A Land Of Secrets: ATALANTE

Act XI- Survival Test

All I hear are footsteps, birds chirping, leaves rustling, and often stepping on some dried leaves as we walk to a path. I feel out of breath, my stamina isn't ready for this... 

"Are you sure you're okay?" Al worriedly asked for the nth time. I may be panting but I can still do this... I think. Hopefully.

"I'm... I'm fine, I can still walk." I uttered. Leigh caught my eye, she still looks so high and elegant. How could she maintain her composure in this situation? I guess she's used to it...

How long does Zeke plan to continue walking in this forest? We haven't even taken a break ever since we left the ship. I'm worried that I won't be able to catch up to them.

"I can carry you if you want-" Everett was about to finish talking but I cut him off. 

"No thank you, Prince Everett." I sarcastically said. He's a royal, he shouldn't act so brashly or even spit out words he wants. Seeing him act this carefree is making me worried, Well, I doubt he acts like this in public. As we continued to walk up the path, I started to hear water streaming down somewhere. 

As we keep walking, the water stream sounds louder as we keep taking one step. Until Zeke suddenly stopped walking, so we stopped as well. 

"We have arrived at one of the spots," Zeke announced. I gasped as I was mesmerized by the location he was talking about. A huge mountain, a tall waterfall, and a flowing river. It has a huge spacious grass on the side and a cave carved into the mountain. 

We all are mesmerized by the view, also speechless by its natural beauty. Seeing it felt as if it made my exhaustion disappear. This is where we will stay for a while huh? Camping... It's my first time camping- except for that one time when I ran away.

"Let's all settle down here, we must build our camp before downfall," Zeke announced. As everyone put their belongings on the floor, Zeke spoke once again.

"Leigh, Everett, will look inside the cave and also gather some resources while Meira, Alexander, and I will scout the area and search for possible villages to loot," Zeke ordered. Everett excitedly smiled while Leigh looked defeated. I've always wondered why those two argue all the time... maybe something happened?

"Not only you should find food, but we also need firewood," Zeke added. We then separated from them and left towards the mountains. What's with the hurry... I hoped to get some rest first before departing...

"What's with the frown?" Al asked with a low voice. I sighed as I looked at him, tired. 

"I wanted to take some rest, we just arrived at our area but left immediately," I complained. He replied with a small laugh, I don't know if he is trying to comfort me. 

"I can carry you if you want?" Al offered but I declined. Isn't he tired too? He should worry more about himself.

"I'll be a burden to you and I don't want that." I reasoned. I was about to speak when we heard something rustling from behind. We all have our guard up. What is it? An enemy? 

Someone suddenly appeared beside us which startled me mostly. I got a better look at the person and realized that it was Iris who moved closer toward me. What is she doing here? How did she even find us?

"Princess Meira, remember me?" She asked joyfully, almost disrespectfully as she didn't even mind her manners. I felt uncomfortable with how she just appeared out of nowhere. Zeke doesn't seem to mind though, even though she is from another class- our competitor at our current state.