The Forgotten Kingdom

Chapter 6:

The first day of Summer had arrived. The sun was shining brightly in the sky all of the time now. Rain and cool winds were becoming a thing of myth. Owen missed Autumn and Winter, he could get away with going outside without his coat then. With the life-threateningly hot sun rays mercilessly beating down on Malhye, Owen couldn't afford to walk around without his coat on, unless he wanted to have his skin burned off his bones. 

He was jealous of the Origins who could laze in the sun with tank tops and shorts on while he had to wear jeans and a long-sleeved shirt. Wearing jeans and a shirt in extraordinary heat made people look at you weirdly. Owen could constantly feel the Origins' judging eyes on him whenever he went outside in a typical cool weather outfit. Why can't they mind their own business? he thought to himself

Sometimes Owen wished he were able to bask in the heat of the sun's rays but his Origin forbade it. When he was younger, he was constantly out in the sun and was also constantly covered in burn marks. Much like Emery, Owen still has burn marks on his skin but unlike Emery, his are much more faded.

Owen sat down under a large oak tree at the top of one of the many smaller mesas and watched his friends run about in the sunlight, giggling and chasing after one another.

"We should have a picnic," Hefina suggested, flopping down on her back under the shade of the tall tree beside Owen. Fish perked up at the mention of food.

"That sounds like a good idea," Owen agreed. "Where will we get the food from though?"

"Is there not a market in town?" Hefina asked, looking up at her friend.

"Yea but how will we buy the food?"

"You are full of questions," Hefina giggled "I have money,"

The two went over the plan with Emery and Ollie then the group made their way down to the market. The market was near the town centre. There were many colourful stalls which sold a number of goods. JJ had a stall at the market selling crops he had grown with the help of Desmond.

The market was fairly packed by the time Emery, Hefina, Ollie and Owen arrived. There were people everywhere, walking around, looking at the various stalls or buying goods from the stands.

"Where to first?" Emery asked

"Wanna split up?" Hefina asked "We'll cover more ground that way,"

"Sounds good to me," Owen nodded

"Same here," Ollie agreed

"It's settled then," Hefina smiled, clasping her hands together.

Hefina and Emery went off in one direction while Ollie, Fish and Owen headed off in the other. Ollie was sitting comfortably on Owen's shoulder, looking around at all of the stalls in search of something nice to bring for the picnic. Fish was asleep in Owen's tote bag.

"We haven't had a picnic in ages," Ollie commented

"Remember last time?" Owen laughed