"You boys are going to wind up killing yourselves! Get down from there this instant!" Kai sent glares up to the tree tops.
Miguel streghed his arms up to the next branch, swong his legs to the side and finally managed to scramble onto it. Once he was secure with his position, he bent his arm down and clasped onto Travis' wrist. With a few struggled moans, they both managed to earn their way to the top; of what seemed like an endless fruit tree.
Kai tapped his foot impaitently. "I said get down!"
"You said to go scrounging about for food, so we are! We found the jackpot! A fruit tree! Can you not at least show some thanks?" Miguel swong his arm to the side, causing Travis to dug and slip from his seat. He landed hard on the branch below with a loud groan and a giant rustle of leaves.
Kai glared up at them. Miguel was telling the truth. He had brought the boy and a few more along with him to make a trip into the forest to look for food. Their supply was running dangerously short and he did not want to trouble them by saying so. His reason was to learn how to fend for themselves. A healthy lesson and one that would come in most handy.
"Did we not already have this discussion about respecting your elders?" Kai commented, keeping his worry under control as Travis wobbled into safety. Well as safe as you can get sitting at the top of a fifty foot tree that was most likely over a hundred years old. However Kai's thoughts, the tree looked as healthy as ever and the fruit it bore looked absolutly delicious.
The fruit in the tree took an oval shape and shone bright yellow into any passerbys eye. It was no doubt these two had found it so easily. He would, however, have prefered if they'd informed him first instead of just scampering up without a care of falling.
"Captain! Heads up!" Travis' voice rang in his ears and a sudden flash of yellow came wizzing at him.
With a twist of his arm, Kai managed to snag the fruit before it smashed -most likely painfully- into his nose. His glare could be found toward the sky.
Kai was losing his paitents on a battle that could not be won.
"Well if you were planning on zipping up there on your own, why the heck did you forgot to grab the baskets!"
.:VWV:.
A sudden crack and a light thud chimmed into his ears. Mystel glanced to the side and smirked as a small, young woman came striding up beside him. She bowed to him briefly and smiled, her dark gold eyes glimmering in success.
"Master Mystel. The camp is in afternoon training; as stated by Lady Julia."
"Perfect. Thank you Ming Ming. Your services have been put to great use." Mystel nodded at her and turned away.
Ming Ming kept her gaze to the ground as she bowed once more, her cheeks pink from the dismissed compliment. Instead of standing there, numb with ecstasy, the bluenette jumped to her feet and scurried behind him. He was winding himself through his troops when she finally caught up to him. He never once acknowledged her presence. She didn't much mind. He rarely did.
After a few more precious minutes had flown by, Mystel made his way over to his second in command.
"Ready are we, General Mystel?" The man questioned, stuffing his sword-buffing cloth into his waistline.
Mystel stared at him a moment and nodded. "We must make this quick and soundless as possible; escaping at any given moment. No men wounded and no men left behind for questioning. Kill everyone, we've no need for prisoners. Pass the message along to the men. Make haste for we set off in only a moment more."
The man nodded and trugged off into the crowd. Ming Ming glanced around the blond as he stod there, fiddling with something in his hands.
"You do not mean to charge into battle as well."
Mystel shifted in surprise and fumbled with his sword, which nearly cost him a finger. "Must you always use your grace to seek me out?" His eyes held irritation, but his voice was smooth and gentil.
Ming Ming smiled at him as he titled his head to glance back at her. "My charm is too contagious. Would not want to infect you, General."
Mystel twisted his lips into what appeared to be a chocked frown. "Of course I mean to join the battle," He ignored her comment entirely. "Have you no faith that I could come out victorious?"
"Of course I do. But there is still a chance-"
"-that I could fail and be hurt? Ha! And you call yourself faithful." Mystel snapped back.
Ming Ming shifted her gaze to the side and gulped her pain down to the burrows of her stomach. The Master glanced at her for a long while, making Ming Ming feel already worse. She felt something suddenly slip under her chin and force her face upward. A smile was grazing his features.
"Forgive me. I have been nothing but rude lately, haven't I?" His smile only grew at these words and he laughed.
The spy gave a tiny nod, fearing his reaction.
Mystel only continued to smile. He leaned close to her and his breath grazed across her ear as he spoke. "Just between you and I, this war makes me more nervous with every clash."
He pulled himself back and let his hand drop from her chin. His final smile was small, but still bright. "I fear our Lord is correct." His voice was lowered to a whisper, "That battles are not won by numbers, but by strengh. However, these young folk have had but a monthes worth of proper training. How good can they be?" He looked away towards his troops. It was a small bunch, but they didn't need more.
"Much better then you could imagine in a month's time, General." She commented.
Mystel sent her a sulking look. It looked rather hilarious, considering he was happy only a moment earlier and scornful before that. "Your no help when it comes to support. Perhaps I should get my blessing from Lady Julia and who else ever."
"I- I just believe you should think before you go charging in. These boys may be small, but they have trained harder then any of your men here. The small can hold great advantages, General and I would just wish that you do not go thinking you've overuled their chances." The bluenette scuffed her feet to the ground.
The second in command came jogging up to them and cleared his throat loudly. "Are we ready now, General Mystel?"
The blond passed the spy one last glance of reply before turning fully toward him. "Yes. Let us complete this mission so we can be rid of this mutany."
.:VWV:.
"Can you tell your pet to stop with her gawking. She begins to irritate me."
Alex clenched her teeth and bit her tougne to avoid saying anything. She was royalty. She was their guide. With her, they would get to their destination. With her, Alex would be able to start her own search elsewhere. Without her, she could be rid of the pain in her jaw.
Raul laughed as he held out his hand to give his lady a boost up the horse. "She is not my pet. She would take too long to train."
"I will not be trained!" Alex bit at his nose; quite literally.
Raul only smiled and glance back up at Judy. "Hence my statement."
Judy nodded as she settled herself comfortably. "Like wise. Now off to the Port. The ship sails at dawn."
Alex settled her arms behind her head to avoid doing anything reckless. "Where will the ship be taking us?"
"Did I ask for your words?" Judy questioned and tossing her head aside.
Alex glared heatedly. "I don't recall directing that question to you, Lady Judy."
Raul sighed. "I see this will most certainly be an interesting trip. Alex, please mind the Lady. Do as she says and be silent. You will learn of our destination when we get aboard. For your search, it matters not, does it?"
She fell silent suddenly. "No. No, it doesn't."
Raul smiled at her warmly and entwined his hands in the reins. "Then let us make haste. And end this trashly discussion."
They managed to catch the ship just before it boarded the final passanger. Lady Judy remained on the horse while they were escorted up the ramp. Many people bowed to her as she passed and she smiled and sent a wave to each one in turn. It only held for a moment, but Alex suddenly felt lame for not even noticing her at first introductions. It was a passing thought as it was replaced by curiosity of their destination; which was still in fog.
The ship was huge through Alex' eyes! She went to graze her fingers over the side, wondering what could possibly hold this together only to be ushered forward. They were escorted to a cabin that was right below deck. Judy didn't seem too pleased with this, considering you could hear the heavy footsteps in constant echos. However the moment she placed her things there, she sighed in content. It was perfect. A little room. Just enough to fit her party. She couldn't have asked for better.
She turned around and nearly came into collision. "A-Alex." She stammered in surprise.
The brunette never heard her. She was too busy staring at the ceiling in wonder. Mumbling words like 'How' and 'Amazing'.
Judy smiled softly and stared as well. "It's big, isn't it?"
"How is it possible to make something this big and still keep it afloat? Is it some form of magic lumber?"
Judy laughed which caught her attention. "Have you never been aboard a ship before?"
Alex screwed her face then it relaxed. "No. I've never left Trisault and as I'm sure you know thats a far cry from the nearest river let alone sea."
"So you have lived their long?" Judy bit her lip in thought then released it.
Alex shock her head, looking away. "No. I told you I was concidered outcasts. I lived on the outskirts but came in when hunger required it."
Judy blinked then nodded in understanding. "I can relate. Its even harder when you have a child to raise however."
Alex snapped her head forward so fast, Judy feared it would become detatched. "Y-yes, it is. I had seven younger brothers to take care of."
Of course at these words, Alex' mind journied back, wondering how they were and if they were safe or accepted. She thought of each boy individually and when her thoughts reached the youngest, she thought of Travis. Her fists crunches together and she became stiff.
"That must have been tragic for you." The Lady glanced toward her trembiling fingers. "I only had one myself and with my first husband already long passed on, leaving us with deep debts, it was hard to keep ourselves happy." her gaze softened as she stared forward.
Alex gave her a questioning look. "First husband? You've been married previously?"
She faked a scowl. "This comes as a surprise?"
Alex took it as a real one. "You just don't seem to be the type that would re-marry."
"You've known me half a night and you already can asume such statements?" Judy crossed her arms.
"N-no, well yes I believe I can. I tend to judge quickly."
"As do I. Their is no harm on using your instinct."
"Yes."
An awkward pause.
"You said you had one child."
"Yes. She was always cheerful. The happiest little seed you could ever be around. No matter our troubles, she always managed to bring forth a smile. It was, indeed even more difficult to leave her behind."
Alex stared in surprise.
A sudden trumpet blast gained her attention.
Raul came strolling in with his grin. "We depart immediatly. Alex, would you like to watch us set sail?" He motioned toward a small, circular window carved into the wall to let the sun flood in. "The captain forbids us updeck until out more."
She nodded eagerly and gazed out it. She hated to admit it but she was overly excited. She had never even seen a ship before today. Well she knew what it looked like, from pictures and sketches but never had she seen one up close. Now as she glanced out the window, she took in a huge gulp of sea air; salty and full of invisible mist.
Her eyes dragged out to the crowd surrounded on the deck. Everyone was waving like it was some huge ceremony and her sharp eyes caught a few faces glistening with tears.
That's when her mind decided to play a trick on her. Her eyes scanned over the area once more. No. It couldn't-
She squinted hard and looked again. She could have sworn-
"Is there something wrong? You look troubled." Judy came up behind her, glancing out in suspision.
With a final hard glance, she shock her head. "No. It was nothing. Its just amazing that so many people would come to see this ship off. We must be going somewhere important."
"Quite." Came Raul's responce.
She smiled to herself. She knew none were waving for her but it was still strangely comforting. And even if it was a trick, she enjoyed the sudden leap her heart gave when she spotted them.
Those icy-blue eyes.
.:VWV:.
Anko tugged at Tala's blanket for the fifth time that morning. "Were going to miss the ship! Tala! It leaves at dawn!"
"The sky says otherwise. Do you not have to do something else other then harass me this early?" His voice kept cracking in his sleep, muffled by the pillow.
"On the contrary, waking you up is the only job I have. We'll be lucky if we even get a place there at this rate! Tala!" She finally managed to rip the blanket from around him. Unfortunately, Tala had been clasping it and decided to let go, just to earn a moments more of silence. She tumbled to the ground with a few curses Tala was certain women shouldn't know. He nuzzled his face in deeper, hoping it would block out the sudden scream he knew he had earned.
"Tala?" Anko's voice was trembiling in anger.
Tala gave a groan in reply as he felt breath over his ear.
"WAKE UP!"
He flinched. No matter how he prepared, the scream always rang in his ears. Loud and clear. He let out a growl and sat up quickly, catching her arm.
"Go. Away." He glared.
Anko shock her head, glaring back. "No. We have to go now! Tala, let go your hurting me."
He lessened the grip but not the hold. He glanced toward the door to find it wide open. His glare was back on her. "How did you get in here? I distinctly remember locking it."
"It's called a spare key. And I'm glad I got it. You were still sleeping! I told you-"
"Go away. Let me get up on my own." Tala interupted, grabbing her by the shoulders and shaking her lightly.
"Tala? Do you remember what were here for?" Anko countered.
He glared and let her go. He let one leg slid off the bed as he roughly turned her around and gave her a heavy shove toward the door. Anko caught her feet before she could trip.
"Five minutes, Tala!"
"Go away!"
Anko sent him a scowl of disbelief and closed the door. "Make that two!"
"Leave!"
Her footsteps came in heavy thuds as they pattered down the stairs. Tala instantly regreted growing short but he didn't let that bother him. Running his long, pale finger through his matted hair, the red head set his eyes out his window. The sun wasn't anywhere in the sky yet, but it was giving off its daily warning.
As Tala got dressed and grabbed his pack to which he stored all his paper and information, their was a sudden knock.
Tala lowered his eyes and shifted the strap to hang more comfortably on his shoulder. It looks more like an overgrown purse, which was perfect for how many papers he already had. Even near the bottom was his small coin pouch.
A second knock. Both very soft and gentil.
"I'm coming just give me a minute." Tala stiffled a yawn as he made his bed neatly.
He stood back a moment to admire his work before grinning. Less work for those nice owners.
Tala finally managed to get to the door as the visitor raised their hand once more. The redhead blinked at the woman and bowed his head slightly out of respect. "Yes? Is there a problem?"
The woman smiled at him and chuckled. "Your partener has taken flight without you. She told me to give you the message that she will meet you there. She seemed rather heated."
Biting back a groan of annoyance, Tala nodded to her. "Thank you very much. For the message and the hospitality."
"Anytime, dear." The owner smiled warmly and ushered him out of the inn.
Tala chocked back every growl that attempted to escape from his throat as he rounded a corner. If he kept this up, he'd be running in circles instead of finding the dock. They'd passed it on their way in but now the location seemed to have slipped his memory. It was much too early for most people to be out on the streets, so there was not a soul to ask for directions.
The sound of people cheering and crowds came in contact with his hearing; it was very close. Tala spun backward in the direction and darted through an alleyway. Upon entering a street, Tala managed to skid to a halt before he collided head on with Anko. And was she ever angry.
Hands on hips, eyes flaming and if Tala had magic to see heat, he would have guessed steam was blowing off her like winds in a prarie.
"Do you see that, Mr. Volkav?" Anko swong her arm back so quickly Tala almost feared for its dis-memberment. Almost.
Tala let his eyes gaze up as he watched a huge crowd with smiles and cheers wave a large ship goodbye as it was nearly a whole five feet from the dock. He stared back at her.
"So the ship has set sail. We can get on the next one." Tala shrugged and checked his bag to make sure that he hadn' dropepd anything on his way to the dock.
Anko stared at him a moment and it took her around three seconds to let out a shriek that would have busted his ear drums if the crowds cheers weren't drowning it out.
Tala sent her smirk that set her would have set her off if she didn't close her eyes to avoid it.
"The next one is in the afternoon. If were to catch it and not be late this time, I suggest we just camp out until the next one comes about." Anko nodded in agreement with herself.
The redhead just nodded, closing his eyes as well. He was still too tierd to really care about how important that ship might have been.
Anko's small hand circled around his wrist and was lifted up as he cracked open his shimmering blue eyes. He glanced at her to note she was waving frantically, screaming messages of safe travel and good wishes. Tala thought she'd have been cursing by now or yelling at the captain for leaving too soon, but instead her temper was gone and only the sweetest of smiles rested in its place.
Tala stared at her a moment longer before recalling her hand on his wrist. "Is their a re-"
"Come on, Tala!" Anko interupted him. By the way she said it, she'd never heard him start talking. "It is tradition everywhere and common courtesy to wish voyagers a safe trip. You have to wave and yell out your blessings so that Brother Sky may hear you and carry the sailors carefully. The sea is a nasty place for travel after all."
This was the first time Tala had ever heard her speak of the Gods, but he brushed it aside. Slowly he watched as he picked up his own hand and he continued to stare as it went higher into the sky above him. Soon he found himself caught in the crowds wave and belting out his wishes for everyones safe journey.
He wasn't waving at anybody on the ship. He had no need to. But he could imagine somewhere in his heart what it would be like to have someone waving for you as you left. Maybe there was somebody on that ship that didn't have someone to wave for them ...
With that thought, Tala grinned to himself as he flashed his eyes toward the ship and his wave to the lonely.
.:VWV:.
Author's Note: I'm sorry this chapter didn't come out. I'd planned it MUCH earlier however my debations got the better of me and I ended up not including something. Don't worry, I'll write it up in the next chapter!
Thank you so much for sticking with me, for my reviewers AND readers! You guys are why I write this stuff.
R&R THANK YOU!