UnShaekable (FFXII)

XL) Receding

Sunlight reflecting from the rippling ocean and the rolling sands is what brings me to my senses. It's a feeling that's all too familiar, my back curled up against someone else's, the heat of skin providing more warmth than the blankets loosely tangled around my body. At first, I don't want to move; I'm too cozy with my cheek rested against the smooth inside of my arm. And then I think better of staying and peel off the covers and pull on my clothes. With a final glance toward the bed and a glimpse out the window, I leave the room with only the whisper of my boots against the wooden floors to accompany me.

The tavern is mostly empty, though Basch sits on a stool at the counter, conversing with the bartender in his usual gentle manner. I scoff to myself, shaking my head and strolling out the door. It wouldn't surprise me if the knight had a soft spot for snuggling rabbits and kittens.

Pirates and their crews rush down the streets with their usual packages and the groan of a ship rumbles through the cobblestone pavement as it leaves the port. A woman dressed in gaudy, colorful clothes waves from the boat, blowing kisses to the shouting crowd on the shore. I fight a smile; stupid sea pirates, always causing a ruckus when it's entirely unnecessary.

The breeze pulls the hair from my face and tugs at my clothes, though it's gentle. More like a child's innocent begging pulls than a temper tantrum. A well-mannered child, then. I practically snort. What's that? I never was one of those. I keep an easy pace as I meander through the sea-side pirate haven, twisting at the armor clinking on my left arm absently. The worn but colorful buildings line a number of streets, each full of their own sorts of people. Shopkeepers call out for patrons, children run about screaming and laughing, and men and women exchange witty banter through open windows and doorways. I fight a smile, broken from thought when I stumble into a galloping child.

"Sorry, Miss!" the girl calls nervously, scrambling to her feet. Her pigtails gleam red in the sunlight, bright green eyes and freckles catching just enough that innocence and beauty collide on a single small plain of pale skin. I shake my head.

"You're alright."

Flashing me a beaming grin, the girl continues her escape from the stout woman chasing her. I walk all the way down to the end of the pier on the east side of the town, letting the ocean breeze fight to pull me into the watery depths just feet away. And then I turn back and cut through town to head to the broader beach of the northern side, where Reddas's ship is anchored. My boots are horribly heavy in the pale golden grains of sand; I eventually give up and tug them and my socks off, carrying the pairs beneath my right arm and walking toward two people I easily recognize.

"Hey, Shae!" Vaan calls, waving an arm over his head from where he sits, pausing his climb up a rough-trunked palm tree. "You're finally up."

"I am," I nod, dropping my shoes in the sand and turning back to the waves. Penelo looks up from her seat on the ground and smiles.

"Did you sleep well? Those beds weren't the best, but they're much better than the ground." I take a deep breath, feeling my face beginning to go red.

"Honestly, I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow. Slept like a rock until about... an hour ago?" Not technically a lie. "Though, my back is a bit sore."

"Mine too," she nods, tracing a finger of the feathers tied into the bottom of a pigtail. "Did you eat yet?"

"I don't usually eat in the morning," I reply simply, turning back to look up at Vaan. "What are you doing?"

"Isn't it obvious?" the boy retorts, grinning as he pulls himself up onto a branch. "Heads up!" He gives the branch a firm shake and several coconuts drop down onto the sand. Satisfied, he jumps down with a triumphant cry and scoops up several of the fruits. "Still not hungry?"