Nothing But Requiem

Chapter Six: [The Pieces of the World] #1

Leila opened the window and let the strong sunshine and the scent of the tide burst in. She looked back at Ario and Seere, who had also already woken up and were getting ready. 

"Did you sleep well?"

"I did... Thank you."

"Me too, I'm as good as new!"

After Leila prepared breakfast, the three of them began to eat.

"We even got to hear you sing yesterday! It was so much fun."

"I had fun too, thank you for listening," Leila said and smiled at Ario. She looked totally different from the night before, as if she had been released from some kind of bondage. 

Even though they had only just met, Leila felt like she had finally made friends with people who understood her music and whom she could talk with about it. Although she had spent less than a day with Ario, she already seemed like a lifelong friend. It was the first time she had ever felt this way in her entire life.

"Hey, Ario... Why don't the three of us go to the beach after we're done eating? It's a waste coming to Vinea without seeing the ocean at least once."

"I think that's a great idea."

"Me too! Let's go!"

The trio finished their meal and headed straight for the beach.

× × ×

Splash!

At the water's edge, Ario felt a push from behind and gasped as her prized boots nearly got wet with seawater. 

"Hey! Seere!" She turned around to see Seere smiling mischievously. "Don't mess with me! You're such a devil!"

"Tell me something I don't know!" Seere stuck out his tongue and teased her. As Ario chased after him, he took cover behind Leila. "Help me, Leila! Don't let her get me!"

"You did almost get her boots wet," Leila said with a laugh. "I'd say that qualifies as unforgiveable." She smiled at Ario, who continued chasing Seere. 

For some reason, as she watched them, a familiar feeling of loneliness reared its ugly head.

They're so fun and nice... I wish we could be like this for just a little longer... 

Leila was already dreading the moment when Ario and Seere had to leave. But why did they have to leave at all? She had plenty of rooms to spare, and Don Nicolas's men wouldn't dare to come looking for them here. 

But even though the idea was all she could think about, she couldn't manage to put it into words. The time passed while she kept her thoughts to herself and engaged in idle conversation.

When they had finished playing and talking for a while, Ario started to speak. 

"It was a lot of fun, but...we have to go."

"I know. Thank you... I had a lot of fun too." Leila pushed her feelings of loneliness deep down and smiled. "Don't go back to the city, just go straight down this road. There's a stagecoach stop about half a mile away. Once you get there you can take the carriage to get out of town."

"Thank you for everything..." Ario said as she held out her hand.

Leila gazed at Ario as she took it in hers. Her chestnut-colored hair and hazel eyes shined in the sun. Everything about Ario looked noble and beautiful. Leila wanted to say, "I don't want you to go," which seemed like a very embarrassing thing to do.

No... I can't interfere in their journey...

Leila's mouth twitched.

"It was fun, Ario. I'll see you again someday... For now, let's just laugh and say goodbye."

"Yes... I think that would be for the best. Good luck with your music, Leila."

Leila held her emotions in as she felt the warmth of Ario's body.

"See you next time!" Seere smiled and gave a big wave of his hand as he followed Ario.

Leila watched the two of them until they were out of sight.