Stranger and Trust

In the heart of the forest, Queen Mia was seated before the council of elders. One elder began to speak: — Your Majesty, trusting this human endangers the fate of the forest! Mia responded with a calm expression: — If we condemn someone solely based on their race, then we have abandoned justice. And if he is innocent, I would become an instrument of injustice. Then what would distinguish me from humans? Another elder jumped to his feet: — But he is a human! Has he not been hunting us for centuries?! The queen continued calmly: — That is precisely why I do not condemn him immediately. If we wish to be better than them, let us not waver from justice. I will not drive him from the forest. He will stay in the village. Time will reveal his true nature. If he is evil — we will all see it. But if not… perhaps he is the beginning of a new future, — she said, smiling.

When Moris was released from captivity, Ariel greeted him. — Sir, I am so glad you are safe! We have a festival today, please be our guest, — she said cheerfully. Moris nodded: — I have never attended a festival in my life. Usually, such things do not interest me. But if I go once… why not enjoy it. — Wonderful! — Ariel cheered. — Today will be fun! Moris hesitated slightly: — But I am human. Won’t they prevent me from entering the festival? — Do not worry, — Ariel reassured him. — I have told everyone. Many are grateful for you saving us. Moreover, the Queen herself spared your life. No one here will oppose you; the people trust her. Moris relaxed and smiled. — By the way, I haven’t asked your name. What is it? — Ariel, — she said, smiling. — Good. Now don’t call me “sir,” just call me Moris. “Sir” feels awkward. — No, I cannot say that, — the girl shook her head. — You saved me. One must not speak disrespectfully to a savior. — Call me as you wish, — Moris said laughing. — By the way, Queen Mia is very wise. But she looks so young. Probably in her twenties or thirties? Ariel laughed: — No, Queen Mia is 150 years old. Elves do not age like humans. Once we reach our twenties or thirties, our appearance does not change. We live on average 500 years, sometimes reaching 700-800. Moris stopped, astonished: — Really? And how old are you? — I am forty. — Forty?! I thought you were fifteen! And I am truly fifteen. On the contrary, I should call you “sir.” Ariel smiled: — No need, you may call me this way. Moris shook his head: — Truly fascinating. So your bodies don’t tire? Human bodies weaken over time. I must study this… — Why are you thinking? — Ariel asked. — Nothing… By the way, where is my white tiger? — Ah, him? He’s sleeping where you were captured. He is a Leviant Tiger. No one dared approach him. Even for an elf, training him is difficult, for a human, impossible. How are you controlling him? — I don’t know myself. I fed him, and he said he would accompany me to repay his debt. — Can he speak? — Through telepathy. He can convey thoughts to whoever he chooses. — Telepa… what? — Communicating through thought. No voice is heard, but the mind receives it. — Ah, understood. Come, the festival is starting now, — the girl said, taking his hand and leading him to the village square.

Moris stopped: — Wait, I should bring the tiger. He is really sleeping there. — Hey, Rocky, wake up! What are you doing? The tiger opened his eyes: — Ah, you are still alive? I thought you were dead, I relaxed thinking my debt was cleared, — he murmured. Moris laughed: — Even if I had died, you would have had to guard my grave. Come, let’s go watch the festival instead. — Alright. I am hungry. Will there be food? — You’ll see when we arrive.

The festival began. The villagers lit a large fire in the center, singing, dancing, and preparing delicious food. When Ariel welcomed Moris and led him to the square, many elves were startled to see Rocky: — “Levián torva! Seryanë!” — they shouted (Leviant Tiger! Run!). Moris whispered to Rocky through thought: — You are quite famous here. Then he looked at Ariel: — Tell them this tiger won’t harm anyone. Ariel explained to the crowd in the elven tongue. The people gradually calmed and returned to their places. — How can one fear such a tiger? — she said, laughing. — He’s even cute, like a large cat. Rocky blushed. Moris joked: — Correct. Because a tiger and a cat are of the same kind. You purr when happy, and when hunting, you lift your hips while moving. These are cat-like habits. — How do you know? No one notices this habit of mine… — I just observed, — Moris said, laughing. The little elf girls approached Rocky, playing: — How cute and soft! The tiger began to resemble a cat. Ariel continued leading Moris, and Rocky whispered through telepathy: — Moris, I like the scent of that purple-haired elf girl. Can I eat her? — Are you crazy?! — Moris frowned. — She’s not prey to snap at. Control yourself, eat something else. That is an order!

The festival continued around the fire. Ariel explained: — For us, fire is a symbol of unity. When the fire is lit, all living beings gather to warm themselves. Therefore, fire calls for unity. That is why at the festival, we light a fire to strengthen our unity. — Indeed, calling fire a symbol of unity makes sense, — Moris thought. They sat at the table. Fruits, vegetables, roasted meat, and grape juice were laid out. Teenagers danced and played music by the fire. The queen and elders also participated. Some elves played instruments resembling flutes and guitars. One girl invited Ariel to dance. She rose and joined the youth, as she was a dance instructor. Moris thought to himself: — Festivals like this in Japan never interested me. Perhaps because I have seen too many… But this I enjoy. Suddenly, Ariel said: — Sir, dance with us too! — No, I cannot dance. — Do not worry, I will teach you, — she pulled him into the square. But one male elf muttered: — Why involve a human in our festival? He is not pure. He must have tamed the Leviant Tiger with magic. Rocky overheard this and sharply replied through telepathy: — Listen, elf! I am a sacred beast. No magic, curse, or hypnosis can control me. I act only of my own will. And you, who seem so pure, accuse others. If I see you think poorly of my master again — I will rip your head off! The elf’s tongue faltered, and he fell silent.

Moris and Ariel were on the dance floor. Moris stumbled at times, moved awkwardly, and felt embarrassed. — No, I cannot endure this further, — he said. — Don’t worry, you will learn, — Ariel laughed. — No, dancing is not for me. Sorry, I cannot. Queen Mia spoke: — Sir Moris, refusing to dance would be rude. Accept Ariel’s offer. Moris thought inwardly: — If I act selfishly now, it will cause misunderstanding. I have no choice but to set aside selfishness to achieve my goal. Then he thought to himself: — Let me treat this dance as science. Each movement must be observed as an experiment. Gradually, he mastered the steps and danced. Even Ariel was surprised. After the dance, she said: — How did you learn so quickly? — I simply imagined it as science, — Moris said. Ariel smiled: — You make a wonderful dancer.

At the end of the festival, Queen Mia addressed the people: — Oh, my people! I am happy that we all gathered together today. May our unity be eternal! And I express my gratitude to Sir Moris, who saved our residents. This table is our small gift. Ariel translated the words. Moris bowed: — Thank you for your kindness. I will not spare my help if I can. The people cheered, “Long live the Queen!” and raised wooden cups filled with grape juice.