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There was more than enough room for everyone, as the Soaring Eagle was made to carry three hundred people, and barely a third of that number were present. Because of the empty space, all the livestock and almost all of the wildlife in the area were on board. This was a great relief to the villagers, for they did not have to lose everything after all. To keep their sheep or cattle meant they would be able to provide produce on the mainland. Many of the farmers had already made an early harvest to salvage the crops that were ready, and gathered much of the remainders into potted plants for provisions. With the ship sailing into the ocean, it reminded many of the great Ark.
Breathing in the fresh air, a young woman looked out with a saddened expression. As opposed to many of the other people on the ship, she was quite young, barely twenty-one years of age. Many women her age were already wed and had children, yet she was an exception. As a traveler, she was not ready to settle down yet, still wishing to be independent and on her own.
Standing one inch shy of six feet, many people were surprised to see a woman so tall around these parts. Quite a few men were even intimidated, at least the ones who were shorter than herself. Dressed in a blue robe with white trimmings, cut off just above the shoulders and flowing to her knees, tied together with a dark cloth belt, a dark shirt underneath accompanied by a pair of dark brown trousers and black traveling boots, she did not hold the appearance of a mere peasant.
Dark auburn hair flowed just past jaw length, straight with curls at the end. Deep brown eyes gazed at the flowing sea, a fair colored hand receiving a splash of water. It was her first time on a boat, yet strangely the woman felt no motion sickness. Instead, she felt at home. The demon army was still a good distance away, and could not cross water, so they would have to find another way of leaving the large island.
The sky was beginning to fill with dark clouds, and the captain predicted heavy rain would fall within the quarter hour. Yet the ship was sturdy and would not sink, and everyone was willing to risk drowning instead of being devoured by creatures from the underworld. They were predicted to arrive at the mainland late the next afternoon, where human armies were already being assembled to fight the hoard.
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Taren enjoyed the sea. It was an odd thing, considering the circumstances. He had only ever been on a boat two or three times in his lifetime, but he enjoyed the sea. The waves, the gulls, the rocking of the ship. It was all very comforting to Taren. He felt strangely calm watching the village fade from view. He had been attacked, hunted, had abandoned his home, left all he knew and loved behind, and attempted to flee for his life, but he still felt calm on the ship. "What an odd world we live in."
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Watching the port disappear from sight, the girl jumped slightly when she felt something crawling up her leg. Looking down, she stared in confusion at some sort of strange crustacean that was staring at her with big eyes, almost making a purring noise. Smiling, she realized that it wouldn't hurt her, but she had better send it back to the water before someone wanted to make the poor thing dinner.
A wooden bucket was by her feet, so she quickly tied some rope onto the handle before easing the large crab...thing into the bucket, swiftly lowering him into the water, pulling the device up when she saw him drift away to safety. Now, her attention was brought to a pod of dolphins swimming next to the ship, riding in the currents produced by the fast moving vessel. They began to speed up, so she walked and followed them, just barely stopping short of a man sitting by the railing.
Coming to an abrupt halt, she smiled apologetically before a large swell caused her to lose balance, tripping over her feet. A pale face was a key sign that he had been sick recently, or was about to be.
"Sorry about almost running into you...there was a mutant crab, some dolphins and I'm still getting my sea legs," she rambled, backing away a bit cautiously. "Are you from the village we just left? I was new to the area before we were evacuated. By the way, my name is Aleia," she said by way of conversation, offering her hand to shake.
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The man turned back to the girl. "Where are you from? You must not be from anywhere near water, I can see you're having trouble keeping balance on the ship. The mountains, perhaps? Taren ran his hand along the wooden rail of the ship, watching the girl. She seemed very out of place on the ship, and he was only slightly amused by it. It was always a little humorous to see somebody get their sea legs. The ocean was indeed very beautiful this particular day, but the storm clouds in the distance seemed very ominous, and they concerned Taren. They seemed to stay in the back of his mind, he couldn't keep them out of his thoughts. "Maybe I worry too much." he thought to himself. He would just put the thought of the storm clouds of mind. He didn't need to concern about them too much, or at least he was hoping he wouldn't need to.
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"We'll probably be in for a rough ride shortly. But this vessel seems decent enough, and looks like she has survived plenty of storms," The question about her past didn't take the young woman by surprise; she had already asked Taren a similar inquiry. "I'm from Lika, it was actually a small fishing village on the southwest coast. Well, it was, until it was destroyed by a mudslide eleven years ago. I've traveled half my life, so I guess I'm from a bit of everywhere. Just never had any reason to board a boat," Aleia gave a light shrug as she talked. It could be a sensitive subject, but there had been so much grief these days it didn't bother her as much.
Looking over at the young man, Aleia felt strangely at peace on the ship. "Did your town suffer many losses? I've seen entire villages burned to the ground, but others in mint condition," Drops of rain began to fall from the clouds that were moving in, and the crew began to guide everyone below deck. Walking down the stairwell with her new acquaintance. Dozens of hammocks hung from the ceiling, providing good sleeping areas. Blankets began to be passed around. The woman took one gratefully, smiling at the man who was distributing them.
Reaching into her pack, Aleia took out a loaf of bread and broke it in half, offering a piece to Taren as she sat down by his side. "There was an abandoned bakery in town that still had some food left. I salvaged what I could."
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Taren was handed a blanket by one of the crew members of the ship. He thanked the man and took the blanket, setting it down next to him. He tore off a piece of the bread and began to eat it, thinking about what he had been to, and furrowing his brow somewhat thoughtfully. "I don't know why they are so persistent on hunting me down, when there are plenty of other people out there." He thought about his last remark for a brief moment. "I hope that didn't sound too cynical, I'm sorry." He continued to eat his bread.
He didn't mean to sound so angry but that was exactly how he felt, although he didn't show it. He was angry that he lost his family. They had never done anything wrong, and they were murdered, slaughtered like animals. He was angry that he had to run away, he despised the fact that he was running. Taren understood that he had no other choice but to run or face death, but he just hated that he was forced to flee. He only wanted a peaceful life, and this is what he got instead. A murdered family and a ship full of people with the same story as his. These days were getting darker and darker, and people were even more and more desperate. All anybody wanted was peace, but this king and his army seemed to have other plans.
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"Well, I'm glad you made it here safely. You seem like a good person who doesn't deserve to die. I'm sorry about your family, though. I know what it's like to lose someone you care about. I lost my own family years ago. Well, they were my adoptive family, but they were the only people looking out for me I've really had," Taking a bite of the bread, she took time to savor the taste. Food had been scarce recently, especially since many fields and shops where vendors sold there crops had been destroyed.
"If you don't mind my asking, what are you planning to do once we reach the mainland? I'm probably just going to stay out in the country and away from where the forces are expected to invade. Probably do some traveling and see the world. I enjoy being able to see the sights and people from all walks of life. It teaches you many things you wouldn't learn otherwise," Leaning into the wood of the vessel as a wave caused the ship to lurch, the rocking of the boat seemed more peaceful now.
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He smiled at the girl. "I appreciate your concern, you are very kind. It is good to see more people than expected were able to make it to the ship, all very kind people indeed." After hearing Aleia's story, Taren gently placed a hand on her shoulder meant to be a condoling gesture. "I am truly sorry to hear of your loss." He removed his hand from her shoulder and ate some more of his bread as he listened to her speak.
"I have no idea what I'll do once I reach the mainland, I have nothing of my own except for whatever I was able to bring with me on the ship. I will probably do as you are and avoid the hostile forces. I only want peace in my life, and traveling sounds like a good idea to me." He placed his blanket and pack on a nearby hammock to reserve it as his own. Most people seemed to have claimed their beds, and were doing the same as he was, sharing tales and their own stories with their neighbors or newly found acquaintances.
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It was comforting to know Taren was grateful, even through so much pain kindness was necessary to truly move on. The young woman stiffened slightly as she felt a hand rest on her shoulder, but relaxed after a few moments. "I'm only glad they passed on peacefully, and weren't slaughtered like animals. Your family would be happy to know you survived, even if they weren't able to join you."
"No one's safe until the demons are defeated. I don't want to take chances and make a life for myself somewhere, only to have it destroyed by another invasion. Perhaps traveling is just my way of avoiding settling anywhere. If you like, you are welcome to join me for a while. Some company for a change of pace would be nice," Usually Aleia traveled by herself, it was just what she had known. But someone to talk to every now and then was a welcome change.
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Looking around, Taren noticed people were beginning to get into their hammocks. "Do you think we should call it a night? Everyone seems to be getting into bed." He continued to look around, and nodded. "It seems we're one of the few still up."
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Glancing over to the many people who were climbing into their hammocks, Aleia was relieved to notice that there would be plenty for everyone. A few were clustered near the wall where they were sitting, and had yet to be taken. "I'm feeling a bit tired, some rest would be nice. If the storm is only going to get worse, we should sleep when we can," It wasn't until Taren had made the suggestion Aleia realized how weary she was. Over the last few days, she had not slept much at all.
Walking over to one of the hammocks with her blanket and bag, Aleia tossed the objects in her hands into the makeshift bed. Staring at the odd contraption for a moment, which was hanging a few feet above the ground, she took a chance, and lunged into the hammock. After the cloth had finished swinging back and forth, Aleia settled into a comfortable position, noticing one end of the hammock seemed to be a bit fluffier, as if it were supposed to be a pillow. Choosing to rest her head there, Aleia turned to smile at the young man, covering herself in the comfortable blanket.
"Sleep well, Taren," Closing her eyes peacefully, sleep began to waft over her, the gentle rocking of the waves reminiscent of the long past days of sleeping in a cradle.
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Closing his eyes, the gentle rocking motion of the hammock and boat began to lull him to sleep. He was indeed tired, as he had slept very little since the attack on his family. He had spent so much time running, he hadn't had any time to rest. It didn't take long for Taren to fall asleep, but once he did he began dreaming of a terrible storm. He dreamed of rain and clouds, thunder and lightning, fire and smoke. His mind was troubled, and rightly so. He was very troubled from the attacks, and hadn't slept well in a long time. It seemed these nightmares would follow Taren for a very long time.
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Ferocious drums of rolling thunder resounded through the clouds, followed by flashes of lightning that lit up the room. Screams from the sailors on deck could be heard, the men desperately working to help the Soaring Eagle make her way to safety. "Fire! Fire on the sails!" Those few words were enough to instill panic into Aleia's heart, and she could feel her heart pumping madly with adrenaline.
Climbing out of the hammock with her bag and blanket, Aleia stumbled to a secure side of the ship, catching her balance swiftly. Looking for Taren among the chaotic crowds, the glimmers of the flames could be seen through the doorway. Even in these conditions, it was still safer below deck where the hull was holding together. If they were forced to evacuate, people would be forced into the water, where many would likely drown or die of hypothermia.
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"Aleia!" He yelled out against the screams of the other passengers. The ship appeared to be taking on water, and the other passengers were beginning to get more frantic and things were beginning to get more chaotic withing the vessel. Taren didn't know what to do except search for his new friend, he was finding it difficult to maneuver around the terrified crowd of refugees as he bumped against other and was pushed and shoved. He searched where he had thought his friend had been sleeping, yet he could not find her. He began to worry more and more as he found it more and more difficult to locate his new friend.
As he searched, Taren began to smell smoke, and realized that the ship must have been struck by lightning during the night. Things were not going well, and all he could hope for was to find Aleia and make it safely to shore.
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As she made her way through the masses, Aleia spotted a familiar face. "Taren!" Hurrying over to the young man, she grasped his hand to prevent them from being separated. "We need to get out of here. I don't think the ship is going to last much longer," Urging her new companion along, Aleia slowly squeezed through the crowds that were gathering on the deck, climbing the stairs as well. Immediately the harsh pounding of rain was dousing her skin and clothes, the smell of smoke thick even in the storm.
A large swell caused the vessel to tip to one side, water quickly gathering in the hull as the last of the villagers evacuated the lower deck. Stumbling towards the rail, Aleia's dark eyes warily eyed the crashing waves. How were they going to survive this? It was hours until they would reach the mainland. Glancing over at Taren nervously, she spoke slowly. "You can swim, right?"
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His heart was beating so quickly, the adrenaline flowing through his veins. He was terrified. He grasped the rail of the ship with his free hand to steady himself, but found that the water and violent winds and rocking of the ship was making it harder and harder to maintain his grip. Looking to his friend, he tried his best to yell over the roar of thunder, wind and panic-stricken villagers. "What are we going to do? I don't think this ship is going to last much longer!"
Another large wave slammed into the side of the Soaring Eagle, knocking Taren off his feet and sending him sliding a few feet across the deck into the mast. He stood up and shook his head as if to shake off the pain that had overcome his body upon impact. Realizing he had also lost his grip on Aleia's hand, his eyes searched for the woman as he held on to the large wooden pole. He screamed out to her against the incredible noise of the thunder and raging winds of the storm, desperate to find her again.
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The question was a tough one, and Aleia found she didn't have an answer that would offer a perfect solution. Staying on board would put them at risk for burns, being dragged down with the ship or being struck by falling debris. Going into the water meant a chance of drowning or dying of the cold. As she tried to make a decision, the boat jerked violently, sending Taren out of her grip and to another part of the ship. Glancing around nervously, it took Aleia half a minute before she found her friend, rushing over to his side.
Grabbing a rope that was coiled at the bottom of the mast, Aleia tied one end around her waist, gave a few feet of slack, and tied the other end on Taren's waist. "We're going to have to swim. This will prevent us from drifting apart, and will make it easy to help the other if they start going under the water. We can't stay here anymore," Gripping Taren's hand, she led them to the edge of the crumbling ship before jumping into the water. Shivering at the cold temperature, Aleia surfaced moments later, letting the waves carry them away from the vessel. A large piece of the hull had fallen off and was floating nearby. Grabbing the piece of wood, Aleia pulled herself onto the makeshift raft, urging her friend to do the same.
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He watched as the ship began to sink, and people began to swim for any debris that was still floating on the violent ocean. Taren and Aleia had drifted too far from the ship for any survivors to make it to them without being dragged under by the waves or succumbing to the cold, and all Taren could do is watch as people drowned right before his eyes. He had only hoped that he wouldn't have to see death again, yet it seemed to be following him, taking whomever was around him. He didn't know what to do anymore but try to survive, and he wondered how long he would have before he would lose his new friend as well.
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"We're still alive, and I'm grateful for that," Watching as every now and then a figure dipped beneath the surface of the water and never returned, the harsh reality of death was staring them straight in the face. The drowning villagers were too far away for either of them to help, yet plenty others seemed to be surviving on the bits of the vessel began to scatter around them. Turning away, the sight was unbearable, and Aleia had to close her eyes for a few minutes.
Moving slightly closer to the warmth that Taren provided, Aleia wondered if they would make it to the shore. On the boat, it would have been noon before they reached the mainland, so the chance of survival was still there if they made it through the night. Curling into a ball to preserve heat, Aleia tried to get some rest as the time ticked slowly away. If this had to happen at all, Aleia was glad that she didn't have to endure it alone.
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