Ephemeral: A Journey To Find The Meaning Of Life

Chapter 7: The Decision

If there is a meeting, then there is a farewell. It is a thing that always happens in life, everyone will experience that event one day or maybe the present. Some say that if you want to separate, give a good impression and we have to say a pleasant sentence. But in reality, what we know as "separation" is something that always hurts. No matter what words someone says, the separation is painful. Even a beautiful moment can make things worse.

I'm leaving Voiria today. Before I left, I said goodbye to Miss Mary and Helen. But Helen wasn't with Miss Maria, so I just left her a greeting. Suddenly he appeared from the top floor like he wanted to say something.

"Wait Luke!" Helen called me from upstairs.

Did he decide his wish or just want to say goodbye to me, huh? Why at a time like this I wish he would come with me.

"Say your decision, Helen." My speech

Helen took a deep breath before saying it.

I remember the time we spent together. The days were so beautiful with him, I wanted to stay here longer, haha! But yes, how else, I have a more important goal. I hope he determines what is best for himself. Now, say, Helen!

"Are you going to be gone forever?" Helen asked me.

"I don't know about that."

"Do you like this place?" He asked me a second time.

"Not the place, but the people I met."

"Do you like the time we spent together?" And again.

"Of course."

"Then take me with you, you fool! Why do you not even realize your true desires?"

It is also true what he said. Why am I even weird. I can't lie, I want to have someone to talk to when I'm lonely. Ahaha! Don't-don't, I was actually weird all this time.

"Hahaha, you're right! I want to hear you say that."

"Stupid..." Helen cried with a smile.

Helen went downstairs while carrying a bag containing her luggage. He had been planning this since.

"Hey snot boy, you guys forgot me huh?!" Miss Maria is angry because we seem to ignore her who has been there since.

"Maybe this is Helen's perfect time"

Helen nodded her head in a sign that she approved of my words.

"Lady..." Said Helen to Miss Mary who responded immediately.

"I'm sorry for not being able to resist the will of my heart. Forgive me for always troubling you all this time. I'm sorry for making you worry about me all the time. And, I'm sorry for making you sad." Helen apologized repeatedly to Miss Maria who just looked at her without any reaction.

I whispered something to Helen. "No Helen, that's not what Miss Mary wants to hear from you. There's more to an apology than an apology, anyone should understand that"

I hope he understands what I'm saying.

"One more Mom..." Helen tried to say something.

"Thank you for being my mom. I'm proud to have a mother like you. I've never said this to you before, but this time I'll say it. I love you from the bottom of my heart. Even if we don't have blood ties, I'll still assume you're my real parents."

Bu Maria's cry broke after hearing what Helen said. They hugged like a picture of a mother and her daughter.

There are many things that we cannot change in this world, one of which is the relationship between parents and children. Some families have a bad relationship even to the point of hating each other, is such a thing appropriate for us to refer to as "family"? I don't have an answer about that. But one thing is certain to me, wherever you are, if there is a place made up of people that makes you feel affection and comfort. That's what deserves to be called "family".

After saying goodbye to Ms. Maria, we left together from this village.

I was thinking of something. Apologies are a sign of regret for what we do. Some people often think that apologies are the most powerful way to please someone, the answer is no. Rather than hearing the word "sorry", many people would rather hear the word "thank you".

......................

"Luke, thank you for giving me this" Referring to the necklace he wore.

"Sama-sama" Reply.

"Where are we going after this?" She asked.

"I haven't confirmed it yet. Maybe a place that has a big harbor?"

"Port yes... It might be interesting!" Helen passionate.

This is my first time traveling with someone. Having a friend to talk to while adventuring, this keeps me from feeling lonely anymore.

......................

"Hey Luke, come here!" Calling me who is relaxing.

I approached him to find out why he called me.

"Look at what I found!" He showed me a poisonous mushroom.

"Would you eat this?" Helen offered it with a smile.

"No. I don't want to die yet" replied with a smile.

"Well... Luke's not cool!"

......................

It's been a very late day. We decided to settle in the cave tonight. Talk and spend time together. I also began to realize that Helen was someone who was very active. He's been doing strange things since, sometimes it makes me angry. But that's what makes this journey more colorful. I hope he'll always be like this.

"Luke, look at those stars!"

I sat down next to him and looked at the stars as well.

"Have you always been like this before?"

"Yes, I was always like this before I met you. But, there was something different this time. I'm not alone. I'm grateful you're here, Helen"

"Eh??? Try again!"

"Huh.. don't want to!"

"Basic suck!" His word.

"Belgroff."

We spent time together before we fell asleep. It feels more fun than usual.

"Luke... I want to be with you" said Helen, who seemed to be dreaming.

He is very strange and active. I don't understand what his head is. This girl was also less vigilant of the surrounding circumstances. Though there is a man who is only alone with you at this time, you can fall asleep soundly. Huh, you weirdo. Well... But I think I might like you, Helen.

When I close my eyes, I fall asleep. Maybe my body was tired from serving her strange behavior since then.

......................

Today we continue our journey again. We found some houses in a forest, it looks like someone lives in this place.

The humans... Long cup?... The elf?!

This is the first time I've seen an elf in person. They have longer ears than humans. Elves can live for hundreds of years and still have a youthful face. Most elves live in forests far away from humans. I think it was done for a reason.

The elves stopped us from getting closer to where they live. They carry their arrows as weapons.

"Wait on! We're not bad guys" I'm trying to tell them.

"Vers! Waz pan ju dei hiar?! (Man! What are you doing here?!)" One of the elves tried to say something.

I don't understand what he's really saying. It seemed to be true, elves had a different language than humans. What am I supposed to do now?

A female elf appeared and said something. "Stags! relecca o des. (Stop! let me take care of this.)"

He approached and asked me. "O man, what is your purpose in coming here?"

"We happened to find this place while walking. We don't have any intention." I convinced.

"I hope it's true."

"Notte pan deir! (Nothing is dangerous!)" Say the female elf to her flock.

They broke up after hearing that. There was one of the elves who looked at us cynically and said something before leaving. "Donne cre, Caris! (Don't let your guard down, Caris!)"

"It's safe, come with me" said the elf woman.

He'll take us somewhere. Maybe to where the leader of the elves is here.

We went into a room that was not too big. Right now in front of us was a male elf sitting down, it seemed like he was their leader.

"So, get to the point. What was your purpose in coming to this place?" Ask the elf.

"We just happened to pass by." My speech.

"Look, young man, you should know that the relationship between elves and humans is very bad."

"I don't know that, I'm sorry"

The elf man took a deep breath and took it out. "I can't trust your words completely."

"I understand that. Can I ask for one thing?" I asked.

"What do you want?"

"I know this is a tough request. Can we stay at this place?"

"I'll allow it. But on one condition, follow the rules I will give you. And, never act weird."

"I understand! Thank you so much for your generosity." I said that while bowing my head.

We were taken to a small house that could accommodate only two people.

This place is a little narrow. But at least, we can still stay in this place comfortably.

"I'm really scared, Luke!" He hugged me tightly.

"It's okay, you can calm down now."

After things calmed down, we tidied the place up together and put our luggage down. Although this place is not so big, there are still two rooms in it.

"It's night, it's time for bed" I said.

Heavy rain with lightning and strong winds happened tonight. We slept in each other's rooms. I feel a lot of elves who don't like our arrival here, I hope tomorrow nothing unwanted happens.

When I was just about to go to sleep, suddenly the door of my room opened.

Who'sis that?

"Luke, can I come in?"

Thank goodness it was Helen.

"Come in" I answered.

He came into my room with his pillow. I realized he was scared.

"Can I sleep with you, Luke? I'm afraid to be alone"

"Can....."

He came closer and went up to my bed. He's coming closer to me.

Wait for. Sleeping on the same bed as a pretty girl. This is not true!

"Helen, aren't you afraid of sleeping next to a guy like this?" Much

"If it were anyone else, I would be scared. Just because it's you, Luke" he replied.

He trusted me so much. From the beginning of the journey, he always slept near me without worrying about anything happening to him.

Helen fell asleep while hugging me. It was like telling me not to let go. I can smell her hair very fragrant. Her small hands encircled my body.

You can sleep well. But what about me? Sleeping in a bed with a beautiful woman and hugging each other. It's hard to try not to do anything.

I try to sleep as much as possible. Despite being in such a strange moment like this, I still tried it and it worked. I'm asleep.

......................

Once upon a time there was a story about an elf and a human being making friends. They are two men who dream of building the greatest empire in the world. Finally, they work together to achieve the dream they crave. Trying relentlessly, gathering members, finding the right place for the location of the kingdom and building it. They trade while offering to people to help them and those who want to help them will be given a reward (Including the elves invited). The development process is going very smoothly, they are getting closer to its goal. After a few years, the kingdom was awakened. A very large kingdom. The elves and humans lived together there. The days went well, they lived peacefully. There was even a human who married an elf and produced a descendant of "Half Elf" which we can currently meet in several places.

The kingdom had two kings, one from man and one from elves. They divided their power in order for a balance to occur in the kingdom. One day, there was a religious leader who came to the kingdom and did a lecture. They say "Humans are the highest-level creatures in the world. We always live with our own people. A nation other than us is something that tarnishes the cleanliness of this world. Dump Them!". Many believed his words, including the king of men. On that day, it shattered all the dreams they had built together. The war between humans and elves lasted for months. Humans win in numbers. The Elves retreated from the war because many of their soldiers were wounded and unable to fight anymore. This human victory spread throughout the Heuro continent (the continent where Luke is currently located). Many elves went into the forest and created a home for them. And, I've heard stories about trees that can take us to the place where the real elf kingdom is. In these times, it was difficult to find an elf. Because many of them choose to live in a place that is far from human reach.

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