K
Ko T'suno
Guest
Original poster
The wind whipping through her hair, the rustling of leaves as she darted through the tops of the trees. Nothing but the pale moonlight to guide her way as it flickered through the canopy. The smell of the night air as it mingled with the smell of the forest. Her scenes on overdrive, ever alert ever ready...she had come out tonight to clear her mind, yet it seemed that every time she thought she had. An image of him would pop into her head, blinding her for a moment as she lost herself in his eyes.. She didn't even notice that the branch she jumped to wouldn't hold and as she landed the branch snapped. Her soft gasp silenced by her crashing through the tree as she attempted to catch herself. Only to end with a great thud as she landed on the ground below. All she saw was him, as the darkness engulfed her. Her clothing ripped and small trails of her blood from where she had been cut and scrapped by the tree.....she would be sore when she woke up.
Her war cry ripped her from her unconscious state as she lunged foreward. Only to let another much softer crg escape her as her body from the pain of falling from a tree. Causing her to lay back down.
She lay there, a small tear rolling down the side of her face. It had been nothing but a dream yet the pain in her stomach made her rethink it. She had little time for self pity, as she gathered her thoughts. Her ears twitching at the rustle of leaves as they danced to the whim of the wind...
"How long was I out for.." She asked herself aloud.
"A few hours. At least." Came the all familiar voice of Sypher, His figure a welcome sight after her dream. Had he heard her and came to check up on her?
"How long have you been there?"
"A few hours, you ok, sounded rough there. What happened?"
"I fell..."
"Oh, and here I thought you had decided to just lay down and take a nap with branches on top of you. Of course you fell, I meant in your dream."
"Nothing"
"So since when did you begin to scream and cry in your sleep?
"Last week?"
"Ah how cute, you're trying to lie now?"
"Fine ill tell you...."
"Good."
She explained her accident in the trees, as well as her dream. Only to hear a soft chuckle from Sypher.
"Something funny?"
"Yes you. Now lets get you back." He replied as he helped her up to her feet. Her pained protest died when he hit her with a calm and serious. "Shut up.I made sure you were fine while you were out. So once again shut up."
Nothing else was said. Even when Sypher helped her on to his saddle.
"Don't tell anyone what I told you....especially not Tristan. He would be all worried for not." She pleaded, her facial expression reminding Sypher of the once little girl who pleaded so much to be taught by him that some might of thought she was harassing him.
"Oh of course I will not, you will." He replied. Maehel knew he was a secret softy, but even to this day she had only gotten her way once, and that was the day he agreed to instruct her.
"Will not." She cried out.
"All in time." Came his calm response.Oooooo
"Hmm.."
The two continued to converse as they made the treck back to the palace.
The ride, hurt but no more than the last time she had fallen from a tree or a high place.
"Think you'll be ready for the training practice in the morning?" Sypher asked as they entered the stables.
"Have to be."
"Oh, is there a reason you have to be?"
"Tristan."
"Ah, valid reason..he did invite you." He admitted as he lead his horse to the stable closest to Tristan's horse.
"Lets get you down." Sypher continued with a held out set of arms to which Maehel simply rolled into from the saddle. A soft humph whispered from Sypher as he dropped down to gradually accommodate her weight.
Maehel's feet acted as though she had just made contact with the ground for the first time in a very long time. Her knees buckling for but a moment as she attempted to stand on her own, thankfully Sypher was there and caught her. Giving her a moment to gather herself. His scent was as inviting as ever. The mix of warm spices, and a dark wood she could not pinpoint.
"Le athae." She whispered her voice was steady unlike her legs which seemed to be regrowing their bones..or when blood rushed back to a limb, that strange tingling numbness reaching from her lower back to the back of her knees.
"Glassen Merilen." He replied as she stood up. His arms still out just in case she needed him again. But it turned out to be unneeded as she seemed to either find her balance or forced her way through the pain.
"I think......" She started as she took a step from Sypher. Her independent nature urging her on. It had always made it hard for her to accept help from others. Even Sypher, who had not only was her teacher but also had always been there to rescue her when she was in over her head or assist her in anyway possible. Often found himself on the sidelines hoping she would reach out and ask for his help when they both knew she needed it. So even now he was there, waiting for her to finish her thoughts, ever ready to give her advise, he secretly cherished the moment as he did each and every time they had shared moments similar to the one they were currently experiencing.
"You think what?" He asked, his gentle tone. Part of him had a guess as to what she was going to say, but he kept it to himself. Deciding to see if he really did know her as well as he thought.
"Den Melin...or am growing too.." She returned her meek tone. It expressed her own self doubts when it came to this turn of events.
"Hmm..well I trust your intuition, you have wisdom beyond those of your age. But do you think it is wise...an Echil?" He returned, he had been right after all, but it was not a joyous feeling knowing he was right. He knew how these events could play out and She could hear the understanding in his voice that she knew came from a past self experiences that had only been discussed in hushed whispers by members of Tristan's guard and a few select nobles each of whom's stories changed as quicker and more often than the day did to night.
"Ú-iston......should I trust an Echil...what would you do?.." She asked like a child would when seeking advise from a parent.
"Hmm. Tolo ar nin." He replied as he began walking out of the stables his gentle hand resting on her shoulder as he lead her out.
"Where are we going?" She asked as the two walked out of stables upon which Sypher turned and began leading her away from the palace and back towards the woods.
"For a talk...don't worry we will not be walking long. There is a large tree near here that I think you might enjoy. Think you can make it. Or shall I carry you like when you were a but a De'lin?" When he was finished She could almost swear she felt a grin was on his face, and she wasn't wrong.
"Yaivë, I can make it.." She returned. A moment of silence as the two tried to hold back from laughing only to both burst into laughter when they looked at eachother. Both unsure why they had broken out in laughter but they welcomed it.
The two continued to joke and laugh as they walked back into the forest. Sypher could tell Maehel was putting on a front. Behind the laughter Sypher could tell she was in pain, but whether it was physical, emotional or psychological he cannot tell, yet.
The two stopped talking as they stepped into a small clearing. After walking for a few minutes. A large Hawthorn was the only tree in the clearing. It's white flowers filled the air with their invitingly sweet smell.
"The tree of our kin.." Maehel whispered as the two walked under the tree's branches that almost covered the entire clearing. "You're right again I do like it."
"Aye, good to hear. I thought it would be fitting to discuss your dilemma here." Sypher said as they reached its trunk. His hand held out to assist Maehel in sitting should she need it, but he knew she would refuse it and go it alone.
"How did you come across this place?" She asked. Obviously ignoring Sypher's out stretched hand as she pushed her back against the trunk, and slide down its length using her legs to slow her decent. Her motions showed she was aware of her injuries. Their full extent escaping Sypher's knowledge still.
"Shortly after our run in with that pe-channas echil with the hounds." He replied as he sat down next to her. Dropping his hood after he was in a comfortable position. His silver blonde hair and soft facial features, would of made most think he was a female if they didn't know him. The sight made Maehel smile, knowing full well it was rare to see him without his hood up. Even throughout the many long years she had known him. She had only seen him without his hood up a handful of times. Each time because he had to.
"What did you find after me and the others left?" She asked.
"Well I stuck around, saw the Houndsmen give that Arren a letter for Lord Maximus. After they left. I did some looking around and found a fresh shallow grave not far from where everyone had been. I didn't dig it up to find out the who's and how's, but I did put a lily down for the poor soul. Whoever or whatever it might be." He replied. His words made her ponder over the strange Houndsman..as well as return her growing disdain and mistrust of Arren.
"Hmm..well not getting caught on that hook.." She went as she began speaking. "Now as for my standing question. What would you do and what did you do when you where in this situation, if you ever went through it...?" She tried to drop subtle hints that some had gossiped about it..
"Ah yes...well I would advise you take it slow, get a feel for their feelings as well as how they will react. But one of the most important questions, is can you trust them with both yours and our secrets. As well as can you handle living without them."
He said pausing to take a breath. As well as to wonder how she knew he had gone through something similar to her current one. He had never spoken about it with her before, but that never stoped anyone from hearing tall tales from others who knew not how to keep their mouths shut even when pertaining to the affairs of others.
"As for what I did. I will admit I acted like a fool and chased after them, ignoring the warnings, ignored the signs. I opened myself up to them, giving in to every emotion, every stimulation. I told them parts of my secrets. I thought the feeling was mutual and real. Tell they showed up one night at our spot with a party of Faradrim." He added as he looked over at Maehel. He knew she could feel and see that the memory was incredibly painful. Yet his tone was serene like everytime he shared an otherwise emotional story that would leave a lesser man a blubbering mess.
"What happened to them and the Faradrim?" She asked looking over to Sypher. Hoping to catch a glimpse of his eyes, but the branch's shadow kept them hidden from both her sight and the light of the moon.
"Guruth." He replied, his calm tone dancing upon the edge of emotionlessness that was unlike him. Maehel shifted slightly, his one word was very unnerving to her, but she couldn't let him know that, or didn't want to.
"How?" She asked trying to further hide her unease at his previous comment.
"On the end of my blades." He returned all nonchalantly.
"The Faradrim or...?" She trailed off. Not sure if she wanted to know the answer.
"Both, the Faradrim and the one I thought I loved, they betrayed me. For money that they would never see." As he continued to nonchalantly explain the event a gust of wind rustled the trees branches and for almost a whole minute Maehel could see them, his mismatched eyes in all their outlandish splendor. She knew full well Sypher knew of her abnormal fixation with his eyes. Ever since she was little she would stare into them any chance she got. The first time they met, she had stared at them for almost two hours before Sypher who had known the whole time called her out. Not with words but with one of his tantalizingly charming smile and wink combos.
"What!! That traitorous bitch, how could she be so treacherous. On behalf of women everywhere. I am sorry, that must of been quite painful for you."
Her heart went out to Sypher. She now understood why he rarely spoke of the event as well as why the stories she had heard from others had been so varied. Who could ever betray anyone like that, and for money none the less. Let alone Sypher the man who dedicated himself to helping others with everything he could. His very essence was that of an endearingly welcoming wise man who would share his wisdom to anyone who sought it out. In that aspect Maehel had to admit she was a bit jealous, he could make friends quicker then she could make enemies, and boy could she make enemies quick. "Shes lucky you did her in then. Let her have escaped, I would consider it game." She added after calming down a bit..
Her reaction caused Sypher to raise a brow. It was unlike her to swear, or react in such a manner. It almost made him chuckle at how emotional she had gotten as well as how violently enraged she became in just a matter of seconds.
"Settle, and who ever said it was a woman who betrayed me? There is no need to feel sorry for what happened in the past. Remember that. As for it being rough on me. Between you and me it was rather painless. For me that is, I can't talk for them. They didn't seem to find it a pleasurable idea I guess, I mean they fought back...or at least attempted too.." He replied with a somber laugh that made Maehel nod in agreement before his words finally made sense..
"It was a man who betrayed you?!" She roared, her body trying to jump up in anger, only to stop with a wince that made her drop back on her rear. A soft curse under her breath as she rubbed her lower back..Looking over to Sypher she saw his slightly confused expression.
"No. I am sorry you had to go through that... So you killed them all? Did you ever find out who the Faradrim worked for?" She asked hopeful that it would draw his focus back to the current discussion.
"Yes, a man who was well known for adhering to the honour code of his faction of knights, but as they say money can make one do things that one knows to be wrong. Yes I killed them all, and before you ask. Yes I tried diplomacy, but men bent on death won't stop till death comes. Either for them or their target....Hmm? Did I find who they worked for..no I never looked. Why search for more trouble that might have followed me home and brought more dangers to our people, at the time we were at war with the Holy Roman Empire, The Vatican and their allies. We did not need more troubles at the time, especially not over something as trivial as that." He explained to a now nodding Maehel, who had to admit Sypher had a point. Their people did not need more troubles on top of the ones they already had at the time.
She had almost forgotten that Sypher was far older than he appeared, and was said to have been around since long before her own grandfather's time. Yet he didn't look a day over his eighteenth or maybe his twenty second summer. A trait she had found common among the first of the noble families of their people. Yet only a handful of them were as well known as him, and even less had the renown he did.
"Sounds reasonable. I had forgotten that you were there during the First Exalted March and the Fourth Grand Conflict.
Do you ever wish things had gone differently with your beloved?" She replied. Unknowingly showing how forgetful she could be.
"I understand, you aren't the first to forget nor the last. One time at the Gathering of The Houses. Some of nobles thought I was the reincarnation of myself. One thought I was my own descendent. You should've seen their reactions when the Brethilrin told them I was indeed myself." He ended with a rather humorous face. His hands on either side of his dropped O shaped jaw. He held the expression for a while before breaking it as he let out a laugh that was so infectious that even the monumentally shocked Maehel had to laugh.
"And no I have never thought about it, why waste time thinking and stressing over what can never be changed..sounds like a very miserable existence." He returned.
"Sounds like a fun time. Though meeting the Brethilrin has always been a dream of mine." She admitted, for the first time in her life, unknowingly to a person who already knew this so claimed secret. "I can understand that." She didn't say how cold it sometimes felt thinking about how calm and logical he could be even in the affairs of the heart.
"Aye she is a wonderful individual, a true mother of our people."
It was obvious to Maehel that Sypher too held the Brethilrin with a great amount of reverence. Just from the tone he used to speak of her in was endearing. It wasn't uncommon for their people to have respect for the woman known as the Silver Queen. Parents told stories of her near countless acts of valor to their daughters in hopes that they would turn out like her. Even Maehel remembered the times her father and mother told her the stories, and could say that the Brethilrin was and would forever be her inspiration.
"Yea.. true, guess that's the reason shes a Patron of War and a role model to us female warriors." She added.
"Yup..but back to our real conversation. Tread carefully, the hearts of Echil can be very fickle, and they are prone to temptation and thus corruption. The great evil can always find itself welcomed and housed in the hearts of those who can be easily swayed." He replied, a wise tone replacing the near emotionless calm one of before.
"Do you think he has it in him, to fall to the shadows?" She asked, her tone giving away her concern to the matter.
"Who knows the inner workings of one's mind and heart. But before you get disheartened and fall into a lugubrious state about it. I do not think he personally has it in him. Nor do I think he would willingly betray his code, and or fall into the darkness." The last part sounded rather encouraging at least to Maehel who perked up.
"I can see that as well..though he seems.... Highly impressionable and unaware of the world outside of his?" She said, obviously unaware of what her words had just started.
"Was that last part a question or a statement. It sounded like the later, and I must agree, but you have to remember you too went through that phase, when the worlds both around you and the ones outside of our home were as unknown as the bottom of the sea?" He countered.
"I'm not entirely sure myself..yea I did go through that phase when I was a child. I will admit that, but he is a grown man, there is a difference and there is no excuse for ignorance." She retorted. A small huff escaping her. How could Sypher dare compare her to a man, who looked and seemed fresh out of the innocent shield of childhood.
"A child, a grown man, an elderly woman, there is no difference. Awareness and knowledge are like wisdom and experience they can and do come at any age. Now in his defense. Think of how old he is, comparatively he can't be dry behind the ears, not yet at least. Let alone he has been raised in a world that believes war over a philosophic idea is right, killing anyone who feels different along with their teachings. They know little of the old world unless they follow the ways of their ancestors, and even they have nearly lost their way. The masses believe that the earth is the center of the cosmos and everything in creation revolves around them and their flat earth that you could fall off of if you go over the edge. Those who don't think like the rest or disagree with the common teachings are marked as heretics to be tortured and burned at the stake for their so called heathen thinking... Echil in general are rather child like if you think about it, and like children they do not know they are blind, Unlike children however who absorb any information you give them so long as it makes scense and feel true. They refuse to learn and acknowledge their ancestral teachings because their church of power hungry spiritual vampires calls these lessons the works of their corruptor god, what ever they call him. But let me get back on point, less I continue to rant about the overly shared trait of blind submissiveness..and the lack of free will. My point is however, who will teach these children right from wrong if not us. Who will guide them if not those who have learned the paths to the truth, who will give them their sight back, if not those who have there eyes and minds open with a heart that welcomes them as they are and can spare an eye. Only by sharing our knowledge can we counter the ignorance that they have been taught by their teachers who teach what they are told to teach instead of what they actually know." He paused for a moment to take breath before resuming his impromptu speach.
"Use the time you find yourself in their company to learn about them, to teach them the now secret truths of their own people and some of ours but teach our secrets only to those who are ready and willing to face the adversity that comes with knowledge and outside thinking." When his rant was over he finally noticed that Maehel was staring at him with an amused expression on her face.
"Something funny?" He asked.
"Yes, you. For one who has been at the brunt of their violently intolerant ways, for I don't know how long or how many times. You still defend them. Also I lost half of what you were saying. But I got the point. I think... nature vs nurture right? I also got the last part and I will do that. Or at least attempt to. Your rants have always been so insightful and humorous. Even if I do get lost somewhere in the middle." She said as she looked up at the sky, half attempting to look at the stars through the branches wich wasn't working very well. The other part was to stop herself from either staring at Sypher's eyes or comparing him to a member of the legendary circle of wise wizards who were said to advise and guide the Kings and Queens of old. Who vanished some time after the foundation of the current state of the Gethenwoods. Though rumors and whispers in the Courts said they resided in one of the old fortresses.
After a short pause Sypher stood up and brushed any debris that may have clung to his cloak with one hand while the other pulled his hood back over his head. "We should head back now, if you plan on being able to participate in the training session with Tristan and Maximus' knights in the morning." He said as he turned and held out a hand to Maehel who surprisingly actually took his hand for help as she got up and just like Sypher did before her brushed off any lingering debris off her attire.
"Agreed last thing I need is to be groggy all day or lose to any of these knights...."' She replied as she stretched a few soft pops emanating from her lower spine.
"Very true indeed, I don't think you would be able to live it down ever...I know I wouldn't let you." Sypher responded as the two walked back towards the palace.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
They made not a sound as they crept through the halls. Every aware of any sound that could belong to a resident of the castle. They crept not out of fear of being caught up at this late of hour, but for the enjoyment of knowing they could. It didn't take long before they had reached the tower that Tristan and his guards resided in every summer. The only run in they had with people was of a few of their fellow guards who just like them were sneaking back into the castle after a night of doing whatever it was they wished in the forest around the castle. They all gave one another with a knowing nod before slipping into their rooms. Some like Maehel went to sleep while others remained awake for a while before all but the guards stationed at Tristan's door and Sypher went to sleep. The rest, resting for the day to come. While Sypher mediated in his room.
Her war cry ripped her from her unconscious state as she lunged foreward. Only to let another much softer crg escape her as her body from the pain of falling from a tree. Causing her to lay back down.
She lay there, a small tear rolling down the side of her face. It had been nothing but a dream yet the pain in her stomach made her rethink it. She had little time for self pity, as she gathered her thoughts. Her ears twitching at the rustle of leaves as they danced to the whim of the wind...
"How long was I out for.." She asked herself aloud.
"A few hours. At least." Came the all familiar voice of Sypher, His figure a welcome sight after her dream. Had he heard her and came to check up on her?
"How long have you been there?"
"A few hours, you ok, sounded rough there. What happened?"
"I fell..."
"Oh, and here I thought you had decided to just lay down and take a nap with branches on top of you. Of course you fell, I meant in your dream."
"Nothing"
"So since when did you begin to scream and cry in your sleep?
"Last week?"
"Ah how cute, you're trying to lie now?"
"Fine ill tell you...."
"Good."
She explained her accident in the trees, as well as her dream. Only to hear a soft chuckle from Sypher.
"Something funny?"
"Yes you. Now lets get you back." He replied as he helped her up to her feet. Her pained protest died when he hit her with a calm and serious. "Shut up.I made sure you were fine while you were out. So once again shut up."
Nothing else was said. Even when Sypher helped her on to his saddle.
"Don't tell anyone what I told you....especially not Tristan. He would be all worried for not." She pleaded, her facial expression reminding Sypher of the once little girl who pleaded so much to be taught by him that some might of thought she was harassing him.
"Oh of course I will not, you will." He replied. Maehel knew he was a secret softy, but even to this day she had only gotten her way once, and that was the day he agreed to instruct her.
"Will not." She cried out.
"All in time." Came his calm response.Oooooo
"Hmm.."
The two continued to converse as they made the treck back to the palace.
The ride, hurt but no more than the last time she had fallen from a tree or a high place.
"Think you'll be ready for the training practice in the morning?" Sypher asked as they entered the stables.
"Have to be."
"Oh, is there a reason you have to be?"
"Tristan."
"Ah, valid reason..he did invite you." He admitted as he lead his horse to the stable closest to Tristan's horse.
"Lets get you down." Sypher continued with a held out set of arms to which Maehel simply rolled into from the saddle. A soft humph whispered from Sypher as he dropped down to gradually accommodate her weight.
Maehel's feet acted as though she had just made contact with the ground for the first time in a very long time. Her knees buckling for but a moment as she attempted to stand on her own, thankfully Sypher was there and caught her. Giving her a moment to gather herself. His scent was as inviting as ever. The mix of warm spices, and a dark wood she could not pinpoint.
"Le athae." She whispered her voice was steady unlike her legs which seemed to be regrowing their bones..or when blood rushed back to a limb, that strange tingling numbness reaching from her lower back to the back of her knees.
"Glassen Merilen." He replied as she stood up. His arms still out just in case she needed him again. But it turned out to be unneeded as she seemed to either find her balance or forced her way through the pain.
"I think......" She started as she took a step from Sypher. Her independent nature urging her on. It had always made it hard for her to accept help from others. Even Sypher, who had not only was her teacher but also had always been there to rescue her when she was in over her head or assist her in anyway possible. Often found himself on the sidelines hoping she would reach out and ask for his help when they both knew she needed it. So even now he was there, waiting for her to finish her thoughts, ever ready to give her advise, he secretly cherished the moment as he did each and every time they had shared moments similar to the one they were currently experiencing.
"You think what?" He asked, his gentle tone. Part of him had a guess as to what she was going to say, but he kept it to himself. Deciding to see if he really did know her as well as he thought.
"Den Melin...or am growing too.." She returned her meek tone. It expressed her own self doubts when it came to this turn of events.
"Hmm..well I trust your intuition, you have wisdom beyond those of your age. But do you think it is wise...an Echil?" He returned, he had been right after all, but it was not a joyous feeling knowing he was right. He knew how these events could play out and She could hear the understanding in his voice that she knew came from a past self experiences that had only been discussed in hushed whispers by members of Tristan's guard and a few select nobles each of whom's stories changed as quicker and more often than the day did to night.
"Ú-iston......should I trust an Echil...what would you do?.." She asked like a child would when seeking advise from a parent.
"Hmm. Tolo ar nin." He replied as he began walking out of the stables his gentle hand resting on her shoulder as he lead her out.
"Where are we going?" She asked as the two walked out of stables upon which Sypher turned and began leading her away from the palace and back towards the woods.
"For a talk...don't worry we will not be walking long. There is a large tree near here that I think you might enjoy. Think you can make it. Or shall I carry you like when you were a but a De'lin?" When he was finished She could almost swear she felt a grin was on his face, and she wasn't wrong.
"Yaivë, I can make it.." She returned. A moment of silence as the two tried to hold back from laughing only to both burst into laughter when they looked at eachother. Both unsure why they had broken out in laughter but they welcomed it.
The two continued to joke and laugh as they walked back into the forest. Sypher could tell Maehel was putting on a front. Behind the laughter Sypher could tell she was in pain, but whether it was physical, emotional or psychological he cannot tell, yet.
The two stopped talking as they stepped into a small clearing. After walking for a few minutes. A large Hawthorn was the only tree in the clearing. It's white flowers filled the air with their invitingly sweet smell.
"The tree of our kin.." Maehel whispered as the two walked under the tree's branches that almost covered the entire clearing. "You're right again I do like it."
"Aye, good to hear. I thought it would be fitting to discuss your dilemma here." Sypher said as they reached its trunk. His hand held out to assist Maehel in sitting should she need it, but he knew she would refuse it and go it alone.
"How did you come across this place?" She asked. Obviously ignoring Sypher's out stretched hand as she pushed her back against the trunk, and slide down its length using her legs to slow her decent. Her motions showed she was aware of her injuries. Their full extent escaping Sypher's knowledge still.
"Shortly after our run in with that pe-channas echil with the hounds." He replied as he sat down next to her. Dropping his hood after he was in a comfortable position. His silver blonde hair and soft facial features, would of made most think he was a female if they didn't know him. The sight made Maehel smile, knowing full well it was rare to see him without his hood up. Even throughout the many long years she had known him. She had only seen him without his hood up a handful of times. Each time because he had to.
"What did you find after me and the others left?" She asked.
"Well I stuck around, saw the Houndsmen give that Arren a letter for Lord Maximus. After they left. I did some looking around and found a fresh shallow grave not far from where everyone had been. I didn't dig it up to find out the who's and how's, but I did put a lily down for the poor soul. Whoever or whatever it might be." He replied. His words made her ponder over the strange Houndsman..as well as return her growing disdain and mistrust of Arren.
"Hmm..well not getting caught on that hook.." She went as she began speaking. "Now as for my standing question. What would you do and what did you do when you where in this situation, if you ever went through it...?" She tried to drop subtle hints that some had gossiped about it..
"Ah yes...well I would advise you take it slow, get a feel for their feelings as well as how they will react. But one of the most important questions, is can you trust them with both yours and our secrets. As well as can you handle living without them."
He said pausing to take a breath. As well as to wonder how she knew he had gone through something similar to her current one. He had never spoken about it with her before, but that never stoped anyone from hearing tall tales from others who knew not how to keep their mouths shut even when pertaining to the affairs of others.
"As for what I did. I will admit I acted like a fool and chased after them, ignoring the warnings, ignored the signs. I opened myself up to them, giving in to every emotion, every stimulation. I told them parts of my secrets. I thought the feeling was mutual and real. Tell they showed up one night at our spot with a party of Faradrim." He added as he looked over at Maehel. He knew she could feel and see that the memory was incredibly painful. Yet his tone was serene like everytime he shared an otherwise emotional story that would leave a lesser man a blubbering mess.
"What happened to them and the Faradrim?" She asked looking over to Sypher. Hoping to catch a glimpse of his eyes, but the branch's shadow kept them hidden from both her sight and the light of the moon.
"Guruth." He replied, his calm tone dancing upon the edge of emotionlessness that was unlike him. Maehel shifted slightly, his one word was very unnerving to her, but she couldn't let him know that, or didn't want to.
"How?" She asked trying to further hide her unease at his previous comment.
"On the end of my blades." He returned all nonchalantly.
"The Faradrim or...?" She trailed off. Not sure if she wanted to know the answer.
"Both, the Faradrim and the one I thought I loved, they betrayed me. For money that they would never see." As he continued to nonchalantly explain the event a gust of wind rustled the trees branches and for almost a whole minute Maehel could see them, his mismatched eyes in all their outlandish splendor. She knew full well Sypher knew of her abnormal fixation with his eyes. Ever since she was little she would stare into them any chance she got. The first time they met, she had stared at them for almost two hours before Sypher who had known the whole time called her out. Not with words but with one of his tantalizingly charming smile and wink combos.
"What!! That traitorous bitch, how could she be so treacherous. On behalf of women everywhere. I am sorry, that must of been quite painful for you."
Her heart went out to Sypher. She now understood why he rarely spoke of the event as well as why the stories she had heard from others had been so varied. Who could ever betray anyone like that, and for money none the less. Let alone Sypher the man who dedicated himself to helping others with everything he could. His very essence was that of an endearingly welcoming wise man who would share his wisdom to anyone who sought it out. In that aspect Maehel had to admit she was a bit jealous, he could make friends quicker then she could make enemies, and boy could she make enemies quick. "Shes lucky you did her in then. Let her have escaped, I would consider it game." She added after calming down a bit..
Her reaction caused Sypher to raise a brow. It was unlike her to swear, or react in such a manner. It almost made him chuckle at how emotional she had gotten as well as how violently enraged she became in just a matter of seconds.
"Settle, and who ever said it was a woman who betrayed me? There is no need to feel sorry for what happened in the past. Remember that. As for it being rough on me. Between you and me it was rather painless. For me that is, I can't talk for them. They didn't seem to find it a pleasurable idea I guess, I mean they fought back...or at least attempted too.." He replied with a somber laugh that made Maehel nod in agreement before his words finally made sense..
"It was a man who betrayed you?!" She roared, her body trying to jump up in anger, only to stop with a wince that made her drop back on her rear. A soft curse under her breath as she rubbed her lower back..Looking over to Sypher she saw his slightly confused expression.
"No. I am sorry you had to go through that... So you killed them all? Did you ever find out who the Faradrim worked for?" She asked hopeful that it would draw his focus back to the current discussion.
"Yes, a man who was well known for adhering to the honour code of his faction of knights, but as they say money can make one do things that one knows to be wrong. Yes I killed them all, and before you ask. Yes I tried diplomacy, but men bent on death won't stop till death comes. Either for them or their target....Hmm? Did I find who they worked for..no I never looked. Why search for more trouble that might have followed me home and brought more dangers to our people, at the time we were at war with the Holy Roman Empire, The Vatican and their allies. We did not need more troubles at the time, especially not over something as trivial as that." He explained to a now nodding Maehel, who had to admit Sypher had a point. Their people did not need more troubles on top of the ones they already had at the time.
She had almost forgotten that Sypher was far older than he appeared, and was said to have been around since long before her own grandfather's time. Yet he didn't look a day over his eighteenth or maybe his twenty second summer. A trait she had found common among the first of the noble families of their people. Yet only a handful of them were as well known as him, and even less had the renown he did.
"Sounds reasonable. I had forgotten that you were there during the First Exalted March and the Fourth Grand Conflict.
Do you ever wish things had gone differently with your beloved?" She replied. Unknowingly showing how forgetful she could be.
"I understand, you aren't the first to forget nor the last. One time at the Gathering of The Houses. Some of nobles thought I was the reincarnation of myself. One thought I was my own descendent. You should've seen their reactions when the Brethilrin told them I was indeed myself." He ended with a rather humorous face. His hands on either side of his dropped O shaped jaw. He held the expression for a while before breaking it as he let out a laugh that was so infectious that even the monumentally shocked Maehel had to laugh.
"And no I have never thought about it, why waste time thinking and stressing over what can never be changed..sounds like a very miserable existence." He returned.
"Sounds like a fun time. Though meeting the Brethilrin has always been a dream of mine." She admitted, for the first time in her life, unknowingly to a person who already knew this so claimed secret. "I can understand that." She didn't say how cold it sometimes felt thinking about how calm and logical he could be even in the affairs of the heart.
"Aye she is a wonderful individual, a true mother of our people."
It was obvious to Maehel that Sypher too held the Brethilrin with a great amount of reverence. Just from the tone he used to speak of her in was endearing. It wasn't uncommon for their people to have respect for the woman known as the Silver Queen. Parents told stories of her near countless acts of valor to their daughters in hopes that they would turn out like her. Even Maehel remembered the times her father and mother told her the stories, and could say that the Brethilrin was and would forever be her inspiration.
"Yea.. true, guess that's the reason shes a Patron of War and a role model to us female warriors." She added.
"Yup..but back to our real conversation. Tread carefully, the hearts of Echil can be very fickle, and they are prone to temptation and thus corruption. The great evil can always find itself welcomed and housed in the hearts of those who can be easily swayed." He replied, a wise tone replacing the near emotionless calm one of before.
"Do you think he has it in him, to fall to the shadows?" She asked, her tone giving away her concern to the matter.
"Who knows the inner workings of one's mind and heart. But before you get disheartened and fall into a lugubrious state about it. I do not think he personally has it in him. Nor do I think he would willingly betray his code, and or fall into the darkness." The last part sounded rather encouraging at least to Maehel who perked up.
"I can see that as well..though he seems.... Highly impressionable and unaware of the world outside of his?" She said, obviously unaware of what her words had just started.
"Was that last part a question or a statement. It sounded like the later, and I must agree, but you have to remember you too went through that phase, when the worlds both around you and the ones outside of our home were as unknown as the bottom of the sea?" He countered.
"I'm not entirely sure myself..yea I did go through that phase when I was a child. I will admit that, but he is a grown man, there is a difference and there is no excuse for ignorance." She retorted. A small huff escaping her. How could Sypher dare compare her to a man, who looked and seemed fresh out of the innocent shield of childhood.
"A child, a grown man, an elderly woman, there is no difference. Awareness and knowledge are like wisdom and experience they can and do come at any age. Now in his defense. Think of how old he is, comparatively he can't be dry behind the ears, not yet at least. Let alone he has been raised in a world that believes war over a philosophic idea is right, killing anyone who feels different along with their teachings. They know little of the old world unless they follow the ways of their ancestors, and even they have nearly lost their way. The masses believe that the earth is the center of the cosmos and everything in creation revolves around them and their flat earth that you could fall off of if you go over the edge. Those who don't think like the rest or disagree with the common teachings are marked as heretics to be tortured and burned at the stake for their so called heathen thinking... Echil in general are rather child like if you think about it, and like children they do not know they are blind, Unlike children however who absorb any information you give them so long as it makes scense and feel true. They refuse to learn and acknowledge their ancestral teachings because their church of power hungry spiritual vampires calls these lessons the works of their corruptor god, what ever they call him. But let me get back on point, less I continue to rant about the overly shared trait of blind submissiveness..and the lack of free will. My point is however, who will teach these children right from wrong if not us. Who will guide them if not those who have learned the paths to the truth, who will give them their sight back, if not those who have there eyes and minds open with a heart that welcomes them as they are and can spare an eye. Only by sharing our knowledge can we counter the ignorance that they have been taught by their teachers who teach what they are told to teach instead of what they actually know." He paused for a moment to take breath before resuming his impromptu speach.
"Use the time you find yourself in their company to learn about them, to teach them the now secret truths of their own people and some of ours but teach our secrets only to those who are ready and willing to face the adversity that comes with knowledge and outside thinking." When his rant was over he finally noticed that Maehel was staring at him with an amused expression on her face.
"Something funny?" He asked.
"Yes, you. For one who has been at the brunt of their violently intolerant ways, for I don't know how long or how many times. You still defend them. Also I lost half of what you were saying. But I got the point. I think... nature vs nurture right? I also got the last part and I will do that. Or at least attempt to. Your rants have always been so insightful and humorous. Even if I do get lost somewhere in the middle." She said as she looked up at the sky, half attempting to look at the stars through the branches wich wasn't working very well. The other part was to stop herself from either staring at Sypher's eyes or comparing him to a member of the legendary circle of wise wizards who were said to advise and guide the Kings and Queens of old. Who vanished some time after the foundation of the current state of the Gethenwoods. Though rumors and whispers in the Courts said they resided in one of the old fortresses.
After a short pause Sypher stood up and brushed any debris that may have clung to his cloak with one hand while the other pulled his hood back over his head. "We should head back now, if you plan on being able to participate in the training session with Tristan and Maximus' knights in the morning." He said as he turned and held out a hand to Maehel who surprisingly actually took his hand for help as she got up and just like Sypher did before her brushed off any lingering debris off her attire.
"Agreed last thing I need is to be groggy all day or lose to any of these knights...."' She replied as she stretched a few soft pops emanating from her lower spine.
"Very true indeed, I don't think you would be able to live it down ever...I know I wouldn't let you." Sypher responded as the two walked back towards the palace.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
They made not a sound as they crept through the halls. Every aware of any sound that could belong to a resident of the castle. They crept not out of fear of being caught up at this late of hour, but for the enjoyment of knowing they could. It didn't take long before they had reached the tower that Tristan and his guards resided in every summer. The only run in they had with people was of a few of their fellow guards who just like them were sneaking back into the castle after a night of doing whatever it was they wished in the forest around the castle. They all gave one another with a knowing nod before slipping into their rooms. Some like Maehel went to sleep while others remained awake for a while before all but the guards stationed at Tristan's door and Sypher went to sleep. The rest, resting for the day to come. While Sypher mediated in his room.
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