Of Love and Curses: A Spifelk Story (Fantasy/Medieval AU)

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Light flooded into the cave from a hole in the ceiling as Spifey realized that it was late. Zelkam was still asleep- or, rather, he was lying with his eyes closed, very much conscious and in pain. Spifey shook him "awake," and the prince groaned.
"It's late," the matchmaker whispered. "We have to go." Zelk obeyed without a word, exiting the cave with the satchel. "How come you're so quiet?"
"What is there to say?" Zelkam responded. "All we have to do is get over the mountain, and go to Jeriques. Is there anything to discuss?"
"There was never anything to discuss," Spifey pointed out. "Yet we held conversation. You even fell in love with me. That doesn't happen from total silence, nor from pure necessary discussion with no heart or soul. We were friends. Why are you suddenly silent?"
"You want to know? Fine. But don't expect much," Zelk was obviously annoyed. Spifey saw pain glazing his eyes. Is this because I rejected him? "Not long before I had this sickness go into stage two, it had a pre-stage. I go through full body aching and a gradual drop in temperature. Now, I'm getting it again. I awoke in pain. It hurts to talk."
"I'm sorry," Spifey felt terrible. "I won't force you to speak." Zelk nodded, and the pair continued on.

- -

When the prince and the matchmaker reached the edge of the mountain, both were nervous.
"This is really happening?"
"It is," Spifey grabbed Zelk's hand, but Zelk pulled away. "Is something wrong?"
"The timing," Zelk said. "I'd be fine usually, but after yesterday, it just isn't the time and place." Spifey understood.
The pair began to climb the dangerous mountain. It was easy in the lower half- just a narrow path that curved up. But even the easiest part had its difficulties. At a higher part overseeing some rather sharp rocks, Spifey lost his footing and let out a shriek. He fell too fast for Zelk to grab him. He stared up and watched a rope fall in his direction. He gripped it for dear life, as he was moments from hitting the sharp rocks below. Luckily, Zelkam heaved and pulled him up. Shaking, Spifey held Zelk tightly. "Sure is lucky this cave was here."
"Hello," the voice of an older man rang. Zelk let out a shriek and nearly fell off the mountain himself, but an old man in blue robes with a long white beard grabbed him and pulled him back into the cave. "I am Robin," the stranger introduced himself. "I have lived here for many years. And I sense that one of you is here on Ivyne's behalf!"
"What?" Zelk was outraged. "We would never be on even neutral terms with Ivyne!"
"Funny, considering you're the one I see her magic surrounding."
"It's Prince Zelkam," Spifey defended his friend. "Ivyne cursed him!"
"As she did me," Robin sighed. "I asked her for foresight, and she said she would allow me to see magic, energy, and intentions on a person. But, first I would have to be betrayed by someone. My friend Jerry agreed to come with me, to defend me against whoever the traitor would be. But when I suggested we stay the night in this cave, he wanted to keep going. We had an argument, and I awoke to have all of our supplies gone, as well as him."
"Supplies?" Spifey felt hopeless. What if we don't make it?
"Yes," Robin said, turning back to his cave. "I stay here now, because even after attempting to go back home, all of this foresight proved to be a burden. Many people have attempted to go over this mountain and didn't make it. I have some supplies you can use."
"Thank you," Spifey was beyond grateful. The climb was a cold blur, but after exhausting hours, Spifey got to the top and watched as Zelk finished his climb as well. The rope that Zelkam had brought helped a lot.
"There should be a way leading to a tunnel somewhere."
"Here," Spifey opened a trapdoor. "You go first." Zelk jumped in, and Spifey after him.
"Alright. Now all we have to do is-" suddenly Zelk shuddered as he fell and rolled down the ramp.
"Zelk!" Spifey called repeatedly. He ran as fast as he could before he himself tripped and tumbled down. "Zelk?" The tiger's breathing was irregular and shallow. "No," Spifey whispered. He grabbed Zelkam and ran as fast as he could down the tunnel into Hanya.
Hang in there, Zelk. I'll keep you safe.