( AU time :grins: I like these. I have such fun imagining them in different situations..)
"Hey sweetie, how are you feeling?"
The woman in the bed smiled slightly, considering it. "A little better. The doctors say I can go home tomorrow, as long as I promise to not even think about going back to work for a few weeks.."
"Good. What you really need is to go somewhere where the air's nice and clear, somewhere you can get your strength back. The city's not the best place to recover."
She nodded, gazing out of the window at the grimy streets. Though she loved her home, she knew her friend was right. A few weeks ago she'd come down with a particularly nasty bout of 'flu, developing a bad cough and fever that had lasted a week. She had tried to ignore it, taking cold medications and hiding her flushed cheeks under makeup, but not long afterwards her friends had found her passed out at her desk and rushed her to hospital. And she'd been here ever since. "That's what they said, that the traffic fumes would make my cough worse. They only took me off the ventilator a week ago..."
"Which is why I'd say a holiday is in order. Somewhere far away. The coast, the countryside, perhaps even somewhere up north. No work, just relaxation.."
"Up north sounds nice.." She'd always loved the snow, and perhaps mountain air would do her some good. No traffic, no crowds of people, just miles of snow and beautiful scenery...it sounded perfect. "Yes. I could learn how to ski.."
Erica grinned and ruffled her hair. "No overdoing it. If you go up there, you go up there to take it easy."
"Where would I stay?"
"Most of these resort places have little cabins and chalets scattered about. Pick one that's in a nice out of the way spot, settle in and relax. Sleep in, potter about, and remember to eat well.."
Murrue made a face. "Yes mom."
After her friend had gone the young woman climbed out of bed and wandered over to the window, one slim hand placed on the glass. This time of year saw grey skies and almost constant rain - never good for the spirits or the health. Even before she'd started feeling the 'flu symptoms she'd been tired and rundown, depressed by the weather. Somewhere up north in the snow, with bright sunny days and crisp air...now that sounded much better.
I'll go there. Somewhere I can get away from the rain and the smoke...somewhere I can get well.
It was beautiful. Amber eyes wide she stared all around herself, breath coming out in clouds on the still, cold air. It had been years since she'd seen snow, and she'd certainly never seen this much. It stretched all around for miles in every direction, sparkling white under the bright blue sky. It was cold, very cold, but the air, just as she'd hoped, was fresh and clear. Setting down her little bag just inside the tiny cabin she'd rented she sat down on a bench outside and just enjoyed the scenery. Erica had made sure she'd be warm enough, acting like the mother she was as she'd wrapped her up in several layers of clothing. "Make sure you call me when you get settled in, okay?"
Leaning down Murrue patted at the deep snow with a mittened hand. This place seemed perfect. Quiet, far enough away from the main ski resort so she wouldn't be bothered, and a wonderful view. The cabin perched on a little outcropping overlooking a village in the valley below...it looked like a picture postcard. With a grin she made her way back to the cabin, resolving to explore it thoroughly before coming back to sit out here with a mug of cocoa. I bet the sunsets are fantastic from up here...
"Eeeeeeeeeeeeeee!"
"There he is!!"
Aw dammit! Shouldering his snowboard and tugging the black wool cap he wore further around his ears he pretended he hadn't noticed them. He'd come out here to the quietest resort he'd been able to find, worn a hat and dark glasses...and he'd still been spotted. What do I have to do to get a break around here? Steadfastly ignoring the squealing girls he jogged up toward the skilift. If he was to be completely honest, he didn't normally mind all the attention. His status as an Olympic snowboard champion meant he was paid thousands of dollars in endorsements, never had to make reservations at restaurants, and could have his pick of any girl. So no, it wasn't that bad.
Except when he wanted to be left alone.
With some careful lookouts and a few moments of hiding behind a pillar while the squadron of girls thundered past, he finally made his way to the lift and hopped aboard, breathing a sigh of relief as he was swept up into the cold afternoon air. Mean of me, I know, but damn...
He'd planned this in advance - to find the most remote, out-of-the-way slope he could, where there would be far less chance of recognition, and just have fun. Because while to some extent he enjoyed the fuss and fame, he enjoyed the snow much more. He loved the feel of it, the way it crackled beneath his feet, the way it sounded under the snowboard. Today he wasn't under scrutiny, didn't have to worry about being watched...he could cut loose. As the lift reached the top of the slope he carried his board through the trees to a place he'd found the other day.
No-one ever comes up here - it's too steep for most of the skiers... But for him, it was just right. Snapping the board onto his feet he took off down the slope, his whoops of delight echoing over the snow.
The sound surprised her - she hadn't expected anyone to be up here. The receptionist had assured her when she'd rented the cabin that no-one ever came out this far - the slope was just too steep. "It's not even rated for skiers, so it's very unlikely you'll get anyone bothering you.." But evidently someone thought different. Still holding her mug of cocoa she got up and glanced up the slope, curious as to what kind of skier would come out this far.
As it turned out it was a snowboarder, and a good one. The figure, clad in a purple and silver skisuit and black hat, made it look easy, swooping over the pristine snow with more yells as he made his way down the mountain. Smiling a little Murrue sat down on the bench outside to watch more comfortably - she didn't mind being disturbed so much that she'd spoil this person their fun, and besides...they managed to spoil it themselves quite nicely. As they swept past they glanced over and noticed her - and promptly fell over, toppling head-over-heels and halfway down the mountain before coming to a stop.
"Owwww..."
"Are you all right?"
Now I haven't done that in a while... Almost always when he was boarding he tuned out the outside world, concentrating only on the snow and himself. But today... He'd come past the little cabin the day before and it had been closed up (most tourists preferred to stick to the hotel or main village) now there was someone here...and what a someone. As he lay trying to get his bearings he heard the crunch of snow as they ran over to him, then found himself staring up into the face of the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen. "Are you all right?" she repeated
I am now... "Uhhh..yeah. Sorry.." Not wanting to look like too much of a dork he sat up and shook the snow from his hair before unstrapping the snowboard. The girl watched quietly, holding out a hand to help him to his feet, and even smiled a little. Adrenaline hitting his system like a shot of espresso at the expression he fairly jumped to his feet - and almost fell over again as pain rocketed up his ankle. "Ow! Dammit!"
"Did you hurt yourself?"
"It'll be okay, it doesn't feel like it's broken. If I walk on it it should get better.." The girl nodded and slipped an arm around his back to provide support, helping him over to the bench outside her cabin. Despite the pain, Mwu found himself grinning like an idiot...this almost made a twisted ankle worth it. As they walked (well, limped) he stole glances at his mystery girl, hoping she wouldn't notice. "Am I too heavy?"
"No, it's okay.." But she didn't look okay. Her face was paper-white, and she seemed to be having trouble breathing, her free hand clutched to her chest. Concerned he stopped, studying her carefully.
"You're not okay, are you? Are you sick?"
The girl didn't say anything, just looked at her feet, but that told him all he needed to know. People coming up here to recover from illness wasn't unusual - the air up here was purer than anywhere else he'd ever been. That must be why this girl was here., but if she was sick, why had she helped him? With a smile, and a rush of protectiveness that was entirely unexpected, he ignored the pain from his ankle and scooped her up in his arms...much to her surprise.
"What are you doing?"
"You need help more than I do right now." Ignoring her protests he carried her slowly over to the bench outside the cabin and set her down, pressing the mug of still-hot cocoa back in her mittened hands. "Now sit still and get your breath back."
"Are you feeling all right?"
Mwu grinned and rotated his ankle. "Just fine. I just twisted it a bit is all. Thanks for the help."
The girl nodded and smiled again, taking a sip of her drink. "You're welcome. Did you trip?"
He rubbed the back of his neck at the gentle question, thoroughly embarrassed. "Yeah I guess I did. Thought I was better than that.." To his delight the girl giggled, the sweet sound causing him to blush more. "Aw c'mon..."
"Are you a clumsy person?"
"Not usually.." I've boarded some of the toughest courses in the world without breaking a sweat, but all this girl has to do is look at me and I can't even stand up straight. What the hell's wrong with me?
Murrue smiled, breathing in the scent from her cocoa. Her clumsy new friend wandered across the terrace in front of the cabin seemingly trying to work out the last of the ache from his ankle. He was certainly an unusual person, but a very genuine one, and he had helped her... Getting to her feet she walked into the cabin and flicked on the tiny kettle, adding hot chocolate powder to another mug.
"Whatcha doing?"
"Making you a drink. You like hot chocolate?" He nodded, pushing the mirrored goggles he wore up on his head and peeking around the kitchen. He had a rather boyish face, tanned from the sun and framed by blonde hair, and bright blue eyes - very handsome in fact. Pouring hot water into the mug she set it on the table and closed the door when he walked in to keep the kitchen warm.
"Are you feeling better now?"
She nodded with a smile. "Thank you." She hadn't expected him to carry her like that, and to say she'd been surprised was an understatement. The breathlessness had caught her off guard, the tightness in her chest acutely painful. The doctors said I'd have this problem for a while, and nothing but time and rest would make it better... "Sorry."
"For what? It's not your fault." He took a swig of his cocoa and grinned up at her, the expression so sunny it seemed to light up the room more than the approaching dusk. "If you're sick, you can't do anything about it. What's wrong anyway? If you don't mind me asking, that is.."
"I had 'flu. A pretty bad strain of it, and it's taking me a long time to get over it. A few weeks here though, and I'm sure I'll be all right."
"Won't you be lonely this far out?"
"Better than someone else catching it. And I like peace and quiet."
"Would you mind company?"
"Hmm?"
The man beamed again. "I could swing by sometimes and see if you're okay. Would you mind?"
Murrue blinked, surprised once again by this odd person. "N-no, I wouldn't mind.." She spoke without really thinking, remembering too late she knew nothing about the man. "That is, if you tell me your name at least.."
This time he was the one to blink. "Uhh...oh yeah. Sorry. My name is Mwu. Mwu La Fllaga." He rubbed the back of his neck again. "I forgot to introduce myself huh? Sorry if I made a bad impression.."
"You didn't. I wasn't expecting you to fall over like that, but you didn't make a bad impression. You need to get better at snowboarding though.." He laughed at that, the merry sound echoing around the tiny kitchen.
"Yes, I probably do. Thank you for the chocolate, and the advice, Miss..."
"Murrue Ramius."
He nodded. "Miss Murrue." Donning the goggles again he retrieved his snowboard and left the cabin with a last smile, leaving her confused, but feeling better than she had. And here I thought this holiday wouldn't be an interesting one. He's the most interesting person I ever met.
I think I'm going to enjoy this.
( whee fun. I just like Mwu wiping out.
please read and review! )