THAT ILLUSION || ONC 2021

~•{Chapter #15}•~

"How can I bundle my sorrows and fare the sea without her? Why not she had risen? How did I let her end up in such a state? Why was me not of any help to her when-"

"STOP!" A sudden rambunctious shrill filled in the dark dead silent shrine. The strides of the metallic clings and wooden boots in a dragged gait rose as the echoes of clamour faded between the rugged rocks.

"Sir Laurel? You should be resting. Why are you here? How did you-"

"Argh! Again?" His rolling eyes made Kenna blink her lids in a puzzle.

"Stop the why's and how's. You don't wish to make my weak throat bloat like a bone broken frog. Do you?"

His abrupt wit made the maiden cackle up. But the rising brow and quick daggers shot by her superiors quietened her.

"Perhaps I should get more food and tea. I shall take my leave Madame?" Even before Kenna could nod, she ran to get her out of their sights as quickly as she could.

"Kids these days are far too much." Laurel sipped some air in disgust.

"Happens. I'm very happy that you are good, Sir. I'm too sorry that I couldn't visit you very much."

"Don't make it sound like I woke from a death bed. It's just nothing. The cosmic way of life is always tiresome and I'm very grateful that I can make you eat your first meal of these two hard days." He took the plate and handed it over to her before she could realise his words.

"Sir! But she hasn't woken yet. I promised the gods. Hope I didn't offend you." Kenna cornered her eyes while her hungry burbs leapt out enough for anyone to be heard.

"So that's the matter then. She should be up by now. Isn't she an eager beaver kind?" Laurel spoke as he eyed the woman lying in the velvet-covered beds at the feet of the mother. Eight candles in an octagram were lit to reveal her pleasant curls teasing her resting face.

"She is, Sir. Would that affect her in any way?" Kenna gripped her elbows and limped, her worry plastered on her creasing temples.

"Ahaaa. Then it is not the prayers that she wants. She needs something else." Stating that he turned around and thudded his sceptre thrice.

Perhaps he has some plans, Kenna mused.

In no time she could see two people coming with bundles and tables wobbling on their hands. As the little lights pecked their shadows Kenna knew that it was them.

"Are we gonna discuss things?" Kenna blurted while her eyes stared at the parchments and leather satchel wrapped huge books.

"Yes and no." The trio answered while setting up the table near the sleeping woman.

"Bring us four-oh sorry five seats and some tea to fuel our minds please," Azarious ordered, making maidens race to get the needs arranged.

"Oh holy hermits, you look too weary. Why haven't you eaten the berries? Aren't they good?" Valerie embraced her once she set her hands free of the heavy burdens.

"That's a promise-"

"Now you have our promises, Kenna. Have your food and let's wake her up. Together!" Laurel extended his hands.

"Yes, I'm in." Azarious piled his palm.

"Hold on. Without us, it's not complete." Valerie dragged Kenna along and piled her palms on Azarious hand. She then eyed her to join.

Kenna chewed her lip in an enigma. Yet, these wondrous people will never fail once they are together, she assured. With unanswered questions lingering on the air, she gave in.