The Wilting Ballad

21

Cassav's first impression of Neania was how peculiar her eyes were. She has lived a very full life, meeting a great many people in her days of youth, she had seen eyes that cannot add up in number.

Never had she saw one that was orange. Not to mention one with matching hair. The girl was without a doubt, the oddest girl she had ever seen. Bright hair and bright eyes. With a very fine blue cloak and an old withered satchel and a blade, not very well hidden, behind her waist. Her chubby cheeks were like that of a new babe.

"I can tell you don't much trust me." Chuckled Neania, trying in vain to ease the boiling tension. "Listen, I..."

Iuftas scoff, shaking his head. "No no no, you have it all wrong it's you who is to listen. How long have you been staying there? And don't even think about going for that blade of yours."

"She's been there since we bought that boy with us." Answered Jejtsu, "More importantly, who are you? You jumped out as soon as we say the name 'Faiyshal'. Are you familiar with that name?" She asked, her tone, low and dark as the sky above. Dots shining, flaunting about proudly.

Palms still in the air, Neania sneered, "Familiar?" She asked dubiously, "Of course, I'm familiar. I came from a place ruled by them."

"The Hidden City, Il-Zektes?" asked Cassav.

"Yes."

"Then is it safe to assume you're a Leafsinger?" Asked Iuftas.

"Yes. That's why I said 'I can heal him'." She answered, tilting her chin towards the senseless boy. "You say the name 'Gariel Faiyshal', that boy is his grandson, Jlyn Faiyshal. So, if you please... I'd like to check on him." She said pleadingly.

The three Shīzas stare inquiringly at Jejtsu, who nodded solemnly. The ginger-haired girl rushes to Jlyn's side at the gesture. She ardently fetched through her bag and brought out odd-looking leaves, three of them. She closes her eyes and seems she was now entirely elsewhere.

"That's a Ballad leaf, isn't it?" Iuftas asked, his knowledge-seeking curious boy spirit sprang up out of him.

"Please, don't disturb me." Neania replied sternly.

"That's a Ballad leaf, isn't it?" He whispered once more to his friends. Cassav mouthed the words, 'Yes, it is', without making an actual sound. It appears to satisfy Iuftas for the time being. He watched in wonder as the Leafsinger did her wonder.

Cassav caught sight of Jejtsu's hair flowing in the breeze that came from the brown forest beyond the brown bushes where they had journeyed. Just like every leader I follow before her. Cassav decided to be the meddlesome old person whom she used to loathe when she was only a young woman. She walked slowly, feeling the breeze on her skin, touching the crunchy leaves on the brink of separating themselves from its twigs. She took her sweet time until she reaches the spot in which her junior, one whom she had seen as a starving young girl, who was now her leader sits with her head on hands.

The fading moon had made its appearance, the night before this one it had been full. Now, it was fading. But the light it cast on the rough tree trunk and leaves make them look as if a white colour was painted on them. She stand under the smallest tree that surrounds them, it was barely seven feet tall. Its fragile branches slithered out, like tiny snakes up to twelve feet long.

"I was hoping you'd come." Said Jejtsu, looking up, forcing a weak smile. A smile that ended as it occurred. "They are going to return, Cassav. For me and this time..."

"And this time we shall be ready." She decided to finish on her own terms.

"'If ever in this life you find another who care for you as I, cherish them. Return the favour with honesty, kindness, and love.' Heh..." Jejtsu allow to let the tears fall on her cheeks, she remembered every day who it was that says these words.