___________________________
What They Call 'Destiny'
Chapter II: Will I Ever Find It?
___________________________
Cunning; craft; artifice; duplicity; deceit.
I recited this definition of the word, 'Guile' in my mind. Did that also describe this man? The three of us had already reached Opassa Beach again. Leah had led, Guile hovered behind her, and I followed suit slowly. I kept my eyes glued to the ground the whole time, wondering why I felt the intense need to look up at the lavender-haired magician.
We were the first pack to arrive. Since I had yet to make sense of what my heart was trying to tell me, I sat down near the edge of the water and crossed my legs. I was able to hear voices behind me, obviously Leah and Guile becoming more aquaintd. We still had a mission before us. His bass voice was soothing to me ... I closed my eyes and allowing the nature around me to caress my emotions, and began to meditate.
My heart beat began to slow to a normal pace and my mind became more clear. The blessings of the Dragon Gods were surely bestowed upon me, I felt so at ease that moment.
"I'm sorry to bother you-" that soothing and unfamiliar voice pulled me from my peaceful state. My eyeslids fluttered quickly open and I looked up into his masked face. So mysterious ...
My heart immediately went off on its own again, and I quickly cleared my throat, hoping my blush was only internal. My eyes must have been questioning, for immediately he began to speak again. If that could make him talk forever, I would never look any other fashion, I thought quickly.
"I thought it would be nice to get better aquainted before everyone else arrived and the confusion began again," he chuckled and offered me his hand. I gazed at his palm a moment, it too was practicaly impossible to read ... Then, reluctantly I took it and he pulled me up with ease. If he had known many battles, his hands did not show it. They were ever-so soft ... "My name is Guile, as I am sure you know," he smiled.
I blushed slightly. "I am Steena, it is a pleasure to meet you, Guile." I bowed.
"Ah, Steena. The Shrine Madien from Guldove. I have heard only good things about you," he continued, surely making my cheeks turn a shade deeper. If only I knew what this feeling was ... And how did he already know about me, and where I was from? Curiouser and curiouser ...
"You seem to be quite knowledgable ... A man of many worlds and trades?" I inquired. I wanted to know so much more about him. Obviously more then he was willing to let out. Where do you come from? Does your name reflect upon the kind of person that you are? Why do you wear a mask? Will you take it off so that I can read you, and find out what these voices inside of me are trying to say?
Of course, I kept my curiousity at a low.
He chuckled again, his seemingly perfect lips curling up at the sides to reveal an amazing smile. "Perhaps you could say that." Before I could ask anything else or learn anything more, some more of our aquaintances returned.
Norris and a muave-haired man, Karsh I soon learned was his name, returned with a young man dressed as a knight. The Commander introduced him as Glenn.
Fargo and Grobyc, I also learned his name, returned with a small creature dubbed Pip.
As Guile had predicted, the confusion did begin as people were retunited and emotions flared up inside of me, which they all radiated. I had not noticed that the sorcerer had left my side to talk with some of the others. I could not even sense his aura. Not wanting to seem anti-social, I too approached different groupes of people, and learned some new names, thoughts and emotions.
---
When Serge came back, and finally everyone was together again, demi-human, human and animal, the sun was already daring to set. It had been a long day, my body and mind were tired. Although I did not feel quite like sleeping as we all helped in setting up camp near the small lake beside Divine Dragon Falls. It was a nice place, we had running water, that seemed fresh enough. Leah and her small dragon companion had already taken to having a water fight, while some of the others washed their hair, or jumped in, clad in their clothes.
Since all of the work was done, and I had nothing else to do, I decided to take a walk up to the falls. I had been here many times with Mistress Direa. She often brought me here to tell me my favorite tale - that of the formation of the Chrono Cross. She had told me that story countless times and I never became sick of hearing it. Nor her of telling it.
I was abandoned as a child, and I was born upon the main land, a small village on the outskirts of Porre. I had not known why my parents had left me, I supposed that I was just a burden to them. I was only three years old. I barely remember them, and I do not really care to. They had left me to survive on my own, upon Sky Dragon Isle. It was there that Mistress Direa found me, on one of her routine trips for prayer. I was near death from starvation. I had been there weeks on my own and seen no one.
Besides that, I always had a happy surrounding life. Yet never, ever did I ask for something on my own, even if it was a necessity. My abandonment from my parents had taught me that I was not worth that kind of trouble and I heeded to that. Mistress Direa, although she did not like for me to call her that, "Call me simply Direa if you must, child," I can hear her say even now, was a wonderful 'mother' to me. I suppose that she sensed my timidness and always tried to bring me out of my shell. The day that she had died still hung heavily on my memories.
The people of Guldove accepted me quickly when I had arrived. Everyone was so kind there. When they had asked me to take over for Mistress Direa as the next Shrine Madien, I was overwhelmed and promised to do my best to fill her shoes.
Here I stood now, in the cave that she and I both took to. It was near the top of the falls, in the far end of a cave. I passed under the stone archway, immediately feeling spiritual energy seep throughout my body. And so I sat down, facing the small pool of water where two stone pillars, as legend said, once stood.
"-there will be two divine objects born from two different planes," Mistress Direa recited with a glowing expression about her. I recited this aloud now, feeling very close to her. "the Chosen One will posess them both. He will place Love upon one side, and Hate upon the other. These emotions, although opposing forces are two sides of the same coin - you must always remember that my child. And from these two shards, once the Seventh Divine Dragon God is revealed, the Chrono Cross will be formed. The legendary seventh element that will play the song of every other element, as well as posess its own. Once that song is played correctly, the Lost Soul will be free again." I did not understand much of it at my young age, but I loved the idea of being able to set someone free.
Feeling more comforted, I gazed down into the pool of clear water at my reflection. My strictly tight bowed-braid was beginning to unravel itself. I reached behind my head and untied the ribbons I always wore. My silver-gray hair was quite long, it dragged upon the ground like a train when I wore it down. I always kept it tied, although I felt more free to have it down as I did now.
There was a small breeze toying with some of my strands of hair from the entrance of the cave. Enchanted by this odd wind, I turned to look at the small opening in the rocks. I gasped quickly, startled to see someone else there.
"I'm sorry," the figure stepped forward, it was Guile. "I was out for a walk and stumbled upon this place. I would have said something as not to frighten you, but you looked so peaceful," he paused for a moment, a small smile appreaing upon those sensual lips, "and I enjoyed hearing your story."
He had indeed been there for sometime! I was far from angry though. "I-It's all right. You just caught me by surprise ... " I began to stand up, still holding my ribbons.
"No no, don't leave for my sake. If you want to be left alone I can leave. Are you tired, or planning to go to sleep? You look somewhat tired." He seemed to be wonderous of me ... Most likely just trying to get to know me better though. Everyone needed a close friend amongst the party, I had noticed.
I shook my head, looking to the ground so he would not see my own slight smile. "No, that is not the case ... I-I do not sleep much ... " It was a first for me to share personal information. Alot of people in Guldove, bless their hearts no less, only came to me with their concerns, hardly asking me what ailed me, if anything ...
He chuckled. "Like me." Then he walked up beside me, gazing at the pool of water and sitting down. Then he looked up at me, his lips innocent. "Everyone else has already fallen into dreams. Would you like to talk for a little while? Just us night owls."
Slowly, cautiously, I sat back down and flashed him a small smile. I now felt a warmth from him, very subtle though, he kept himself well shrowded. I let go my my ribbons and set them beside me, then huddled my knees to my chest and hugged them. "What is on your mind?"
He kept looking at me and tilted his head. "Why would you assume that I want to talk about myself, or my troubles?" he asked, in a seemingly innocent tone.
The question hit me hard. "I just assumed- ... I mean I always- ... Everyone just- ... " I looked down at the water, and watched my hair, still being toyed by the breeze. "I apologize, it was not my place to ask."
Guile leanded back on his elbows. "Hn, you are very formal. But you hardly need to apologize. It is just my way to speak my mind. I guess I need to learn to behave better in the presence of a lady." I looked at him, and blushed. There was something about him that made me want to spill out everything that had ever bothered me and cry on his shoulder, feeling his arms around me. "That story you told," he continued, "is it true? Will Serge be the one to form this Chrono Cross?"
I took a deep breath, "I do not know yet. That is what Mistress Direa ... I mean, the previous Shrine Madien told me when I was young. I am not even certain if the legend of the seventh Dragon God is true."
"Aah," he contemplated. "So when you said the words 'my child,' you were repeating what this Mistress Direa told you." I nodded a reply. "You know," he tilted his head again. It was a cute gesture. "You are very passionate when you speak about something you truely believe in."
"Mistress Direa taught me many things ... " I said softly.
"You speak in past tense?"
I nodded again. How trusting I was of this man ... "Yes, she passed away a few years ago."
"Oh," Guile said quickly, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you recall sad memories. You see, the Mistress Direa I heard about in my own world is still alive. I must have gotten confused, forgive me. I did not mean to offend you, Steena."
Hearing him say my name sent a warm sensation through my body. Then a cold chill, he was from the other world. I would most likely never see him again after this quest. And although I had not even known him for a full day yet, it made me quite sad. "No, you did nothing of the sort."
"I'll tell you what, Steena," he began and looked up at the cavern's roof. "I may not have known you for long, but your eyes tell me that I can trust you, and I am known to be a man of great intuition. As you notice, everyone in the party has someone close to be to, am I right? Glenn and Norris ... Leah and Draggy, and lest we forget, Serge and Kid," he chuckled, then looked at me, wearing what I guessed was his most serious expression. "I have never really been close to anyone here. And you, I feel are the same and timid to get to know most."
My defenses rose again. "I have always-"
"No no," he interrupted and lifted his hand to stop me from speaking. "I never said that was a bad thing, mind you. But we all need someone to talk to and vent to, espically when this jouney begins to get really crazy."
I arched an eyebrow slightly, my heart pouding. "What exactly are you saying?"
"I'm saying that I think you and I would make a good team," he answered without hesitation. "I would like you and I to become good friends, someone to talk to minus all of the BS put in for the sake of manners."
I giggled slightly and nodded. I would do anything to try and understand him better, learn about his ways, about him. "All right, I can agree to that. I agree with you, we all need someone to talk to in the days to come."
He smiled. "Good. We shake on it," he declared and offered me his hand. I took it, feeling its softness again, and we shook, departing touches again. Yet hand was hot this time, almost electric. He exaimed his hand with a smile and turned his attention to me. "You are a white innate." He nodded, as if confirming for himself.
I stifled a yawn, not wanting to appear rude. I felt more at ease after talking with him this short while, and perhaps I would even rest well tonight. Reluctantly, I stood up and brushed some of my shorter bangs from my eyes. "I do hate to leave you here, unless you were also planning to rest tonight, yet we will have an early morning and long day tomorrow."
Guile nodded, and also stood up, then sat down within the air, hovering at my height. "Yes, the sun has been down quite long. It will be threatening to rise soon. I think I will remain here for a little while more. Sleep well, Steena."
I blushed again and bowed. "Likewise, Guile. Perhaps we shall speak tomorrow?" I added, trying not to sound desperate.
Again he nodded and smiled. "It is what friends do." I returned the smile, and quickly feld from the cavern, trying to calm my shortened breaths.
What They Call 'Destiny'
Chapter II: Will I Ever Find It?
___________________________
Cunning; craft; artifice; duplicity; deceit.
I recited this definition of the word, 'Guile' in my mind. Did that also describe this man? The three of us had already reached Opassa Beach again. Leah had led, Guile hovered behind her, and I followed suit slowly. I kept my eyes glued to the ground the whole time, wondering why I felt the intense need to look up at the lavender-haired magician.
We were the first pack to arrive. Since I had yet to make sense of what my heart was trying to tell me, I sat down near the edge of the water and crossed my legs. I was able to hear voices behind me, obviously Leah and Guile becoming more aquaintd. We still had a mission before us. His bass voice was soothing to me ... I closed my eyes and allowing the nature around me to caress my emotions, and began to meditate.
My heart beat began to slow to a normal pace and my mind became more clear. The blessings of the Dragon Gods were surely bestowed upon me, I felt so at ease that moment.
"I'm sorry to bother you-" that soothing and unfamiliar voice pulled me from my peaceful state. My eyeslids fluttered quickly open and I looked up into his masked face. So mysterious ...
My heart immediately went off on its own again, and I quickly cleared my throat, hoping my blush was only internal. My eyes must have been questioning, for immediately he began to speak again. If that could make him talk forever, I would never look any other fashion, I thought quickly.
"I thought it would be nice to get better aquainted before everyone else arrived and the confusion began again," he chuckled and offered me his hand. I gazed at his palm a moment, it too was practicaly impossible to read ... Then, reluctantly I took it and he pulled me up with ease. If he had known many battles, his hands did not show it. They were ever-so soft ... "My name is Guile, as I am sure you know," he smiled.
I blushed slightly. "I am Steena, it is a pleasure to meet you, Guile." I bowed.
"Ah, Steena. The Shrine Madien from Guldove. I have heard only good things about you," he continued, surely making my cheeks turn a shade deeper. If only I knew what this feeling was ... And how did he already know about me, and where I was from? Curiouser and curiouser ...
"You seem to be quite knowledgable ... A man of many worlds and trades?" I inquired. I wanted to know so much more about him. Obviously more then he was willing to let out. Where do you come from? Does your name reflect upon the kind of person that you are? Why do you wear a mask? Will you take it off so that I can read you, and find out what these voices inside of me are trying to say?
Of course, I kept my curiousity at a low.
He chuckled again, his seemingly perfect lips curling up at the sides to reveal an amazing smile. "Perhaps you could say that." Before I could ask anything else or learn anything more, some more of our aquaintances returned.
Norris and a muave-haired man, Karsh I soon learned was his name, returned with a young man dressed as a knight. The Commander introduced him as Glenn.
Fargo and Grobyc, I also learned his name, returned with a small creature dubbed Pip.
As Guile had predicted, the confusion did begin as people were retunited and emotions flared up inside of me, which they all radiated. I had not noticed that the sorcerer had left my side to talk with some of the others. I could not even sense his aura. Not wanting to seem anti-social, I too approached different groupes of people, and learned some new names, thoughts and emotions.
---
When Serge came back, and finally everyone was together again, demi-human, human and animal, the sun was already daring to set. It had been a long day, my body and mind were tired. Although I did not feel quite like sleeping as we all helped in setting up camp near the small lake beside Divine Dragon Falls. It was a nice place, we had running water, that seemed fresh enough. Leah and her small dragon companion had already taken to having a water fight, while some of the others washed their hair, or jumped in, clad in their clothes.
Since all of the work was done, and I had nothing else to do, I decided to take a walk up to the falls. I had been here many times with Mistress Direa. She often brought me here to tell me my favorite tale - that of the formation of the Chrono Cross. She had told me that story countless times and I never became sick of hearing it. Nor her of telling it.
I was abandoned as a child, and I was born upon the main land, a small village on the outskirts of Porre. I had not known why my parents had left me, I supposed that I was just a burden to them. I was only three years old. I barely remember them, and I do not really care to. They had left me to survive on my own, upon Sky Dragon Isle. It was there that Mistress Direa found me, on one of her routine trips for prayer. I was near death from starvation. I had been there weeks on my own and seen no one.
Besides that, I always had a happy surrounding life. Yet never, ever did I ask for something on my own, even if it was a necessity. My abandonment from my parents had taught me that I was not worth that kind of trouble and I heeded to that. Mistress Direa, although she did not like for me to call her that, "Call me simply Direa if you must, child," I can hear her say even now, was a wonderful 'mother' to me. I suppose that she sensed my timidness and always tried to bring me out of my shell. The day that she had died still hung heavily on my memories.
The people of Guldove accepted me quickly when I had arrived. Everyone was so kind there. When they had asked me to take over for Mistress Direa as the next Shrine Madien, I was overwhelmed and promised to do my best to fill her shoes.
Here I stood now, in the cave that she and I both took to. It was near the top of the falls, in the far end of a cave. I passed under the stone archway, immediately feeling spiritual energy seep throughout my body. And so I sat down, facing the small pool of water where two stone pillars, as legend said, once stood.
"-there will be two divine objects born from two different planes," Mistress Direa recited with a glowing expression about her. I recited this aloud now, feeling very close to her. "the Chosen One will posess them both. He will place Love upon one side, and Hate upon the other. These emotions, although opposing forces are two sides of the same coin - you must always remember that my child. And from these two shards, once the Seventh Divine Dragon God is revealed, the Chrono Cross will be formed. The legendary seventh element that will play the song of every other element, as well as posess its own. Once that song is played correctly, the Lost Soul will be free again." I did not understand much of it at my young age, but I loved the idea of being able to set someone free.
Feeling more comforted, I gazed down into the pool of clear water at my reflection. My strictly tight bowed-braid was beginning to unravel itself. I reached behind my head and untied the ribbons I always wore. My silver-gray hair was quite long, it dragged upon the ground like a train when I wore it down. I always kept it tied, although I felt more free to have it down as I did now.
There was a small breeze toying with some of my strands of hair from the entrance of the cave. Enchanted by this odd wind, I turned to look at the small opening in the rocks. I gasped quickly, startled to see someone else there.
"I'm sorry," the figure stepped forward, it was Guile. "I was out for a walk and stumbled upon this place. I would have said something as not to frighten you, but you looked so peaceful," he paused for a moment, a small smile appreaing upon those sensual lips, "and I enjoyed hearing your story."
He had indeed been there for sometime! I was far from angry though. "I-It's all right. You just caught me by surprise ... " I began to stand up, still holding my ribbons.
"No no, don't leave for my sake. If you want to be left alone I can leave. Are you tired, or planning to go to sleep? You look somewhat tired." He seemed to be wonderous of me ... Most likely just trying to get to know me better though. Everyone needed a close friend amongst the party, I had noticed.
I shook my head, looking to the ground so he would not see my own slight smile. "No, that is not the case ... I-I do not sleep much ... " It was a first for me to share personal information. Alot of people in Guldove, bless their hearts no less, only came to me with their concerns, hardly asking me what ailed me, if anything ...
He chuckled. "Like me." Then he walked up beside me, gazing at the pool of water and sitting down. Then he looked up at me, his lips innocent. "Everyone else has already fallen into dreams. Would you like to talk for a little while? Just us night owls."
Slowly, cautiously, I sat back down and flashed him a small smile. I now felt a warmth from him, very subtle though, he kept himself well shrowded. I let go my my ribbons and set them beside me, then huddled my knees to my chest and hugged them. "What is on your mind?"
He kept looking at me and tilted his head. "Why would you assume that I want to talk about myself, or my troubles?" he asked, in a seemingly innocent tone.
The question hit me hard. "I just assumed- ... I mean I always- ... Everyone just- ... " I looked down at the water, and watched my hair, still being toyed by the breeze. "I apologize, it was not my place to ask."
Guile leanded back on his elbows. "Hn, you are very formal. But you hardly need to apologize. It is just my way to speak my mind. I guess I need to learn to behave better in the presence of a lady." I looked at him, and blushed. There was something about him that made me want to spill out everything that had ever bothered me and cry on his shoulder, feeling his arms around me. "That story you told," he continued, "is it true? Will Serge be the one to form this Chrono Cross?"
I took a deep breath, "I do not know yet. That is what Mistress Direa ... I mean, the previous Shrine Madien told me when I was young. I am not even certain if the legend of the seventh Dragon God is true."
"Aah," he contemplated. "So when you said the words 'my child,' you were repeating what this Mistress Direa told you." I nodded a reply. "You know," he tilted his head again. It was a cute gesture. "You are very passionate when you speak about something you truely believe in."
"Mistress Direa taught me many things ... " I said softly.
"You speak in past tense?"
I nodded again. How trusting I was of this man ... "Yes, she passed away a few years ago."
"Oh," Guile said quickly, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you recall sad memories. You see, the Mistress Direa I heard about in my own world is still alive. I must have gotten confused, forgive me. I did not mean to offend you, Steena."
Hearing him say my name sent a warm sensation through my body. Then a cold chill, he was from the other world. I would most likely never see him again after this quest. And although I had not even known him for a full day yet, it made me quite sad. "No, you did nothing of the sort."
"I'll tell you what, Steena," he began and looked up at the cavern's roof. "I may not have known you for long, but your eyes tell me that I can trust you, and I am known to be a man of great intuition. As you notice, everyone in the party has someone close to be to, am I right? Glenn and Norris ... Leah and Draggy, and lest we forget, Serge and Kid," he chuckled, then looked at me, wearing what I guessed was his most serious expression. "I have never really been close to anyone here. And you, I feel are the same and timid to get to know most."
My defenses rose again. "I have always-"
"No no," he interrupted and lifted his hand to stop me from speaking. "I never said that was a bad thing, mind you. But we all need someone to talk to and vent to, espically when this jouney begins to get really crazy."
I arched an eyebrow slightly, my heart pouding. "What exactly are you saying?"
"I'm saying that I think you and I would make a good team," he answered without hesitation. "I would like you and I to become good friends, someone to talk to minus all of the BS put in for the sake of manners."
I giggled slightly and nodded. I would do anything to try and understand him better, learn about his ways, about him. "All right, I can agree to that. I agree with you, we all need someone to talk to in the days to come."
He smiled. "Good. We shake on it," he declared and offered me his hand. I took it, feeling its softness again, and we shook, departing touches again. Yet hand was hot this time, almost electric. He exaimed his hand with a smile and turned his attention to me. "You are a white innate." He nodded, as if confirming for himself.
I stifled a yawn, not wanting to appear rude. I felt more at ease after talking with him this short while, and perhaps I would even rest well tonight. Reluctantly, I stood up and brushed some of my shorter bangs from my eyes. "I do hate to leave you here, unless you were also planning to rest tonight, yet we will have an early morning and long day tomorrow."
Guile nodded, and also stood up, then sat down within the air, hovering at my height. "Yes, the sun has been down quite long. It will be threatening to rise soon. I think I will remain here for a little while more. Sleep well, Steena."
I blushed again and bowed. "Likewise, Guile. Perhaps we shall speak tomorrow?" I added, trying not to sound desperate.
Again he nodded and smiled. "It is what friends do." I returned the smile, and quickly feld from the cavern, trying to calm my shortened breaths.