Sun
17 Mar
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End of One

Published by OneLadyWolf under Thought 1. Tags: , , , , , , , , , , .

We have reached the end of chapter one.  I’m sorry it took two weeks to get up here. It’s been sitting on my computer for about a week staring at me and I just wanted to write that little bit more to end the chapter. Enjoy!

 

 

It was a completely different atmosphere from what she knew. Daezi’s voice brought her back, “Uh, Lahrya, are you hungry?”

They had stopped by one of the ponds. From the basket, Daezi had lain out a blanket and set up a small meal of sandwiches and fruit with skins of water. Suddenly, her stomach gnawed on itself and she dropped down onto the blanket with a sheepish grin. “You bet!” In no time at all they were done with the meal and giggling over short snippets Daezi was providing about people she recognized in the park.

————–

The quiet whispers between them pointed out those of various trades, wives of the tradesmen, children and adolescents who continually were in trouble. There were a few aristocratic ladies with maids attending them. Some few gentlemen were out conducting small business affairs in the open air. Daezhi had an opinion of everyone or knew what the general opinion seemed to be. There was even a group of showmen, a family unit by the look of them, gathered by themselves practicing acrobatics and juggling.

They had been through town before. The only one identified with any certainty was the oldest son, Domik. Daezhi confided what she knew of the showmen from her father. One of the aristocrats was hosting a party in a few days and requested this group specifically. They tended to be among the top performers across the country. Even the royal family would invite them from their travels to come and perform in the capitol city. They captivated Lahrya’s attention until they packed up for the setting sun.

It had been too long since she could relax completely around another person. Animals were no problem but people tended toward shying away at home even if they never said anything. For the first time after the young age of six or seven, she was relaxed. It almost felt burdensome to help Daezhi pack up the remnants of the meal and blanket. Dusk was approaching and without talking about it, both girls knew they needed to get back to the inn. Both had comments to each other about the people in the park and the showmen in particular. Daezhi had a slight smile touching the edges of her mouth as if hiding a secret.

The streets were busier with a majority of people heading home for the night. Others made their way to the various drinking establishments. There was already a crowd gathering at The Fool’s Dance although she hadn’t sang this early on either night prior. Daezhi’s eyes grew large as the neared the inn. Saying, “We’ll just go in around back.” And hastily pulling Lahrya along to the kitchen, she seemed relieved to be indoors. With a wave to Saffey, she disappeared to empty out the whicker basket.

The cook looked Lahrya over and caught herself nodding in approval at the glow about her from a day spent with someone her own age. “Have a seat, child. I dare say Sawl will ask you to sing tonight rather than wait. Word of your voice has spread,” she intoned gently, setting the evening stew before her. Daezhi came back to sit beside her and help herself to a bowl of the stew Saffey provided without comment.

Nearly on her heels, Sawl stepped into the kitchen, looking at each of the ladies in turn. Focusing his attention on Lahrya, he cleared his throat, mindful of his conversation with Saffey. “Lahrya, I want you to know that if you’d prefer to rest your voice tonight, it would be understandable. I don’t doubt you’ve accumulated enough coin to pay for your room for a night or two.”

“It’s alright, Master Newhin,” she spoke between mouthfuls of the hearty stew, “I enjoy singing. I won’t sing as long this evening, I don’t think, but I do want to.”

He exhaled a gusty sigh in near relief. “Thank you, girl. I’ve lined up one of the showmen in town to perform after you, it’ll be a change of pace for those still hanging around, and well worth it so you don’t have to be up there so long.” Saffey scowled at him briefly but said nothing since Lahrya was obviously willing to sing. The benefit of her voice was already known. She and Sawl had already spoken to the guards to ensure the common room was not overly crowded. It didn’t matter a lick if people stood near doors and windows to her the child sing, but the girl had to want to do this, young as she was. She was not part of a showmen family to be raised into doing this at such an early age.

Daezhi was nearly bouncing in the seat next to her. “Lahrya, do you want to know which showman my da got?”

“Who?” and the question was intent for an answer. Hadn’t Daezhi just spent a large part of their afternoon pointing out the only showmen family to be in the city currently?

“Domik!”

“Oh!”

“Isn’t that something? I’ll be sittin’ by him at the front table. So when you’re all done with your song, let me know, and I’ll get him up there.” She was grinning now. That was what the secret smile had been about.

Lahrya felt herself grinning back, quicksilver eyes alight with interest. “That’ll be swell.” The two girls finished their stews in a hurried silence, ready to go out there. Lahrya realized that she didn’t need to calm herself before singing tonight. Spending the day in affable company had her sufficiently relaxed as it was. She caught herself thinking about Domik. He was rather good looking and close in age to the both of them. Musing, she wondered if either of them could ever be noticed or if they were still too young. It wasn’t long before her wandering mind was pulled back to the present.

“Come on, Lahrya. Can you hear them? Everyone is waiting for you,” Daezhi spoke in a hurried voice, breathy with excitement. “I’ve been able to hear you from my room, but now I’ll be able to see you when you sing.”

She let herself be guided out. The instant people saw her entering the common room the noise level died down. Grown men were nearly giddy with anticipation of her song. They knew how the golden notes that shimmered visibly in the air left them feeling. She mounted the platform with a calmness that was marginally interrupted by a fluttering in her stomach. With a start, Lahrya realized that she was looking forward to performing. The singing was something that before she had only provided to livestock, small children if she was allowed to mind them, but never before reaching Halnon had she sung for any adults or any crowds.

Quicksilver eyes swept over every individual present. This time, she watched reactions ranging from none, to curious, to startled and intense. There was even one that was hostile. She took note of the inn staff, and Daezhi sitting with Domik.  Two deep breaths and she began her song. The gentle swell of breath and voice spiraled upward. It took less time than previous for the din that remained to fade away.

Enraptured faces looked up at her. This time, she experimented with this gift. Instead of giving herself over to the song within her soul, she allowed her liquid silver gaze to move from person to person. It was almost as if by looking directly at someone, if she could catch their eyes, the song worked like a compulsion. The turnover rate of those filled with the joyous calm was more rapid than the night before. People were not upset to leave once they were filled with her song.

Finding each person individually had the song adapting subtly to their personal internal struggles. Less than an hour in had the entire complement of patrons not staying at The Fool’s Dance replaced thrice. Sawl chose to interrupt her by stepping on to the platform. The stout man gently placed a hand on Lahrya’s shoulder to get her attention. So involved in singing, she was startled, having not noticed him, but her voice never wavered. She let the song fade.

A grin spread over his face, Sawl threw his other arm out wide, addressing those in the common room, “We thank you, Lahrya, for these nights of song. It is like nothing we’ve ever heard. However, we want to keep your voice well, and provide entertainment for you now.” Guiding her by the hand on her shoulder off of the platform to startled applause, Sawl pushed her lightly into the seat Domik was vacating.

“Everyone, may I introduce, Domik of the Showmen Cires Family? He’s agreed to give us a bit of a show to have Lahrya rest her magical voice.” The innkeeper was gesturing up to the young man. The applause from those assembled was polite and anticipating.

Domik bowed to the crowd with a flourish before beginning producing a set of eight colored balls in sets of two to perform some incredible aerial forms with those balls. He moved from that to a set of acrobatics that the warmed up crowd responded to with cheers and whistles. To finish off the short routine, he produced a worn but well maintained flute and performed a few upbeat songs that the assembled sang out words to in course voices.

Through it all, Lahrya watched with bright enjoyment written across her open features. He focused his attention on the crowed generally but specifically on Daezhi and Lahrya, particularly Lahrya. The quicksilver-eyed young lady was entranced. After it all, he returned to their table.

“Lahrya, my da wanted me to extend an invitation to you, after I heard you sing. We, the Cires Showmen, want you to come with us at week’s end to the estates of the Lady Damella Mairesh. She’s hosting a party, and while my sis, Coula, can sing some, it’s nothing like you. Will you join us?”

She was taken aback briefly, pleased. “I would be delighted, Domik.”

The two smiled at one another until Sawl bustled back over. He had heard the invitation. Daezhi was stunned but looked thrilled for the girl she considered her new friend. “That is an honor, Domik, that Lorne trusts your judgment of Lahrya’s voice. Lahrya, we should see to a few outfits for you.”

Her cheeks colored lightly. “I’ve… already done so, Master Newhin. I’m to pick up shoes from Master Veska, and Mistress Prescor,” she could not call the dressmaker by her first name to others, “said she would bring my dresses here. I met with them two days ago.”

“I see. It would appear you are on your way then. Domik, it felt as though you and Lahrya worked well in succession. Would Lorne spare you until week’s end to perform here?”

“He had already suggested as such to me, should you not have inquired, good Master.”

“Well then,” Sawl beamed, “all three of you should be getting on to bed. Domik, would you be needing room here or is your family nearby?”

Daezhi shot a quick smile to Domik before hugging Lahrya and scurrying out. Lahrya stood as Domik did, though he spoke to Sawl. “I’ll be heading back to the family. Our wagons are nearby. I need to give the good news that Lahrya will be joining us for the performance.” He reached out and took Lahrya’s hand, bringing it to his lips in a brief caress. “Sleep well, Miss Lahrya. We shall perform again anon.”

“Anon, Domik.” Her voice was very quiet, possessing a smile of its own as they separated. Sawl Newhin led Domik to the front door as she left to the interior and her solitary room. With so many thoughts now present in her mind and a smile that just didn’t want to leave her soft mouth, it took longer to achieve her personal state of peace. Relaxed to her core, she fell into a dreamless sleep while still sitting on the bed, still enough not to fall, but not taking the time to lie down either. The morning held promises she never before considered or dared to dream of.

Sun
03 Mar
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Back to Personal

Published by OneLadyWolf under Thought 1. Tags: , , , , , , , , .

Hi there. If you’ve been following me recently for the story you will have to come back another time. This one is just a life update for those not keeping up with me on Facebook.

Toward the end of February our best loved pet hammie Meg-A-Byte passed. We don’t know what took her, but after she died it almost looked like she had a growth in her belly. I think what was most devastating is that she could have lived another year or more. When we realized she was unwell we tried to find a vet for her. Did you know most vets just don’t cater to small critters? Hubby wasn’t able to get an appointment except from one vet who wound up not being available until the night after she passed. I don’t think those vets truly understand that unlike bigger animals, small critters need care immediately when they are ill because everything happens to them so much faster.

Now, we were saddened and grieving for our hammie baby, but we weren’t alone. We still have Q. And in late January we adopted a litter of Russian Campbell dwarf hamsters. That left us with seven litter critters. None of them were Meg but at least we had them. He did go out and buy a new hamster that is now named Emma. She is sweet and pretty but very hyper. He was hoping she’d be like Meg but no such luck. So, we give her attention like the others but she’s just not our baby.

The cat is doing fine. He is an old boy. I found his brush again. We are starting to develop a nightly routine. After I get everything situated he jumps up on the bed and stares at me meowing now and then almost asking for the brush. He loves it. I don’t even have to brush him. I just hold it steady for him to rub his face against. Silly cat.

I have found my creative soul again. It’s being developed but already working. I have done two paintings and started the story that is on my blog. I have missed this part of myself. Hubby seems to have realized that I am a happier person lately.

It’s just time to move on in life. I have to nurture all of me if I’m to become a better me. Even this past week at work I made myself be upbeat and smiling. It made a concrete difference.

Reflect on your life. Do you go through each day or most days miserable? Do you feel like it drags you down? Being disgruntled and unfulfilled on a daily basis will wear down your immune system and make you tired. Think about your life and what you can change. I stopped trying to change the world around me. Just waking up and choosing to smile has changed me. Good luck with your personal self adjustments. It’s not always easy.

Until next time! Stay safe and be well.

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Painting 2: Inner Turmoil

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Painting 1: Landscape of Thought

Sat
02 Mar
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On We Go

Published by OneLadyWolf under Thought 1.

After indulging myself in a book I hadn’t read before, I am back to writing. I hope you’re not too anxious and enjoy it. This part felt a little like filler, but it’s all tying in nicely. Enjoy.

 

 

The dressmaker hustled her out of the shop into the midday traffic of pedestrians, horses, carts, and wagons. Carefully avoiding any contact with the strangers around her, Lahrya returned to the inn for a midday meal. Saffey tried to engage her about her time out in the city realizing it was her first time but to no avail. A brief, tight smile was all Lahrya could offer after eating before retreating to her room to contemplate over what Aniyabel had told her. It took longer than usual to settle herself into the familiar trance of breathing patterns, realizing for the first time that whatever was calling her, was dragging her into a world she was in no way prepared to handle.

—————–

That evening she sang again with her full bodied voice encompassing the common room and beyond. A resounding peace drifted with those nearly visible notes to gather everyone in to the melody and harmonies she created instead of the words she sang. The song was marginally different from before. As people grew peaceful they stayed for less time. Sawl had no complaints with the departure of so many paying customers since no seat remained empty. Robst and Dole were hard pressed to keep the place from filling over capacity.

It was the differences in the song that almost seemed to encourage the flux of people. Those with the peace found themselves desiring their homes, wives, and children over continued drink. She sang for an hour, two, nearly three with no break not fully understanding the effect her voice was creating. After speaking with, or being spoken to, by Aniyabel there were so many questions that she had realized there was no on close to provide answers to. The song gave her comfort and that comfort was shared among all who listened.

When her voice finally trailed away, she remained up on the platform to view the patrons still there. The shift was still occurring with seats being vacated and filled. The strangest contentment was viable in every face.  Men young and old from all walks of life would go to their homes and unknowingly share that solace with neighbors and family. Lahrya noticed a few watching her intently. Some studied her, others looked pleased, only one or two few showed and consternation to the feelings even as they appeared at peace.

Sawl walked around the inn as though puffed up with importance. Even after the strange girl moved on, she’d have made him enough to live comfortably for a few years at this rate. He’d be hearing from the other business owners on the morrow about them losing patrons he was sure. Noticing that the girl was leaving the platform, the stout innkeeper made his way over to her. He nearly quipped about the come and go of the people and her brilliance but something in those silver eyes gave him pause.

For a moment, almost brief enough to make him unsure, Sawl saw everything opposite of the gentle peace she gave in that quicksilver gaze. She looked fragile and concern for the child on her own overwhelmed him. He offered her a smile and led her out to the kitchen for a meal leaving her to her own thoughts rather than speak. He’d have the serving girl who chose to gather any coins for Lahrya just take it to her room. Even Saffey surveyed her from the corner of her eyes. It was only after Lahrya retired for the evening that she drew the innkeeper aside, not long before he was due to close up.

“I can see how you enjoy the way your common room has been full, Sawl, and in only two days. That girl is going to wear herself out. If I can see it, I know you can. I don’t know who she met today, but something’s upset her.”

His eyebrows knit together as he responded, “I know it, Saf. She has the means to pay for her room now. I get the impression she’d decline if I asked and keep singing.”

“Ask anyway. Make sure she knows her choices.”

“Yes, yes, of course.”

“I’ve been meaning to ask you,” Saffey began, “if you think she could be…”

“Don’t bring it up while there are still people out there,” he scowled. “She well could be with those eyes, and that voice.” Sawl shook his head. “She chose this place, Saffey. Whatever’s brought her here, I’ll not go asking questions that could run her off.”

“I didn’t mean for you to. I just… she’s just so young.”

“I know it. We’ll just have to watch her. And I will ask her about paying instead of singing.”

“Thank you, Sawl.”

In her room, Lahrya did not know she was a topic of great conversation. Not only downstairs, but the entire city of Halnon was buzzing with talk of her golden voice. A few who felt as peaceful as they had not in ages sent for Healers to make sure everything was alright. The Healers themselves were perplexed by this wave of calmness and astonished to realize a few men who had been ailing and frequented inns and taverns to remove themselves from trouble and pain in strong drink were without complaint that evening. Words sung with the golden voice of the silver-eyed girl could do more than bring peace. On some level she was causing healing in the afflicted.

 

The following day she did not leave the inn. She doubted if the entirety of her life could measure up to the amount of singing she had done in two evenings. No sore throat, no loss of voice, but never had she sung for such extended times. It left her feeling a fatigue that was not from being tired. Rather than stay cooped up in the small room, where the urge to sleep from the fatigue was greatest, Lahrya spent her time divided between the kitchen and a table before the raised platform. The serving girl who’d been present when she first arrived stayed close to her. It was around the midday meal that she finally grew curious enough to ask her why.

A timid smile and small voice came from the serving girl, “Well, Miss, my da asked that I keep close, in case you needed anythin’.”

“Your father? You mean Master Newhin?”

“Yes, Miss. He has me help out during the day, before the rowdies come in at night. When he noticed you not going out, he thought I should stay close.”

Lahrya looked more closely at the serving girl. They were close in age and she had the look of her father but definitely not all of him. The girl was taller but not terribly thin. She supposed that the girl’s mother showed heavily on her features, too, in the sun blonde hair and set of her eyes. Suddenly, Lahrya was smiling, a full smile that brightened her pale face and brought a shimmer to the silver eyes.

“Why don’t you sit a while with me and we can talk. What’s your name?”

“My name, Miss? My name is Daezhi.”

“Well, Daezhi, I’m going to insist that you don’t call me ‘miss.’ Please call me Lahrya,” and with those words, Lahrya was glad to see Daezhi relax. Not even children her own age back home had ever relaxed that much. “I think I would like to get out of here, now, for a while. Do you know a place? Would your father let you go out?” It occurred to Lahrya that the city folk would have less cause to stare at her if she was not alone. She did like Daezhi as well. There almost seemed to be a connection there that had never been at home.

Daezhi’s eyes lit up. “Of a certainty he would let me go for the day. Let me just go tell him, and I know just the place we can spend time at.” Lahrya watched as the girl quite nearly jumped up and skipped out of the common room to find her father. She was astonished to find that the lingering fatigue was fading after her brief conversation with Daezhi.

In less time than she expected, Daezi was leading her from the inn carrying a whicker basket. Both girls waved to Dole and Robst while a stray thought had Lahrya wondering if they ever got any time to themselves. Her thoughts were brought back to where she placed her feet as a small stone pressed through her soft shoes. To make sure she didn’t lose her charge, Daezi had gripped Lahrya’s hand to guide her to the place she knew of. In fact, it was a place that everyone knew of.

Soon, they were at an expansive garden area in the center of Halnon. Trees grew tall with canopies stretching out high overhead creating shaded walkways. There were benches, open areas, flowers, and small ponds with fish. The natural surrounding flooded Lahrya with joy. Daezi was likewise affected even though she must come here often. Mothers with small children were enjoying the dappled shade in the afternoon sun. Boys and girls not old enough to be apprenticed or work at the family business were gamboling about like puppies at play one moment then peaking shyly at one another to trying to be adult like and serious.

It was a completely different atmosphere from what she knew. Daezi’s voice brought her back, “Uh, Lahrya, are you hungry?”

They had stopped by one of the ponds. From the basket, Daezi had lain out a blanket and set up a small meal of sandwiches and fruit with skins of water. Suddenly, her stomach gnawed on itself and she dropped down onto the blanket with a sheepish grin. “You bet!” In no time at all they were done with the meal and giggling over short snippets Daezi was providing about people she recognized in the park.

Mon
25 Feb
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Story Continues

Published by OneLadyWolf under Thought 1. Tags: , , , , , , , , , .

Second installment. Now I’m not just winging it completely. I have a partial outline to follow but with so many gaps. This is a bit fun, actually. Anyway, I hope you enjoy!!

 

Downstairs, the cacophony never reached the extreme level it had before she sang. Closing her eyes, she slowed her breathing. The exercise she had always used and would always use coming to her naturally, with every sound and sensation overwhelming her until it was absorbed to peace. Lahrya did not know of Saffey’s thoughts, and did not know of this prisoner. The village she came from was too remote. With no more thoughts to distract her, Lahrya drifted to sleep.

—————

Sunlight woke her in the morning through a small window above the bed. She realized for the first day since leaving home that she was well and truly on her own. Her mind skipped from thought to thought, almost skittering in a haste that was unnatural to her organized mind. She had money, and getting more did not appear difficult. For the time being she had food and shelter. She would need a new dress or two. While she kept the two she had well mended they wouldn’t last forever. The soft soled shoes should be replaced by a sturdier pair.

Knowing that staying in bed was not how she intended to spend this first day alone, Lahrya forced herself up and about to change and wash her face. Thinking about being alone brought a brief surge of homesickness, but something still called to her within the city. It beckoned with urgency that increased tenfold after only one night.

Steadying her mind with her peace from breathing, she left the room adorned in her second dress. The light wool was pale gray, un-dyed and unadorned, serviceable. She found Saffey in the kitchen and without a word settled herself on the same stool to break her fast. The older woman greeted her warmly. No consternation from thoughts the evening before registering on her face. In minutes, Lahrya had porridge with honey and fresh milk to fill her. With a grateful smile the meal was consumed before she headed to the back door of the kitchen.

“Mistress Dalie, if Master Newhin becomes curious as to my whereabouts, I’ll be back around midday. I have a feeling he could worry, but I need to purchase a few things.”

Saffey started, realizing the girl could well be correct about Sawl worrying. Most young men and women wandered the city when not apprenticed, but Lahrya was obviously not from here. He would show concern for her safety. She offered the girl a reassuring grin. “Never you mind. I’ll make sure he knows where you’re off to. I’ll have lunch waiting when you come back.”

With an impish smile, abruptly looking childlike compared to the adult air she normally carried, Lahrya disappeared out the door. It took only moments for her to reach the front of the building after passing through the small stable yard. Whickering horses from the few patrons staying at The Fool’s Dance turned heads in her direction before resuming eating or dozing. She stepped out from shadow into the morning sun feeling exuberant. Singing the night before had proven to herself what she dreamt was real. Perhaps other abilities would prove to be true if only there were scenarios within which she could test them.

Feeling spellbound by the immensity of the city to her small, remote little village of Telasco, Lahrya wandered the streets. Different shops took bits of her time as she familiarized herself with the city’s layout. It was quickly apparent where the working man lived versus the aristocrats. Something about the estates within the city limits captivated her. It was almost as though the feeling that had her stay in Halnon had her drawn to the aristocrats.

After an hour or so, Lahrya sought out a cobbler she’d found earlier. Her soft soled shoes were allowing the uneven sections of the street and loose stones to hurt her feet. She would bruise soon if new ones weren’t obtained.

People heading home or to the inns and taverns were more populous on the streets as she found the cobbler. Older men and women that caught sight of her striking silver eyes often did a double take. Most had lived in Halnon back when the prisoner had been brought through. Some had gotten a better view than Saffey Dalie. Those not focusing on her eyes, men who had been around The Fool’s Dance the previous night, recognized her as the one who sang. Since late night equaled heavy drink the men didn’t realize how young she was.

The cloud of whispers didn’t descend on the people until Lahrya stepped off the street into the cobbler’s shop. Most frequently discussed were the sensation her pure voice had created. They would swear that her words had produced visible images corresponding to words and notes. They also wondered if Sawl was keeping her own to continue performing. Others contemplated her origins. Halnon was a smaller city resulting in many of the residents knowing each other with a passing familiarity in the least.

This being the first day she was walking around the city caused a buzz. She was delicate in form, but not short. Quicksilver eyes in a pale, thin face surrounded by heavy locks of raven dark hair created a beauty that she was growing in to. Her resemblance to the man five years ago made people wonder and worry about what the future was bringing.

Inside the cobbler’s shop, Lahrya was greeted with the smells of leather and polish. A spindly man looked up from his workbench with a crinkle-eyed smile. “Good day, Mistress. How can Master Veska be of service to you?”

“Master Veska,” she began hesitantly, having never had to care entirely for her own affairs, “I need a sturdier set of shoes and a pair of boots. I fear my current shoes would soon be worn through with such soft soles.”

“You’re most likely correct, Mistress, if you’re doing any substantial walking. Come sit over here and I’ll get some measurements from you.” He was kindly. He had not seen her eyes. He wasn’t looking. Ginar Veska minded his own work. Once he saw her settled with shoes off, he took some measurements of her feet, ankles, and lower legs with a piece of knotted twine making notes on a small sheaf of paper. “You can expect them to be ready in two days’ time. I should already have the material in shop.”

“Thank you, Sir.” Shoes back on, she glanced toward the door before back to him. “Would you be able to tell me the best dressmaker? I saw several on my way here.”

Ginar leaned back, tapping his finger to chin. “I would say, perhaps, you should go to see Aniyabel Prescor. Her shop is two streets east near as you can get to a direct line from here. Tell her I sent you. Mind you don’t forget to come back in two days.”

“No, Sir, I won’t. Thank you.”

Without another word she was gone from his shop. The crowding in the streets was more noticeable, and this time, Lahrya couldn’t help but notice that she was being noticed. A prickle between her shoulder blades followed her to the dressmaker though she paid no mind to what people were saying. It was a relief to step through the doorway off the street. Immediately apparent was that Aniyabel was not so involved in her craft to be oblivious as Ginar.

“You must be the girl that has captured everyone’s attention,” the voice was not unkind, but cautious, speaking up the moment Lahrya was in off the street. “From what I gather, you only just arrived in Halnon? I thought as much. Come here and let me look at you, child.”

Lahrya met the matronly woman, old enough to be a grandmother, in the center of the shop where Aniyabel had her step up on a platform to bring her to eye level, still talking. “Yes, silver eyes. They say your voice is like magic, bringing peace and solace. I wonder if, no, I won’t wonder.” She was taking measurements as she spoke, though the girl before her had yet to say a single word. “You should be careful, child. Stay near the inn. I heard you were last eve with that voice of yours. I know Sawl. He’ll keep you there as long as you’re inclined to stay. I don’t know what brought you here, but you must tread with caution.”

“Excuse me, Mistress Prescor?”

“Heavens, child, I’m old enough to be you grandmother, but you call me Aniyabel or if it suites you, Ana. I don’t hold by formalities, not even for the nobles.”

“Aniyabel, why should the color of my eyes cause any sort of stir?”

Hazel eyes narrowed, studying her face. “If you don’t know, I suppose I’m as good as any to tell you. You don’t look old enough to know unless someone does. You have the look about you of the northerners. They brought a man through here some years back, the royals did, claiming he was a prisoner of war. His eyes were silver, like yours. Similar features.”

Lahrya was startled. No one from Telasco had looked like her, or ever talked about her differences. The surprise must have been evident on her face as Aniyabel continued, “They say those northerners can do strange things, magic and the like mayhap.” In an abrupt shift, she returned to the reason Lahrya had obviously come in. “Now, I’m going to make you several dresses: two serviceable, one nice for occasion wear, and one for riding. You leave the color and style to me, child. I won’t have you disappointed. I’ll bring them to you at the inn. Go on now.”

The dressmaker hustled her out of the shop into the midday traffic of pedestrians, horses, carts, and wagons. Carefully avoiding any contact with the strangers around her, Lahrya returned to the inn for a midday meal. Saffey tried to engage her about her time out in the city realizing it was her first time but to no avail. A brief, tight smile was all Lahrya could offer after eating before retreating to her room to contemplate over what Aniyabel had told her. It took longer than usual to settle herself into the familiar trance of breathing patterns, realizing for the first time that whatever was calling her, was dragging her into a world she was in no way prepared to handle.

Fri
22 Feb
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First Installment

Published by OneLadyWolf under Thought 1. Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Alright, this is going to be installment 1 of chapter 1 to my title-less work. I hope you enjoy. I’m only planning on posting 2-5 pages each time. Of course, they’re word document pages, so I guess that’s approximately 3-10 pages of a paperback book depending on size. Enjoy!

 

 

Sawl Newhin was caught up in the quicksilver gaze of this slight girl. He doubted greatly if she was any older than his youngest daughter whom he would have nowhere near the rowdy bunch that often gathered at The Fool’s Dance.

“What is it you do, girl?” he asked, not realizing his first instinct to turn her away was overridden.

“I sing, Master Newhin.”

—————

He canted his head to one side, studying her. “I suppose you would since I don’t see any instruments on you for playing and you don’t have the look about you of a showman. I’ll give you a chance, girl. I’ll have Dole and Robst, my guards, keep an eye out for you.”

“Thank you and my name is Lahrya,” she murmured through her smile. “Do you have anything for a midday meal?”

Sawl called over the serving girl who had fetched him. Between the two of them they got Lahrya a seat and a meal. She went quiet for all but thank you now and again. Those bustling around to serve the few patrons who entered early could not help but look at the girl and in turn the patrons caught themselves looking at her, too. Everyone knew Sawl quite well, and none were sure why he was letting a child stay and perform.

Before the evening brought in its normal crowds, Lahrya was shown to a small room barely big enough for one. Expressing her gratitude to the maid, she was left alone, and firmly shut the door behind her. She expelled her breath before moving to sit cross legged on the narrow cot, a small bundle with her clothes and precious items left at the foot. Her eyes closed as she focused on her breathing. Slow inhale and slower exhale with scarcely any motion to indicate she breathed or lived.

As a child she learned that looking directly at someone could compel them. Only the truly dimwitted or those with innate mental barriers could avoid the compulsion. She was careful not to push too many people too far. No one else seemed to be able to do this. There was no point in arousing suspicion if it could be avoided. Many were amenable to her even without a push.

Midday pushed on to evening without Lahrya moving until the din from the common room grew to a fever pitch of chaotic familiarity that can invade such places. Quicksilver eyes opened to a darkened room as she stretched. Soft shoed feet whispered in quick steps to the door where she flipped the light switch. Electricity was new to this country produced by water mills and features she didn’t comprehend, not always working. The light flickered unsteadily above her head catching her attention. With a tilt to her head, bemused, before turning the light off, she left the room. She’d ask one of the maids, perhaps, for a candle.

Lahrya smoothed the skirt as she made her way back to the common room passing only a few who were turning in early. While everyone pretended indifference, she could feel eyes watching her after she passed and more so when she entered the common room. Sawl saw her enter and nearly went to tell her not to bother. The gathered crowd was raucous. He couldn’t see how such a slip of a girl could captivate such boisterous group already far gone in drink.

Quicksilver eyes took in the men as she stepped up on the raised platform. Some raised cat calls but her cheeks did not color. With measured breaths Lahrya took a seat on the solitary stool facing the crowd. Those who had noticed her had gone back to conversation and drink. She caught Dole and Robst moving closer to the platform, circulating among the tables and couldn’t help but smile at Master Newhin’s concern for her.

She began to sing. If her eyes were quicksilver, her voice was liquid gold. Soft melody drifted over the inn’s patrons the sound barely touching on the peripheral of their conversations. Lahrya closed her eyes, giving herself over to the song. The intensity grew with phrase and verse spinning a tale to captivate. Each syllable almost seemed to shimmer in the air around her, drifting away to alight on tables, shoulders, and heads before melding together.

Not entirely sure what was happening, the crowd began to notice her song. The girl before them pouring out the entirety of her being in song gave them a gift that was slow to be realized and not at all understood. She sang of changing seasons, of peace, joy, and understanding. Her song encompassed time, infusing a measure of contentment in each person who listened. New patrons began to come in, filling the room to capacity. When Dole and Robst had to stop worrying over her and focus on the door to not allow anyone else in, people gathered around the door and windows outside to hear.

Lahrya’s voice reached them all. She didn’t overreach herself or strain her voice, but the splendid music trickled a feeling of golden calmness into everyone. Those not already drunk kept it to moderation, and those far gone actually came out of their fog to an extent. Sawl Newhin’s serving girls were kept in motion even if the new drinks poured were scarcely touched.

After nearly three quarters of an hour of continuous and unwavering sound, her golden voice faded. She didn’t sing songs like a showman but stories encompassing years to decades to millennia and eons. A collectively sigh ran through the crowd as she gently ceased the song. Hesitant clapping issued from a few listeners but most people looked bemused as Lahrya rose and left the platform. Sawl met her while the noise level grew in volume though the sound felt muted after her performance.

“My word, girl, you certainly can sing! I’ve never seen this crowd so caught up. I feel different somehow as well.”

“If I may be honest, Master Newhin, this is the first crowd of any size I have sung directly to. It was a pleasant experience. However, once an evening is all I can manage right now,” she said slowly, in a gentle fashion so as not to disturb the strange peace. “I can sing here every night however, for meals and continued sole use of the room you granted me. I prefer not to room with any others.”

“Lahrya, if you can pack my common room every night with the voice of yours, you’re welcome to stay,” Sawl told her expansively. “Oh, the girls collected this for you.” With that, he handed her a weighty pouch.

She took the leather pouch in both hands lifting a delicately arched eyebrow in inquiry. “Whatever is this for, Master Newhin?”

“It is customary for performers, though I would hardly apply that term to you, to leave a bowl or cap out for contributions from the audience. Now , should we see about getting you some dinner?”

Her smile turning rueful she nodded, “Definitely, please!”

The stout man led Lahrya back to the kitchen considering there was no space in the packed common room. She scarcely heard him as he talked about getting a showman to keep his patrons entertained after her singing, seeing as how any showman should see the profit to be made from so many jammed into his common room. He would have either Robst or Dole keep an eye on her, because begging her pardon, but she was awfully young to be out on her own.

His main thoughts kept to keeping her safe from a monetary standpoint. She let him ramble, sorting out her own thoughts. Something about Halnon insisted she leave the peddler. She had felt it. Hoping in a few days the reason would become clear; she sat at the end of a food prep table to consume her meal of a thick stew, crusty bread and milk. Sawl left her under the watchful eye of the cook.

Saffey Dalie had worked for Sawl for years. In that time, she had never witnessed his common room so full, not even five years ago when the royal guard came through with a treasured prisoner of war from the far north. They had stopped in every major city to display the strange man.

Watching Lahrya eat, Saffey felt reminded of that man but couldn’t quite place why. Keeping her own counsel, she was startled by the glimpse of silver from the girl’s eyes. His eyes had been silver, but she thought that it was imagined in fantasy seeing as how she only caught a brief glimpse of him. Thinking back to that day, she wondered if the fantasy were actually truth. The guard hadn’t allowed anyone too near.

She started when Lahrya spoke, “Thank you for the meal. Could I have a candle to take up to my room?”

Saffey nodded, “Of course, dear, I’ll get one for you.” She bustled off to the storeroom. So many patrons were enamored with the new electricity that even with the faults they tried to use that instead of the old-fashioned candles. Returning with a candle and holder, Lahrya thanked her before retreating. The cook took note of the girl’s quicksilver eyes. Having not seen her earlier, she didn’t get a full look at her, but now, she knew she saw true and it only made her wonder again about that man.

Back in the small room, Lahrya set the candle atop the small table by the cot, stowing the pouch Sawl had given her in a small box beneath with the pouch on her belt. A small bundle she had arrived with earlier was at the foot of the bed. She moved it to the single chair on the other side of the room and lay down for the night.

Downstairs, the cacophony never reached the extreme level it had before she sang. Closing her eyes, she slowed her breathing. The exercise she had always used and would always use coming to her naturally, with every sound and sensation overwhelming her until it was absorbed to peace. Lahrya did not know of Saffey’s thoughts, and did not know of this prisoner. The village she came from was too remote. With no more thoughts to distract her, Lahrya drifted to sleep.

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