Ma'el walked his way back to his camp with a wide smile on his face, feeling extremely content. His first day with the locals had far exceeded his highest expectations. He had been accepted by them and even invited to participate in one of their most important celebrations. He blushed blue. Yes, this had proved to be a very productive day and he had met very interesting people... specially Amalthea. He took a hand to his chin and his eyes glowed electric blue. How strange, in spite of being so different ... and young, he felt unexplainably drawn to her--
Suddenly, hearing a strange noise behind him, he stopped and turned. Even tough he saw no one there, he sensed another being's presence. Perhaps one of the little ones had followed him. "Show yourselves," he said gently.
To his surprise, two cloaked and adult humans stepped out from a group of trees and walked menacingly towards him. Both of them carried swords and, just as he had felt Amalthea would not harm him, he sensed those men would not hesitate to do so. "What is it that you want?" Ma'el asked, hoping not to show his growing concern.
"We want the jewels," one of them said in a harsh voice.
The 'Lord' took out his bag and shook his head. "It is empty. I am afraid I cannot fulfill your request," he explained.
"Then take us where you keep them!" the other bandit ordered, violently sweeping the bag out from the Taelon's hand.
Ma'el unconsciously went a step back, his concern turning into fear. "I cannot do that," he stated seriously.
That answer annoyed the man and he rudely pushed the now scared Taelon to the ground. "You will obey us if you want to keep your head," the thief barked, taking his sword to the fallen one's neck.
Even though the scientist knew those primitive weapons could not harm him, he stared at his aggressors in shock. As dangerous as it was he could not take them to his ship. "I... will not... obey you," Ma'el managed to answer.
"You will pay for this!" the taller thief spat and raised his sword...
Shaking, Ma'el raised his hands in a protective way... but the blow never came. Out of nowhere, a third hooded human appeared and placed himself between the victim and his captors. The bandits went a couple of steps back and exchanged glances.
"Stay away from this!" the taller man growled.
As an answer, the stranger raised his sword and waved it dangerously.
"So it be!" the other thief barked.
"Indeed" his companion agreed and they both charged against the newcomer.
Ma'el's new protector expertly blocked the strikes and the Taelon could tell he was far more skilled than his aggressors. The thieves noticed that too, they exchanged glances again and, yelling curses and disgusted words, they ran away. Once they were gone, the stranger put away his weapon, turned to the fallen one and pulled back the hood. "Are you all right?" a surprisingly pleasant voice asked, concerned.
Ma'el opened his eyes wide seeing who his protector was. "Amalthea!"
"Are you all right?" she repeated worriedly, offering her hand to him.
As he stared at her in disbelief, Leila's words echoed in his mind. Indeed Amalthea knew how to take care of herself. "Yes," he said and took her hand. "Thank... you."
She smiled and pulled him up. "You are shaking," she noted, turning serious and lying her free hand over their joined hands in a reassuring way.
Startled, but strangely pleased by their contact, all his fear vanished... to be replaced by something else... something he could not quite define... He lowered his gaze to their joined hands and then met her kind green eyes. "I... am... fine," he replied.
She nodded and held his gaze for a while, then, suddenly blushing, she smiled again and finally released him. "I saw them following you after you left. I couldn't see their faces, though, but I am sure they are not from the village. Tomorrow I will warn Leila and the others," she explained.
Ma'el tilted his head. "I do not understand why they attacked me, if I told them I had not more stones," he said. "I do not comprehend violence," he stated, but, seeing Amalthea's troubled expression, he immediately regretted it. "However, I must admit sometimes it is necessary. Thank you for saving my life, Amalthea," he added sincerely.
"You are welcome," she said. Then she looked up and seemed upset about something. "Soon there will be no light and those clouds will hide the full moon," the redhead noted and turned her gaze to him. "I would be relieved if you allow me to escort you to your camp," she said seriously. "Just in case those bandits return."
The scientist blinked and, is spite of the danger of being discovered, he accepted with a grin. She smiled back, went to get her bag that she had left behind and accompanied him... to his camp.
Ma'el led her through the same path he had followed in the morning and after a short walk, they arrived where the disguised ship was.
Amalthea looked at her surroundings and nodded approvingly. "I like this place. There are not so many bushes to allow possible thieves to... spy on you," she said with a raised eyebrow, clearly referring to their first encounter. "And that big rock, over there," she added, indicating the hidden craft, "provides you with some shelter." Then, she took a hand to her chin. "But where are your things?" she asked. At his puzzled look, she continued. "I mean furs to cover yourself, maybe another robe, wood to light a fire... those things."
"I can assure you I have everything I need," he answered solemnly.
She cocked her head, not fully convinced by his answer, but finally she nodded. "I am glad to hear that," she said with a small grin. Unexpectedly, a cold wind blew and she wrapped the robe tightly around herself. "I must leave now and find an appropriate place to spend the night."
"Why do you not stay here?" Ma'el suggested, not wanting her to go. "As you said before, soon there will be no light and it is not safe to travel in the dark. Those thieves could be not the only ones."
"I..." she began to protest, but then realized he was stating the truth. "Thank you for your offer," she said at last.
Ma'el found himself very pleased by her acceptance and slightly bowed his head.
She nodded and, grabbing her bag, she knelt, opened it and began to take out the things she would need: an old blanket, a worn fur, two carefully wrapped packages, a leather canteen and another robe. "What is it?" she suddenly asked her companion, who stood there, watching down at her.
"You travel light," he noted.
"I too have everything I need," she said seriously, rising from the ground.
"Do you?" he asked, meeting her eyes.
"Yes," she whispered, quickly adverting her gaze and walking away from him. "I will go to get some wood," she explained, before disappearing behind the trees.
Ma'el kept staring the trees and blushed blue. For a second he had been able to see right through her: an incredible sadness and loneliness. Leila had been right, Amalthea was alone and she did her best to hide it. If only--
He abruptly stopped and blinked in surprise. Why did he feel so concerned for a being he had just met? Why did he feel so... compelled... to comfort her? And why... did she make him feel... so... confused?
He took a hand to his chin in a thoughtful mood. Perhaps it was because... she had been... his... first contact. He decided that that was the logical explanation and then, shaking his head, he hurried to his ship to get some of the items Amalthea had mentioned before.
A moment later, she returned with the firewood. She placed it on the ground and, after choosing a few sticks, she accommodated them in a small pile and surrounded them with stones. She looked at Ma'el and smiled. "Can you, please, give me that package?" she asked.
He nodded and did so. "It's just straw," she explained, slightly amused by his puzzled expression. "I always carry some with me. In that way, it is easier to light a fire."
Ma'el tilted his head and continued watching with interest how she managed to light the small bonfire. "You seem to be an expert," he noted.
She shrugged. "It's just because of the straw," she replied and, as the fire dimly illuminated the place, she noticed that Ma'el held a blanket between his hands. "So you did have one of those," she said, grabbing her own blanket and laying it on the ground.
The Taelon looked at her through the corner of the eye and lay down his blanket too. They sat by the fire and kept quiet, contently admiring the dancing flames.
"It is beautiful," Ma'el said after a while, breaking the silence. He smiled and turned to look at her and could not help but notice the way the firelight reflected on her red hair... and was surprised by the sudden impulse he felt... he wanted to run a hand through her long hair.
"Yes," Amalthea agreed in a faraway voice, completely unaware of his stare. Then, she cocked her head and stretched her arms. "Well, time to sleep now. I will take the first watch," she said, stifling a yawn.
Ma'el blinked, waking up and shook his head. "I do not need to sleep... right now. You, instead, seem to be very tired."
"I... didn't sleep well last night," she admitted, leaning back and pulling up her old fur. "I can use some sleep."
"Close your eyes, then, and do not worry. I will watch after you," he said kindly.
She looked oddly at him and was about to say something, but instead, a soft laugh came out of her mouth.
"Are you laughing at me?" he asked in a slightly offended tone.
"Of course not!" she quickly answered, rolling on her side and sliding a hand under her head. "Well... It's just that I don't usually trust people until I know them better, but... I feel I can trust you," she said, "Even though you have lied to me," she finished.
He stiffened. "I..." he began to say, but then relaxed. "You are just partially right. I did not exactly lie. It was Leila who assumed I was one of your lords... and your friend," he explained.
Amalthea gave him an 'I-see-no-difference' look and rolled her eyes. "And who are you?" she asked, intrigued.
He looked intently at her and, after a moment of silence, he finally answered in a solemn voice. "I am a voyager and a scientist."
"A scientist?" she repeated, puzzled.
"I seek knowledge," he elaborated, gesturing with a hand. "I am always learning, looking for new things and new people. Everything interests me."
"So... you travel, searching for that knowledge?"
He nodded. "Yes. I suppose that is a way to describe it."
"Is it worth it?" she asked. "I mean, leave your home, your family... to learn new things?"
He blinked at her question and then took a hand to his chest. He thought his answer for a while. "The separation saddens me, yes, but sometimes, it is worth it," he said sincerely. Then, he tilted his head. "What about you? Why do you choose to live in the forest instead of living in the village?"
"I see you have been talking to Leila," she noted and then sighed. "I can't live there," she whispered, with unexpected sadness, but recovered quickly. "Besides, I like the life in the outside."
Realizing that she would not elaborate further and that it was a painful topic to her, Ma'el decided to end the conversation. "You shall sleep now," he said gently.
"You are right," she agreed. "Just wake me up when you fell tired, but do it carefully. I don't want to accidentally hurt you. You should never take by surprise someone who has a sword," she added teasingly and closed her eyes.
A few minutes later, her soft, rhythmic breathing indicated to him that she was sleeping.
Once sure she would not wake up, Ma'el allowed himself to drop his façade and mentally smiled. If the coming days were to be like this one, he would definitely enjoy his time on Earth... specially if his new found friend stayed near him... because he already considered Amalthea his friend. He sparkled brighter at the thought and forced himself to calm down, so not to bother her. He tilted his head. What would she do if she saw him in his true form? He looked at her dangerous sword and at her peaceful, sleeping face... and then he remembered her kind eyes and her concerned expression when she had saved him. Immediately he knew the answer: she would never harm him.
Seeing the slight shiver Amalthea made, he carefully put a stick into the fire and covered her with another blanket. Then, he leaned back on his own blanket. Just in that very moment, a gentle wind drew the clouds away and everything was bathed by the silver moonlight. Pleased by the beautiful sight, he relaxed and focused his mind in the faint whisper that was the Taelon Commonality... he did miss them after all.
******
The next morning, Amalthea woke up feeling unusually rested... and happy. She stretched her arms and only then she realized she had slept the whole night, no nightmares had haunted her dreams, nor had Ma'el awakened her. She blinked and yawned. She sat and looked around, Ma'el was now where to be seen, but –to her surprise- there was a dish filled with stew laying before her, together with fruits and a cup of milk. Puzzled, she stared at the food for a few minutes, not knowing if she should take it or not, but a roar of her stomach convinced her to do so. She held a spoon and ate a little bit of stew. It was a strange meal to eat in the morning, but it was delicious. She smiled. Again Ma'el had surprised her with his kindness. In spite of the strange and embarrassing way they first met, she knew he was a good man and she trusted him... not to mention that he made her feel... things. She ran a hand through her disheveled hair. For a long time since Sheri's death, she had believed she would never be able to feel anything again, but then, she had met Nell and now, she had to admit... she was beginning to like Ma'el... a lot. She flushed and took a sip of milk. True, he was a mysterious man and physically different. He was extremely pale and despite his young appearance he had no hair... but his eyes were so blue and his gaze was so gentle...
"I see you are finally awake," a soft voice suddenly said, interrupting her thoughts.
Knowing whom it was, Amalthea blushed even more and raised her head. "Why... did you let me sleep the whole night?" she asked after a while. "You must be tired."
He looked at her with his tilted head and smiled. "I assure you I had the proper rest," he said in a slightly amused tone.
She stared at him with a raised eyebrow, his amusement not lost to her.
"What is it that troubles you?" he asked in the same tone as before.
Amalthea shook her head. "Nothing," she said with a smirk. "Thank you for the food, but where did you take it from?"
Ma'el's grin widened and, to her astonishment, a girl of about eight years old stepped forward from behind him, giggling. "I brought it!" the child said, approaching her and sitting by her side.
"Nell!" Amalthea exclaimed, rubbing Nell's light-brown hair. "What are you doing here, little one?"
The girl grinned and gave her friend and innocent look. "I came here to bring you and Lord Ma'el some food," she explained, indicating the meal. "I noticed you ate very little yesterday."
"Indeed," Ma'el agreed, "and since when Nell arrived you were still sleeping, I asked her to show me the surroundings."
"And so I did," Nell finished solemnly.
The redhead blinked, looked at Ma'el and returned her gaze to Nell. "Thank you for the food, little one, but how many times I have told you not to wander alone in the forest?" she asked, concerned, and raised her gaze. "And that goes for you too, Lord Ma'el," she added in a slight mocking and annoyed voice.
"But I knew there would be no danger!" Nell protested. "Are you mad at me?" she asked then, with troubled eyes.
Amalthea sighed and rolled her eyes. "Of course not Nell, you know that I can't get angry with you, but I do get concerned. Just... just don't do it again... Please?"
Nell nodded with a sweet smile, but then gave her a stubborn look. "But nothing bad happened. Besides, I saw you and Lord Ma'el here," she said, gesturing with her arms.
"You saw us?" the scientist asked with a puzzled expression on his face.
Nell's grin widened and she raised her eyes to look at him. "Yes, in my dreams. I often see things that then happen in real life. Leila calls it 'the gift of sight'."
"The gift of sight," he repeated thoughtfully, taking a hand to his chin.
"Yes, the gift of sight," Amalthea said seriously. "But tell me, little one, did your dream show you the punishment your mother would give you for leaving the village without permission? Or may I assume you did ask her?" the redhead asked, with a bemuse raised eyebrow.
Nell's smile faded and gave her a lost-puppy look. "You will protect me, right?" She begged, throwing her arms around Amalthea's neck.
The woman rolled her eyes again and, unable to resist Nell's plea, she hugged the child. "You know your mother. I will see what I can do, little one," she said in a mocking, dramatic way.
"Thank you, Amalthy!" Nell exclaimed between giggles, but then turned serious. "Now eat your food," the girl added in such a solemn tone, that Amalthea had to smile... and obey.
Ma'el just watched then with curiosity and with a wide grin on his face.
Once Amalthea finished her meal, twenty minutes later, they picked up all their things and headed to Shareb. During their way there, Nell began to gather beautiful wildflowers. "For my mother," the girl explained, showing them the delicate plants and giving each one a flower.
"Thank you, little one," Ma'el said, slightly puzzled and looking at his flower with interest.
Nell flashed a smile and went to pick more flowers.
"Don't get away of my sight," Amalthea told her and then turned to Ma'el with an amused smile. "Sweet child, isn't she?" the redhead said fondly.
"Yes," the scientist agreed, raising his gaze from the flower. "You seem to share a strong bond with her. Leila told me you rescued Nell from the lake."
To his surprise, Amalthea became serious, closed her eyes for a moment and then spoke. "Yes. I took Nell out from the water, but it was her who rescued me. At that time I was... desperate. I..." She left the sentence unfinished and quickly took a hand to her now misty eyes, before that rebel tears slid down her cheek. "Sorry," she whispered, unable to hide her embarrassment.
"It is all right," Ma'el said in his soothing voice... and then, he suddenly found himself raising his arms... to hold her. Quickly, he dismissed the idea and lowered his arms.
They continued walking in a thoughtful silence, Amalthea mortified for having almost broken before him; and Ma'el deeply confused by his sudden impulse to embrace her.
After a while, Amalthea recovered herself. She slightly chuckled. "You must believe I am a weak, crying woman," she said, still embarrassed.
"Of course not," he gently replied. "You are strong and brave. I can feel it."
She flushed and a smile lit up her face. "Thank you... and you are the kindest man I have ever met."
He blinked in surprise at her statement, but then smiled back.
Twenty minutes later they arrived at the village, Nell carrying a basket filled with flowers. "There is my mother," she said, taking Amalthea's hand.
Amalthea looked and smiled. There was Kala, busy talking with a group of women. The redhead presumed the young woman would be asking for her child. "Go to her and apologize," Amalthea encouraged her little friend, gently squeezing her hand. Nell gave her a last resigned glance and went to meet her mother. Amalthea followed her with an amused gaze, shook her head and turned to Ma'el.
"Will she be all right?" he asked, tilting his head.
"Yes," the redhead said with a grin. "Kala is a good and loving mother. Surely she will give Nell a fair punishment," she explained.
He nodded while looking at Kala and Nell with interest. The woman had accepted the flowers and was lecturing her child, agitatedly moving her free hand. The girl just listened with her head bowed and her hands on her back. Seconds later, Nell embraced her mother.
"See?" Amalthea said.
"Indeed," the scientist agreed thoughtfully, clearly intrigued by the scene.
"How strange," Amalthea noted. "Why do you always seem to be so interested in such ordinary events?"
"What do you mean?" he asked, unconsciously raising a hand in a defensive gesture and stiffening.
Seeing his upset expression and his tense body, she shook her head and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Please forgive me. I didn't mean to bother you. It's just that... well... I was curious," she said, biting her lower lip.
He gave a startled look at his shoulder and she quickly withdrew her hand and shrugged apologetically.
He relaxed and smiled reassuringly. "You did not bother me. Like you, I am just curious," he explained simply.
She looked at him with a raised eyebrow and a knowing smirk appeared on her face. "I understand... we all have secrets," she replied.
"You are absolutely right," he stated with a sideways glance.
"I know," she said. "But still... I trust you," she added with a wink.
Ma'el just managed to concentrate in not losing his disguise. Amalthea's faith in him really impressed him.
Unaware of his predicament, she turned serious and removed a strand of hair from her face. "I have to inform Leila about the bandits," she said, abruptly changing the subject. "I would appreciate if you come with me."
The Taelon nodded and accompanied her to find the old woman. After a moment of searching, they found her talking with an old man, seated under the shadow of a big tree.
"My Lord, Amalthea," Leila greeted them happily. "This is my brother Alrick," she added.
"My Lord," the man respectfully bowed.
"What can I do for you?" Leila asked.
"Something happened last night," Amalthea began to say and then told them about the attack of the hooded men. "I am sure they don't belong here, but it would be wise to do something about it," the redhead finished.
Leila turned serious and closed her eyes for a while. "They must be stopped. I will suggest to the community to send explorers."
"That is a good idea," Amalthea agreed, "but remember, their only purpose is to explore. If they see anything strange, they should return immediately."
"Of course," Alrick said and bowed again to Ma'el. "Our apologies, my Lord. Not so long ago this used to be a safe region, but now..."
He finished with a sigh and his sister patted him reassuringly on his back. "Everything will be all right, Alrick," the old woman soothed her brother.
"That is correct," Ma'el added, "and you do not need to apologize, as I was properly protected," he said, giving Amalthea a kind glance.
The young woman slightly blushed and nodded.
"I see," Lila noted, giving Amalthea and Ma'el a knowing look.
Puzzled, the scientist turned to his friend, only to find that she had turned crimson red. She cleared her throat. "They... were just... cowards... thieves," she said, embarrassed.
"Never the less, you did risk your life for me," Ma'el replied, gesturing with both hands.
"You always seem to appear at the right time, Amalthea," Leila said, hugging her. "If it were not for you, my little Nell..." She stopped and shook her head. "Please forgive me," she said, drying her eyes.
"You know that you can count on me, Leila," Amalthea said gently, returning the hug. "You, Nell and the others are the closest people that I can call my family."
"And what about Lord Ma'el?" Leila asked in a whisper, only to her ears.
As an answer, Amalthea flushed in a deep red. "I..."
"I understand," Leila interrupted her with a mischievous wink and then released her. "We have to choose the explorers." The old woman said.
"I suggested Joran, Ronin and John, they are the most capable for the mission," Alrick said.
"So it be," his sister agreed.
By the end of the day, filled with warnings and instructions, the three young men left Shareb...
******