CHAPTER 14:
The Nile
Kiara woke up to the lightly darkened sky still awaiting sunrise. She stretched slowly and cuddled up to Kaen'Dre's bare chest. She trailed her fingers over his cheek to wake him slowly. He twitched him mandibles and went back to sleep. Tracing a finger over his lower tusks, she smiled at being able to touch his face. Every time he looked at her with his eyes when she did made her nervous. He looked adorable against her pillow while holding her in one arm. Most people would find him a bit frightening, even if he was a god, but to her his face was very intriguing. She traced her finger over the scar he held over his forehead which she still hadn't figured out yet, but it had to be important enough to let himself carry it. Maybe all the gods carried it to symbolize their strength and honor?
I mean, who'd scar themselves voluntarily for no reason?, she thought. It has to mean something.
She kissed him on the cheek to see if that would wake him, he usually gave quick reactions when she did. But he still slept. Sighing in aggravation, she poked him firmly on his cheek. He stirred and woke up instantly. Wiping his eyes and yawning out loud to shake out of his slumber, he turned to look at her. He had been sleeping so comfortably until she woke him.
Why'd she wreck my sleep?, he thought annoyed.
"Finally, you wake" she said, stretching out fully. "We have to hurry up and get ready."
"Why do we have to leave before dawn?" Kaen'Dre asked, grouchily. He wanted to stay in the soft bed. "We could stay in this soft bed together."
"Because we have a long way until we reach the Nile" she said, smiling. "I always enjoy going there, you'll see the merchants, fishers, and travelers from other kingdoms."
"But how will we get there?" Kaen'Dre asked, cuddling into his pillow. "Can we not sleep more?"
"No, get up" Kiara said, kicking his leg. He hissed. "We'll be taking a wagon."
"Wagon?" he asked, puzzled.
What was that? He didn't remember hearing anything about a 'wagon', just that they used the creatures called camels and horses, along with primitive sea ships.
"Our transportation" she pointed out. He still stared blankly. "I'll just show you when we get outside."
He sat up and stretched out to get the sleep out of his body. He was used to being alert all the time even while he slept, but ever since he slept next to Kiara, he'd gotten as lazy as her when it came to waking.
I have to start getting back on track, this isn't a vacation, he thought. I need to hunt, but when could. . .the Nile! That place she said, maybe. . just maybe. . I could hunt.
He got excited instantly and looked at Kiara. She gave him a confused look which made him grin at her.
Innocent and clueless, he thought mentally. No, I shouldn't have said she's clueless, just oblivious to my purpose.
"Kaen'Dre?" Kiara said, waving a hand to snap him out of his thoughts. "We have to get ready."
"Of course, how long will our trip take?" he asked, curiously.
"It will take about three hours, so we'll have time to spend in the carriage" she said, yawning. "I will be driving so you can be with me solidly, but I need you to wear the outfit I made when we're on the river."
"We'll visit the river too?" he asked, tilting his head. She nodded. "Can we swim?"
"Sure" she said, nodding. "But first, get up."
She got out of the bed and went to her dresser. Kaen'Dre saw her shiver and jump softly from foot to foot while she grabbed her clothes from inside. He laughed which made Kiara look back. She picked up one of Asim's toys and threw it at him. He dodged it easily but it bounced onto Asim's head which woke him up. Looking immediately at Kaen'Dre, he hissed which got him uneasy.
I'll take you down if I have to, fur ball, he thought.
Kiara looked over to see Asim baring his teeth at Kaen'Dre. She didn't need them to start a fight and have one hurt. But she knew Asim wasn't trusting of Kaen'Dre and she wondered why. He seemed perfectly safe and honest. Walking quickly over to them, she jumped off the cold floor and threw herself onto the bed again. Lying on her back, she looked up.
"What did I say about fighting? Now, get ready" Kiara said, firmly. Asim jumped off the bed and licked his paws while Kaen'Dre sat. She looked at him, "You too, if you're not ready, I'll leave."
"You wouldn't" he responded. "We're going there because of me."
"I could cancel the trip" she challenged.
Must she always compete with me?, he thought instantly. Oomans and their attempts to be better.
"I will be ready, I am ready before you" he said, arrogantly.
"That's because you don't wear much" Kiara mumbled to herself. "You're practically half-naked without the armor."
You and your fishnet outfit which doesn't even leave much to the imagination, she thought on her own. Though I will not be one to complain of you wearing it.
"What!" he demanded.
"Nothing" she squeaked innocently. Then normally, "So, you're either ready for our adventure or not."
"You and I could have our own adventure" Kaen'Dre said, grabbing her arms. "We could go away for some days, survive in the wilderness, hunt down some creatures, and be back with some excuse for you."
Her eyes widened at his idea of hunting down something. She'd never hunted any creature, only Atem, it was natural for men to hunt down animals for food. But she had a love for the wildlife, she'd never hunt it. She knew he was devoted to hunting and knowledge, but she only accepted one of those, and it wasn't the first.
"Hunt? You want me to hunt something?" she asked, quickly. She backed out of his arms slightly. "I'm not killing an innocent creature, what makes you think that?"
"Ahem, god of the hunt?" he said, pointing to himself. "I am a warrior of the hunt as well as knowledge."
Kiara rolled her eyes at him. She was not about to go away for days to hunt an innocent creature, a dangerous one, yes, but not an innocent one. She only protected the weak, she didn't kill them. He'd never asked her anything like that and it made her a bit. . .nervous. Hopefully it was a suggestion, not mandatory for her while she was with him.
"I could never hunt anything innocent and helpless, I am not that type of person" Kiara said, softly. "If that is you, I can accept it because it's your devotion. But not for me."
Is she implying I kill helpless beings?, he thought quickly.
"It was a mere suggestion and I do not kill anything innocent, Kiara" he stated easily. "I am a god of hunting down strong and worthy prey, like that serpent."
"I had enough from killing that thing" she said, quickly. "I don't like hunting anything like that."
"It wouldn't be that bad, you can take care of yourself" he said, waving a hand. "You could kill one on your own."
"So, you'd take me to hunt those things down?" she asked, narrowing her eyes. He clicked and nodded. "I don't plan to bother them as long as they don't to me. It sounds pointless to me."
"They did kill some of your people" Kaen'Dre pointed out.
"I am not a bringer of death" she said, firmly. "I kill what needs to be killed to ensure the safety of my people, not for pleasure. I do not need to bring blood onto my hands that isn't needed. I'd be no worse than a killer."
Kaen'Dre's feelings felt empty all of a sudden. He thought that she'd at least find it interesting somehow, but she didn't. Maybe all oomans were the same when it came to emotions and views about hunting and death. His life was in the Hunt and if she couldn't respect that, then . . . .he didn't want to feel anything for her. He wanted someone who respected and loved who he was, not someone who'd repent and reject him.
I respect her primitive ooman ways, why can't she to me?, he thought upsettingly. I haven't mocked her ways, I thought she'd understand me. But the answer still leads to that she's ooman, that's it.
He looked at her simply and took his blankets off. The ooman would never understand his ways, even if she found the truth out. If she didn't like his god-like image of hunting, how would she feel if she knew what he really was? No, she could never find out and if she did, then he'd stop her before she blurted it out. He wouldn't want to but he'd rather do it himself than another hunter. No ooman could ever interfere in his clan's Hunt.
I can't think such dark things, he thought quickly. It was just her remark about my lifestyle, it's not like she'll really find out. But. . .I still didn't like her comment, it felt as if I was heartless in her eyes, like a monster of sort.
"Let us go to the Nile" he said, simply. Getting up, he went for his clothes and armor.
He felt insulted from her comments. He wasn't a Bad Blood or a monster of sort, he was a proud hunter. Why couldn't she understand that? She was supposed to know what he liked and didn't, but so far, she hated his deepest passion. And if she detested it, she might as well detest him.
"Kaen'Dre, I didn't mean to offend you in any way" Kiara said, from behind. "It's your life, your devotion, I don't have a say in it. I can only give my opinion."
"It has been duly noted, princess" Kaen'Dre said, nodding.
Kiara sighed mentally. Why did she have to say that? Sometimes her mouth got her in trouble, just like Aziza. She didn't mean to insult him in any way, she didn't want him mad at her. How she hoped he wasn't mad, she'd never seen him that way but she got a feeling this time it was real. He had gone silent that she easily felt a cold aura around him. She didn't want to face any of his wrath but she wanted to apologize.
"I'm sorry if-" she started.
"Do not worry, we have other things to tend to" Kaen'Dre said, bluntly. "We can discuss other matters later."
She saw him get dressed quickly while Asim just relaxed on the floor. When he finished, he went to the nearest window to stare out of it. Kiara felt bad for hurting him in any manner, she didn't mean to. Despite they were at close distance, she felt there was an invisible border keeping them apart because of that comment.
I'm so sorry, Kaen'Dre, she thought sadly. The last thing on my mind would be to hurt you.
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Kiara walked down the dirt path in the direction of the docks. Kaen'Dre wanted to see the canoes, as Kiara called them, and people fishing for his first time. For now, she'd take him anywhere to just make him happy. Their ride through the desert all the way to the river had been mostly silent. The only time they talked was when he had a question about the landscape. Kiara wanted him to speak to her in his gentle manner like always but now he had a colder tone.
Why did I have to open my mouth about his lifestyle?, she thought sadly. She looked quietly at him. I'm sorry.
Asim walked by her side which comforted her. She'd always love her pet unconditionally, he loved her so much she felt like his sister or mother at times. She smiled softly at imagining how one day she'd mother her own. But Kaen'Dre's loud steps got her back into reality. Oh, how she hated this awful silence between them.
"So, what will we be doing first?" Kaen'Dre asked, looking over to the docks.
"Do you want to fish or would you like to see the trading posts?" she asked, smiling to hopefully make him sound happier.
"Does not matter" he said, simply.
"We can look at the trading posts and get something to eat or go see if they have any jewelry you like" Kiara said, grabbing his hand softly. She really wanted to make him better. "Come."
He nodded but took out his hand from hers quickly. Kaen'Dre didn't feel ashamed from her comments about his culture, but rather proud of who he was. If he was growing soft on her, that meant he was developing something and that was not permitted in any manner. He was a hunter, it's always been his dream to be after many years and no one would change his mind on it. Nobody, not even Kiara.
He didn't want to hurt her but he didn't need his culture to be judged in her eyes while he allowed it. Walking forward, he got onto the wooden floorboards of the docks. Sighing when he didn't feel two smaller forms following him, he looked back. He saw Kiara wiping her eyes with one hand while kicking the sand softly.
Great, I made her cry, he sighed mentally. Why do oomans cry?
"Kiara" he called. She looked up startled.
"Come, the beauty of the Nile awaits" she said, walking forward again.
Kiara walked with Asim until they were ahead of Kaen'Dre. Her chest felt tight from her hurt feelings of his rejection. Oh, how she prayed to the gods for him to be gentle and friendly again instead of a simple and silent being. Or at least for her to be able to make him better somehow, but it wasn't working so she had to deal with it. It hurt but she couldn't do anything to make him feel well.
They walked down the wooden dock with Kiara leading the way. Asim looked around at all the delicious fish that caught his eye but he had to restrain himself. He whined up at Kiara in which she looked down.
"You'll eat in a bit, don't worry" she assured. He purred contentedly.
She walked down the section were the traders had set up posts of spices. Kiara loved walking down that section and smelling the different fragrances from each. Asim lifted his head high and sniffed too.
"Oh, look, cinnamon!" Kiara said, excitedly.
She remembered her mother liked using cinnamon in cakes or pastries. Her mother didn't travel much outside the kingdom, only when Kiara and Atem were young she did but stopped with the kingdom's responsibilities. Cinnamon wasn't cultivated in her kingdom or any nearby, only in the kingdoms in Upper Egypt. Walking up to the stand, she immediately put some into a plastic bag and measured it on a weight scale to see the cost according to it.
Kaen'Dre observed the small powders collected in wooden containers. He barely smelled the scent from the spices because of his mask, but he enjoyed the aroma that could get through it. He got interested at seeing the variety of oomans in their different clothing walking to and from posts. It made him wonder what places they were from and if they were peaceful or violent. Looking over, he saw Kiara filling up a bag as big as his hand with powder and another with little stick-like objects. She paid the man while she finished filling the bags.
"What are you buying?" he asked, quietly.
"I am buying a spice called cinnamon" she answered back while tying up her bags. "We serve them in desserts- food. We don't have it in my kingdom and my mother loves it, so I'm getting some for her. I love its scent too, very delightful."
Kiara put the two bags into the big brown one she had brought in case she bought things, which she always did. She loved traveling and taking souvenirs with her. She walked down the path to look over the other posts.
"Do you use them for flavor on food?" Kaen'Dre asked, looking around.
"Yes, but there are some we use on beverages" she said, shrugging. "Anyplace you want to go to next?"
"Is there a good view of the river nearby?" he asked, looking around.
Kiara nodded and said, "Come with me."
She walked down the hard wooden floor while looking over the shops to see any new objects she'd never seen. Asim and Kaen'Dre followed her closely in order not to lose her with all the quick paces that she did. She went down a stairway that was on her right and followed it until she hit the hot sand. Kaen'Dre walked onto the sand instantly at the sight that awaited him.
Despite there was still a lot of sand before they reached its shore, he could see its length and width more bigger than any entity of water he'd ever seen up close. He had seen oceans and seas on other planets but most had been acidic because of his choice in prey. Back home, he wasn't allowed near things like this when he'd been small but the other bodies of water he'd visited were smaller; traders only used their ships and posts at the docking bays.
Kiara motioned for them to walk down an invisible path that she'd made out so they followed. Kaen'Dre didn't take his eyes off of the river and the sound of its current made him feel at peace. They walked until he couldn't see the docks they had come from anymore and were near a shaded area with rock formations and boulders. Kiara stretched out to relax in the shade but the shore was still a small distance away and in the sunlight.
"Can anybody swim in it?" Kaen'Dre asked, awed.
"Of course, but don't go too deep, the current gets stronger" she said, nodding.
He saw some sort of ooman hunters catching aquatic animals from the water from far away, so they wouldn't be a bother. Seeing small ooman boats from afar, he felt like getting on one to look over the water and observe it from the middle of its vastness. Looking at Kiara, he forgot the unhappy feeling he had towards her.
"Come with me?" he asked, extending his gloved hand. She glanced at him timidly. "I will understand if you reject."
I don't want him more upset than he already is, she thought looking at him. But what if I do something and anger him worse?
"I will do as my lord asks" she said, taking his hand. "I cannot deny you what you came here to observe."
"Why do you talk that way?" Kaen'Dre asked, tilting his head.
"You came to learn and I will abide to whatever you ask" she said, simply. "You are a high being and I cannot deny you anything."
"Then if you cannot deny a thing, do not speak in that formal manner, speak like you always do" he stated firmly. "Now, come."
"Yes, my lord" she said, going to his side.
"No, Kiara, don't talk like that" he said, looking at her. "I have a name, I am no lord or master, I do not own you or slaves."
He patted her shoulder which made her feel better. Kiara didn't want to get him to get more upset with her so she'd have to speak with him normally.
But isn't that how I got him angry in the first place?, she sighed mentally. Oh, I wish I could understand what's going through his mind or what he's even feeling to help out.
Walking down the path, Kaen'Dre practically ran to the shore and observed it instantly. Kiara's arm hurt slightly from being dragged behind his fast pace. Asim followed at Kaen'Dre's pace easily but stopped feet away from the water like always.
"You don't plan on swimming with all of that on, do you?" Kiara asked, placing her hands on her hips.
"Of course not, will you be joining me?" he asked, looking at her.
She wanted to swim with him just like they had at the waterfall, but no. She didn't need to ruin his view about her anymore than she had today in the morning.
"Umm. .no, I'm going to stay onshore" she said, taking out a straw hat from her bag and placing it on her head.
"Are you sure?" Kaen'Dre asked, taking off his cloak and sighing in relief at being free from it. She nodded. "Water relaxes the body no matter what state it's in."
"My body is well, I don't need to, have fun" she said, sitting down.
"I thought you loved the water" he said, tilting his head.
"I'll be fine, just go swim!" she yelled. She shut her mouth immediately at her outburst. "I'm sorry."
He looked at her in surprise at how she spoke to him. Kiara had never raised her voice at him in any manner. Why did she yell at his simple question? All he was trying to do was to somehow fix what they'd ruined in the morning. But now, it just made him ask more questions.
Maybe oomans have more complex layers than I realized, he thought. Maybe Kwei'De was right about ooman civilization being complicated in many forms for which we shouldn't intervene.
Or maybe my father was right about oomans being greedy and inferior beings, another voice thought. Could I judge her based on one remark? She's treated me kind so far. . .unless it's a mask she's wearing hiding her true self.
"Fine, call me when you are ready to go somewhere else" Kaen'Dre said, simply. "By the way, a simple 'enough' would've sufficed instead of yelling at me. I am not your enemy."
"I'm sorry" she said, quietly.
Kiara watched him go into the water while he stomach felt tightened. How could one simple comment about his devotion in the morning change their friendship so quickly? She wanted to ask for his forgiveness or to at least hear her view, but she was afraid to.
Are the gods testing my loyalty to them by sending him to me?, she thought. Or am I worrying over nothing?
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Kiara picked up seashells along the shore and at the shallow end of the river. She had her collection of shells ever since her father had brought her here at the age of 6 and kept it growing over the years. She never got bored of them because there was never a double for a shell in its size, shape, and type. Putting them into a small bag, she searched along the shore until she got to the big boulders separating the shallow water into a deeper one of the other side.
Climbing over onto one of the warm boulders, she sat down on it and looked over to the other side. She saw small fishes collecting in it along with several shells held at the bottom. Looking over the humongous river, she wondered where it ended.
"I would love to travel the entire current with you and explore even unto the sea" she said, smiling over its beauty. "You travel a great distance and help many people, you are the beauty of all our people, instead of our pyramids, statues, or jewels. But the beautiful wildlife and nature that our gods created for us to live in."
"One day my children will glance at your beauty, and you will even live longer than any human that exists even now" Kiara said, laying down on the boulder. "You are our pride and our life, you and every piece of land, body of water, and living creature are what will define our people in the future unless we are conquered."
Looking down into the water, she placed her hand inside the water and played with it. Seeing the small fishes, she pretended to catch one just to see their lightning speed. Taking her hand out of the water, she held it up to feel the leftover water drip down her arm. Placing it back in, she splashed around in it and placed her foot inside. She didn't care about her sandals, they always dried up and were ready for another hike by the next day or so. Dripping some water over her hair, she felt its coolness seep into her warm scalp making her tingle instantly.
"Kiara!" Kaen'Dre called.
She turned to look at him while getting a grip with her foot on the boulder. She hoped nothing was wrong over there but while looking over, her foot slipped under the water over the rock. Scratching the rock with her fingernails, she tried to keep a grip on the boulder but failed. Falling into the cold water, it drenched through her robes while she got to the surface. She wasn't able to touch the river's floor because it was deeper than she expected so she swam immediately to grip onto the boulder to surface. Spitting out water and breathing in air, she sighed at her luck of not falling in headfirst.
Pushing her hair back to get a better view, she gripped one hand onto the boulder. Coughing out whatever water she swallowed, she then tried to place her foot onto the boulder to give herself a boost. Using her other hand, she tried to pull herself up but the edge of the boulder was still a bit away. Falling back into the water, she sighed angrily. She could swim around but what if there was more steepness and pools that separated? She didn't need to be flopping around like a fish over each.
Kaen'Dre looked over to see if Kiara came back up from where she'd fallen. If she'd fallen in water, it had to be shallow since all of it was along the shore. Besides, she'd probably just yell at him again if he tried to help or question her. Going back to the fish he'd caught with his spear, he began eating it carefully. These creatures had tiny yet sharp bones but it tasted well raw. He had been hungry and if Kiara gave him grief over him killing it, he wouldn't care.
Hearing Asim get up and make a whiny noise in his throat, Kaen'Dre hissed to make him be quiet. Asim bared his fangs at him and yowled in Kiara's direction. He flared his mandibles in annoyance but Asim ran off in her direction.
Good, now I can eat in peace, he thought.
Kiara kept her hands on the boulder's side to not fall back in. How was she going to get out when she didn't have anything to boost her up? Trying to place her palms into the rock, she tried to lift herself up while trying to place her foot on the rock. Luckily, she was able to hold her position without slipping.
Okay, what is my next step?, she thought quickly. Because my mind is blank!
"Oh, this is great!" she exclaimed.
Hearing a purr on the other side, she tried to push herself up. But her foot slipped so she fell back in the water which made her growl, but luckily her hands stayed gripped on the rock.
"All right, who plans to help me out of the water?" she called out.
Seeing a leopard head pop over her, she smiled immediately. He whined and looked down at her.
"Asim, be a dear and help me out of here" she said, spitting out water.
He extended his palm out to her while she tried to grab on. Usually, she'd be afraid of getting cut by his claws but this time she didn't care. Using her other hand to keep a grip on the rock, Asim backed up while trying to lift her up. She hoped that he'd be able to or he'd fall in along with her if he couldn't.
Feeling herself lifting, she pushed herself up. She felt Asim teeth grab on to her robes to help her up better and luckily, they didn't rip. Scratching up her fingers, nails, and knees, she struggled until she felt herself on top of the rocks. Looking around to make sure, she saw the water under her which made her squeal happily. Still dripping, she sat up and hugged Asim around his neck. He purred and licked her cheek.
"My hero" Kiara laughed. "See, this is why we're a team."
Taking out the water from her robes, she shook her feet to take out water from her sandals. She stood up and grabbed her bag of shells, which luckily had stayed on the rocks. Walking through the hot sand, she was happy it stuck onto her robes and inside her sandals. It was much better than being in water and staying there. She was happy to be alive, frankly, and touch land.
Bless the gods for it, she thought happily.
Kaen'Dre sighed satisfyingly after finally eating something that actually tasted similar to his own food. Dipping his feet into the water, he dug his toes into the cold wet sand. Looking to his left, he say Kiara and Asim walking in his direction. Seeing her slouchy figure, he zoomed his mask's vision to her.
What happened to her? Her clothes are wet, he thought.
"Probably splashing around the water again" he said, simply.
Seeing her come up to him, he looked up at her. Her clothes were still dripping along with her whole body while she gave an angry look.
"Ready to go?" she asked, quickly.
Nope, I want to hunt, he thought.
"Actually, I thought we were going to explore more" he answered.
"Well, that was before I took an unexpected swim" she said, crossly. "Go and explore on your own, I'll be in the wagon."
Where is all of her anger coming from?, he thought.
"What is wrong? You're acting ill-tempered" Kaen'Dre asked, standing up.
"Maybe I'm a little cranky because I fell into deep water, almost drowned, and my faithful pet saved me instead of you" she snapped. "An all-powerful being."
So, that's why she was wet, he realized. Oh dear, she has a point.
"You didn't call out to me" he pointed out.
"Asim came to me, didn't you wonder why he did?" Kiara questioned. "Or would you come looking for me until it was time to leave?"
True, he saw her fall over but she didn't yell out to him or anything. How was he supposed to know? Okay, Asim may have growled at him but he just took it as a sign of his dislike towards him.
She could've drowned and I would've been here wondering where she'd gone, he thought. I would've been partly responsible if she'd died.
"I am sorry for not coming to your aid, but you came out all right" he said, pointing at her.
"You call this well?" she exclaimed, pointing to her drenched self. "Yes, thank you for worrying, Kaen'Dre. I can see how much you were concerned for me. "
For a female, she sure made him feel guilty. He didn't want her hurt in any way but he hadn't known. He'd seen her take care of herself so he had expected her to do the same this time.
"Fine, next time I will come to your aid no matter what happens or where you are, how does that sound?" he said, crossing his arms.
"I don't need your pity, I only needed you once and that's it" she said, simply. She wiped off water from her face.
"Now I cannot help you because of one incident?" Kaen'Dre said, loudly. "You are one crazy ooman woman!"
She growled and kicked him on the leg. He went back in surprise that she hit him but it hadn't hurt at all. She didn't even seem to care that his armor had blocked her attack as long as she hit him.
Why did she kick me? I haven't hit her, he thought. This ooman is changing quickly in emotions and I don't like it one bit.
"What is wrong with you?" he snapped. "One moment you're calm and quiet, now you're angry and violent?"
"I'm angry because you didn't help me after seeing me fall in" she said, upset. "You promised that you'd look after me and I was drowning and you didn't even wonder where the hell I even was!"
He looked away from her correct outburst. Yes, he had promised her but he didn't know this would happen. He'd been angry with her because of her comments, he'd forgotten what he'd spoken and promised her. He didn't want her hurt and seeing her bleeding elbows and knees for the first time made him feel worse.
"I'm sorry I wasn't there, come, we should head home" he said, grabbing her arm.
She backed away from his hand and went to the side. He looked at her in surprise at how she was rejecting him so easily for the first time. She always went into his arms every time he touched her, but not now. Had he hurt her more than he thought he had?
"You can explore, but I'll be in the wagon" she said, simply. "This is your trip, go have fun."
"You're hurt" he pointed out. "At least let me carry you back, you're bruised."
"I'll be fine, that's why I depend on myself because I can only trust myself" she said, looking into the water. "We can buy lunch and head home in a bit."
"Kiara, stop acting so distant" he said, trying to grab her arm but she backed up. "Come with me."
"No, and there's something I need to say" she said, firmly. "If you were trying to get even with me for having opposing views against your devotion, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to insult you at all, but if you want to hurt me, make it quick and painful instead of slow."
He stared in surprise at her confession. Yes, he was upset with her before she got hurt but he wouldn't cause her harm. She was a female and one of an inferior species, why would he? Why did she think he'd hurt her so easily? He cared. . .no, she was his friend, and he didn't hurt friends . . .or females he found interesting.
How did one conversation in the morning turn into this, I hate it, he thought angrily. And I know she hates it or she wouldn't be here in a fury.
"What makes you think I'd want to hurt you because of that?" Kaen'Dre asked her. "If you think I'd hurt a female just because of an upsetting conversation, you don't know me well enough."
Kiara felt hurt at knowing he didn't come to her aid when he'd been so close. Had he tried to make her incident dangerous by not coming to her or was he telling the truth? He was a god, he could do what he wanted with mortals, even her. Even if he hadn't meant to hurt her, she still felt hurt someone she cared for had just made her incident seem like nothing when she showed up. Now, here he was saying she didn't know him as well as she should.
I've been with him for days, he's the one who should speak to me more about himself, she thought.
"I guess I don't, but at least you could try to allow me to" she said, coldly. "You haven't even spoken much of your life and I've shown you mine."
She has me there, but I can't tell her anything, he thought. I have to act like an ooman god.
"I am a god, I can release the information when I please" he said, firmly. "You obey the gods, do you not?"
I've fallen in love with a shadow of an image who I don't even know, Kiara thought sadly.
"Yes, and as a learner of one, I want to go back to the wagon now" she said, quickly. "You can come when you're ready."
"Kiara" he complained.
"I will see you soon" she said, turning around. "I will be going to buy some medicine for my scrapes and some new garments. I hear there's some nice jewelry and weapon stands down the docks, you should go see."
Kaen'Dre watched her leave while picking up her robes by the side so they wouldn't get dirtier. She looked so frail in his eyes, he didn't want her to leave in that condition but she'd made up her mind. Watching her leave, he picked up his cloak to put over him and walked a distance from her.
Asim followed Kiara closely as her protector. She was grateful someone had cared enough to rescue her. Why had Kaen'Dre been so simple and cold to her? She had expected him to look over her and comfort her in his arms like always but he hadn't. Wiping tears from her eyes, she looked at her scraped hand.
"Oh, what're my parents going to say?" she cried. "What did I get myself into? How did I come to this situation?"
"Why couldn't he just be like he was the first time I met him?" she sighed. "Why didn't he care that I was even missing?"
Walking down the path, Asim nudged her comfortingly.
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Kaen'Dre watched Kiara sleep on the other side of the bed. Their entire day had been a mess and they hadn't been able to fix it. Ever since they'd come back, she wouldn't allow him to be close to her anymore. She had been silent most of the day but so had he. He had never been in these type of situations and was never supposed to be. He'd seen her cry at the balcony after he'd bathed but she quickly regained her quiet composure and denied it.
She had gone out to be with her friends for a bit, but it didn't seem to help. All they did was ask her questions as to what had happened to her which made her feel worse. Her trip to the Nile with Kaen'Dre was not one she wanted to remember. She felt everything they'd worked for was in deep trouble. Her mother had told her never to anger a god and she had, now she'd have to deal with the consequences. It hurt knowing that she'd changed the attitude of Kaen'Dre but it hurt worse knowing how much she cared for him and he didn't even seem to show much of anything now. When she'd gone to sleep, at least she found some peace.
He watched her small frame outlined in the moonlight. For once, her face seemed calm instead of upset like it had all day. He didn't know what to do to make her feel better and he wanted to. He'd give anything to just see her smile happily like she had all the previous days when they had been happy together. Kaen'Dre wanted to touch her face at least one more time, but he couldn't, she'd probably wake and throw him out the bed. She'd been kind enough to even let him sleep in it but at a distance.
I miss having her in my arms, he thought quietly. How did we come to this state in our friendship? I thought we had been progressing greatly, but no.
She doesn't want me close ever since morning, and when she did, I rejected her, he thought sadly. How can I blame her for acting the way she is? I didn't want her close and she almost drowned. Even in my culture, that's rejection.
Kaen'Dre questioned himself over and over again about this matter. Why did he come to the kingdom? Why did he tell her who he really was? Why didn't he stay with Kwei'De and Ani'Twei? Why did he go to that waterfall when he was small?
That stupid hard meat caused all this, he thought angrily. If it wasn't for that, I wouldn't have met her and I wouldn't be feeling the way I do.
Maybe we could start all over, he thought. She could have a fresh start. . .without me.
Looking over her, he took off his sheets and got out of the bed. Walking over the cold floor, he put on his mesh clothing and armor that lay on a table. Adjusting his belt and weapons, he looked back at her. He didn't want to do what he was about to, but he had to. She needed to be at peace with her people not in worry with him.
Kaen'Dre didn't know how to write in their language but he could always leave something as a farewell. Unclasping one of the clasps at the bottom of one of his dreads, he placed it on the wooden table next to her bed. He figured she'd wear it in a bracelet or necklace, and hopefully, not throw it away. Looking over the necklace of small alien skulls he had wrapped from his shoulder to his side, he ripped of the smallest one with silver inscriptions and set it down on the table.
Walking quietly to Kiara's side, he looked at her one last time. He hated to leave her and he didn't want to, but maybe he'd already overstayed his welcome. She wasn't his people and he needed to go back home to them. He'd miss her dearly but he had to go to make her better. Tracing the side of his hand down her cheek, she furrowed her eyebrows and moaned quietly. He leaned down and traced a mandible down her soft cheek, then stood back up.
Sleep, beautiful, he thought softly. Tomorrow will be better for you.
Clasping his mask on, he headed over to the balcony door. Crouching down, he fingered the thin rope that Kiara had as a trap. Cutting it off completely, he stood up instantly and jumped to catch the bucket before it tipped the water down. Hitting the floor as stealthy as a cat, he set it down and stood up again. Unlocking the door, he opened it cautiously so it wouldn't creak in any way and alarm Kiara or Asim. He closed the door from outside as tight as he could so nothing could get in or out. Walking into the cool and starlight night, he walked out to the balcony without looking back.
I will miss you dearly, my Kiara, he thought painfully. You are the first female I've cared for and I'm sorry to leave you. But I have a feeling I'll see you again.
Jumping onto the balcony ledge, he dug his claws and wrist blades into the stone. He began climbing down the wall while trying to shut off his feelings. But the physical pain of a tight throat and chest wouldn't go away, he deserved it for all he put her through today. But at least she'd be able to move on now that he'd left and be in a happier state.
Well, onto the Hunt with my clan, he thought. Like it should've been at the start.
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End of Chapter 14. I'm sorry if I took so long, but finals at school are so draining. College is great but finals are disastrous. But thank you all for sticking with me! Anyway, thanks to my reviewers and readers for sticking with me for my tardiness, I love you all! I hope you all loved this long chapter, though it was sad at the end, don't you think?