"The Elf, Dardrwin"

I woke up. Thankfully.

When my eyes adjusted, I was still lying against the same tree, I looked around and no one was here. Probably for the best. It seems no one found me. It was then that I tried to stand but every ounce of me was in pain. The slightest movement sent shockwaves of pain throughout my body. I figured since it was daytime and I could see my surroundings, maybe it was best to just rest a little bit more, regain my strength the best I could. I couldn't stay long, I had no food, no water, not even a damn book to read to keep me occupied. I looked to my left, and I guess I didn't realize sooner because of the darkness; there was a pathway not too far away. Where did it lead? The suspense killed me. But I made my mind up, that wherever it went, I was going to find out. Maybe there's sane people somewhere along that path who can help me.

And that was what I needed most right now. Help.

So, I sat for a good half an hour. I didn't want to be stranded out here at night again, if possible. When I was ready to leave the pain was a bit more bearable, but I still wanted to cry.

No level of optimism could help me at this moment, I was in pain. I was stranded. Again, I had nothing.

I got up and began to stumble my way to the desolate dirt path. Once I finally made it over to the path, I could tell. It was definitely man-made. Forged with the intention as a path to hope. Or at least that's how it seemed to me, with the situation I was in.

The path was beautiful actually. Shaded by trees overhead, outlined with bright green nature, and wooden poles hanging lanterns above head.

If I had realized this sooner, I would've found my way to this path last night, I guess I was so blinded by my pain and getting rest, I failed to notice. Anyway, I dragged myself along the path hoping something would come into view, and it did. It looked like another village, and I prayed to God hoping it was not full of more inhuman beings. I got closer and closer, and decided the best course of action would be to head off the path and survey the perimeter. I didn't want to recklessly waltz in and potentially almost get killed again. I was going to be smart this time, use my noggin a bit more. I was in uncharted territory; I should have taken it a bit more serious.

A bit late into this "adventure", but I was alive, and I intended to stay that way for a while.

I hid behind a big oak tree, ever so slightly peeking out, leaning, trying to make out who or what I could see. I saw a mystical looking village. Something out of a fairy tale. Beautiful architecture, and beautiful design. And then, I saw people? People with pointy ears? Elves. This must be what Wilhelm was talking about, elf descents?

These were actual elves.

Were they friendly? Could they help me? I wish I knew but I didn't. I would only find out if I talked to one of them. But that was too risky...

Just as I thought that, I was spotted.

Idiot! Kiku you idiot!

I heard another high-pitched flute sound. This time it wasn't loud or aggressive that'd it'd make my ears bleed.

It was peaceful.

I knew it was an alarm, their signal that a stranger was trying to interlope into their village. But I stood there. It was the most comforting thing I've heard since I'd been here.

Tears fell from my eyes as I laid back against the tree.

About thirty seconds had passed, when I snapped back into reality. I ran the best I could, stumbling over my own feet, along with the branches everywhere I stepped. I ran for a few minutes. Or if you'd consider a limp stride, running. I dove behind a tree, my back pressed up against it as I sat with my knees to my chest, arms cuffing them. I heard an Elf's voice echoing through the forest, telling the others to get into formation. Some covering the left, and some the right. I cuffed my hands over my mouth to obscure my trembling, deep breaths. The Elves who were covering the right grew closer and closer until one of them stopped a bit behind and adjacent to the tree I sat behind. I could see out of the corner of my eye.

She was holding a bow loaded with an arrow.

I found myself praying to God again to please not let her see me. When she called out,

"We lost them!"

I wanted to take a sigh of relief, but not yet. I had to wait until she had left. I guess they also didn't see who I was, most likely only an outline of a figure. Thankfully. She begun to turn around and walk away stating,

"Tighten the defenses around the village! If you see someone, capture them. And if you see something, let me know immediately!"

She seemed to be the commander? Leader? Captain? Whatever title she held. She was in charge.

I made up my mind that I still needed help...but not from them. I was going to break in that night, find some supplies, and be on my way. I couldn't trust anyone. So, I waited till nightfall, at that same tree, eyes full of determination. But I knew, I was all out of strength, so if I had to run or fight, I was a goner. This was going to be a mission of stealth, in and out. I waited. And nightfall finally approached. I got up and made my way back to the perimeter of the village, quietly and carefully. I surveyed the surroundings once again...and no one. That was until I adjusted my head up and saw archers posted in trees. How odd I thought... But I could get around their sight, if I was careful. I made my way around the perimeter scaling it, moving tree to tree, staying out of sight. I saw a building, with a sign hanging over the front door marked,

"Clinic"

Yes! That's perfect! I needed to get there first. Then supplies. I double checked one last time for anyone, and nothing. I scaled my way through the lightly lit paths in the village, and thankfully there was no outer perimeter fencing. I made my way to the back of the building hoping there was a second door. The front door was too exposed. I'd be caught instantly. And I was right. Another door, and next to the door a window. I slowly edged closer to the window, crouched and head kept down. I slowly peeked up and through the window, looking for more of anyone, and again nothing.

This was easy. Too easy.

But I was grateful to whatever luck this was. I place my hand on the chilled metal door handle. The door had a curved arch overhead. It was a wooden door engraved with prestigious craftsmanship. I slowly pushed the door open, lanterns still lit inside. When I entered it was first an entrance way, on both sides of the small entrance wooden shelves. Two wooden planks, one below, one above, to form the shelves which were about knee high. Leather embroidered shoes sat neatly on the wooden shelves. Passing the entrance straight ahead looked like an infirmary bay, the front door straight across from the back door. The cots were placed neatly in a horizontal line on the right wall. A counter across on the left on top of a platform which was led to by a long, short in height staircase. The room was at a curve to the left. I see a few Elves laying in the cots. They look severely injured. They are all asleep. I feel bad for taking from these injured Elves, but I'm in dire need of aid. Between the bay and the entrance is a small horizontal walkway, the left is a room with a door, which I will not enter right now, and to the right is a stash. A treasure trove of bandages, ointments, crutches, slings, and anything I could have possibly needed. I was so relieved. The room was slightly illuminated with a few lanterns residing on counter tops. I stumble my way to the right and start rummaging through the medical supplies, taking only what I need. Then I realized. I had nothing to carry all this stuff. What to do... I figured I should go across the hall to that room with the closed door, maybe there was some sort of bag in that room I could use. I peek over the door frame looking into the bay another time just to make sure no one was there. Nope. Still asleep. I get to the door and slowly push it open.

I froze.

There was an elf sleeping on a cot in the left corner of the room. I guess he is the doctor of this clinic. Though, he looked about my age. Was he really in charge of this clinic? Regardless, I had to be quiet not to wake him. I quietly stumbled in the room a bit further to see a leather shoulder bag hanging on a coat stand located in the right corner of the room. I slowly pick up the bag off the hook, grasping it and turning around to see the elf still sleeping. I stumble my way back to the door exiting the room and shutting the door.

Mission accomplished! Kiku scores!

I make my way back across the hall of course peeking out first to make sure everyone was still asleep and enter back into the "stash room." I open the bag, and realize I forgot to empty it. But the only things in the bag were a hunting knife, medical supplies, and a silver pocket watch. I take them out and place them neatly on top of a shelf in the room with me. I fill the bag with medical supplies and close it. I place the bag on my shoulder and turn around to leave.

"You know, I just can't let you leave with our whole clinic."

What? I could have sworn he was asleep! How did he wake up!

In his partially deep comforting tone, letting out a deep yawn he speaks, "Not much of a talker, eh?"

All I could do was stare. My mind, spiraling. I needed these medical supplies! What to do, what to do?! I stare at the ground, biting my nail. The elf grew closer and closer till he was in arms reach.

Crap I'm dead!

I shut my eyes tightly, head adjusted down, ready for whatever new injury I was about to sustain - when I felt the bag on my shoulder being slid off. I looked up, and the elf had taken the bag. He crouches down and places the bag on the floor in front of him, opening it and rummaging through. Then he looks back up at me.

"You're injured, right?" He spoke with a concerned tone and look.

My voice trembled, "Y-yeah. I need those medical supplies."

Him still looking up at me, he slightly tilts his head to the right in curiosity.

"Wait. you're not from here are you…you're a human, aren't you?" He speaks.

Fidgeting with the cuff of my sleeve I speak, "Yeah, I came here cause somethi- s-someone was calling out to me."

"Someone? Wait, you came here by yourself through the barrier?" He asks with a surprised look.

"Barrier? What barrier? " I ask with confusion.

He sighs, "Hm, you must not know anything.."

I ask nervously, "You're gonna kill me now right..?"

He speaks, "Huhh?" He says with a confused and baffled look on his face, "Kill? Now, why would I do such a horrible thing?"

"Well, I'm not useful to you. So you're gonna get rid of me?." I say with a melancholic tone.

"Wait. Did you have an encounter with the dwarves at the barrier? Is this why you're injured?" He asks with concern.

"yes. and yes." I state.

Confuzzled, he states, "And you survived."

"Barely, if you couldn't tell" I speak with a hint of sarcasm.

Eyebrows furrowed, his thumb positioned under his chin and index resting on his lips, he speaks, "Fascinating. You're the first human to ever make it this far.."

I stay silent. I'm lucky to be alive is all I could think. So, he's not going to kill me, I guess dwarves and elves are two different species... so.

He speaks again as he stands up and walks over to the shelves to put the medical supplies away, "Sorry for all the interrogation, you must be worn out."

"Hey! I need those!" I snap at him.

He stops and turns around to look back at me with a confused face. I feel a bit bad snapping at him after he's been so kind to me.

"I know you need them. I'm gonna to help you. I'm a medical assistant here at this clinic, it's better for me to assess your conditions and treat you, than you doing it yourself." He states.

"Oh. okay. I’m sorry." I apologize.

He confides as he finishes putting the medical supplies away. "That's alright. I know you must be pretty shaken up after everything you’ve been through. Come with me."

He directs me to a cot sitting vertical on a wall in the room. I sit down, being able to truly relax for the first time since I got here.

"May I?" He asks, motioning to take my hands.

I nod in agreement. He assesses my arms and wrists most likely determining what he can do. With an intuitive and analytic expression, he looks at the small cuts on my face. I close my eyes to make it less awkward. He didn't seem to be bothered though. He asks me if anything else hurts and I shake my head no. I tell him that I'm just really fatigued. That my whole body is just in pain from the amount of running and walking I did. I watch as he begins to walk over to the shelves with all the medical supplies, he grabs what he needs. Walking back over to me with a few things.

"See you took way more than what you actually needed haha." He remarks.

"Seems so." I speak.

He puts on his gloves, most likely in hope to not infect my cuts, if they weren't already. He sits on the cot next to me adjusting his upper body to be turned towards me. I turn my face. He cleans my cuts on my face, I want to scream in pain. It burns. He could see it on my face.

"Are you okay?" He asks, pulling his hand away from my face.

"Yes, thanks." I express.

"I don't think I got your name.." I state looking at the wall vertically to me.

"That's right, how rude of me. My name is Dardrwin. And you?" He speaks.

I adjust my eyes to interlock with his, "I'm Kiku." I say with confidence.

With a warm smile and sincere tone Dardrwin speaks, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Kiku."

We maintain eye contact for a bit before I realize the awkwardness and quickly fix my gaze back to the wall. Dardrwin takes my hand and lifts it chest level, my brows furrow and eyes squint in pain. This time that hurt. Dardrwin tells me my wrist is sprained - which I had already pretty much determined.

"Hey Kiku, how'd these splinters get in your wrists?" Dardrwin asks in curiosity.

I explained to him the events which corresponded to yesterday. Why I came here, how I got here, and what happened when I got here. I told him everything. I finished speaking.

"I'm sorry that was your first experience here in Astocia. I promise that this place is not all bad." He expresses with sincerity.

After that Dardrwin, while removing the splinters from my wrists, wrapping my sprained wrist, and cleaning the cuts on my arms - explained everything as well, so I wasn't too confused anymore. He explained that two worlds are connected through the barrier - Earth and Astocia. The barrier can only be opened by Elves or Elf descents since they are the main ruling species. I am an Elf descent since I was able to open the barrier - that swift course of wind that overcame me was me entering the barrier. Right in front of the barrier is Dwarf territory, so humans don't make it this far because they're all killed - that was until me and my survival. The dwarves have been trying to escape for many, many years. They try to use clueless humans who are Elf descents that stumble their way into Astocia by accident to aid in their escape. It hasn't worked yet because the humans typically either die from the pressure of the hand flutes or get killed by one of the dwarves because they were "useless". That, the Elves and other species here in Astocia have no idea why the dwarves are so intent on escape. Dardrwin told me that many years ago the barrier was open, and our two worlds used to coexist in peace. It was when the dwarves tried to take the earth for themselves and overthrow humans that a treaty was signed for mythical creatures to stay on their side and humans on theirs. But of course, back then mythical creatures and humans created half-bloods. This phenomenon caused descents to exist. Which, of course, humans do not know. Dardrwin told me that I likely escaped from Wilhelm due to my Elven abilities being awakened once I crossed the barrier.

I could only wonder, was this world really here the whole time? I understood everything, but still knew nothing.

Dardrwin spoke with an easeful tone, "We're all finished here. Lay back and get some rest, I'll talk to the boss lady in the morning.

Dardriwn switched off each lantern, the only light left being the illumination from the hallway as the door remained open. I watch as Dardriwn then makes his way to the door, and he stops in the door frame,

"Goodnight, Kiku." Dardrwin says.

"Goodnight, Dardrwin. And thanks." I said with a mild tone.

I laid back, covering myself in the white fuzzy wool blanket Dardrwin provided me. I listen to the echoing of the door being pulled shut, the light from the hallway dimming as the door slowly came to a close. I positioned myself to try and find the spot that would provide the most comfort. Laying on my left side, knees pulled up ever so slightly and my sprained wrist propped up next to my head on my pillow - I closed my eyes and fell asleep.

Tomorrow would determine my fate, if I was allowed to stay here or had to leave. Hope seemed to be my only friend these past few days...and hope was what I needed most.