THUD
The Deer fell heavily to the ground, and the once-quiet forest was shaken as the birds scattered in different directions; they all flew away in flocks, and squirrels and their neighbours could be seen scurrying away. It was more like the deer had given out a loud cry, sending the creatures living in the forest scurrying helter-skelter. For a while, there was a short chaos, and the forest fell quiet once again.
Sophia's eyes grew wide in shock; she stood beside Luk, looking at the Deer. She was terrified at the sight; it all happened so fast.
" Luk", Sophia called out to Luk, turning to look up at him, pulling at his robe.
Luk, who had been staring directly at the fallen deer, turned to look at Sophia. He could see how terrified she was.
"Hey, it's Okay ", he said, reassuring her.
"Come with me "
Luk walked slowly towards the deer, beckoning Sophia to walk behind him. He slowly drew out his dagger from its sheath.
As they walked towards where the deer lay, Luk bent down slowly. He placed his hands on the Weak Deer, whose life had already started seeping away slowly as it continued to bleed out.
Its heart rose and fell slowly as it blinked again.
" See, it's fine; you don't need to be scared ", He continued, gently patting the Deer on its head.
The Deer blinked slowly; it seemed like it was already starting to accept Luks' consolation.
"Is it in pain?" Sophia asked as she bent down to look at the Deer.
Her innocent face was filled with curiosity. She seemed confused in addition to being terrified.
" Bring your hand ", Luk said as he stretched out his hand towards Luks.
Sophia placed her hand gently on the Deer, brushing her hands through its now dull chestnut fur with Luk guiding her. A smile could be seen curved up on her face as she patted him.
The worried look that was once on her face was starting to fade away.
" See, it's all good", Luk said.
" Now step back ", He continued.
He raised up his dagger really high and then drove it deep into the Deer. Its chest rose really high, falling back slowly as its eyes slowly closed into the darkness.
"What did you do?" Sophia asked
" I gave it peace, " he replied.
"Wherever it is now, I assure you it's happy and free from pain "
Luk removed the dagger that had been smeared with blood, wiping it on a piece of clothing and then placing it into its own sheath.
" I also want to know how to give Peace "
" Can you teach me " Sophia asked.
Luk turned sharply to where Sophia stood. He had a really confused look on his face. He turned back to the Dead Deer in front.
" I don't think you are ready ", He replied.
He was now tying the deer's four limbs tightly.
" I am Luk, I really am", Sophia replied; her eyes grew bigger in excitement.
" Okay then, I will teach you, but let's get home first; Maya will be expecting us "
" Are you okay with that "
" Okayyyyyyy "
Luk stood up gently; he arched his back, bending to carry the Dead Deer. He carried it without any strain, hanging it on his shoulder with the tightened rope.
" Let's go"
*************************************************************
" MAYA "
" MAYA "
A young red-haired girl in her mid-teens looked toward where the Voice was coming from; her lips curved up into a smile as soon as she saw who it was.
Right up ahead, she could see Sophia running towards her with Luk far, far behind her, carrying his Kill over his shoulders. She could somehow see a slight smile on his face from a distance.
" I guess he had such a good kill ", she said under her breath.
Maya's red hair was tied up in a ponytail; she had on an off-white linen dress that reached down to her knee. The dress was adorned with a brown belt that tightened the loosened fabric at the waist, and she also had on brown slippers matching his brown belt.
Maya stood up, stretching out her arms, welcoming Sophia into her embrace.
" Oh, Sophiaaaaa" She squirmed as Sophia ran into her embrace.
" Mayaaa "
" You had me worried. Where have you been?" Maya asked, as she gently brushed Sophia's hair
" I left with Luk "
" How did you even find your way "
" I followed closely behind Luk; he didn't even know I was right behind him all along", Sophia replied excitedly.
Her shoulder was slightly raised high, like she had accomplished a great feat.
" You had me worried, alright "
" Don't do that again, okay….I am sure you don't want me dying of a heart attack, right?" Maya continued
" Yes, Maya "
" Why don't you go in and change, okayyy"
Sophia nodded
" Wait, Luk is here ", she continued, pointing towards the direction from which she had come.
Sophia ran up to Luk excitedly.
" I got to Maya before you, Luk ", she said, revealing her broken set of teeth.
" Well, you weren't carrying a deer weighing about 200 pounds", Luk replied, rolling his eyes.
Sophia laughed.
" Sophia, go and change and leave Luk alone ", Maya added.
Sophia
" Let me help you out ", she continued, helping Luk bring down the Deer he had on his shoulder.
" It sure is heavy ", she continued.
"Erm…..It's okay," Luk replied
" Sophia said she was ready"
"What?" Sophia asked; she seemed really confused
" Ready for what?" she asked again.
" Well, she saw me kill a Deer"
" Oh my God, Isn't she still so young for that?" Maya asked
" We both know she's growing way faster than kids her age "
" Well, what do you say we do?" She continued; she had an inquisitive look on her face.
" Let's give her a trial; who knows, she really might be ready "
" Okayyyyyy "
" But you will be in charge; she's still so young…..I want her learning from you, Maya," Luk said.
" Why me, Luk?" She asked.
" Well, you're the best fighter I have "
"Are you in Maya?" Luk asked.
" You know you would be her mentor, and you have an advantage, seeing that she already likes you"
" What do you say we work together?" Luk said, stretching his hands out for a handshake
" She could be a handful, but it's okay "
"Alright then, I am in " she said, smiling, stretching out her hand, returning the handshake.