Oh, Mealla had ambition, and she had dreams. She dreamt one day – prayed, hoped -that she would become a member of the Watch, and from there travel the world, see the sights, look upon what her mother had seen, and know something of life, and she hoped, too, that she would someday be able to control the greatest of storms –become a true Stormwarden - so that even Zulrav Himself would look upon her in respect, but she was not stupid enough to desire to be a god. Humans had their place in life, and it was not for them to go beyond it. And so she looked at Tourmal afresh, surprised at his outburst. Shocked. But she did not say anything. Instead, she bit her lip, stopping herself from saying what she wanted – that the gods let men live because it was their will, and that they could take that life away if they so wished. They did it every day – every time a life was taken upon the Sea of Grass, but that was how life was, how things had always been, and how things would always be. He was talking nonsense. Stupidity. Her gaze flicked back to the fire, and she hugged herself, leaning forward, not really sure that she wanted to be here anymore. It was about time that she should be heading home. Her parents would be wondering where she was, she knew, and she did not want them to tighten their leash. She wanted to have her freedom whilst she could. She looked at the man – the naive young man – one last time, and smiled politely, pushing her hair behind her ears once more. “You would love it to be?” she repeated, still humouring him, though his outburst had disturbed her. She inched away slightly, pretending to shift, pretending to try and find a more comfortable position. “But you know what they say... a girl never meets the eyes of a man she wants. She makes him seek her out gaze instead; makes it so that he cannot look away...” She let the sentence hang, and shrugged her shoulders. “But,” and she stood, brushing down her clothes, “I must go. I have duties to attend to.” She gave another little half smile. “Ambitions to see fulfilled. Perhaps we will see each other again. I know of the tavern, but for now... “Goodbye, Tourmal Firemane.” And with that she was gone. |
Fin |
