Til Death Do We Part

“What do you think of star-crossed lovers?”

“What are we one?”

Two couples sat propped against each other as they basked under the cool flickering light that pierced through the tree leaves. Lush green grass swayed under their feets with the cool summer breeze brushing against their soft blonde hairs.

They sat under white marble ruins with a young pup sleeping under the woman’s arms.

“Fate has it that we were not meant to be.”

“And yet here we are.”

***

Lim stood silent as his face echoed a deep melancholy. He looked within the cave and saw that within was two stone sarcophagus. At the centre of the room held a pedestal that carried a smooth sapphire orb gleaming with blue magical energy.

“They were just like us.”

“How so?”

“Star-crossed lovers exiled for their worlds were too far apart. An Aldarian princess Lyse and a common soldier Mira of Mirn.”

“Your name….”

“That's right, this was a story of two legendary heroes of a lost age: an elven princess warrior and her lover who was just a mere soldier. They fell for each other on the field of battle but when they returned their love was not granted. So Lyse ran together with her lover but he died months later succumbing to his wounds from the escape.”

“And this is where they were buried with cursed ruins and a guard dog to protect them while they rest.”

“These are the history of my people that was taught to me. I was always a spectator to all of it. The Aldas and our distant elvish relatives the Aldarians. All are my heritage that were lost to me. A part of me that they forbade.”

“Lim….”

“It's okay. Let's put them to rest now they deserve it.”

“Ok.”

Estra walked inside the burial chamber and towards the glowing crystal ball that was held at the centre. She grabbed it out of its socket carefully examining every aspect of it.

“It's cracked. No wonder the spell has been spreading like crazy.”

“How would we disable it?”

“I got an idea.”

Estra held the orb to her mouth opening wide with jaws that crushed it into tiny pieces.

“YOU ATE IT!”

Estra, still chewing with her mouth full, responded.

“Yeah? And?”

“WHAT?”

“It's something completely normal, albeit for my kind. We are able to consume magical items as if they were food. How do you think we get our huge mana reserves from? … well that and bit of cheating I'll tell you about it later.”

“What…huh. I guess that makes sense in a weird way. But what?”

“Come on, stop complaining, we still have work to do.”

***

“What now?”

“We give them a proper burial.”

Estra gestured with her hand prompting for Lim to hold hands again.

Strings of blue lights coursed throughout their bodies with a radiant aura that brought life to the dead forest.

“Rest in eternal slumber for by fate’s defiance. You have won!”

*Vrrrrrr*

The ground beneath shook as the cave sank into the ground along with the charred remains of the giant monster that was laid to rest next to the altar.

Lim and Estra raised their arms as giant pillars of rocks emerged to create a massive hill of stone.

“Rest now and be forever in peace.”

Out from the hill bloomed life in the ground once more as slowly life energy returned to the forest.

“Thanks for lending me your help with that. I know you haven't learnt earth magic yet but that should be a good first demonstration right? Right Lim? Lim?”

“Ahhhh…”

Lim's body flopped down lifeless as if his entire body was drained clean.

“LIM!”

“I…it's ok. I just need to sleep it off….”

***

Estra and Lim arrived back to the city both weary and tired from adventure. Night has fallen once more with the nightlife waking up with ample crowds that drank their merry hearts away. They wanted nothing but to fall fast asleep right now but one thing first.

“We’re here to collect our bounty!”

*Bam*

Estra slammed a large piece of magical bone on the table. It glowed with a faint ocean-like energy all over the desk.

The reception lady jumped with glee.

“Oh wow that's amazing you actually did it!”

She opened up a log book and stamped a drawing of the beast with a sign of completion.

“So now where’s our reward?”

The receptionist chuckled with a nervous smile.

“Here's the thing. If you properly read the quest information it states that you must bring the creature’s head. A trophy like this does confirm it’s defeat but unfortunately we can only pay out 1/50th of the prize.”

“WHAT?”

She reached for the coffers and grabbed a sack full of gold coins.

“Here it is! 1000 gold pieces! Congrats!”

“Huh… thanks….”

The pair walked out of the building feeling more tired than ever before.

“Lim… dearest… WE’RE STILL IN DEBT!”

“Hehe… Ah… well oops?”

Estra shook the clueless Lim who blankly smiled back.

“The hell was that Lim! Get my money back! MY MONEY!”