Closed Eyes - 17

Loyie watched Cece go, only feeling slight concern at her sudden exit. She could hardly blame the girl, for it was a lot to take in with not the most warm of welcomes. She had more of a temper than Loyie expected, though she never questioned what the prophecy told her. Anyone can change, given time, she reminded herself. Loyie had too many other problems to contend with to worry over such a small detail.

 

“I should send someone to watch her,” the king murmured, his eyes also glued to the door of his hut.  

Loyie nodded and turned from the door, already moving on to the next topic she wanted to discuss with the king. “Dravin of the Kreesh would do well to watch her. His sister will be more than open to housing Cece for a few nights.”  

Xvenaad finally tore his eyes away from the door to give Loyie a startled look. “Dravin? Why him, of all people?”  

Smiling, Loyie took a few steps toward the king and placed a hand lightly on his arm. “Dravin is liked by his men, and he has the largest group. If he accepts her, many others will.”  

The king nodded his agreement and stepped around Loyie to stick his head out the door. She heard him mutter a few words before stepping back inside his hut. She knew it would not take long before the king stepped right where she needed him to be and bring up the topic she could not dredge up herself. Being tied to prophecy created unusual circumstances, though very few ever knew just how much Loyie had to dance around pretenses with the prophecies, and none of them were still alive.  

“I cannot afford to have a rebellion in my own camp,” Xvenaad said, his tone full of warning. Loyie knew the king would not want to drop the topic of Cece so lightly, despite all that had happened that day.  

Loyie only nodded, slowly making her way toward the tattered map of the land. She could see the troops had made no major advancements since she last checked, though felt no surprise. They had lost many today in a battle Loyie had warned was futile, but she knew as if it had been already written in stone that Commander Eerle would take his battle axmen against her warnings to try and ambush the Grignogn supply wagons. Eerle had always been brash, though no one but Loyie had known that it would lead to his and many other man’s demise.  

Losing had been a major blow to the other soldiers in the camp, which made for a dangerous situation for Cece to step into. Men were always suspicious of what they could not explain away, and even more suspicious when it tied itself to a dangerous prophecy.  

Finally, Loyie spoke softly, though not taking her eyes off the battered map, “As long as Prince Bramaad chooses not to spread more unneeded rumors, you will not have dissent amongst your camp.”  

“I don’t suppose you can tell by prophecy whether or not my fool son will ever become less of a fool?” Xvenaad asked dryly. Loyie glanced up from the map, finally seeing a bit of the man’s old humor before his face fell once more.  

“I’m afraid not, Xvenaad, but there are steps that need to be made so he will not detest Cece so.”  

The king frowned and moved closer to the map where Loyie now pointed. He was a rather large man, used to looming over people. Loyie supposed he used it to his advantage to intimidate people, though she had never viewed the man as more than a mere man wanting to keep his people together. Though I have had to deal with enough kings to last me another ten prophecies! Her small frame also made her more than used to people looming over her, but it had been several hundred years since she had actually felt intimidated by anyone because of their mere size.  

“What steps are you thinking, Watcher?” the king asked suspiciously, eyeing the placement of where Loyie was pointing.  

Loyie tapped the map with a finger. It was on the main kingdom, Seyew itself, the land they were all fighting to regain. “How many eyes do we have in the city?” She was almost there, casually guiding the king to the proper topic she needed him to be on.  

Xvenaad frowned at the map, as if it would give him the answers he needed. “What does that have to do with our new guest and my son?”  

Sighing impatiently, Loyie tapped the map more pointedly. Some days were harder not to interfere than others. “Answer the question, king.”  

Not taking any offence to Loyie’s lack of respect for his title, Xvenaad finally looked away from the map. “They have all gone silent. It’s hard to tell whether they grew too fearful to leave the city or if they were found and killed.” 

Loyie nodded, knowing full well the answers to the questions she asked. “So we need someone to go in and give us an update, yes?”  

The king eyed her suspiciously. “Are you suggesting sending in that girl and my son into the city to find out what is happening?”  

Loyie only shrugged and spread her hands innocently. At least Xvenaad had always been quick to draw sharp conclusions, unlike his son. “If that is your wish, my king. Though it may solve some problems of trust between the two and enable us to retrieve more refugees. I believe it to be an interesting solution.”  

“Are you mad?” the king burst out, his self-restraint clearly gone. “Bramaad is the prince of Seyew! If the Grignogns don’t recognize him the moment he walks into those city gates, someone else might recognize him and betray him to a Grignogn! We cannot be sure how loyal any are that are left in the city. We don’t even know if this Cece girl can do anything beyond lose her temper!”  

Loyie raised an eyebrow and waited for the king’s tirade to die down to mere sputters. She would bring the king to see her way, but she had not expected him to throw a tantrum as if he were a young man again. Sometimes Loyie wondered how Xvenaad seemed to be blind to the fact that his son was acting the same as he had when he was a foolish young man.  

“Bramaad spent little time out in the city where the peasants could see him, if you recall. If he is seen in the city and is recognized, then he is even more of a fool than we could believe for wandering too close to the manor houses of the inner city. As for the girl, did you not notice how you wished to listen to her whenever she spoke?”  

Coolly, Loyie crossed her arms and watched the king mull over what she had said. His expression hardened as he finally nodded. 

“This still doesn’t make the plan any less foolish. This Cece girl will not do anything she doesn’t want to. That is plain to see,” Xvenaad said, though he sounded more as if he were trying to convince himself than anyone else.  

Loyie smiled. “Any woman will see sense, no matter how crazy the idea is, as long as it gives her something she wants in return.”  

The king sighed heavily and drew a chair up to the battered map before taking a seat. “Alright, Watcher, guide me to what I need to know.”  

Nearly bursting with relief, Loyie directed the king’s attention to the map once more. It certainly was going to be a long night.

 

Previous

Closed Eyes - 16

When Cece's only reply was a blank stare, Dravin patted his sword hilt and tapped the eagle in flight on his chest. "We are all King Xvenaad's men, but we each have our parts to watch over. My Seat is to watch over the Kreesh men, those of us that know the long sword and are dedicated to its purpose. We stand behind the Captain, of course, for he is the main leader of the whole army, but one man cannot train each individual weapon we have on hand…" Dravin trailed off, a slight flush in his cheeks as he realized how much he was rambling. 

Clearing his throat and standing impossibly straight, making him seem even taller than Bramaad, Dravin gestured toward Cece. "I have heard rumor of your name, stranger, but I prefer to be properly introduced." 

"I am Cece Marks," she said simply, giving her current last name. She had confused Loyie enough claiming a new last name in a few short months, and she felt foolish explaining every detail to a dream that should know what it meant to marry and take a new name. 

"Cece Marks," Dravin repeated, bowing again that made him adjust the sword on his hip, "it is good to finally know a stranger's name. Let the Eagle protect you and keep watch over you." 

Cece raised an eyebrow. She had heard the men say as much to Loyie, but thought it was more of a sign of the small woman's station and a sign of respect. Unsure of what to say in reply, Cece simply murmured, "And may it watch over you in battle and lead you to glory." It was not the usual response Loyie had given, but Cece was not one to simply repeat what she had heard, and chose words based off what she felt would have more impact. Dravin did not seem to notice the difference, however. 

Straightening, Dravin's dark brown eyes drifted to Cece and seemed to drink her in and assess every detail about her all at the same time, making her shift under that uncomfortable gaze. She felt her cheeks heat and her pulse race as if he were Patrick giving her the most loving look possible. 

Just as she was about to tell Dravin to stop looking at her so intently, he simply smiled and let his gaze turn to sweep across the many small mud huts surrounding them. Cece hadn't noticed if others were watching, but didn't dare look now that her cheeks were as red as her sunburn. 

"It seems you gather attention wherever you stand, Cece Marks. Wandering about will not be the best idea. Even in the presence of the King himself these men would be suspicious of you. It will take time for them to trust, but not today." Dravin's eyes continued to search amongst the huts as if searching for someone. "Not after what happened today," he finished in a murmur, his hands clenching tighter on his sword hilt. 

Cece frowned, not understanding what the man meant, but gave her no room to question him as he beckoned her to follow him. She felt a sudden sense of unease and tension about the man, but he sauntered along a well-used path as if a cat stalking a mouse. 

"You are a very dangerous man," Cece murmured to herself, though nearly cursed when Dravin turned and raised an eyebrow questioningly. 

"We are all deadly in our own way, Cece. Even someone that knows nothing about the tactics of war or weapons can be very deadly. Someone with the wrong information, even with the best of intentions, can ruin a mission that could be deadly to every man going with it." 

Dravin's eyes seemed to darken, making Cece wonder if he were speaking from experience, or if he meant it as a warning for Cece. 

Cece only nodded, not daring to reply. Patrick had often talked about how cops are sometimes more deadly to themselves than the man holding a gun to your head. The simple act of letting down your guard could get everyone killed. 

As if making sure that Cece would remain silent, Dravin stroked the hilt of his weapon and gave her a wolfish smile that made her snap her mouth shut. 

"Will I at least get to learn about the purpose of this… village?" Cece asked finally, as soon as Dravin's intent stare left her face for a few moments. 

Dravin only chuckled and started moving forward along the path once more. "We are not a village, though I'm sure sometimes the men feel like it is. We've been here too long, but a cornered mouse can do nothing but back further into the corner and hope the cat's paw doesn't catch it too fast." 

"Or you can try and bite the paw," Cece murmured, though this time Dravin did not seem to hear. 

"But in either case, it is not my place to tell you what we are doing here. The King gave specific orders, and as a first Seat, I will see them through. You will stay with my sister among the Kreesh men. They will not do you harm, but don't expect a warm welcome, either." 

Cece rolled her eyes at the man's very muscular looking back and briefly admired his head of loose black curls that made him seem all the more dashing with his flourishing bows from before. This dream keeps handing me very good looking men, but none of them Patrick! What am I supposed to be getting out of this other than some eye candy? 

"At least tell me what are groups there are. You handle the… long sword… you said? What others are there?" 

Dravin did not pause as he took a side path, slightly less worn than the major path they were on. Cece could tell that this group had been stationed there for well over a year, or else they wouldn't have made mud huts, rather than tents. She knew nothing about the tactics of war or battles, but she was confident that she would rather have a hut than a tent if she decided to spend time outdoors for longer than a few weeks. Her mind certainly was paying attention to all the small details in this long, never-ending dream. 

"I'm afraid that it would bore you to hear about our organization, plus you'd be too confused over the names. Get used to the Kreesh men first, then maybe I can introduce you to a few of the other commanders." 

Cece sighed and brushed a silvery strand of hair back over her shoulder. She still had not noticed a single breeze within the wooded forest, yet the temperature felt pleasant and comfortable. Such a strange place with no answers. Maybe I'm somehow getting ahead of my mind and is just trying to fill in the holes… 

Dravin turned down yet another path that led to a wide clearing filled with more men, all wearing the armor with the sun and eagle on their arms, rather than their chest as Dravin had. Cece supposed that it was to show rank, more than anything. Many of them were practicing with their long swords while other men and women without armor walked quickly as if on an errand. Few children were in the clearing, though a few laughed and played near the hastily built mud huts.

 

"Welcome to the Kreesh camp, Dravin said over his shoulder, giving a flourish of his hand and giving a mock bow. His eyes sparkled mischievously, causing Cece to shake her head. What kind of trouble will this man give me?

 

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Closed Eyes - 15

Loyie watched Cece go, only feeling slight concern at her sudden exit. She could hardly blame the girl, for it was a lot to take in with not the most warm of welcomes. She had more of a temper than Loyie expected, though she never questioned what the prophecy told her. Anyone can change, given time, she reminded herself. Loyie had too many other problems to contend with to worry over such a small detail. 

“I should send someone to watch her,” the king murmured, his eyes also glued to the door of his hut. 

Loyie nodded and turned from the door, already moving on to the next topic she wanted to discuss with the king. “Dravin of the Kreesh would do well to watch her. His sister will be more than open to housing Cece for a few nights.” 

Xvenaad finally tore his eyes away from the door to give Loyie a startled look. “Dravin? Why him, of all people?” 

Smiling, Loyie took a few steps toward the king and placed a hand lightly on his arm. “Dravin is liked by his men, and he has the largest group. If he accepts her, many others will.” 

The king nodded his agreement and stepped around Loyie to stick his head out the door. She heard him mutter a few words before stepping back inside his hut. She knew it would not take long before the king stepped right where she needed him to be and bring up the topic she could not dredge up herself. Being tied to prophecy created unusual circumstances, though very few ever knew just how much Loyie had to dance around pretenses with the prophecies, and none of them were still alive. 

“I cannot afford to have a rebellion in my own camp,” Xvenaad said, his tone full of warning. Loyie knew the king would not want to drop the topic of Cece so lightly, despite all that had happened that day. 

Loyie only nodded, slowly making her way toward the tattered map of the land. She could see the troops had made no major advancements since she last checked, though felt no surprise. They had lost many today in a battle Loyie had warned was futile, but she knew as if it had been already written in stone that Commander Eerle would take his battle axmen against her warnings to try and ambush the Grignogn supply wagons. Eerle had always been brash, though no one but Loyie had known that it would lead to his and many other men’s demise. 

Losing had been a major blow to the other soldiers in the camp, which made for a dangerous situation for Cece to step into. Men were always suspicious of what they could not explain away, and even more suspicious when it tied to a dangerous prophecy. 

Finally, Loyie spoke softly, though not taking her eyes off the battered map, “As long as Prince Bramaad chooses not to spread more unneeded rumors, you will not have dissent amongst your camp.” 

“I don’t suppose you can tell by prophecy whether or not my fool son will ever become less of a fool?” Xvenaad asked dryly. Loyie glanced up from the map, finally seeing a bit of the man’s old humor before his face fell once more. 

“I’m afraid not, Xvenaad, but there are steps that need to be made so he will not detest Cece so.” 

The king frowned and moved closer to the map where Loyie now pointed. He was a rather large man, used to looming over people. Loyie supposed he used it to his advantage to intimidate people, though she had never viewed the man as more than a mere man wanting to keep his people together. Though I have had to deal with enough kings to last me another ten prophecies! Her small frame also made her more than used to people looming over her, but it had been several hundred years since she had actually felt intimidated by anyone because of their mere size. 

“What steps are you thinking, Watcher?” the king asked suspiciously, eyeing the placement of where Loyie was pointing. 

Loyie tapped the map with a finger. It was on the main kingdom, Seyew itself, the land they were all fighting to regain. “How many eyes do we have in the city?” She was almost there, casually guiding the king to the proper topic she needed him to be on. 

Xvenaad frowned at the map, as if it would give him the answers he needed. “What does that have to do with our new guest and my son?” 

Sighing impatiently, Loyie tapped the map more pointedly. Some days were harder not to interfere than others. “Answer the question, king.” 

Not taking any offence to Loyie’s lack of respect for his title, Xvenaad finally looked away from the map. “They have all gone silent. It’s hard to tell whether they grew too fearful to leave the city or if they were found and killed.”

Loyie nodded, knowing full well the answers to the questions she asked. “So we need someone to go in and give us an update, yes?” 

The king eyed her suspiciously. “Are you suggesting sending in that girl and my son into the city to find out what is happening?” 

Loyie only shrugged and spread her hands innocently. At least Xvenaad had always been quick to draw sharp conclusions, unlike his son. “If that is your wish, my king. Though it may solve some problems of trust between the two and enable us to retrieve more refugees. I believe it to be an interesting solution.” 

“Are you mad?” the king burst out, his self-restraint clearly gone. “Bramaad is the prince of Seyew! If the Grignogn’s don’t recognize him the moment he walks into those city gates, someone else might recognize him and betray him to a Grignogn! We cannot be sure how loyal any are that are left in the city. We don’t even know if this Cece girl can do anything beyond lose her temper!” 

Loyie raised an eyebrow and waited for the king’s tirade to die down to mere sputters. She would bring the king to see her way, but she had not expected him to throw a tantrum as if he were a young man again. Sometimes Loyie wondered how Xvenaad seemed to be blind to the fact that his son was acting the same as he had when he was a foolish young man. 

“Bramaad spent little time out in the city where the peasants could see him, if you recall. If he is seen in the city and is recognized, then he is even more of a fool than we could believe for wandering too close to the manor houses of the inner city. As for the girl, did you not notice how you wished to listen to her whenever she spoke?” 

Coolly, Loyie crossed her arms and watched the king mull over what she had said. His expression hardened as he finally nodded. 

“This still doesn’t make the plan any less foolish. This Cece girl will not do anything she doesn’t want to. That is plain to see,” Xvenaad said, though he sounded more as if he were trying to convince himself than anyone else. 

Loyie smiled. “Any woman will see sense, no matter how crazy the idea is, as long as it gives her something she wants in return.” 

The king sighed heavily and drew a chair up to the battered map before taking a seat. “Alright, Watcher, guide me to what I need to know.” 

Nearly bursting with relief, Loyie directed the king’s attention to the map once more. It certainly was going to be a long night.

 

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Closed Eyes - 14

Cece shifted uneasily, smoothing the gaudy dress over her hips. Loyie simply stared at the closed door, her lips pressed tightly together, her eyes dancing like fire. King Xvenaad's expression could have been carved from stone. 

Finally the king tore his eyes away from the closed door to look at Cece, who couldn't seem to find a comfortable position to be standing. She constantly shifted, which was not quieted when the king's cold eyes fell on her. 

"I hope for your sake that my son is not correct," Xvenaad said in his gravelly voice. "I trust you, Watcher. You have been around for much longer than all of us and have seen things none of us would wish to see in your place. But that does not mean I trust the prophecy and its outcomes." Although his words were for Loyie, he did not look at the small woman. He continued to watch Cece, as if she would suddenly grow fangs and claws and attack. 

Loyie stayed quiet for a long moment. She seemed to be taking in the sight of the king and Cece, weighing and measuring each in turn. "Prophecy is not always what it seems. It is neither good, nor evil, but is simply a message of what will come to pass based off those that are good or evil. The best anyone can hope for is that it speaks of a positive outcome, not the death of us all." 

Xvenaad sighed and finally turned away from Cece, rubbing his temples. He no longer looked so imposing, but rather a man with too much responsibility and too much weight upon his shoulders. 

Cece felt compelled to place an arm around the large man's shoulders and assure him that everything would be just fine, though she felt silly just thinking it. Why should I make anyone in my dream feel better? I'm getting waaay too into this dream! 

Instead, Cece simply said, "King Xvenaad, I have no intentions of hurting your people, no matter what this prophecy says. I simply just have to find a way out-" 

"- of everyone's bad graces," Loyie said over Cece, finishing for her. 

Cece felt her jaw drop incredulously, though she was too stunned to interrupt once Loyie had started. The woman didn't even seem fazed that she had spoken right over the top of Cece! 

The king did not seem to notice Cece's shock as he glanced up at Loyie, nor did he seem to care that Loyie had finished Cece's sentence. "I'm afraid my son has already done much damage, but there are ways to ease the men's minds. We cannot afford anyone wasting any time watching over this… guest of ours," Xvenaad said, as if unsure what Cece's status was within their makeshift village. "We are waging a war to get back what we lost, not to stare at a strange girl that could possibly be a viper in our den. We have no choice but to quiet what we can." 

The Watcher simply nodded and bowed her head. "I will make my rounds and ease concerns as I go. I will also make sure Cece stays under my watch. It will be easier to keep an eye on the girl." 

Xvenaad shook his head and stroked his chin in thought. "No Watcher, you cannot interfere if she does start anything to hurt our people. I will find a hut to put her in where more than one pair of eyes can watch over her. 

Cece planted a fist on her hips and glared at the two. "I am standing right here!" she nearly growled, though she felt surprised at her own forceful tone. She would never say such things if she were truly in front of a king and a strange woman who seemed young yet so old at the same time, but it was her dream, and she could no longer stand the thought of those two controlling everything! 

The two stopped speaking for a moment, eyeing Cece out of the corner of their eye. The king looked slightly surprised, but neither spoke. 

"Good, now, listen!" Finally something is going as it should… "I will not be treated as a prisoner or a child. No one needs to watch over me. I will be fine and dandy without you two sending anyone to stare at me and make sure I don't scare all the children at night."  

Giving the two her best glare, she spun and stalked out the door. 

Hands clenched in frustration, Cece began wandering around the small village, her jaw set tight. She ignored the frowns from the fierce men honing their weapons or standing guard around the camp, and she ignored the indignant sniffs from the women. Even the children avoided her. 

Why the hell can't I just wake up? This is so ridiculous! It went against Cece's nature to keep thinking so negatively, but she truly was getting tired of this dream. As much as she wanted to believe that this all was just in her mind, she hated how real everything felt. The sticks and hard packed dirt under her slippered feet, the cool breeze brushing against her face, all felt more real than any dream she had ever had before. Probably why I'm in such a bad mood. This place is exhausting! 

Cece shivered and stomped on, not paying any mind to the direction she was headed. It felt good to wander about as freely as possible and not have Bramaad's hard green eyes peering at her so accusingly. 

"You know, muttering to yourself doesn't help people feel more easy around you," a warm voice said, interrupting Cece's thoughts. 

Startled, she stopped mid-stride and blinked up at the tall man standing before her, a lazy hand on the hilt of a rather long looking sword. He also wore the leather armor with the embroidered eagle and sun, though it was over his heart, rather than on his right arm like the majority of men she had seen. Despite the smirk on his lips, his eyes held a deadly cast that made Cece take a few steps back from this man. 

Not wanting to talk to anyone, Cece clamped her mouth shut and turned away from the tall man. Maybe not the smartest thing I've ever done, turning my back on a man with a big sword, but if I hear one more comment on me bringing death to these people, I'll- 

"It is also rude to turn and walk away from someone trying to engage in a conversation with you," the voice said before Cece had only gone a few steps. 

Grinding her teeth, Cece turned and gave the man her best stage smile. "Please forgive me, sir, but I'm not in a very conversational mood, at the moment." 

The man shook his head and grinned at Cece as if her smile had been genuine. "Well, I'm afraid you can't be wandering about the camp. If someone else gets a hold of you, you may as well be one of the Grivnogn. Better you be properly escorted, and I volunteer my services." The man swept a flashy bow that made Cece roll her eyes. How much more can my mind really come up with!? Now I have a flourishing swordsman! 

"I don't even know who these 'Grignogn' people are, but I'm certainly not one of them, and I've no need for an escort," Cece said firmly, only slightly pleased that she had pronounced the strange name without too much hesitation this time. It seemed easy enough to catch on their strange pronunciations once more practice was involved. 

Straightening from his bow, the man slowly frowned down at Cece. "So you truly do not know of our land," he murmured, more to himself than to Cece. 

Cece sighed heavily and glared at the man. "No, I do not know of this stupid place! I wish I'd just wake up and let it all be over with! I just want a good night's sleep with Patrick by my side." 

 

The man's frown deepened as he watched Cece warily. Instead of questioning who Patrick was, or why she felt she hadn't gotten any sleep, the man said in a formal tone, "Well, then I should start from the beggining, if you truly do not know. I am Dravin, son of Heswisx, high Seat of Liowq, and First Commander of the Kreesh men."

 

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Closed Eyes - 13

"Father," the prince began, trying to get the king's attention, "here is the-" 

"I wish to be left alone for a private meeting," the king said quietly, interrupting the prince, but not looking up at anyone. Cece gulped at how dangerous the man sounded. 

Everyone who had been milling about in the hut, whether they were writing, reading, or frowning over what looked like a tattered map, stopped and bowed one by one to the king, though he never acknowledged them. Everyone left without a word. 

Finally, after a long stretch of silence that even the prince was unwilling to break, the king looked up with a grave expression. He let the piece of paper fall from his fingers before he clasped his hands together and regarded Loyie. 

"Watcher," he said in a gravelly voice, "my son seems to think there is a major threat in our midst. Is this true?" He barely glanced at Cece, as if she were nothing. 

Loyie bowed her head and gave a small curtsy. Cece at least knew that the deeper the bow or curtsy, the further below station you are from the person you are bowing to. She wasn't sure, but it seemed as if Loyie were only a small step in power below the king himself. 

"If your son is speaking of our guest, Cece, then he is a fool, as I have told him before you summoned me here with the girl." 

"Father," Prince Bramaad broke in, sounding more defensive than anything, "Watcher Loyie apparently does not understand how dangerous this guest actually is. I say we put her in the cage where she'll have no chance to do us harm!" The man's rigid face made his words all the more threatening. 

King Xvenaad lifted a hand to stop his son from rushing on. "Bramaad, you must learn to think before you speak so foolishly. I will not have a son of mine taking the throne sounding as you do. We are not taking back what is ours just so you can lose it by acting like a child." 

Bramaad snapped his jaw shut and glared at Cece, as if it were her fault his father was berating him. She wanted to wilt under the glare, but squared her shoulders instead, wanting to show the prince she would not be timid around him. 

After a moment of silence, the king turned his attention back to Loyie, "Tell me, Watcher and Guardian of Prophecy, is this guest of ours part of the prophecy that states, 'The one born of Sa'dei'Feyier will wreak destruction and will bring death to the people.' Or is she an innocent with a bad memory?" 

Loyie's eyes seemed to look far away and was silent for a long time. Finally, she whispered, "As the Watcher and Guardian, I cannot interfere with those tied directly to the prophecy, no matter which prophecy they are fulfilling." She paused, though no one said a word. Even the king seemed to be leaning in to hear what the small woman had to say. "Even though Cece is tied to this prophecy you speak, all I may say is that it is not what it seems." 

"Father," Bramaad nearly growled, "put this woman in the cage where we can keep an eye on her. The Watcher just admitted that she is part of the prophecy! How can we trust her? She will bring death to us all!" His green eyes burned with anger and hate as if he had never seen anything worse in his life than Cece. 

King Xvenaad took a deep breath and stood straight, squaring his shoulders and turning his full attention on his son. "I should throw you in the cage until you learn to listen, boy," the king said, clearly disgusted with the prince. "Go tell the captain you want an extra long watch tonight. Maybe you'll learn to listen closely, then." 

"She is dangerous!" Bramaad said, gesturing toward Cece as if by pointing her out she'd suddenly turn into a panther about to attack them all. 

Unable to take it any longer, Cece took a step forward and said in her most commanding tone she learned to use on stage, "May I speak?" though it was more of a demand, than a question. She did not wait for the king or prince to nod before she continued on, "I am not a danger or a threat to you and your people. I do not even know where I am or what this place is called. I do not know how to use a weapon, so I cannot harm you physically, I am not sick, so I cannot bring you disease to kill off your men, so what else would I do in order to bring death and destruction? I can hardly look at my own blood without feeling light-headed, let alone another person's." 

Bramaad took two steps forward, bringing him within inches of Cece's face. His breath was warm against her skin, but she did not take a step back. "Never underestimate anyone," he whispered, "especially ones that claim they can do no harm." 

"Enough!" Loyie's voice came sharply and was enough to make Prince Bramaad take a step back from Cece and blink in surprise. "I have seen a thousand times a thousand men die because of actions like yours. You are too brash and claim the wrong people as the enemy. I have seen fools die more often than not. You know how long I have lived, Prince. Do not think I would be foolish enough to let someone as dangerous as you claim anywhere near my presence." 

"But you cannot interfere, Watcher. That is why it is your title. You cannot interfere with anything that deals with the prophecy! So if someone so dangerous walks right into your path and decides to bed with you for the night, you could do nothing about it!" 

Loyie let a small smile twitch on her lips. Her pale blue eyes held a dangerous glint that told Bramaad he had gone too far. Even though the cold look was not directed at Cece, she still wanted to shrink into the corner of the hut and hope that Loyie never found her there. Even the king pressed his lips together and watched Loyie with a wary expression. Prince Bramaad licked his lips and did his best to tower above Loyie, though her presence still made her seem much taller than the prince. He certainly seemed sorry he ever even opened his mouth. 

Finally, Loyie said in her quiet voice, "There is always free will, prince. The prophecy does not go so deep as to explain day to day what must and what must not happen. The prophecy is not a diary. It is a foretelling of an event of what will happen, what must happen, but not when or how, or even the who until it is upon us. I can tell you that this girl is tied to the major thread of the prophecy, but it is not what it seems. For once, Prince Bramaad, use what bit of a brain you actually have." 

Prince Bramaad's jaw clenched. He seemed to want to say more as his gaze rested on Cece. It was a cold look, one that made her want to shiver, but his green eyes finally seemed more forgiving somehow. Finally he turned toward the king, who had stayed quiet, seeming to observe the events unfolding, and bowed deeply. "I will tell the captain that I would like two extra watches of duty for the next two weeks, King Xvenaad." 

Without another word, the prince left the hut, making the room seem much larger now that only three people stood within its walls.

 

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Closed Eyes - 12

What seemed like hours later, Gheai had stitched together a dress for Cece. It was a short dress compared to what the other women were wearing, but to Cece it was the perfect length of just at the tops of her knees. The woman had made two separate pieces- the straight-lined skirt, then the top with a wide neckline that showed the tops of her shoulders- which she sewed together. The fabric was stiff, but Gheai had made it loose enough for Cece to pull on and off without the use of zippers or buttons. "We don't have time to sit and make buttons, and I certainly don't have time to sew them on!" Gheai had said as she started sewing the pieces of the dress together. 

After Cece had put on the dress, Gheai started making the slippers out of the few scraps of fabric left over from the dress. She had decided that the bright green color wasn't nearly as bad when on the dress, though with her silvery hair and red skin, she felt as if she were a Christmas tree with eagle ornaments. 

Finally fitted with slippers- a process that only took a few moments, though was beyond Cece's understanding- Cece wriggled her toes and was surprised at just how comfortable they were. They seemed durable, though she felt that tramping through the camp would dirty the fabric almost instantly. And the fabric will probably rip easily, too. 

Shaking herself out of her thoughts, Cece smiled at Gheai. She wasn't sure why she was acting as if she would be wearing the dress and slippers for a long time. As soon as she woke up, the memory of the soft slippers and strange dress would disappear quickly. Then maybe when I sleep again I'll be able to have a normal dream. 

As if Gheai had signaled to Loyie that they were finished, the small woman came bustling through the door, her expression blank but her fists clenched. The sun was already starting to fade, surprising Cece at how long it must have taken for the dress to be sewn and the shoes made. 

"Thank you, Gheai," Loyie said quietly before reaching into her sleeve and pulling out a small coin. "That will do for now." Loyie ignored the unhappy expression from Gheai, as if the payment was much too small for the amount of work the woman had put in. 

"Here is your dress back, Loyie," Cece said, holding out the neatly folded dress for the small woman to take. "I would have washed it, but your ways of cleaning are much different than mine." 

Loyie frowned, looking puzzled at the dress for a long moment. "You may use it for scrap fabric, Gheai. I do not need it." 

"But Watcher, that dress is your-" 

"It does not matter what it was, Gheai. All that matters is that you need fabric, and so I am giving you some. Dresses are of little importance with the times at hand. Do not worry." 

Gheai nodded and took the dress from Cece's hands. The woman stroked the fabric as if it were something of great importance, rather than just a simple dress. Cece wasn't sure what importance it held, but got the feeling that she should not ask. 

"Child," Loyie said, directing her attention back to Cece, "come with me. It is time that you spoke with Prince Bramaad and King Xvenaad." Her tone was iron, as if she were already expecting a fight to occur. 

Cece nearly started laughing. She supposed that if there were a prince in her dreams, there would most certainly be a king, though she had hoped for once her mind would make an exception. 

Without pause, Loyie turned and headed out the door. Cece nearly jumped to catch up with her, though being taller than the smaller woman gave her some advantage. 

"Why do they want to speak with me?" Cece asked once she had caught up with Loyie moments later.

With the light growing dimmer, Cece couldn't tell, but it looked as if Loyie had rolled her eyes. "Men, even men with power, are not always willing to see what is right in front of their faces until it bites them on the nose." 

When Cece tried to press further, the little woman did not reply. She even ignored the bows and signs of respect from the men and women they passed, simply weaving past them as they traveled more toward the center of the camp. 

Finally she stopped in front of a seemingly simple hut. It was a little more put together than most of the other huts, but even the size was not much larger than all the others. Cece supposed that they would try and keep the enemy guessing as to where the leader sleeps, but she couldn't imagine people getting through all the traps, then to the hut before someone caught them. Why am I even thinking about this? 

Instead of just entering as Loyie had done at the previous hut, she knocked on the door and said loudly enough for someone inside to hear, "It is the Watcher, come with the girl." 

Instantly the door sprang open with Bramaad's chiseled face greeting them with a grim expression. "Come," he barked, opening the door wide enough for the two to pass by. 

Inside the hut held more furniture than Loyie's, with two tables, an actual bed in the corner rather than just a bunch of blankets, shelves, a cooking stove, and another small desk right next to the door. The floor had several carpets overlapping one another to make a much nicer floor than even the mud-packed floor of Loyie's hut. There were people scattered about the place, making it feel extremely cramped. 

It did not take long for Cece's eyes to settle on a muscular man with tanned skin and a chiseled face, much like Prince Bramaad's, but his face held a neatly groomed beard and connecting moustache that only framed his mouth. His eyes were hard, though Cece suspected it was from whatever he was going through, for he had laugh wrinkles around his eyes. Right then, however, Cece couldn't imagine him laughing for anything. So this must be the King Xvenaad. At least my mind let him seem more approachable than his son.

 

The king did not look up as his son led the two up to the table he was crouched over, reading a piece of paper. The king was wearing a simple shirt and pants, but over his heart embroidered in the same green as was on all the men's armor, was the eagle in the center of a full sun. Although he was not wearing a crown, his mere presence made Cece shift and swallow.

 

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Closed Eyes - 11

Cece wouldn't have thought anything about what Loyie had said except for Gheai had finally dropped the pair of pants in her hands and gaped at Loyie as if she had said the most outrageous thing. 

"But, Watcher, I don't think that'd be very proper, even if she did come under suspicious terms." Once again Gheai's hazel eyes flicked toward Cece, though this time her gaze held more concern than disapproval. 

Loyie smiled slightly. It was strange to see such a small, child-like woman hold such power in her voice and have her make anyone stammer and obey as if she truly were a Queen commanding her servants. 

Cece shook her head. This dream keeps getting stranger and stranger by the moment! 

"Do not worry, Gheai. The dress she is wearing now is no more proper than the one you are going to make her. At least give her a proper neckline so the men will not stare at her as if she were prey to a panther. I'm afraid she is a little more full in that area than myself," Loyie said wryly, looking at Cece out of the corner of her eye. 

Gheai slowly stooped down and picked up the pants she was working on and absent-mindedly brushed them off. "I, well, I suppose I can make it shorter, but I'll have to see what I can spare for her before we decide how short it'll have to be." 

Loyie only nodded and turned toward the door. "I'll leave Cece with you, then, until her dress is made. If you could spare enough to at least make her slippers as well, I'll make sure to compensate you for them." 

Without waiting for a reply, the small woman left the hut, leaving Cece shifting on the stool in sudden nervousness. Gheai- even pronouncing the name in her mind proved awkward- certainly didn't seem to like the fact that she was even there, let alone having to make a dress and slippers for her right away. However, Cece knew she'd be glad for something to fit better, even if it meant apparently looking strange by having a shorter dress. Yes, it was common to find a woman in a knee-length dress back in the waking world, but not every woman enjoyed actually wearing them like Cece did. How did Loyie know that I liked wearing shorter dresses? Immediately she dismissed the question. It was her dream, after all, so why wouldn't her mind tell one of the characters what she liked wearing?  

However, remembering back to the other women she had seen, they all wore long dresses that touched their toes. Loyie's dress was too short for Cece, so had not reached her toes, but it was still longer than most dresses women wore nowadays. I feel as if this dream is in the medieval period! Weapons and women in long dresses… sheesh! She wished Patrick were there. His presence would at least keep her from feeling so uncomfortable. She still couldn't understand why Patrick didn't just show up in this dream, considering the amount of times she tried to think him into it, but finally dismissed the thought. Obviously her subconscious was not cooperating.

"Well," Gheai said suddenly, planting a fist on her hips, "I guess what the Watcher wants, the Watcher gets." 

The woman turned toward the table and grabbed two lengths of cloth before turning back to Cece. The two were eye-jarring. The first was a length of cloth with swirls of orange, green, and a salmon color interwoven together in the strangest pattern Cece had ever seen that vaguely reminded her of tye-dye. The second cloth was a painfully bright green color with small eagles stitched in red all down the length of it. 

"I was going to make these into door coverings for some of the unlucky ones without doors, but they will just have to wait until we can get more fabric in," Gheai said, holding them out so Cece could see them more closely. 

Trying to keep the wince from her face, Cece quickly chose the cloth with the red eagles stitched into the fabric, deciding that it was the least offensive of the two choices. She also remembered the signets on the men's armor of the eagle flying in the sun. Cece supposed it had to do with someone's family crest. Probably Prince Bramaad's. Maybe if I wear his eagles he won't look at me as if I am such a threat. 

Gheai tossed the other length of cloth on the table and motioned for Cece to stand. "I barely have enough fabric to make patches for people and now I have to waste a whole one on a stranger we don't even know if we can trust," Gheai mumbled to herself, as if not realizing that Cece could clearly hear her. Or just not caring. Sheesh, my mind comes up with a lot of cruel people! 

"Gheai," Cece said, fumbling over the woman's name, "I really appreciate you doing this. I know it's not easy to waste something like this on me, but it means a lot. I don't like being here any more than you and your camp probably does." 

Gheai's eyebrow rose and her tone suddenly became conversational. "So, Cece," this time it was Gheai's turn to fumble over the pronunciation of her name, "did you really wake up in Sa'dei'Feyier?" 

Cece stared at the tall woman blankly. "Sa'dei-what?" 

Gheai frowned. "Sa'dei'Feyier. The Cursed One's Sea. Everyone in the land knows the name. Even the hermits in Dessert Josic." 

Cece only blinked in reply. She had no idea what any of it meant other than what Loyie had barely mentioned to her before. She felt so clueless in her own dream, though she supposed with such a strange dream that decided to continue itself, she shouldn't expect much less. It was just becoming far more complicated than she would ever want from a dream. 

Sighing in exasperation, Gheai pulled out a long leather cord with small notches out of it and started wrapping it around Cece, as if measuring her for the dress. "I don't like it when people lie to me, but maybe you really don't know…" 

"Gheai, I am not lying. I do not know what is going on. All I know is I woke up with my legs in a supposedly cursed sea and red as a lobster. And naked." She felt her cheeks flush at that, finally feeling some form of shame for walking boldly around without clothes on. Even if this is a dream, I can't believe I actually did that! 

Gheai threw her head back and laughed, finally showing some friendliness toward Cece. "I heard some of the men saying they saw Prince Bramaad sneaking around with a naked woman, but I didn't think they were actually telling the truth. Men bored of their surroundings tend to make up stories to spice things up a bit." 

Cece's cheeks reddened even more and shifted her feet uncomfortably. "I wish it weren't true." 

Gheai patted her shoulder and turned to the table and picked up something Cece could not quite see. "Do not worry, Cece. I will get this dress made, and although it'll be too short, at least you will have some of your dignity!"

 

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Closed Eyes - 10

It was not long before Cece's sunburn felt as if it were just a distant memory. The salve, whatever it was, helped her burn much more than she had ever seen any aloe vera work. Despite the intense burning in the beginning, it seemed to take away twice the pain.

Loyie was busily unwrapping her bundles, not paying any mind to Cece's gasps of pain, then sighs of relief from the salve. Cece could clearly tell that she had only been asleep for a few hours, for there was more light entering into the little hut than she remembered.

Once finished, Cece stood from the strange rug Loyie made her stand on once again, and set the small jar down on the floor. She tried straightening the dress, once again uncomfortable with how strange the fit was. She tried tugging the top of the dress up for more coverage, but then it shifted off her hips, causing it to then bubble out and make Cece feel even more ridiculous.

Sighing in frustration, Cece tugged the dress back down, trying not to wince at the amount of cleavage she was showing. Patrick would certainly be laughing at me right now and also be trying to find a way to cover me at the same time!

Finally, Loyie seemed to notice Cece again. She was holding a long stem of a flower, the head nearly flat, but every petal a different color. Cece had never seen anything like it before. My imagination really is very interesting in this dream…

Loyie eyed Cece critically before allowing a small smile to appear on her thin lips. Now that there was more light in the hut, Cece felt that Loyie's hair was nearly too bright to look at. It still had the illusion of glowing like the sun.

"I think we should visit Gheai so she can fit you with a better dress. She can make one very quickly, but I'm afraid we don't have much material left. Trading has not been easy, as of late."

Cece shook her head. The thought of having to trade for anything, rather than just driving to the nearest store and trading money for things, made Cece wonder at the detail she had come up with in this dream. It was more in depth than she thought she was capable of.

"I would be happy for anything that fits better than this dress, at this point!" Cece didn't mean to sound ungrateful- after all, she had come to the little hut completely naked- but she would still be glad to have something that fit a little better.

However, Loyie seemed to not notice Cece's clipped tone as she set the strange flower carefully on its proper shelf. She whispered a few words and patted the flower's stem as if the flower were a small child Loyie was trying to reassure.

"I would direct you to the hut yourself, but I'm sure the prince has already spread the fact that there is a stranger in their midst, and one that came from the cursed sea, at that." Loyie spoke levelly, as if it made no difference if the whole camp hated Cece or not. "But I will assure Gheai, at the very least, that you are of no threat that we can forsee for now."

"For now?"

Loyie nodded absently. She looked as if she were a thousand miles away at that moment. Her eyes then suddenly focused, growing wider before relaxing again. It all happened so quickly that Cece doubted she ever really saw a different expression in the first place. "We cannot always tell what someone is going to do, nor do we as people know what paths we will choose even a few moments from now. But that is for another time. For now, we will visit Gheai."

Cece felt a shiver run down her spine. This dream certainly isn't making me feel very comfortable. What in the world is my mind trying to tell me?

Cece followed Loyie out of the hut. The small woman moved with the grace of someone used to walking in the woods. Cece, still with her bare feet, felt every twig and crunch of leaves beneath her. She felt as if she were waking the dead compared to Loyie's quiet, delicate steps.

 

Finally they made their way back to the main part of the camp with their hastily made mud huts. There were more people milling about now, more men with a multitude of weapons Cece couldn't even begin to put names to. They each wore dark leather armor with green insignias on their right arms of a sun with an eagle in flight at the very center of that sun. Cece had no idea what it meant, but was becoming more and more impressed with the creativeness of her dream.

 

There were also some children, Cece noticed, along with women holding baskets filled with clothing or shriveled vegetables, never paying any mind to the men with weapons in their hands. Even the children never glanced twice at the large shining blades that looked too heavy for a man to hold with one hand. Cece tried hard not to let her jaw drop at the strange sight. 

Slowly the men started noticing Loyie, and each paused to place their left hand on the signet on their armor and bowed their heads in what seemed like deep respect. She smiled and nodded at each in turn, sometimes murmuring a "May the Eagle fly with you in battle", which seemed like words of encouragement. Each man returned the saying with a simple, "Thank you, Watcher" before straightening and watching her pass. They treated Loyie as if she were the most respected Lady or Queen they could ever be near. Their eyes followed Cece as well, some of them frowning after her, making her feel extremely uncomfortable. Even their gaze held the danger that seemed to go along with the weapons they were holding. 

Hurrying closer to Loyie, Cece did her best to shrink herself and go unnoticed. However, with the ill-fitting dress, still red skin despite the minimal pain she now felt, and bare feet, she knew that she was far from being successful as even the women paused to stare after the stranger in their midst. 

Finally Loyie slowed in front of a hut that had a large birch tree, or what Cece thought was birch, as one of its supporting walls. It looked more hastily put together than some of the other huts, but she supposed that this strange camp may not always have the most time to put shelters together. 

Without knocking, Loyie entered the hut, Cece right on her heels. It was smaller than Loyie's simple quarters, with the floor being tramped down grass rather than the smooth mud floor of Loyie's. It held little furniture, with only three small wooden stools and a wide table against the far wall. The room held no cooking stove as Loyie's had, making Cece believe that only Loyie drank hot tea and ate on her own time. Everyone else probably had to eat together as a community. How do these people even live like this? 

Loyie glanced back at Cece for the first time and motioned her to sit on one of the stools. There was a tall, spindly woman standing at the table with her back to the door, grumbling under her breath. She was holding a long length of fabric that looked like a wide pair of pants in her hands. 

"Gheai," Loyie said softly, making the brown haired woman turn quickly, and nearly dropped the pants from surprise, "I need you to make this young lady a dress that fits her properly." 

Gheai's eyes flicked over to Cece with a disapproving frown. "Loyie, Prince Brama-" 

"Is a fool if he thinks we are not going to help this poor girl," Loyie said sharply, interrupting Gheai. 

Gheai pressed her lips together as if holding back a flow of words. Instead, she merely curtsied and muttered a, "Yes, Watcher. But I have little fabric or thread left, and this cursed wooden needle keeps breaking, so it may take me longer to do than usual."

 

"Make the dress short, if you must, "Loyie said casually. "I believe Cece is used to the style."

 

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Closed Eyes - 9

Cece rolled her eyes once more. "Whatever. Anyways, I told her how it had to be a dream, so she told me to go to sleep and when I woke up I would understand. So luckily it was a dream, after all!" Cece didn't feel like sharing how it felt as if only moments had passed since she had fallen asleep in her dream and woken up in the hospital. She supposed that's how it always happened, anyway. 

Patrick smiled and nodded. "I'm certainly glad it was a dream." 

Cece smiled back before yawning. "I'm sorry Patrick, I don't know why I'm so tired. I've been sleeping for how long?" 

Patrick shrugged, concern on his face. "Sometimes when you have strange dreams it makes you feel like you haven't slept in a while. Plus, just because you get a handful of hours of sleep doesn't mean it makes up for all the previous nights you didn't sleep at all."

"I know," Cece said quietly, suddenly feeling more exhausted. She was ready for a real sleep, not one hindered by such a vivid dream. Patrick was probably right- her dream was too vivid to make her feel as if she actually got any sleep. 

Patrick stood from the chair to stand closer to Cece's bedside. He leaned over and kissed her on the forehead, then gently began rubbing his hand through her hair. "Sleep, Cec. You need it. I'll be here when you wake up." 

Cece sighed and nodded. She felt comfortable with Patrick's warm presence beside her, so didn't feel too much as if she were still in the uncomfortable hospital bed.

She closed her eyes, concentrating on Patrick's soothing hand on her forehead, rather than on the intense burning her skin was still giving off. 

It didn't take long before Cece felt herself drift off to sleep. 

*** 

As soon as she felt herself let go, Cece's eyes popped open. She immediately felt disoriented as she sat up, eyes wide and gasping. "No, no, no, nononononono! NO!" 

Desperately, Cece looked around at the familiar mud hut with the shelves upon shelves of jars and other crazy items, the two rocking chairs in the center of the room, the strange detailed rug, and the wooden stove in the corner of the room. 

"Why is this happening to me?" Cece whispered to no one in particular. She closed her eyes and gripped her head, rocking slightly back and forth in confusion. 

"Child, I told you this was no dream," a familiar voice said. 

Cece looked up and glanced over at Loyie, who was just returning back into the hut. 

"What is going on?" Cece demanded, quickly throwing the light blanket to the side and standing to approach Loyie. She's just a young girl! How would she even know what's happening to me? What kind of dream is this that can keep haunting me!? 

Loyie simply smiled and handed Cece a cloth-bundled item and gestured toward the empty spot on a shelf. "Put that over there, child. My arms are too full." 

Cece grumbled before shoving the bundle onto the indicated spot. She tugged irritably at the ill-fitting dress, wishing it didn't cling to all the wrong places. 

"Tell me what is going on. Now!" Cece had little patience left. She wanted the dream to just end, but apparently something in her mind wasn't letting her go. She hoped that Loyie would answer whatever her mind wanted her to know so she could move on. Never before had a dream been so persistent. 

Loyie raised an eyebrow at Cece's tone, but said nothing as she casually placed several wrapped bundles on different shelves. She seemed to know exactly where to place them, though to Cece's eye there was no pattern or organization to the items on the shelves. 

"Well?" Cece asked impatiently, crossing her arms and tapping a foot. 

Loyie placed the last bundle on the floor and simply stared at Cece for a long moment. Her eyes bored into Cece as if weighing her very soul. It made her uncomfortable, but she resisted the urge to immediately drop her eyes from Loyie's. Loyie looked so young, but those eyes certainly were telling a different story. 

"I have already told you that this was no dream, yet you refuse to accept it. Beyond that, I have no more answers for you. You came here as if born from the cursed sea and have a memory of a newborn babe of this world. I do not know why you are here any more than you do." Loyie's words struck a chord of panic within Cece. If Loyie doesn't know why I am having this dream, then who does my dream want me to talk to to figure this out? 

"Then maybe I'll just leave. If I can't wake up when I want to, maybe I'll walk my way out of this situation!" Cece said, though as soon as the words left her mouth she knew how foolish she sounded.

Loyie only smiled and gestured toward the door. "Then walk. But you are going to need a guide to get out. They set traps around this camp and only one person at a time knows their way around them." Loyie's smile widened slightly, though the change never touched her eyes. "I believe Prince Bramaad's are still in place, if you wish to seek him out." 

Cece shuddered and rubbed her arm unconsciously. She could almost feel the prince's iron grip on her arm as he dragged her to the most secure place they had. Somewhere he'd want to keep an eye on me at all times, probably. Sheesh, why did my mind have to make such a handsome man such a jerk? 

Blushing in sudden guilt, Cece sighed. "Fine. Let's say this isn't a dream. What am I doing here? Why me, of all people? I'm just a motivational speaker!" 

Loyie's eyes sharpened as she looked more closely at Cece. The woman looked like a panther just about to jump on its prey. "A motivational speaker?" 

Cece rolled her eyes. "You know, I get up in front of people and tell a sad story of my own, then start giving advice on how to cheer up. Motivate them. People pay good money for it." 

Loyie's eyes suddenly unfocused, as if she were looking deep within herself. She was inhaling slowly, then suddenly let out the breath as if it were escaping from a balloon. Loyie's eyes snapped back into focus and licked her lips uncertainly. 

"Tell me, child, what is this sad story you tell?" 

The uneasiness from Loyie made Cece's stomach knot. It was the first time she had seen the little woman unsure of herself, which made Cece more worried than before. Loyie was supposed to be the one with all the asnwers so she could get out of her crazy dream! 

Finally Cece shrugged. She had told the story so many times, but when it came to just admitting it to Loyie, she suddenly felt uncomfortable. "My parents died in a plane crash. I was also on the plane, but somehow I survived." Cece eyed Loyie's grayed expression before adding, "Not that you know what a plane is." 

"No," Loyie whispered, "but the loss of family members is always tragic. We have lost many in the war ourselves, so I understand." 

Cece frowned. She felt as if Loyie's expression were saying one thing and Loyie's words quite another.

 

"Come," Loyie finally said, taking a deep breath and gathering herself as if nothing had happened, "let me make more salve for your sun scorch."

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