Don't Fall, part 3

FIC START!

Standing there in front of Sakinah's door, both she and Kain watched everyone in the hallway descend the stairs, leading them out of the tower. Everyone except Lady Tiala, who reached for Sakinah's hand with hers. The older woman looked directly into Sakinah's eyes, as if to scold her for even needing help at all.

The Skyreader gripped onto Kain's hand instead as she looked down at the floor. She felt nothing but shame, which Sakinah figured was exactly what Tiala wanted. Why did the Epopt have to stare at her like that? Sakinah was depressed enough without that added bit. She refused to give Tiala any recognition.

"Young man," Tiala said gently, "Thank you for saving our Skyreader."

Kain nodded, looking over at Sakinah. "Do you have the strength to walk on your own?" he asked kindly.

Sakinah shook her head without answering.

"Then do not let go of my hand. I'd rather not have to catch you again so soon," he added. "My lady, if I may, I will lead Sakinah. I know you are worried, but... there is more at work here than you are aware of." He felt Sakinah tremble, and even flinch back in the direction of the door right behind them. She was holding back all kinds of emotional outburts, and he let her grip his hand as hard as she needed to stay standing strong. "It takes courage to step out here like this when she aches as much as she does right now, Lady Tiala. Let her come at her own pace."

Tiala nodded in agreement. "Let us eat our supper for now, and we will talk when you are able to handle it better, Sakinah. Everyone in Troia has been worried about you..."

Sakinah whispered, "I... I can't see everyone right now."

"There is nothing to worry about," Tiala whispered to her in return. "All that matters is that you're still alive." She turned to descend the stairs, following all who left just moments before.

Kain took a step, and he felt Sakinah resist moving forward. "Come now," he said. "I cannot say you will not hurt, but you must move forward if you wish to heal. I will not let them shame you."

"I have known you less than an hour of my life, Kain. Why should I trust you?" Sakinah asked, pulling her hand away. "I was foolish to take your hand like that." She turned around, but before she could grab the doorknob to her room, he extended his arm to catch her waist. "Let me be. I can't do this."

"That may be so, but you will still do it regardless," Kain said, picking her up into his arms. "If your feet cannot carry you, then mine will."

Again, her face made that sad expression that would have produced tears if she only had the moisture in her body to allow for it. "Don't make me do this."

"I am not letting you waste away as I had," he said, taking his first few steps with her in his arms. "I must keep the promise I made to you." Kain held her close, and once she realized she wasn't going back into her room to hide, Sakinah leaned her head against his shoulder. "I will not leave you until you have found the spark you need to keep on living. Seclusion did not help me find my purpose."

"Kain?"

"Yes?"

They had reached the bottom of the tower that led into the main hall of Troia's castle, where Sakinah felt the eyes of everyone inside directly on her. "What purpose do you have in life?" she asked, trying not to give anyone the slightest chance to interrupt their conversation.

"I had no real purpose, but right now, I've decided that my purpose is going to be helping you find yours," Kain said, carrying her to the door that connected to the Epopt's Chamber and the Altar of the Earth crystal. "But since you are a part of the Royal Court here, you have to do things correctly. I could not leave my home without permission of the King."

"Must I see them?"

"Yes."

"I don't want to be here-"

"So let's take you out of here." Kain pushed the door open. And when Sakinah started to turn around, he stopped her and pushed her towards them. "I figured you were going to try that," he whispered in her ear. "Please. Don't be afraid. You know these people better than I do."

"Oh, Sir Kain! You've saved our Sakinah!" One of the Epopts said loudly. "May the Earth crystal bless you!"

"I am only doing what I believe is right," Kain said. "Because I once have felt exactly the way she does now. Depressed and ashamed. I have decided that I wish to help Sakinah."

Another of the Epopts stepped forward, approaching Sakinah. She placed a hand on Sakinah's face, stroking from her hairline down to her chin. "She is not herself. Her eyes seem devoid of light. Kain, how can you help her?" the Epopt asked. "We of the Eight Epopts rely much on Sakinah. We will do anything to see her be herself again."

"I fear I may have to take Sakinah with me outside of Troia," Kain said. "To let her see the world that she has helped because of her Skyreading ability."

"That is a good idea," Lady Tiala thought aloud. "Perhaps with a bit of learning, her heart will open anew."

The Epopt which caressed Sakinah's face, bent down to lock eyes with the obviously upset Skyreader. "Sakinah," she said, "You listened to this man after we banged on your door for over a week. You obviously trust him. The crystals and the moon together lead us all on paths we do not know to our destiny. You should go with Sir Kain to see the world, Sakinah."

"Lady Milala," Sakinah replied shakily. "I shouldn't trust someone I've known less than an hour, but... I feel as if Kain really does know the pain I feel. I am terrible at reading people, but this is not a reading. This... it's something deeper than that."

"Report to the Earth Crystal that you will be out of its embrace," Milala said. "And you two may go. As long as you change from your week old robes and eat before you go, of course."

Sakinah nodded. "I will. I humbly thank you all, Epopts of Troia." She bowed before them, actually glad that she let Kain drag her down from her room. "I hope I find my answers."

"We hope you do, too," Miala said, kissing Sakinah's cheek. "But what must be done to ensure you stay healthy must be done. You are blessed by the Earth crystal. Not many in the world can say that a crystal has blessed them directly."

Sakinah let go of Kain for the first time since he held onto her, and took a step on her own. "I will do as you bid. I will seek my answers."