Act One: Materia Prima - Chapter 10

The man focused entirely on Hlout. She avoided his gaze. Her expression revealed a hint of guilt or shame. Had she been hiding something from him? About the mountains? She should not take it so seriously.

“Hey, do not worry. What is it?”

“The truth is that Hrain isn't the only one who has been to the mountains. She's just the only one who woke up there.”

“Woke up there?”

“Well, everyone of us woke up somewhere in this world. Hrain in the mountains, Gward in the gray parts, Falsk in the bay, Scild in the house and I woke up in the forest. You never told me where you did though?”

“By the river, in the green hills. But why do you tell me now that someone else has been to the mountains? And why did you lie before?”

Hrain fidgeted restlessly. Curiosity overwhelming her. Hlout finally looked him into his eyes.

“I couldn’t trust you. You seemed so interested in them and I didn't want you to drag one of the girls into this.”

“But you did admit that Hrain has been there.”

“Yes, but when she tried to return to the mountains, she wasn’t able to. Couldn’t find them. The only place we all can find is the house. No one of us is able to return to where we came from. I tried to find the forest, Hrain tried, only Gward could find it. The same is true for the mountains. Only one girl is able to lead you there.”

“And you will tell me?”

“I want to help you. But you have to promise to keep her safe, no matter what. To protect her life with your own. Can you do that? Is this exploration worth that much?”

Hrain could no longer restrain herself.

“Why did you never tell me? About the forest? About the mountains? Even when I tried to find them? I need to know!”

Hlout paused for a moment. An apologetic smile played on her lips.

“I’m sorry, but the trials themselves made you so happy and I didn’t want you to drag in the smaller ones either.”

“The smaller ones? So, it must be Scild or Falsk, right?”

Hlout sighed. Looked back at him. Supported herself with her left hand on her thigh. Avoided his gaze once again.

“I won’t reveal more until you promised.”

“I promise, but will Hrain be able to come with us?”

“Maybe, who knows if it’s even possible for you to go there. But you can try.”

Hlout leaned back. Took a deep breath.

“It is Falsk who was able to find them. Who saw the strange stones, just as Hrain had done. It had really shaken her up, and she wanted to go back there. Had never seen her like that before. But I forbade Falsk to go. Out of fear. Out of fear of the unknown. But you were able to enter the gray parts. Returned with Hrain. Safe and sound. Maybe with you she can do it. I can’t go with her. I have to stay at the house. So, will you do it? Take her there?”

“I will try. And I will keep Hrain and Falsk safe. As I promised.”

He turned to Hrain. She was lost in thought. He gently tapped her on the left shoulder. Her silence was quickly broken.

“We will do it! Falsk will lead the way!”

“When do we want to leave, and what should we prepare beforehand?”

“How about now! And I don’t think we need to prepare anything. We just have to be back for the next feast. But anyway, that's still a long way off.”

“How do you know when it is time for a feast?”

“A good question. But… I don’t know. Or… I just know. It’s a feeling.”

She was confused. Looked at Hlout. Seeking help. The older girl laughed.

“I can’t describe it either. It’s just a feeling that pulls us all back to the house. But don't worry about it. One mystery after another.”

Hrain nodded. Reassured in her carefree nature. She curled up on the sofa. For a moment. Then she stretched her limbs out wide. Jumped back on her feed.

“Come on, let’s go! I’ll get Falsk and meet you at the front door!”

The airheaded girl rushed up the stairs. Hlout smirked a little. Stood up. Pointed at him.

“I expect all three of you back at house alive and kicking. Good luck out there.”

She left for the dining room. The man held his head in his hands. How did this adventure come about? The purpose was enough. Enough to keep away the darkness. The past. For now.

He gave priority to simpler thoughts. Seemed to have tolerated the food well. Did not feel it working in his stomach. He slowly rose up. Moved toward the exit. Crossed the entrance area. Passed through the door. For the fourth time. Through this one. Closed it behind him.

Outside. Everything was the same as ever. He walked through the garden. To pass the time. Enjoyed the smell of lavender. Just as Hrain had done. Not so long ago. The sound of the door opening drew him back from his stroll.

Hrain stood in front of the entrance. Determined to do anything. Falsk by her side. She held the smaller girl's hand. Determined too. Not as much as Hrain though. Not surprising. They looked like sisters. Cute. He never had asked. How they were related. Did not seem important.

“Hey, there you are! Let's not waste any time and get started right away!”

“Yeah, let’s go. Not that I’m too eager. But since I am the only one who can show you poor creatures the way, I will lower myself to your level for now.”

Hrain let go of her hand. Bent down and looked her straight in the face. One eyebrow raised high.

“Hmm, who was it who asked to be taken by the hand when we were still among ourselves?”

“Phh! How would I know!”

Hrain smiled. Patted Falsk’s head. Took her hand again. The brash gremlin smiled gratefully. Started to move. Led Hrain away from the house. He followed. A glimmer of hope in his heart. Nothing would last forever.