THER MELIAN: CHRONICLES

Episode 3

Vrey gasped awake, cold sweat pouring out on his pung, and his forehead. He blinked his eyes many times, in disbelief as he looked at the roof above his head. Vrey tried to use his hand to help him get up, and that's when he realized there was a thick bandage around his right arm. Slow down and struggling, Vrey finally woke up. He sat on the couch and observed the room he was in.

Inside the room were two beds and a simple wooden table. Across from her bed, Vrey sees a round window. The hustle and bustle of the city rang out from outside the window.

Tried Vrey walked up to the red-painted round window and opened the window. He looked out and realized his room was located on the second floor. A very foreign city lay just below him.

Vrey covered his eyes from the red light of the afternoon sun coming from the side. The cold night wind started to blow, clanking wind chimes that were not only on the windows of his room, but also on all the doors and windows of the city. Almost all the houses are decorated with small bells.

The aroma of incense burned in a bronze pot that was hung in front of each house spread into his room.

The city was tiny, no bigger than Mildryd. The building is round with a red roof taper. In addition to the house, Vrey saw a place for rice milling and storage. The stone-covered city streets look slippery due to drizzle, as well as the brightly painted wooden walls and roofs of houses. Around the city there are terraced rice paddies made in stages, following the slope of the mountain where the city stands.

Almost everyone he saw was a Sancaryan; fair-skinned with jet-black hair. Vrey suspects he is now somewhere in the Kingdom of Lavanya.

Vrey looked back at his right hand that was tightly wrapped in cloth, trying to remember what caused the wound on his hand. His head was dizzy and his stomach was nauseous, he also still felt very weak. From earlier his heart was pounding no muddle. Vrey doesn't know what hit him. All he knew, he had just fallen asleep and had a long dream, dreaming about his meeting with Valadin six years ago.

The dream felt so real. Vrey could even imagine everything clearly, as if everything had just happened yesterday. It was as if Valadin was standing right beside her and smiling at her. And suddenly, a flash of the event he experienced flashed in Vrey's head.

He remembered seeing a cold smile on Valadin Dan Valadin's face ... Valadin drew his sword and took the life of an Elvar.

Vrey jerks. His breathing was tight, his knees were trembling as he remembered all that. Little by little flashes of the events that had happened filled his mind. Starting from his reunion with Valadin on Mount Ash, and how he and Aelwen and Rion must fight against Valadin and his friends.

They lose the fight, Vrey is hit by Karth's knife poison, then Eizen casts fire magic on him and everything goes dark.

Vrey had no idea how long it had passed since the incident. Maybe a week or two, or even more, all he knew was that he was unconscious during that interval of time.

“Vrey!” A voice from behind him called out to him.

Vrey turned his head, Rion standing in the doorway of his room.

“You shouldn't wake up.” Rion forces Vrey back onto the couch. “The poison has not completely disappeared from inside your body. I didn't even think you could come to your senses so soon.”

But rest is the last thing Vrey has in mind right now. “What happened? ask Vrey. “Where are we? Where's Aelwen? Is she okay?”

“Quiet first,” says Rion. “At this time we are in a shelter in Shailaja City. Aelwen is taking care of something in town, he should be back in a minute. And as for what happened, I'll tell you if you want to lie down and listen.”

Finally Vrey let Rion guide him to lie down again on the cot. Rion took a deep breath before starting her story.

He starts from the last incident before Vrey loses consciousness, when Eizen attacks them with his magic....

***

Rion saw a whirlpool of fire hurtling from the end of Eizen's wand and snatched them away. Aelwen cast a magic protector, but this time the one he created was already very weak. In an instant, Eizen's fire magic enveloped them.

The confines of the fire exploded with a fierce force, collapsing the floor of the cave where they stood. They were freed from Eizen's fire magic, but are now free-falling into the hole. Rion could not see anything, his eyes agonized by a gust of strong wind.

Suddenly Rion felt Aelwen clutching his arm, instantly his body paused for a moment in the air. A loud clash sounded right in front of him. Rion opened his eyes slowly, realizing Aelwen had already formed a new magic protector, which hit the ground exactly a meter before him, saving them from a painful death.

Aelwen's magic protector lasted only a few seconds before disappearing. They fell thumping over the rocky ground, a few meters from the glowing magma pond. Rion's body ached as it hit the surface, but he knew it could have been much worse had Aelwen not cast a magic protector in time.

The magma spines helped Rion see in the darkness at the bottom of the hole. The first thing he saw was Vrey who was already unconscious. The girl drowned in her hand. He turned his gaze the other way as he felt Aelwen's grip grow tighter. Aelwen was exhausted, barely even able to stand, his hands shaking violently, his face deathly pale.

“Your id is good!” whispered Rion.

Aelwen nodded without answering. His breathing was breathless, as if at any moment he could fall unconscious.

Suddenly Rion was surprised by Vrey who suddenly had a seizure. Without wasting any time, Rion took the leaves from his bag. He squeezes and mixes it into a water bag and drinks it on Vrey and dumps it into Vrey's injured hand.

Rion felt Aelwen let go of his grasp. The girl cupped her hands over Vrey's wounds, a warm beam of light emanating from her hands. Rion was about to prevent it, but it was too late. Along with the dim light coming out from his palm, Aelwen fell unconscious.

Rion looked at the two girls in turn. One was severely poisoned and was already on the verge of death. The other one fainted from using too much magic. He checked the items Vrey and Aelwen had brought with him while thinking about what he could do to help them.

A feather of Fire Bird poked from Vrey's bag. An idea suddenly flashed through his head. If now he had gone and carried that precious feather, no one would have known,

don't you?

The treasure he was after lay unguarded in plain sight. There was no reason for him not to take it. He had already fulfilled all of his agreements to Vrey and Aelwen, even more. He was entitled to his payment and had no obligation to help them anymore.

Rion bit her lip. “Sial,” meaning. He will not live quietly knowing he is responsible for what will happen to Vrey and Aelwen if he ignores them.

Rion tore off the cloth of his coat and used it to bandage the wound on Vrey's hand. It was then that he realized there was something in Vrey's grasp, a brooch studded with a dark indigo-colored stone that emitted a strange silver glow

that stings. It was the brooch that Eizen had previously exhibited. Rion knew right away, he could not linger there.

He shouldered Vrey and Aelwen at once, then carried them down the magma stream at the bottom of the hole. It didn't take him long to find a way out. Rion was relieved once upon realizing he recognized the area. They were in a valley on the other side of Mount Ash. At the bottom of the valley are the ruins of a city belonging to the Elvar Nation that was destroyed thousands of years ago. He often brings treasure hunters to explore here.

Half-dead he went down a steep valley to reach the ruins. The night is coming soon and it looks like the storm is coming down as well. He must reach the ruins quickly and find shelter.

The ruins are vast. But a layer of thick ash and pumice stones several meters high had buried most of the city. While the rest, there are only one two buildings that are still intact under the black pile.

At that moment it started to rain. Fortunately, Rion found a relatively intact building. The building was windowless and the inside was filled with ash. Animal bone fragments and pottery shards were strewn across the floor. Rion laid the two girls on the floor and hurriedly lit a bonfire from the roots and dry leaves he could find. Then he moved Vrey as close to the fire as possible to keep him warm.

Thundering lightning and increasingly heavy rain spots filled his hearing. Rion sighed, relieved that at least they were already in a safe place. The storm would wipe away their footprints in case the Elvars decided to chase. And if their luck was good, Dark Fog would fill these ruins, making it difficult for their pursuers.

He was cleaning the wound on Vrey's hand with medicinal grass when Aelwen suddenly woke up. The girl screamed stifledly as she looked at the shrunken, petrified body at the end of the room. But Aelwen soon regained control when he realized the body he saw was lifeless and probably died thousands of years ago.

Aelwen did not take long to familiarize his eyes with the darkness. As soon as he noticed the presence of Rion and Vrey, he ran towards them. Aelwen looked very anxious when he realized how pale Vrey's face was. He cupped his hands over Vrey's arm, about to heal him.

But Rion stopped him. “Do not waste your energy,” said. “The poison in his body is deadly, it is beyond your ability to cure it.”

Aelwen clenched his hands disappointed. “Where are we?” ask her with a clenched voice.

“We are in the ruins of Elvar city not far from the foot of Mount Ash,” replied Rion. “I've inhibited the circulation of toxins in the blood Vrey.”

“How to?” ask Aelwen.

Rion took out a few dried leaves from his canyon. “This leaves can temporarily stop the circulation of toxins. But I can only treat it to this far.”

Aelwen received the leaves that Rion extended and watched him. “This is a very rare plant. Where'd you get it?”

Rion furrowed his brows. Aelwen's vast knowledge was completely unnatural, even for a brash girl. “Sometimes I found it while exploring the forest on the slopes of these mountains. I mostly sell, of course, but I always keep a few. On a journey through mountains and forests like this, you never know what might happen. But unfortunately, the power of this plant is not so potent to ward off poison concoction Elvar.”

Aelwen was a little relieved to hear that. “Vrey gives off cold sweat, so I guess this plant helps his body fight that poison. I'll change his clothes, where

our other stuff?”

“Lost! We left it on the mountainside along with our horse, remember?”

“Ah, yes. It is no longer possible to take it, huh?” Aelwen sat down beside Vrey.

Rion straightened his feet on the ground, completely exhausted. “But he's a good horse. I saved him from these mountains and took care of him since last year.”

“Sorry about your horse,” Aelwen said sincerely. “By the way, why did you take us both so far, you can take care of us near the foot of the mountain, right?”

“This is the cause.” Rion reached into his pocket and passed the brooch he had found on Aelwen.

Aelwen caught it and snorted as if something was shaking his palm. He observed it well near the bonfire.

Rion explained. “I found it in Vrey's grasp. The brooch seemed to be precious, the Elvar would realize that it was missing. Sooner or later, they will climb down to look for it.”

Rion shook his head. “I have absolutely no magic talent, unlike the two of you.”

“Do you think they already realize we're alive?” ask Aelwen again.

“Kurasa yes. They're probably looking for us right now.

But don't worry, we're safe here.”

Moaning slowly made Aelwen and Rion turn their heads towards Vrey.

“Valadin,” Vrey whispered softly in between her pain.

Hearing the name called, Aelwen bit his lips, his face filled with anger. Rion was not surprised to see it, considering all the deeds of Valadin inside the cave earlier. Valadin's friends almost got them all killed. So why is Vrey still calling the guy's name?

Aelwen slammed his fist into the floor of the cave. “When we started this journey, I promised, promising that this time it was my turn to help her. But in times like these, though,

I can't even do anything!”

“Do not blame yourself,” Rion reminded. “Without you, the three of us were dead when we fell. Tomorrow we continue our journey. The town of Shailaja is only about a three-day drive from here. We can find a better antidote to the poison there.”

“You're right,” murmured Aelwen.

Shailaja is a small town located in the north of the Lavanya Kingdom, a kingdom famous for its medicinal and alchemical sciences. If there's an antidote for Vrey, then that's where they can find him.

Aelwen ripped a piece of cloth from his clothes and used it to wipe the sweat off Vrey's forehead and neck. “Hold in a moment, Vrey, until we get to Shailaja,” whispered in Vrey's ear.

“By the way,” said Rion. “Why keep it a secret that you're an Eldynn?”

Aelwen looked extremely shocked as Rion asked him. He was unable to hide his anxiety.

Rion immediately continued. “I may not have any magic talent, but I knew protective magic when I saw it. Only Vestal, Magus, and Eldynn were capable of using such magic. You're definitely not a Magus, let alone Vestal. Looking at your ability to fight with a sword, I think you're an Eldynn. But that's not a typical profession for a respectable girl, is it? Even swinging a sword is considered a shame, is that why you hid it?” Rion glanced at Aelwen.

Aelwen let out a long breath. “Listen, Rion .. I'm so grateful for what you've done for us. But please do not ask again about such personal problems.” He stared at Rion sharply.

“I'm afraid my curiosity is too big to ignore,” said Rion. “You keep a big secret, I doubt even Vrey really knows who you really are.”

Aelwen bit her lip furiously, then grabbed her chest and pointed the tip towards Rion's neck. “If you keep bringing this up, I will not hesitate to use my sword!” threaten her. “So keep your mouth shut, just run your duty, take us all the way to Shailaja City and you will be paid well!”

Rion stood up and shrugged his shoulders. “Hey, I, right, just asked, no need to be angry like this. And remember, you need me to get out of this place. So put down your sword before you do something you'll regret later.”

After saying that, Rion walked towards the corridor while carrying a water bag. The rain has not subsided yet, Rion will fill his pockets with water. He did not get any answers from Aelwen, but he had already confirmed one

thing. Aelwen kept a secret from all of them. A very big secret.

***

Vrey is still digesting the summary of the incident. Rion's story of Aelwen using a magic protector to prevent them from hitting the bottom of the abyss makes Vrey's memory retreat to the moment of the incident at Rilyth Lamire. Back then, Aelwen survived without serious injuries after falling from the third floor and hitting the stone floor. Surely at that time Aelwen also used the same magic unwittingly Vrey.

Yes ... Aelwen is an Eldynn. It might even be a very powerful Eldynn, like Valadin.

Rion exhaled a long breath after telling a story. “I don't mean to complain Aelwen,” he said. “I also don't mean to make you suspect your own friend. But he does keep secrets from us, I don't know why.”

“Why is he keeping all this from me?” said Vrey. “Who is he exactly?”

Rion shrugged his shoulders. “There's one possibility I'm thinking about right now, but I have to make sure of it first.” “If you don't mind, can you tell me after knowing it? I really want to know what Aelwen.” is hiding Vrey looked at Rion. “But I have nothing left to pay you.”

“You don't have to pay me. Anyway, I'm just as curious as you are.”

Vrey smiled weakly. “Thank you.”

“But, remember,” said Rion. “As long as you are unaware, Aelwen continues to look after you and carry you tirelessly all the way to this city. No matter what I find later, don't forget it.”

Suddenly the door opened and Aelwen came in. He jumped in shock as his eyes collided with Vrey. Aelwen approached Vrey and knelt by his side. “You're aware? Are you okay?” Relief was evident from his face.

Vrey looked at Aelwen's face. His friend looked crumpled and pale, fatigue lines were clearly drawn under his eyes. Vrey forced a smile so Aelwen wouldn't worry too much. “Slightly stiff and paralyzed, but I think I'll be fine,” he replied.

Rion stood up. “Then I will leave you two. There are still a lot of things I need to take care of,” he said while glancing meaningfully at Vrey before leaving the room.

Vrey knew right away, Rion was going to investigate Aelwen.

“So,” said Aelwen suddenly, “it looks like Rion has told you everything.”

Vrey nodded. “Yeah. Sorry I got you involved in all this.”

Aelwen smiled. “Don't say that. We did all this together, right?”

For a moment Vrey felt like his stomach was being hit. Aelwen continues with him through all this, even taking his life to save Vrey. But why did Aelwen keep a secret from her? Doesn't Aelwen trust him? Vrey hastily controlled his emotions. “By the way ... Where have you been?” tanyakanya.

Aelwen smiled. “I took this from the place of a craftsman.” He reached into the small cloth bag he was carrying and took out its contents, a shirt.

At first glance the shirt looked like ordinary clothes, but after Vrey observed it, he was stunned. The material is not of cotton or silk, but something shiny, as if alive and held together by a thread that burns like fire. Nymph's Cloak!

“Gosh,” hiss Vrey. “I've even forgotten about this thing.” He could barely say a word. Shaking, Vrey grabbed the Nymph Cloak and examined it. It's perfect, it shines like a rainbow, it's amazing. More than he ever imagined. “But, how to?”

Aelwen. “As long as you are unaware, Rion and I are busy touring the city. We finally found a blind craftsman who could turn the feathers of the Fire Bird into a thread scroll, which was then used to sew the Nymph's Cloak. The rest of the thread I use to pay the healer, Rion services, and this inn.”

For a few minutes, Vrey continued to observe the robe in his hand. He still did not fully believe everything he had experienced in the past few weeks. Leaving Mildryd, stealing the amulet at Rilyth Lamire, then meeting Rion, and hunting the Fire Bird. His search for the Nymph's Cloak has taken him to a faraway place and reunited him with the person he most wanted to forget.

Vrey bowed limp. “We can not go back to Mildryd, yes?”

“Why is that?” Aelwen furrowed his brows.

“You don't think they realized I stole a brooch

that?” ask Vrey. “If they knew we were still alive, Mildryd was the first place Valadin would go to! If we go back, we will only endanger our friends there.”

Aelwen sat beside him. “But, they couldn't possibly dare to do such a thing, right? I mean Mildryd is crowded, is it possible that they would make a fuss in such a place?”

Vrey shrugged his shoulders. “You saw for yourself what they were doing in that cave, right? Even in my opinion, the Magus named Eizen will not hesitate to scorch all Mildryd to get the brooch and eliminate eyewitnesses.”

Aelwen tried to calm Vrey down. “Maybe there is no need to get to that,” he said. “We only have to temporarily step aside from Mildryd until it is calmer.”

“And how long is it?” ask Vrey sharply. “A year? Two years? Ten years? They're Elvar, they won't die unless someone kills them! How long do you think they're gonna take until they don't hunt us down again?”

Aelwen touched his shoulder slowly, trying to spare a bur, but Vrey was unwilling to be comforted.

“Leave me alone,” he said in a raucous voice. He turned his back on Aelwen.

“Good. I'll be downstairs if you need me.” He left their room.

Vrey didn't really mean to chase Aelwen away like that, but he was already unable to stem his emotions anymore. He was afraid his tears would spill. Vrey won't cry in front of Aelwen or anyone else.

The light of the twilight sun burst in from the window of the room, making the entire room glow with a shade of shade that hurt the eyes.

Vrey bit his lips, a gushing pain filled his chest. But he didn't want to let that rule him. Vrey turned his gaze back to the Nymph Cloak that was on his lap. He finally got the treasure he wanted. But in order to get it, he had to exchange it for everything that meant to him.