Subj:	 [ffml] [MW] Calm Before the Storm
Date:	00-09-03 20:03:50 EDT
From:	skyhall@hotmail.com (Sky Hall)
Reply-to:	ffml@egroups.com
To:	ffml@egroups.com

  A few sea gulls bobbed on the water, rocking to the gentle motion as the 
mighty Lucan River flowed to the sea. The setting sun was slowly leaving the 
birds to shadow, and the white gulls made their way to the northern shore to 
roost for the night.
  A man watched the birds as he lay upon the gravel shore of the river, the 
embankment rising behind him, showing the high water mark for the Lucan 
River, and hiding the man from all sight except to those possibly across the 
river. But the man felt alone and calm, enjoying the fading colors and the 
calm quiet of the approaching evening. His thoughts drifted and he rested 
his head against the firm sand of the embankment, his eyes open and looking 
at everything going on around him.
  "Colonel Tim?"
  The man was broken from his reverie and came with a start. His boot kicked 
some of the gravel, sending it into the water. The splash and noise alerted 
the sea gulls, which took flight at the man's disturbance.
  Tim realized that Triu had snuck up on him and now stood on the 
embankment, looking down at the Doman colonel.
  "Ah, Triu... what are you doing here?"asked the now awake Lord of All That 
Kicks Ass.
  "I'm sorry if I am disturbing you, sir," said the young avariel, shifting 
her gaze to the ground uncomfortably. "It was just that the fort now seems 
so crowded with the rest of the army there, and it is always so busy. I 
started feeling claustorphobic and so decided to take a walk. I didn't 
realize that I would stumble upon you."
  "Oh..., "said Tim, relaxing. He leaned back against the gravel and hard 
sand. "I was just sitting here, enjoying the sunset."
  "I see, Lord Tim," responded Triu. "I'll leave now, sir."
  "No, no," said Tim. "That's okay. In fact, you may join me, if you so 
like. I recall Nighthawk mentioning that your people 'listen' to nature. I 
was 'listening' in my own way...."
  Triu picked her way down the embankment and came to kneel next to Tim, her 
wings huddled closely to her body. She surveyed the area, then looked at 
Tim, who was once again staring off into the distance.
  "I am surprised you are not enjoying an evening meal with your men, sir," 
said Triu.
  "I felt the need to be alone, to relax some," said Tim, his voice soft. "I 
have not had a moment to myself for a long time, and felt the need to take 
some time and enjoy a sunset." Tim paused. "I had a feeling that I would not 
be able to see a sunset again... for a long time."
  Triu looked ahead, but her attention was on Tim. She studied him as they 
sat quietly together.
  "Lord Tim, tell me why the campaign continues against the moogles?"
  Tim looked at Triu, then looked back at the setting sun. It was to the 
west, and dusking over a stretch of land. But the water of the river turned 
a bright orange in response just the same and illuminated the world 
beautifully.
  "King Cyan believes that though we have reclaimed our former empire, that 
the moogles have done us great dishonor by taking and raping the land of 
Doma. By taking the attack to them, we are seeking to hurt their morale, to 
break their army, and to pay them back for all the death and destruction 
they dealt to the Doman people."
  "And what are your thoughts on the matter?"
  "Though I think we are not capable of such a feat, and with the news that 
the Figoran Army is now ready and setting sail to land to the south and 
attack the moogles rear, we should not attack. However, I do see that a 
large army, holding a strong defensive position on our border is a threat. 
We may be able to hold off any attack or ploy the moogles throw at us, but 
that is a maybe. It is a maybe that the moogles may succeed and once again 
rampage across Doman soil. We must stop them, or hinder them to the best of 
our ability. And when the Figoran Army arrives, they can destory the moogle 
army once and for all."
  "So then you feel Doma cannot finish the war alone, sir?"
  "For now, call me Tim. I would like to forget my rank and position for the 
moment and consider myself a man, Triu."
  The young avariel looked at Tim and saw his face calm. When Tim saw her 
looking at him, he smiled.
  "Yes, Tim," replied Triu, shyly.
  "I think Doma has done what was expected of it, we retook our land. What 
was once the Alliance must complete the act and eliminate the moogles. Until 
then, I will stay here and enjoy this calm before the storm. Tonight will be 
very busy."
  Tim was silent and Triu sat back and enjoyed the darkening sky and the 
quiet sounds of the river.


--Sky