Tuesday, June 10, 2008

A New Start


I felt like I had aged thirty years in the last year. Things were finally quiet now and I was trying to establish normality again and find things to keep myself occupied so I wouldn’t dwell on my thoughts. I stayed in Whitegate and it became my new residence though it would take awhile for it to feel like home.

As for Hope I made the very painful decision to keep my distance from her for awhile. People would surely be watching for me to be around an infant and I couldn’t put her at risk. I planned to play with her and love her as a family friend once things settled down but she couldn’t know I was her mother until she was an adult. It was much too big of a secret to ask a child to keep.

“You look lost in your thoughts again.” Kjarbo smiled as he sat down and touched the top of my nose.

I nodded and smiled. The sun was rising over the walls of the Al Zahbi district and I was sitting on top of one of the highest ones. I loved the way the long rays of the sunrise made the stones glow warmly. It was a beautiful city and always active and busy. It was growing on me.

Kjarbo handed me a small plush dhalmel with a stitched on smile. “It’s on loan to you from Hope.” He smiled. “She is doing well and growing strong.”

I leaned over and rested my head on his arm as I smelled the little toy and glowed with joy to hold something my little angel had held. She lived in Windurst now with Yamari and Zhirin and I longed to see her more often but I was greatly comforted to know she was well watched over and loved by many people.

“I’m have been training with Maat.” I told him. “He seems to think I am nearly ready for my final test.” Maat is the undisputed master trainer of highly talented adventures. His expertise covers all disciplines to the point where some question if he is not endowed with supernatural or godly powers. I just find him aggravating but I have the good sense to respect him for his genius.

“I have no doubt you’ll be up to any task.” Kjarbo smiled.

I had to laugh and smile. “You spoil me with praise. You spoil me with sweets. You dote on me and stand by like my unfailing protector. It makes me blush.”

He looked down.

“Is something wrong?” I asked.

“No, not really but I came out here to tell you I have to leave for awhile. A few weeks I think. A friend of mine from my life as a fisherman is in need of help. I’m taking Jen with me.”

“Jen? I thought she would want to be here now with Beldin showing up out of nowhere.”

“I don’t trust him and I can tell something is bothering her about him. She’s been very upset. She needs the time away.” He said as he brushed my hair behind my ear carefully. “If you need me I’ll come rushing back.”

“It’s ok. I’ll be busy training. Today I plan on practicing my stealing and evading skills on the goblins near Bibiki Bay.”

“That sounds like a dangerous thing to do alone.” He frowned.

“Not at all. They’re not very smart. I practice my archery on them, steal their gold when they get near and then hide. They’re not bright enough to find me and they give up and wander off. It’s a great way to vent frustration. New shinny gold coins always make me happy.”

He chuckled and stood up. “Well then, good day and good luck hunting my lady. I must be off to catch my boat.” He bowed.

I stood up and hugged him. “Be safe and quick to return.”

“As you wish.” He kissed the top of my head and hurried off towards the south port.

I sighed and sat down with the little toy. I decided now was a good time to start on my own day. I tucked the little toy into my vest so it could snuggle near my heart. I had a lot of work to do to prepare for my next lesson with Maat.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

hmmm well done my lady.
even if you feel like you have aged 30 years you dont look it ^.~
as for spoiling you O.o what? if i am im not trying to its just how i am, a lady must be keeped happy at all times.

Anonymous said...

careful there Kjarbo... that's dangerous ground to even mention something like that lol. I have to say Alison, the stories have been very enjoyable. Keep it up as long as you can... we'll enjoy them. ^^

Zero teh mithra stealer! said...

lol, he's got a point Kjarbo. Saying a woman should be kept happy is kind of like saying, "Hey look, a bus! I want to jump in front of it!" lol, especially since Ali won't lie to you. She'll out right tell you that she likes being spoiled.

Sierra said...

ohh more stories :3 haha. Very nice. I cant imagine giving up your child though. :X