My Journey To You

Chapter 4

The 16th Century

A young boy burst through the door and greeted Olayon with a smile. There is no doubt that he is Olayon's little brother, as their looks are nearly identical, with the only distinction of his boyish features.

The young boy had a mischievous glint in his eyes as he animatedly shared stories of his day with Olayon. His laughter filled the room, echoing off the walls. Olayon, being the patient and caring older brother, listened attentively, occasionally interjecting with words of encouragement or advice.

Aislin, on the other hand, observed the interaction with a distant gaze, her mind lost in her own thoughts. The vibrant energy between the two brothers was palpable, their bond evident in the way they effortlessly communicated with one another. It was as if they shared an unspoken language, a connection that went beyond words.

As Aislin watched, she couldn't help but feel a pang of longing for such a close sibling relationship. Yet, she couldn't decipher the nuances of their conversation, much like trying to understand a foreign drama without subtitles.

She had been worried about what Olayon might have said to his brother, fearing it could have been something negative or damaging. However, his brother's pleasant smile put her at ease, indicating that whatever was said, it was not a cause for concern.

Relieved, Aislin began to enjoy her meal, taking small bites and allowing the flavors to dance on her palate. The food seemed to taste even better than before, as if the newfound calmness she felt after the crisis had heightened her senses. Each bite was a moment of pure bliss, a reprieve from the tension that had enveloped them earlier. As she savored the delicious flavors, Aislin couldn't help but appreciate the power of a peaceful resolution and the simple joy of a shared meal.

"My name is Dokipen, I am his little brother," he said, speaking now in a common tongue.

"Aislin. Aislin Aw-len," she replied.

"Ash Leen," Dokipen repeated her name, laughing.

"That is a pretty name for a beautiful tomongao," Dokipen said, grinning. "When we first saw you, my brother doubted that you are a tomongao. He said spirits don't sweat and get sick. You looked pale and weak when we checked on you. I argued that you definitely are a tomongao. It's just that this is your first time taking on a human form, so you got inflicted with human diseases as soon as you transformed. He almost bashed my head at my conclusion, not understanding how else we could explain how you just appeared out of nowhere! Your sudden arrival was a mystery to us, as if you had materialized from thin air. It's not every day that we encounter a spirit taking on a human form, so it's only natural for my brother to doubt and question your existence. But I truly believe in your identity as a tomongao, and the way you fell ill upon transforming only solidified my conviction!"

Aislin's laughter echoed through the room, blending with Dokipen's infectious chuckles. As they sat together, Aislin couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over her.

She had stumbled upon this mysterious place, unsure of how she had ended up there, but fate had brought her into the company of Dokipen and Olayon. They had taken her under their wing, offering her a chance at survival in this unfamiliar era.

Though doubts lingered in her mind about Olayon's true opinion of her, she couldn't deny the gratitude she felt towards him. He held the power to decide her fate, yet he had chosen to grant her this opportunity. It was a glimmer of hope in the midst of uncertainty, a lifeline that Aislin clung to with all her might.