51 Location Map (1/2)
Markisah flew towards the 'brothers' as they were talking softly to each other at the riverbank. While their mom took the time to dozed off under the tree after she came out of the stream, they've quietly moved a few paces away so that they won't disturb her. They were actually discussing about the herbs listed by Hana previously, checking with each other for additional information.
Bits and pieces of words describing the variety of herbs made both of them dizzy. Markisah heard the soft whiny sounds of ”too many..”, hissings of ”how about bushes on the north side..” and even ”let's persuaded her to omit..” and laughed lightly. These spirit beasts were just too funny.
”Guys, I think I know one of the fruits she's looking for. Are you interested to know where?” Markisah chirped cheerily as she flew by and landed on a tree branch not far from Hana's two pets. She had a good impression on these odd 'brothers'. They've treated Hana like a precious fragile treasure that she was. Since she liked Hana a lot, she liked how they treated her so well. Hence, she planned to help them a little. Additionally, she was rather interested with the 'meal' they were talking about. The duo's reaction was a tad bit too unusual. It only served to intensify the curiosity of the inquisitive Markisah.
The two boys looked at each other for a short moment and finally asked the same question in sync, ”Where?”
Feeling amused with their reactions, Markisah hopped down from the tree branch and landed on the dirt floor not far from the boys. She started to scratch away the dried leaves on top of the forest floor exposing an adequately clean dark earth. Then, she used her beak and draw something using her beak.
Surprisingly, this little bird started to draw a simple map! The brothers' jaw were wide open in surprise.
She continued scribbling lightly while being observed by the duo. Once it was done, she stopped and flew up a meter high to observe her handiwork before nodding in satisfaction.
”Currently we're here.” Markisah landed down and drew an 'X' on the map.
”If you move directly towards the south-east region opposite this stream in a straight line, you'll reach my hometown. It's a really big tree. You won't miss it. We called it the Tri-colored World Tree. From there move south for a day in a straight line. You'll reach the coastal area. I've heard my friends told me tales of the coastal area in that region. I've heard of the fruit Hana mentioned before. I remembered they told me there was so much trees similar to what Hana called the 'Coconut Tree' over there.” Markisah shrugged.
”However, normally, everyone prefers the green one, not the old brown one, though. The water inside tasted better.” Markisah was truly confused with Hana's preference. She heard that the water from the green fruit tasted much sweeter than the one with the brown fruit. Since it was so hard to get, no intelligent bird would actually go for the brown one.
Both brothers kept quiet and conversed telepathically to discuss.
”Hmmph? What is this?” Suddenly a shadow came by from behind. It turned out Hana was finally awake from her sweet short nap. In her heart, she was shocked by the scribble on the forest floor. It really looked like a map!
She asked Kuro, ”Did you draw this, Ku-chan?”
Kuro shook his head in denial, [Nope, Mommy. It's the bird. She's telling us where the 'coconut' you mentioned is located.]
”Where is it?” Hana was slightly excited with the notion. Coconut trees are really useful in many ways, not just its fruit. Her hand fished for her smartphone and snapped the picture of the scribble.
[The bird said it's pretty far. I think it might take a few days from here. After all, not one of us could fly directly to the place. Kuro answered exasperatedly. Mommy, if you really want it, I can go. But, can you please wait and not cook anything without me present?] Kuro blinked cutely. He really couldn't stand it if Shiro got fed with delicious things without him present. He had calculated in his mind the distance of the said location. It might actually take more than a week for him. After all, it was impossible for him to move in a straight line like a bird.
”Don't go.” Hana's answer startled the animals in front of her. ”If it's so far, there's no need. I want you to look around in this region slowly. I'm sure there'll be some although it won't be in clusters like at the beach.” Hana realized she could listen to her favorite pet's thoughts as long as she concentrated hard enough. A week was too long for her. Just for the sake of one to two coconuts, she couldn't possibly make her lovable pet traveled so far! That would be child abuse!
Reading Hana's thoughts like an open book, Kuro was touched again. [It's okay, Mommy. It's not that far.]