30 The Fores (2/2)

”Then we have to make you climb this tree no matter what. Fears need to be conquered otherwise you can't move on.” Linri spewed some bullshit.

”No” answered Jaime trembling.

”I did not ask your opinion though. Don't worry If you fall again I can catch you again. No need to fear. This time try to go as fast you can. This way the branch under your feet wont have any time break. Just go as fast as you can I am here to catch you.” said Linri and put her down.

Jaime unwillingly started climbing again. This time even slower than the last. Still with out any problem she was able to make it to the branch Linri was sitting on previously. She sat on the place where the branch sprouted from and hugged the tree unwilling to let go.

”Excellent! Now wait for me.” Linri said and quickly made his way to the branch and sat down next to Jaime.

”Now that I think about it, why did you even climb in the first place it was not lady like at all.”

Jaime looked at Linri as if telling him 'you made me! and now you say it's not lady like? Are you crazy?'

”Why are you looking at me like that? I never thought you would 'actually' climb the tree.” said Linri laughing.

Jaime wanted to punch Linri so hard that his teeth would fall out but she was afraid to let go so just gave a death stare to him.

”Fine! No more teasing. I just wanted you to see the view from up here.” said Linri while pointing at the forest in front of them. Once looked at this height it seemed like a magical place. The trees were shaking following the wind as if they were dancing. In front of the beauty of nature everything else seemed inconsequential. The Forest had a kind of beauty that could claim any men's hearth gazing upon it. It felt sacred, something they should not touch with their hands. It was ethereal like it could go away in a heartbeat. No amounts of words in the world could describe its beauty.

Now that Jaime looked at the forest she was captivated by it. She felt relaxed, at peace. She finally let go of the tree and started appreciate the magical scene in front of her.

”So why did you visit the little old me's tent?”

Hearing Linri's question Jaime got out of her trance like state.

”I wanted to ask if you were okay. We arrived at your destination right?” said Jaime while pointing at the temple. With her other hand she was holding onto Linri's elbow. It seemed like she was still afraid of falling.

”That's not exactly my destination though. It's somewhere close. I have to find it by myself.”

”Are you sure? Can I come with you? Won't it be dangerous if you go alone?”

”No need. I have this” answered Linri while showing off his bracelet.

”What if it's not enough?”

”It will be. Also we do not owe anything to each other so I can't ask you to endanger your life for me.” hearing what Linri said Jaime felt complicated. She did not know how to answer him. She wanted to help him but now that she lost his trust it was hard to regain it. Her mood died down because of it.

”Right we don't” said Jaime and nodded her head.

There was one other thing Linri did not say to her though. The real reason he did not want her to come. He was afraid that presented with another choice the deities might pick her over him and he was not sure if she would refuse it. Even if deities give one stone to him and one stone to Jaime he would still die. If he were to survive in this world he needed both of them and he did not want to leave anything to chance.