No Plagiarism!iEZLTRrb2kZbxATueuOqposted on PENANA She stared in shock at the crumpled form, curled sideways on the rocky ground near the river. He did not move. A torn rucksack lay nearby, its contents strewn about the ground. Small droplets of blood dotted the ground around the man’s body.8964 copyright protection735PENANAIH0oxfrYBy 維尼
Her blue eyes cautiously scanning around for any danger, she carefully picked her way through the undergrowth, daring not even to breathe. Assured that the danger had left, she approached the injured man carefully.8964 copyright protection735PENANAjNbJnCJiij 維尼
He was a decade older than her, at least, and his closed eyes looked tired and worn. His dark hair was unkempt and dirty and matted with blood, and a beard covered his face. One hand clenched his abdomen, blood pooling out between his fingers.8964 copyright protection735PENANArCDvkQYClV 維尼
She nudged him gently. “Hello? Are you okay?” Hearing no response from him, she rolled him over to take a better look. He turned easily, and she gasped as she saw that he was missing his left arm, the sleeve hanging loosely. Biting her lip to calm her fear, she examined his shoulder through the thick shirt he wore, searching for signs of what had happened. The arm was simply gone, with no stump or blood that she could feel.8964 copyright protection735PENANA1Uqf3qfWPw 維尼
“Must be an old injury, right?” She concluded, mumbling to no one in particular.8964 copyright protection735PENANAOsg1pZSmne 維尼
The forest seemed unnaturally still, and there was no sound save for the wind rustling against the leaves overhead. The dense fog that once covered the area was nearly fully dissipated as she continued to examine the one-armed man.8964 copyright protection735PENANA80NdDischK 維尼
She moved his remaining arm away from the source of blood, gently laying it down beside his body. She immediately found the injury: a small gash in his stomach.8964 copyright protection735PENANAA12wD4XIIV 維尼
“You must have been robbed…” she surmised, searching around nervously for the people responsible. Finding nothing, she stood up. “Stay right here,” she said to the unconscious man on the ground as she and rushed off through the forest.8964 copyright protection735PENANAra52JobPFC 維尼
The water was cool and refreshing as it washed over her bloodied hands, dyeing the water around her a light pink. She scrubbed her hands vigorously as she knelt by the calm river, trying to force the nervous thoughts from her mind. Clean at last, she stood up and turned to look at the man she had found, shaking her hands to dry them. He lay still in the same position she had placed him, comfortably on his back. She sighed to herself as she thought about what she had done for him. Was it going to be enough? Are the stitches okay? She had never stitched anyone up before. According to the book, he could develop bad illnesses or even go into shock for not being treated properly. Had she made the right decision?739Please respect copyright.PENANANPnMh2V0ld
8964 copyright protection735PENANA8bBi124pZN 維尼
She bit her lip and closed her eyes to calm her racing mind. She had done exactly as the book said. It would have to be enough.8964 copyright protection735PENANA8zdPuWWAzR 維尼
She looked around at the torn rucksack lying on the ground nearby, surrounded by its contents. Sighing, she leaned over and picked it up, scooping up what she could salvage of the soiled food and dirt-covered clothes and stuffing it back into the old bag. She dropped it unceremoniously beside her medical supplies and a thick leather-bound book, the words “The World of Medicine” embossed into its spine.8964 copyright protection735PENANArH1dItpjtC 維尼
She looked back at the injured man once more, brushing the blond bangs out of her eyes. What is an amputee doing out here alone? She wondered. Doesn’t he know how dangerous it is?739Please respect copyright.PENANAV2nrqWVBTk
8964 copyright protection735PENANAMRMQHUBwDR 維尼
He stirred suddenly, causing her to squeal in fright. He groaned, a grimace of pain flashing across his face as he tried to sit up.8964 copyright protection735PENANAtSZAR4wd4y 維尼
She rushed over to him quickly, kneeling beside him and firmly placing a hand on his chest. “Stop,” she said, “you’re still hurt.”8964 copyright protection735PENANAVHvM4mXAGK 維尼
He looked at her with tired eyes, a look of confusion on his face. “What?” he muttered. He propped himself up on his arm, looking around. “Where am I?”8964 copyright protection735PENANAjJJudeYUvZ 維尼
He spoke quietly and pleasantly, his voice as rich and smooth as the chocolatey colour of his eyes. She smiled at him. “You’re in the Fairy’s Forest,” she explained gently, “I think you were robbed.”8964 copyright protection735PENANARsxi03G4u0 維尼
His eyes widened in realization as the memories came flooding back to him. Quickly, he turned over and brought his legs up under him, causing the girl to panic.8964 copyright protection735PENANAZDEKUrNT3L 維尼
“Stop!” she said, trying to move to block him from getting up. “You’re still injured!”8964 copyright protection735PENANAQ8izajQUcA 維尼
“That doesn’t matter.” He winced as he brought himself to his feet, clutching his abdomen. “Nothing matters. I have to go.”8964 copyright protection735PENANAu5yQBZBxVc 維尼
“Wait!” The girl moved in front of him, trying to hold him back. “You haven’t fully recovered yet! It’s too dangerous!”8964 copyright protection735PENANAoDB8Qz09s9 維尼
The man stopped resisting and looked the young girl over. She looked to be a teenager, but she held herself like she carried the weight of the world. Her long blond hair trailed down over her shoulders, and he saw fear and concern for him behind her blue eyes. She was dressed in a simple gown that looked like it should have been cast aside years ago, and her feet were bare.8964 copyright protection735PENANAICLaMyBkgL 維尼
“Thank you for saving me,” he said gently, “but the Gods wait for no one. I really have to get going.”8964 copyright protection735PENANATgZbhDx9FK 維尼
The girl looked up at the sky. “It’ll be dark soon.” She looked her patient in the eyes once more. “At least wait until the morning.”8964 copyright protection735PENANAMHs88ZMHjf 維尼
He sighed, throwing his head back in irritation. “I don’t know if I should.”8964 copyright protection735PENANA8qprBuXphq 維尼
“Please?” she begged, “I have food we can eat, and a safe place to sleep! It’ll be fine, I promise!”8964 copyright protection735PENANAPpVUPD3Mf4 維尼
He looked her over once more before nodding slowly, unable to deny her logic. “Alright, you win.”8964 copyright protection735PENANAT0eGJ2gEWa 維尼
She smiled warmly and bounded over to where her supplies and book was. “Here, this is yours.” She held up the rucksack for him to see.8964 copyright protection735PENANAqp1BCPd6OK 維尼
He chuckled and took it from her, slinging it over his right shoulder. “Thanks. I guess those robbers were upset they didn’t find anything valuable on me, huh?”8964 copyright protection735PENANAXPP63GM6X1 維尼
“All the effort of stabbing you for nothing,” she joked, standing up straight, the book clutched tightly to her chest.8964 copyright protection735PENANAAy6EVcHy3s 維尼
The two made small talk as they picked their way through the woods. The man was impressed at the way the girl moved through the undergrowth, silently and swiftly choosing her footing despite the thick ferns and weeds that blocked their path. “You’ve been out here a long time, haven’t you?” he remarked as she stopped to wait for him to catch up.8964 copyright protection735PENANAtJpn9NiDgC 維尼
She nodded in response. “I can’t remember how many years it’s been.”8964 copyright protection735PENANAjiR2gKybxs 維尼
“Why do you live out here? Don’t you have a family?”8964 copyright protection735PENANAPDJy4X94MR 維尼
The girl looked down at the ground as he approached, and he put a comforting hand on her shoulder. “I’m sorry.”8964 copyright protection735PENANA37HuzSDepF 維尼
She continued to walk through the forest without saying another word.8964 copyright protection735PENANAeerbtYv1lo 維尼
It wasn’t long before they arrived at her camp. A massive fallen tree had been uprooted, leaving a sheltered crater overshadowed by roots. Other trees around had been similarly uprooted or snapped in half, creating a swathe of destruction through the forest.8964 copyright protection735PENANAh1uone2ztS 維尼
“This is your camp?” he asked in awe, looking around at the damaged trees.8964 copyright protection735PENANApWWGuN37Jl 維尼
“Yep! A few days ago, a tornado swept through the area. I think it was magic, though.” She walked to the large fallen tree and jumped down into the crater, emerging a moment later with a small bag. Holding the bag in her teeth, she climbed out of the crater and walked over to the man. “Here.” She said, opening the bag and holding it out for him to see.8964 copyright protection735PENANAXWO40hPfLi 維尼
“Berries! Nice!” The man reached in and carefully pulled out a small handful, popping one into his mouth. He gave a sigh of satisfaction before gobbling the entire handful.8964 copyright protection735PENANAvQcFBHxbvg 維尼
The girl giggled. “I’m glad you like them.” She sat down on the ground, her back leaning up against the massive tree.8964 copyright protection735PENANAA7GEY4sHN4 維尼
He carefully lowered himself to join her. “They’re amazing. Godly.” He agreed, grabbing more from the bag.8964 copyright protection735PENANAQ5NSjYkw5I 維尼
“My name’s Liz, by the way,” she said, offering her hand to him.8964 copyright protection735PENANAH8MH6bFS0K 維尼
“Oh, right!” He hurriedly wiped his hand on his pants before accepting the handshake. “It’s nice to meet you, Liz.”8964 copyright protection735PENANAWIj72AEbVs 維尼
Liz gave him a look. “Do you have a name?” she asked after an awkward pause.8964 copyright protection735PENANA3UE84bfwO9 維尼
He leaned his head back against the fallen tree, looking up at the sky. “I did, once.”8964 copyright protection735PENANA2oWybbVNgM 維尼
“You don’t remember it?”8964 copyright protection735PENANAgdFwMLy5t9 維尼
He chuckled. “No, I definitely remember it.”739Please respect copyright.PENANAdnRqxUNEst
8964 copyright protection735PENANA2b8epoedKy 維尼
“Then what is it?”739Please respect copyright.PENANA1FnERFKtxW
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He met her gaze. She looked annoyed with him. He found himself more hurt by it than he expected to be.8964 copyright protection735PENANAdpXc0VtfQM 維尼
Sighing and looking away, he explained. “You can call me Mist, I guess.”8964 copyright protection735PENANAq3Q28D8T9d 維尼
“Mist?”8964 copyright protection735PENANAaAuHgUWrPS 維尼
“Yeah.”8964 copyright protection735PENANAmUBWrbU6ud 維尼
“But that isn’t your name…”8964 copyright protection735PENANA0vlU6eTMKg 維尼
Mist shifted uncomfortably and saw the pain in her eyes. “Names have a certain quality to them. It is believed that the Gods themselves gift us our names before we are even born, and tell our parents in dreams what to call us. A new life deserves a new name. So, Mist.”8964 copyright protection735PENANA8g5aDN48X0 維尼
“But why Mist?”8964 copyright protection735PENANAnxrhsbgces 維尼
He shrugged with his right shoulder, a strange movement that left Liz wondering why he bothered. “Mist. Sounds like Mystery.” He said dramatically.8964 copyright protection735PENANAujw5eDngEZ 維尼
Now it was Liz’s turn to look away, brushing the bangs out of her eyes. “Okay, fine. Mist, then.”8964 copyright protection735PENANACVd9Rngy9O 維尼
There was a painful and prolonged silence as they both ate the berries from the bag. The sun was beginning to set, painting bright colours across the sky. Birds and forest creatures could be heard all around them, and insects buzzed overhead. The whistling wind kept the gnats away from the pair as they sweated with awkwardness.8964 copyright protection735PENANAM91iaXnFNM 維尼
“Thanks again for saving me. I feel much better now.” Mist said, breaking the uncomfortable silence.8964 copyright protection735PENANACS0YjPtVRf 維尼
Liz shrugged. “It’s what Dad would have done.”8964 copyright protection735PENANAE3E8B6MHrS 維尼
“Oh, is he a healer?”8964 copyright protection735PENANAoGxkfB2IiB 維尼
Liz nodded, trying to fight back tears welling in her eyes. “He was.”8964 copyright protection735PENANAiA8jY32S6A 維尼
“Oh, right. I’m sorry.”8964 copyright protection735PENANAKQnUhDu6n5 維尼
Another awkward silence followed, and Liz shifted uncomfortably. “What are you even doing out here?” she asked, trying to break the silence.8964 copyright protection735PENANA98wXzIzyuI 維尼
“I need to go to the Citadel.” He says, leaning his head back against the tree tiredly.8964 copyright protection735PENANAGMzAVF6hxe 維尼
“The Citadel?!” Liz leapt away like a frightened rabbit, staring at Mist with wide eyes. “Why do you need to go there? You’re not an Eyylik! It’s dangerous there!”8964 copyright protection735PENANAgcqT43jFfO 維尼
He couldn’t help but smile at her reaction. “I know it’s dangerous. The Eyyliks don’t like Humans wandering around in their home. But I don’t have a choice.”8964 copyright protection735PENANATh4mHw0gG6 維尼
“What do you mean? Everyone has a choice! You can’t go there, you’ll be killed!”8964 copyright protection735PENANAIZldPCHycD 維尼
He shook his head softly, a look of sadness crossing his features. “You’re going to think I’m crazy…”8964 copyright protection735PENANApqs112inxC 維尼
Liz bit her lip and forced herself to calm down. She giggled nervously. “I already think you’re crazy.”8964 copyright protection735PENANAV501d2JvBv 維尼
He laughed. “Good point! I have to go to the Citadel because the Gods want me to.”8964 copyright protection735PENANAtQOhWv1xEc 維尼
She gave him a doubtful look. “What?”8964 copyright protection735PENANAzgIZlbRcQc 維尼
He sighed and leaned his head back, closing his eyes. “You know what the Shades are, right?”8964 copyright protection735PENANAmNJU3dZxq0 維尼
She nodded quickly. “When a Sorcerer casts a spell, the Shades materialize.”8964 copyright protection735PENANAaZ2F1WW3j9 維尼
“Right, and they kill everyone. That’s why magic users are feared. The Eyyliks slaughter them on sight.”8964 copyright protection735PENANAVDiVWejjT2 維尼
“What’s your point?”8964 copyright protection735PENANA56TsKtAPU9 維尼
“What if the Shades stopped appearing?”8964 copyright protection735PENANAajAixX9enF 維尼
Liz considered that for a moment. “Then we wouldn’t have to fear Sorcerers anymore.”8964 copyright protection735PENANAIXPAzlUI9q 維尼
“Exactly. No one would have to die.”8964 copyright protection735PENANAhJMDOaW15p 維尼
Liz stood up slowly, eyeing the strange man as she moved. Did this amputee honestly believe he could stop the Shades from appearing?8964 copyright protection735PENANAqbL2lSUmPK 維尼
Mist shook his head and laughed nervously. “You think I’m crazy.”8964 copyright protection735PENANA2Sf32rmkMe 維尼
“Of course I do,” Liz admitted, “as would anyone else in their right mind. Are you telling me you know how to get rid of the Shades?”8964 copyright protection735PENANAE6V0uInhlD 維尼
“Well…” he rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed. “I don’t know exactly, but I know that I need to get to the Citadel.”8964 copyright protection735PENANAmyhFeMX8I7 維尼
Liz examined him with a critical eye. “You’re willing to risk your life for this?”8964 copyright protection735PENANABGDX8AqvOG 維尼
Mist nodded. “I am.”8964 copyright protection735PENANAWVbhTZlwbT 維尼
Liz watched the determination cross his features, and stretched dramatically. “Well, I guess I have no choice but to go with you, then.”8964 copyright protection735PENANApDNad920Gl 維尼
“What?”8964 copyright protection735PENANADyK2Syf9HY 維尼
“You’re not healed yet. If I can’t stop you, then it’s my duty to travel with you and make sure you’re in good health.”8964 copyright protection735PENANA2vMmdnzwWT 維尼
“I don’t need a healer following me around,” Mist scoffed. “I can take care of myself.”8964 copyright protection735PENANAnQlTXdbZvY 維尼
She smiled at him. “Of course you can! I knew you could from the moment I found you lying on the ground bleeding.”8964 copyright protection735PENANAkVKQBFlPHs 維尼
He rolled his eyes. “Look, you really don’t-”8964 copyright protection735PENANA0HwfB9Nxhf 維尼
“I do, because…” She bit her lower lip and wrapped her arms around her stomach, her eyes downturned. “If there’s anything I can do to stop the Shades, I need to do it…”8964 copyright protection735PENANAiZvudZ4b1n 維尼
Mist watched her. She looked so small and fragile, like a frightened child. What had happened to her to make her like this?8964 copyright protection735PENANAqRXhYY3A8T 維尼
Mist stretched his arm out to the side and let out a fake yawn. “Well, we had better turn in for the night. We’ve got a long day of travel ahead of us tomorrow.”8964 copyright protection735PENANAKkaas7mQmL 維尼
Liz looked at him with excitement and shock. “Really?”8964 copyright protection735PENANAZWxwghkix6 維尼
“Yeah, of course,” he answered with a weak smile. “It’d be nice to have some company on the road.”8964 copyright protection735PENANAblfWoaQ2UV 維尼
She smiled widely, releasing her death grip on her abdomen. “Thank you, Mist. Good night.” She began to walk towards the crater at the base of the tree, when Mist called out to her. She turned around slowly to face him. “Everything okay?”8964 copyright protection735PENANAk8LGgpRY9v 維尼
“Um…” Mist rubbed the back of his neck, feeling suddenly vulnerable. “Thanks again for saving me today, and… thanks for not asking about my arm. Or, you know, lack thereof…”8964 copyright protection735PENANAnBWdGjIZ3G 維尼
Liz chuckled nervously. “I am curious, but it’s none of my business.”8964 copyright protection735PENANAMbHCGbvFux 維尼
Mist nodded. “Maybe I’ll tell you one day.”8964 copyright protection735PENANAQiLEdP2yDt 維尼
“Maybe.” Liz agreed, moving back away to her crater.8964 copyright protection735PENANAJjDPsV0hIj 維尼
Mist sighed heavily, leaning his head back against the fallen tree. The birds had quieted as the sun dissipated over the horizon, and the shrill sound of frogs echoed throughout the woods. A faint rustling could be heard nearby as some nocturnal animal prowled through the undergrowth, but Mist wasn’t afraid. He found he wasn’t easily scared these days.8964 copyright protection735PENANAGuUdzYUZm8 維尼
His missing arm continuously ached as night wore on, the phantom pain returning more keenly as the air around him grew more humid. Mist grunted and grabbed his arm as the burning sensation worked its way up to his shoulder, but there was no arm for him to grab. Gingerly, he touched the injury with his fingertips, his mind temporarily confused with the sensations coming to him. It was as though his arm was still there, but he could clearly feel it was not. The pain increased in intensity again, and he grit his teeth to stop himself from crying out.8964 copyright protection735PENANA5km4IwxogG 維尼
He ran his fingers through his matted hair as rain started trickling down from the skies above, the cold water seeping through his thick shirt. He sighed heavily. “You just don’t give me a break, do you?” he quietly grumbled. Pulling his damaged bag close, he pulled out a heavy wool shirt, scowling as he saw the soil covering it. Shaking it relatively clean, he draped it over his left shoulder, trying to shield his sensitive stump from the cold and the rain. He huddled beside the fallen tree, the pain slowly ebbing away as the night wore on and exhaustion overcame him.8964 copyright protection735PENANAPSyvG8F3oQ 維尼
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