Chereads / Deepwoken: Vow Of Vengeance / Chapter 8 - A Dim Light

Chapter 8 - A Dim Light

 The port of Etris bustled with activity as Argus and Karliah boarded the ship bound for Erisia. The salty scent of the sea filled the air, and seagulls circled overhead as they prepared to set sail.

 As Argus stood at the edge of the dock, gazing out at the ship that would carry him to Erisia, a wave of unease washed over him. It had been years since he had set foot on a ship, and the memories it stirred were painful.

 The sea breeze carried with it the familiar scent of saltwater and adventure, but for Argus, it also brought back haunting memories of a past he tried so hard to forget. The creaking of the ship's hull, the flapping of the sails, all served as cruel reminders of memories from the past, taking away everything he held dear.

 He clenched his fists, trying to push the memories away, but they lingered, refusing to be forgotten. The thought of stepping onto that ship filled him with dread, but he knew he had no choice. 

 His desire for revenge demanded that he set sail once more. With a heavy heart, Argus stepped onto the ship, his eyes fixed on the horizon. He knew the journey ahead would be long and treacherous, but he also knew that he could not turn back. For the sake of those he had lost, and for the hope of a brighter future, he would endure. 

 As the ship sailed out of the harbor, Argus and Karliah watched as the coastline of Etris faded into the distance. The sound of the waves against the hull was soothing, and they settled in for the journey ahead.

-The sea is beautiful, isn't it? So vast and full of possibilities.

-I suppose so. It's been a long time since I've been on a ship.

-Really? Why's that?

-It reminds me of... things I'd rather forget.

-I'm sorry, Argus. I didn't mean to bring up painful memories.

-It's alright. It's just been a while since I've been on a ship. The last time... well, let's just say it didn't end well.

-I understand. But perhaps this journey will bring a new perspective. A chance to create new memories.

 As the ship set sail, Argus couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled over him. The sea stretched endlessly around them, the horizon a distant line that seemed to taunt him with memories of his past. Karliah noticed his discomfort and tried to engage him in conversation, but Argus remained distant, lost in his thoughts.

 The hours passed slowly, each minute feeling like an eternity as the ship cut through the waves. Argus watched the sea, his mind drifting back to the days with his brother and family, the screams of his parents echoing in his ears. He had avoided ships and the sea ever since, the mere sight of them stirring up painful memories.

Argus, gazing pensively at the horizon: 

-It's strange, isn't it? How something so beautiful can hold such pain.

-You can think of the sea as our lives, Argus. It has its ups and downs, but it's how we navigate ourselves in the waves of life that defines us.

-I suppose you're right. What I'm just trying to say is, It's just hard to shake the feeling of... loss.

-Loss is a part of life. But it's also what makes us appreciate the moments we have.

 Despite his inner turmoil, Argus found solace in Karliah's presence. Her unwavering determination and optimism were a stark contrast to his own brooding nature, and he found himself opening up to her, sharing stories of his past and his fears for the future. Karliah listened, offering words of encouragement and support, her presence a source of strength for Argus in his time of need.

 As the sun began to set, the skyline of Erisia came into view, its towering spires a welcome sight after hours at sea. The ship docked, and Argus and Karliah disembarked, stepping onto the solid ground of the dock with a sense of relief.

-We should make camp here for the night, Karliah suggested, pointing to a clearing nearby. We can rest and prepare for the journey ahead.

 Argus agreed, and together they set up camp, gathering wood for a fire and setting up their tents. As the sun began to set, they settled around the crackling fire, the warmth casting a comforting glow, Karliah leaned back, a thoughtful expression on her face. 

-This feels like a new beginning, doesn't it, Argus? A chance to start fresh.

 Argus nodded, poking at the fire with a stick. 

-It does. But it's also a reminder of everything we've lost, he said, his voice tinged with sadness. The sea always brings back memories I'd rather forget.

 Karliah placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. 

-I understand. But remember, we're not alone anymore. We have each other, we can face the harsh adventures together.

 Argus smiled gratefully, the weight on his shoulders lifting slightly. -You're right. Thank you, Karliah. I'm glad you're here with me.

 They sat in companionable silence for a while, the only sound the crackling of the fire and the distant calls of nocturnal creatures. As the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, Karliah spoke up again.

-What do you think we will find in Erisia, Argus? Do you think we'll find any cute pets maybe?

 Argus stared into the flickering flames, his expression determined. 

-I don't know what we'll find, but it makes things even more exciting, I would say.

 As the fire dwindled to glowing embers, Argus and Karliah wrapped themselves in their blankets, finding comfort in the warmth against the cool night air.