Realm Of The Befallen

Chapter Four: Paranoia in Woodland Wysteria

The Sun rose up as it's light shone over the Eastern Valley. Leaves rustle with the wind carrying them away, entering the chamber and woke up Anthone from their greeting. He quickly built a fire, proceed to boil some oregano leaves and heat some of their leftovers from last night. Just as the leaves are getting ready, he noticed Albina and blushed from what he had seen. She was half-naked and sound asleep, remembering the fire did burn her clothes to crisps, but miraculously her skin was untouched. He took his spare clothes from his bag, placing it near to her, and poured her a cup of oregano tea. Coming up close towards the sleeping maiden, he took the courage to hold her shoulders and gave her a few shakes.

"Rise and shine Albina, better prepare yourself for a big day," he spoke. "We better leave while it is sunrise."

Unexpectedly, instead of a morning greeting, he got slapped on the face for being a pervert, taking advantage of a sleeping woman. She drank her tea, her face begun to grimace as she glared at him.

"What did you just make me drink? It's disgusting!" she complained.

"It's oregano, I know it's bitter, but it would at least help you to recover faster" he replied.

''Do you have anything to deal with this outrageousness?''

"No, but I have heated up some leftovers for you... In case you get hungry on our way." He smiled sheepishly, didn't expect to have someone picky when it comes to treating injuries. He took a bowl, washed it with some water from the gourds and served her some soup. Gladly she took it from his hands and hastily ate it, seems unsatisfied from her meal, so he gave her the rest of the soup while he sipped some of the tea. Albina observed him drinking rather than joining her, she turned towards him and asked "and why aren't you eating? Is it because I slapped you? I guess it serves you right for committing an indecent act. Males like you have no manners to women."

"I do not drink tea because I'm upset, it's just that I usually like to warm myself up than to take my fill," he calmly replied. "I'd prefer you should eat more to restore yourself from exhaustion. We have a long way to go."

"Says the man who chickened himself when I came up close to him. I wonder... How did I end up with a weakling like you when strong men out there could have come and rescued me quickly? I should've left you when you were asleep, and made my way to my homeland where I may find it convenient. Where are we heading anyway?" she sneered.

"To your homeland, of course, where would you exactly want to be?" he replied. He felt discouragement and degradation from the very first person whom he saved, who tried to murder him from possession. He wore his mask and went outside, trying to act natural despite being infuriated and hurt deep inside of him.

Albina was shocked after what he had spoken, wasn't expecting him to become cold. She heard from her fellow elves that it is better to tease a man, so they would tease them back. It seems she overdid it, leaving the two under a great misunderstanding. She wore some clothes and took her weaponry, heading out where Anthone was picking some berries and herbs for their trip.

"Hey Anthony, how do I look?~" she asked.

He turned towards her, and he cannot believe what he saw with his eyes. She looks stunning in a sense of fashion, her physique did match with the clothes he provided, although it is only for doctors. He tried to pull himself together and cleared his throat.

"Yes... You look great, except you're going to need this."

He tossed her a mask and a few bottles of ethanol, before packing what he had gathered in glass jars. Albina was a bit disappointed and eager to find a way to get him back to himself. She wore it and became curious, she can breathe yet her image is covered. Walking towards the busy doctor, she cheerfully helped him pack up and held on to his hand.