New World, Home is Lost ~Part 2 0f 2~

[Anulia of Amora]

Anulia of Amora - Those moments, however long they may have been while this stranger held her, was what she truly needed. For once in what seemed like months, she felt safe and like she had hope. Hope came so few and far now a days so that when even a small bit of it shined through, Anulia reached for it as quickly as a snake would strike and bite someone who was threatening it. Sadly, it made her vulnerable, like a child that had been sheltered for far too long. Well into age, she knew more then most of her people and had a higher education when it came to their social status, but right now, none of that mattered. For the past few months, none of it mattered, for she had become a equal to every other person that had been in that boat and harsh reality wore her down like everyone else. Now she would have to rebuild herself, but she would never be as she once was. Those thoughts were so distant now as she clung to this stranger, being naive once more in thinking he may help her to get home, but it could not be helped. He was the closet appearance to her guards that she had seen in months, for they had been separated and those that had been on the same ship were too aggressive to keep alive. Those that had promised to protect her, did so but died trying. A pressure on the shackles drew her attention to them and saw the man looking at them and trying to pull the ragged material back, which in turn made her jerk her hands away instinctively for a moment before she understood he was looking at them. Dark chocolate colored eyes looked to him as her lips grew firm, though that soft, natural curve to them could not be straightened. The male held some kind of intelligence because he showed her what he wanted to do before hand and while it did not kill her fear completely, she would not be surprised. At the sight of the dagger, she did lean back from him a bit and did not offer her hands. He would have to reach down for them as wide eyes followed his hands. Any sign of him moving in a way she did not like, she would bolt. Only after a moment, did she hold the weight of the shackles higher so he could help her get from them. When the pin was removed and both fell to the sands, coated in her blood and bits of her flesh, the damage underneath was now shown to both her eyes and his. Her skin was raw, blistered and oozing clear and yellow fluids. Any natural hairs on her arms were rubbed away as well as a large amount of layers of her skin. Blood did not drop from her, but coated the muscles that showed. How many months had she been on that ship, she was not sure and could not tell the male any ways. Her left hand moved to press small and slender fingers against the top of her wound, pulling it back quickly with a whimper when she felt how sensitive it was.

Aman-ud-Din of Pern - Aman-ud-Din knew that she would have the urge to bolt, for such was the reaction at the presentation of a weapon. Her hands were pulled away and her eyes wide. But, thankfully, with convincing her that he was not going to cut into her flesh, the raven-haired man held her bonds in one hand while the other held the unsheathed curved dagger. Carefully he picked and prodded with that sharp tip, wiggling the end about in the slot before the pin popped out and the metal contraption was undone. Setting his dagger aside, they were pulled from her wrists, only to reveal just how raw and poor condition came to her wrists. Aman-ud-Din frowned. Cruelty. It was infected and in need of immediate medical treatment. The dagger was sheathed and placed back inside the bag, and his gaze drifted to her upon the sound of a soft whimper and the quick act of removing her hand. Sensitive. Aman-ud-Din pressed his lips together, and furrowed his brows a bit. The lofty Arab rose to his feet, packing up things and stuffing them back into the sack. Carefully he urged her to stand, only for a moment, before he picked up the rug and rolled it up. it was tied shut by ropes so it would not unroll, and that was fastened to the pack. Slinging it over his shoulder, Aman-ud-Din turned to the young woman and carefully picked her up. She needed medical attention, badly, for this was beyond his skill to remedy. Raja followed obediently, trailing behind and keeping a watchful eye. He carried her to the infirmary, that was their first stop, and when they entered the building, he stopped the first nurse his eyes laid rest up. "A room and a physician, she is badly injured and in need of immediate attention. Please, make haste." He said, motioning to the petite woman still wrapped in his cloak. Ushering him to one of the vacant room, he thanked the woman and stepped inside, finding the bed and setting her down tenderly

Anulia of Amora - In such moments, revealed how Anulia was a bit like a sheltered woman, because she had never truly experienced pain in her world. She was protected above all others save for the children and wounds like these were only seen on the toughest warriors. Even then, she stood in the distance, trying to peek over other's shoulders and see what they were doing. No longer, would she be naive to the world of pain, no longer would she hold that naive innocence for every one would not be trusted to quickly as before. Moving to stand made her leg throb all over again and she could not, did not hide the pain on her face. If she could have walked, she would have to spare the stranger who had already helped her far beyond his need to, she would have. She wanted to help him pack in some way, but she was left standing and watching, keeping eyes on his creature every now and then and making sure it would not come for her in a aggressive manner. As if it were already a habit, when he moved to pick her up, she curled one arm around his broad shoulders and exhaled a sharp breath as he lifted her before she countered her own balance in his arms and they made their way. It seemed to take a good bit before the village came into view and Anulia was left in awe, watching as the buildings and people came closer and closer. For a moment she thought to struggle and get from his arms, to run back to the sea and simply allow it to take her and eat her. This..was not her home. She did not understand anything, not even how the people looked or dress. WHERE DID HE TAKE HER! Panic set in and she wiggled a bit within his arms before she heard him make a calming noise and clung to him. Small and slender fingers grasp into his dark robes and not wanting to see such differences anymore, she hid her face into them, as tightly as she could while they moved down paths that were made of stone and past buildings made of the same. The noises, smells, languages..it all was too much on her poor soul, making her shake within his arms, to the point where she shook his body from the vibrations of his own. This was his home..not hers. She wanted HER home. Why had he taken her here? She could not get the answers, for they spoke different languages. Once they moved into one of the stone buildings, she peeked from beyond his robes and strong frame, seeing the woman who stood in odd clothing and what seemed to be a large ceremonial hat. What did it mean! She began to wiggle more, panic inside at what was going to happen. She did not understand and began to ramble. "Naknatia, meba tikma nadia. Naya naya, sliris bambile." the same sentence repeated itself over and over before she leaned back as he laid her on the bed gently and looked to his face. Hands gripped into his dark robs, unwilling to let go as she franticly spoke those words, louder and louder as if somehow it would make him understand.

Aman-ud-Din of Pern - She wiggled in his arms, obviously upset by the advancement of the city life. It was all new to her, and while she was in awe, her body tensed and she began to resist. In his long years of living here on this earth, it gave him time to understand another's way of thinking. The Lord had blessed him with patience and understanding, with logic and empathy. Aman-ud-Din cooed softly, a noise that often soothed Tahirah seemed to work well on this woman here. Though her frame was different, the woman was no different than that of a child right now, fearful of her surroundings and wanting to take the option of flight rather than to fight, which was a concept mostly used by the adults. Settling down again, she buried her face into the fabrics of his shirts and robes, hiding herself from the world. He said nothing of it, for she was calm, that is until he entered the infirmary. Again she began to shift anxiously, and continued to do so even as he sat her down upon the bed. Her smaller hands grasped and clung to his robes, refusing to release him or allow him to leave. Most would try to jerk away from such an action, but Aman-ud-Din did not. "Assalaam Alaikum.." He whispered in his own native tongue, his large hands touching her shoulders. Carefully he pushed off the fur cloak and moved it aside. While he could not understand the words she spoke in general, he could pick up on the higher pitch, a sign of nervousness in fear. The tall Arab thought on how he could communicate that she was safe and in a place of healing. Aman-ud-Din pointed to her wrists, not touching them for he knew they were sensitive, and then made a wiping motion, followed by a mimic of wrapping a wound. His face was still calm, for it would have been of no good use if both were anything but calm

Anulia of Amora - Had Anulia been able to turn into a bird and fly far far away, she would have without thought. Even through her ranting and repeating of her own words over and over, she heard his, in a tongue she could not understand, but it made her pause and listen. While she could not understand, she was still smart enough to know tones and could hear that his was calm, gentle and soothing or trying to be when it came to her. Eyes went to his hands as he moved closer to her wrist and she released him quickly, pulling her hands from his grasp only to see that he was not going to touch them. Her mind was in a panic and now she was thinking with more survival tactics. While she had been so trusting on the beach, now she was more hesitant and quicker to retract from him. Back and forth it seemed to play out in her mind. Whispers, in her own voice told her to trust him, but events in the memories said not to. At his motions, she understood that he hoped to heal and dress her wounds. The dress she wore was looked at and then eyes went back to him before she reached for the material about her legs and started to pull it up slowly. Bit by bit her darker skin covered legs were shown. Her ankles went from slender to thicker and fuller thighs though not in the sense of fat, but muscle. It was almost as if she were about to strip there in front of him but she stopped right before her womanhood could be seen and reached for his hand to pull it towards her legs and what seemed like towards the womanly secrets that only married people knew. He would never reach it, for she only wanted to pull his hand and make it hover over the bite wound on her upper thigh, as if silently asking him if he would heal that area too. Her eyes were completely innocent, no seduction lay within them, only worry and pleading.

Sir Aman-ud-Din of Pern - Aman-ud-Din did not expect her to trust him at first. He would not assume such a thing from a woman who barely knew him and had obviously been abused and mistreated before she came here. It did not take a wise man to see that she was cautious, perhaps even thinking that he would do to her what they had done. Of course he would not, that was not the sort of man to do such, but she did not know that, and he could not entirely blame her for being wary. It was survival. Her voice eventually softened before ceasing altogether, and listening to him. They had not words to rely on, rather actions and hoped that they would reach mutual communication. Apparently something clicked, for she understood his intentions of bring her here to heal and have her injuries taken care of. Aman-ud-Din watched her eyes carefully, and noticing that they shifted down to the ends of her dress, his eyes followed as well. Little fingers reached for the ends of her dress and started to pull it up slowly. His eyes widened a bit. Did she get the wrong message? Oh dear Lord have mercy, if that suggesting came by, he knew not what to do. It was of the Islamic culture to conceal nudity, for those were actions of married couples and no one else. Such was why only once before he came here did he ever witness a birth, but that had been because there was lack of women help. It was the woman of the Eastern world who tended to matters concerning female parts, for men were not suppose to gaze upon a woman's body. Not without bounds of marriage. The tall Arab tensed and found himself swallowing hard as he silently asked the Lord for a nurse to make an appearance. His eyes, in the meantime, had shifted and were gazing off to stare at the wall across from him. Her hand took his wrist, and his brows furrowed a bit. Chocolate eyes glanced down to see that the bottom of her dressed had been pulled up to her hips, though concealing her womanhood, thankfully. But still. He watched her hand guide his to HOVER, praise the Lord, over a rather vicious bite wound. Understanding that it was a pointing of other wounds to heal, he nodded quickly. It was then that a nurse came in with fresh linen and supplies proceeding the male physician that came in. The scene was rather odd...a woman with her dress pulled up so high and her hand holding his above a wound close to a more private area. Aman-ud-Din dipped his chin reverently to the man. "She does not speak your language. So please, be patient with her...she has wounds upon her wrists, back, and thigh. Perhaps bruises along her body as well. I would suggest giving her a sleeping tonic so she can rest...and be at peace while you tend to her." And the physician nodded, motioning the nurse to get him a potion to put the girl in a deep sleep. Aman-ud-Din turned to the girl. He pointed to the man and the retreating nurse, and then repeated the actions before, demonstrating that he would heal her.

Anulia of Amora - The stranger's expression confused her greatly, but not because she did not know what it meant. He looked shocked, perhaps thinking she would reveal herself in some manner. Still she held his hand close and when he gave a nod, she released him just as others came in. Fear went all over her once more as they got closer and the stranger stayed close. She wanted to reach out to him, cling to him, but to nerves to do such. Instead she remained frozen on the bed as the stranger did the same motions. She understood, but did not wish to have others touch her that she did not know. Scared beyond measure, her eyes found the male and she stared at him. Those chocolate eyes become larger, as the pupils grew and the redness began to surround the beautiful natural color before tears spilled from them and rolled down her cheeks. When the nurse came back with the water, Anulia would not take it, she even placed her hand around her own mouth as she cried silently and refused to take what they wanted to give her. When the stranger in the dark dressing took the cup and offered it to her, she hesitated for a moment and then slowly lowered her hands to show her lips were now swollen from her crying and softer. Her face held a red tint in the darker skin and reluctantly, she took the drink, showing more signs of trust before she sipped it at first, then gulped it down. Moments later, she fought the tiredness that came over her body, using every bit of strength she had left to fight it until she lost the battle and lay down on the bed upon her side to sleep while the nurses held a sheet over her to cover her from the sight of both the male doctor and Aman-ud-Din then removed her gown and covered her in sheets before the healer could look to her.

Sir Aman-ud-Din of Pern - Aman-ud-Din felt terrible to have to leave her, but he could not heal her. The tall Arab did not know what to give her to heal her wounds like these. Bruises and minor injuries yes, but these called for more skilled hands, and he did not have such. He saw the look in her eyes, and he frowned a bit, but patted her shoulder in assurance. Tears began to flow in her eyes, and he sighed softly. She would be better in a few days time, once those wounds were healing and on the mend. The nurse came on with the tonic, and at first the woman refused it, did not wanting to drink it or take it from the lady. The nurse sighed in exasperation and looked to him for help. Calmly, he took the cup from the nurse and offered it to her. Hesitantly, she took it, and sipped at it slow at first, then downed the rest of it. She would sleep good with that in her and it would give the physician time to address her wounds and take care of them. Aman-ud-Din stayed with her until she eventually fell asleep. Once she was sleeping peacefully, the nurse ushered him and the physician away so she could undress her, and the tall Arab was more than happy to step away, not wanting to look upon her nude form. Once the nurse had done so, Aman-ud-Din asked the nurse that she inform him when she showed signs of stirring, and agreeing, he gathered his things and retired to his room

Anulia of Amora - Anulia slept through it all from the daggers into the blisters to open them and let the puss out, to the cleaning, stitching and oiling of each wound. The nurses and healer had spent some time with her to make sure every one was treated with the coin they were given. Treating someone was not free, nor cheap. The healer had noticed her wounds and the symbol burned on her inner wrist, knowing it was a trade mark of a slave. he would say such to Aman-ud-Din, warning him that she would bring trouble to anyone she was around for if she escaped, someone would come looking for her sooner or later. For days, they kept her in the state of sleep, knowing each time they cleaned the wounds it would be painful. Scars could not be avoided. She would forever wear them on her wrist, thigh and back, even with the best ointments. A week later, they stopped giving her the potion and slowly she came from her sleep, unaware that days had passed and she remained in her room most of the time alone. A nurse had been fetched to send for Aman-ud-Din, so he could take the girl to her next place,. for the healer did not wish her to stay there and now, she was healed enough to move about, even with slight pain. Her wrist had grown more infected, giving her a fever throughout the week before it finally dropped and now was healing. The others wounds were much the same. Anulia, had been given a very simple peasant dress, made of grays and whites and was currently wearing it with the sheet over her lap when Aman-ud-Din entered. When she saw him, she looked down to her lap and sighed, unsure how to take him now. She knew that something was in the drink to make her sleep, for her people had used such before and she was unsure to trust him now, but he was the only one she knew, even if for a moment. Her hair was now dry and seemed cleaner, making those tight spirals now into bouncing curls about her face. The bruise was nearly gone, only showing slight faint coloring over her eye. Her skin did not seem as pale, though not completey back to it's normal state yet. Small fingers curled into each other, not knowing what to think of the stranger now.

Sir Aman-ud-Din of Pern - Aman-ud-Din should have expected someone would anticipate payment for treatment of injury instead of charitable good will toward someone who was injured. Such was life, founded upon currency it seemed. Well, Aman-ud-Din had no problem paying to see that she was well cared for, for the Lord would not let one of his children suffer, and should he become injured in foreign lands, he would look to a good Samaritan to help him. If such was possible. Medical aid was a business, and that needed money for good supplies. The physician had told him of the markings of slavery, and Aman-ud-Din made it clear that she was now freed, and if trouble did come from her being here, Aman-ud-Din would buy her freedom. There was no discussion or hesitation in his reply. A week had gone by, and when he could, the tall Arab made a point to stop and check upon her, making sure that she was doing well, before going on about his day. He was in his room entertaining Tahirah when the nurse came, so he excused himself from the little princess and made a trip down to the infirmary and to Anulia's room. When he entered, she was in a new dress, one that had not been reduced to rags. A small smile appeared on his features as he nodded to her, glad to see her looking better. The bruise around her eye was fading slowly, but surely. She looked better, now that her body had been bandaged and given the rest that it needed. He saw her look down and heard that sigh, which caused him to arch his brow. Perhaps she was upset that he had given her the drink to sleep, but had he had, she would have been in terrible pain, and that was something he did not want her to go through. Slowly he approached her, his hands hidden beneath the folds of the cotton cloak he wore of a black dye with the symbol of his home in a bronzed silver thread and fabric

Anulia of Amora - Never had she felt anger before, but had seen others show it. Now she understood why it was a feeling people could not ignore. Not only did she feel it deep inside, but she felt it all over her body. She was too hot, too constricted and much too uncomfortable in her own skin. Now that she was more logic in thinking, she wondered why he even bothered to help her in the first place, but she could not ask him. that smile was not missed, but she was unsure how to react to him. When he came closer, her eyes drifted upwards though not on his face. Instead she found herself looking to the symbols of his cloth that he wore. Still those symbols, much like the ones on his face, struck no familiar cord with her. She had never seen such things and did not know their meaning. Even the colors baffled her slightly, not thinking such colors could be in clothing. She would have pondered why he covered up so much, but it was colder here then her homeland and she understood now with the dress they had brought her. She did not like it, but removing it and moving about bare would not do. Her wrist were achy, as was her back, but her thigh felt much better. Chocolate colored eyes moved up to him, but she said nothing. Instead, she pointed to herself, slowly and then to him, before pointing towards the door. She did not wish to stay here, she wanted to go home. And she now knew, she would not find home until she looked herself.

Sir Aman-ud-Din of Pern - It would not be uncommon for her to hate him for his actions or mistrust him. By now, though, Aman-ud-Din was use to such hatreds of others, and what difference would it make if one more person did so? However, this time, he had done it for her own interest. If she could not see that, well there was little that he could do to fix that perspective. Aman-ud-Din was patient, thankfully, and did not expect much to happen, however he was a bit disappointed that she could not perhaps show the beginnings of a smile. Patience. Her thoughts were elsewhere. Silently, Aman-ud-Din thanked the Lord that reminder, and it sat the lofty Arab back on a level of placid composure as he watched her eyes move to his cloak and the design upon it. He sighed softly, and watched the motions she made. She wanted to leave, he could not blame her, but unfortunately it could not be helped. There was nothing he could do for her at this time. And so, he sighed. He shook his head. Pointing to her, he motioned to the pillow, indicating rest. Aman-ud-Din turned from her and called for a nurse, asking the woman to bring a few samples of meats, vegetables, and fruits, as well as a glass of water for the woman. Now at least she would be able to get a bit of food in her stomach. Turning back to her, hands adjusted the cloak about his shoulders.

[Anulia of Amora]

Anulia of Amora - The stranger's look changed, to a more calm and placid expression had her attention until his sigh came from his hair covered lips after she pointed. Did he not understand what she wanted? She tried again, slowly once more only to receive a head shake and him pointing to the pillow behind her. Her curved lips frowned, making the ends lower and her once soft lips become firm. She wanted to move from here, not liking the building around her and wanting the forest. Where was it, why could she not go now? She was not tired, but groggy from the drug still removing itself from her system. Moments alter, food was brought in and she eyes it with suspicion. As the plate was settled on her lap, she thought to push it away, but her hunger rose and she could not fight it. Still her chocolate colored eyes went to the stranger before she reached for the fruit, lifting the round object of a orange to her nose and sniffing. She had never seen a food like this before so she was unsure about it. Finally, she lifted it up and bit hard into the skin, tasting the bitterness as she ripped a chunk from it and chewed, thinking it would get better but it did not. She did not want to be rude, but the taste was horrid and it caused her to spit out the peel and meat of the fruit into her hand. Her face twisted in disgust and she placed the item down, reaching for the banana, a item she understood better. Peeling it quickly, she began to eat it without stopping until it was completely gone.

Sir Aman-ud-Din of Pern - Once the food was brought in, Aman-ud-Din thanked her for her services. The woman asked if he would have liked a chair or something to sit upon while he stayed here, and thanking her again, he shook his head, unsure how long he be residing here. Depending on how long she wished him to. The Arab watched her attack the orange first, but instead of peeling it, she bit into it and tasted the bitter flesh of the citrus fruit. She spat it back out and sat it aside, going to the banana instead and devouring the tropical fruit until it was gone. Smiling softly, he reached for the orange and lifted it. Long fingers peeled back the orange flesh, revealing the meat of the fruit. As if already sliced, he pulled off a section of it and handed it to her. The peel was cast aside, and motioning to it, he pointed to his mouth and shook his head, a sign of the non-editable quality of the peel. But the meat was, and he still held it for her to take and eat, if she so choose to.


Anulia of Amora - Anulia watched the male as he reached for the discarded fruit and lifted it in his long fingers to start peeling away the outside. Chocolate colored eyes went to the banana and she already understood that like this fruit, she was meant to peel it first. Feeling embarrassed, a blush moved into her cheeks as he told her the peel was not edible and moved a slice out to her. With a slow movement, she reached her smaller and slender fingers up to take the item, this time slowly as that blush remained and pushed it into her mouth to chew. The taste was much better, still slightly bitter but sweet as well. Her hand moved out for another, waiting patiently in the air for him to either give her the whole thing or piece by piece. Other foods were sniffed and eaten, some she knew, some she did not. The meat however was left there, not seeming to be appealing to Anulia in the least. For a good while they did this. Her eating in silence and him showing her how to eat certain foods that needed to be peeled or had pits within them. By the time they were almost through, she had even offered him some of her food, willing to share, but no smile had graced her features yet. Just the calm expression. When it was time for him to leave, Anulia said nothing, just watched him go and remained where she was. Each day, a new food was introduced to the savage and on the third day, she looked to the male, with a serious expression and reached for his hand, pulling it towards her forehead so she placed his warm and larger palm to her skin, letting his fingers curl over her head and upon her hair as she spoke one word in her native tongue. "Anulia." she proclaimed herself to be in some odd way as his hand rested on her, almost as if he were blessing her. It was how her people gave names and while it was not a greeting, it gave a odd comfort, as if she were being remained, or gaining her name back now that she was not in the hands of the demon men.

Aman-ud-Din of Pern - Some fruits did not need to be peeled at first before they could be enjoyed, such as the apple or grape. However, there were some that needed to be rid of the skin before they could be enjoyed and devoured, for the skins were bitter and offered protection from the elements. He noticed the blush, and chuckled softly, but did not poke fun. It was an honest mistake, one that he could have very easily made had he not been told how to eat it before. Once the piece of fruit had been extracted from his fingers, he watched and waited for her to eat it and give her opinion. Seeing that she liked it, he smiled a bit, glad that she enjoyed the fruit, and obviously wanting more, he handed the rest of the orange to eat at her leisure. Some of the fruits had pits in them, like the apples, and for those he did pull out his dagger, which was hidden within the folds of his robes and tucked in the sash around his waist. With the dagger unsheathed, he quietly sliced the apple, and showing her the core, he illustrated that this was not to be eaten, and sat it aside. The napkin was picked up and he wiped the blade clean. The rest of her food he cut for her, not wanting her to inhale large bites, and once he was done, the blade was cleaned once more and sheathed, disappearing from sight once more. Aman-ud-Din did not go anywhere without a blade of some sort on his person at all times, even he was not that trusting to the world. The Arab was surprised that she had offered him some of the food even, and not wanting to seem rude, he took it and ate it as a sign of good will. She did not have to share; it was a sign of comradery. When it came time for him to leave, the tall raven-haired man bowed to her and bid her good eve. That was how it had been everyday, he would come by around meal time and eat with her and introduce her to a new food. As he stood beside her bed, she took his hand and placed it to her forehead, to which he arched a brow, his palm feeling her warm forehead and soft hair. Anulia. He rolled the name in his head, listening to how she pronounced it. Nodding, he repeated her name. "Anulia." His accent was thick with Arabian origin, and moving his head from her head, he took her hand and mimicked her movements. Leaning forward, he took her hand and placed it to his forehead, over the strange symbols on the flesh there and his dark hair. "Aman-ud-Din." He replied.

Anulia of Amora - Slowly but surely was no longer shying away from such things, like his dagger coming out to cut up her food. She still watched him closely, but did not jerk backwards. It was small things that made the trusting process inch more and more into the area that was comfortable. Eyes widened slightly as he spoke her name, his accent expressing it in a different tone and yet he did well in pronouncing it. Her eyes stayed on him as he leaned forward, reaching for her hand and repeating the action so she could feel his warm and soft forehead. the symbols were partly covered with her own limb and small fingers curled into the dark, wavy hair that rested upon his head, molding her hand around the shape of him as he spoke his name. Aman-ud-Din. When she pronounced it the first time, it was odd coming from her full lips. Finally, after three attempts, she got it. "Aman-ud-Din." After saying it, finally a smile curled over her full lips, pulling them back from pearl colored and straight teeth. Her smile lit up her whole face, showing the innocent woman in her and a odd light about her like pureness came through. Many of her people had said her smile could bring a comfort unlike anything else. Finger tips placed a bit of pressure on his head, feeling the soft strands of hair under her touch, before she reluctantly pulled her hand from his forehead and lowered it to the bed while that smiled remained. Small cheeks grew a bit to give more shape to her face and she seemed to have the first bit of peaceful happiness in the whole time she was there. The smile did fade in time as the visit went on, but lingered, ready to show at a moment's notice. The next day when Aman-ud-Din came to visit her, he would find her gone from her bed and no where in sight. When asking a nurse, she would say the woman left only some time before he came, walking right out on her own it seemed. Anulia, had not gotten far. She figured it was time to go and look for home, not wanting to burden Aman-ud-Din pr perhaps not wanting to say goodbye in a sense to him. With no shoes upon her feet and a dress that was much shorter then her own height, coming to rest it's hem above her ankles, she wondered in awe of the city. Looking at every person that passed her, even turning to follow a few for a certain amount of steps before they turned to stare at her and she retreated from them, running down the stoned path and ducking into a alley way to catch her breath now and then. It was so busy and everyone seemed to move fast. Her heart was pounding as she moved from the alley way and went back to the stoned path. When she first saw it, she leaned over to touch it, unsure what it was and why there was so much of it. She had never seen glass before, so when she came near a shop, she hesitated and then moved a few steps towards it before reaching out shyly to touch the air, only to find it solid. That baffled her, making her take short and soft breaths before she pressed harder on it then patted it, unsure what to make of it. Air was solid...she did not understand. A shop keeper shooed her off, making her flee to the road with skirts twirling about her. Just as she paused and turned around to look at the shop keep again, thunder came to her ears. The ground shook and she froze, unsure what was going on until she looked to the left of her and saw large beast charging towards her with a human directing them. Eyes went wide and she froze, unsure what to do. A few people shouted for her to run, to move out of the way, even the male on the horses aid the same thing to her.

Aman-ud-Din of Pern - At times, when in other countries, it was best to adapt and repeat certain customs, for it gave a sense of pride to the people of the land and sent a message that you took time and cared about the way of things. For those coming to a new place, it was best negotiations to accept customs and unless they disagreed with morals, to perform them in good will. She said his name, and trying to mimic and sound it correctly, she repeated it three times before she smiled, proud of herself for understand and pronouncing. That smile made Aman-ud-Din smile in return. It made her younger, a more youthful appeal, and it suited her more than a stoic frown. The rest of their day had been a pleasant one, and he noticed that the smile did not fade terribly until he had to leave and bid her farewell for the day. How strange it was when he came back that he found her gone. Vanished. Concerned, he turned to a nurse and inquired about Anulia's absence, and she told him that the girl had gone. Gone?! In this city?! A place that she had no knowing of, and the nurses simply let her leave. Aman-ud-Din frowned deeply, and chastised them for their negligence and left, running up to his room and grabbing that long Persian prince war scimitar. Down the steps long legs carried him and out the door he went. Where to look first? A hand rested on the hilt of his sword as he walked briskly through the city, brown eyes keeping a close watch for that head of brown curls. But that was like finding a needle in the hay stack. Sighing he continued on his quest until he heard shouting from the streets. Aman-ud-Din paused, as more shouts were heard, and he ran that direction, having a feeling that it would lead him toward Anulia. Sure enough, there she was, and standing stock still. Chocolate eyes shot toward the horse and cart. "Oh dear Lord..." He mumbled as he dashed of to her and wrapped his arms around her, snatching her back and out of the way of the moving beast just in the nic of time. His long, strong arms still wrapped around her as he held her close to him, watching the man on the horse curse them and continue on his way. He sighed.

Anulia or Amora - Those beast, she had never seen before in her life. She wanted to move, but she was in shock, never having seen a creature like this before in her life. Eyes were wide and chocolate browns centered on the movement as if it were slow motion. The shouts were heard, but she did not understand them in awe of the horses. Suddenly, she felt strong arms wrap around her and pull her curvy figure from the way of the stampeding beast. Only the swirling of the black robes told her it was Aman-ud-Din before she could even smell him. She even knew his scent by now. Tucked with her softer frame against his more solid one, she watched as the beast and man passed by, shouting words she still could not understand. She heard Aman-ud-Din sigh behind her and waited until he released his grip around her before she turned around to face him. Heart still pounding, but other then that she was fine. As soon as she looked to his face, that wide smile curled over her full lips, pulling them from her teeth. A odd short laugh like noise was given as she was delighted to see him, even after nearly being trampled it seemed.

Aman-ud-Din of Pern - And those were words that she did not need to understand. Sometimes, it was better than such words of filth were best left in a box of mystery. Unfortunately, he understood what they meant, and that caused him to sigh and shake his head. For a moment he held her close to him out of the way of those that passed by on horse, ignoring the looks and stares that they received. At length, he released her petite frame form his grip, and turned his gaze down to her. Brown eye met brown as they stood face to face, and his brow arched as she smiled wide. Well that was not the expression he was expecting, and in turn it made him smile back as well. Taking her hand gently, he moved with her out of the way so no more horses would run them over, and he turned his gaze back to her. His brow still arched, he pointed to her, then to him, and then to their joined hands. Motioning in the direction of the infirmary once more, he was asking her to follow him. Why she left without him he did not know, but she could not leave her here alone, she was not use to city life, she made that apparent the moment she wiggled in panic in his arms

Anulia of Amora - Happy to see him, because he was the only one she knew, she offered a smile fast and held nothing back in it. When he smiled back, she gave a very, very light noise, not a snicker but something closer to it before she felt his larger take her own and then he motioned for her, to him and then to the direction they came from. Her smiled faded and only lingered slightly as she shook her head, sending curls every which way around her face and the hair about her hips to sway. She did not want to go back there now, was that where she would stay while she looked for home? No..she would not. She would find the forest soon enough and make her own place to stay. She moved her own free hand to point to him, then her then into the opposite direction. She did not know how to show she wanted to see the forest..but..when she turned she saw a shape with flowers in front of it and pointed excitedly at them. Then pointed to him, her and the flowers.

Aman-ud-Din of Pern - Aman-ud-Din sighed softly. Well, she would not go back there right now, unfortunately, and she would be needing rest when the sun set, and sitting out here in the woods was not such a good thing. It would get too cold for her alone without a fire, a camp, and things of the like. But she pointed in the other direction, and he pressed his lips together. Where was it that she wanted to go? The ever patient Arab did not understand at first. But then she pointed to a flower. Flowers? Plants. Garden? She did not even know that a garden resided here. Such thoughts ran through his head before suddenly, the Lord blessed him with understanding and sight. The wilderness. The woods! There had been flowers there that looked like that. Aman-ud-Din pointed to the flowers, and she nodded hastily. He inhaled sharply and sighed again. Oh this was going to be a long day. Slowly he nodded, and keeping her hand in his, so she would not run off again, he walked with her, leading her away from the life of the city and toward the wilderness just beyond.

Anulia of Amora - If he did not understand, Anulia would have pulled it towards the way she wanted to go, but he seemed to repeat her action and she sighed, hoping he knew and was in the right direction. With her hand still in his, he began to lead the way, making her put those small and bare feet to good use. Following closely behind his robe wrapped form, she was looking every which way, sometimes pausing and making him have to tug on her hand gently to get her attention as she stared at something that highly caught her interest. It seemed like it took forever for the forest to come into view and it was not as she knew it to be. Her lands were thick and this was more spread out. It looked smaller then she knew, or perhaps it had been too long. Home. Her head turned to the side and eyes looked to Aman-ud-Din before that wide smile curled over her full lips once more and she literally tried to run towards the forest, yanking her hand from his because it was so unexpected. Feet found a strange comfort in the cold floor of the forest, feeling sticks break under her weight and leaves shifted along with dirt sinking. There was one tree that was thick in it's trunk and it had Anulia pause, wrapping her arms around it to hug it close to her as if saying a greeting to the forest itself, like they were a family that had been parted. That was the only thing that stopped her, was that hug.

[Anulia of Amora]

Aman-ud-Din of Pern - As the made pilgrimage to the forest, Aman-ud-Din found himself trying to rein her, control her in a way so she did not go running off or stop to stare too long at something. She was curious, for this all was new to her, the sights and the sounds, smells even. But still she wanted to go to the woods and that was where he would take her before the sun went down. At times he had to tug her along, just as he often had to do to Tahirah. She was like a child, curious. When they finally did reach the woods, Aman-ud-Din turned his gaze down to her once the trees became denser and the buildings became scarce. It was rather refreshing to be in the woods, but in the lands of Pern, forests such as this were scarce save for along the River Badawi. Those forests were beautiful, but the trees were not as this, and nowhere near as dense as what she had been use to. Anulia snatched her hand from his, and the lofty Arab paused, blinking as he watched her silently interacting with the woodlands around her. How strange. Not many people acted this way to nature, hugging trees as if they were lost relatives. Wherever she was from, her lands must have had man trees

Anulia of Amora - The feeling of the bark's rough groove under her fingers and the solidness of the plant, made her snuggle closer, uncaring that Aman-ud-Din was not far from her and seeing her. She was not ashame to love the forest, for it gave her everything she ever needed. Eyes opened to let those chocolate colors glanced around and see Aman-ud-Din had paused and was no longer coming towards her. She removed one hand and waved for him to come, quickly. He was the only one she knew and while she did not trust him fully, she was learning to do such and working to that slowly. When he moved closer, she reached for his hand, a gesture they seemed to do often before pulling his hand to the tree and making him feel it. As if that were not strange enough, she left him at the tree and began to take up a soft jog away from him, deeper into the forest before pausing and lifting her head up to make a soft and sweet sound that was like a bird's chirping and singing voice. Excitedly she waited, bouncing up and down a bit on her feet, and shifting this way and that. Nothing. She called out again, making that noise of the sweet little bird and waited once more. Still nothing. Her face which held that wide smile began to slowly fade. She tried again, this time facing in another direction and with a bit more of a lighter tone to her whistle and song. Nothing. Defeated once more, her smile was gone and her head went forward on her slender neck, making her look to the ground. This..was not home. It was a lie..a trick. Her family was not responding to her...they were gone. She remained there, looking to the ground, fighting hard to not cry. When she felt the tears come, small and slender fingered hands moved up to wipe fiercely at her eyes, like a child wanting to be strong, but frustrated that she could not be.

Aman-ud-Din of Pern - God had blessed him with patience that did not come instantly or to those who had no faith. Aman-ud-Din often asked and prayed to God for patience and understanding, for such would be required if he was ever going to understand the new faith that he had embraced. Not to mention he was now in a strange place, yet again. So, he was learning as she had, but unlike her, he had the advantage of being able to speak the common tongue and had some dealings with people and Europeans on the pilgrim road to the docks and ships. Chocolate coloured orbs watched the girl inteact with the woods, and could not help but admire that connection with nature she had. Here was someone who embraced the natural environment, not man-made structures. Anulia motioned him closer, and not having much else to say or do, he neared her, only for her to take his hand and press it to the tree. His large hand pressed against the roughened bark of the tree, and he stared at it, looking up to the belly of the canopy, then back down and to her quizzically. Only, she was not there. She ran off to make...bird calls? She was as spirited as Tahirah at times, and had he not had dealings with children before, he might not have known what to do. Slowly he removed his hand from the tree, and stood there a moment, watching as realization hit her. His heart went to her, truly it did. She missed her home, and Aman-ud-Din could understand that. Her chin lowered and small hands went to her eyes to wipe them away furiously, trying to hard not to cry. Sighing softly, he glanced upward to the heavens. "Oh Father, give her strength that she might endure this pain...to thee I pray, and keep her in thy hand..." He whispered softly, before raising his hand, forming a loose fist and pressing lips to thumb and curled forefinger, before lifting it to touch his head and then extending his hand upward, a salute of sorts. Lowering his eyes to hers, the tall Arab moved closer to her, and tentatively placed a large hand upon her shoulder in some small way of comfort.

Anulia of Amora - Pride was not something she really understood the need for. She was simple in her feelings. If she felt them, she showed them. Why confuse others by hiding what you feel when sometimes showing them full out will make them better understand how one was feeling. Still, she was tired of being weak. Being weak was what got her where she was now..alone..lost and somewhere she did not understand. She could hear the leaves and sticks give way to the weight of the taller male as he moved closer. When she felt the hand upon her slender shoulder, she sighed out deeply, releasing a breath she did not know she was holding. Home was gone...truly. Turning towards the only person she knew, she moved closer to his body and wrapped her arms around his waist, pulling herself closer to him and holding him tightly. Her face buried itself within the robes at his mid chest, hiding from the cruel world once more as she had weeks ago. Her body shook lightly as she cried into his chest for a moment or two, then she felt better, Not fully, but eased down and relaxed. What would she do? She could not speak as these people could..she could not ask for help. She could not communicate beyond a few things. Could she live in the forest by herself? She would have no choice, for how would she live in the stone village? Moving her head to the side, her cheek pressed into the robes and against his chest as she released another shakey breath and eased her mind.

Aman-ud-Din of Pern - Home for her was gone, and there was no way that he could tell her how to get back or even where she had come from. Unfortunately for her, it was not as simple as putting her back on a ship and sending her off to her home, for if it could be done, Aman-ud-Din would have. Unfortunately, it could not be done. So, he felt truly sorry for her. His heart went out to her, and if something could have been done to send her back home, it would be so. As his hand rested upon her slender shoulder, he gaze down her his, his bruised furrowed in sympathy. While he would have wrapped his arms around her in a soft embrace, he knew not of boundaries in her lands, thus he would not invade personal space. However, he did not need to think on said topic for long; she turned and wrapped her arms around his waist, moving close to his and burying her face into the center of his chest. Long arms wrapped around her shoulders, muscle moving beneath flesh and cloth as he held her close, pressing his lips together and closing his eyes solemnly. Silently, he listened to her cry, and let her. As they said, tears cleansed the soul. She needed to cry, to embrace that moment of pain and lamentation, and then let it go, cast it away and move on. It was not an easy path, but it was one that we all must take. A large hand shifted and rubbed her upper back gently, soothingly.

Anulia of Amora - Wounds upon her back had healed a great deal, so when his larger hand rubbed along it, she was not in pain, but that added comfort worked instead. Inhaling deeply and then releasing it, she eased down untilt he tears stopped and her face, while holding the red tint within it, was starting to go back to normal as well. She could not say what it was that calmed her, but something did and she was grateful for it. She should be broken down, laying on the floor, unmoving and ready to die, at one point she was. Now..she was trying to figure out how to survive and get along. Could she learn about the stone city and live there? Reality sunk in and she knew, her home was across the sea, far far away. Finally she tilted her head back and chin upwards to look to his hair covered chin and lips, then to his own chocolate eyes. Sniffling back the aftermath of her crying, she gave a nod towards the town once more, ready to leave the forest and head back to the infirmary. Moving from him reluctantly, she wiped her face once more, a bit rougher then need be and took his hand, now seeing it as a habit and thinking that was how one traveled. She did not fight him this time and moved with him.

Aman-ud-Din of Pern - God brought his people from the lands of Egypt from the bondage of slavery and into the promise land. He whispered words of home and comfort to his people, and for those that had faith in the Lord, they did not die. They held onto their faith in the Lord, and he did deliver them. The road to recovery would not be easy, but the head result was worth it. Eyes opened as he noticed her calming down, her soft sobs turning into huffs and sharp inhales, before sniffling. The tall man leaned back a bit so he could look down to her fully and meet her gaze. Once again his face was calm, placid, for right now, it would not make her feel better if he was tearing up with her, not that he cried often. The last time he had even come close to tearing up was the day that Tahirah came off the boat in Inverness. Eventually she uncurled her arms from around his waist and stepped back, wiping at her eyes harshly. Inhaling, he released a breath of air, waiting for her to give indication of what she wanted to do now. Her choice was made; smaller fingers laced with his longer, thicker ones, though for a man he did have rather tapered hands. Upon her first step, Aman-ud-Din, moved back toward the city and back toward the infirmary. However, he paused at the edge of the woods, and stopped her. Turning her to face him, he wiped her face again of any remaining trail of tears that her hand and arm could not get and smeared. It was then he offered a small, warm smile to her, before setting into motion once more and leading her back to the infirmary

Anulia of Amora - The holding of a hand, was like a control of some kind, though not seemingly a bad one. She understood that if he asked her to stop, she would not understand him, so this way when either wanted to pause, the other knew. Such was the thought in her mind and she did not mind such a gesture, understanding it well. When he paused, only a step or two in the direction of the infirmary, she faced him naturally to see what was wrong or see what motions he would give and explain to her about why he paused. Chocolate eyes met the same warm, dark chocolate colors in his before she saw his hand move to her face. Instead of shrinking back as she had, she closed her eyes for a moment while he wiped her face in a kind gesture and then opened them slowly, showing the long dark lashes sticking together and then parting slowly due to the wetness. It helped heal her heart of the wounds it had been given. Simple kindness from a male she was learning to trust. His smile was rewarded with one of her own, though her's was larger, making her cheeks press out slightly and give more shape to her face once more. The laugh lines showed slightly around those full lips, but it was not unflattering. She laughed a great deal in her life and hopefully would more. When he went into motion, she followed by his side quickly, making sure to keep up and match his pace so he would not have to slow. She held his hand all the way to her room, before settling down on the bed in a slump and sighing as he said his far wells. She said her own with a wave and a soft smile. Tomorrow, he would find her there this time..not vanished.

{END THREAD}