Disclaimer: I own nothing other than my mind.
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Something was coarse against my cheek. It also felt like my back was on fire. Dragging myself out of my stupor I slowly cracked open my eyes, futilely trying to keep from being blinded by the scorching sunlight. The fog of my mind was slowly beginning to clear as I realized I was washed up on a beach. Twitching, I tried to push myself up off the ground, but my entire body screamed in pain when I so much as moved a muscle. The pain was unbearable and I wavered between bright sunlit consciousness and the inky depths of my mind. Naran's face right before the ship tore apart- flashed into my mind and stoked the flickering flame of my willpower to live. I tried again to at least roll over onto my back to alleviate the sun's unforgiving rays. I eventually succeeded after multiple tries and a few tears of pain.
Panting, I stared up the light blue sky, watching as puffs of pure white clouds floated past. Once my breathing and heart rate were back down to normal levels, I began to turn my head back and forth trying to get my bearings. White sandy beach, vibrant green patches of grass and trees. I was probably in La Noscea or one of the smaller islands dotting the coast of Southern La Noscea.
I'm not sure how long I laid there, letting the sun soak into my weary body, watching those fluffy clouds making their way across the sky. Finally, I felt enough of my magic stir within me and I let loose a pulse of Vercure to my bruised and battered muscles. As the magic regenerated my body I felt rejuvenated enough to be able to sit up with minimal wincing.
Now able to get a clearer and wider view of my surroundings, I could definitely tell I was in the region of La Noscea. Patting my sand stiffened clothes I checked to see what belongings I had left. Regrettably, the only items that were still in my possession were my small gil pouch, tucked safely into an inner pocket, and the necklace Naran had given me in Kugane. My linkshell must have been washed out if my ear during my dip in the ocean, and my rapier had been with my supplies on the now driftwood of a ship. Thankfully, I was frugal enough that the majority of my earnings were left with my retainers who were in Limsa Lominsa, so reacquiring new equipment wouldn't be an insurmountable task.
The best course of action for me to take was to begin scouting the beach for any washed up supplies or survivors of the wreck. Perhaps I would get lucky and find a small fishing hamlet and would be able to procure a small skiff to Limsa.
I stood, brushing the residual sand from my clothes, hair, and face, and began walking down the beach. I kept alert of my surroundings, it wouldn't do to be attacked by an aggressive beast after barely surviving a shipwreck.
I wasn't quite sure how long I walked down the beach, my boots marring the soft white sand in my wake. Time had passed enough for the sun to be dipping close to the lapping waves of the horizon, bathing the azure sea in hues of red, orange, and purple. If I didn't find shelter soon I'd be having a very miserable and cold night on this beach.
Turning my attention from the beach I scoured the rocky cliffs and crags for any signs of a cave that I could shelter in for the night.
As the sun was bleeding into the waves of the horizon, slowly allowing the night to cover the world in a blanket of darkness, I found a small cave with enough room to allow me to lay down and have a fire near the entrance. It was more of a deep crevice than a cave, but it would have to do. Plants grew around the small opening, blocking most of the wind that whipped along the coastline.
Racing the sun, I went about gathering the driest driftwood I could find. My stomach growled fiercely, twisting inside of me, making me wince as I deposited my small hoard of firewood inside the cave.
Arranging the driftwood and small clumps of dried seaweed into a tiny campfire I lit it with a quick Verfire, then I made my way back down to the beach.
I needed to clean the sand off of my clothes, otherwise, I would find myself raw by the day's end tomorrow.
Feeling oddly self-conscious I glanced around the beach then began to strip off my sand encrusted clothes. I left myself with my surprisingly sand-free undergarments as I stood knee-deep in the chilly water dunking my coat, shirt, and pants. I dunked and scrubbed ferociously until I was sure they were sufficiently devoid of most of the sand. Ringing the clothes out as best as I could manage I dredged my way back to my shelter, spreading my clothes out near the fire to dry.
I was exhausted. I hadn't been this weary in ages. Leaning my back against the wall I felt my eyes slip closed. Though the rock was hard, my body and mind no longer cared as I drifted away into my dreams.
I awoke to the sound of shuffling outside, nearby the cave entrance. I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and saw that my fire had burned down to a gentle glow, the wood was barely more than glowing red crispy charcoal. The noise of footsteps drew closer and I struggled to put on my pants and shirt. My hand itched for my rapier, but I was certain I could defend myself using only my magic.
"Hello? Might there be someone there? " an old man's voice called out. I could now see a faint lantern glow just outside. "I spotted your campfire from my fishing boat. Don't normally get any campers out this-a-way so figured I'd check to make sure. "
Pulling on my jacket I said, "Thank The Twelve. Yes, I was on a ship when a terrible storm hit us. It ripped our ship apart. I know not if anyone else has made it. "
Crawling out of my small cave I was met by a sun-tanned, wizened Hyur with a wild shock of white hair. He held a rusted and creaky lantern in his right hand, which surprisingly didn't shake, despite his advanced age.
"Ooch. I heard about that yesterday. You've been out here a spell. Let's get back to my boat and we can head for Limsa Lominsa's port. "
Turning he began making his way back down the rocky incline to the beach where a small dingy was pulled ashore. I followed him, careful to be prepared to catch him or help him down the roughshod path, even though he was more sure-footed than I.
"You're probably ravenous after two days...I believe I've got some salted anchovies in my cabinet... along with a Lominsan red, which will get you warmed up, " the elderly fisherman rambled.
"T-two days you said? Please sir, was there news of other survivors? " I begged as we halted next to the dingy.
Helping me into the small vessel he paused thoughtfully, "Hm. Hm...perhaps, not entirely sure. Big fuss in Limsa about some warrior or 'nother. I do know they found some poor souls in the harbor. Sadly they were already gone. I don't get back into the city as much as I used to though so I could have gotten my information wrong. My apologies girl, but I'm sure there are others that made it. " Giving the dingy a nudge he crawled into the boat with a heavy grunt then set about maneuvering the oars to take us alongside his small fishing boat.
Hundreds of terrible scenarios played out in my mind as we managed to get ourselves and the small rowboat back secured on the deck. Seeing my expression the old man grimaced and quickly led me below deck to the small eating nook. Sitting me down on a ratty, but padded bench, he busied himself grabbing two dented metal cups, a wine bottle, and a few hardtack biscuits.
"Must have forgotten to pack those anchovies. Here, " setting the assortment down on the peeling paint on the aged table, he poured the Lominsan red in each of our cups. He watched me out of the corner of his eyes as I mechanically drank the wine in a few gulps.
"Make sure you eat, girl. I need to get this creaky old boat turned to Limsa or we'll not get there tonight. " Starting up the stairs with his cup of wine he paused on the second step, "Might you...have someone waiting for you in Limsa? "
Finding my voice, as a tear slipped down my cheek, I spoke softly, "I hope so. "
The fishing boat made it safely to the large port in Galadion Bay, roughly an hour after the sun had set. I had learned that my savior was named Jozef and once I introduced myself he was taken aback that he had rescued the famous Warrior of Light. Before disembarking I left a large handful of gil wrapped in a napkin below deck on his rickety galley table. Throwing my arms around his skinny torso I thanked him profusely once more and he told me to think nothing of it.
I watched a few moments while he steered his little fishing boat out of the harbor, then I bolted for the nearest travel aetheryte which was in Fisherman's Bottom. My intent was to check with Baderon- the proprietor of The Drowning Wench- for any news or information about survivors from the wreck, since sailors and traders alike all frequented the tavern.
Walking quickly across the bridge from the Aftecastle to the tavern, I scanned the faces of the patrons, until my eyes landed on the wide and inviting face of Baderon.
"Ho! Fox! It's been ages and you look as though Leviathan just spat you out. " Baderon greeted loudly as I drew close to the impeccably clean counter.
"Nice to see you, too. What news do you have of the shipwreck from Kugane? "
Scratching his stubbled chin Baderon picked up a glass and began buffing it with a cloth. "Well 'Cuddas picked up some floaters from the bay yesterday. Others have told me about incidents in Moraby and Aleport. Had a few survivors come in on a banged-up lifeboat two days ago. Don't tell me... "
Sighing I nodded, "Yes. I was on that ship, as was my companion and chocobo. Tall blonde Xaela goes by the name of Nar- "
"Rayah... "
That name...my name...
Coming from lips I knew more intimately than my own. Is this what a lightning strike felt like? My body was alive and numb with shock at once. Perhaps I was actually on the cusp of dying on that lonesome beach and my mind was desperately conjuring a daydream to distract myself.
Turning on a dime I saw Naran, standing at the entrance of the Mizzenmast Inn, looking lost and tired. Dark circles bruised the delicate skin below his vibrant red eyes.
Feeling a flush of heat crackle through my body, my legs began moving of their own accord, the shock of numbness burning away.
Am I dying? Is this a dream before the dark embrace of death? Frankly, I don't give a damn...
Crashing into Naran's embrace our lips met, like two infernos twisting and blending into one furious wildfire. I dimly heard the gasps of shock and disbelief at our display.
"Hey! Get a room! " Baderon yelled good-naturedly, and it was like I finally awoke from a dream. I realized that Naran truly was here, in this crowded tavern.
Pulling away, I saw Naran flush, reflecting my own embarrassment. Grabbing his hand I pulled him out of the crowded tavern and into the less busy upper thoroughfares.
Slipping down into the mid-deck near the tavern I found a quiet area, that lacked any more judging eyes. I was sure my antics would be spread around town before the end of the night. My face and title were commonplace in Limsa, and I was unsure how the public would react to my transgression.
I could deal with that new issue later. Right now I felt that I was going to shatter into a million pieces.
"I was terrified that- " I said as soon as Naran said, "I thought I'd lost you- "
I couldn't help the smile that broke across my face even as tears ran freely down my cheeks.
"Oh, Dusk Mother... I've made her cry again... "
Pulling me against his chest, I cried, soaking his tunic, as he cradled me. He slid us, down the white stones behind us, into a sitting position. I know not how long we held each other. Long enough for both our tears to dry and the sniffles to abate.
"It would be my luck that the one time I'm crossing the ocean, boasting how nothing has gone wrong, that everything goes wrong, " I chuckled humorously.
Feeling as well as hearing his chuckle, Naran just continued to run his fingers through my hair. Looking up I saw that he was resting his head back against the wall. Despite the lack of sleep and tears, his face now appeared peaceful, his youth breaking free of the pain and stress of the past few days.
"Come. Let's go get a room at the inn, " I said softly, shifting my weight off of him to stand.
Ruby eyes met mine in the dark, the soft glow of those fiery depths sent a shiver down my spine. Holding out a hand I helped him up and we made our way back up to the tavern. The crush of people had diminished to a handful of the more dedicated patrons. Baderon watched us enter, his eyes flickering briefly to our entwined hands, but he said nothing, just giving me a curt nod as he went back to his business.
Walking to the entrance of the inn Naran addressed Mytesyn the innkeeper, "May I have the key to my room, please? "
Looking back and forth between the two of us the large cheerful Roegadyn looked put off by our display. Before Mytesyn could utter a word, Baderon spoke up, "Aye boy. Let them through Syn. That's the Warrior of Light after all... she's done much for Limsa and more for Eorzea than either of us old mercenaries could imagine. "
We all looked over at Baderon stunned. The scuff of metal against wood drew my attention as Mytesyn slid a bronze key across the counter towards Naran.
Squeezing my hand, Naran bowed then took the key without a word. He led us through the spiraling corridors through the Mizzenmast to his room.
A few gentle lamps were lit inside the ample sized room. I had stayed at the inn a few times before, so I knew what to expect. I eyed the spacious bed, as Naran bolted the door. My bones ached with exhaustion.
I turned to face Naran. He stood leaning against the door, his eyes practically glued to me, though the set of his shoulders told me of his own bone-deep weariness. Stepping forward I slipped my hands into his, pulling him from the door towards the bed. Mixed emotions flickered across his face and I couldn't help but chuckle.
"Sleep, my love. " I said, smiling, "We shall see one another in the morning. "
"I don't know if I can face my dreams just yet. My mind is still having trouble with the reality that you are safe and with me once more. "
The pain in his voice broke my heart. This journey had already tainted him. Not for the first time did I curse my lot in life, as the manifestation of Hydaelyn's light. It had a bad habit of hurting the ones I loved.
Pulling him into the bed with me, I helped strip him of his clothes down to his undergarments, and I did the same to myself. Pulling the clean smelling sheets up I cuddled against him.
"Do not worry... I'll be here in the morning. You must sleep, we both should, " I mumbled against his bare chest.
Naran planned a kiss on my hair and after a few minutes, I could hear his soft snores. Smiling to myself I snuggled closer, breathing in his scent as I drifted to sleep.
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Hey there everyone! So sorry it's taken me forever to get this chapter out. I had some difficulties with motivation for this chapter and the next. Plus I really wanted to get a chapter ahead but alas, I failed in my endeavor. I appreciate you all for your patience, you guys are amazing!