Fan Fiction ❯ In the Garden... ❯ These Dusty Roads ( Chapter 1 )

The sun came streaming in through the window at around 6:30 in the morning, shining on Lunali's face, and illuminating her deep red hair. Her faire skin absorbed the light, giving her a look of angelic luminance, but she still wasn't awake yet. Most of the village was already awake... and it was these noises wafting through her window that jostled her into the world of alertness. Her deep emerald eyes batted open, and she stared up at the ceiling wearily for a few moments, blinking. It was yet another day.

She rubbed her eyes clumsily, and sat on the edge of her bed, gazing through the delicate lace that covered the window in the bedroom of her second-story apartment. The window faced towards Main street, and afforded what would be considered by most to be a gorgeous view of the city. Main Street below was alive with merchants, sailors, and fishermen. Just beyond the street, and over thesingle-story shops across the street, she had a prfect view of the sparling silver ocean. The sultry salt-water air came blowing in her window, and sent strands of her hair gently whipping back. A grin crawled across her mouth, and she nodded once, beginning to head downstairs to open her shop. It was warm and humid out today... her garden would be pleased.

She prepared the shop, and opened it, and as usual, it was a fairly slow day. She got customers... occasionally she was hired to do floral arrangements for a Reunion Ceremony... she was the best in the village with her flowers. Today was just another day, though... the normal customers came in. She loved her work, though... being surrounded by such lovliness every day. She took great gusto and pride in her work. The day went by quickly, and as she was closing her shop, and preparing to head towards her garden, her attention was distracted by a sudden bustling in the alley next to the shop.

It took her less than ten seconds to run to the alley, and see what was causing all the commotion. It was a girl... a little taller than Lunali, but just as thin, with short light brown hair... but that wasn't all. At her feet, there lay two full-grown men, groaning, and one kneeling down in front of her, facing away from her. She held a small, silver knife to his throat, and looked down at him, mumbling inaudible threats, but only until Lunali let out a sudden gasp.

"What do you want?!" The girl yelled, with a sort of urgency in her voice. TO Lunali, it would seem that this newcomer's speech was laced with specks of fear, as well.

"I.. heard some noises, and... I came to see if everything was okay... this is a dangerous town, you know. Lots of people coming and going at all times-"

"That's why I'm here... these three... these three transients!" With this, a sudden kick went to one of the men laying on the ground. As it hit, a hollow sound eminated from his chest, and he lay motionless, "These three dogs cornered me back here, with all intentions to violate me and rob me no doubt..."

"Are you okay... it looks like you've taken care of yourself quite well," Lunali said with a grin on her face.

"I'm fine... this is exactly what I've come here to do..."

"What you've come here to do? What do you mean?"

"There are women in this city who are living in fear, and loathing their lives here. There are criminals sent in and out of this port on a daily basis who terrorize and violate those women. Is that fair? Should women have to live in fear, with no protection, and no haven? I don't think so... Now.. if you'll excuse me," and with this, she simply brushed by Lunali, heading out into the street.

"Hey! Wait a second! Can I at least have your name?" Lunali yelled after her, holding up her hand, and waving it, as if to get the woman's attention.

The woman stopped at the corner the Lunali's shop, and put her hand on it. A grin swept across her face as she turned her head over her shoulder to glance in Lunali's general direction. "You want a name? Hmmm... for now... you can call me Meriam. Nothing more... nothing less. Take care of yourself," And with that, she was gone, dissapearing into the tumultuous crowd of people that constantly traveled Main Street by foot.