Trails of Intertwined Stars: Chapter 74

~Chapter 28: Her Smile~

Jiu followed Leora out of the gazebo where she sighed softly, taking in the fresh, flora gusts of air. Jiu glanced at her confused, his face still tear stained.
"Why did we-?"
"Take it in," Leora smiled," Everything. The sight, the smell, the sound."
Jiu frowned, confused.
Leora giggled," I know it sounds silly, but trust me."
Jiu nodded, he glanced around at the sights. The way the flowers swayed gently to each cold gust of wind pushing past the fields. How the blades of grass seemed to dance and sway to the wind like some romantic melody. How the ripples on the water seemed to spin and twirl like ballet on the ethereal surface of once mournful waters. He then shut his eyes, blocking out the views. He felt the warmth of the sun, making his skin tingle in relief. He heard the birds sing and each beat of their wing. The way the water traveled into separate streams; creating its own gorgeous melody that left his body throbbing in peace. The smell of the sun, and its warmth, just like Leora. His body jolted, feeling two warm hands gently press against him softly and a delicate whisper, her hands lightly pressing over his eyes to keep them closed.
"Life is so simple and beautiful this way, don't you think?" Leora muttered, softly," It makes everything a little easier and prettier. Like suffering's stopped, if only for a moment. I love that part of life."

Jiu trembled, memories flooding back to him of war. How he'd seen so many die. His allies. His enemies. Yet here...it was as if none of that had happened. As if he'd never died that day and been sent to eternal purgatory. He gently cupped Leora's hands, trying to stop the tears that threatened to surface again. Leora pulled his hands away, letting him open them and see her. She smiled, her hair and eyes shining in the sunlight.
"Let's run."
Jiu blinked in shock," Huh-?"
Leora giggled and started to burst off into a sprint, like a carefree child; running up the lush hill. Her dress flowing behind her like some cageless dove, but that didn't stop her strides. Jiu didn't hesitate. He sprung after her, his steps much faster after training; keeping in line with Leora at a loss for words. Leora let out a happy yell, like nothing else in the world mattered. Jiu stared at her with wide eyes, taking in the sight of her current nature. It was as if all her pain from the manor had melted away. She laughed, like a schoolgirl, her hands high to catch the wind with each sprint. Her hair flowing like an angel's, shining softly in the light. The background of soft and vibrant flowers flooded past them, and Jiu couldn't take his gaze off her. Not even for a moment. He managed to take her pain away. He'd fought for her smile. Jiu felt his own grin go on his face; as they ran laughing and yelling loudly without a care.

They jumped over streams and dips, laughing at the novelty of it all. They didn't care when they tripped. When their clothes got dirty or slightly torn. Who was to stop them or tell them otherwise? They felt free. Free from the wretched grasps of purgatory.
"Leora!" Jiu yelled, grinning as they ran.
Leora matched his grin, meeting his gaze with each pant and laugh," Jiu!"
They did not see the edge of the bank they reached. The two let out a sharp yelp, before toppling over the edge and into the blue water. Jiu's eyes widened, underwater; bursting out from the surface with gasps and huffs for breath.
"Leora!?" He yelled out, desperately searching for her.
Leora burst out from the surface, her eyes wide. They stared at each other like that for a moment, speechless. Then, Leora began to smile, and it faded into a laugh. Jiu couldn't help but smile at this.
"What's so funny?"
Leora shook her head, still laughing as they stood in the pond, dripping wet. Jiu began to chuckle, before he, too, burst into laughter alongside her. It was a happy noise; a comforting one. Like all of their misery had melted away in a single instant. Neither of them wanted it to end.