Chapter 15 Sim
SIM
Morning light filtered through the dense canopy above, casting dappled shadows on our makeshift camp.
The air was crisp and filled with the scent of dew-kissed leaves and rich earth.
Brynn sat across the dying embers of last night's fire, her eyes reflecting the flickering light as she nibbled on a piece of dried fruit.
She looked serene, a stark contrast to the turmoil churning within me.
I stretched lazily, my tail swishing behind me. "Sleep well?" I asked, injecting a playful lilt into my voice.
She glanced up, a soft smile tugging at her lips. "As well as one can when sleeping on the ground," she teased.
"Ah, but think of it as an adventure," I replied, winking. "The hard ground builds character."
She laughed, the sound bright and infectious. "If that's the case, I'll have plenty of character by the time this journey is over."
Nim approached, his footsteps silent as always. He handed Brynn a small bundle of berries. "These should help with the... character building," he said with a gentle smile.
She accepted them gratefully, her fingers brushing against his.
"Where's CG and his merry band of mercenaries?" I asked, scanning the periphery of the camp.
"Scouting ahead," Nim responded. "Ensuring the path to the White Tribe ruins is clear."
"Always helpful, that lot," I remarked dryly.
Brynn stood, stretching her arms above her head. Her eyes drifted toward the sound of rushing water nearby. "Is that a river?" she asked, excitement coloring her voice.
"Yes," Nim replied. "The Zelar River. It runs along the border of the White Tribe's former territory."
She turned to us, eyes sparkling. "Can we go see it?"
I exchanged a glance with Nim. "I suppose a quick detour wouldn't hurt," I said. "But stay close."
We followed her as she made her way through the trees, the sound of the river growing louder with each step. When we broke through the foliage, the sight before us was breathtaking. The river was wide and fast-flowing, its waters a crystal-clear red-orange hue.
Brynn's face lit up. "It's beautiful!"
I watched her, captivated by her joy. "Careful," I warned. "The currents are strong."
She knelt by the bank, trailing her fingers through the water. "It's cold," she remarked, a mischievous grin spreading across her face.
Behind us, Kaelor—the prison guard who'd accompanied us—approached cautiously. His fur bristled slightly as he regarded the river. "Best to keep your distance," he advised. "The waters are dangerously deep, and none of us can swim."
Brynn looked up, eyebrows raised. "None of you can swim?"
Kaelor shook his head. "Water is sacred, but entering it is... perilous. It's used as punishment in the prisons. They throw prisoners into pools to drown."
She frowned. "That's horrible."
He shrugged. "It's the way of things."
Brynn stood, her demeanor shifting from playful to resolute. "Well, I can swim," she declared.
I felt a knot form in my stomach. "Brynn, maybe we should move on," I suggested, an edge creeping into my voice.
She turned to me, eyes gleaming with challenge. "Are you worried about me?"
"Always," I admitted. "But this river isn't like the waters you're used to."
She waved off my concern. "I've swum in oceans with stronger currents than this." Before we could protest further, she began to strip off her outer garments, revealing the smooth curves of her body.
Nim averted his gaze respectfully, though I caught the faintest hint of a smile tugging at his lips. I, on the other hand, took unabashed pleasure in admiring her. Most of manasties don't mind getting naked. "At least let me come with you," I offered.
"Can you swim?" she asked, arching an eyebrow.
"Well... no," I admitted sheepishly.
"Then you might want to stay on the bank," she quipped.
With that, she waded into the water, gasping slightly at the cold. She moved with confidence, each step sure and steady. When the water reached her waist, she dove gracefully beneath the surface, disappearing for a heart-stopping moment before resurfacing several meters away.
If Zirc, Roqs and Coone were here, they wouldn't allow this. However, Nim and I were of the firm belief never to strangle a person's capabilities. One of the many reasons why the Purple and White Tribes advanced so much in technology and commerce.
Yet watching her wade into waters where no manaties had ever learned to swim made me feel faint.
The group gathered along the bank, murmurs rippling through them. Kaelor's eyes were wide with disbelief. "He's... he's swimming," he whispered.
"Of course," I said, trying to sound nonchalant, my palms sweating. "My mate's full of surprises."
Brynn cut through the water effortlessly, her strokes powerful and fluid. She rolled onto her back, gazing up at the sky with a blissful expression. "This is amazing!" she called out.
Nim crossed his arms, a contemplative look on his face. "She's drawing attention," he murmured so only I could hear.
I nodded. "But perhaps that's not a bad thing."
Beside us, whispers intensified. "He's not a Neko," someone said. "No other race or specie could swim in our galaxy."
Another voice chimed in. "If he can teach us to swim, imagine the possibilities."
I glanced at Nim. "They're right," I said softly. "This could change things."
He nodded slowly. "Swimming has always been seen as impossible, deadly. If Brynn can teach us..."
"Our mate joked about starting a swimming school," I chuckled. "Maybe she will become the wealthiest person on the planet."
Nim smiled faintly. "We could certainly use the funds." Nim and I used to dream about being the wealthiest manasty in our lifetime to best our parents.
I watched Brynn for a moment longer, her laughter carrying over the water.
A memory surfaced—Coone complaining to Zirc about how most nekos hated getting in the water.
It struck me then just how significant this was.
Brynn's ability could alter long-held beliefs, open doors we didn't even know existed.
Of course, I could already envisions scientists wanting to experiment on her.
Over mine and my mate's dead body. The only one allowed to see her would be Crix and his triad. But only with our supervision.
Brynn swam back to the bank, water cascading off her skin as she stood. A sight that washed away grim thoughts of slaugthering imaginary scientists who would dare to touch her.
She wrung out her hair, grinning widely. "That was invigorating!"
I handed her a cloak to cover up, trying to ignore the appreciative glances from some of the guards. "You certainly know how to make a splash," I teased.
She rolled her eyes. "Very punny."
The group began to move on, but I lingered, my mind turning over the implications of what we'd just witnessed. If Brynn could teach others to swim, perhaps we could utilize the rivers and lakes in ways we'd never considered. Travel, trade, harvest crystals, even escape routes from our enemies.
"You're thinking hard," Nim observed, falling into step beside me. "That's my job."
"Just considering the possibilities," I replied. "Brynn's skill could be invaluable."
He nodded thoughtfully. "Agreed. And it only makes her more of a target."
I sighed. "We need to be vigilant. The more extraordinary she appears, the more others will covet her."
"She has us," Nim said firmly. "We'll protect her."
I glanced at him, a surge of affection washing over me. His unwavering confidence was reassuring, but I couldn't shake the feeling that enemies were closing in.
As evening fell, we made camp near the outskirts of the White Tribe ruins. The remnants of their grand architecture loomed in the distance, ghostly silhouettes against the darkening sky. Brynn settled beside the fire, exhaustion finally catching up to her.
"I'll take first watch," I volunteered, the restless energy within me needing an outlet.
Nim gave me a knowing look. "Get some rest when you can."
I nodded, moving to the edge of camp. The night was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves. I scanned the perimeter, my senses attuned to any potential threats.
Footsteps approached from behind. I tensed, hand on the hilt of my blade, but relaxed slightly when CG emerged from the shadows.
"Can't sleep?" he asked.
"Not tired," I replied curtly.
He studied me for a moment. "You and your group are quite the enigma."
"Is that so?"
He nodded. "Especially you."
I forced a casual tone. "I'm just a humble traveler now, hardly a royal."
His eyes narrowed. "I remember a time when you were more than that."
My heartbeat quickened. "You've mistaken me for someone else."
"Have I?" he challenged. "Or have you forgotten the faces of those you've left behind?"
I felt a flare of irritation. "I don't know what you're insinuating."
He stepped closer, his posture tense. "You've crossed paths with many, Simrod. Some remember you fondly. Others... not so much."
"Is there a point to this conversation?" I asked, my voice low.
He smirked. "Just a reminder that the past has a way of catching up."
Before I could respond, he turned and disappeared back into the darkness.
I stood there, the weight of his words settling over me. Memories I'd long buried threatened to resurface—the training, the missions, the blood on my hands. I'd done what was necessary to protect Nim, to ensure his rightful place. Did I knew CG from somehwere?
A soft voice pulled me from my thoughts. "Sim?"
I turned to see Brynn approaching, concern etched on her features. "Couldn't sleep?" I asked and pulled her towards my arms.
She shook her head. "I saw you talking with CG. Everything okay?"
"Just sharing ghost stories," I lied with a grin. "Nothing to worry about."
She studied me, not entirely convinced. "You can talk to me, you know."
I sighed, the facade slipping slightly. "It's nothing. Just... old shadows."
She reached out, her hand warm on my arm. "You're not alone."
I covered her hand with mine. "I know. And I promise, I will protect you, Nim, and our child."
Her eyes softened.
"Get some rest. Tomorrow will be a long day."
She nodded, resting her head against my chest for a moment before returning to camp. I watched her disappear into the makeshift tent, content that my mate will keep her warm and protected.
I resumed my watch, but sleep eluded me well into the night.