Memories: My Kingdom

Chapter 19: The Mirror Lake

“Fortunately, we didn’t see any crocotle or snakes in the swamp.” Mhir said as they rested.

They just left the swamp and were attacked by the fist-sized insects with the wings and legs of a bird. Mhir was unaffected because of her thick skin and she swatted them all with her hands like they were shuttlecocks and her hands the racket. Meanwhile, Leui was protected by Tinum as he torched the bugs.

Leui felt being ashamed for the first time. There were also bees, and he is afraid of being stung by the bees so he hid behind Tinum. After that, even though Tinum didn’t say anything, but Leui felt the elf was laughing at him. Thus, they continued their travel with only Mhir was speaking.

…

“Maybe three days more and we’ll reach the big river separating the humans from the other races.” Leui said as he looked at the map. Then, he took out a honey drink. He saw it inside his apartment unit and took it with him. He sighed in pleasure as he tasted sweet in his tongue. He felt strength coursing in his limbs.

“Finally!” Mhir muttered. It’s been a month now that they were travelling. Their food is running out and they only got a day’s worth left. Because after they had left the swamp, they really didn’t see any river, stream or pond. They only found some fruits along the way. They also cooked some beasts they killed, but Leui felt uncomfortable eating their meat thus he only ate fruits. There were also some frogs like they ate earlier, and some pheasants that entirely don't look like pheasants…

Leui looked at the near empty basket of seafood. Still, it was seafood he likes the most! Seafood is best! He wants to find some shrimp, but it’s impossible to do since it’s been days since they last saw a body of water – the Rainbow Swamp.

“Finally, you’re going back to the place you belong to.” Tinum suddenly spoke.

Leui and Mhir stopped walking and looked at Tinum. “You - !” Mhir said as she glared at Tinum. For the past few days they’ve worked together, she thought Tinum finally gets along well with them. However, this elf still thinks the same way as before. That Leui should be with the humans, and not with them of other races. Her gaze at Tinum was filled with hate. She pulled the startled Leui towards her. “Since you think like that, then let’s part ways now. Why were you tagging along with us, anyway?” she asked and clicked her tongue.

Leui looked at Tinum. “Wasn’t it this human who wants me to go with you?” he asked and looked at Leui.

Mhir also looked at Leui, then turned back to Tinum. “So you’d go with anyone who’d invite you?!” she asked Tinum.

Tinum paused. He felt like the cat got his tongue. His eyes fell on the silent Leui who was held by Mhir by his arm. “This is the Elven Forest.” He said. “I am an elf. Humans are the weakest among the races, so it is my duty to protect them.” He explained.

It was Mhir’s turn to be silent. She looked at Leui and bit her lip. She wanted to rebuke Tinum, but what Tinum said is right. And it was also her wish for Leui to be safe. She’s only a dwarf, and a female one at that. What other power does she have aside from having a thick skin in which Leui cannot have? She lowered her head in shame.

“Mhir…” Leui called and held her hand then squeezed it. “It isn’t your fault you can’t protect me. It’s mine. Because I am weak. Because I am a human.” He said. “I am already happy for you to risk your life to accompany me.” He told her and smiled.

Mhir’s tears fell and she looked at Leui. “Leui…” she called. “UWAAA!!” she cried and jumped on him to hug him.

“Ugnh – “ Leui groaned as Mhir’s heavy weight fell on him. He almost stumbled and fell on his back had there not a tree on his back. A tree? He thought and turned on his back when he saw a tree. Has the tree always been here? He thought and looked at the ground. Then, his lips curved into a smile when he saw that the tree isn’t on the line of the other trees.

His eyes fell on Tinum who was silently standing on the side as if he was practicing how to be a part of the background. He was about to call him when he groaned after he felt his ribs being crushed when Mhir tightened her hug. Is she trying to suffocate me or crush me? He thought as his face turned red due to lack of oxygen. I’d die of suffocation first!

…

“So… thirsty…” Mhir muttered as she wiped the sweat off her forehead. She was hesitating whether to lick her sweat when she remembered Leui talked to her about hygiene. She could only drop the thought and withdrew her hand. Also, even if she’d decided to lick it, her sweat already dried up on her skin.

Leui frowned as he fanned himself using the front of his shirt. He also took off his waistcoat. “Do you think it’s a little hotter?” he asked.

Tinum, who had the leaves cover his body from the sun, spoke. “It is indeed hot.” He answered.

Leui looked at him. Compared to his and Mhir’s sweaty face, and chapped lips due to dehydration because their water has been used up that not a single drop was left, Tinum’s face is relaxed and he looked cool as if he was on a vacation. “Hot, huh?” he muttered as he looked at the elf’s thick clothes, especially the cloak. He huffed, feeling as if the elf was making fun of him. It is understandable for Mhir since the dwarves have thick skin, making them feel like they’re being fried alive by the glaring sun.

He swallowed his saliva to moisten his parched throat as he looked around for something to drink. “Can I drink this?” he heard Mhir asked.

He turned and saw Mhir was standing below a tree with lush leaves, its color a healthy green. There were dews on the leaves and some drops at the tips of the leaves. “Wait – “ he called as he walked towards Mhir. He then checked the leaves, then the trunk and branches of the tree. “This tree is very healthy.” He muttered. The tree should be dry and its leaves dead because of the extreme hot temperature. Then, his eyes lit up. “Could there be a source of water around?” he asked as he parted the tall shrubs that blocked their sight.

Tinum, who was standing in the shade, turned when he heard the leaves rustling. His eyes widened when he saw Leui parted the shrubs. “Wait – “ he called and reached out his hand to stop Leui. But, his feet didn’t leave his spot.

“Huh?” Mhir turned when she heard Tinum’s call. Then, she turned and looked at Leui, only for her to see him disappear, followed by a loud splash of water on the other side of the shrubs. Her eyes widened. “Leui!” she called after the shrubs gathered and blocked her sight of Leui. “LEUI!” she called as she tried to open the shrubs.

Tinum’s face stiffened as he listened to Mhir wailing. “Stop.” He said as he walked towards Mhir.