Flashback [Solo] The Promise

[Skylar Draykin]

Day 57, Season of Spring 514 AV A loud thud echoed through out the house followed by a groan from a stirring pile of blankets next to an empty bed. Finally, a body emerged from the tangled cloth as Skylar yawned and rubbed her forhead where she had hit the floor. She stood up and shook off the blankets, making her way to the kitchen, where most of her family was. "The monster. She lives!" greeted Seth, who was muching on bacon. Skye ignored him as she began to fy up some eggs. Brock, who was also sitting at the table, laughed at Seths bad joke. "Knock it off you two. What did I tell you about pestering people this early? It puts tgem in bad moods. And nobody likes a grumpy person." said Skyes father, not really paying attention. He was polishing his butcher knives. "Yeah, especially a grumpy Skye. I'm sure Klove wouldn't be too happy about recieving a girlfriend with a bad attitude. replied Seth. "She might just actually raise her voice. Both he and Brock broke into fits of laughter. Skye couldn't help but think how idiotic they were. Just then James wlked in. He walked up behind Brock, stole a peice of bacon, and sat down in an empty chair. "So, Kara and the girls are going to the park today. I was thinking after work, we could all go to the pub. he announced to the room. Seth and Brock both cheered. "I could use some relaxation, seeing as you work me like a dog. Brock said with a grin. Ill remember that next time we get tipped. James replied smoothly. Skye pulled up a chair and sat down at the table, eating her eggs in silence. Sounds good to me, as long as you're buying. said Richard nonchalantly, holdong one knife up to the light. Everyone in the room knew this was a lie. Richard never let his kids pay for anything for him unless absolutly necessary. How about you Skye? You in? James asked, turning to her. Skye swallowed her bite before answering. "Can't. Got plans."Seth turned to her, too. "What could possibly be more.important than getting a free drink? Skye didnt answer. Brock took one look at her and said Probably hanging out with her sweet all day." He pretended to swoon onto Seth who pushed him off. "Bring her with. I'm sure James won't mind. he said, looking over at James for cofirmation. But James was staring intently at the table. Seths eyebrows furrowed. "What? What's going on?" he said, looking back at Skye who was doing everythingshe could to not look at her brothers. Brock andd Seth looked at eachother, puzzled. Richard looked as if he wasn't even paying attention, but he was. He just had the excuse of cleaning the instruments. Brock looked at Skye then sideways at James. So...what...uh.. are you and Klove doing today?" He asked. Then Seth looked as if something had just dawned on him. His lips spread into a huge grin. "Skyes going to ask Klove to marry her. Brocks eyes widened and then smiled himself. Skyes gonna make the big move?!" he cried out. Skye only could look at her plate and turn a deep shade of red. "Wow. I didn't know you were the sentemental type. I'm so proud of you. Said Brock in a gushy voice. He stood up and as he spoke, he rushed over to Skye and pinched her cheeks. Skye stood up and lunged at Brock, tackling him to the ground. She grabbed ahold of his arm and went to twist it but Brock spun his body and grabbed Skye, turning them so she was on bottom. He reached his arm around her neck in a chokehold. The room rang with both his and Seths laughter as Brock and Skye wrestled on the ground. Skye ended up on top of Brocks back, his arm in one of her arms, his leg in her other arm. Suddenly, Skye felt a force push her off of Brock. James then stooped down and grabbed the neck of Brocks shirt, standing him up and shoving him out the door. "If you have not started kutlass order we got last night by the time i get there, you're buying your own drinks tonight." he said gruffly. Brock still had a huge grin as he waved to the family and left. Richard, who had been pretty much ignoring the rumble, packed the knives and stood up. "C'mon son. You're helping me at the shop today remember?" he said to Seth. Seth, who was still chorteling slightly, stood up and followed his father. Skye sat on the floor and watched them go. She really wasn't mad at either of her brothers. She just wasn't the gushy type and they both knew it. That mixed with her short temper made her easy to goad. She stood to face James. James made his way to her and pulled something out of his pocket. It was a crescent moon charm on a chain. He handed it over to Skye. "I've never done jewlery before, so I hope its not too horribly made." he said modestly. Skylar took the chain in her hand and carefully caressed the charm. She stared at it for a second, making James nervous. Its amazing. I love it. And I'm sure she will too. " She finally said, looking up at her oldest brother. He had always been there for her when she needed help or advice. This time she had needed him for a special project. Skye rushed forward and hugged James tightly. "Thank you James. Its perfect." she said in a muffled, choked up voice. She wasnt usually one to get emotional. But this was different. This would effect her whole life, and she had her brother practically (and successfully) set the whole plan into.motion.

[Skylar Draykin]

Skye went to her room and shut the door, sitting in front of her desk by her bed. She brought the necklace up to her face and examined it. James had done a beautiful job. The chain itself was thin and silver. It looked as if it would snap at the slightest tug, but Skye knew better. It was made of very sturdy metal, she could feel it. But the focus of the necklace, the part that she was sure to impress, was the charm. It was in the shape of a crescent moon with small swirled carvings etched into the surface. It was perfect. James had known what Skye had planned today. It just must have slipped his mind when he came up with the idea for the Draykins to go out that night. But in all fairness, Skye did ask him on short notice. She had been planning for a good couple months, but had only just got up the nerve to ask her brother for his help. So when he got done with the project earlier than expected, instead of just leaving it in the shed like he and Skye had planned, he had brought it home to see Skyes reaction first hand. Of course Skye loved it. But it wasn't her own approval Skye worried about. It was Kloves. Skylar always wanted to step it up in their relationship and make it more personal. Where people bout their partner flowers, Skylar planted a whole garden behind the Draykins house. Where people took their dates to expensive dinners, Skye planned a picnic on the roof accompanied by Skye (poorly) playing the violin that she had borrowed from James' wife, Kara. When others went on simple carriage rides, Skye loaded hay onto a small cart, hitch it to a horse, and the two would ride around, laying in the hay and looking up at the stars and the moon. The moon was almost sacred to them. It was something no one could take away, and it was under the moonlight that they had had some of their most tender moments. To Skye, the moon was the one thing that knew everything about their love. So. when it came to this, Skye knew there would be nothing better than asking James to make it. It wasnt a ring because it wasn't an actual proposal....yet. It was more like a promise ring, but as a necklace. Skylar was raised to believe that any way to symbolize your commitment, no matter if it was a ring, a necklace, or a torn old scarf, was the best physical representation pf your love for one another. Of course Skye planned on setteling down with Klove, but they were in no position to do so. Skylar didn't want to propose until she knew without a doubt they could actually marry without a hitch. But they were close. The two had been saving for the day since they started dating. It wouldn't be long until they could leave Sunberth for good. Skylar looked at the necklace one more time before setting it down on the desk. She stood and grabbed clothes and showered. She wanted the day to be special and go according to plan. It had to be. She was already practicing what she was going to say in her head. Although at the moment, it didnt sound at all romantical. After the shower, she dressed and brushed her hair, then grabbed the necklace and stared at it again for a second. Today was the day, nothing was going to stop her. She walked out the door and towards her brothers shop. It was a beautiful day. Not a cloud in the sky, not too hot, not too cold. It was perfect. Skye approached the shop but instead of going in, she veered left towards a small shed where James kept spare tools. Inside was a small cot that Skye had put in after James said it was ok to hang out there. It sounded odd, but it was almost like their sanctuary. It was where they could go if they truely wanted peace. And it was where Skye planned on changing her and hopefully Kloves lives. Skye entered the shed and made her way to the cot. She picked up the small black leather box from underneath and placed the necklace inside. She closed it, put it inbetween her hands and closed her eyes. Skye wasn't sure if she really cared for gods much. She appreciated them and respected them like any sane person would. But she never really gave them much thought. However, sitting there amongst old hammers and anvils, Skye began to pray. She prayed to Cheva, asking her to be with Skye on that day, and to help her say the right words to Klove. She also sent up a prayer to Leth, as she saw it only fitting to ask him for guidance as well. After her prayer, Skylar went out to meet Klove by the tavern. Her heart pounded the whole way.

[Skylar Draykin]

Skylar stood in front of the tavern, watching people enter in good spirits and leave in even greater-if only a little lopsided- spirits. There was just that air of perfection around Skye...which made her even more nervous. What if somethinng goes wrong? What if Klove changed her mind and doesn't feel the same way Skye did?These were, of course, preposterous thoughts. They had been dating for three years and each knew the other cared deeply for the other. But, like with any person in love, Skye had that little voice in the back of her mind questioning herself. A question almost always asked was how she, Skylar, had landed such a great woman like Klove. To Skye, it just didn't make sense. But she had stopped asking Klove the question out loud after a year of their dating. Skye would ask almost on a daily basis until one day Klove had had enough. "Skylar Draykin!, Klove had said. "Do you honestly think if I didn't love you I would be here in your arms?Do you think that if I even questioned us, I'd still still risk my neck to come to you at night? The truth is, I can't sleep without you, Skye. When I hear you laugh, it makes my heart flutter. When I hear you grumble about father and his narrow mind, I get butterflies. Becaue you chose me. So, since me kissing you even after you got your ass beat by those slavers wasn't enough, this is me, choosing you. Skye, I love you. And i never ever want to go one day without you. " After that, Skye did all she could to prove that she felt the same way. And what she was going to do would do just that. Skye stood and waited until she saw Klove come into view. When she saw Klove, Skylars heart skipped a beat. The thoughts came back but were soon drowned out by the pure joy Skylar felt everytime she saw her. Klove ran towards Skye and Skye caught her, twirling her in the air before planting a very long and passionate kiss on her lips. It was broken off by Klove, however. "Skylar! Klove said in astonishment, but she playfully slapped Skye on the arm. Skylar looked into Kloves eyes as she held onto her waist. I can't wait for the day we don't have to hide. Then I can show you off to everyone, Instead of just my family. Skylar paused for a second. "Who I'm sure is tired of you whining like a caged animal." she finished with a laugh as she recieved another, much harder, hit on the arm. "Lets go, then." Skye said, grabbing hold of Kloves hand and pulling her along. "Where are we going?" Klove asked. But Skylar didn't answer. Instead she pulled Klove into her arms, wrapping her own around Kloves waist. They were in a small alley behind an old building so no one was around to see the two kiss deeply again, this time Skye had to be the one to break it off. "You are going to make me forget what I want to do today. " Skye said, chuckling. " You'd forget your own birthday if I didn't remind you." Klove responded. Skye gave her a half-hearted shove before pulling her along again. The two found their way to the shed. Klove pulled Skye to the cot, pushing her onto it and laying on top of her. Skye and Klove just laid there, cuddling. Klove carressed Skyes arm as Skye messed with Kloves hair. The moment was almost there, Skye could feel her pulse quicken. Apparently Klove could feel it to because she sat up and looked at Skye curiously. " Is something wrong?" Her voice hinted a bit of worry. Skylar sat up, too. She pulled Klove into her lap and held her for a minute then released her and gently got out from under her. She knelt down next to the bed and grabbed the box. Klove looked a little alarmed. " Klove. Skylar said. She took a deep breath and began. " When I first met you, my mother had recently died. You were brought into our home to basically take care of the home itself. You were nosey and honestly, a bit annoying," at this Klove gave a mock glare. " But eventually you made it clear that you were also there to take care of me. And to this day, I still can't remember what i did without you. You are my light, my candle among shadows. Whenever I feel worthless or can't keep my head straight, I see you and I know that things could be worse: I could be living without you. And right now, in front of all the gods, I want to make a promise to you. I promise that I will take care of you, I will keep you safe. I will love you till my dying breath. But only if you promise that you will forever be by my side. I promise that one day this, Slylar opened the box, revealing the necklace. Kloves fave was stained with tears by now. "This will be a ring. One day, we WONT have to hide our love. You and me against the world. Soon, nothing will stop us from showing everybody our bond. The kelvics themselves would envy our love. So can you promise me to forever be by my side? No matter what mountains we have to cross? " Skye was almost breathless from the speach. She looked into Kloves eyes again, this time with more passion. Klove, whos tears were still flowing, leaned over and kissed Skylar passionatly. She pulled back and looked at Skye. "Of course I will. " she said softly. Now it was Skyes turn to cry. Skylar was not much of an emotional person, but that did not mean she was immune to a life changing moment. She got up onto the bed again and, with a huge grin, placed the jewlery around Kloves neck. She then wrapped her arms around Kloves shoulders, pulled her back and the two shared a moment Skye would never be able to forget.

[Skylar Draykin]

It was getting dark as the two exited the shed. They held hands as they walked through the empty streets. They walked in silence and looked up at the moon. A smile was plastered on Skyes face and she could hear Klove giggle occassionally. They found a hay pile next to a stable and together they laid down. They were silent still as they lay there. Skye sent up a thank you to whichever god helped her. When she was speaking to Klove, the words had come directly from the heart. But she knew she could feel a guiding hand push her in the right direction. Now she knew exactly what it meant to have a soul mate. The thought of being without Klove and with someone else only gave Skye a sick feeling. This was true love to her, and she could only hope Klove felt the same. Somehow she knew she did. Her and Klove had been on this journey for three years. Finally they were close to the end. Klove shifted in the hay, cuddling into Skyes arms. "Skye? What are your plans for the future?" she asked. Skyes face scrunched a little in confusion. Then she chuckled. "To marry you and show you off like the prize you are." Skye replied. She felt the pressure of an elbow in her stomach. " No, I mean what do you want to do? Wasn't there anything you wanted to be as a kid?" Klove asked. "Well.... I guess I always wanted to be a sailor. The stories of the sea fairers and pirates have always interested me. But Ill probably become some sort of metalworker. Maybe take over for my brother in the future. Skye said. She never really thought about her future when it came to a job. She always wanted to do something that interested her but she knew not everyone could do what they wanted. Sometimes, you would have to settle. I think you should become a knight. Klove stated. Skylar sighed. " Hun, you know I don't want to do that. Why would I want to protect the place we are trying to get away from? I know my father is a part of it, and I love him and all, but I don't want to be like him." Klove chuckled. "No, Skye. I mean a real knight. A Syliran knight." Skye froze and looked at Klove. She was silent for a second. "Why the petch would I do that?" Skye said in a dumbfounded voice. " Because, I think you would make a fine knight. You are a fighter. You would do anything to do what was needed. And you are a protector at heart." replied Klove matter of factly. Skye thought about what she said. It was all true. But she knew she was stubborn and didn't follow orders well. Not to mention, she didn't have the greatest oppinion on knights. But finally she let out a throaty laugh and brushed the comment off. "Is this your excuse to want to see Syliras?" she asked. Klove sat up and looked at Skye. Skye sat up, too. She could see Klove wasn't kidding around. "Skye, I know you want to feel worthwhile. And I know, try as I might, I can't FULLY give you anything to quench that need. I think one of the best ways to mean something is to become a knight. They may not be the most practical people, but they do what's needed and protect the weak. And that fits you perfectly. Klove finished. I don't protect the weak. I protect what's mine. Skye thought to herself. But rather than argue, She simply smiled crookedly at Klove and said, "Alright. If it means that much to you, Ill see if its for me next time we're in Syliras." Klove beamed and pecked Skye on the lips. Skye and Klove rose from the ground and made their way to the tavern. It was completely dark by now. The lovers embraced before Klove trotted off in the direction of her home. Skye slowly walked home, thinking. A knight? Her? She knew that wouldn't be for her. She wasn't the type to sacrifice herself for a stranger or a pompous brat. It would be hard to explain that to Klove, though, so Skye would humor her and look into it. When Skye got home, she was greeted by a loud whoop, followed by a hit on the side. Seth, who was wasted, had just thrown a shoe at Skylar for no reason. Skylar would have charged at him, but she was in too good of a mood. Skye went and sat on the couch next to an unconcious Brock. "Skye! Did you do it? Did you ask the big one?!" Seth shouted. James walked into the room and handed Skye a mug of ale. He and Skye ignored Seth as James sat down in a chair. "Where's dad?" Skye asked. James chuckled. " He's in his room passed out. Now I know why he doesn't go out much. He drank a good amount of whiskey by himself. Then he said he was going to try to pick up a girl, but I found him using his 'moves' on a one legged old man. Then Brock over there tried to drink directly from the barrel. I got Seth, who was still sober suprisingly, to help brock while I carried dad home. I promised more alcohol if he helped me get them home. So he's been drinking since qwe got home, which was a good while ago." Skye laughed. She reached over and slapped Brocks chest. He only snored louder. "So how did it go with Klove?" James asked. "Well, it went great. I think we'll be able to leave soon. Long enough for her dad to come to his senses.....or maybe die." She laughed, grinning from ear to ear. She didn't feel like explaining it all in detail. "She did suprise me though. She wants me to become a knight of Syliras. " James gave her a very quizzical look but before he could ask a question, there was a knock on the door. Skye got up and opened it to find Kloves younger brother (who was only two years younger than Skye) standing there with a smile. It wasn't a warm smile though. It had a darkness behind it. "Hope you had your fill of my sister. he said, and he held up a small necklace. Hanging from the broken chain was a crescent moon. Skylar grabbed the boy, turned him and pressed him up against the frame of the door, her arm pressing against his throat. "What has that petching man done with Klove?" she screamed through a clenched jaw. The boy looked fightened now. It was obvious he didn't know much about Skyes activities. "He.......found out about.....you two. Says its.....an abomination ......that you ......don't deserve her.." the boy finally choked out. She grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and dragged him with her out of the house, grabbing her knife off the table next to the door. "Ill be back, James. Stay with Seth. She called over her shoulder. She figured she would threaten the father to give her Klove and the two would leave that night. She was not prepared for what she found at the house of her lover. James was still sitting in the chair, watching Seth try to stack mizas on Brocks forehead whe the door burst open. There stood an extremely distraught looking Skylar, with a bloody knife in her hand. James immediatly jumped up. "Skylar!" he shouted. "What happened!?" Skylar remained silent as she walked into the house. She walked into her room, fell to her knees and cried. She felt something digging into her hand. She looked down, opened her hand, and found the necklace. She had forgot she had it and it had now cut into her hand from squeezing it too hard. She brought it up and put it around her own neck. Tears ran down her face and splashed onto the floor. James rushed inand knelt down next to her. Skye flung herself at him and he wrapped her arms around her. "She's gone. Kloves gone. Her father found out about us and killed her." She finally got out. It was all chopped up and she hiccuped every few words. James hugged her tighter. "But I got him back. I sliced the boys throat." her voice was becoming more and more angry. " He was so worried about carrying on his name? His legacy? Now he has no legacy." she finally sniffed and sat herself up, closing her eyes. She stood up and began packing essentials. "What are you doing? " James said. "I'm going to Syliras. I promised Klove I would look into the Knights. I'm sure its still not for me, but it was the last request she mad lf me. I threw it away as a joke. " She said. The last part was more of her scolding herself for not taking Klove seriously. Only trying to quell her. Now it was the only thing she could still do for Klove. James, who realized there was no way to stop her, helped her pack, gave her a few mizas, and allowed her to borrow his horse. The horse would eventually make its way back to Sunberth alone like it had been trained to do. James stood in front of Skylar in the predawn light. Skye rushed forward and hugged him tightly. [b]"Make sure Seth and Brock know there was nothing they could have done." She said. When the boys would come to, they would surely feel like they held blame for being drunk and unhelpful. "Tell dad Ill come back to visit when I feel I can. " James hugged her then rustled her hair. " Take care, Skye. Send a letter when you get the chance, so we know you made it. he said. Skye mounted the horse, looked back at the house, nodded towards James, and rode away as early risers began to stir and the late night owls lay down for the day.

[Caela Dorin]

Grade Awarded Skylar Experience Skill XP Earned Intimidation 1 Observation 2 Planning 1 Wrestling 1 Lores • Lore Earned • Living with idiotic brothers • Expressing feelings of love • Klove's necklace: symbol of a promise • Klove: True love • Klove: Dead • Klove's last request: Try to become a Syliran knight • Killing in revenge Additional Comments An interesting thread. It was obviously a very important event in Skye's life. I know that Klove's death was explained in Skye's character history but it would have been good if you had elaborated on it more in this thread. Be careful with your punctuation in future. It was sometimes difficult to read speech and to work out who was speaking. Other than that it was an enjoyable read. Please edit or delete your grade request and PM me if you have any questions or concerns about your grade. x