Chapter 2
Ruhm couldn't believe his eyes at what he was seeing. It cannot be. It's just like seven cycles ago. But it cannot be. Can it? Running as fast as he could he reached the clearing where the light had been. Stopping just inside the tree line, he couldn't help but stare. The light was gone but where it had been was now a strangely attired young human woman, who was jumping up and down, then spinning around shouting happily up at the sky while tears ran down her face.
Who is she? She cannot be the lady Hitomi. But then again... As he had been having his internal debate he had been unintentionally been moving further into the clearing. The woman had stopped spinning and was now stood watching him with a curious smile on her face. It is not the lady Hitomi. If it were she would likely have recognised me. The wolfman decided as the woman opened and closed her mouth as though to say something. Then as though she had suddenly found her voice she said "Ruhm?"
She couldn't believe it, she was back on Gaea. The place that she thought of as home. Before her feet had even hit the ground she'd been shouting happily. After expressing her happiness she became aware of someone nearby. Turning she found a beastman watching her curiously. Looking closely she realised who this might possibly be. Even though much of his fur had gone somewhat grey. For a moment she couldn't think what to say, moving her mouth as though trying to encourage her voice to just say something. Finally she asked cautiously, "Ruhm?"
The look of surprise that the beastman wore brought a smile to Hitomi's face.
"Lady Hitomi?" the beastman asked back even more cautiously. "How is this possible? You have returned?"
"Ruhm it is you!" The young seer exclaimed excitedly. "I'm so glad to see you again. How are you? Do you know where we are? Have you seen Van recently?" She was so excited that she couldn't stop the flow of questions.
"Welcome back lady Hitomi." Ruhm said, laughing deeply. "I am well, my thanks for asking. We are a days travel from Fanelia. Perhaps you should join us and we shall answer your questions on the way?"
"Us?" Hitomi whispered, then blushed slightly. Just emerging from the forest was the beastmens trade caravan. "Ummmm, thank you. I'd appreciate that". Smiling they continued towards Fanelia, the city surrounded by dragons.
"Lady Hitomi." A deep voice said, sounding far away. Hitomi tried to ignore it as it repeated. She was very tired and had been having a fantastic dream in which a pillar of light had appeared and transported her back to Gaea. I know it's only a dream, she thought tiredly. But it felt so real, and why is that person addressing me as 'lady'?
"Lady Hitomi, wake up." the voice broke through to her again. That sounds like Ruhm, but it can't be. He's on Gaea. Thinking on letting the swaying of the wagon lull her back to full sleep she pulled her cloak more firmly around her. Then she paused. Wagon? Cloak? Huh? The events of the previous day flooded her memory making her open her eyes.
"Ha ha ha. Finally awake." Ruhm laughed heartily.
"Sorry." Hitomi said flushing with embarrassment. It wasn't a dream. I'm really here. It was a lot for her to take in. She really was back on Gaea, on her way to Fanelia. It was something she had been hoping for but never thought it would be possible. She was sat on the wagon that was on top of one of the large creatures that the beastmen used for transport. Ruhm had chatted with her some of the way. Gaea seemed to be enjoying a time of peace. Villages and cities that had been destroyed or damaged during the great war had been rebuilt and many were prospering. Fanelia was no exception. However he didn't tell her much about Van, just that he was well and had helped rebuilt Fanelia personally. This didn't escape the notice of the seer. Either he doesn't know, or he won't tell me. But which is it?
"Welcome to Fanelia, lady Hitomi." Ruhm announced as they entered the gates to the city.
To say that Hitomi was awestruck was an understatement. This place is amazing. She thought as they entered the marketplace. There were stalls and shops from all over Gaea, selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to the finest silks. There were people everywhere. Hitomi found herself lost from words.
Ruhm had told her that they had been delayed on their way to Fanelia and that the market had started the day before. Silently, she was glad that Ruhm's caravan had been delayed. If it hadn't, she would have had no idea where she was.
Turning her attention to Ruhm, she couldn't help but keep the excitement out of her voice or eyes. "I'd like to look around for a little while if you don't mind."
"Of course." Ruhm rumbled with laughter. Hitomi looked like a young girl wanting to go play outside. "Be careful though lady Hitomi."
"Thanks. I can take care of myself though." she said kindly as her feet landed on the ground. Leaving her bag with the caravan, so as not to attract too much attention she made her way through the crowd, pulling the cloak that Ruhm had given her tighter, so as to hide her unusual clothing.
As she walked she lost all track of time. She was amazed and somewhat proud of what Van and the people of Fanelia had accomplished. I can't wait to see Van. She thought. Ruhm had explained that they wouldn't be able to see the young king until the last day of the market. Needless to say, she wasn't too happy about this, however it also gave her a few days to look around Fanelia. Ruhm had told her that she could stay at the beastmens camp until they saw Van, which she appreciated as she didn't have any means of renting a room for the night. Deciding that it was getting a bit late, Hitomi returned to Ruhm and helped him at the stall for a while.
The next few days were interesting for Hitomi. She spent much of her time helping Ruhm and his people at the stalls or telling some of their children stories. She stayed at their camp which was in the merchants quarters of the city. This was a large area that had been designed purposely to allow the merchants to stay inside the city walls during the night.
Hitomi rose with the others as the sun shone down. Ruhm had insisted that she take the day for herself as they were planning on seeing Van today. It was the last day of the market and Hitomi had offered to help pack everything away. Ruhm and his people had refused her offer saying that she had already done enough to help them. Looking around, she saw that half of the camp was already packed away. Smiling at how efficient these merchants seemed Hitomi debated on what to do with the day. Deciding that she would look around Fanelia some more, she headed into the city.
For her help, Ruhm had given her some money which she had used some of to buy clothing so she wouldn't stand out as much. The only thing that she hadn't bought were shoes. Deciding that she would look for those later she started looking at the stalls that she passed. Hitomi was wearing a dark green and brown dress that was fairly plain. It was long enough so that it hid her boots from prying eyes. It had three quarter length sleeves and wasn't cut too low on the bust. She was also wearing the grey cloak that Ruhm had given her. She had also left her hair down so that it would hide her face a little. She didn't want to risk someone recognising her and making a fuss.
As she walked through the city she began to feel nervous about meeting Van again. What if he doesn't remember me? Did he forget me and that's why he hasn't contacted me through the pendant. Lost in her own thoughts it took her a moment to realise how busy the streets were getting. It must be around mid-day. Ruhm said that this was the busiest time for the merchants. Maybe I should head back and see Ruhm. Turning, Hitomi started to head back towards the main market square. Before she could take more than a few steps she heard someone call out "Lord Van" in greeting.
Looking up, her heart simultaneously stopped and started beating frantically against her chest. There he was, just across the square. Hitomi felt her mouth go dry. He was much more handsome and Grown up. Blushing, Hitomi tried to clear her mind of that thought. He was taller and, though still fairly slim, very well built. The royal blue tunic he was wearing didn't do much to hide the outline of his muscled body. Hitomi felt herself blush more deeply as her eyes roamed over him, taking in the details. His unruly mop of ebony hair was almost exactly the same.
Unsure of what to do, Hitomi stood rooted to the spot. What should I do? Should I go to him? Should I go and find Ruhm first? How will Van react? Will he even recognise me? Hitomi couldn't help but worry. It's been so long. I don't know...Oh stop it Hitomi. She told herself sternly. He's why you wanted to come back. What's the worst that could happen? Suck it up girl.
Gathering her courage, Hitomi started to walk towards Van only to stop in her tracks. There, with Van, was a Lady. She was exquisite. Long platinum blonde hair to just below her shoulders, curves in all the right places and a smile that made her look even more stunning. And there, in the woman's arms was a small child of about three or four years old. The child was a little girl with dark hair and pale skin.
No. Hitomi thought, her heart sinking. I'm too late. He's found someone else. She stood transfixed as Van turned to the woman and laughed at something the woman had said. He was smiling happily as the woman continued to talk to him. No. Hitomi thought with a sob. She felt as though her heart had been shattered. Unable to watch any longer, she turned and fled through the crowd. Tears obscuring her vision as she ran past people. All she could think of was what she had just seen. So lost in her misery, Hitomi Kanzaki fled out of Fanelia as fast as her feet could take her.
