Aya's POV
Having packed everything up, I sat on the mats in front of the cool fire pit. In my hands I held the only object I treasured, my brush from Diamon. Slowly I ran it through my most prized possession, my long, beautifully straight, black hair. It was softer than it had ever been, before I met Diamon. Tying my hair at the nape of my neck, I separated it into two plaits that I twisted into long ropes then tucked into the leather cord I had originally tied my hair with, tucking the ends in. Perfect.
I really don't want to go. This island.. The mountains, where my parents lay buried. Whose lives I shared for thousands of years.. The people.. It's all I have known for centuries. The thought of leaving here makes me extremely nervous. Only there is no more time..
Closing up the back area of the hut again, I began to move silently through the dark night, with my pack slung over my shoulder. As I run to the docks, I think back on when Diamon and I created our mind-link, I am grateful for it. Though I may not see her, I can always talk to her through it, no matter what the distance ( As far as we knew. ).
The previous night she confided in me a bit. "This world is much larger than you think, Aya. Barbarians and bandits, thieves and the like, are everywhere. The cultures and the people are much different than you realize. You are still so innocent, in so many ways. You'd have to learn, and learn fast, but well, to survive. Trust me." If anything, I believe her concern over my welfare was warranted at the time.
The black lace shadow play of the trees against the night, blurred in my peripheral vision as I ran to meet Diamon at the docks since she had not yet returned. Slowing to a trot and then simple footfall, I watched as Diamon stood with three men by one of the boats.
She was gently caressing their cheeks as she smiled brightly, the color of fresh blooms in her cheeks. Each of them smiled at her as if she was sent to them by the Gods. As it registered in my mind, I realized that she was using "mind-control" on them.
"Diamon, shame on you!" I approached quietly, the eyes of the men shifting to me. "Aya! Perfect timing. I just told the boys here to take you across in their boat, and give you anything you may need." Her eyes and grin were filled with mischief as the leaned into the side of the third man. "Oh yeah, the captain was filled in too, he's already on the boat under the impression he is transporting a goddess of some kind!" Looking at the shock in my eyes, she broke into peals of laughter that rang out over the ocean. "I'm sorry! But with Enikil, and your weird power thing happening, which you better keep me updated on, I'm sorry it was a poor joke. But I had to."
Chuckling, I could see the misery deep in her eyes. I would miss her too. Moving in front of her, I smiled sadly and dropped my pack, which the first man picked up.
Along with the whisper of the breeze from the ocean, I enveloped Diamon in my arms. Resting my head on her shoulder, I closed my eyes.
"I'm really sorry about all this. I don't really want to go. I just.. I just wish I knew what that "power" thing was." Tears slid silently over my cheeks. Inside this was tearing me apart. "I have had a very long life, but.. Only three people to share it with. Is it so much for me to want more?
Taking me by the shoulders, Diamon pulled back and brushed away her tears and mine. Smiling her bright blue eyes meet my own. "Hey.. Don't worry about it, I'll be waiting around. You know me. I also know you'll find a way to control and harness that.. Whatever that was."
She stepped back as she pushed her emotions deep within. "Time to go. Boys, lead her onboard. When you step on the boat you follow her instructions." Two of the three fishermen in nothing but pants shredded up to the knees surrounded me, as they gently made me walk to the short ramp to step onto the boat. The third man cast off the lines and with his foot, pushed us out toward the ocean for a "crossing." I couldn't look back now.
I made my way up to the bow of the boat, as I set to work removing Diamon's "slave" bonds in the men's minds. Only a little bit of control was needed for a "crossing" such as this. A bond that dissolves and erases memory of it, and me.
Facing out toward the moonlit ocean, I watch the water flicker with it's light. It relaxes me.
I wonder if I should call out to him. He who has remained without shape or form all these years.. He is my destination after all. Would he be awake? I stretch my mind and softly nudge his, my voice at below a whisper. ~Good father, I beseech you. Are you awake?~
There is almost like a slight 'twang' in the link. I feel his awareness and the smile in his voice, ~Yes, good daughter but only for a moment. I was once in slumber, and the hour is late. Is there something wrong?~ There is great concern on his end and he isn't trying to shield it from me as he usually does.
The anguish, the pain, fear, and excitement that I feel, I allow him to experience from my end. ~The hour is late, and I apologize for that. Out of me necessity, my journey to see you has been expedited. I am on my way, crossing an ocean as we speak.~
I can almost hear him sigh as his old bones come to rest. I catch a feeling of resignation and then awe. ~Yes sweet girl, I know. These blind eyes are viewing the ocean through your eyes for the first time. I never thought that anything could be so.. Vast. I can 'feel' you coming.~
The connection for speech was gone, but I could feel him watching a while longer until he finally fell back asleep. Dear man. I worry about him alot.
Though now is the time I need to start worrying about myself for a change. I need to sharpen my skills to survive..