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As the crowd screamed and the executioner stood at the ready there was only one thought that coursed through her brain.
‘How the fuck did I end up here?’
Sakura shifted her feet and the twigs she stood on cracked under the added weight. There was nothing she could do against the slowly creeping numbness in her hands which were bound to the stake.
“Barely old enough to even know what life is and I am already being burned at the stake”, she summed up the situation she found herself in quietly, for no one else to hear except for her. And when the judge began reciting her crimes her mind wandered instead to a warm summer night a few months ago.
~
When the sun had come up, she was already awake and prepared food for her siblings and father who would be working the fields again today. And when the sun was blazing down unforgivingly, she had tended to their animals – a few sheep and a cow she had named Brea – and helped the older women in the village with their chores.
Now that the oppressive heat of the day was slowly fading into a cool breeze and silence settled over the world, Sakura slipped out of the back door of their sparse cottage. With a few deep breaths she shook off the responsibilities of the day and let her feet carry her away from them, into the loneliness of the woods under the sinking sun.
She loved to find a place between the grand trees where she could lie down and listen to what nature wanted to tell her that night.
The moss felt heavenly cold and soft under her bare feet, dirty from the days work and now relieved of constricting shoes.
Every time Sakura visited the woods in the evening, she felt herself return a bit more to herself. For years now had she taken on the role her mother upheld before. Now Sakura was mother, caretaker and responsible for the well-being of her family.
It was crushing her soul, not being able to just take a break and be a young woman. The forest gave her this back, partly.
After a few moments Sakura arrived at what was slowly but surely becoming her favourite spot: a clearing which was mostly overtaken by a big tree that had been uprooted. It was large enough for her to walk on it and even lay down where the moss had formed patches, that could be used perfectly as pillows.
Just as she had done so often in the past weeks, she lay down on the big log and closed her eyes. Sakura was ready to listen to the birds evening songs, the crickets chirping and what ever else Mother Nature offered her that evening.
What she wasn’t prepared for was a shadow falling over her face and a nudge to her shoulder before she could even open her eyes.
As soon as she did manage that, she caught sight of eyes that glinted mischievously and lips that grinned at her and were now parting to question her curiously.
“What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be at home at this time?”
Sakura was still rendered speechless, and it took her a few seconds to get her wits together again for an answer. But even then, she didn’t know what to reply.
Should she tell this woman the truth? Open her hearts desires for her to see, even though she didn’t even know the others name?
But apparently, she was not interested in Sakura’s explanation and settled instead next to her onto the moss, radiating a steadying calmness. Through her thin cloak Sakura could feel the heat that was coming from the other woman’s body, which Sakura unconsciously leaned closer to. The evening breeze had turned frigid.
“I didn’t know this place was so well known. I usually don’t meet anyone in the woods”, Sakura finally said and turned a bit so she could look at the stranger.
She laughed at that which prompted Sakura to grin also. She quickly found that she liked the stranger and was curious what her response would be.
“Of course not, most of the villagers are too scared to come here. Witches live in forests after all.”
That was the moment Sakura later realised, that she fell in love with the stranger that joked as if she wasn’t scared of anything or what others might think. In that moment Sakura just laughed, her body relaxing back against the ground.
“I never met a witch here, but I think she wouldn’t be so bad. Compared to some of the old hags in the village a witch must be a saint.”
There was a moment of silence and Sakura turned her head to look at the woman again, not sure if she went too far and scared her off. But instead of lecturing her to respect her elders and not trivialise a subject as serious as witchcraft, she turned to Sakura with a smile. Eagerly, the woman extender her hand to Sakura, shaking it like men often did when they sealed a deal.
“I’m Ino, nice to meet you.”
~
That night Sakura had gotten to know Ino, daughter of a blacksmith and new to the village.
Time flew by as they talked about everything they could think of. And when the birds began singing their morning songs there was still so much more Sakura needed to know about the other and even more she wanted to tell her.
Sakura was entranced by Ino’s quick wit and their easy conversation. They could joke and laugh, the next moment it was quiet and solemn between them. But never uncomfortable.
Not to mention Sakura’s need to see more of Ino’s face, that was so pretty when its eyes glinted with laughter or nose that scrunched every time Sakura told her something she found absurd.
So, it was inevitable that they agreed to meet again the next night.
They had gotten to know each other better, so much better that Ino was now standing behind her. Sadly, not only metaphorically. Because Ino was literally standing right behind her, bound to the same stake Sakura was.
“Never saw us ending up here. Getting burned at the stake together”, Ino’s voice sounded from behind her while the judge proceeded with his speech. They had stopped listening.
“Quite romantic I reckon”, Sakura agreed and she chuckled, refusing to show the clamouring crowd her fear, “We even get to share one pile of wood to burn on.”
She didn’t want to die, but what became apparent already during her trial was that she didn’t stand a chance. She just wished Ino didn’t have to die either.
Even though she was close to death, her only thoughts revolved around the woman she would share death with. It was comforting to think about the time they spend together. Sakura spotted the fields in the distance. The crops had long been harvested and they lay barren now. Behind them grassland reached to the horizon.
Another memory came to her then, the smell of grass and paper.
~
“You are telling me this man actually wrote this to the woman he liked? That is so sappy.”
When Sakura discovered that Ino knew how to read she immediately demanded she read her something. A book with blue binding was cradled in Ino’s lap now, it was a romance apparently, but Sakura couldn’t stop laughing about the characters.
Luckily, Ino didn’t seem to mind always being interrupted and indulged in Sakura’s vigorous rants about the bad dialogue.
“Does he really think she will want him just because he wrote a letter that basically said ‘I like your breasts’ poetically? Now I know why all the men behave so badly if their role models come from books like this.”
Ino giggled and warmth bloomed in Sakura’s chest, being proud of making her laugh. It was easily the most heavenly sound Sakura had ever heard and she couldn’t get enough of it.
They would stay there, laying in the grass while Ino read and Sakura listened until the sun stood low. When the sounds of singing and laughing reached them from the village, both women quickly packed their things and made their way back to the village.
Because harvest was over, there would be a great festival that would last late into the night with an abundance of food and drink and performances. Ino suggested going out while everyone was too busy preparing to have some time together.
At the festival their gentle touches and closeness would be frowned upon, but out in the grass they could be who they want to. Sakura could replace the book in Ino’s lap with her head and Ino could run her hands through her hair.
There was no one that could forbid Sakura from braiding flowers into Ino’s hair, gently touching it and placing small kisses on her head.
On the outskirts of the town they parted, separating their linked hands and bid each other farewell. Even if they would be able to see each other at the festival a few moments later.
~
There were people sneering at her right now that welcomed her that evening with open arms, told her she looked beautiful and thanked her for her help earlier.
But now they thought she was a witch, some evil woman in relation with the devil himself.
Smoke was wafting over to her nose and instead of painfully reminding her of the current situation and impending death, her heart was beating faster when it reminded her of the night of the festival.
~
All evening they had drunk and feasted, keeping the mood boisterous and happy. Now a drunken fatigue settled over the villagers, no one caring for anything except the way home to their bed.
Except for Sakura who had gripped Ino’s arm in a fit of unguarded need and dragged her into a small alley, away from prying eyes that weren’t even awake anymore.
“What are you doing?”, Ino asked, breathless after their hasty departure. If Sakura was honest with herself, she didn’t know but there was something deep inside her that wanted to be near Ino.
Maybe it was fuelled by the looks a few men she caught, that almost lusted after Ino all night. She placed her hands on Ino’s waist to steady herself.
“I just wanted to be close to you. I know we can’t while those noisy pigs are watching but…”
There was a hand on her face, lifting it up and suddenly she was staring right into Ino’s eyes. Her voice waivered, her eyes fixed on Ino and watching her intently.
She felt so close to Ino, could feel her breath on her face and so Sakura couldn’t stop herself from closing the distance between them. Like she had done so many times before on Ino’s head, knuckles and cheek, Sakura placed a gentle kiss on Ino’s lips.
Once she moved away Ino leaned toward her to follow her lips and caught them again, pulling her face up to meet hers once more.
Always making sure they weren’t seen, their relationship blossomed and no one should have been able to take it away from them.
Maybe they hadn't been as sneaky as they thought. Sakura thought back to a time where they had been so close to being found out.
~
Slipping on her shoes quietly, Sakura was getting ready to meet Ino after she thought everyone had gone to sleep. The creaking behind her didn't seem suspicious as the humble cottage always seemed to have a life of its own in the quiet hours of the night. Squeaking and creaking due to the wind or the old wood moving. This time the floorboards were not disturbed by their old age though, but Sakura had noticed her brother only after he raised his voice.
"Where are you going?"
Her body jolted up and around to face her brother. She noticed how his brows furrowed when she didn't answer right away and his jaw tensed.
"Are you leaving us?", he asked, and his voice was laced with anger. There was a laugh that threatened to escape her as Sakura realised that her brother did, in fact, not know where she was going. But the relief only lasted momentarily as she realised what he had implied.
"No, of course not", she quickly defended herself, she did not want him to think that she would leave him, her family, alone to fend for themselves, "I am just...going somewhere tonight."
This didn't seem to be satisfying enough though because Sakura caught the small step her brother took towards where their father slept soundly.
"Please don't wake up father", Sakura quietly said and quickly crossed the few steps that separated them. She couldn't give up their secret, knew how the villagers and, more importantly, her father would react if she revealed her intentions to her brother now. But she needed to convince him to stay and keep his mouth about this encounter shut.
"I can't tell you because it's a secret", she tried cautiously and gently took his hand into her own. When her brother looked up to her with a questioning instead of a defiant look in his eyes, she knew this could work.
"You can tell me the secret! I am a very good secret keeper!", he immediately said and was now gripping her hand in anticipation if his big sister would confide in him.
Sakura acted as if she was contemplating his statement, assessing if it held any truth.
"Alright, I will tell you. But only if you really tell nobody else. Because this is very important to me, do you understand?"
She had never seen the small head nod more eagerly and gestured for him to come closer while she leaned down.
"I am meeting with someone I really like", she whispered. It was close to the truth but vague enough that it would keep her brother, and everyone he would eventually tell, guessing.
At least their thoughts wouldn't immediately jump to the conclusion she was worshipping the devil in the woods with her coven of witch friends by, god forbid, reading a book.
Her admission prompted a small gasp from her brother, who's eyes were now shining with excitement.
"Like someone you want to marry?", he tried his best to whisper back. She had to chuckle a bit at that, his innocent mind associating this to love but nodded nonetheless, supporting his belief.
After that, he was satisfied and she could shush him back to bed. Finally, Sakura slipped through the back door outside and made her way to their meeting place.
Luckily no other obstacles presented themselves to her on the way to the clearing and when she arrived, she released the tension in her shoulders that had been harbouring there.
Looking around, Sakura didn't spot Ino anywhere. Was she getting stood up? Being as late as she was, Sakura had expected her to be here already. 'Maybe she went home because I took too long?'
Before she could act on her doubts though two arms sneaked around her waist and a familiar scent surrounded her as Ino lay her head on her shoulder.
"I thought you had stood me up", Ino murmured against her cheek, her lips ghosting over Sakura's skin, "I'm glad I was wrong."
"I would never dream of missing one of our dates."
She turns around and they share a quick kiss before Ino asks what she had in mind for this night. Sakura had excitedly told her she wanted to do something special next time they met. Now she reminded herself what she was here for tonight and let all the tension and anxiety over what had happened release.
Without a proper answer, Sakura took Ino’s hand confidently and dragged her away from the clearing, further into the woods.
They stumbled over roots in the dark and caught each other before one could fall but Sakura didn’t decrease their speed, her excitement washing over her again.
Soon the trees density lightened again and gave way to a view over a small lake. It’s surface was shining in the moonlight, laying there untouched and undisturbed.
“Found this while I was walking through here a few months back. Come one”, Sakura called over her shoulder and ran toward the water.
That night they went swimming under the moonlight, feeling as free like forest spirits. And after they were tired they lay down in the grass to watch the stars pass by. Warmed by a think blanket and each other as they cuddled into the others arms until they felt as though they were one.
As morning nears they mournfully get up and part ways on the edge of the forest. Both still radiating their excitement, walking back into their normal lives.
Separate from each other.
~
They had begun to almost interrogate her every chance they got, because of course her little blabbermouth of a brother couldn't keep a secret. Her older brother asked if he had to speak a serious word with a certain gentleman and her little siblings giggled. But Sakura held her silence, knowing that far more was at stake than just a silly little romance in the village.
No one suspected anything else than Sakura secretly going out with someone, or so she thought. Because if no one knew about her and Ino then she was clueless why they were currently being burned at the stake.
She didn't know if her family stayed away from this cruel display like she pleaded, but she hoped dearly. The same she thought applied to Ino, her father was a kind and considerate man and should not have to witness his daughter's death.
"Sakura", she heard Ino whisper and when Sakura turned her head, trying to look at her, she saw that her gaze was pinned at the crowd. No, at someone in the crowd.
Now her eyes were wandering over the crowd, looking for what drew Ino's gaze so intensely. She already opened her mouth to urge Ino to clarify when she simultaneously found what Ino did before her and her unasked question got answered.
"Is that the preachers son?"
There was no need for confirmation, Ino already knew she was right and Sakura's blood froze in her veins. There he was, standing completely calm in the crowd, the preacher’s son. A grin was plastered all over his face. Finally, the last puzzle piece clicked into place.
'Of course, it was him', she thought as scolded herself for not taking him seriously once again.
The preacher’s son was a mean and very determined man. So, when he had set his eyes on something he wanted he held fast until he had it in his dirty claws.
Stupidly, he wanted to have Sakura.
~
At first, she thought it was a stupid joke. The preacher’s son had fallen into step with her one Saturday on her way home. They talked like people talked that have known each other their whole lives but never got close.
He was nice and courteous, overall being a friendly neighbour.
But then it happened again, and again, and again.
Their conversation went from pleasant talk about the weather and well being of themselves and their families to him trying to pry even more information out of her.
What kind of dresses do you like to wear? When are you going to the market? Does your future husband have to have a lot of money?
At that point Sakura started to ignore him and tried to never walk alone so that he wouldn’t try to talk to her again. She often made her annoyance known to Ino and she decided to be her personal guard for a few weeks.
It was almost pleasant being able to walk with her in public and if Sakura indulged herself, she imagined they’d be doing this hand in hand.
But her peace shouldn’t last any longer, when the preacher’s son decided to show up on her doorstep to ask her father for her hand in marriage.
Sakura didn’t want to imagine what would have happened if her father had been home. Would he have let him marry Sakura? There was no point in debating a hypothetical future, what mattered was that on that day Sakura stood in the door frame and not her father.
The poor man wasn’t ready for the uproar Sakura created by screaming at him to leave her house immediately and to never look at her again. She made sure her brothers and the neighbours heard. Hoping they assumed something far more indecent than a marriage proposal had come from him.
Contrary to her hopes though, the situation did not resolve itself that evening.
She was on her way to the backdoor of their cottage after a night with Ino when she heard rustling leaves even though the wind was not nearly strong enough to move even the puniest leaves. Now she knew she should have gone to see what it was that made noise but she didn’t that night.
And so, the next morning Sakura woke up to a loud banging on her door which just wouldn’t subside. But before she gathered enough mind to be awake enough to open the door, guards stormed into her room and grabbed her body.
It was overwhelming, Sakura couldn’t tell what was happening to her between many hands grabbing at her and voices screaming in the background. Her father pleaded with the guardsmen to tell him what was happening, but he was met with silence and when they dragged her out of her home, away from her family, Sakura finally found her voice and cried out.
Her father later said her screams woke up the entire neighbourhood. How he saw Ino running toward her but being held up by bystanders, to not get too close.
It didn’t help her in the long run. Now she was in just the same place Sakura was.
~
"I can't believe we will die just because some bastard couldn't handle rejection. I will haunt him and drive him insane."
"We won't die."
Sakura was sure that there was no time left anymore to think of better times, having figured out how she landed in this situation, there was no need for it either. And now the love of her life began spouting nonsense.
"What are you talking about? I know we joked about this being romantic, but you do know we will be burned at the stake in just a few moments?"
"Do you trust me?", Ino asked, and she sounded more serious than Sakura had ever experienced. She didn’t know what worried her more, the dry and burnable wood beneath her feet or the fact that Ino seemed completely serious in her belief they would be unharmed.
But still, Sakura answered truthfully.
"With my life, which may not mean that much anymore in a bit."
"On the contrary, it means everything."
There was no logical explanation besides insanity for Ino to behave like this. While Sakura was wondering if she had indeed missed that her girlfriend was insane, Ino began murmuring to herself. Again, Sakura wished the crowd could shut their mouths for a moment, so she might be able to understand Ino.
'Is this the right moment for a love declaration?', she asked herself as the judge finally finished. Now the executioner approached, a flaming torch in hand.
“I really need to tell you this right now Ino, I don’t think I’ll get another chance”, Sakura began but she interrupted herself as she felt Ino clasping her hand.
“Tell me later. We will have all the time in the world.”
At that the first sticks caught fire and Sakura closed her eyes. Her hand was still desperately grasping Ino’s, determined to be with her until the very end.
But despite Sakura feeling the heat of the flames near her, it lacked the stinging pain. She could have cried, thanking whatever higher entity for granting her a painless death, at least.
“They are witches!”
As the crowd began yelling in fear and surprise, Sakura’s curiosity won over the logical part of her brain and she opened her eyes.
The flames were licking around her legs and waist but…she was completely fine. Her clothing was slightly singed, but it seemed that the flames were unable to reach her skin.
There was a hand on her arm and Sakura followed it to Ino who was sheepishly smiling at her and reached out with her other hand.
“Come one”, she said with a steady voice, “Let’s get out of here.”
~
“Honey I’m home!”, she yelled as she stepped through the door of the little cottage, with a practiced shake of her leg two boots land on their designated spot next to the door. A bow follows the shoes, even though it gets hung up properly.
Sakura follows the smell of something warm and discovers her wife standing over a steaming pot.
“Did you run into any trouble?”, Ino asked now and gestures her closer, already holding up a spoon for Sakura to taste the cooking.
Shaking her head, Sakura made her way to the stove and wrapped her arms around Ino before tasting what was offered. After a moment she realised that her gesture was not noticed by Ino and she supplied further: "No, just a few village children on the outskirts but I let them play. They reminded me of us at their age."
A quiet chuckle came from Ino, the mention of their youth reminding her of their young love and their obstacles.
“Not many people can tell their children: ‘Hey did I tell you about the time I was almost burned at the stake. Also, I met your mother while she was trying to find a place to safely practice her witchcraft.’ That is a very unique experience.”
“Yes, I remember how excited they were to listen to your rambunctious years.”
Sakura leaned into Ino and took a deep breath.
This was her home. And how glad she was to have left her old one on that warm summer night.