by Chaelnomyl on September 16th, 2009, 3:09 am
Oh sure, her “loyalty” was to be discredited even by her own brother simply because she was his sister. Need Chael remind Dranquay that up until twenty or so days prior, he hadn’t spoken to her in about twenty years. The loyalty implied by familial ties was one that Dranquay perhaps overestimated, a likely influence given his time among the bipedals with whom there was great respect and deep ties for those that shared blood. Indeed, the humans of Zeltiva that he had studied under had greatly influenced his culture in a manner that Chaelnomyl could not quite say she approved of. Perhaps she would have to inform him of her distaste for his assumptions at a later date. After all, Dranquay still had a horrible disposition to treat his sister as she was when she was twelve - aloof, blissfully unaware of most things, and completely consumed by the arts. This was not so much the case twenty years later. He would do well to learn that!
However, none of that went forward past the Akvatari’s idle thoughts – the irony in the fellow Akvatari’s statement was that “sister” implied the two knew infinitely more of each other than they knew of those around them. This was, as life would have it, probably not the case. Their knowledge was foreign and outdated, belonging to a different time and different place when Lentma was still around and governing their lives as mothers often did. She kept quiet though, slightly perturbed and returning to admire the Archwizard’s work around the room as Dranquay comforted the Isur, and even as the Archwizard apologized with a curiously alive tone in his voice. He also admitted something that mirrored humility of the other lesser races. It was… interesting, to say the least.
Then he moved. Chaelnomyl’s eyes drifted back to him abruptly, questioningly, a tenseness rising in her that only manifested as a minor flinch outwardly and the jerk of her attention. However, the powerful Nuit continued only by addressing her brother and half smiling. Odd. Zarik’s mannerisms were further expressive than the Akvatari’s own, by which Qiao was closer in comparison. Then he got down to business – their mission was to deliver an advanced golem to the mainland. That seemed simple enough. Partially awakened, taking orders from the Leader… Again, that seemed straight forward. The explanation of how to awaken the golem’s true potential was also interesting, but posed a curious dilemma to Chael – what if the new master they were delivering it to spoke the word and then turned the golem on them out of some crazed inability to let them walk freely with their knowledge of his prized possession?
At length, a map was presented to Dranquay and the man to whom they would deliver the item – Horios Alkastir – was introduced. Chaelnomyl listened intently but did not watch Mashaen any longer. Not because she feared him at all at this point, but more because she had such a high propensity to let herself wander… and wander her eyes did, around the walls, around the unfinished golems with flaws she could not hope to spot, taking it all in. Her memory of the place would likely warp that scene with time, but it was worth watching anyway. Perhaps the imprint would provide her with something to work with in the future. Even now, she could envision the way the lines would be drawn. The background of the golems on the wall, the glyphs on the floor… the stark contrast of the unlikely group of delivery-men and women, the Archwizard himself… It would come together with time and with artistic touches. A timid, miniature smile flicked at the corners of her lips.
Apparently, Chaelnomyl noted as she listened more, the Archwizard prided himself in the creation… and it happened to be in the image of Horios’ deceased progeny. That comment caused the Akvatari to look up again, mildly surprised. Who would want a golem that looked like their daughter, constructed of flesh itself around the house? Was he trying to replace her? The more she learned, the more it unsettled her, but still Chael neglected to comment.
And the golem appeared to be a doll. All too quickly Javen jumped at the opportunity to snivel and kiss the Archwizard’s feet, and inquire about payment despite the Nuit’s statement that it would be acquired in whatever form they wished it to be, after the golem was delivered. That implied that discussion was up to the members, within reason, and that it didn’t matter right now as the important task was getting the freak construct of flesh to the mainland and its rightful owner. It was clear that was all he cared about. Ialari was somewhat better, inquiring about how durable the golem was – useful information depending on where they would have to take it – and asked important questions about communication. Dranquay’s own inquiry was of vital importance to their mission, and the strange Myrian-masquerading-creature had gone back into silence.
Chaelnomyl joined him in that silence. There was nothing to add. Perhaps if the Nuit hadn’t been so hard to handle as Qiao had been, the Akvatari would have jumped to learn of Mashaen’s extensive knowledge of the one piece of magic she had come to learn. His extensive hold on most anything would have been a joy to pick through for the odd creature. Unfortunately this was not the time nor the place.
And so the female winged-half human with a tail waited patiently for her brother to maintain an understanding of where they were to go, for Ialari’s questions to be answered, and for Javen to be shot down. All in silence, occasionally looking between Mashaen, Dranquay , Akuaysun and even Ialari quietly, though her tendency to wander nevertheless kicking in and overtaking her attentions at random intervals between the glances.
In his winding wail and his deep-heaved sigh, his aching grief found vent... While the sea looked upon the bending sky and murmured, "I repent..." |