|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2016 5:52 pm
They had left Matori. A wistful sigh had escaped Shadiya as she glanced over the ocean horizon one last time. Those waves had left an impact in her heart and every moment she had spent here with the Matori would be treasured. Yet, she had a journey to begin. Her dream of becoming a great dancer didn't end with Yira's lessons. Now it was time for her to move on and to discover even more about the different dances of Tendaji. Every form had it's own beauty and she wanted to master all of them. Eventually though she hoped to return here. The place had worked its way into her heart so maybe one day she would return and stay a while even then she doubted she could call anyplace a permanent home. Matori, however, may indeed end up being her closest chance...
She just wished they had taken a different route out of Matori. The sands of Oba that greeted her seemed harsher than before. While she had been freely roaming for months now, Shadiya still felt a shiver run down her spine as they passed around the desert cities. Somewhere out there was her uncle and he was searching for her. The thought haunted her and the girl was so fearful that at any moment his hands would be reaching for her. The nightmares that she received from such fears had began to assault her in full force since leaving Matori. Even there the older dancer had comforted her through the nights of her training. It had been embarrassing to say the least when she was discovered screaming in the middle of the night...sweat had gleamed on her body and she had been thrashing until the Matori woke her.
It had just been a nightmare...that was all. So why was it that when nightfall began to rise on the horizon that Shadiya pulled further away into herself? She was ashamed and didn't want Dexurn to realize her weakness so the girl had been forcing herself to stay up most of the nights this past week. Dancing in the moonlight had allowed her to find some clarity, but tonight her body felt so weak. It would only become more obvious as they traveled that the normally active girl seemed so drained. But she was stubborn. As their bedrolls decorated the sands in an oasis that night, Shadiya started to venture away from their makeshift camp to find a good place to practice. She would continue dancing until her body could take no more. Hopefully then the nightmares would stop, right? She could only pray that was so.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2016 6:26 pm
The best way for him to get through Oba was by thinking of anything except where he was. The moment he'd stepped back into the Oban sands, his nerves had been jingling. Goodness, had he not actually grown in his time away?! Despite the freedom he'd found and slowly adjusted to, returning to the land of his childhood wasn't pleasant.
He could tell that Shadiya was about as happy with the situation as he was, but it couldn't be helped. Well, unless they wanted to trek through the rumored impassable mountains, but neither of them liked that idea at all. They were taking the shortest route they could, and he knew even one day was too long.
Ignoring his own concerns, he was worried about Shade. He could tell she wasn't sleeping... She'd been so bright and alive in Matori, and he almost wished they could have just stayed there. The rest of the world was calling to the both of them though. They couldn't stay.. and he hadn't wanted to stay. Too many shadows needed to be lit before he could call Matori home.
Getting as comfortable as he could in his bedroll, he curled up onto his side and closed his eyes. Shade wasn't inviting him on her walk tonight, so he wouldn't pry. One hand was stretched out to rest his fingertips on his shield. ..Unfortunately, it couldn't protect either of them from whatever was running through their minds.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2016 6:58 pm
She really wondered how Dexurn was holding up. Sighing, Shadiya twisted her hair back away from her face. There was no need to worry him with her moping. Right? Brushing off the shaking feelings the girl began her stretches. Normally her movements were much more light and graceful, but tonight they seemed rather heavy. In fact, as she began to dance it was more of a stumble through the familiar movements.
Tears gleamed in her eyes, but she continued forcing herself to move. Each step, every twirl kept her further away from sleep. She just needed to keep moving so that the shadows of her mind couldn't get to her. Shadiya had determination and could imagine doing this forever. But even she was only human. Stumbling the girl started forward and fell on the ground where she slowly closed her eyes. Just a brief rest then...
Shortly enough she was on the ground overcome by dark dreams that had her screaming...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2016 7:24 pm
Trying to wait up a little for Shade's return, Dex's eyes snapped open as screaming filled the air. At first, he wondered if it was another new slave during their first night... but that scream was familiar. Not a new slave! "Shade?!" He sat bolt upright, looking around before jumping to his feet, spinning to grab his shield before running for Shade's voice.
When he reached her, he looked around for an attacker. Something! No animals attacking, not even a prickly plants nearby to cause pain. Who was he trying to fool though? He knew those kinds of screams.
Dropping his shield, he walked forward to pull her into his arms. He knew there wasn't much to be done with terrors of the night except wait. "Shade. It's okay. Wake up," he murmured softly, holding her close while ready to react if she should start flailing her arms or kicking. Even with his familiarity with nightmares, his heart was pounding. Shade...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Apr 16, 2016 10:55 am
Chains were dragging her into the abyss that had split open the earth. Above her was the looming shadow of her uncle who grinned with malicious intent as he began to sell his prize off to the highest bidder. She was never family to him, just a prize to be had. Just as the Matori in the past he would sell her away to be a slave, a bride for his profit...
And then in the darkness she waited alone.
The only hints of familiarity she had were the flashing images of her parents. Adored and loved by all the demise of the couple had shattered her heart....poison had that been it? A dagger through her father's heart and then her mother would shatter like fine glass, never to come back. "Mama, papa. Come back! Please! Don't leave me alone like this! He's going to come!"
She wanted to run, she had to! Shadiya pulled against the chains and flailed against the cold metal that burned into her wrists and ankles. They were coming for her and once she was caught that was it! Her uncle was preparing to snap her ankles so that she could never run away again. The pain made her scream, but then it simply stopped. Sudden warmth shone through the darkness like a beacon and with a flood of tears pouring down her face the dancer began to finally stir. Who was holding her like this? It was so nice and comforting. Her expression still dimmed by sleep and tears the girl latched onto her savior with a sob, "Dex!" Sobs wracked her body as she just held onto him. All of the terror, all of the sadness just came pouring out of her in that moment...
[
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Apr 16, 2016 11:22 am
Dex held Shade firmly bu gently, petting her hair and talking soothingly. He would have to block as Shade's arms and legs struggled against whatever invisible bonds were holding them in the darkness, always doing so as carefully as he could. As Shade's screams turned into a few words, he frowned. She'd never talked about her parents...
To his relief, the straining arms suddenly shifted into a safety seeking hold. He hadn't realized he'd been holding his breath, and it practically exploded out of him when he saw Shade's eyes flutter open and heard his name. His embrace around her tightened protectively, even rocking her slightly. "It's okay. You're safe here with me." The words were ones he'd often woken up to back in the slave quarters, being held in his auntie's arms...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Apr 16, 2016 3:37 pm
As her sobs quieted into sniffles Shadiya burrowed her head into her friend's shoulder. As reality settled around the girl a flush decorated her tan cheeks, "Dex..." Shadiya's voice came out shaky and weak as she slowly pulled back so that she could glance up at him, "I'm sorry. Did I worry you?" Her gaze was red, still brimming with tears, as she tried to wipe her eyes. "I'm so sorry." As the terror started to fade away Shadiya felt her stomach knot in embarrassment instead. What would Dex think seeing her screaming like a child over a dream?
Sighing, Shadiya just leaned back against the Matori. Her body just felt too weak to move, "Hope this is alright. Just for a little bit, okay?" Her cheeks burning the girl glanced up towards the desert skies. It was a beautiful night with the stars illuminating the sands around them. If only she could dream of those stars instead of her past....
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Apr 16, 2016 4:13 pm
Dex didn't relax his hold until Shade started to pull away. Looking down at her tear-filled eyes, he gave a dismissive shake of his head. "Of course you worried me. ..I'm just glad you're not hurt." At least, not physically. There were emotional wounds that he clearly had no idea about. "You don't have to apologize for anything."
He was used to seeing people hopeless and hurting. Seeing Shade like such was different though. It was like those rare times of seeing Shikori under their old master's wrath; it made his insides feel like they were turning to stone. It was wanting to protect her with all his might, and make that darkness vanish... and knowing there was little he could actually do to stop it.
When Shade hid against him again, he felt his cheeks heat up. For someone to actually find comfort because of him... "You rest for as long as you need," he said softly. After a minute though, he stood with her in his arms and turned back for the little camp. The fire was nearly out, but he used a foot to nudge another piece of wood on it, bringing a little more light to the shadows around them. He settled down on Shade's bedroll, so that she could just slip into it whenever she was ready.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Apr 17, 2016 4:20 pm
"Sorry..." Shadiya flush deepened, "I- well..." Biting her lower lip the girl trailed off into silence. Here she was being told not to apologize and so she was about to apologize for apologizing. She truly felt like a mess. Guilt and shame both twisted her up on the inside. Even now in her exhaustion it was more like a mist blurred her mind, keeping the shadows nearby.
As she was suddenly lifted the girl's eyes fluttered opened in surprise. She was being carried? Glancing up towards Dex she offered a faint smile. Now that was unexpected, but it felt...nice. Something about Dexurn always made her feel so safe and warm. It was that feeling which made her stay close and allowed her to suddenly feel so tired. So even when she did slip away into her bedroll Shadiya ended up reaching out for him, "Stay with me? Please...." She was just so tired. Almost like a small child the girl reached her arms around the Matori and snuggled in close before falling asleep.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Apr 17, 2016 4:43 pm
It left a warmth never created before in his belly as he felt Shade steadily calm and relax further. Dex let her do as she needed, just making sure to be there for support. He was reaching to pull the blanket up when Shade's little request took the pleasant warmth into his belly and turned it into a fire on his cheeks. She was already hugging him though, and he wasn't about to tell her to let go. She needed the comfort. Feeling quite awkward, he laid out as well, trying to relax. Still... as he listened to Shade's steady breathing... he couldn't deny how comfortable he actually was. Well, they were friends. Why not? Soon enough, he was asleep as well, his arms wrapped around her to keep the nightmares away...
When the sun rose, Dex blinked dry eyes open with a sigh. He wasn't ready to get up yet... But, old habits being what they were, his mind quickly began to rise from the sleep to be ready to take orders. Not orders.... he wasn't a slave anymore. He was waking up to do what he needed to do! And what he needed to do- ....was smile at how peaceful Shade looked right then, still resting in his arms. ...He was so grateful he'd been able to help her last night.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Apr 17, 2016 5:34 pm
Her sleep hadn't been so peaceful in years. Yawning, the girl slowly began to stir from her slumbers. As the fog of sleep started to lift from her mind, Shadiya glanced around. "Oh." Blinking, she gazed up at Dexurn with a flush, "Good morning!" She didn't know why, but the sight of him sitting there with him still holding her made her heart jumped a bit. Probably just startled because someone is there... She was so used to sleeping alone after all. That had to be it, definitely!
"Did...did you have a good night?" Biting the bottom of her lip she wiggled away a bit so that he could have some space, "I actually slept well myself....thank you. I'm really sorry to have startled you. Honestly, that was the first time without nightmares for me." Her gaze darkened as she glanced towards the side, "Since I wanted a happy future with no worries...I never wanted either of our pasts to linger around us, but I suppose I'm not doing the best right?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Apr 17, 2016 5:57 pm
"Morning," he replied with a smile. It was so good to see her back to normal... Dex relaxed his hold as Shade wiggled back, figuring she wanted the space now. "I actually slept good, too." While his sleep was usually made of nightmares or nothing, last night had been a dream of comfort. He couldn't remember the details, but he'd woken refreshed and content. It was a nice change.
The reveal that Shade had been having such consistent nightmares the whole time caused Dex's brow to knit with concern. "Do you want to talk about anything?" he offered, cocking his head slightly as he sat upright. "Just.. if you want. It helped me when I talked with auntie Shikori about my nightmares." He glanced to the side bashfully, somehow feeling like he'd cheated a little. "You were calling for your parents.... I'm not sure how I could relate or help with that... just if you want to."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Apr 17, 2016 6:09 pm
"That's good." Shadiya grinned teasingly, a bit of her normal light coming back, "I suppose I make a good pillow then." She was just glad she didn't have anymore embarrassing sleeping moments with Dexurn. Gods only knew what she would be feeling right now if she had flailed some more or even drooled on him a bit. As it was she had woken up wrapped tightly around him...Just the thought made her cheeks darken again.
At his question the girl blinked, "Talk?" A small crease decorated her forehead as she thought about his offer, "It'll mostly trouble you..." She glanced towards him with a soft sigh, "Yet, aren't we traveling companions? We should be more open to each other., so you have to tell me things too..but...my parents." A shadow crossed her face as her eyes began to water, "They passed years ago." Closing her eyes the girl leaned her head back before opening her eyes to gaze at the morning skies, "I was a noble in Oba and yet we lived differently. We were a loving family, but my mother's relatives were so cold. Her brother, my uncle, became my caretaker after my father and mother passed away. He took all of our riches, turned our beloved servants into slaves, and even chained me down. I used to listen to him as he would always tell me about how I disappointed the family and my parents..." Swallowing the girl shook her head, "I ran away before he could marry me off for more wealth. He didn't see me as anything more than a piece of jewelry to sell off to the highest bidder. He was a cruel man and I even wonder...."
She trailed off before adding in a choked whisper, "If he's the reason I became an orphan. He was a scary man who would do anything for power, Dex. I'm so scared that he's still out there looking for me." She shook her head, "I don't like being in Oba because of him. I want to just hurry on out of here..."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Apr 17, 2016 9:03 pm
Dex sat quietly, waiting for Shade to sort her thoughts. His brow knit slightly when she mentioned he would need to tell her things as well, but he supposed that bridge needed to be crossed eventually. For now, he let his eyes drop, absorbing the information offered.
As Shade seemed to shrink a little again, he scootched over to put an arm around her, hugging her to his side. "I'm not letting us stay a moment longer in Oba than we have to," he assured with a little squeeze. "Neither of us is going back to where we were here..."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2016 7:42 pm
The sudden warmth made Shadiya blink. Once more that strange fluttering feeling inside of her chest had returned and the girl felt the faintest of blushes decorate her cheeks, "I hope not, Dex." She replied quietly, "I can't wait to get out of here and never return." Even if her family home was here the girl couldn't ever go back, not with her uncle still around.
Leaning back into his embrace, Shadiya let out a small sigh."I guess we both had our fair share of burdens, right? I'm glad we found each other though." She smiled up towards him, "When we're sitting like this it makes me glad that things worked out the way they did. I couldn't imagine life without having met you..." And there was that flutter again! What she even saying now? Before the strange flutter could distract her the girl rolled away from the Matori and dusted off her skirts, "I suppose we should get moving then since we don't want to stay a moment longer, right?"
Jeez, why was she so sappy today? Trying to hide her flush Shadiya grabbed her pack and started to prep their camp so that they could leave. Oba was almost out of the way after all and she was itching to get away to Sauti. And away from whatever it was making her heart act so strangely. Maybe the heat and her nerves? Had to be...definitely.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
