BEFOREMATH (SJSM fanfic)

A Face On A Tree

???:

It's been a while since the king has come to bother me, I've gotten used to his snide remarks now, they're not pleasent but I've suffered worse.. I guess..
I just wish I wasn't forced to feed him souls all the time..
He gets angry if I don't
But it's fine, for I have my children to keep me company in these times
They're me lovely animals, I mostly have deer, but other animals such as moose and wolves stick around as well, and I've made it my mission to protect and care for them, I do not wish to listen to what others say about it being a bad idea, they've gotten along great with each other, they hunt and play together all the time, they're not like your regular wild animals

I went over to a group of deer to check on them, they were happily chewing on a bone, occasionally passing it around to each other, I "knelt" down to them, they looked at and greeted me, I patted their heads and let them be, it's best not to intrude on their meals and playtime, it's just the polite thing to do, but it's still nice to at least check up on them.
If only those humans hasn't started up that fire, everything would've been better, the environment my children are in currently is fine, but the tribe was far better, this place is.. sort of vacant and devoid of a lot of life.
At least we still have our king, who's either possessing a tree or has taken the form of one, either way, he seems to be protecting us, no humans have come after us, and if any human gets near, we get a free soul

The king both feels trustworthy.. but something does feel off, perhaps I am making things up in my mind, I may just be overly paranoid and worried, I may be overthinking everything, but the king can be.. a little hostile, especially when his requests aren't met, my children seem to have grown some resentment towards him, I don't know how to try and tell them that he means well, but they're so scared of him..
It's been years now, I keep telling myself that they just need time, but it seems that the longer we're around him, the more strained the relationship gets between them

Hm...

" EEEEEAAAAARRRRGHHH !!! "
What's was that ?!
I quickly teleported towards the source of the noise, a giant root had grabbed onto a random moose, without thinking, I tore off the root and the moose was free, I sighed in relief and looked around, the moose stayed close to me, snuggling against me for comfort.
I looked at the root.. ah.. I see who it is now..
I patted the moose, the moose leaned into the touch, " it's alright.. it's just the king and his silly games.. again.. I must go speak with him, please go find a group of your fellow friends to stick around for now "
It then walked off, I composed myself before teleporting to the king

There he was, I could see the face on the tree and the white orb inside moving, it was smiling, not something it usually does
" .. greetings, your majesty "
" Hello, Kanerek, it's so nice to see you here "
" I'm sure it is.. I have a question "
" Hm ? "
" What were you doing to my moose ?? "
" I was just playing with it, what's wrong with a little fun ? "
I repressed my anger, this is our king after all, I'm sure he means no harm, but his tone snd mannerisms throw me off, nevertheless, I must keep my cool and act professional
" There is no wrong thing with entertainment, but I do advise you to be gentle and not frighten any of my children, they're fragile and sensitive "
He checked his "nails" and scoffed, " you're damn right about "sensitive", they need to get used to fear and strength if they wish to survive "
" Yes but- "
" No buts "
I just nodded
" Right.. I.. also wish to ask another question "
" Yeees ? "
" Do you know where Tirsiak is ? "
He shook his head, I sighed. It's been so long since I've seen Tirsiak, I hold out hope that some magical force kept them alive as well, and while I won't be surprised if they're gone for good, I'll still be heartbroken, they're my cousin.. we weren't close, but still.. they don't deserve this, I need to find them somehow.
I know the king dislikes Tirsiak, but he says he's willing to help search for them, I trust him, I trust that he's speaking the truth, he wouldn't be that heartless, would he ?
" I wish Tirsiak the best, it's dangerous out there, I hope that at least they've found people or that they're strong enough to fend for themself .. "
" Yes.. they've always been a bit of a lone wolf, but I believe they'll be fine even if they're never found, sometimes, you must let go "
I didn't say anything in response, I just sat and rested my back on the tree
" .. do you.. believe any of the tribe members will ever be found again ? "
" I highly doubt it "
" Mhm.... "
" ... " The king cleared his throat " I'm aware you miss everyone, but.. who's to say Tirsiak misses you ? "
I whipped my head around, that.. certainly was a response, and not a concept I had ever thought of, but now.. yes, who's to say Tirsiak even remembers me at all ??? They were 10 when the fire started, I was far older than they were, I didn't have much time to even be around them, I highly doubt that I managed to make any impression on them at all, the maltreatment they received is far beyond any good, they might even associate me with those who hated them.
" .. I.. don't know, sir.. "
" ... I don't wish to break your spirit, but I think it's best to quit searching, it's been years now, and you must move on, I'm sure if we find them that they'll appreciate the effort you put in to meet them again "
" .. yes.. " that's all I could say, but I also don't want to just give up so easily, I wish to keep going, but I also don't want to disobey my lord's orders

Tirsiak, my friends, wherever you may be, I beg and plead that we find each other again, even if we didn't get to talk much, you hold special places in my heart.