Visiting the dark forest (1)

The following week, Henry checked the soil for the herb garden. It was soft and well nourished.

[It looks like she prepared the soil well.] he thought.

At lunch, Henry said that they are already prepared to plant the herbs.

"Madel did a great job plowing the soil." Helen said.

"we can start planting the herbs. Have you chosen the herbs to plant in it Henry?" Cheska asked.

Henry had totally forgotten about the herbs. He could not randomly select herbs because it needed planning and research. Each herb has different characteristics some may compliment one another but some may have harmful relationship towards each other.

Cheska's face was growing darker and darker each second. Henry knew that if he did not find any excuse, he will be up for another beating.

"hmm.. cough cough.. With regards to that, I think we should assess first what are the available types of herbs that we can use."

He looked at Madel. The team knows that all the herbs will be coming from her. Henry was feeling quiet shy, since Madel already told him that he only needs to give her a list of the herbs that they needed and she will get them. But, he forgot. Juggling his studies, cultivation, student president and responsibilities at home did not gave him enough time to remember.

[such a stupid mistake] he scolded himself.

"Can I come?" Francis asked with excitement. "since coming here I haven't visited any mountain or forest. Helen and I loved coming to such places."

Cheska, Henry, and Madel looked at him. Francis was obviously innocent to the rules. Only hunters, beast tamers, dragon tamers and people with high cultivation can venture into the forest.

[so this man remembers me, and what's that sparkle in his eyes? from what I recall, I was the only one who was enthusiastic to travel to primitive planets]

Helen remembered how Francis frowns everytime she asks him to travel to forested planets each time. He would say that its dangerous, its muddy, it too far and so on. But in the end he will come.

The words that he said echoed in her mind. "Don't worry, as long as I live, I will protect you and keep you safe from harm" Those words gave her a warm and soft feeling inside.

It was the feeling of contentment, security and satisfaction. He was her paradise back in planet Hilan. He made her feel complete.

Henry had a brilliant idea. He was curious about Madel's life. Given this opportunity, he only needs to agree with Francis and prepare for the expedition.

"Okay Francis you can come." Henry said with a smile. It was a relief. He only needs to make Cheska believe that he had not forgotten to study the herbs to be used. It was just that he needed to see the available herbs first.

"Are you kidding me Henry?it's dngerous out there?" Cheska said.

"We will only need to bring body guards Cheska relax" Henry said with a smile. But deep inside he was nervous. [This girl is frightening]

"Well, um, actually, it will be harder if there are plenty of people. We will attract more attention and there are lots to protect." Madel said.

"we will only go to Madel's place, why are you all so scared?" Francis said.

Cheska gave Francis the "look".

"There are lots of bandits in the forest. Bandits are usually in level 5 to 6 when it comes to cultivation. We are no match for them."

"How come Madel is unharmed?" Francis asked while looking at Madel.

[Thats the same question that we wanted to ask] Cheska thought.

"hep hep hep, let me answer that Madel." Henry interrupted. "Its because your friends isnt it."

"How did you know Henrh?" Madel asked in surprised tone.

The next day, they all met at the Gray academy wearing a commoners robe. It was dull in color.

Cheska wore a tight fitting bodice with fuller skirt hanging down to the ankle. Her white off shoulder top with puffy sleeves and brown skirt made her more like sophisticated miss rather than a peasant. It was a mixture of fashion in Planet Rosetha and earth. It highligted her smooth and white chess and neck. Which tempted a lot of boys in the academy.

Francis looked at Helen with a mocking gaze. "You look uglier than a servant Helen." He said frankly but his eyes told her more.

[if you weren't wearing the elegant uniform from our school, or your expensive clothes you would be even uglier than servants which was validated now]

Helen clenched her fist and gritted her teeth. This man is really getting on her nerves.

Henry smiled at Cheska and complimented her.

"you look beautiful Cheska" He said. "wear a simple coat, no one will believe that your a peasant with that look." he added.

Cheska's face blushed and she looked away. This gay can surely sway her off her feet.

Madel came late that morning. As she walked towards her friends who are waiting, she saw Henry's back.

His broad shoulders, elegant posture, neat style and tall figure mesmerized her. Her heart was dancing just by looking at him. Everyday she felt like it. Everytime she sees him the world becomes brighter, softer, happier.

[I love you...how many times did I want to say it to you? every moment I guess. Your presence is enough to shake my world. You always worry about how you look, but to me you look perfect. You are my inspiration, my light, happiness and missing puzzle piece. Do you know how lonely I was before I met you? Now that your here, I feel like have everything I can ever hope for] Madel thought as she walk slowly towards Henry. Her feelings which she has suppressed for two years were running continuously through her mind. Her chest waa pounding and there were butterflies in her stomach.

"If only I was a man."

"huh" she sighed.

When Helen saw her and waved happily. Francis and the rest looked at her with a surprise.

"Why are you wearing our school uniform?"