Chapter 3
The sun was going down quickly. Syan crept into the village, moving around
unseen. Someone had been baking bread and had left a number of loaves out
to cool. She passed by and a loaf disappeared, a few gil mysteriously left
in its place. There was only one place in the whole village that had any
livestock and Syan broke silently into their storage shed and took a small
amount of cheese and butter, leaving enough gil behind to cover the loss.
She had hoped to do business with one of the travelling merchants that
frequented all the villages in Spira, but, unfortunately, none were around
tonight.
She began to head home, when she passed the one place that was remotely like an inn. A swarthy, unpleasant man owned it, and the locals went there to purchase their beverages. Syan peered through the window. A small flagon of beer sat on the end of the counter. She shifted uneasily, her logic telling her to leave. The place looked busy this evening. After all, it was the only meeting place on the island. She managed to blend into the crowd, and quickly and quietly the beer disappeared. She had no idea what it was worth so she only guessed the amount of gil to leave. Then, with her arms full, she headed back.
Auron watched as the pot reached a full, rolling boil. He dumped the crustaceans out of the bucket and grabbing them by the back legs he dropped them into the water. As the air began to escape from their shells it produced a high pitched sound that was disturbingly like screams. Even he felt uncomfortable listening to the snapping, popping, and screaming sounds coming from them. Before long they fell silent and began to turn a blush pink in color. Hearing someone approaching he stood up. It was Syan with her arms full of items.
She looked into the pot and smiled at him.
"Well done. I'm glad you did it. I have to admit I can't cook them myself - I can't stand the noise." His expression was slightly smug.
She used some slate rock gathered from the beach for plates. Cutting some slices of bread with her knife, she set out the meal and then presented the precious butter for use. They used stones to break the harder shells of the crustaceans and extracted the tender white meat with their fingers. It melted in their mouths. Along with the tubers, it was the best meal they had eaten in a long time.
"Oh, here, I nearly forgot," she said, handing Auron the flagon of beer. He took it eagerly, and, from the look on his face after taking a draught, she knew he truly enjoyed it. That pleased her and eased the uncomfortable feeling she had at taking it. He offered her a drink but she refused, stating that fresh water was all she needed. When they had finished their meal she began to clear away the mess.
"Now, tell me, was that not the best meal you've ever tasted?" she said, grinning from ear to ear. He just nodded his head and leaned back, finishing his last gulp of beer.
"Good. Hold that thought, because tomorrow we are back to eating fish again." He grimaced at her.
"I have to admit I'm getting a little tired of fish."
"Well, pardon me, Your Highness," she said sarcastically, but a small smile was playing across her lips. The corner of his mouth curled up into a smile. He stood up and stretched.
"I have to go to the village tomorrow. The local priest will be back, and I must speak to him." He then headed to the shelter to sleep. Syan finished clearing the area and then she crawled in and pulled the brush in front of the door. Crawling over to the edge of the tarp she lay down. It was uncomfortably cold that night and she decided it would be safe to trust him again. Auron shifted slightly. She could feel the warmth of him near her and she resisted the urge to move closer. She heard him lift the blanket and felt him throw the edge over her, his warmth seeping through and beginning to envelop her, and her body soaked it up like a sponge. His breathing began to slow and she waited, frozen in place, her eyes closed shut, feigning sleep. Eventually the gentle rhythm of his breathing made her relax and lulled her, reluctantly, into dreams. In the village, stories were circulating about a thief who would visit on occasion. Some claimed to have seen a beautiful woman and, as the story was told and retold, the description of her beauty was exaggerated until they began to refer to her an angel. Late that same evening, two men, seated in the inn, were discussing her.
"It would seem we were visited by the angel this evening," one man said to the other.
"Consider it a blessing," the second man said. "She is supposed to bring good luck."
"My wife had just set some bread out to cool when one loaf disappeared, and there was some money left in its place." "
Otho, where is my beer?" he yelled at the owner. Otho was a rough, swarthy looking man, with a protruding belly.
"It's right where I left it at the end of the counter, you fool." They all turned to look, but there was nothing there. Otho walked over to the end of the counter and then returned, holding a couple of coins.
"I'll be damned," the second man said. "Did anyone see who took it?" They all gestured and shrugged, but no one had seen anything.
"Wow, Otho!" the first man exclaimed. "It appears you were visited by the angel, too. May you have good fortune!"
"Good fortune, my ass," Otho growled. "She is nothing but a no-good thief, and a cheat too." He extended his hand, showing the two coins. "This isn't enough to cover it."
"Don't speak unkindly of her. A lot of folk think she has brought luck to this island. As you can see, we've not been plagued by fiends."
Otho just gave the man a dirty look. "Even the fiends don't care for this shit-hole of a place. But they'll come soon enough, mark my words. Has anyone actually seen this so-called angel?"
"Lots have claimed to have seen her," the second man spoke up.
"They say she is so beautiful that to gaze upon her enchants you in a spell
"Really?" the first man said. "I heard that she could stop a man's heart and leave him dreaming of phantoms in the night.
Otho just listened, his hand brushing through his coarse beard.
"Ah, you two are a couple of idiots! This woman is no angel. She is flesh and blood like the rest of us. What would an angel want with bread and beer? I wonder where she is hiding, and why? I bet she has something to do with the appearance of those Guado soldiers that showed up here a few days ago."
"Yeah, but the Guado left, didn't they, and they didn't find anything," the second man pointed out in her defense.
"I didn't say she wasn't smart," Otho said, becoming more and more interested.
The first man was beginning to read Otho's thoughts.
"Whoever she is, she hasn't done anyone any harm. Just leave it alone, Otho. Don't start trouble."
"Who said anything about trouble? I'm just curious, is all. Here, drink your beer," and he banged a flagon down in front of the man. Otho began to think, where would someone be able to hide for extended periods on this island? It would have to be a place that is sheltered and yet could provide easy access to food and fresh water. He knew the island pretty well, and there were only a couple of places that came to mind.
A few hours later, Syan fell into a disturbing dream. She struggled to wake, but could not summon the strength. She was standing in the great hall in the House of the Covenant, where everything felt so familiar.
"You stupid, little wretch!" a shrill voice cut through the silence. With a sickening feeling she began to remember the day, and her heart started to race. There was someone behind her, she could feel it, yet she was unable to turn around, her mind overcome with fear. Her body began to shake and her eyes darted around looking for a place to hide, but there was nowhere. Feeling the vibration of thunder, she turned quickly, in defense. The person was yelling at her, the face distorted and ugly, suffused with color. Syan could not hear anything at first, but words eventually began to filter into her memory.
"How dare you refuse the proposal, Syan? You will change your mind this very minute, or I swear I will kill you."
Syan's voice sounded so desperate and small. She was not the woman she knew herself to be now, but a mere slip of a girl of fifteen.
"Please! Why are you doing this? I'm too young for marriage. I don't love that man; I hardly even know him." She wrung her fingers together. "Please! I promise I will work harder, just don't get so angry."
"Do you accept his offer?" the voice screamed, ignoring her pleas."
Syan gathered all her nerve together.
"No, I won't. I still have the right to refuse."
"You forget I own you. You have no rights here." Suddenly Syan felt something slam into her chest, throwing her back off her feet. She heard the thunder rolling over her head and began to detect the horrible smell of burning flesh. Pain shot through her body, unbearable, agonizing pain. She was lifted right off the floor and hung suspended in the air. Her skin felt as if it were peeling slowly away from her body, but when she looked down, expecting to be engulfed in flames, there was not a mark on her. It soon became clear that black magic was being used to hurt her. An intense pressure ripped through her chest, clutching her heart and squeezing with all its might. Her life was being drawn from her and she was getting weaker and weaker. It was becoming difficult to breathe, and she began choking, clutching at her throat, trying to tear away the invisible foe. But the struggle was futile, her consciousness was slipping away. The inevitability of death was seeping into her mind She cried out in anguish, her words muffled and unrecognizable in her own ears.
Silence, then a huge explosion, suddenly shook the room and the hold on her was released, causing her to plummet like a stone to the floor. Finally, able to take a breath, she filled her lungs. An agonizing scream ripped from her throat and pierced the air. Auron bolted upright. Syan's scream had shaken him to the very core. He could hear her crawling on her hands and knees, flailing around in the dark, caught in full panic. Her breathing was coming out in gasps, and she was disoriented and confused. Kneeling in the inky blackness, he reached over and grabbed her into his arms. She let out a wail and clawed at him, trying to twist away. He held her tightly, afraid she might injure herself in all the confusion. He felt the heat of her body and the sweat generated by her alarm. Her heart was pounding heavily in her chest; he could feel the vibration of it against his arms, yet she still fought him, managing to push back from his grip. He was amazed how strong she was. He spoke calmly.
"Syan, it's me, Auron. You're safe."
She was still trying to pull his arms away, but he noticed the sound of his voice had an immediate effect on her. He felt her muscles release slightly and she stopped fighting and became still. She moved closer to him in the dark, her hot breath sweeping across his face as she panted with fear. She stopped and inhaled in short quick breaths, and immediately began to relax further. He realized she was instinctively trying to place his scent, and the fact that she recognize it and was comforted by it made his throat go abruptly dry. She released a long sigh and he drew her closer. He was fighting to stop his own heart from accelerating to the same tempo as hers. He found her face and held it in his hands, unsure at first how to settle his own mind. From the closeness of her breath he knew her lips were just inches away. She was so vulnerable and he hated the fact that all he could think about was what her kiss would taste like.
She spoke. "Auron?" He drew back, startled, realizing she had only just become aware of her surroundings.
"Yes, it's me. You had a bad dream. Be calm, nothing is going to hurt you."
Her muscles went limp. She slipped from his hands into his arms and buried her face in his chest, her breathing still coming in gasps. He closed his eye for a second, concentrating on control, her breath now beating heavily against his chest. She suddenly stiffened. He knew his heart was pounding too fast, and he was afraid she could hear it. She pushed away from him, clutching the lapels of his coat.
"I'm sorry." Her fist braced across his chest, his coat wrapped tightly in her fingers. "I'm sorry, I just need a minute." Her body still shook violently. He reached out to her, wanting to keep her in his arms, but thought better of it. Pulling his collar from the clutches of her fists, instead, he helped her lie back down. Wrapping her in the blanket, he sat next to her, not saying a word at first.
"Go back to sleep; I'll watch over you." He swept her hair off her face, and pushed it behind her. "Tonight you will be safe. I'll guard you." He spoke with surprising gentleness.
"I had a horrible nightmare. I haven't had that dream in years." Her voice betrayed the intense fear she felt.
"We all have demons to contend with. Try and rest now." A small glint of moonlight filtered through the doorway and he could just see Syan's eyes. They seemed as big as saucers. Abruptly she turned her back to him, her shoulders trembling. He could hear the fluctuation of her breathing, and knew she was crying quietly. He reached for her, hesitantly at first, then placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. Her head turned slightly at his touch. She sniffled and hesitated, then, reaching up and placing her hand on his, she lifted his arm and drew it around her. He lay down beside her, and patiently waited, then, pulling her trembling body closer to his own, he lay still. Gradually her muscles relaxed and her breathing went quiet, and when he was sure she was sleeping, he put his own head down and, eventually, drifted off.
No sooner had he allowed himself to relax then he was pulled into his own familiar visions. He was conversing with Jecht, and they were walking together in a strange city. Jecht had been Braska's guardian and also Auron's friend. He had a strong muscular body and rugged features. His mustache trailed down both cheeks into a goatee. and his long, dark hair was wrapped in a red bandana. He wore shorts and a drape of cloth hung off his right hip, and his left arm was completely covered by armour. Standing in a familiar pose, scratching the back of his neck, he laughed at Auron.
"You finally had a beautiful woman in your arms and the best you could do was be a guardian. By Yevon, you're hopeless, Auron." He placed his hands on his hips in a self-satisfied manner and laughed again. "I can think of far better ways of comforting a woman, but then I'm man enough to recognize a good thing when I see it."
Auron scowled deeply at the taunts being thrown at him. Jecht always did have a way of annoying him.
"Yeah, I met the good woman you speak of, and I was able to see just how happy you made her," he shot back caustically. Jecht's countenance clouded, and he contracted the muscle in his jaw. He said nothing more as his image faded. Auron awoke.
FOR MORE GOTO: www.angelfire.com/ar3/syan
She began to head home, when she passed the one place that was remotely like an inn. A swarthy, unpleasant man owned it, and the locals went there to purchase their beverages. Syan peered through the window. A small flagon of beer sat on the end of the counter. She shifted uneasily, her logic telling her to leave. The place looked busy this evening. After all, it was the only meeting place on the island. She managed to blend into the crowd, and quickly and quietly the beer disappeared. She had no idea what it was worth so she only guessed the amount of gil to leave. Then, with her arms full, she headed back.
Auron watched as the pot reached a full, rolling boil. He dumped the crustaceans out of the bucket and grabbing them by the back legs he dropped them into the water. As the air began to escape from their shells it produced a high pitched sound that was disturbingly like screams. Even he felt uncomfortable listening to the snapping, popping, and screaming sounds coming from them. Before long they fell silent and began to turn a blush pink in color. Hearing someone approaching he stood up. It was Syan with her arms full of items.
She looked into the pot and smiled at him.
"Well done. I'm glad you did it. I have to admit I can't cook them myself - I can't stand the noise." His expression was slightly smug.
She used some slate rock gathered from the beach for plates. Cutting some slices of bread with her knife, she set out the meal and then presented the precious butter for use. They used stones to break the harder shells of the crustaceans and extracted the tender white meat with their fingers. It melted in their mouths. Along with the tubers, it was the best meal they had eaten in a long time.
"Oh, here, I nearly forgot," she said, handing Auron the flagon of beer. He took it eagerly, and, from the look on his face after taking a draught, she knew he truly enjoyed it. That pleased her and eased the uncomfortable feeling she had at taking it. He offered her a drink but she refused, stating that fresh water was all she needed. When they had finished their meal she began to clear away the mess.
"Now, tell me, was that not the best meal you've ever tasted?" she said, grinning from ear to ear. He just nodded his head and leaned back, finishing his last gulp of beer.
"Good. Hold that thought, because tomorrow we are back to eating fish again." He grimaced at her.
"I have to admit I'm getting a little tired of fish."
"Well, pardon me, Your Highness," she said sarcastically, but a small smile was playing across her lips. The corner of his mouth curled up into a smile. He stood up and stretched.
"I have to go to the village tomorrow. The local priest will be back, and I must speak to him." He then headed to the shelter to sleep. Syan finished clearing the area and then she crawled in and pulled the brush in front of the door. Crawling over to the edge of the tarp she lay down. It was uncomfortably cold that night and she decided it would be safe to trust him again. Auron shifted slightly. She could feel the warmth of him near her and she resisted the urge to move closer. She heard him lift the blanket and felt him throw the edge over her, his warmth seeping through and beginning to envelop her, and her body soaked it up like a sponge. His breathing began to slow and she waited, frozen in place, her eyes closed shut, feigning sleep. Eventually the gentle rhythm of his breathing made her relax and lulled her, reluctantly, into dreams. In the village, stories were circulating about a thief who would visit on occasion. Some claimed to have seen a beautiful woman and, as the story was told and retold, the description of her beauty was exaggerated until they began to refer to her an angel. Late that same evening, two men, seated in the inn, were discussing her.
"It would seem we were visited by the angel this evening," one man said to the other.
"Consider it a blessing," the second man said. "She is supposed to bring good luck."
"My wife had just set some bread out to cool when one loaf disappeared, and there was some money left in its place." "
Otho, where is my beer?" he yelled at the owner. Otho was a rough, swarthy looking man, with a protruding belly.
"It's right where I left it at the end of the counter, you fool." They all turned to look, but there was nothing there. Otho walked over to the end of the counter and then returned, holding a couple of coins.
"I'll be damned," the second man said. "Did anyone see who took it?" They all gestured and shrugged, but no one had seen anything.
"Wow, Otho!" the first man exclaimed. "It appears you were visited by the angel, too. May you have good fortune!"
"Good fortune, my ass," Otho growled. "She is nothing but a no-good thief, and a cheat too." He extended his hand, showing the two coins. "This isn't enough to cover it."
"Don't speak unkindly of her. A lot of folk think she has brought luck to this island. As you can see, we've not been plagued by fiends."
Otho just gave the man a dirty look. "Even the fiends don't care for this shit-hole of a place. But they'll come soon enough, mark my words. Has anyone actually seen this so-called angel?"
"Lots have claimed to have seen her," the second man spoke up.
"They say she is so beautiful that to gaze upon her enchants you in a spell
"Really?" the first man said. "I heard that she could stop a man's heart and leave him dreaming of phantoms in the night.
Otho just listened, his hand brushing through his coarse beard.
"Ah, you two are a couple of idiots! This woman is no angel. She is flesh and blood like the rest of us. What would an angel want with bread and beer? I wonder where she is hiding, and why? I bet she has something to do with the appearance of those Guado soldiers that showed up here a few days ago."
"Yeah, but the Guado left, didn't they, and they didn't find anything," the second man pointed out in her defense.
"I didn't say she wasn't smart," Otho said, becoming more and more interested.
The first man was beginning to read Otho's thoughts.
"Whoever she is, she hasn't done anyone any harm. Just leave it alone, Otho. Don't start trouble."
"Who said anything about trouble? I'm just curious, is all. Here, drink your beer," and he banged a flagon down in front of the man. Otho began to think, where would someone be able to hide for extended periods on this island? It would have to be a place that is sheltered and yet could provide easy access to food and fresh water. He knew the island pretty well, and there were only a couple of places that came to mind.
A few hours later, Syan fell into a disturbing dream. She struggled to wake, but could not summon the strength. She was standing in the great hall in the House of the Covenant, where everything felt so familiar.
"You stupid, little wretch!" a shrill voice cut through the silence. With a sickening feeling she began to remember the day, and her heart started to race. There was someone behind her, she could feel it, yet she was unable to turn around, her mind overcome with fear. Her body began to shake and her eyes darted around looking for a place to hide, but there was nowhere. Feeling the vibration of thunder, she turned quickly, in defense. The person was yelling at her, the face distorted and ugly, suffused with color. Syan could not hear anything at first, but words eventually began to filter into her memory.
"How dare you refuse the proposal, Syan? You will change your mind this very minute, or I swear I will kill you."
Syan's voice sounded so desperate and small. She was not the woman she knew herself to be now, but a mere slip of a girl of fifteen.
"Please! Why are you doing this? I'm too young for marriage. I don't love that man; I hardly even know him." She wrung her fingers together. "Please! I promise I will work harder, just don't get so angry."
"Do you accept his offer?" the voice screamed, ignoring her pleas."
Syan gathered all her nerve together.
"No, I won't. I still have the right to refuse."
"You forget I own you. You have no rights here." Suddenly Syan felt something slam into her chest, throwing her back off her feet. She heard the thunder rolling over her head and began to detect the horrible smell of burning flesh. Pain shot through her body, unbearable, agonizing pain. She was lifted right off the floor and hung suspended in the air. Her skin felt as if it were peeling slowly away from her body, but when she looked down, expecting to be engulfed in flames, there was not a mark on her. It soon became clear that black magic was being used to hurt her. An intense pressure ripped through her chest, clutching her heart and squeezing with all its might. Her life was being drawn from her and she was getting weaker and weaker. It was becoming difficult to breathe, and she began choking, clutching at her throat, trying to tear away the invisible foe. But the struggle was futile, her consciousness was slipping away. The inevitability of death was seeping into her mind She cried out in anguish, her words muffled and unrecognizable in her own ears.
Silence, then a huge explosion, suddenly shook the room and the hold on her was released, causing her to plummet like a stone to the floor. Finally, able to take a breath, she filled her lungs. An agonizing scream ripped from her throat and pierced the air. Auron bolted upright. Syan's scream had shaken him to the very core. He could hear her crawling on her hands and knees, flailing around in the dark, caught in full panic. Her breathing was coming out in gasps, and she was disoriented and confused. Kneeling in the inky blackness, he reached over and grabbed her into his arms. She let out a wail and clawed at him, trying to twist away. He held her tightly, afraid she might injure herself in all the confusion. He felt the heat of her body and the sweat generated by her alarm. Her heart was pounding heavily in her chest; he could feel the vibration of it against his arms, yet she still fought him, managing to push back from his grip. He was amazed how strong she was. He spoke calmly.
"Syan, it's me, Auron. You're safe."
She was still trying to pull his arms away, but he noticed the sound of his voice had an immediate effect on her. He felt her muscles release slightly and she stopped fighting and became still. She moved closer to him in the dark, her hot breath sweeping across his face as she panted with fear. She stopped and inhaled in short quick breaths, and immediately began to relax further. He realized she was instinctively trying to place his scent, and the fact that she recognize it and was comforted by it made his throat go abruptly dry. She released a long sigh and he drew her closer. He was fighting to stop his own heart from accelerating to the same tempo as hers. He found her face and held it in his hands, unsure at first how to settle his own mind. From the closeness of her breath he knew her lips were just inches away. She was so vulnerable and he hated the fact that all he could think about was what her kiss would taste like.
She spoke. "Auron?" He drew back, startled, realizing she had only just become aware of her surroundings.
"Yes, it's me. You had a bad dream. Be calm, nothing is going to hurt you."
Her muscles went limp. She slipped from his hands into his arms and buried her face in his chest, her breathing still coming in gasps. He closed his eye for a second, concentrating on control, her breath now beating heavily against his chest. She suddenly stiffened. He knew his heart was pounding too fast, and he was afraid she could hear it. She pushed away from him, clutching the lapels of his coat.
"I'm sorry." Her fist braced across his chest, his coat wrapped tightly in her fingers. "I'm sorry, I just need a minute." Her body still shook violently. He reached out to her, wanting to keep her in his arms, but thought better of it. Pulling his collar from the clutches of her fists, instead, he helped her lie back down. Wrapping her in the blanket, he sat next to her, not saying a word at first.
"Go back to sleep; I'll watch over you." He swept her hair off her face, and pushed it behind her. "Tonight you will be safe. I'll guard you." He spoke with surprising gentleness.
"I had a horrible nightmare. I haven't had that dream in years." Her voice betrayed the intense fear she felt.
"We all have demons to contend with. Try and rest now." A small glint of moonlight filtered through the doorway and he could just see Syan's eyes. They seemed as big as saucers. Abruptly she turned her back to him, her shoulders trembling. He could hear the fluctuation of her breathing, and knew she was crying quietly. He reached for her, hesitantly at first, then placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. Her head turned slightly at his touch. She sniffled and hesitated, then, reaching up and placing her hand on his, she lifted his arm and drew it around her. He lay down beside her, and patiently waited, then, pulling her trembling body closer to his own, he lay still. Gradually her muscles relaxed and her breathing went quiet, and when he was sure she was sleeping, he put his own head down and, eventually, drifted off.
No sooner had he allowed himself to relax then he was pulled into his own familiar visions. He was conversing with Jecht, and they were walking together in a strange city. Jecht had been Braska's guardian and also Auron's friend. He had a strong muscular body and rugged features. His mustache trailed down both cheeks into a goatee. and his long, dark hair was wrapped in a red bandana. He wore shorts and a drape of cloth hung off his right hip, and his left arm was completely covered by armour. Standing in a familiar pose, scratching the back of his neck, he laughed at Auron.
"You finally had a beautiful woman in your arms and the best you could do was be a guardian. By Yevon, you're hopeless, Auron." He placed his hands on his hips in a self-satisfied manner and laughed again. "I can think of far better ways of comforting a woman, but then I'm man enough to recognize a good thing when I see it."
Auron scowled deeply at the taunts being thrown at him. Jecht always did have a way of annoying him.
"Yeah, I met the good woman you speak of, and I was able to see just how happy you made her," he shot back caustically. Jecht's countenance clouded, and he contracted the muscle in his jaw. He said nothing more as his image faded. Auron awoke.
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