Wind whistled pass Asco’s ears as the little rowboat touched the shore. He knew he had been left alone, and that in this rowboat, there was a small hole which supposing was to sink him while he was unconscious; drowning him. But for some reason, he woke up just before it started to sink, and mended it.

Climbing out of the rowboat, he lay on the bank. It had been a tireless night, after he was knocked out. He didn’t know this river’s name. He didn’t know where to stop. Now that he felt tired, he let the sun’s rays shine on his scarred face. And his eyes started to close…

Asco knew he was dreaming. Because her older sister had died years ago. And that she stood just a few feet away from him, wearing the old dress she loved, yellow and bright, which other boys liked. She had so many people to fancy her at that age, as she had the prettiest smile that light everyone up. That’s what people loved about his sister. A bright sunshine.

Beside her sister, he saw a young man. His sister would probably say kindly to him that she didn’t like anyone and that it was better if he found another girl to have a date with. But that moment didn’t happen. Because her sister’s arms wrapped tightly around this young man, and the young man wrapped her too. Then he leaned down and kissed her on the lips.

“Jensen,” her sister said, muffled by Jensen’s kiss.

“Olivia,” he replied, suddenly bending down on one knee. Asco, who was watching this felt like going sick.

“Olivia,” Jensen said again. “Will you be my bride?” he asked, indigo eyes shining with love. Olivia however, seemed hesitant.

“I-I can’t, Jen. My family, my brother my--,”

“Come with me Olivia. Please. You’ve helped them so many years now; don’t you deserve a break? Come with me Lia. I can’t lose you. You’re too precious to me. Be my light of forever.”

“No,” Olivia said. It came out bitter, as if she was now a machine.

“W-what? B-b-but you—”

“No.” With that, Asco’s sister disappeared, leaving Jensen behind, tears flowing down on his cheeks.

Sure, Asco felt for that young man. How do you feel when you’re rejected by the person who loved you, loved you until the ends of earth, but standing in front of you, saying “no” in your face? It felt like a slap, he was sure. But he still wondered. Was it this day that his sister disappeared?

A new scene came into view again. It was his sister, still wearing the yellow dress, running from someone. She was in the edge of the forest. Her hand held onto Jensen, who ran wildly too. Asco then saw a lion, chasing after them at great speed. They seemed to be faster that it, and it was strange. Olivia had only the speed of an average human. The two looked ahead. They saw a cottage nearby, with a smoking chimney.

They didn’t knock, and burst inside, puffing. The door slammed shut and they fell onto the ground. They looked up, and upon seeing a man clocked like a wizard, they bowed respectfully.

“Thank you, Dunce. For saving us,” Jensen said, still puffing.

“Did the speed potion work?” Dunce said, as if he had not heard him speak.

“Yes, sir.”

“Come on, we must hurry. You both need fake names. Okay…Olivia, you’ll be Kayla the elf lady. Jensen, you’re Jalees. Now, off to the fireplace, youngsters. Before the dark elves come.”

The couple hurried to the burning fireplace. Mumbling a “Thank you”, they stepped into the flames, disappearing. Asco awoke. He knew what had happened.