Rena Lanford put down her pen, looked at the paper she was scribbling on, and sighed. She knew that she couldn't travel far, for her mother had become sickly a few months after Ashton's leave, and Rena had been trying to treat her since. Westa's condition was critical, Rena had overheard, and incurable with any normal healing technique. Rena's healing ability would not help either. She knew it already, that it wasn't an outside wound. She could cure many outside wounds easily, but none inner. She was unable to cure any disease besides poisoning. She also couldn't resurrect the dead, if it was their time. Sometimes she wished that she was free from her powers of healing, knowing the limits that she had, but she was too kind-hearted to abandon her duties as a healer now. She just regretted those limits, and how she was helpless when it came to certain things as well. She was no god, and she had plenty of weaknesses. Even when it came down to her healing magic.
The young woman was twenty now, and Westa had often told her to "settle down in a household" when Rena took food and beverages to her. Rena would simply shake her head with a sad smile and reply, "I haven't found anyone special to me yet." She couldn't help but wonder about the others at times, but tried to keep those thought as few as possible. It was useless to dwell on the past, that much she knew.
Westa was temporarily housed in the mayor's house, which left her house empty for Rena's own use. She couldn't help but feel lonely at times, figuring that the two little children she used to tell stories to weren't so little anymore and so went out adventuring now. She barely had a chance to travel out of the village, and Salva was the furthest she would ever go. Sometimes, she would think to venture into the Salva Drift, but was always stopped by a guard or two, who wished her no harm by going in. She would never force her way in, and knew it would be pointless anyway. No one ventured into the mine anymore, unless they were odd travelers, like Claude had been before.
The couple across the area already had three children, who were always upstairs. Other than that, there was little change in the village of Arlia.
It was raining outside. The young woman halfheartedly gathered a box of food and a drink to take to her mother in the mayor's house. Once she arrived, she found her mother sitting on a couch, flipping through a newspaper.
"Mother!" Rena scolded, "You shouldn't be out of bed!"
Westa sent her a smile, "Don't worry about me, I'm feeling exceptionally well today."
Rena set down her mother's food and drink, and watched as her mother warily began to eat. "Where is the mayor today?"
"Oh, the mayor said that he'd be out for the next three or four days."
Rena pouted a little. "I was planning on giving him some of the lunch too.."
"Leave it in the fridge."
Rena nodded silently.
"It's surprisingly raining isn't it?" Westa continued. Rena nodded again. "You know," her mother finally said, "You don't look too happy. You should go home and take a nap or something. It must be the change of weather. I'll be fine by myself."
Rena couldn't help but smile. "You should be the one taking a nap, mother.. but thank you, I think I actually will go and rest a while." she excused herself from the house and returned to her own.
She locked her door and plopped herself down on one of the kitchen chairs. She wasn't tired, just not too energetic. She recalled the note she had scribbled earlier and sighed. If only she could get a hold of one of the others, she would feel better--but no. They all had their own lives to live, and they didn't need old acquaintances pestering them. Unlike what she had written earlier, sometimes she wished she had gone with Claude. Maybe she could have eventually come to love him as he had loved her. She shook her head, remembering Westa. Her mother was very important to her, so she couldn't just leave her there. Of course, if she had gone to Earth, she would have taken Westa as well.. she giggled as she imagined how Claude would have handled that. She sighed, figuring that it was much better to be the one who is loved rather than loving. She probably would have kept reminiscing had it not been for a noise at the front door. Somebody was knocking, rather impatiently.
"Coming!" she called out, half expecting her mother at the door. By the time that she got to it, she was ready with a few scolding words about not to go outside when it was cold, but when she opened it, she found a complete stranger at the footsteps, completely drenched in rain. She shut her mouth before she could blurt out her thoughts.
"Excuse me," the stranger's voice was slightly gruff, low enough to confirm it belong to a man, "I need a place to stay for the night... I know this is sudden, but I couldn't find a place quick enough, and I'm soaked...there's no hotels here either. I first lay an eye on this house in hopes for a place to rest."
Rena simply blinked confusion.
"You see, I am a traveler," he continued hurriedly, "My name is Razp--"
The young woman ushered him in and shut the door. "More importantly," she said, "I'll get you a towel to dry off. You must be cold."
Before he could say a word of thanks, Rena was already in the other room. She returned with a bath towel, apologizing that she only had one that was usable. Razp merely shook his head and smiled. Taking a closer look at him, she couldn't help but think that he wasn't such a bad looking guy. He at least seemed friendly too. He ventured to ask where the shower was, and promptly disappeared to take one. Rena sat back down in the kitchen chair, wondering why this man ended up at her house. He was a traveler, she recalled, and decided to ask about his journeys. Maybe he had seen Ash-- Rena shook her head. It was too late to worry about the warrior. She should be worrying about other things. She couldn't help but wonder if he had felt the same way as her. If he did, surely he would return.. wouldn't he? Then again, it had already been too long to hope.. Rena was too involved in her thoughts to hear the door open.
"Ah, that felt good."
She heard that comment though, and startled, whirled around to find Razp standing at the doorway. He was wearing the towel and nothing more.
Rena immediately turned red. "W-w-w-w-what happened to your clothes?!"
The young traveler chuckled. "Well they were all wet so I left them to dry. Hope you don't mind."
She couldn't think of anything to say and so simply shook her head. He was built fairly well, she couldn't help but notice, and had longish brown hair, between the lengths of Dias and Ashton. He had violet tinged eyes and a half-smile stuck permanently on his face. She narrowed her eyes. A traveler shouldn't be built like so--but a warrior on the other hand...
"Would you like a drink?" she found herself asking.
"Ah, thanks."
She pulled out a drink from the refrigerator and handed it to him, taking careful notice of his hands. Sure enough they were slightly calloused.
"I wouldn't think a traveler should have use for weaponry.."
"It's a dangerous world out there, Missy," he said, sending her a wink, "Even us travelers need protection. Hey, come to think of it, so do villagers. You living here alone? No male-friend to protect you?"
Rena felt her face burn again, both at the thought she had been too suspicious of the man and at his comment, "I.. used to.. two years ago I had someone living with me but he left to travel.. too. And I'm fine.. perfectly capable of taking care of myself."
"Hope so. Sad that a pretty gal like you ain't settled yet. Heh, wish I wasn't a traveler or I'd set out to take you myself."
She blushed a third time, thinking in her mind that she wouldn't have minded too much. "Whenever you're tired, let me know. I have a spare bed upstairs."
"I'll never tire of your face... and are you sure I need to use the spare bed? No sharing tonight?" he teased, standing up. She had barely noticed when he had sat in the first place. "Actually I'm rather tired... I'm ready for bed."
~~~
The next morning, Razp was up earlier than Rena, and she was surprised to find him in the kitchen, helping himself to a drink. He raised his cup when he spotted her. "Good morning. I was thirsty so I grabbed myself a drink. Hope you don't mind."
"Oh, not at all." she said, giving him a worried glance, "But are you alright? You could have rested a little longer. Are your clothes dry? I wouldn't want you to catch a cold.."
"Aw I'm used to early mornings, all travelers are. You want a drink?"
"That's okay."
"Alrighty." Razp sipped at his cup for a while and then nodded. "I understand perfectly now... and I approve."
"Huh?" Rena blurted out.
"Oh nothing, nothing at all. Oh, come to think of it, here," he said, pulling out a half-folded paper. "I got it a few minutes ago from someone outside."
"Someone outside?"
"Oh yeah. Some kid, said something 'bout a traveler type person like me gave it to 'em." Razp chuckled, "The kid thought I was related to you."
"Oh.." Rena's eyes lowered, "Must have been embarrassing for you."
"Naah not at all. Told 'em I was your boyfriend instead."
"You what!?" Rena demanded, her eyes wide.
Razp simply began to laugh.
"That's not very funny.."
"Kidding, just kidding. Nice to know that even you get angry. Well, I'd better be on my way. I've delayed too long already." he stood, bowing his head. "And I haven't said thanks quite yet." his expression turned into one rather seriously grateful, "I thank you for everything, and sorry for causing you trouble. Take care of yourself... Rena. Until next time."
"You too." she watched him go for a while then called out, "Wait! Why do you know my name? I don't remember introducing myself.."
Razp turned around and shrugged, giving her a wink, "Let's just say the other traveler kid just told me!" The man waved. "See ya!"
Rena waved back, kicking herself inside for feeling warm. Once she returned to her house, she sighed, opening the letter slowly. She felt like a traitor and at the same time grateful. ::Maybe I'll find someone else later..:: she thought to herself hopefully. Her eyes widened as she read the note.
"I'll be in the forest tomorrow morning."
It was in a handwriting that she didn't recognize. She somehow thought it was Razp, then shook her head. He wouldn't know the significance of the forest... he couldn't have planned out some joke... right?
All she could do now, was sit and wait.
~~~
Rena couldn't help but wake up early the next morning. Or rather, she barely got any sleep. The note hadn't specified a time, so she assumed that she might beat the sender to the forest. She fretted as she changed, wondering if it was worth even bothering. Maybe it was someone bad out to kidnap her. Maybe it was someone playing a trick on her...she half expected no one to show up at all.
The young woman stepped outside, eying the village. Everyone seemed to be still asleep. She shrugged, continuing to the forest. She went on until she saw a figure, completely cloaked and hooded, resting against a tree, with its back to her.
"Um.." she called out, "Were you.. the one looking for me?"
The figure shifted and did a movement which she assumed was a covered nod.
"You are..?"
"Do you...remember me?"
Rena's eyes widened. The voice she heard was undoubtedly who she had hoped to see for the last two years. "Ashton?"
The figure flipped off its hood and shed the cloak. When he turned, she could tell she was right, and she felt her heart skip a beat. The young man looked slightly older, but she could take the change as only a change for the better. His expression seemed less burdened and his hair was slightly longer. He attempted a smile. "Rena...? You've changed..."
Undoubtedly she had. She had grown a few inches, though he still stood about a head taller than her. Her face could now be categorized as pretty rather than cute. Her eyes still held the same sparkle as years before though, and he could instantly recognize her even if only by that. She had kept her hair the same as well, along with the hairpin.
"You have too, Ashton." she said, scanning him up and down. "What happened to Gyoro and Ururun?" Sure enough, both dragons were missing from his shoulders.
His face darkened. "Well, you see..." he paused, blinked a few times, then sneezed.
Rena immediately changed the subject, "Oh! Are you sick? I hope you didn't stay here all night or something." she gasped when he sheepishly nodded, "You could have come straight to my house!"
"I didn't want to trouble you...and someone else was there, wasn't he?"
Rena couldn't help but blush, "Well, he was just a traveler and.. I couldn't just leave him there. You both would have been welcome though! But still, why did you give me the letter?"
"I wondered if you actually would have come. I guess now I think about it, it's really sort of suspicious..."
"Of course I would have come..!"
"Plus I didn't know exactly when you considered 'morning' (since I forgot to write the time and all), so I stayed here just in case. I didn't want to miss you or anything, so..." he added, scratching his head. "I--" the young man trailed off when he saw her eyes were brimming with tears.
"Oooh~!" she murmured, taking a moment to leap into his arms. "Ashton.. you don't know how much I've missed you!"
He blinked again and held her for a few minutes. "Rena... I'm glad to be back. Don't cry..."
"I'm sorry. It's just that I'm so happy, and.." she felt him shiver and glanced up at him. "Oh! I should hurry and let you into my house.. I'll give you some medicine and you should rest." she took his hand and started to pull him with her.
"Wait one second," he said, waiting for her to turn. She did so and he raised his free hand to wipe off the start of tears from her face. "There you go."
The young woman smiled and escorted him into her house.
~~~
Two nights later, Ashton was rather well, and Rena had proposed that he should see Westa the next day. She would have taken him that day, but Westa had said something about being too tired to see anyone then. Still, she was overjoyed that her daughter's companion was back. That night, Rena retired for bed rather early, and Ashton followed her upstairs. He was temporarily using Westa's bedroom, which was close to Rena's own.
The two said goodnight and went to their corresponding rooms. Ashton felt that he had only been asleep for a few hours when heard a loud noise downstairs. Shrugging to himself he got up, looked around, and found nothing. He had a feeling he wouldn't be able to sleep for a while though, and settled down in the kitchen, grabbing a drink to occupy himself. This time he heard the noise again, closer, and got up, heading for the door, when it suddenly fell in. The young warrior pulled out both of his swords and narrowed his eyes, "Who's there?"
"Ah, there's one awake here," a voice drawled. Three men entered the house, wearing all black. Each was sufficiently armed.
"Good, means we get some exercise...hopefully," another muttered.
"Who are you all and what the heck do you think you're doing barging into someone's house like this?" Ashton demanded.
"Why should we answer--"
"We're looking for a woman named Westa," one of the men said.
"Ye-yeah. That's right." another man turned to glower at his friend.
"Westa!?" Ashton asked.
"Surely you know her." the third man said, sharpening his sword slowly.
Ashton didn't bother to answer and instead leapt forward, aiming both
swords at the speaker's neck. The man flipped away, then jumped back, stopping
both blades by a single. The other two intruders exchanged glances and
nodded, starting toward the stairs.
"Wait a minute! I'm not letting you guys get away!" Ashton slipped
past the first fighter and skidded to a stop at the foot of the stairs.
These two seemed less experienced, and he easily blocked their way for quite some time. The man he had left simply stood and watched in amusement. Little known to Ashton, he was slowly being pushed up the stairs by the attacks. The intruder still watching from below, who seemed to be the leader, sighed finally. He raised his hand, then snapped his fingers once. Then twice. He continued the pattern for some time. Though irritating, Ashton fought back the urge to tell the fighter to knock it off. First of all, it would distract him further, and second of all, the last time he did such a thing he was possessed by dragons. If it was one thing that he didn't want, it was to be possessed by two idiots like the ones he was fighting.
He blocked a hard blow to his right and countered, pushing the two others down a step. He quickly glanced backwards. The top of the stairs was close, and the two men knew it. One began an all-out attack, a slight surprise to Ashton, who blocked the first two swings, and took one to his right shoulder. It wasn't enough to hinder him, though, and he when the fighter swung again, he ducked and pushed his opponent down one more step. Either fighter alone would have been easily sliced into pieces by Ashton, but both combined were a little of a challenge. The lack of space on the stairs was another problem. Each time one of the two poorer fighters got weary, the other filled in for them with an extra strong blow. Still, none of the fighters had really been able to cause much damage to any other as of then. Ashton's shoulder was cut, and one of the men's arm was bleeding slightly. The former could feel himself growing tired, and quickly. For some reason, the two seemed to become better and better, stronger and stronger with each blow. No...that wasn't it, Ashton was just getting slower and weaker--
The young man finally noticed that the snapping had stopped. His body felt rather stiff, and every movement was painful to execute. The fighters below him were obviously tired as well, but not half as much as him. His eyes widened. The snapping wasn't just anything random, it was done to stop him--he had gone through something similar in the Cave of Trials...
The two men before him smirked in unison, exchanging glances. One prodded Ashton's side with his sword, drawing a thick line of blood. He tried his best to block, but it would barely count as an attempt. His arm wouldn't move over an inch if he strained hard enough. The second man did the same with his other side, making sure to form a bigger gash.
"Are you sure that you don't know about Westa?" he demanded, swinging his sword up to stop at Ashton's neck, "If you tell us where she is, we might leave it all with this."
"I...won't tell--" Ashton said immediately.
The sword connected with his flesh, and dug in slightly. Ashton could do little more than bite down on his lip and close his eyes to lessen the pain. Neither movement helped much. "Cheating bastards," he managed to say, "Can't you even fight fairly as three on one?"
The only reply was the sword digging in deeper. A steady stream of red liquid was slowly finding its way from his neck onto the floor. After what seemed an eternity of painful silence, there was a noise outside. Another voice, he could barely make out, called "We've found her! Let's get out of here!"
The three men in the house nodded, the first muttering, "Shame but we'd better go."
"Wa--wait but boss, we haven't checked upstairs yet!" another yelled.
Ashton's eyes flickered and he struggled to move. With much hardship, he managed to block the way up the stairway, extending both arms. "I won't let you upstairs..." ::Rena is still up there.:: he reminded himself. ::I can't let them to her. I have to make sure that she's okay...it's the least I can do.::
The leader of the trio stepped up toward him, stepping onto the stair beneath Ashton. His eyes leveled with the other's. Slowly, he waved his hand toward the others. "Get out of here quick, we've already found her, we don't have any need to stay and look anywhere else!"
"Ri-right!" the two intruders said, running off. One stopped at the doorway. "Hurry boss!"
'Boss' nodded, and watched the two others continue away. He stepped back down a step and raised his sword, aiming directly at Ashton's heart. "Consider yourself lucky," he said, snickering as he plunged the weapon into the man with enough strength to break the spell and send Ashton flying into the wall at the top of the stairs. He moved aside to let the warrior tumble down on his own.
Ashton opened one eye to see the man walk out, and tried to call out, but words wouldn't exit his throat. He rolled over, then paused, breathing heavily. Every little movement he tried to do only rewarded him with a thick feeling of pain searing through his body along with an extra blotch of blood on the floor. He attempted to sit up but failed, spitting out blood in the process. He wiped his mouth, slowly, another wave of pain shooting through him.
::Rena...:: he glanced up toward the top of the stairs. At least she was okay, he remembered. The whole staircase was lathered with blood. He felt a little nauseous. He never knew that a person could contain so much blood in themselves...and he had never bled so profusely before. He reached up to touch his forehead when he felt a quick throbbing there. He already knew that he was quickly losing blood and strength as well. The final stab was harsh enough to take in. ::...Rena...!::
The young man shifted his weight to the first step of the stairs. Though only about ten to fifteen steps long, it was almost like an impossible mountain to climb for him then.
"Rena..." he managed to murmur before he gave into the darkness threatening to envelop him.