HOMESICK
1322 Words
Souna sat quietly on the cold stone steps overlooking the large arena.
The sun shone bright in the sky as she kept her eyes trained on the two warriors training restlessly at the bottom of the pit.
Even when she knew both men closely, one of them seemed completely unrecognizable from the way she remembered him.
To begin with, his muscle mass had at least tripled in volume since the last time she'd seen him. And his features... They seemed graver and his eyes looked a shade darker. Yet an aura of weird serenity emanated from him as he moved gracefully along the training ground.
As for the other one: She could identify him anywhere, his characteristic blond hair and his particular way of moving would make him stand out among a thousand men.
Souna smirked, watching him giving his tall opponent a steady beating despite the apprentice's best efforts. His speed simply too elusive to catch up with, and his strength frankly unmatched.
A huge group of masked and unmasked soldiers crowded the seats around the stage, as they all wished to witness the rare encounter between these two men.
The younger ones were clearly mesmerized and eager to attest the flawless performance of the legendary warrior. Everyone gagging at the unique image of the first and only sworn Yahurian ever to rightfully show his unshielded face to the world.
Souna´s chest swelled with pride as she took in the astonished looks of each and every man around the place. Their eyes fixed on the magnificent combat unfolding below them.
Her sight soon landing on Xibu, who was calmly watching the fight's development with crossed arms and an inscrutable face.
-What did he do to gain Xibu´s wrath? – She whispered discreetely towards the masked teenager who was sitting beside her and holding the attentive blue-haired kid on his lap – He's made him take it for hours! Isn't it a little too harsh?
-He talked back to him… – Akoh explained distractedly, steering the child in the arena's direction and pointing at the golden-haired warrior excitedly as he spoke – Look, Axe! That's Ussi´s signature kick! It's so fierce! You see? Don't blink or you're gonna miss it!
-Why would he do that? – Souna asked confusedly, reclaiming the warrior kid's attention – I've known Iktan all my life, and he is not one to argue.
-Well, he is when he has a good reason – The young Yahurian replied – And don't worry too much about him, he's living the dream! I mean, he is fighting an emeritus Commander, and non-other than Ussiariah himself! Do you have any idea of what a privilege that is?
He paused. His eyes darting to the pit and returning their focus to the ring and the contenders, his face lightening with glee when the tall ex-priest managed to dodge the white Yahurian´s blow and almost land a hit on his plated pectoral, Iktan´s spear barely missing his target for just an inch. A wild cheerful howl erupting from the kid's chest at the sight of this outstanding feat.
-See? – He yelled excitedly over the equally ignited crowd – I told you! This is what we live for! And he is not half bad! I should know, I've been fighting him for months… That guy has some true Yahurian grit in him!
-Maybe… - Souna sighed, looking down at the battleground and smirking – Yet he is still not lasting much more. Ussi´s done playing now.
As on cue, a loud thump resonated below, and they could all hear the air leaving the trainee's lungs when he collapsed heavily on the ground under Ussiariah´s boot.
A general gasp escaping from the audience, and hundreds of eyes blinking with perplexity as they tried to pinpoint the precise moment and the exact offensive move that the Yahurian had used against his opponent, but all failing miserably at it.
The fine specks of dust that had risen all around them had begun settling on the fallen pupil's body and a solemn silence reigned around the congregated troops when Ussi extended his hand at the defeated soldier and pulled him up on his feet.
-That's enough – He announced, patting his shoulder and straightening the recruit's shaky frame – You did good.
He switched his attention towards the Yahurian Commander, who sat a short distance away from them and nodded at him.
-I think he has learned his lesson, brother – Ussiariah declared, giving him a radiant smile as the battered soldier quietly dusted himself off beside him – Isn't that right, Iktan?
-It is – The young, tall man replied, composing himself and bowing respectfully to both men – I apologize for my insolence, and I am grateful for your invaluable teachings, Commanders.
-Good – Ussi sighed with satisfaction, extending his arm towards the exit – Get out of my sight now and have some rest then, you've earned it.
-Thank you – Iktan answered, turning around slowly and pacing weakly towards the distant tunnel that led to the communal showers under the sight of the silent crowd.
-Now, for those of you who sat over there watching – The unmasked, blond man called out loudly, signaling to the retreating man – That is what a true Yahurian is supposed to fight like... So don't be a bunch of assholes and give your brother the appreciation he has won today!
A loud spine-chilling ovation erupted all around the arena at his words, a storm of cheers washing over a deeply moved Iktan, whose tired eyes welled up with emotion as he limped his way proudly out of the pit.
-All right – Ussiariah shouted, once the tattered man had left the place, redirecting his attention towards the surrounding platoon, his brow arching playfully -Who wants to give it a shot?
A multitude of hands rose immediately up in the air and a deafening roar of voices begged to be chosen next, making Souna smile with nostalgia.
She had spent most of the afternoon watching as the warrior battled man after man restlessly. The glow on his face exuding happiness all around him while he did what he loved the most... This overjoyed demeanor of his inevitably awaking a stream of contradictory feelings inside her.
It was quite a spectacle seeing him fight and flourish among his brothers the way he did, and deep inside, she couldn't feel more grateful about it!
But the undeniable delight that he was clearly experiencing also stabbed a pang of jealousy directly into her heart. Because seeing him like that also had her wondering if she had made a terrible mistake taking him away from home. She loved having him around, but… If he was so obviously content now. Did that mean that he was unhappy back at Lowland's gate with her?... And what if he actually was?
When night fell, and she found herself standing alone in the chamber watching over their sleeping children, she had trailed back to the training pit where he was still charging against a practice dummy under the moonlight. So, she'd sighed with resolution.
-Need one more apprentice, Commander? – She'd called out from within the shadows, offering him a weak smile and producing her own dagger.
He had grinned back seductively and waved his hand at her, accepting the offer. And they had trained for hours in silence until she'd gathered the courage to say the words that had gotten stuck inside her throat.
-Ussi… I can tell that you are homesick. It is obvious – She'd blurted out abruptly in the middle of their combat – So, why don't we reconsider you moving back here then?
Her eyes widening in shock a second later when her weapon grazed the exposed skin of his neck for the first time ever.
- Writer
