I had been so attuned to Sylus that the presence of the Elder had escaped my notice until I spoke his name, and then a cold heat radiated through the scar in my hand, and I quickly curled my hands around the scar and my eyes swept the room, seeking the Elder. He had contented himself to remain at the edge of the lamplight. I looked back into Sy’s eyes, “aye Sylus, ‘t doth.” Then I rose from my chair.
He let his hand slide away, “There is little to keep here now. I might as well do a bit of traveling and visit some old places I've not been to in some time...”
I spoke softly, “keep thee well Sylus, fer Ah dae care verra much.” That was true, and the pain I felt was deep, but needed.
Khirsah stepped back into the shadows, letting them wrap around him, leaving only the cold, iced eyes to pierce into the room.”
“The one person who mattered to me more than anything else is walking out of my life because the fates have said it to be so. Not much incentive to live safely....but...as you wish Alais.” He rose then and watched my face, as though memorizing every detail.
It was a long, painful moment before my heart beat again. I moved then, curling my fingers tightly over the scar before hugging Sylus tightly, whispering very softly, “keep thee well, ye’ll ‘old a verra special place ‘n mine ‘eart Sy, neffer doubt ‘t’”
He wrapped his arms around me gently, taking in my scent as a wolf would, “as long as you live, I will be well.” He radiated an iron will in that moment as I lightly kissed his cheek, and told him I would be leaving for Matlal permanently. With that, I slipped away from him and walked toward the shadows before dissipating into a column of shimmering silver and leaving the walls of the Inn.
I reformed outside in the cool evening air and drew in a deep breath. I had just hurt someone I loved.
Khirsah’s eyes shattered the shadows of the building, but nothing more of him was seen and I turned to look at him, “Ah didst tell ye tha’ Ah dae still love Uly ‘n Sy, bu’ mine road ist chosen as mine oon.” There would be no misunderstanding over this. They both owned a part of me and always would.
Khirsah’s voice slid from the shadows, “they are part of you.”
I nodded sadly, Yes, they are.” It would be a long night as I prepared my departure. Then I studied Khirsah’s eyes in the shadows, “I am curious tonight.”
‘About?”
“Why you do not come to the construction site?” It had been troubling me that he would return me to Matlal and vanish, not to be seen at the isle there after. It was not making sense to me.
The eyes narrowed, not as a glare, but in deep thought, “you are head of the Silvers, are you not?”
This was not a direction I had expected, and I nodded in confusion, “I am according to the Younger.” Tass had put me on the Island to develop and grow it, and bring a discipline there that was lacking.
The sensation of a satisfied nod reached me, “and you do not know the answer to your question,”
A part of me bristled at that, “I have much to learn of Dragon society milord. Garl works with me on the construction, and Tass has not been able to teach me the finer points.” We had been a little busy to focus on societal expectations and nuances.
He paused, “I see. I do not come because it would not be…. wise.” There was something major left unsaid, then had added, “nor would it be safe,” but he did not say safe for whom.
I stepped closer to the shadows, “Enlighten me milord. As head of the Silvers, why would that stop you from coming to the site when I have been clear that I desire your input?” What about my ties to the silver dragons would stop him, the Elder of their kind from coming to the island I worked to restore? I canted my head slightly at the shadow, “why would it not be wise if you are requested by me?”
“Precisely because it would not be safe.” His reply was as enigmatic as before.
Matlal and the Eldarie
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Alais d Nitesong
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Alais d Nitesong
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I considered his warning long moments, “And for whom would there be danger? Help me learn m’lord, I have committed to this being my home, and my path, and there is much I do not understand.” Apparently there were things in Dragon culture that I needed to learn, and learn quickly.
“You know the answer. You have asked the question many times.” Came the reply from the darkness.
I frowned then, “why you did not come to help?” That was the only thing that made any sense, the Elder had not been there for the war, and Garl knew I had reached out for the Elder. He had been the one to retrieve me from the beach and that circle. He had seen the slice across my palm from the attempt. Yes, Garl knew I had reached for the Elder, and had been rejected. Khirsah simply nodded in the darkness of the shadows.
I shook my head slightly, “you think the Silvers would not accept you?”
“It is not a matter of acceptance, I care little for such.” It was a stark reminder that Khirsah walked alone on a path even the Younger did not always understand.
I slid my fingers through my hair in frustration, “and I care little for such. You said your presence would not have shortened the battle.” If he was not worried about being accepted, what was the issue?
“Would the silvers believe such?” came his query.
“The silver, Garl, is the one that would need to be a believer.” If Garl believed, his influence would work to sway the others. Garl was the key with the silvers that lived on Matlal. Garl was the commander Tass had sent to protect me, and to help with the others.
“We are not so easily put aside because of one.. you lead because the Younger made it so. Garl advises because the Younger made it so the others aid because they Younger made it so.” Khirsah provided me with a hard reminder that it was Tass who was the driving force and factor in the Emerald Isles, although, as the Elder, Khirsah should have had that role.
“I am aware of that. Dragons following an Elf has been upon my mind a long time milord.” In fact, I had spent a great deal of time trying to figure out how I would fit into the scheme of things.
“Yet, if they so chose, they would simply leave, and the Younger knows this, as will you.”
Was that a warning? It certainly sounded like one to me, and I knew that I would have to work on the politics of dragons quickly, “but, Garl is the leader,” I offered.
“No, there are no leaders among us.”
That did not seem to match what I knew of the dragons on Matlal, “He has a rapport with the others, they seem to respect him, and so milord, is that why you have not embraced my invitations to help me rebuild Matlal?” If the dragons had no leaders, how could I succeed in the task Tass had set for me?
“Has he not been through much and more than they? Been there with them through it, suffered as they suffered, bled as they bled, respect is earned, not ordered”
“Yes, he has.” I concurred, Garl had been through hell and back during the war, and had experienced far more than the others, he had been there when others had died, and been tortured. Of all of the silvers that survived, Garl had earned their respect without doubt. “He suffered more, ”I did not know how much Khirsah knew about the war and what had transpired, but I did. I had been there.
“Lady, I do not come because it would be unsafe for them, and for you, we have no qualms of fighting ourselves, as you have seen.”
That caught my attention, “why is it unsafe for me?” I had seen the dragons fight themselves, but why did the Elder’s presence risk so very much?
“Would you wish to be found and caught in the fight between the silver horde and myself?” There was an absolute calm in his voice that sent a shiver down my spine.
“Are you a danger to me, milord?” I needed to know now if the Elder believed himself capable of such a threat.
His answer was blunt, and enigmatic, “I am a danger to all but one.”
“You doubt I can earn the respect of the Silvers then?” His continued stand that the silvers would not accept him bordered on an accusation that I could not earn their respect enough to convince them that the Elder would not have made a difference in their suffering. “Who is the one?” He had not answered me, and I needed that clarified.
“Did I say that you could not earn the respect? It is not your earning of that respect that I doubt.” Still he remained in the shadows.
I took another step closer to the shadows, “then what is it you doubt?”
“It is the genousity of the family, silvers, reds, greens, blacks, all that I doubt.”
“You know the answer. You have asked the question many times.” Came the reply from the darkness.
I frowned then, “why you did not come to help?” That was the only thing that made any sense, the Elder had not been there for the war, and Garl knew I had reached out for the Elder. He had been the one to retrieve me from the beach and that circle. He had seen the slice across my palm from the attempt. Yes, Garl knew I had reached for the Elder, and had been rejected. Khirsah simply nodded in the darkness of the shadows.
I shook my head slightly, “you think the Silvers would not accept you?”
“It is not a matter of acceptance, I care little for such.” It was a stark reminder that Khirsah walked alone on a path even the Younger did not always understand.
I slid my fingers through my hair in frustration, “and I care little for such. You said your presence would not have shortened the battle.” If he was not worried about being accepted, what was the issue?
“Would the silvers believe such?” came his query.
“The silver, Garl, is the one that would need to be a believer.” If Garl believed, his influence would work to sway the others. Garl was the key with the silvers that lived on Matlal. Garl was the commander Tass had sent to protect me, and to help with the others.
“We are not so easily put aside because of one.. you lead because the Younger made it so. Garl advises because the Younger made it so the others aid because they Younger made it so.” Khirsah provided me with a hard reminder that it was Tass who was the driving force and factor in the Emerald Isles, although, as the Elder, Khirsah should have had that role.
“I am aware of that. Dragons following an Elf has been upon my mind a long time milord.” In fact, I had spent a great deal of time trying to figure out how I would fit into the scheme of things.
“Yet, if they so chose, they would simply leave, and the Younger knows this, as will you.”
Was that a warning? It certainly sounded like one to me, and I knew that I would have to work on the politics of dragons quickly, “but, Garl is the leader,” I offered.
“No, there are no leaders among us.”
That did not seem to match what I knew of the dragons on Matlal, “He has a rapport with the others, they seem to respect him, and so milord, is that why you have not embraced my invitations to help me rebuild Matlal?” If the dragons had no leaders, how could I succeed in the task Tass had set for me?
“Has he not been through much and more than they? Been there with them through it, suffered as they suffered, bled as they bled, respect is earned, not ordered”
“Yes, he has.” I concurred, Garl had been through hell and back during the war, and had experienced far more than the others, he had been there when others had died, and been tortured. Of all of the silvers that survived, Garl had earned their respect without doubt. “He suffered more, ”I did not know how much Khirsah knew about the war and what had transpired, but I did. I had been there.
“Lady, I do not come because it would be unsafe for them, and for you, we have no qualms of fighting ourselves, as you have seen.”
That caught my attention, “why is it unsafe for me?” I had seen the dragons fight themselves, but why did the Elder’s presence risk so very much?
“Would you wish to be found and caught in the fight between the silver horde and myself?” There was an absolute calm in his voice that sent a shiver down my spine.
“Are you a danger to me, milord?” I needed to know now if the Elder believed himself capable of such a threat.
His answer was blunt, and enigmatic, “I am a danger to all but one.”
“You doubt I can earn the respect of the Silvers then?” His continued stand that the silvers would not accept him bordered on an accusation that I could not earn their respect enough to convince them that the Elder would not have made a difference in their suffering. “Who is the one?” He had not answered me, and I needed that clarified.
“Did I say that you could not earn the respect? It is not your earning of that respect that I doubt.” Still he remained in the shadows.
I took another step closer to the shadows, “then what is it you doubt?”
“It is the genousity of the family, silvers, reds, greens, blacks, all that I doubt.”
Lady Alais d' Arma Graham d' Nitesong Sidhe
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Alais d Nitesong
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If he doubted all of the dragons and their heritage, where then would Khirsah go? “Will you avoid the Isles milord rather than deal with their doubts?”
“I do not avoid the Isles, but there are smarter means of smoothing the ruffled scales than direct confrontation.”
“Who is the one who is not in danger?” That would be important to know. Who did the Elder revere enough to not be a danger when everyone else could be endangered by his presence?
The eyes in the shadows looked at me, but no answer was forth coming. It was something he felt I should know.
“I wish you would have told me earlier milord, I would not have pressed you for your assistance.” While the Elder had never offered to help, I had always believed he would.
“You have not pressed me, and my assistance is still given.” Those iced eyes regarded another who had stepped into the alleyway before returning to study me.
I too glanced in the direction of the third person there, and then back to the shadows. Tyranacus did not bother me, our discussion would make no sense to any who were not familiar with the Emerald Isles.
I then thanked him for his agreeing to help rebuild Matlal, but his earlier warning still troubled me, “You would not hurt Garl, would you?”
“That would depend.”
I contemplated my feelings a moment, “For whatever it is worth, I would ask you to avoid such. He has suffered more than any other silver.” If anyone could be safe from the Elder, I wanted it to be Garl.
He reiterated, “that is not my choice.”
Tyranacus sat down on a step, watching and listening to us as we talked there alone in the alley and he was being very quiet so he won't disturb us, but I felt his presence keenly. I dropped my head, “Should I ask the Younger to teach me some of the things I will need early on, or would you accept such a challenge?” There was so much I needed to know.
There came a loud crack in the air, and as the air split asunder, and I gave a quick glance at the split before returning my gaze to Khirsah, for the split was his making. When the sound faded, we were no more than a burned image in the air for the one that had joined us, and sound was simply the wind in the alley. Khirsah then continued as we were no longer a presence in the alley, “it is part of why I do not come to the site while the others are about, as I said, it is wiser and safer.
“I will welcome the day when you can freely walk upon Matlal milord.” It was something I would work toward having sooner rather than later.
“That time will come,” was the only reply.
I nodded, ”I should return. Today I was able to coax a small bit of green near the foundation stone.” It was an accomplishment that had not been possible before now, it was progress toward healing.
He nodded, “and tomorrow there will be more, and less.”
I smiled, yes, there would be more of life and renewal, and less of the destruction and pain. “And those are good things.” I debated a moment, “milord?”
“Lady?”
“Would you do me the honor of walking among the gardens of I' Taurn?” If he would not walk with me on Matlal, perhaps he would here in RhyDin.
He gave a slight nod, ‘I shall.”
I smiled and offered him my arm, “I am honored.”
And with that, he took my arm and set it upon his own silk clad one and we walked toward Gold Dragon Way,.
“I do not avoid the Isles, but there are smarter means of smoothing the ruffled scales than direct confrontation.”
“Who is the one who is not in danger?” That would be important to know. Who did the Elder revere enough to not be a danger when everyone else could be endangered by his presence?
The eyes in the shadows looked at me, but no answer was forth coming. It was something he felt I should know.
“I wish you would have told me earlier milord, I would not have pressed you for your assistance.” While the Elder had never offered to help, I had always believed he would.
“You have not pressed me, and my assistance is still given.” Those iced eyes regarded another who had stepped into the alleyway before returning to study me.
I too glanced in the direction of the third person there, and then back to the shadows. Tyranacus did not bother me, our discussion would make no sense to any who were not familiar with the Emerald Isles.
I then thanked him for his agreeing to help rebuild Matlal, but his earlier warning still troubled me, “You would not hurt Garl, would you?”
“That would depend.”
I contemplated my feelings a moment, “For whatever it is worth, I would ask you to avoid such. He has suffered more than any other silver.” If anyone could be safe from the Elder, I wanted it to be Garl.
He reiterated, “that is not my choice.”
Tyranacus sat down on a step, watching and listening to us as we talked there alone in the alley and he was being very quiet so he won't disturb us, but I felt his presence keenly. I dropped my head, “Should I ask the Younger to teach me some of the things I will need early on, or would you accept such a challenge?” There was so much I needed to know.
There came a loud crack in the air, and as the air split asunder, and I gave a quick glance at the split before returning my gaze to Khirsah, for the split was his making. When the sound faded, we were no more than a burned image in the air for the one that had joined us, and sound was simply the wind in the alley. Khirsah then continued as we were no longer a presence in the alley, “it is part of why I do not come to the site while the others are about, as I said, it is wiser and safer.
“I will welcome the day when you can freely walk upon Matlal milord.” It was something I would work toward having sooner rather than later.
“That time will come,” was the only reply.
I nodded, ”I should return. Today I was able to coax a small bit of green near the foundation stone.” It was an accomplishment that had not been possible before now, it was progress toward healing.
He nodded, “and tomorrow there will be more, and less.”
I smiled, yes, there would be more of life and renewal, and less of the destruction and pain. “And those are good things.” I debated a moment, “milord?”
“Lady?”
“Would you do me the honor of walking among the gardens of I' Taurn?” If he would not walk with me on Matlal, perhaps he would here in RhyDin.
He gave a slight nod, ‘I shall.”
I smiled and offered him my arm, “I am honored.”
And with that, he took my arm and set it upon his own silk clad one and we walked toward Gold Dragon Way,.
Lady Alais d' Arma Graham d' Nitesong Sidhe
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Alais d Nitesong
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After our walk through the grounds of I’ Taurn, Khirsah had walked into the shadows and I returned to the house. It was a long morning and early afternoon as I prepared the leave I’ Taurn for what feels like it will be the last time. Perhaps I should turn the house over to Telemachus, it will one day be his no matter what. Perhaps now is a good time.
I coalesced just inside the door to the Inn, and glanced around at the occupants before heading to a table and comfortable chair near the fireplace, but greeted Kairee as I passed her.
She smiled, and introduced Xavier, who had been deep in conversation with her when I had entered. But the nexus stole him and did not return the man, and so I asked Kairee how the champagne was tonight. I conjured myself a glass of Liquid Fire about then, and she gave me a quizzical look, “drinking hard tonight babes?”
I told her she might say that, and she wondered if there was a particular reason for it. I took a sip of the amber liquid, and simply said that matters of the heart were at the root of the problem. She laughed, “Is any man worth it?” With a weak smile, I admitted that perhaps not, but that it did not change the hurt one bit. She gave me an understanding look, “want to talk about it?”
I shook my head, “Nae realla lass, bu' Ah wouldst enjoy catchin' up wi' ye 'nless yer no of a mind tae talk.” Perhaps I could get her to talk about the direction her magical studies had taken, although most mages are reluctant to do so.
"talk babes...I'm here. what's on your mind?" she shifted her position atop the bar as I took a seat at the bar.
I smiled, “Ah was wonderin' jus' wha spells ye've been workin' up o' late,” it was a diversion from my own thoughts, not so much that I expected her to be forthcoming, but enough to change the subject and open others.
She arched a fine brow, “this and that, whatever catches my interest or need, why do you ask?” She was instantly guarded and I knew this would not be a night for magical inquiry discussions with her.
I shrugged, “'t hath been a verra long while since Ah've seen ye, Ah was wonderin' jus' wha' arts ye've been workin' on.” Braxeus had wondered if Kai and I had worked together in the past, and now I was curious, but she was not going to share her private work with me.
She recrossed her legs, “I like to keep diversified, Alais, however, I dealt within the Nexus this past decade or more.” She gave me a small, tight smile, as though something significant lingered in that innocuous comment.
I sipped the amber liquid and smiled, “dinnae we all lass? Though, Ah’ve spent th’ years studying wi’ Morrin.” Then I thought back, and could not remember if Kairee had ever met Morrin. “Dae ye r’member Morrin lass?”
She agreed, and asked if Morrin was well, and a stab of guilt pricked at me, “Morrin hath left th’ realm, ‘n ‘t was Ah who didst send ‘im there.” I hoped she would not ask where I had sent him, and thankfully she did not. “th’ nexus eh?” Perhaps she would expound, but her single word answer indicated that it was a topic she did not wish to discuss in any detail. “jus' aye 't doth sound li' there ist more tae 't lass, bu' Ah'll nae press ye.” Mages, as a whole have many secrets, and it is better not to push too hard when you meet a reluctance to expound further.
About then, Sylus arrived, his head was bowed as he pushed the door open, his raven locks keeping his face in shadows. Tonight though, there is a cold air around him that would drive off even street thugs and keep everyone at bay.
Kairee gave me a dazzling smile, “it was a yes or no question, wasn’t it?”
I sipped the amber liquid, “'t was, bu' Ah'd oped tae catch up wi' ye since we 'ad last spoken.’ I watched Sylus take a chair near the fire place.
Kai smiled, “ah Alais, babes.. you know we mages don't tell freely of our.. endeavors, power being so jealously guarded... ask me of other things"
I nodded at her absently, “Verra true lass, bu’ some ‘ow we mus’ needs share our knowledge.” I glanced again at Sy, who knew I was present as he sat in silence. “Ye were speakin' tae Thoth last e'en, didst Ah 'ear ye offerin' tae 'elp 'im wi' fashion?” That should be innocuous enough to suit Kairee.
Her smile brightened perceptibly, “So I did.. he only seems to have those linen loin cloths traditional to his people....They're cute, don't get me wrong.. but he needs to vary his outfits a bit."
I gave a soft laugh, “Ye dae r’member Slothie ‘n ‘is loin cloths?”
I coalesced just inside the door to the Inn, and glanced around at the occupants before heading to a table and comfortable chair near the fireplace, but greeted Kairee as I passed her.
She smiled, and introduced Xavier, who had been deep in conversation with her when I had entered. But the nexus stole him and did not return the man, and so I asked Kairee how the champagne was tonight. I conjured myself a glass of Liquid Fire about then, and she gave me a quizzical look, “drinking hard tonight babes?”
I told her she might say that, and she wondered if there was a particular reason for it. I took a sip of the amber liquid, and simply said that matters of the heart were at the root of the problem. She laughed, “Is any man worth it?” With a weak smile, I admitted that perhaps not, but that it did not change the hurt one bit. She gave me an understanding look, “want to talk about it?”
I shook my head, “Nae realla lass, bu' Ah wouldst enjoy catchin' up wi' ye 'nless yer no of a mind tae talk.” Perhaps I could get her to talk about the direction her magical studies had taken, although most mages are reluctant to do so.
"talk babes...I'm here. what's on your mind?" she shifted her position atop the bar as I took a seat at the bar.
I smiled, “Ah was wonderin' jus' wha spells ye've been workin' up o' late,” it was a diversion from my own thoughts, not so much that I expected her to be forthcoming, but enough to change the subject and open others.
She arched a fine brow, “this and that, whatever catches my interest or need, why do you ask?” She was instantly guarded and I knew this would not be a night for magical inquiry discussions with her.
I shrugged, “'t hath been a verra long while since Ah've seen ye, Ah was wonderin' jus' wha' arts ye've been workin' on.” Braxeus had wondered if Kai and I had worked together in the past, and now I was curious, but she was not going to share her private work with me.
She recrossed her legs, “I like to keep diversified, Alais, however, I dealt within the Nexus this past decade or more.” She gave me a small, tight smile, as though something significant lingered in that innocuous comment.
I sipped the amber liquid and smiled, “dinnae we all lass? Though, Ah’ve spent th’ years studying wi’ Morrin.” Then I thought back, and could not remember if Kairee had ever met Morrin. “Dae ye r’member Morrin lass?”
She agreed, and asked if Morrin was well, and a stab of guilt pricked at me, “Morrin hath left th’ realm, ‘n ‘t was Ah who didst send ‘im there.” I hoped she would not ask where I had sent him, and thankfully she did not. “th’ nexus eh?” Perhaps she would expound, but her single word answer indicated that it was a topic she did not wish to discuss in any detail. “jus' aye 't doth sound li' there ist more tae 't lass, bu' Ah'll nae press ye.” Mages, as a whole have many secrets, and it is better not to push too hard when you meet a reluctance to expound further.
About then, Sylus arrived, his head was bowed as he pushed the door open, his raven locks keeping his face in shadows. Tonight though, there is a cold air around him that would drive off even street thugs and keep everyone at bay.
Kairee gave me a dazzling smile, “it was a yes or no question, wasn’t it?”
I sipped the amber liquid, “'t was, bu' Ah'd oped tae catch up wi' ye since we 'ad last spoken.’ I watched Sylus take a chair near the fire place.
Kai smiled, “ah Alais, babes.. you know we mages don't tell freely of our.. endeavors, power being so jealously guarded... ask me of other things"
I nodded at her absently, “Verra true lass, bu’ some ‘ow we mus’ needs share our knowledge.” I glanced again at Sy, who knew I was present as he sat in silence. “Ye were speakin' tae Thoth last e'en, didst Ah 'ear ye offerin' tae 'elp 'im wi' fashion?” That should be innocuous enough to suit Kairee.
Her smile brightened perceptibly, “So I did.. he only seems to have those linen loin cloths traditional to his people....They're cute, don't get me wrong.. but he needs to vary his outfits a bit."
I gave a soft laugh, “Ye dae r’member Slothie ‘n ‘is loin cloths?”
Lady Alais d' Arma Graham d' Nitesong Sidhe
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Alais d Nitesong
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She chuckled, “quite the fashion statement at that time.” In fact, it scandalized some of RhyDin to see him hanging from the rafters in naught but a loin cloth.
Sylus muttered that there were too many people and he rose with his usual predatorial grace and walked right back the way he had come. My gaze followed his walk toward the porch, and I barely heard Kai ask me what I had been up to. I frowned and glanced back at Kairee, “Ah've been engaged 'n sefferal thin's, Ah've been existin' in Riverbend until Tass came tae drag me oot.”
I could see Sy through a window as he dropped onto the porch swing. Then I took a long drink of the amber liquid. I wanted to go join him, to undo the hurt I had caused, but that would not remedy the situation at all, and I turned back to Kairee, “:: tha' ist th' man Ah didst tell ye a wee bit aboot Kai. Sae wha' direction 're ye gaein' tae take Thoth?”
The expression on his face was more than I could bear, and I rose, excusing myself from Kai and headed out onto the porch. He was sharpening a slender throwing dagger, and for a moment, seemed to contemplate doing something rash before he finally produced a whetstone and began to sharpen the dagger. “Maybe I’ll go and visit Sulrin and his family. Been a long time since I’ve spoken with my oldest friend.”
I had paused just outside the door, leaning my shoulder against the door jamb, I didn’t want to intrude if he did not wish me to, but finally I asked him, “Why’re ye sitten’ oot ‘ere by yerself Sy?”
He kept his hand steady and the stone was pulled across the blade, but not hard enough to cause any burr or blemishes until my voice reached him, and then he became as still as statuary, and I moved very slowly toward him. I was facing a man who was part wolf, and I was uncertain how my presence would be received.
He still didn’t move, but his voice whispered in the darkness, “There's not much company to be found inside, just nameless faces and many I will not see again beyond this night.”
He had said he might go away, but I had not expected it so soon, “why will ye nae see’em after taenigh?”
He still did not look up at me, “I'm leaving the city. There's nothing to keep me here. Nothing that won't remind me of what I've lost anyway.”
His words hit hard. It had been unfair of me to love him when I was not whole, and that had brought about this pain. Guilt sat heavy upon my shoulders. “Mayst Ah ask ye where yer gaein’?”
He still had not moved, “That even I don't know. Been meaning to visit my friend Sulrin and his family for a while, but so much happened to make me put it off. Thought I'd start there...and see where fate drags me.”
I nodded a moment, “Ah’m ascertes Sulrin wilst be ‘appy tae see thee.” It was about then that Xenograg appeared on the porch of the Inn, and I glanced at him with a silent greeting.
Sy moved at last, wrapping the throwing dagger into the oiled cloth and began to polish the blade, “This time of year his people will be having a festival.”
Xeno smiled and greeted both Sylus and I and walked closer. I turned to Xeno, “'t ist good tae see ye b'fore Ah dae leave.”
He had started to inquire whether either of us was participating in the Magic contests being hosted by the Inn, and stopped short, “leaving?”
Sylus finally looked at me, but the sadness in his eyes was deep enough to drown in, “After that I don't know where I'll go.” Then he looked at Xeno and said he was a swordsman, and that magic was not his forte.
I shook my head at Xeno, “Nay, Ah've 'ad enough magic 'pon th' Isles,” and then nodded slightly, “aye, yer righ', 't ist nae time tae giff up pon th' buildin' on Matlal, Ah'm r'turnin' there.”
Sylus rose from the swing, “I'll leave the two of you to make your farewells. Alais and I have said ours...I've much to do before finding my new path.” He bowed to Xeno and turned to me in mid step, “After what has happened between us, being this close is quite painful Alais, there’s a physical and emotional ache. I’m leaving before I do something undignified.”
Xenograg blinked, “oh gods”
I then asked Sy once more to take care of himself, and I turned and walked into the Inn. I heard Xeno tell Sy, “you know where to find me.” And Sy telling me he had already promised me that.
I gave Kairee a nod as I headed toward my chair, and dropped into it with a deep sadness. Xeno followed shortly thereafter and took a seat near my own.
Sylus muttered that there were too many people and he rose with his usual predatorial grace and walked right back the way he had come. My gaze followed his walk toward the porch, and I barely heard Kai ask me what I had been up to. I frowned and glanced back at Kairee, “Ah've been engaged 'n sefferal thin's, Ah've been existin' in Riverbend until Tass came tae drag me oot.”
I could see Sy through a window as he dropped onto the porch swing. Then I took a long drink of the amber liquid. I wanted to go join him, to undo the hurt I had caused, but that would not remedy the situation at all, and I turned back to Kairee, “:: tha' ist th' man Ah didst tell ye a wee bit aboot Kai. Sae wha' direction 're ye gaein' tae take Thoth?”
The expression on his face was more than I could bear, and I rose, excusing myself from Kai and headed out onto the porch. He was sharpening a slender throwing dagger, and for a moment, seemed to contemplate doing something rash before he finally produced a whetstone and began to sharpen the dagger. “Maybe I’ll go and visit Sulrin and his family. Been a long time since I’ve spoken with my oldest friend.”
I had paused just outside the door, leaning my shoulder against the door jamb, I didn’t want to intrude if he did not wish me to, but finally I asked him, “Why’re ye sitten’ oot ‘ere by yerself Sy?”
He kept his hand steady and the stone was pulled across the blade, but not hard enough to cause any burr or blemishes until my voice reached him, and then he became as still as statuary, and I moved very slowly toward him. I was facing a man who was part wolf, and I was uncertain how my presence would be received.
He still didn’t move, but his voice whispered in the darkness, “There's not much company to be found inside, just nameless faces and many I will not see again beyond this night.”
He had said he might go away, but I had not expected it so soon, “why will ye nae see’em after taenigh?”
He still did not look up at me, “I'm leaving the city. There's nothing to keep me here. Nothing that won't remind me of what I've lost anyway.”
His words hit hard. It had been unfair of me to love him when I was not whole, and that had brought about this pain. Guilt sat heavy upon my shoulders. “Mayst Ah ask ye where yer gaein’?”
He still had not moved, “That even I don't know. Been meaning to visit my friend Sulrin and his family for a while, but so much happened to make me put it off. Thought I'd start there...and see where fate drags me.”
I nodded a moment, “Ah’m ascertes Sulrin wilst be ‘appy tae see thee.” It was about then that Xenograg appeared on the porch of the Inn, and I glanced at him with a silent greeting.
Sy moved at last, wrapping the throwing dagger into the oiled cloth and began to polish the blade, “This time of year his people will be having a festival.”
Xeno smiled and greeted both Sylus and I and walked closer. I turned to Xeno, “'t ist good tae see ye b'fore Ah dae leave.”
He had started to inquire whether either of us was participating in the Magic contests being hosted by the Inn, and stopped short, “leaving?”
Sylus finally looked at me, but the sadness in his eyes was deep enough to drown in, “After that I don't know where I'll go.” Then he looked at Xeno and said he was a swordsman, and that magic was not his forte.
I shook my head at Xeno, “Nay, Ah've 'ad enough magic 'pon th' Isles,” and then nodded slightly, “aye, yer righ', 't ist nae time tae giff up pon th' buildin' on Matlal, Ah'm r'turnin' there.”
Sylus rose from the swing, “I'll leave the two of you to make your farewells. Alais and I have said ours...I've much to do before finding my new path.” He bowed to Xeno and turned to me in mid step, “After what has happened between us, being this close is quite painful Alais, there’s a physical and emotional ache. I’m leaving before I do something undignified.”
Xenograg blinked, “oh gods”
I then asked Sy once more to take care of himself, and I turned and walked into the Inn. I heard Xeno tell Sy, “you know where to find me.” And Sy telling me he had already promised me that.
I gave Kairee a nod as I headed toward my chair, and dropped into it with a deep sadness. Xeno followed shortly thereafter and took a seat near my own.
Lady Alais d' Arma Graham d' Nitesong Sidhe
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Alais d Nitesong
- Expert Adventurer
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Xeno had told Sylus that he was still offering, despite Sy’s not wishing for companionship at the moment, and then told Xeno, “There is much that is unsaid between Alais and I, and I'm afraid now it will remain so. Because the words are not for public entertainment.” He then left the porch, and vanished into the nearby woods.
He sat down and I took a deep breath. Tasslehofl walked in as well, and we greeted him. Thankfully Xeno did not press me with questions about what had just transpired. I was grateful to him. The silence stretched on before I said quietly, “Yer righ’ Xeno.”
He gave me a grin, “You already said that.”
I chuckled softly, and as Tass walked by, I asked him if he might have a bit of time to speak to me. Things Khirsah had said were weighing heavily on my mind. He agreed, and asked me when, and I shrugged, “’t yer convenience auld friend.” He told me to let him know, and he would make himself available.
Xeno commented that I would now be busy, and I gave him a wry smile, “aye, yesterday was th' first time Ah couldst coax life froom th' soil.”
We talked a bit about healing the land, and then I looked at Xeno seeking advice, “Xeno, dae ye thin' Ah shouldst giff th' 'ouse tae Telemachus?”
He gave me a puzzled look in return, “You are considering giving I’Taurn to Telemachus? Alais, I seem to have underestimated how long you intend to be gone.”
Amaltea joined us then, and as she kissed Xeno I had to bury a pang. “Haff ye?” He had not understood my intent when I had told him I was returning to Matlal.
Xeno gave me a long, assessing look, “Why pass it to the Heir now? You have closed it before.”
I toyed with the glass, “Aye, Ah haff, bu’ Ah’m nae likely tae r’turn.” This time, going to Matlal would entail the healing of an entire island, and a commitment to the dragons there. The unknown factor of course is Khirsah.
Xeno lifted a brow, the only indication of surprise, “Indeed?”
I nodded, “there ist much tae dae, 'n 't wilst take years tae complete.”
He leaned back into his chair, “What will you use for storing things here in the city, Alais? With security.”
His question was unexpected, I had thought to leave my things at the house, storing things had never occurred to me. “Ah've thought tae giff efferathin' 'n th' 'ouse tae 'im. Thence 'e couldst dae wi' 't as 'e likes”
He smiled, “I do not see Telemachus using the manor, either. Do you?”
In truth, no, I did not see Telemachus using the house in RhyDin, he almost never left Nitesong, and was being the Heir I never could be. “nae much 'f 't all,” I conceded.
“I suggest you delay the decision. You can always pass later on, but cannot take it back once you do.” He was taking a logical approach if one expected to return. “Close it.”
I nodded thoughtfully, “ye thin’ tha’ tae be th’ best?”
He sipped his watered wine, “Yes. There is no need to force this decision. Once you close the house, it will not weigh on your mind.”
I swirled the amber liquid in the glass, “Mayhap.” After taking a slow sip, I looked at Xeno, “Ah 'urt 'im Xeno.”
His expression said *ah, here comes the hard part*, but his words were more understanding, “For which reason?”
My words were soft, even by elven standards, “Ah cannae be wha' 'e wanted 'r needed.” I thought back to that time long ago when I had told Sylus that I was not whole, and could never give him everything, but it didn’t make the hurt any less painful.
“Is that a new realization?” His question interrupted my own musings.
“Ah'd told 'im Ah was nae whole, bu' Ah care deepla.” That much had not changed, and I frowned into my glass. “Nay, Ah ken tha' Ah was nae whole, bu' tha' doth nae mean Ah was incapable o' love.” I glanced at Tass a moment. It was time for me to go, and Tass was too involved in his teasing Jaleeisa and Kyndra, and it was better for me to simply slip out the door.
Xeno and Amaltea needed some time together, and I excused myself. But, just as I was making for the door, Tass extricated himself and approached. “Alais? When do ya wanna talk?”
I paused, “when effer yer reada,” I told him, but that he had appeared too busy, and he smiled then, telling me that he was never too busy for me, and then he added something unexpected, “.. I know there's much on your mind.. and he can be... difficult.” So Tass understood why I needed to talk to him. I gave him an understanding smile and headed out onto the porch while he made his farewells.
I had only two burning questions, the others would wait, but Tass decided to join me, and we left the Inn to walk and talk. He took my hand and we walked into the night.
He sat down and I took a deep breath. Tasslehofl walked in as well, and we greeted him. Thankfully Xeno did not press me with questions about what had just transpired. I was grateful to him. The silence stretched on before I said quietly, “Yer righ’ Xeno.”
He gave me a grin, “You already said that.”
I chuckled softly, and as Tass walked by, I asked him if he might have a bit of time to speak to me. Things Khirsah had said were weighing heavily on my mind. He agreed, and asked me when, and I shrugged, “’t yer convenience auld friend.” He told me to let him know, and he would make himself available.
Xeno commented that I would now be busy, and I gave him a wry smile, “aye, yesterday was th' first time Ah couldst coax life froom th' soil.”
We talked a bit about healing the land, and then I looked at Xeno seeking advice, “Xeno, dae ye thin' Ah shouldst giff th' 'ouse tae Telemachus?”
He gave me a puzzled look in return, “You are considering giving I’Taurn to Telemachus? Alais, I seem to have underestimated how long you intend to be gone.”
Amaltea joined us then, and as she kissed Xeno I had to bury a pang. “Haff ye?” He had not understood my intent when I had told him I was returning to Matlal.
Xeno gave me a long, assessing look, “Why pass it to the Heir now? You have closed it before.”
I toyed with the glass, “Aye, Ah haff, bu’ Ah’m nae likely tae r’turn.” This time, going to Matlal would entail the healing of an entire island, and a commitment to the dragons there. The unknown factor of course is Khirsah.
Xeno lifted a brow, the only indication of surprise, “Indeed?”
I nodded, “there ist much tae dae, 'n 't wilst take years tae complete.”
He leaned back into his chair, “What will you use for storing things here in the city, Alais? With security.”
His question was unexpected, I had thought to leave my things at the house, storing things had never occurred to me. “Ah've thought tae giff efferathin' 'n th' 'ouse tae 'im. Thence 'e couldst dae wi' 't as 'e likes”
He smiled, “I do not see Telemachus using the manor, either. Do you?”
In truth, no, I did not see Telemachus using the house in RhyDin, he almost never left Nitesong, and was being the Heir I never could be. “nae much 'f 't all,” I conceded.
“I suggest you delay the decision. You can always pass later on, but cannot take it back once you do.” He was taking a logical approach if one expected to return. “Close it.”
I nodded thoughtfully, “ye thin’ tha’ tae be th’ best?”
He sipped his watered wine, “Yes. There is no need to force this decision. Once you close the house, it will not weigh on your mind.”
I swirled the amber liquid in the glass, “Mayhap.” After taking a slow sip, I looked at Xeno, “Ah 'urt 'im Xeno.”
His expression said *ah, here comes the hard part*, but his words were more understanding, “For which reason?”
My words were soft, even by elven standards, “Ah cannae be wha' 'e wanted 'r needed.” I thought back to that time long ago when I had told Sylus that I was not whole, and could never give him everything, but it didn’t make the hurt any less painful.
“Is that a new realization?” His question interrupted my own musings.
“Ah'd told 'im Ah was nae whole, bu' Ah care deepla.” That much had not changed, and I frowned into my glass. “Nay, Ah ken tha' Ah was nae whole, bu' tha' doth nae mean Ah was incapable o' love.” I glanced at Tass a moment. It was time for me to go, and Tass was too involved in his teasing Jaleeisa and Kyndra, and it was better for me to simply slip out the door.
Xeno and Amaltea needed some time together, and I excused myself. But, just as I was making for the door, Tass extricated himself and approached. “Alais? When do ya wanna talk?”
I paused, “when effer yer reada,” I told him, but that he had appeared too busy, and he smiled then, telling me that he was never too busy for me, and then he added something unexpected, “.. I know there's much on your mind.. and he can be... difficult.” So Tass understood why I needed to talk to him. I gave him an understanding smile and headed out onto the porch while he made his farewells.
I had only two burning questions, the others would wait, but Tass decided to join me, and we left the Inn to walk and talk. He took my hand and we walked into the night.
Lady Alais d' Arma Graham d' Nitesong Sidhe
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Sylus Kurgen
- Expert Adventurer
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- Joined: Tue Dec 21, 2004 1:56 am
- Location: His shop, or the Arena
Perfectly silent steps carried him through I'Taurn as he gathered his things with a grim resolve when all he wanted to truly do was break down and weep. But wolves do not weep, humans do. Clothes packed away, he moved on to the few trinkets that had once meant something to him, each one held a memory of Alais. Wether a quiet moment of them walking the grounds and talking, or of just being in each other's company.
With where Alais was going, he highly doubted she would take anything to remind her of all they had been through together outside of the original memory in her mind. But such things could be covered in time. If she would take nothing to remind her of him, why should he take something to stab him in the heart again? Grinding his teeth, Sylus threw them into the fireplace and had to blink back tears.
"If she can cast aside all that we have been through so readily to follow a path she can't know where it leads, maybe I'm the fool for letting myself care once more. For opening my heart for another scar." He recalled how he'd seen her at the Inn, laughing and joking as if the previous night when she had broken up with him had never happened. How the smile on her face had made everything about her absolutly glow.The very memory of how she had looked in that moment rended his heart anew. Sylus had to stop a moment and keep his emotions in check, despite wanting to do nothing more than wrap himself in anger and let it fester.
The books on necromancy he'd been studying since moving in with her were returned to the library. An out of the way desk caught his eye and triggered a memory, a so distant memory of sitting there reading when the sound of breaking glass came to his lycan ears.
"That's where the path began." He whispered under his breath remembering how beautiful she was the first time he saw her, how she could still take his breath away with a smile, it was enough to make him hastily exit the library.
Hoisting his pack high on his shoulder he gave I'Taurn one last longing look. "Yet another home I will never come back to." Releasing a slow breath he looked up at the stars in the heavens. "You like ruining lives don't you? Shoving obstacles in the way of mortal paths and watching them fall. My first love was seduced by my enemy and then tried to kill me. Now the one woman to own my heart completely is seduced by the brother of an ally. You might as well finish me now, Fates. End my light because I'm tired of your games! Just take this love from my heart and end my pain. She has become as much a natural part of me as breathing, and you've manipulated events to take that part from me! You rediculously enigmatic beings that can't find anything better to do than to play with lives and alter their courses from what SHOULD be, just for a moments enjoyment. You're no better than children with a magnafying glass and we but ants under the beam."
A growl ripped through him far to low to be human. "All I wanted was to spend my days with her, I knew she'd already had a Lifemate and that the possibility of my ever becoming hers was an impossibility, but I didn't care. I didn't care that she wasn't whole, I didn't care that she had done terrible things. I'm neither whole nor have I led the life of a saint. I've much blood on my hands, too much to ever atone for." His dark amber eyes remained on the skies and he could just picture faceless gods laughing at him, mocking his life and all that had been done to him. "If a mortal could kill a god I'd slay you all for filling me with this pain." The words were barely whispered but the threat still firm.
Before he brought down the wrath of some god or goddess that might actually be paying attention to a mortal on himself, or worse. On Alais. he headed for the Inn. He had something to take care of before he could leave.
With where Alais was going, he highly doubted she would take anything to remind her of all they had been through together outside of the original memory in her mind. But such things could be covered in time. If she would take nothing to remind her of him, why should he take something to stab him in the heart again? Grinding his teeth, Sylus threw them into the fireplace and had to blink back tears.
"If she can cast aside all that we have been through so readily to follow a path she can't know where it leads, maybe I'm the fool for letting myself care once more. For opening my heart for another scar." He recalled how he'd seen her at the Inn, laughing and joking as if the previous night when she had broken up with him had never happened. How the smile on her face had made everything about her absolutly glow.The very memory of how she had looked in that moment rended his heart anew. Sylus had to stop a moment and keep his emotions in check, despite wanting to do nothing more than wrap himself in anger and let it fester.
The books on necromancy he'd been studying since moving in with her were returned to the library. An out of the way desk caught his eye and triggered a memory, a so distant memory of sitting there reading when the sound of breaking glass came to his lycan ears.
"That's where the path began." He whispered under his breath remembering how beautiful she was the first time he saw her, how she could still take his breath away with a smile, it was enough to make him hastily exit the library.
Hoisting his pack high on his shoulder he gave I'Taurn one last longing look. "Yet another home I will never come back to." Releasing a slow breath he looked up at the stars in the heavens. "You like ruining lives don't you? Shoving obstacles in the way of mortal paths and watching them fall. My first love was seduced by my enemy and then tried to kill me. Now the one woman to own my heart completely is seduced by the brother of an ally. You might as well finish me now, Fates. End my light because I'm tired of your games! Just take this love from my heart and end my pain. She has become as much a natural part of me as breathing, and you've manipulated events to take that part from me! You rediculously enigmatic beings that can't find anything better to do than to play with lives and alter their courses from what SHOULD be, just for a moments enjoyment. You're no better than children with a magnafying glass and we but ants under the beam."
A growl ripped through him far to low to be human. "All I wanted was to spend my days with her, I knew she'd already had a Lifemate and that the possibility of my ever becoming hers was an impossibility, but I didn't care. I didn't care that she wasn't whole, I didn't care that she had done terrible things. I'm neither whole nor have I led the life of a saint. I've much blood on my hands, too much to ever atone for." His dark amber eyes remained on the skies and he could just picture faceless gods laughing at him, mocking his life and all that had been done to him. "If a mortal could kill a god I'd slay you all for filling me with this pain." The words were barely whispered but the threat still firm.
Before he brought down the wrath of some god or goddess that might actually be paying attention to a mortal on himself, or worse. On Alais. he headed for the Inn. He had something to take care of before he could leave.
~Wanderer of Redemption's Road~
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Alais d Nitesong
- Expert Adventurer
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Tass and I had walked into the night hand in hand, and began our walk toward Gold Dragon Way, and the irony of my home address was not lost upon me as we moved through the ornate mithril gates, with their great dragons and Celtic knotwork. I glanced at Tass, “ye dae ken tha’ Ah’ve been speakin’ wi’ th’ Elder ‘t th’ Inn?”
He looked over at me, “yeah, I know hun,” and he gave my hand a squeeze.
We had by-passed the House and gone into the back lawns to walk in the moonlight. I paused near a growth of night blooming Jasmine, “’e didst say tha' he ist a danger tae all save one, an' tha' 'e cannae coome tae Matlal righ' nae.... tha' th' Silvers wouldst be in danger froom 'im, an' tha' as th' one ye designated as th' leader o' th' silvers, Ah shouldst haff ken such a risk. ‘e didst make me realize tha' Ah dinnae ken th' societal d'mands o' yer people Tass.”
He gave me a small smile, “you know the societal ideals more than you know hun,” He turned then, and drew his hand slowly up and down my arms in a soothing gesture.
I was needing that friendship and the comfort he offered, and as I studied the fragrant vines, I told Tass I was not so certain. “Ah 'ad nae thought aboot his welcome by yer people.... an' whence Ah suggested tha' Garl was th' key tae convincin' 'em, 'e told me tha' there 're nae leaders, 'n tha' 'f they didst d'sire tae gae, they wouldst'”
Tass’ voice was soft in the darkness, “think on your daughter, why is she so angry?”
I shivered then, but it had nothing to do with the night air, “she didst feel abandoned. bu' ye dinnae b'lieve 'e abandoned ye, dae ye?”
Tass’ presence was soothing, “it's much the same with our kin... I know my brother... and, yes, even I feel he abandoned us.”
That admission surprised me, and I shook my head, “ye whom dae ken 'im th' best, 'n are th' one 'e wouldst nae be a danger tae cannae b'lieve 'e abandoned ye.” If Tass believed this, it would be very difficult to convince the others.
Tass looked into my eyes then, “I am not the one who he cannot touch and yes, I do feel he abandoned us… but as I said, I know my brother so I do not hold a grudge against him for such the others do not know him.”
I remembered Khirsah’s words vividly, “'e told me 't wouldst nae haff 'elped th' war.”
Tass smiled, “I see that now, but did I then? Would the others believe that now?”
I shook my head as I had no answer, “'f nae thee, thence whom? Dae ye nae thin' perhaps convincin' th' most influential wouldst be th' way tae gae?”
He looked over at me, “yeah, I know hun,” and he gave my hand a squeeze.
We had by-passed the House and gone into the back lawns to walk in the moonlight. I paused near a growth of night blooming Jasmine, “’e didst say tha' he ist a danger tae all save one, an' tha' 'e cannae coome tae Matlal righ' nae.... tha' th' Silvers wouldst be in danger froom 'im, an' tha' as th' one ye designated as th' leader o' th' silvers, Ah shouldst haff ken such a risk. ‘e didst make me realize tha' Ah dinnae ken th' societal d'mands o' yer people Tass.”
He gave me a small smile, “you know the societal ideals more than you know hun,” He turned then, and drew his hand slowly up and down my arms in a soothing gesture.
I was needing that friendship and the comfort he offered, and as I studied the fragrant vines, I told Tass I was not so certain. “Ah 'ad nae thought aboot his welcome by yer people.... an' whence Ah suggested tha' Garl was th' key tae convincin' 'em, 'e told me tha' there 're nae leaders, 'n tha' 'f they didst d'sire tae gae, they wouldst'”
Tass’ voice was soft in the darkness, “think on your daughter, why is she so angry?”
I shivered then, but it had nothing to do with the night air, “she didst feel abandoned. bu' ye dinnae b'lieve 'e abandoned ye, dae ye?”
Tass’ presence was soothing, “it's much the same with our kin... I know my brother... and, yes, even I feel he abandoned us.”
That admission surprised me, and I shook my head, “ye whom dae ken 'im th' best, 'n are th' one 'e wouldst nae be a danger tae cannae b'lieve 'e abandoned ye.” If Tass believed this, it would be very difficult to convince the others.
Tass looked into my eyes then, “I am not the one who he cannot touch and yes, I do feel he abandoned us… but as I said, I know my brother so I do not hold a grudge against him for such the others do not know him.”
I remembered Khirsah’s words vividly, “'e told me 't wouldst nae haff 'elped th' war.”
Tass smiled, “I see that now, but did I then? Would the others believe that now?”
I shook my head as I had no answer, “'f nae thee, thence whom? Dae ye nae thin' perhaps convincin' th' most influential wouldst be th' way tae gae?”
Lady Alais d' Arma Graham d' Nitesong Sidhe
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Alais d Nitesong
- Expert Adventurer
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- Joined: Sat May 15, 2004 11:52 am
- Location: Matlal, Riverbend, I' Taurn or Nitesong, depending on time of year
- Contact:
Tass wrapped an arm around my shoulder then, “though I am the 'king', if you will, I am merely an arbitrator.. I am the one who holds the peace… each that dwell within the Isles are individuals, and hold allegiance to none they are here of their own will.. of their own choice there are those who have tired of the world outside there are those who have been slain in the outside and given a choice to join the stars, or rest here have you not wondered why Garl, nor the others, leave the Isles?”
I glanced up at him, “Aye, Ah haff.”
“That is why… because here there is peace.. here, they are not hunted, ridiculed, prized…’ there was a dry chuckle from him then, “with the exception of this past... incident.”
I nodded gravely, I understood too well what that ‘incident’ had cost. “Ah’m sorra Tass.”
“For what, love?”
“Fer draggin’ ye tae Riverbend.” I felt it was my fault the tear happened. If he had not come after me, the tear never would have existed.
He laughed then, not a laugh of ridicule, but one of love, “Hun, I’d follow you to the ends of the world and beyond.” He was complete sincerity, and I adored him in that moment. Acceptance was something I rarely felt, but in that instant, I felt it.
I reached up and touched his face, “an’ look wha’ ‘t didst bring tae ye ‘n yer people.”
He took my hand where it rested upon his cheek, placed a kiss in the palm of my hand, as he looked deeply into my eyes, “aye, I am.”
I curled my fingers to cover the scar, as Tass had that hand in his grasp, “Sae ye thin’ ‘e hath a valid point, tha’ manna wouldst feel ‘e d’serted ‘em?”
“They would, but that will fade with time.”
I sighed inwardly, “Tass, Ah need soome one tae teach me more aboot th' people o' yer isles. about th' society Khirsah didst make me realize Ah dinnae ken enou'.”
He gave me a wry smile, “there are some days that even Khirsah and I don’t know enough.”
I smiled then, “ye mayst imagine ‘ow Ah dae feel thence.” If those two did not know enough, how could I as an outsider hope to learn enough?
Tass gave me an understanding smile, “you know more than you think you do, hun.. and the more you are around, the more you will learn but I will teach what I can.. and I'm sure the Elder will as well.”
I took a deep breath, “bu’ will ‘t be rapid enou’?” It was spoken so softly I was not certain I had actually spoken the words aloud, and then I gave him a smile, “didst ye 'ear, there ist green again b'ginnin' tae grow 'pon th' land?” I imagined that he knew since the Isles were of his making.
I glanced up at him, “Aye, Ah haff.”
“That is why… because here there is peace.. here, they are not hunted, ridiculed, prized…’ there was a dry chuckle from him then, “with the exception of this past... incident.”
I nodded gravely, I understood too well what that ‘incident’ had cost. “Ah’m sorra Tass.”
“For what, love?”
“Fer draggin’ ye tae Riverbend.” I felt it was my fault the tear happened. If he had not come after me, the tear never would have existed.
He laughed then, not a laugh of ridicule, but one of love, “Hun, I’d follow you to the ends of the world and beyond.” He was complete sincerity, and I adored him in that moment. Acceptance was something I rarely felt, but in that instant, I felt it.
I reached up and touched his face, “an’ look wha’ ‘t didst bring tae ye ‘n yer people.”
He took my hand where it rested upon his cheek, placed a kiss in the palm of my hand, as he looked deeply into my eyes, “aye, I am.”
I curled my fingers to cover the scar, as Tass had that hand in his grasp, “Sae ye thin’ ‘e hath a valid point, tha’ manna wouldst feel ‘e d’serted ‘em?”
“They would, but that will fade with time.”
I sighed inwardly, “Tass, Ah need soome one tae teach me more aboot th' people o' yer isles. about th' society Khirsah didst make me realize Ah dinnae ken enou'.”
He gave me a wry smile, “there are some days that even Khirsah and I don’t know enough.”
I smiled then, “ye mayst imagine ‘ow Ah dae feel thence.” If those two did not know enough, how could I as an outsider hope to learn enough?
Tass gave me an understanding smile, “you know more than you think you do, hun.. and the more you are around, the more you will learn but I will teach what I can.. and I'm sure the Elder will as well.”
I took a deep breath, “bu’ will ‘t be rapid enou’?” It was spoken so softly I was not certain I had actually spoken the words aloud, and then I gave him a smile, “didst ye 'ear, there ist green again b'ginnin' tae grow 'pon th' land?” I imagined that he knew since the Isles were of his making.
Lady Alais d' Arma Graham d' Nitesong Sidhe
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He smiled in the darkness, “oh, there will be more, I can feel it already.”
I followed the path of a shooting star, “Ah'm nae ascertes th' Elder d'sires tha' Ah learn. 'e didst tell Xeno tha' there was doubt aboot mine r'turn tae th' Isles. Th' land wilst r'cover.” I did not doubt that the land would heal, that was one thing I could be certain about.
Tass’ voice was nearly as soft as an elven one, “love, is there not some doubt that resides in your heart about leaving what you are behind? Leaving who you are leaving behind?”
I lifted my eyes to his once more, and the sliver of moon above was reflected in his eyes, “doubts? Nay. Pain? ‘urt? Sorrow? Aye.” There was more emotion in this decision than I had felt in a very long time. He nodded almost imperceptibly. “Ah thin' Uly didst open th' auld wounds all o'er an' whence Ah r'turned from th' war, Ah didst ken tha' Ah cannae giff Sy wha' 'e doth d'sire 'n need. there ist sorrow fer 'urtin' 'im, there ist pain 't Uly leavin' again.” There was a great deal of pain between Ulysses return and subsequent return to Jacynth, as well as the pain I had delivered to Sylus. The man had bonded to me as a lifemate should, and yet, I could not give him that commitment.
“and the Elder?”
I slid my gaze up to his again, “th' question ist wi' th' Elder Tass. We're bound through this,: and I laid open my hand, “bu' dids't Ah create th' tie tae 'n unwillin' soul? 'e coomes an' talks wi' me whence Ah'm 't th' Inn, bu' doth nae coome 'ere, 'n doth nae r'main 'pon Matlal..... Ah dinnae ken where 'e doth stand. soome times Ah thin' 'e ist jus' waitin' fer me tae make th' first commitment, 'n oother times, Ah'm nae ascertes 'e e'en wants tae talk wi' me, 'e ist an enigma.” An enigma is putting it mildly. I have never been able to read the Elder, and since his change to this pale creature with the ebon jem, I have been even less able to understand his actions.
Tass chuckled merrily, “he is that, but not really. You’ll learn that, as far as your creating, I cannot say it was to an unwilling soul. Much like me, he would not have saved you had he not wanted.”
I pondered his words a moment, he was telling me Khirsah cared enough to save me from unwitting destruction, and I gave him a wry smile, “Ah thin' Ah surprised 'im whence I told 'im 'e 'ad r'jected me.”
Tass winked at me, “I don't think that it was so much that you told him he did… it was perhaps more that you believed he did.”
I told Tass that at the time, I was certain Khirsah had rejected me because I did not know then that my very soul might have been lost, and then change the subject, “Bu', whilst we dae work tha' oot, Ah'm closin' I' Taurn, an' takin' up residence 'pon Matlal. There ist nae reason fer me tae coome 'ere, 'n Xeno didst convince me nae tae giff th' 'ouse tae Telemachus jus' yet.” I would close the house and leave my ties to RhyDin behind.
I followed the path of a shooting star, “Ah'm nae ascertes th' Elder d'sires tha' Ah learn. 'e didst tell Xeno tha' there was doubt aboot mine r'turn tae th' Isles. Th' land wilst r'cover.” I did not doubt that the land would heal, that was one thing I could be certain about.
Tass’ voice was nearly as soft as an elven one, “love, is there not some doubt that resides in your heart about leaving what you are behind? Leaving who you are leaving behind?”
I lifted my eyes to his once more, and the sliver of moon above was reflected in his eyes, “doubts? Nay. Pain? ‘urt? Sorrow? Aye.” There was more emotion in this decision than I had felt in a very long time. He nodded almost imperceptibly. “Ah thin' Uly didst open th' auld wounds all o'er an' whence Ah r'turned from th' war, Ah didst ken tha' Ah cannae giff Sy wha' 'e doth d'sire 'n need. there ist sorrow fer 'urtin' 'im, there ist pain 't Uly leavin' again.” There was a great deal of pain between Ulysses return and subsequent return to Jacynth, as well as the pain I had delivered to Sylus. The man had bonded to me as a lifemate should, and yet, I could not give him that commitment.
“and the Elder?”
I slid my gaze up to his again, “th' question ist wi' th' Elder Tass. We're bound through this,: and I laid open my hand, “bu' dids't Ah create th' tie tae 'n unwillin' soul? 'e coomes an' talks wi' me whence Ah'm 't th' Inn, bu' doth nae coome 'ere, 'n doth nae r'main 'pon Matlal..... Ah dinnae ken where 'e doth stand. soome times Ah thin' 'e ist jus' waitin' fer me tae make th' first commitment, 'n oother times, Ah'm nae ascertes 'e e'en wants tae talk wi' me, 'e ist an enigma.” An enigma is putting it mildly. I have never been able to read the Elder, and since his change to this pale creature with the ebon jem, I have been even less able to understand his actions.
Tass chuckled merrily, “he is that, but not really. You’ll learn that, as far as your creating, I cannot say it was to an unwilling soul. Much like me, he would not have saved you had he not wanted.”
I pondered his words a moment, he was telling me Khirsah cared enough to save me from unwitting destruction, and I gave him a wry smile, “Ah thin' Ah surprised 'im whence I told 'im 'e 'ad r'jected me.”
Tass winked at me, “I don't think that it was so much that you told him he did… it was perhaps more that you believed he did.”
I told Tass that at the time, I was certain Khirsah had rejected me because I did not know then that my very soul might have been lost, and then change the subject, “Bu', whilst we dae work tha' oot, Ah'm closin' I' Taurn, an' takin' up residence 'pon Matlal. There ist nae reason fer me tae coome 'ere, 'n Xeno didst convince me nae tae giff th' 'ouse tae Telemachus jus' yet.” I would close the house and leave my ties to RhyDin behind.
Lady Alais d' Arma Graham d' Nitesong Sidhe
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Alais d Nitesong
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Tass was not ready to stop talking about my belief that Khirsah had rejected me, “and now?” he asked.
“Nae Ah dae ken th' reason fer 'is r'jection, although, Ah still dinnae ken why 'e didst nae reach back fer me once 'e didst ken tha' Ah was desperate enough' tae seek im. 'E didst touch me wi'oot damage 'r danger.” While he may have rejected me for my soul’s survival, he had touched me from that darkness with no ill effect, so why hadn’t he done so?
Tass nodded, then by way of explanation said,“He is of the place you were trying to reach… that is how he was able to touch you... but you were attempting to touch a place that was not your own... a different time, a different space... a place that is not there... a place that is nothing.”
A touch of bitterness swept through me, “Aye, bu' knowin' tha' Ah couldst nae reach 'im, bu' 'e couldst reach me, why didst 'e nae?”
“Perhaps there was something preventing him from it?” It was enough of a question to raise doubt in me.
“Mayhap,” I allowed, but he had touched me first from that place.
Tass smiled, “he was, after all, with the Third.”
I started to say that the Isle’s were free now of the invaders, but Tass’ words brought me up short, “bu’ th’ Third ist dead.” His sister was gone before, and why would she desire to keep him from reaching me?
Tass smiled indulgently, “love.. when things pass from this world.. are they ever truly forgotten?”
“nay,” things that passed on simply changed their realm of existence.
His voice softened, “and knowledge, does it not stay longer?”
I smiled then, “Ah understand yer point. ‘n Tass?”
“aye hun?”
“Nae Ah dae ken th' reason fer 'is r'jection, although, Ah still dinnae ken why 'e didst nae reach back fer me once 'e didst ken tha' Ah was desperate enough' tae seek im. 'E didst touch me wi'oot damage 'r danger.” While he may have rejected me for my soul’s survival, he had touched me from that darkness with no ill effect, so why hadn’t he done so?
Tass nodded, then by way of explanation said,“He is of the place you were trying to reach… that is how he was able to touch you... but you were attempting to touch a place that was not your own... a different time, a different space... a place that is not there... a place that is nothing.”
A touch of bitterness swept through me, “Aye, bu' knowin' tha' Ah couldst nae reach 'im, bu' 'e couldst reach me, why didst 'e nae?”
“Perhaps there was something preventing him from it?” It was enough of a question to raise doubt in me.
“Mayhap,” I allowed, but he had touched me first from that place.
Tass smiled, “he was, after all, with the Third.”
I started to say that the Isle’s were free now of the invaders, but Tass’ words brought me up short, “bu’ th’ Third ist dead.” His sister was gone before, and why would she desire to keep him from reaching me?
Tass smiled indulgently, “love.. when things pass from this world.. are they ever truly forgotten?”
“nay,” things that passed on simply changed their realm of existence.
His voice softened, “and knowledge, does it not stay longer?”
I smiled then, “Ah understand yer point. ‘n Tass?”
“aye hun?”
Lady Alais d' Arma Graham d' Nitesong Sidhe
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I was very curious about why I had not seen Khirsah ever eat or drink, “Ah've seen ye enjoy scotch tae excess, 'n Ah've seen ye eat... bu' th' Elder doth neither tha' Ah haff seen.”
Tass laughed merrily, “love… you have yet to see me drink to excess.. it is merely an act to help ease those around me.”
I quirked a sable brow at him, “Ye 'n Collie certainla seem tae dae a good job.”
Tass chuckled, “that is an advantage of being able to control your own metabolism, and Collie is Irish, its in her blood to drink.”
I laughed softly, “bu' why doth 'e nae effer accept th' offer? Ah've neffer seen 'im ingest annathin', Ah'm b'ginnin' tae wonder 'f 'e doth need tae eat 'r drink.”
Tass smiled, “truth to tell love, I don’t need to, but I do enjoy it.”
I lifted a sable brow at him, for the only creatures I knew of that did not require sustenance were the dead, “bu’….” And I could not give voice to that query.
He gave me a toying smile then, “where did the Elder and I come from?”
“Pr’mordial Darkness,” was my answer as dawning understanding came.
“And what would one eat there?”
I shook my head, “Ah cannae imagine.” He winked at me and told me not to try.
“Tass? Wouldst ‘t be appropriate tae dae a monument o’ sorts tae those who didst pass ‘n th’ fightin’?” I was not sure whether such things would be accepted by the Dragons. Nor did I know how they mourned the loss of their own.
Tass smiled and we resumed our walk slowly deeper into the grounds, “I don’t see why not, love.”
I had something I wanted to show him, and we moved in the direction of the plants I had been working with during my stay in RhyDin, “Ah’ve soomethin’ tae show ye thence, dae ye mind walkin’ a wee bit further?”
There came a mischievous gleam to his eyes, “depends, we headed to your bedroom?”
I gave him a soft laugh, “nay.” He was not serious, and we both knew it.
He laughed, “oh well, yeah, ok then.”
I winked at him, “Ah dae thin’ Kyndra migh’ object.”
He chuckled warmly as we approached the orchid patch, “I don’t know.”
Tass laughed merrily, “love… you have yet to see me drink to excess.. it is merely an act to help ease those around me.”
I quirked a sable brow at him, “Ye 'n Collie certainla seem tae dae a good job.”
Tass chuckled, “that is an advantage of being able to control your own metabolism, and Collie is Irish, its in her blood to drink.”
I laughed softly, “bu' why doth 'e nae effer accept th' offer? Ah've neffer seen 'im ingest annathin', Ah'm b'ginnin' tae wonder 'f 'e doth need tae eat 'r drink.”
Tass smiled, “truth to tell love, I don’t need to, but I do enjoy it.”
I lifted a sable brow at him, for the only creatures I knew of that did not require sustenance were the dead, “bu’….” And I could not give voice to that query.
He gave me a toying smile then, “where did the Elder and I come from?”
“Pr’mordial Darkness,” was my answer as dawning understanding came.
“And what would one eat there?”
I shook my head, “Ah cannae imagine.” He winked at me and told me not to try.
“Tass? Wouldst ‘t be appropriate tae dae a monument o’ sorts tae those who didst pass ‘n th’ fightin’?” I was not sure whether such things would be accepted by the Dragons. Nor did I know how they mourned the loss of their own.
Tass smiled and we resumed our walk slowly deeper into the grounds, “I don’t see why not, love.”
I had something I wanted to show him, and we moved in the direction of the plants I had been working with during my stay in RhyDin, “Ah’ve soomethin’ tae show ye thence, dae ye mind walkin’ a wee bit further?”
There came a mischievous gleam to his eyes, “depends, we headed to your bedroom?”
I gave him a soft laugh, “nay.” He was not serious, and we both knew it.
He laughed, “oh well, yeah, ok then.”
I winked at him, “Ah dae thin’ Kyndra migh’ object.”
He chuckled warmly as we approached the orchid patch, “I don’t know.”
Lady Alais d' Arma Graham d' Nitesong Sidhe
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Alais d Nitesong
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I lead him toward a small rise near a copse of very large trees that were covered in mosses and epiphytes, “Ye dae ken tha’ orchids ‘re great mimics ‘n nature?”
He gave me a puzzled look, “are they now?” His brow lifted and was accompanied by a grin.
“Ah’ve spent soome time workin' wi' th' flowers.... an' Ah'd li' tae bring' em tae Matlal.” I gave him a serious nod. “aye, they are.”
“So why don’t ya bring them to the Isle?” He was puzzled by my request.
Shimmering in the moonlight were 6 long, arching stems that draped down from the plants overhead, and upon each stem were hundreds of flowers which at first glance, appeared to be a flight of dragons in miniature. “b'cause they're nae native bu', Ah'd like tae bring'em tae plant near th' 'ouse Ah'm r'buildin'.” I did not know if plants from off the islands would be accepted, and I had done a lot of work to cox these into being.
“so again, hun.. why don't you bring them to the isle?”
I gave him a warm smile, “Ah didst nae wish tae bring annathing foreign tae yer Isle wi'oot yer approval.”
He laughed again, “love, it is part yours now.”
“'f ye dinnae mind, Ah'll bring'em wi'me thence.” I was pleased he would allow them to be brought to the Island, I would use them in the memorial. I turned then toward the house, “Thank ye fer answerin' mine questions Tass.”
He linked his arm in mine as we moved back toward the house, “I know they are not even the tip of the iceberg, but I will help all I can. I always will.”
His vow was more than I could ask for, and appreciated perhaps more than he knows, “Tass, Ah couldst ask ye questions fer th' next century 'n nae haff all 'o 'em answered.”
He smiled as we moved into a circle of light from the house, “as could I, and I’ve been around quite a while.”
I gave a soft laugh as I reached for the doors, “whilst Ah'm auld by 'uman standards, Ah'm bu' a blink 'n th' eye o' ye 'n th' Elder.” He winked at me, and I opened the doors leading into the Great Hall. He chuckled and pushed me gently forward to precede him into the room.
He gave me a puzzled look, “are they now?” His brow lifted and was accompanied by a grin.
“Ah’ve spent soome time workin' wi' th' flowers.... an' Ah'd li' tae bring' em tae Matlal.” I gave him a serious nod. “aye, they are.”
“So why don’t ya bring them to the Isle?” He was puzzled by my request.
Shimmering in the moonlight were 6 long, arching stems that draped down from the plants overhead, and upon each stem were hundreds of flowers which at first glance, appeared to be a flight of dragons in miniature. “b'cause they're nae native bu', Ah'd like tae bring'em tae plant near th' 'ouse Ah'm r'buildin'.” I did not know if plants from off the islands would be accepted, and I had done a lot of work to cox these into being.
“so again, hun.. why don't you bring them to the isle?”
I gave him a warm smile, “Ah didst nae wish tae bring annathing foreign tae yer Isle wi'oot yer approval.”
He laughed again, “love, it is part yours now.”
“'f ye dinnae mind, Ah'll bring'em wi'me thence.” I was pleased he would allow them to be brought to the Island, I would use them in the memorial. I turned then toward the house, “Thank ye fer answerin' mine questions Tass.”
He linked his arm in mine as we moved back toward the house, “I know they are not even the tip of the iceberg, but I will help all I can. I always will.”
His vow was more than I could ask for, and appreciated perhaps more than he knows, “Tass, Ah couldst ask ye questions fer th' next century 'n nae haff all 'o 'em answered.”
He smiled as we moved into a circle of light from the house, “as could I, and I’ve been around quite a while.”
I gave a soft laugh as I reached for the doors, “whilst Ah'm auld by 'uman standards, Ah'm bu' a blink 'n th' eye o' ye 'n th' Elder.” He winked at me, and I opened the doors leading into the Great Hall. He chuckled and pushed me gently forward to precede him into the room.
Lady Alais d' Arma Graham d' Nitesong Sidhe
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Alais d Nitesong
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There, above the blue granite fireplace, where my family’s coat of arms should have hung was an empty space, with a shadow of a long, rippled blade. The shadow was black against the mahogany wall, and stood out in relief stronger than any of the other items mounted upon the wall.
As I walked into the room, I smiled at him, “always th’ gentleman.”
He gave me a varlet’s look, “somedays, and somedays the rogue.”
I chuckled, “Ah dae thin’ ‘t ist part o’ bein’ a male, o’ anna species.” It was then that Tass looked up and spotted the shadow that had appeared on the wall earlier.
I followed where his gaze led, “tha’ doth seem tae be all tha’ doth r’main o’ ‘t.” There was a tinge of relief, and a bit of fear, for the shadow had not been there when I had first returned. But it was there now, and seemed to be deepening with each passing day.
Tass spoke softly, “perhaps, but the dragon in me has a hunger, perhaps that’s the best.”
I glanced at him sharply, “’n wha’ doth th’ dragon ‘unger fer?” He simply gave me a smile, but would expand upon it no further. “Ah've nae tried tae r'turn th' famila arms tae their rightful place since th' blade's shadow appeared.”
I took my focus off of the shadow, “Tass, haff ye seen th’ Elder since ‘is r’turn?” He nodded, and said that he had, and I asked if he had noticed the black gem about his neck. The gem was an item of great curiosity for me, and when he told me that it was not the only one, but that there were in fact 13 in total that had been a gift, I asked him if he knew from whom.
He gave me a shrug, and I walked toward the fireplace, and stepped up onto the hearth stone, reaching up to touch the shadow image of Daemonbane, “'t didst feel li' th' Darkness whence Ah touched 't.... bu' more.... 'n li' th' books, bu' darker, more.” Then I turns to look at him over my shoulder as my fingers touched the shadow where the hilt should have been. “’n ‘ow dae ye feel aboot ‘em?”
He seemed not to find the words, and shook his head, and I then asked him about the blade at Khirsah’s side, “'t doth nae seem tae gae wi''im.”
He gave me an enigmatic look, “from what I have felt.. it is much like you.. much like the one which was held here.. but.. more.”
I quirked a brow at him, what did he mean, “like me” and “like the one which was held here”?
He glanced from the shadow to me, “it eats.”
That sent a frission of apprehension through me. “Doth ‘t’unger Tass? Trula?”
He lowered his voice to a soft whisper, “it’s hunger is not the same as mine.”
I did shiver then, “Daemonbane didst 'unger Tass, 'n tha' 'unger didst grow wi' time.
Tass shook his head, “Daemonbane hungered destruction.” And I had to agree with that. “this, this one hungers absolution… souls.”
As I walked into the room, I smiled at him, “always th’ gentleman.”
He gave me a varlet’s look, “somedays, and somedays the rogue.”
I chuckled, “Ah dae thin’ ‘t ist part o’ bein’ a male, o’ anna species.” It was then that Tass looked up and spotted the shadow that had appeared on the wall earlier.
I followed where his gaze led, “tha’ doth seem tae be all tha’ doth r’main o’ ‘t.” There was a tinge of relief, and a bit of fear, for the shadow had not been there when I had first returned. But it was there now, and seemed to be deepening with each passing day.
Tass spoke softly, “perhaps, but the dragon in me has a hunger, perhaps that’s the best.”
I glanced at him sharply, “’n wha’ doth th’ dragon ‘unger fer?” He simply gave me a smile, but would expand upon it no further. “Ah've nae tried tae r'turn th' famila arms tae their rightful place since th' blade's shadow appeared.”
I took my focus off of the shadow, “Tass, haff ye seen th’ Elder since ‘is r’turn?” He nodded, and said that he had, and I asked if he had noticed the black gem about his neck. The gem was an item of great curiosity for me, and when he told me that it was not the only one, but that there were in fact 13 in total that had been a gift, I asked him if he knew from whom.
He gave me a shrug, and I walked toward the fireplace, and stepped up onto the hearth stone, reaching up to touch the shadow image of Daemonbane, “'t didst feel li' th' Darkness whence Ah touched 't.... bu' more.... 'n li' th' books, bu' darker, more.” Then I turns to look at him over my shoulder as my fingers touched the shadow where the hilt should have been. “’n ‘ow dae ye feel aboot ‘em?”
He seemed not to find the words, and shook his head, and I then asked him about the blade at Khirsah’s side, “'t doth nae seem tae gae wi''im.”
He gave me an enigmatic look, “from what I have felt.. it is much like you.. much like the one which was held here.. but.. more.”
I quirked a brow at him, what did he mean, “like me” and “like the one which was held here”?
He glanced from the shadow to me, “it eats.”
That sent a frission of apprehension through me. “Doth ‘t’unger Tass? Trula?”
He lowered his voice to a soft whisper, “it’s hunger is not the same as mine.”
I did shiver then, “Daemonbane didst 'unger Tass, 'n tha' 'unger didst grow wi' time.
Tass shook his head, “Daemonbane hungered destruction.” And I had to agree with that. “this, this one hungers absolution… souls.”
Lady Alais d' Arma Graham d' Nitesong Sidhe
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Alais d Nitesong
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I nearly fell off the hearth stone, “souls? Tha’ was Daemonbane’s search Tass!” He nodded, and I asked him what he was going to do about it. When he told me nothing, I was clearly shocked. He had felt Daemonbane’s terrible hunger first hand, and now he would do nothing about the soul hungering blade Khirsah carried?
“what can I do? the relics which I hold do not compare to that one..”
I knew a moment of regret for losing Daemonbane in that moment, “find a way tae d’story ‘t Tass.” There had to be a way, but Tass’ admission that he had no relic its equal was frightening.
He gave me a reassuring look, “as long as the Elder holds it, there is no need for me to worry on it.”
“Tass, ‘ow mayst ye say such wi’ th’ knowledge o’ Daemonbane?”
“Because Daemonbane was not controlled this one.. is,” came his confident answer.
I know the look I gave him must have been incredulous, “:: Daemonbane was controlled by each King, Morrin' bein' th' last, bu' it was evil Tass.... anna blade tha' doth seek souls cannae be trusted.”
Tass nodded, “did not Daemonbane destroy its holder?”
The great blade had eventually destroyed each King that wielded it, until Morrin broke that loop, the blade had never mastered Morrin, “all ‘ntil Morrin, aye.”
Tass then told me that the Elder controlled this blade, and that it was made by him, but I couldn’t help but wonder for how long Khirsah would be able to control the blade, when would it take over it’s maker as Daemonbane had done. Tass just smiled, “let us say it won’t.”
I walked toward him, “Ah dae ‘ope yer righ’.”
Tass seemed certain, and said, “I was, I felt, I am.”
I paused before him then, regarding him closely, “Ah’ll ‘aff tae trust yer righ’ Tass.”
He nodded then and wrapped his arms around me, and I leaned against his strength, “wha’ dae Ah dae next Tass?” as I returned his hug, my future seemed hidden behind a curtain I could not penetrate.
He just held me there in the Great Hall, “what do you want to do?”
I looked up at him, “th’ righ’ thin’.”
He smiled down at me, “I have a feeling you will do that.”
“Ah'm tryin' Tass, an' Ah'll jus' haff tae see wha' th' Elder d'sires. 'n th' mean time, Ah'm r'turnin' tae Matlal.” Things in RhyDin would carry on without me. Matlal needed me, and I needed Matlal.
“In that case.. might I suggest you come by more and quit worrying about worrying me?” He then let me go, and as I promised him that I would, he vanished and I was left alone in the Great Hall with the shadow of Daemonbane.
“what can I do? the relics which I hold do not compare to that one..”
I knew a moment of regret for losing Daemonbane in that moment, “find a way tae d’story ‘t Tass.” There had to be a way, but Tass’ admission that he had no relic its equal was frightening.
He gave me a reassuring look, “as long as the Elder holds it, there is no need for me to worry on it.”
“Tass, ‘ow mayst ye say such wi’ th’ knowledge o’ Daemonbane?”
“Because Daemonbane was not controlled this one.. is,” came his confident answer.
I know the look I gave him must have been incredulous, “:: Daemonbane was controlled by each King, Morrin' bein' th' last, bu' it was evil Tass.... anna blade tha' doth seek souls cannae be trusted.”
Tass nodded, “did not Daemonbane destroy its holder?”
The great blade had eventually destroyed each King that wielded it, until Morrin broke that loop, the blade had never mastered Morrin, “all ‘ntil Morrin, aye.”
Tass then told me that the Elder controlled this blade, and that it was made by him, but I couldn’t help but wonder for how long Khirsah would be able to control the blade, when would it take over it’s maker as Daemonbane had done. Tass just smiled, “let us say it won’t.”
I walked toward him, “Ah dae ‘ope yer righ’.”
Tass seemed certain, and said, “I was, I felt, I am.”
I paused before him then, regarding him closely, “Ah’ll ‘aff tae trust yer righ’ Tass.”
He nodded then and wrapped his arms around me, and I leaned against his strength, “wha’ dae Ah dae next Tass?” as I returned his hug, my future seemed hidden behind a curtain I could not penetrate.
He just held me there in the Great Hall, “what do you want to do?”
I looked up at him, “th’ righ’ thin’.”
He smiled down at me, “I have a feeling you will do that.”
“Ah'm tryin' Tass, an' Ah'll jus' haff tae see wha' th' Elder d'sires. 'n th' mean time, Ah'm r'turnin' tae Matlal.” Things in RhyDin would carry on without me. Matlal needed me, and I needed Matlal.
“In that case.. might I suggest you come by more and quit worrying about worrying me?” He then let me go, and as I promised him that I would, he vanished and I was left alone in the Great Hall with the shadow of Daemonbane.
Lady Alais d' Arma Graham d' Nitesong Sidhe
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