Stolen Hearts Chapter Eight
The heat made everything in its path long for the shade; the sun was always overhead, as if you might reach up and touch it. Its heat bore down on you, first as a warning and then as a punishment for sins too numerous to count. It burned away any sweet memory of cool waterfalls and crystal ponds in its terrible blaze, and it only increased the tension and discomfort of the two travelers regrettably caught under its unforgiving rays.
"How much further is this place you speak of? I bet you lost your way and just don't want to look stupid, well too late!" Bulma snapped crossly in her throbbing pain that seemed to only increase with each passing moment.
"You are really asking for it aren't you? Keep in mind I'm the one actually doing the work here lugging your helpless mass around! I know this forest like the back of my hand thank you very much and the village is right over this next hill. If you would like to crawl the rest of the way, just let me now and I will be more then happy to comply! You think I enjoy this? I'm simply finishing what is started because I am a man of my Word as difficult as that may be for you to understand. If I throw you over a cliff now this whole ordeal will have been for nothing, and I simply can't do that to my sanity. I admit I was wrong. I should have left you there with the Trolls and you would have made a perfectly terrible queen that would make even Trolls look amiable!" he returned in a venomous tirade, for he was just as irritable in the midday heat and completely ready to let the bitch find her own way.
Bulma noticed with anger that his hands were getting less and less gentle and was ready to unleash her own hell for she had lost all common sense in this weather. If she had been level headed she would have realized that he was on his last string and it would not be wise to push further, but it seems some sort of luck was with her for at that very moment they came upon their sought after 'village'.
Even though it seemed to pop up out of nowhere it was no simple village, but a large center of life, with buildings of all sorts spreading out before them. There were some cleared spots and others were nestled among the trees, forming a labyrinth of structures that would be quite confusing to one who had never been in such a place. Most that were here though were accustomed to this way of life, a life alien to Bulma, and were very comfortable with the surging hubbub of the main town in the vast untamed expanse of Wilderland.
Still to Bulma's eyes the place was extremely rustic. She wondered how so many people could live so primitively, but they all seemed quite fine with it. They did not know of anything better so this place remained their sanctuary, it was far better then the alternative of the wild dark forest. All sorts of creatures bustled about in peaceful coexistence as she was swept up into the disorderly activity when Vegeta plunged onward like a horse nearing the barn. He seemed so relived to almost be rid of her, but Bulma was too wide eyed to take much notice of him.
There was too much going on around them. Bulma had never seen so much life! All sorts of businesses in little hand made wooden or sod structures with inelegantly painted signs were lined along the narrow streets in every open space. They were isolated here so all the creatures thought nothing of the ideas of the outside world, all they knew was that they needed each other to survive in this remote location and that was good enough for them. It was wonderful.
There was a crash and she tuned her head quickly to see a fight breaking out to her left. It was a rough hard place she realized, and she found herself unconsciously pulling herself closer to the man who seemed to fit this element like a glove. He unconsciously pulled her closer, the instinct to protect stronger then his irritation.
Still, everyone seemed happy here Bulma thought. They lived a very rich life, a natural, simple, uncomplicated life. They were free and content, and they needed no money for that. They had an understanding and peace with life that Bulma found herself envious of. It seemed curses didn't find their way here.
"At last!" Vegeta sighed with triumphant relief and Bulma looked up to see a deep purple tent in front of them with torches burning on either side of a wooden sign that read in deep curling letters 'Galatea : Healer and Prophetess.' This structure seemed more elegant then the others, so Bulma figured this woman was one of respect.
They entered and the smell of jasmine, sage, and other indefinable fragrances mixed into the air that swelled around them. Bulma felt instantly calmed. When her eyes adjusted to the low lighting of the tall candles she noticed many strange talismans adorned the crowded room. There was a small table in the corner where many parchments and ancient looking books lay, one open as if begging for eyes to read and learn its hidden secrets.
Just as Bulma was beginning to wonder where this Galatea was a woman appeared beside them. She must have come from an adjoining tent, the folds of the entrance making it invisible, but it was still a shock to Bulma who gave out a startled cry. She was dressed in flowing robes of different material, all shades of purple, and they billowed out around her gracefully, giving the illusion she was floating. There were strange symbols sewn into the fabric that Bulma did not recognize and she carried a staff with a dark shining globe atop it surrounded by spikes. Her dark hair was flowing over her shoulders, tied back in a few places by charms and feathers.
She had an ethereal grace and wisdom about her that demanded awe and respect. She appeared old and young at the same time, ageless. All Bulma knew was that this woman was beautiful beyond compare. Not necessarily from her physical features which were dark and plain, maybe even to some ugly, but she was beautiful because of the aura that surrounded her that was strong and soft, it held deep knowledge and compassion. An ultimate warmth and peace radiated from her eyes. Bulma felt that if this woman wished she could extend her powers and appear to be anything she wished, she could make any eyes believe her to be the most glorious thing in the world.
"Well, if it isn't dear Vegeta, what a pleasant surprised, come in, come in, you look haggard, let me make you some tea, won't you?" her voice was deep and rich with a musical quality that made it the only thing you could pay attention to, drawing you in to an almost hypnotized state at its smoothness. It was the most non-threatening voice there had ever been.
"Let you? Nothing would honor me more my lovely Galatea, I only hope my intrusion does not impose upon you," Vegeta replied with a warmth and respect Bulma had not heard before, and she felt slightly jealous that she was not deemed deserving of that tone.
"Never young one, come, my day has been weary and I should much like to hear your voice. It brings a smile to see your face." She said with pleasant welcoming laughter in her eyes as she finally moved her gaze to Bulma who instantly felt she knew this woman, and that this woman knew more about her then anyone. Bulma was searching in those eyes, searching for anything that might let her understand and accept life a little more, for answers she knew were there hidden in the mysterious depths. She felt disappointed when they moved away to lead them into the adjoining room that appeared more comfortable and lived in, pillows of all sizes and colors piled about.
Bulma let out a deep breath she hadn't know she was holding. It was if she had seen something she shouldn't, and it was taken away from her before she could discover what it was.
They settled themselves on the pillows around the friendly fire that burned in the center of the room. Galatea smiled warmly at them and prepared the tea as she spoke, putting various herbs from small bags that hung from her wait in the folds of her robe into the boiling water. The tea was delicious and exotic and it soothed Bulma greatly as its warmth flowed through her.
"It seems you have some precious cargo today Vegeta. Who is your friend and why is she in such a state? Surly you had nothing to do with it," she said in a voice that gave the impression she knew the answers to her own questions and was merely asking them out of amusement and seeing Vegeta in discomfort.
"No," Vegeta answered with a polite smile, "But then again, you didn't have to ask did you?"
"I suppose not, yet I cannot see everything, no one can. Even those with eyes on the backs of their heads have blind spots," she returned with a laughter sweeter then any sound.
"Well then I shall tell you again, you may be getting rusty in your old age," Vegeta continued teasingly, the tea seemed to have calmed him as well. Bulma was struck to silence, she didn't want to behave improperly in front of Galatea, and it was obvious Vegeta knew her fairly well. She did not know how, they seemed exact opposites, but they were on fairly friendly terms.
"Let me see," Galatea said when Vegeta had finished, "Yes I was worried about this. Unfortunately for this sort of healing I need the Folo flower, and I am fresh out. You know where they grown don't you Vegeta?"
"Oh I see, this is a plot to get me to do gathering for you! You don't mean to send me back out into that inferno do you?" he said, still amiable.
"That is exactly what I intend, I can make you a cooling solace if you like."
"Ok, ok, I will go, the sun surly can do any more damage to me then it already has, and they grow not far from here if I remember right, I should be back within an hour."
"Thank you dear, and I'm sure your Princess will be very thankful as well," she said with another beautiful laugh.
"Mine? I hardly think so, but it seems the wayward Princess has fallen into my temporary care, whether I would like it or not."
"The fates will have it so."
"What is that smile Galatea, is there something you are not telling me?"
"Of course not dear, but this meeting is in no way an unhappy one, now go, the sun is passed its zenith and Bulma has been in this state for long enough."
"You know my name?" Bulma finally spoke as Vegeta dutifully commenced his mission.
"There is not so much in a name, but what lies behind it, that is not so easy to perceive. You have been awfully quiet, you need not fear me. Speak freely my child for I will not reprimand you."
With just that Bulma wanted to pour out her heart and soul to her. All the things she had kept locked away inside bubbled to the surface and she wanted to lay it all out before her so that Galatea could pick out all the bad things and they wouldn't exist anymore.
But she stayed herself. That would be unfair to Galatea who seemed to have bountiful kindness. Another part of her was embarrassed to show her corrupted soul to one so pure.
"I am sorry, I am just weary from all of today's...events. I would like to thank you deeply though, and I am sure my parents will provide you with a substantial sum for your services."
"No need," she said with a wave of a hand as if money were a pesky insect, "I have all I want, but you my child, you have a sadness in your eyes I do not see often. Do not be so hard on yourself Bulma, there is none so good that he has no fault, none so wicked that he is not worth naught."
How could this woman comfort her so with such simple words? Was it the tea? No, this woman was as near to a Goddess as a mortal could be, if only Bulma could grasp even a tiny fragment of her wisdom maybe she wouldn't be so lost.
"Vegeta looks upon you like I have seen him look upon no other. He has not had the most blessed life, the poor dear."
"How do you know him?" Bulma asked eager to know more.
"I have helped him since he was a boy, and healed what wounds I could. He is an old spirit, and a strong one thank goodness. What do you think of Might?"
"Well, he thinks it is the only thing to count on, the only thing which rules this world. Might is there in human nature, you can't cut it out, but maybe you can direct it, so that it is useful instead of bad," Bulma said slowly earning an approving smile from Galatea.
"Yes, I believe he wishes to do that, but can't find something worth fighting for."
Their conversation only increased Bulma's interest in the mysterious Elf. Why had he helped her? Why did he look upon her differently? At first he had been the murderous black ghost of Wilderland, and now? Now she didn't know what to think… Oh it was no use! Nothing could come of it anyway, it only gave her a headache and she did not want pain after her brief escape from its clutches.
Again, as if she heard Bulma's thoughts, Galatea spoke.
"It is much easier to accept failure and be comfortable with it then it is to keep going. People blame destiny, fate, or luck and settle into mediocrity. They lose all the fire in their spirits and smolder in some dark small place drowning their ambitions, hopes, and dreams," she gave Bulma a small smile before she continued.
"I'd like to tell you a story. Two travelers come to a poor couple's house and the couple gave them all the hospitality they could offer, even giving up their own bed so the travelers would be more comfortable. In the morning the poor couple's cow died.
"The next day the travelers came to a rich mans house and he treated them coldly and made them sleep in the barn, barely giving them anything, yet one of the travelers offered to fix his wall for him. The other could not understand this so the first explained. The poor man's wife was destined to die that night, but because of their kindness the gods took the cow instead of the wife. In the rich man's broken wall treasure was hidden and if he had fixed it himself he would have found it."
"You see Bulma, not all is as it seems, you can't get hung up on the surface, the truth lies beneath. What may appear to be good or bad may not be so. Sometime we won't understand but we must not ask why only trust that it will work out in the end. We must always strive to be kindly regardless, for we never know when it could change our destiny."
AN: Not much happened in that chapter, but a lot was said. Hope it wasn't too boring but there is some stuff to think about. Thanks for reading, Please review