Fan Fiction ❯ Vailla ❯ Chapter 8

The dress slipped gracefully over her slender shoulders, showing a lot of her soft pale skin. Vailla looked at her arms in disgust, the dress was fantastic, it fitted her fine and she even had the right figure to wear it but her arms were scarred. Big ugly knotted scares, tiny scars that were hardly notable and not forgetting her most recent scare that was still pink and tender. She covered most of her arms the best she could with the white silky gloves but they only reached to the elbow leaving the fresh and many of the old scars still visible. She heaved a sigh of annoyance, probably the first and only chance she will ever get in impressing a boy and her past spoiled it. She brushed out the creases in her dress, the material smooth and soft to touch. Vailla's feet were bare but it didn't really matter since the dress was a tiny bit big for her so it covered her feet completely. Galdine had done her hair for her, two golden clips (to match the trimmings on the dress) kept back most of the hair off her face and the rest was curled and tied in a blue ribbon. Vailla heard the knock on the wall, like Trigger's room it did not have a door just a thick curtain covering the entrance. Galdine invited Trigger and Jads in. Trigger wore his normal clothes but he had cleaned up and brushed his hair, as did Jads. Vailla didn't mind, if it hadn't of been for Galdine she too would still be in her normal travelling clothes since like Jads and Trigger she didn't own much else. "Hi guys, sit down, the dinner should be here soon." Vailla welcomed them warmly. When Trigger's eyes fell on her Vailla could easily see his surprise and admiration on his face, and she felt good. "Trigger, you sit by me and Laurie if you want." She patted the bed. Trigger walked without saying a word over to the bed and sat down beside her.

"You look stunning Vailla." Trigger finally breathed. Vailla giggled, a silly girlish giggle she knew, but she couldn't help it.

"All three of you do." Jads smiled at Galdine. She turned away from his gaze and blushed a rosy red.

"Thank you for the compliments boys." Vailla said cheerily. "Lets get this party started shall we?"

"Sure, that's why we're here." Jads laughed, it was obvious to Vailla that her burly friend had been drinking just enough to put him in a very happy mood.

"Trigger and Jads, you push the beds together and us girls will get ready the entertainment." They all looked questioningly at her for a second, but then they obeyed. Trigger and Jads pushed both the beds to the side of the room; it was easy since they were both strong so it didn't take them long. Galdine and Laurie looked at Vailla silently asking `what entertainment?'

"Vailla?" Laurie asked quietly. Galdine held Laurie in her arms and together they almost looked like mother and child, the bound between them had become very strong.

"I'll get the music sorted and you two can dance with the boys." Vailla whispered so that Trigger and Jads could hear her, instead the sat on the bed looking very confused.

"But…" Galdine started.

"But nothing, I want to make tonight special and that is what I'm going to do. Laurie, do you have any problems dancing with your brother?"

"No, we do it all the time." Laurie replied eagerly. Galdine sighed and reluctantly agreed.

Vailla sat cross-legged on the bed, though she had to admit that it was hard to sit that way in the dress she was wearing. The others stood looking at her in awe, not knowing what she was planning. Neither of them knew Vailla could play an instrument, in fact they didn't even know she owned one. She ignored their goldfish-like stares and whispered secret magic words while holding her Staff. Blue stars appeared around her hands, glittering in the white of her silk gloves and then slowly a silver flute appeared in her hand. She put the delicate instrument to her lips and started to play a sweet and happy melody. Her fingers moved quickly up and down the flute, the tune that she played was very high-pitched at first but then started to play in some lower, softer notes. Everyone stood and watched her, each listening to the beautiful music until they could no longer resist the urged to dance. Vailla smiled to herself and, still concentrating on her music, she slowly uncrossed her legs, stood up and started to dance too. They laughed and clapped along with the music until their food arrived and then they ate.

The food had been delicious and they ate every single crumb. After dinner the sat and talked about nothing important, Vailla sat very close to Trigger and Galdine sat very close to Jads leaving Laurie, sat between the happy couples, playing and enjoying herself with Hayley. "This one time back in Wrendore this nobleman came to our town looking for young girls to come and work for him, of course no one would so he offered me a job cleaning his house. I told him that I was no servant and later that night I robbed him blind and stole his clothing." Vailla roared with laughter, as did Trigger, Jads and Laurie but Galdine didn't instead her face paled slightly. "For all I know he might still is wondering around completely naked."

"When I was a lad I used to get in all kind of trouble too. Once I even accidentally knocked this bloke off his horse." He laughed at his fond memories. "He was chasing me for days after that." Galdine found this story a little more amusing than the last and even managed a small laugh.

"Vailla, could you play more pretty music pretty please?" Laurie asked meekly.

"Sure, lets see… what to play… Oh I know, listen to this one." Vailla picked up the flute and once again began to play. The notes were soft and gentle and the tune was slow and sad, this was defiantly not a happy song. Trigger looked into Vailla's eyes, which were cast down to the floor, and thought he could see unshed tears in her eyes. Jads and Galdine also had unshed tears resting in their eyes. The tune could of almost of been telling a story, each note sang beautifully, singing it's own word of life. Finally the melody ended on low note.

"That was lovely Vailla, where ever did you learn in?" Galdine asked, wiping the tears from her eyes.

"I made it up a very long time ago, like everything it has a story behind it but I will not tell it today. I've always thought that it one of my best." Vailla said proudly, laying down her flute on the floor beside her.

"That was a pretty one." Laurie agreed, she had moved closer to Vailla during the song and was now cuddling into her. "I'm sleepy now Vailla, can I sleep?"

"It is getting late. I think we should call it a day don't you?" Vailla asked the rest of the group. Even though they were enjoying their selves they were forced to agree with Vailla, not one of them could keep his or her eyes open. The boys put the beds back before retreating to their rooms and the girls got ready for bed.

Vailla had put her old top back on and climbed into bed, her small friend also climbed in beside her. Laurie wanted to sleep in her bed tonight instead of Galdine's and Vailla knew why. Galdine was sleepily brushing her hair before she snuggled into bed. "Goodbye Galdine." Vailla whispered.

"Huh?"

"I mean goodnight, sorry I'm just sleepy." Vailla closed her eyes and went to sleep; she had an early start tomorrow.

Vailla woke about daybreak when everyone else was soundly asleep. Her stuff was already packed so all she had to grab was very bag and Staff before creeping downstairs. The landlord was already awake, getting ready for business when Vailla snuck into the bar. "You're up early for one what didn't go to bed `till late young miss." He commented. Vailla grunted and sat on a stool.

"Any change in the weather?" She asked while looking out of a frost bitten window into the vast whiteness.

"It's going to get worse before it gets better if that's what you mean." He replied. The bartender was a tall slim man with gangly legs and thick greasy hair. He wore a dirty white apron and was cleaning a glass. "You're not thinking about going out in that are you miss?" He asked a concerned voice.

"I have no choice sir." Vailla rummaged through her bag until she reached her purse and pulled out three silver and seven copper pieces. "Will this be enough to pay for me and my companions? My friends will also be saying until the storm blows off." He took her money and smiled.

"Well since you did pay quite a bit for that dinner last night I'm sure I can let you off with this but this is only enough for about a week for your friends, but by that time the storm should be gone."

"Thank you, could you do me a favour? If my friend asks about me just tell them I said I'll find them in the spring when it is over." Vailla said almost as last thought.

"Sure, it doesn't cost anything to repeat a message." He winked at her just as she was about to leave. "I'll try not to wake them. The horses are round back in the stables."

"Is there anywhere around here where I can get some warmer clothing?"

"A man just down the road sells fur coats, but I'm not sure about his prices."

"Ok. Thanks again." She opened the door. The gust of cold wind almost hit her off her feet. After she caught her bearing Vailla covered her eyes from the snow and strode outside, her teeth chattering from the cold.

Trigger had waked up that morning in a very good mood, as did everyone else. He yawned and pulled his clothes on, and then he got up and went out of his bedroom leaving Jads sleeping. He wasn't sure if the girls were awake yet but he thought he would go and check anyway, after all it was only a couple of hours before midday. Galdine invited him in soon after he knocked, and Trigger found himself disappointed to find Vailla was not in there. "Good morning Trigger." Galdine greeted him warmly.

"Morning, have you seen Vailla this morning?" Trigger asked. He smiled and looked at his little sister who was still asleep snuggled up in Vailla's bed.

"I thought she was either with you or downstairs. Can't you find her?"

"I haven't even checked downstairs yet."

"Well I think that is the most likely place to find her, she hasn't been in here all morning as far as I know." Galdine said. Trigger sat beside Laurie and causally looked round the room. It wasn't a very fancy room, with no curtains on the window or any furniture beside the bed. It was a colourless room with straw cover floors but last night it was the most colourful and wonderful place in the world. He noticed Laurie and Galdine's bags in the corner but he could not see Vailla's.

"Why isn't Vailla's bag with yours?" He asked quickly, panic could be detected in her voice.

"What? You mean it isn't? It should be there besides mine! You don't think she would…"

"I'm going to check downstairs." Trigger ran out the room and bounding down the stairs. Laurie stirred sleepily and opened her eyes; she knew what all the noise was about.

Vailla had been riding for about a day now and like the barman had predicted it was getting worse. She was blinded by the snow and freezing from the cold, even with her thick bearskin coat. The coat hadn't cost her anything when she realised that she had ran out of money she stole it from the merchant's store. He had been a hard-face looking man with very little respect for women therefore Vailla conceded it was all right to steal from him. Nyme had been a strong horse and had battled the elements along side Vailla. "I am meant to do this, so stop complaining." Vailla snapped. Her Staff had been glowing all sorts of annoyed and upset colours since they set out and more than often it had taken its human form. Her Staff had taken human form to help Vailla but it seemed that she was only there to nag her. Right now she walked beside Vailla and her horse, unbitten by the frost and untouched by the cold. Her black hair whirled around her face and her green vibrant eyes pierced the snow.

"I'm just saying you should of thought this out more. You can't go on like this otherwise you will get sick and what good would you be then? Sneezing when you're casting spells and blowing your nose when you confront your father?" She replied frustrated.

"How far have we travelled today?" Vailla shouted above the howls of the wind. She deliberately ignored what her Staff had said to her last.

"Not very far at all, probably about two leagues and we got to stop soon. If it wasn't for me you'll be dead by now."

"I know and I'm thankful, I just hope Trigger and the others don't decide to follow."

"They won't, Laurie will tell Trigger that I can keep you warm if he doesn't figure it out himself, but once the storm is over they're going to go on the Laces." She warned.

"But hopefully by that time the trail should be over and I will be free." Vailla saw the Staff's look of uncertainty on her face and sighed. "We'll be alright on our own, even Laurie said it is meant to be this way."

"She also said you will still travel with friends, maybe she meant you should wait for them once you get to Laces."

"And miss the trail? No I don't think that was what she meant but I'm pretty sure we'll find out soon enough." She turned away, eager to change the conversation. "I don't think we can get much more in today and Nyme is getting tired, let's call it a day."

"I think that is a very good idea Vailla." The Staff replied in an emotionless voice.

Blackness. Footsteps echoing in a room and a child crying, these were the only noises. "Halt!" Cried a loud bellowing voice and the footsteps stopped. The child still cried. "You have been trailed and found guilty of witchcraft. Have you any last words before judgement is made?" Asked the flat emotionless voice. Silence. "Well?"

"I have nothing to say sire." A woman's voice said. A soft, gentle voice that sounded worn and tired.

"Then I exile you to the Isle of Wrendore. The child is also exiled as evidence have been found suggesting that you have been teaching the wicked art of witchcraft to your own daughter." The child stopped crying and her mother held her closer.

"Very well." She said simply.

Vailla opened her eyes. The blackness melted away and she found herself standing in a familiar room. Rich, extravagant, colourful drapes hung on the wall. The floor was made of polished marble and several seating benches sat and two sides of the room. Vailla suddenly heard shouting, some one was having an argument. She turned round and saw a man dressed in a black cape, it's hood covering his face. He was shouting at a man wearing armoured clothes and had a sword resting at his side. He coward in front of this man, his face was ashen and full of horror. "You imbecile! How could you let them out of your sight? Find them, and kill them!" The black robbed man raged.

"But s…sire, we can no longer not find a party matching their description, my group have been searing for several days now but there is no sign of her." He whimpered.

"The party? Forget the group she is with, just look for someone matching her description. She could of left the others any time during the journey; I don't care about her friends. Just her! How hard can it be to find one child? Red hair, green eyes and holding a bloody solid gold Staff! Find her!" The hooded man shoved armoured soldiers hard, nearly causing him to fall over. He hesitated, not sure what to do next before he suddenly scampered off, shutting the huge solid wood doors on his way out.

"Walk a path out of sight, but you still travel with your friends." A voice whispered. Vailla frantically searched for the owner of the voice but saw no one. She started to fall, fall through the floor and into an eternity of darkness, with the same voice whispering the same words to her over and over again.

Vailla opened her eyes sleepily and yawned. What a weird dream she thought to herself, it had seem so real. She stood up and stretched, she had taken shelter in a in some bushes and had found it very cramped. Luckily she had her Staff to keep her warm, otherwise she would of surely frozen to death. She looked around, it had stopped snowing, and even the breeze had become gentler. The sun shone in a clear sky and glistened on the white blanket of snow. "It's stopped!" She almost squealed in delight. She looked up at the sky, she must have slept late, and it was nearly midday. Eager not to lose any more time she prepared Nyme and carried on her journey.

Trigger and the others galloped, only having short rests for their horses. When Laurie had said it would be safe to travel first thing in the morning Trigger had gathered up all the things the night before and with his friends they rode after Vailla. Trigger had been pretty much silent and this worried the other members in the group. It was normally Vailla who rode ahead, hardly talking and Trigger had always stayed beside the others talking and cheering them up. "Do you think we'll find her?" Galdine asked quietly so that Trigger would not overhear.

"If she hasn't… hasn't… well you know, we'll find her." Jads tried his best to reassure but he could not keep his own amount of concern out of his voice.

"I'm worried about Trigger, he won't talk to me, and he won't eat." Galdine sighed. Jads also shared her concern, but he wasn't sure what he should do.

"They're just kids, the both of them. Why do they have to go through this? The lad isn't even old enough to grow a beard and Vailla, well she might act tough but she is still a child. I tell you this; if I ever catch up with that bastard of a father I'll kill him personally." He vowed.

"And I'll pass you the dagger." Galdine replied through clenched teeth.