Shield of Fire

It was like outer space thrown up in the cave. The view was so breathtaking that Crini took a step back. She needed a few minutes to adjust to this. Blinking twice, she made sure that she was not dreaming.

“From the expression on your face, I could say you like it.” Lura nonchalantly spat standing behind her.

And what not to like? The cave walls were covered by hundreds of thousands of glowy spots, expanding to any dried surface. The ceiling reminded Crini of the starry sky she used to watch from the yard while lying on the fresh grass on summer nights.

Eerie pale-blue light was emanating from the tiny spots, creating a sacred atmosphere. Crini’s eyes grew wide in surprise and awe, taking in the miraculous sight whenever she turned her head. Wavy silver lines are rippling on the cave walls and it is then that Crini realised that there’s water in here as well.

Series of stone columns were rising from the ground, in various heights and sizes. From above, stony drapes were reaching out like drops of water frozen mid-way before they touch the ground.

Apart from stalagmites and stalactites - that was all that she learned before her life change - various formations of watery stone were spread on the ground as much as above them. Crini searched for the rest of the group and found them further into the cave, struggling to keep forward because their massive height was threatening to collide with the stones hanging from above.

She let a chuckle. That was something she didn’t had to worry about. The sudden touch on her shoulder, made Crini jump on her feet. With a swift move she turned around, ready to strike a hit but her hand hit hard on something solid.

Lura was right behind her, looking at her with a deadpan expression. His arms were hanging by his sides and a permanent frown reside on his forehead. “Oh, it’s you. I’m sorry.” Crini apologised immediately. However, nothing changed from Lura’s part. He stood there in cold silence, perfectly matching their surroundings.

Crini kept forward, minding her steps as she manoeuvred herself through the rocky path, interrupted by small pads of water here and there. The coldness of the place was making her skin crawl and her hair at the back of the neck stand. With shivers running down her spine, Crini circled her arms around her chest, rubbing them up and down to keep warm.

She kept closing the distance from the group in front, until a soft veil of warmth hit her face making her stop short in her tracks.

How the air changed so fast? Few moments ago, I was shivering and now it’s hot?

The more she was approaching - with Lura’s almost silent steps behind her - the more her vision was becoming blur. The outlines of the group members were becoming foggy, their features faint. They were standing in line and were… undressing?

Her steps unanticipatedly become slower. She didn’t had to watch this. Nor she wanted to strip herself. She knew Ethnians are accostumed of swimming naked. But she never did it in the presence of any and the thought was creeping her out.

Lura’s hand collided with Crini once more, giving her a push to keep moving. She made a few stumbling steps forward but luckily she kept her balance before she meets the ground. When she turned up to meet the rest of the group she stood silent for a moment more that what is comfortable, taking in the image unfolding before her.

Everyone were totally naked - their clothes had become a small pile of fabric in a side near an enormous pad of hot water. Dipped within, they stood along the edge of it with arms folded and elbows meeting the ground to keep balance, or spreading their arms across the edge. Small steam stripes were flying out of the watery surface and the rich smell of rocks and salts was filling the air.

The air was thick yet welcoming. Crini soon was struggling with the need to get herself into that pad of water.

“Will you stand there for a long time or you’re planning to join us?” Ada’s voice resonated - sweet and cheering - on the stone walls. “What are you waiting for?” she motioned her to join them.

Something flew from her side and she turned to see a pair of clothes landing in that pile on the floor. Without wasting time, Lura’s naked form passed her, landing in the thermal pad of water. Her eyes subconsciously fell on his trimmed form and she averted her gaze from him before anyone notices the crimson colour expanding across her face.

Crini drifted her eyes from that view, trying to fight the self-consiousness that was threatening to capture her. Never anyone saw her naked and now presenting herself in twelve other people was making her blood turn cold despite the heat around.

Taking a deep breath in and out, she raised her hands and started unbuttoning her shirt and trousers. The thin fabric that was tied around her as a bra revealed and Crini let a sigh of relief. She just could do it. Even with her bra and underwear on. It will be like swimsuit. Adding another layer of clothes to the pile, she moved towards them taking a place amongst them.

The moment her toes touched the water, its warmth traveled through her blood cells to her entire body catching her off-guard. The mix of rock and stalty air marched though her nostrils, giving a relaxing kickstart. With every step into the centre, the water was rising level until it reached her collar bone. Fear overwhelmed her when she tried to find the bottom with her feet but they just kicked water. She turned and floated with small movements back to the level before she loses the ground beneath her feet. She could swim but just the basic staff.

Looking around, Crini saw them finally calm, enjoying the warmth of the hot water. That must be a place they could spend the night. However, her deduction turned a hundred and eighty degrees when she got the glimpse of something moving at far, coming from the other end of the pool of water.

It was safe here. That’s what they’ve said. Right?