Gracious it has been a hot minute since I've replied, so sorry. Been distracted by other things (good things!) and generally busy. Hope you're doing well!
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LadyAnnaLee
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Ridahne watched Darin's face reflect a little disgruntlement as she spoke, but that mild disappointment suddenly bloomed into full blown horror. Darin's eyes went wide and Ridahne could feel the distress radiating off her as the human tried to convince Ridahne not to leave, as if she feared that Ridahne would fly off right that instant. Ridahne felt a pang of guilt for a moment as she recalled another time that Darin had misinterpreted the intention of her words many months ago when Darin declared her Seed Chained. She opened her mouth to try and correct her, but Darin kept going with a wild panic in her eyes. Ridahne's own went wide and she shook her head, finally managing a, "No, no, no!" She spread her hands in a placating gesture.
“That means eventually I will have to watch everyone I love leave.” Darin said.
"Darin--"
“Which is fine! I mean I have practice with it, and most of them will just leave when their age catches up to them.”
"Darin--"
“That doesn’t mean I want you to leave now.”
"DARIN." Ridahne only raised her voice a little--it was more firm than loud--but it was enough. She took hold of Darin's face in her slim hands with a steady grip and looked her squarely in the eyes. "I'm not going anywhere." This was an oath, a declaration, and her tone left no doubts. "That's not what I meant! I didn't mean that I'd leave you to go find this Martin, I meant WE could go. WEEE." Ridahne laughed softly. "You think I'd leave you to fend for yourself out there? Not a chance. I'd come back and find you hanging upside down in a tree like the day we first met. No, Darin, I meant that if you wanted, in OUR travels I could put my skills to use and WE could track him down. Together."
Ridahne finally released her. She didn't say too much regarding everyone Darin loved eventually dying, especially her fellow humans. That was a difficult reality of being human. Such short lives! But even elves were not immortal. She didn't want to acknowledge that either, not right now, so instead she said, "well don't worry, you can't get rid of me so easily. If I survive this journey, I've still got another five or six hundred years in me. And if I survive, I will not be the last of my house. My family will always be yours for as long as the world endures."
“That means eventually I will have to watch everyone I love leave.” Darin said.
"Darin--"
“Which is fine! I mean I have practice with it, and most of them will just leave when their age catches up to them.”
"Darin--"
“That doesn’t mean I want you to leave now.”
"DARIN." Ridahne only raised her voice a little--it was more firm than loud--but it was enough. She took hold of Darin's face in her slim hands with a steady grip and looked her squarely in the eyes. "I'm not going anywhere." This was an oath, a declaration, and her tone left no doubts. "That's not what I meant! I didn't mean that I'd leave you to go find this Martin, I meant WE could go. WEEE." Ridahne laughed softly. "You think I'd leave you to fend for yourself out there? Not a chance. I'd come back and find you hanging upside down in a tree like the day we first met. No, Darin, I meant that if you wanted, in OUR travels I could put my skills to use and WE could track him down. Together."
Ridahne finally released her. She didn't say too much regarding everyone Darin loved eventually dying, especially her fellow humans. That was a difficult reality of being human. Such short lives! But even elves were not immortal. She didn't want to acknowledge that either, not right now, so instead she said, "well don't worry, you can't get rid of me so easily. If I survive this journey, I've still got another five or six hundred years in me. And if I survive, I will not be the last of my house. My family will always be yours for as long as the world endures."
Ridahne blinked quickly and leaned back as if a strong gust of wind slammed into her. She smiled. "You've been sitting on all that all night? Goodness Darin, no wonder you're stressed." She laughed lightly, but her tattooed face melted into a more sober expression. "I'm sorry all of this was put on you. You didn't ask for any of it. And frankly if you didn't feel even a little overwhelmed by it all, I'd worry for your sanity. But listen Darin," Ridahne put one hand on Darin's cheek and gently lifted her chin to look up into her own eyes. This gesture, touching someone else's face, was a very intimate thing in Azurei, reserved for family and extremely close friends. Ridahne's amber eyes looked hard for a moment as she said, "I am always working. Even when you don't notice, even when it seems like we're relaxing or doing nothing of dire importance. I am always working. To do otherwise would be a dereliction of my duty, of my sworn oath to you as your Guardian. More than that, as a Seed Chained, I don't think the Seed or the Tree would let me if I tried. I care deeply for you, Sister, but my first and foremost responsibility is your safety. If I must upset you to accomplish this, I will. Wouldn't be worth my salt as a Guardian otherwise."
Ridahne released Darin and her expression softened. "Don't worry about the Sols. They aren't used to getting stood up to, but they recognize you as an equal in terms of rank. And when no one else is watching, they also aren't always nice to one another." Ridahne chuckled. "I have a hard time being nice also. Not after what happened. Amaiera-Sol's apology to me meant the world and I won't forget it. But I also won't forget being used. Don't let niceties or formalities trouble you. As for Harai..."
Ridahne sighed, moving to look out a small window. "I don't think you or anyone else can make the right decision. I don't believe there always is a "right" decision. But there are moments when we have to make a choice, and all we can do is make the best one we possibly can at the time. Maybe it won't be right, not in the end or in some grander scale of morality. But you have to do the best you can regardless. It is all we can do." She said 'we' and it was clear she meant Darin's predicament but her own past as well. "If, when the time comes, you cannot make your own decision, seek the help of the Tree, or perhaps the Seed itself. It will not choose you and then abandon you to your fate, I think. But do not ask me," she said soberly. "I know what I would do, if the choice were left up to me. But is that the best choice? Who can say? I know you have doubts about your ability to be the Seed Bearer, but I think that's partly why it had to be you. Those who desire power often don't deserve it. And I think your values and experiences bring a balance to the way you handle choices like these. If it were me, I would not be balanced enough. I would be too harsh. Too rigid. To unforgiving. I might be decisive, but I would not be as kind, not as fair, not as understanding as you are. Whatever you might feel, Darin, you have already brought honor to your house, to your village, and I'm certain Talia would be proud of you." Ridahne let that sit for a moment, then smiled dryly. "And no, you can't ruin my wedding."
The edge returned to Ridahne's eyes a little. "And Martin...? There was once a time when it was my job to track down people, regardless of where they wandered, or how hard they tried to hide. I have been trained for many years to do this task in particular. If finding this Martin Aliceson is what you desire, then I offer my services."
Ridahne released Darin and her expression softened. "Don't worry about the Sols. They aren't used to getting stood up to, but they recognize you as an equal in terms of rank. And when no one else is watching, they also aren't always nice to one another." Ridahne chuckled. "I have a hard time being nice also. Not after what happened. Amaiera-Sol's apology to me meant the world and I won't forget it. But I also won't forget being used. Don't let niceties or formalities trouble you. As for Harai..."
Ridahne sighed, moving to look out a small window. "I don't think you or anyone else can make the right decision. I don't believe there always is a "right" decision. But there are moments when we have to make a choice, and all we can do is make the best one we possibly can at the time. Maybe it won't be right, not in the end or in some grander scale of morality. But you have to do the best you can regardless. It is all we can do." She said 'we' and it was clear she meant Darin's predicament but her own past as well. "If, when the time comes, you cannot make your own decision, seek the help of the Tree, or perhaps the Seed itself. It will not choose you and then abandon you to your fate, I think. But do not ask me," she said soberly. "I know what I would do, if the choice were left up to me. But is that the best choice? Who can say? I know you have doubts about your ability to be the Seed Bearer, but I think that's partly why it had to be you. Those who desire power often don't deserve it. And I think your values and experiences bring a balance to the way you handle choices like these. If it were me, I would not be balanced enough. I would be too harsh. Too rigid. To unforgiving. I might be decisive, but I would not be as kind, not as fair, not as understanding as you are. Whatever you might feel, Darin, you have already brought honor to your house, to your village, and I'm certain Talia would be proud of you." Ridahne let that sit for a moment, then smiled dryly. "And no, you can't ruin my wedding."
The edge returned to Ridahne's eyes a little. "And Martin...? There was once a time when it was my job to track down people, regardless of where they wandered, or how hard they tried to hide. I have been trained for many years to do this task in particular. If finding this Martin Aliceson is what you desire, then I offer my services."
cool. merry Christmas and happy holidays!
Apologies for the delay. As a craftsman this time of year is usually busy but this year was particularly so. I’ve been slammed with commissions and projects but things are finally slowing down a bit. Hoping to get you a post soon
Many, many apologies for the long delay. It started as stress from sorting out housing, then moving, and then I just haven't had the mind for writing much. But I got a reply at last!
Ridahne quickly realized that there was a shift in tone from Darin as she spoke, even as she talked about the wedding and being excited for it. A lack of mirth maybe, or some shadow that hung about her and clouded any joy she might have in it. Sure enough, Darin was quick to inform Ridahne that they needed to talk. Ah, there it was. Ridahne's brows knit together softly and she nodded. "Alright. Tomorrow then, we'll talk." She was proud of Darin for communicating that, she'd come a long way. It got quiet in the room after that, and both of them drifted off to sleep after their long and eventful day.
The next morning, Ridahne was up early. It was her habit to be up at dawn, but sleeping indoors for once gave her surprisingly restful sleep, and she was bright and alert when she arose. Ridahne almost never took her blade harness off her body, even while sleeping, but she had that night. They were deep in the palace and it would be suicide for someone to come there to get them. And anyway, her blades were still close at hand. She was in the process of strapping them up (She'd made sure they were very visible while in Tasen, though typically she kept them hidden on the road) when Darin asked if they could finally talk.
Ridahne fastened the last buckle, tested it for security, and sat cross legged on the flat sofa, her black uri flowing around her folded limbs like dark liquid. She looked squarely at Darin, studying her closely, but she kept her tone cool and easy. "No, not really. Others will do most of the preparation. What's on your mind, sister?"
The next morning, Ridahne was up early. It was her habit to be up at dawn, but sleeping indoors for once gave her surprisingly restful sleep, and she was bright and alert when she arose. Ridahne almost never took her blade harness off her body, even while sleeping, but she had that night. They were deep in the palace and it would be suicide for someone to come there to get them. And anyway, her blades were still close at hand. She was in the process of strapping them up (She'd made sure they were very visible while in Tasen, though typically she kept them hidden on the road) when Darin asked if they could finally talk.
Ridahne fastened the last buckle, tested it for security, and sat cross legged on the flat sofa, her black uri flowing around her folded limbs like dark liquid. She looked squarely at Darin, studying her closely, but she kept her tone cool and easy. "No, not really. Others will do most of the preparation. What's on your mind, sister?"
So so so so sorry for the long long delay. I'm still here I promise! I'm in the process of moving right now so it's just kind of busy and stressful around here. But I'm still around!
As the food got doled out, Berlin remained mostly quiet, allowing everyone to dig in unhindered and enjoy the food for a moment before getting into details. He caught Pieter's eye but didn't get give much of a reply, verbal or otherwise. Not yet. For the moment, he mostly observed both his crew and their new allies, quietly getting a general sense for everyone's mood, customs, and dynamics between them all.
Berlin saw Rohaan eating with his fingers, mashed potatoes and all, and he gave a quiet but long suffering sigh. Berlin had discovered quickly that Rohaan was unfamiliar with what Berlin perceived as fairly standard dinnerware like forks or spoons. And though he'd taught him thoroughly how to properly use all of them, he rarely ever did. Rohaan preferred it for some reason Berlin never managed to figure out, though it occurred to him just now that he'd never directly asked.
The captain also watched Kaga-Met as he subtly cleaned his hands with a perfumed water, and couldn't help a little smile as he watched Hana do the same. So, Kaga-Met was a man of much means, and he was used to certain ways of living. Which made him wonder what the crew of the Swift did for a living. He never got the sense they were pirates, but a vessel like theirs did not lend itself to merchandise or trade. Could they be bounty hunters? He could believe that.
Most of them were nearly through their first plates of food, though Rohaan was already looking at him and quietly seeking permission to get seconds. Berlin nodded to him and the shifter got up to help himself. Looking at Kaga-Met, Berlin said, "My crew has a certain rhythm we've all come to adopt in combat. We specialize in taking people by surprise, mostly. Stealthily, sometimes, but more often people just don't expect much of a threat out of a little caravel like the Borealis. We let our prey come close and strike hard. Often, Rheoaan will drop usually Wheel and often Uban on the deck of the opposing ship and leave them to wreak their own havoc as he attacks from the air. We keep a party back at the guns and the helm, and that's most often what we do. But what of you and yours? What are your strengths? Obviously you have an aerial advantage," he gestured to the Swift itself. "But do you prefer infiltration? Explosives? Destroying rigging?"
Berlin saw Rohaan eating with his fingers, mashed potatoes and all, and he gave a quiet but long suffering sigh. Berlin had discovered quickly that Rohaan was unfamiliar with what Berlin perceived as fairly standard dinnerware like forks or spoons. And though he'd taught him thoroughly how to properly use all of them, he rarely ever did. Rohaan preferred it for some reason Berlin never managed to figure out, though it occurred to him just now that he'd never directly asked.
The captain also watched Kaga-Met as he subtly cleaned his hands with a perfumed water, and couldn't help a little smile as he watched Hana do the same. So, Kaga-Met was a man of much means, and he was used to certain ways of living. Which made him wonder what the crew of the Swift did for a living. He never got the sense they were pirates, but a vessel like theirs did not lend itself to merchandise or trade. Could they be bounty hunters? He could believe that.
Most of them were nearly through their first plates of food, though Rohaan was already looking at him and quietly seeking permission to get seconds. Berlin nodded to him and the shifter got up to help himself. Looking at Kaga-Met, Berlin said, "My crew has a certain rhythm we've all come to adopt in combat. We specialize in taking people by surprise, mostly. Stealthily, sometimes, but more often people just don't expect much of a threat out of a little caravel like the Borealis. We let our prey come close and strike hard. Often, Rheoaan will drop usually Wheel and often Uban on the deck of the opposing ship and leave them to wreak their own havoc as he attacks from the air. We keep a party back at the guns and the helm, and that's most often what we do. But what of you and yours? What are your strengths? Obviously you have an aerial advantage," he gestured to the Swift itself. "But do you prefer infiltration? Explosives? Destroying rigging?"
Sorry for the long delay, it's been a busy summer in general, but lately I've had a lot of stress surrounding housing (might be buying a condo, might be living in a box truck! nobody knows! LOL) and haven't had the brain space for a lot of writing. Could be really exciting stuff but there's a LOT up in the air right now. It's gonna take me a bit to get you a reply, but I'm still here!
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