Curiosity Doesn’t Always Kill The Cat

The wind tugged gently at my hair as I stood on the outcrop above the current camp. The view was peaceful. Bizarrely colored trees with heart shaped leaves framed the slope. The hush of distant water echoed through the valley. Winged creatures wheeled overhead in lazy spirals.

After repeatedly and persistently insisting on walking and stretching my legs, I managed to get some alone time. Well as alone as I could get. There were some guards circling me. At least they were far enough that I didn’t feel smothered.

Below, I could see the bustle of camp. Tiny figures moved. One of the twin nine-tailed foxes, Elliot, paced beside Riye, mimicking his stride with unsettling precision. Followed him just cause, for mocking, or an actual task, I wasn't sure. It was a sight. A small doll mimicking a huge boulder.

How tall would I stand beside Riye? Come to think of it, I haven’t seen him in level ground.

The other twin I haven’t met officially was curled beside Celphi’s sleeping form, tails flicking rhythmically as he monitored Celphi’s breath.

I sighed. ‘I miss home.’ I said as I patted the head of the bird I had lodged between my chest. It seemed to be enjoying the attention.

’Sorry, I had to hold onto some vines in order to get up here. Now you’re well squished.’ I said as I lifted the tiny bird off of me and onto the ground.

’Go and putter about for a while. I’ll just be around here.’

Will it come back?

I observed the tiny fella skipping over a few rocks before launching into a full glide down towards the camp. It seemed to have gone directly to the medical carriage.

Oh is that why I saw it jumping off it the other day? Cause it was trying to hide where there was warmth? That’s so cute!

I walked to the other side of the viewpoint and saw a thin but long line of mist on the immediate side of the hill, almost as long as the horizon.

Is there something hidden along the mist? Why is it only just on the foot of the hills? Don't mists usually go for miles?

The longer I stared, the more the mist gleamed. Threads of silver light clung to it, something glimmered under it all. It looked inviting. Safe. Even warm. Something about it whispered to me.

‘Come closer… lean in… step down…’

‘Ok then!’ I shrugged.

I was completely mesmerized by the voice. It was like it was my own mind whispering to me, lulling me into a state of enchantment. It felt as if the words were coming from within me, but I couldn't control them. All I could focus on was following that voice, like a spell binding me in its hold.

‘Come closer.’

Going down was a lot easier than climbing up anyways.

I slowly made my way down, sending some guards looking after me into a controlled tizzy. Some flew down in front of me to catch me on the other side of the hill, some went to the camp. Probably to report my indiscretion.

Oh hey! It’s the two I’ve fought off at the caves! They both look fine and healthy!

‘Hi!’ I said as I waved at them. They looked at each other, puzzled, and then looked back at me to wave and smile. But their reaction only lasted less than a second. They looked at me, terrified. Or more specifically, behind me.

‘Come closer…’

The voice reminded me to hurry. The divided attention made me lose my footing and I started to slide off the side of the hill. The two guards ran away as if avoiding getting landed on.

‘He… hey!’ I called out as I tried to grab on any random grass. The two guards were gone as quickly as they arrived.

Weren’t you supposed to catch me? That’s why I felt safe to walk around! Wasn’t I supposed to be saved in times like this?

‘Come closer…’

A huge arm grabbed my waist and lifted me ever so slightly so I wasn't getting scraped by the sharp grass and rocks. We slid down with me raised in the air like Rose from Titanic.

Now this is an assisted fall! Hehe I wonder if Pan can even understand this medical pun.

After reaching the ground, I dusted myself as if I was intending to slide off the face of the hill. Hiding my obvious embarrassment.

That was very gentlemanly of Pan! I thought he would put me on his lap to secure me as we slid down. But I was only touched at the waist. So respectful. Did he actually have the strength to lift me up like that?

‘Come closer…’

‘Thank you Pan!’ I beamed as I looked up. At Riye.

The voices stopped, trance broken. It was replaced by the sound of my increasing heartbeat. My face contorted into discomfort. I looked up at a towering Riye, looking down at me. I stood still in embarrassment, not able to hide my blushing cheeks.

I gulped. 

I didn’t realize how tall and magnificently framed Riye actually was. I saw him standing in the dark, when I accidentally eavesdropped on him and Pan. Also when I was poisoned but I couldn’t see clearly in general then. He was always kneeling around me, or was walking outside on the carriage, which was of course elevated in height, so he didn’t look that tall from my point of view. 

And I was never looking at him in any other way than that of a protector! Who cares for his perfect body shape? Beautiful tanned skin. Long beautiful brownish red hair. Golden eyes that ask for permission politely to be acknowledged and let in. Slightly high cheeks with a rosy shade. Manly and rugged voice.

‘Um, Ina, there is ah... um…’ Riye looked distraught and amused, as he yet again, reached out to my face, but not actually touching me.

I was entranced by Riye’s overall facial features, physique and polite manner.

This is the same man that gets jealous when I am alone in the carriage with someone else? The same boy that young Marik felt competitive with? Why he’s just exquisite! I can understand the hype now! Go Raiona!

‘There’s….’ Riye got cut off by a Pan rolling down the hill.

The scene must've been hilarious, but my eyes were locked on Riye’s.

’Ina are you fine!?’ Rolling Pan was followed by a squawking.

‘Ina you’re drooling.’ Riye finally finished his sentence right before Pan reached us. An attempt to protect my dignity.

That slapped me back to reality. I wiped my mouth as I ran off into the mist in utter embarrassment.

I can't believe this! I was actually drooling! Ina!! What is this behaviour?

Demon: I’m sorry, I drooled by mistake.

Angel: You can’t drool by mistake!

Demon: Then wipe it off if it bothers you.

‘Ina, stop!’ Riye tried to catch up and grab my arms but I flicked him off.

I can't face you right now!

Riye tried grabbing for me once more but the mist opening up into a path only encouraged me to keep going. I only halted at the edge of a bridge.

Oh! So there really was something within the mist! I thought it was marshlands underneath!

The mist drifted across the expanse like a living thing, whirling and stretching, folding itself into shapes that dissolved the moment I blinked.

I drew nearer, until the mist stirred under the bridge, parting just enough to reveal a darkness so vast and deep. There was no marsh at all. Only a sheer drop, vanishing into endless white haze. The abyss below devoured the light, hiding whatever lay at the bottom.

So this is why we all had to stop! This looks like a one-person-at-a-time bridge!

‘Ina, please step back.’ Riye calmly said behind me.

‘She can’t do that anymore. She’s holding onto the bridge already.’ Pan added. He eventually appeared through the mists.

‘These are the Spine Roots,’ Pan murmured. ‘An anomaly between worlds. They test more than balance.’

‘They respond to trust,’ Riye added, voice low. ‘You walk blind in the mist, guided only by one hand you choose to hold. No second chances.’

I’m an anomaly between worlds too so…

Upon looking down on the bridge, not through the bridge, that’s when I noticed, the bridge wasn't made of wood or stone. It was alive. Interwoven vines and veins of moss covered roots swaying ever so slightly over the dark canyon below. There was only one vine to hold onto.

I mean what’s the big deal with me just jumping back to safety? Or proceeding on my own.

I looked back to see if I could safely back out. Pan stood to my left, quiet as always. Riye stood to my right, tall and unmoving, eyes fixed on me with a kind of practiced calm. As if I wasn't just drooling over him a second ago.

Each held out a hand.

‘Only one may walk with you,’ Riye said. ‘Only one hand.’

Pan gave a smirk that didn't quite reach his eyes. ‘Choose wisely, Princess. One of us bites.’

I looked between them. Riye's hand was firm, steady, and commanding. His presence was safety and leadership. Pan’s hand was open, relaxed. No pressure. Just presence.

A gust of wind swept the bridge. The roots quivered. The mist whispered.

‘It’s awake.’ Riye said he stepped even closer to me. Ready to just grab my hand.

So this is why he was desperate to stop me. Sorry Riye. You kinda chased me into this position…

Pan nodded solemnly, adjusting his satchel.

‘These roots can be seen as fair. Or unfair. You need to cross with the person you trust most. The trust must be mutual, if not, you could be thrown into the abyss down there.’

Pan continued. ‘These roots don’t like hesitation. Or fear. Since your hand and foot is already on, you need to select someone to cross with.’

‘Or liars,’ Riye added, casting a glance at Pan.

‘Hey! I am the most pure here!’ Pan exclaimed.

I thought Pan was going to dish it back to Riye specially after their private confrontation but he didn’t. What a champ.

My heart pounded. I did not realize the direness of the situation until now. The bridge writhed in the background as if rushing me to select.

Riye stepped beside me, holding out his hand to me.

‘We’ll walk together. I’ll lead.’

Pan moved at the same time.

‘She’s safer with me.’

’Also, I can assure you, she trusts me more.’ Pan added.

I did not have to look to know that Riye didn’t take that well.

Pan wasn't very pointed before. Why is he putting his feet down now?

Their hands were open. Equal offers. But the undercurrent of tension crackled and scared me. I looked at them both. Pan, eyes were unreadable but his mouth curved in that almost smile. Riye, posture perfect, offering duty and strength.

I remained motionless. I was terrified of removing my hand and feet from the bridge. But I also didn't want to take favorites.

For sure, the person not selected would be devastated.

‘I don’t want to force either of you to stand back.’

‘Ina…’ Riye started.

‘You can’t cross alone,’ Pan warned, more serious than usual.

‘I’ll be okay,’ I said softly. ‘I want to try.’

I only trust myself.

‘Stop!’ They both said in unison.

‘You’re both trying to help me. I know that.’

The bridge swayed, reacting to my words. They moved forward instinctively, protective. Instead, a soft chirp and warm feathers reached me first, settling on my chest.

Pan took a slow step back. Riye hesitated, jaw tight, but he relented with a grumble. I stepped firmly and further onto the root bridge with a bird.

Must be my one. I need to give him a name soon. He’s too smart to be left alone.

My steps were sure. The mist parted for me. Where once the bridge had writhed earlier, it allowed me to pass safely then.

‘She’s not alone, stop worrying.’ Pan said quietly. ‘This was the better choice. We both couldn’t fly, in case we were flicked into the abyss down there. Plus, they have a bond. Don’t forget.’

Riye said nothing, but his knuckles were white where his fists clenched. I stopped looking back, or until I wasn't able to see them anymore due to the mist. I could still feel them both regardless.

We have a bond? Me and the roots? Did Raiona play around these parts before? Maybe that’s why I heard the beckoning voices that I couldn’t ignore.

I continued crossing the bridge with one hand on the vine designed to be a guiding rope, and one hand on the bird on my chest.

I reached the far side and turned around. The bridge groaned again, quiet and satisfied. The mist parted slowly. Revealing two unmoved figures. Pan let out a breath like a prayer. Riye looked away, expression unreadable.

They literally didn't move, maybe didn't even breathe until I was across.

Oops. Sorry.

‘I told you so.’ I beamed