Heroes Called to Another World

Unanswered Questions

Rumy’s POV

“Mmm. This one is my favorite.” Egan said, nuzzling a bottle of prized wine. “I hope they all enjoy it too.”

“I think they do.” Chimed in a buzzed Hild. “That girl Jess is still pouring Jasmine more.”

“Oh?” Egan looked up excited. “They have had quite a bit already.” He said, grinning. And turning to me. “Isn’t this fun?”

“The best.” I said sarcastically. I knew everyone around me was already feeling the alcohol. Hild just played it off better than his brother. I took another big gulp and began gauging how drunk everyone was.

Jess wasn’t letting Jasmine’s cup get empty and Chuck gave up a while ago. He had been sipping his with his cheeks red for a while. I think Dean had two cups and has been drinking tea ever since. Guile and Lyle won’t be walking straight. Marks and Grant have been doing the same as Chuck. Must be their experiences that made them quit early. I remember a few times these two let loose. It was rather entertaining. Grant can actually sing quite well for a quiet man. James and Jess were facing away from me, so I had a hard time guessing how they fared. Then Jayce tried to put his foot on the bench, but he slipped off. He composed himself immediately, but it was too late. Everyone laughed. I even chuckled. Egan and Hild looked at me funny.

“Brothers,” I began to ask, “what do you think the little one is here for?” They both looked at Jasmine and then back to me.

“Maybe she is here to thaw your ice-cold heart.” Egan said sarcastically and giggling. Hild giggled as well. I scoffed.

“If I was so cold hearted, I would have killed you when we met.” As soon as the words left my mouth Hild choked on his wine.

“You win. I surrender.” Egan said grinning and putting his hands in the air. “But, I suppose you do have to wonder. However, seeing her drop you the other day was quite entertaining.” Hild Choked on his wine again. I heard Grant hold back a chuckle and clear his throat.

“Yes, yes. She caught me off guard. She appears to be a weak scrawny thing. She has no training, yet she somehow has a strength of her own. I still don’t think she belongs here. You should send her back. Her home seems more peaceful.”

“You know I cannot do that.” Hild had an apologetic look on his face. “I may have cast the spell, but the Gods called them here. She was chosen. Maybe because her home is so peaceful, she never had the chance to reach her potential.”

“I agree. There is more to her than we have given her credit for.” Marks interjected and took another sip of wine.

“I also agree.” Egan said seriously. “See how everyone flows to her. Maybe she is our center. Someone to keep us grounded and perhaps someone to alleviate some pressure. You can feel the atmosphere. It feels nice for once.” He smiled softly and then also took a sip.

“I think you have had too much wine.” I said as we all laughed.

“Perhaps brother Rumy, you enjoy her company as well?” He gave me a toothy grin.

“I never said I didn’t. I just don’t think any of them belong here, her least of all. But, Hild’s words are louder than mine and I will respect both your wishes. Even if I do not agree.” I took another large gulp, emptying my cup. I poured some more. It was not long after that everyone began to stumble out.

When we left the dining hall, I was the last one out. Everyone except Jasmine and James walked up the stairs. I lingered behind for a bit. Both of them had a lot to drink and I figured Jasmine had enough to make her head spin. Egan had pulled out the strong wine tonight. When I saw James grab Jasmine, I wanted to rip his arm off. I clearly heard her say “Let go”, so I came to her aid. He looked shocked to see me. He tried to justify himself and Jasmine told him off, which surprised me.

I followed her out the door and asked her where her dog was. She gestured with her whole arm. She definitely had too much to drink. We walked and talked for a bit before she abruptly plopped down and called her dog. She was so cute stumbling around trying to act okay. We talked a bit more until she was ready to go in.

I held my hand out for her, but she could not make herself stand. She fell back on her butt before I had a chance to catch her. I decided to carry her back. She rested her head against my chest and again her sweat, enticing smell filled my nose. It did not take her long to fall asleep in my arms. Her dog kept hopping around us. She was obviously concerned for her master. This is not the situation

I was expecting when I followed her out the door. She was so small in my arms. I realize I am larger than everyone, but this is the first time I had someone in my arms like this. Both her knees almost fit in my one hand and her long hair covered my arm.

When I reached the house, I carried her to her room. I placed her on the bed, and she let out a cute moan. I took her boots off and placed them next to her bed. When I tried to tuck her in, she grabbed my arm and tried to snuggle it. I giggled at her and brushed her hair away from her face. I can’t remember the last time I smiled this much. I pried my arm from her. Her skin was like silk. I then tucked the covers around her. The dog curled up next to her and placed her head on Jasmine while letting out a huff. I chuckled then made my way out the door.

As I exited, I practically trampled James. “What are you doing?” I gave him a stern look.

“I should be asking you.” He snapped back. “Why are you coming from Jasmine’s room?” He demanded to know.

“I am certain that is none of your business. “I stepped towards him closing the gap.

“I am not just going to let you do what you want!” He said loudly.

I grabbed him and shoved him against the wall. “Try and stop me.” I said in a low growl and narrowing my eyes. When he did not answer, I let him go and turned away. Without looking back, I told him, “Touch her like that again and you’ll regret it.”

Jasmine’s POV

I woke up in my bed the next morning. It took me a moment to realize where I was. I couldn’t remember how I got there. Rumy must have carried me in and took my boots off. I heard a knock on the door. “Who is it?” I grumbled out passed my pillow, my face half buried. The door opened and three heads peaked in. Jess, James, and Jayce.

“You okay?” Jess said with a guilty look

“No.”

“You want me to take Precious?”

“Please.” I looked up from my pillow. My messy hair covered half my face.

“We just wanted to check on you.” Jayce said, sneaking out with Precious and Jess.

“Sorry I was a little too rough with you last night. I was just worried about you.” James took a step in.

“All good." I replied, giving him a thumbs up. “I think I repaid the favor last night anyways.”

He giggled a bit. “As long as you’re okay.” I gave him another thumbs up and he closed the door. “Jasmine?” I looked up to see him still standing there. “Is there something between you and Rumy?”

“Ugh. Really? Go away.”

“He didn’t try anything, did he?”

I threw a pillow at him. “Out!” I snapped. He quickly left.

I whined a little. “I really want that pillow.” I made my way out of the bed, throwing my uncomfortable pants to the floor. I grabbed my pillow just as I saw a shadow cross my door. I stood up to see the door not fully closed and Rumy standing there. I could feel the heat covering my entire face.

“Good morning.” He said softly while also turning red.

“Yup. Morning.” I said walking backwards with the pillow covering me. I ran into the bedframe. “Ow.”

He chuckled and stepped in. “Feeling better?”

“Feeling terrible. Going back to bed now.” I said sheepishly while continuing backwards to the spot I climbed out of. I carefully and quickly climbed in. I properly covered myself and made the pillows comfy again.

“I see. Can I get you anything?”

“Nope. All good. “I slowly shook my head and made a face. “How much did you see just now?”

“Oh, not much. Just you, throwing your pants off and grumbling about a pillow.” He shrugged jokingly.

I nodded once. “Great.”

He chuckled, “Get some rest. I will be back.” Then he left and properly closed the door. I threw my face in the pillow and groaned.

I was comfortably sleeping when I heard another knock at the door. The guy from the first day casually opened it, allowing a woman in with a tray of tea and muffins. Following her was Hild. “Sorry to wake you.” he said, grinning softly. His hood was off for once, revealing his shoulder length light blonde hair. The women set the tray down on the small table and left quickly. The man closed the door, leaving Hild standing there. I sat up a bit. “Mind if I join you for some tea?” he said, gesturing towards the table.

I shrugged. “I suppose.” Though, I was not about to get up. I was still not wearing pants. He took a seat and poured himself a cup. I think he realized that I was not going to get out of bed.

“I take it my brothers’ alcohol did you no favors?” he said with a little giggle. “Don't worry, you held your own. I saw how much you drank. I am rather impressed you left the dining hall on your own two feet.” He stirred a few cubes of sugar into his cup.

“Thanks, I think. Did you need something?” I eyed him oddly.

“Well, I had a chance to speak with everyone individually, except you.” He took a sip. “You're the last one to arrive and was mostly thrown into a conversation that had been well under way before you came. I imagine there are some questions I can answer as well as some insight into what is going on around you.” He quietly sipped his tea another moment. “Also, wanted to apologize, even though it is the will of the gods that you are here. It was my magic that called you. I am sure you must be rather frustrated with the whole situation. And for that I wish to apologize. I am sorry.” With that, he placed his cup down and eyed me.

I thought for a moment before I replied. “This is certainly the strangest thing any person could be a part of. And I appreciate your apology. Weirdly, I have been strangely comfortable. I feel like I should have been terrified, but I'm not.” I gave him a weird look and his eyes widened. “When I first got here. I was confused and angry, especially after being immediately insulted. But after spending time with everyone, I feel like we have all. Connected in some way. In truth, I was kind of lonely in my world. Which was also strange because I live in a heavily populated area. But I just go to work, home, and play with Precious. That was my boring life. I'm not sure at all why I'm here and a big part of me is wondering when we will go back, but I am glad I got a chance to meet everyone.” A smile appeared on his face. “Now that being said, my first question. When are we going home?” I gave him a serious look.

“That is a great first question.” he smiled. Big. “I don't know.”

“What?” I said in a monotone.

“I am sorry. My visions are not specific, but everyone will return home when their purpose is fulfilled.”

I nodded. “OK, then how about the reason you think I'm here?”

“I have no idea.” he said, grinning from ear to ear. “I'm sorry. You have good questions, but I just don't know either.” I put my hand on my face. “This is f***ing ridiculous.” I shook my head and took a deep breath. “Can you at least tell me about this da** war or whatever is going on?” I looked back at him.

“That I can” he said with a more serious look and shifting in his seat, sitting even more straight than before. “The worst started about 15 years ago. The current ruler of the Gramean people started the war. Wait, I suppose I should start with the different humanoid races.” I gave him a weird look. “Even though our people, the Armean people, are very much like what you call humans from your world. We're not quite. There really isn't much difference at all. A few characteristics really. Same goes for the Gramean. They are just considerably larger.” My mind went to Rummy and the size difference between him and everyone. “And then there are the Ilzel people. They are not very human at all. And they keep to themselves in the vast desert. They have quite a beautiful and large Oasis out there, fueled by a great river. Which they Revere the river as a God itself. But I'll talk about them another time. The Gramean and Armean people all lived in peace for many generations. In fact, there was a small city where the people merged and lived in harmony as one people. That city was called Kahil. It was well known that the city was protected by both governing factors. However, the current ruler and prince of the Gramean people decided to burn the city down.” He paused and looked to make sure I was still listening.

“Why?” I asked, pushing the story forward.

“When the Prince was very young, his mother died of an illness. The king fell in love with the beautiful and kind Armean woman. The prince was furious about this. The young child would throw things at her and call her unspeakable names. He would yell things at his father about how she was a despicable commoner and a disgusting lower species who had no right to be anywhere near the royal family. When she became pregnant, the king feared for her safety and center to live in Kahil. He spent a lot of time there with her. The prince was jealous of the attention they got. The king, seeing the rage building inside his son, decided to name his second son his successor. Outraged, he killed his own father and sent his father's army to destroy the city and everyone in it.” He paused and looked like he was thinking.

“I should back up again. I really need to find a good way to tell this story.” He gave a halfhearted grin. “Okay. The descendants of Kahil had a curse placed on them. There are several people who are not happy about their union, and every child of mixed blood was cursed with a beast form. It took time and practice, but. The people eventually learned to control the beast within them. So, the Prince used this to manipulate people into following him. He told the people that his younger brother killed his father in his beast form. That was enough to fuel and light the fires of Kahil. When the Armean People tried to stop this, the prince declared us his enemies. He vowed to remove the Armean people from this world. His hatred and vengeance for his father's lover and his younger brother continued on to us. So, there you have it. The peace between us must be restored, but that will only happen if the prince is stopped.” He gave me another big grin.

“So, we are here to aid in a war or stop the prince?”

“I like your questions.” He said, showing me his teeth this time. “The five of them are mostly here as teachers and guides. They have knowledge to share, and we are still learning various things. But you are still the mystery. I have a feeling that your purpose is greater than the others and that you will surprise everyone.”

“So, when they are done teaching,” I used error quotes with my fingers, “they will return home?”

“I believe so, yes. If all else, I can use my powers to return everyone. But I wish to hold off as long as possible. I have two reasons for doing so. One I wish for my vision to come to fruition. And two, the task is very strenuous on me. The strain on my body and magical power is too much to handle. If I use the spell before I fully recover from the first time, I could die. He smiled softly at me.

“Did the second Prince live?” I asked softly.

“He did. He lives under the protection of our father, as well as he is the primary commander of our military forces.” He then stood up. “And that is all I can tell you about him. He has quite a temper and would be very angry with me if I said any more.” I nodded, and he left.

After a moment of processing what I was just told, I decided to accept what he said. ‘All right, time for muffins and a bath.’ I popped out of bed, grabbed a muffin and ran to run a bath. When I exited the bathroom, muffin in mouth, I saw Rumy standing at the door. Heat welled up in my face again. I was still not wearing pants. His face was also red while trying to suppress a chuckle. He cleared his throat. “Sorry, I knocked.... uh, you didn't answer. Glad you're up and got the tea and muffins.” He practically ran back out and closed the door.

I had thought Hild had sent them. He just must have had perfect timing. I finished my muffin and found something to wear. Then I climbed into the tub to soak away the last of the hangover. It felt so nice and the smell of the soaps were wonderful. After a while, I decided it was best to go find Precious and join everyone.