He didn't say much but the way he caressed the woman's hair coupled with wistful eyes was way more comforting!
And Diana could feel the warmth he exudes at that moment. It was everything she needed.
Overwhelming peace. Comfort. Security.
"You are not a baggage. Always remember that." She smiled. His words kept ringing in her ears over and over again. Her heart skipped a beat. Is this what they call in loved? She giggled.
"Please bear with my small house, my children." The old man, Danda, laid the sheets, blankets and pillows on the floor. "You sleep here and I'll sleep at the kitchen." He smiled before he left them.
They both looked at each other. Liam for one doesn't know what to say. Seeing how small the hut is, looked like they will be sleeping together for the night. He was sure he made it clear to the old man that they were just friends. Good friends and not what he thought at first---lovers!
"You sleep here. I'll be guarding the house for tonight." He reasoned and was about to get out when Diana spoke.
"I won't mind at all." She looked up to him and smiled. "Besides, your exhausted and you need to rest as well. I'm sure you'll need some strength tomorrow."
Liam met her eyes. She was damn serious. "Would you really be okay?"
"Of course. I don't have any problem with it. Do you?"
"Are you sure you won't take advantage of me?"
"Duh! Why should I? You're not even my type!" She rolled her eyes. Liam chuckled before he went outside.
Diana fixed the bed. Hope it won't be cold tonight since the blankets are good for summer. She thought. Though praying for a warm night is like hoping for a river in the middle of a desert!
She could feel the cool breeze of the night. "Why isn't he coming in?" She mumbled before getting out to search for the man. Liam should be somewhere but she can't risk going to the woods in case he's not around. "Not a chance." She sneered.
The stars are sparkling diamonds and the moon was shining bright. In a distance, a lone man was sitting under a mango tree staring at the bright light from the east village. He was leaning his back on the tree while looking up with a profound gaze.
"It's breathtaking, isn't it?" She sat beside the man and followed his eyes.
"Ehm." He moaned in response. His eyes were still from afar.
Diana steal a glance at his focused face. Not a doubt, this man is born perfect! She doesn't believe in Greek mythology but examining the remarkable man gave her some thought. He could be one of the sons of the gods.
"Is something wrong with my face?" The man felt her wistful gaze though his eyes were still focused at the splendid sky.
"No. It's perfect."
Hearing her remarks, Liam raised his brow as he questioningly looked at her smiling face.
"I mean it. You look magnificent."
"I guess that's your way to compliment your savior, huh? Well, I must say I am overwhelmed." He laughed.
"Was I too obvious?" Diana chuckled. "But thank you. I mean it." She looked up. Now Liam was looking at her face. "I never knew anyone when I came to this country. I should be used to seeing new places and survived in it alone since I've been venturing new places for the past few years. But this particular country is different from the others I've been to. I realized I cannot survive alone. I tried not just once and every time I tried to stand on my own, I was always faced with danger. I was always crying out for help which I never did before. I shed tears which I normally doesn't do even when my mom died. I thought I am strong and could be independent and I thought I was wise with good judgement, but I was wrong. This place thought me things I never knew about myself. That I've been masking my true self in order to protect myself from pain."
She lowered her head, her eyes hints sadness but she shrugged it off then gaze at Liam who was listening intently. He may not be talking but Diana can feel his strong presence, attentive to everything she was saying.
She smiled. She never thought it would be this fun and comforting to speak up your mind and heart to someone. She never had a best friend whom she can rant anytime because she believed less friends, less trouble. No friends, no distress.
"I was always thinking, what if you didn't find me on the shore that day? Where could I be right now? Am I still alive or dead? Now that I think about it, I thank God for bringing me to you. Thank you for helping this stranger who keeps on bringing you trouble." She chuckled mocking herself. "I met good friends because of you. I've been keeping people at bay because I was afraid they would betray me, but I learnt that having some in your company isn't that bad at all, it was actually fun."
"Don't you have any friends before?"
"I have now." Diana chortled. "I have you and the others now." She clutched the man's arm with hers and leaned on his broad shoulder comfortably.
Liam jerked at her sudden actions but he can't possibly push her away after all her drama just a while ago. "Thank you." He heard her one more time. "Liam, can you promise me one thing?"
"That depends on the condition." He uttered.
"Liam, I know you are doing something besides accompanying me and Sarah to the mainland. I don't know what that is but I know it's important for you and your team." She exhaled deeply. "Please don't ever…. give up on me… and Sarah. It could be troublesome to keep me and could be a heavy burden to you at times but I hope you won't abandon me whatever happens. That will really…make me… sad." She's breaking as she speaks. Looked like she's dozing off.
"How could you even think of things like that? Did I ever leave you?" He hissed.
"No… and I …deeply…appreciate that...I…''
The woman seemed to have fallen asleep and couldn't finish what she was saying.
"Silly girl." Liam mumbled when he felt her head falling off his shoulder. "The truth is, you were never a burden."
*********
Meanwhile, at the main town of Tubal…
She spent how may days reading and comprehending all that was written in the book that the old woman handed her before Diana was abducted by the bandits.
Sarah had just turned 18 a few days ago and the dreams got even stronger as each moment passes by. Not just dreams but also visions in the light of day. Add the voices she seldom hears occasionally.
Linking power. She read about it.
The old woman said Milcah wanted to connect with her but couldn't because Sarah's power was still developing. Thinking about the link, Sarah spent more time trying to learn the ways and bingo! All she needed now is a little experimental application.
Midnight.
She'll try to do it at midnight and she'll be needing a quiet room. She asked Lemuel's help about her concern and when Asher learnt about it, he asked the help of the town chief.
They showed her the empty chamber at Mount Tebiah, it was located at the hill near the main town. It should be the perfect place since the town priest had been using that place whenever he offers prayers and supplications to the Lord Most High. They consider that place sacred.
When the chief learnt about Sarah's identity, he didn't hesitate to help. Sarah is a seer and the great herald's granddaughter. It's clear to them that she'll be the next in line.
A prophetess! And they all know how important her role is. They need to help her.
"Are you sure you don't need me?" Lemuel worriedly asked.
She nodded. "I need to be alone tonight. Don't worry, nothing bad will happen to me." She uttered confidently before trekking the road towards the sacred chamber. She must start the preparation now before midnight comes. It's her first time doing it and she expect failures. But she can't risk failing all night.
Strong wind coupled with the outpouring of rain and thunders roared all over the land of Tubal sending chills to whoever was awake at that time.
The wind and the sound of thunder was specifically strong at Mount Tebiah where a young lady was uttering a prayer using a language no one could understand except the Maker. Unknown to everyone, all the seer in the kingdom heard the ominous roar in the heavens and the chills kept them awake all night.
The great herald Milcah was not exempted.
"GRANDMA!" A familiar voice suddenly awakened the old woman in the middle of the night. Did she just hear her granddaughter's voice? She was panic-stricken. Did something bad happen to her? She was perplexed but was stupefied when she heard her voice for the second time around.
"Grandma! It's me, Sarah!"
Omo! This can't be a dream! The old woman gasped in dread.
She was doing the link!