A Mix Of Evil

Poppy Flowers

It’s been 20 minutes since the boys first set out on their journey. The sun hangs low, the wind blows, and silence continues to grow. “We’re back to the awkward point. I can’t let Finn and I stay like this, not after how close we’ve been getting. I have to be his friend, I just hope he wants to be mine.” Asher ponders with determination while sitting just behind him, a panicked farmer finds his voice. “Hey Asher, don’t you think that maybe… the boy died out here?” Finn asks with a shaky tone. The thought had crossed the prince’s mind long ago but he didn’t show it for the mother’s sake. 

“He’s alive. This wood can be dangerous but I doubt he went adventuring… unlike me…” Asher states, his words slowly going cold. “Oh, o-ok.” The moment worries Finn, what could the prince be hiding? The thought of a hidden past draws Finn closer while keeping his voice at bay. “I shouldn’t ask… I don’t have to.” He started, “I know he’s the Thorned Prince of Ivory. Everyone does.” Thoughts replace the silence with chaos. Out of the blue, the horse stops and Asher’s breathing goes quiet. “We have to travel on foot from here on.” Asher explains, “That mist is from the poppies lining the path.” Finn turns to the path ahead. Squinting, he finally sees the maroon red flowers. “Wait… are those…”

He starts to feel a shiver down his spine. “Those are opium poppies. I remember them from the last time I was here.” Asher stops as his eyes begin to well up. “Opium? Like opioid? The things that put you to sleep?” “Exactly. I wasn’t careful last time and fell asleep here.” Asher adds, “When I woke up, I was at the edge of the wood.” “Freaky… We should stay together.” Asher turns to the farmer, a nervous smile on his face. “Finn, hold my hand.” “Y-Yes sir.” And so he does. At first, things feel out of place but soon Finn feels calm. It’s only 3 minutes but it feels like eternity.

“Alright, we’re safe.” “Thank Ivory. If I had to go any longer, I would’ve passed out.” Asher laughs at his friend’s dramatic outburst. Although he feels embarrassed, Finn joins in. “Alright, that’s enough fun. We’re on a journey, come on.” Asher tungs at Finn’s arm via their intertwined hands. Finn trips due to the sudden jerk of his arm,causing him to fall into Asher. “Oops… My apologies.” “Don’t worry about it, I’m alright.” The prince arises with ease then turns back to the now flustered farmer. “Need a hand?” “Oh, uh… Thank you.” Ashers pulls gently this time then leads Finn deeper into the wood. As the two walk, they’re greeted by an odd shape up ahead.

“Hmm it’s… it’s the boy!” Gasps Finn, pointing to the stump-like figure. “Wait… yeah! Good eyes.” Finn blushes at the compliment as he’s not used to them. Though now running, the two continue to hold hands without prompting. Upon examining the boy closer Asher exclaims, “He’s alright, just asleep.” Finn sighs as he sits down beside Asher. “I’ll carry him back, you should try to rest.” “I’m fine but thank you. I appreciate it, honestly.” Back through the mist and all the trees as the boy in Finn’s arms rests soundly. “Alright, back to the village.”