Darius sat there expecting her answer. She was silent, gathering her thoughts when she said, "This is... because of a drought that occured 16 years ago."
"Wiat, wait, wait." Darius quickly interrupted, "You said 16 years ago. Have you two been living here for qy years alone and that too in a drought struck land?!"
He surprised to say the least. For him, it was unimaginable for someone to survive in such conditions.
"Yes." Fiona closed her eyes, she seemed to remember the times of gruelling hardships.
"But why did you stay here for so long!?" He could not fathom that someone would willingly live here that too for so long. What could be the driving force for her to take such drastic measures?
Fiona shook her head slowly saying, "I'm sorry but I'm not comfortable telling you about that."
There was a hint of profound grief within her eyes. A memory so torturous that she could not forget.
Seeing such an expression on her face, broke his heart. A woman who always smiled and had shown him only kindness. Such a sight had caused him pain.
He wished to take away all the pain from her. But alas it was not possible. At least, not yet. Suddenly, he felt astonished. How did he feel such strong emotions for a woman whom he had met just this morning?
It was the first time that felt something like this. He did not experience something this profound with even his girlfriend.
"I'm sorry to ask you that." Said Darius sincerely.
"It's alright." Fiona showed the same gentle smile. This one, however he saw, was an attempt to hide her pain.
"Before all this, the village was prosperous. Our village was blessed bountiful harvest every year. Almost 2000 people lived here and life was peaceful."
She sighed, her hands gripping her gown.
"Then 16 years ago, the drought had struck the village suddenly. At first, there were only irregular rain. Then the rain happened less. In two years, the rain had stopped completely. The land became dry, there was no water in Wells, no harvest for people to feed on. Gradually, they began to leave. Many tried to convince me to leave with them. But I truly love this village. So, I refused. I wanted to revive the land. Return this village's prosperity. Even though, Tia had been only 5 years old at that time. I had decided to stay, selfishly."
His eyes were wet. From her voice, he could tell her love for this village. But he did not know if agreed with her or not.
"You must have suffered a lot, Fiona." He said, softly. His voice held sympathy for her and Tiara.
Fiona turned her head towards him in surprise. His words were unforseen, she had expected words of disdain or belittlement. Or maybe words of ridicule targeting her decision; like the villagers did.
The astonishment was caused by his words sympathy. A man whom she had only just three days ago, turned out to be someone who sympathized with her.
"You saved me when I was at death's door. You cared for me and helped me. For this I will forever be grateful." His face was solidifying, voice becoming firmer like he had reached a decision.
"That's why let me repay you." He held her hand his eyes unmoving from hers, "Let me help you revive this land."
She felt her heart beat faster. Emotions running amok within her, not knowing what to do or what to say. A moment later, she settled with crying.
Tears flowed freely down her cheeks. Her throat was heavy barely able to take a breath in, she couldn't produce a noise much less a thanks to show her gratefulness. As such, she sobbed. She sobbed and howled loudly.
Tiara was astounded to see her mother cry. Her mother never cried. Even when she was hurt badly, not a single drop of tear left her eye. Seeing her mother in such a condition, made herself begin to tear. It was unbearable. No child wanted their parent to cry. She wanted her to be smiling again. She hugged her mother tightly, attempting to stop her tears.
"Mommy, don't cry." She sobbed.
Darius stayed silent. His body moved on its own around the table, embracing Fiona firmly. All these years of sadness and suffering had found its way out her body today. Today, she was happy. She had gained hope again. This day had become one of the best days of her life.
[Quest Alert!]
He ignored the prompt for now.
...
In this scorching afternoon, Darius was accompanying Fiona outside.
After crying so much, Tiara had fallen asleep causing the other two to move her to the bed in Fiona's room.
Fiona had told him to rest more while she went to get water from the river. He strictly refused her and insisted on helping her. Thus, she reluctantly let him follow her.
They had been walking for a while now, fueling his curiosity further with each step. Not able to hold back anymore, Darius asked while adjusting his hold on an earthen pitcher, "How far is this river, by the way?"
The sweat had started to wet his red tunic. A short sword was hanging on his waist over brown pants, making him uncomfortable. From his deep and little faster breathing one could tell that fatigue had begun to take its seat within him.
Fiona was in a much better condition than him. Which obviously due to her being used to the heat. Her faded green gown had patches wet around her back.
"Not too far now." She walked straight, balancing an earthen pitcher on her head and other two in each hand. There was a quiver full of arrows around her waist, a bow snugly wrapped around her torso.
"Once we reach the forest, it will be easier. Its not hot there." She saw the treeline coming nearer, "And stay close to me. I know a way we can take without alerting any monsters."
"Okay." He prepared himself to venture into the forest.