Post by Lady Eirian Gwenyth Apollius on Mar 21, 2010 18:41:21 GMT -6
To forget one thing does not mean others will not wish to remember it through your eyes, nor will we seek to yearn for what is just around the bend
(From 2.20.10)
Talion: The tavern was a lonely place in the valley. Often quiet and peaceful like everyone else, it was sought out for its rare drinks, music, and warmth. Like everywhere else, it was a friendly place, and one Apollo favored from many others. There had been a time in his younger days that he may have avoided such a spot, opting to cause ruckus and chaos, but those days were long over. He had mellowed out over the years, and war was worn like a medal over a creased brow and calloused hands. Apollo the warrior was now a father, and more importantly, a husband. He took his role seriously, but not without his lighthearted moments. Such was this time, in the Willingham tavern. He sat within a corner of the establishment, his feet propped upon the surface of his table; it made his chair angle back as he appeared to be nonchalant. Resting, crooked within the corner of his lips, his pipe sat and rocked haphazardly as smoke traveled upward in gentle waves. He was thinking back, remembering old times while watching his wife with a look of nostalgia.[d]
Eirian: The Willingham was a good reason, as good as any, to settle oneself upon a horse or take to the road on the feet the good Lord issued. One pair each body; sturdy despite willow illusion frailty the limbs held up the torso which withswinging arms was resplendid in the ability to move for many miles. She wasn't a recluse by any stretch of the imagination! Turas Lan provided the foundations for excellance in one medium but the source of inspiration lay in living in Eden. What did he see, looking at her? Deposed royal always giving more heart to a half-hearted enterprise, a Welsh bastard who spun silk but was more comfortable in wool. It would make little sense unless you lived it;Eirian laughed hearty at some joke of lust that country folk are not inhibited in telling. You could not fine more equal furvor for life, be it pious or rigorous with pleasure. "You are terrible," she told the tavern keep,"Ryan Willingham your wife prays for you hourly." Make her believe in olden times worth, for she very well could but there were some places that schism made fall away. The better? It was living now. One girl with exotic eyes, one son with his father's face, and between them ten lifetimes in a handful of years (d)
Ada: Willingham was a tavern Ada chose by sheer accident, having been here once before, but never since. Her walk across the isle was a self-reflective one, rather than one of business. She missed her child, but Genevieve would not have stood for hours of rambling, even if she was her mother's daughter. Her tolerance for life without naps was extremely low, even when bribed with pickled mushrooms to behave. Ada fluffed a hand through her hair as she entered, trying to tame those dark curls into some semblance of order, but succeeding only in causing the dark curls to bounce back over her shoulder. She spotted Eirian, and happily wove her way through the tables to take a perch at the lady's side, a greeting of a smile and delighted "Bonjour!" before she put a kiss to either cheek. *
Talion: He watched and listened, much like he always seemed to do. Apollo had become predictable in this time of senile aging, yet he looked no older than mid-thirties. His shoulders were strong carried with good height. He remained silent while listening to Ryan and Eirian laugh, his demeanor reflecting what it had moments before each time he looked at Eirian. Often, when he watched, he recalled moments of great struggle between them. Times that stirred his expression to change, and forced him to take a deep breath.-- His lips perked when he heard Eirian laugh, and his pipe was plucked from his lips to lightly tap upon edge of the table. He glanced away to see Ada step into the tavern; she was fixing her hair, taming it. It made Apollo self conscious of his own, and his free hand lightly tucked a portion of his disheveled mop behind his ear. He watched as Ada greeted his wife, his smile remaining even after the pipe was pushed back in, glowing as he inhaled silently.[d]
Eirian: "Why not, tis true. A good bonnie hill of berries..even better when the lass is named Bonnie." So it turned to the tale of a country courtship when said Bonnie's face went awry. For an immigrant from England some time agone, his family had forsaken all sense of imperial manners. "Ah'm sorra mistress! Tha's vile tongued Ryan, ye ought nay be sayin' tha' tae a Lady." "You have seen my husband have you not?Whatever innocence was left of me has since vanishedGone years indeed. I am ruined, and you may spare my dignity. Now her, on the other hand." She turned a gaze that mimiced sapphire pieced heaven toward the woman from the Alps, from Paris, from all over! With a laugh she accepted kisses while embracing her, "This one, Bonnie, will ruin Ryan all the more. All of us really. Hello my delicious one! What are you about today?" She peered around him to view her husband, said ruiner of her own piety, the man whom took conquest of life as much as long-ago wars. He was a settled sort. Indeed he took to the life with the same zeal as she'd once taken to living in mountains. She grinned at him, all sweetness but not without mystery (d)
Ada: "Just walking about," Ada said brightly, sliding an arm around Eirian and observing Ryan appreciatively. "It is hard to ruin me, though," she offered, winking. Ada was the great corrupter, a temptress of both sexes, even if she seemed at first glance nothing of the sort. Today, she was even dressed relatively conservatively, new boots sticking out beneath slightly older skirts of navy, and a chemise pulled a bit too low to show off her assets up top. All within the confines of respectability, of course, and few ever complained about what she wore -- or what she didn't, as the case may be -- save the man who gave her the obnoxiously large ruby hanging from her left ring finger. Which she showed to Eirian, with brows arched in pleased surprise, even if she didn't have the words to explain it. As if anyone could make a respectable woman out of Ada. *
Talion:Talion responded to Eirian's grin by deepening his smile. He glanced away moments later when Ada began to speak with Eirian. He looked down at his cup and casually reached out to grasp the handle. His chair scraped across the floor when he stood. He rolled his head a bit, then made his way over to set the cup upon the bar top, nodding to Ryan, then glancing to his wife. He might have kissed the woman had Luke not silently stalked his father, and tugged on his shirt. "Papa.... Papa.. come tell us another adventure. Please..." Apollo made a goofy face...[d]
Eirian: "What a fine place to come with no particular place to go." The little Welsh woman turned her eyes down toward the finger with the ruby in question brought her own arch of brow with a hand to circle the air. A space to be filled with explaination? Wry grin came as she awaited the tale while her own lips might have been kissed , but alas. Luke won his father over with an affectionate pleading for another tale. About the only thing that could compete when he wanted a good story was a woman's lap with a chest to lay against. This being more innocent, she shrugged at Talion with a chuckle. The boy wanted his story! "Papa does tell the best stories, doesn't he love." Eirian wanted a tale too, the one about the ruby? Without trepidation she led Ada toward a table she set her posterior atop of, patting the place next to her. "Talion does weave a good tale, I get the one about the ring yes?" As it also was, Ada was the only other woman she'd met who was just about her size! (d)
Ada: Ada laughed and settled in beside Eirian, letting her eyes roam over Talion and the boy, before resting back on Eirian. It was nice to be in similar company. The rest of the world consisted of giants, and Ada hated always being the slightest of the room, even if many were often impressed at her lack of height when meeting her face to face, never once believing the apothecary so diminuitive in stature. "Jean-Claude proposed marriage. Isn't it strange? It came out of the blue." She smiled. "I told him I am not the marrying type, but I suppose that may have changed sometime over the years. We are not the same people we were when we were young." She canted her head, wondering if that was true for Eirian. The woman always seemed so self-confident and assured, though it was bad manners to presume. Everyone had moments of doubt, Ada included. *
Talion:: Talion's gaze traveled down to his son for a moment, then back to Eirian. He shrugged, kissing her cheek and nodding to Ada before collecting his drink. His pipe was propped between his bite, and he turned to look to Luke again. The boy was young, and holding his arms up to be picked up. Talion knelt, collecting the lad with one arm and stood. His head turned to watch the boy's expressions as he made his way to the hearth to sit amongst the other children. There were a couple chairs there, and a rug. Apollo set his son down, then settled into the chair. Taking his pipe from his mouth, he set it upon the arm of the chair and took a drink from his cup. "What is it you wish to hear about , Luke.. Hope?" His brow hiked up as he looked to each one.[d]
Eirian + Children: "Jean-Claude proposed. There are stranger things, but this is among the high caliber of odd. Perhaps you will be a different married sort, define it as you see fit yes? At the very least you will get an exceptional day and good partnership from the bargain. If not an exquisite gown." What types they were versus what they weren't was a self-proported myth that allowed them think along desirable lines. Often Time would fashion what they were supposed to beas much as free will did. Hope was given leave to choose, to question. Luke screwed up his face much as one does when studying a great tract of letters. Eirian chuckled, "Papa, what 'bout the big bird across yer back, the one Hope points at but ye won't say nothin? " His sister did not detract from that point, "You won't even tell me why its there, oh come on Papa! Or about your sword..or about the band of adventurerers" No, it was not how you'd say the word. Eirian laughed as with a shake of her head he would give them things to ponder. "Tell me about when I was little where you took me, or Luke! Papa.." So he had his options, how much truth would he pepper in. Eirian was a font but left out the more age debateable detail, but they were intelligent children (d)
Ada: Ada laughed quietly. "True. We have always defined what we wish out of our relationship. At the heart of the unconventionality is love." There was always love in Ada's world. It was how she preferred to see things, in terms of the heart. She closed her hand over the left, feeling the stone against her palm, and let her attention wander to the children and Talion. These were stories she hadn't heard before, and would be interested in listening. Her own were so boring in comparison, she often colored them with fairies, dragons, and princesses for Genna's benefit, far preferring the fantasy to her world travels, which so often ended with some heavy object crashing down on Ada's head. She would rather portray fantasy and romance to the oddness that was Ada's reality, and bound to become Genna's. *
Talion: "Why do you want to know about those things?" His expression had grown slightly cold, the color draining from his cheeks. He appeared unnerved, not at all hiding it. His hand came up to gently favor the shape of his chin, his fingers gently stroking the red hair there. His weary gaze traveled to the pair of women. He caught Ada's gaze as she looked over his way, then Eirian. He did something akin to a gulp before his gaze returned to the children. "Is there anything else I can share.. not revolving around those things?"[d]
Eirian: "Why don't you tell them the story of the Northern Mountains in Avaria, where our horses come from." The shade of pale in a man was not the same beautiful image as it was on a woman. There was heartbreak and avoidance, as if he were afraid to give his children a part of his legacy. Was it so violent, so backbreaking a thing he could find no honor in it? Hope placed her hands against her father's face, for this was all the father she had ever known "We've heard it, Papa. Please? Tell us! I want to know, oh I do! I know what a phoenix bird is, but why do you wear it?" Oh no, the assault went thus: One small girl climbing up into his lap with large brown eyes holding Eirian's burst of blue. "Luke wants to know, Papa. " Eirian nodded to him, she found no wrong in it. It was not as if their stories didn't include pagodas or strange imperial courts, journies over oceans or tales of a wild Wales. The children were mixtures of places, things, and people that could not be avoided. "They want to know. There is nothing wrong with it." Perhaps he felt it is what cost him nearness to his oldest son now. Were that she could mend his pain, she would. But would she even change a thing? (d)
Ada: She would like to know, too. She'd spent nearly five months in Avaria, and had learned nothing of it, save her own mortality. But she had known that for a very long time. Avaria had a way of making that knowledge imperative. Ada fell silent beside Eirian, as she usually did when the island was brought up. She never said a word about her daughter's parentage, never claimed to have been to that place, only because she was not yet certain how to discuss it, even these few years later. Eirian knew, though. She still recalled that conversation three years ago, sitting in Eirian's kitchen and laughing the pain away. Whatever deities she prayed to, she hoped Genna would not have to feel such heartache, nor such determination to remain loyal despite the insanity of doing so. She curled her hand around Eirian's and gave the woman's much paler hand a squeeze of acknowledgement. It was a very good idea for a story. *
Talion: "It is a dark tale, Hope. Looking upon my past, retelling it is reliving it." He admitted, lightly wrapping his arm about her and combing her hair with his fingers. His face held a stone like expression, his eyes hollow as the eidetic feeling embraced his roaming mind. "Before you were born, I was a soldier. I was in service to a man named Richard, a King of the Isle Avaria. We fought many battles, but the scariest was our Honheldagus campaign." He said, looking into the fire, his eyes narrowing. "Honheldagus is the heart of Avaria, a great stone structure that shares many paths carved in the rock of the mountains. It's very cold, and it rains a lot. During this battle, King Richard had to reach the top of Honheldagus where an evil man named Darius was. Darius had been a Knight of Avaria, a man of honor whose devotion was supposed to be in protecting the Queen, Richard's wife. He... did not, and Richard sought for vengeance that he never tasted. He was killed in the battle before. In his place, I went. I defeated Darius in a sword battle, and was made out to be some sort of hero. My sword, you both saw it, Elundias.. was what they called it. The blade is red, stained with the blood of the wicked... said to consume it and aid in the fight between good and evil. This sword was handed to me because of what I had done for Richard. Avarians believed hope resonated from the person who carried this relic of Avaria; thus I became a Champion for many years.." He trailed off.[d]
Papa: "Tell us." From the mouth of the small girl came two words that belied what was inside, beyond the years of five coming toward six. Against father's stoicism she was the wind in his tale that raced through hollow mountains. She climbed with him up the narrow steps of a city cut into mountain. Luke watched him wide eyed, not understanding why such things were haunting in and of themselves..but the tone of his voice sent shivers down his spine. A bogey-man beneath his bed, the ghosts in the trees, was it like that? Hope came to her knees on his lap, eyes brought to half lid for the concise imagery to soak into the psyche. Eirian's hand clasped Ada's in affirmation of shared experience, in a moment of fear that vanished only as Hope's eyes started to open. Unlike the small girl, mother was not prone to close of eyes when words wrought images to intense to be dreams. "Papa," another question as she opened the span of her arms to touch what as under his clothes, on his back, "Tell us about the firebird papa that you have here." A phoneix was an object of duality in her life. It was something claimed by the only father she'd known, by the man who's seed fashioned her. It was something that she'd seen on flags and emblems, and yearned to understand as much as why her eyes would always be slanted when their own were not. What sensation passed off her touch to Talion, and to her again, it wouldn't be known. It was for this reason she paid her daughter no stories concernng he faint branch scars on her shoulders or back (d)
Oniko:Rork left to rest contently, Oniko made a quiet entrance. The door pushed inward just enough to slip through, she took a moment to look about quietly and return the door to its close. Hood pushed away from orient features, she was content to see a few she knew, and passed a small wave to the two children and their mother as she passed on her way to the bar. Gloves were removed and tucked into her pocket, she took standing near the end with a curious look around, and then back to those she knew.::
Ada: Ada settled back on her perch, hands upon the table to support her weight, while booted feet swung slowly beneath her skirts, as if she sat upon a dock and was letting the cool water carry her feet away. It was a pleasant feeling, and one of the luxuries of being short. She looked from Talion to the children, her gaze lingering upon Hope, then turning back to Eirian. Here was a family that was centered, collected, and everything Ada wished for herself. Her luck had been good for most her life, she had to admit. These past two years had been nearly idyllic, not even compared to what one might consider idyllic when she first arrived in Skye, but genuinely beautiful, peaceful years. She hoped the trend continued, but the upsets in her life were a little confounding, and even the usually laid back apothecary had a moment of wondering how fast the current would take her this time. *
Talion: His expression lightened some when Hope touched him, and his gaze traveled to her. "Ah yes, Suzaku. Though the emblem on my back is different than the one we bore in southern Hoy. It was a time of war in Orkney, the English invading the lands of Kirkwall, Hoy, and many other places. Suzaku was an emblem I adopted from a man who was my superior. It was during this time I met your mother, who was regent. This emblem was meant to produce fear from the English, as we repelled them from our lands. It was a hard time back then, and we both came away with many.. reminders of what horrors we were faced with. However, the emblem was not a symbol that lasted.. its champions were defeated in time, and your mother and I were forced to leave, with many others following some harsh defeat." He had avoided the question of the brand, but he knew Hope saw the diversion in his conversation.[d]
Eirian: "Papa. Not Suzaku, YOUR bird.." While the stories were lost in mud-thick details the differences between one Western Bird and the Eastern bird were distinct even to a girl of near six. Despite what words she lacked to articulate her basic thought on the matter, she knew one bird belonged to the man that made her, while the other belonged to the man that held her while she was born. By this time even Eirian's heart was caught in her throat, but it didn't show on a serene face. Idle swings of leg continued, even as Oniko entered. With a smile she waved to the woman, whispering to Ada, "The children do not get enough of her, she is quite the magician." Not to mention she was of eyes Hope never saw in the Valley until Spring, when a few distant merchants came in need of a translator. "Not the one from the old countries..YOUR phoenix." She huffed. Eirian rubbed at her back, as if the old scars began to itch. Lighting the beacon at Kirkwall had gotten her a sufficient brandishing with the sticks and splinters compliments of English civility. Luke gave a nod, "Aye, Papa, your bird. What's it mean?" While he was a few years behind Hope, he also wasn't easily diverted. "Persistant children I have. " She told Ada, "very persistant." (d)
Ada: "They do sound as if they appreciate a good telling," Ada offered in response. "They must have all the details just right. Anything less is positively insulting." Ada accepted the mug of water that came her way, drinking deeply before setting it back down. "It has been a long time since anyone told me a story." She'd forgotten how much she appreciated a good telling, too, but perhaps this was no surprise to anyone. Her favorite place to sit was at the feet of her lover, listening as he discussed his day's findings, and occasionally asking a question to be certain she understood him correctly. "He seems to have so many." *
Oniko: Oniko listened quietly to the story that was told, watching Hope with a very subtle smirk to the child's inquisitive nature. An admirable quality in children so young. The tender caught her attention, so turning to him she quietly requested a mug of cider and detatched the saya from the strap at her back before seating herself. The weapon was leaned against the stool she claimed while listening for explanation of the bird Hope inquired about.::
Talion: "My symbol... " He trailed off, looking back to the fire for a long moment. His chest rose as air went into his nose, it was a nervous habit he had. There was a long pause as he remained silent, visibly thinking with a look which added age. When he blinked, his hand lowered from covering his mouth. "It is the symbol of an old fellowship. One with many adventurers, many tales, and many heartbreaks. The symbol represents immortality, meaning.." He cleared his throat. "Once you bear that mark, you are forever a marked man; a Talon."[d]
Eirian: "A fellow-ship. So...fellows...all with the phoenix?" It was basic, but it served .She peered down the back of his shirt in complete fascination, with Luke pondering what it was to be a 'marked man' but if his father wore it, it was certainly a good thing! "Can I 'ave one Papa, when I get a pipe?" He put his head on his knee, Hope came down so she could wander over to Eirian "Mama's got a mark, but it doesn't look like Papa's. Why's that Mama, why don't you wear one?" It was only fair to bother the mother, spare the father. Luke took notice of Oniko and was about to bounce off, when he noted Hope going to Mother, and then Ada. Oh goodness, three? Where would he go? "Papa, eh, which one ya thinks the comfiest?" Hope climbed up near Ada and Eirian, grinning over to Oniko, she was on investigation! "Because I wear a nightingale, and then I wear moon, beneath my hair." "Shooow!" To appease the child, she gathered up all her hair to reveal the moon in a circle on her neck, under her hair, in its phases. On her shoulder, the bird in question with the strange, scrawling script. "Do you think that there will be more stories, Maybe miss Ada's got one, or Miss Oniko. HI ONIKO!" It was a sigh Talion at least would be spared (d)
Ada: "Miss Ada doesn't have any tattooes," Ada offered. "They look like they hurt," she added to the child, looking considerably unimpressed by the idea of hammering anything repeatedly into her skin to give it permanent color. Much less repeating the process for a more colorful design. "They look like they hurt a lot." She smiled. "I do not have any stories that are very good, I think. They are all very boring. That is what I tell my little girl, Genevieve. Her maman has an exceptionally dull life." Ada could dream, could she not? She smiled, though, and took another sip of water. "Though I do have a story I heard from Rose the other day...." Ada's eyes narrowed, almost catlike with amusement, and she started in on the tale of Hugh and the friars. "Not so very long ago, and not too far away, there were monks living in a monastery. They had the most beautiful garden, yet their monastery was very poor. They decided they would make up their debts to the old King of England -- we had one of those, once," Ada added with an odd look in her face, but she blinked and went back to her story with only a slight shake of her head and bouncing of dark curls. "By opening a flower shop. Since everyone loved to buy their flowers from men of God, the rival florist across town began to think the competition was unfair! How would you like to compete with monks? You cannot. It is impossible." Ada repositioned Hope onto her lap, folding her arms loosely around the little girl's middle. "He asked the friars to close down, but they would not. He went back again and begged the men to close down, but they were enjoying all the money their florist shop earned! They could feed the hungry and clothe the poor. So he asked his mother to go, and they turned her down too! So the rival florist hired a man named Hugh MacTaggart, the roughest toughest thug in town, to 'persuade' them to close. Hugh ... ah... managed to convince the friars.... " Ada cleared her throat again. Perhaps this bar tale was not the most suitable for children after all."He trashed their store and threw the monks out of the florist shop, saying he'd be back if they ever opened up again. Thereby proving....That Hugh, and only Hugh, can prevent florist friars." *
Oniko: Oniko hadn't been watching until Hope started moving around. Thanking the tender for the mug, she turned on her seat to watch the children and listen to Hope. A wave to the child. "Gitsu, kitai hana." Joined with a small smile to fall silent and listen to the woman tell her tale. No comment of marks or stories, though Oniko had her fair share of both. The end of the story went right over Oniko's head, and she was okay with that. She found it amusing.::
Orion:His hands were dirty, the trails of the path had worn well against the soles of his boots, but the winter months had been kind. Somewhere within the past few years a man had slipped inside of Skye to find the peace of the valley. Work had been well to come by, with eager hands willing to do anything, and the open hearts of goodwilled people. There was much faith in the countryside, a deep seeded religion that carried him through the long winters. Orion, was a man who liked to keep to himself, but without being shy. He was a man who worked long days, and could not live in the night. He needed the light of the sun, even if it was filtered through rain. He rose with it, and slept with it; the routine final. Passing through the doors, the tall man would pass smiling faces with a simple nod of his head, but the story that reached his ears could have perhaps held a smile. "A florist friar?" Even he could be intrigued. (d
Talion: "No. You will never burden the weight this mark gives. Never so long as I breath." His voice was stern, perhaps too much so with his own son, but it was to make his point final. Apollo had lost the love of one son already, adding more to that sense of failure was not at the top of Talion's list.-- Silence followed that statement, and Talion reached out to touch his son's head, his fingers messing up the small strands of hair. The boy had inquired about the women, and Apollo followed his gaze. He shook his head, and returned the boy's gaze. "Go have fun, son. " A reassuring smile crossed his his lips and he pushed himself up to stand. He spent a moment stretching before turning to collect his pipe. A small timber was taken from the fire, and he relit the pipe, tossed the piece back in and collected his drink to step outside for some semblance of peace. His thoughts had overwhelmed him, his emotions out of check. So he needed to separate himself briefly. Before stepping out, he looked to Eirian, then disappeared out the entrance.[d]
Eirian: "But Pa --- ye have one, and I want to be just like you when I grow up.." Luke countered, turning his face up in a hard pout with his little voice as firm as it could get. Hope had left the matter alone for now under the pretense of another story, but Luke was fixed on it, like an arrow to a bullseye. He crossed his arms, set to be upset. Well, how could he enjoy his laps when Papa said he couldn't have the bird on him? It wasn't fair! Fortunatly,even the most stringent focus can be turned with a laugh, often Hope's ability to coherece her brother was like a piper hunting for rats. He grinned up at Talion instead of frown, before going over to start with Oniko. Without a single : word he just grinned, bounced, and opened his arms. The child's middle name - Ham. "Hugh can prevent florist friars! That' s silly Miss Ada! I wonder if mama's cousin Meurig sells flowers?" But Eirian only looked at Apollo, reaching up a few fingers before they came down. Such was the problem as children aged with voices, thoughts, ways of their own. Secrets couldn't hide forever. Part of her wished to go to him, but she knew he needed his moment. Was it not a man's right to claim it? Years were of peace, but Talion's mind still seemed so haunted by what he'd been, what he'd done. "Mama do you think cousin Meurig sells flowers?" "No sweet heart..The Bishop or the Cisterians do not sell flowers." A momentary image of Meurig...of all the brothers Lewelyn selling flowers suddenly popped into her mind. What an odd image. (d)
Ada: "They might," Ada said thoughtfully, letting Hope back down onto the floor. "They made weapons, sell produce, marched to Skye and back to fight a war. The Cistercians are an industrious bunch, and I have no doubt, they would outsell any florist." She missed flowers, thinking about it. But she didn't have too long to think about it, as she popped onto her feet and dashed across the room to give Orion a hug. "It has been too long where have you been why don't you come to see me anymore Genna misses you!" she said in one long sentence, perhaps lapsing into French, but he might be used to that by now. Ada's grasp of English was fleeting at best, and she never seemed interested in improving it. She was also a bit like a barnacle, latching onto Orion as if afriad he might vanish into the woods again. *
Oniko:: The occasional drink from her mug was taken until Luke approached. Dark brow arched upward as she looked down at the child from her seat. He was far too cute to resist. The mug was set down quietly and hands offered to the male The occasional drink from her mug was taken until Luke approached.
Orion: "Genna is in good hands." He smiled, the expression so ungiving on his face though the lines around his eyes were proof such a smile could have been. There had not been great tragedy in his life nor had their been great sadness, he simply was a humble man. A warrior below the basics of his attire, though in all his life he had not once been needed for battle. Ada simply had the way of enchanting all around her. (d
Eirian: Luke was in the arms of a traveling friend who came to call, whilst Hope followed Ada to observe whom she greeted with wide eyes. Where had Papa gone? She was near to peering by the door when her mother called her to see if Ryan's wife Bonnie had finished supper yet. Being obdient, she turned about to run towards the kitchen while her mother advanced to greet new faces. As the two passed, she would ask, "Is he sad?" "Thoughtful" "Why, Mama?" "Because he has too much to think about, my love?" "Do you?" " I make due, but what mother has time hm? You and your brother keep me busy for hours, go on, off you get." She urged her own, all laughter and smiles (d)
Ada: She drew Orion back to her table, taking a perch on its edge again beside Eirian. "Eirian, Hope, I'd like you to meet a friend of mine. We met a few years ago." In very strange circumstances, but it seemed they were able to get past them and form a friendship. "His name is Orion." She smiled, but her attention was captivated by Eirian and her children. Ada barely had enough energy to deal with her one child. She had no idea how other women did more than that. But two precocious children! *
Orion: There was the works of a clansman about him, his accent unmistaken, but his life had been spent on another isle. He knew the couple before him, the failed King and his moonlit Queen, but they wouldn't know of him. Orion had spent his life with the people less important, the ones who were killed off when the Goddess was brought down. Yet still his anger flared when he heard the stories, the names, the faces..the children. All had put so much faith in this king. A man of peace himself, it was hard to capture the blood that boiled under his skin, but when he pressed his hand to the top of Ada's knee he took a deep breath as he sat beside her perch. He had little to say, but was animalenough to admit there wasn't reason to be quiet. "Pleasure. All mine." Of course. (d
Eirian:"Delighted, Orion. Have you been in the valley long?" Pale hand held the story from life instead of in passing from the mouths of the few who had come from that Island to live here among the Welsh, the shepard, athe artist, and the holy brethren. A moonlit Queen who ran from crown but was beaten down by it. God had made his point, but so had she. Royal blood could go absent of thrones and still be happy. Pacifist had learn to wield weapons in those years and so a woman who abhored war at its heart had a blade, the bow in her tiny hands. She sewed skin together with good sense and prayer. (d)
Ada: She lifted her hand and let it rest upon his shoulder, absently messing with the hem at the collar of his shirt, but then letting her hand settle across his shoulder once she realized what she was doing. Ada loved all she met, eventhose who did not quite deserve the loyalty she gave them. Orion did. He'd saved her life, more than once, and been a great friend when she'd had none. Eirian, too, was a great friend of hers, wise counsel in a sea of tumult, a warm kitchen to retire to when weary of thinking. But she had not lived Orion's life, and all feelings had merit, deep down. Aristotle had said the same once, and while Ada had not studied the Greeks, she considered the man about as wise as Eirian. She smiled at the thought, and sipped her water. "Orion was the first to meet my daughter," Ada supplied with a twinkle. "He also has a passion for the wildlife, and can tell you where anything grows. I cannot
tell you how many days I traipsed after him in the woods." *
Orion: In truth she was but of the first real human he had ever come to know, save for the what had once been in the midst of confusion--a goddess. "I helped you bring her into this world." He said quietly, "Followed her back. So yes..I'vebeen on this land long." He could have counted the days backwards if they wished, as he kept record on maps of the heavens, the days that went by. It had once been a gift. "But speaking of woods." He cut the rest of them out, reaching up to touch the hem of her skirt just as she had done; a mimic of her. "The break in the weather has turned this countryside a fascinating shade of green." Envy, he felt. "You will come soon?" (d
Eirian: "We are blessed to have such a man in the region , for we shall have to speak more indeed Orion. Your skill is a marvelous thing." They went back these two in simple connection but all such connections were sacred. In standing twixt the pair she could feel the pull of it. It was a good, worthwhile expereince. Green country brought forth a warm smile. "Spring oft quarrels with winter, and wins to arrive early. It will burst hard from the valley in this year, the trees already begin to open buds." Hope would be a sprite in the Spring, as unshod of foot as Eirian, darting about tall grass fields, making daisy chains and digging in the soft moist earth for creatures large and small (d)
Ada: "I will, of course," she replied, looking at him curiously. He was often in his own world. He would not leave it for any particular reason, so Ada was pleased to be invited. Pleased, and curious. Were they alone, she would have asked him then, but her eyes were already back upon Eirian. "I cannot wait for it. I yearn for green things in my diet, and fresh shoots, things I can plant in my garden, mud between my toes. It will be the first spring Genna can walk with me into the garden." She couldn't wait. Butterflies were for chasing and bugs for picking up between fingers and running around the garden, shrieking outrage at ugliness until one learned even they had a purpose in this world. "I've been spending my nights plotting out my garden, I am so anxious for the change in seasons. Winter leads to a dullness of the mind, if you are not careful, ah? But my little mint plant perseveres, no matter what Marcelline feeds it." *
Orion: "There will be so many new born. I bet she will love the lambs, the baby birds learning to fly." He could talk of this subject for hours, as it was what kept him sane on a land of death, always there was new life hidden in places that were often unlooked or not important enough for the eyes of the blind. "In the fields closer to the nobles I have heard a story there is a critter of African soil. Perhaps she and I will find the time to inspect." He settled back in his chair, folding his hands over his stomach as he thought. "It will be a busy time." He thought to himself, already hearing the farmers calling for the assistance of a healing hand, or even a well traveled hand when the colts did come. Nature would always make her way through, but it was often aided if only by the kindness of a human hand. He had not answered her question of where he had been, for pure reason his home was in the barn just up the road. Thankful for the break in the winter, but ashamed to admit within 2 years he had yet to find a place to call home. Wasn't his style. (d
Talion: Apollo returned. He closed the door behind him, cutting the cool air off. His pipe was held in one hand, the tankard in the other. He glanced about silently, then crossed the room to resume his station at their table in the corner. He passed his wife and those conversing with her. His attention had reverted to the nostalgic thoughts he had prior to his story telling quest. He took his seat and leaned forward using his elbows to prop himself on the surface of the table. His gaze followed his wife and lingered there.[d]
Eirian: "There is no place as this when the seasons come, any season. In the spring there will be sheeps to see lambing, fields to tend, crops to plant, gardens as you say Ada. I miss feeling hands in my own. Both the vegetables and the flowers. Seeing the orchards in bloom knowing that as time goes by they will become apples. Berries, now I ache for the same thing. To be done of shoes again, in fields feeling the grass on my feet. Linging sunlight and : brighter nights." To be held in those times in the woods. To dance before fires so that she could make him believe in better, challenge him to forget if only for a little.. (d)
Ada{?b}: "Mmm. Bare feet." She never went barefoot in her garden, unless she was dancing out there under the moonlight, because of that overactive imagination of hers. She wiggled her feet in her new boots, though, reminding herself that some good things did come of cold weather. Boots were wonderful things. For a woman who didn't care much for fashion -- or didn't seem to, anyway, Jean insisted she cleaned up well if she tried -- she certainly loved her footwear. "We will have much to explore. And you and Genna, too," Ada added, thinking how much Genevieve would enjoy it. The child thrived outdoors. Mostly well-behaved, genial, and very happy to be left to her own devices, she had a supportive mother in getting dirty while pursuing her passions. That's what baths were for, after all. *
Orion: "Mmmm. Bare feet." He chuckled squeezing the ankle of her boot with a lazy hand. Somewhere Jean-Claude was turning over in his sleep. Not of another touching his heart, but of the talk of feet without shoes. (d
(From 2.20.10)
Talion: The tavern was a lonely place in the valley. Often quiet and peaceful like everyone else, it was sought out for its rare drinks, music, and warmth. Like everywhere else, it was a friendly place, and one Apollo favored from many others. There had been a time in his younger days that he may have avoided such a spot, opting to cause ruckus and chaos, but those days were long over. He had mellowed out over the years, and war was worn like a medal over a creased brow and calloused hands. Apollo the warrior was now a father, and more importantly, a husband. He took his role seriously, but not without his lighthearted moments. Such was this time, in the Willingham tavern. He sat within a corner of the establishment, his feet propped upon the surface of his table; it made his chair angle back as he appeared to be nonchalant. Resting, crooked within the corner of his lips, his pipe sat and rocked haphazardly as smoke traveled upward in gentle waves. He was thinking back, remembering old times while watching his wife with a look of nostalgia.[d]
Eirian: The Willingham was a good reason, as good as any, to settle oneself upon a horse or take to the road on the feet the good Lord issued. One pair each body; sturdy despite willow illusion frailty the limbs held up the torso which withswinging arms was resplendid in the ability to move for many miles. She wasn't a recluse by any stretch of the imagination! Turas Lan provided the foundations for excellance in one medium but the source of inspiration lay in living in Eden. What did he see, looking at her? Deposed royal always giving more heart to a half-hearted enterprise, a Welsh bastard who spun silk but was more comfortable in wool. It would make little sense unless you lived it;Eirian laughed hearty at some joke of lust that country folk are not inhibited in telling. You could not fine more equal furvor for life, be it pious or rigorous with pleasure. "You are terrible," she told the tavern keep,"Ryan Willingham your wife prays for you hourly." Make her believe in olden times worth, for she very well could but there were some places that schism made fall away. The better? It was living now. One girl with exotic eyes, one son with his father's face, and between them ten lifetimes in a handful of years (d)
Ada: Willingham was a tavern Ada chose by sheer accident, having been here once before, but never since. Her walk across the isle was a self-reflective one, rather than one of business. She missed her child, but Genevieve would not have stood for hours of rambling, even if she was her mother's daughter. Her tolerance for life without naps was extremely low, even when bribed with pickled mushrooms to behave. Ada fluffed a hand through her hair as she entered, trying to tame those dark curls into some semblance of order, but succeeding only in causing the dark curls to bounce back over her shoulder. She spotted Eirian, and happily wove her way through the tables to take a perch at the lady's side, a greeting of a smile and delighted "Bonjour!" before she put a kiss to either cheek. *
Talion: He watched and listened, much like he always seemed to do. Apollo had become predictable in this time of senile aging, yet he looked no older than mid-thirties. His shoulders were strong carried with good height. He remained silent while listening to Ryan and Eirian laugh, his demeanor reflecting what it had moments before each time he looked at Eirian. Often, when he watched, he recalled moments of great struggle between them. Times that stirred his expression to change, and forced him to take a deep breath.-- His lips perked when he heard Eirian laugh, and his pipe was plucked from his lips to lightly tap upon edge of the table. He glanced away to see Ada step into the tavern; she was fixing her hair, taming it. It made Apollo self conscious of his own, and his free hand lightly tucked a portion of his disheveled mop behind his ear. He watched as Ada greeted his wife, his smile remaining even after the pipe was pushed back in, glowing as he inhaled silently.[d]
Eirian: "Why not, tis true. A good bonnie hill of berries..even better when the lass is named Bonnie." So it turned to the tale of a country courtship when said Bonnie's face went awry. For an immigrant from England some time agone, his family had forsaken all sense of imperial manners. "Ah'm sorra mistress! Tha's vile tongued Ryan, ye ought nay be sayin' tha' tae a Lady." "You have seen my husband have you not?Whatever innocence was left of me has since vanishedGone years indeed. I am ruined, and you may spare my dignity. Now her, on the other hand." She turned a gaze that mimiced sapphire pieced heaven toward the woman from the Alps, from Paris, from all over! With a laugh she accepted kisses while embracing her, "This one, Bonnie, will ruin Ryan all the more. All of us really. Hello my delicious one! What are you about today?" She peered around him to view her husband, said ruiner of her own piety, the man whom took conquest of life as much as long-ago wars. He was a settled sort. Indeed he took to the life with the same zeal as she'd once taken to living in mountains. She grinned at him, all sweetness but not without mystery (d)
Ada: "Just walking about," Ada said brightly, sliding an arm around Eirian and observing Ryan appreciatively. "It is hard to ruin me, though," she offered, winking. Ada was the great corrupter, a temptress of both sexes, even if she seemed at first glance nothing of the sort. Today, she was even dressed relatively conservatively, new boots sticking out beneath slightly older skirts of navy, and a chemise pulled a bit too low to show off her assets up top. All within the confines of respectability, of course, and few ever complained about what she wore -- or what she didn't, as the case may be -- save the man who gave her the obnoxiously large ruby hanging from her left ring finger. Which she showed to Eirian, with brows arched in pleased surprise, even if she didn't have the words to explain it. As if anyone could make a respectable woman out of Ada. *
Talion:Talion responded to Eirian's grin by deepening his smile. He glanced away moments later when Ada began to speak with Eirian. He looked down at his cup and casually reached out to grasp the handle. His chair scraped across the floor when he stood. He rolled his head a bit, then made his way over to set the cup upon the bar top, nodding to Ryan, then glancing to his wife. He might have kissed the woman had Luke not silently stalked his father, and tugged on his shirt. "Papa.... Papa.. come tell us another adventure. Please..." Apollo made a goofy face...[d]
Eirian: "What a fine place to come with no particular place to go." The little Welsh woman turned her eyes down toward the finger with the ruby in question brought her own arch of brow with a hand to circle the air. A space to be filled with explaination? Wry grin came as she awaited the tale while her own lips might have been kissed , but alas. Luke won his father over with an affectionate pleading for another tale. About the only thing that could compete when he wanted a good story was a woman's lap with a chest to lay against. This being more innocent, she shrugged at Talion with a chuckle. The boy wanted his story! "Papa does tell the best stories, doesn't he love." Eirian wanted a tale too, the one about the ruby? Without trepidation she led Ada toward a table she set her posterior atop of, patting the place next to her. "Talion does weave a good tale, I get the one about the ring yes?" As it also was, Ada was the only other woman she'd met who was just about her size! (d)
Ada: Ada laughed and settled in beside Eirian, letting her eyes roam over Talion and the boy, before resting back on Eirian. It was nice to be in similar company. The rest of the world consisted of giants, and Ada hated always being the slightest of the room, even if many were often impressed at her lack of height when meeting her face to face, never once believing the apothecary so diminuitive in stature. "Jean-Claude proposed marriage. Isn't it strange? It came out of the blue." She smiled. "I told him I am not the marrying type, but I suppose that may have changed sometime over the years. We are not the same people we were when we were young." She canted her head, wondering if that was true for Eirian. The woman always seemed so self-confident and assured, though it was bad manners to presume. Everyone had moments of doubt, Ada included. *
Talion:: Talion's gaze traveled down to his son for a moment, then back to Eirian. He shrugged, kissing her cheek and nodding to Ada before collecting his drink. His pipe was propped between his bite, and he turned to look to Luke again. The boy was young, and holding his arms up to be picked up. Talion knelt, collecting the lad with one arm and stood. His head turned to watch the boy's expressions as he made his way to the hearth to sit amongst the other children. There were a couple chairs there, and a rug. Apollo set his son down, then settled into the chair. Taking his pipe from his mouth, he set it upon the arm of the chair and took a drink from his cup. "What is it you wish to hear about , Luke.. Hope?" His brow hiked up as he looked to each one.[d]
Eirian + Children: "Jean-Claude proposed. There are stranger things, but this is among the high caliber of odd. Perhaps you will be a different married sort, define it as you see fit yes? At the very least you will get an exceptional day and good partnership from the bargain. If not an exquisite gown." What types they were versus what they weren't was a self-proported myth that allowed them think along desirable lines. Often Time would fashion what they were supposed to beas much as free will did. Hope was given leave to choose, to question. Luke screwed up his face much as one does when studying a great tract of letters. Eirian chuckled, "Papa, what 'bout the big bird across yer back, the one Hope points at but ye won't say nothin? " His sister did not detract from that point, "You won't even tell me why its there, oh come on Papa! Or about your sword..or about the band of adventurerers" No, it was not how you'd say the word. Eirian laughed as with a shake of her head he would give them things to ponder. "Tell me about when I was little where you took me, or Luke! Papa.." So he had his options, how much truth would he pepper in. Eirian was a font but left out the more age debateable detail, but they were intelligent children (d)
Ada: Ada laughed quietly. "True. We have always defined what we wish out of our relationship. At the heart of the unconventionality is love." There was always love in Ada's world. It was how she preferred to see things, in terms of the heart. She closed her hand over the left, feeling the stone against her palm, and let her attention wander to the children and Talion. These were stories she hadn't heard before, and would be interested in listening. Her own were so boring in comparison, she often colored them with fairies, dragons, and princesses for Genna's benefit, far preferring the fantasy to her world travels, which so often ended with some heavy object crashing down on Ada's head. She would rather portray fantasy and romance to the oddness that was Ada's reality, and bound to become Genna's. *
Talion: "Why do you want to know about those things?" His expression had grown slightly cold, the color draining from his cheeks. He appeared unnerved, not at all hiding it. His hand came up to gently favor the shape of his chin, his fingers gently stroking the red hair there. His weary gaze traveled to the pair of women. He caught Ada's gaze as she looked over his way, then Eirian. He did something akin to a gulp before his gaze returned to the children. "Is there anything else I can share.. not revolving around those things?"[d]
Eirian: "Why don't you tell them the story of the Northern Mountains in Avaria, where our horses come from." The shade of pale in a man was not the same beautiful image as it was on a woman. There was heartbreak and avoidance, as if he were afraid to give his children a part of his legacy. Was it so violent, so backbreaking a thing he could find no honor in it? Hope placed her hands against her father's face, for this was all the father she had ever known "We've heard it, Papa. Please? Tell us! I want to know, oh I do! I know what a phoenix bird is, but why do you wear it?" Oh no, the assault went thus: One small girl climbing up into his lap with large brown eyes holding Eirian's burst of blue. "Luke wants to know, Papa. " Eirian nodded to him, she found no wrong in it. It was not as if their stories didn't include pagodas or strange imperial courts, journies over oceans or tales of a wild Wales. The children were mixtures of places, things, and people that could not be avoided. "They want to know. There is nothing wrong with it." Perhaps he felt it is what cost him nearness to his oldest son now. Were that she could mend his pain, she would. But would she even change a thing? (d)
Ada: She would like to know, too. She'd spent nearly five months in Avaria, and had learned nothing of it, save her own mortality. But she had known that for a very long time. Avaria had a way of making that knowledge imperative. Ada fell silent beside Eirian, as she usually did when the island was brought up. She never said a word about her daughter's parentage, never claimed to have been to that place, only because she was not yet certain how to discuss it, even these few years later. Eirian knew, though. She still recalled that conversation three years ago, sitting in Eirian's kitchen and laughing the pain away. Whatever deities she prayed to, she hoped Genna would not have to feel such heartache, nor such determination to remain loyal despite the insanity of doing so. She curled her hand around Eirian's and gave the woman's much paler hand a squeeze of acknowledgement. It was a very good idea for a story. *
Talion: "It is a dark tale, Hope. Looking upon my past, retelling it is reliving it." He admitted, lightly wrapping his arm about her and combing her hair with his fingers. His face held a stone like expression, his eyes hollow as the eidetic feeling embraced his roaming mind. "Before you were born, I was a soldier. I was in service to a man named Richard, a King of the Isle Avaria. We fought many battles, but the scariest was our Honheldagus campaign." He said, looking into the fire, his eyes narrowing. "Honheldagus is the heart of Avaria, a great stone structure that shares many paths carved in the rock of the mountains. It's very cold, and it rains a lot. During this battle, King Richard had to reach the top of Honheldagus where an evil man named Darius was. Darius had been a Knight of Avaria, a man of honor whose devotion was supposed to be in protecting the Queen, Richard's wife. He... did not, and Richard sought for vengeance that he never tasted. He was killed in the battle before. In his place, I went. I defeated Darius in a sword battle, and was made out to be some sort of hero. My sword, you both saw it, Elundias.. was what they called it. The blade is red, stained with the blood of the wicked... said to consume it and aid in the fight between good and evil. This sword was handed to me because of what I had done for Richard. Avarians believed hope resonated from the person who carried this relic of Avaria; thus I became a Champion for many years.." He trailed off.[d]
Papa: "Tell us." From the mouth of the small girl came two words that belied what was inside, beyond the years of five coming toward six. Against father's stoicism she was the wind in his tale that raced through hollow mountains. She climbed with him up the narrow steps of a city cut into mountain. Luke watched him wide eyed, not understanding why such things were haunting in and of themselves..but the tone of his voice sent shivers down his spine. A bogey-man beneath his bed, the ghosts in the trees, was it like that? Hope came to her knees on his lap, eyes brought to half lid for the concise imagery to soak into the psyche. Eirian's hand clasped Ada's in affirmation of shared experience, in a moment of fear that vanished only as Hope's eyes started to open. Unlike the small girl, mother was not prone to close of eyes when words wrought images to intense to be dreams. "Papa," another question as she opened the span of her arms to touch what as under his clothes, on his back, "Tell us about the firebird papa that you have here." A phoneix was an object of duality in her life. It was something claimed by the only father she'd known, by the man who's seed fashioned her. It was something that she'd seen on flags and emblems, and yearned to understand as much as why her eyes would always be slanted when their own were not. What sensation passed off her touch to Talion, and to her again, it wouldn't be known. It was for this reason she paid her daughter no stories concernng he faint branch scars on her shoulders or back (d)
Oniko:Rork left to rest contently, Oniko made a quiet entrance. The door pushed inward just enough to slip through, she took a moment to look about quietly and return the door to its close. Hood pushed away from orient features, she was content to see a few she knew, and passed a small wave to the two children and their mother as she passed on her way to the bar. Gloves were removed and tucked into her pocket, she took standing near the end with a curious look around, and then back to those she knew.::
Ada: Ada settled back on her perch, hands upon the table to support her weight, while booted feet swung slowly beneath her skirts, as if she sat upon a dock and was letting the cool water carry her feet away. It was a pleasant feeling, and one of the luxuries of being short. She looked from Talion to the children, her gaze lingering upon Hope, then turning back to Eirian. Here was a family that was centered, collected, and everything Ada wished for herself. Her luck had been good for most her life, she had to admit. These past two years had been nearly idyllic, not even compared to what one might consider idyllic when she first arrived in Skye, but genuinely beautiful, peaceful years. She hoped the trend continued, but the upsets in her life were a little confounding, and even the usually laid back apothecary had a moment of wondering how fast the current would take her this time. *
Talion: His expression lightened some when Hope touched him, and his gaze traveled to her. "Ah yes, Suzaku. Though the emblem on my back is different than the one we bore in southern Hoy. It was a time of war in Orkney, the English invading the lands of Kirkwall, Hoy, and many other places. Suzaku was an emblem I adopted from a man who was my superior. It was during this time I met your mother, who was regent. This emblem was meant to produce fear from the English, as we repelled them from our lands. It was a hard time back then, and we both came away with many.. reminders of what horrors we were faced with. However, the emblem was not a symbol that lasted.. its champions were defeated in time, and your mother and I were forced to leave, with many others following some harsh defeat." He had avoided the question of the brand, but he knew Hope saw the diversion in his conversation.[d]
Eirian: "Papa. Not Suzaku, YOUR bird.." While the stories were lost in mud-thick details the differences between one Western Bird and the Eastern bird were distinct even to a girl of near six. Despite what words she lacked to articulate her basic thought on the matter, she knew one bird belonged to the man that made her, while the other belonged to the man that held her while she was born. By this time even Eirian's heart was caught in her throat, but it didn't show on a serene face. Idle swings of leg continued, even as Oniko entered. With a smile she waved to the woman, whispering to Ada, "The children do not get enough of her, she is quite the magician." Not to mention she was of eyes Hope never saw in the Valley until Spring, when a few distant merchants came in need of a translator. "Not the one from the old countries..YOUR phoenix." She huffed. Eirian rubbed at her back, as if the old scars began to itch. Lighting the beacon at Kirkwall had gotten her a sufficient brandishing with the sticks and splinters compliments of English civility. Luke gave a nod, "Aye, Papa, your bird. What's it mean?" While he was a few years behind Hope, he also wasn't easily diverted. "Persistant children I have. " She told Ada, "very persistant." (d)
Ada: "They do sound as if they appreciate a good telling," Ada offered in response. "They must have all the details just right. Anything less is positively insulting." Ada accepted the mug of water that came her way, drinking deeply before setting it back down. "It has been a long time since anyone told me a story." She'd forgotten how much she appreciated a good telling, too, but perhaps this was no surprise to anyone. Her favorite place to sit was at the feet of her lover, listening as he discussed his day's findings, and occasionally asking a question to be certain she understood him correctly. "He seems to have so many." *
Oniko: Oniko listened quietly to the story that was told, watching Hope with a very subtle smirk to the child's inquisitive nature. An admirable quality in children so young. The tender caught her attention, so turning to him she quietly requested a mug of cider and detatched the saya from the strap at her back before seating herself. The weapon was leaned against the stool she claimed while listening for explanation of the bird Hope inquired about.::
Talion: "My symbol... " He trailed off, looking back to the fire for a long moment. His chest rose as air went into his nose, it was a nervous habit he had. There was a long pause as he remained silent, visibly thinking with a look which added age. When he blinked, his hand lowered from covering his mouth. "It is the symbol of an old fellowship. One with many adventurers, many tales, and many heartbreaks. The symbol represents immortality, meaning.." He cleared his throat. "Once you bear that mark, you are forever a marked man; a Talon."[d]
Eirian: "A fellow-ship. So...fellows...all with the phoenix?" It was basic, but it served .She peered down the back of his shirt in complete fascination, with Luke pondering what it was to be a 'marked man' but if his father wore it, it was certainly a good thing! "Can I 'ave one Papa, when I get a pipe?" He put his head on his knee, Hope came down so she could wander over to Eirian "Mama's got a mark, but it doesn't look like Papa's. Why's that Mama, why don't you wear one?" It was only fair to bother the mother, spare the father. Luke took notice of Oniko and was about to bounce off, when he noted Hope going to Mother, and then Ada. Oh goodness, three? Where would he go? "Papa, eh, which one ya thinks the comfiest?" Hope climbed up near Ada and Eirian, grinning over to Oniko, she was on investigation! "Because I wear a nightingale, and then I wear moon, beneath my hair." "Shooow!" To appease the child, she gathered up all her hair to reveal the moon in a circle on her neck, under her hair, in its phases. On her shoulder, the bird in question with the strange, scrawling script. "Do you think that there will be more stories, Maybe miss Ada's got one, or Miss Oniko. HI ONIKO!" It was a sigh Talion at least would be spared (d)
Ada: "Miss Ada doesn't have any tattooes," Ada offered. "They look like they hurt," she added to the child, looking considerably unimpressed by the idea of hammering anything repeatedly into her skin to give it permanent color. Much less repeating the process for a more colorful design. "They look like they hurt a lot." She smiled. "I do not have any stories that are very good, I think. They are all very boring. That is what I tell my little girl, Genevieve. Her maman has an exceptionally dull life." Ada could dream, could she not? She smiled, though, and took another sip of water. "Though I do have a story I heard from Rose the other day...." Ada's eyes narrowed, almost catlike with amusement, and she started in on the tale of Hugh and the friars. "Not so very long ago, and not too far away, there were monks living in a monastery. They had the most beautiful garden, yet their monastery was very poor. They decided they would make up their debts to the old King of England -- we had one of those, once," Ada added with an odd look in her face, but she blinked and went back to her story with only a slight shake of her head and bouncing of dark curls. "By opening a flower shop. Since everyone loved to buy their flowers from men of God, the rival florist across town began to think the competition was unfair! How would you like to compete with monks? You cannot. It is impossible." Ada repositioned Hope onto her lap, folding her arms loosely around the little girl's middle. "He asked the friars to close down, but they would not. He went back again and begged the men to close down, but they were enjoying all the money their florist shop earned! They could feed the hungry and clothe the poor. So he asked his mother to go, and they turned her down too! So the rival florist hired a man named Hugh MacTaggart, the roughest toughest thug in town, to 'persuade' them to close. Hugh ... ah... managed to convince the friars.... " Ada cleared her throat again. Perhaps this bar tale was not the most suitable for children after all."He trashed their store and threw the monks out of the florist shop, saying he'd be back if they ever opened up again. Thereby proving....That Hugh, and only Hugh, can prevent florist friars." *
Oniko: Oniko hadn't been watching until Hope started moving around. Thanking the tender for the mug, she turned on her seat to watch the children and listen to Hope. A wave to the child. "Gitsu, kitai hana." Joined with a small smile to fall silent and listen to the woman tell her tale. No comment of marks or stories, though Oniko had her fair share of both. The end of the story went right over Oniko's head, and she was okay with that. She found it amusing.::
Orion:His hands were dirty, the trails of the path had worn well against the soles of his boots, but the winter months had been kind. Somewhere within the past few years a man had slipped inside of Skye to find the peace of the valley. Work had been well to come by, with eager hands willing to do anything, and the open hearts of goodwilled people. There was much faith in the countryside, a deep seeded religion that carried him through the long winters. Orion, was a man who liked to keep to himself, but without being shy. He was a man who worked long days, and could not live in the night. He needed the light of the sun, even if it was filtered through rain. He rose with it, and slept with it; the routine final. Passing through the doors, the tall man would pass smiling faces with a simple nod of his head, but the story that reached his ears could have perhaps held a smile. "A florist friar?" Even he could be intrigued. (d
Talion: "No. You will never burden the weight this mark gives. Never so long as I breath." His voice was stern, perhaps too much so with his own son, but it was to make his point final. Apollo had lost the love of one son already, adding more to that sense of failure was not at the top of Talion's list.-- Silence followed that statement, and Talion reached out to touch his son's head, his fingers messing up the small strands of hair. The boy had inquired about the women, and Apollo followed his gaze. He shook his head, and returned the boy's gaze. "Go have fun, son. " A reassuring smile crossed his his lips and he pushed himself up to stand. He spent a moment stretching before turning to collect his pipe. A small timber was taken from the fire, and he relit the pipe, tossed the piece back in and collected his drink to step outside for some semblance of peace. His thoughts had overwhelmed him, his emotions out of check. So he needed to separate himself briefly. Before stepping out, he looked to Eirian, then disappeared out the entrance.[d]
Eirian: "But Pa --- ye have one, and I want to be just like you when I grow up.." Luke countered, turning his face up in a hard pout with his little voice as firm as it could get. Hope had left the matter alone for now under the pretense of another story, but Luke was fixed on it, like an arrow to a bullseye. He crossed his arms, set to be upset. Well, how could he enjoy his laps when Papa said he couldn't have the bird on him? It wasn't fair! Fortunatly,even the most stringent focus can be turned with a laugh, often Hope's ability to coherece her brother was like a piper hunting for rats. He grinned up at Talion instead of frown, before going over to start with Oniko. Without a single : word he just grinned, bounced, and opened his arms. The child's middle name - Ham. "Hugh can prevent florist friars! That' s silly Miss Ada! I wonder if mama's cousin Meurig sells flowers?" But Eirian only looked at Apollo, reaching up a few fingers before they came down. Such was the problem as children aged with voices, thoughts, ways of their own. Secrets couldn't hide forever. Part of her wished to go to him, but she knew he needed his moment. Was it not a man's right to claim it? Years were of peace, but Talion's mind still seemed so haunted by what he'd been, what he'd done. "Mama do you think cousin Meurig sells flowers?" "No sweet heart..The Bishop or the Cisterians do not sell flowers." A momentary image of Meurig...of all the brothers Lewelyn selling flowers suddenly popped into her mind. What an odd image. (d)
Ada: "They might," Ada said thoughtfully, letting Hope back down onto the floor. "They made weapons, sell produce, marched to Skye and back to fight a war. The Cistercians are an industrious bunch, and I have no doubt, they would outsell any florist." She missed flowers, thinking about it. But she didn't have too long to think about it, as she popped onto her feet and dashed across the room to give Orion a hug. "It has been too long where have you been why don't you come to see me anymore Genna misses you!" she said in one long sentence, perhaps lapsing into French, but he might be used to that by now. Ada's grasp of English was fleeting at best, and she never seemed interested in improving it. She was also a bit like a barnacle, latching onto Orion as if afriad he might vanish into the woods again. *
Oniko:: The occasional drink from her mug was taken until Luke approached. Dark brow arched upward as she looked down at the child from her seat. He was far too cute to resist. The mug was set down quietly and hands offered to the male The occasional drink from her mug was taken until Luke approached.
Orion: "Genna is in good hands." He smiled, the expression so ungiving on his face though the lines around his eyes were proof such a smile could have been. There had not been great tragedy in his life nor had their been great sadness, he simply was a humble man. A warrior below the basics of his attire, though in all his life he had not once been needed for battle. Ada simply had the way of enchanting all around her. (d
Eirian: Luke was in the arms of a traveling friend who came to call, whilst Hope followed Ada to observe whom she greeted with wide eyes. Where had Papa gone? She was near to peering by the door when her mother called her to see if Ryan's wife Bonnie had finished supper yet. Being obdient, she turned about to run towards the kitchen while her mother advanced to greet new faces. As the two passed, she would ask, "Is he sad?" "Thoughtful" "Why, Mama?" "Because he has too much to think about, my love?" "Do you?" " I make due, but what mother has time hm? You and your brother keep me busy for hours, go on, off you get." She urged her own, all laughter and smiles (d)
Ada: She drew Orion back to her table, taking a perch on its edge again beside Eirian. "Eirian, Hope, I'd like you to meet a friend of mine. We met a few years ago." In very strange circumstances, but it seemed they were able to get past them and form a friendship. "His name is Orion." She smiled, but her attention was captivated by Eirian and her children. Ada barely had enough energy to deal with her one child. She had no idea how other women did more than that. But two precocious children! *
Orion: There was the works of a clansman about him, his accent unmistaken, but his life had been spent on another isle. He knew the couple before him, the failed King and his moonlit Queen, but they wouldn't know of him. Orion had spent his life with the people less important, the ones who were killed off when the Goddess was brought down. Yet still his anger flared when he heard the stories, the names, the faces..the children. All had put so much faith in this king. A man of peace himself, it was hard to capture the blood that boiled under his skin, but when he pressed his hand to the top of Ada's knee he took a deep breath as he sat beside her perch. He had little to say, but was animalenough to admit there wasn't reason to be quiet. "Pleasure. All mine." Of course. (d
Eirian:"Delighted, Orion. Have you been in the valley long?" Pale hand held the story from life instead of in passing from the mouths of the few who had come from that Island to live here among the Welsh, the shepard, athe artist, and the holy brethren. A moonlit Queen who ran from crown but was beaten down by it. God had made his point, but so had she. Royal blood could go absent of thrones and still be happy. Pacifist had learn to wield weapons in those years and so a woman who abhored war at its heart had a blade, the bow in her tiny hands. She sewed skin together with good sense and prayer. (d)
Ada: She lifted her hand and let it rest upon his shoulder, absently messing with the hem at the collar of his shirt, but then letting her hand settle across his shoulder once she realized what she was doing. Ada loved all she met, eventhose who did not quite deserve the loyalty she gave them. Orion did. He'd saved her life, more than once, and been a great friend when she'd had none. Eirian, too, was a great friend of hers, wise counsel in a sea of tumult, a warm kitchen to retire to when weary of thinking. But she had not lived Orion's life, and all feelings had merit, deep down. Aristotle had said the same once, and while Ada had not studied the Greeks, she considered the man about as wise as Eirian. She smiled at the thought, and sipped her water. "Orion was the first to meet my daughter," Ada supplied with a twinkle. "He also has a passion for the wildlife, and can tell you where anything grows. I cannot
tell you how many days I traipsed after him in the woods." *
Orion: In truth she was but of the first real human he had ever come to know, save for the what had once been in the midst of confusion--a goddess. "I helped you bring her into this world." He said quietly, "Followed her back. So yes..I'vebeen on this land long." He could have counted the days backwards if they wished, as he kept record on maps of the heavens, the days that went by. It had once been a gift. "But speaking of woods." He cut the rest of them out, reaching up to touch the hem of her skirt just as she had done; a mimic of her. "The break in the weather has turned this countryside a fascinating shade of green." Envy, he felt. "You will come soon?" (d
Eirian: "We are blessed to have such a man in the region , for we shall have to speak more indeed Orion. Your skill is a marvelous thing." They went back these two in simple connection but all such connections were sacred. In standing twixt the pair she could feel the pull of it. It was a good, worthwhile expereince. Green country brought forth a warm smile. "Spring oft quarrels with winter, and wins to arrive early. It will burst hard from the valley in this year, the trees already begin to open buds." Hope would be a sprite in the Spring, as unshod of foot as Eirian, darting about tall grass fields, making daisy chains and digging in the soft moist earth for creatures large and small (d)
Ada: "I will, of course," she replied, looking at him curiously. He was often in his own world. He would not leave it for any particular reason, so Ada was pleased to be invited. Pleased, and curious. Were they alone, she would have asked him then, but her eyes were already back upon Eirian. "I cannot wait for it. I yearn for green things in my diet, and fresh shoots, things I can plant in my garden, mud between my toes. It will be the first spring Genna can walk with me into the garden." She couldn't wait. Butterflies were for chasing and bugs for picking up between fingers and running around the garden, shrieking outrage at ugliness until one learned even they had a purpose in this world. "I've been spending my nights plotting out my garden, I am so anxious for the change in seasons. Winter leads to a dullness of the mind, if you are not careful, ah? But my little mint plant perseveres, no matter what Marcelline feeds it." *
Orion: "There will be so many new born. I bet she will love the lambs, the baby birds learning to fly." He could talk of this subject for hours, as it was what kept him sane on a land of death, always there was new life hidden in places that were often unlooked or not important enough for the eyes of the blind. "In the fields closer to the nobles I have heard a story there is a critter of African soil. Perhaps she and I will find the time to inspect." He settled back in his chair, folding his hands over his stomach as he thought. "It will be a busy time." He thought to himself, already hearing the farmers calling for the assistance of a healing hand, or even a well traveled hand when the colts did come. Nature would always make her way through, but it was often aided if only by the kindness of a human hand. He had not answered her question of where he had been, for pure reason his home was in the barn just up the road. Thankful for the break in the winter, but ashamed to admit within 2 years he had yet to find a place to call home. Wasn't his style. (d
Talion: Apollo returned. He closed the door behind him, cutting the cool air off. His pipe was held in one hand, the tankard in the other. He glanced about silently, then crossed the room to resume his station at their table in the corner. He passed his wife and those conversing with her. His attention had reverted to the nostalgic thoughts he had prior to his story telling quest. He took his seat and leaned forward using his elbows to prop himself on the surface of the table. His gaze followed his wife and lingered there.[d]
Eirian: "There is no place as this when the seasons come, any season. In the spring there will be sheeps to see lambing, fields to tend, crops to plant, gardens as you say Ada. I miss feeling hands in my own. Both the vegetables and the flowers. Seeing the orchards in bloom knowing that as time goes by they will become apples. Berries, now I ache for the same thing. To be done of shoes again, in fields feeling the grass on my feet. Linging sunlight and : brighter nights." To be held in those times in the woods. To dance before fires so that she could make him believe in better, challenge him to forget if only for a little.. (d)
Ada{?b}: "Mmm. Bare feet." She never went barefoot in her garden, unless she was dancing out there under the moonlight, because of that overactive imagination of hers. She wiggled her feet in her new boots, though, reminding herself that some good things did come of cold weather. Boots were wonderful things. For a woman who didn't care much for fashion -- or didn't seem to, anyway, Jean insisted she cleaned up well if she tried -- she certainly loved her footwear. "We will have much to explore. And you and Genna, too," Ada added, thinking how much Genevieve would enjoy it. The child thrived outdoors. Mostly well-behaved, genial, and very happy to be left to her own devices, she had a supportive mother in getting dirty while pursuing her passions. That's what baths were for, after all. *
Orion: "Mmmm. Bare feet." He chuckled squeezing the ankle of her boot with a lazy hand. Somewhere Jean-Claude was turning over in his sleep. Not of another touching his heart, but of the talk of feet without shoes. (d