Life Decision PART I

INTRODUCTION

"Nadaline, if this is what you truly want, go there" – these were the last words Piar said to me after learning that I was setting out to search for my real father in the land of Al-Huri, named after the gigantic and dangerous mountain located there. Throughout history, few people have dared to go there, as strange creatures are said to live there, murdering their prey underground. No one has returned from that region alive. Perhaps my father will be the first...

> I <

I live in a picturesque town called "de Kueri," which means "Joy" in the Elverne language. It's full of forests, meadows, wild animals, and old castles. In short, it's wonderful here.

I live in a beautiful, colorful house with Piar and his parents, who took care of me when I was little. They care for me as if I were their real daughter. In short, they love me. Piar, on the other hand, is a wonderful boy. We've been raised together since childhood. You could say we're like siblings. We're similar in behavior, we talk about similar topics, we have similar hobbies.

But sometimes, when I'm alone, I wonder where my REAL family is? What are they doing? Why did they abandon me? Unfortunately, to this day, I can't answer these questions. I try, but I can't. I once asked my adoptive father if he knew where my family was, and he replied, "

What do you mean, where? Here...

"

It all started in the month of the sun. I received a letter. For the first time in my life, I received a letter.

Dear Nadaline!

I am here to inform you that your father is in very serious condition. He was wounded in his right arm and leg. Probably by disgusting monsters. Miraculously, he was saved. He is in the land of Al-Huri and needs constant care, which I cannot fully provide. You are his closest family, so I'm counting on your help.

PS. I'm writing to you because your father has told me a lot about you, and I thought it would be a good idea for you to help him. It will also be an opportunity for you to see each other after all these years. When your father recovers, he will surely explain everything to you.

Thank you in advance,

Lura.

After reading this letter, I was shocked. What should I do? My "parents" won't let me go on such a long trip. They'll probably be worried about me. And Piar? I don't know how he'll react... Well, what if Lura is making fun of me and my father is long dead? In any case, I'll try...

> II <

That day, I woke up early to go to the "de Kueri" center and consult the sorcerous oracle that had been in the temple for thousands of years. I put on a black hood because I didn't want anyone I knew to recognize me.

People from all over the world came to the oracle, hoping it would help, advise, and kill evil forces if necessary.

When I finally reached the center, I was terrified. I knew I shouldn't have come here for such a "trivial" problem. But I really had no one to consult. I didn't know whether to go to my father or live my life as before and forget about the letter.

Since childhood, all my friends had told me never to consult a sorceress, because she was supposedly hideous. But I knew better. My curiosity was consuming me. I turned the doorknob and entered.

> III <

Empty, dark, and generally creepy. That was my first impression. I was about to run out, but at the last moment I stopped myself. "I didn't come all this way to come back now," I thought. And suddenly I saw her. She was standing in the corner of the room. She was beautiful. She had long black hair and beautiful, mysterious eyes. Her body was covered in a black and white cloak. I had the impression that she had been, was, and would always be young. And then I didn't understand why everyone in town said she was ugly. Suddenly she saw me and spoke in her charming voice:

"Come here," she said.

"..." I didn't say a word. I was terrified beyond belief.

"Don't be afraid, child. I won't hurt you. I know why you came here, and I'll try to advise you what to do next. But you'll do what your heart tells you anyway. I'm an old, useless person now. And I no longer have the power I once had. I used to be able to do everything, now I can do almost nothing... So don't count on much help again.

" "Is there any way to restore your former powers?" I asked out of curiosity.

"No, there isn't," she lied. It was clear in her eyes that she was lying. And suddenly I was convinced that there was definitely some way to restore her former powers, because she immediately changed the subject.

"Okay, now let's get down to business. So, in my opinion, you should go to..." she didn't finish.

A few moments later, I realized that the oracle had lost all

its power, and indeed, its life. And I was already certain I was going to Al-Huri...

> IV <

I returned home in a bad mood and all tears. Only after leaving the temple did I realize that the beautiful woman I'd just spoken to was dead. "Stupid Nadaline, oh, you stupid Nadaline," I kept repeating to myself. Surely there was some way to save her. And I, stupid, had burdened her with my problems instead of helping. "Oh, you stupid Nadaline," I repeated, but for the last time, because I saw my mother standing in the doorway.

"Child, where have you been? We were worried about you. You left the house so early this morning... I thought you were going for a walk in the forest, and you're coming back from the market square?!?! Why were you there? And why are you crying? Come on, tell me already!!

"Mommy, I'm really sorry. I know I should tell you where I'm going, but...

" "But what?" she asked.

"Because if I told you where I was going, you wouldn't let me and..." I didn't finish, because Piar leaned out the window and told us to come quickly to see something.

Once Mom and I were home, Piar showed us a letter sent by Kola. Kola is our beloved bird that brings us the latest news. Here's what the letter said:

Dear Family,

Today, in the town of "de Kueri," our respected oracle died. The entire town will mourn her death until the end of the month of "Słońce."

We ask you to refrain from nighttime excursions on the Bimons, above the city. We also ask you to maintain absolute silence and not show any joy.

The ruler of the city,

Le Kire.

After reading, my mother looked at me and left the room.

>V<

In the morning, as soon as I got up, I went to my parents and explained everything to them. I told them the WHOLE truth. They were a little surprised by some of the facts, but I think they understood me. The oracles weren't angry, and they agreed to the trip, although for a moment I thought they looked a little sad. I understood then that they truly wanted the best for me.

The next day, I was packed. Dad decided to take me out of town and told me that I had to fend for myself from now on, and Kola would keep them updated. And now the most important conversation awaits me – the one with Piar.

***

"Nadaline, what's going on with you? Tell me what you have to say, because I think you want to say something, right?" Piar asked.

"Yes, I do," I replied.

"Then tell me. Don't be sorry. You know you can count on me, because I care about your happiness more than anyone else," he replied.

"Because you see, I'm going away for a while, maybe forever. And I want to ask what you think about it."

When I told him everything, I felt a sense of relief. I felt like I was being honest with him like I'd never been with anyone else. After a moment, he replied,

"Nadaline, if this is what you really want, then go there." And he kissed me on the cheek goodbye. And somehow I felt warmer.