Treva continues her journey (1)

Author's note: This is from Kosta's point of view

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~ Catanzaro, Italy ~

"Did you pack everything?", I asked Treva for the fifth time while looking at the small suitcase my son, Adrian, was carrying for her as we went to the train station from which the train will depart shortly.

"Yes. Thank you, Kosta.", Treva responded with a smile and pulled the coat closer around her. She told me that the place she came from is warmer than Greece on a hot summer day.

Treva had much more clothes than what fit in that suitcase, mostly what my daughter and I bought for Treva during the last three months since we met, but Treva decided to pack only a few things and donate the rest.

Treva's simplicity leaves me in awe. She does not have a shred of greed inside her, always taking only how much she needs and leaves the remainder for others to use. I admire her unspoiled nature.

I can't believe that it's only three months how I saw Treva wrapped in rags, eating olives straight from the tree in my olive orchard.

At first glance, I assumed that she is a thief, but then she revealed herself as a starving girl before I realized that she is a harpy. That same evening, I understood that harpies are not ruthless bloodthirsty monsters my grandfather told stories about because in front of me was a naïve girl, clueless about the ways of humans.

I must admit that I wanted to call the Hunters Association right away, but I'm glad that I suppressed that urge because I can imagine what treatment a harpy would get. As much as she is innocent, Treva knows many secrets that humans would want to know, and if my grandfather's stories are not a complete blether, harpies also possess powers that humans would crave for. Our history shows that we killed for much less.

Treva accepted to stay with me and help harvesting olives for one month in exchange for travel expenses to Genoa, where her friend is. I gave her a place to stay, food, and clothes, and over that month I watched her interact with seasonal workers I hired.

Treva made friends and learned about the ways of humans with the simplicity of a child, and I pretended that I don't know what she is while observing her secretly to see if she will show any superpower, but to my disappointment, such a thing didn't happen. There were no wings or storms, and her limbs didn't turn into bird-like claws. Was my grandfather wrong?

I was glad she agreed to stay beyond that one month deadline, to help with harvesting not only olives but also grapes from the vineyard my family owns.

During that time, I watched Treva as she enjoyed the simplest foods like she was eating delicacies, and she would run outside and dance barefoot whenever it rained, and once she stepped on a sharp rock and cried silently while I cleaned her wound and bandaged her foot, and I never figured out what was on her mind as she stared at the sunset dreamily with a hint of sadness on her white complexion that didn't catch any tan no matter how much time she spent in the sun.

Treva reminded me that it's about little things in life, things I took for granted a long time ago, yet she was rejoicing them like they are the biggest blessings.

I was not aware of when and how, but I grew attached to Treva and now that she is leaving, I have this knot in my chest, as if something bad is about to happen. Or maybe it's just a sign that I am going to miss her. I felt about the same when my daughter left for college.

I glanced at my son and saw his complicated gaze directed at Treva.

I introduced Adrian to Treva about two months ago, once I confirmed that she is not dangerous, and they were getting along fine. Adrian even took her to town a few times to buy supplies. Treva spoke for days about the ice cream and lemonade Adrian bought for her.

Yesterday, I told him that Treva is a harpy and after a moment of disbelief, Adrian became panicky. He told me that we should call Bolek right away and have Treva seized by the hunters and interrogated.

I regret telling him that she is a harpy.

Adrian will be my heir, next in line to watch over the area where the portal to the realm of harpies is, and I thought that him knowing what Treva is before she leaves will be beneficial for Adrian to notice small oddities about Treva that are a giveaway that she is not human, other than her super-pale skin and naturally white hair.

Unfortunately, I can't take it back and make him forget. The most I hope right now is that he won't make a blunder and get Treva (and me) into trouble. I really want this goodbye to proceed without incidents.

Adrian was adamant about calling Bolek immediately, and he eased up only after I told him that if Bolek finds out about Treva, our whole family will be in trouble.

"I have a plan. Trust me.", I told Adrian to what he nodded stiffly before demanding to hear the details.

And here we are. Adrian insisted on tagging along with me from Crete to Catanzaro, to send Treva on her journey to where her friend is.

"I think this is the place.", Treva said while pointing at the terminal that had people lining up to board the train.

I let out a long breath. This is it.

"Be careful. Don't trust strangers. There are all kinds of people out there. Don't forget that you need to change trains in Rome. You have a map and we watched videos that showed you which way to go. This train station is small, but in Rome is several times bigger…" I sounded like an overbearing parent, but I couldn't help it.

Treva looks like a girl in her early twenties, and she is probably several hundred years old, but to me, she is just a child.

I gave her the backpack that I was carrying on my back. "In the front pocket are your travel documents. Don't lose them." And I pushed next to the documents a bundle of euros for her to have handy. I was thinking of giving her a cellphone, but considering how easily it can be tracked, I decided against it.

"Inside this backpack, you have a scarf if you get chilly overnight, and I packed you sandwiches and cheese and there is a thermos with goatmilk…"

I stopped talking when Treva gave me a hug which I returned reluctantly. That hug was our last goodbye, and I had no idea if I will see her ever again.

"I will be alright, Kosta. You taught me well.", she said.

Treva wanted to hug Adrian, but he extended his hand stiffly for a handshake. Well, that's better than ignoring or offending her. I hoped he will not spill that he knows she is a harpy because Treva never mentioned that, and I didn't call her out. I consider it to be our secret.

"Thank you for everything", Treva said with all the sincerity in this world. "Once I find my friend and settle down, I will find a way to contact you."

I pressed my lips into a line and nodded.

"And your friend is?", Adrian asked while eyeing Treva suspiciously to what she looked at me.

"I already told you, Adri, Treva doesn't know her name. It's been a long time, but she knows the general area and how she looks like.", I repeated for the umpteenth time. "There is no time for chit-chat now. We don't want Treva to be late for her train."

She told me that her friend's name is Seraphina Mezzanotte, and I advised her to keep that a secret. Seeing how Adrian is unpleasant toward Treva, I was glad that I didn't tell him where Treva is going.

Treva smiled at me gratefully. "Are you sad that I'm leaving, Kosta? Don't think about this as an ending. This is a new beginning, for all of us. I am grateful to have met you and excited about what's coming. Who knows? Maybe we meet again."

My eyes were prickling. "If you come to Crete during the next season, you can help harvesting olives and grapes."

"I will keep that in mind.", she said cheerfully and took the suitcase before boarding the train.

"Do you have your ticket?", I asked and Treva patted the pocket of her jacket without turning back.

"Take care!", Treva shouted over the whistle of the train and went inside.

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