Chapter 7: The Woods
Alaster left later, telling Alexander he had to talk to someone, leaving him and Miss in the living room. For the first time, Alexander felt exhausted emotionally. He didn't want to think or feel. All he could think about was what just happened.
He looked at Miss who was sitting at the opposite end of the living room. She was still sniffling and was staring at an empty area of the room.
"They're going to take me away" Miss told him without looking away from the spot she was staring at "It's for the best."
"Why?" Alexander replied.
Miss looked at him and met his gaze. She walked to Alexander and just gave him a hug. It was sudden but it was what he needed. Perhaps Miss saw him as a friend... does she?
"Will you be my friend? Even if I live somewhere else now?"
Alexander's eyes went wide but he found himself nodding. Maybe he did want Miss to be his friend, after all. Children were rare in Silverstar. There were some, but Alexander never felt the urge to speak to them. Maybe having one in his house helped... perhaps his father's order to speak to Miss yesterday was necessary.
"I can always visit you." Alexander muttered.
Miss managed a brief chuckle. Alaster came later, the wise man with him.
"I am very sorry for your loss, Alaster" the wise man told Alaster.
He held out his hand to Miss and she stood, knowing it was him who will take her away. Miss just turned to Alexander, who now stood beside his father, and waved goodbye. Alexander waved as well and watched as the augur and Miss walked away.
Miss looked around as she and the wise man walked further, eventually leaving the village, heading towards the forest. The environment quickly changed; trees now lined the road they walked, more animals wandered and birds sang their songs more freely. She never heard birds singing in the village. Perhaps given with time, she could have... Unfortunately, fate was never on her side.
"I hope you do not find these woods frightening." the wise man told her "Whatever happens, you will be protected, anyway."
"Did I kill Alaster's wife, sir?" Miss asked him out of nowhere.
The man was silent for a moment. "It was what the gods willed." was all he could reply.
Miss looked down. She knew that meant yes.
"Don't be so down, young one. I know you wished their family no harm." the man smiled, trying to cheer her up "And from now on, you call me Yerem. It's best if you know my name."
"... for what?" Miss asked, her right eyebrow raised.
Yerem thought for a while. "This day starts your journey to the path of the gods."
She looked up at Yerem. "Alaster's wife... she knew...but why would she let it happen?"
Yerem felt pity towards the little girl. He knew that whatever was happening was barely a challenge given by the gods... something to prepare her for what was to come. It was at that moment that he doubted if what the gods were doing was for the best. However, he knew that doubting it at this point would be useless. The gods have laid out their plans... and this girl was the catalyst.
The next day, Miss stood beside the augur as he prayed for Alaster's wife. He told Miss it was best she would learn the rituals since it would be her job when she's old enough.
The crowd who attended were not fixated on the death at all... Rather, they focused on the cause of it. Miss can feel their gazes piercing the back of her head.
"Don't mind them, young one." the augur whispered to her, "No one can go against the gods' will... They will have to learn it eventually."
Miss simply nodded. She took a quick glance at Alexander. He still looked so sad. Alaster held his hand to comfort him. Miss wished he would be happy soon. It was hard for her to see her friend so sad. At the same time, she knew Alexander's sadness was because of her... Was she selfish for asking him to be her friend?
After the rituals, they buried the body. Alaster and Alexander walked towards them and exchanged pleasantries. The augur told Miss to keep Alexander company while he talked to Alaster. Miss simply nodded.
"How are you feeling?" she asked Alexander when the grown-ups left.
"I'm okay." Alexander answered, looking down. "What did you know back then?"
"Know what?"
"When we were in my parents' room before my mum died... You seemed like you knew something."
"Oh..." Miss paused "I dreamt of your mum... She was... saying goodbye. She told me it was the gift of the gods."
Alexander sighed. "What should I feel now?"
"I'm sorry but... I don't know either."
The augur came back with Alaster a little while later. Alaster eyed Miss with caution... as if she was a snake that was about to strike his son. He grabbed Alexander's hand and told him they were going home.
"Alaster looked... weird." Miss muttered.
"I know, young one." Yerem told her, patting her head. "Come, your lessons will start today."
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