Steps Forward

It was really like a gift to him. So, Islana sat next to him. Took a breath and started to speak.

She told him about her mother dying in childbirth with her, her father's drinking, brother's death. She spoke about the betrayal of her father and how he had sold her and her sister off.

Then her voice grew quiet as she spoke about Lord Vasant, the abuse she endured in her years with him. About how he wanted to make her his wife. She mentioned his wife being sick and dying.

That led to her escaping and running in the woods for three years. Being chased by Lord Vasant and his guard. Getting to the port, the ship and coming here.

She still couldn't discuss it without tears, but she wasn't exactly emotionally strong at the moment, even if it was now slowly getting better.

After, she had told him all of that, green eyes looked into his to gauge his reaction.

Gonyaul’s had the kind of eyes designed to get lost in, deep and dark to a point you could not tell the difference between his pupils and the iris. This gave them the appearance of perpetual doe-eyes. And Islana would see them shimmering with tears as well, saturated with empathy.

He smiled softly. His expression showing that he heard her, he saw her, that she was not alone and things were going to be ok. He hoped inside that she would learn to forgive these traumas and abuses, so that she was no longer carrying them as burdens, but that would come when she was ready.

He silently and gently removed the potted flower from her hands and placed it carefully down to the side. Then he moved in and hugged her close.

He whispered, “Thank you.” Paused and then planted hope. “The most rare and beautiful flower is one that blooms in adversity.” It was obvious he was referring to her.

He wanted to say so much but only in his own language would he feel it would make sense. He would hold the hug as long as she wanted him too, being mindful of her physical cues.

Islana could see the empathy in his eyes and the tears for her. For her past. But she wasn't alone any longer - his expression showed it but it was something she had been fully coming to grasp with since the night she had been rescued.

She had Alexis, she had Gonyaul, even Wim had come to rescue her.

Not alone, it was a new but definitely better place to be.

Then Gonyaul hugged her, calling her a rare and beautiful flower. The redhead allowed the hug. It was a moment of trust for her.

Islana wasn't to the point of long hugs and did break it, after a few moments. However, she didn't speak or move. Not wanting to cut into this moment.

After a few moments, she wiped the remaining tears from her eyes. And asked, "You'll need to tell me how to take care of it." Her eyes and gestures referring to the plant.

Her voice had changed slightly, while not what anyone would call healed, she sounded slightly less lost.

He nodded and returned the potted flower to her. He then picked up the pitcher which still held some water in it. He would leave this and the cloth in her possession too, but for now would carry them for her.

It was noticeable that she had experienced new awareness. This meant changes were taking place. Perhaps a nice walk would be helpful to relax, he thought.

“I tell you while we walk and fresh air?"

A nod, an agreement from her about the walk and fresh air.

The two friends, along with her newly potted flower, began their walk. Islana taking steps in her long journey forward.