Chapter 9: Strawberry Stalker

Morning came. Larson had been swinging his sword since everyone went to sleep, slashing away the melancholy he had seen in her minty eyes. "Why can’t I wipe you off my mind?" The question lingered in his mind.

His sword dropped to the ground with a loud clang and he fell to his knees. “Argh!”

Merlize came out of her room, brushing past him. In her hands were a towel and a bar of orange soap. She beelined to the lake—a walking distance from the inn.

Larson paused and turned his neck slightly, feeling her presence exit the area. "I’m sorry." He whispered and resumed his sword slicing on the tree. An image of Merlize carved into the bark, which he immediately chopped off. He fumed at the error made by his hands. “Curses!”

Behind the door, Edwin watched the two in silence. “Tsk, tsk, tsk… If only they were more honest.”

A high-pitched scream originated from where Merlize headed. Rushing against the wind, Larson arrived at the drop of a hat. Sparkling water mirrored the darkness of the clouds, as if someone might drown in the abyss if not for the lampposts.

At the far edge of the lake, Merlize trembled with a towel wrapped around her body. Hissing and slithering at her feet was a blue snake as thick as a man’s leg. She raised a pebble above her head.

The snake’s head flew a hundred yards and its blood spouted like a tiny fountain, staining Larson’s white vest. “Were you harmed?” He asked.

She wrapped herself around Larson, water forming in her eyes. “I hate you!”

Larson chuckled as he brushed her orange hair. Remembering last night’s events, she pushed herself away from him. “Ahem! I just got carried away. When we get back, tell Edwin I grabbed your sword and killed an anaconda, okay?”

“Alright, forest girl. I’ll resume training now,” he said. He thought she looked cute defending herself with glowing pink cheeks.

“Wait!”

Larson returned his attention to her, focusing his eyes on her face and nowhere else.

“Can you look out for me while I clean myself?” She requested.

Larson nodded.

“If I catch you peeking, I have a pebble and I’m not afraid to use it!”

“Yes, ma’am!” He sat across from her with his body facing the opposite direction.

He whistled, and little blue birds perched on his fingers. They whistled back at him. Slightly turning his head, he saw her scrubbing her delicate arms. She shone like a diamond placed on a wedding ring in his eyes. Red scattered across his face.

He shook his head, pulling his eyes away from her. "No, I won’t be captivated by her charms."

“I’m done! It’s your turn.” She covered her body and emerged from the lake. “Use that soap to wash off the bloodstain.”

She strutted toward the inn without another word. Larson immersed himself in the cold water. “What’s her problem?”

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When Merlize finished dressing herself, she sat by the door next to Edwin.

“Do you have any idea where my bow could be?” She asked him.

He recalled, “I think I saw it being taken away by a dwarven messenger from Ragnaheim yesterday while I was searching for you kids.”

“What’s he going to do with it?” She wondered.

“Don’t worry,” he answered, “I’m sure he’s just delivering it to his master for safekeeping.”

She breathed lightly. “Thank the gods!”

“But, taking it back won’t be easy.” He warned her.

A branch breaking disrupted their conversation. Rustling leaves from the nearest bush quivered.

“Shh! What was that?” Merlize pointed her slingshot at it.

A girl with strawberry twin braids and dark circles under her eyes appeared. “I come in peace!”

“Who sent you here?” She slid her weapon behind her pocket.

Larson arrived at the scene. He left his upper garments to dry on a tree. “What’s going on here?”

“Honey! There you are.” Nyatalia wrapped her arms around his firm waist.

His gaze burned at her. “Nyatalia, I thought I specified in my letter not to follow me?”

Merlize’s blood boiled. “You know each other?”

“Know each other? I’m his girlfriend!” Nyatalia declared.

“What are you talking about?” He removed her roaming hands from his bare chest. “I haven’t agreed to this!”

The couple bantered at each other. On the other hand, Merlize’s world ceased from spinning. Ice coated the surface of her heart. She stood there, counting the stab marks on her chest.

“No, it’s fine. I understand. I… I need a moment.” Merlize finally responded and turned away toward the trees.

“Merlize, wait!” Larson reached for her, but Nyatalia reeled him in like a chain gone rogue.

She enunciated each syllable as if hell burned inside her lips, “Do not. Follow. Me.”

Vanishing between trees, drops of tears trailed behind her. He failed to notice them as his lover held his attention captive.

“No matter. What’s important is that we’re finally together again!” Nyatalia rejoiced.

Larson struggled to free himself from her bind. “Get your hands off me!”

“I spent my days looking for you and this is what I get?” She pouted. “Not even a welcoming hug?”

“What are you doing here, anyway?” He scowled at her.

“You’re feistier than a woman on her regular menstruation.” She sighed. “Anyway, I decided to aid you in saving the princess.”

“How did you find me?”

“It wasn’t easy, you know.” She recounted. “I disguised myself among the wild creatures here to keep track. Why did you have to move so fast?”

“We were in a hurry.” He retorted.

“I lost you somewhere in the city. Luckily, I saw your tiny friend crossing the streets and here we are!” She gazed at Edwin.

“You have come quite a long way. I admire your dedication.” Larson thought deeply. “Hmm… It’s far too dangerous to send you back to the castle…”

“And…?” Nyatalia anticipated his answer.

He decided. “I guess there is one more room in our wagon.”

“Yes! So does this mean you accept my love?” She wrapped her hands around him once more.

“Don’t get your hopes up.” He deflected her attack well. “My heart is reserved for the princess.”

Edwin hopped over Larson’s shoulders. “Boy, things got complicated.”

“Tell me about it.” Larson grunted.

“I hope you understand the gravity of the situation, especially the bowless girl.”

He snapped his neck toward the trees. “Speaking of which, how far did she go?”