THER MELIAN: CHRONICLES

Episode 2

Vrey is a thirteen-year-old girl. Tap the young girl did not show at all concern—let alone fear—although it is currently sitting in the middle of the night blind without armed with any lighting.

He was in the Telssier Forest, a forest area controlled by the Elvar Nation. The human inhabitants of the city of Mildryd did not dare to approach the forest. But Vrey is different, he's a Vier ⁇ Elv; half Elvar is half Human. Vrey has hearing and vision as sharp as a fox, like a pure-blooded Elvar.

Vrey held onto his rumbling stomach, he had not eaten since lunch. Gill—leader of his accomplice—don't give him a ration today. Vrey hasn't had a game in a week. As one of the thieves living in Gill's house, the rules are very clear: there is no food for the non-working. Tonight Vrey has to catch something, otherwise tomorrow he'll starve again.

Vrey is never alone. His friends Rufius, Blaire, and Clyde, always accompanied him hunting. But today they went out of town. Gill sent them to send orders to collectors and containers in the nearby town.

Vrey waited with bated breath when he heard the sound of the teak tree crowd. Various creatures can emerge from behind the trees, and Vrey prepares for all possibilities. If he's lucky, a male Shadhavar he's after. If the fate is not good, a Daemon or worse, Elvar warrior.

A child-tall creature stepped out from behind the trees, the silver glow of the full moon shining down on its golden feathers. The wind played a soft musical sound as it blew through the cavity in the creature's horn. Vrey's long-awaited Shadhavar finally shows up.

Suddenly, the animal stopped stepping as if something was surprising to him. As soon as he appeared, he jumped over the bushes and disappeared back into the forest. Vrey soon realizes the cause, the presence of a pair of Elvar from the opposite side of the forest. Vrey's entire body stiffened, he dared not breathe, worried that his presence was realized by the two Elvars.

One of Elvar—a yellow-haired maize woman who was raked up to hip—found the bait that Vrey had prepared in the middle of the open ground. He growled in annoyance, then smashed the long white stick he had brought into the trap.

The other Elvar was a golden-haired man who had shined shimmering armor, a glittering sword embedded in his belt. She stood in the middle of the open ground, her sturdy figure looking charming under the moonlight. He watched the surroundings with his pair of golden-colored eyeballs.

For a split second, Vrey felt his heart pound when he saw the man. There was something from her graceful look and eyes, which made Vrey unable to ignore the Elvar just like that. But, his life experience as a thief for several years has taught Vrey something.

Never lose your vigilance in the presence of Elvar!

Vrey distracts her from the man, concentrating on hiding his whereabouts. Such a state lasts for a few minutes. Vrey felt his chest tight because he had to breathe very slowly. Fortunately the man Elvar immediately ended his search. He helped his girlfriend clear the mesh traps and sugarcane bait on the ground, then returned to the trees.

Vrey was amazing. He was quite upset because of the bait and traps he had painstakingly brought from Mildryd taken them. But things could get worse, they could catch him.

For a moment, Vrey pensively. He lost his bait and trap. But he can't go home to Mildryd empty-handed, Gill can beat him up. Right now, he was only carrying a dagger. Vrey doesn't believe he's capable of crippling a Shadhavar with just his dagger.

A heavy voice suddenly sounded from behind him. “Halo, little girl.”

Vrey gasped, he turned as fast as lightning. His heart almost jumped out when he realized Elvar the man was already standing right behind him. His glittering sword unsheathed, the man smiled sinisterly. “If I were you, I wouldn't try to fight,”.

But Vrey doesn't care. He swung his dagger to pull over the sword, an action that resulted in his dagger breaking. Vrey was wide-eyed, while the man in front of him smiled happily. Vrey hurriedly jumped backwards, standing in the middle of the open ground now.

The Elvar lightly set foot toward Vrey's place. With a haughty smile and a condescending look, he watches Vrey as a predator observes his quarry.

Vrey continued to step back until the silvery moonlight shone on him. Suddenly the Elvar stopped his cage. As if frozen, he stared at Vrey.

Vrey looked back at him. He was terrified, but he had no intention of showing it. “You won't catch me alive! I'll fight to the death if I have to,” challenge Vrey.

But the Elvar in front of him did not reply, he flinched and continued to stare at Vrey.

Vrey asked again. “So? Are you planning to kill me here?”

“No,” the answer is slow. His voice sounded calm even though there was a bit of a strange vibration in his tone. “I just want to ask you,” he added.

“About what?” reply Vrey ketus.

“Tell me your name?”

“Vrey!”

“Vrey, is your father an Elvar named Reuven?”

Vrey gasp. He guessed that Elvar would interrogate him about his plot in Mildryd. “Contact,” Vrey meng ⁇ geleng. “I never met him.”

“Then your mother, is she a Human named Lyra?” ask the man again.

Vrey's heart beat faster when he heard Elvar mention the name of the woman who might be his mother's name. “I don't know, since I was a kid my grandfather grew up. Do you know them, my mom and dad?” ask Vrey doubtfully. Vrey never knew anything about his real parents. His grandfather died when he was five years old, after which Gill took him in.

Elvar shrugged his shoulders. “I'm not sure if you're their daughter. But your face looks a lot like Lourd Reuven. Your age is also appropriate, too impossible if it is just a coincidence,” he replied, not distracting him from Vrey.

Then suddenly he drew his sword. “I'm Valadin Illiyara,” said. “You're not pureblood, so I guess you can call me Valadin. Lourd Reuven is my best friend, he's like a big brother to me. She disappeared fifteen years ago to marry a Human, but I will never forget her face.”

Vrey felt his heart beat faster than ever. Just this time she heard and knew so much about her biological parents. He had almost forgotten that Valadin had intended to catch him, Vrey walked up to him. “Are you absolutely sure your friend Reuven is my father?” tanyakanya.

“Seeing the resemblance of your face, I would love to answer yes,” replied Valadin gently. “But I have to make sure first before answering your question. I won't catch you this time, go home, and don't come back to this forest.”

“But I want to know more about my parents,” denied Vrey. “Who are they? Why did they leave me? Are they still alive? You have to tell me about them!”

“Maybe tonight is not the right time,” said Valadin wisely. “Many of your questions I myself do not know the answer. I'll find out about them as much as I can, after that we'll talk again.”

“When?” cecar Vrey is impatient.

“On the upcoming full moon night, meet me in the forest near Mildryd. Don't go back to this forest, if another soldier catches you, I won't help you,” he warned.

Finished saying so, Valadin turned away, his long robe flashed before he disappeared back towards the lush trees.

***

A red-looking moon hung over the sky that shaded the city of Mildryd. The night was quite bright, there were no thick clouds and Dark Mist lingering around the forest.

Vrey put on his hooded robe, then opened the window of his room located on the second floor. Laughter rang out from downstairs, and Gill and his friends were not asleep. They were drinking to celebrate their hunt.

Slowly and carefully Vrey climbed down from the roof of the building. He reached for a weathered wooden board that read ‘Liar’ Cat Stores that hung on the doorstep before jumping down onto the stone road. It was exactly a month since his meeting with Valadin in the Telssier Forest. Vrey had promised to meet him again in the small forest located on the edge of the city of Mildryd.

Tonight he will probably know everything about his past. The past that has never been traced. Before this, Vrey did not have much issue with the fact that he did not know anything about his biological parents. But when Valadin said his name, he suddenly wanted to know about his identity, about his origin.

Vrey darted across the rocky road flanked by rows of wooden buildings. He walked through the city center which was still crowded with merchants. Arriving at the gate located on the side of the city, Vrey ran towards the forest.

Valadin did not say exactly which part of the forest they would meet. But the forest was not too broad, Vrey had memorized all his parts, especially with his sharp senses, it would not be difficult to find Valadin.

That night the forest felt very stuffy. Vrey flicked his headscarf around the edge of the forest, trying to find any sign of Valadin. But after almost half an hour of wandering around without direction, he heard nothing but the chirping of night birds and the sound of insects. There was no sign of Valadin.

Is it possible that he was tired of waiting and finally came home?

Vrey shakes. The night was already late, but Valadin also did not say when exactly they would meet.

Or did he forget?

Nnnnope. An esteemed Elvar cannot possibly deny his own words.

Various questions and answers flashed alternately in Vrey's head, until he finally came to a conclusion. Perhaps Valadin had investigated and learned that Vrey was not Reuven's daughter, so he decided there was no point in seeing Vrey again.

The spirit that had been stirring in Vrey suddenly disappeared. He rubbed his hot eyes with the tip of his sleeve. His emotions were clumping inside his chest, but he himself did not know what was the cause. Was it because he would never know about his past or because he would never see Valadin again?

That's ridiculous! Vrey wiped his eyes. Why is it sad to not be able to meet someone I just met?

People I don't even know! Doesn't make sense.

“We meet again, little girl.”

The voice made Vrey look back, coming from behind a grove of teak trees. He scattered the bushes of the kaliandra and the creeping plants that grew between the two great trees. The full moonlight illuminated the shrubby ground behind that narrow crack.

Valadin sat on the ground, his handsome face paled with pain. Something made of metal clamped his foot, pierced through the sidelines of his armour shoes and punched into his skin.

Vrey immediately realized what was happening, Valadin stepped on an animal trap. The traps he stepped on were very strong, probably used to trap large animals such as wild boars. Vrey hurriedly approached to see how he was doing.

“Liver,” Valadin warns. “Maybe there are others.”

After making sure that the path he passed was clean from the battle hood, Vrey approached Valadin. “What happened?” tanyanya.

“While waiting for you, some hunters crossed this area. I hid behind the trees, hoping to avoid their suspicions and questions but instead stepped on this old trap.” Valadin smiled wryly. Even in the dimness of the moonlight, her face still looks charming.

“How long have you been waiting for me?” vrey asked as he fumbled around the bush, looking for branches large enough and strong to open a trap.

“I've been in this forest since sunset,” Valadin replied.

Vrey gasped, Valadin had been waiting for him for eight more hours. “Sorry, I can only come this late, there is

the work I need to finish,” he replied. Guilt hurts him. Vrey was late because he and his friends were hunting in the Telssier Forest, which Valadin had forbidden.

Vrey was getting nervous, he kept searching among the bushes. But Valadin suddenly clutched his hand tightly. “No need to feel guilty like that,” he said calmly. “What matters is that you've come. There's a lot I want to tell you.”

Vrey felt his heart thump as Valadin touched it. He hurriedly withdrew his hand, as smooth as possible so that Valadin would not be offended. “You can tell me while I take care of your wounds,” he said.

Valadin nodded in agreement. After searching far enough Vrey finally found a sturdy branch to release Valadin's legs from the trap. The man watched as Vrey cleaned the wound on his leg. “You are indeed the daughter of Reuven,” she said without further ado.

Valadin's words made Vrey stop his work. He looked straight into Valadin's eyes, there was no doubt in the man's eyes. “So you know my father. Where is he now?” ask Vrey.

Valadin continued his story. “Fifteen years ago, Reuven fell in love with your mother, Lyra. Despite knowing the punishment for Elvar marrying Man, he still did his duty. At that time everyone, including myself, was against it. Then your father decided to start a new life with his gypsy wife. They live in a life moved from one place to another, and I haven't heard from him since.” Valadin looked into Vrey's eyes deeply. “After meeting you last month, I started tracking down the whereabouts of that gypsy group. Fortunately they still remember your father even though time has long passed.”

Valadin paused for a moment to catch his breath. “They told me, your mother died giving birth to you. Your father took care of you alone until you were three, but the sadness of your mother's passing was too much for him to bear. He handed you over to your grandfather, the father of your mother who settled in Mildryd and then he left.”

Vrey's forehead is wrinkled. “Go? Where to?”

Valadin bit his lip, he looked doubtful as he replied. “Our bodies cannot grow old, we will not die. Many of my people who marry Man cannot endure sorrow after the death of their spouse. Rather than having to live an eternal life without their loved ones, they decided to end their eternal life.”

Explanation Valadin jerking Vrey “So you mean him. ”

Valadin's facial complexion barely changed as he dug in. “Entah why am I not surprised to know that,” he said. “Since Reuven declared his intention to marry your mother, I always suspected this would be the end.” Valadin's voice sounded heavy and full of regret.

Vrey lowered his face deeply, trying to digest the information Valadin had just told him. His mind felt empty, he did not know whether to feel relieved or sad after hearing all that.

My parents are both gone....

I don't know why that didn't surprise Vrey. He expected it. Maybe because years of being duped under the care of others without ever knowing who and where his real parents are. Vrey also never expected to see them again after such a long time. But he felt a little relieved, at least now he knew who they were in life.

As the sun began to peek from the east, Vrey finished treating the wound on Valadin's leg. Slowly Valadin tried to stand up, he grimaced in pain and had to drag his leg every time he stepped up. Vrey leads Valadin down to an easier-to-travel path.

Valadin bowed his body slightly. “I'm so grateful you took care of me.”

But Vrey shook his head weakly. “This is all I can do for you. You've been so nice to me since we met.” Vrey's face glimmered in the morning sunlight. “Better you go now,” continued Vrey. “After this forest will be filled with Humans.”

Actually Vrey wanted to ask if they could meet again, but he did not manage to gather his courage. This time, he had no reason to ask Valadin to meet.

But, it was Valadin who asked. “Can we meet again? I didn't know about your father's life after he got married. But I can tell you all the things I knew about him when he was a part of our people.”

Vrey found it hard to believe his hearing when he heard the phrase slide from Valadin's lips. It took him a few seconds to respond. “When?”

Vrey nodded. Valadin smiled in satisfaction, he turned around and then stepped slowly down the path bathed in the warm golden light of the sun. Vrey stared fixedly at his figure until Valadin turned at the end of the road and disappeared from view.

***

That was how their friendship was formed. Since that event, Vrey always took the time to meet Valadin in the Mildryd forest or on the edge of the Telssier Forest. They would sit for hours in the moonlight and talk about everything from Lourd Reuven, Vrey's father, to their own lives.

For some reason, Vrey always looks forward to meeting Valadin. Being on Valadin's side made him feel comfortable. Their friendship was a secret she never told anyone, including her friends at the Wild Cat's Shop.

Gurgling water rang out from the small rocky creek that flowed beside the meadow where Vrey was. Valadin laid himself on the grass, right next to Vrey. There's not much they're talking about today. Valadin looked very tired, it seemed like he was on a lot of work.

Valadin was one of the leaders of the Falthemnar Legion, an elite soldier of the Elvar Nation. Every time they met, he always wore an official uniform complete with his robe. Vrey is often surprised, how Valadin took the time to come here in between his busy life.

Vrey glanced to the side. Several fireflies piled around Valadin, sparkling a sparkling glow. He saw the man's eyes closed.

Did he fall asleep or just rest his eyes?

Vrey doesn't know. But he didn't want to disturb Valadin's rest, so he laid his back on the grass. The smell of wet grass mixed with the scent of Valadin calmed his mind. Vrey had just closed his eyes when Valadin suddenly called out to him. “There's something I want to ask.”

Vrey tilted his body, realizing Valadin had done the same. Their faces were facing, so close. The eyes of Valadin who was very close to him made Vrey go awry.

“Ya?” vrey answered after controlling his feelings.

“Will you stay with me, in Falthemnar?”

For a moment, Vrey was unsure of his hearing. “What?”

“Will you stay with me, in Falthemnar?” Valadin repeated his question patiently.

Vrey gulped. “But, I ... Isn't Falthemnar closed to people like me?”

“You don't have to worry about that,” Valadin said seriously. “What do you mean?”

“I've arranged everything. I have also obtained approval from the Elders of Elvar to take you to live with us. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Vrey, there's never been a Vier ⁇ Elv as privileged as you.”

Vrey felt his heart explode upon hearing that, he was both excited and anxious. Living in Falthemnar means he can be with Valadin. But it also means he has to die his friends and his life all this time.“I'm glad you offered me,” said Vrey. “But I can't die my friend.”

“Oh.” Valadin tried hard to hide the disappointment on his face, but Vrey knew right away.

“I'm sorry. I'm so glad you offered it, I'm really grateful. But I have to think about it first. I can't imagine parting with them.”

“I understand,” said Valadin “Your friend is already a family for you. You love them so much, you never told me about them.” Disappointment

it still sounds clear from his voice. “But you must remember, the Elvar blood that runs through your body is a part of you that you cannot deny. There's a part of you that wants to come to Falthemnar and know another life that you could have. If your friends care about you, as much as you care about them, they will understand.”

Valadin rose to his feet in one fell swoop, his sturdy body that was struck by a silvery light making his armor glitter. “Think my words and give your answer at our next meeting in two weeks.”

***

Vrey clasped Valadin's hand as they walked into Falthemnar, a row of towering giant trees welcoming their arrival. The green mossy trees were huge, even large enough to build a round house with a taper roof at the top. Dozens of suspension bridges intersect the veranda of the house, like a highway that crosses the entire city.

The sun had just set, a reddish glow peering between the treetops above their heads. Small rocks arranged neatly on the roof and porch of the house emit a weak light. The city of Falthemnar flickered and fluorescent in soft white.

But the beautiful sparkling trees were unable to distract Vrey from the incoming Elvars. The Elvar leaned over the suspension bridge to observe Vrey, obviously not liking the presence of Vrey— - a ViereElv— in their city.

The Elvar's welcome scared Vrey. He glanced around; except for Valadin, not a single one was staring at him

amiably. Vrey felt his steps were tossed, in his little heart there was regret for deciding to come to this city and leave his friends in Mildryd. He did not even dare to say goodbye to them when he was about to leave, they must have been worried.

But Valadin squeezes Vrey's fingers tightly, leaving him jolted with shock and awakening from his daydream. “Not to be afraid, there I am here,” he said soothingly.

Vrey took a deep breath. He let Valadin guide his steps down the path between giant trees. After that they walked down the suspension bridge. Vrey ignores the cynical look directed at him, but he can still catch the scorn directed at him.

“See Vier ⁇ Elv's, really shameless,” whispered a woman from a tree on it.

“It looks like he is very happy to be able to enter this city,” said a man.

“The appearance is strange, yes, the skin is as pale as a Human.”

Vrey's heart was pounding, he was in a very foreign place. Unlike in his friendly town, everyone here hated him. Even if Valadin was next to him, Vrey was afraid that he would not be able to survive. But he can't back down anymore, he's already made a decision and now, he has to go through with it.

***

A few months have passed since Vrey decided to stay at Falthemnar. Valadin gave him a very comfortable residence, a guest house that was slightly separated from the Valadin family home.

Vrey loved the tiny house so much that its high altitude allowed him to observe the entire city in peace. Moreover, the location is also remote, so Vrey does not need to meet many people every day.

When Valadin wasn't busy, he must have visited Vrey. They would talk for hours until sunset while watching the entire city light up from a suspension bridge near Vrey's house. And Valadin will ask Vrey progress in magic lessons.

Ever since Vrey moved here, Valadin gave him the opportunity to study magic with the other Elvars. Although obviously his teacher was not enthusiastic about teaching him— and only did it because of Valadin—'s insistence but Vrey did not mind it. He was very happy to know that he had talent as a Magus.

But other than that one thing, Vrey found nothing else that made him feel at home living there. All the Elvar in Falthemnar hated him. They will stop doing activities and even stop talking as soon as Vrey passes, as if afraid Vrey will steal hear and know things that he should not miss hui.

Vrey was also shocked to discover that he was not allowed to leave Falthemnar, let alone visit his friends in Mildryd. The Elvars are so protective of their forest, they worry that Vrey is a spy that he treats himself like a prisoner.

Valadin always tells her to be patient, learn to leave her old way of life and start living like the Elvars. Sooner or later they will believe it.

Although upset, Vrey will not accept Valadin's advice because he wants to live freely in Falthemnar. Elvar lives by maintaining the balance of nature. According to them, nature only provides enough to meet the needs, and taking more than is needed will damage the balance of nature. The Elvar adores nature, they even have a special name to refer to every element of nature.

Vrey tried to live like Elvar, even starting from limiting meat eating as the Elvar did. He can do it because he is used to only eating vegetables at Gill's house if finances are running low. But he was not interested in any other activities that the Elvars used to do.

The life of the Elvar Nation is simple compared to Humans. There are only a few professions that they generally pursue, between being warriors—like Valadin, hunters, singers, or craftsmen. But none of those activities piqued Vrey's interest, except hunting was possible. Hunting was the only thing he had mastered since childhood. Although hunting Elvar style is very different from what is usually done Vrey.

The Elvar people are very selective in choosing their game. They do not hunt animals that are young or nursing. The number is limited, they only hunt as necessary, never excessive.

If the Elvars had allowed him to hunt, Vrey would have been eager to show them his abilities. But Valadin also forbade it. According to Valadin, it would only make it harder to let go of his past life.

Let go of your past life! that's what Valadin always said.

Vrey was very sad every time Valadin said it. He knew Valadin wanted him to be like another Elvar, not himself, and that left him discouraged. And when feeling down, Vrey will spend his time humming, muttering the only song he knew since he was a child.

Quietly, Valadin often listened to him. According to him, Vrey's voice is very melodious and he should have learned to sing in Elvar in order to become a Rahval or singer, like his father.

Be like your father, Valadin told him one day.

But I'm not my father, Vrey thought.

Vrey knew how great Valadin's sacrifice and struggle was for him to stay at Falthemnar. He tried not to spare any of it and tried to please Valadin, doing everything the man asked him to do, even if for that, he had to be a completely different person.

But the longer Vrey gets, the more he can't do it. He felt trapped, like a bird in a beautiful cage. Vrey is aware now that his only home is in Mildryd, with Gill and his friends. Vrey's really sorry why he just realized it now.

***

Tears welled up in Vrey's eyes as he left the tiny house he had been living in for a year. The sun has not yet risen. Vrey did not bring anything from the house, only wearing the clothes he was wearing when he came to Falthemnar a year ago.

Vrey has set his heart. He would leave Falthemnar and return to Mildryd, the place where he should be. Slowly but surely, Vrey stepped foot and crossed the suspension bridge in front of the house. There were so many memories on that bridge, his memories with Valadin. That was the only thing he would miss after he came back.

Vrey hasn't said goodbye to Valadin. He did not feel that he did not need to explain anything to the man who had been so kind to him. Only, he did not know what to say to Valadin. What reason could he make to explain why he left this city and ignored all the plans for his future that Valadin had devised? There was no explanation he could say that would not disappoint Valadin, and Valadin's disappointed face was the last thing he wanted to see.

Vrey walked through the vast courtyard, a row of white stones lined up along the fence illuminating his steps. He turned his head towards the mansion in the distance, the Valadin mansion. Vrey leaned in to observe the house and counted the windows to find Valadin's room.

Valadin's room was pitch-black, he must have fallen asleep at this moment. Vrey did not dare to imagine how disappointed Valadin would be tomorrow when he realized he had left. Vrey's heart raged, anxiety and anxiety flooded back in. But he re-established his heart and walked towards the border of the city. He was careful that no Elvar guards would see him as he slipped between the legs of the giant tree and left Falthemnar.

That night the new moon, the dense black moonless sky and thick fog helped smooth his escape. When he was far enough away to walk towards the forest, Vrey turned around, Falthemnar had already disappeared from his sight. The city was indeed protected by a magic wall so that people with no interest could not see it.

Vrey laughed bitterly, as if confirming from the beginning he was unwanted there. The Dark Mist that enveloped the forest was like a falsehood, as well as the lies he had lived for this year. He was so happy to leave all of that behind him. Vrey flinch for a while, his eyes dry, he's too tired to cry.

As the leaves broke the silence, the night wind felt so biting. Vrey rubbed his arm with both palms, shivering. She should have brought the hooded robe that Valadin had gifted her a few days ago. The robe was able to disguise its existence among the Elvars, so he could walk the streets of the city quietly without anyone scoffing at him.

But he had never tried that robe to travel. It would be nice to walk quietly with Valadin, holding his hand across the suspension bridge and the city square without having to pay attention to the piercing views of the others.

Vrey shook his head to get those thoughts out of his head. He twisted his body, preparing to return to Mildryd. It was then that he saw a sturdy figure suddenly appear before him, Valadin.

Valadin's armor looked dull in that sealed place, only the sword on his waist emitted a luminous glow.

“Vrey,” said. “Why did you leave without saying goodbye, when I thought you were happy here all along.”

Vrey stepped back, his tongue felt faint and his lips suddenly dry. He doesn't know what to say. “I won't bother you much longer, so I decided to go home to Mildryd.”

“What are you talking about? Your existence is not troublesome at all. After all you were no longer you a year ago, you have changed, I'm sure slowly everyone here will accept you.”

But Vrey was flinching. “See me, Valadin,” he said in a vibrating voice. “Look at me well, this is who I am! I am trying to change to make you happy. But I'm just deceiving myself, I can never be what you expect. I'm not supposed to stay here and you know it!” Vrey looked at Valadin fixedly as he said all that. He wanted Valadin to know that he meant it.

“Do not say so,” says Valadin “I have never thought like that, not in the least. Is there anything I can do to change your mind?”

Vrey shakes again. “I just want to go home. I didn't leave because I hated you. I don't know how to prove it to you, I hope someday you'll understand.”

Valadin reached out his hand, desperately looking at Vrey as if begging him to rethink everything. But Vrey squeezed his hand and did not reply.

“I understand,” Valadin said. “Your decision is round apparently.”

Vrey nodded. “Again, no one in this city will lose me.”

“You know it's not true, I'm going to lose you so much.” Valadin smiled bitterly.

“The only thing you miss is my father,” Vrey said. “Sorry, but I can't be a replacement for him, not anymore.”

“No!” refute Valadin.

But Vrey doesn't want to hear it. “Do not try to deny it. You know what I said just now is true, even if your tongue says otherwise. Do you think I can't figure out that simple thing by myself?” Vrey ended his words and then walked straight past Valadin, leaving Falthemnar.

Valadin did not call him anymore, not begging him to stay.

And as Vrey got further and further away from Falthemnar, Valadin's figure disappeared from the corner of his eye. He stopped his steps and looked up. Her eyes were wet and watery from earlier, but Vrey

I don't want any tears flowing down my cheeks. Vrey knew once he cried, he would not be able to stop, and right now, he had to look strong in front of Valadin. The twinkle of stars above the sky looks like fireflies flying in Vrey's wet eyes.

Despite the weight he was finally able to leave everything behind. Vrey knew he had to do it, whatever the consequences were waiting for him later.