Immortality's Edge

Part 7

PART 7:

I wake up the next morning feeling still completely exhausted. Not to mention, extremely hungover. I sit up in bed groggily and stretch for a few seconds. I glance outside to see that the jungle has also awakened from its slumber. Birds are chirping and other distant sounds seem to be heard, although, it is raining hard on us. You can hear the rain violently tapping on the roof. Don’t get me wrong, it is a nice white noise but it wakes up Hades. He jolts up suddenly only to get whiplash  and fall back down on the bed. He groans. 

“Morning, sunshine.” I start to get my boots back on. Hades looks over and starts to mimic me. 

“Morning, Sam..” He runs his fingers through his hair with a long exasperated sigh. “Did you sleep well?” He asks smugly. 

“What do you think?” I tie my hair back into a ponytail. That seems to leave Hades in awe, his mouth wide open. He coughs. “Y’know I think Ramses is fetching up some breakfast. You should go check on him.” 

“Yeah, yeah.” Hades rolls off the bed and falls onto the floor. He recovers quickly by standing up and pretending like no one saw that. Real smooth. 

Once Hades leaves I brush off my blouse and stand up. I look outside, then back to the door, wondering what it would be like outside if I left deep into the jungle. What the thrill, what the exhilaration might be if I keep walking and find our kingdom’s edge. To find the border where all immortal things become mortal.

I remember when I was little I’d always try to run away from the castle too. Walking right out of the massive stone archways of the palace walls and wanting to see what the outside world looked like. Nothing piqued my curiosity more. My parents getting mad at me for it too was the worst. But now, I’m far outside of the palace walls. Far from home. That driving force that stayed with me as a child seemed to die down and go away. Now that I’m hell and gone makes me feel just bummed I didn’t experience anything out of the ordinary. 

I shake my head and lean down, picking up Hades armor and setting it nicely in the corner. I return to his bedside and make not only his bed but mine as well. It’s the least I could do while we stay here. I feel a little guilty that we’re staying in Ramses’  own private hideaway. I pick up my jacket and look it over a few times. The closer I look, the bloodier it gets. I need to wash it and most likely myself. 

I exit my room to meet Ramses and Hades in the kitchen. Hades is sitting at the counter drinking something while Ramses is keeping the fire lit. I sit next to Hades and set my jacket down on the countertop. 

“Gross.” Hades scrunches his nose. 

“You’re one to talk.” I pinch at his shirt “Mr. I’ve stayed in the same armor for 5 months.” 

“Burn!” Ramses screeches. “Literally. I try to make breakfast for you guys and be nice but I end up lighting myself on fire instead.” Ramses sucks on the finger he burnt. 

“Ramses, do you know where I can wash my clothes?” I pause. “And myself.” Hades spits out his drink. 

“Hey now, Hades. Don’t get too ahead of yourself. Sam, I’ll wash your and Hades’ clothes while you guys clean up. While they’re drying, I’ll lend you some of my clothes that I’ve got here, okay?”

“That doesn't sound too bad.” I respond “But where is your bathhouse?”

Ramses lights up. “Outside.”

“Hmm?” 

“There’s a waterfall along the trail outside somewhere, but be careful due to the rain. Sam, you can go there and I’ll make Hades sit in the lagoon.”