February was the month Mother got an unknown disease and died in a matter of seconds.
“M-Mother, what’s wrong?” I asked in a hushed voice. Mother’s eyes bulged and suddenly she collapsed onto the floor. Her gentle hands that always weaved and sewed very talented clothing were now clawing at the floor as if she were a feline attacking her prey. I didn’t know if I was imagining or not, but for a split second I saw a wispy, black mist enclosing on Mother. Mother’s mouth opened up slightly; was she trying to speak? My question was unanswered as a scarlet-red liquid erupted from her mouth. She clutched where her heart was as her head slowly descended to the floor. I was speechless and had many questions but I knew for sure that Mother was dead.
March was the month a fire struck our town and Father didn’t make it out while trying to put out the fire.
“Father!” Mayla screamed as our daring father galloped into the flaming doom. We knew that if Father approached it, he wouldn’t make it out alive. But we could always hope, can’t we? I memorized every last bit of detail of Father because I knew that once he stepped in there, that would be the last time we ever saw him. The water sloshed around in the bucket as Father’s hair was groomed back by the eerie wind that taunted us with howls and moans. He had been wearing a leather tunic with some pants that my very own Mother had created. We didn’t dare tear our eyes off him and cowardly flee, but we could when a burning door crushed Father. Just like Mother had, Father had died as well.
April was the month my sister departed to a different kingdom to sell her weaved clothing.
“Mayla, where must you be going?” I interrogated as I stopped stirring the boiling stew. It groaned in pain as more heat ate away on it, but it had to wait.
“Melee, you must understand. Mother taught me her wonderful skills as a weaver, and so I must spread the talent by selling weaved clothing and accessories to the neighboring kingdom, Malcor. Please take care of yourself and don’t-“Mayla’s eyes were pricked with tears, “Don’t die like Mother and Father, okay?” She couldn’t hold it in no longer as her voice wobbled and burst into tears. Although she was older than me, everyone has a soft heart in there somewhere. Trying to comfort her, I skid over to her and gently hugged her, something Mother would do.
It is also the month I decided to become a Seeker.
It wasn’t a mistake that my name was an oxymoron. My mother wanted me to be amiable, deferential, and erudite so she named my middle name Serene. Father wished for the complete opposite. He wanted me to be valorous, audacious, and become a true warrior so he named me Melee. I believe I fulfilled both of their intentions because at first I was imperturbable. However, I changed drastically, wanting to avenge my parent’s death by becoming a Seeker. I became adventurous and courageous. Father used to say, “Be free and let your inner soul and heart lead you through fear. Take risks, but know your limits. That is bravery, Melee, it’s overcoming fears wisely.”
I leisurely ascended the stairs to the Labyrinth, Laverth’s Palace. The stairs that were made of polished limestone created a haunting symphony of ticks as I thought that someone was following me. Walking the path the petulant guard had instructed me, I realized my surroundings were gradually becoming unconventional. The darkness somehow choked me until a glim of light appeared to my vision.
A peculiar figure wearing a flowing cape that stretched from his hood to his ankle gestured his hand for me to come closer. Hesitantly, I strode closer while I fingered for my dagger in my sleeve that was my prized possession from Father. He had taught me to fight since youth for defending myself. I always wondered why he would teach me because it was a small chance of me getting murdered or getting in danger. However, now I know that maybe it would come in handy now.
Carefully pulling out the dagger I noticed a candle in his other hand. So that’s where the light came from. His neutral expression turned into a sly smile as he blew out the candle and everywhere was pitch black.
I couldn’t even see my own hand.
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