The City in the Clouds-

Chapter 7

The twins awoke to the pink sky as the sun kissed the horizon. Blue and yellow birds fluttered about, each one singing a peaceful song.

Ramion slowly stretched his arms, and rolled onto the soft, wet grass. He stood up, and opened the leaf bag, pulling out a piece of bread, and a slice of gooey cheese. He dug in, eating half of the meal and handing the rest to Matoa.

"Eat quick, we need to start moving!" Ramion instructed.

While Matoa chewed, Ramion folded the blankets and shoved them into the bag. Soon, the twins were packed and ready to go.

"Let's head towards that forest, the wizard lives there," Ramion said.

"The wizard?"

"The switch road one, he fought in the last great war, so he can help us now," Ramion answered.

"Good idea," Matoa replied, standing up.

So the twins set off in the direction of the forest. The birds chirped, and the sun shined.

Hours and hours passed, and the twins were starving, and drenched with sweat.

"Let's stop here," Ramion huffed, as they neared a pond.

He fell onto the soft, white sand, exhausted. Matoa joined him and pulled out her flask.

Taking a big sip of water, Matoa said, "You should drink."

She then handed Ramion a bottle.

"Thanks," Ramion replied.

After the twins were hydrated, they began to walk, once again. They were almost at the outskirts of the forest, when a little gnome waddled up to them.

"Hello! I'm Hermy," the gnome greeted, his blue jacket rustling as he held out a dirty hand.

"Hi..." Matoa said, shaking it.

"I am here to warn you of a very bad storm coming our way," Hermy exclaimed, "It will last about 2 days!"

"2 DAYS!!" Matoa shouted, "How will we get to the wizard?"

"Well, I could help you with that..." Hermy smiled.

"What? How?!" Ramion replied.

"Follow me!"

Ramion grabbed Matoa's wrist and rushed after the gnome.

*

Hermy led the twins to a large tree at the edge of the meadow. Fireflies floated in a small lantern beside a door carved into the wood. Pulling out a sharp stick, Hermy stuck it into a tiny hole and twisted. The door swung open and revealed a spacious inside.

"Welcome to my home!" the gnome said, letting the twins in.

He took the leaf, and duffel bags, and hung them on a wooden hock, pulling out two wooden chairs.

"Have a seat, please," he said, running over to a large stone fireplace.

Hermy then grabbed the copper pot that lay on the mantle and started a fire, resting the basin in the hearth.

"So tell me, how can you help us?" Ramion asked, as Hermy settled in a cushy armchair.

"Weeelll, about that..." the gnome began, "I may have just jumped in. I mean I don't really get many visitors. But if you could explain your problem I might be able to help."

"What? So you LIED!" Matoa shouted.

Ramion raised a hand, "Calm down Matoa, he might still be able to help us. We'll tell you our story Hermy."

"But-"

"Not now Matoa," Ramion interrupted.

"Fine." Matoa fummed, crossing her arms.

Ramion cleared his throat, "Alright, here we go..."

"Wait! Before you start, I must prepare the tea," Hermy objected, rushing towards the fireplace.

He pulled out a beautiful tea set, decorated with flowers. Taking the pot out of the fire, he poured the water into 3 small cups, and dunked the rest into a teapot. Adding tea leaves and placing some cookies onto the plates, he brought the tray over, setting it onto a stone coffee table.

"Ok I'm ready,"

"Good, now..." 

***

I am truly sorry for the late update. I hope everyone is having a fantastic 2021! 2020 is FINALLY over! YAYYYYYY!

Isabella