#valedrokos

[canerae]

The Storm

Based on this post

{Written with @pirategreyashe}

  Scattered thunder crashed in the distance as streaks of lightning occasionally lit the sky around the tree-house, Canerae and her feline companion watching out one of the few windows with distaste. Flickering flames danced around the room, their rhythm in time with the music of the storm raging outside. She had expected this day to be just like any other, another afternoon of polishing boots and shining armors, the punishment for informing one of the ill-trained officers of her previous departure. It was safe bet to say there would be no work for her today, no training for any of the Farstriders. No, it was a gloom filled day to herself, leaving her to the sanctity of her thoughts.

  Needing a distraction from the continuous barrage of departed memories and laughter she set to work on a small pile of unfilled requests strewn over the window seat. Maps were hastily tucked away in envelopes along with letters filled with snippets of information. Hours passed, the stack of curious and needy inquirers dwindling down to its bare bones, sealed missives sitting opposite ready to be delivered.

“Well! I finished more than I thought I could today!” She nodded, smiling faintly down at Bast, who still seemed preoccupied with the bleakness of the weather. “You’re no fun, you big grump.”

 Bast lifted his head to growl, a massive paw sliding one oddly shaped package across the floor towards her feet.

 "What’s this? Enchant and transport? I don’t know! You always have a knack for getting me into trouble..“ Weighing the possibilities and considering the never waning storm she decided there could be no harm in leaving for awhile, right? Even if it wasn’t the most ideal form of travel.

  Who knows where I’ll end up..

  Cupped in her palm was a miniature rose carved of wax, a wick extended from its center. After another moment of consideration and a deep breath, Canerae struck a match, the candle lighting its way through various destinations until finally settling on a balmy beach, the smell of ocean air surrounding her.

  The setting no doubt surprised her, thinking she would end up in a beautiful forest somewhere at the very least. But, the only other person occupying this retreat brought forth a loud squeak from the huntress as she backed away, her eyes wide with shock.

   A loud squeak ripped the pirate from his daydream. Slowly turning toward its source he was shocked to see the blonde huntress standing some meters away from him. How had she ended up on this beach? For a moment he could only stare, paralyzed. After several long minutes of heavy silence, Vale broke into a run to meet her where she stood.

  “Canerae?..Gods..you’re not a product of my imagination, are you..? It’s really you?” He peered at her, struggling to keep his cool, “How did you get here? I wasn’t expecting you anytime soon…I was going to look for you…” He reached for her cheek, brushing the soft skin with a rough thumb as if to reassure himself she wasn’t an illusion. “I know I scared you away, I didn’t mean to frighten you I just…it felt right. You should’ve told me you weren’t ready for such a leap..” Words failed him and his voice broke, his knees threatening to give out under his weight,  “I should’ve run after you the moment I realized you left, but I didn’t want to break my promise to you. Remember? The one where I said I’d wait for you if anything happened. Forgive me if I failed you, luv.”

  The huntress took two steps back, the rush of words and emotions overwhelming her. “Please, I don’t — I shouldn’t be here! Not like this, maybe not ever.” A rueful gaze fell to the wax rose still cupped within her palm, “Vale, I’m so sorry. I just wanted to make sure you were safe. And you weren’t, not with me.” Tears brimmed behind her eyes as she looked at the monk, her lips parting to speak once more, “I wish that I could have told you one last time that—” And just before she had the chance to finish a gust of wind whipped around the two, the candle’s flame winking out and propelling her back to the safety of her tree house.

  Once more he found himself alone on that beach, silence threatening to engulf what little sanity remained within the monk. She’d vanished before his eyes, this time utterly powerless to prevent it from happening. He’d never know what truth the huntress meant to share with him or if there was a slim chance he did, it wouldn’t be for some time. Shaking, he ran a hand through his still tied hair only to rip the leather band holding his mane. Falling to his knees, a loud cry of anguish rose from his chest, cursing whatever gods and goddesses who’d bother listening.

  It was twilight when Vale finally pushed himself back on his feet. With a shattered heart he made the walk back to his ship, ready to numb his mind and drown his sorrows, one bottle of rum after another.