The glittering edge of the wide blade flashed intricately appearing to dart and weave as if floating on air. But somehow the slender elven girl managed to bring her own blade up into the strike with a harsh protesting clang. The arm that wielded the thicker blade did not relent and what she clearly thought was a clean block turned into more of a partial deflection. Her supple leather boots made a scrabbling sound on the tiled floor as she backed away. The blades rang once more but this time it was her own that sailed out of her hands and clattered many feet away. She closed her eyes knowing what was to come but feeling her heart sink into her stomach anyways.
"Syclyae! How many times... No, years have we been doing this! You should have memorized this by now. Even those humans learn it in a quarter of the time it has taken you!" The man's voice was commanding and thin yet cutting like a cold mountain breeze. "Why do I suffer you so. Do you know why? Because you are my daughter! My daughter! One that fights like a human child. That forgets simple parry and riposte routines. Oh you vex me to no end! Now why do..." Her father's stern voice drifted off at that point.
The small young woman hung her head as the weapon assault turned into a verbal lashing and tried not to cry. 'It will make him even more mad.' She thought and tried to find the good in his words. He was only trying to help she knew but it was the same thing over and over. Her silvered blue hair had come free from its pony and even now obscured her luminous green eyes from his ongoing tirade. Her mind wandered for a moment knowing it shouldn't but she couldn't help it. The grass had been especially green today outside of this building and she wondered if today might be a good day to run and swim and shoot.
Yes, that was the problem. It wasn't that Syclyae did not understand the sword or wasn't smart enough to figure it out. The girl was quick and fluid in her movements. No, she secretly loathed the blade, any blade. They were wicked and dangerous utensils of war. She feared how easily it made her feel more powerful and mean. Syclyae found herself in a particularly bad position where her heart was not in learning more about this weapon. Her father Celin, was a renown swordsman in her community and to be trained by him was an honor that many waited for centuries to do. So guilt carried a lot of weigh in her youthful heart that she just did not want to learn the sword.
"Well. Have you nothing to say?" Her father's voice asked clearly waiting for some word. She stammered for a moment not sure what he was looking for at this point.
"I... I'm sorry father. I know that I should use the step back, cross guard move but it just didn't ..." The slight blue-silvered haired woman flinched as the man stepped into her personal space almost making her take a step back.
"I did not ask you why you failed. I asked why do you continue to hurt me by failing." Celin's voice lowered a fraction and Syclyae's heart about ripped from her chest at the pained sound. She did not want to ever hurt anyone, let alone her great father. She looked up at him and shook her head. "I don't father. Never would I try to hurt you. I ... Just missed my chance. I'll do better. I promise. Next time."
Sycylae's green eyes pleaded even more so to the older elf, his face a deeper shade of dusky blue and one ear missing a chunk from a near fatal sword blow. His eyes were deep pools of black and they studied her carefully. His mind was so full of rage right now at his daughter. No son would have failed him so badly in the dance of the blade. This frail, weak thing had not gotten much better with the sword in over ten years. She had not even drifted towards her mother's magely profession. It was like this girl was shaping up to be just another elven female, unable to protect herself and naive to think she did not have to from all others.
But, Syclyae was his only child. The only one they would ever concieve and regardless of his disdain for her lack of skill she was still his baby girl. It did not sink deep into his stone heart but Celin knew that nothing good would come from more words. "Fine. I know you do not understand the need to be one with the blade. How it was made to be an extension of our bodies like no other race." He shushed away her protest at that before she ever started. "You must know that the blade is the only true protection you have and protected you must be in this world. The bow that you carry with you is not the way nor is it enough to trust on the kindness of strangers which you strive to believe so hard in. No child, the other races will try to steal, cheat and murder you and for women they will take advantage of you as well." He hated even reminding himself of his child's gender inequality but he could not keep the contempt from seeping into his words. It was on display every week when he sparred with her.
There was no more words or practice that day. Syclyae was indeed free to run, dance and swim the rest of the day and long into the night. Her footsteps light and her heart already forgotten the day's struggles as the moon crept up into the night. "You are beautiful!" She said aloud to it, the silvered light highlighting the petite young woman's hair in a glittering halo. She placed the sword down its etched handle almost glowing as well in the pale light. "How could anyone think of using a sword on such a nice night?" She wondered to no one visible. She exhaled gently as she realized once again she was alone.
"Why Syclyae, you must learn the sword... Nothing good will come from using a bow." She imitated her father's voice horribly and wagged a finger just to hone in the focus of her imitation. Then she blushed and felt deeply embarrassed for having done it. She looked quickly right and left for any evesdroppers and giggled softly to dispel her guilty feelings. Sycylae stared hard at the handle of the blade and then a fleeting glimpse of something moving through the trees illuminated by the moon. She smiled at the tall and majestic form of the stag as it bound through the night almost as if taunting her into action. She gave chase immediately and laughed as she did so never looking back at the sword hilt.
The Story of Syclyae
-
missyb1
- Posts: 8
- Joined: Mon Mar 02, 2015 11:57 am
Re: The Story of Syclyae
The moonlight filtered through the dense canopy of the High Forest. The beams appearing like little islands of silvery light surrounded by by inky water. As Syclyae sprinted to keep up with the rushing stag she allowed her eyes to take even more of the available illumination in. With her pupils dilating, the forest appeared more like it was bathed in silvered sunlight than darkness and previously gloomy shapes now took on a vibrant outline. The stag's tail flickered as she pursued the animal serving as a marker for her to follow as it bound through the foliage. Syclyae's laughter bubbled from deep in her soul as the merry chase continued. Although she found herself winded it was a grand race and she found some disappointment creeping into her heart as the spring-fed clear pool and glade came into view.
"I almost had you!" Syclyae exclaimed and put her fists on her narrow hips in a proud moment, her slight form breathing deeply. The stag looked back at her after swaying it's thick muscled neck up from the pool. It's snout dripped cool water as it snorted at her comment; the eyes that regarded her clear and intelligent. They both knew she hadn't been any closer this time than the hundreds of times previously. But instead of lowering its massive head back to the pool the shape of the magnificent animal cracked and twisted, contorting in horrible angles for several long moments. Syclyae could not help but wince at the transformation occuring before her. It just seemed painful to her. Although her green eyes shone with appreciation for the effort the faint grimace of her thin lips revealed her concern.
Soon after a human man stood where the stag had recently been. His shoulders were strong and wide and his height made her feel small especially after having chased him throughout the High Forest. His body was covered by a woolen robe that always looked like it was terribly itchy be the man claimed it to be a gift from the nymphs that lived in the forest. It was dyed in a green-brown pattern that seemed to break up the forest and allow him to nigh disappear within its concealig branches and shrubs. The lines near his eyes and mouth revealed his increasing age and yet his face was youthful and bright with deep brown eyes that she found so enchanting especially on moonlight nights.
"We do this every night, Syclyae. You were no more closer now then before. Why do you find losing so much fun?" The man asked, his voice surprisingly soft and reedy.
"It's not losing if you are having fun. Besides, you could stop and let me pass by, Donwind. I won't tell anyone!" She promised, her almond shaped eyes tilting even more exotically as she tried to look convincing but just came off as naive and innocent.
"Riiight. You know your father only lets you out here to have you actually catch me. Just like he did so long ago..." The man trailed off and groaned inwardly as he said the words. 'Stupid...' Donwind thought as her demeanor changed, growing a bit more somber and stiff.
"I didn't..." He started before she raised her hand to interrupt, even now her politeness and softness evident in her actions.
"We are -not- talking about that. He was horrible today. Sword this and sword that. He doesn't listen, Donwind. He doesn't. He is so bitter and mad at everything, including you." She rambled on and the old forest man just nodded allowing her to spin out her feelings. This was life around these people, especially the Te'lins. Donwind tried to course correct but she just kept going.
"I mean, what is wrong with talking to humans or other people? Why is everyone perceived as bad and evil and out to get you? Wouldn't it be fun to see a real dwarf's beard or maybe even touch it?" Syclyae was on a roll now and her eyes sparkled like emeralds in the soft glow of the moon. "I hate the sword. It is a nasty weapon and leads people to kill and attack. I'm so tired of his teaching..."
"Syclyae, that is enough talk of this." The old Druid scolded and she immediately looked at her feet guilt etched across her face. "You will not go around speaking about your father that way, even if he does annoy you." Donwind added to help smooth her clearly hurt feelings. She was an impatient young elf and pretty in her innocence and nativity. Such a combination would get her hurt or worse beyond the High Forest if not tempted with self awareness.
Syclyae nodded and hung her head for a minute the silvery highlights dancing in the moonlight. Slowly she moved back to a gentle smile and apologized to Donwind. "I am sorry for saying such things. I know I shouldn't but it's just so much and with mother not feeling well things are getting out of hand."
There, they had tiptoed around this storyline enough and she said it. The druid frowned slightly and watched the girl. Syclyae stared back for nearly two heartbeats and he was quite surprised she had at all. 'This -is- serious.' He thought before her head tilted and she looked down, her personality for avoiding conflict surfacing once again.
That was good, for Donwind would not know what to do wih or how to handle a defiant Sycylae. "You know this takes time. I told you this so long ago. Elves just react ... differently, Syclyae." Donwind's voice became soft like the whisper of the breeze through the forest on a fall day. "Your lives are so very long that your minds are built to adjust to it as well. Sometimes when the mind is lost it takes time to find its way back." He concluded just as he always did with the girl. On a positive, hopeful note.
Syclyae's eyes remaining downcast but her head bobbed up and down in agreement, pony bouncing in that particular way that made her look young and yet was like a knife through his heart. He was human after all and although he was old there was a stirring inside of him at her attitude and mannerisms that he hated and lived for. Blinking away from her he rummaged in a pouch for a few moments before removing something pale and emitting a soft glow. "Here. I have been asking all that I know about her condition. Sometimes the mind needs to be led back to its true state." He held the grassy substance out to her. "Moon moss. It might help nudge her in the right direction and it certainly cannot hurt." Donwind offered the girl a friendly smile as she took the moss and stared at it, barely moving.
Sycylae burst into motion her slender arms wrapping around the man before he could even take a full breath. 'She's so quick...' Donwind thought before he realized she was hugging him.
"Oh, this will work. I know it. She's in there you know. I can feel her wanting to be free. Oh thank you Donwind, you are my family's best hope." Syclyae's willow-like form pressing into the Druid and suddenly he was very aware how much the girl he had known for nearly a century suddenly was not such a girl any longer. That simmering want lept forward and it was all he could do was to hold it at bay.
"Yes dear. We will beat this thing yet for you and for Celin." Donwind purposefully used her father's name to get her to stand back fearing the mistake he might have made otherwise. She nodded and squeezed him once again, unaware of the stirrings inside of her friend and not understanding even if she would have been. Her almond shaped green eyes slanted as she regarded him before waving and setting off at once for home. The Druid watched the direction in which she left for a long time afterwards. Letting the forest keep her path clear and safe.
The blue eyes that watched them both from the canopy of the forest blinked only once during their entire conversation. A slender blade, still in its sheath and gripped by a calloused hand, glittered at the pommel and he looked forward towards the fleet footed girl as she made her way home. He clucked at the blade and grinned wondering how much trouble she would get into when returned to Celin.
"I almost had you!" Syclyae exclaimed and put her fists on her narrow hips in a proud moment, her slight form breathing deeply. The stag looked back at her after swaying it's thick muscled neck up from the pool. It's snout dripped cool water as it snorted at her comment; the eyes that regarded her clear and intelligent. They both knew she hadn't been any closer this time than the hundreds of times previously. But instead of lowering its massive head back to the pool the shape of the magnificent animal cracked and twisted, contorting in horrible angles for several long moments. Syclyae could not help but wince at the transformation occuring before her. It just seemed painful to her. Although her green eyes shone with appreciation for the effort the faint grimace of her thin lips revealed her concern.
Soon after a human man stood where the stag had recently been. His shoulders were strong and wide and his height made her feel small especially after having chased him throughout the High Forest. His body was covered by a woolen robe that always looked like it was terribly itchy be the man claimed it to be a gift from the nymphs that lived in the forest. It was dyed in a green-brown pattern that seemed to break up the forest and allow him to nigh disappear within its concealig branches and shrubs. The lines near his eyes and mouth revealed his increasing age and yet his face was youthful and bright with deep brown eyes that she found so enchanting especially on moonlight nights.
"We do this every night, Syclyae. You were no more closer now then before. Why do you find losing so much fun?" The man asked, his voice surprisingly soft and reedy.
"It's not losing if you are having fun. Besides, you could stop and let me pass by, Donwind. I won't tell anyone!" She promised, her almond shaped eyes tilting even more exotically as she tried to look convincing but just came off as naive and innocent.
"Riiight. You know your father only lets you out here to have you actually catch me. Just like he did so long ago..." The man trailed off and groaned inwardly as he said the words. 'Stupid...' Donwind thought as her demeanor changed, growing a bit more somber and stiff.
"I didn't..." He started before she raised her hand to interrupt, even now her politeness and softness evident in her actions.
"We are -not- talking about that. He was horrible today. Sword this and sword that. He doesn't listen, Donwind. He doesn't. He is so bitter and mad at everything, including you." She rambled on and the old forest man just nodded allowing her to spin out her feelings. This was life around these people, especially the Te'lins. Donwind tried to course correct but she just kept going.
"I mean, what is wrong with talking to humans or other people? Why is everyone perceived as bad and evil and out to get you? Wouldn't it be fun to see a real dwarf's beard or maybe even touch it?" Syclyae was on a roll now and her eyes sparkled like emeralds in the soft glow of the moon. "I hate the sword. It is a nasty weapon and leads people to kill and attack. I'm so tired of his teaching..."
"Syclyae, that is enough talk of this." The old Druid scolded and she immediately looked at her feet guilt etched across her face. "You will not go around speaking about your father that way, even if he does annoy you." Donwind added to help smooth her clearly hurt feelings. She was an impatient young elf and pretty in her innocence and nativity. Such a combination would get her hurt or worse beyond the High Forest if not tempted with self awareness.
Syclyae nodded and hung her head for a minute the silvery highlights dancing in the moonlight. Slowly she moved back to a gentle smile and apologized to Donwind. "I am sorry for saying such things. I know I shouldn't but it's just so much and with mother not feeling well things are getting out of hand."
There, they had tiptoed around this storyline enough and she said it. The druid frowned slightly and watched the girl. Syclyae stared back for nearly two heartbeats and he was quite surprised she had at all. 'This -is- serious.' He thought before her head tilted and she looked down, her personality for avoiding conflict surfacing once again.
That was good, for Donwind would not know what to do wih or how to handle a defiant Sycylae. "You know this takes time. I told you this so long ago. Elves just react ... differently, Syclyae." Donwind's voice became soft like the whisper of the breeze through the forest on a fall day. "Your lives are so very long that your minds are built to adjust to it as well. Sometimes when the mind is lost it takes time to find its way back." He concluded just as he always did with the girl. On a positive, hopeful note.
Syclyae's eyes remaining downcast but her head bobbed up and down in agreement, pony bouncing in that particular way that made her look young and yet was like a knife through his heart. He was human after all and although he was old there was a stirring inside of him at her attitude and mannerisms that he hated and lived for. Blinking away from her he rummaged in a pouch for a few moments before removing something pale and emitting a soft glow. "Here. I have been asking all that I know about her condition. Sometimes the mind needs to be led back to its true state." He held the grassy substance out to her. "Moon moss. It might help nudge her in the right direction and it certainly cannot hurt." Donwind offered the girl a friendly smile as she took the moss and stared at it, barely moving.
Sycylae burst into motion her slender arms wrapping around the man before he could even take a full breath. 'She's so quick...' Donwind thought before he realized she was hugging him.
"Oh, this will work. I know it. She's in there you know. I can feel her wanting to be free. Oh thank you Donwind, you are my family's best hope." Syclyae's willow-like form pressing into the Druid and suddenly he was very aware how much the girl he had known for nearly a century suddenly was not such a girl any longer. That simmering want lept forward and it was all he could do was to hold it at bay.
"Yes dear. We will beat this thing yet for you and for Celin." Donwind purposefully used her father's name to get her to stand back fearing the mistake he might have made otherwise. She nodded and squeezed him once again, unaware of the stirrings inside of her friend and not understanding even if she would have been. Her almond shaped green eyes slanted as she regarded him before waving and setting off at once for home. The Druid watched the direction in which she left for a long time afterwards. Letting the forest keep her path clear and safe.
The blue eyes that watched them both from the canopy of the forest blinked only once during their entire conversation. A slender blade, still in its sheath and gripped by a calloused hand, glittered at the pommel and he looked forward towards the fleet footed girl as she made her way home. He clucked at the blade and grinned wondering how much trouble she would get into when returned to Celin.
-
missyb1
- Posts: 8
- Joined: Mon Mar 02, 2015 11:57 am
Re: The Story of Syclyae
Syclyae found the sky lightening through the heavy foliage as she made her way back to her home. She skipped lightly through leaving no trace of her passing although her humming would certainly had drawn unwelcomed eyes if any could have been found. But here her people were the unmatched ruler and many a scout watched the of-age female with either outright disgust, interest or mostly a combination of the two.
This day, the look of anxiety was evident on her unblemished face. Her green eyes looked reflexively right and left as if searching for something she knew she could not find. "I know I left it on that stump..." Syclyae whispered over and over yet she could not stop hoping it would appear. Her heart ached at the storm of anger that would sweep over her father when he found out about her losing that sword. So she did what all smart teenagers do, she went to mom first.
The building was quiet at this time of the morning but she knew Tranlitha would be within. Her mother rarely left the building and Syclyae had a hard time even remembering the last time. Softly she entered through the tall archway carved from a marble that had veins of blue running through its white surface like rivers. She always marveled at the structure and wondered how it could stand so firm in the wind that whipped through the Forest. Finally she had come to believe that it would fall and injure someone even though everyone else had explained to her that such an event would not come to pass in their lifetime. Even the architects of their home had shook his head in disbelief at her incessant questioning and amazement.
"Syclyae, just accept that some things are beyond questioning, they are fact and should be treated as such and do not concern yourself with them." He said on that day. But she was still wary of the structure and always whispered a prayer to Hanali for safe passage on any that passed through.
Making her way into the structure it never ceased to amaze her how lovely he architecture blended in with the natural aspects of the forest. Long thick columns of the same marble rose to a ceiling that was both branch and vine. Flowers and buds sprung from the tightly woven florals giving off a blend of sweet fragrances. The floor was of a tile that was pleasing to bare feet as much as boots. Fountains both small and large filled by spring-fed pools of fish and lilies brought fresh water. The atmosphere was always one of peace and tranquility. Syclyae wanted to rush across that floor to the room beyond but her footsteps faltered and the hesitation was clear across her smooth face.
'Will she be happy today? Maybe this will be the cure? ' Syclyae looked down at the moss still gripped tightly in her small fist as she pondered its properties. 'I'm sure today will be the day!' She thought with a flash of courage and hopefulness. With that her feet surged forward and she crossed into the room shouldering the thick wooden door even more ajar.
The room was dimly lit by a series of reflecting agents that channeled the sun by day and the moon by night. The ceiling was much lower in this room but of the same natural flora as the main room. Today there was an easel set in the further corner of the chamber directly under a pool of sunlight. The figure was definitely female with visible curves of her bosom and hips that even the long robes could not obscure. The raven black hair was tied close to her head and hung low and loose to the small of her back. She was humming softly and swiping at the canvas with quick, deft strokes of a thin brush. She would touch it to a paint wheel in her other hand and then back to the canvas it would go. Syclyae stopped several steps into the room and just listened. It was a soft song, as if one would use with a newborn and her heart tugged painfully. Then, she whispered "Mother?"
The woman did not stop painting in even strokes. It was as if she expected her daughter's coming.
"Syclyae, how glad I am to see you. It has been what... years since I've seen you last?" The woman's voice was sweet like honey and just as enticing. But anyone looking would see the hurt flash in the younger elf's green eyes at her words.
"Mother, I was here yesterday..." Syclyae replied trying not to let her disappointment creep into her voice. "I brought you the flowers sitting right in your..." Syclyae's voice faltered because the flowers, in fact the whole vase was gone from the nightstand. A single unlit candle stood in its place, as white as the freshly fallen snow.
"My what dear?" came Tranlitha's reply.
"The vase, where is it?" Sycylae knew she shouldn't have asked in such a bold way but the shock at the change made her forgot herself.
"That old vase, I threw it out years ago. I'm sorry Syclyae but sometimes you have to handle things before they become a problem." The woman half turned to look at her daughter and the surprise in her black eyes was complete. "What happened to you?" She exclaimed and stood up slowly as if of great age.
Tranlitha's gait was wary and slow yet she appeared in her early middle years, her face still unlined and yet the wisdom of experiences etched within her eyes. It was illogical to see her move so much like the elderly and Syclyae just stared at the woman as she approached, her mouth agap.
"You are so... young!" Tranlitha whispered and touched her duaghter's cheek. "Or has something changed in you? Did you meet someone?" She asked with a subtle look that all mother's give their daughters with such questions.
"Mother, no I haven't met someone!" The soft rise of blue to her cheeks revealing her mild embarrassment. "I'm not younger than I was yesterday, when I was standing right here, with you."
"Well that cannot be, dear. I was not here yesterday. I was with your father. We spent the day out in the forest hunting orcs." The woman snorted softly as if not finding the act particularly pleasureful. "He is a good bladedancer. You should learn from him."
The young elf smiled a hopeless smile, frustration and anger not coming to the forefront of her thoughts as she realized her mother was once again lost. Finally Syclyae reached out and touched her mother's hand and gripped it. "I brought you something for your tea. I think you will like it." She said as she led the healthy, fit woman forward to her chair. An onlooker would have seen the sadness fly across the girl's face as Tranlitha shuffled her steps fearful of a fall.
It had happened before so Syclyae was not totally unprepared. Tranlitha's mind had been warped during child birth or because of some twist of magic as Syclyae had been led to believe. The outcome was Tranlitha the diviner's mind was in a chaotic flux. Never living in the same timeline she was either reliving past events as if they happened in the very recent past or even projecting the future into her own present. One time Syclyae had found her mother acting like a toddler only to change several days later to a young adult. Each day Syclyae tried to find a cure, knowing her mother was inside but as the years blended together even her father grew cold and bitter towards his wife, rarely visiting. And time marched on for the small family.
They chatted for some time the smell of moon moss aromatic in the small room. Her mother sipped the cup empty and slipped into reverie. Syclyae cried then. Soft weeping and tears as she lamented the loss of her mother and she prayed to Hanali that for once Donwind would be right!
This day, the look of anxiety was evident on her unblemished face. Her green eyes looked reflexively right and left as if searching for something she knew she could not find. "I know I left it on that stump..." Syclyae whispered over and over yet she could not stop hoping it would appear. Her heart ached at the storm of anger that would sweep over her father when he found out about her losing that sword. So she did what all smart teenagers do, she went to mom first.
The building was quiet at this time of the morning but she knew Tranlitha would be within. Her mother rarely left the building and Syclyae had a hard time even remembering the last time. Softly she entered through the tall archway carved from a marble that had veins of blue running through its white surface like rivers. She always marveled at the structure and wondered how it could stand so firm in the wind that whipped through the Forest. Finally she had come to believe that it would fall and injure someone even though everyone else had explained to her that such an event would not come to pass in their lifetime. Even the architects of their home had shook his head in disbelief at her incessant questioning and amazement.
"Syclyae, just accept that some things are beyond questioning, they are fact and should be treated as such and do not concern yourself with them." He said on that day. But she was still wary of the structure and always whispered a prayer to Hanali for safe passage on any that passed through.
Making her way into the structure it never ceased to amaze her how lovely he architecture blended in with the natural aspects of the forest. Long thick columns of the same marble rose to a ceiling that was both branch and vine. Flowers and buds sprung from the tightly woven florals giving off a blend of sweet fragrances. The floor was of a tile that was pleasing to bare feet as much as boots. Fountains both small and large filled by spring-fed pools of fish and lilies brought fresh water. The atmosphere was always one of peace and tranquility. Syclyae wanted to rush across that floor to the room beyond but her footsteps faltered and the hesitation was clear across her smooth face.
'Will she be happy today? Maybe this will be the cure? ' Syclyae looked down at the moss still gripped tightly in her small fist as she pondered its properties. 'I'm sure today will be the day!' She thought with a flash of courage and hopefulness. With that her feet surged forward and she crossed into the room shouldering the thick wooden door even more ajar.
The room was dimly lit by a series of reflecting agents that channeled the sun by day and the moon by night. The ceiling was much lower in this room but of the same natural flora as the main room. Today there was an easel set in the further corner of the chamber directly under a pool of sunlight. The figure was definitely female with visible curves of her bosom and hips that even the long robes could not obscure. The raven black hair was tied close to her head and hung low and loose to the small of her back. She was humming softly and swiping at the canvas with quick, deft strokes of a thin brush. She would touch it to a paint wheel in her other hand and then back to the canvas it would go. Syclyae stopped several steps into the room and just listened. It was a soft song, as if one would use with a newborn and her heart tugged painfully. Then, she whispered "Mother?"
The woman did not stop painting in even strokes. It was as if she expected her daughter's coming.
"Syclyae, how glad I am to see you. It has been what... years since I've seen you last?" The woman's voice was sweet like honey and just as enticing. But anyone looking would see the hurt flash in the younger elf's green eyes at her words.
"Mother, I was here yesterday..." Syclyae replied trying not to let her disappointment creep into her voice. "I brought you the flowers sitting right in your..." Syclyae's voice faltered because the flowers, in fact the whole vase was gone from the nightstand. A single unlit candle stood in its place, as white as the freshly fallen snow.
"My what dear?" came Tranlitha's reply.
"The vase, where is it?" Sycylae knew she shouldn't have asked in such a bold way but the shock at the change made her forgot herself.
"That old vase, I threw it out years ago. I'm sorry Syclyae but sometimes you have to handle things before they become a problem." The woman half turned to look at her daughter and the surprise in her black eyes was complete. "What happened to you?" She exclaimed and stood up slowly as if of great age.
Tranlitha's gait was wary and slow yet she appeared in her early middle years, her face still unlined and yet the wisdom of experiences etched within her eyes. It was illogical to see her move so much like the elderly and Syclyae just stared at the woman as she approached, her mouth agap.
"You are so... young!" Tranlitha whispered and touched her duaghter's cheek. "Or has something changed in you? Did you meet someone?" She asked with a subtle look that all mother's give their daughters with such questions.
"Mother, no I haven't met someone!" The soft rise of blue to her cheeks revealing her mild embarrassment. "I'm not younger than I was yesterday, when I was standing right here, with you."
"Well that cannot be, dear. I was not here yesterday. I was with your father. We spent the day out in the forest hunting orcs." The woman snorted softly as if not finding the act particularly pleasureful. "He is a good bladedancer. You should learn from him."
The young elf smiled a hopeless smile, frustration and anger not coming to the forefront of her thoughts as she realized her mother was once again lost. Finally Syclyae reached out and touched her mother's hand and gripped it. "I brought you something for your tea. I think you will like it." She said as she led the healthy, fit woman forward to her chair. An onlooker would have seen the sadness fly across the girl's face as Tranlitha shuffled her steps fearful of a fall.
It had happened before so Syclyae was not totally unprepared. Tranlitha's mind had been warped during child birth or because of some twist of magic as Syclyae had been led to believe. The outcome was Tranlitha the diviner's mind was in a chaotic flux. Never living in the same timeline she was either reliving past events as if they happened in the very recent past or even projecting the future into her own present. One time Syclyae had found her mother acting like a toddler only to change several days later to a young adult. Each day Syclyae tried to find a cure, knowing her mother was inside but as the years blended together even her father grew cold and bitter towards his wife, rarely visiting. And time marched on for the small family.
They chatted for some time the smell of moon moss aromatic in the small room. Her mother sipped the cup empty and slipped into reverie. Syclyae cried then. Soft weeping and tears as she lamented the loss of her mother and she prayed to Hanali that for once Donwind would be right!
-
missyb1
- Posts: 8
- Joined: Mon Mar 02, 2015 11:57 am
Re: The Story of Syclyae
"Again, she went again?!" The aged elf frowned at the more youthful elf in front of him. "That damned druid is always getting involved, keeping her hopes up. Probably lining his pockets as well just like all of the short lived and greedy humans." Celin's face flushed slightly as his tirade started to pick up steam. Donwind has been a family friend for many years but still he was a human and that just meant trouble in the bigoted eyes of Celin. The elf opposite to him was in every way his mirror image except for age. Two long blades were belted to his waist by a blue and white gem encrusted girdle that formed the image of a lightning bolt. There were rumors of the potent magic contained in that item to increase his strength and protect him from magic. Regardless, although the slight of build he cut an impressive figure as he spoke with Celin.
The elf's strong arms were crossed and he flexed them slowly causing the veins in his forearms to bulge with each twist. His face was all sharp angles from his cheekbones to jaw to the slate hue of his deep dark eyes. From his narrow and small tipped ears to the manner which his chest moved under his thin chain shirt the elf oozed charm, confidence and nobility.
"Celin, calm. I was in complete control and they did nothing more than talk and run just like every other time they meet in -secret-." The youthful elf replied casually allowing the word secret hang as if a naughty word. The smile set on his face appeared genuine but was dripping with an ulterior motive to his choice of words. Celin could or would not see it for what it was as they spoke so enraged he was at the thought of his daughter even speaking to a human let alone over and over.
"I am calm and do not presume otherwise. Why can't she be like other females that do not have a serviceable skill. First her mother and now Syclyae. Did I tell you she has not even learned the shade step yet? Ten long years, Rey't. Ten!" The mature swordsman muttered to the younger one. "And Donwind. You would think I had made my thoughts clear on his attention when it came to Syclyae. I am appreciative you offered to keep an eye on her for me. Now I see that was a very wise course of action."
Rey't was handsome, young, wealthy and an excellent swordsman. Perhaps only second to the man in front of him in the High Forest if such a thing could truly be known. The moon elf's skin was a lighter hue and his blue hair the color of water at midnight. He worn his confidence of just under two centuries of weapons work on his face as well as his distaste for anything not elven. He was not an evil man yet the thought of a creature like Syclyae speaking to a lowly human filled him full of resentment and irritation more so than Celin. After all, had not he himself approached the girl just a decade ago? Yes she had not been of age then but he was Rey't Tregallin. Usually the name alone was enough to impress any in their village and yet that strange creature had politely excused herself from every interaction since then. How could she not see him and his wealth and just give herself to him fully?
"You know, this would not be an issue if you let me train her. Too many things pry at your mind, Celin. Allow me to return a portion of the many favors you heaped upon my undeserving head?" The sly elf spoke humbly and with just the right amount of gratitude. "She is still young and needs to learn so many things to survive in this world now, especially around those like that druid. You cannot keep her safe forever."
Celin stopped and watched the young elf his eyes immediately locking onto Rey't's own. Something did not ring completely honest about Rey't answer and the wise yet bitterly-blinded man considered his words warily. His inner self was still well aware of the evil that lived in all men regardless of race even if he chose to never consciously lump any elf into the same discussion as another humanoid. "We'll see, Rey't. I'm not sure Syclyae is ready to learn from you. But I will consider your words in the matter." He replied slowly, nodding a dog to boister his waxing agreement.
Rey't and Celin exchanged more pleasantries and Celin felt their dance was on an even keel once again. He liked the young elf both for his skills with the blade and his cleverness. He was like looking at himself in so many ways and there was thread of envy that Celin felt as the young elf pursed things Celin no longer could or would. But Rey't was not done for his bid and just as he was saying his farewell he played his last card.
"Oh I nearly forgot, master swordsman, Celin. I found this...just laying on a stump the other night in the middle of the forest. I would not have thought anything about except I noticed the hilt, it's one of yours isn't it?" I found it the same evening that she ran off with the druid." Rey't eyes flashed with intensity even as the friendly smile tried to reveal no plotting at all.
Celin's dark eyes widened at the sight of the blade. Syclyae's own. His anger flared, white hot at the sight of the blade but to his credit and much to Rey't chagrin he made no outward showing this time. There were some things better left to the privacy of family. "Thank you for finding it. Syclyae had mentioned she lost it. I am happy for it's return." Celin said automatically.
Rey't's face tightened around they sticky sweet smile and he nearly scoffed at the notion of her admitting such a thing but he did not want to test Celin either. With a curt nod he acknowledged his warrior kin and stalked away from the training center where Celin stayed most of the time. Rey't's thoughts turned upon themselves as he once again found himself moving away from Celin having not gained a clear understanding of where the aged elf's own thoughts fell on Syclyae.
Celian's knuckles cracked around the sheath of his daughter's blade. This behavior was unacceptable to the perfectionist especially when it came to important things like family, respect and blades. Leaving a sword like the one he gave her was not only dangerous it was an affront to his kindness at trying to train her. So many he turned away just to focus on her and she chose the bow. Archery was good for other elves but not for his daughter. She would learn the blade. There would be no other way in his family. He tossed the blade down with a clang against the marble floor and crossed his arms. Celin pondered Rey't's words and wondered if perhaps this would be the best time for his daughter to learn under a new warrior. Perhaps he was being soft on her because of their relationship. Perhaps Rey't was the right choice to teach her. Celin started to sigh but stopped himself short. 'I will not be blamed for this.' He thought in growing irritation. 'This is Tranlitha's fault. Weak willed woman could not even perform childbirth correctly.' Years ago Celin would have felt nauseous for making such a claim, even in his thoughts. But now... Only emptiness. There was only the blade and his only remaining family that just was not smart enough to learn it. What to do about her continued transgressions, he pondered long into the day.
The elf's strong arms were crossed and he flexed them slowly causing the veins in his forearms to bulge with each twist. His face was all sharp angles from his cheekbones to jaw to the slate hue of his deep dark eyes. From his narrow and small tipped ears to the manner which his chest moved under his thin chain shirt the elf oozed charm, confidence and nobility.
"Celin, calm. I was in complete control and they did nothing more than talk and run just like every other time they meet in -secret-." The youthful elf replied casually allowing the word secret hang as if a naughty word. The smile set on his face appeared genuine but was dripping with an ulterior motive to his choice of words. Celin could or would not see it for what it was as they spoke so enraged he was at the thought of his daughter even speaking to a human let alone over and over.
"I am calm and do not presume otherwise. Why can't she be like other females that do not have a serviceable skill. First her mother and now Syclyae. Did I tell you she has not even learned the shade step yet? Ten long years, Rey't. Ten!" The mature swordsman muttered to the younger one. "And Donwind. You would think I had made my thoughts clear on his attention when it came to Syclyae. I am appreciative you offered to keep an eye on her for me. Now I see that was a very wise course of action."
Rey't was handsome, young, wealthy and an excellent swordsman. Perhaps only second to the man in front of him in the High Forest if such a thing could truly be known. The moon elf's skin was a lighter hue and his blue hair the color of water at midnight. He worn his confidence of just under two centuries of weapons work on his face as well as his distaste for anything not elven. He was not an evil man yet the thought of a creature like Syclyae speaking to a lowly human filled him full of resentment and irritation more so than Celin. After all, had not he himself approached the girl just a decade ago? Yes she had not been of age then but he was Rey't Tregallin. Usually the name alone was enough to impress any in their village and yet that strange creature had politely excused herself from every interaction since then. How could she not see him and his wealth and just give herself to him fully?
"You know, this would not be an issue if you let me train her. Too many things pry at your mind, Celin. Allow me to return a portion of the many favors you heaped upon my undeserving head?" The sly elf spoke humbly and with just the right amount of gratitude. "She is still young and needs to learn so many things to survive in this world now, especially around those like that druid. You cannot keep her safe forever."
Celin stopped and watched the young elf his eyes immediately locking onto Rey't's own. Something did not ring completely honest about Rey't answer and the wise yet bitterly-blinded man considered his words warily. His inner self was still well aware of the evil that lived in all men regardless of race even if he chose to never consciously lump any elf into the same discussion as another humanoid. "We'll see, Rey't. I'm not sure Syclyae is ready to learn from you. But I will consider your words in the matter." He replied slowly, nodding a dog to boister his waxing agreement.
Rey't and Celin exchanged more pleasantries and Celin felt their dance was on an even keel once again. He liked the young elf both for his skills with the blade and his cleverness. He was like looking at himself in so many ways and there was thread of envy that Celin felt as the young elf pursed things Celin no longer could or would. But Rey't was not done for his bid and just as he was saying his farewell he played his last card.
"Oh I nearly forgot, master swordsman, Celin. I found this...just laying on a stump the other night in the middle of the forest. I would not have thought anything about except I noticed the hilt, it's one of yours isn't it?" I found it the same evening that she ran off with the druid." Rey't eyes flashed with intensity even as the friendly smile tried to reveal no plotting at all.
Celin's dark eyes widened at the sight of the blade. Syclyae's own. His anger flared, white hot at the sight of the blade but to his credit and much to Rey't chagrin he made no outward showing this time. There were some things better left to the privacy of family. "Thank you for finding it. Syclyae had mentioned she lost it. I am happy for it's return." Celin said automatically.
Rey't's face tightened around they sticky sweet smile and he nearly scoffed at the notion of her admitting such a thing but he did not want to test Celin either. With a curt nod he acknowledged his warrior kin and stalked away from the training center where Celin stayed most of the time. Rey't's thoughts turned upon themselves as he once again found himself moving away from Celin having not gained a clear understanding of where the aged elf's own thoughts fell on Syclyae.
Celian's knuckles cracked around the sheath of his daughter's blade. This behavior was unacceptable to the perfectionist especially when it came to important things like family, respect and blades. Leaving a sword like the one he gave her was not only dangerous it was an affront to his kindness at trying to train her. So many he turned away just to focus on her and she chose the bow. Archery was good for other elves but not for his daughter. She would learn the blade. There would be no other way in his family. He tossed the blade down with a clang against the marble floor and crossed his arms. Celin pondered Rey't's words and wondered if perhaps this would be the best time for his daughter to learn under a new warrior. Perhaps he was being soft on her because of their relationship. Perhaps Rey't was the right choice to teach her. Celin started to sigh but stopped himself short. 'I will not be blamed for this.' He thought in growing irritation. 'This is Tranlitha's fault. Weak willed woman could not even perform childbirth correctly.' Years ago Celin would have felt nauseous for making such a claim, even in his thoughts. But now... Only emptiness. There was only the blade and his only remaining family that just was not smart enough to learn it. What to do about her continued transgressions, he pondered long into the day.