Dream Realms

Chapter IV

The birds flew by, and I saw the outline of the village in the sun. Almost there. I ambled along the rock road, bathing in the sun. I didn't feel like hurrying. It was one of those time where you can be restless yet content at the same time. I was anticipating the greeting that Bakaun would give, and also seeing child again. I looked at the sky for the last time, it was foggy, and a bit green. I sighed. ONce I get beck to the forest, it was just going to be the reach of neverending trees again.

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By the time I reached the village, it seemed that my arrival has already been announced. Bakaun greeted me at the door, and with haste, he took the herbs away to make some concoction of his own. Child came to me and we did a little dance. "Child, are you alright?" I asked while petting it on its head. Child made a clicky noise and huffed. I smiled.

"Why the heck are you doing here?" A new voice greeted me.

I looked up, and didn't know whether to scream,  run, yell, laugh, or say anything. Shock must have writted itself all over my face. He was here....Why was he here anyways? I looked warily.

"So it is the uncouth, curt, barbarian." I snarled.

"Oh little human, how  you wound my heart." He paused dramatically. "It gentleman, little princess, gentleman, not barbarian." He smiled.

I could tell that his smile was fake, and I wanted to tear it off his face. But having child here, and the night of the wolf attack replaying in my mind, I decided against it. 

"Fine. Then what is your name? You did not tell me at our last meeting. Also, don't call me princess."

"Oh really I was sure I told princess my name last time." He appeared deep in thought. "Well, whatever, I am the death reaper Ash, A pleasure to meet you princess." He made a sweeping bow towards me and grabbed my hand. I fumed.

"How dare you!" I drew my hand away. "I told you not to call me princess already." I cried.

He chuckled. "Sorry princess."

Grrrrrr he was infuriating! I stalked away in to my room. Annoying bastard. But then, I realized that I forgot to ask what is his purpose of being here. SIlently killing myself over my stupidity inside, I wandered towards Bakaun's spellwell room.

As I entered, Bakaun was working on a weave of complex spell with webs and other materials. I waited until he was done before I began talking. 

 "Bakaun, I need to talk to you." I looked at him sharply. 

"What?" he replied, clearly annoyed that I had interuppted his spellweaving session. 

"Why is that guy here?"

"Which guy?"

"HIM! Ash! Why the heck is he here?"

"Because I invited him of course." Bakaun replie curtly. I screamed silently. These people! There is a limit to how rude they can be.

"And why did you invite him?" I continued smoothly.

"Because I wanted to of course. Didn't you know that? It is common sense." Bakaun sniggered.

Great. Now he is doing it on purpose. So much for a host. I groaned and stalked out of the room. Seem like the only person that I can rely on around here is myself.

I found Child helping Lilian with the flowers in the garden. I accompanied them into the village with a disguise. The market street was a boistrous street unlike the rest of the village, which in their own vincinity, contains a serene and calm atmosphere under the overhanging trees. 

People shouted from all directions, selling their wares, colorful stalls eased themselves against the sides of the streets as vendors scrambled for customers. It was a nice place, at least here, the atmosphere was a lot more welcoming. There are so many creatures, no I should say races here that I have never seen before. A girl with Brown hair and pale green skin walked pass me. I saw a young toddler with fins by the side of his head playing a game of tag. The whole place was full of diversity. 

Lilian wasted no time in choosing where to go and what to buy. With a tone of authority, she walked child and I down the stalls and bought all the necessities. After the daily shopping was done, we went to a dress shop and bought some fabric. Lillian told me to ochoose some colors so she could make a more customized travel dress for me. I complied. 

We went to a fabric shop, I chose a sturdy leather to make a light armor, belt, and boots, and a white sturdy fabric for the skirt and sleeves.  Then, I choose another black fabric for spare change. I described a cowboy outfit to Lilian and asked her to make if with the black fabric. It would be less attention catching to wear black rather than white at night. And in this world, it would be preferable to not catch attention. With fabrics to make travel wears, we also bought dresses, robes, and weapons. When I insisted that I didn't need all the stuff, Lilian told me it was Bakauns instruction, and that was the end of that.

When we came back, I had a lot more than what I brought to here from the earth realm. I had two daggers, an oak bow,  a quiver of arrows, and a new staff in addition to all the other daily things Lilian bought for me. I wasn't used to being pampered, but it isn't a bad feeling. I also got a new backpack. It was bigger than my old one and secretly, I thought it looked cooler. I decided to transfer all my items into there tonight.

Ash greeted us at the door. "Hello princess." He called.

"Hello barbarian." I replied back. God dammit why is he so hot?  As his smile widened, I couldn't help but feel a rush of heat to my cheeks. I ducked my head as I passed by him, and Bakaun waited expectantly in the living area.

"Well, did you get what you need?" He askked impaciently.

I nodded.

"Good, then follow me, We have to start your trainig again since te sickness in the village has passed. You already rested from your journey, and I hope you are ready to continue our lessons yes?" 

"Yep, totally ready." I replied sarcastically.

To be honest, my back wound still ached from the wolf attack, and I'm sure Bakaun knew it too. But, time is running, and I had to keep moving forward. I followed Bakaun to the trainig ring in the back. Ash tagged along.

"Well, why are you following us?" I asked.

"It looks fun." He replied.

"Then stop, because its not fun. You are just going to get in the way." I snapped at him.

He shrugged as if he could care less. I rolled my eyes, this dude had some serious issues with the prince syndrome. Finding my new staff at ready, Bakaun and I worked on the fire spells that I have not yet perfected.  Then, he made Ash and I spar with each other to improve my hand - to hand combat.

"Well princess, I would hate to hurt you, but I guess in this case it can't be avoided." Ash circled around me.

"Hmmph, don't worry, I'm sure that you won't be able to." I lunged in for the attack. I aimed for the chest, but Ash quickly counterattacked and Bam! I landed on my back on the ground, air temporarialy swooshed out of my lungs. I groaned. 

"Watch your form princess. You are totally open." 

I got up again and attacked. This time, Ash blocked and grabbed my wrist. "Let go!" I struggled. "Princess, you need to balance yourself more." He whispered. I found it getting increasingly unbearable as I stared at his face. His purple eyes reminded me of the night sky, and I was getting lost in them as we looked at each other.  I was also distracted by his black hair that fell over them. I realized that we had been staring at each other for over a minute. I pulled away, my cheeks flaming. "Fine, I'll watch it." I replied. He nodded.

We were at this for the rest of the day. I had seen martial arts in movies before, but I never thought it would be this hard. Actors made it look too easy. 

By the end of the day, my muscles were sore, my body generally tired, and my brain in confusion about Ash. Quickly gulping down my dinner, I headed to sleep.