Ummm! I swear I haven't eaten in a week. Ok, a coupla days, but, I can't help it. Death makes you hungry. Yummy. Chi-kan goot. Yeah, a little bread. . . oh my goddess. This is heaven. What do you mean we gotta leave now? I haven't even gotten to dessert yet.
Are you sure this is safe, Nyran? I mean traveling on the plane of dreams sounds cool and all, haven't done that in a while, but honestly. It sounds a little shady.
Tap my heels together, kay. Like this? Why aren't I moving yet? I feel like an idiot. Hmmm, Nyran is snickering. What do you mean just kidding?!? I AM an idiot. And you are a jerk, Nyran! I'm gonna give him a good kick in the- oh we're moving!
Yaaawwwnnn! Ooh, it feels good to stretch. I could sleep forever in this bed. It's so snuggly. Mmmm. Hi kitty.
Huh? What am I doing in a bed? Where am I? Wow. Big room. Hold on a sec. I know this place. I've woken up here before. Oh crap! Fire! I gotta get out of here!
That's a long way down. Come to think of it, this bed is, um, giganto! Giganto? Whatever. Why do people need to sleep in beds they practically need a ladder to in and out of? I'll have to go down on my belly.
Oh my goddess! What the devil am I wearing? It's pink! With RUFFLES! Where is the sick twist that thought this would be funny? I'm outta here.
Alright, last time the door was hot. But, I don't smell any smoke. Let's open the door a crack. Can't see anything, sooo, I think it's safe. Wait! Need protection. toys! Nothing but toys? Huh. O-kay, let's improvise. Ummm. Basket. Blocks. Stuffed dragon. dolly. Marbles. Yes, those will be good. They'll hurt if you crack someone with them or can trip a body up. Dual purpose. Into my pocket with you. because it's very, very, small. Wha? Umm, what else? Jacks! Basically, the same function, except they're sharp. Aha! A sword! Well, kinda, but it'll have to do. Hmmm, anything else, Arilyn? Nope, I don't think so.
dolly. The dragon? Well maybe, but-wait a sec! Why the devil would I take that?
dolly always comes to breakfast.
To breakfast huh? It is kinda cute. . .whatever. And my dolly. Pink dresses, loads of toys. Someone thinks I'm a princess. Too . . .weird. And now to get out of here.
Jeez, this house is giganto! One, two, three doors. Ahh! What was that noise? Sounds like fighting. Not in this room. Are people trying to get in? What happened? Wow, this is a pretty room. All light and airy. Big fireplace. And, what's the term? Very well appointed.
Oh! There it was again. Definitly outside. Let's take a Peak out the window. Why are they so high? Am I in a giant's house? I'll just climb up here and ah! Ok, two people. One hooded, one guy. Think the one in the hood is a chick. Hmmm. Looks like they're sparring, not fighting. Ha! She hit him! Did he just wink at her? Are they playing? Oh! She flipped him! Hahahahaha! Nice. Her hood fell. Huh. Her hair is as black as mine.
momma.
What? I'm so confused. Oh balls! They're headed this way! Ummm. Where to go. Where to go. Why are there only chairs in here? Doors. Ok, which one?
left.
Always left. Left is good. I gotta make it. . .ooh, the door!
Whew! Safe. Oh!
"How are you doing today, little miss? You usually rise a little earlier. Especially on a special day like today. You were probably up too late with your stories." Special day? Stories? Worry about that later. Worry about the big man who seems to know me.
quaron.
He does seem kinda familiar.
he cooks yummy food. he's always been here.
"Breakfast will be ready soon. Well, almost lunch now."
awwww, please?
"do you happen to have any honeybuns baked?" they're the best when they're still warm.
"No, but they will be ready soon though. Hmmm." He's studying me, and now he's going to stir the pots again. ooh! he's blowing on a spoon. i knew quaron wouldn't let me down. he always lets me have a little taste. And I can only stand wide-eyed as this total stranger, big stranger, feeds me a, mmmmm, a-a really yummy spoonful of whatever is in that pot. told you.
"Your parents should be coming any time now. Did you see them? They're outside. You know your father can never back down from one of your mother's challenges. In fact, I think I hear them coming right now."
What? The people outside? Gotta hide.
teehee. i love this game.
Where to go. Where to go. Someplace safe until I can escape.
table.
Yes, excellent spot.
it's ok, dolly. i'll protect you. He's here! he's so tall. he towers over quaron.
Sword out. Don't know if this guy is a threat yet. If anyone tries to mess with me I'll make them sorry. Just keep quiet. Maybe he won't notice you down here.
"Quaron, how are you doing. Has Arilyn woken yet?"
"Yes, sir. She's, around. But I'd watch out. She's in a frisky mood today. Armed to the teeth, she is. Too many stories if you ask me."
Ok, the both glanced down at me. I am not good at this hiding thing right now. How can I buy a little time?
"I wonder where she could be." He's talking so loudly. It's obvious he knows where I am. Any minute I just know he's gonna grab for me. The question is why is he screwing with me? Crap, crap, crap. What to do. Oh yeah. I do have these jacks. Quick peek. Ok, the cook guy is talking and the big guy is distracted. Makes things easier. Carefully place them down- oops! I hope they don't notice!
"What the - why did you throw your toys all over the kitchens?" I think he's trying to look pissed. "My silly little guttersnipe." What? Excuse me? i don't think I heard you right.
teehee. he's teasing. now he's gonna act like he's likat-, letu-, lekatur, um, say that's not how a young lady acts.
"Arilyn, you know that is not how a young lady is supposed to behave. Now come out from-"
He's reaching for me! Get back!
"Ow! Arilyn! What has gotten into you?" The cook gives the big guy a look of 'I told you so' and shrugs. I'm not sayin' nothin'. I can only hope my glare of death will get rid of these jokers.
"Arilyn. Your mother will not be pleased to see your toys all over the kitchens. You know you don't want to get her riled up. And I don't want to sleep on the couch tonight." I don't think I was supposed to hear that last bit. "Come out and clean this up. We are expecting guests today and YOU are expected to behave."
Oh crap! He got an arm. NO! You'll never take me alive!
"Lemme go! Lemme go! Let me -" Oh my goddess.
father.
He has my eyes. The cook guy was saying something about my parents, but, this can't be. Am I a little kid again? It's almost like something is-. Sigh. I'm so confused. Maybe if I just rub my eyes things will get back to normal.
Definitly my eyes.
Balls.
"Arilyn!" I can't help up jump at the sound of my name. The lady I saw outside has cornered me as well. "Arilyn, what are you doing? You need to get dressed. The bards will be here soon. And you!" She's rounded on the guy with my eyes. "Why are you just standing there? You have been in here for nearly ten minutes. If you knew she was in here, why didn't you send her to get ready?"
"I was having a chat with Quaron, my dear, and if you must know I was in the process of removing our little slug-a-bed from the kitchens to dress when you entered. And she hit me."
"She what?" She's crouching down by me. "Arilyn, get out from under there and apologize to your father. Then we are going to pick up these toys and get you dressed."
My sword is ready. I scrunch my face up. Anyone who knows me knows that to be a sure sign of don't mess with me. And she scrunches her face back at me?!? What is going on here?
"Don't you pout at me. You know that only works with your father. Now out!"
That middle statement shakes me a little. But I'm done hiding. Time to meet them eye to eye.
Or eye to waist.
"Good, now let's pick these toys up."
I don't think so.
"Look, I don't really know what's going on, but I don't like it. Who are you, where are my friends, and exactly what the hell are you playing at?"
I almost have to laugh at their shocked expressions. They never saw that one coming.
What's that twisty feeling in my stomach?
you're not very nice.
"What are you talking about sweetheart? What friends?"
"Anwar, and Islan, and Nyran, Elana. . .What have you done with them?" I cringe at the sound of my voice going up an octave. Even higher than it already has. Crap. This is dark magic. The kitty is circling around my feet.
"Are these friends from your stories, dear?"
"No! I've been traveling with them for right around a year, damnit! I'm twenty-eight years old and we're trying to find the cry-, I mean, we're doing some really important stuff that I can't tell you about!" I stamp my foot I'm so frustrated. and dolly is safe with me too. I have my sword at the ready. teehee. They look at each other. Probably thinking, yeah too many stories. With an I hope in there. They do look worried. Ugh, nasty twinge again.
"Ok, let's go get you cleaned up and then we'll sit down and have a nice long chat. How does that sound?"
I'm staring at her with a slightly dazed look on my face for sure. They don't get it. I'm so comfused. Sigh. Just put a smile on.
"Sure. Why not."
So I'll head towards the room I woke up in.
"Honey, I think we should send for a cleric." Hold on a sec.
"Ugh. That would be an entire day's ride. Besides, the bards will be here soon. She probably just stayed up too late."
"I hope you're right. But if she" Uh-oh, Their voices are getting closer. Just need to get a little ahead. Hey, my hand!
"Come on, Arilyn. We need to get you cleaned up."
So I've had a bath and my "mother" has dressed me up. Again I find myself in
pink! i love pink. it's my fav-o-rite color. and there are so many different pinks too. light pinks and dark pinks. purply pinks.
Ok, I gotta admit this rose color looks very nice with my hair. Momma's got taste. What was that glitter? Huh, it appears that momma's got a little trinket. Looks like the crystals.
"There, pretty as a picture. Now let's do your hair."
I feel, really relaxed. Safe, well almost. This woman is very warm. She's just stroking the brush through my hair. There's such, tenderness. I can't help but close my eyes. It's like this is a ritual. How I missed this. . .
"How about a couple of little pigtails today. That way most of your hair will be down and loose. You know that's how your father likes to see it. Wild and free. And he's gone to great pains to make today happen, so I want you to be good. Okay?"
"okay momma." Where did that come from?
"Good." Wait! What are you - you're hugging me. Sigh. Again, my eyelids close. I need to lean into these loving arms. And I can smell the orange flower frsgrsnce in her hair. It's down, and wild and free too.
"We're going to have fun today, okay?" Her voice is soft against my ear. I can only nod and squeeze a little tighter.
momma.
So it's time to make my presentation. It seems that the travelling entertainers have arrived. And a bit early too. There's one guy. He's shorter and dark. The other one. . .no way. It can't be.
"Elegond?" He's maybe twenty years or so younger, but that doesn't mean too much to elves.
He started and turned. Dead givaway.
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE YOU BLOODY BASTARD!" And I lunge forward. I feel the lady's hand clench automatically around my arm, holding me back. Let me go! I'm going to wring the jerk's scrawny neck!
"Arilyn! Watch your language! These people are guests here!"
"Gentlemen, please excuse my daughter. I just don't know what has gotten into her." 'Mother' has her hand over my mouth now as I can't help the curses that are flying out of it. It is only through the barest hit of will that I don't bite her. Though, for her sake, I will now stop kicking and flailing about.
Ok, I'm finding myself short of breath. Close the mouth. Relax. Ok, stand still at least. Ahh. Breathe, breathe.
"Prehaps we should all have lunch. I believe that it is ready now."
I think everyone else just sighed in relief at the breaking of the silence. Elegond approaches.
"Hi there. I think we got off on the wrong foot somehow. Let's really introduce ourselves. My name is Keran."
"No, it's not. You forget, I know you Elegond."
"No, it's Keran."
"Elegond."
He's looking at me funny. And now smiles?
"Please, my name is Keran."
Great smile. He always had a wonderful smile. I poke him in the chest. I can't help but smirk at him.
"Elegond."
He looks very disconcerted.
"Arilyn? Are you coming? Don't forget our guest."
"No, it's alright. We need to be setting up now anyway."
After a quick, yet, scrumdidleyumptious meal, I now get to play. This is a beautiful land. I can see mountains in the distance. I think I'm more, ummm, southern? I can't be sure. I've travelled a lot, and I don't, hmmm. Sigh. What would be fun? i Know. . .
"i'M tWi-Rl-InG. i'M tW-iR-lInG." tee Hee. Whoa! Ouch! My bottom. Ooh, dizzy. Hey, what's going on inside the house? I can hear voices.
"Things are different now, Teravus! There's a child involved! Even if she is a half-breed." Now this is interesting. "And she knew my name! My real name! How? I have never seen her before in my life." Why you dirty, sneaky, I'm gonna get you.
"Calm down. So the kid is a little weird. She's just a kid. You know what we have to do. Everything is going to be fine. Dorthonion and his wife seem to be preoccupied. The brat's little outburst may well work to our advantage. We'll do the show. I'll do a couple of tricks. You throw yourself around and tell a story. She's carrying a dragon and a wooden sword. Maybe a Tendaris story. Now go get ready."
Balls! Footsteps! One of 'em is comin' outside!
"Hi there. You never did tell me your name." There's that dazzling smile again. I think I'll smile back. Two can play this game.
"Arilyn."
"Well Arilyn, do you know anything about tumbling?" I can feel the grin spread over my face.
"A little. Let me show you." And I backflip, a tad ungraceful-like I have to admit. This doesn't make any sense. I can do better. I just need a running start. Cartwheel to front flip - oh! Almost didn't make that. What is wrong with me? One more time. . .and cartwheel front flip backflip backflipback arial somersault. Ta da! I'm so talented.
"Wow! That's great! You're so young to be doing that."
I put my hands on my hips. Can't help the little swagger in my steps walking back to him. "I've had, years, of experience."
I notice Elegond gulped. Smiling again I see. He's nervous. "Why don't I show you a little of what I can do?"
This could be a chance. "Would you?" Big eyes. How can anyone resist me?
I think he's relieved and he's quickly taking his stance. Heeheehee. Drop my marbles.
"Whoa! WOAH!" Damnit. He didn't fall. "What is this?" Oops. Gotta think fast. Rocking on heels. "Umm, I must've left them out here the other day and you didn't see them." Huh? Huh? Again with that smile! "I'm sure you're right. Better stage the show over here." HA! He bought it. Sucker.
There's that guy again. The one with my eyes.
father.
Yeah, that's the one. He's got a couple of swords with him. He's coming right towards me.
"Arilyn, I thought you may want to practice a little. Work off a little excess energy? I do have to warn you that I thoroughly trounced your mother this morning. Don't think I will go easy on you."
he's teasing again.
"No you didn't, Father. She gave you a good wallop and then flipped you on your back. You still had dust falling off you when you were standing in the kitchens." Oh my goddess. Where did that come from? But my answer, at least, seems to delight this man.
"So you were watching that were you?" He laughs. "Well, then you really can't expect me to be nice, hmmm? I must be looking to redeem my pride." I have to laugh with him. His smile is so friendly. . .wait a sec. What's he doing. Is he gonna pounce on me?
Ahhh! I'm gonna wet my knickers! I'm laughing too hard. Stop! Stop! That's not fair! I'm not wearing any armor! And he seems to know how ticklish my sides are.
He's stopped. He just grabbed me and he's holding me so close.
"You are happy here, right sweetheart?" I feel his breath ruffle my hair. Sandlewood.
"Of course, Father." And I'm telling the truth. . . He's pulled back and looks into my face.
"Good. Because I do worry about you. There aren't really any other children around. I wish you had more friends than the ones in your stories." And he smooths some hair behind my ear. Ugh, icky belly feeling. I need to reassure him.
"Of course I'm happy, Father. I'm here with you and Momma." Where are these words coming from? I pinch his cheek and grin. "Smile." He grins back at me.
"Are you ready, Arilyn?" I nod.
"En gard-de!" He's letting me attack. I am definitly having an off day. Only about half of my blows are hitting.
"Ok, that was very good, Arilyn. But how about you try this stance." Ok, I'm willing to try something different. Hey, wait a minute.
"I can't fight like that. That's the way bladesingers fight."
"I don't know what you mean, sweetheart. This is how I was taught to fight."
no you haven't. Hmmm.
Well, the show is about wrapping up. Elegond is off to the side. He's muttering to himself. That's strange. Arguing with yourself was always my thing. Hmmm. Now he's going to do an encore? Hmph. He's showing up the magician. And he looks pissed! Interesting. . .I don't remember Elegond doing THAT before. Hi kitty. Yes, I will pet you now. You're very cuddly. You and my dolly.
Time for bed already? But it's so early! If I have to.
"Can I take my sword with me to my room?" My parents seem to find this request funny. But tonight will be my chance. I know I have freaked them out more. I know they're worried. I couldn't help but argue with Elegond and that dark guy when FrostFang came up. He doesn't know everything. Hmph. He's a myth. If they only believed me. I just need to wait until everyone is asleep. Then I can get out of here.
"Goodnight, sweetheart. Have pleasant dreams. We'll see you tomorrow." I have to. I lunge up and throw my arms around their necks. "Goodnight Momma, Father. I will see you in the morning." I can't help myself. After they both kiss my forehead, the man with my eyes takes the hand of the woman with my hair as he leads her from my room. I just need to plop back for a minute. Gather myself. Ok, let's get to that windowseat. We got a blankie, my sword, and dolly. And kitty. Hi kitty. I can stay up the whole night if I have to.
A couple of hours must have passed by now. And all is quiet. Ok,time to - what was that noise? Better investigate anyway. It's that dark guy!
"What are you doing outside my parents' bedroom?" He's got a bad look about him.
"Go back to bed, if you know what's good for you little girl." This makes me inexplicably angry.
"No! What are you doing there?" I'm nearly shouting and I'm shaking the sword at him. He's scowling. Uh-oh. Finger movement and funny words. Not good. Not good.
What's going on? I can't move! What have you done, you slimy bugger! As soon as I can move again I'm going to shove my sword right up your - Father! Father, help me! He's got Momma. Looks like whatever hit me got her too. Oh balls! I smell smoke. What has that man done now?
Now this I remember! But it's different. Where's the guy in the shiny armor? Oh goddess, there's fire everywhere. I can move! Ok, the kitchens. Oh crap, is the fire moving? Where's kitty? Yes, we need to get outside.
Elegond. Are you the cause of this? Hold on, what are you doing? You've never done magic, especially like that! In fact, the only person I've seen do that is. . . Nyran.
Quaron? What is he doing out here? and why does he have that pole thingie with that big blade? he's never had one of those before. His eyes. . .they're just empty.
"Quaron, what are you doing?" But he's ignoring her. He's just staring at me with those flat eyes.
"It's not supposed to be this way, little miss." Whoa! The poleax!
What happened? I'm all wet. What was that thump? The wet is, is red. And thick. Oh goddess. Don't look down. Don't look down.
"momma?" I hear myself whimper.
"This isn't how it happened."
"NO! You don't get him too!" I want to shield him. I can take that hit. NOOOO! He's swinging over my head.
"father."
My knees hurt. I don't know how long I've been here. I can feel tears dripping off my face. They're mixing with the red. It's making dark splotchs on my nightgown. I know who is responsible for this. That dark wizard. What was his name? Oh, yes. Teravus.
I'm going to kill him.
I feel numb. My hands are fumbling a little, but I can't leave without that necklace of the crystal. Father. . .you have one too. And your sword. It will only be fitting.
"Arilyn, you need to wake up."
Kitty? What's going on? Looking around, Quaron is gone. There's his body.
"Arilyn, you're dreaming. This isn't real." Elana? Is that you? "You need to wake up."
Is that right? Am I asleep? Am I dreaming?
"Arilyn, we need to get out of here." Anwar. She's walking towards me. She looks concerned. She also looks shaken and a little beat up. You, you brushed my hair. I'm feeling a little embarassed, in a distant sort of way.
"I do have enough energy to plane shift us again." Nyran. So you are my Elegond? He was far more graceful. Oh horror! I think I'm starting to blush. The things I said to you!
"Arilyn, please. Wake yourself up or I shall be forced to undertake the attempt myself. And it won't be pleasant, I assure you." And Islan. You were my father. Well that's bloody terrific. He's going to lord this over me and gloat at every opportunity. Though he does seem a little ackward right now. And he's kinda scowling. At least he doesn't have that serious look on his face. The one where you know he's thinking BIG thoughts.
This is just crazy. The heat from the house is intense. I just have to let me eyes drift closed for a minute. . .breathe. Breathe. Breathe. Time to stand up.
Opening my eyes, I'm looking into their eyes! I have to glance down and smile. Wiping a tear off my cheek and tossing my head back I can only respond softly "Don't get your knickers in a twist, Islan. As you can see, I'm perfectly awake."
"Ok, so you tap your heels together. . ." Nyran is explaining, I smile but I have to look back. Someone is taking my hand. . .
you don't have to leave, you know. you can stay here. it will be different tomorrow. tomorrow i'll wake up, and play with momma and father again. and those men won't be here. and there won't be any fire. please, stay. and then you'll see. you were happy here. . .
And they're just lying there. I almost wish I didn't remember. But, he did say that this wasn't how it went, right? But what does that mean?
No. I can't stay here. I do think I was happy here. If I had to relive a day, why did it have to end like this? Why, everything? I need to go forward. I think, then, I can find the answers.
Breathe. Breathe. Breathe-oh we're moving! |
