Chương 14: The Forest Ahead || Ruith
[ Late June ]
On Earth, the temperature heightened in the summer and fall. The weather here differed from that in Ophinem, where seasons only changed when one traveled to a new province. During the day, the Meadow Province was warm. Once the sun set, a cool wind took over. It was never hot. I disliked the heat the most because I hated feeling soiled even fresh after bathing or a cool swim.
Simon, however, didn't seem to mind the weather.
Even as his long sleeves clung to his arms, sticky with sweat, and his curls pasted to his forehead, he insisted on spending time with me. That I did not understand—why my friend wore more clothing in the summer than in spring. I hadn't thought to inquire before, as I'd simply been delighted that Simon was around.
He'd been visiting this forest three days out of the week, nearly for the past two months. And I learned about him and the human world in that time.
Simon had taught me that he was ambidextrous, and on the pinky of his right hand was what he called a beauty mark. Elves simply called them moles.
And he'd revealed to me that those fascinating spots across his nose and cheeks weren't a rash but freckles. At the time, I thought that was an interesting word. And Simon had taught me a lot of them. Although he'd explained he hadn't furthered his education past high school, to me, he was very educated. In the human world, there were levels of education, while in Ophinem, most continued to learn unless they died.
For forever and past that, I hoped I could continue my knowledge and exploration endeavors. I wanted to conquer every world I came across. And in this human world, I would start with this area first: the state of California.
"I want to go further," I said with an easy smile as Simon bent down to tie his shoe.
We were roughly three miles north of the lake this hot summer evening, the furthest I had ever gone in this direction. Ahead, the forest was thicker, and the ground darker as little sunlight could reach it. Deer came to and from. I longed to follow them.
With fascinating, curious eyes, Simon looked up at me. Then he stood and pushed his attention onto the forest ahead.
"I don't know about that, Ruith." He pulled a map of the terrain from his satchel. Why he did not carry the technology his world was known for confused me, but I did not question him.
For a moment, he studied the map. "The forest is dense up ahead. We don't know what's in it."
"Nothing to be afraid of, I'm sure."
"There are more than just bears and deer," Simon combated, although gently. "A whole forest of unknown creatures. We wouldn't be safe."
"That's what makes it exciting," I whispered. "Not knowing what's ahead."
I stared into the depths of what called to me. My heart was tugged by an invisible force, and soon, my feet would follow. I understood Simon's concerns. It would not be safe for him to venture into the forest alone, but I would be with him. I would protect him. Bears were not that powerful, and those were the largest animals I had ever encountered in this forest. Did they get bigger up ahead?
I considered Simon. "Are you afraid?"
His eyes widened briefly; the question unexpected to him. "Afraid?" He observed the dense forest. "I'm more worried for you."
"Why would you worry for me?"
"About what you'll discover past this point." Simon paused to regard me carefully. "Most wild animals aren't friendly. If we go past this point, you might see things you can't forget."
I sighed a little, humored by his concern for me. "Is that your way of telling me there are predators ahead? That we'll encounter animals feeding on each other or some that might want to feed on us?" I gave him a soft smile. "I'm aware of that much already. You don't have to speak so carefully with me." Taking his wrist, I tugged him. "Taegen will be nearby if there is any trouble. He's explored a hundred forests in his lifetime."
Simon hissed. The sound left my heart startled and cowering in my feet. I paused. Looking over my shoulder, "What's the matter?"
With a fallen look, Simon shook his head and pretended to smile. "Nothing. Let's go."
Skeptical, my eyes fell to his wrist. I pulled him closer, despite his protest, and pushed up his sleeve. My body stiffened, shock and concern nailing my feet to the ground. Simon's wrist was deeply bruised. The fragile skin looked sickly compared to the rest of him.
Carefully, I inspected him. "What caused this?"
His performative smile faded into a frown.
I gasped. And I released him to take a staggering step back. "Am I…responsible?"
"You're always so eager to explore. I never have the heart to tell you that when you pull me along…your hold on me is too tight." Simon slowly closed the space between us, resting his hands on my shoulders. "It doesn't hurt."
"That isn't honest. I heard you just now," I said somberly.
I was ashamed to not have gauged my strength while holding onto my friend. I loved to pull him along and ensure he was following close behind me. Hold him tight enough so he could not leave me. I had been sure Simon hadn't minded.
Deep inside my heart, I was afraid of him leaving me and not coming back. And it was because of that fear that I'd been hurting him all along. Sometimes, I forgot that Simon was human—that I was an elf and our physical strength contrasted with each other's.
I stepped out of his grasp. "Where else have I hurt you?"
"You've never hurt me."
Quietly, I stared at him, but inside I felt grave. "Let's go back to the lake. I need to dress you—"
"The reason I didn't say anything before…" Simon stopped at that, suddenly unable to speak.
"Tell me," I encouraged in a whisper.
Simon's features expressed doting emotion that surprised me. "I like it when you hold onto me, Ruith." He removed his eyes from me as he said this, his cheek blooming with color while he scratched it. "It makes me feel included, like you need me to be around or whatever experience lies ahead won't be as fun." Looking at me now, he smiled timidly with inward affection. "I feel more alive than I have in a long time, and I've grown too attached to this feeling of being your friend to care about a bruise."
It was then that my own cheeks blossomed with adoration and slight embarrassment. But I could not bring myself to look away from Simon's sparkling eyes.
"I'll always want to go further with you, too." He smiled serenely and took my hand in his. "Let's do this instead. From now on, I'll tell you if you ever hold me too tight."
My chest tightened. This feeling of fondness was intense. I wanted to hug Simon, but I feared my elation would have me accidentally crushing him. So, I instead squeezed his hand, hoping it was gentle enough.
Simon squeezed back.
****
We wandered the forest. I had insisted on using my magic to provide a path we could see, but Simon warned my action would only frighten the animals, and frightened animals turned aggressive. Acknowledging that, I created a modest lantern we could share instead.
My smile was uncontained as I observed what anyone else might consider bland. But even ordinary trees were different everywhere I went. Engraved into the bark were patterns that told stories about the treatment they'd endured. Whether or not animals were nesting in the branches provided truth if the tree had done well to protect them.
The scents of all trees varied. Some smelled strongly of pine, while others had a hint of sweetness bubbling beneath the bark. Truly, I was engrossed to experience them all. And quietly, I was memorizing this path so we could take it again.
My brother, who had been considerate of all, had brought me up with lectures that the sky, the plants, the animals, and the trees in every world were created by one supernatural being. He'd declared that God had created nature for us to live in, for us to protect, preserve, and nurture. Perhaps that was why I enjoyed it so. Not because of my fondness for the environment but because of my growing fondness for God.
After all, I had Him to be grateful to, for He'd been the one to deliver me my very first friend.
Simon pulled out his camera and hurried a handful of steps ahead. Then he faced me. I smiled shyly as he captured a photo. Because he'd been farther away, the light hadn't hurt my eyes. Simon joined me again and stared at the picture for a long time.
"You must really like your photos," I observed.
He hummed his agreement. "They help me to remember."
I was flattered but confused. "I'm not going anywhere."
"Do the pictures bother you?"
"No, but I'll always be around, so you should save your film for what you could forget. Right?"
"Maybe," Simon answered quietly, tucking the camera and photo into his satchel. Trepidation creased between his brows for an instant before he smoothed it over with a smile. And before I could inquire about his uncertain response, he asked, "You never told me who this 'Taegen' was. You mention him often. Is he important to you?"
"He is," I answered, although reluctant to change the topic of conversation so soon. "Taegen is my guard."
"Do all elves have guards then?"
I considered his question. "I suppose any elf could have a guard. But typically, it's the royal family that carries them."
We stopped walking then. I caught how Simon's breath spiked and his eyes widened. He took a step back to observe me from top to bottom.
"You're…?"
I realized then that I hadn't mentioned to Simon my royalty, and feared he'd be upset with me. I was sure I'd mentioned it in our daily conversations, but perhaps not. And because of my mistake, I worried Simon might prefer to treat me differently now.
But he did nothing of what my worries predicted. Instead, he covered his mouth and laughed. I hadn't told a joke, so I didn't understand the humor that reached him.
To my astonishment, Simon was simply amazed. He asked me many questions, which I answered.
I explained what life in a castle was like and how many servants I had despite disliking my authority over them. Simon praised me for being kindhearted, which made me feel fuzzy inside. I then explained the duties of a prince, the upcoming leader's conference, and how afraid I was to be responsible for the entire Meadow Province as king one day.
And then I explained succession.
The older an elf was, the more powerful their capabilities and magic. And because female elves had keener minds than their male counterparts, they ruled over the nations. If a queen died, her eldest daughter took reign once she became of a decent age.
However, women and children brought into the royal family by marriage were not permitted to rule unless a drastic circumstance required it.
If the royal family had no daughters, then the eldest son would become the next leader. The father of the royal family acted only as a placeholder, becoming king for a short period until the late queen's children were of age and capability to rule.
Because I had not a mother or a sister, Elion would have become king, but he died before his seventieth birthday. The birthday that would have given him the crown.
I lacked an extended family, and my province had no council of wise men and women as the other provinces had. The family line ended with me, as did the responsibility of being king.
Simon latched onto my informative words as if they were milk and he suffered from hunger. In his eyes was amazement, eagerness, and curiosity, but also something deeper, something darker. Something like guilt. But that made no sense at all, so I dismissed it.
It seemed Simon had no idea how to respond to the mention of my deceased brother, but I knew he was sad for me.
"I believe taking care of a nation is something I can do if Taegen helps me, although truthfully…I'd rather continue exploring with you," I revealed.
Simon studied me curiously. "Taegen? Not your father?"
I didn't wish to explain the poor relationship I had with my father and ruin a good day.
"Taegen raised me," I gave. "To me…he's always been my father, but I don't think I could ever tell him that."
"Why not?"
Again, we paused, and I stared into my friend's puzzled eyes. "Well…because…" I was left pondering.
To confess this to Taegen would wrack me with embarrassment and anxiety. He could feel uncomfortable if I were to admit how wonderfully I saw him, and I didn't want to risk damaging our relationship with such a revelation.
Simon's hand came to my shoulder, pulling my focus to him. "You might be thinking it's too late to tell him something like that now, but I think he knows you feel this way. After all, he raised you." Beneath Simon's smile was a longing so severe that I almost crumbled from it. "If there is ever something you want to tell someone, you shouldn't wait. Always thinking that tomorrow will come will have you putting off something that could change your life." He touched my chest, pressing his palm against my heart. "Listen to what the good in your heart is telling you, and don't think about the consequences."
The very heart he mentioned produced an excited beat that resounded in my ears. And Simon's words replayed in my mind. What he'd said was true and so inspirational that I felt I could do anything I desired if I followed the goodness of my heart.
My brother had shared something important with me. He would lecture that all hearts were deceitful and to be careful because with them manifested the strength to lie, manipulate, and hurt others. When that would startle me, he would reveal that beside every ounce of evil was good. And whatever consequences came with following the goodness of one's heart were nothing compared to the regret of having not committed a good act at all.
As I remembered this, I smiled. Simon was remarkable, just as my brother had been.
Simon lowered his hand and looked at the little sky peeking through the treetops. "I can tell the sun's beginning to set. We should head back."
I was disappointed, but I nodded and followed my friend.
Once we'd returned to our lake, Simon pulled me beside a tree and gave me a gift: a piece of technology from his world that he promised to teach me how to navigate.
And he called it a walkie-talkie.
SUY NGHĨ CỦA NGƯỜI SÁNG TẠO 
_Haven
_Haven We finally get Simon's POV starting from the next chapter! I hope you're all excited! (And please forgive me for the late upload! Something suuuper important came up.) See you all on Tuesday :)
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