Welcome to Gaia! ::

"Ahh... Clear sunshine," Kuro pointed. Her hand was to her brow, blocking the bright rays from her eyes. It was mild, with a cloudless sky that seemed to go on forever, at least until the jagged mountains in the distance.

A rather squeaky voice was calling. “Hey!” Kuro turned to see the caller, her good friend Amelia. She huffed as she ran across the open field, skirt blowing around her ankles. She had a hand to her head to keep her bonnet from sliding.

“Hey, ‘Melia. What’s up?” Kuro stuffed her hands into her trousers. Although she was female, she had to dress for the heavy farm work she had to do. Her parents were gone, and only her 7-year-old brother remained as her family.

“Kuro, he’s back! Tran’s back!” She wavered as she reached her friend, exhausted.

“No kidding?” Kuro asked. A smile began to light up her face.

“Yeah, come on! Everyone’s waiting for you!” Amelia began to rush ahead. “Come on!” She called back once more, lifting her skirts as she glided along so as not to trip.

When Amelia and Kuro had reached the main village, a small throng had already gathered around a particular homestead. All the houses looked identical, with timber walls and thatched roofs, each perfectly square. The one in the dead center belonged to Tran, a traveler and merchant.

As they pushed through the clumps of people, Kuro, being very tall, could spot him at the home’s front door. “Hey, Tran!”

He looked around for a second before spotting her. “Kuro!” He bounded over to her.

Kuro practically flung herself at him. “Welcome back. How was your trip?” She smiled warmly.

“Feh, pretty boring… I’d say it was worthless.” He admitted dryly. With a swift punch from the girl, he was practically on the ground, rubbing his check tenderly.

“You get to go travel the world, becoming rich and having amazing adventures, while we’re stuck here working and worrying our butts off, and you call it worthless?” She thundered. She turned her back in frustration; she had wanted to go with him and Amelia, but who would watch the farm and Hane, her brother? When she backed out, Amelia did also.

“Well, sorry for bringing tons of food and supplies back to the village. I guess I’m just a nothing after all,” Tran told her sarcastically.

However, in a second it seemed, they were laughing and chatting pleasantly again. The two really had an odd relationship, but were good friends. The threesome could not be separated, and had grown up together like family.

From the outside they could hear locks being unlocked. There was a thump sound. After a few seconds the wooden old door creaked open. At first they saw yellow shaded eyes. The door swung open halfway. "Yes?" The strange acent said as she stood behind the door her albino hair with orange streeks fell on her shoulders.

Shina's eyes darted back and forth looking at them both. Staring at them intently she thought for a moment. Slowly as her hair flowed behind her she opened the door all the way. "Yes...you may." She whispered. Gestures with her left hand inviting them in.

Slowly she closed the door behind them. Gently she laid her head on the door thinking for a moment. "Leatis..." She whispered to herself. Turning her head with her hand lingering on the door nob she looked at them. Her whole body turned and leaned on the door. "What brings you here?" She said.

Shina's eyes quickly darted back and forth looking at them. "The mountain trail.." She slightly whispered to herself and to them. Folds her arms over her chest. Sadness and fear set into her eyes. "The mountain trail is a dangerous place. It's full of evil bandits..or so I heard." Walks to her black chair. Takes a seat in it. "There is no use in going on that trail." Crosses her legs resting her hands on the arm chair.

"Tran, Kuro... I've got a big lunch set up at home. Let's go eat," Amelia called pleasently.

Tran looked relieved. "I'm starving! Let's go!" The three scampered to Amelia's house. The dinner was sprawled regally on the crude table in the center of the house. Tran's mouth watered over the fragrant smell of the roasted turkey.

They ate quite quickly. Afterwards, they went back out and wandered aimlessly through the town.

Kuro turned at one remark she heard, however. In a small nook behind a pair of houses, Ms. Melcan, the village gossip, was talking with the butcher. "I saw a strange pair of men walk into the village while we were fussing over Tran's return..."

At this, all three stopeed to listen. "Yes," Melcan continued, "I thought I saw them near Miss Shina's house, but when I looed back, they were gone..."