The next day dawned with a clear blue sky. Don was still asleep when Mirana
got up. A blessing, she thought, now I can change with out any prying eyes.
She opened the window. A cool, fresh wind blew in. Mirana shivered.
Exchanging her tunic for a clean one, the girl turned around to find Don
looking at her.
Glaring at him she growled "Aren't you lucky that I didn't change my
shirt!"
Don nodded meekly and answered "Aye, but I would have closed my eyes
anyway!" Yawning he stretched and sat up "How did ya sleep? Feels good to
have a bed again, don't ya think?"
Mirana nodded. She took out a fresh pair of breeches and told the boy
"Close your eyes and cover your head with the blanket. If I find you
peeping I'll have ears for breakfast!"
Breakfast was quiet. Don and Mirana were the only ones sitting in the dinning hall. Mirana took the chance and talked normally. It didn't really matter any more if she was caught. They were leaving today and she would never see these people again. "Where are you going to sell the horses?" Mirana asked with her mouth full of porridge. Don swallowed before answering "There's one more town before the coast. It's bigger than this one; I'll get a better price for them."
Mirana was just asking if it wasn't better to keep the animals when May came to their table. She looked extremely angry. But instead of turning to Don, she turned to Mirana. "You could have told me that he was yours, it would have spared me a lot of effort!" She snarled. Mirana didn't reply just raised her eyebrows at Don. He asked politely "What's the problem, May?" "The problem?" May shrieked "That thing opposite you is a girl! You told me he's your brother! It would have been so much easier just to tell me that she's your sweetheart!" May breathed heavily and glared at Mirana. She, however, decided to add fuel to the fire so she laughed. This annoyed May even more. "What is so funny?" She roared. Mirana winked at Don and said "You don't seem to understand our relationship, May! Don isn't my sweetheart! I am his sister." May wasn't convinced "Oh, really, I mean, of course, especially with that resemblance! Oh, and the same way you speak! Now why didn't I notice that?" She asked sarcastically. Mirana was baffled. She hadn't thought of that. But Don, who didn't seem to be bothered by the whole female argument, was ready. "Me dear May, not all siblings look alike. Anyway, we don't have the same dam. Our father married twice, that's all!" He nearly had May won over, but not quite. "So why didn't ya flirt back yesterday? Why didn't ya want to have some fun with me? I am known for being most pleasing around here!" May asked, fuming. Mirana couldn't control herself and snorted. May turned on her "What?" Mirana answered calmly "Not all males are - how do I put it? - attracted to you! Don believes in love, not in lust!" "Sure, as if! And now that I look at you, why are you wearing breeches? Why do you show your legs for every one to see?" May asked disgustedly. "Is there a reason for me not to?" Mirana answered while inspecting her fingers. Before May could reply, Don said quickly "Where we come form, anyone can wear breeches, even women and girls!" He finished to contents of his beaker and continued "Well, it's been fun! Now, if I can pay, please?"
The morning was cold; Mirana pulled out her cloak and drew it firmly around her thin frame. Don watched her, his eyes guarded, but Mirana knew he was worried about her. Winter was coming on fast, snow would fall in the next month. At around lunch they reached the last town of their journey. A large wall surrounded it and you had to pay to get in. Mirana thought of Don's small purse and asked if it wasn't better to sell the horses else where. Don shook his head and lead her through the crowd to a horse dealer. The man would give seven crowns for one horse plus the saddle but Don was only selling for ten. After some time Mirana stopped listening to their argument and sat down next to their packs. After what felt like an eternity Don returned, smiling broadly. "Good man, that dealer, gave me twelve crowns for each horse! Ya just need to know what to say!" He too sat down and looked worriedly into Mirana's face "Ya look pale. Perhaps we should eat something and than find a nice spot to have a rest." He stood up and shouldered his packs. He gave Mirana a hand up, bought two hot turnovers and together they made their way out of the crowded town into the forest where they found a pleasant site to sit down.
That afternoon Mirana saw the ocean for the first time. She and Don had been walking since just after lunch and her feet were sore. On reaching a beach Don made Mirana sit down. She let sand run through her hands, buried her feet in the fine crystals and took of boots and stockings to dip her feet in the salt water. The wind pulled her hair out of the ribbon, gave the girl red cheeks and teary eyes. The water shimmered almost silver when the sun touched it and the waves were a blue-green toped with a white. The waves breaking on the sand lulled Mirana to sleep and Don sat next to her not moving. For the first time, Mirana felt safe.
Don found a small bay a bit to the south of the main beach. It was sheltered, the wind didn't breeze through and the waves were much smaller. A creek ran into the salt water; a good supply to fresh water. Trees at the edge of the beach sheltered them during the nights and form the sun during the day. Don spread a canvas sheet to keep their campsite dry and build a fire place to cook their meals.
With time, Mirana got stronger. Her coughing faded, her hair became shiny and her eyes sparkled. Don watched her and knew that she was getting better. One morning after a soggy porridge Don stretched and said "I'm gettin' out of practise. I'm goin' for a run, need ta build my wind up." Getting up, He put on his boots. Mirana too stood up "Can I come?" Don looked surprised "Ya think it's a good idea? I mean, health wise." Mirana shrugged " Don't know, don't care. I too want to get fitter." She searched for her boots and pulled them on. Don nodded "Let's go."
So they ran. They ran every morning. In the beginning Mirana could never keep up, but she pushed herself. She got used to the stich and began to ignore it. Only feeling the sand under her feet and the wind in her face, only hearing her breathing and her heart beat and the ocean rushing up to meet the beach.
One day in late autumn Don stoped when they reached the other end of the beach. He was out of breath and the blood pounded through his veins. Mirana next to him didn't seem to suffer what so ever. She was breathing faster than usual and she was a bit red in the face, but she wasn't in any obvious pain. "Mirana, ya must have been fakin' yar sickness, ya aren't even tired after this much fast running!" Don said in disbelief. Slowly Mirana turned around but she didn't look at Don "I don't understand it either! I never used to be able to run more than a few meters at the most!" She shook her head. "Told ya the ocean is magic!" Don nodded his head towards the water "There's more to it than meets the eye! Now lets head back!"
The water was freezing when Mirana stepped into it only wearing a shirt and a loincloth. Remembering to keep moving she waded in till the water lapped around her thighs. The bottom of the shirt was drenched. Turning she called to Don, who was wearing the same and was about level with her "Is this a good idea? It's almost icy!" Don's lips were turning blue but he shook his head "Ya need to be able ta swim." And he dived and pulled Mirana's legs from under her.
With lots and lots of patience Don taught Mirana to become one with water. Which strokes to use and how to body-surf through the waves. Mirana learned quickly and by the time the ocean got to cold she was able to dive and swim through the waves like a fish. Again, Don was impresses.
The morning dawned grey and damp. Outside of their shelter it was pouring. Don made a quick meal and together with Mirana decided to go for a morning run. Once the two had passed through the small forest that separated the main beach from the minor bay, a wind met them with full force, driving them back. Mirana's long hair was pulled out off the band, which happened frequently. Her swearing was drowned by the howling wind around them. Don had trouble moving forward. Mirana signalled for them to retreat to shelter, which they did.
"It's useless, we can't run in this weather!" Don said. Mirana nodded. "Lets go back." Don turned to go but Mirana stopped him "No, lets just sit for a moment. I want to watch the ocean; I feel a change." She sat and leaned against the trunk of a tree. Don dropped to his knees in front of her "Ya mean, ya feel the end? Ya," he stopped and swallowed "Ya're goin' to die?" Mirana answered truthfully "I'm not sure. All I feel is a change." She fell silent and watched the waves crash onto the shore. Don sat back and waited.
Breakfast was quiet. Don and Mirana were the only ones sitting in the dinning hall. Mirana took the chance and talked normally. It didn't really matter any more if she was caught. They were leaving today and she would never see these people again. "Where are you going to sell the horses?" Mirana asked with her mouth full of porridge. Don swallowed before answering "There's one more town before the coast. It's bigger than this one; I'll get a better price for them."
Mirana was just asking if it wasn't better to keep the animals when May came to their table. She looked extremely angry. But instead of turning to Don, she turned to Mirana. "You could have told me that he was yours, it would have spared me a lot of effort!" She snarled. Mirana didn't reply just raised her eyebrows at Don. He asked politely "What's the problem, May?" "The problem?" May shrieked "That thing opposite you is a girl! You told me he's your brother! It would have been so much easier just to tell me that she's your sweetheart!" May breathed heavily and glared at Mirana. She, however, decided to add fuel to the fire so she laughed. This annoyed May even more. "What is so funny?" She roared. Mirana winked at Don and said "You don't seem to understand our relationship, May! Don isn't my sweetheart! I am his sister." May wasn't convinced "Oh, really, I mean, of course, especially with that resemblance! Oh, and the same way you speak! Now why didn't I notice that?" She asked sarcastically. Mirana was baffled. She hadn't thought of that. But Don, who didn't seem to be bothered by the whole female argument, was ready. "Me dear May, not all siblings look alike. Anyway, we don't have the same dam. Our father married twice, that's all!" He nearly had May won over, but not quite. "So why didn't ya flirt back yesterday? Why didn't ya want to have some fun with me? I am known for being most pleasing around here!" May asked, fuming. Mirana couldn't control herself and snorted. May turned on her "What?" Mirana answered calmly "Not all males are - how do I put it? - attracted to you! Don believes in love, not in lust!" "Sure, as if! And now that I look at you, why are you wearing breeches? Why do you show your legs for every one to see?" May asked disgustedly. "Is there a reason for me not to?" Mirana answered while inspecting her fingers. Before May could reply, Don said quickly "Where we come form, anyone can wear breeches, even women and girls!" He finished to contents of his beaker and continued "Well, it's been fun! Now, if I can pay, please?"
The morning was cold; Mirana pulled out her cloak and drew it firmly around her thin frame. Don watched her, his eyes guarded, but Mirana knew he was worried about her. Winter was coming on fast, snow would fall in the next month. At around lunch they reached the last town of their journey. A large wall surrounded it and you had to pay to get in. Mirana thought of Don's small purse and asked if it wasn't better to sell the horses else where. Don shook his head and lead her through the crowd to a horse dealer. The man would give seven crowns for one horse plus the saddle but Don was only selling for ten. After some time Mirana stopped listening to their argument and sat down next to their packs. After what felt like an eternity Don returned, smiling broadly. "Good man, that dealer, gave me twelve crowns for each horse! Ya just need to know what to say!" He too sat down and looked worriedly into Mirana's face "Ya look pale. Perhaps we should eat something and than find a nice spot to have a rest." He stood up and shouldered his packs. He gave Mirana a hand up, bought two hot turnovers and together they made their way out of the crowded town into the forest where they found a pleasant site to sit down.
That afternoon Mirana saw the ocean for the first time. She and Don had been walking since just after lunch and her feet were sore. On reaching a beach Don made Mirana sit down. She let sand run through her hands, buried her feet in the fine crystals and took of boots and stockings to dip her feet in the salt water. The wind pulled her hair out of the ribbon, gave the girl red cheeks and teary eyes. The water shimmered almost silver when the sun touched it and the waves were a blue-green toped with a white. The waves breaking on the sand lulled Mirana to sleep and Don sat next to her not moving. For the first time, Mirana felt safe.
Don found a small bay a bit to the south of the main beach. It was sheltered, the wind didn't breeze through and the waves were much smaller. A creek ran into the salt water; a good supply to fresh water. Trees at the edge of the beach sheltered them during the nights and form the sun during the day. Don spread a canvas sheet to keep their campsite dry and build a fire place to cook their meals.
With time, Mirana got stronger. Her coughing faded, her hair became shiny and her eyes sparkled. Don watched her and knew that she was getting better. One morning after a soggy porridge Don stretched and said "I'm gettin' out of practise. I'm goin' for a run, need ta build my wind up." Getting up, He put on his boots. Mirana too stood up "Can I come?" Don looked surprised "Ya think it's a good idea? I mean, health wise." Mirana shrugged " Don't know, don't care. I too want to get fitter." She searched for her boots and pulled them on. Don nodded "Let's go."
So they ran. They ran every morning. In the beginning Mirana could never keep up, but she pushed herself. She got used to the stich and began to ignore it. Only feeling the sand under her feet and the wind in her face, only hearing her breathing and her heart beat and the ocean rushing up to meet the beach.
One day in late autumn Don stoped when they reached the other end of the beach. He was out of breath and the blood pounded through his veins. Mirana next to him didn't seem to suffer what so ever. She was breathing faster than usual and she was a bit red in the face, but she wasn't in any obvious pain. "Mirana, ya must have been fakin' yar sickness, ya aren't even tired after this much fast running!" Don said in disbelief. Slowly Mirana turned around but she didn't look at Don "I don't understand it either! I never used to be able to run more than a few meters at the most!" She shook her head. "Told ya the ocean is magic!" Don nodded his head towards the water "There's more to it than meets the eye! Now lets head back!"
The water was freezing when Mirana stepped into it only wearing a shirt and a loincloth. Remembering to keep moving she waded in till the water lapped around her thighs. The bottom of the shirt was drenched. Turning she called to Don, who was wearing the same and was about level with her "Is this a good idea? It's almost icy!" Don's lips were turning blue but he shook his head "Ya need to be able ta swim." And he dived and pulled Mirana's legs from under her.
With lots and lots of patience Don taught Mirana to become one with water. Which strokes to use and how to body-surf through the waves. Mirana learned quickly and by the time the ocean got to cold she was able to dive and swim through the waves like a fish. Again, Don was impresses.
The morning dawned grey and damp. Outside of their shelter it was pouring. Don made a quick meal and together with Mirana decided to go for a morning run. Once the two had passed through the small forest that separated the main beach from the minor bay, a wind met them with full force, driving them back. Mirana's long hair was pulled out off the band, which happened frequently. Her swearing was drowned by the howling wind around them. Don had trouble moving forward. Mirana signalled for them to retreat to shelter, which they did.
"It's useless, we can't run in this weather!" Don said. Mirana nodded. "Lets go back." Don turned to go but Mirana stopped him "No, lets just sit for a moment. I want to watch the ocean; I feel a change." She sat and leaned against the trunk of a tree. Don dropped to his knees in front of her "Ya mean, ya feel the end? Ya," he stopped and swallowed "Ya're goin' to die?" Mirana answered truthfully "I'm not sure. All I feel is a change." She fell silent and watched the waves crash onto the shore. Don sat back and waited.