Post by Anulia of Amora on Nov 8, 2008 13:15:31 GMT -6
Anulia- Chocolate eyes stared with a slight wide expression as she stood in the middle of the field, looking to the forest about the field, shaped like a horse' shoe to keep the field within it's bossum. Hydrangea surrounded her, still very much in full bloom despite the weather changing. Colors of red, orange, brown, green and even some purple looked to be splashed over the trees like people had come to paint them. Anulia had never seen the color changes of the leaves like this in the forest, for everything stayed green, save the small bits of flowers that were found between every few leaves. Why did the trees change colors here? What made them change colors? This was not the first time Anulia had simply stood in the middle of the field and watched. Her goal had been to see if the trees would change colors in front of her and a few times she thought she had looked away from one, only to turn back and see it had already changed, like the trees were playing hide and seek with her or hurrying to change when she was not looking. Komor; her elephant; seemed less then amused by the trees and had in fact ignored them as he wandered about the open field, pulling up what grass was left and wheat to eat while his massive ears flapped to push the cool air over his thick flesh. Tusk had been cleaned by Anulia, though already he had dirt smudged along the tips from digging deep down for other things that could be tasty. Dressed in the mixed attire of a skirt with many shreds of material that reached her ankles and a cotton, dark blue tunic, she would both blend and stick out among the gold colors that surrounded her. Braids had been taken from her hair, leaving the curls to be blown in the cool winds that passed by now and then.
Beathag- The parapets of the castle showed her the world had changed when the duties of the Griffin were too many; any true Highlander loathed distraction that pulled them from the earth's bosom. She may not have felt the first beat of the heart that told her Mother Earth was slowing, but the product of that ease splashed purple heather on the Cullin Grass. It washed red-gold the Rowan tree, and brought forth the brambles, rose hips, and wheat. The sun wasn't as vibrant as in summer against the cooling sky. Still, the light couldn't be discounted for the hazy gold beauty it produced. Mists, so common in cool weather, lingered in the distance to give the sun a chance to shine before the moisture lowered clouds. To see all of this wasn't enough. It was evident by the expression the page caught as she turned to enter the dwelling of stone her intention to move beyond the walls. There were no commands issued as instinct played 'pon instinct. The watch was set on the wall as always, a guardian of the Talon Order issued to be the shadow caressing her own. Beyond the array of people at their business in the market, beyond those bound to their hearths, the wild child still longed for the smell of a field ripe with the season's best. Will-o-the-wisps were the fancy of old dandelion seeds taken from the stalk to dance listless on the air; gauzier, soft strokes of white on the day welcomed her thus, a true welcome home unlike any other. Caldonhan bent his head to nibble shoots of grass. Why not? The pace was one of ease, his rider did not spur him on. The great roan wore no saddles. The tack was humble - a bridle of black supple leather with the insignia of a griffin resting at the center of his head. He seemed to feel a pride in being able to show his own handsome features without the guise of his formal livery. The encouragement of Beathag, the weight of her on his back was a time to be waning soon. Both cherished it, adoring it, for when the deep winter came it would be ill-advised to ride, and when the snows melted her figure would be too generous to put upon him. Though, he would have startled were it not for the soft, stern gaelic in his ear as the elephant was noted at a distance. A fantastic animal in so usual a landscape. The odd thrived here. Like that elephant, she was one of them, she thought. Always out of place yet managing to come by. Her guard rose his eyebrow, Brom, by name, "The marvelous reaches of the West, aye, your grace?" She laughed and moved the party along with her nod of agreeance. A great woman wore only a weave of wool from the shetlands, soft and the color of her fame: White the dress in entirity, her shoulders warmed in grey with the trim of hare fur.
Anulia- When Anulia had come to Turas lan, the winter was fading away and she was much to sick to truly take in the sights around the forest covered lands of the isle. Her year cycle upon the lands was nearly complete, but that left things still to be seen. Things she had yet to fully understand. Questions always came to her mind with new sights and things that people expressed, but she had not heard of. Such was the case that others would come across. If Anulia could she would have sat down there in the field all day, waiting for the trees or lands to tell their secrets to her. In fact, she had many times. Komor was the first to notice the small party coming closer. His long and powerful trunk rose half way and gave an eased call of his own sound to mingle within nature. It was unlike any animal, holding powerful cords of sound within it before he waited for Anulia to turn and address him, letting him know with a strange word that she heard him well so he could go back to eating. There had never been danger to them both, so Komor would not charge as he should in the wild. When surrounded by calm actions, one learned them well and did not respond with such a quick thought. Giving her attention towards the party, full lips parted to show a wide smile as she noted Lady Beathag and Brom. Brom was not such a well known male, but she knew his name and duty, much like Kendrew she believed. `` Afternoon Beathag, Brom. Have you come to watch the trees as well? I have been waiting for them to show me their dance of colors, but they enjoy a game of changing when I am not looking. Why do they change colors? I have been waiting for days for them to tell me their secrets, but they only wish to dance around the answers.`` As if speaking the rest to herself, she looked towards them for a moment. `` Maybe it is a secret best kept. ``
Brom- Brom was not well known to many, infact. His presence seemed to be required only by those that required him. He put his hand on Caldonhan to bid the beast be still so he could dismount from his saddle. Drapped over the horn was a hand; no gloves, only callus to block the rub of the reigns. Two boots of hide wrapped in leather chord came to the earth, walking over the grass as he came to the Lady's saddle. " Good afternoon, Anulia. The leaves do not tell us secrets. They have riddled many for thousands of years. But, if any could get answer, it would be you. Here, your Grace. Still light as feather. So tall, yet so delicate." Beathag's snort was followed by the basson nature of his laugh. Earth quakes, the voice of a spirit in a deep, ancestral cave! " Oh, but you are. Come." He captured her easily about the waist to set her down as if she were but a child from his shoulders.
Beathag- ''Ah've 'eard tha' it has somethin' tae dae with the sun, n' tha' it is nay as warm sae the color cannay endure as Mother Earth changes her way. Soon it will be a time o' the ancients again..[/i]" Doeskin housed hands went to clasp his shoulders as he plucked her up. No, the care to be shown her was enough to make the lion lay before the lamb. A woman who needed nothing, was everything, was given the gentleness of hands. She scorned not the touches or good things that were done, believing ardently a child would come from what the mother experienced. Aodhan was good natured for she had reason to be, but his skill with a blade came for she had it in her blood, and wore a sword on her back during his carrying time. " How are ye? Tae rare are the times Ah see ye...n' this friend here.." The elephant was an oddity that charmed her - a piece of lands seen once and thought on often. [/color]
Anulia- Chocolate eyes turned towards Brom as he said his greeting first and then spoke of the trees not giving their secrets to anyone. That made Anulia feel much better, for she loved them and would not have wanted them to fear her. Beaming from a well known compliment, she moved closer, keeping only a few feet between them as he helped Beathag down. Most men that traveled with Beathag were always friendly, wise and good natured. Did Beathag simply find men this way or did they become such over time? Anulia had come to the terms in her own private thinking, that no matter how a woman appeared, they were always female and in many ways delicate. It did not matter of which attitude they stemmed from, what mattered was that they were born to create life, born to protect and raise children with a gently, yet firm hand. Even in the jungles, the females were deadly and could protect themselves, but when there was no war between clans, they were soft and the cherished. Eyes shifted back to Komor; who was grazing without a care; before returning to Beathag and Brom. Because she was speaking to both, her eyes danced from one face to the other then back again. `` I am doing well today. Wonderful as always people would say. Oh! You have not met Komor yet! Such times are busy for the Duchess of the land. He was a gift from the Pirate, Perry. He is a beast from my lands, who eats only vegetables and grass much like your horses. That is what he is in my lands.. used the same way as your horses are, just larger because our wolves are larger and with his height, they can not reach us upon their backs. Your wolves are very small here.. so I am starting to understand why your horses are small too. `` It was starting to click into place for a mind that never saw such things. `` How are you and the unborn?``
Beathag- Beathag stepped closer as Brom still kept a hand about her waist until he was certain her feet were stable on the sloped ground. For his part, to merely see the great beast at a distance was enough! The Duchess on the other hand looked at him from a closer aspect to study the breadth of the wrinkles invading his thick, gray skin. A long limb, like an arm, that trunk! " Sae I see. Only this would be a far higher saddle nay e'en the bravest o' Skye's knights would climb up on without some scotch first! Haha! " She pumped a hand in the air before applying both open palms at her own waist. Her belly was still firm, the muscles rigid. All that changed was the lowest portion softened. No evident rounding told her condition to the world, not yet. A mother's hands splayed out across the flat plane where in the dark life danced, a warm smile curving her features unlike anything else, " Happy, n' anxious tae see the Autumn lest we miss it. Nay time should be tae busy tae feel the earth move. To know all the ways o' home."
Brom- The warrior wouldn't go atop the beast if he was paid thrice his earnings for the month and cask of mead! No prize was worth such dizzying heights. A moving seige engine. That is what it looked like. A moving seige engine that should be kept very happy. He turned his attention instead to the woman called Anulia. " You keep interesting pets. " He deduced, though paid her a chuckle all the same, " If he brings such good curiosity, he will do well here. This I have been told, is how busy Her Grace should be for now." Now with this he couldn't argue. Like many he thanked his Gods that the woman who's axe rivaled any Scandavian was laying it to rest made their occupations a portion simpler. That the bitterness, the anger, and sorrow seemed to be melting away to reveal a woman few knew but had always been was a greater comfort. Duke Aberdeen had the power to hold his place intact, and the Duchess could be instead the heart of her people, instead of their wrath.
Anulia- Would knights fear climbing on top of Komor? He was a good distance from the ground, not like the horses they were use to. What would the lord marshel think of Komor? Anulia had a mind to visit Eohmark and show Komor to the man who had showed her horses. `` That is wonderful to hear! I wish only the wellness of you, more so with the news. Aodhan must be excited to have a new sibling be well on the way. `` She had been pondering what Beathag said about ancients and would soon enough ask questions of it. Eyes shifted to Brom as he spoke, making Anulia laugh softly with him. ``Komor is more of a companion then a pet. The term that this land uses, would never fit in the lands I came from. The animals there are free to come and go as they please and there are many, who could never live at our feet or side, for they would eat us the moment we moved! `` Looking to Komor again, she tilted her head to the side and then gave a nod as it straightened again. `` He is wonderful to inspire conversations, but some are not always so pleasant. Many people here fear what they have never seen before. He looks large, but he is gentle. I can promise that. Would you both like to meet him?! I would bring him over here, but horses tend to not like him. `` Shaden's horse left her on the ground and took off to head the other way, hurting Komor's feelings no doubt. Dispite his size, he was still considered a child or young adult, for his tusk were not as large as they would get and still dull.
Brom- " Companion. Well, some would call their horses this so...if that is what you call it my lady .Companion..he is." He looked up (almost broke his neck) trying to take Komor in. Hands smoothed on either side of his face when she offered "meeting" him. " Yes." The answer was decided for him as Beathag was already lighting up at the suggestion. Walking back three steps, he took the reigns of the horses and looped them on low lying branches in the closest part of the woods so the stables wouldn't be down two stallions. His face asked ' Do we follow you?' His hair was pushed out of his face or the beast's view would be lost.
Beathag- " Aodhan will want tae 'ere this story again n' again. Tell me Ma, he'll say, tell me o' the elephaunt! " The length of her dress was tossed to free the motions of her legs. Long, powerful strides crossed the span of knee high growth. The bramble in it didn't effect her at all as the doeskin boots that matched her gloves went clear up over her knees. She was like a child about to do something the other village children insinuated that she couldn't. " Aodhan hopes tha' the babe is infact two, n' he may have a sister tae cherish n' a brother tae wrestle with, as he says. Lord Adam believes it a girl, n' for m'self? Wot e'ere shall beh happy n' healthy n' bright. Tis the first child he will beget on meh, shan't be the last. We shall beh quite along in age with many an heir tae raise.."
Anulia- How simple it was to make Anulia light up. One word, made her smile so wide, others might have said their own faces hurt from simply looking at her for far too long. `` Oh he will! And I will make sure to tell you everything so you can repeat it all. `` A nod was given to Brom when he looked to her, as if wondering if they should follow. Anulia gave the lead, weaving her way through the wheat as she headed towards Komor. `` What wonderful wishes! Now you know he would be happy with either or both. Aodhan will be the perfect older brother for any sibling you give him. I do hope you have many! Since coming here, everyone has been blooming with child, I am much happy to see you doing the same now. Have many more children, so I might teach them to climb the trees too! `` Komor was still eating when they approached. `` Kata mora. [/i]`` At those words, he extended his trunk out after shoving a mouth full of wheat underneath it and moved it like a hand. Small nubs at the end opened and closed like little fingers around the two holes that let him breath. The right side held some moisture from his snot as he took a step forward, holding the trunk out until it touched Brom's shoulder, disappointed that he held no dreads to play with like Maahes had. After a touch, if Brom choose to, he would move the trunk towards Beathag, touching her chest and arm just to feel her with his senses. [/color]
Beathag- "Aye! N' the forests n' spring shall beh full o' the children in the branches chasin' ye, tellin' stories o' the times n' askin' questions o' the world. Many, many more children." One child became the hope of many, and those many would become loved by all. Aodhan was already so beloved by the people that the reception he received elsewhere made those people only look foolish for seeing a color, and not a wonderous child. The Ebony Prince of the West held joy of the people in the palm of his hands, so what would the children of The White Lady and Griffin Lord possess? " It maters nay wot they shall beh, all shall be happy, n' good, n' glorious.." She embraced herself as if to hug the babe within, giggling as soon as the elephant wanted a formal greeting! Did Komor sense her condition? Animals often did, the same way they senses distress or weather. The cool interior of his trunk brushed against the back of her neck, the holes for breath sucking up strands of hair before expelling them in a big gust. As he touched her chest, she lifted a timid hand to pet his extended "limb" "Brom, ye 'ave tae touch it! His hair be prickly but his skin be rough..but soft all at once.. Komor is it! Ne'er though tae see the day such a thing would beh in such a place. Ye've given him goo' lodgings for winter aye? Soon twill be tae cold for 'im n' heal need a big 'ome, n' tae be warmed.."
Anulia- Many, many more children was not a bad sounding idea for Anulia. Anulia had chosen to stay here, so she would now watch the children that were being born, grow into adults and learn. Hopefully, if others trusted her with them, she would help teach them to love the world around them and the earth as if they were parents. `` I agree full heartedly! Any child, will be a wonder and when they become adults, they will keep us alive. `` Anulia might not remember what her mother looked like anymore, but she did remember what she taught her and did for her. Komor was a happy sort, loving how people smelled, more so this woman of gold hair. When he inhaled, he had thought she might have wheat upon her head, but the moment the hairs were sucked into his trunk, he knew it was not food and the confusion was slightly gone. Dispite his size, when he stepped forward just a bit more, the flatness of his foot eased onto the ground instead of stomping, keeping his massive balance as he was careful of his tusk by the woman. If he could sense her condition, he would not breath a word of it. `` That I do! Maahes has built him a wonderful home, to which he sleeps in at night. It is along my own room, so we may see each other and he can share my warmth of the fire, without having to be close to it. It makes him afraid. `` Looking to Brom, she moved around the Elephant by ducking under his belly and walked towards Brom to reach for his hand. Her softer fingers coiled around his thicker wrist, only half way before she eased his hand up. `` He will not harm you. This I promise. `` It seemed Anulia would take no for a answer.
Brom- " I think I will stay with the horses to see they don't startle....get free of the binds...M'lady.." Huff. Lost battle. The hand was moving up toward the behomoth. Inwardly, he swore Raganarok was close at hand for such a thing to be Scottish soil! The ways of his forefathers were coming to pass! He would sooner pour wine on the earth and look for storm giants, but now a stiff hand was put on the elephant. "As you please then.." Komor was as happy as could be, and Brom? A woman hand his hand (and not in a way to lead him to bed, but to the beast) that he was touching! "He is rather..wrinkled." Swallowing, he patted it once or twice, inwardly appreciating it's calm as he backed up and then went to....check those horses
Anulia- Anulia did not want this moment to pass any one by and how could one ever learn the difference if they never touched or spoke of such things? Pulling her with him, though had he chosen not to come, he need only to stop, for Anulia was much smaller and could be held back. The moment he touched Komor, she released him, though patted his larger forearm as he patted komor. `` And with reason. The sun is much too hot in our lands, so the skin helps to protect him. Tough, from the heat and predators. `` When Brom stepped back, Anulia looked towards Beathag and laughed. `` Beathag, why are men here so closed of mind when coming to grips with new things? Is it bred into them, or do they have some unknown proof that their way is always going to work? `` Many times she had tried to tell Maahes something, only to watch him growl and try his own way before giving up and doing it her way. As if he had to prove himself wrong. `` Your brother is the same. Had I an opinion about horses, he might have tackled me to the ground for dominance like some wild animal. Oh! And the cook, Jager, at Briar Rose, he likes to yell strange words when Rose tells him something different then what he says. Men are strange here.. you should see those in the jungle. Silent, unless they were spoken to. ``
Beathag- Beathag watched as Brom's moment of learning turned into a pair motions to suggest forced compliance; he surrendered to a man's typical indifference to what was deemed as gentle by his female counterparts. Respectfully, of course. " A man knows wot his world is n' likes it tha' way, nay change unless he changes it, or it is agreed on by a council' o' men. Once, the lands were ruled by a Goddess n' the womb was how lineages were traced, but then it became the world o' a new God many, many years agae n' sae it is tha' way now. Men are strong n' do nay like to have strength challenged. They have knowledge n' dun like tae have it challenged. With Eamonn, with Jager, with any man. Tae see a world where men would be sae silent! Och, tha' certainly is nay 'ere. Mah brother is vera determined tae make 'imself heard now, fearin' the ways he admires in his women will be their downfall n' he is left behind in them."
Anulia- Anulia would try to understand that, but really, she more then likely never would. She could be silent and not challenge, but she would still wonder ' why' in her own head. Men were simply strange when it came to females. Then again perhaps females were strange to them as well. Laughing softly at Beathag's words, she stroked Komor's trunk before he tapped her, then tapped Beathag on the shoulder to rub his trunk along the fur, before he backed up a few steps and turned his body to slowly move away. The earth held him firmly, not letting him sink too far into the ground as he went hunting for more food. He had to each much more then a horse during the day. Turning to Beathag, Anulia's smile had softened but had not faded. `` It would be an interesting sight if I ever saw it again after being here for such a time. Men may not like change, but they must remember the comforts only us women can bring. `` A soft shrug of her delicate shoulders was given as she reached for Beathag's hand and held it so they could walk together. Soft in the firm and slightly roughened hand, though Anulia did not mind at all. `` Beathag. I know, this is sudden.. and..please feel free to be completely honest with me, but I was wondering if I could be a nanny of sorts part time with Aodhan and any other children that people would trust me with. I am also looking into the healing of animals, but I know many wish to tend to their own beast. I love Briar Rose and would still do duties there from time to time, but with so many children around..I wish for people to trust me more. I know I am not of the same colors in skin, but that does not make me bad. I have proven myself I think.. I hope. What do you think of me? ``
Beathag- " Men remember tha'. For as much as they try tae control where a woman goes, wot she sees or does it is only because many o' them do nay want the sweet comforts a woman gives tae be marred by the terrible. A person is changed by wot they dae or see, n' a woman's love is said tae be ageless, timeless. A man risks everythin' for tha' when he has found it. Sometimes we may fight it, n' fight well for ourselves.." Stalks of grass bent backward as the body parted through the hydrangea and wild rose. With the gloves gone, the toils of Aberdeen could be felt on the woman who bore it as her name. It would take time for the women to restore the Duke's gift of softness to match the grace of her life, but like the scars upon her back, the marks on her face, some things would never fade. This woman...these women...had survived. She drew Anulia easily with her, listening as she spoke. " [i[Ye want a true life," she noted, "One tha' ,after learnin' the ways ye can keep as your own. Tis nay a sudden thing, Anulia. Aodhan is fond o' ye n' it would be good, Ah think for him to have such fondness tae keep him good. His heart needs to be healed, as resiliant as a child's may be, it has been hurt o' late, vera harshly. If your gifts too, include animals, than ye should find someone tae apprentice tae. M'thinks ye will find them easily in the Lane. N' the faces ye know will bring more faces, and those, shall help ye as ye will them. These are good things to do, n' good things for you. Ye must, though, know they think well on ye. What dae I think?[/i] " She shook her head softly as if to gently scold her, " Ye shouldn't need tae ask, but I will tell ye. I find ye..innocent, wild, winsome, like an eternal child's spirit lives with the wisdom o' the woman tha' ye are. I think you're spirit is undaunted, n' e'en for things tha' have happened ye are nay ruled nor broken by them. In tha' ye are many years ahead o' many people in stayin' good natured in the face o' hard times, tae nay hold bitterness. Tha' lesson took me a great many years tae learn. Ah'm quite glad for ye company n' glad o' how people take tae it." [/color]
Anulia- Anulia still did not feel the pull or urge of the need to lay with a man. In her own mind, she still believed she would always remain pure, because it had been pressed into her head for many years that this was the way of things and she saw no reason why they would change. Had it been in her destiny to be a mother, then perhaps Maahes would have seen her in a new light. Perhaps Aman-ud-Din would have spoken more with her, perhaps Odis would not have feared her. Her attention went to Beathat when she spoke of Aodhan needing his heart healed. Anulia had heard the rumors and she did not believe a breath of them. Aodhan was at much a devil as Anulia was. `` We all have our past and many try hard to not be affected by them. I do not mean to question what you think, for I should believe your kindness says it all. Rose worries I will service someone who wishes to blame their life's horrors on me. She says many servants have been beaten and hung for the fault of a parent in the past. People wish to not see their own faults in their children, but.. I do not think you would do this, nor would Lady Aislin, Jelenah or any of the other woman I know. I want a stronger path for me, but I want to make sure it is the right one. I have been many things Beathag. A slave, a woman to breed, a comfort, a priestess and now, a simple tavern worker. Your words make me feel light and free. I want to give you such words in return, but you have them many times over and I would only repeat. `` Giving a soft sigh, she moved closer to the taller woman, pressing her curves near Beathag's own as if snuggling a mother or sister though Beathag could never be either. `` We can change the world in another way. I do not know war, but I know children and animals. What if what I teach children now, would remain as they become adults? Maybe, there would be less wars? I am not so naive to think we can get rid of the concept of wars forever, but to lessen them....`` She let it trail off.
Beathag- "Tae be a teacher is a noble thought n' purpose. Mah mother was one. Her harp was more than an instrument. With it, her stories, her music n' songs she gave counsel tae many persons. She, like ye said. changed the world in a way tha' broke no bone, no blood, nor brokered any steel. This is good for ye. to do but do it nay as a servant tae others, only as a servant tae ye cause and among all o' us n' life, be free. Ye have earned tha' freedom. Rose worries because as enlightened as we are, the world may nay be. But how powerful Anulia, tae change a mind with the softeness o' ye hand and nay a war at all. Ye should make home for ye self, find a place n' live thus. Make thyself a house n' keep it aloft n' fill it with your trade. Tell the children your stories, educate them, n' teach them wot ye know o' animals. Havin' us remember a way we all were is a fine way tae change the world." Curves to another saw two sets of round hips, the curves of different trees and facets blending. Black and white meant little now. The sex was the key - womanhood the ties that bound them. " We shall all beh teachers as was our mothers before us. Ye will tell of places far away, o' animals. Eirian shall change the world under the curve of a pen, a color. N' Ah will finish wot mah mother started n' how it will end. On the string o' a harp.."
Anulia- The words Beathag spoke made perfect sense. Anulia would never break bones or be able to draw blood just to do such. She had her own methods of defense, and while they could kill, they would never be used for another other then protection. `` I would like to be like your mother and my own. Teach with a gentle hand and let others be more firm when it is needed. You and I have turned out to be wonderful woman, so why would others who are raised by us, not turn out the same way? `` Beathag's words rang more true every time she spoke. Anulia did not wish to have a child of her own, for that meant to lay with a male and none seemed to make sense to her right now. `` I very much agree with that, and now I do have my own home though the castle has been wonderful to me. Yet, it is farther away, near Eirian's valley. There are so many things I wish to do, but I know better then to tax myself and become too tired to do such. What need does Turas Lan have Beathag? There are already many nannies about and they are mostly servants... I do not know. Perhaps I shall think on it more and find my worth among the others. I am happy as a tender, I am happy as a free spirits, but something is still missing. Yet..I am whole. ``
Beathag- " Tha' is the way it is. Tae be whole yet lackin'. Strange, but true. Ye should do wot ye feel Anulia, the city needs good 'earted people is wot it needs, does nay matter the trade ye undertake. Dae wot ye heart and skills bid you do. Follow instinct. It will be a glorious adventure. Ah've been a barkeep, n' was many a year, then the innkeep. Then the chief citizen among merchants, n' a merchant 'pon the sea. A keeper of docks. A keeper of fortune, then with all tha', sailed I towards destiny. Yer own compass is the best sort to find your way on. Your worth is already priceless mah dear." If her words rang true when she spoke, the chorus of wisdom now must have been near deafening as she came to her own place of enlightenment, her own circle completed. It took the years, many ways, many names to find where she had set food as a child ,where she was meant to be all along. Cupping her hand over her eyes to shield the sun, she looked up at a bird flying on the horizon. It did what came to it, moved as the seasons and whim told it to move. So human life was the same. As some things were anchored, it was the chance most constant in life.
Eirian- We are only what we allow ourselves to become. No action, nothing, does not leave us with some choice no matter how small it might seem. To walk a thin line with a razor's promise of success; the elected path of the illuminate woman parting the trees with a slip of a figure. Sounds of life emanated from the carrier against her back where Hope was content to play with nature that came to her grips. Little leaves. Flowers. Even an insect crawled over her fingers before falling noiseless to the forest floor. A satchel on her hips bulged now with the findings of the season - plants for inks, dye, paint, herbs to be dried for household uses carried her farther than the valley floor. If it weren't for the crystalline eyes gazing outward, one would almost count her as a figment of imagination
Anulia- How amazing it was to find out that Beathag, the Duchess herself who was like a queen, had once been a tender and bar keep as well. Anulia stared up at her, tilting her head to the side, still in awe even though this was not the first time she had heard Beathag speak on such words. `` You are right in your words. I will have to follow my heart and right now, what it speaks is still unclear. When I can better understand it, I will tell you. You and those you and I call friends are the priceless ones to my heart. I have decided to make Skye my home for as long as she will keep me. `` it was uncertain what she would do since Perry had found her and Maahes' home, but now, the choice was made and complete. Speaking of such things, the sight of another, who could not be mistaken no matter what distance; came out to show Eirian and her many finds. When had she returned? Had it been long? If it had, no one had told Anulia of such. `` Beathag, look, there is Eirian! Possibly Hope upon her back! Come..walk faster, yet do not run with the babe in you. `` Anulia might be smaller, but years of walking by giants did her well to keep up should Beathag's pace go faster. Anulia did not even wait to get closet o call greetings and why should she? Her best friend had come home and they had missed each other in the passing of coming from Avaria and going to. Months it had been since the last time they saw each other and that showed with the wide and nearly jaw hurting smile Anulia was casting. `` EIRIAN!! HELLOS! I HAVE MISSED YOU. `` Where Beathag only need to speed walk, Anulia had to do some strange trotting along the ground. So many things to say, that when she got closer she did not even release Beathag yet, but pulled her into the massive hug that she was about to give Eirian, trapping both woman and Hope into the deal.
Eirian- A sliver of mystery through the trees walking on two feet; a piece of beauty descended in a secret so thick that it wasn't until she appeared one could begin to decipher it. When..how long..no doubt the questions would course from the mouths of her friends as they spoke her name. Turning her head, she almost broke into a run with the babe in her secure hold, gently bobbing along. Holding to the thick plaits in her mother's otherwise loose hair a black pair of wings were born as she went to Anulia and Beathag. She didn't know what it was that propelled her so - the importance of recording knowledge, the preservation of many things were her focus. Oh, she planned to announce her presence, to have a visit but the spontaneous was fitting. Consumed in a tangle of copper and freckled limbs her own wrapped around the women. Hope gazed in a sort of wonder - the warmth prominent, the reason unarticulated by the young. "Anulia, Beathag! Good day, a hundred good days for I've missed many! "
Beathag- " Ye are o' this land as much as it wants ye hear, Anulia. M'thinks it would dim of ye left it now.." The subject changed the second it was announced Eirian was among them. But where? Beathag began to comb the setting with her eyes, disbelieving until Anulia all but led her the length of the journey to reach the woman coming to collide with them. Her mouth curved up into a large smile to show the teeth of white, opening to the darkness as she swallowed the air to make laughter of surprise, if not a relief. " EIRIAN! Ye did nay tell us, for shame..for shame! Tha' should be against all manner o' law..." With her height, her arms could wrap easily around all the women and the child that one carried. The Lady of the Valley was home - for how long, she knew not. But a light of Turas Lan was indeed lit to shine again, thrice as bright, for every time she was seen it seemed Eirian left the world spellbound. " How 'ave ye been, is all well?"
Anulia- Anulia would only be able to hold part of the triangle of women and the babe would get a brush of fingers upon her chubby leg and tummy. Pulling back slightly after such a warm embrace with all four females, she looked Eirian over, seeing her alabaster skin and those illuminating eyes of hers. Like gems in a statue, they shined bright. As Beathag asked how she was, Anulia slipped her body around to see Hope, looking happy as ever and beautiful no less. `` Hello little one! What adventures do you and your mother bring us today!? `` Leaning forward, she kissed that softness of a cheek and nuzzled the babe's face before moving back around to see Eirian's face again. `` Did you see the many things I helped build in Avaria. We had missed each other but a few days in passing I was told. ``
Eirian- " I saw the rebuilding that you helped to do, Anulia, and it is splendid. Only a few days? That is a pity, I would have hoarded you in my new home and not released you for many, many days! Forgive me, your majesty," she smiled as Beathag's raise of brow set a dazzling array of laughs out for delight, " The world is vast but news travels most quickly! For all of your adventures, and the hardships you faced....look at you.." Awe. Inspired awe as she looked at the Lady in White. " God kept you in the palm of his hand for me. Such terrible, awful things seemed to have blighted you not! " Hope clapped her hands, insisting to be brought around, and so she was. Chubby little hands and feet, a full pair of rosy cheeks were touched by whisp of black, black hair. Such a head of hair! It would be long as her mother's, her father had to bind his own back. In the hand of the babe was a crushed flower she showed to Anulia as if to tell her the story of how she found it.
Beathag- " We thrive, though Ah can think o' such presences tha' will be happy tae see such a bright figure n' form as the Lady Eirian, come 'ome again tae the shore so' Skye! N' with this large child, who is she hmm?" The Lady of the West, alleged Queen, was no more than an enchanted being before the source of the enchantment! " She's sae big! N' would ye look at 'er..och...Avaria shall be in trouble havin' tae uphold such beauty now."
Anulia- It was indeed a pity, for Anulia would have loved the comfort of someone she knew so well to be there with her. People were slightly more cold there, unknowingly so. As if the warmth of the sun never reached them fully. Eyes went from Eirian to Hope as she held her little hand up and opened it slightly to show the flower within. Anulia touched it with the tip of her larger finger and laughed, perhaps communicating with Hope on some other level that others could not understand. The stories of hardship were heard by Anulia, who was left behind with the tempermental Lord Marshel to wait and hear what had become of others. Thankfully, all had returned home. `` She has Eirian's hair. But the eyes are of her own. What beauty she will bring to the lands! `` Speaking to Hope, she softened her voice. `` Your mother has sen many things for you. Your path will be of wonder, no doubt. `` A tap of her finger to the babe's nose had them both giggling softly. Did Eirian know of Beathag's child to be? `` Tell Eirian the best news of the world to be had! `` Oh, Beathag should know Anulia would not let her linger too long from such.
Beathag- " Your own special yes. Hear ye tha'? See the world as nay one else sees it..Och, aye, aye ye agree!" She kissed the fingertips of the bairin before letting her mother calm her lest the excitement be too much! Of course Anulia wouldn't detere from that knews, which had Eirian looking expectantly. " It is as ye've seen it, " was how she would relay it to the woman of alabaster skin, " when Ah wouldn't believe, ye knew. But it is."
Eirian- "Your womb was not barren..your spirit was only aching, and so it was closed. But your heart does not ache now, your soul will not mourn, and so life will flourish in you. There is no better woman to carry in her the heirs of a new country." Eirian reached over and collected the Highlander's hand, gently brushing it, " You are a Queen, among your kin and at least among your people, for they cherish you as such. I bet they do not let you lift a finger now! "
Anulia- Anulia gave a nod in agreement towards Beathag, backing up Eirain's words, though it was possibly unneeded. One finger pressed up to be held by the soft strength of Hope's grip as Eirian spoke on to Beathag, hopefully crushing any worries that might come of it all. `` Brom has seemed to let her ride a horse, but I heard that when she goes to Eohmark, she must ride in carriage. `` Looking over her shoulder, she watched as Brom stared at them all and laughed softly. `` See! Now he keeps his eye on you so closely. `` Komor had wandered about and was now slowly coming back towards Anulia, holding a stick within his trunk as he moved closer. `` And look! This is Komor. I have been wanting you to meet him for some time Eirian. Beathag and Brom have just been introduced. `` As Komor got closer, the branch turned into the small trunk of a tree with roots rotting about the ends of it. Komor's mother and himself had helped clear paths by removing fallen trees, so it was a habit to walk back with a fallen tree in trunk some times. `` Komor, you can put it down. My friend, you did well. `` There was no need to stop such a habit, for they may need it later on in life. The elephant made a soft noise with his trunk, like a laugh and lowered it to the ground. Had he ran, the ground would have shook, but from the eased walk, he made his presence more gentle.
Beathag- "Eohmark is tae far tae ride, but unsaddled, an easy walk will dae nay harm Ah've been told if it is followed n' done as suggested. In another pair o' months Caldonhan shall have tae be content with Eamonn or Adam or such like tae excersise him. The carriage has its good things! Sittin' about n' bein' carted 'bout the city tae is nay sae bad either. Besides -" she whispered playfully, " Ye know iffn twas nay done just sae Eamonn would gae intae one o' his speeches.." Komor advanced, and she left Eirian to be surprised
Eirian- "Oh, he was not happy in the least to find me saddle riding in my fifth month. I received stern counsel, was told the midwife was foolish, and I nearly thought he would put me in a wagon himself. But the Lord Marshall means well, he has never meant anything....GOODNESS! " Komor's appearance came with sans one dying tree from the landscape to become the earth again. So small was the woman who turned her whole head up to look at it! After the shock began to fade, she recalled, " When...Lord Kushrenada took me to the East..I saw such creatures, though not as free as your Komor...how..does he thrive here though? He is so large and the island....where will he stay in winter? Will he not grow chill? " Now it was her turn to ask questions when often she answered them. Hope was astounded! The child burbled and let out a cry of interest as she tried to reach for a part of him to take against her skin to better understand him
Anulia- Anulia laughed at how Beathag spoke of the men and her steed. Eamonn was a nice male, if not a bit dominate, but Anulia was use to such men, as she was use to kind men. What about speeches? Anulia had never gotten one before..had she? She would have to ask Eamonn about his speeches and see what they were for. Oh, she would remember! How could anyone think the Lord Marshal cold, when he worried over the women who held children in their wombs or the women who meant something to him? Strange people. Eirian's reaction was one that made Anulia smile and beam all the more. Komor was a wonder, even to Anulia who had seen such beast many times before. `` He will stay in a home made from Maahes own two hands and he has been feeding off the wheat, vegtables and such. He can eat as a horse does, though I will have to speak to a few of your traders Beathag and see if more of his natural foods from Africa can be shipped over. `` Looking back to Eirian, she explained that she was making him a blanket, as Eirian had showed her to sow and create and that if things got too bad, Perry had already said he would take them to a warmer land for a time. Mistakes may happen, but Anulia was trying to think a head. Komor reached out his trunk to feel Eirian's arm before he heard the babe's cry and saw her arm reaching. Gently, he rose his trunk to touch her hand, leaving behind a bit of bark from the tree and snot from his nose leaking. Anulia laughed and wiped off Hope's hand before she held the trunk for the child to pat. For some time, they spoke on various things. The elephant, the children. Anulia had told Eirian of her ideas as well, seeking a friends council and advice. Anulia would have to part soon to head back to Red Wall and settled Komor in before Maahes brought her to town to work with her duties, but today, had been a wonderful day and spent with two important women in her life.
.End Thread.
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