“Nightingale, nightingale, my love for you is deeper than your hips are wide.”

I flip through another page of my diary and add to my silly poem. My diary had my name on it: Lani Mercallahs. Most messengers kept a diary and then would sell it back to the Lam Lathi when their journey was over. I was writing in mine every day and trying to keep up with everything that was happening around me. I look around me curiously.

An open gust of wind brims my face. I re-wrap my scarf under the clarity of the night. I was still in Lapona. Tomorrow would be my last day. I wish I had packed warmer clothing. I would have to barter for more on my journey. My messenger's pay was coming, but Tejani told me Lam Lathi didn't fully control these parts yet.

My eyes dart to the stars above the purple hue. I pull my body in and wrap my ribbon-cords around my thighs out of boredom. I rest my long boots over the edge of the sandy building. I felt at peace on the rooftop. The winds already spoke of incoming rain. It was good, though. The droughts had lowered the “Y” River and the countryside would have a satisfying drink, once I boiled my water. I was headed there, and then to the city of Lam Lathi itself. I was excited!

The fitted leather cuffs around my wrists rotate as I move the around and around my wrists with excitement. I push the small blade on my cuffs a few times, out of boredom. My first stage dance was over and I was finally able to feel like a complete Lam Lathi messenger. I grab my beaded awards and run them through my fingers.

The dangling awards were just objects to me, in the long run. They could never give me the satisfaction I craved for myself. I wanted to feel good about Enani tribe. Then, the other Ryoken tribes would give me the same reverence they had for Lam Lathi in the south. It would also make it easier to meet a companion. I wanted to find true love and a powerful tribe meant there were many who wanted you. Wearing the imperial gear of a Lam Lathi messenger meant I was seen as more of a passing lover. It was a reputation I knew from my training. They did try to warn us.

I look down. Smoke was rising beneath me from the flashing street torches. A whiff of smoke had risen to my nose and I tried not to sneeze. I scoot over quickly. It was time to go to bed.

I get up and dart to the stairwell. The stairwell wall brushes against my shoulder and I head down with a burst of energy. Just as my foot lands onto the second floor, a hand grabs me and pulls me aside. I gasp.

My knife handle was in my hand. I hear a shout.

“Oh no...sorry,” I exhale. I cup my hands around my mouth.

I had cut Tejani on his elbow. He was bleeding. It wasn't too bad.

“I just wanted to make sure you were safe, Lani.” Tejani manages to say to me. “That's why I surprised you. I'm glad you're sharp with your knife.”

I watch Tejani grip his elbow and look at my knife. I don't think he expected Lam Lathi to give us such quality ones. Tejani looks at me. He helps me tuck my knife back.

“Did I cut you too hard?” I mumble.

“I'll get over it.... It means you're safe from the surprises. Watch the stairwells.” Tejani wipes his elbow against the wall. “The other dancers tell me to be careful at the stairwells. Stay aware.”

“Mmm...” I grip my arm and nibble on my scarf. “You can use my scarf to wrap it?”

“No. Lani. You need to keep that.”

Tejani interrupts me, smearing blood off his sleeve. He pauses. Tejanin unlatches his rifle strap, unhooking a tiny bag from one of its loops. It clicks as he tugs it out of place. A small bag is handed to me wrapped in cloth. As soon as I take it, Tejani waits with a smile

“What is it?” I ask.

“It's a small picture, but not from here. It's from The Far Away Dream.”

Tejani's smile widens as I “thank” him with a silent gesture.

“I thought it was just a myth to you.”

“It is. That's why I'm getting rid of it,” he laughs. I found it on one of the messenger girls the resistance fighters killed. They used to have a stronger presence in the area, but it's safe for your kind now.”

My attention remains on the gift. It was custom to give a parting gift. I forgot to get one for Tejani and his wife. I wasn't sure what I would do with the picture, though. I tuck it away in my diary. I would find something to give them before I went to bed. I knew just what to get. I had been planning on it, I was just waiting on my pay and had forgotten. I was clever enough to figure something out.

Tejani grabs my hand, cupping his fingers around mine. You be “safe” he gestures in silence. Tejani grabs his shield, and lets me walk by. He knew I was leaving tomorrow morning. I think he was sad about it. His bandanna didn't move with his smile like it usually did. He was slowly becoming part of my journey. I was on the lonely journey of a messenger girl.