Red Rivers and Nightmares

4. It Begins

The sun is shining brightly into the room and prods me to wake up even through my closed eyes. Why did Lyssa come into my room and open my curtains without knocking? I hear the rustling of cloth moments before a hand grasps my shoulder and shakes me. I grunt in response and turn my head away. Mother can wait. It is not like I ever have to deal with any real emergencies, even when I am helping in the infirmary.

There is an annoyed sigh then the shaking gets more insistent, "Shizu, get up now."

At Iien's voice I suddenly realize that my bedding is not as soft or cozy as I am used to. As I jerk into a sitting position I remember that we are traveling as fleece settles around my hips. My excitement at me showing everybody my worth has me bright-eyed and aware for this day.

Iien just looks at me with one eyebrow lifted, as if asking what has gotten me so excited.

I do not deign to answer. However, I do get up with a smile as I dress myself for the day. It is actually freeing to be able to do this with knowing the only person I need acceptance from is Iien and all he will care about is practicality.

That giddiness caries me through my morning routine, packing, and all the way downstairs. There are different children outside playing but these ones are all over the age range with the older ones moving from playing to helping the adults around them.

I stop abruptly when I notice children in the caravan gathering their supplies in the middle plaza that had looked so large last night. Iien is already there talking to an older woman. She has a scarf tied around her head in such a way that it appears to keep her silvery blue hair out of her face.

I have never introduced myself to anybody important before. Nor have I seen a mage when out of my family's protection. I frown at the direction of my thoughts, this is supposed to be my time. I force my sight from her to look at the children and others around the caravan. I see only one person my age with abnormal hair but there are four younger children with that hair type.

My attention is drawn back to the older woman when Iien waves me over. Inexplicably, I find myself feeling shy as I walk over. However, I do manage to keep my head held high, just like Grandmother Yura always does. I lick my top lip before I give her a small smile as I stand before her.

Iien nods slightly in approval, "Dana, this is my sister, Shizua." My eyes raise a little but I say nothing at his drop of titles as he goes on, "Shizua, this is the leader of this caravan, Dana. She is older than she looks."

Dana laughs, throwing her head back. She is beautiful. Her eyebrows raise, probably because I feel like I am half in love with this free woman. She turns slightly to Iien before her dark eyes go back to me, "Ya don't talk much, do ya?"

Without meaning to I bow at the waist with one hand gripping my sword hilt, "I am sorry!" I pause as I hear Iien sighing. I stand up straight to see her looking at us with a calculative look. I flush and begin again quieter, "I do talk I just thought you were really... beautiful."

Dana nods, a quiet understanding in her gaze. I am not sure what she is thinking but as my attention darts to Iien before going back I do not think it is a correct assumption she has made. I am not sure what to expect but she pats my head, "Don't worry, little waterer. We don't judge here based on the little things."

A couple short coughs behind me tells me that Akun is holding back laughter and it suddenly clicks. She thinks I am nervous and shy because I am into women and have been kept away from others because of that.

"I – thank you." I just nod, finally shaking her hand. Then, she turns and orders her family around. I scowl at Iien, who is shaking his head at me, and Akun, who is smirking at me.