Chapter 9: Daybreak.
AN: Yet another well-earned chapter for all *does little dance* I really like this chapter actually, one of my favs so far.
Dilly: *mumbles* I don't like it.
*glares* you wanna repeat that!!!
Dilly: *returns glare* I SAID I DON'T LIKE THE DAMNED CHAPTER!!!
*starts shouting to* AND WHY IS THAT THEN???
Dilly: 'cos you make me sound all gah gah over Hitomi!
I DO NOT!!
Dilly: YES YOU DO!!
*grumbles* wish you'd act more like Tennyo's Van...
Dilly: *eye twitch* are you saying you like him more than me???
*crosses arms* maybe...
Dilly: FINE!
FINE!
Dilly: walks off mumbling (again)
..................*sniff* we seriously need to work on our relationship... *sighs*
anyway, thanks so much to all who reviewed and I hope you like the chapter. Enjoy!
A cool mist had formed during the night and, even in the orange glow of the fast approaching sunrise, still it lingered. No other civilisation could be seen in any direction as the view faded from vast farmland into a greyish haze where the mist met the distant skyline. Droplets of morning dew highlighted many cobwebs wound round overgrown weeds and fallen tree branches giving the sleeping farm town an almost unearthly aura.
The stillness was disturbed as a lone figure stood behind one of the many storage buildings. Even in the gloom and colourless morning Hitomi's blade shone as she brought it down in a low ark, shifting her weight from her left to right foot and turning round, her sword slicing silently through the mist as she went.
Small beads of sweat where clearly visible on her brow, which was creased in concentration as she went through a morning training session that she had neglected to do for a while. Late nights playing cards with the slayers had meant late risings, and so, she had little time for sword practise.
Finally bringing her sword down to her side, Hitomi's training ended. Though easily seen, the rapid rising and falling of her chest were as silent as her blades movements.
Looking down at her clothes as she caught her breath Hitomi frowned. She really was a mess. Her once white shirt was now more of a grey/brown and her black trousers where stained and mud incrusted. 'Time to go shopping.' She mentally decided, listening to the footsteps of an approaching stranger.
''Good morning Hitomi.''
The cheerful tone wasn't hard to recognise and Chesta's small form soon came into view through the mist. Hitomi sheathed her sword in one fluid movement and shifted her gaze away from her self-assessment, meeting the blonde slayers eyes. A simple nod was all she offered in response, but her eyes gave her inward smile away.
''Have a pleasant night?'' Chesta asked, smiling back at Hitomi as he came to a stop next to her.
''I've had worse.'' Hitomi replied, letting the smile spread from her emerald orbs to her lips. ''Then again, I've had better also.''
Chesta chuckled, ''same here.'' He spoke finally, looking towards the rapidly approaching daybreak. Hitomi followed his line of sight. ''Lord Dilandau hasn't issued any orders for today, would you like me to show you around?'' He continued, gesturing to the town before them.
''You know this place?'' Hitomi answered his query with one of her own, arching a thin eyebrow.
Chesta didn't try to hide his nostalgic smile, ''all to well.'' Was all he offered in return. Hitomi's nod made him direct a fresh smile at her. ''Want to help me start breakfast?''
Hitomi nodded again. ''Sure.''
~~~~~
Dilandau awoke to the sound of a fire spiting and the smells of something frying. Stretching he sat up at surveyed his surroundings. Most of his slayers where sleeping in the hay outlining the edges of the wooden barn. Van still slept not to far away from where he was, curled up on a small pile of hay sleeping soundly. Dilandau sniggered silently, even in his sleep Fanelia's youngest price acted like a baby.
Grabbing his sword and rising to his feet soundlessly, the commander of the dragon slayers weaved in and out of the sleeping bodies and random masses of hay before exiting the structure and walking towards the sounds of breakfast.
The mist cleared and Dilandau wasn't surprised when he saw Chesta cooking eggs, but his eyes did dance with slight amusement and sudden slight embarrassment as he saw Hitomi. He was under the impression that the town girl liked her rest.
Chesta realised his commanders presence far to late in Dilandau's opinion but when he did his reaction was expected. Hitomi watched as Chesta stood up and saluted his commander. Sighing she also stood. Which momentarily stunned both men, until she walked right passed Dilandau and into the barn. ''I will wake the others.'' She called back over her shoulder before disappearing.
Dilandau's eye twitched ever so slightly, causing Chesta to shrink back a little. That girl would be the death of him.
Hitomi smiled a little as she watched Van turn onto his side in his sleep and settle again, for a brief moment she almost felt regret at waking the sleeping warrior. It passed without consequence and Hitomi proceeded to walk over to his sleeping form and kneel down beside him. Recalling how hard it was to wake him last time, her smile spread wider in amusement as she decided to kill two birds with one stone.
Chesta's head snapped up from his place beside the fire as a cry of surprise shot out from the barn. Upon seeing Dilandau shake his head slightly and return to his meal, he knew that he had nothing to worry about. Minutes later most of the slayers had come out of the barn yawning and sharking their heads in an attempted to wake themselves up fully. Gathering round they sat down to their morning meal and eat almost greedily.
''I can't believe you did that, again.'' Van exclaimed, a hand held to his cheek as he walked out of the barn with Hitomi at his side. Hitomi didn't reply, just shot an uncharacteristic grin in his direction. Van brought his hand down and mumbled something incoherently.
The rest of the town awoke soon after the strange party of travellers. The sun banished the mist as children finished their morning meal and moved into the grass lined streets to play and farmers, along with visiting traders and market vendors opened up for a new day.
Hitomi was eager to find a tailor and made it known to Chesta, who simply smiled as he lead down the main road into the town later that morning.
As the two walked side-by-side Hitomi cursed her curiosity as she blurted out question after question about the surrounding area. He answered each question with a smile but was soon asking Hitomi questions as well.
''You're an excellent fighter Hitomi, how did you learn?''
Hitomi's forward gaze didn't waver as she answered. ''I was taught from a very young age. My carer insisted on it.''
''Carer?'' Chesta inquired, ''You have no parents?''
Lowering her eyes for a second Hitomi merely nodded. ''Lord Dilandau has no parents either, or not that he can recall at least.'' Chesta sated, in a vain attempt to make Hitomi feel less alone.
Hitomi raised her eyes to meet the blue orbed slayers, 'He told you this?''
''No,'' Chesta admitted, ''But it has been rumoured. Same goes for Van,'' Chesta suddenly chuckled at the thought, ''No one really knows where he came from.''
Hitomi understood why Van and Dilandau had kept Van's 'position' a secret from the other slayers. It was a dangerous thing for a member of the royal family to walk around a country as dangerous as Fanelia. Van had made it clear to Hitomi that it was important for her to keep the information to herself, which she accepted as a wise decision. Van had also explained the first evening Hitomi had stayed with them that his older brother Folken was in Fanelia's capital taking care of the political side of things. He had told her as they sat on first watch over the slayers camp that he felt like he needed to be doing something, physically, to help Fanelia in her time of need. Hitomi remembered clearly the look of pure determination glinting within his chocolate ruby depths.
She was brought out of her thoughts as Chesta motioned to a shop not to far away from them, ''the best tailor in town.'' He said with a smile, amused at the way Hitomi's eyes light up at the statement.
~~~~~
Van and Dilandau walk in silence down one of the many, now bustling with activity, street of Lanelle. Dilandau had allowed the rest of the slayers to spend the day as they pleased, but had requested that Van come with him in search of suitable supplies, as well as a horse for Hitomi.
Van never felt a ease with his 'commander' and today was no exception. Tension encircled the two men as they walked. Neither spoke, though both knew almost exactly what the other was thinking.
''How long as we staying?'' Van exiled the silence with a simple question. Looking to Dilandau for an answer.
''I thought we'd stay for the celebrations tonight, then leave in the morning.'' The crimson-eyed warrior replied, while glaring at every villager in his line of sight.
''Celebrations?'' Van inquired, inwardly shaking his head as Dilandau continued one of his favourite pass times.
''They have them now and again, to thank the creator for good food sources and such.'' Dilandau replied, waving of any further questions with his right hand, leading Van towards an open stable.
Van sighed as Dilandau offered his explanation for staying, or rather lack of one. It was going to be a long day. Van almost ran in Dilandau on the other side of the barn doors. ''What-'' Van was cut off as Dilandau raised an irritated hand to silence him. Putting aside his confusion Van soon heard the reason for Dilandau's silence.
''You think there going to cause trouble?'' A gruff voice spoke in the darkness, ignoring the sounds of hungry horses and hooves on hay.
''Why else would they be here?'' A second voice replied in a heavy accent. ''Best to just kill them off and cover it up, no use in taking risks.''
''Didn't you see their swords? They looked like members of Fanelia's royal guard. What if they're better fighters then we are.''
''No chance, not with that witch on our side, we'll take them out and that will be that.'' Came the irritated response.
''I don't know, lets just let them be, chances are they'll be gone by morning.''
''You wanna bet? Listen Fanelia's a wasteland now, these 'visitors' have weapons and who knows what else. Lets take what we want and then maybe we can get out of this dragon infested hell whole.''
Van felt anger well up inside of him as the two men continued, oblivious to their ease-droppers. He wasn't surprised when Dilandau left the stables as silently as he had entered. Following behind Van asked the obvious question. ''What do you want to do?''
Dilandau stopped and turned to face his raven haired 'underling'. ''Why don't we arrange a little surprise for tonight.'' He suggested, a smirk appearing on his pale features. Van nodded, a grin adoring his own features. Maybe this was going to be an interesting stop after all.
AN: Yet another well-earned chapter for all *does little dance* I really like this chapter actually, one of my favs so far.
Dilly: *mumbles* I don't like it.
*glares* you wanna repeat that!!!
Dilly: *returns glare* I SAID I DON'T LIKE THE DAMNED CHAPTER!!!
*starts shouting to* AND WHY IS THAT THEN???
Dilly: 'cos you make me sound all gah gah over Hitomi!
I DO NOT!!
Dilly: YES YOU DO!!
*grumbles* wish you'd act more like Tennyo's Van...
Dilly: *eye twitch* are you saying you like him more than me???
*crosses arms* maybe...
Dilly: FINE!
FINE!
Dilly: walks off mumbling (again)
..................*sniff* we seriously need to work on our relationship... *sighs*
anyway, thanks so much to all who reviewed and I hope you like the chapter. Enjoy!
A cool mist had formed during the night and, even in the orange glow of the fast approaching sunrise, still it lingered. No other civilisation could be seen in any direction as the view faded from vast farmland into a greyish haze where the mist met the distant skyline. Droplets of morning dew highlighted many cobwebs wound round overgrown weeds and fallen tree branches giving the sleeping farm town an almost unearthly aura.
The stillness was disturbed as a lone figure stood behind one of the many storage buildings. Even in the gloom and colourless morning Hitomi's blade shone as she brought it down in a low ark, shifting her weight from her left to right foot and turning round, her sword slicing silently through the mist as she went.
Small beads of sweat where clearly visible on her brow, which was creased in concentration as she went through a morning training session that she had neglected to do for a while. Late nights playing cards with the slayers had meant late risings, and so, she had little time for sword practise.
Finally bringing her sword down to her side, Hitomi's training ended. Though easily seen, the rapid rising and falling of her chest were as silent as her blades movements.
Looking down at her clothes as she caught her breath Hitomi frowned. She really was a mess. Her once white shirt was now more of a grey/brown and her black trousers where stained and mud incrusted. 'Time to go shopping.' She mentally decided, listening to the footsteps of an approaching stranger.
''Good morning Hitomi.''
The cheerful tone wasn't hard to recognise and Chesta's small form soon came into view through the mist. Hitomi sheathed her sword in one fluid movement and shifted her gaze away from her self-assessment, meeting the blonde slayers eyes. A simple nod was all she offered in response, but her eyes gave her inward smile away.
''Have a pleasant night?'' Chesta asked, smiling back at Hitomi as he came to a stop next to her.
''I've had worse.'' Hitomi replied, letting the smile spread from her emerald orbs to her lips. ''Then again, I've had better also.''
Chesta chuckled, ''same here.'' He spoke finally, looking towards the rapidly approaching daybreak. Hitomi followed his line of sight. ''Lord Dilandau hasn't issued any orders for today, would you like me to show you around?'' He continued, gesturing to the town before them.
''You know this place?'' Hitomi answered his query with one of her own, arching a thin eyebrow.
Chesta didn't try to hide his nostalgic smile, ''all to well.'' Was all he offered in return. Hitomi's nod made him direct a fresh smile at her. ''Want to help me start breakfast?''
Hitomi nodded again. ''Sure.''
~~~~~
Dilandau awoke to the sound of a fire spiting and the smells of something frying. Stretching he sat up at surveyed his surroundings. Most of his slayers where sleeping in the hay outlining the edges of the wooden barn. Van still slept not to far away from where he was, curled up on a small pile of hay sleeping soundly. Dilandau sniggered silently, even in his sleep Fanelia's youngest price acted like a baby.
Grabbing his sword and rising to his feet soundlessly, the commander of the dragon slayers weaved in and out of the sleeping bodies and random masses of hay before exiting the structure and walking towards the sounds of breakfast.
The mist cleared and Dilandau wasn't surprised when he saw Chesta cooking eggs, but his eyes did dance with slight amusement and sudden slight embarrassment as he saw Hitomi. He was under the impression that the town girl liked her rest.
Chesta realised his commanders presence far to late in Dilandau's opinion but when he did his reaction was expected. Hitomi watched as Chesta stood up and saluted his commander. Sighing she also stood. Which momentarily stunned both men, until she walked right passed Dilandau and into the barn. ''I will wake the others.'' She called back over her shoulder before disappearing.
Dilandau's eye twitched ever so slightly, causing Chesta to shrink back a little. That girl would be the death of him.
Hitomi smiled a little as she watched Van turn onto his side in his sleep and settle again, for a brief moment she almost felt regret at waking the sleeping warrior. It passed without consequence and Hitomi proceeded to walk over to his sleeping form and kneel down beside him. Recalling how hard it was to wake him last time, her smile spread wider in amusement as she decided to kill two birds with one stone.
Chesta's head snapped up from his place beside the fire as a cry of surprise shot out from the barn. Upon seeing Dilandau shake his head slightly and return to his meal, he knew that he had nothing to worry about. Minutes later most of the slayers had come out of the barn yawning and sharking their heads in an attempted to wake themselves up fully. Gathering round they sat down to their morning meal and eat almost greedily.
''I can't believe you did that, again.'' Van exclaimed, a hand held to his cheek as he walked out of the barn with Hitomi at his side. Hitomi didn't reply, just shot an uncharacteristic grin in his direction. Van brought his hand down and mumbled something incoherently.
The rest of the town awoke soon after the strange party of travellers. The sun banished the mist as children finished their morning meal and moved into the grass lined streets to play and farmers, along with visiting traders and market vendors opened up for a new day.
Hitomi was eager to find a tailor and made it known to Chesta, who simply smiled as he lead down the main road into the town later that morning.
As the two walked side-by-side Hitomi cursed her curiosity as she blurted out question after question about the surrounding area. He answered each question with a smile but was soon asking Hitomi questions as well.
''You're an excellent fighter Hitomi, how did you learn?''
Hitomi's forward gaze didn't waver as she answered. ''I was taught from a very young age. My carer insisted on it.''
''Carer?'' Chesta inquired, ''You have no parents?''
Lowering her eyes for a second Hitomi merely nodded. ''Lord Dilandau has no parents either, or not that he can recall at least.'' Chesta sated, in a vain attempt to make Hitomi feel less alone.
Hitomi raised her eyes to meet the blue orbed slayers, 'He told you this?''
''No,'' Chesta admitted, ''But it has been rumoured. Same goes for Van,'' Chesta suddenly chuckled at the thought, ''No one really knows where he came from.''
Hitomi understood why Van and Dilandau had kept Van's 'position' a secret from the other slayers. It was a dangerous thing for a member of the royal family to walk around a country as dangerous as Fanelia. Van had made it clear to Hitomi that it was important for her to keep the information to herself, which she accepted as a wise decision. Van had also explained the first evening Hitomi had stayed with them that his older brother Folken was in Fanelia's capital taking care of the political side of things. He had told her as they sat on first watch over the slayers camp that he felt like he needed to be doing something, physically, to help Fanelia in her time of need. Hitomi remembered clearly the look of pure determination glinting within his chocolate ruby depths.
She was brought out of her thoughts as Chesta motioned to a shop not to far away from them, ''the best tailor in town.'' He said with a smile, amused at the way Hitomi's eyes light up at the statement.
~~~~~
Van and Dilandau walk in silence down one of the many, now bustling with activity, street of Lanelle. Dilandau had allowed the rest of the slayers to spend the day as they pleased, but had requested that Van come with him in search of suitable supplies, as well as a horse for Hitomi.
Van never felt a ease with his 'commander' and today was no exception. Tension encircled the two men as they walked. Neither spoke, though both knew almost exactly what the other was thinking.
''How long as we staying?'' Van exiled the silence with a simple question. Looking to Dilandau for an answer.
''I thought we'd stay for the celebrations tonight, then leave in the morning.'' The crimson-eyed warrior replied, while glaring at every villager in his line of sight.
''Celebrations?'' Van inquired, inwardly shaking his head as Dilandau continued one of his favourite pass times.
''They have them now and again, to thank the creator for good food sources and such.'' Dilandau replied, waving of any further questions with his right hand, leading Van towards an open stable.
Van sighed as Dilandau offered his explanation for staying, or rather lack of one. It was going to be a long day. Van almost ran in Dilandau on the other side of the barn doors. ''What-'' Van was cut off as Dilandau raised an irritated hand to silence him. Putting aside his confusion Van soon heard the reason for Dilandau's silence.
''You think there going to cause trouble?'' A gruff voice spoke in the darkness, ignoring the sounds of hungry horses and hooves on hay.
''Why else would they be here?'' A second voice replied in a heavy accent. ''Best to just kill them off and cover it up, no use in taking risks.''
''Didn't you see their swords? They looked like members of Fanelia's royal guard. What if they're better fighters then we are.''
''No chance, not with that witch on our side, we'll take them out and that will be that.'' Came the irritated response.
''I don't know, lets just let them be, chances are they'll be gone by morning.''
''You wanna bet? Listen Fanelia's a wasteland now, these 'visitors' have weapons and who knows what else. Lets take what we want and then maybe we can get out of this dragon infested hell whole.''
Van felt anger well up inside of him as the two men continued, oblivious to their ease-droppers. He wasn't surprised when Dilandau left the stables as silently as he had entered. Following behind Van asked the obvious question. ''What do you want to do?''
Dilandau stopped and turned to face his raven haired 'underling'. ''Why don't we arrange a little surprise for tonight.'' He suggested, a smirk appearing on his pale features. Van nodded, a grin adoring his own features. Maybe this was going to be an interesting stop after all.