Not All Humans (1/3) || Ruith

My magic softened to a quiet glow, and I brought Simon to the furthest cave wall. Along it was a line of bushes I had planted last spring.

Simon crouched before them, astonished. "Are these real? I didn't know blueberries could grow in caves."

"With magic, berries can grow anywhere at any time." With heat beneath my skin, I dropped to my knees beside him. I offered my new friend the finest berry I plucked from the bush.

"You're not trying to poison me, are you?"

A joke. I shrugged with a timid smile. "You'll just have to trust me."

Feigning apprehension, Simon plopped the berry from my fingers into his mouth. His face cringed as he swallowed. "Wow, those are bitter. Maybe they're not in season?"

Curious, I tried one too. It seemed fine. "Our pallets must be different. These are sweet." I gave him another one. "They'll heal your scratches."

Simon studied the cut on his palm and watched with great surprise as it minimized to a minor blemish before his eyes. After eating a few more berries, his wound sealed completely.

"Can something like this heal more than a few scrapes?" he asked. His fascination was striking.

I shook my head. "Not permanently, no. These berries act more as relief, a pain soother. I noticed it tends to help injured cubs, so I thought it might help you, too."

My answer dulled Simon's enthusiasm. And he stared thoughtfully at the bush. If I wasn't mistaken, disappointment accompanied his following frown.

What could I do to take that expression away?

"Did you ever find the stray you were chasing?" I asked to bring Simon back to me, but also because I knew not what animal classification a stray fell under. I was eager for Simon to talk about it. However, he was not present with me anymore. Lost in his own mind. His blank stare and sullen expression were offered to the bush, not even me.

I touched his shoulder. "Simon?"

His blank stare met me. "Yeah?"

"The stray, did you catch up with it?"

Simon's features remained uncharacteristically dull. "Stray?" Then, his eyes brightened with mild recognition. He shook his head. "Unfortunately, no. I thought I'd come across it today, but I fear another animal might've scared it off."

I looked away. "That's too bad."

Silence sprouted between us, its branches circling our throats and tongues. Although it wasn't awkward, the bountiful conversation we'd shared earlier had me feeling it was unusual not to speak to each other now.

"Um…" I clenched my fists over my knees.

Noticing me. "What is it?"

Embarrassment had my cheeks itching with warmth. "The stray…well, what kind of creature is that?"

Tilting his head, Simon studied me with a growing smile. "You must really love animals, huh? Or are you just curious about them?"

I blushed as a current of passion flowed through my words. "I do. Although I've never been allowed pets, animals are wonderful to play with and care for. When I'm in this world, there are no rules. I'm free to love any creature I please."

Noting Simon's unreadable expression, I dialed back my enthusiasm. Clearing my throat, I said, "They're fascinating, I suppose."

"You don't have to pretend not to be excited about something you're passionate about. I think it's great that you're so fond of animals. That means you're really kind." Simon burned a soft red as he talked. "A stray can be any animal, really, but here, we usually refer to lost cats and dogs that way. The ones we find on the street or something."

My brows drew tight in curiosity. "Cats and dogs?" Taegen, who'd acquired a vast knowledge of the human world, had not taught me about those.

Simon was taken aback, mild shock on his kind features. "No way. You don't have those in your world?" His smile returning, he offered, "No worries. I'll tell you all about them."

I indulged in Simon's knowledge, learning that dogs were usually larger than house cats. From both species were fur coats in a variety of healthy colors. Dogs usually had thicker fur and longer tails. They were playful and mischievous, while their cat companions were dignified and reserved. Simon further explained that cats and dogs were not allowed to be eaten because they were considered companions. I was so glad to hear that. I, too, didn't eat animals because I believed them all to be my companions.

"…dogs evolved from wolves, and cats from…uh, maybe lions?" Simon scratched his cheek, which appeared to be a permanent shade of red. "I'll admit, I don't actually know much about the history of animals. They all came from dinosaurs, I think."

Dinosaurs? Fascination and curiosity inspired me to learn even more. As Simon continued his lesson, I wished I'd come prepared with something to write with. I wanted to preserve this information in my memory to share with Taegen later. He already knew much about animals in the human world, but he would listen to me anyway.

I felt overridden with glee. I wanted to learn everything there was to know about this human world. Human culture, cuisine, geography, language, and if I ever ran out of things to be taught, I hoped to find another world and learn about all its wonders.

Suddenly, it struck me as strange that exploring alone did not fulfill me as wandering with Simon would.

Simon's eyes softened. He ate another berry. "Even though they're bitter, they taste pretty good. Fruit is expensive in this world, so my family and I don't eat a lot of it."

"Expensive? When it grows freely?"

There was a strain in Simon's exhale. "There are gardeners who own the land it grows on, so in the end, we always have to pay."

That seemed unreasonable to me. Currency and paying for things. To trade and share goods out of the kindness of one's heart was much easier and amicable. I focused on the berries thoughtfully. There were plenty in this forest, so I wouldn't mind sharing with Simon. Before I could suggest this, Simon animated with an idea.

"Oh! Let me repay you for helping me." He reached into his worn satchel. It appeared that he carried a lot of important items in it. I was curious about the contents.

"So, humans repay each other for everything, always?" I inquired.

"Uh…" Simon laughed awkwardly. "Sometimes, that's just how it goes. But it's more of a, I got you, and you get me the next time, kind of thing. With friends, at least. But I have something I want to give you now." He revealed a wrapped good and gave it to me.

I inspected the brown package. "What is it?"

"A chocolate bar. You can have nuts, can't you?"

I nodded. I enjoyed nuts, almonds especially. Peeling open the package sent a waft of sweet chocolate to my nose. The bar was lumpy, poorly concealing the nuts that dwelled beneath the surface. It was sticky, like honey, although it smelled less natural. And I didn't like honey. Too sweet. I often felt nauseous after eating something concentrated in sugar. So, having avoided chocolate for years, I couldn't remember the taste of it.

I sent Simon a cautious glance. "And this is…edible?"

He bit his lip to contain a laugh. "Of course. And it's delicious. Try it."

With my first bite, I inhaled. The bar was, in fact…not pleasant. And I hadn't even chewed it yet. The chocolate was dominatingly sweet, with nuts that did little to save it as they had been bathed in sugar. My brother would enjoy a treat like this one—would have enjoyed it. Ready to set the bar aside, I caught Simon's shyly expectant smile. He waited for a review.

I swallowed painfully. "It's good," I said plainly.

Simon's smile fell a little. "You don't like it…" Scratching his cheek, he said, "I'll have to bring you something better then." His laugh this time was neither genuine nor playful. Likely, it was a performance to fill the silence.

I turned the bar in my hand, taking note of its size. It wasn't big. I could finish it if I nibbled, although it would pain my stomach later. "There's no need. I like this." Because Simon gave it to me, I wanted to finish it. I took another small bite.

"Alright then." Simon's warmth returned with a smile.

A wave of magic pushed into the dim cave, feeling solid around me and stiffening my limbs. A gate to my world had opened. Immediately, I stood, pocketing the chocolate and Simon's picture.

"Ruith? What's wrong?"

"It's time for you to go." I retracted what remained of my magic so that darkness overwhelmed the cave again.

Simon shuffled to his feet and reached blindly for me in the dark. His hand found mine. "What do you hear?"

"Scouts have just come through the gates leading to my world. They'll be searching the forest."

"Searching? For what?" he questioned.

Stopping momentarily, I stared into the darkness ahead. "For you, Simon. There must be lessons in your world explaining this." Walking faster now, I added, "Scouts are powerful and hostile towards humans they come across. It was a mistake keeping you out this late."

I ignored Simon's attempts to encourage more from me and continued to pull. I couldn't leave this forest, but I could find a way to bring him to the edge. Once we reached the cave's exit, Simon pulled away from me.

"Just wait a second, Ruith. I'm not leaving. I can't yet."

I stared confusedly at him. "You will die if you stay here. Animals are one matter; I can't protect you from other elves. That's not…something I'm capable of."

Simon seemed troubled as he looked around. "Don't worry about me—"

"Simon! For what reason do you need to stay here?" My anger was my worry miscommunicated. Simon had a unique scent; any elf could identify his race.

"I…" He pinched his eyes shut and exhaled, withholding what he wished to say to me. "You're right," he yielded. "I should go." Defeatedly, he slipped past me.

I followed him. "I'll bring you to the edge of the forest."

"No, that'll put you in danger."

"It will be better if I come with you."

Simon spun around to face me. "Seriously, Ruith, I'll be alright. That bear caught me off guard earlier, is all. I'm tougher than you think."

I frowned. "It's dark. You can't see—"

"I've memorized a path."

I wanted to ask Simon how that was possible since I had assumed he'd only wandered this forest twice. But there was no time, so I nodded.

An affectionate smile then spread across his lips. "I had a lot of fun today. Thank you."

Thanking me again? How come this felt like a forever farewell?

I nodded again. "Will you come back?"

He touched my shoulder and squeezed. "I'll find you again. Soon. Okay?"

Feeling skeptical, I attempted to smile through it. "Be careful."

I hoped he would come back soon.