While there's my awaited vacation, I'll proceed in continuing this story. Serdin University will be also updated. Just stay tuned.

Chapter 3: Foster Home

"Thank you."

Lire stayed in the room provided for her. Lian, the young woman nursing her back to health, is outside selling medical herbs to passer-bys. Lire looked at the bad wounds on her arms and legs. She was bruised so bad that they swell slightly. The poison spores thrown at her were aggressive parasites.

I could have been killed. she thought to herself. Feeling the hot air suffocating her, she hopped off the bed and winced slightly. She put on her shoes and exited the room, finding herself facing the kitchen and the dining room combination.

"Umm... Lian?"

The woman wouldn't hear her in her place. She walked down the steps and found the door open. She went there to exit the haven when she saw Lian's back turned on her.

She sold her products whereas making small profits. Lire observed her customers. Most of them are senior Elves in need for natural medicine. Lian must be providing the affordable and effective products that her customers keep on coming back for more.

"Lian..?" she called out as the woman looked over her shoulder.

"Oh, Lire, why are you outside?"

"I... I need some fresh air." the archer replied. Her ears twitched, feeling a presence nearby. Lire jerked behind her and heard footsteps fading away. Lian sighed.

"He isn't usually like that," she said. "I forced him to for me to put you use his room, which is where you slept in."

"It better not have any stain on my bed." Lire's ears twitched once more... but this time, she froze. She couldn't jerk towards that voice.

"We couldn't put her on the couch. It's not comfortable to lie down on." Lian told as she turned to Lire. "You said you want some fresh air, right? If you want some berries, you can pick from the trees here. Just don't go too far."

Lire nodded wordlessly and left. Lian sighed after seeing the girl's expression.

"I should have told her the truth.." she said. "I think it's best if you admit that it was you."

"Fine, I will," Ryan gave in when he put on his cloak. "I'll go after her in case she meets trouble."

"Be careful out there. And resolve whatever conflict you two have..."

She put her scarf over her head. Knowing that the sky is still gray as storm clouds are obscuring the sun, she expects for another downpour. She searched the trees with ripe fruit. Upon finding one, she removed her scarf and picked the ripe ones. She has to step over a boulder and a log to reach for the almost overriped. Using her scarf, she put the berries on it. When it's full, she tied a knot to secure it.

Lire pulled out a small knapsack that Arme gave her where she could put her personal kit and extra clothes. However, she remembered that she only brought her bow, arrows and dual crossbows with her.

Where can I get some clothes? I could just... lend from Lian.

She opened the knapsack and placed the berry-loaded scarf inside. She wore the bag behind her and continued walking.

She felt her throat dry. Lire looked around her to find a clean creek, some water to drink on to quench her thirst. She groped on her belt and felt the small water jug she brought. She can tell it's already empty just by telling its mass.

"There must be a creek here somewhere." she mumbled while walking. Her mouth has gone dry as it screamed for water. Lire stepped on mud puddles, feeling the dirty water soak her shoes wet.

Walking farther, she was lured by the sound of splashes. Lire smiled as her feet dragged her towards the creek as if it's calling for her. She brushed off some bushes in front of her and found it. Lire ran ahead and uncapped her water jug. She scooped a whole jug of water from the creek and put the mouth to her lips, downing the whole of it to quench her thirst. She scooped for another as she drank.

After drinking, she scooped water on her hands to wash her face. She stared at her rippled reflection on the water.

"I'm glad the water here is clean." she said to herself as she took her water jug. "I'd better get some just in case." She scooped water with it and capped it. She placed it back on her belt and stood up to head back to the foster haven.

She stepped over a boulder and brushed off the bushes blocking her path. Lire froze when a pair of piercing emerald eyes gazing sharply at her. Her feet took two steps backwards.

"We were told not to go far away. What are you doing in there?" Ryan confronted her while his sharp gaze didn't fade.

Lire looked down. "I just picked up some water. I was thirsty."

"Don't go in there again." the druid said sternly. "The natives living in that area own the creek. If they catch anyone stealing water from it, the culprit is more likely to be stoned to be driven away."

"I didn't know..." the archer lowered her head and walked past him. The two walked all the way back to Ryan's haven. Lire sat over a log and removed the knapsack from her shoulders.

"Did you get a lot?" Lian asked as she came holding a tray with small glasses of green tea over it. She handed a glass to Lire who took it and bowed gratefully.

"Yes," she replied. "Is there a creek in here?"

"There is... but you have to walk far away to get there. The natives residing in that area protect it dearly from burglars."

Lire looked down in embarrassment. "Umm... are there any creeks besides that?"

"I don't know. There was once a creek just behind our haven. It dried up few months ago. You know, we have a supply of water here." Lian served the tea to her brother and took the last one for herself. "Feel yourself at home."

The archer gave a smile in return. She felt something on her leg as she looked down. Rocco, the orange raccoon wearing a green striped shirt stumbled as his fur brushed against her leg. He dropped his big leaf and got up.

"Where have you been?" she asked as Rocco looked up at her. The raccoon's ears moved when it swooped in towards its master. Rocco pounced on Ryan's chest. Ryan held his raccoon in his arms whereas Lian continued selling her medicinal herbs. Her customers are waiting to be accommodated.

Later, as the sunset is approaching, Lire headed inside. She sat on the couch and leaned against the backrest. Her hand went on her tummy while the other rested on her side. She caressed her tummy when she heard a low growl from within.

"Nnnhh..." she winced. "I must have drunk too much..."

She heard the sound again. This time, she groaned in pain with her hand still on her tummy.

"Oww... not now.. nnhhh..!" Her other hand is placed over her hand as her wincing grew louder.

It's going to be all right. The pain will go away, don't worry!

"Ahh!" She was overwhelmed by the pain that she couldn't help but to writhe. Her chest heaved when she coughed. She quickly put her hand on her mouth to cover it as her coughs continued. She then stood up but she kneeled, clutching her stomach and writhing in pain.

"Lire!" Lian came in and found her. She rushed towards her. "What's wrong?"

"I..." the archer said between coughs. "I think my stomach's not feeling good..."

"Can you stand?"

"N...not quite..."

Lian helped her stand up as she placed Lire's arm around her shoulder for support.

"I'll put you in Ryan's room. I'm sure he won't mind."

She was brought inside the room quickly. Lian lied her down on the bed. The moment she was rested, the pain submerged.

"I guess it's must be a chemical reaction.." Lire said as she threw her head to the pillow.

"Does it still hurt?"

The archer shook her head. "No. My tummy feels better... I hope."

"I'll be making dinner, okay? You stay and rest." Lian told as she exited the room.

Ryan entered sortly after Lian's exit. The aura around Lire changed as she avoided glances from him. She couldn't speak unlike before. Remembering Ryan's harsh remarks against her admonished her greatly.

"No one warned you about the curse."

Curse? Lire blinked in surprise. Suddenly, she remembered his warning. About the creek. It... it couldn't be that...

"Is it.. fatal?" she squeaked.

"It depends on the spirit's mood." Ryan's voice was calm as usual. It could be that he is with his older sister and he has to act decent especially when there are visitors. However, the calmness in his features is replaced by a sharp and glowering gaze.

"What are you doing in here, anyway?"

Chapter will end here. Cliffhanger ftwwww~

Update: 10/20/13