The Aroeasa Leaf(Short Story 7)

   The thick brush of the forest climbed between the two Ulla trees to form a wall. This was a common thing to find in the Reha Wood. In these small obscure walls birds would build nests that blend in to the scenery.
  I climbed up to a large Ohva bird's nest and gathered the large eggs that were a common delicacy in my village. Then the whole wall shook; I heard a small growl. I jumped off of the wall started to run as a Hyrian bear burst through the wall sending debris and birds flying out in all directions.
  I ran as fast as my legs could carry me. I dodged small trees while the bear's massive body knocked them down and it's tusks ripped through branches like they were nothing. There was a ledge off into the distance. I ran for it with all of my strength. The bear followed.
  I jumped off and twisted; pointing a loaded arrow in my bow at the bear. I waited until it was ready to jump and then released the arrow as it's chest raised up.
  I landed on the ground and rolled as the bear landed on it's side. Then I walked up to it and stabbed into it's heart with my blade; insuring that the creature is dead.
   I went to work carving into it's oak brown fur that was graying. After I had removed the skin and discarded the entrails; I took strips of meat and laid them into carefully wrapped Bya leaves to ensure the meat will stay fresh until it returns to my village. Then I cleaned the bones; keeping a rib bone to be fashioned into a bow and a toe bone for a hilt.
  My stomach started to rumble. The adrenaline of the hunt must have taken more energy then I had expected. I gave into my hunger and started a small fire. I cooked a small piece of meat. Once it was done I bit into the juicy meat and had a dark foreboding feeling. My hunger fought it off and took control of me.
  Once I was finished and the fire was out; I took the skull and placed it on the ground. The heart was placed inside on a pile of leaves; I left a bird egg there too. This was my offering to the Gods of the hunt and life; to give thanks for the kill and to allow the bear to pass on into a better, happier life.
  I collected my spoils- the strong, soft hide, the wrapped meat, the two bones, the two long tusks, and the sharp claws - and started my hike back to the village.



  The village was barren when I walked up to it. This was strange. I slowly walked through the main path that laid between a couple rows of wood and foliage houses; some were built up in the tall Goda trees. I didn't see a soul; this was alarmingly odd.
  I walked into the Shrine of the Gods; the center point of our community. Everyone was here; huddled around the center.
  I passed through them like water; they parted and let me through easily. I saw someone lying on the table. When I recognized them, it was Aaina, my heart stopped.
  Aaina is the girl I'm in a courtship with and I planned to spend the rest of my life with her. I dropped everything and ran to her side; landing on my knees. "Aaina?" I said.
  Her eyes were closed and she was running a fever. I looked up to our Shaman and asked, "What happened?"
  "She awoke with a strong fever unlike anything I have seen before. I've had to use a Ircagus potion to sedate her. I do not know what could have done this to her, nor do I know a way that I am certain will heal her," He said.
  "Is there anything I can do?" I asked.
  "No, I'm sorry Krevin but there is not," He looked at my full pouch, "You were successful in the hunt?"
  "Yes Shaman," I replied.
  "Did you properly carry out our rituals?" He said raising an eyebrow.
  "Yes Shaman," I lied. I couldn't bring myself to tell him I ate before the offering. I was ashamed at my sin.
  "Good, good. Ah, a Hyrain; not an easy animal to kill. Use it's remains well, and may the Gods watch over you," he said and started to turn away.
  "Shaman!" I called.
  "Yes, child," he said as he turned his white balding held toward me.
   "You said that you do not know a way to save her for certain; do you know a way that might save her?" I asked.
  "Only one, but it is merely a Shaman legend. In the far reaches of the Reha, it is said that there is a Shrine that has been deeply touched by time. Find the Shrine, defeat the perils and tests inside, then you will find the Aroeasa Leaf. This white shining leaf is said to be able to heal the most brutal injuries as long as the patient has a glimmer of life left. Touch it not with bare skin, for that will drain it's power. This is a legend, no one knows for certain if the Aroeasa Leaf exists. If it does, it will heal Aaina. If you must go, be warned, you have very little time," Shaman explained; he left in a swirl of robes.
  I rose to my feet. I didn't know what I should do, but I didn't have a choice. I brushed Aiana's white locks from her face and kissed her. Then I set forth on my journey.



  The Reha seemed to shine in the midday sun. I stepped on to one of my familiar hunting paths and began my hike. I would follow this to the end; then go farther into the wood. I only had the spoils of my hunt earlier and the provisions I had this morning on me.
  I walked for hours and finally reaching the end of my path. I pulled out my curved blade and began to cut away brush to make a fresh path. My blade was a long sword that had a slight curve to help with the swing. It was light for the most part with an end with more weight, this was to help me cut through heavy bone if I had too.
  As I walked, I could hear wildlife all around me. I stayed on edge to be prepared for any creature that comes my way.
  Soon I lost track of time. The wood was deeper and darker here and I could not see the sun. I was far from my village. The beasts here seemed more hostile.
  A movement in the trees stirred my attention. I held my blade and watched my surroundings. I walked with silent feet. Then there was rumble and I began to race through the thicket.
  A giant Ekyas flew down from nothing and slashed at me. I rolled out of it's way. It flew back out into the darkness above. I stayed down; hidden below the brush. I heard it's powerful roar shake the trees.
  I couldn't fight it while it had the advantage. I needed to get on to it's level. I tore a small piece of fur and tied it to an arrow shaft. Then I tied a strong Triew cord to a couple bear claws and on the other end, my strongest arrow. Now I waited.
  I heard it roar again and I shot the fur decoy a short distance away from me. It swooped down and grabbed it with it's beak. I then swung the cord and let the Hyrian claws sink into it's right wing at it's shoulder. I shot the arrow at a near piece of wood as it began it's ascent.
  It powerfully climbed in the air and then it stopped. I heard flesh and skin rip. Then there was a loud crash. I walked over to the struggling creature and sent an arrow to it's skull.
  Once it was dead I unhooked it and cleaned the creature. Then I made my offering to the Gods, leaving everything from the creature in my little shrine.
  I didn't dare light a fire; I didn't want to attract other creatures. I left the offering and set out into darkness.
  I walked for countless time until I hit a invisible barrier. I walked along side it looking for an opening or a way past. I found what looked like a door and pressed it open.
  The moment I stepped inside two things happened at once; the door shut and torches started to light going along the walls.
  This was it; the Shrine. I walked down a hallway that led deeper into it. At the end was an large room that had four walkways that led to an altar in the center. Between the walkways was a large abyss. On the altar was the Aroeasa Leaf. If I continued forward I should be able to take the leaf, but that would be too easy. I walked slowly. Then I took a pebble and tossed it into the black abyss. I heard it echo for a few seconds, then I moved on.
  I had reached the leaf when I heard roars from below. I ripped a piece of fur and took the leaf; making sure that only the hide touched it and that it was wrapped carefully. I turned and started to sprint.
  I saw the walls move; to my disbelief hundreds of large Jaysa beasts climbed up them. I wondered how could an extinct species still exist; their roars brought me back to life.
  One stood in my way, I slashed at it with my sword and shouted a prayer to the Gods of war and battle. I ran down the hallway while the Shrine shook. I needed to escape and now.
  The doors were still closed. More Jaysa beasts ran at me. I slashed and stabbed at them. I slayed a few, but not before one cut me on the hand. I pressed my hands on the door and they opened for a moment. I rolled through before and more Jaysa beasts could have a go at me. Then the door closed.
  I could see more clearly now. This meant the sun had risen. I needed to get back to the village now. I ran at a fast and steady pace.



  I ran for what seemed like hours. Before long I had reached the clearing where I made the offering of the Hyrian bear. Shaman's words still haunted me. I needed to correct my mistake.
  I took one of the bear's sharp claws and cut off a finger on my left hand.  I wrapped cloth around my hand and placed my finger into the offering. Then I said a prayer to the Gods of the hunt and life.
  "Please Spirits, accept my sacrifice for my mistake. Heal Aaina and carry the bear into the next life," I said.
  After that I ran back to the village. It was now midday. The other villagers walked around under a blanket of griefs. My eyes started to water before I reached the Shrine.
  I saw her laying there; stiff and pale. Aaina, my love and heart, was on the brink of death.
  "Shaman!" I cried.
  "Child, there is naught we can do. She is in Death's hands now. I'm sorry," he said placing a hand  on my shoulder.
  "I got it! I have the Aroeasa Leaf. We can save her!" I said, pulling out a bundle of fur.
  "Child, it's to late. Watch."
  I watched as life left her body. I cried. I couldn't do anything. I only had one thing to do now.  
  "Spirits! I corrected my mistake. Clearly I was too late. Forgive me. I ask you to take me now, for I haven't a purpose," I called to the air.
  The torches around us flickered. Then a brunette woman in a white gown walked out of the darkness.
  "Krevin, I heard your prayers. I saw that instead of leaving more of the bear behind at the offering, you left a part of you behind. I am the Goddess of Forgiveness Laona. I will answer your prayers," she said.
  Then Aaina started to cough. After a spell of coughing she started to breathe again. I turned to the Goddess and bowed.
  "Goddess, you returned her to me. I can not thank you enough. Please take the Aroeasa Leaf as my offering," I said holding out the leaf.
  "Thank you," she said and the leaf floated out to her palm, " For your kindness, strength, and courage to fight for the one you truly love, not only do will I return her to you, I leave you with one more gift."
  She left in a flash of white light. My hand had stopped hurting. I looked at it to see that my finger was healed.
  I walked over to Aaina as she stirred. I said to her, "Hey."
  "Hey," she said back.
  "Are you feeling better?" I asked.
  "Yes," she said. Then she took my hand and I helped her up.
  The Shaman said, "Child, today is a day of miracles. I bid you a good day and I warn you to never forget to complete a ritual again."
  I walked Aaina outside into the afternoon. I told her my tale of the past couple days as we walked through the outside of the village. Once we were through we both heard a little squeak. We turned over the brush to find a baby Hyrian bear. It looked lost and alone.
  I looked up and silent told Laona that I understood and I would take care of the bear. Aaina picked up the small cub and I told her that we should name it Bure. I took out the Ohva eggs and left them in the place of the cub.
  I started to walk away with Aaina and Bure and I thought I had heard a small chirp behind me. I smiled.