Chapter Nine :: the Last Day
One week had passed since they began again on the desired trip to the harbor. Between the arguments, silent treatments, and basic hunting; the week was a bore. The two warriors of the woods hadn't returned to them leaving Sakura alone with the three knights. She couldn't figure out why they would leave without word, but then again the ways of their people she could understand them not wanting to be around intruders. She missed speaking in their tongue, if only because it bothered Lucas of Galore. Now, she spoke it only to Lyri who was happy to learn it. Only once had Syaoran voiced his opinion on her hate for the knight but she simply explained she didn't hate him, she merely didn't like his way of thinking. The conversation had ended quickly. The passing week had been a quiet one aside from arguments.
Coming up on a village Takashi claimed was the same one they took shelter in, Sakura bid no time and took Lyri to the nearest hut. A large wooden sign above it revealed a picture of a bed. Hanging below the picture was the words INN. For a place of rest, it was small. Syaoran pulled their only horse to a post outside of it, tying his reins tightly. There was no water hole for the horse, no tack to say they could stay long enough for the animal. Taking out one of their pots, Syaoran poured water from his canteen into and placed the liquid on the dirt ground. Automatically the horse was drinking from it. Sighing, he looked up at his companions. The three of them didn't move to follow Sakura in, as if waiting for Syaoran to make the first move.
Ignoring their new tact at wanting orders from him, Syaoran began unpacking the horse. Little by little, the new weight made Shadow huff head still buried in the pot of water. When it was all finished, Eriol stepped forward to attend his horse. They were all acting weird. He didn't know if it was because they were so close to finally leaving the weird kingdom of colored warriors and bandits or because the heated argument Sakura always started with Lucas had the other knights on edge. She did have a temper, one that she easily leashed by giving them all a silent treatment and speaking in that weird tongue that bother only the sandy haired knight. Syaoran mentally blocked out his thoughts, leaning against the post.
"You think we'll be leaving today?" he asked to make conversation. Eriol gave him a look, glasses hanging on the bridge of his nose. He didn't need to say anything, Syaoran got the message clearly. "Right," a creak of the door and Sakura came out, Lyri at her side tightly.
"A cargo ship leaves tonight when the moons at its highest for a city called Millok." Sakura said, looking at the four with sharp eyes.
"Excellent. Millok is a day's ride away from Yuza." Takashi grinned, face glowing with his words. Sakura couldn't help but smile back at him.
"What kind of cargo ship?" her smile dropped, hearing the disgust in his companions tone. Meeting blue with green, she cocked her head slightly.
"Does it matter? It's a ship and it leaves to your homeland." She looked at Syaoran cutting the other Knight off from coming up with another snide remark. "I have an acquaintance to see. We'll meet back here shortly. The old man that owns the Inn says we can use the rooms at no cost since we're not staying. Food we have to pay for." Tugging on Lyri's hand they walked off. The four knights stared at her as she disappeared amongst the crowd of villagers.
Sakura could feel their stares as she walked. Heaving a sigh, she let go of her charges hand and stopped, kneeling down on one knee. Lyri looked at her expectantly, teal eyes bright. "Should we go get pretty skirts and dresses for the new kingdom?" she asked.
"Pretty skirts, pretty skirts." Lyri repeated like a parrot. Passer bys looked at them with a smile. With a laugh she took Lyri's hand and half ran, half bounced through the throngs of villagers.
The harbor village was a sight to see. The stone buildings all had their own swinging sign, homes attached to the store. The streets were both cobble stone and dirt clad, sea shells the size of hands placed as decorations against the dirt roads. Everyone seemed to be in a cheery mood this late afternoon and Sakura reveled in the glow, taking Lyri through the throngs of them. No one paid attention to them and for that she was grateful. Only once did she catch sight of a knight dressed in blue attire for the harbors guard. A yellow band strapped across their torso for rank. They too paid little attention to her. With a mischievous grin, Sakura stopped at a store made of white stone. Shells were engraved into the crooks of the stone as decoration.
Behind them the people of the village talked and laughed, going on with their business. Confused to why Sakura wasn't moving, Lyri peered up at her face. With a smile, head to the side they walked inside. The interior was cold, trinkets and different fabrics strewn throughout the store. Shells hung by a thin cord came from the ceiling and Lyri bounced to touch one. A woman wearing a dark skirt and even darker blouse bowed respectfully in greeting before exiting, moving around Sakura and Lyri. On the other side of the store was the owner, thick hands hanging an intricate designed fabric up next to a window.
"Joseph of Greenland Isles," her voice took on a whole new tone. The short stubby man turned, eyes hidden behind dirty glasses. Seeing the thief, a large wrinkly smile appeared on his tanned face as he stepped down from the chair he stood on.
"If it isn' Princess Sakura." she flinched at the word princess to his high amusement. "Still resent that title I see. Tis ye own fault. Becoming the highly 'spected thief amongst the islan' will do that." His eyes twinkled with mischief. She couldn't deny that. Bending at the waist she gave the short man a tight hug. "Who be this pretty young ward of ye?" he asked, seeing Lyri at her skirt.
"This is Lyri, my adopted daughter." At that he opened his eyes wide, mouth opening in astonishment.
"Adopted." He whistled then laughed. "Princess ye be growin' up. Come, come." He waved to chairs strewn at the far wall. A wooden table separated them, a pitcher of a brown substance set in the middle of it. A short, skinny woman smiled as she placed down cups. Her graying hair set up in a braided crown on her head. Her dress was covered by a white apron, dirty from cooking stains. "Ye remember me wife, Isabel?" he asked.
"Of course, it's good to see you again." Sakura gave her a curt nod. Isabel did the same before disappearing up a flight of stairs. The woman was a mute and she pitied her. Never again will she sing or speak to her husband but since she knew the couple, Isabel had always been like that. Joseph waved to the chairs, taking his place in one of them. Sakura sat, placing Lyri on her lap with ease. The girl rested back, black hair ruffling up under her chin.
"Now tell me lass, what brings ye back after seven years."
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Takashi ventured around the village, sword at his waist. Few people gave him a cautious look, others ignored him all together. Vendors yelled out items for sale, fresh from the stock. Children ran around, ducking behind legs and carts as they played a game together. Everything soothed him after being weeks in the woods. Hearing people in joy was a great difference to arguments and eerie noises of the forest at night. It was definitely a lot better then listening to Syaoran and Lucas argue yet again about their departure. Takashi took in the sights, absorbing everything and thinking of the differences from his own city to this village. Everything was made from stones, slabbed together in perfect small buildings. Only the vending carts and carriages were made from wood. The cold breeze from the ocean chilled his bones and he consciously wished he had a thicker layer on besides his thin tunic.
A sharp whistled sounded, followed by another. Turning he caught sight of two large men in blue attire, swords bouncing off their waists as they hurriedly ran. Easily he stepped out of the way, watching in confusion as the two men whistled yet again. The way they moved said they were knights but the way they dressed said they were only guards. Soon as the two disappeared behind a stone building, whistles of command an echo, he continued walking. A lone cart stood off from the other vendors. A fur blanket covered the top, wrapped open by a dark colored strap. A woman sat next to it, head leaning back against the wooden cart as she watched the distance. When he approached, she looked at him, gray eyes taking in his sword and belt then his attire. Quickly she said something in a language he didn't understand and an older woman stepped around from the cart.
"Is this one interested in a trinket?" the old woman asked, brushing back a gray strand of hair. Takashi looked at the cart and all its different jewelry displayed. Most were of shells from the ocean, strung together by a thin line. He examined a couple closely, awed by them.
"These are amazing. You two made these?" he asked, not taking his eyes off the jewelry. The girl leaning against the cart made a weird noise but it was the old man that spoke, her voice cracking as she coughed first.
"Aye," she studied the knight with a cold stare as she gingerly touched a wooden case of rings. "The stones are from the caves of Ingra, very rare. Is this one interested in a ring for the lady." Her words hit him and he pulled his hand back staring wide eyed at the old woman. She tightened the shawl around her thin shoulders, body still as she studied him suspiciously.
"Caves of Ingra?" he asked, confused. The sound of it sounded familiar but he couldn't think of where he heard the name Ingra before. Seeing his confusion she seemed to smile.
"This one is not from the Isles." Gray eyes took in his sword, then his black tunic as if she could count each stitch in the material. "Where is this one from?" her words took on a hint of darkness, wrinkled hands stretching out to feel his clothing.
"Where he is from is no concern of yours, gypsy." A female said. Both looked up seeing Sakura standing with Lyri at her side. Green eyes narrowed at the old woman before landing on the girl leaning against the cart. "It would be wise of you to return his purse." She then said. Takashi looked down, seeing the young girl sheepishly hand it back. He was amazed at the girl's stealth and confused about what just happened.
"Ah, the thief princess." The old woman said with scorn. Bowing her head, she remained like that for a minute before rising again. "This one apologizes; we did not know you have returned." Sakura arched a brow, eying the woman before stepping closer to Takashi. He gave her a weird look, mouthing 'princess' in confusion.
"Truly you remembered what happened last time, old woman." She took one of the rings, examining it closely. The dark rock set in the middle of it shone brightly against the sun. Returning the ring, she looked at the two gypsies with a look of amusement. "Leave, your curses are not needed here." The two bowed, skirts outstretched briefly before the young woman closed the fur hanging. Within minutes they were on their way up the dirt road towards the forest. "Despicable old hag."
"Thief princess?" Takashi asked when the two were no longer in sight. Sakura flinched, looking at him.
"Uh, yeah lets not repeat this shall we." With a wink she tugged on Takashi's arm, looping hers with his and dragging him back the way he came. "I just saved your life though; those gypsies curse every rock they engrave into rings. If you truly want one though, I'll take you to the real trinket store they have here." Laughing, she and Lyri dragged him down the lanes of the village. His mind reeled, confused at what exactly just happened.
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Syaoran soaked in his much needed bath with content. His mind drawing blanks as he willed each thought to remain from interrupting. After Sakura had bounded off into the village, the knights decided to go their separate ways as well. At first Lucas argued that she had a tongue and needed to learn her place but each time they argued, Syaoran always reminded him that he wasn't the Prince of Avalon to her and she had free reign of her tongue. Eriol merely argued that if they didn't shut up about anything, he was personally going to tie them to a horse post and leave them in this kingdom. Takashi had then bounded off for the village market place and he to take a bath. As Sakura said, the owner of the Inn was generous in letting them use some of the rooms for free. Their only wish was that the knights not start anything violent.
Syaoran splashed water onto his face, using a torn cloth to clean what dirt he could. A real bath was very much what they all needed to cool off their anger and travel desperation. He didn't get out till the water was cold, stepping out of it gingerly. The cold stone floor was ice against his bare feet and he half limped to the room. Lying out on the large bed were his mended clothes. The owners wife had agreed to mend them, he just didn't know she would do it so quickly and return them while he was bathing. With quick movements he was back in them. The wound on his torso pulled in disagreement and he froze, easing his body to a position where it didn't bother him. It had healed inside but the sword had gone clean through him, leaving him slightly disoriented. According to Sakura it wouldn't fully heal for another ten days.
A thin hole for a window was on the far side of the room. The width not big enough for someone to squeeze through but wide enough for one to peer outside. The sun had begun to descend downwards, the busy streets of the village coming to a draw as people began heading back home. He realized then he had taken a much longer bath then intended. Sitting at the base of the bed, he began pulling his boots on awkwardly wondering briefly if Sakura had returned. With stiff movements he opened the door and placed his sword against his belt. Sakura stood at the doorway, a shocked look on her face. She quickly recovered, replacing shock with a small smile at the sight of his wet hair and loose clothing.
"I was told you were up here. The owner is serving us his finest seafood dish." She said sweetly. "I'm…going to bathe and change…" she was hesitant, a faint blush crawling across her white skin.
"Then I'll see you shortly." He looked at the bundle of fabric draped over her arm before trying to look into her eyes. She nodded quickly and rushed to the room next to his. Strange, he thought gathering his composure and descending down the stairs to the common room.
The Inn was a lot more crowded now that the evening was creeping up on them. Strangers sat at tables, drinking and eating. Their voices loud as they relished in memories. A few owned swords all propped up against the table they ate at. He caught sight of bows and arrows as well as he stepped away from the staircase. At the far end of the Inn, his fellow knights sat around a large table. Lyri sat on boxes next to Eriol and Takashi. He was already munching away at her dinner, laughing as Takashi did a hand shadow show against the wall in front of them. Her black hair had been braided and set up like a crown around her head, a shell trinket pinning it to her skull. Noticing the dark dress she wore as well, he couldn't help but wondered how Sakura got the new items and quickly squished the idea before it bothered him.
"Ah, young master." He turned as an old man came away from cleaning a table. "I hope the bath was to your delight. My son will bring out your dishes shortly; I took the liberty to feeding the girl child soup and bread." He bowed his head in her direction. Syaoran nodded.
"Thank you, you are too kind."
"Anything for the thief princess and her friends." his grin revealed missing teeth, a mischief glint to his gray eyes. Before Syaoran could comment on that the old man was moving quickly to the kitchen, covered only by a fur curtain. Shaking his head, he went to sit next to his companions.
"Prince!" Lucas bellowed. He flinched, glaring at the blond knight. A quick glance around at the common room told him no one was looking in their direction to his relief. Waving a hand in apology, Lucas grinned madly. "What is the plan Sir Syaoran?" he asked, taking a gulp from his silver mug.
"You're drunk." He stated flatly. "What plan are you asking about Sir Lucas?" he asked, being as formal as the knight.
"We leave; we reunite with our families and then confront your father of the horrible, horrible mistake of this mission." He stated with another gulp of his ale. They all fell silent as a boy no older then ten came to the table, two silver cups in his hand. Placing one in front of Syaoran he placed the other in front of Lyri before walking away, head down. The smell told him it was ale as well. "That plan,"
"It was only a mistake because we didn't know where we came in at. No one knows this land, no one hears from this land. Kin- your father – knew what he was doing when he sent us here." Eriol stated, giving Syaoran a quick glance before staring at Lucas. "We do not want to dwell on it, Sir Lucas."
"All I'm saying is we lost a lot of men because it was a foolish mission. Did we even find out what he needed to find out!? Sixty days on this dreadful island didn't tell me shit." He gulped down the rest of his ale, slamming the mug down on the wooden table. Lyri jumped, Takashi grabbing her soup before he sloshed out of the bowl. "The only thing I accomplished was finding the two of you and losing my men to an ambush of…" he paused, eyes wide as some realization came to his mind. "They were all painted! Green men, horrifying men with blades no real warriors use." His blue eyes stared at Syaoran. Accusing him.
"Ogres," a thin smile spread up his lips. The eastern clan in which Sakura is the queen. He thought absently. The table was silent as the old man and the young boy came out with their dishes and another thing of ale for Lucas. Syaoran was thankful for the interruption.
Upstairs, Sakura dried off with her old clothes. The bath was very much a blissful feeling to her knotty hair and dirty skin. Bathing in the streams had its perks but taking a bath with soaps had a different perk. Her old friend Joseph made a dress fit for a princess but with altercations, made it so it didn't stand out like she was royalty. She laid it out now, a smile spreading across her face. It was beautiful, with an overlapping leather string dyed gold to tie it together at the front. To her amusement, he added an extra fabric soft to the touch to overlap her skirt. The maroon color dress was definitely fit for a princess. When she had dragged Takashi back to go pick up the dress, she knew he was awed by it. And knew he secretly gave the man three gold coins behind her back when he bought his lady a trinket necklace made of small shells and a single colored rock.
Wrapping her breasts in it's usually band, she slipped easily into the dress. The fabric was cool to her clammy skin. A smile spread across her face as she tied the front, tightening it to fit snug on her thin body. The Inn owner's wife left a basket of combs and oils on the small table by the door. With slight difficulty she combed out her hair, the wet strands tangled to a mess from lack of care for so long. When that was taken care of she easily braided it to lie on her shoulder and stepped out. The voices from down bellow came to her quick. The evening coming to bring in hungry villagers and fisherman's traveling. One voice outweighed them all and she frowned, knowing that ale was the cause to Sir Lucas's outburst. What he was talking about she didn't bother to strain her hearing. With care she walked down the stairs into the common room, eyes searching the room for her friends and seeing them easily.
"My word, princess you look stunning." A small voice said and she flushed, thanking the owner's wife as she passed by. Upon hearing the compliment all eyes seemed to turn to her. Embarrassment flared and she walked over to the table. Takashi was the first to see her and he grinned, whistling. The other three knights looked up at her.
"So you can clean up after all." Lucas snide remark batted her and she ignored him, easily sitting in the empty chair between Takashi and Syaoran. Her blush remained as the knight stared at her, taking in the fabric and the braided hair like he never saw her before in his life.
"If I didn't know better, I'd say you were lying about the thief part and right about the princess." Takashi whispered into her ear. She smacked him, getting a laugh from deep in his throat.
"What's the occasion Miss Sakura of Greenland Isles?" Lucas said making Takashi go silent quick. Sakura glared at him, holding in a breath. The owner came, placing a cup in front of her and whispering his own compliment. "Are you trying to impress someone?" he goaded when she didn't say anything.
"I am a woman, if you'd forgotten Sir Lucas. I'm allowed to indulge myself in pretty clothes once in awhile." She took a sip from her cup, letting the warm cider slip down her throat. Part of her wished it was ale and the other part was glad it wasn't.
"A woman of your class can afford such fine work?" he continued, drinking more of his ale. "As I do briefly remember that you are a woman, I do also remember quite often that you are a woman that fights like a man." Syaoran opened his mouth to say something but Sakura placed a hand on his arm to stop him.
"What class do you think I'm from?" she asked, voice low. Oddly her brother came to mind, his demand to find Lucas of Galore going through her thoughts as Lucas quirked a brow at her, mug down on the table. He didn't answer and she nodded, taking the silence in. "A knight of your class would mind his tongue in front of any woman of any caste or have you forgotten what you were taught knight? Last I checked Knights were taught respect and discipline first amongst the fighting and blood." That last part took them all surprise, wondering how she knew about their training. Eriol sat back, studying Sakura as Lucas leaned forward.
"I'd watch your tongue, woman don't speak so in front of men in higher castes than her own." He snarled voice dangerously low. The noise of the inn drowned out most of his words but she heard lips thin as she glared. "I see it now, your goal in wearing such a fine dress is to impress the whole village into your bed before you leave to make a new self. Am I right?"
Sakura stood, hands clenched. Opening her mouth to respond, she shut it quickly glancing at the table. Lyri hid her face in Eriol's shoulder, not wanting to listen to the argument. Syaoran glared daggers at Lucas, hand on his propped up sword. Takashi was staring at his unfinished food, cheeks red with embarrassment. Whose humiliation, she didn't know. Biting the inside of her cheek, she strode away from the table and up the stairs. No one gave her a second look as she passed in a flurry of skirts. Syaoran watched her, a look of sorrow in his dark eyes. It quickly turned to irritation as he glared at his knight companion. Lucas was sipping his ale slowly, eyes on the plate of food in front of him.
"You were way out of line, Sir Lucas." He said before getting up and leaving to follow after Sakura. No one said anything else as he took the stairs two at a time against the protest of his healing torso. Coming up to the room he knew she would be in, he knocked. "Sakura," When she didn't answer he frowned knocking again. "Come on Sakura." he said lowly. This time he heard sniffling and knew she was crying. If his frown could get any deeper, it would. Opening the door he peered inside to see her sitting on the floor against the far wall. Her knees were bent close to her chest. The dress she wore downstairs was strewn across the floor at her feet. Quickly he stepped inside, shutting the door behind him quietly. "Are you alright?"
"Do I look like I'm alright?" she snapped voice high as she held in a sob. Not answering that, he took a couple steps towards her to scoop up the discarded dress. "I've never…met a man more…" she paused, tight lipped. "Repulsive, idiotic…RUDE in my life." The oil lamp next to them created shadows on her face but he could easily make out the wet streaks of tears.
"That's why you're crying?" the moment it left his mouth he knew was a mistake. She glared at him, emerald orbs sharpening to a richer green he'd never seen before. Wiping her wet face she huffed, leaning her forehead against her knees. "I agree Lucas was out of line. It's in his nature to get under people's skin. That's who he is and it's who you are when you bite back."
"Are you calling me stubborn?" she mumbled. Biting the inside of his cheek he held out the dress to her, kneeling.
"Why'd you take the dress off?" he asked instead. That got her to lift her head up, eyes red. "It's gorgeous and suits you. I understand you want to change when you go to Avalon and you should but a dress as fancy as this isn't going to change who you are. Please tell me you didn't steal it." He suddenly said, making her cough out a laugh, shaking her head in response. A sigh of relief escaped his lips and she scowled.
"I promised I wouldn't steal anything if I joined you." She pointed out.
"That you did." Taking her hands, he helped her up. It didn't don on him before but now that she was standing, he realized she was in nothing but a breast band and under skirt. A flush rose across his cheeks and she laughed, taking the dress from him. "I'm…I'll go…" he was at a loss for words. Turning he made for the door when she grabbed his hand.
"Thank you," she whispered. He smiled, gaze locking with hers. He wasn't sure who did it first but next thing he knew their lips were together in a crushing kiss. He could taste her salty tears through each kiss, could taste the cider she'd been drinking on her tongue. Bringing her closer, he could feel her body molding into his so easily like she was made to fit there. Every mystery that clouded around her wasn't important anymore and he knew, deep down as their kisses led to more passionate ones, that she was someone he didn't want to lose.
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He was dreaming of a misty place, shrouded thick so one couldn't see in front of ones face. Bringing up a hand, he tried concentrating on his fingers. The shadow barely passed through, the mist engulfing everything thickly. Other shadows passed by and he looked, watching confused. They were moving in odd movements. The figures hunched over and limping. It took him a moment to realize that it was his fellow knights. Sword out, he followed. There was no light to go by, no sense of direction. The foreign land he was walking on was one of great mystery. A sharp whistle to his left and everything stopped. A gas lamp was lit in a single moment and that's when he realized the mistake. The gas lamp had given them away to enemies. In seconds the silence turned to cries and clashing metal. It was one rough noise that made him confused as he looked around, waiting for the attack on him.
The rough pounding was like someone was hacking into wood. It grew louder and louder. Opening his eyes, Syaoran realized it was the door. Someone was pounding on the door shouting. It would stop for a brief moment then started up again. "Syaoran, you in there!" Eriol's all too happy voice coming through. A cool breeze seeped through the hole that was a window. The pounding stopped and he heard Eriol walk away. The silence enveloped him easily and he blinked trying to remember the dream he was having.
"Tell him to shove it." Sakura mumbled her body turning as she rested her head against him. He rested a hand on her hair, tickling the knots to form around his fingers as he absently combed it. The silence was soothing and he found himself going back to sleep. Sakura's naked body warm against his own.
"Syaoran it's near time!" the pounding started again, this time Takashi's voice coming through. Sakura buried her head under his arm and he groaned. Sleep sounded a lot better then getting up. The thin blanket laying on them fell to his lap as he sat up. Sakura moved, arms cocooning herself tighter against his side. Reaching over he turned the gas lamp on, illuminating the dark room quickly. "Did you hear me…" the door opened faster then he could answer him.
"Shit, Takashi!" Syaoran growled, covering Sakura up as best he could.
"Oh, sorry, sorry." Takashi apologized, eyes quickly closing when he saw the naked couple. "Well now, that answers the question to why Lyri is sleeping in Eriol's room." He stated knowingly, eyes still closed.
"Takashi, get out!" Syaoran ordered. Sakura giggled against his hip bone.
"Right, going." Takashi opened one eye, a large grin marking his features. "Can I say what-"
"OUT!" they chorused. Syaoran reached for Sakura's dagger and tossed it. It thumped against the wood as the door closed to Takashi laughing in awkwardness. Laying back down he groaned, silently cursing Takashi's dullness. Sakura snaked up his body, resting against him with a large grin on her face. "Don't say it." He growled to her amusement.
"Say what?" she asked, head cocked as she placed her chin precisely on his breastbone. He shook his head, making her squeak out a laugh as he flipped them over.
"Just don't say anything." Kissing her deeply, arms on either side of her head. "Time to leave your homeland, Sakura of Greenland Isles."
"Time to start new." she kissed him back with a smile.
To be continued…
