1 ~ Point of No Return
The small harbor of Voleero was just as boring and busy as it was every other day. Ships were docked and a couple ready to set sail. Though the harbor was small, it was packed with ships and boats of all sizes in all directions at just about every other dock. The crewmen of these vessels were frequenting the local trading spots, food markets and bars, despite being just before dawn. At the end of one of the docks was a royal ship being loaded up by its crew, obvious Haumaforte in origin by its design. Among the many Limimin and men loading up the ship, Rogden was one of these men. Rogden was done putting the last bit of cargo on the ship when he glanced over and saw her approaching.
"Oh boy," he said to himself seeing Meika.
"So, no watching the sunset like we agreed before you leave?" the female said peeved with one hand on her hip.
"No, it's time, Meika," Rogden said brushing his hands off from just moving the last box onto the ship, "The clouds are rolling in and Falsa wants to set sail early to avoid the brunt of the storm. Pray the great Undine will go light on our coming shower from above." Rogden veered his eyes briefly to his upper left, seeing the coming storm.
Meika just stood there starring at the male that just spoke to her, ignoring the dark looming clouds in the distance. Anger, hatred, and frustration clashed harshly with love, worry, and sadness. She did not want her lover to leave, yet knew it was just part of his job. Something Rogden was assigned to do with the squad in which he was appointed.
"You are positive that you wish to go? Put me, the one you supposedly love, through this?" asked the rather plain looking female. Meika's hair shoulder length, dirty blonde, and pulled up into a small ponytail. Her very healthy peach-pink skin shone against the breaking sunlight of the dawn, radiating from the parts the simple clothes she adorned showed. The deep blue eyes were veiled lightly by unrestrained bangs.
"I, no, -we- have no other choice, Meika," Rogden tried with the facts, "Falsa was put in charge of this expedition and I am part of his regiment," said Rogden with no change in expression. "I cannot change this."
Meika made sure to make a detailed note of his features as she now knew she may never see him again.
His dark brown hair dropped past his ears, but fell to just above his neck. His chiseled facial features were the rough, scruffy kind Meika thought she only found attractive. Though he had brown eyes, they always seemed to light up with liveliness and intensity with every expression, not to mention the hint of yellow or amber behind the brown. His body was rather average – almost too average. Not too muscular, yet not chubby. Rogden was just right in Meika's eyes, though right now everything was wrong.
"I still don't want you to go…" Meika tried, knowing it would not get her anywhere.
"And I share in your wants, dear, but I must." Rogden slowly walked to her, ready for his goodbye.
With a small sigh, Meika looked down at the ground wishing there was another way. Wishing her worry would stop so she could at least wish this important man a good farewell. Rogden approached her with a faint smile seeing the rest of his squadron around them begin to walk on the ship. There were but a few sharing a hug with their loved ones and farewells to friends, but Rogden and Meika were the only ones really still out on the harbor docks, staying there holding hands for many moments. The two looked at one another as Rogden readjusted his grasp with her hands and clasped tight, motionless and speechless for a while before speaking.
"Question is, Meika, are you positive -we- made the right choice?" he asked softly while subtlety sighing. Meika looked down and paused, thinking of his question.
"I-I'm not sure, but it doesn't matter… does it. You still have to go. Still have to stay away from us." Meika just stared at the ground, not wanting to let out her inner protests and the feeling of clenching onto him like a little child would to their fleeting parents.
"I will see you again. Do not fret so much of this departure. It is just an expedition of study. Falsa says there is much to learn from and to investigate in Ludas. The sacred lands are a mystery to the king and surrounding countries, so that is where we are going. It is nothing but a small exploration," Rogden then brushed her cheek lovingly with the back of his hand.
"One that will take years, though." added Meika.
"Stop. As I said, I have to go. There is no other option."
"Rogden..." she paused a moment and placed her hand over her abdomen in a worried, mournful manner unknowingly,"I just wish… I could make a wish… and keep you here. We could really use a wish right now… I really just wish there was another way, love."
"As do I Meika, as do I... But I must go. I will return home. I will do what I must. Granvia will be a better place for me aiding in this research expedition. It will all be okay, love," he said softly just before embracing her against his chest as she came into him with teary eyes.
Rogden rubbed her shoulder and then traced down with his finger to her small, protruding stomach, where he rubbed even softer while he kissed her head. His hand stayed on her stomach a while as he focused. After a few moments, Rogden felt ether course through his hand and into her stomach as a type of protective, paternal goodbye to the young one or ones growing inside her. The flash of luminosity in his eyes left from the action could not be seen by his weeping lover or those already on the ship. After a light smile, a tear descended down his own cheek after realizing the weight of what Meika was about to endure.