INDEED
1221 Words
Ussi had always been an early bird... And him leaving Yahur hadn’t changed that fact one bit.
Souna had felt him start stirring around even long before the first rays of light began seeping through the drapes, and she had sighed resignedly.
She rolled on her side and reached for his broad back, pressing her body against his warm skin.
-Where are you now? – Souna whispered in the darkness, pecking the nape of his neck – I've seen you go there before… Why do you keep going back there, uh?
-Because life is so fragile… And peace is even more delicate – He breathed out, his head turned away from her and facing towards the bed next to them, where their children slept – I’ve seen both end, countless times during my watch.
-I know – She replied, running her palm gently through his loose hair – And that’s why you’re such a good bringer and protector of them.
-Protecting is not enough sometimes – Ussi mumbled sadly – One could protect someone or something to death and still not be able to save them in the end… I’ve seen it firsthand.
-Why are you being so gloomy? – Souna scoffed in a playful tone, tickling him slightly – This is supposed to be a vacation… Remember?
-Yeah, I know – He chuckled weakly – It’s just… Sometimes I wake up at night and just end up thinking about everything and everyone at once. It is a relatively new feeling for me, you see: Caring.
-That can’t be true! – She retorted dismissively – You used to be a Yahurian! If anything, they are the only ones who give a s**t about this land and its people. Don’t tell me that you didn’t care!
- Of course, I’ve cared about stuff before… About missions, about peace, about my creed! But not about specific people. I used to see them as a whole. Then I met you and Axe…
He trailed off, audibly gulping before rolling on his back and facing her. His hand searching for hers.
-And things just changed! – He muttered, letting out a muffled groan and squeezing her hand – They got voluble, they got scary… they got very unpredictable and so, so real! And now, here I am. Terrified that, somehow, this has made me blind to the big picture. How can I properly fight if I can’t see it anymore?
-Ussi – Souna reasoned, leaning over his chest and scratching the fine hair covering it – The person that you were while you were freeing this land the last time already cared about us… You already loved us back then, I know that. And it didn’t make any goddamn difference at all! You still led that army fairly and precisely. You earned us victory!
She raised her head and inched towards his face slowly, looking into his shining pupils with firmness.
-So, would you please stop worrying about this nonsense? – She said, pecking his lips - Because you are still the same great warrior you’ve always been! Nothing will ever change that… And the fact that you are a caring and loving father now is not a weakness, trust me, it’s a strength!
-You promise? – Ussi asked doubtfully – Cause I´ve already died in my son’s arms once… And I’m not planning on making him go through that again any time soon.
-I swear – She confidently nodded, brushing his trimmed beard – Now, let’s make the most out of this early morning and just hit the road.
They had a light breakfast, sitting at a silent table in the corner of the mostly deserted common area. It was so early that every guest was still surely asleep.
Souna waited while Ussi refilled their supplies, watching out the window distractedly how the sun started to shine as she balanced both sleeping children on her lap with difficulty. She found herself scanning Axe’s features and smiling tenderly.
He was still a toddler, but not for much longer. He was growing every day, and he was so heavy now that she could barely hold his weight with one arm.
He still had that childish voice that he rarely used, in comparison to other kids his age. Yet he had started developing this serious aura around him that made her feel like she was staring into the eyes of an ancient man sometimes.
-Mom? – Souna heard him call out, and she found him awake and glancing at her, his small hand reaching for her face and cupping her cheek – Where are we?
-We’re leaving – Souna smiled, adjusting him into a sitting position and signaling to Ussi, who was approaching them with a heavy sack hanging from his shoulder – Dad was just buying some provisions for the road.
-Am I really going to see aunt Sehira? – Axe asked for the hundredth time since they’d left the sands of Lowland's gate behind as he ran by them, distractedly hopping through the village’s streets.
-Yes baby – Sehira replied with a bit of tedium – We've discussed this already… Are you really that excited about seeing her or what?
-I am! I talk to her all the time– Axe said cryptically, making them frown at his statement – She wants me to show her my new tricks! See?
Souna was about to ask him what he meant by that, when a loud gust of wind drowned her voice with its roar, and the sound of hundreds of squawks made both parents look up at the sky, finding the largest flock of geese erratically soaring above them… Their eyes darting to the kid, who held his hand extended towards the enraptured birds.
-Seriously Axe? – Ussi groaned, rolling his eyes and sighing. He squatted beside him and lowered his arm purposely – We've talked about this. Leave the poor animals be! I’ve told you… We don't harm innocent living things, just let them go.
-Sorry – The child mumbled in an ashamed tone. His eyes glued to his feet as the numerous geese flew away nosily – I like birds… I just wanted to play with them for a bit.
-Birds do not exist to be your toys, young man – The warrior stated firmly, his eyes softening a bit as he patted his head lightly – And if you really like them that much, then you must understand that and respect their freedom, above all things.
-Okay – The kid nodded, sniffling decidedly, and smiling at him – I do… I won't do it again. I promise.
Satisfied, Ussi stood on his feet and extended his hand for him to take. His eyes wandering to Souna, who was watching them attentively with a nostalgic grin on her face.
-See? Just like old times... – She muttered, walking by them and giving him a gentle peck on the lips – Let's go.
They had almost arrived at the site where Ussi´s weapon was hidden when the warrior tensed up a little, almost imperceptibly, his hand discretely tightening around his spear.
-Prepare, sweetheart – He ordered in a low voice, scanning his surroundings, and gesturing towards some nearby bushes – This is gonna be just like the good old times indeed!
- Writer
