[The Enclave] Sad songs (Vaas)

[Juni]

Spring 81, 512 AV


The rain fell in torrents, and fell, and fell. Three days ago, Breckel and his caravan had arrived at the Sanikas gate. Juni and Dain and the others had been dumbfounded – completely subdued and silent by the changes wrought in the city since they had left only two seasons ago. The food they brought was welcome, though there would be little enough to spare for the Inarta, beyond what the trader and his crew would need to feed themselves. Still, what they had, they would share, for Breckel had been trading with the people of Wind Reach for two decades. Two of his closest friends were amongst the dead. There was little to celebrate for the caravan members, though at times it had seemed they would never reach the Sanikas road intact. The Zith in the Unforgiving were fierce and bolder than ever. It had taken all their skills to ward the beasts off, along with all the other animals run amok after that storm. Original plans had been to head south, to Alvadas. But Breckel and the others just couldn’t turn their backs on their friends on the volcano. They had turned back, to see what help they could render, based in some part on Juni’s recurring dreams – or nightmares to be precise.

On this the second day of the heavy downpour, Juni had sought a moment of refuge in the Enclave. He sat forlornly in the pit of the common performing area, his bone flute across his knees, unplayed. He had thought he might be able to lighten his somber mood with some music, but the heart had gone out of him. As his dreams had foretold, Poppy was amongst the dead as well as Breckel’s two friends. So many had died. So much damage had been wrought on the city – his city. Senet had been seriously injured and even now the prognosis wasn’t assured. Balsalm was keeping things going – though all of the inventory was gone, smashed to a ruin in the storm. Twig was doing his best to assist, with a badly crushed hand, though. Everywhere he went, everywhere he looked, Juni saw only sad things, though the survivors were trying to keep a positive outlook. At least the summer lay ahead, and a chance to gather more food. Juni had spoken at length with Dain, and Breckel, torn between leaving with them when they departed again in a month or so, or staying behind, to help with the ongoing work of rebuilding the city. He hadn’t yet reached a decision. It was going to be a tough one.

And so he sat, deliberately seeking some solitude from the others, trying to think past his melancholy and grief. What would be best? Where did his duty lie? His head swiveled about at the sound of approaching foot steps – strangely halting ones that seemed to belong to one uncertain of their path, and accompanied by the echoing tap of a walking stick. He looked up to see a young man approaching, someone about his own age, with long red hair. Well, that was hardly an identifying feature here. He sat quietly, not bothered by the intrusion – this was hardly a private, reserved space. When the other boy was close enough, Juni spoke, out of politeness, having noted the flute the other carried.

“Hello. Were you going to play? Please, feel free. I- I’m not much in the mood.”

[Vaas]

“Go play Wind Dancer. I am sure you can find a friendly bird to have fun with around here, ” Vaas says to hawk who is gently footing side to side on leather gauntlet. Vaas unsnaps the leather jesses from the bird ankle, lefts his arm up, and lets the bird fly up on to the roof of The Enclave. Libraries are a challenge for him since he can't read, so most of time this is the reason he tries avoids the library. However, from time to time when he is in one, he needs to ask the librarians nicely for assistance in looking for the books and reading them to him. Today he wants to train Wind Dancer on hunting something called a rabbit, and he needs a book on different animals of Skyinarta to describe this mysterious beast, so this is why a blind man is going to the library. He walks up the stairs tapping his staff on each step, and he makes his way to the doorway of the Enclave.

He always loves the sound his staff makes on the floor of the quiet common area of the Enclave. The sound seems to echo all throughout the hall. If the librarians didn't object to any noises at all, he would of taken the opportunity to practice his flute or sing to his hearts content, but he will have to wait till tonight for his fun. He continues way down the hall humming a little tune under his breath. Thumbing the wood flute in his belt, he starts humming his song a little louder in rebellion of the librarian's tyranny.

When the other boy was close enough, Juni spoke, out of politeness, having noted the flute the other carried.

“Hello. Were you going to play? Please, feel free. I- I’m not much in the mood.”

Vaas stops suddenly as he realize he being spoken too. It was a polite sad voice of a young man around his age give or take a few years. He turns to the direction of the person who spoke to him and smiles in his direction. He leans on his staff and says in a slightly sarcastic way, “I doubt the librarians are music lovers, friend. However since your a fellow musician like me, I think we should rebel against their tyranny.” Vaas pauses for a moment forgetting his manners and says happily, “By the way my name is Vaas.”

[Juni]

Juni had been so wrapped up in his own thoughts and cares, that he hadn’t bothered to really note the young Inarta who was approaching. He had taken a quick look and then turned his face away, not in an unfriendly way, but more from the melancholy settled so firmly about his shoulders. When the other boy stopped and spoke, Juni did not wish to seem rude, so he turned his gaze more fully on the redheaded flute player, and this time he paid enough attention to really take in the details of the other’s appearance – the stick, the way he looked without seeming to look – not at Juni but towards him. Of course, it would be impolite to make assumptions, so Juni didn’t blurt out any nosy inquiry. As usual, in his own quiet way he determined to observe and then come to a conclusion when he had enough information.

He smiled gently at the young man’s playful words, and nodded. “Sometimes you just have to shake things up a bit, right?” Juni gave a small chuckle. It was a bit forced – his mood was really so low. But he never liked to impose his own emotional upsets on others, if he could avoid it.

“I’m Juni – well, Juniper – but no-one calls me that. Nice to meet you, a fellow musician and rebel.” He was looking at Vaas, seeing how he returned his look in such a different way.

“Would you like to sit? I – I can’t offer you great company. But you’re welcome to. Or were you on your way to some other part of the Enclave?” His gold flecked eyes went to the wooden flute shoved through Vaas’ belt, and he asked, “Would you mind if I had a look at your flute? I’m always interested to see different designs. What kind of wood is it made from?

He waited to see if Vaas would sit, and was ready to offer a hand if needed – if what he suspected was correct.

[Vaas]

Still leaning on his staff, Vaas listens to the sad young man laugh and his a satisfied grin appears on his face. Vaas walks over towards Juni and taps the leg of the closest chair next to Juni, “You can't be too careful with these librarians, Juni. They are a crafty sort of people. I sat on a chair once in this library and the whole thing collapsed right from under me. I went to tell the librarians about their chair, and the man behind the counter said....loose weight. I was shocked and offended because I am as skinny as my staff here.” He pauses, leans on his staff, looking in the direction of Juni's voice originated from. He continues his story before sitting down in the chair. “I went to the head librarian, and she told me not to worry about it and find another chair. I laughed at her suggestion, politely of course, and told her to point me in the right direction of the closest chair. Juni, she pointed in the direction of the chair.“ Vaas stops his bad story , shakes his head, and says with a giggle, ”See I am blind and making any physical gestures to me is is like trying to do a handshake in the dark. Anyway... Well once again I was on a epic journey to find another chair. It took me a hour, and eventually, I found my throne at last. I sat in it and the damn thing broke again. My ass hurt for a week, and I had to have a local healer look at if to see if I broke anything. Really hope she enjoyed it since I was extremely embarrassed.”

Vaas to add closure to his tall tale pulls out the chair and inspects it with his staff before sitting down in it. He leans his staff on the side of the table, turns in the direction of Juni, and says crossly at him, “Don't sell yourself short Juni, I am sure you are excellent company and fellow rebel musician, and honestly, I wish more Inarta would just shake it up their life would be much more fun in Wind Reach , and enjoyable if they did.“ He smiles impishly and remembers what Juni just said about his flute. He says teasingly to him, “You know Juni. People might get the wrong idea if you start asking another man to see his flute. Oh its wood, I never asked what type it is though. Maybe I should.”

[Juni]

Juni laughed at Vaas’ tale of collapsing chairs, despite his own low mood and the fact that said tale confirmed what he had thought – Vaas was blind. But looking at Vaas, hearing him tell his story – which might have been couched in acerbic or complaining tones – in such a lighthearted and humorous way, it made Juni think. There was grief and pain all around them, but what good did it do to be gloomy? It sure wouldn’t bring Poppy back, or magically heal Senet. Sometimes it was not really a choice – to feel good or not – but it seemed like Vaas at least knew how to look at things through a more practical lens. At least he could laugh at himself, and he had a flair for storytelling, Juni could see that.

“Well, I’m not blind, and I’m guessing that healer had a fine time fixing you up,” Juni snickered, looking at this redheaded comedian and thinking he seemed like the type that one would do well to have as a friend.

“But if that one you’re whacking at collapses under you, I’m running the other way – because then I’ll believe you are cursed.” He smiled to show that he was only teasing, but then realized exactly Vaas’ point – it did no good to smile at him. So he added, softly, “Just kidding.”

Vaas too could tease, it became apparent, with that last comment about his ‘flute.’ Juni was now glad that the other boy couldn’t see the pink that suffused his cheeks. That wasn’t what he meant. But Juni laughed again, in spite of himself.

“Yes, well, I’ll be careful in the future to mind what I say about wanting to inspect your instrument.” He refrained from adding anything about similar comments about wanting to play it – or worse, yet, blow it. He’d leave those up to Vaas to voice.

“Mine is made of, er . . . bone.” He cringed inwardly, just knowing Vaas would have fun with that one.

Unfortunately, his more chipper air didn’t last, as his thoughts did revert, unwillingly, to the woes of the city. “And I have to disagree with you – I am poor company,” he said after a pause. “Wind Reach is just so damn depressing, now.” He sighed heavily. “My sister was one of those lost, and my master ‘s life hangs by a thread.” His eyes went to the floor, and then bounced back to Vaas. “I wasn’t here. I was in Sultros when the storm hit. Tell me – what was it like, for you?”

[Vaas]

Vaas laughs at out loud at Juni sudden sense of humor. It got so bad he actually snorted. Juni seemed like a nice guy. Easy to talk too and not quick to judge, Vaas hopes to talk to him the future if he doesn't
disappear from Mizahar all together like most of his friends seem to do. He thinks a moment at last thought and scolds himself internally for being selfish. They have their own lives and most likely busy keeping the Inarta sane and feed. He takes out his flute and holds it out to Juni, and nods for him to take it. Mostly Vaas and him share common interest music. Music is what Vaas love most in this world other than Wind Dancer, and his instrument of choice is a flute! Maybe when Juni is in better spirits, he would be interested in playing with him. He just need to learn how to play the guitar than he can sing and play music at the same time too. He smiles impishly at the thought, “Maybe we can start a band.”

Vaas future schemes are derailed by the Juni what he heard next.

“And I have to disagree with you – I am poor company,” he said after a pause. “Wind Reach is just so damn depressing, now.” He sighed heavily. “My sister was one of those lost, and my master ‘s life hangs by a thread.” His eyes went to the floor, and then bounced back to Vaas. “I wasn’t here. I was in Sultros when the storm hit. Tell me – what was it like, for you?”

In silence, something that doesn't happen often, Vaas just listens Juni talk about Wind Reach and his thoughts about the storm and destruction that followed. Vaas sympathized his Juni. He had too hold Wind Dancer in a blanket close to him, so he didn't panic, but he could feel the bird trembling in his arms. His only thoughts that day was on his family, Wind Dancer. He had get outside. The mountain shook, dust was everywhere, and the screams were deafening. Once he made it outside nothing was the same for him. He had to learn the city all over again, but Wind Dancer was always their screaming for help. Fields and fields of broken glass littered the streets. During the ordeal, he wondered if Casa, Aela and Krysanthe weren't caught in their workshops during the storm and the quake. He prays to Priskil everyday, they were safe that night. He gulps and says quietly to Juni,“Honestly, Juni. I think I looked into the face of hell that day, and it's face was laughing at us all. The only comforting arms belonged to death..”

He pauses a tear falls down his face, “Honestly, I stumbled as fast as I could to safety with Wind Dancer trembling in my arms. His screams were muffled by the screams of everyone else trying to run outside. Juni I heard a child get trampled in the stampede, and I could even help her because of my damn cursed eyes. Moments later the cries stopped.” Vaas pauses for a second, look over toward Juni, and says, “Honestly, Juni. You can't blame yourself. If you have to blame anyone, you should blame Ivak. This whole ordeal was totally out of all mortal control. The gods are throwing temper tantrum and we are caught in the middle. I pray Priskil can sort everything out, and life can get back to normal. If I may ask, can you tell me about your sister and your master?

[Juni]

Juni had accepted the proffered flute when Vaas held it out towards him. He twirled it in his hands when Vaas spoke of his experience, during the storm. As if he was examining it but really seeing in his mind’s eye the destruction wrought by the god’s escape. It was hard to believe – all his life, and for many hundreds of years before he came into existence, the Inarta had perched atop the imprisoned evil. Vaas’ tale was horrible, and Juni was almost sorry he had asked his question. But the truth was the truth, and what had passed could not be changed, no matter if it was heard or kept hidden. His dark eyes, flecked now with deep blue, swept up to Vaas’ sad face and he saw the single tear, and guessed that it was one that followed in the wake of hundreds that had been shed in the past weeks.

He leaned forward to place a hand gently on the one that Vaas had let rest on the chair in between them. “That’s – that’s unbelievable, Vaas. How horrible it all must have been.” He let his hand rest there, on the other boy’s before removing it with a small pat.

“My sister’s name was Poppy – you might have known her. She worked in the baths. We were born Dek, and I . . . I was picked, by Senet, when I was nine, to apprentice as a glass worker.” His voice was sad and low, and his soul was racked with guilt. “We were close when we were little – she was my twin, but she was very pretty – not like me. But when I went to work in the Reverie, I . . . I left her behind. When I left Wind Reach, I left her behind again. She was – was . . . crushed, in the falling rocks.”

His hands slid over his face and behind his fingers, the tears began to trickle down, though there was no need to hide them. There was no-one to see.

“I loved her. But I left her behind, and now she is gone, forever.”

[Vaas]

Vaas relaxes when he feels Juni's hand comforting him. He give him a weak smile. Ever since that terrible day, Vaas never talked about his experiences of the day to anyone. At least, he had someone to leave behind. Vaas had no one except Wind Dancer and the comforting darkness. Vaas listen's to Juni talk about his sister Poppy a Dek girl who worked in the baths. Vaas wished; he could tell Juni. He met his sister, but if she didn't talk to him, he wouldn't even no she was in the baths with him. He understood why they went their separate ways, but hearing the pain in Juni voice, he missed his twin sister more than anything in this world. He had a family, and now he had nothing, but his guilt of not being there for her when she died. Vaas eyes widen in horror when Juni tells him that she was crushed by falling debris. He frowns at the unfairness of it all of it. Juni was alone, his sister is dead, and his master was clinging to dear life. Vaas looks at him, and he decides to step up and help fill his emptiness. Vaas sits there letting Juni cry, but this time he lends him a comforting hand.

Vaas listens silently as the young man pour his heart out to him. He gives him a weak smile and mutters softly to him,“Juni your wrong. You never left Poppy behind if you did. You wouldn't be so heart broken when she died. I can see you both of you shared something most Inarta never really experienced, a love of a family. You should never forget those memories of her. That day it was horrible, but the most amazing thing is Juni out of all the destruction and pain. We, the Inarta rebuilt our home, and maybe I can help you get some closure on this whole miserable situation. If you are willing, both of us could give Poppy a proper memorial. Do you have anything of hers that she gave you?”

[Juni]

Juni let Vaas’ words wash over him like a soothing current. Though his pain was heartwrenching, and his guilt a black mar on his spirit, he knew that Vaas was right. Life in Wind Reach had never been safe and secure, comfortable or easy. They were always at risk. But the shock of the extent of Ivak’s destruction was just so incomprehensible. So many had died, given their small population. He knew Poppy was just one of over a hundred. But she had been his only family, here. Somewhere out there – perhaps in Avanthal – his Vantha father might still be alive. Juni had wondered more about his father in the past weeks than in his entire life – wondered if he had survived the storm – if in fact he was alive to begin with. His mother had told him that he had half-siblings, in Avanthal. He wondered about these unknown relatives as well. Having come to know Breckel, and Dain, and the others in the merchant caravan, Juni had come to see that the Inarta way of looking at family wasn’t the only way there was. For all he knew, he might have grandparents, uncles and aunts, cousins – but how any of them might have fared during the storm, well . . .

He shook his head sadly. “No, she wasn’t an artisan.” He shrugged his thin shoulders. “I gave her many things – things that I had made for her. She loved animals especially and I made quite a few for her . . . tiny little things no bigger than a thumbnail. But she was happy to have them, and in return she always gave me many hugs and smiles.” He bit his lip as the tears continued to slide down his cheeks. He hadn’t valued those simple, sweet gestures of thanks enough, back when she had been able to give him about the only thing she possessed – her love.

Juni paused, trying to collect himself, and then he had a thought.

“I – I suppose – some of them might be in the box.” He looked at Vaas thoughtfully. “The other day, when I arrived and went to see what . . . what they had done, with – with those who had perished, they gave me a box, of her belongings. I haven’t looked in it yet. I couldn’t.” His eyes dropped to the floor again for a moment.

Then he looked at the other boy curiously. “Why? What did you have in mind?”

[Vaas]

So many happy memories in something as simple as a toy, Vaas listens to Juni talk about the toy box. He can't help but smile as Juni tells his sisters reaction to the toys he gave her. While listening to Juni questions and curiosities float into Vaas' mind. Why Juni left Wind Reach for Sultros? He remembered Juni say something about his master clinging to life. Was Juni a apprentice, and what type of apprentice? He can't help notice a tenderness in Juni's soul. Juni didn't sound like the type of boy to be a hunter or falconer. Juni definitely was a musician, and a flutist like himself. Maybe we could play together. Curiosity, always got Vaas into trouble, and he always asked to many question. Hopefully in the future, Juni won't be to annoyed at his questions.

After Juni is finished, Vaas nervously answers, “If you want, it can be a private memorial to your sister Poppy. Just us. Unless you know anyone else in the city? By the way I.. never did this before; however, I have a few ideas. We can say a few words if you like. Maybe play or sing a few songs in your sister's memory. If you like since you don't have her body anymore. We could bury her toy box, or some of her toys if you like.”

Vaas stands up from his chair and turns in the direction of Juni's voice, and says softly, “I know you just met me, Juni, but it sounds like you need friend right now, and as a friend, I want to help you through this difficult time.” Vaas says with a silly grin, “It would be nice to talk to someone other than my hawk. Besides Wind Dancer doesn't have a sense of humor, and he tends to bite whenever I start telling jokes.”