Imagination, Faith And Magic (Part Ten)

Part One Here
Part Two Here
Part Three Here
Part Four Here
Part Five Here
Part Six Here
Part Seven Here
Part Eight Here
Part Nine Here

She was sitting across from Andi now. Her silver-grey eyes held Andi's brown ones. Andi simply waited, partly because she had no more expectations of what was normal and partly because her belly was full and a tiredness was creeping over her. Besides, she felt no fear of this woman, no ill intent residing in those penetrating eyes.

And there they sat - simply looking at one another - two women in an outdoor cafe. Time stretched...

Finally, "You are well, despite your ordeal?"

"Yes - tired, but fine."

"Of course you are tired. You are finished with your meal? Good. Come with me and we will find a place for you to clean up and rest."

She pushed her chair back and Andi did likewise. Wanting sleep more than just about anything, she obediently obeyed. Andi's only thought as she left her table was that she really should have saved some food, just in case.

"Ma'am? Your order..."

The waiter was holding out a white pastry bag. Andi, slipping more and more into a tired stupor, stared at him and then slowly reached for the bag. Beside her, astonishment was written on the lady's face - astonishment that briefly flickered to concern. She stood a moment more, and then said, "Come. You need rest."

Andi followed a half step behind as the lady led her away from the square, down a cobbled street that quickly took them away from the town and opened into grassy, rolling land dotted with groves of ancient shade trees. A breeze was rolling across the grass - a breeze that carried the warm, salty smell of the sea. Ahead, to the right, an inlet of ocean glittered in the sun and near it, a few large trees gave shade to a grand sandstone colored house , trimmed in white, sitting atop a low hill. Iron fences and deep green gardens courted the graceful home while brilliantly colored flowers trailed from the balconies. To this paradise, they appeared to be destined.

"I am Bede..." she turned and looked expectantly at Andi.

"Andi"

"It is a pleasure, Andi."

Andi was exceptionally tired, but could not help noticing that her escort was both grace-full and stately, and that she also seemed to radiate warmth and power - a power held ever so lightly. Laughter gathered around her eyes, while wisdom held steady in this ancient lady's gaze. Here was a person who would explain everything. Here was a person who would make it all right. Andi trusted her.

Very shortly, they reached the house. The doors were open, looking in to a courtyard of red tile, green plants and bubbling fountains.

"Vian?" called Bede, walking in.

The fog of Andi's sleepiness disappeared with a nearly audible pop as a man of such extraordinary beauty stepped into view. He smiled and came toward them, walking with a rangy, graceful, athletic lope - the kind that is deceptively quick, though it appears effortless. Tall and dark haired, yet his skin was fair and his eyes were the deepest blue. Broad-shouldered, narrow-hipped and muscular, Vian seemed to radiate his own warmth - very different from Bede's. A drop of moisture tickled Andi's lip and flushing, Andi realized she had just literally drooled over a man. Quickly she sucked her lip in and dropped her eyes to the floor as her own embarrassment added to the heat in the room.

Greetings and introductions were made and soon two house-maids were bustling Andi away to a plush, upstairs sleeping chamber. Lavender water, thick towels and a simple cotton gown were waiting her. As she climbed into bed, Bede appeared at the door with a steaming mug.

"Drink this before you sleep - you will rest better."

It was warm and creamy and chocolatey and it was the last thing Andi was conscious of before sleep.

To be continued...

posted by Headless-in-GR @ 11/01/2006 11:09:00 PM