Lost in the Kingdom of Gaoul (ON-GOING)

Chapter 18: Library of Ephrel

/Chapter 18: Library of Ephrel/

I was literally in awe while one of the warriors of the steel claw tribe volunteered to give us a tour of their home. One second we were held as captive and another second, here we are, taking a tour at their hamlet.

Within our short stay here, we learned that they are living above the fog. It was their invention to keep them from enemies and some invaders, and I commend them for that bright idea.

I also learned that they are not as dangerous as they look. Since they are all from a family of cats, they are living independently, away from humans and any other creatures. And the astonishing part of knowing them is that they are clingy when they are already comfortable with someone. The mask I wear now is the evidence for that.

One after another would cling at me and brush their faces into my cheek as they say the word mersi. They said it was their way of greeting someone they are comfortable with.

Napatawa na lamang ako nang bahagya habang inaalala ang nangyari kanina sa kulungan nang palabasin nila kami.

Nang lumapit ang isa sa mga warriors sa akin upang alalayan ako sa paglabas ay agad kong naamoy ang kaniyang balahibo. After that, I just wouldn't stop sneezing.

Maximo and Lucien were confused and panicky at the same time. Hindi nila alam ang gagawin nang hindi ako matigil sa pagbahing and Lucien even threatened the warriors that if something happens to me, he will burn them to ashes. Iyon din ang naging rason kung bakit mailap ang mga warriors kay Lucien.

Nang maalala ko na naman ang reaksyon ng dalawang kasama ay mas lalo akong napatawa kung kaya napatingin sa akin si Maximo, Lucien, at Mincy, pangalan ng babaeng panther na kasama namin. Nagtataka ang kanilang mga mukha kaya napailing-iling ako.

"I'm sorry. I just remembered something," hinging paumanhin ko at pinigilan ang sariling mas lalong matawa. Nagkibit-balikat si Mincy at Maximo at muling bumalik sa pagto-tour ngunit nanatili ang tingin sa akin ni Lucien.

Tinaasan ko siya ng isang kilay habang nakangiti sa ilalim ng suot na mask. He stared at me for a little while before shaking his head na tila alam ang naalala ko.

Hindi ko na lang pinansin ang naging aksyon nito at muli na lamang itinuon ang atensyon kay Mincy na nagsasalita, sinasabi ang lugar na aming pinupuntahan.

She showed us a way to their temple where they offer ten percent of their harvest to their gods. Dinala niya rin kami sa isang maliit na parang downtown sa lugar nila na kung saan nabanggit niya na roon daw nagaganap ang pagba-bargain sa mga merchants na pinahihintulutan nilang pumasok sa kanilang lugar. Of course, their security is tight kaya walang nakakalampas na merchants papasok sa pinaka-village nila.

It is a peaceful hamlet. The environment is vibrant and you couldn't even feel any discomfort while staying here. They are also friendly that all of them invited us to come to their houses, without any glimpse of hesitation, like we are bound to not harm them.

I am really at ease being around them that I couldn't help but smile.

"You're smiling again. Are you that happy to remember what happened earlier?" Mahinang sabi ni Lucien sa aking tabi dahilan para kunot-noo akong mapatingin sa kaniya, hindi makapaniwala sa kaniyang tinuran.

"Excuse me?" Taas ang kilay na sabi ko at tumigil sa paglalakad.

"Your eyes are crinkling, so I thought you are smiling," he playfully answered and smirked a little, halted his walk.

I mentally rolled my eyes. I really couldn't understand this guy. He is the real definition of playful yet dangerous. Iyong tipong hindi mo alam kung anong side niya ang ipapakita niya sa iyo ngayong araw. Pero sa maikling panahon na nakasama ko siya ay masasabi kong nakadepende iyon sa kaniyang mood.