Memories: My Kingdom

Chapter 6: Leaving

He heard Mhir laugh, though it’s a bitter laugh. “I knew it from the start…” Mhir said as he tears started to fall on her face. “… that you’ll be leaving someday… because we’re different – “ she said. She’s referring to them being of different race.

“It’s not that!” Leui snapped. “Ah.” He muttered when he saw her stepped back in shock. He sighed as he tried to soften his voice as possible. “That’s not it, Mhir.” He said. “You… you knew, right?” he said. “You just don’t want to admit it – “

“Because I don’t want that I’ll be the one to say it!” she yelled, her voice choked. “It hurts, Leui… it hurts… so much…” she said and squatted on the ground. She cried in her hands covering her face.

Leui rose from the bench and walked towards her. Then, he hugged her head and rested it on his chest. “Sorry.” he apologized. “Then… I’ll say it – “ he said and whispered in her ears. “I – “

Central Plaza, fountain area.

“Sorry, Leui…” they all said as they lowered their heads.

Leui smiled and shook his head. “No…” he said. “I’m the one who should be sorry…” he told them. “I… even though I knew that you’re all kind… I still – “ he sighed. In the end, it’s still hard to coexist since you’re of different races. You can’t help but think of things that shouldn’t be thought of. Fear will eat you as the one who is weaker than the other. Suspicion arises as you live with them, thinking they might suddenly harm you when you lower your guard.

This is inevitable.

“But we’re the ones who’re at fault.” They said, “We shouldn’t say it when you’re there…no – “ they said and shook their heads. “ – we shouldn’t even have that thought. All races are now unified by Loheiruchel… we shouldn’t – “ they said, then paused. They finally sighed. They still hold resentment in their heart towards Loheiruchel who made them submit to him – to the human race, which is the weakest.

Leui just smiled at them and bowed. “Then, we’re all both at fault.” He told them.

“Leui…” they called, then sighed. “Yes.” They said. “And because of this, you’re leaving – “ they looked at him, guilt in their eyes.

Leui shook his head. “No.” he said. They all looked at him. He smiled. “I just want to see what the humans’ place looked like…” he told them. “I want… I also want to live with them.” He explained.

“Leui…” they said. There’s nothing more to say now that he had decided.

“Then, don’t ever come back here, moron.” The manager of theRogues’ Inn said.

They turned and saw her standing by the doorway of the inn. Her hands are crossed on her chest. She’s wearing a frown on her face. “Manager…” they called. Her frowning but blushing face is really cute, a match for her – a cat.

She looked away. “Suit yourself…” she said, obviously towards Leui. Then, she walked away. “Just don’t come back crying here when you see how ugly those humans are – “ she said, balling her fists as an angry expression replaced the frown on her face.

“Manager.” Leui called. She turned. “You’re about to fall on a ditch.” He said.

“What – “ the manager halted her steps and turned to the ground. When she saw there’s not even a sign of a ditch, she turned, glaring, towards Leui.

Leui just chuckled. “I’m a human, too.” he told her.

The manager’s eyes widened. “Moron, don’t say that!” she said and cried. She ran towards him and cried on his shoulder. “Moron… just why… don’t leave … just stay here, and not go to that place…” she begged.

Leui smiled and wiped her tears. “Geez… you and Mhir look so much alike when you cry…. Are all women alike?” he asked when she suddenly slapped him. “Oww… I really deserve this…” he muttered and looked at her. “Feel better?” he asked. She raised her hand and looked at him. But, he just smiled. “I’ll come back… I promise.” He told her as he patted her head. His hands avoided her cat ears. “You’re the best manager, you know? I won’t replace you just for some other human manager…” he said.

“You better not!” she said, then laughed. “Thanks…” she said and stepped back. “Farewell…” she said and they all waved at him.

Goodbye.  

“It’s ‘see you later’…” he corrected and smiled back as he waved back at them. Then, he walked towards the direction of the Elven Forest – the race that’s said to be closest to humans, and also human-like.

He’s on his way to the place where humans live.

Somewhere inside the forest...

In the middle of the cluster of trees lay a space cleared by grasses and bushes. The sunlight passes through the leaves of the trees and hits the almost translucent smooth skin of someone sleeping on the ground. He has a slender build, long legs and thin arms. He wore a crown made of flowers and leaves, highlighting the long and silvery-white hair that was spread like snow on the ground. His brows are thin and sharp. His eyelashes are curled and thick, blanketing his deep eyes behind their close eyelids. His nose is tall, and his cheeks are rosy. His lips are pursed and thin red.

A bow and quiver filled with arrows were on the ground near him.

"Hmn." he hummed as he slowly opened his eyes. The sunlight hit his forest green eyes. He moved his head as he looked around, his long and silvery-white hair shifting on the ground as he moved. He sat up on the ground, his hair smoothly sliding on his back, rubbing against his clothes. He patted the dirt and dust off his clothes. Then, he rose from the ground, picking up the bow and the quiver, the arrows inside the quiver made a clicking sound that echoed around the area. "Where am I?" he asked as he looked around.

A lost look was on his handsome face.