“What is your purpose here, Otherworlder?”
My spine shivered. It’s been a while since I’ve seen someone who can detect and identify mana. Most would assume I’m just from another nation. To be able to perceive otherworldly energy was a rare talent… I don’t know if I should be scared or impressed.
Either way, I need to get on her good side.
“How’d you figure that out?” I asked.
“Your presence felt different. Besides, I haven’t seen a human as old as you.”
The young elf looked at us, puzzled. It seemed like only the elder could see my age and mana.
“What? I’m 350 years old.”
The elder cleared her throat, “I ask once more, what is the purpose of your visit?”
I forced a smile, “Business.”
“You’re here for The Kieran, aren’t you? It’s the only reason why you would come so far in the south.”
“Unfortunately, my arrival here was a complete accident. I’ve no interest in things like The Kieran. I’m merely looking for someone who could help with my… condition.”
The elder raised an eyebrow, her green eye piercing through me as if scrutinizing the truth in my words. I met her gaze head-on, maintaining my confident smile. A silence filled the cave, only broken by the subtle flicker of candle flames.
I felt the air tense up as she glared.
“Your condition?” Elder Elandria finally spoke.
“…My sister’s condition, specifically. As you can probably sense, there’s a soul in the sapphire this elf stole. I’ve been trying to find a way to revive her.”
“Soulmancy… not a common ability. It just happens to be the same as The Kieran’s”
“It’s more common than you think. Manipulating souls is just as easy as manipulating energy if you know what to look for.”
“Wait!” the young elf stood up and slammed his hands on the table. “You expect us to believe you just carry around a random dead woman in a gem?”
“And you expect yourself to believe I’m carrying YOUR random dead woman in a gem?”
“Enough! That’s not what we’re here for!” the elder’s voice boomed. “Give him back the gem, Eliet. The soul within exudes an aura similar to his.”
“Even if it is, it’s still—“
“Eliet!”
The young elf, who I presumed was Eliet hesitated but eventually handed over the gem, still eyeing me with distrust. I took it smugly, cradling the sapphire in my palm. The vibrant glow within flickered like a delicate flame, for a moment, I felt Valeria's chuckle behind its luster.
He went silent, possibly reflecting on his actions. Earning superiority over others is one of the best feelings but I couldn’t exactly blame the kid, he was doing it for someone he loved, after all… something I happen to relate to.
I did feel bad for the kid. Elandria sounded like she cared more about interrogating who I am and where I came from rather than her dead lover or even The Kieran.
He sat down, half-pouting in his seat. How adorable.
Elder Elandria, leaned closer with a more puzzled look, “Let’s say it’s just a coincidence that you have the same ability as The Kieran’s. How did you arrive in this forest?”
“I got teleported… unwillingly.”
“Teleported… The Otherworlders I knew came through the World Gate, yet you claim that your arrival here was accidental. How is that possible?”
“The World Gate?”
“It is where Otherworlders come from, is it not?”
“My memories tell me I entered this world through a lake. Unless that lake has the same name, I don’t think I’ve come across any gates.”
I would be lying if I said I wasn’t familiar with dimension-hopping gates, I’ve certainly heard about places that can connect other worlds.
What she probably meant was something we call a ‘Convergence.’ These were, for lack of a better word, gateways to different dimensions. It was meant to connect souls to the world’s heavens and hells, but once it gets powerful enough, it can manifest itself in the mortal realm, and serve as pathways to different dimensions.
I flashed an innocent look, hopefully enough to make her not suspicious.
“You better elaborate on that, Otherworlder,” she glared.
I explained my situation, introducing myself as Valen Esparia with a graceful posture as went over how I got banished by my Kingdom’s enemies and witnessed my sister’s death. The audience listened attentively. Naturally, I was compelled to exaggerate a few details, purely for the theatrics.
I also shared my knowledge of Convergences and how they form. Judging from their reactions, I suspect it matched with what they knew.
Of course, I omitted the details about the curse. It felt wrong to hide something important from these people. But even if I revealed my condition, they wouldn’t believe me, so I decided to keep quiet… at least until I finished my other priorities.
They didn’t look like they outwardly believed me but I assumed my story was elaborate enough that they were compelled to.
She closed her eyes and balled her hands over her mouth. “Then you’re out of luck. If you’re looking for someone who can revive your sister, you’d need to head to Yeren, where the… Convergence resides.”
“What’s the problem?”
“No being can leave this forest. The Kieran’s power locks every creature inside in an eternal wander.”
I suspected as much…
“How long have you been trapped here?” I asked.
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She looked at the young elf as if telling him to have something to input. “Eliet?” she called.
“We’ve been here since I was a baby,” he murmured. “We were supposed to be settlers but we got lost in the forest. Then The Kieran came and harassed us for 23 whole years.”
23 years of terror… The more I heard the details, the more it sounded like an intelligent being. A classic story—A curse, a forest, and a monster. I’ve read documented cases like these before, and 9 times out of 10, they’re no more than a nuisance. The biggest difference now is that I don’t have the magic to solve it… however…
“So we just need to kill it, right?” I smiled.
Everyone looked at me wide-eyed, and rightfully so. I’d just been beaten by a group of ragtag civilians, after all.
“What? I kill The Kieran, and I get to go to Yeren and leave through the Convergence, right?”
The elder leaned with intrigue, “That’s what we were hoping… The question is; can you?”
“I may not be as strong as I was, but there are many ways to kill a beast or break a curse without confrontation. All you need is trust.”
“Trust is a delicate matter… It must be earned, not given.”
“Indeed…”
Trust… A truly delicate matter.
“Now I have a question for you, great Elder Elandria.”
“What is it?”
“What do you see when you… look at the flow of my energy?”
She fell silent for a moment before speaking, “Nothing… I just sense it.”
.
.
.
“Right… I see.”
So her ability was different from mine. I rely heavily on sight, only being able to see energy when I’m looking. Must be nice to just “sense it.”
“We’ll discuss The Kieran some other time. For now, Eliet will escort you to your new home,” she stood up and walked away. The silent maidens followed suit.
The breeze tightened around my throat. I’d be a fool to not acknowledge that she was suspicious, but it would be more foolish to challenge her right now. I doubt she was The Kieran, but I could tell she knew more than she let on.
And finally…
Finally, finally, finally…
We left the suffocating confines of the cave.. It was so dim, that I half expected the sunlight to greet me like a puppy, but I forgot how dim the forest floor was too.
I stretched my arms as far up in the air as I could. My bones and joints cracked in protest, the satisfying sound of liberation echoing through the dimly lit forest. I inhaled deeply, relishing the scent of moss and earth as if it were the first time I'd ever smelled it. The cool breeze ruffled my cloak, and for a moment, I felt as if a heavy pressure left my shoulders.
And most importantly, I can finally joke around without getting judged.
“Goodness gracious! That was liberating!” I exclaimed.
I noticed Eliet standing nearby, arms crossed and meek with guilt.
“You can apologize some other time, young elf. I’m not so cruel that I would guilt trip you into handing your valuables.”
He walked over to me, relieved that I wouldn’t press him further…yet. I’m not so nice that I would let a crime such as assault go unpunished. I’m merely stretching in preparation for the beating I’m about to give him.
“What are you doing?” he asked.
“Oh, just relishing the sweet taste of freedom,” I replied, stretching again, this time with an exaggerated flair. “You should try it sometime. It’s quite invigorating.”
“Why?”
“Didn’t you feel it earlier? That grandma was as terrifying as the dragons of the highest skies and the sirens of the deepest oceans. She’s hiding something, I tell you.”
Eliet frowned, "You think Elder Elandria is hiding something? She's the wisest person in our village."
"Oh, she's wise alright. Wise like a serpent weaving its way through the shadows," I remarked. "But don't you worry, my dear elf. I have a knack for uncovering secrets, and if there's one thing I'm particularly good at, it's charming the truth out of— actually, nevermind. Forget all that."
“You plan on charming the elder!?”
“I said forget it! Sure, I may be technically 150 years older but that doesn’t mean I’m interested in old hags! By my world’s social standards, I’m still in my late teens!”
Eliet's eyes narrowed. "Late teens?"
I winked at him. "You'd be surprised how well I've aged."
He shook his head, seemingly torn between confusion and amusement. "You're strange, Valen Esparia."
"Why, thank you, Eliet. Strange is my middle name, or at least it should be," I replied with a grin.
We climbed back up to the treetops, where most of the houses reside. Eliet led the way to what would be my new abode in this elven village. The makeshift bridges swayed beneath our feet, and I couldn't help but think about the precariousness of their existence.
"You know," I began, breaking the comfortable silence, "these bridges seem a tad unsafe. What if we accidentally fell and crushed some poor elves below?"
Eliet shot me a skeptical look. "You really think so highly of yourself, don't you?"
"Only as highly as one should," I retorted, adjusting my cloak with a theatrical flourish. "I mean, have you seen me? It's hard not to be impressed."
The kid looked away, having nothing to answer. I figured he wasn’t the social type but he could at least mingle with his seniors. Come on, man, I'm trying to strike up a conversation here! Or maybe he was just guilty… Very well, I’m gonna make it my whole week’s goal to bug the hell out of him!
I felt a sudden thud hit my side as an elven boy bumped into my leg. The snot-nosed child stared as if his mind was empty.
I scooted over to Eliet and held his shoulders, “Elf, it’s looking at me.”
The child continued to stare with wide, innocent eyes. I mimicked an exaggerated expression of shock, placing a hand on my chest.
"Eliet, it's challenging me to a staring contest! What do I do?" I whispered with feigned concern.
Eliet glanced down and sighed, clearly annoyed. “It’s a child, Valen. Have you ever seen one?”
“A child, you say? Is it studying me for its thesis?”
“Yes, and you’re about to meet more.”
As if on cue, a small group of elven children gathered around, all of them being almost identical. They idled around me, swaying their tiny arms and legs.
"Eliet," I whispered, feigning panic, "what are these miniature elves plotting? Are they planning a rebellion against their towering overlords?"
He rolled his eyes and kneeled to one of them. “Is your nana around?” he asked.
The child nodded.
Eliet stood up and proceeded to a higher tree. The entourage of children and I followed, climbing the vines and planks Eliet stepped on. I was gonna make a joke about how the gremlins were so mobile but the threat of falling loomed over which triggered my “freeze and shut the fuck up” response.
"You know, Eliet, I never expected to be surrounded by a bunch of mini-elves. Do they come in different colors or sizes, or are they all standardized like this?" I teased.
We emerged to a higher platform.
He pointed to a shed in the distance. The rugged house blended with the surrounding foliage. Planters with herbs and fruits hugged every outer wall, accompanied by small contraptions and toys that seemed to be playthings for children.
Though it was a tad bigger than every other building in the forest, I suspected that was because a family was already living there.
“You’ll be living with the Greysins from now on,” he said. “They’re a little rowdy but they should have the nice accommodations you were looking for.”
It didn’t look too bad. I’ve already seen enough of their architecture to get used to it. What’s concerning is the amount of people that seemed to already reside in such a small dwelling.
“What’s the problem?” he asked.
“These kids…”
“Are the Greysin family.”
“And I have to live with them?”
“And you have to live with them.”
“And you’re…”
“Going to be away.”
“Huh…”
I stared at him, slowly nodding.
To be clear, I’m not against living with children but they’re not the first things you would think when looking for company. It’s not that I don’t tolerate children, it’s more like I’m afraid they don’t tolerate me. Sure, they’re mostly behaved now but who’s to say they wouldn’t be behaved tomorrow?
Eliet stared back, expecting me to retort or find an excuse.
“Oh joy, I've always dreamt of having a horde of elven children as my roommates,” I yielded with sarcasm.
“You’ll be fine,” he smiled as if he just trapped me in hell.
I surveyed the place with a raised eyebrow. "Charming. Does it at least come with a view?"
"Well, it's sturdy enough, and you can see the treetops from here."
"Perfect. I've always wanted to wake up to the mesmerizing sight of leaves, leaves, and more leaves.”
I walked up the creaking stairs, followed by curious gremlins and their peculiar stench. Mixed aromas sent greetings through pollens as I approached the entrance.
“Valen,” Eliet stopped me as I opened the door. "Are you really going to kill The Kieran?"
He held a stern gaze, looking for a concise and truthful answer. His tone has always been serious, but sometimes, it just catches me off guard.
"Kill? Perhaps. Resolve the issue? Most definitely.”
“Please, Valen.”
“Killing is just one way to deal with a problem, my friend. Sometimes, it's better to outsmart than to overpower."
“You’re not planning to escape and leave us here, are you?”
“Of course not! Who do you think I am?”
I totally was… or at least I was considering it. I wasn’t actually gonna go through with it unless there was no other choice. Besides, they’ve been here for 23 years, they can live for 23 more.
“If you do… make it painful.”
.
.
.
“I understand.”