#sinoh journal

[chthonicavalon]

Day 8 - Tepid

Sinoh sat on a rock beside the wagon and sipped at a canteen.  In the distance were rocks – more rocks, really, as that’s all that could be seen besides sand out here in Thanalan – in a fair-sized canyon.  Occasionally there was a cactus, or even a cactaur, to break up the perpetual tan and red tones that made up the perpetual landscape of these eastern territories.  Sweat beaded down her forehead, but she couldn’t really wipe it away, not without scraping her face with her shiny mythril armor.

This was her third escort leve in the past fortnight, with the possibility of a fourth rounding it out after this one concluded.  Despite the calm that had swept over Eorzea in the wake of the Final Days, it seemed there were still pockets of trouble, small-time bandits and the worry about wild beastkin harassing the chocobos and making off with the goods.  It was a way to make a living, even if Sinoh was beginning to find it terribly boring.

And that, Sinoh supposed, was the core of it.  She was a paladin--training.  Given a soulstone by Xihra, she’d already learned a lot as she communed with it, taken in some of its memories.  Faint as they were, she could feel the essence of not only the originator, but her free paladin mentor.  And it seemed like she should be doing more, doing greater things than guarding caravans.

But, she rationalized, the wagon floating behind her carried much needed food and alchemical supplies to the more regional settlements away from Ul’dah.  It was a good thing she was doing.  There wasn’t a princess to save, so that meant there wasn’t a princess being held captive and tormented.  That was a good thing, right?

Shouldn’t she be happy that the world was at peace and there were fewer reasons for people like her to exist?

There was a cry behind her, followed by the rapid patter of boots hitting rock.  Sinoh set down her canteen and stood, drawing her sword and aging shield with a sigh.  Maybe today she could drive them off without needing to kill them.  It all seemed like such a waste.

[chthonicavalon]

Day 12 - Miss the Boat

((Inspired by one of Sinoh’s friends, I understand this is a VERY literal take on the phrase.  But I thought I would have a little fun with this after some rough times.))

“No!  Come back!”  

Zovra’s shout echoed across the bay, repeating a half-dozen times before her voice finally faded.  The wind was just right.  The ferry from Aleport was speeding along at a brisk clip, soon to drop below the horizon as it made for Limsa Lominsa.  The viera fell to her knees and seemed ready to cry.

Sinoh was still on the back of her massive chocobo.  Lifting a brow, the red hair curving into an incredulous expression, then one of concern.  “Zovra, what’s wrong?  The next ferry is later tonight.  We’ll just take that one.”

The viera slumped.  “Yeah,” she began.  After a sniff, she shook her head, the tall ears swaying a little atop her head.  “It’s fine.  We will just take that one.”

The keeper didn’t move, merely gazing at her friend for a long moment, then she swung her leg over the saddle and dismounted.  “Stay here, Caniad,” Sinoh said and pat the neck of the tall bird.  Her armor clinked as she made her way toward the Zovra.  Even kneeling, her friend was nearly as tall as she.  “What’s wrong, Zovra?” she asked, her voice now much softer and kinder.

There was another sniff, then a shake of the viera’s head, before Zovra seemed to think better of denying her plight.  “It is nothing, truly.  You will think it silly.”

“Maybe, but you’re clearly broken up about it.  You’re nearly crying.  What’s wrong?  Maybe I can help.”

There was another sniff, and Zovra finally spoke.  “My favorite bakery will be closed by the time we get back.  The baker was supposed to save me a scone and a batch of cookies.”

Sinoh merely blinked.  Her mouth opened, she inhaled to speak, then it closed again.  This repeated a couple times, until finally, she just said, “I will see if we cannot find a fisherman to take us.”  She turned to walk away.  Llymaen, this woman was going to be the death of her.