Memories of a journey 1

The rocking of the boat still makes me queasy. My life had made me no stranger to boats, going up and down the river by my home many times but that was on smaller vessels and the motion of the ocean was vastly different than that of a river. Whatever the reason, it left me tempted to give up the scant dinner I had shared with the crew. Mustering the bit of willpower I had left, I stumbled through the door to my cabin and quietly shut it behind me.
 
Although the ship was far from comfortable, we had just enough money to afford our own cabin for the duration of the voyage. It had been costly, but it was likely to be my last luxury for some time. Might as well enjoy the minor shreds of my privacy while they last.
 
Speaking of which, as I turned away from locking the door and securing the deadbolt, I regarded my companion for the voyage.the short form of Noct was laying quietly on the bed, turned on his side and breathing quietly. I watched them in silence for a few seconds, unable to tell if they were truly asleep or simply being quiet due to the ever present mask..
I was still unused to some of Noct's habits and mannerisms, but their lack of response seemed as good an indication as any if sleep.
 
Turning away I took the usual precautions. Double check the locks and hang my cloak over the window. The small porthole looked over naught but dark churning sea but I was not taking chances. Satisfied in my brief privacy, I collapsed into a small chair with an exhausted groan.
 
I reached up, with one hand freed my face from the sweaty metal prison of my helmet. Taking a deep breath, the salty stake air of the ship still seemed crisp and clean in comparison to when I was burdened of constantly breathing through a veil of chainmail. I sit in silent, rubbing my face and tracing the slight marks the battered metal helm left upon it after countless hours of wearing it. It was times like this I started to rethink the choices that brought me here and the enormity of the task ahead of me.
 
It had already been a few months but the start of the journey still weighs heavily on my mind as if it was only days ago.
 
Our task had been done, our minds made up, and letters were written. I gave Noct some space that night, both to pack his few belongings and to give him some much needed time to himself. He deserved that much after all I had done.
 
In a haze of pain in its many forms, I wandered the dark streets of Tymbren. Without meaning, I found myself standing before a monument. A relic of the great battle that had taken place twenty five years previous. It was a simple thing really, a monolith bearing many names on its stone surface. Countless warriors that fought in the battle, their names immortalized in stone.
 
I only remembered bits of the battle, I was so young and we were being evacuated even before Kassar was destroyed. Even from miles away, the battle could be seen and heard such was the power being thrown away. Were it not for childish stupidity I would not have even gotten a close up glimpse. My sibling and I had snuck away to witness the war, and nearly gotten killed in a strange bamboo forest.
 
That I remember vividly, crouched in darkness, both of us holding hands over the other's mouth praying to not be seen… and then we saw the Wardens. Their battle against a strange dark god was brief but it set a fire in our hearts. I knew then and there… THAT was what heroes looked like.
 
Standing before that monument, lost in memory I questioned if what I desired was possible… I am only human. Could I do what needed done to be remembered as they were?... I still don't know.
 
But I do know this.
 
The world will remember the name Bellamy Bashira.
Even if it kills me.