This was getting way too much for me. Seeing how overwhelmed I was, Kimba happily sat on my shoulder again and patted my cheek with his tiny paw.
Don't worry. I am here now. Whatever happens, you won't be doing it alone.
Aww! I think I might get used to having a flying mouse around me. He was just too cute to resist.
Oh, one more thing before we go. Sira flew up to my face. Don't tell anyone about this. No one. Not Ferras nor anyone else. You can't trust anyone. Catastrophic things might happen if word gets out about this. So stay safe and hidden, that's all I can recommend.
I nodded. "Okay, I will try."
No, you won't try. You will.
Okay then. Jeez.
I stood up and followed Sira's lead over a hanging bridge to the feast.
And a feast it was. There were hundreds of Kimberians flying around, munching on all kinds of exotic fruits, nuts and flowers. And the food was everywhere. Literally.
Either hanging from tree branches or on stone tables. The drinks were available in small flower cups or were directly consumed from the flower the nectar was collected in.
Some of the flying mice started crowding around me and staring intently. Some of them became really nervous and their fur puffed up defensively.
I saw Ferras sitting on a woven grass pillow surrounded by about a dozen Kimberians, speaking with one whom I assumed was the Queen. She was big, round and fluffy, wore a small flower crown and sat on her mini throne that reached up to Ferras' shoulder.
When he saw me I waved. But he totally ignored me. I frowned. What an arse.
Smiling I walked over to him anyway and greeted the Queen with a bow. I had no idea what I was doing, but it seemed appropriate.
Before I had the chance to start panicking whether or not I should address her as 'My Queen' or just 'Your Majesty' Sira quickly swooped in front of me, gave a short nod with his head and spoke:
Sol Vobiscum! I bring you here, Jacklyn. The one we talked about before. She is informed and in good health once more.
Well done Sira. You may leave. The Queen smiled.
Sira nodded once again, then left backward, always facing the Queen.
Come, sit down here. The Queen gestured me to sit next to Ferras who deliberately was avoiding eye contact with me. Alright then.
Two flying Mice came up to me and handed me a miniature cup of water and a huge blood orange. One of them I even recognized. I believe it was Caramel.
I waved at him/ her, I wasn't sure what gender Caramel was due to the heavy accent
I waved at him/ her, I wasn't sure what gender Caramel was due to the heavy accent.
Caramel squeaked joyously.
Oh wook! She wecognized me! Wook wook wook! He did a summersault in the air.
Wow, I wish everyone were always so excited to see me.
That is great Caramel. Now, would you mind? The Queen gave him a stern look.
Oh, I'm sowwy. Caramel's tail and ears drooped for a second before popping right back up again
"I'm impressed. Do you know the names of all your subjects?"
Of course, I do. They are all my family after all. She glanced up at me.
Now, as I was just discussing with Ferras over here, you will be heading off to Whisteria, yes?
"Uhm yeah, I guess so." I just assumed that was the closest city.
Well then. As a thank you for saving one of my own and thus also a part of me, I've decided to help you gain some time. You will be escorted by some of us and brought through the secret tunnel that connects the West and the East side of Alvira. The crowd around us gasped and started buzzing around in excitement.
"Oh wow. That is so generous of you!" The Queen looked all smug and proud of herself.
"Indeed. We are very grateful for your help." Ferras held his hand to his chest and bowed. Realizing I probably should have done the same, I quickly bow my head as well.
No need for formalities here, my dear. You are a hero. Now, let's enjoy the feast! You will be leaving later today. You should rest up as long as you still can.
I didn't stay at the party too long. Being one of the main attractions, I was bombarded by everyone wanting to talk with me. It was giving me a headache and I excused myself after a while. Ferras, who had been silently sitting next to me the entire time got up and followed. Unbeknownst to me. He sat down next to me, a few spaces away from the feast at the end of the platform, but a good distance away from the edge. I wanted to go over to the tree garden with the pond from before, but couldn't bring myself to walk over the bridge alone.
"Hey."
"Hi."
We both sat there gazing at the lively forest in silence.
"I just wan-"
"I forgot-" We both started at the same time.
"Oh sorry, you go first."
"No you."
"No, no, I insist."
"Alright." Ferras nervously scratched his neck.
Awkward.
"So about your clothes... I swear I didn't see anything! They asked me to do it."
"Oh." We both blushed and looked away awkwardly. "Uhm, it's okay. I mean, I should be glad you saved me." I smiled at him. "R- right." Ferras didn't look at me.
I thought it was hilarious how such a cool composed guy could suddenly become all awkward and shy.
The early afternoon sun was skimming the top of the trees. Birds and some other flying four-legged creatures were flitting around us tirelessly. A group of Kimberians flew past us and waved to us with their tails. It was beautiful. The warm and relaxed atmosphere I felt was nothing compared to any place on earth.
"So, who are you?" Ferras asked.
"Excuse me? I mean, I'm Jacklyn. That's it."
"I think you know what I mean. Who are you really? I know you are not from here. There's no point in denying it." Nervously, I was trembling a bit.
"I guess you're right. I am not from here. As I said; I am not from this world. I have no idea how I got here, but it's not only me. You see, I believe my best friend is also somewhere here and I need to find her." I didn't know why I was telling him all of this, but it just felt right. I couldn't explain it.
"I feel like there is this higher power that is controlling me. Throwing me from one situation into the next. I feel like I have no control over my own life right now. I have nowhere to go. No family. They are probably worried sick. I feel so helpless here it makes me want to cry." My eyes were getting watery. I've been keeping this in for so long. It felt good sharing it with someone. I sniffed and wiped my face with my sleeve.
"Oh"
I could see how Ferras was struggling to figure out how to handle this weeping girl next to him.
"So Uhm. Where do you come from then? What is it like there?" He tried distracting me.
"I will tell you, but until you tell me more about you I won't tell you any more about me. It's only fair. I know nothing about you."
His face suddenly turned dark. "It's better you don't know. It's for your own good. Trust me." His posture immediately tightened up and all his open friendliness was gone again.
He stood up. "We leave in about half an hour. So get yourself ready." Without another word, he stalked off.
I was shaken. Did I say something wrong? Was he offended by me?
How rude of him. I spun around. "Who's there?"
Calm down. It's just me. From underneath a pile of leaves, Kimba came crawling out and sat next to me. That was so rude of him. Honestly.
I sighed. "I guess he has a reason for acting like that. I wouldn't blame him."
Pffft. There's no excuse for acting like a jerk. Kimba laced his tail around my hand, his dark eyes twinkling in adoration. Don't worry. It will be fine.
"Thank you, Kimba." No problem. He jumped up and sat down on my knee. I was actually going to tell you about the tunnel you will be using. Ferras already agreed to it. Because the tunnel is secret, we must ask you to let down your mental barriers so we can create an illusion around you. For obvious reasons.
"But how? I don't have any control." It's okay. I am sure Her Majesty will understand.
"If you say so." Although I still didn't understand how this was going to work, I just nodded and agreed.
Great! Now let's go. It's a long way there. From now on you'll never be alone again. I promise.
Next stop, The Water City Mariquus!