Open The Vanishing Cat

[Wyatti]

Wyatti blinked, her eyes filling with awe and wonder as she lapped up the information, and transformed it into a world that only a child’s imagination could muster. One of pure, untainted, fantasy. It was clear in her face that she was fascinated, and her attention was not about to be lost any time soon. But just as one question was answered, more were bound to come forth, her mind becoming alive with all manner of things. She almost seemed to shuffle; a sense of urgency for Synthira to finish so more questions could emerge.

“If you’re shy, then the other Konti must be super shy, right?” The Kelvic seemed to grin “Or you’re super confident?”

Her head seemed to cock to one side when she said that, an inquisitive and unwavering look falling upon the Konti. But it was not long before more questions emerged.

“Who’s Aval... Avaly? And Rakaly?” it was obvious she was speaking about the two gods that had been previously mentioned, even with the difficulty in pronouncing the words “Are they nice people? Are there lots of nice people there? Do the people like Kelvics? Am I allowed to go there?”

Innocence, pure unwavering innocence. There was no spite in her questioning, no hidden motive, just a simple want to know more and understand all, to explore and adventure, but secretly she was looking for that face to belong. To be able to be herself and have people care for her regardless of who she was and what she did. It sounded to her like a paradise, but still she questioned about it, as if making sure it was not a dream or a far off, made up land.

[Synthira]

It was immediately clear to Synthira that the child saw Konti Isle as a fairy tale, a magical place where all was good. There was, of course, no such place. The island had a fair share of good qualities, but it was certainly not free of flaws. She knew that she had to be careful about how she described the place. She didn’t want to disappoint her, but she didn’t want to give her false hope. She’d simply have to answer all her questions as honestly as she could. “Well, some are shyer than I am, and others are less shy. It all depends on the konti herself. I wouldn’t quite say that I’m super confident, but in comparison to some I suppose that’s true.” What was the next question? Ah, yes. Avalis and Rak’keli. Synthira couldn’t imagine being totally ignorant of the Goddesses. The two, especially Avalis, were such prominent figures in her life. Before she could walk she had heard stories of their doings and kindness. “Avalis and Rak’keli are goddesses. Rak’keli is the goddess of healing, and people pray to her when they or someone they love is hurt. Avalis is her sister, and her realm is visions and divination. She… well, she can sort of help you see things you wouldn’t be able to see normally. They aren’t really people, but they are nice as long as you aren’t on their bad side.” Synthira considered the other questions that had been asked so rapidly. She could not remember a single kelvic visitor in Mura. There must have been some, but visitors of any kind excepting other Konti were not altogether common. “There are lots of nice people, but as with any other place there are people who are not so nice. I don’t know if they like kelvics, as I don’t remember meeting one when I lived there, but I am sure most people there would be kind to you. You are allowed to go there if you wish, but the journey is very long.”

[Wyatti]

Wyatti listened to her words patiently, her eyes focused and unwavering as she listened. It was the little subtleties in her tone, the careful choice of words to ensure that there was a solid understanding in what was being said. Which was for the better, for it helped in ensuring her thoughts did not stray in the one direction and made that distinctive cut between reality and dreams. Slowly Wyatti nodded as the truth was revealed, her brow creasing as she thought.

“Hmm... Okay then,” said the Kelvic.

It was rather neutral toned in comparison to other times she spoke, with no distinctive emotion behind it other than simple satisfaction with the given answer. Instead a more thoughtful look passed through her face as she turned once more to face out to sea. It was no surprise that Mura was a far off place, and one that was highly difficult to get to. It made Wyatti consider if perhaps venturing so far was a good idea, but big adventures no doubt meant travelling great distances.

She placed her hands in her pockets, a deep sigh as her young mind try to make plans in her head. Travelling would indeed be difficult, but not impossible as long as she found a way. But where was she even to begin. Her nostrils flared, taking in the salt sea air as her lips pursed together. It was clear by her face there was no further questions at the moment, but there was a sense that she was brooding over her thoughts and information.

Her eyes once more focused on the waves, the turbulent motion as they reached up and raced back down. Just like her young inexperienced mind. Her eyes looked on to the distance, narrowing her eyes as she studied the horizon. It was definitely going to take a long time to get anywhere, especially if you could not even see it in the distance.

[Synthira]

Synthira gazed out at the horizon with the kelvic for several moments. The waves rolled in, crashing upon the sand and washing it clean. The sound was familiar, almost soothing, to Synthira. She missed the casual combination of land and water in Mura. Here it was too cold to swim, but there half of the staircases led somewhere underwater rather than somewhere on land. Reflecting pools and fountains were also common features, and Synthira had believed Zeltiva would be similar. But the people here had no love of the water, or at least they cared for it less than the Konti. Sensing that the child was content with her answers for now, she spoke again. “Wyatti, if you ever do go to Mura, and I am not there, be sure to mention me by name. It may open some doors from you. I have more friends than enemies there.” She could not think of a single person who would hold an acquaintance with Synthira against the kelvic. Her family and friends would treat one well, she thought, but it never hurt to be safe. She would return to the Island eventually, but that would not be for many seasons. When she’d first come to Zeltiva, she’d been expecting a miracle, but she was beginning to realize that things rarely went according to plan. She had no idea where she would go next, or what she would do when she got there. She had no leads, and had found little information that pertained to her pursuit. But since she had left with a head held high, she would not return with a head bowed. Synthira could not honestly discourage Wyatti from journeying to Mura, as she’d just made the opposite voyage herself. If the child was willing to take the risk of such a far trip, she would likely be rewarded. It was a beautiful place, if quiet and small, and the konti were a kinder folk than many. Besides, the konti had to admit, it would be an awfully big adventure.