For Glory or Gold

The Rough Sapphire

Torin woke before the sun that morning. The encounter with Estien the previous night had her up most the night and kept her from sleeping well. She glanced about the room, as she recalled the look on Sestina’s face when she came in with tears. She sighed and moved from her mat. She didn’t know how to tell them it wasn’t him, it was her. There were so many voices talking to her, she couldn’t decipher her own from them. Then there was the one they brought to remembrance, the one from her dreams so long ago. The wind would whisper about him, and yet something was drawing her to Estien. An invisible force that she couldn’t put her finger on.

She continued to rise from her position and quietly walk to the door. She glanced around one last time, noticing that there was no sign of Estien. She stepped out into the silence, there beside the door, was a sleeping Estien. He long limbs stretched out in front of him, as his cloak was pulled tight. She pulled the warm blanket she had wrapped herself in from her shoulders and placed it over him. He stirred lightly and then went back to sleep.

Torin stepped from the porch, Nel had followed her out the door and was already in the yard chasing anything that moved. She seemed so happy in the fields. She made her way to the area she was at the night before, where she snapped at Estien. Broken sticks were scattered about and she could clearly make out where she knelt and where Estien had been. She sighed and looked back to the house, the whispers of the wind speaking clearly to her in the early hour. Her eyes met Estien’s sleeping form, a smile absently coming to her face.

She made her way back to the house, stopping in the yard to play quietly with her small cat. Nel had calmed and they were walking up the porch together,. She slowed her pace, to consider him. She looked to his dark hair and thought about the feel of his hand in hers. She noticed that there seemed to be something about him that was missing, as though he lost part of himself. Part of him seemed incomplete.

“Good morning.” his groggy voice spoke out.

“Good morning.” Torin stopped before opening the door. “Everyone is still asleep.”

“Not everyone,” he nodded to the grass and where Sariphyn was walking toward the house.

“Good morning, Harpy.”

“Good morning, child.” She smiled, causing Torin’s heart to lift.”I trust you both have mended your allegiance.”

“What?”

“Not yet, Sariphyn.” Estien spoke out.

Torin glanced from her to Estien and back again.

“Well, you best make quick work about it. We are to leave soon.” She walked passed them into the house.

Estien stood from his spot on the porch, stretching loudly. He gave a loud sigh and held out the blanket that had been put over him. “I believe this is yours.”

“Thanks.” Torin carefully took the blanket from him. “What is this about mending allegiance?”

“Sariphyn believes we are fighting and need to make up so we can continue.” Torin winced as she watched him twist his head so that his neck cracked.

“We fought, but aren’t fighting.” She said as she wrapped the blanket in her arms.

“So, we’re good then?” Estien’s eyes met hers, both of them felt that spark once more.

“Yup.” She popped the “P” and turned quickly into the house. Something about this man made her heart race and she needed to keep her distance. She knew she was allowing herself to grow too fond of him too quickly.

Entering the common room, she laughed as Harpy was rudely waking the others. Torin laughed loudly as Sariphyn dragged Sestina from her mat.

“Don’t laugh,” Kestrin was saying as he stretched, “Sestina might come after you.”

Estien entered in behind her and bust into laughter at the site of them. They couldn’t resist the urge, the pair began to laugh harder. Which caused Kestrin to laugh and Sestina to get angry. Harpy looked about confused with everyone.

“We need to be going.” She looked around the room, “Clean up after yourselves and lets be off.”

“We haven’t even eaten yet!” Sestina yelled after her as she left the house.

Torin moved out of the way, as Estien held the door for Sestina. Then they set about cleaning up the mats. Ocha Sumner had come into the room just as Sestina took off after the tall woman. She shook her head and helped gather the mats. Kestrin and Estien then stepped out to help calm Sestina down.

“Thank you,” Torin said as she placed the last mat on the pile. “For opening your home to us.”

“It’s my pleasure.” She smiled genuinely. “The forest told of your coming, miss. It’s an honor to have you.” She appeared extremely happy to have been able to help. Torin expressed her thanks one more time, before gathering her things.

Stepping outside, the sounds of Sestina stating clearly the deadly things she would do to Harpy if she ever took her from her bed again could be heard across the fields. Estien sat back and laughed at the boisterous comments being made toward the sky. Torin stood looking and saw Harpy flying in circles as she waited for them to move out.

“Miss!” Ocha came running out behind them. “For the road.” She handed over a bundle of bread, it was still warm.

“Thank you, again.” She gave a short curtsy, like her mother had taught. Ocha blushed, gave a brief smile and then ran back in the house.

Estien came over and took a piece of bread from the warm towel.

“What was that about?”Torin asked, as she looked back to the house. His response of a shrug did not help much.

“Ses, bread!” His voice muffled by the mouthful of food.

Sestina stopped her vocalizations to come and grab food, which Estien tossed a few pieces to Kestrin. They gathered their gear and began the walk. Torin alternated between tossing small bits to Nel and large chunks in the air to Harpy as they walked.

“Don’t share with her.” Sestina stated, “She’s RUDE!” She yelled out, Harpy screamed back loudly as she took off ahead.

Torin rolled her eyes and let out a chuckle. She watched as Estien and Kestrin were deep in conversation and Sestina had run to catch up with them. They were a trio long before she came along. Why would La’Octa have deployed Estien to come get her alone? Why not have him travel with his friends? Torin’s head filled with questions that she didn’t understand.

It was hard to see the large tree from their current location within the woods, but as a clearing came up ahead, the view was mesmerizing. They stopped for a moment to take it all in. The large cliffs loomed beyond the Great Tree in the distance. Just the top of the tree could be seen about the forest that still laid between them and it. The soft trickle of a nearby brook could be heard through the sounds of birds.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Harpy had come up to Torin.

“Amazing.” She replied, offering her the last piece of bread.She smiled softly and took it. Torin shook out the towel and then continued on the path.

“You know, I was born on this isle.” She smiled. “My mother fell in love with a Kadari, and they built a farm just over there.” She pointed North of their current position. “Mother taught me the ways of the druid and my father taught me the heritage of the Kadari.” She took another bite of her food. “It was La’Octa that commissioned me to watch over you.”

“What?!” Torin’s head spun to her quickly, causing her to lose her balance.

“It’s true. When your father came and said you were born.” She took the last piece of bread in her hands tore a piece off for Nel. “La’Octa summoned me and told me to follow him, that there was a child born to him that needed my protection.” She smiled to the young woman. “I have watched you since you were a few months old. When your family moved from Teru to Vinla, I went with.”

Torin felt more questions rise within her. Why would she do this? Why am I so important to have to people need to protect me?

“Know, that she loves you very much.”

“What should I call you?” Torin was doing her best to change the subject..

“Whatever you would like. Harpy is fitting,” she looked to her companion, “La’Octa would call me Sariphyn.”

“Sariphyn, that’s a beautiful name.” Torin was enchanted by this tall woman, watching her silver hair move freely in the light breeze that they walked into.

“Thank you.” Their eyes scanned the road before them. The afternoon sun was high and the heat of the midday was beating against them.

“Can you tell me,” Torin shook her head, correcting herself, “What can you tell me about Prophecy?”

“Ahh, that.” Sariphyn gave a sly smile, “Prophecy can cause, an otherwise sane person, to make stupid choices.” She looked ahead at the trio, they were laughing and joking about something.

“Like Estien?” Torin spoke his name cautiously.

“Like Sestina.”

A look of puzzlement came across Torin face as she considered the woman.

“Estien has made some dumb choices, which I am sure he will tell you about. However, Sestina carries regret on her shoulder for things that she had done. It’s not my place to speak of them, but know that she does want Estien to be happy,” she looked to Torin lovingly, “regardless of his choice.”

Torin tried to return the smile, “I don’t know if I can give him what he wants.” She twisted the towel in her hands, “There’s this..”

“Torin! Come look at this!” Kestrin had yelled from up ahead. She glanced to Sariphyn, who urged her to go ahead. Without hesitation she ran ahead, Nel close behind her.

There before them was a large farm, easily several acres large. In the midst of the farm were several cattle, but one appeared to be laboring.

“What’s going on?” Torin stepped up on the fence with the others.

“A calf is being born.” Estien stood beside her and brought his arm near by to help steady her. “Just there.” He pointed clearly to the calf.

“Oh my gosh!” In a state of excitement, Torin grabbed Estien’s arm as he pointed.

“We should keep moving.” Sariphyn came up along the fence line.

“I have to watch this.” Her words were clear and her eyes didn’t leave the current event.

“Torin,” She started again.

“Shhh.” She hushed the tall woman, waving a hand in her direction. Torin clund to Estien’s arm and watched the event unfold intently. She heard the loud sigh that Sariphyn gave and the snickering from Sestina and Kestrin, but she didn’t budge. Estien stood there, his arm about Torin. He would hold her as long as she let him. With eager anticipation she watched and waited for the calf to be born. They watched together as the young heifer change positions and moved about. It was well after midday when the noises of a new calf could be heard. Torin was in a visible state of bewilderment and Estien could only smile at her. Delighted to see how happy she was.

“That was amazing!” Torin delightfully shared with him, “So beautiful. Thank you!”

“For what?” Estien chuckled.

“Allowing me the chance to watch it.” Her adoration in that moment was everything Estien wanted.

“It was worth it to hear you shush Sariphyn.” Sestina chortled. Kestrin joined in the infectious laughter with his sister.

Torin looked from them to Estien and saw the joy in his eyes, which gave way to a light chuckle. She hadn’t realized that Estien’s arm was still about her as they made their way. It was a moment the brought more joy to Estien then he let on, until Kestrin came up along the opposite side of Torin and threw his arm over her shoulder as well. The weight of both of them was more then Torin wanted on her back, so she quickly ducked back and out of the way.

“Sorry boys, I didn’t know I was in your way.” She chortled, taking up strides behind them.

Estien pushed Kestrin and Torin laughed as Kestrin pushed back. The two of them were like young boys again, even if for only a moment. There was a sense of wonder about them, as Torin regarded the trio. They acted as they had known each other forever. Sariphyn landed and came in along side her, as the trio began to discuss their renditions of a memory from years past.

“Did they grow up together?” Torin inquired, as Sariphyn came beside her.

“They did.”

“Are they always going to be friends?”

“Only The Qorum have the ability to discern that.” Sariphyn glanced to Nel, who was actively chasing a butterfly.

“Who are they?” Torin knelt to the ground to get Nel’s attention and bring her to her shoulder.

“The Qorum? It is a facility in the far north where the Angelic forces reside.” Sariphyn gave a small shiver as she mentioned the North. “They have the ability to help mortals see their Prophecy.”

“There’s that word again.”She reached up and began to pet Nel. “Will I learn my Prophecy?”

“If you want to.” as Sariphyn glanced to the young woman, “Do you want to?”

“I want to know some, but I don’t know if I want to know it all.” She looked up to her, apprehension apparent on her face.

“I will go where you go,” she forced a smile. “You will never be alone.”

It was growing dark and the trio had slowed down to walk with them. Sestina and Sariphyn mended from their argument. Sariphyn promised to only drag her from her bed if it was an emergency. Kestrin had to convince Sestina that it was a good compromise and they agreed to disagree as they continued on.

The Great Tree truly was great. The site of it was almost ominous as it loomed in the distance, slowly drawing closer. The shadow it cast as the sun moved was indeed huge, and it quickly took that shade as the sun moved to set behind them.

It was well into the evening as they approached the village beneath the tree. The loud thumping of drums could be heard in the distance and dancers could be seen on the edge of the village.

“What is going on?” Torin looked about in confusion.

“It’s the Feast of the New Moon.” Sariphyn answered.

“Each New Moon and Full Moon, there is a large feast here. The residents of the isle come together to celebrate what had happened during that time.” Estien looked about at the small camps and those that danced about to the loud music.

“You get the chance to see family again.” Sestina said happily, “Or reunite with old friends.” She took Estien’s hands and they swirled briefly, laughing as they did.

Torin moved strategically away from them. Stepping beyond a small camp, where the children danced. Arms suddenly wrapped about her shoulders, as she looked and saw Kestrin’s green eyes staring back at her.

“This is the time to make new friends too.” He offered a cup of some strong liquid, which she declined.

Pushing beyond the encampments and toward the large tree, Torin continued to take in the sights, sounds and smells of the festival. Stopping as a large camp came into view, Torin felt Estien come up behind her. His hand briefly touching her waist as he bent down to whisper in her ear.

“This is also the time to ask for La’Octa’s blessing.” Estien said softly, as his mouth came close to her ear she could feel his breath. She turned to look into his deep brown eyes. He gave an awkward smile and then nodded toward the large fire. His arm coming up about her shoulder, holding her safely in his embrace. Torin responded by bringing her hands up to his arm. They stood in the firelight, the sound of the drums beating in their chests as they took it in. That was when they saw her.

She sat by the open fire, children and adults about her. Her white hair reflecting the light from the fire. It was pulled back from her face, but still ran over her shoulders. A light breeze picked up and it dance off her shoulders like a graceful serenade. Her blue eyes scanned the people around her, a since of longing on her face as she searched the crowd that surrounded her. When her eyes met with Torin’s, a smile formed on her delicate lips and she stood from her spot. Everyone froze in place, the music halted. She lifted her walking staff to assist her and walked with purpose toward the young girl. Torin could not help but notice the striking resemblance to her father.

Torin was too scared to move, and the death grip she had on Estien forbid him from moving also. She could hear him chuckle softly as he tried to free himself.

“It’s ok,” he leaned forward and whispered.

“I..” Torin stammered through her words as his embrace left her. When she turned around, Estien urged her forward eagerly. Torin felt like he might have been happy to be rid of her, as she turned back, La’Octa was merely steps away.

“Hello, child.” Her voice was soft and comforting. It was hard for Torin to refuse her offered embrace. She ran to her.

“Grandmother.” She whispered as she pulled her close.

The cheering that erupted was loud enough that it set Torin’s ears to ringing. La’Octa took her by the arm and walked her over to where she sat. Torin looked back for Estien, but he was gone. A foreboding feeling came over her, could she do this with him in it?

“Come child, let us eat.” La’Octa offered up a seat beside her. Torin took the seat, spending the entire time in silence, searching the crowd for Estien.

“Child, who do you search for?” The Elder’s soft voice could still be heard about the music.

“It’s…umm..” She looked restlessly from the crowds and back to her. “Estien.”

“Is he so important to you?” She casually took a bite of the fruit before her.

“I think so.” Torin brought her bottom lip into her mouth and wedged it between her teeth, contemplating for a moment.. “There’s something there, Grandmother. I can’t explain it.”

“Then go find him.” She urged, “I’ll be here when you do.”

“Thank you, Grandmother!” Torin vaulted from her seat, “Thank you so much!”

She rushed from the main campfire, searching all the smaller sites for the familiar face. She listened closly for the sound of his voice or the melody of his laughter. Scanning each camp, she was met with smiles and joyous greetings, but none were Estien. Coming to one campsite, she saw a familiar face. The boisterous laughter of Geffen, the man from the docks.

“Geffen!” Her shout barely heard over the laughter.

“Oi! Young lass!” He greeted warmly, “Enjoying the feast?”

“I am, thank you.” She looked up to him as he placed an arm about her shoulder. “Have you seen Estien?”

“I am afraid not, miss.” He looked about and then back to her. “Kestrin was just over at the far site, there.” He pointed back the way she had come, “Perhaps he has seen him.”

“Thank you, Geffen.” She gave appreciative grin and ran off quickly. Worry filled her, as she feared he may have left. She knew she had to tell him, that she realized she couldn’t do this without him. “It has to be him, I have to tell him.” She spoke out loud to herself.

“Tell who?” Kestrin startled her as he snuck up behind the dainty frame of his new friend.

“I need to find Estien.” She urged, “Have you seen him?”

“Ahh, that him.” Kestrin gave a smile that said he knew more then he was letting on, “Last I saw, he was going to ask La’Octa for a blessing.”

“What?” Kestrin watched Torin’s eyes go wide with astonishment. She began to wonder if her Grandmother knew more then she thought, as she took off running. “Thank you.” She yelled behind her as she left.

“If you hurry,” Kestrin yelled after her, “she’ll bless you too!” He chuckled to himself as she left his sight.

Torin moved as fast as her body would take her. Her poor cat was still hot on trail, following her quickly. The guests of the feast seemed to increase in numbers as she came close to the tree. Soon she was amidst a throng of patrons.

“Estien?!” She called out from among the crowd, trying to push her way through.

“Torin!” Sestina called out, waving her hand high in the air.

Pushing her way through to her, “Have you seen him?” she asked, nearly out of breath from the large crowd.

“Aye, he’s at the front.” She pointed toward the area where La’Octa had been seated. “He’s gone to La’Octa.”

“I know, for a blessing.” They were almost yelling their exchange, as the music had increased in volume to accommodate the large group of patrons.

“OI!” Sestina bellowed loudly, “Make way!”

Suddenly there was a small clearing and Torin was able to push through. As people started to notice who she was, they moved faster from her path. They had begun to say things as she pushed through.

“Make way for the Heir.”

“It’s her heir, move.. Move!”

“Get out of her way, quickly!”

As people moved aside she was able to increase the pace, when she reached the front she saw Estien knelt before the Elder, her hands above him as she spoke over him. Her voice wasn’t loud enough for anyone else to hear the blessing, however silence came, like a wave over the crowd, as her hands lifted over him.

“She only gives one blessing a feast.” Kestrin had followed up behind her. Glancing back, she noticed his sister with him.

“Really?” Her attention turned back to Estien.

“She promised Estien she would give her blessing over his Prophecy upon his return.” Sestina spoke up. “It wasn’t until you were in her care that he told us about you.”

“What about me?” Torin eyed them. They quickly turned away and disappeared into the crowd. Torin resisted the urge to yell after them in the stillness of the crowd. She opted to quietly make her way back to her seat beside her Grandmother.

“…and, to the prophecy that is unfulfilled in you,” La’Octa spoke as she approached, “I bless. That it will complete in it’s time and with certainty.”

Torin watched on as she kissed his forehead and released her hands from his head. She leaned in and whispered something into his ear and a blush came over Estien’s cheeks. He looked to the floor as she sat back up and his eyes fixed their gaze, not on La’Octa, but on Torin. In that moment, she knew, she didn’t want a life without him in it.