Chapter 4: Briana
Finally he reached the village of Cavion. The trip was a few more miles than he expected and his joints were stiff from his recuperating rest. Looking around, he saw that the village was larger than most. But no where near as large as the gigantic Midgar. The houses and shops looked cheerful and the citizens seemed to not have a care in the world.
On the way to Cavion, Lark searched his belongings and found a few hundred gil. He hoped this would be enough to buy some supplies to last him while he got back on his feet, although he didn't know if he ever was on his feet to begin with. He strolled through the city streets looking for an item shop and stopped in front of a large building. A sign on the building read: "Leah Item Shop." Below that, another sign said: "Help Wanted."
"This looks like the place." He said to himself, "Maybe I can get a job too."
Nodding in satisfaction, Lark entered the shop. There was isle after isle of different items and medications. He headed to the service counter and rang a silver bell that was on the counter. From a door behind the counter came a young woman. She was about Lark's age and very beautiful. She was the most beautiful girls Lark had ever seen or remembered seeing anyway.
"Such a pretty smile." He thought dreamily. "It is radiant. A smile befitting of such a gorgeous woman. Her lips are red like the purest rose. How I wish to touch those lips with mine. To succumb to my innermost desires and bask in her radiant glow."
"Uh...excuse me, May I help you?" she asked, her smile brightening as if reading his thoughts.
"Uh...um...me? Uh...help? Uh huh." he stammered, his mind returning from his indecent thoughts.
"Are you always this articulate?" she asked, trying to subdue a giggle.
"Huh? Oh...sorry."
"I don't mind at all. We rarely get travelers to Cavion and I like to speak with them of their adventures."
"I am not much of a traveler. I can't tell you much of my adventures either. I can't remember them."
"Amnesia?" she sighed the word as if disappointed.
"Yep, that's what this old woman told me. I'm Lark."
"No last name?"
"No, I can't remember that either."
"Well Lark, I'm Briana. Briana Leah, pleasure to meet you."
"No madam, the pleasure is mine." he said and watched as her face flushed bright red. Then, "I was wondering about that "Help Wanted" sign out side. I am thinking about settling down."
"Settling down in Cavion? That's great! Come and speak with my father."
Before Lark could say a word, she led him into the back room of the shop, up a flight of stairs, down a hallway, and into a dimly lit office. Sitting behind a desk was a man in his early fifties. He was well built and looked like a season traveler. He had fiery red hair and green eyes, which were a sharp contrast to Briana's light brown hair and hazel eyes. At the sound of their entering, he looked up from some papers on his desk.
"Hello Briana, who's your friend?"
"Hi dad, this is Lark. He's new in Cavion and needs a job. He came asking about the position."
"Oh really, that's great. Hello Lark, I'm Mr. Leah. You may call me Rone."
"Yes sir, Mr. Leah." said Lark nervously.
"I said you can call me Rone."
"Oh yes, sorry. I am a little nervous."
"You want the job. Do you have any experience?"
"No, not really."
"Well, it doesn't really matter. You won't need any experience for this job. You're hired. You can start tomorrow. Since you're new in town, you can stay in our guest room until you can get a house."
"Mr. Leah...I mean Rone, I wouldn't want to impose on you and your daughter."
"It's no trouble at all Lark."
With that, Lark and Briana left the office and went to the guest room.
"I hope you like it here Lark." said Briana.
"I am sure I will like it a lot." replied Lark.
The next few months were the happiest of Lark's life. His love for Briana grew with each fleeting moment, as did her love for him. Soon they started dating and a few months latter he proposed to her. She accepted and they planned to be married in the weeks to come. Then one day, Rone called Lark into his office.
"Lark, I want to give you something."
"Rone, you don't have to give me anything. I have everything I could ever want."
"I know me boy, but I feel you must have something. You will soon be marrying my daughter and I want you to be able to protect her. This is a weapon created by druids and given to my ancestor, Menion Leah. It has been passed down through my family for generations. Now it is mine and I give it to you. The Sword of Leah." said Rone as he passed Lark the leather sheath containing the sword.
The handle was golden and a dragon was carved into the gold. Lark drew the sword and gasped in surprise. The blade was made of a blue crystal and glowed brightly in the dim room.
"What manner of sword is this?" asked Lark.
"As I said, the sword was forged by druids. It is an enchanted weapon. The blade is made of Elven crystals and glows a deep blue. The glow is said to warn of danger. The brighter the glow, the graver the danger.
"This is the finest sword I have ever seen."
"Yes, it is a beautiful weapon, but it is also deadly. The blade is indestructible and said to increase the holders power. I want you to wear it proudly and protect Briana."
"You have my word that I will do my best to protect my beloved Briana."
Lark then sheathed the sword and belted it to his waist.
"From this day forward I have a heritage once again. I am Lark Leah.
"Good, now get down there and do your job."
Lark left the room and headed down stairs to help Briana.
Chapter 5: The Village of Destruction
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