[mark12_30]

In the dusk, Phura returned to to the water's edge. Azraph never left his side, holding his hand, and Gamba tagged along, hesitantly at first, but Azraph beckoned him, and he drew close then. The three sat by the water's edge, wit the five children wandering nearby, or playing at the water's edge.

Phura was very, very quiet. Azraph's hand in his was a great comfort; she had not left his side, except to sleep or by necessity, since he had been ill. But he wondered how long that would last. He knew that Ancalimon's words held a strong promise for him. He knew that it was a matter, not of preference for him, but of destiny and duty; he could not have explained it, yet, any better than that. He knew that Loremaster shared his longing for the sea, and that Gamba did not. And he had a sinking feeling that Azraph's father shared none of his love for the sea, none of his desire for the Abyss.

If only, if only twelve more years had passed; if only he had come of age, and could claim Azraph as his own! Then she could come with him, and not be bound by her father's preferences, fears, or desires. Not even his guidance.

Phura bitterly rued his youth. What did it matter, he grieved, if he had the respect of the entire community-- but lost the girl he desired more than anything? He could not bring himself to meet her gaze because he feared he would weep. He clung to her hand, and looked out at the water.

He looked briefly at Gamba, and looked away. After his loss of Esta, Gamba was now so terribly alone. And Phura feared that he saw his own future in that.

Gamba gazed out at the water, where Cami had pointed earier in the day, where Esta was buried far, far below.

Thnking about the poem that had haunted him for so long, he imagined taking his beating heart in his hand, like a living, pulsing stone, and throwing it far out into the water. He imagined that it splashed, and sank, down and down, sinking deep into the dark Abyss, and came to rest, still beating, over her grave. Softly he began to sing. Phura and Azraph listened, Phura humming softly, but letting Gamba sing the words alone.

Hearing the lullaby, the children instinctively clustered around them, little Maura climbing into Gamba's arms. Gamba held Maura tightly to his chest as he sang.

Beneath the stars, beneath the earth,
Your lovely form lies sleeping;
Your face so sweet, your limbs so fair,
Your heart, where mine is beating.
Your brow I kiss, your hands I hold
While deep in dreams you slumber;
And as you rest so still and cold
My tears fall without number.

No star so fair, no breeze so sweet,
No sunbeam shines as warmly
As your soft gaze that once on me
Shone gently, purely, fondly.
Your eyes are closed, your breath at peace,
Your lovely face unmoving,
Still here for you my heart yet weeps,
Your deep love for me proving.

Phura put his free hand on his brother's shoulder, and together Phura, Azraph, and Gamba quietly sang several more lullabys for Esta. The waves softly caressed the shoreline, and the children all fell asleep. Gamba lay down among them, and slowly he fell asleep as well.

Phura turned to Azraph, bid her goodnight and kissed her hand, and she rose, and returned to her family. He watched her walk away til she was out of sight. Then he lay down beside his family, huddled close to them for warmth, and wept til he fell asleep.

[ November 09, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[ November 09, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]