Chapter 7 - Farewell

That was the first time she saw Kisya.

Anyway, she continued her journey with the convoy, travelling throughout the entire southern lands. When winter came, her notebook was full.

One day, during that winter, they were approaching the limit. And there, they were able to feel a bit of real winter, while in the centre it was eternally summer. No trace of snow, cold, or ice at all. Only sun, arid soil, dust. Maybe, the only change was a more temperate weather and a bit more rain. But nothing too much.

However, when the convoy was to exit the southern lands, they stopped to take a break and have a hot meal.

It was days Kiira was thinking about one, single thing. She had enjoyed that nomadic life, being an actress, and dancing in front of all those different people. It had been like a dream. As a child, she'd never imagined being able to become a princess, a queen, a soldier, a witch, a fairy, or a dragon. Yet, she knew it was not her path. She always liked to deal with people, face to face. Not entertaining them. Yes, it was a nice hobby, but it was not meant to last. At least for her. 

She began to dream of her own empire in the south.

She always admired the merchants passing through the land she inhabited with her family, years ago, and since she was thoroughly committed to the matter, she was soon able to make a bargain, to understand the profession basics, to come up with her own ideas.

The girl knew you could make a living with this profession: the very thing was to figure out the right wares to trade and the right manner to do it. And as she studied for years, she felt she was ready for the challenge.

Therefore, during lunch, she stood up and spoke out loud: <> she started confidently, <>.

A first thundering applause came to stop her. She smiled slightly, but hurried to keep on: <>.

Other claps from the audience. Everyone raised glasses and tankards to toast to the newcomer, nowadays part of their big, lovely family.

Kiira's heart warmed at the sight and almost lost the force to light off their grins and smiles, but she had to do that, in order to keep on living without any regret: <this exact moment. Even so, I'm sorry, but I have to tell you my last resolution. I've always admired the merchants in my native country. I've always dreamed of running my own business. To become the head of a big company, firm, I don't know… Anyway, something big…>> she started wandering off, raising her hands to reach her hair, with a dreamy, excited expression to revive the passion flame into her eyes. Her tone was soft, but agitated, as though she was about to touch her dream, she was about to enjoy it forever. She showed them that theatrical attitude she so promptly absorbed from their manners, that they, even smelling the bad news, felt so proud of their little girl, able to express such deep feelings only as a true actress could do.

She stopped a moment, took a deep breath and concluded: <>.

Everyone's smiles vanished, the silence fell on the camp. Some lowered their eyes, others looked away, a few others stared at the girl. Between these few was Iriel.

The woman was wrapped in her ice blue mantle and seated in such a position to give her something close to a noble aura, that added magnificence to her little figure. Her pale eyes were fixed on Kiira's face, unwilling to go beyond, waiting to the end of that scene with a careful, but placid expression.

<> she whispered, thinking they were going to be, if not upset, at least disappointed in her.

Instead, the old Lady Mariah stood up and, after having looked at her comrades one after another, finally talked: <> And that said, with a wide arm movement, indicated everyone in the audience. And they stood up and applauded the resolution.

They started to bring out meat, vegetables, various sweets and good wine. A big fire camp was set up to prepare the great banquet and, for the evening, everything was ready to celebrate. The star of the party was Kiira. Everyone came to bid her farewell and to wish her every luck. She was reached even by her little friends, who, even among their tears, managed to greet her and to tie her in a tight, last embrace.

The night was spent this way, between toasts and tears. 

When the party neared its end and the little Rein had been asleep already for a long time, Kiira dared to move from the banquet to sit on a nearby stone, to rest a bit and think clearly. 

While she was there, watching the moon, a cold hand came to awake her from her thoughts.

Kiira jumped and started to grab the stranger's hand, when a soft voice came to calm her down: <>.

<> Kiira answered, a bit dazed. After all, it was the first time the woman asked to talk to her.

<> Iriel said, <>.

<>.

<<... But I'm here also to warn you: be careful. The world is not a safe place…>>

<>.

<<... Something is waking up from a distant past. I feel it in the air. It slightly resonates with malignant humour. We're parting ways, but I feel it's not the last time we'll see each other. Even so, the next time you'll meet me, I'm certain it won't be a happy circumstance. Watch yourself. Don't let others get closer to you>>.

Kiira was dumbfounded, but before she could ask any question, Iriel disappeared in the dark, leaving the girl alone to think about their conversation.

The next morning, she woke up at the first rays and got up. She found out she fell asleep on the stone the previous night and so she felt a little numbed. But nothing a cold wash couldn't drive away. So, she got closer to a bucket full of water and immersed her hands. Then, she raised them and washed her face. The cold water helped to completely awaken her.

Suddenly, she noticed a little noise from the centre of the camp. Still with her dripping face, she got closer to the noise and saw a group of her comrades waiting for her. She approached the group and Lady Mariah was the first one to notice her arrival: <> And wrapped her arms around the girl's chest, <>.

Kiira restricted herself to a simple nod.

<> the woman gave in, with a sad smile.

But then, she forced a little laugh and said: <>.

A smile showed on Kiira's face, that happily sat on a bench, waiting for her dish, which was not delayed to arrive in her hands. So, she started eating. 

When she was going to finish her meal, Lady Mariah disappeared for a moment to come back with a full bag and holding an old horse by the reins.

<> she announced, moved to tears.

The girl left her empty plate on the bench and ran to hug the woman that, day after day, was always more a mom for her.

<> she cried, burying her face in the woman's neck.

This one raised her hand to caress Kiira's head and brushing her hair with her fingers answered: <>.

Kiira was going to start crying. She felt her heart aching at the idea of never seeing them again, but she was strong and, releasing the embrace, she took Lady Mariah's hands and said: <>.

Lady Mariah smiled.

After these misty-eyed farewells, Kiira left the convoy forever and finally started her journey, looking forward to finding her fortune.