Rea

High Elf Village

56th of Cycle 2, 1015

Despite Jack’s protests, Lola insisted that we make it home as soon as possible, and that’s why we’re at the gates of the village in the middle of the night.

“Halt! Who goes there?” The guard atop the gate asked.

“It’s me, Lola. We’re back from our mission,” Lola answered before I could open my mouth.

“Open the gates!” He called out, and the gates slowly swung open.

We didn’t waste any time and went straight to the palace. As we approached it, Jack perked up, “So… What are we going to say in our report?”

“The truth,” Lola and I answered in unison.

“Isn’t the truth that we failed really badly, though? Can’t we just grease up the report a bit to paint us in a better light?”

“Our actions in that village could be the spark of a war between dark elves and high elves. ‘Greasing up’ the report would be akin to treason,” Lola said.

We hadn’t talked much about the mission on our way back, but everyone was aware of the consequences of what we did. A group of high elves killing half the guards in a dark elf village would not go overlooked.

“Let’s make this quick.” Lola opened the large wooden door of the palace, and a guard waved us into the throne room.

Royal guards stood along a white leather carpet that led through the long room and up a short flight of stairs. Father was sitting on a large golden chair at the top of the stairs, with his chin resting softly on his hand.

“Kneel.” His voice reverberated along the halls when we got to the base of the stairs. “Rea, I had given you executive control of this mission. Give me your report.”

“Yes, my lord.” My executive control meant nothing during the actual mission, but there was no need to tell him that. I recounted the botched events of the past few days, and his expression remained stoic the whole time.

“So it was Jason all along…” He said wistfully. “Letting him escape your grasp was a small blunder, but overall I’d say you four did a splendid job. As for your rewards-”

“Hold on just a second,” Lola cut him off. “What do you mean we did a splendid job? We failed horribly, and as a result of our actions, the dark elves might start a war with us.”

I wanted to slap Lola for cutting him off and saying something so stupid, but Father just let out a boisterous laugh. “Oh, Lola, you make the best of jokes.”

“I wasn’t joking.”

Father snapped his fingers, and one of the royal guards approached us with a chest in hand. “Earlier today, a dark elf runner arrived at our village, carrying that chest. The rampage your team went on seems to have frightened them quite a bit, and war is probably the last thing on their minds right now. I believe it’s fitting for you four to share the contents of that chest.”

“We can’t possibly accept that,” I said. “It wasn’t a part of our mission to-”

“Splendid! Truly splendid! Four brave heroes save the day, and yet they are humble enough to refuse their rightful reward!” Father rose to his feet and furiously clapped his hands. The royal guard followed suit, showering us with undeserved applause. “But I’m afraid that my pride as a ruler cannot allow your efforts to go unrewarded. Rea, as the leader of this successful mission, I hereby promote you to the first hunter squadron. I expect great things from you, both as a father and as the lord.”

“But Fath-”

“I will have no objections! As for the other three brave heroes who have already received the highest recognition possible. Each of you may make a personal request to me.”

“I have no requests,” Lola answered immediately.

“This gift of life I’ve received from Freya is far more of a reward than I’d ever need, my lord,” Rory said.

“Money. Lots of money,” Jack cut off the chain of humbleness.

“I will have that arranged. Now, I’m sure you’re all tired from your journey. Please feel free to take a rest for today. We will discuss your promotion in greater detail tomorrow, Rea.”

The four of us shared a knowing look as we got up to our feet and left. We didn't deserve any praise, but we got it anyway, and it didn't feel good at all.

“What a farce.” Lola was upset.

“It’s my fault. I’m sure Father only said those things because I was the group leader.”

“You’ve got it backwards, Rea. The only reason your father picked you to lead the group was so he could have an excuse to give you a promotion. The outcome of our mission was irrelevant from the start.”

Her words hit home. Everything I’d ever ‘achieved’ in my life was fed to me with a silver spoon, and every mistake I made was covered up. “I feel like nothing I do ever matters.”

“Wrong.” Lola gave me a grin. “Your actions saved someone’s life.”

“Huh? What are you-” My eyes shot open as I realized the meaning of her words. “How?”

“You’re too young to fool me, or any of us for that matter.”

I looked at Rory and Jack. They both had grins plastered onto their faces too. “If you all knew, then why didn’t you stop me?”

“We had no authority to go against the team leader’s decision, and he was too weak for us to care,” Jack said with a laugh. “Great performance, by the way. The look on his face when you called him a loose end was priceless. It was like the perfect mixture of shock and betrayal.”

“That’s a perfect description of how I feel right now.” I pouted, but deep down, I was glad that they were okay with my choice. It felt like a weight was lifted off my chest.

I wonder if he's alright.

Dave

Fallen Jungle

56th of Cycle 2, 1015

All my friends are dead because of you!

I tried and tried to ignore those words as I ran, telling myself that it wasn’t my fault. That I had no choice. But nothing seemed to ease my mind, so I stopped running away, both mentally and physically.

Those guards were innocent people. They had friends, families, and dreams, but I took that from them. I took everything from them. All so I could get Jason back. Was it worth it? Was Jason’s life worth more than theirs?

Feelings of regret and sorrow that had been building up behind a dam in my mind flooded out. I desperately wanted to just lay down on the dirt and cry my eyes out, but I knew I couldn’t. Everything worked out fine for me, and it was my choices that sparked the flame, so I didn’t have any right to cry. All I could do was live with my guilt and try to be better.

Where did I go wrong?

I lived a quiet life in my previous world, where nothing I’d ever done had any irreversible consequences. I grew accustomed to the mindset that my actions carried no weight, but this world proved time and time again that everything I did made a difference. I had to change myself before this world changes me.

I looked at the bow on my back and the dagger on my waist. These two would serve as a grim reminder of everything I’ve done, and should I stray from the right path again, I would look to them to guide me back.

I’m not going to let this jungle turn me into a monster.