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Destination
A knock echoed on the door, it opened and footsteps strode inside, Saphiras soft breathing broke the silence, the quilts under her slightly ruffled, her hair lay around her like a fan. Eldor sighed and stood by her side, he didn't want to disturb her, she looked so peaceful and happy. He admired the sunlight which peeked through the porthole, catching the shine of her hair, it made her cheeks look rosier and her skin more softer. He wanted to touch her hair, or run his hand down her face to see if she was real. He sat on the bed next to her, her eyelashes flickered open.
"Hey." he smiled down at her as she awakened, groggily she smiled back she stretched her legs and arms, her sapphire eyes sparkled when she noticed it was Eldor. She sat up and with a sudden burst of energy leapt on him, knocking him backwards on the bed. She hugged him to her, he lay there shocked, he didn't expect that to happen;
" Thank you!" she whispered leaning close to his ear, she felt his heart hammering against hers. She sat up leaving him sprawled on the edge of the bed, he sat up teetering on the edge he grinned and opened his mouth, and fell backwards off the bed.
Saphira laughed out loud, she leapt off the bed and landed at his side, he was laughing, it was a warm laugh it made Saphira tingle up her spine, he looked at her, and they both laughed. Saphira clutched her sides, Eldor lay there exhausted with laughter, Saphira lay next to him and he looked over at her; "Come on, i promised i'd introduce you to the crew," he slowly stood up and shook his hair into place, he hauled her up by his side and placed his arm round her shoulders. She looked up at his face and he smiled down at her, that smile whipped around her, it lit up her wildest fantasy's, was she falling for him? "No!" she thought, "That's impossible. But only if Shade was like that, maybe then we'd get along." Her mind wandered asking questions only the all-knowing would answer.
"Come on." he urged waking her from the trance, he twitched her towards the door, "It's nearly lunch, lets get you out before grumpy Shade gets back." He grinned broadly and lead her eagerly out of the door.
They wandered through the corridors, their arms interlocked with one another, smiling as if there was no tomorrow. Eldor looked as if he wanted to say something but the words wouldn't come, he led her throughout the maze, he looked down at her, she smiled happily, he had to tell her, soon.
"You know," he stopped and Saphira looked up at him confused, " Shade, he might know you, it is just a thought but, well maybe you are the one he has been searching for." He paused and looked down at her unknowing face, "Meet me tonight, and then we can talk, privately. You can tell me who you are and why you left Aesop, and then i'd answers you wish to know." Saphira looked up at him, her eyes connected with him she smiled and nodded, his face grew into a grin, "Meet me on the deck when the moon is nigh." He linked her arm and they carried on. They wandered for five minutes until they came to a pair of double doors. Eldor scoffed and looked down and met her eyes, "Er don't tell anyone about our meeting, and definitely don't mention me falling off the bed."
Saphira giggled and nodded, Eldor smiled and pushed open the door.
The sun shimmered in her greeting, voices as loud as thunder rolled into one another, the ship's deck swayed from side to side. Eldor lead her out of the door and the sun dropped out of her gaze, the ship was bustling with activity, men of all shapes and sizes huffed and puffed as they shimmied up ropes and attended to the ships needs. Many races of different cultures flowed in-front of her eyes, there was nymphs, faeries, dragon-dreamers, some dwarfs, morphiname, and Saphira swore she saw the occasional shadow dweller. A few women were dotted here and one of them dropped down on a rope in-front of them. She was full of energy, she was small with a face full of youth, her hair was short and bright purple, her eyes were pink with flecks of violet, a small red jewel was on the middle of her forehead and two cat ears poked at the top of her head. She was slim and agile, and had the agility of a panther. She bare foot, standing on the tips of her toes, she wore subtle orange hot-pants and a sunshine yellow hooded top. On her hands were brown gloves suitable for climbing, they had ribbons hanging down that swayed in the breeze. She grinned and small fangs sparkled back at Saphira.
"Hey Eldor!" Her voice was high-pitched with an angelic sweetness to it. "Hey you must be Eldor's new chick, I'm Miako!" She held her hand out and Eldor looked sternly at Miako, "What did i do now?" He looked at her grimly and indicated his head to one side, Saphira glanced at Eldor and his sheepish grin returned and he scratched the back of his head. Miako observed confused, and when Eldor looked back at her she yelped with surprise and ran off frantically.
"s**t i forgot. Sorry Eldor." Everyone paused for that moment and observed Miako , Saphira noticed she had a tail which flicked from side to side.
"Shut it everyone and line up we've got a new recruitment, make sure you line up in order of race." Everyone stopped and leapt down and formed a military line. Saphira stood there feeling apprehensive with all those eyes looking in her direction, Miako stood at her side grinning that cheeky smile. Eldor walked towards the crew and they gathered round him in a concealed talk.
Maiko giggled it sounded like a little mouse high on helium, she rocked on the ball's of her feet and stretched her arms out in-front of her, "So your Saphira, Ruby told me. Why'd you run off?"
Miako gazed at Saphira, Saphira sighed and fingered the stone, the blue mist swirling and the power radiating through her fingers.
" I forgot this, it means the world to me. And well a child was going to die if i didn't go back. Everyone stood there as though dumbfounded, something must be done about this cruelty. That child could of died, and no one cared, what person finds that amusing is a sick perverted freak."
Miako looked away. "That's why we travel, we are the believers of that whisper of hope. And at last we've found it, well i dunno. The captain and Shade know but won't tell us till there is the ring around the sun. I don't actually remember that much, well put it this way i was oddling Eldor's sexy body." She shivered with delight and grinned at Saphira, Saphira blushed slightly and a small smile crept on her face. Miako giggled hyperly, and bounced on her heels. Saphira put her arms behind her back, a breeze kissed her cheeks and swept stands of hair flailing behind her. Her eyes twinkled in the sun, the ribbons off her dress and shoes played in the breeze and she felt a sudden longing for Eldor to be by her side.
He turned round, grinned and gestured for her to come over. Half-running, half-skipping with her stone jangling on the chain she went to Eldor's side. She met many faces of different races, they all greeted her with open arms. But one thing that stuck her, there was only her and Shade who were of Elven heritage, where were the rest of her race? Were they hiding in the protection of the great city of Alviia Gratvia? But her thoughts were interrupted by everyone's grinning faces, their names echoed in Saphira's head, they swarm round her smiling like cheshire cats. Eldor grasped her hand and pulled her out of the swarm, laughing he jumped on side of the ship and held the rope beside him. He hauled her up beside him, she held his arm with fright, on one side the sea and the other a swarm of people;
"Go on," Eldor whispered still holding the rope in one hand, and his other round her waist. "Climb the rope up to the mast," Saphira grabbed the rope and starting shimmying up it slowly, she glanced down nervously at Eldor, "Carry on I'm right behind you." With one swift movement he hauled himself up, Saphira carried on climbing up the mast. Her arms quickly got used to the constant pattern and she inched closer to the lookout point on the mast:
" You alright Eldor?" Saphira asked as her hands gripped the edge of the lookout, Picking her knees up she tried to haul herself up but missed,
"Er yeah," he answered, "Just been admiring the view back here."
Saphira lugged her body up, she collapsed on lookout floor, panting slightly and out of breath. Seconds later Eldor slumped at her side grinning.
He laughed," you've got pink underwear on," Saphira blushed violently and Eldor collapsed with laughter, he wiped a tear away from his cheek.
"You shouldn't have been looking." Saphira said her cheeks rosy.
"Could you blame me?" Eldor looked at her, Saphira noticed that cheeky glimmer back in his eyes. But it faded almost instantly, "Sorry i shouldn't of said that, please don't tell Ruby, i don't know what id do without her."
He looked away, Saphira stood up and leaned on the side, she looked at the horizon, the island where she lived all her life was a dot on the skyline, everyone looked small from up here and the sea glimmered. Eldor arrived at her side and leaned against the side, their elbows touched and they smiled at one another.
" It's beautiful." Saphira murmured afraid to spoil the peacefulness.
"This is my favourite place on the whole ship." Eldor leaned towards her and whispered in her ear, "This can be our place, when ever you need me or want to talk about things i'll be here waiting, waiting to here your voice, and see your smile."
Saphira's eyes flickered to Eldor's, they held the contact, She leaned to him as he did to her, their noses barely touching, Saphira bit her lip she knew what was coming next. She could smell his fragrance and feel the warmth of his skin. This felt wrong, saphira tilted back, Eldor's face mirrored hers, the look of embarrassment en-loped her and her cheeks burned. They fell silent, the only sounds were the gentle ushers of the sea and murmurs of the crew far below.
"Where is he? I'm gonna kill the b*****d." They both jumped, and glimpse quietly down below Shade stormed from the cabins his face a pure vision of hell, Saphira trembled, Eldor ducked behind her so he wouldn't be seen, he grinned evilly chuckling away.
Shade looked up and saw Saphira, she saw him sigh with relief and his expression soften. The crew bustled round him, Miako jumped beside Shade, her eyes as wide as a love sick puppy, but Shade brushed her off like a dead leaf, Saphira watched as she attempted to get his attention, but every-time she attempted he ignored her until he bored his eyes deep into hers, she gave that little shiver of delight and scampered back off. Shade eventually grabbed the rope and climbed it with great speed, Saphira turned to the place the rope dangled, Eldor flitted behind the mast hiding his body from view, Saphira heard him still murmuring small chuckles, Shade pulled his weight up and jumped in-front of Saphira. She smiled softly, his face looked more mournful. She opened her mouth to speak, but before a whisper of a word he pulled her towards him. Saphira's eyes snapped wide with surprise. She felt his lips lightly brushing her neck, he held her tight, passion and pain in his embrace, she breathed in his aroma relaxing in his arms. She felt lost and lonely but Shade stole those painful memories and hid them in his sorrow. He stroked her hair lightly and murmured in her twitching ear; "I thought i'd lost you." They slowly released their embrace, Saphira longed to stay in them, to hold his hand fondly and speak of fonder times. But Eldor chuckled loudly, holding his sides together, he shattered that moment and the past flooded back to Saphira, those seconds of passion were only a shadow of a dream and nothing more.
" Id never thought I'd see the day," Eldor stepped from behind the mast and leaned his body weight against it, " Shade has feelings, he actually cares for another person on the planet," he chuckled looked down at his on feet and glared into Shade's, Saphira could feel the tension between them like a storm in the air. Eldor grinned wickedly, "First it was Ruby and know i found out about Saphira, oh your never going to here the end of this."
Shade grabbed Saphira's hand, and turned his back to Eldor, ignoring his taunts, he grabbed to rope and en-loped his arm round her waist, pulling her tight, afraid he'd lose her. Saphira gazed "Remember, What i said Saphira, i'll be waiting at dawn for you."
She nodded silently, wishing this situation never happened. Shade flew down the rope, jerking her from Eldor's view, she gripped his neck holding on for dear life, she closed her eyes wishing Shade had never disturbed those moments of happiness, the wind whistled around her, lashing out at her skin, whipping the hair off her face. Shade didn't smile, his face a blank canvas. Saphira felt terrified, who was he? And what happened up there? Why was he so protective? she had only met the guy, so why did he act as though she belong to him. They landed with a thump on the deck the rope recoiled and disappeared. The crew looked up and shifted there gazes away, they avoided eye contact. Maiko was the only one looking at Shade, she was undressing him with her eyes, she saw Saphira and blushed, saphira grinned and Miako returned it. Shade grabbed her hand and pulled her to the cabins. He slammed open the door and took her inside.
He took her a different way through the maze of corridors, the sheath of her sword touching his lightly. They stopped in-front of a door made of red-worn carved with patterns of the ancients, he placed his other hand on the door, his eyes closed, an air of magic swept around them, the patterns of the door flowed with magic shadows, Saphira heard a small click and the door creaked open. Shade pulled her gently inside and the door closed behind them.
The room was similar to hers but was shrouded in darker materials, candles were arranged here and there, some were snuffed while some flickered away, giving the room a magical sense to it. Pieces of parchment with scrawled writing littered the floor, Saphira caught a glimpse of the writing, Shade quickly gathered them in his arms a hastily shoved them in his drawers. The curtains were drawn around his bed and clothes bulging out of the wardrobe. He turned to face her, those white eyes crackling with electricity, Saphira suddenly felt she had seen him before, those eyes so scared and afraid, but her memories were foggy and she couldn't remember. He kneeled on the floor and patted the ground beside him, Saphira realized it was an invitation to sit down and knelt beside him. The silence was golden, they avoided gazes and stared into space. Shade shook his hair out of his eyes, his chains rattled gently, Saphira looked at him with the corner of her eyes, he started to unbutton his black shirt, Saphira hastily looked away but Shade caught her eye, his eyes smiled but it never stretched that unhappy grin. He threw the t-shirt aside, and lay on the floor, he hummed a small tune, Saphira remembered it and hummed along to, it was an elven song, about the history of the legendary goddess and her love for an elve. Saphira's mind flooded the words spilled from her mouth, clear bells rang and echoed in her voice, a nightingale, a birth of a flower blossoming Shade stopped and listened to Saphira his eyes bursting with electricity.
"Within the whisper of the willows,
in the dead of the night,
i sit under the stars,
waiting for my hero tonight.
How long must i wait,
with the lake whispering to me
How could i fall in love,
for an elven boy so unlike me?
I'm meant to be a goddess,
a person to led others,
but i can't stand the pain no longer,
And so must see the destruction brothers.
They'll take my pain away,
and i'll grant them eternal life
each generation more powerful than the last,
but my hero's blade can stop them with a stab of a knife."
Saphira stopped and bowed her head, flushed with embarrassment, Shade turned away and stood up, He rustled away and started to murmur, he eventually sighed and opened the door beside his bed. Saphira heard the door clicked behind him, she snapped her head up and greedily took in her surroundings, "what could he be doing?" she wondered her stomach growling in protest, she yawned noisily stretching her feet and fingers far in front of her. Sweeping her hair behind her she lay on her front, the song of the goddess's heartbreak echoed in her mind. All the elves knew it, it was like a prayer to never fall into the dark-side, Saphira never believed it but the song was easy to sing, and her parents made her sing it, she sighed softly rolling her hair in her hand. Shade's room reminded her of her coven in the woods behind the house, It was a small cave covered in ancient writing, just that place was the one place where she felt safe, the voices of the past used to whisper to her, teaching her powerful ancient magic which she hadn't mentioned or tried yet. She longed to use one of those words of power now, but even she didn't know what would happen.
Shade opened the door, he looked amazing, his bare chest tanned and muscular, his eyes sparking with electricity, he was hairless as were all elves except around the genital area and to add to Saphira's budding delight, his strong arms were ladened with food. He nodded and walked in, Saphira still lay there her eyes lit up with hunger for the food and him. He sat beside her food tumbling to the floor, sandwiches, cakes, fruit, tankards full to the brim with elven water and the occasional tit-bits, staring hungrily she sat up and glanced at him, they met eyes for a moment, a wordless thanks sparked between and they dived in.
Saphira lay back contended, Shade copied her but burped loudly, he laughed after, it was different from Eldors but wasn't a weird laugh, it was harsh but warm at the same time. Saphira looked at him, her eyes grew with surprise, he was smiling. He was actually smiling, "He should smile more often" she thought, he looked amazing, his face a captured sunbeam, shiny teeth grinned the impossible and his eyes sparkled with excitement. But it disappeared in a flick of an eyelid, Saphira sat up at looked at the flickering candle between their bodies, the crumps and leftovers left on the floor. The flame danced in her eyes, her mind emptied of thoughts, the flame engulfing her soul. Shade moved to lie next to her staring at the candle as well, the flame glowed different colours, changing colours like a rainbow, they threw light on their faces, casting darker shadows and increasing the beauty of light areas. Shade moved his hand to hers, their fingers lightly brushing, he held her hand lightly in his, he no longer concerntrated on the flame but her, her eyes twinkled, her face lit up with the light of the candle. She closed her eyes, long eyelashes closing together with small compassion. He smiled secretly, Saphira could feel electricity running from his hand to hers, his mind probed into hers she could feel the tension of his memories pressing tight against hers. She threw strong barriers around her mind. He retreated, feeling hurt and uneasy, his hand moving slightly away.
Saphira relised what she had done, she had just rejected an offer of learning more about this secluded man, the only other elve she had seen, apart from her parents, she blushed and he squeezed her hand slowly. She felt slightly stupid, but surprisingly he let her have another go, She opened her mind, he dived into her, sharing his memories and feeding of hers. She let him know him of how she came to now of her future, and how one by one the people around her died, how she witnessed her own pets killed by the soul's of darkness (it doesn't sound that bad but imagine when you are only five, and how attached you get to your pets), when she met Solofini. She didn't tell him everything but enough to give him the idea of how her life was, she blocked many memories which were hidden behind dark doors, and were forgotten. He shared his, Saphira widen her eyes his life was worse than hers, he was brought up without knowing his true father, his mum beat him and was violently drunk everynight, she died when he was five and so he was adopted by a well known elven family, he grew up happy and was even engaged to a rare elven princess of the glade, but his happiness didn't last long, not only did he never get to met his bride to be, his foster parents whom he cherished, were mysteriously murdered in the dead of the night, since he was found with the bodies weeping with the weapon they exiled him, throwing him out at the age of fifteen. Everyone was afraid of him, for he showed extreme power at a young age. He tried to come back but they beat him and called him, "shadow spawn", in the end he gave up and went in search of refuge. Ruby found him hiding in the forest of shadowed memories, she showed him kindness he had not experienced for two years, he fell in love with her but the faith had foiled him again. So here he was now nineteen, and finally felt like his life was drawn to the shadows. Saphira cut him off abruptly, she collapsed into a frenzy of tears, emotions spilling out of her. Shade shot up and wrapped her in his arms, cooing and rocking her sweetly, she whimpered his memories flashing vividly in her mind, he stroked her hair. Moments later she relaxed, wincing slightly as glimpses screamed at her.
"I'm sorry, i showed you too much, i just haven't met anyone powerful enough to do a " Arevita leci" a memory swap. I'm really sorry, i never want to hurt you." He placed his hand under her chin, lifting it up so her eyes were level with his, her tear stained face barely inches away from his, she smiled weakly, her arms pressed softly on his skin.
Saphira could see the immense detail of his eyes, the lightning bolt through his pupils drew her closer, it locked her in melting in his arms, he leaned into her, Saphira closed her eyes her lips brushing his, skin lightly contacting. Saphira braced herself for his kiss, she waited for the passion to be sealed in his lips. The door snapped open.
Saphira bowed her head away , blushing crimson, Shade's disappointment sank into her.
"What do you want?" Shade asked irritably, turning his head to the stranger.
Ruby's voice cut through the awkwardness, " Captain needs you up on deck, he says its time." She turned away and Saphira saw her shadow disappeared.
Shade slipped her out of his arms and crept to his spilling drawers, he wrestled out a crumpled black shirt and shoved it over his head. Saphira sat on the floor stroking her hair unaware of what was going on. Shade turned to face her, squatting down he grabbed her hand, he nodded slightly electricity sparked through his fingers and he pulled her up. He didn't say anything, he just eloped his arm round her waist pulling her close to him, usually she wouldn't of minded but he was so silent, and he didn't even look at her, suddenly once again she felt wary of him. He lead her out, Saphira shivered silently, he really was so difficult to understand, as they twisted through the corridors she wondered whether or not she liked Shade, he was so confusing and dark minded, she looked up at his emotion drained face. "What ever does he think?" she wondered, but her thoughts were never answered but were greeted by the creaking of the door to the deck.
The group were hustled round the main mast where the captain, stood on a barrel, was waiting,
"Hurry up Shade it's time," he pointed to the sky Shade didn't twitch his head but unhooked Saphira and shuffled towards the captain. Saphira turned to the sky, she scanned, her eyes drew to the sun, shielding her eyes she noticed the sun's usual yellow was haloed with golden swirls, with a pinkish shadow shimmering through the suns golden glory.
"What does this mean?" she whispered.
"The chosen one is safe," Saphira turned to face her answerer, Ruby stepped towards Saphira, her skin swirling mystically. " It means the legend has started, that's what we have waited for. That sign tells us to get ready for the final judgement. And well that is what we say, that is also a signal to others like us to meet in the great elven city. There we see the chosen one and the chosen one will lead us to glory and freedom." She paused Saphira realised what would come next, it meant she would have so many people trusting her the captain was talking to the crew the were all cheering and nodding in agreement, " Thank the Gods that Eldor found you, that is why they all like you, you are our future and we will risk anything to get your mission complete."
Ruby walked off to the crew without a backwards glance, Saphira was left alone, the weight of the world pressured on her. It was scary, everyone who believed was willing to die in order to see her prevail, everyone was happy, smiling faces all around. Saphira looked among the crowd her eyes snapped to Eldor, Ruby clinged to him tight beaming away, but he himself was not, he saw her and smiled lightly, but Ruby jerked him and he appeared sullen again.
Miako dropped down infront, Saphira jumped, surprised.
Miako grinned, hanging upside down she held firmly onto the rope with her legs, she giggled and sprung down.
"Hey Saphira, what's up?" she giggled and stood straight in front of Saphira. "Id better explain what the captain is saying. He's telling the crew it's time, that we have a long journey ahead of us. We have to head North to misty islands to stop for provisions, that will take two weeks. Then we travel along the coast heading North that will take about 3 weeks and after that with have to find horses or something and ride the rest of the way. Overall it will take more than two months. But we'll manage, we need to get to Alviia Gratvia, you need to see the ancient cave and meet the great queen. Understand?"
Saphira nodded, Miako giggled lightly, smiling broadly she looked both ways and starting babbling excitedly;
" Eldor told me to tell you that you'll be working with me, so i can teach you everything you need to know about the matinence of the ship." Miako fell into a fit of giggles and beamed away. " And also my room is across the hallway from yours, Eldors is at the end of the corridor that we are stationed, Ruby's next door to him, Shade's is at the right-end corner of the basement. And last of all the Captains is at the top floor, it's the only room up there so you won't have any trouble finding it. I'll take you to the dining area for supper later. Eldor says he wants you to feel happy and safe here, he'd help you himself but the captain needs his full support, and Ruby doesn't give him a moments peace." Miako looked at Saphira and looked at Eldor, he was smothered by Ruby, Ruby looked like the perfect image of happiness, Eldor the opposite, "Poor guy," Miako shook her head, her purple locks swaying gently, her little cat ears drooped, her tail slackened, she faced Saphira, her face mournful, her eyes lost that spark of energy. "Ruby doesn't realise she ought to give him some space, he's had a hard life, and she's one of the few girls who has gone out with him, but i have a feeling Eldor won't be able to take it much longer, she's too clingy and well, I'm surprised his arm hasn't dropped off."
She paused and sat on the cardboard boxes next to Saphira, Saphira slumped down next to her, Miako crossed her legs her tail swung above her head, Saphira starting to swing her legs absentmindedly. The crew departed and went to their jobs, everyone a happy picture. Ruby, Shade and the Captain were all talking to Eldor, Saphira could see that they were arguing. It ended suddenly with Ruby storming off to the cabins with Shade seconds behind her, the Captain shook his head at Eldor and Eldor shot up the rope to the lookout. The Captain was left alone sighing miserably, he saw Saphira and his beard twitched, she realised he was smiling, he shuffled over dragging his feet along the floor. He grinned at both of the girls, Miako leapt down by his side, he was smaller than her and so she leaned on him slightly placing her arm on his shoulders, he placed his hand on her head ruffling her hair from side to side, she giggled and returned to Saphira her hair a complete mess. Saphira realised how close everyone was, a bit like a huge family, "Maybe that's why Eldor was upset," she thought, "Maybe he doesn't want anyone to get hurt, maybe he doesn't want Ruby to get hurt." Then it dawned on her, "Maybe he doesn't want me to get hurt." The captain motioned for them to follow him,
"Come." he whispered, "We need to talk about this mission, especially you Saphira."
Saphira nodded, jumped down and followed him, but when she got to the doors she stopped and looked up at the look-out, there was Eldor staring at her, they exchanged smiles and Saphira headed through the doors again, this time following Miako.
 Saphira Moonlily · Thu Nov 23, 2006 @ 07:26am · 2 Comments |
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