on my face as he looked at me, confusion was written on his face that eventually turned into shock.He took a few steps back, released the sack in his hands. He did not waste any time and ran away speedily. He passed through the narrow streets of the market, in between the stores that were innocently built there. My whistle was immediately heard by Vivi. I nodded at him so he quickly followed where Mikhel went and ran to.I also ran in that direction, circling around the market like I am so familiar with it I can walk in it wit
WE ARE currently walking around the marketplace to search for Mikhel. I know he was not that far from here.Vivi caught my attention when he went back after being gone for a while, going on our way."I saw the traitor! I saw the traitor!" he said as he flew around above us. After saying that, he flew away again towards the direction he led us.Three of us looked at each other and ran towards the directions where Vivi flew. We followed him until we were outside the market, onto the farther side where we could see some bamboo trees surrounding us until it became more visible."There he is!" Gudan said, pointing towards the man. And in that direction, I saw Mikhel running fastly away from us.There are no other creatures there aside from us so the noise we made echoed through the whole place, the sound the bamboo made as we passed by it and our steps were all over the place. The man continued to run, never turning his head back.'Run fast
I paid no attention to the two men I am with as they looked at Vivi the same way I did. With concern radiating from me, I went towards where he fell. I dropped my sword and picked him up from the ground, examining him with my eyes. Good thing he was only hit on his left wing but it seems like he is in so much pain looking at how he closed his eyes when I held it. Silently weeping repeatedly.I bit my lower lip, having no idea how I could ease his pain even a little, not knowing how I would handle him without hurting him. It was the first time he was hurt severely."Vivi! Vivi!" I said with a frantic and concerned voice. I severed the arrow in his wing with my eyes closed as I removed it completely from him. I took off the cloth that was on my arm and put it to him to lessen the bleeding. "You will be alright. Please bear with it for a while, it will be over soon."I repeatedly caressed his body until it put him to sleep. I know this will never be the reaso
"WISH YOU did not show yourself to me again if you have replaced me already in your heart," I said with a disgruntled tone. Why does it look like you always wanted to see me in pain and agony? Why do you have to hurt me like this? "No, Aliara. There was nothing between the two of us," he said as he shook his head. "I am not her lover and I am not in love with her." Looking like he will hold me, I avoided his hand. "Believe me, you were the only one I loved. Always will." I smiled at him grimly, nothing he said got inside of my head. I still cannot believe him. "How can I be sure that what you are saying was true when you have already lied on my face a number of times? I cannot erase the fact that you might have lied when you said