|
KABOOM! Fire everywhere! Sitara screamed and fell back from the force of the explosion. Frightened senseless as she was, everything happening was taken in with a new level of clarity. She watched Trias pat out flames dancing on his shoulder and several of the guards screaming and flailing as the flame put their bodies into its intense rhythm.
Trias took her hand and commanded that she follow. She stood obediently; not like she had much choice. Though when she saw him heading straight for the flames she cried out, struggling against him. He proved to be stronger and held fast to her hand pulling her in. Her terrified cries grew then her eyes dropped shut. Sitara knew they were in the midst of the flames and yet...there was no pain. No pain at all. The heat was thick, but survivable. How...? She pealed her eyes open. The fire was there for sure, but it's wild, all consuming dance was held back. The flames licked all around them, but never close enough to touch their skin. Something was protecting them. Was it Nikita? Trias? They passed through the fire and Trias released Sitara to sit by Nikita. She watched him intensely as he preformed his healing on her, giving her the energy to keep moving. When he had finished, Sitara could feel a small and slight shift on her face--to which she felt around her nose. After looking at Trias, she understood. He looked like his normal self again, so she too must look. She could also see the grey exhaustion about the bard's face and grew concerned. But there wasn't time for that. Trias was right, they had to move for now their lives truly depended on it. Silently the started off. There wasn't time to think or plan, just act and watch for the best path to take. They ran to the edge of the roof and jumped it. Nikita landed with her usual poise, Trias with a bit less grace, and Sitara by the hair of teeth. They found no safe way off the roof, so where forced to jump to the next house. This one was only single story so was safer to jump from. Sitara clutched onto Trias's hand just before and closed her eyes praying that she live through it. She landed into a roll, instigated by her bard friend, and thereby saved her legs from a lot of damage. Back on the ground, they took off sprinting. The West gate was only yards away, and now because of the ruckus behind them, completely unmanned. The Gods seemed to be pouring mercy out on them now as they were running home free. Not a soul noticed them in their final mad dash, adrenaline-induced scramble up over the gate and out the other side into the dark forest night. The group didn't stop here, all silently agreeing to sprint as far away as their legs would carry them. They ran, carried by their own fear and potent will to live, for another handful of minutes until Sitara tripped over herself in exhaustion. The other two slowed down to a stop, looking back to make sure she'd gotten up. Sitara looked back behind her. Back to the only home she knew. Her eyes widened in shock and fear. Nikita's fire and spread to the original one down by the guard's houses. Both were mingling and feeding off each other, spreading their power to every building in their path. They all stood watching quietly as the town began to burn to the ground. |
Nikita muttered a word or two under her breath before she turned and looked at the two she had fled with. If one was to have looked at Nikita's face, they would have seen a tired, almost desperate yet resolute demeanor. The energy freely given to her from Trias was dwindling, and she knew it, and also that this was a bad place to possibly pass out in. A frown graced her face, This was not how this night was supposed to go down. I should be back in my room sleeping through those perverts burning. Her gaze turned towards the former slave girl, watching her town burn. Hesitantly she stepped back to the girl. "This was not my intention."
The fire woman reached out to the girl, letting her hand rest on her shoulder. Surprise or not, her hand was cool or at least not scorching to the touch. "You're a strong girl, believe me, only the strong can live under as harsh of conditions as you did." She paused. "I'm sorry that this happened tonight." |
Trias shook his head while looking back towards the town, his face appeared as tired as Nikita's though his stature gave an appearance that he had a little more left in his reserves.
"I wish I did not have to leave that man to die, but being a guard he should have been ready to accept such things.", Trias said while gazing at the town which glowed lightly with fire. Attempting to think of something supportive to say as well Trias opened his mouth, but was quick to close it. There was not much he had to say... "Food anyone?", Trias asked as he retrieved three bread rolls, some jerky, and a wine bottle from his pack and offered one to each of his companions, "Let us eat on the go, we have not time to spare. I doubt they will get their act together to search for us today, but you can bet they will start by tomorrow." |
Even from this distance, Sitara could feel the heat of that fire on her face. Though it became the only thing she could feel. She had become completely numb through and through from the shock of it all. She was crying but she wouldn't ever know. And though her two companions spoke, Nikita even placing a hand on her should, she made no reaction. It was a while before she stopped staring.
Sitara turned around, glanced at Nikita then walked over to Trias. She took a roll from his hand, shoved it in her mouth and continued walking. Whether they came with her or not didn't matter to her now. All she knew was her home was gone and there was no turning back. |
Trias decided to say nothing instead of attempt to console her and fail. So in almost complete silence they continued onward in a pace much slower than before. Nikita wolfed down most of her food quickly, while Trias continued taking small bites out of his. They passed around the wine a couple times, which was actually premium stuff.
A good almost two hours into their walking Nikita just about collapsed; that is when Trias decided that it must be time to set up camp. He took care of the warding spells for tonight, draining him of more energy, as Nikita laid down on the ground and was fast asleep. With the fire at a good roar, and Trias pretty much exhausted, him and Sitara now sit watching the fire. |
Sitara sat with her knees up by her chin, staring at the camp fire. Her face expressionless, her mind dwelt on the irony of them running from one fire only to end up starting another. Though, even she would admit that it was not only necessary, it had a different feel...different attitude about it. Like her new friend Nikita, the flame had about it different levels of temper. And these could shift between these moods in a matter of an instant. Right now, the camp fire shared the somber state of its counterparts. It's dance calm, almost still.
Sitara sighed burying her face in her arms and knees. She remained this way for a while until several minutes later her face reemerged. The girl glanced to the side keeping her head propped up on her knees, and watched the fire woman sleep. Nikita's usual radiance was dimmed, making her seem much more like a normal woman. How could something so powerfully destructive look so gentle? Sitara knew that this woman was a large part of why her home was now crumbling into an ash heap, probably along with many of the people she knew. In all honesty, if it weren't for Nikita, Hommel would still be business as usual right now. Though, if it weren't for the fire wielder, Sitara may not be free...maybe not even alive...right now. This extreme conflict welled inside the girl, rendering her unable to decide if she loved or hated the woman. She wasn't happy with her right now to say the least. But she didn't want to think about it anymore; not right now anyway. Trias shifting a bit called her attention toward him. Her honey-amber eyes lifted up towards him. As she stared at him, the flames created a golden cast within her eyes only intensifying their usual (odd) brilliance. "Can I have some wine please?" Sitara asked. |
He had been watching Sitara, closely examining the things she looked at and what she did in an attempt to read her mood. It was an easy read, sadness, no depression filled her. She was probably dwelling on thought of what probably was the only thing she knew as home, now burning far away from where they are now.
When asked for wine Trias blinked and jumped as if awaken from sleep suddenly, "Wine? Yes wine of course." Taking up the bottle he walked over to where Sitara sat, and took a seat next to her. Uncorking the bottle Trias handed it to her; he watched what she would do next, he kind of figured that she just might chug some of it but he hoped that he was wrong. |
Sitara fingered the bottle some hesitating. Trias wasn't far from the truth, she had originally wanted to drown herself in it. Though now she wasn't so sure. She stared at the wine bottle, brushing its label with her thumb. This was one of the last pieces of her home. One of the last things she had that connected her to her few memories of her mother, the only real family she ever had. And suddenly, that bottle became the most precious thing she'd ever held.
Her vision watered as hot pricks stung her weary eyes. She did nothing to hold back the tears, giving way to small sobbings. With a quick motion, she threw a sip of the rich liquid into her mouth then clutched the bottle close. Swallowing too fast, Sitara coughed roughly in reaction. But this was quickly covered by her crying. She pushed her face back under the cover of her knees, still holding the bottle close, and let herself cry her heart out. |
Trias inched closer to Sitara before wrapping his arms around her. For a long while he simply let her cry. He figured it was good for her to physically release her sadness.
"I know that we probably just left everything behind that you call home. But home should never be a place where you are treated so terribly. Home should be a place where happy memories exceed sad ones in a ratio of one to five at least. Can you honestly say that your home was a source of great happiness for you?", Trias paused for a few seconds before continuing, "You will always carry those few happy memories with you that you do have of Hommel. Think of this as a chance to build new memories and experience the joys of life that you have undoubtedly been denied by slavery. I am not asking you to forget, but instead to look forward at all the new possibilities in front of you." Withdrawing one of his hands, Trias kept one arm around Sitara. He awaited for what she would say to this, what she would do. |
Sitara continued to cry, even into Trias's speech of encouragement. She didn't stop until several minutes later, which rendered her unable to answer him. After these minutes passed, the girl seemed to be calming down a bit. She made a weak attempt to speak.
"It's--!...It's all..nnhh!" She cut off getting choked up in her grief again. A new wave of sorrow ripped through her and she took off wailing once more. This time she threw herself onto Trias, gripping his tunic as tight as she could and hiding her face in his chest. Clinging to him, Sitara cried until she could feel herself growing weary from it. Amidst these sobbings were her continued, yet sporadic attempts at speaking. "It's--all I...I..." "All I!...had left..." Finally, she burst out, "She's gone! She's!!...She's gone!" and tightened her hold on the bard's clothing and pressed against him harder. At this point, her level of intensity almost doubled for a little while, but subsided back down. "Mom!" She whispered, a desperate plea. |
Seeing her like this... is just... terrible., Trias thought to himself as wrapped his other arm around Sitara to once again complete the embrace.
Trias did not have to think of what to say next, "Your mother is not gone, she is with you and always will be. You have memories and feelings that exist in your heart for her and she is in the stars even now, continuing to watch over you." He paused for a second to collect his thoughts before continuing, "Leaving that place is what your mother would have wanted. With your free will restored to you, and the life of a slave behind you I am sure your mother could not be happier. She will be right there with you, safe within your heart, experiencing all the new joys you will find in life now that you are free." Trias gave Sitara a reassuring squeeze after his little speech was completed and a smile formed on his face. He felt that his words would only help the situation, and he knew within himself what he spoke was true. |
Sitara simply buried herself into Trias's embrace as her grieving carried on. Though his words had some affect on her, it would take a while for her to calm back down. Weariness was what finally got her to slow down and start to take deep breaths.
Once she had regained some of her composure, Sitara looked up at the bard with her hot, tear stained face. Her honey-amber eyes still rippled with anguish ready to spill at a moment's notice. She stared into his blue eyes as if searching for something. "Why? Why couldn't I save her?" Sitara sobbed, new tears streaming down her face. "Now she's gone again! Why couldn't I?!" |
Trias continued to comfort her best he could during her continued crying. He held her gaze when their eyes met, he could see that searching look on her face.
"She is not gone again, you simply left the place that you associated her with. What you need to do is live for her. The past matters not, and I am sure that your mother is very glad you are alive today. Attempting to help her in what little way you could probably would have resulted in both of you dying that day.", Trias explained, in an another attempt to console her. |
Sitara nodded. She knew he was right, but the pain was too fresh to really acknowledge it. Replacing her head on his chest, she sighed. A moment later, she yawned. Tiredness was setting in. She closed her eyes and let herself just breath. In and out, deep breathes. Before she could realize it, Sitara had fallen asleep on him.
|
Tears awoke Nikita. There, with her eyes closed she listened to the girl wail, and the bard console. This isn't what I wanted. This mantra continued to echo through the fire lady's head. Realizing that the entire tragedy of this night was her fault, why can't I keep my temper under control? she kept her mouth shut, not sure that if she spoke to the girl if she would upset her more. So she played sleep, trying to not make or open any more wounds tonight.
|
After noticing she was asleep Trias slowly leaned back until the two were laying down. A few minutes passed in which Trias groped for the blanket he had laid out. Finally he reached it and pulled it over to rest on top of the two.
Looking to his bedroll which was already laid out Trias decided to talk in just above a whisper, "Nikita... Hey... Do you want my bedroll. I can't reach it but you are welcome to sleep on it. That is... if you are still awake." With that he lowered his head back down on the hard earth, and sleep took him quickly. The exhausted Trias soon began to inhale and exhale deeply to provide visual confirmation that he was indeed asleep. |
At Trias's invitation, Nikita crawled over to the offered bed roll. "Thanks." She whispered back to him, before settling back down to sleep, completely wrapping up in the roll. After becoming comfortable she dozed off to sleep.
|
Peaceful, healing dreams coursed through Sitara's sleeping mind. Her body lay upon Trias completely relaxed. Then slowly, something like a distant song began to rouse her. The first thing she noticed was the smell. The air had a sweetness about it, crisp like dew kissed grass and soft like lavender. Sitara took a deep breath, soaking in the inviting scent. Her eyes regained their focus and noticed that she lay on her bard friend. She wasn't sure why but figured that for the moment why didn't matter.
Sitting up, Sitara slowly started to take in more of her surroundings. The first thing she noticed was that they weren't in the woods anymore. They appeared to be inside a sort of room, and yet it was like no other room she had ever seen. The walls seemed to be made from hundreds of branches--or maybe roots?--all twisted together into a solid interlocking pattern which slowly tapered off up into the ceiling. Now the ceiling was far to high up to see, lost completely in the shadows. Along the strange walls were small diamond shaped openings that let in the early golden rays of sunrise. The rest of the 'room' was made up with odd furnishings, all of which retained the same feel and style of the walls--all earthy and organic. It she didn't know better, Sitara would have guessed that all of the room was literally twisted out of still living plants and trees. Then she saw that Trias and herself were laid upon a luxurious queen sized bed in the middle of this earthen room. Where on earth were they? Sitara stretched her arms up over her head. The motion of her arms flashed a strange view of shimmering color passed the corner of her eye. She looked down at her person with a gasp. She was no longer wearing her usual slave frock. Instead, her attire had been replaced by the finest looking silken robe her eyes had ever set on. Why, it was fit for the most noble of Kings! She fingered the soft, smooth fabric and let the sunlight dance over its wonder-inspiring iridescence. It had a purple cast to it, giving it more of a royal feel. Around her neck was a long drape of rich purple fabric that spilled down from over her shoulders to her lower back. Now she really had to wonder... "Where is this place? Did we die? Are we in heaven?" Her questions fell on the wind. She turned to her friend and started to shake him. "Trias! Wake up! Trias!" |
Nikita rolled over in her bed, nearly falling off. This jerked her awake, as she sat straight up. Taking wild glances around, surveying her surroundings. She too was in a room seemingly made from either branches or roots. A little more glancing around and her attention was caught by an iridescent reddish robe in which she was dressed. After closer inspection she realized it was silk. "Alright."
She got up from the twin sized bed from which she nearly fell, and then found that she wasn't even wearing her boots anymore. Instead she had on red slip on shoes. She looked at them for a moment before she gave a shrug and went to the room's edge, peering through one of the many gaps between tree. Though there was light streaming through the gaps, she mainly saw massive trees, and a path that led to her room, and around other trees. Walking over to the room's door, she gave it a little push. At her touch the door opened, and she stepped out. Looking back at her room she realized that it was actually made of a massive tree, specifically its roots. Once Nikita was completely out of the room, the door closed behind her automatically. Now she was alone on the path, so she began to wander, picking a direction at random. The path indicated that there was another room right next door and so she stopped, and tried the door. It too opened with barely a push, revealing a large bed. Sitara was there on the bed, trying to wake Trias. Sitara robed in purple and the bard under covers. "Hey." |
It took a little shaking but Trias finally started to stir. He yawned sleepily and opened his eyes to see a blurry image of Sitara shaking him and telling him to wake. Trias did not think he would wake up so rested after sleeping all night on the ground.
After his eyes adjusted Trias had to rub them once, and then twice. They were no longer in the forest! Somehow they had gotten into some kind of room. Trias sat up, and noticed that he was no longer in his clothes, instead he was wearing a purple robe that had been tied for him around the waist. After taking in more of his surroundings he noticed that Sitara had on something similar, only it seemed his was designed in a simpler fashion. Then Nikita opened their door and greeted them. "Hello.", Trias said back to her, "Do you have a clue what is going on here?" |
Sitara grinned after Trias sat up. This grin grew to the point that she had to curl and chew her lips to retain her mirth from bubbling over. She held it back while he and Nikita greeted each other. Then it spilled out with a long snort of giggles. Her giggle fit carried on, as all her attempts to collect herself failed.
|
Trias gave Sitara a questioning look at her laughter. When she attempted to collect herself but failed Trias had to inquire to why she was suddenly so close to laughing.
"What is so funny?", he asked Sitara as he attempted to deduce for himself why she was acting like this. |
Sitara grinned again still giggling. She tugged at his sleeve a bit.
"Trias! You're wearing a dress!" She squeaked then took off with her laughter again. |
Trias looked down at he was wearing again, to really make sure that he was not wearing a dress.
"This is not a dress.", he explained to Sitara, "It is a robe, an item worn by males or females in order to go to sleep in. Typically the they belong to the wealthy, especially something of this quality." As he explained the robe concept to Sitara he began to become further confused with the situation. Just what were they doing with no clothes on and dressed in these fine garments in a strange yet very nice room. |
"Well I think that the purple looks better on Sitara." Nikita grinned. "I just don't think you can pull it off." As she spoke, she was playing with the hem of her sleeves.
"Where are we?" |
| All times are GMT. The time now is 12:05 AM. |