Salvagars

10. Hansel

"Yaaa might just be similar. His face is indeed the market" said Marvin with a laugh. Arlon could only smile faintly. They chose to sit under the tree instead of sitting on it. Although sturdy but they cannot be free. The tree also showed an understanding expression.

"Oh yeah, who are you?", asked Arlon to the old tree.

"I'm Hansel. I belong to the first group of inhabitants in this forest" said the old tree proudly.

"First-group occupants?", asked Marvin, repeating enthusiastically. "How long has it been?"

"I don't know. Maybe it was.. 15 or 20 years ago?", replied Hansel who also doubted when he last became a human being.

"Old wow, too", said Marvin who felt strange having to mince words with a tree.

"Mr Hansel, why are you here?", asked Arlon politely. He knew that the man cursed to be this tree was far above him.

"Do you really want to listen to my story? Because maybe this story will be very long" asked Hansel with a sad and doubtful look. It was seen that he needed friends to tell stories and exchange ideas.

" Yes, definitely. We want to know what happened" said Marvin enthusiastically. He hopes that they can get a clue from Hansel's story. At least so that they did not quickly meet with Xeron back then.

"I used to be a good hunter. I used to hunt alone or sometimes with my friends. One day, I was out hunting as usual and all of you were going to the Cambora River. Then, I accidentally found a way to this forest which turned out to be a much faster journey. At that time this forest could be said to be like a field, there were only a few small trees here. It is because of the structure of soil and rocks that are not fertile", Hansel's story while remembering his story in the past. Arlon and Marvin watched carefully, so curious about the origin of this place.

"For several times, I traversed this forest alone or with some of my friends who were also good hunters, and nothing happened. Everything is safe. In fact, the journey that could have taken all day, through the silent forest only takes half a day. Moreover, the location of this forest is very strategic if you know the gap. One day, when I came home from the Cambora river, my supply ran out and somehow I was severely dehydrated. Then came Xeron's father to give me such fresh water, out of nowhere. But if examined, the location is very far from the source of water. That's where the first meeting was" Hansel said with a deep breath.

"So, there are actually many creatures like Xeron here?", asked Arlon quite surprised. From the look on his face, it was clear that Hansel showed an agreeable expression. "Then, where are they all?"

"Everything is gone" said Hansel with a sad face. "Let me continue. At that time, I became more and more familiar with the creature. Although his stature is terrible, but they have a good heart", continued Hansel while imagining his past. Meanwhile, Arlon and Marvin can only look at each other to hear Hansel's story, as if grateful the strange creatures are no longer there. Facing one creature alone feels overwhelmed, what if there are others.

"Good heart?", asked Marvin in wonder. "If they really had a good heart, no one would have to be cursed here."

"That's the problem. It all started since many people knew about this forest and often passed through it. In fact, the last time I ever heard of a group of rulers who wanted to make this vacant land the entertainment center of the city. All of them are back again due to their strategic location. Xeron's father complained about his concern. Because their existence can be threatened and certainly will be destroyed." Hansel paused for a moment. He closed his eyes as if he were choosing which parts to share and which not to. He looked exhausted, his short breath making him look older.

"If you're tired, take a break" said Arlon. He couldn't bear to see Hansel that way. He took out a bottle of water and poured water on the roots. Hansel looked fresh. Now his eyes are back.

"Then, where is Xeron's father?", asked Arlon curiously.

"Me and Xeron immediately search for his father but are nowhere to be seen. We rushed to the source of the fire and sure enough, he was there being bound and tortured by the savage men. He is too old to fight. Xeron immediately tried to save his father but he was too late. His father was stabbed by one of them right in front of his eyes. That's where Xeron started to get angry and hate humans so much" Hansel said calmly. Arlon and Marvin could only hear the story in silence. Now, the pain Xeron was experiencing could they understand its direction.

"Then why are you cursed too? Aren't you guys friends?", asked Marvin.

"I'm actually like this because he didn't mean it. He cursed everyone there, including me. Be me affected" said Hansel regretting what happened to his life.

"Can't the curse be pulled again?", asked Arlon who was concerned to hear it.

"can't. Xeron has tried hundreds of times and still failed" said Hansel, who seems to have no anger at the negligence made by Xeron. "Maybe it's my destiny" he continued with a slight laugh, showing the forced kink.

"You should have said you were special" said Marvin, smiling. "We are sorry", continued Marvin sadly.

"Haha.. It'sit's okay. I'm already sincere. At least, until now Xeron still cares for me and takes good care of me" replied Hansel smiling. His old face was so soothing, like there was no problem whatsoever.

Suddenly, the ground near them shook again and Arlon realized that they were still in the game that Xeron had made. He looked at the watch and didn't feel like they had been there for an hour and a half.

"It seems that we have to leave now" Arlon said with a bad feeling of having to leave Hansel alone.

"It's okay. It is time" said Hansel. He must be ready to live alone in loneliness. Arlon and Marvin immediately stood up and began to carry his backpack again.

"Oh yes, earlier you said I look like someone you once helped.“, Arlon said.

"Yep! Very similar to you", replied Hansel vigorously while observing Arlon from top to bottom.

"You know who he is? Or maybe you know his name?", asked Arlon expectantly what he thought was reality.

"I know he's also a good hunter, but I forgot what his name is" Hansel replied while trying to remember. Arlon was waiting patiently. "If it's not wrong.. Larry", replied Hansel who disappointed Arlon. "H wait, no. Her name.. Luvi. Yes, Luvi. Luvians."