Resurrection
Re: Resurrection
Yyan could hear Kate swearing fiercely behind him as he strained his gaze for their spectral attacker. Heavy footsteps pounded from the companionway: crewmen from the hold startled by the noise coming from the stateroom above them.
“Yyan, shut that door and bolt it!” Kate commanded. Yyan dashed to obey, knowing her mind immediately; she didn’t want any of her men blundering into this thing and getting themselves skewered. He snapped the lock in place and jumped back just in time to dodge another swing of that black sword.
“Captain!” The knob jiggled, and fists hammered the door. “Are you all right, captain!”
“Rats in the room!” Kate shouted. “About your business, now!”
Yyan backpedaled into the middle of the room, holding his staff at guard and scanning the air desperately, but time stretched for several moments without the shade reappearing. He didn’t trust that it was gone, though. Salovuje, you called it a name. You know what this creature is?
“Yyan, shut that door and bolt it!” Kate commanded. Yyan dashed to obey, knowing her mind immediately; she didn’t want any of her men blundering into this thing and getting themselves skewered. He snapped the lock in place and jumped back just in time to dodge another swing of that black sword.
“Captain!” The knob jiggled, and fists hammered the door. “Are you all right, captain!”
“Rats in the room!” Kate shouted. “About your business, now!”
Yyan backpedaled into the middle of the room, holding his staff at guard and scanning the air desperately, but time stretched for several moments without the shade reappearing. He didn’t trust that it was gone, though. Salovuje, you called it a name. You know what this creature is?
Re: Resurrection
Salovuje watched Yyan with wide, fear-filled eyes. She looked around nervously. "Not what, but who. His name is Eifandir Joudyla. He was one of the twelve who formed the seal. The souls were channeled trhough jadeite vessels, and through it each made a living seal. He does not bear the jadeite, so I can only assume it has been taken. And, if so, then the seal is broken, but if we can get the jadeite back to him we might be able to restore the seal."
Elemire stood over Salovuje with her eyes closed, focusing herself. When she opened her eyes, the pupils were large and the irises were more gold than green. "It has the same feel as that which I saw in Oakenwyld." To her, things either glowed with the touch of a magical aura or was flatly two-dimensional. An echo of a shadow,as if it were an after-image on the retina, passed by Kate.
Elemire held her blades at the ready. So long as it was not manifest, she was not sure she could hit it. How could they fight something like this? She had landed a blow to the thing when it appeared, but it did not seem phased at all. This shadow magic was dangerous indeed. They were not in Numen, yet the thing had managed to find them and attack them; with them none the wiser of it.
"It is near you, Captain, but it is moving. It is almost like it is assessing us, feeling out for weak points... Salovuje, move!" Elemire grabbed Salovuje pulling her forward just as one of the black blades pierced through the back of the chair. Swinging her sword, she aimed for the neck of the creature.
"No!" Salovuje cried out, but it was too late. The creature's head lolled to the side, not completely severed. Black ichor oozed from the wound where red blood would have spewed had he been alive. Then, the body fell to the floor.
The black blades dissolved and merged with the ichor. The drops that were on the edge of Elemire's blade dripped and jumped. Shadow blades and black blood formed a puddle that quickly slid under the desk; disappearing into the shadows there. Elemire followed after, taking up a lamp and peering under the desk. No shadowy echoes remained.
"It is gone."
Salovuje scrabbled to her knees and moved to the body. "Oh, Eifandir..." Fat tears welled in her eyes and fell down her cheeks, only to drop as dark splotches on the white dust, which was all that remained of the body.
Elemire turned back to look at Salovuje. Her face a solemn mask as she slid her blades back into their scabbards. "May the Lady take her to him."
Salovuje sat slumped, her hands upturned and slack on her lap, while tears ran down her face. Her voice was flat and raw.
"She cannot. The jadeite holds his soul. Until it is freed from the jadeite, he will never meet her. That was their sacrifice. Never to be reborn or find peace; to spend an eternity as guardians; rooted in one spot. No food, no rest; no ... " A sob caught her words in her throat, "no one to care for them or to honor their memories. Left behind so that the rest of us could live." Salovuje rubbed the heel of her palm across her eyes and heaved a heavy sigh.
Elemire stood over Salovuje with her eyes closed, focusing herself. When she opened her eyes, the pupils were large and the irises were more gold than green. "It has the same feel as that which I saw in Oakenwyld." To her, things either glowed with the touch of a magical aura or was flatly two-dimensional. An echo of a shadow,as if it were an after-image on the retina, passed by Kate.
Elemire held her blades at the ready. So long as it was not manifest, she was not sure she could hit it. How could they fight something like this? She had landed a blow to the thing when it appeared, but it did not seem phased at all. This shadow magic was dangerous indeed. They were not in Numen, yet the thing had managed to find them and attack them; with them none the wiser of it.
"It is near you, Captain, but it is moving. It is almost like it is assessing us, feeling out for weak points... Salovuje, move!" Elemire grabbed Salovuje pulling her forward just as one of the black blades pierced through the back of the chair. Swinging her sword, she aimed for the neck of the creature.
"No!" Salovuje cried out, but it was too late. The creature's head lolled to the side, not completely severed. Black ichor oozed from the wound where red blood would have spewed had he been alive. Then, the body fell to the floor.
The black blades dissolved and merged with the ichor. The drops that were on the edge of Elemire's blade dripped and jumped. Shadow blades and black blood formed a puddle that quickly slid under the desk; disappearing into the shadows there. Elemire followed after, taking up a lamp and peering under the desk. No shadowy echoes remained.
"It is gone."
Salovuje scrabbled to her knees and moved to the body. "Oh, Eifandir..." Fat tears welled in her eyes and fell down her cheeks, only to drop as dark splotches on the white dust, which was all that remained of the body.
Elemire turned back to look at Salovuje. Her face a solemn mask as she slid her blades back into their scabbards. "May the Lady take her to him."
Salovuje sat slumped, her hands upturned and slack on her lap, while tears ran down her face. Her voice was flat and raw.
"She cannot. The jadeite holds his soul. Until it is freed from the jadeite, he will never meet her. That was their sacrifice. Never to be reborn or find peace; to spend an eternity as guardians; rooted in one spot. No food, no rest; no ... " A sob caught her words in her throat, "no one to care for them or to honor their memories. Left behind so that the rest of us could live." Salovuje rubbed the heel of her palm across her eyes and heaved a heavy sigh.
A story is like a tapestry; it is never finished until the final thread is sewn.
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Re: Resurrection
Elemire had said the thing was gone, but Kate pinned Yyan with her gaze. He nodded and whispered to her, She is right. It's gone.
For now, Kate returned sourly, but she did resheath her dagger. She crossed the room to the door, unlocked it, and flung it open. Four men stood blinking in the lamplight, their brows furrowed by confusion. "Really big rats," their captain growled. "And did I not say about your business? Hop it!" The crewmen unshook themselves and beat a hasty exit.
Yyan knealt down beside Salovuje. He reached out and let his palm hover an inch above the film of white powder on the floor. There was nothing living within it, not even a residual energy of something that had once been alive. It was merely dust. He closed his eyes in thought, recalling the black substance that had slunk away from Elemire's blade. Kate was right: whatever creature had called Eifandir to attack them was gone, but not defeated.
Which meant it would return.
Yyan looked up at Elemire. I suggest you stay with Salovuje tonight. We may be safer once we are on the high seas, but if this thing can reach us all the way from Numen, then it can probably find us no matter where we are in the world. This won't be the last we hear of it.
Then he rested a hand on Salovuje's shoulder. Do you remember the coin you showed to me this morning? Let me see it for a moment.
For now, Kate returned sourly, but she did resheath her dagger. She crossed the room to the door, unlocked it, and flung it open. Four men stood blinking in the lamplight, their brows furrowed by confusion. "Really big rats," their captain growled. "And did I not say about your business? Hop it!" The crewmen unshook themselves and beat a hasty exit.
Yyan knealt down beside Salovuje. He reached out and let his palm hover an inch above the film of white powder on the floor. There was nothing living within it, not even a residual energy of something that had once been alive. It was merely dust. He closed his eyes in thought, recalling the black substance that had slunk away from Elemire's blade. Kate was right: whatever creature had called Eifandir to attack them was gone, but not defeated.
Which meant it would return.
Yyan looked up at Elemire. I suggest you stay with Salovuje tonight. We may be safer once we are on the high seas, but if this thing can reach us all the way from Numen, then it can probably find us no matter where we are in the world. This won't be the last we hear of it.
Then he rested a hand on Salovuje's shoulder. Do you remember the coin you showed to me this morning? Let me see it for a moment.
Re: Resurrection
"With his body destroyed and the soul vessel lost, I do not know how we will recreate the seal," Salovuje said flatly to Yyan as he knelt beside her.
Eifandir Joudyla...
"Eifandir Joudyla. Ofaldir Goudhal. Rouwan Vhal. Leriss Tas'kimo. Kimenth Ayako. Inyse Addyn. Mosok Isaugh. Sulmora Echton. Enhon Perusko. Lireh Toreque. Gar-nyen Su. Kern Jarrell. I remember you." She said this softly, but not so softly the others would not hear her. "Their names are also in my journal. I suppose you did not read that far."
Elemire's thoughts had already traveled in that direction. She nodded in reply. "The question is how did it find us? " Elemire looked at Salovuje. There were so many things that could be the answer to that question: the map, Salovuje, but if they disposed of either of those things then they would lose valuable resources. Elemire nodded again. At least we know we can hinder it .
Salovuje looked at Yyan, but it was as if she was lost in her own thoughts. His hand on her shoulder, brought her out of her reverie. She nodded and produced the coin.
"Here."
Eifandir Joudyla...
"Eifandir Joudyla. Ofaldir Goudhal. Rouwan Vhal. Leriss Tas'kimo. Kimenth Ayako. Inyse Addyn. Mosok Isaugh. Sulmora Echton. Enhon Perusko. Lireh Toreque. Gar-nyen Su. Kern Jarrell. I remember you." She said this softly, but not so softly the others would not hear her. "Their names are also in my journal. I suppose you did not read that far."
Elemire's thoughts had already traveled in that direction. She nodded in reply. "The question is how did it find us? " Elemire looked at Salovuje. There were so many things that could be the answer to that question: the map, Salovuje, but if they disposed of either of those things then they would lose valuable resources. Elemire nodded again. At least we know we can hinder it .
Salovuje looked at Yyan, but it was as if she was lost in her own thoughts. His hand on her shoulder, brought her out of her reverie. She nodded and produced the coin.
"Here."
A story is like a tapestry; it is never finished until the final thread is sewn.
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Re: Resurrection
Keeping his hand on Salovuje’s shoulder, Yyan wrapped his fingers around the golden disk. There was no glow of light, no change in the air to mark that he did anything resembling a spell, but after several moments he handed the coin back to her. With luck, now that thing won’t get the drop on us when it returns.
No one disputed his use of the word ‘when’; they all knew the truth of it.
“I’ll send Tomas out at first light tomorrow to hire on the extra hands we’ll need,” Kate said. “Ordinarily I wouldn’t consider leaving port in the dead of night, but we may be pressed against the hourglass if you lot are being pursued by some astral beast.”
Yyan shook his head. A few hours won’t make much difference, and you’ll want the crew well-rested before this journey.
Kate twitched her lips in a half-smile, reached over and gave Yyan’s hair a playful rub. “I should’ve snatched you up when I had the chance. Would you consider now giving up this silly minstrel business for some honest work?”
Yyan hadn’t brought his lute down with him to the ship. Now he wished he had, for he would have reached around to give it a protective hug. Instead he settled on a cheeky grin. Not a chance in the world.
Kate shrugged nonchalantly and stretched her arms above her head. “Your father would give me grief ‘til the end of my days if you said aught else anyway.” She dropped her hands back to her hips, and her expression became serious again. “There may be strength in numbers if this black ghost of yours decided to return tonight. I can have the crew lay cots in my stateroom for you ladies, and Yyan can bunk down below. Your choice.”
No one disputed his use of the word ‘when’; they all knew the truth of it.
“I’ll send Tomas out at first light tomorrow to hire on the extra hands we’ll need,” Kate said. “Ordinarily I wouldn’t consider leaving port in the dead of night, but we may be pressed against the hourglass if you lot are being pursued by some astral beast.”
Yyan shook his head. A few hours won’t make much difference, and you’ll want the crew well-rested before this journey.
Kate twitched her lips in a half-smile, reached over and gave Yyan’s hair a playful rub. “I should’ve snatched you up when I had the chance. Would you consider now giving up this silly minstrel business for some honest work?”
Yyan hadn’t brought his lute down with him to the ship. Now he wished he had, for he would have reached around to give it a protective hug. Instead he settled on a cheeky grin. Not a chance in the world.
Kate shrugged nonchalantly and stretched her arms above her head. “Your father would give me grief ‘til the end of my days if you said aught else anyway.” She dropped her hands back to her hips, and her expression became serious again. “There may be strength in numbers if this black ghost of yours decided to return tonight. I can have the crew lay cots in my stateroom for you ladies, and Yyan can bunk down below. Your choice.”
Re: Resurrection
Salovuje took the coin and clasped it tightly in her hands and held it to her chest. "Thank you."
A few hours won’t make much difference, and you’ll want the crew well-rested before this journey.
Elemire nodded. "A well-rested crew is the best choice and staying here is also a good idea. We will be close by one another and on board, should we need to leave sooner than we plan." She looked to Salovuje who was still holding the coin in her hands. "Salovuje?"
Salovuje blinked and looked at the three of them. "Yes, I agree." Tucking the coin into the coat pocket once more, Salovuje slowly lifted herself from the floor and brushed her hands over Misumi's coat as if to remove wrinkles that were nonexistent. She nodded to herself.
"Just show me where I am to sleep, when it is time. Captain. Is there anything I can do to help?"
A few hours won’t make much difference, and you’ll want the crew well-rested before this journey.
Elemire nodded. "A well-rested crew is the best choice and staying here is also a good idea. We will be close by one another and on board, should we need to leave sooner than we plan." She looked to Salovuje who was still holding the coin in her hands. "Salovuje?"
Salovuje blinked and looked at the three of them. "Yes, I agree." Tucking the coin into the coat pocket once more, Salovuje slowly lifted herself from the floor and brushed her hands over Misumi's coat as if to remove wrinkles that were nonexistent. She nodded to herself.
"Just show me where I am to sleep, when it is time. Captain. Is there anything I can do to help?"
A story is like a tapestry; it is never finished until the final thread is sewn.
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Re: Resurrection
Kate’s hard, striking features softened with an almost motherly smile. “The most helpful thing you can do tonight is not fash yourself and try to get a night’s sleep. That may seem hard in light of what just happened, but ships are prone to close atmospheres. If one person feels unseasonably nervous, the crew will pick it up, and the last thing we all need is for the men to jump at their own shadows.”
Indeed, Kate seemed no more unfazed now than if they had been accosted by rats. She drew a thin, silver whistle from a breeches pocket, and the resulting toot summoned a cabin boy in oversized hand-me-downs to the stateroom. “Bring up a pair of cots and some spare blankets,” the captain instructed.
“Aye, ma’am.” The boy gave a curt bow and raced off.
“I have spare sleeping clothes as well,” Kate told the ladies. “No need to venture further this night. Your effects can be brought to the ship in the morning.” At the rear of the stateroom she unlocked a door that exposed a room with a few closet doors and a sleeping bunk with a chest of drawers built beneath it. From one of the drawers she pulled out a pair of long-sleeved tunics and draw-string pants, all straight cut in warm, comfortable materials. “I keep a lot of spare clothes,” she said. “Probably more than I ought, but I just despise doing laundry.”
Yyan hung back, settling himself in a corner near the chart-table. His thumb skimmed back and forth across his upper lip as his mind raced. He struggled to recall every tale and legend he had ever heard of spirits, wraiths or astral creatures, anything that might give him a clue about what their attacker was.
After several moments of chasing his thoughts in circles, Yyan realized that he was tired and still on edge, his center unbalanced. He needed to address that before he went any farther. The coin would alert him if danger drew near again.
Without a word he slipped out of the cabin and into the chill air drifting from the surf.
Indeed, Kate seemed no more unfazed now than if they had been accosted by rats. She drew a thin, silver whistle from a breeches pocket, and the resulting toot summoned a cabin boy in oversized hand-me-downs to the stateroom. “Bring up a pair of cots and some spare blankets,” the captain instructed.
“Aye, ma’am.” The boy gave a curt bow and raced off.
“I have spare sleeping clothes as well,” Kate told the ladies. “No need to venture further this night. Your effects can be brought to the ship in the morning.” At the rear of the stateroom she unlocked a door that exposed a room with a few closet doors and a sleeping bunk with a chest of drawers built beneath it. From one of the drawers she pulled out a pair of long-sleeved tunics and draw-string pants, all straight cut in warm, comfortable materials. “I keep a lot of spare clothes,” she said. “Probably more than I ought, but I just despise doing laundry.”
Yyan hung back, settling himself in a corner near the chart-table. His thumb skimmed back and forth across his upper lip as his mind raced. He struggled to recall every tale and legend he had ever heard of spirits, wraiths or astral creatures, anything that might give him a clue about what their attacker was.
After several moments of chasing his thoughts in circles, Yyan realized that he was tired and still on edge, his center unbalanced. He needed to address that before he went any farther. The coin would alert him if danger drew near again.
Without a word he slipped out of the cabin and into the chill air drifting from the surf.
Re: Resurrection
Salovuje gave Kate a smile and there would be a moment that the person looking out of that young face was much older than they looked. It was something in the eyes. "Alright."
Elemire leaned against the wall, arms crossed, and her usual reserved expression on her face until Kate mentioned sleeping clothes. She had not thought to purchase those for Salovuje.
“I keep a lot of spare clothes, probably more than I ought, but I just despise doing laundry.” Elemire smiled, the corners of her mouth turning upwards. "If you have the ability, I can teach you how to clean your clothes with a simple cantrip. I have found it invaluable on long trips, especially those that require long treks."
Salovuje moved to peer into the small room. "Thank you, I haven't any sleep clothes with me." Stepping into the room, she pulled the door closed and changed. Salovuje looked down at herself. She looked like a lost waif. Kate was a strong, sturdy woman where Misumi-Salovuje was not. She had been able to cinch the waist of the pants with the drawstring, but the pants hung very loosely on her and had several inches at the ends of the legs. The shirt was loose as well; enough so that it hung off of one shoulder and fell almost to the tops of her knees. She cuffed the sleeves until her hands were free.
When she emerged, the cabin boy and another sailor had returned with the cots, Elemire was helping to set them up, and Yyan had disappeared.
"Where did Yyan go?"
Elemire looked up. "I believe he stepped outside."
Salovuje nodded and stepped onto the deck. Seeing Yyan, she approached him and held out Kern Jarrell's biography. "Here. I believe this was meant for you. It, too, is a memory book. Kern wanted to capture the tunes and words of his lays in it. I hope you enjoy it." Salovuje smiled up at Yyan and placed a hand on his arm, giving the arm a soft squeeze.
"I would ... enjoy hearing the songs once more."
Elemire leaned against the wall, arms crossed, and her usual reserved expression on her face until Kate mentioned sleeping clothes. She had not thought to purchase those for Salovuje.
“I keep a lot of spare clothes, probably more than I ought, but I just despise doing laundry.” Elemire smiled, the corners of her mouth turning upwards. "If you have the ability, I can teach you how to clean your clothes with a simple cantrip. I have found it invaluable on long trips, especially those that require long treks."
Salovuje moved to peer into the small room. "Thank you, I haven't any sleep clothes with me." Stepping into the room, she pulled the door closed and changed. Salovuje looked down at herself. She looked like a lost waif. Kate was a strong, sturdy woman where Misumi-Salovuje was not. She had been able to cinch the waist of the pants with the drawstring, but the pants hung very loosely on her and had several inches at the ends of the legs. The shirt was loose as well; enough so that it hung off of one shoulder and fell almost to the tops of her knees. She cuffed the sleeves until her hands were free.
When she emerged, the cabin boy and another sailor had returned with the cots, Elemire was helping to set them up, and Yyan had disappeared.
"Where did Yyan go?"
Elemire looked up. "I believe he stepped outside."
Salovuje nodded and stepped onto the deck. Seeing Yyan, she approached him and held out Kern Jarrell's biography. "Here. I believe this was meant for you. It, too, is a memory book. Kern wanted to capture the tunes and words of his lays in it. I hope you enjoy it." Salovuje smiled up at Yyan and placed a hand on his arm, giving the arm a soft squeeze.
"I would ... enjoy hearing the songs once more."
A story is like a tapestry; it is never finished until the final thread is sewn.
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Re: Resurrection
Yyan took the book from her and gazed for a long moment at the worn cover. He had known the name was familiar when Salovuje spoke it. So he is one of your twelve, he murmured. The memory of Jarrell’s first lay breezed through his ears. I didn’t recognize the book for what it was at the time. Feeling the need to lighten the heavy mood, he cocked an eye down at Salovuje and ventured a smile. He still has bad penmenship.
He moved closer to the deckrail and turned to lean against it, slowly turning page after page. Ever since Yyan had first read Salovuje’s memory book back in the tavern, the ancient elvish script came easier and easier. He remembered with a sudden start that the first time he peeked into Jarrell’s book, he hadn’t even realized it was in elvish. And now, each time he paused to read a few lines of this lay or that ballad, the musical accompaniment poured into his memory with such clarity and passion that it made his soul ache. It was a precious gift indeed.
Perhaps too precious.
When I first met Misumi yesterday, he said, I told her that I had been a musician for the last five years. It is how I earn my room and board, and I do love it fiercely. However… it is what I do, not what I am.
Yyan closed the book and locked eyes with Salovuje, feeling like a sapling standing beneath the shade of a wizened oak. Kern Jarrell was a minstrel. Everything in this book tells me that it filled him to the brim. And while I would be honored to pass on the legacy that he sent to us, I think perhaps you might find someone more worthy of that task. A true minstrel, for I never will be.
He moved closer to the deckrail and turned to lean against it, slowly turning page after page. Ever since Yyan had first read Salovuje’s memory book back in the tavern, the ancient elvish script came easier and easier. He remembered with a sudden start that the first time he peeked into Jarrell’s book, he hadn’t even realized it was in elvish. And now, each time he paused to read a few lines of this lay or that ballad, the musical accompaniment poured into his memory with such clarity and passion that it made his soul ache. It was a precious gift indeed.
Perhaps too precious.
When I first met Misumi yesterday, he said, I told her that I had been a musician for the last five years. It is how I earn my room and board, and I do love it fiercely. However… it is what I do, not what I am.
Yyan closed the book and locked eyes with Salovuje, feeling like a sapling standing beneath the shade of a wizened oak. Kern Jarrell was a minstrel. Everything in this book tells me that it filled him to the brim. And while I would be honored to pass on the legacy that he sent to us, I think perhaps you might find someone more worthy of that task. A true minstrel, for I never will be.
Last edited by Yyan on Mon Apr 13, 2009 8:24 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Resurrection
So he is one of your twelve
Salovuje nodded. "Yes, he is one. I admit I am glad it was not he who had come tonight." Salovuje turned to face the side of the ship and rested her arms upon the railing, then tilted her head so she could look at Yyan. What came out of his mouth next was not expected.
He still has bad penmenship.
Salovuje blinked.
And, then, despite all that had happened that evening, she laughed.
"His penmanship was atrocious!" Salovuje chuckled and shook her head. Warm amusement tinted the remembrance. "That is why most of it was written by me. He was going to write his autobiography, but I convinced him no one would ever be able to read it if he wrote it himself."
Salovuje smiled to herself and watched Yyan as he thumbed through the pages. She could see the emotion on his face; see how the music and words affected him. Had she known what he thought about the 'ancient Elvish,' she would have been surprised.
Kern Jarrell was a minstrel. Everything in this book tells me that it filled him to the brim. And while I would be honored to pass on the legacy that he sent to us, I think perhaps you might find someone more worthy of that task. A true minstrel, for I never will be.
Salovuje shook her head. "Perhaps, but I think you will give him the honor he is due. Just think, Yyan. Before now Kern Jarrell and his work had been forgotten to the world. You can be the one to introduce it back. Should you think another would be better at it, then you will have to be the one to find him or her." Salovuje reached out and placed her hand over Yyan's. "I will probably not be here to do it." Her fingers tightened around his.
"But, I would enjoy hearing them once again, vibrant with life; not as a memory." A light had lit in her gaze, a passion that had not been there since she arrived. " Promise me when you retrieve your lute you will play them for me?"
Salovuje nodded. "Yes, he is one. I admit I am glad it was not he who had come tonight." Salovuje turned to face the side of the ship and rested her arms upon the railing, then tilted her head so she could look at Yyan. What came out of his mouth next was not expected.
He still has bad penmenship.
Salovuje blinked.
And, then, despite all that had happened that evening, she laughed.
"His penmanship was atrocious!" Salovuje chuckled and shook her head. Warm amusement tinted the remembrance. "That is why most of it was written by me. He was going to write his autobiography, but I convinced him no one would ever be able to read it if he wrote it himself."
Salovuje smiled to herself and watched Yyan as he thumbed through the pages. She could see the emotion on his face; see how the music and words affected him. Had she known what he thought about the 'ancient Elvish,' she would have been surprised.
Kern Jarrell was a minstrel. Everything in this book tells me that it filled him to the brim. And while I would be honored to pass on the legacy that he sent to us, I think perhaps you might find someone more worthy of that task. A true minstrel, for I never will be.
Salovuje shook her head. "Perhaps, but I think you will give him the honor he is due. Just think, Yyan. Before now Kern Jarrell and his work had been forgotten to the world. You can be the one to introduce it back. Should you think another would be better at it, then you will have to be the one to find him or her." Salovuje reached out and placed her hand over Yyan's. "I will probably not be here to do it." Her fingers tightened around his.
"But, I would enjoy hearing them once again, vibrant with life; not as a memory." A light had lit in her gaze, a passion that had not been there since she arrived. " Promise me when you retrieve your lute you will play them for me?"
A story is like a tapestry; it is never finished until the final thread is sewn.
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Re: Resurrection
Watching the light dawn in her eyes was a beautiful sight indeed. Yyan entwined his fingers with hers and gave them a squeeze. As often as you would like, for however long we are meant to be companions.
Tilting his gaze to the stars, he thought about their upcoming journey, trying to pierce the veil that concealed their future. Darkness and chaos was seeping into the world, and a counter-force was at work, calling together those who might set things right.
E’lair’ong…
The idea made Yyan shiver, and at that moment he wanted to speak to his father more than anything else in the world. But his voice had been silent for the past three years.
Salovuje, he said gently, knowing that she might not wish to answer what he had to ask. What do you know of the darkness that was sealed?
Tilting his gaze to the stars, he thought about their upcoming journey, trying to pierce the veil that concealed their future. Darkness and chaos was seeping into the world, and a counter-force was at work, calling together those who might set things right.
E’lair’ong…
The idea made Yyan shiver, and at that moment he wanted to speak to his father more than anything else in the world. But his voice had been silent for the past three years.
Salovuje, he said gently, knowing that she might not wish to answer what he had to ask. What do you know of the darkness that was sealed?
Re: Resurrection
Salovuje smiled up at Yyan, meeting his gaze. He was obviously a generous and caring soul. "Thank you." The pair turned back to surveying the dark harbor. The moon was a sliver. Lanterns shone like stars on the darker shadows that were moored boats. Yyan spoke to her then.
Salovuje, what do you know of the darkness that was sealed?
Salovuje stayed silent for a moment, but then she blew a breath out between pursed lips. Turning to face Yyan she said, “Yyan, if I am going to tell the history behind our adventure then I should tell it to everyone.”
(OOC: Jasp, your folks could have over heard this and volunteered?)
Salovuje, what do you know of the darkness that was sealed?
Salovuje stayed silent for a moment, but then she blew a breath out between pursed lips. Turning to face Yyan she said, “Yyan, if I am going to tell the history behind our adventure then I should tell it to everyone.”
(OOC: Jasp, your folks could have over heard this and volunteered?)
A story is like a tapestry; it is never finished until the final thread is sewn.
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- Jaspenellar
- Citizen
- Posts: 305
- Joined: Tue Jun 17, 2008 8:56 pm
- Name: Loen
- Race: Half-Elven
Re: Resurrection
"Do we really have to be here, right now? The dockmaster said the boat wasn't set to sail until mid-morning. In this darkness, I could easily trip on a loose plank, fall on my face, get an unremovable splinter which would eventually, nay inevitably! get infected and I'd lose my hand! Now what kind of adventurer could I be as a one-handed man?" The harsh, urgent whisper drifted over the nearly deserted dock. Two solid shapes, no more than shadows in the dark night, stole down the pier alongside The Starling toward the ramp at a brisk trot.
If the moon had been full or if there weren't the thick, intermittent cloud cover to block what scarce light the slivered moon shone, one would have been able to see a rather droll expression on the sharp, angular face of the man in the lead and amusement in the dark green eyes. Instead, the amiable sarcasm dripped like rain from Tyrcutio Mercurion's equally sharp voice. "And dear Piotral, if we missed the boat, what kind of adventure would you find?"
Though he had spoken in a whisper, the lagging man lacked the bearing of one attempting to hide from detection. He was striding upright, his knee-high leather boots clearly well shod as they thumped along the wooden planks which, despite his protests, were quite solidly nailed down to the supporting beams. He clenched at the paper he was holding in his right hand, sending a soft crinkling sound over the calm water. "I suppose you're right, as always, dear friend." From his emphasis on 'dear', it was clear that he was mocking the other man despite his accession to his friend's point. "Do you think this Misumi person (what kind of name is that anyway) will ask for a resume? I doubt our few exploits-"
A hastily waved hand cut short Piotral's rambling doubts, and Tyrcutio's slim shape ahead of him froze in place. Taking his cue from his companion, as he always defaulted to, Piotral managed to stop himself in mid-stride, one foot caught in the air ahead of him. In the silence that followed, words drifted to their ears, coming from the far side of ship the dockmaster had identified to them earlier that evening as The Starling.
"Fortunately, someone is up late, and perhaps our haste was wisely chosen," the lead man whispered to his friend, who could swear he heard the satisfied grin in the sharp, clear voice.
"Pardon, M'lady," Tyrcutio's words rang loudly through the air, his high tenor carrying well into the dark night. He had only heard a woman's low voice and as he stepped into the light of the lamps posted at the dockside of the Starling's ramp, he pulled Piotral after him, nearly tugging the slightly taller man off balance. "We are two young travellers in search of high adventure. If you'd like to include us in your party, we'd be much interested in your story as well!"
Their intentions declared, the pair remained at the foot of the ramp bridging the gap to the ship, knowing better than to presume they were cleared to board.
If the moon had been full or if there weren't the thick, intermittent cloud cover to block what scarce light the slivered moon shone, one would have been able to see a rather droll expression on the sharp, angular face of the man in the lead and amusement in the dark green eyes. Instead, the amiable sarcasm dripped like rain from Tyrcutio Mercurion's equally sharp voice. "And dear Piotral, if we missed the boat, what kind of adventure would you find?"
Though he had spoken in a whisper, the lagging man lacked the bearing of one attempting to hide from detection. He was striding upright, his knee-high leather boots clearly well shod as they thumped along the wooden planks which, despite his protests, were quite solidly nailed down to the supporting beams. He clenched at the paper he was holding in his right hand, sending a soft crinkling sound over the calm water. "I suppose you're right, as always, dear friend." From his emphasis on 'dear', it was clear that he was mocking the other man despite his accession to his friend's point. "Do you think this Misumi person (what kind of name is that anyway) will ask for a resume? I doubt our few exploits-"
A hastily waved hand cut short Piotral's rambling doubts, and Tyrcutio's slim shape ahead of him froze in place. Taking his cue from his companion, as he always defaulted to, Piotral managed to stop himself in mid-stride, one foot caught in the air ahead of him. In the silence that followed, words drifted to their ears, coming from the far side of ship the dockmaster had identified to them earlier that evening as The Starling.
"Fortunately, someone is up late, and perhaps our haste was wisely chosen," the lead man whispered to his friend, who could swear he heard the satisfied grin in the sharp, clear voice.
"Pardon, M'lady," Tyrcutio's words rang loudly through the air, his high tenor carrying well into the dark night. He had only heard a woman's low voice and as he stepped into the light of the lamps posted at the dockside of the Starling's ramp, he pulled Piotral after him, nearly tugging the slightly taller man off balance. "We are two young travellers in search of high adventure. If you'd like to include us in your party, we'd be much interested in your story as well!"
Their intentions declared, the pair remained at the foot of the ramp bridging the gap to the ship, knowing better than to presume they were cleared to board.
Re: Resurrection
“Yyan,” Salovuje said, “if I am going to tell the history behind our adventure then I should tell it to everyone.”
“Pardon, M’lady. We are two young travellers in search of high adventure. If you'd like to include us in your party, we'd be much interested in your story as well!”
Yyan straightened at the sudden voice calling from the bottom of the gangplank. Already on alert from Eifandir’s earlier attack, he took a step in front of Salovuje and scanned the surrounding area for any sign of malignant force. He found nothing but did not relax just yet.
To Salovuje he whispered, Why don’t you go back to the captain’s stateroom? Tell Kate and Elemire that we might have... visitors. I will see what this gentleman wants. If this was a new threat in disguise, there was no way Yyan was going to let it anywhere near her.
He crossed the deck in a few purposeful strides and looked down the gangplank. Two men stood on the dock, illuminated well by the lamplight. By all appearances they did seem to be adventurers, and if indeed they intended mischief, then already they put themselves at a strategic disadvantage. In the darkness of the night, they might make out Yyan’s form on the deck, but the harsh pool of light would keep them nearly blinded until their eyes adjusted.
Identify yourselves, Yyan called to both of them, adding a bit of force to his mental voice. If it is adventure you seek, then speak your names!
“Pardon, M’lady. We are two young travellers in search of high adventure. If you'd like to include us in your party, we'd be much interested in your story as well!”
Yyan straightened at the sudden voice calling from the bottom of the gangplank. Already on alert from Eifandir’s earlier attack, he took a step in front of Salovuje and scanned the surrounding area for any sign of malignant force. He found nothing but did not relax just yet.
To Salovuje he whispered, Why don’t you go back to the captain’s stateroom? Tell Kate and Elemire that we might have... visitors. I will see what this gentleman wants. If this was a new threat in disguise, there was no way Yyan was going to let it anywhere near her.
He crossed the deck in a few purposeful strides and looked down the gangplank. Two men stood on the dock, illuminated well by the lamplight. By all appearances they did seem to be adventurers, and if indeed they intended mischief, then already they put themselves at a strategic disadvantage. In the darkness of the night, they might make out Yyan’s form on the deck, but the harsh pool of light would keep them nearly blinded until their eyes adjusted.
Identify yourselves, Yyan called to both of them, adding a bit of force to his mental voice. If it is adventure you seek, then speak your names!
Re: Resurrection
Not expecting the sudden interruption, Salovuje was startled. She jerked, turning toward the sound of the voice. She opened her mouth to reply, but Yyan stepped in front of her protectively. A soft expression settled on her features as she looked up at the back of his head. He had moved to protect her without a thought. The move stayed her from speaking a greeting to the owner of the voice.
Salovuje replied softly to Yyan's direction, "Alright." She slipped away and re-entered the Captain's state room.
"Someone on the dock says they want to join with us. Yyan is seeing to them." Salvouje looked from Kate to Elemire.
Elemire had been meditatively resting on the cot provided when Salovuje entered. She opened her eyes and glanced to Kate. "Misumi did post a notice seeking help. That is how Yyan came to be involved."
Salovuje replied softly to Yyan's direction, "Alright." She slipped away and re-entered the Captain's state room.
"Someone on the dock says they want to join with us. Yyan is seeing to them." Salvouje looked from Kate to Elemire.
Elemire had been meditatively resting on the cot provided when Salovuje entered. She opened her eyes and glanced to Kate. "Misumi did post a notice seeking help. That is how Yyan came to be involved."
A story is like a tapestry; it is never finished until the final thread is sewn.
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