(Flashback) Whispered Words (Alice)

[Blythe]

"Destroy the shadow, so that those left in the light may thrive," Blythe whispered. The task seemed so simple and straight forward, because it was simple and straight forward. All Blythe had to do was end the life of a child that her shadow self was describing to her. Yet, she couldn't help but feel like such a thing would be far more difficult than it sounded. Yes, she only had to strangle a baby, or perhaps drown it. Wait, strike plan number two, if the thing was a Konti, it had scales, and thus couldn't drown, which left strangling it. Or perhaps thrusting a blade through its baby heart. Blood spattering everywhere. The cessation of the rising and falling of the chest. Baby breath. Eyes closed, and all goes dark. Much like Fawn's life left... the whole world seemed to go dark then. The sun still seemed to hide, never quite shine like it used to. Blythe sighed heavily. "Even if no one ever realizes who committed the crime, it is still murder. Ignorance doesn't just wipe the slate clean you know," Blythe explained. She was seriously starting to regret her promise. Oh why oh why did she have to make a promise? But then again, she could always wake up and never keep it. "But at least, no one but the goddess herself will know. Perhaps some of the others will as well... her sister, Rak'keli." Blythe sighed again. "It makes the task a little easier, doesn't it? To know that no mortal shall ever have the slightest clue, and yet, for that very reason, it seems like we will be all the more ridden with guilt. Don't you think it will consume us? At least a little bit? Even though we think we have done the right thing?" Blythe paused. "And what if it is not the right thing, or our place? After all, do we truly, even as the daughters of Avalis, have the right to eliminate a possible threat? To claim a life as our own?" Blythe was so conflicted. On one hand, she wished to help her shadow self, and do the will of her goddess. She always wanted to carry out the will of her goddess, it was simply that this task didn't seem quite right. It had never sat well with the Konti, and she couldn't see how Avalis would send her. Why the goddess wouldn't just return such a being to her herself? Surely the goddess had the power, after all. Even so, Blythe didn't just want to back out, at least, not right now. She always could later. "Trust must be earned you know, shadow. But... if we are one, then perhaps it is best to look inwardly. To trust in myself as a person, and know the words you speak are true." Blythe paused. "They have to be true..." her voice trailed off as tears licked at the edges of her eyes. "They just have to be," Blythe exclaimed as her vision started to blur again from the tears. Blythe blinked and they fell instantly, trickling down the sides of her face. Her vision was still glassy, the shadow a bit of a mess it seemed, her body swaying this way and that as though she were submerged in water. Blythe raised her right hand and wiped the tears away. The dream was the same again. Like nothing had ever changed. Like Blythe hadn't just been asked to kill somebody, and yet, her heart still felt rather heavy. OOCBold text is for Blythe's thoughts.

[Alice]

“A little bit?” She seemed to think about it, whether the thought of having killed an infant would consume them, but then she only said: “Probably.” There was a tiny bit of bitterness in that single uttered word, but also determination. Blythe’s other self was sure that they were doing the right thing. Avalis had probably explained it Herself and decided that Blythe would be informed by her other side. The Goddess had probably known that Blythe had to convince herself because of her past experiences.

When Blythe felt tears gathering in the corners of her eyes, hot and salty bits of liquid, her shadow self couldn’t help but mirror the emotion. After all, she was the exact copy of the real Blythe! Although she could only materialize in dreams and visions, she knew how her material self felt, knew her thoughts and heard doubt resonating in her heart. She raised an arm, just as Blythe did, and caught the first tear running down her cheek. She was probably not even sure herself anymore, determination crumbling a little as she saw her other self’s despair and sadness. There was tragedy in the task, no doubt about that. “But it will make us stronger”, she whispered, probably to herself. Still Blythe would be able to hear it. And it was for her to decide whether she agreed with it or denied her other half even further.

“Yes, they have to be”, she said shortly after Blythe uttered the same words. They had no choice!

“Please, go and help Avalis. Now. You know that it’s the right thing to do, don’t you? You know it, because I know it”, the other Blythe said. She smiled, despite the tears still shimmering in her eyes. Unlike the ‘real’ Blythe, she hadn’t wiped them away. And she wouldn’t anymore. No, she was done with trying to be brave and friendly. Sometimes friendliness and peace didn’t get one far. She had learned her lesson. And it was only a matter of time until her other half realized that. Wasn’t it?

“We are one.” With that, her shadow self was drawn towards Blythe, her form became translucent as if she was a ghost. The next moment, Blythe felt a strong pull and a feeling of becoming whole – as if she’d suddenly realized that she lacked something and had been reunited with it at the same time. The dream was dissolving, she could feel it.

When she awoke, she felt that nothing had changed. Yet the little voice still lingered in her head, echoing back and forth in her thoughts and whispering: “We are one.” We are one.

The beach was still covered in the deepest darkness, but a shimmer of light could already be seen at the horizon. In the opposite direction of the sea, in the East, Syna was preparing to rise and bathe Konti Isle in the light of the new day. And somewhere in Mura, a Konti was preparing for childbirth.

OOCMy apologies if the post is not my usual quality. I'm a little tired.

[Blythe]

Reluctantly, Blythe's eyes opened. They felt rather heavy- caught somewhere between the realms of sleep and wakefulness. The edges of her vision were still blurry, Nysel's cobwebs lingering, trying to call her back, as the Konti stared up and into the night sky. "What a strange dream," she whispered, as the moon caused her hair to glow a milky white. Everything she had just dreamt about hung heavily in her heart. There was something about that dream that made Blythe think it was almost... real. As though the dream were not just a dream, but some sort of message, and the crime she was supposed to commit, simply something to check off her to-do list. If only the shadow had said where to find the child, then the Konti's hunt might not be so daunting. So darn impossible. But then again, does she even want to find it? Or leave the task up to someone else, someone who lacks a true heart? Blythe sat up. She must have been in Nysel's realm for a long time, she thought, as she looked to the water. At least, it seemed as though the sun were about to rise. The Konti woman rubbed her eyes and slowly got to her feet. Blythe's bones creaked as she stood up. She smiled lightly. "Didn't think you were that old yet," she commented, as she reached her arms up towards the sky. She felt a stretch in the back of her arms. Good, you need to get the kinks out. Blythe held the position for fifteen seconds before she returned her arms to her side. She breathed in deeply- in through the nose, and out through the mouth. "Now what?" Blythe whispered, as the words we are one, came to her again, reminding her of the dream; her apparent task. The Konti looked up and down the beach, wondering which way to go, there had to be some sort of sign. Anything at all. Yet as she looked around, Blythe could see nothing. She scratched her head confusedly, considering her options. She could go back home and forget the dream, which of course, would be far easier than option two. Option two, after all, was wandering aimlessly around the Island listening to a dream that may or may not be real. Of course, option two was the more fun of the two, you know, if you were into killing babies. Future babykiller! Blythe rolled her eyes as she lurched up the beach. Everything was up that way anyway, so perhaps it would be the best place to start. There was only a whole Island to search through anyway, how long could that take? OOCIt's ok, and sorry this post is a little short. It's difficult to come up with things. Moral outrage, some confusion since she has no idea where she is going. =/

[Alice]

Oh, the dream seemed real to Blythe even after the field and her mirror image had vanished into the darkness of reality. The sea was there, the tide whispering against the sand, and Konti Isle was there with its plants and herbs and beach. She could discern everything clearly, as her eyes were still used to the blackness behind her lids.

As she got up and wondered what to do, a faint rustle could be heard a few feet down the beach. Sand turned into earth and low bushes and high grass covered the bank. One of the bushes swayed in what seemed to be movement of a small animal. However, even with her eyes accustomed to the night, Blythe couldn’t discern any details from where she stood. After the rustle everything went silent. It was the sort of silence that weighed heavily and was filled with tension.

As soon as Blythe made her next step, the rustle returned and the bush trembled, followed by a breeze that seemed to cut through the grass and make it sway. The creature, whatever it was, quickly made its leave, fleeing from the faint noise the Konti’s feed made in the sand and from the movement of her pale form in the dark. Apart from the rustling in the greenery, it hadn’t made any noise, so it probably had been a small animal such as a mouse or a snake. But then, it had caused a lot of rustling...

Anyway, it was gone without a trace. The sand cooled Blythe’s feet. The temperature was still low at that time of day, so she would soon feel goose bumps on her skin and probably start shivering. As she walked, the light from the east, opposite of the ocean side, grew stronger and stronger, allowing her eyes to see more clearly.

And then, just after a few feet of walking, Blythe found a message in the sand. It had been carved with a stick, judging from the curve of the letters, although such an item was nowhere to be seen. The writing was clean and impersonal, although it featured some edges here and there. It read:

Next to
Silver Dragon

[Blythe]

"The Silver Dragon?" Blythe whispered. "The Emporium that sells all sorts of random things?" What else could it be? Blythe wondered as she studied the words that were staring up at her from the sand, wondering who on earth could have made them, considering the fact that she appeared to be the only one that was out and about. Maybe it has something to do with that rustling noise you heard before, the Konti thought, as she tucked several loose strands of hair behind her ears. Whatever hand had formed the letters did not seem familiar to her, and thus she wondered if she should do as they said, or simply go home. Were they even meant for her? Everything happens for a reason Blythe. If you have seen these words in the sand, then you were meant to. You should follow their direction, and go to the emporium. Blythe looked up at the sky, she doubt it was open now, but, she would go anyway. It couldn't hurt. After all, if she found nothing, she could always go right back home. Blythe sighed, as she began to head north. The emporium was that way. She walked in silence for several minutes until she reached the Unity Circle. "Almost there," she whispered, as she continued in the same direction, "it can't be far now." After a few more minutes of walking, Blythe noticed two stone claws, emerald eyes, and ivory teeth. "The Silver Dragon Bridge," she whispered, as she stepped onto its expanse, heading slowly towards its center, where the Emporium stood. She reached the Emporium within a few minutes, and simply stood at its front, before darkened light blue windows. "Well here we are," Blythe whispered. So what now? Do you think we should knock? OOCSorry this post is so blah. Hopefully the next one will be better.

[Alice]

When Blythe passed Unity Circle, Syna graced the buildings, the ground and the lone figure with the first warm rays of the day. A few Konti were already out and about, probably shop owners getting ready for another day filled with working and advertising, and they floated past Blythe like ghosts on a misty morning. Except that there was no mist, the air was clear and fresh and she recognized most of the faces because she had lived with them for her entire life. Muti L’ninea on her way to the harbor. N’avari, the living fish encyclopedia, and her daughter N’ijua. Garola heading towards Vision Center. She knew them, but the recent happenings in her dream would cause Blythe to feel distant and foreign to them.

Silver Dragon Emporium wasn’t far from Unity Circle. Soon Blythe saw its shape residing over one of the countless streams and lakes, tiny arms of Silver Lake embracing Mura with their watery depths. About nine feet the stream had claimed between Mura’s pathways and as always it was a constant flow towards the East. The morning air already thickened with the usual scents and distant noises of a town half asleep. Then Blythe stood in front of the shop’s door and hesitated.

Suddenly a scream assaulted her senses.

It was shrill and came from behind, apparently caused by a Konti living in one of the two houses near the bridge. The scream was followed by a short silence and then another scream. The sound had a strange quality to it. People didn’t scream like that every day, although Blythe would know that sound very well. The Konti was in labor.

The house to the left reminded Blythe of the Pearl Divers Inn. Its walls were painted in pastels and adorned with opalescent shells that glittered in the sunlight. The door and windows were framed with a stone-like material frozen in playful curves and twists. Obviously the scream had come from the interior of that house. Now what to do? Should she knock? Should she try to get a look through the windows? There were curtains, but the white color and semi-transparent quality revealed bits of furniture and moving shapes.

Then the door burst open and three Konti came outside. The pregnant woman obviously was in the middle, breathing heavily over the child inside her belly. The other two carried her towards the stream. Every Konti gave birth in water, after all. Hurrying past Blythe, they barely noticed her and instead made sure that the pregnant one found a safe and comfortable place to rest. “Quick, before it starts again!” one hissed between two breaths.

Before Blythe’s eyes, the birthing process unfolded. She was reminded of a time when she had gone through the same... and then there was still the voice in her head. It will make us stronger. We are one.

[Blythe]

A single tear fell down the side of Blythe's face. It felt so very cold to her, sending a small shiver up her spine. It's like stepping back in time. It wasn't so long ago that you were in labor; that Fawn was brought into this world only to be ripped right back out of it again. As the name of her daughter came to mind, a sharp shooting pain shot through Blythe's heart, and her breath caught in her throat. It still hurt so much to think about; to see others with their children, or giving birth. That child could make that woman as happy as Fawn made us, Blythe thought, in reference to herself and her family. Is it truly one's place to rip a child out of a mother's life? Blythe questioned. Is it the right thing to do? To rid the world of something that seems so innocent and pure? That brings so much joy? There was a slight pause, that must be the baby the shadow self mentioned. But, is it something that we could destroy? Especially when they're all around? When it is still in the process of being brought into the world? Without realizing what she was doing, Blythe stepped closer, and then even closer. She was headed towards the three women, the pregnant woman still in pain; at least, she seemed to be breathing pretty loudly. Maybe she is finding the whole birthing process stressful, as well as painful, Blythe thought, as she stopped a few feet behind the women. She was silent for several moments, wondering if they'd notice her, or if she should say something. Or maybe, she should simply walk away. It was not too late to simply turn back now. Everything inside of Blythe was telling her to go home, to let herself sleep, and forget all about the dream, but she took another step forward. "Hey, do you guys need any help?" she asked, her voice trembling a little. "Or is everything under control?" OOCSorry this isn't the most to work with, but I'm not so sure Blythe would just walk up there and stab everybody. Well, actually I know she wouldn't, considering she doesn't carry a knife. >.<

[Alice]

One of the Konti turned her head and noticed Blythe standing nearby, her eyes widening only a little. Her white hair was cut at chin-length, and her gaze was a dark shade of brown, almost black. They added a slightly hostile expression to her features, although that was hardly her intention. She was also the Konti who had told her companion to hurry up. Allowing herself to catch a breath, she inspected Blythe from head to toe, as if she was surprised that another sister would be up at such an early bell. Then she gave a half-smile. “It has just started, so I’m not sure yet. But I helped several friends and relatives to give birth, so it should be no problem. Thanks for offering though.” Suddenly the eerie impression was gone, carried away by the breeze. Indeed, Blythe would probably recognize the Konti now that she had something to relate her to. People talked about her, about how her hands had given life so many times. They said Avalis had gifted her with that talent.

Apparently Blythe had nothing left to do. The whisper in her head was even getting fainter, cooling down, so to say, and leaving only silence and background noises behind. Still, it seemed that she couldn’t find peace for a while.

Suddenly a hand touched her shoulder from behind. “Hey, what are you doing?” The voice sounded higher than the average Konti voice, indicating that it came from someone who was still young. When turning around, Blythe’s gaze would meet pale green eyes that resembled the color of bleached moss. The other Konti’s features were smooth and she looked fully grown, although the plain expression of innocence on her face betrayed her adult appearance. She was wearing a lavender dress that ended above her knees. Her hair was long and the lightest shade of alabaster mixed with white. And she was pouting. “I even wrote the note for you so you found them. And now you’re simply walking away?”

[Blythe]

Blythe nodded, "you are welcome," she said, before growing silent. She stayed that way for several seconds before adding, "and may the delivery be a swift, and relatively painless one. May the child be a beautiful baby boy or girl, which shall grow big and strong, and live to a ripe old age." As the last of her words left her lips, Blythe flashed the slightest of smiles; although, it seemed unnaturally warm. She doubt the woman had noticed however, so intent was she on over-looking the pregnancy. Well, now what is one to do? Blythe wondered. They don't want help, and it's not as though one could simply destroy the child even though they may want to, simply because they are all watching. Although, it would probably be easiest to do so when the child had not left the womb... but you would probably kill the mother too. Letting it lie inside, in wait for too long. Or perhaps that would simply make her sick. But she is not the one meant to die... Blythe shook her head at the thoughts, her blonde hair flying wildly about her face and into her pale lips. How could you think such things? Blythe wondered, surprised with the dark nature of her own mind. How could you so much as consider destroying a mother and child? But Blythe didn't know the answer. Thus, she kept on shaking her head, more than likely appearing foolish, even though it was so early in the morning, and no one could be expected to function. "Perhaps it is time to go home," Blythe whispered, as she began to slow down the movement of her head, allowing it to stop spinning, and her hair to settle back into place, although it was still a little frizzy. With a long, drawn out sigh, Blythe turned abruptly on her heels, and began to head back down the bridge, towards home. "Hey!" Blythe cried when five long fingers curled into the flesh that surrounded her shoulder. "What are you-" Blythe was startled by what she found when she turned around, causing her words to dangle uselessly in the air between her and the woman she now faced. She seemed so very young... Blythe listened in silence, to what the woman said, grasping for words. "Of course, it's not as though doing such a horrible thing would be easy," Blythe finally whispered. "Perhaps it would be for you, but not for someone, like myself," she finished, before growing silent once more. She was considering the rest of the woman's words. "Now... who might you be? And how did you know about everything?" Blythe asked. Or seem to know about everything... she only mentioned the note. Blythe's brows furrowed as she stared intently at the woman. "Was this some sort of joke?" she asked, the last word the only icy one in the sentence.

[Alice]

Black eyes brushed Blythe once more. Then a smile. “Thank you for the kind words, sister. She has heard them too.” Nodding towards the soon-to-be mother, she let her smile light the situation for another moment. Then she turned back. There was still a lot to do, there were a lot of soothing words to whisper.

When Blythe turned around to the girl, she giggled. The older Konti’s confusion amused her, and the icy tone did as well, to some extent. Her eyes glittered, but to Blythe it wouldn’t look pleasant. The giggling drowned the first words that were spoken. Then she seemed to gather words and phrases, let them fly, although what she eventually said had some sort of hollow tone to it. “My name is Sya. No joke though. I know what happened in the past, you know, the neighbors talk and so on. I tried to make you stronger though. Tried to help you to overcome your grief and your emotions. It would have been good for you. That’s what I try to do.” While speaking, she waved her hands as if to emphasize that she wasn’t joking. No, she was as serious as could be. Even though her explanations were vague; had she tricked other people? Or just Blythe?

Then she took a step back, however, and narrowed her eyes. “But it seems like the wound is still too fresh. I made a mistake. That doesn’t happen often. Quite fascinating. How do you do that? How do you... conserve emotions, pray tell me? Forgetting seems to be more natural.” Her way of speaking was off, and one would get the impression that she was talking to herself. The weirder her speech got, the more she turned the dialogue into a monologue. Until someone interrupted her which happened in most cases.