Thread: Light in Shadows (Fates and Flame)

A blanket of fog kissed the realm as it always did and always would here in the Mist. The haze mated with the cloudy water of the river, rendering one incapable of seeing anything more than a few feet out. This, along with the myriad dangerous creatures and boggy terrain, ranked the wetlands of the Mist as one of the deadliest provinces of their world. The marshes were as mysterious as they were vast. Just how vast was anyones guess. No one had ever successfully mapped the region, and most who aspired to do so were never heard from again. Venturing beyond what civilization existed here was as good as testing death. Aezon watched as their large canoe cut across the murky water, the mist parting before them only to close the path in their wake. Normally Leiku would have been happy to swim alongside them, but apprehensive over what nasties might be lurking in the depths, the shadow spirit had taken the form of a small winged creature on his shoulder. Not that their captain could him shadow spirits were shy at the best of time. But for one with skills such as Aezon, his faithful companion was always visible. Given the way his people and their customs were usually treated, he was thankful few others could claim such a feat. Their kind would never be understood enough to be out in the open about things. His eyes went wide as they passed a large rock face just inches from their vessel. How the boatman managed to navigate such a hazardous course was beyond him. Aezon wasnt even aware of the jutting stones until they were in front of his face. Reading his expression, the old helmsman grinned, flashing what few teeth remained in his weathered gums. Oi boy! Didnt mean to frighten you, he chuckled, continuing to guide them steadily down river. Must be your first time in the Mist, hmm? Is it that obvious? Aezon asked, meeting his eye. Usually those that been round these parts know to dress a little lighter. Aezon had quickly learned his point. There was a reason most of the Mist dwellers wore scarce more than loin-cloths and turbans. The humid air had left the dark grey keikogi and shitabaki he wore damp and heavy. Hed heard tell of this endless fog, but he never expected it to be so dense as to drench him for merely sitting in it. Supposedly there were thriving communities on these rivers, but Aezon marveled how anyone could survive in a place like this. Though, the boatman went on, I neednt look at your clothes to know youre not from round here when I spotted that headband you stuffed into your pocket back at the dock... Aezon, and Leiku with him stiffened at the mans words. He didnt think the old man could see through the condensation well enough to see the act, let alone spot the emblem upon the article. The crest was that of his heritage of a homeland long lost. Knowing the old man had seen it changed everything. The air grew tense as Aezons hand fell closer to one of the blades sheathed at his side. He hadnt expected trouble so soon but he wasnt about to back down if it arose. You can relax son, said his companion, noticing the change in demeanor, I meant you no ill will. Aezon eyed him suspiciously, unused to such a response. So you know what I am and yet you would remain civil with me? The boatman looked at him seriously for a moment, before turning his attention back to the task of skippering them down the hazy channel. Theres something my father taught me long ago, he said, strong arms working the paddle in a manner defying the many years upon his wrinkled face, He told me that every man has darkness in his heart, but not every man chooses to submit to it. Youve done nothing to neither harm nor offend me lad Why should I should I be anything but civil? Most of the world would not agree with you, Aezon pointed out. The mans acceptance was a drop of kindness in a sea of hatred, and that was enough to relax Aezon and the spirit nuzzled upon his shoulder. But it sounds like your father and my grandfather would have gotten along. It had been close to a year now since Saizo had passed into Shadow, but Aezon missed his old mentor now as much as the day he died. His passing left Aezon with a void he could not fill if not for his chance meeting with Leiku, he may very well have lost himself to loneliness in this often brutal world. Yet however much Aezon missed his grandfather, he did not grieve for him. Like Leiku, those whod gone to Shadow were always present even if you couldnt see them. Is that so? asked the skipper. Aezon nodded, thinking back fondly on his kin. He was a good man who always saw the best in everyone even when I couldnt. He taught me everything I know. He smiled kindly at Aezon. Aye sounds much like my father, he continued, carefully guiding them past the roots of a large Cyprus tree that could have easily broken their hull. He navigated these waters his entire life, and when I was of age, imparted that wisdom to me. Just like his father before him. Like your grandfather, he has long since joined the Shadow. But he lives on in the things he taught me. Just as your grandfather in the things he taught you. Aezon looked upon the man with a level of respect, never having expected to find such comforting truth from a stranger. Whats your name? he asked, smiling at the man. Oshai of the Mist, the man introduced himself, lowering his paddle to extend a hand which he clasped in bond. I am Aezon, he replied. Oshai grinned as he straightened up and took up the oar again. Well its a pleasure to meet you Aezon, but unfortunately it is as you say most will sadly not agree. Not all were lucky enough to have wise men to teach us so be sure you keep that headband tucked away, hmm? And look after yourself while youre on these waters. I fear the hearts of men can be as shrouded and dangerous as this Mist something to keep in mind as we come upon the village. It wont be long now. Thank you, Oshai. The skipper nodded his head to Aezon, rowing the canoe ever further into the haze. Eventually, their destination appeared, the looming shadow of structures appearing from within the blanketing mist. Most of the villages here were built on the water large pylons hoisting up huts and large structures of wood and reed. The small village was rather bustling from people working to children playing everyone seemed to bare carefree expressions as they went about their everyday lives. It was as if they didnt notice the dreadfully wet smog hovering in front of them, and even less so of the newcomer as Oshai docked the boat and Aezon saw him off with the other half of his payment and a word of thanks. He never expected to meet someone he might call a friend and he certainly didnt expect it to happen again anytime soon. So, with Leiku still happy to rest upon his shoulder, he asked around where he could find the things he needed, and headed straight for the shop. The sooner he was back on the road and away from everyone else, the better.