Chapter three- encounter
NERINA POV-
The journey continued, the waves of water shifting both unconscious bodies through trees and plants.
The once vigorous and powerful wave now moving at a calmer and slower pace, I was put near a shallow river, the waves clashing with the shallow water as my body dropped on the riverbed. Aiden was placed under an oak tree; its big leaves and many branches camouflaging his unconscious body.
For what felt like hours, a gruelling throat clenching cough appeared, breaking the peaceful forest. birds scattered like bees, animals running to seek shelter. The wind whispered to the crowd.
"Oh god- please be okay" my body moved before my mind could react.
He didn't answer, His lips dried like a hot summer day, his bleeding miraculously stopped. Preparing for the worst I placed two fingers on wrists, expecting no pulse- however there was a pulse, it was faint.
"The spell" I brightened.
"I remember, mom taught me basic healing magic- just in case I get hurt" words jumbled. Trying to remember my mother's spell.
I closed my eyes, gathering all the concentration, copying my mother's technique "focus on your energy, think about the waves underneath your palms" I muttered, repeating my mother's calm voice.
My hands trembled as my fingers grazed on his wound, which was on his stomach. With time, I gathered enough energy, I felt my body gather a small amount of water through the lake, unto the wound. A small lilac hue glowed as the healing started.
Hours flew by, I opened my frail eyes, expecting the magic to fail- like it always did, my body felt heavy and traumatised.
Nothing changed- in fact, something felt wrong, the magic always worked- well a little- why didn't it work now?
"What happened? Did I do it wrong? I need to use the time I have left." I muttered quietly
I relaxed my body, with my eyes shut I cast the spell once more. This time, I managed to heal his injuries, even though it wasn't the best, at least he's okay. "that's something" I muttered feeling the last of my magic slipping out of me like sand.
My body dropped tiredly on the muddy floor, drained of all magic, feeling exposed.
I noticed the leaves rustling in a strange pattern, as if a something was approaching. I hesitated, I had nothing to protect us, no spells, no energy. Nothing. My breath stopped suddenly as the sound grew nearer and deliberate.
As if everything was connected, the strange figure stood out- tall but delicate. But it wasn't an enemy, or foe.
It was a lady, she looked my age, with very fancy clothes. "I usually see the royal family wear clothes like that" I thought.
She was averaged height, aura that screamed perfection and elegance. Her pink and aqua dress with a sweetheart neckline and long sleeves with ruffles, sparkled with the waters.
I watched as her straight voluminous hair flowed, hinted with pink cotton candy like hair, elegantly wave behind her back, her beautiful doe aqua blue eyes, blue like a water on a summer day, gaze at mine with curiosity.
My eye gazed around her, long elegant dress. My eyes were drawn to five other women, with neatly tied hair. All dressed in the same white dress with white apron like coats neatly embroidered their neck.
Her delicate hands swiftly, placing a white fan, decorated in gold lines and cute small flowers, decorated at the centre of the fan, underneath her sleeves.
Politely standing with their hand folded in front of them.
"So, you're the first gem, is it you, or the little boy over there?" she questioned, her voice casual as if we were friends. "I've heard a lot about you already".
"Who is he? Is he your brother? I've already heard lots about you already!" she pulled her hand out, analysing my condition. Her eyes followed a glowing diamond like gem next to me. "So, it's you! You're the gem!"
In a hurry, I decided to speak before she could. "Me-? A gem given to me? You must be joking" I cackled in disbelief
"Yes you! People are sacrificing themselves to have the first gem you know?" she replied, still not making me feel better, I didn't even know how I got a gem. Let alone the first one.
"Yes, people do say getting one is quite shocking and unexpecting!" she gasped, heartbroken by my appearance, the muddy clothes, and tired expression. "You poor soul, Your poor clothes!! Maids!" she uttered dramatically, her high-pitched voice echoing dramatically.
My head was spinning; there were too many things happening at once. The constant sound of Thalia's endless speaking fogged my brain. Before I could answer a single question, I was pulled by three maids into a small bush. One of the maids: measured, taped and threw some clothes in all directions, while the other maids opened three large bags filled with accessories, clothes and food. They stripped me of my torn muddy old garments, replacing with clean, fresh- scented clothes. Thalia continued to talk as the maids styled my extra-large thick and neck-length coils.
After everything, my hair was surprisingly good, with dense uncontrolled curls that bounced happily against my shoulders and short bangs that were evenly styled covered my eye a little. I was now wearing a similar outfit as Thalia. I felt very different.
One maid handed me a handful of grapes as she joined the other maids, they carefully took Aiden's unconscious form, quickly changing him a comfortable outfit.
"Look, I'm going to be explaining things quite quickly. Make sure to keep. Okay?" her eyes waved enthusiastically, before I could answer, she quickly took the lead, her words echoed in my fragile ears.
"My name is Thalia. I'm from the princess of the Eden empire" she introduced, pulling her gown from the floor. "I was coming back from a meeting from some small town and got washed away by your waves and that's why I'm here, I had to change, and when I was heading back to the palace, I saw you!" she blinked happily.
"Where was I? ah yes, the gems. There are four gems. And they are ranked from weak to powerful. As you know one is obviously the first gem. The first gem is incredibly powerful."
"Powerful hm? This gem might not be bad after all, who knows what I can do with this gem" I thought proudly in my head.
"The strongest gem, it binds all the other three gems together brining our God back to life. that's what you have, you have the power to bind all three gems together." She said moving back and forth like a teacher "You can rip them out together by doing a ritual."
"Rip them out? Will it affect the other holders?" I added quickly.
"No, it might just take some magic out of them- nothing harmful." Her head coiled at an angle, as if she wanted to be remined of something. "Well! The three gems are split from the four regions to keep everything in balance." She announced
"You got a gem because maybe, somewhere in your thoughts you craved or wanted to create internal peace, a perfect world where everyone can live peacefully" her eyes fixated on me "also because you're a Merfolk." Uttering the obvious.
She paused, taking her fan out from under her sleeves, blowing air towards herself quickly.
"We both are going to journey across the world and bring all 4 gems together to bring our creator once again. I know I'm from the Eden empire, but I won't treat you differently because of your lineage." She placed one finger on her chin, trying to recall more info, "Oh! I forgot! when there's a hope, there's a curse, when you activate all four gems with the ritual, since our God is so powerful, it obliterates your body your damages your body in every way imaginable." She spoke casually "Don't worry. You can be saved if your magic power is powerful, see after every disaster there's a rainbow!"
She held her breath quickly letting go "will you join my journey? To revive our god?" I watched as her wide yes pierced my eyes.
"One at a time lady, did you just say I can revive a god? Like seriously" I replied, almost couldn't believe it. "I don't know what you're talking about. If I die in the process then no, you can choose another Mer folk" my hand reached out for the gem on the ground.
"This little thing? I might be dreaming.
"Yes! Our god! You can revive them! And no, you aren't dreaming" Thalia exclaimed
"yeah, go ask someone else, the only magic I can use is healing magic. Reviving a god is out of my books" I rolled my eyes, plucking another grape. Hmm" I placed my hand on my chin.
"Well, I somehow escaped from the castle grounds… if I go back who knows what they'll do to me, I can go with her, get stronger and rescue my family and friends. Plus travelling with a princess will make my journey easier." I thought carefully.
"Fine, I'll join you… because I have nowhere to go" I hesitated slightly.
"I never knew about what the gems are capable of." I paused "it can revive a whole ass god, and here I thought my mother was lying to me. Having this first gem feels like too much effort.
"Well, I'm not sure since I don't have a gem, so sorry, I can't answer that question. Yes! He'll always be protected! I promise!" thalia exclaimed cheerfully.
"Then I…" I hesitated, "I'll join you on your journey".
"Amazing! Our first journey will be… the land of elves. Silver dust!!" she rejoiced.
"Your highness? Should we accompany you on your journey once more?" a maid out of the 5, suggested, bowing her head in respect.
"Thank you everything, truly! But I'll take this journey with her only! Sorry!" Thalia bursts, repeating "sorry" so many times.
"No worries your highness, you can wait here while we gather some essentials for your trip" the maid replied, quite happy the princess had made a new friend.
"Thank you all!! Tell father to pay you and everyone 400g each! And 700g for you three. I'm so sorry again!" Thalia cheered happily.
"Woah, 1100g…" I thought.
"Your highness, you're so kind. We are very lucky to serve under you." The all replied respectfully, making their excitement.
Groans erupted from the floor, the 10-year-old, shuffling from his unconscious state, his eyes widening at the new area and people. "Mommy?" he replied quietly.
"I'm here, don't worry, everything's safe." My mood shifted as I gently wrapped my hands over his small body, feeling the warmth of his body again.
Thalia glanced at Kian, her smile lifted slightly.
After a while the maids appeared with a bad, not necessarily big, but suited for travel, it contained: gems, extra clothes and shoes for Kian and me, gems and lastly food, to last us a couple of days.
I watched the pattern on the suitcase, hoping that this whole experience wasn't a dream. Silver dust, mother told me they hate people like me….