[center][h3]Chapter II - Another Start[/h3][/center][hr]

[indent][indent][i]The sunset was what marked the end of the day. Just as the sun dipped into the sea, she heard him say her name. At that time, however, her decision had been made. His hand met hers, but she pulled it away. Giving him a sincere apology, she turned and walked the other way. She heard her name again and again, but she wouldn’t heed it. She’d be lying if she said it didn’t hurt, but she wasn’t going to run. She would face the enemy alone if need be.

The last thing she wanted was a repeated tragedy.[/i]

“Welcome to Besaid!”

The greeting was aimed at the majority of those who had stepped off the boat. Some of the passengers were from other places looking for a peaceful place, some came to soothe their souls, and others were simply returning home. There were a few colorful characters: one was an eccentric salesman, another a disgruntled bard that had been thrown off the boat halfway to the island, and the last was a serious-looking swordswoman.

Said woman let the breeze hit her as she stood still, her blue ponytail whipping in the wind. It had been some time since she had been on the shore, although as beautiful as it was, she had a purpose for her visit. The sound of a lyre being played could be heard, and she took it as her queue to leave.

Her heels went from sand to dirt relatively quickly, quietly walking ahead of a small group accompanied by a few warriors. She had been warned to stay close, but she paid them no mind. There wasn’t a fiend alive that could give her an adequate challenge, let alone harm her, so she walked with no fear. The island’s wildlife was untouched, flourishing gorgeously. 

The village had grown in size since the last time she was here. It was fairly active this morning, though she supposed it was also due to the people entering that had traveled. A few of the villagers watched her, some curious, others looking at the sword she carried. It was a way of saying she was not to be challenged, but honestly, it only added to her rather intimidating image.

But of course, she ignored them all. She was only here for one person.

[i]“Of course they’re staring. You don’t exactly look very welcoming,” She teased, lightly jabbing her elbow.

“I welcome nothing. Should they choose to cross my path, so be it,” Was her response.

She frowned. “That...that is not what I meant,” She then perked up considerably. “It’s just...you know, give them a smile! You mean no harm, so a small gesture can be assuring. It’s a way to make you seem less cold. Less...threatening.”

Saying she was not amused was putting it lightly. “My lady, if it truly bothers you that I am...threatening, then I will do my best to work on it.”

“Oh, no, that’s not--oh...forget it.”[/i]

Walking towards the temple, she felt eyes on her as she walked. Were she elsewhere, she would have been concerned. There was little hostility, and those that did hold hostility were far beneath her level to try to challenge her. Of course, there was that one rumor she had heard some time back about a lancer, but as far as she knew, they were not present.

Approaching the temple, she could hear the hymn rather faintly. That song always had a way to soothe the soul, though she briefly recalled the panic when it came back to the temples for the first time.

[i]“It heals the soul,” She insisted. “Let it envelop your heart. You hear it, don’t you? It says...it says that as long as you believe, you will not be lead astray.”

“A slippery slope,” She couldn’t help but comment.

“It’s true! When I hear it, it’s like...like the beach! How the waves just wash over you...But like, for the soul. Get it?”

“No.”

“Oh well, it’s not important. What’s important is that this is the first step. When we complete our objective, Spira will worry no longer.”[/i]

The temple was well kept as always. Once again all eyes were on her, but this time, a priest approached her. “Welcome,” He spoke kindly.

She raised her chin slightly, amber eyes somewhat sharp. “I am here to see the summoner--Wesley of Besaid,” She announced.

[i]“Honestly...you need to work on your manners, Shion!”[/i]
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