AN: I have started so many Fanfic's; I have actually written this short sentence more than enough times. This is my first FanFic (That'll be posted) so, if I seem a little off, let me know, and I'll do my best to change.
Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy or any of the Characters, though I may just be getting a job for Square Enix. (Fingers crossed)
¦A Tear full of Sadness¦
-¦1¦-
¬Penelo
Once again, Penelo was on an errand for Migelo, This particular errand would change her life… at least for now. It would however; change her opinion on some people and also bring out the side of her she'd been shutting away for years.
The Dalmasca Estersand, A place full of wolves and little cactus like creatures known as Cactoid's or Cactite. They're harmless enough, even the large reptile like creature, known as the Wild Savrian, roaming aimlessly, was quite harmless, of course that didn't mean Penelo wanted to engage it in a fight, for she would surely meet her end. The wolves were one to look out for, hostile and aggressive, attacking without warning, like mindless zombies, knowing nothing but the thrill for the kill of survival. Penelo only fought against them when needed. She didn't believe in purposely killing the wolves, who, only want to survive and out here in the harsh sands, fighting for survival was really all they could do.
Being like a barren wasteland, The Estersand's were always hot, however today, the weather was close to scorching. Penelo, equipped with some water, her dagger and a few potions, made her way rather slowly towards her destination. The heat being almost unbearable, she continuously sipped at her water, only to find her mouth dry a moment later. Her clothes and hair were matted down with sweat, her bangs clung to the sides of her face and her clothes, drenched in sweat clung against her slender body in the most uncomfortable way. 'Contact in Barheim Passage, Penelo… Find him, Penelo' she thought bitterly as Migelo's words echoed around in her head.
Reaching the small outpost, Penelo retreated under a tree and into the shade, here she would rest a little ad restock on her water, which was nearly empty. She had only moved through one area, but with the weather being so hot, it was draining her of her energy. Being careful in the errand for the same reason she was excited. For this was the first time, Migelo had asked her to actually go out of Rabanastre and meet with a contact. Did this mean he was starting to trust her? She had yet to watch his shop, but she did almost everything else.
Could this one errand be the start of a stable job for her? Maybe she could get Migelo to take on Vaan, Vaan didn't like shop work, but he could do the errands, like the one she was on now. Collecting things and speaking with contacts. This thought made Penelo laugh silently to herself. Vaan? Working? Not in this life time! Distracted with her thoughts, Penelo didn't notice the Viera heading out of the small inn, A Viera, such an unusual sight; they were a race that manly kept to themselves. Their dress code was very different to that of a Hume, Bangaa or even that of a Moogle. This Viera was no exception, her attire consisting of well placed armour. Her skin a chocolate brown and her hair, white in colour and long, with slight curls. She was indeed beautiful. As all Viera were.
Finally looking up, Penelo noted the Viera, more importantly, the fact that the Viera seemed to be travelling with a Hume. Penelo studied the Viera closer, yes, she was definitely travelling with a Hume, they were talking as friends would. Moving her attention to the Hume, she then studied him. His hair short and brown in colour. His eyes however were rather confusing. They seemed daring, careless and playful, and yet caring, as though he would put others before himself. Of course this was all from sitting a few feet away.
Penelo stood and brushed the sand from herself, or as much as she could, due to her sweaty clothes, the sand seemed to have glued itself in place. Heading over to the inn keeper she found herself standing a foot of two away from the Viera, while speaking with the inn keeper herself. He'd promised Penelo some water and she had accepted his offer and was now collecting, after all, in this heat, water was like life and death.
The inn keeper excused himself and headed inside for the water, leaving Penelo outside to wait and not intentionally overhearing bits of the Viera's and Hume's conversation.
"…Passage?" The Hume asked, as though thinking, his gaze travelled to Penelo and flickered back to his companion "Ah, Yes! Of course, why in Ivalice would he want to live in a place like that, I'll never know!"
His Viera friend nodded and placed a hand on her hip. Her well formed hip. Viera were always beautiful, slender bodies. Curves, long legs, mature yet gorgeous faces and fine hair. Sometimes it just didn't seem fair, Penelo thought to herself, while trying not to look over and actually look like she was listening.
The Viera shifted her weight from one leg to the other and answered her friend. "He may have found content within the damp walls"
Penelo soon found herself gazing into the Hume's eyes, what a wonderful colour, hazelnut brown, so tempting they were, that she found herself thinking of how much they reminded her of chocolate and how satisfying the taste would be melting in her mouth.
Caught in her thoughts once more, Penelo jumped with a start as the Hume she had been gazing at, had moved towards her, his eyes set on hers.
"My Dear, I wonder as to why you are gazing in my direction?" He asked her politely, his voice charming and those playful eyes now fixed on her intently.
Penelo flushed a soft shade of pink and tore her eyes from him to the ground "I-I…" she started, but couldn't think of a good enough excuse to give him, she certainly wasn't going to tell him, she'd just daydreamed about letting his chocolate eyes melt in her mouth. He'd think she were crazy.
The Hume smiled "Might I have the pleasure of knowing your name?" he asked her again, in the same charming tone. He waited for a moment, letting his eyes wonder, gazing over her quickly, before returning back to her eyes.
Penelo's gaze dropped to the floor. This man, was certainly older than her, but by how much? No… she didn't care, nor did she care, that his gaze had moved over her, most likely eyeing her up. Then she remembered. The state she was in, sweaty and most likely not smelly to good and the moment. This made her feel even more embarrassed. Without looking up she heard the man chuckle.
"I apologize, for my rudeness, let me introduce myself, I am known as Balthier" he said, trying to spark a response. Penelo knowing he was waiting for her answer, looked up at him and smirked.
"I'm not supposed to speak with strangers" she told him bluntly, though her smirk remained.
Balthier chuckled again and nodded "I agree, If I see any strange gentleman befriending you, I'll be sure to invert the attention else where" He replied
Penelo raised an eyebrow at this man, did he not get it? She didn't want to give him her name. Unfortunately for her, the Inn keeper returned, smiling as always and very friend.
"Ahh, I didn't know this man was a friend of yours Penelo, If I had known, I wouldn't have charged them" the old man said, unaware of what he had just done.
Balthier smiled to Penelo and shook his head "That won't be necessary, I'd rather pay for the good service, I received during my stay" he told the old man "Just as I was saying to Penelo here" he added.
Penelo narrowed her eyes to Balthier, but it was no use, he had won… for now. Turning on her heel, she faintly thanked the old man for the water and headed away from the inn and towards the next clearing. She really had to get this errand done, and the less she saw of 'Balthier' the better, she didn't know why, but even though, he was handsome and well spoke, something about him just didn't seem right. Maybe it was the fact his eyes being daring, careless and playful, contradicted themselves by being caring. She wasn't completely sure what it was, but for now, she'd blame it on that and forget all about him, she would properly never see him again anyway. So nothing to worry about. Right?
