Hey~

Happy Valentines day to all of you folks. As promise, here's the side chapter of this novel. I hope you'll enjoy it!

Oh! Oh! By the way, many thanks for those who comment, read and rate my fiction <3  And also those who point out my mistakes. It helps, really. Muah!  Okay~ Here it goes~

VERSE OF ARDOUR

It’s been years and nothing change. Today is the tenth celebration of my birthday and the day I’m coming back from my five years training in the outer island. If you’re thinking that I’m too young for something like that then you’re wrong. Our race commonly celebrates birthdays only once every decade. Why? Well, a decade isn’t much for someone who will live a very long life. We, the dvyilitis, were known as immortals though I bet, the outside world will only think of us as a legend.

Anyway! Five years is still long enough. I want to see how my parents doing. I happily whistle and open the front door. A young looking woman, who was about to open the door as well from the inside froze as she sees me. She has large hazel eyes and strawberry blond hair. She’s an astounding beauty who’s a head taller than her.

The women cover her mouth and stretch her arms towards her. Here it goes…

???: Ena?! Oh my gosh! You came back! Just in time! Just in time! I thought you forgot your promise! And now look at you! Happy  one hu-

Ena: Mom, please don’t talk about age! And stop shouting.  Were not miles away you know? Where’s Father?

Suddenly, pair of strong yet slender arms wrap my waist and throw me outside our house. Gah! My butt hurts. Only one person can put off my balance like this. I raise my gaze towards the culprit. A beauty with black spiky hair and green eyes who’s taller by almost half meter.

Ena: Father! Is that how you treat your daughter?

Father: Why not? It only means you still have a loooonnnng way to go. Not to mention you’re already one hu-

Ena: Stop! For heaven’s sake!

Father: *smirk* Why should I? Just accept you’re already one hu-

Loud banging resounded as we start to fight. Sometimes, I think my parents were abnormal. Sigh… Nevertheless, I love those two.

My parents belong to the protectors of the island. The two of them were special agent who’s assigned for dangerous missions for more than a millennia. That’s why I as well strive hard to be like them. Five decades back, I manage to be one of the elite protectors.

After our good little ‘exercise’, we finally proceed to the celebration. My parents, family and friends were present. They all give me wishes and gifts as we eat and dance in happy tunes as we chat with each other.

???: Happy birthday Ena! I hope you still remember me.

I turn around and see Ms. Anna Bluhart and her husband Sir Edgar Bluhart. I grew more excited seeing the two of them. Anna is a respected healer among our race while Edgar is a writer concerning medicine. I can still remember the times I ran into their house when I and my parents fight. I come close to the two and hug them.

Ena: Anna, Edgar! I thought you wouldn’t show yourself!

Edgar: How could we? You know we love you like we did for our child.

I was startled. Child? I know they both love me as their own. My confusion was immediately washed away as I see young blond girl with blue eyes hiding behind Anna’s back. How cute!

Ena: Oh… Oh! You- You finally did it! Congratulation! Hey little girl! Com’r!

The child hide more behind Anna to her disappointment but it’s fine. The couple laughs at my failed attempt.

Anna: Ena, My child is a boy. How could you mistake him for a girl? Anyway, Kresla darling, come and greet her.

Kresla:… Um… Hello… My name is Kresla Bluhart. Nice to meet you-

I squeal and hug the adorable child in front of me

Since that day, Kresla and I has always been together. I’ve discover that he is exactly like his parents. Kind and gentle like Anna with Edgar’s temperament. I can’t help but to be soft towards Kresla. He has the capability to arouse people’s protective urges. Thus, I request to be assigned within the inner island. My parents have no objection towards my decision and just smile. No, they don’t just smile. They started to attack me like lunatics as they laugh and claim that they had to make sure that I’m not going weak to decide such thing. Such pain in the ass.

Even so, they both agreed to me after we were all cover in bruises. When Anna saw us, she paled and start to lecture us non stop while purposely squeezing our wounds. Worst is that she didn’t use magic to heal us instead use her concocted medicine which stings.

Fifteen years have passed. The cute Ena before turn into the most beautiful among our country. A lot has come and want to have Ena as a prospect lover. I am happy for him and quite sad about this. Things will not be like before. He will likely to have a girlfriend, get married and have kids. Even males were interested in him so a boyfriend is also possible. Thinking that I will eventually have to let go of his hands, my chest hurt. I don’t know why but I am too shy to ask Anna about it. Yep. Sometimes, even someone like me gets shy. Am I getting old?

Sigh… what to do? I don’t like it. Perhaps, it’s better to distance myself from him. I went ahead and talk to my parents about me asking to train in the outside island for five to ten years.  And as usual, my parents smile at me as they start to attack me and say their usual claim: “Are you getting weak? Hell! We shall test you before you go!”

After that, I went off without informing Kresla. It’ll mess me more than I am now if we meet.

But now that I am away from him, I became someone I can’t even remember. Before, raining is one of enjoyment I find. Yet, in just a span of few years, it seem to be dull and boring. I reminisce my time with Kresla. How I always catch him before he trip because he’s super clumsy. Once I accompany him in herb gathering, he immediately manage to get lost. He can’t run or he’ll trip. When he study in the temple, remember Jaunava ‘praising’ his worthless talent in fighting. And the days where he would always come to me when he see me. The time he cry because he lost his book… and…

I close my eyes and continue my training. He must have himself a lover by now. And that person will be the one to witness his future together. And I can’t go on like this. It’s cowardly of me to run but I have no other choice. How can I face something I, myself, don’t understand?

KRESLA POV

It’s been nine years already since Ena go to the outer island to train leaving without telling me. Why did she do that? That day, I should’ve ask her what’s wrong. I know she’s troubled by something. Still, I choose not to because I trust that she will eventually tell me. Sigh, it’s the biggest mistake I’ve ever done. Who do I think I am?

My parents often tell me about her way before I actually met her. In that party, I was so nervous that I hide behind my mother’s skirt. I’m only four years old back then. When she notice me, her eyes widen and congratulate my mom and dad while smiling. Her smile was so lovely I can’t help but feel shy when she talks to me. As I observe her, I found out that my parents were right. She’s one amazing woman. She’s true to herself. She never let other belittle her. She speaks her mind. She can easily overpower an opponent bigger than her petite body. I had always admire her because of that.

 She’s everything I am not. Yet she never let our differences to separate us. I enjoy being with her. If I were to ask, I’ll definitely choose to be with her than to be with a group of friends. I’ll do anything for her.

But I’m weak and clumsy. And I’m no good in fighting. When I heard a commotion in their house, I hastily follow my mother and found their destroyed garden and her whole family cover in bruises. I see how agitated my mom was while saying how stupid they are. She gasp while mom treat her in old fashion way where it will be terribly painful but still laugh loudly.

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I was mesmerized by her smile. I want to protect it. But how? Right there I found a way to do it. I look at her messy appearance and can’t help but chuckle. Ena is one heck of a woman who’s somewhat reckless. So, I decide to be a healer like my mom and take care of her. I will scold her when she do something stupid like this again. I will even learn how to cook and sew so she will be able to relax once she gets home or patch up her clothes when destroyed. In this way, I will definitely support her.

I put a huge amount of effort just for this sole purpose. When father heard about this, he laugh saying: “shouldn’t it be the other way around?” but I stubbornly shake my head and insist I will still do it. He looks at my mom who just smile in return and say do what I want.

I’m really glad that they understand. Afterall, this is the first time I decide for myself. Years and years, I trained hard under my mother. I sometimes thought about giving up but I persevere every time I think about her happy face

I thought, this way, I can stay by her side. I thought this way, she’ll feel she needed me. But I was wrong. I became overconfident. I still remember, nine years ago, the look on her face. The way she looks at me from afar while I am talking to some of my colleges. Yes, she still smile but somehow different.

A sudden face block my view. It is Zaid Saversen, my neighbor.

Kresla: Oh, Zaid, you’re here. Is there something you need?

Zaid: Nah, I’m just looking for you and as expected you’re here again. This place is where you and Ena play before right?

I avert my eyes from him and once again look in my favorite place. It is just a small clearing near the river where a few wild flowers grow. She take me here when I was six and sometimes let me watch her practice her fighting techniques.

I was suddenly push into the ground and look up. I see Zaid’s face above mine with a serious expression. I didn’t attempt to shove him since I know it’s useless. Zaid is a strong man.

Kresla: Zaid, I’m not in the mood to play wrestling with you.

Zaid: And I’m not in the mood to play jokes with you. Kresla, You know long ago how I feel about you right? Why make me suffer like this?

Kresla: I’m a man, remind you. And your already married to Connie. She’s a good woman, don’t make her unhappy.

Zaid: I don’t care about gender. And I don’t think Connie will be against the idea. Why don’t you choose me Kresla, when I truly love you? Don’t wait for someone who doesn’t even want you.

My face reddened in anger. How dare he make me choose him over Ena? No matter how hard or how long I have to wait, there will be no one to consider aside from her. She’s my only one!

I raise my hand and push his face as he try to kiss me. This brute! He won’t even budge.

*thud*

I turn my head to my right and see a familiar figure I always dream to see. Our eyes lock momentarily until she walk away. NO! I manage to push the distracted Zaid and try to run after her. But she’s already gone. I sob and cry buckets when I realize how bad the timing was. Zaid tried to calm me but I slap his hand away. Ow…

I manage to get back to the village and see her home full of people. I stayed in there too but she never glance my way. It’s hurting me but I can’t give up. I can’t let her go away again and who knows if she’ll ever go back.

ENA’S POV

I sat in a small boulder in the clearing near the river. Sigh. Right now, I feel so pathetic. After I finally get my mind together and go back, it was all too late. I shouldn’t be surprised, I expect this long before. Though a guy? And a married one that is. I hope he choose someone I can approve. Zaid is strong but not as strong as me. Yes he’s tall but hell! Height doesn’t equal talent!

Gah! Who am I kidding? I know that I should be happy for him but I can’t help wanting to punch his lover. I’m so pathetic. I lay my head in my palm until I hear rustles from the entrance. Shit! Why is he here now?

Silence. Neither of us choose to talk. I continue having my head in my palm while he carefully sat beside me. It’s awkward. I can’t help breaking this deafening silence.

Ena: Congratulation. It seems you and Zaid were getting good. I’m sorry about disturbing you earlier. I didn’t know that you- well- doing something. I’m happy for you. Though I hope he won’t neglect you because he had her first wife.

I start to talk nonsense until I just stop since he’s not responding. After a moment he whisper something barely audible yet it didn’t fail to reach my ears.

Kresla: Are you really happy for me? Won’t you ask me if I really love him? Or did I really choose him? *sniff* Ena! How stupid can you be? How long will you hurt me? I thought before we’re okay then you suddenly left. Now that you came back, you start to giving me this stupid congratulatory with a smile. You said before you’ll punch whoever hurt me so can you punch yourself once? Perhaps you’ll finally wake up and realize what you’re doing to me.

Ena: K-Kresla… Fuck! Don’t cry! S- sorry? I’m sorry! Wait! Can’t you atleast explain what you’re saying? I’m lost here! But please stop crying first!

Kresla: *sniff* Explain? How stupid can you get! I’m saying you’re the one I want! Don’t push me to someone else. *sniff* Waaahhh! Look at what you’re making me say! It’s all your fault! *sniff* After all the effort I did for you, this is what you’ll give me? *glare* take responsibility!

I was flabbergasted about what he said. And in a way, I feel my chest feel better than before. At last, I can understand what I really want. I kneel down and gently put my arms around him while pulling him closer. He continue to cry and wet my clothes but I don’t mind.

Ena: Are you sure? Aren’t you just confused because we we’re always together? I am older than you

Kresla: Who cares?

Ena: I’m sorry Kresla. I didn’t know. You’re right. I am stupid. I did a lot of things that hurt you. I’ll punch myself as promise.

Kresla: N-no… *sniff* You don’t really have too…

Ena: It took me long enough to realize. Sorry I’m late. I don’t hope to be forgiven now so I’ll slowly earn it to myself.

I get up while taking him in my arms and head back.

Kresla: W- wait! What are you doing? It’s embarrassing! I’m a man you know? And I’m taller than you by atleast half a meter! It’s weird!

Ena: *grin* Don’t sweat it! Aside from that, aren’t you the one who’s crying like a girl before? Like you said, I’ll take responsibility so we need to get home as fast as possible. I bet our parents will be happy. Oh, Remind me that Zaid owe a punch from me.

Kresla: *chuckle* your weird.

Ena: Then aren’t we perfect for each other?  You’re weird yourself for liking a woman whose atleast a hundred years older than you. Let’s go. Hmmn, Forget about the age part okay or I’ll drop you.