Dreams or Nightmares
Disclaimer: Still don't own it...
Chapter 3: Vows
"I'm worried about 'er mum."
"She's acting perfectly normal, Aro."
"No, she's different! More… distant."
"She's always distant, boy. We need to be going. Arashi's already there, she always likes to get a good, close spot to watch the caravanners come in.
"Yeah… always."
"There they are!"
"I see them!"
The gleeful cries of villagers were only half heard by Arashi as she struggled not to fall in the churning mass of excited people. Lilites, Clavats, Yukes and Selkies, all of the four tribes, had gathered to greet and welcome the long awaited return of the questing caravanners. Arashi's hair, which Mintra had managed to fasten into a bun at the child's neck, came undone as she was knocked to the ground.
The crowds hurriedly parted as the group of youthful adventurers entered the town gates, a Clavat boy bearing the chalice, which was now filled to the brim with myrrh. Not rising from her position, Arashi wove carefully between the legs of others, parting from the cheering mass to stand before the crystal, which only yesterday she had been gazing at just as she was now. But yesterday, the young girl had been in a bit different scenario.
Now, night had fallen, the moon rising higher in its navy palace with every passing moment. Long, rectangular tables surrounded the square, piled high with various foods. The village elder, not far from Arashi, stood before the stone, wiry frame clothed gallantly, with eyes glimmering lively with relief and pride.
The five caravanners received torches alit with blazing flame, and the chalice was brought to the elder. Raising the crackling stakes of wood, the journeyers stood side by side before the crystal, the village elder grasping a leather bound book and facing them, reciting something from the dusty, ancient pages. On a pedestal behind the old man was the chalice, a holy glow enveloping each and every crevice decorating its precious form.
Enchanted, the village silently stared in awe, Arashi instantly joining them.
"It's so… beautiful…" she whispered, her barely audible statement falling upon deaf ears.
The myrrh nestled safely within the chalice was slowly drawn out, flowing and seeping into the enormous gem to protect the village for yet another year.
Still gazing up at the memorable sight, Arashi started in surprise as everyone broke into hearty cheers, and jovial melodies drifted from talented musicians, accompanied by sweet harmonies. Pieces of the crowd scattered, some going to speak to and congratulate the caravanners, some going to the many tables of mouthwatering morsels, and some surrounding the glistening stone, starting up the traditional dance they performed each year.
As the minutes flicked by, others joined in, but Arashi stayed put, settling to watch the others spin and leap, grins spreading across their faces, arms swaying in time to the lively tunes.
'These celebrations are so dull. People dance, eat, and talk, the friar chases after children. It's the same thing every year. The only interesting part is the actual ceremony.' Arashi thought in boredom, line of vision moving to the caravanners who were currently speaking happily with their families. 'They're so happy to be back…' But, what is that glimmer beneath the cheerful exterior? Weariness, grief… horror? Arashi was not unaware of the pain, both mental and physical, caravanners had to endure.
'It's a hard life… but I want it… more than anything else. I will be a caravanner some day…'
And so ends the epilogue-ish beginning. I promise, the rest of the chapters will be much longer. These first three were so short because they're pretty much just to offer a bit of background information. Thanks to Chibi Tetra for reviewing! I'll try and update often. And all you readers (If I have any...)should follow her wonderful example and review as well! I swear it makes me type faster!The fourth chapter will be up soon, I've already got a bit of it done.
Momo