In Swords of Fire: Traitor there are only a few references to animals. We know about horses. Mostly, those are used for pulling plows and wagons, although there are a few bred for speed. Avalina is an apprentice horse trainer, and according to the story earns good money at that.
Oxen are used to pull heavy loads, particularly of ore. There is a reference to beef cattle, sheep, goats, and swine. Don't recall if I mention chickens and geese, but they're there. There are (or were) references to cats and dogs. Those may have been cut from the story as I sought desperately for ways to reduce word count. Entire characters had their sub-stories cut.
Regarding wild animals, deer are mentioned, as are eagles, wolves (I think - if not in Traitor certainly in Prophecies of Madatar, where they play an important role), squirrels, fish, and small birds. Maybe I reference dragons. Can't remember. So much was deleted in the last edit.
There are also a couple of references to Giant Cats.
Surprisingly, I have said very little about Giant Cats on this blog. Where more is said is in Tavaar's Backstory - and some place else I can't find right now. The portion where they are discussed in Tavaar's Backstory has not been posted at this time. However, in that portion, Khaiu delivers an infodump about Giant Cats.
“Shadow Cats are ancient creatures from the Beginning,” said Khaiu. “There are three kinds: Fire Cats, Shadow Cats, and Sphinx. All are gifted in speech and knowledge. Their quest is for knowledge. The Fire Cats are perhaps the wisest, able to take in and understand knowledge better than the others. They are mountain and forest dwellers. Their strength is in their ability to focus on an idea. Their weakness is tied to their strength. Because they focus on an idea, their knowledge is more limited. Unlike the Shadow Cats and Sphinx. The Shadow Cars are the balance of Fire Cats. Maybe that is why the two are generally found together. But whereas Fire Cats focus intently on certain areas of knowledge, Shadow Cats are curious about everything. Thus, Shadow Cats are gifted with more knowledge, but less understanding. I do not say this to offend.” This last was spoken to Shadow Mother, who was listening intently. She smiled.
“You only speak the truth, little one. Go on. You are doing well. Tell them of the Sphinx.”
“The Sphinx are between the two. They are less wise, but more knowledgeable than Fire Cats, and more wise and less knowledgeable than Shadow Cats. Also, they do not appear to get along with the others, and so shun the forests and mountains. In fact, they do not appear to care much for anyone or anything.”
“They do not,” said Shadow Mother. “They threaten and bully. They love to torment. Unlike us, they are ever loth to reveal their knowledge. They couch what they know in riddles and deception, misleading the well intended.”
“And you do not?” asked Sashwa.
As you can see, Khaiu is not alone. At least Sashwa is with him. Not only that, but they are in the presence of a Giant Cat. I'll let you know now that there were seven present: Khaiu and Tura, Shello and Klarissa, Tavaar and Wheylen, and Sashwa. This scene is critical in explaining some of what is to come.
Showing posts with label Khirsha and His Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Khirsha and His Family. Show all posts
Friday, May 29, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Sayla
Right now, one hundred percent of what is known about Sayla is revealed in Swords of Fire: Traitor. I have done no further background story on her. Sayla's background story is tied in with Khirsha's. They grew up together.
What we learn early on is that Sayla's parents, her father in particular, very much want Sayla to court and marry Khirsha. Khirsha and Sayla are close cousins, as opposed to near cousins, or just plain cousins.
A near cousin is the offspring of parent brothers and sisters. Close cousins would be those who are offspring of grandparents brothers and sisters - exclusing near cousins, of course. Cousins are all others in the family.
Sayla's grandfather is Abro, who is brother to Abrin, Khirsha's grandfather.
Actually, now that I think on it, my opening statement is not true. I do know things about Sayla which are not in the story, although I guess they are hinted at.
Sayla is one of Khirsha's generation's best warriors. Apparently, only Khirsha, Kelso, and Nivendor exceed her, but that is in fighting skill. As a hunter, Khirsha concedes Sayla's superiority, and Sayla offers no false humility in denying it.
In the year 338, at the age of eight, Sayla wins the eight-year-old sword championship by defeating her best friend and close cousin, Meekel. She will win again at the ages of ten, thirteen, and sixteen. Seven times she will fight in the championship and lose to Kelso, the last time at the age of nineteen. Once, at the age of seventeen, she will lose to Kelso in the semi-finals.
At the age of twenty she will face Khirsha for the championship. And lose.
In the last two years of competition she will face Tavaar's eldest son, Nivendor in the semi-finals and lose both times.
Sayla is an attractive girl, although even Khirsha acknowledges not the most attractive. That honor goes to Laynell, who is sweet on Kelso. Still, it is possible Laynell only appears more attractive because of the effort she puts into maintaining her appearance. Sayla, being a hunter, is more rustic, both in appearance and attitude. Her naturalness is clearly one of the things which attracts Khirsha to her. But - and this is the secret part - there is something else at play. Something I cannot reveal at this time. I believe it is slated to be revealed in Book Six, which currently has no working title.
Suffice to say, Sayla is a very important person.
What we learn early on is that Sayla's parents, her father in particular, very much want Sayla to court and marry Khirsha. Khirsha and Sayla are close cousins, as opposed to near cousins, or just plain cousins.
A near cousin is the offspring of parent brothers and sisters. Close cousins would be those who are offspring of grandparents brothers and sisters - exclusing near cousins, of course. Cousins are all others in the family.
Sayla's grandfather is Abro, who is brother to Abrin, Khirsha's grandfather.
Actually, now that I think on it, my opening statement is not true. I do know things about Sayla which are not in the story, although I guess they are hinted at.
Sayla is one of Khirsha's generation's best warriors. Apparently, only Khirsha, Kelso, and Nivendor exceed her, but that is in fighting skill. As a hunter, Khirsha concedes Sayla's superiority, and Sayla offers no false humility in denying it.
In the year 338, at the age of eight, Sayla wins the eight-year-old sword championship by defeating her best friend and close cousin, Meekel. She will win again at the ages of ten, thirteen, and sixteen. Seven times she will fight in the championship and lose to Kelso, the last time at the age of nineteen. Once, at the age of seventeen, she will lose to Kelso in the semi-finals.
At the age of twenty she will face Khirsha for the championship. And lose.
In the last two years of competition she will face Tavaar's eldest son, Nivendor in the semi-finals and lose both times.
Sayla is an attractive girl, although even Khirsha acknowledges not the most attractive. That honor goes to Laynell, who is sweet on Kelso. Still, it is possible Laynell only appears more attractive because of the effort she puts into maintaining her appearance. Sayla, being a hunter, is more rustic, both in appearance and attitude. Her naturalness is clearly one of the things which attracts Khirsha to her. But - and this is the secret part - there is something else at play. Something I cannot reveal at this time. I believe it is slated to be revealed in Book Six, which currently has no working title.
Suffice to say, Sayla is a very important person.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Abrin
Abrin is the Head-of-Family at the time of Swords of Fire: Traitor. He is also Khirsha's grandfather.
While I know quite a bit about him, I have not actually included him much in any background story.
He is an enigmatic character at times, possessing knowledge, seemingly without a source. But all knowledge must have a source someplace. Thus far, I only hint at it. In Book Three (currently titled Bonds of Love) we learn the source.
Abrin is a man full of plans and secrets. Such is the life of anyone in charge of a large group. He is decisive, able to make hard decisions even when he lacks the knowledge he seeks. He is also able to wait, knowing when waiting for that knowledge is more important than acting out of turn.
At times he can appear to be harsh. Other times he demonstrates great compassion and understanding.
Although nearing one hundred years of age, he is still strong and able. He passes his flamesword test in Swords of Fire: Traitor with honors, although his son, Khaiu, might argue that point.
He is not above bending, or even breaking, rules. Sometimes for selfish reasons. At the same time he accepts responsibility for his actions. He possesses knowledge that few in the family share. This is often a burden, for the others' lack of knowledge affects their decisions as much as his possession of it.
While I know quite a bit about him, I have not actually included him much in any background story.
He is an enigmatic character at times, possessing knowledge, seemingly without a source. But all knowledge must have a source someplace. Thus far, I only hint at it. In Book Three (currently titled Bonds of Love) we learn the source.
Abrin is a man full of plans and secrets. Such is the life of anyone in charge of a large group. He is decisive, able to make hard decisions even when he lacks the knowledge he seeks. He is also able to wait, knowing when waiting for that knowledge is more important than acting out of turn.
At times he can appear to be harsh. Other times he demonstrates great compassion and understanding.
Although nearing one hundred years of age, he is still strong and able. He passes his flamesword test in Swords of Fire: Traitor with honors, although his son, Khaiu, might argue that point.
He is not above bending, or even breaking, rules. Sometimes for selfish reasons. At the same time he accepts responsibility for his actions. He possesses knowledge that few in the family share. This is often a burden, for the others' lack of knowledge affects their decisions as much as his possession of it.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Tavaar - 73rd Edition
“Process? What process?” asked Sashwa.
“It is very similar to what we are doing right now," said Khaiu. "Anyone wishing to officially declare a premonition must present themselves at the Temple for examination. A scribe will record all they say, including their own interpretation, while those who are believed to ‘know’ listen. The ‘Knowers’ are those like Sashwa, who do not necessarily see the vision, but somehow can tell if it is real. My guess, Sashwa, is that in years to come you will find yourself sitting and listening to these premonitions. After the premonition has been recorded, the ‘Seer’ leaves, and the Knowers give their impressions, one at a time without the knowledge of the others. The scribe records each in turn. Finally, the report is brought to the Head-of-Family and Chief Temple Keeper, and any sovereign who may be near. If the consensus is that it is real, it is announced. If not, no one hears of it.”
“And you say Gwihnna has done this twice?” asked Shello.
“Yes. In both cases the Knowers agreed her premonition was real, but disagreed with her interpretation. From reading Gwihnna’s accounts, it is clear she does not look beyond the surface. Her judgments tend to be rash, and mostly centered around herself.”
“But they did come true?” asked Tavaar.
“They did. But not like Gwihnna expected.”
“If that is true, then her interpretation of this may also be faulty,” said Wheylin.
“That is more than reasonable,” said Khaiu. “It is what I believe.”
“But Sashwa confirmed it,” said Tavaar.
“Only that it was real,” said Khaiu. “Has she not always had difficulty with Gwihnna’s interpretation?”
“I have,” said Sashwa, looking at Tavaar. “I mean, we like to tease and toy and play, Darling, but I just can’t see you doing this. Certainly not with Shello!”
Laughter, followed by a playful slap from Shello.
“Nor I,” said Khaiu. “I believe Wheylin spoke true when he said you might do it in your dreams, but not while awake.”
“So what does it mean?” Tavaar asked.
“Let us consider what we know. We are hampered because apparently the premonition was short. That opens the way for more possibilities. But what we know is Tavaar is holding two babies. An adult figure in shadow is with her. That is all. Gwihnna chose to accept the obvious: that Tavaar bore the babies to the figure in shadow, and that since it wasn’t Wheylin, Tavaar was going to be unfaithful.”
“And because Kelenbah wanted me, she believed he was the shadow figure,” said Tavaar.
“A pretty big assumption,” said Shello.
“Not when you consider how Gwihnna always sees things centered around herself. That being true, it was only natural she would believe it was Kelenbah.”
“Something since proved to be false,” said Sashwa.
“Correct,” said Khaiu. “So let’s consider the adult in the shadow.”
“He could be anybody,” said Shello.
“Anybody but Kelenbah,” added Sashwa.
“Which means?” Khaiu prompted.
There was a pause while Khaiu waited for them to catch up to his thinking. Tavaar thought she knew what he was implying.
“Why can’t he be Wheylin?”
“It is very similar to what we are doing right now," said Khaiu. "Anyone wishing to officially declare a premonition must present themselves at the Temple for examination. A scribe will record all they say, including their own interpretation, while those who are believed to ‘know’ listen. The ‘Knowers’ are those like Sashwa, who do not necessarily see the vision, but somehow can tell if it is real. My guess, Sashwa, is that in years to come you will find yourself sitting and listening to these premonitions. After the premonition has been recorded, the ‘Seer’ leaves, and the Knowers give their impressions, one at a time without the knowledge of the others. The scribe records each in turn. Finally, the report is brought to the Head-of-Family and Chief Temple Keeper, and any sovereign who may be near. If the consensus is that it is real, it is announced. If not, no one hears of it.”
“And you say Gwihnna has done this twice?” asked Shello.
“Yes. In both cases the Knowers agreed her premonition was real, but disagreed with her interpretation. From reading Gwihnna’s accounts, it is clear she does not look beyond the surface. Her judgments tend to be rash, and mostly centered around herself.”
“But they did come true?” asked Tavaar.
“They did. But not like Gwihnna expected.”
“If that is true, then her interpretation of this may also be faulty,” said Wheylin.
“That is more than reasonable,” said Khaiu. “It is what I believe.”
“But Sashwa confirmed it,” said Tavaar.
“Only that it was real,” said Khaiu. “Has she not always had difficulty with Gwihnna’s interpretation?”
“I have,” said Sashwa, looking at Tavaar. “I mean, we like to tease and toy and play, Darling, but I just can’t see you doing this. Certainly not with Shello!”
Laughter, followed by a playful slap from Shello.
“Nor I,” said Khaiu. “I believe Wheylin spoke true when he said you might do it in your dreams, but not while awake.”
“So what does it mean?” Tavaar asked.
“Let us consider what we know. We are hampered because apparently the premonition was short. That opens the way for more possibilities. But what we know is Tavaar is holding two babies. An adult figure in shadow is with her. That is all. Gwihnna chose to accept the obvious: that Tavaar bore the babies to the figure in shadow, and that since it wasn’t Wheylin, Tavaar was going to be unfaithful.”
“And because Kelenbah wanted me, she believed he was the shadow figure,” said Tavaar.
“A pretty big assumption,” said Shello.
“Not when you consider how Gwihnna always sees things centered around herself. That being true, it was only natural she would believe it was Kelenbah.”
“Something since proved to be false,” said Sashwa.
“Correct,” said Khaiu. “So let’s consider the adult in the shadow.”
“He could be anybody,” said Shello.
“Anybody but Kelenbah,” added Sashwa.
“Which means?” Khaiu prompted.
There was a pause while Khaiu waited for them to catch up to his thinking. Tavaar thought she knew what he was implying.
“Why can’t he be Wheylin?”
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Tavaar - 72nd Edition
“It seems real," said Tavaar. "It did from the first. That’s why I have been afraid. I don’t want it to be true. Only, I feel helpless. I mean, if it is a premonition, then it is going to happen. Right? How can I stop the future? You’ve told me yourself, Khaiu, I have a destiny.”
“Don’t let that throw you. He’s said the same thing to me. And Klarissa,” said Shello.
“And who knows who else? Is that what you’re saying?” asked Sashwa.
“Maybe. I just don’t see it as something to worry about.”
“That’s because your destiny isn’t to be unfaithful,” snapped Tavaar.
“Neither is yours,” said Khaiu. “You have a destiny, but there is no need to be either excited or concerned. It will fulfill itself in its own time and in its own way.”
“But what about Gwihnna’s premonition?” asked Sashwa.
“Gwihnna’s premonition is interesting,” said Khaiu.
Sashwa laughed. “Interesting? You have a gift for understatement, Khaiu.”
“Why is it interesting?” asked Tavaar.
Khaiu had never professed special seeing or knowing ability, save that he had assured Shello, Klarissa, and herself that they all had a destiny. He said it with such assurance no one thought to question him on it. But there was a lot more to Khaiu than intelligence and warrior skill. His entire manner bespoke such confidence that many far older deferred to his judgment. He studied hard. He knew things few others did. When challenged on his knowledge he always pointed to a verifiable source; usually, the Temple records. Even in the non-restricted area there was a lot of information few bothered to read.
“To begin with, I find it interesting that the only one not cast in shadow is Tavaar. The other is in shadow. Even the children are not seen clearly.”
“What do you think is the significance?” asked Shello.
“I’m not sure. There are several possibilities, but this was not Gwihnna’s first premonition. Did you know that?”
“She mentioned others, though she didn’t say what they were. But she said they always came true,” said Tavaar.
“She spoke the truth; but only part of it. Officially, Gwihnna has had two premonitions. These took place on alternating years. She may have had others which she did not choose to make known. But the two she did came true all right, but not in the way she predicted.”
“How do you know this?” asked Wheylin.
“I have been studying premonitions for years,” said Khaiu. “Each year several claim to have them. It is not always the same ones, and very rarely does anyone have more than one in a given year. At least, none are recorded. Not everyone chooses to go through the process. Certainly not every time.”
“Don’t let that throw you. He’s said the same thing to me. And Klarissa,” said Shello.
“And who knows who else? Is that what you’re saying?” asked Sashwa.
“Maybe. I just don’t see it as something to worry about.”
“That’s because your destiny isn’t to be unfaithful,” snapped Tavaar.
“Neither is yours,” said Khaiu. “You have a destiny, but there is no need to be either excited or concerned. It will fulfill itself in its own time and in its own way.”
“But what about Gwihnna’s premonition?” asked Sashwa.
“Gwihnna’s premonition is interesting,” said Khaiu.
Sashwa laughed. “Interesting? You have a gift for understatement, Khaiu.”
“Why is it interesting?” asked Tavaar.
Khaiu had never professed special seeing or knowing ability, save that he had assured Shello, Klarissa, and herself that they all had a destiny. He said it with such assurance no one thought to question him on it. But there was a lot more to Khaiu than intelligence and warrior skill. His entire manner bespoke such confidence that many far older deferred to his judgment. He studied hard. He knew things few others did. When challenged on his knowledge he always pointed to a verifiable source; usually, the Temple records. Even in the non-restricted area there was a lot of information few bothered to read.
“To begin with, I find it interesting that the only one not cast in shadow is Tavaar. The other is in shadow. Even the children are not seen clearly.”
“What do you think is the significance?” asked Shello.
“I’m not sure. There are several possibilities, but this was not Gwihnna’s first premonition. Did you know that?”
“She mentioned others, though she didn’t say what they were. But she said they always came true,” said Tavaar.
“She spoke the truth; but only part of it. Officially, Gwihnna has had two premonitions. These took place on alternating years. She may have had others which she did not choose to make known. But the two she did came true all right, but not in the way she predicted.”
“How do you know this?” asked Wheylin.
“I have been studying premonitions for years,” said Khaiu. “Each year several claim to have them. It is not always the same ones, and very rarely does anyone have more than one in a given year. At least, none are recorded. Not everyone chooses to go through the process. Certainly not every time.”
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Tavaar - 71st Edition
Khaiu had become their unofficial leader. This was normal. He was not only the ranking officer, and the eldest, but he had always taken the lead whenever they discussed something serious. In matters of play, it had always been Tavaar or Sashwa or, every once in a while, Shello. The newcomer was Wheylin. Although Sashwa’s brother, Wheylin had never been part of her and Tavaar’s escapades. This had been especially true when play was involved. That was part of Tavaar’s reason for sitting so close to him. She wanted to be sure he felt secure and confident in his place within the group.
Tavaar glanced around. She was happy because here was the core of her life. Only Bolar was missing. Ahzbah meant a lot to her, but Ahzbah was only interested in play. These four knew that sometimes things really were important, and right now they were all bound with a single purpose: break down Gwihnna’s premonition and decide once and for all if it was real or imagined. And if real, what could (should) be done about it?
The first thing Khaiu did was to make sure everyone understood the premonition, so he had Tavaar repeat it. Shello was the only one who had not been previously told. Then, beginning with Sashwa and moving left, he asked each to reveal their first response.
Sashwa conceded that something seemed to ring true about it, but she couldn’t conceive of how it could come about. Shello said it didn’t make any sense whatsoever, but shamefacedly admitted that something about it made him uneasy. Khaiu skipped himself. As unofficial head of this meeting, he felt he should go last. He turned to Wheylin. Wheylin began with a sigh.
“My first reaction was that it was a trick. It would certainly be the kind of fool thing Gwihnna and Kelenbah would do. I know Tavaar can be wild, and she likes to have fun. That was her reputation when we were married. But no one ever claimed to have lay with her. She can often appear to be wild because of her antics and her talk – especially when she is with my sister. But I have always believed – before and since our marriage – that she is honorable and pure. I believe you all see her the same. For that reason, no matter how I may feel, I cannot see how the premonition can be true. The most likely partners would be you two. Yet I believe you both to also be honorable and pure. If you're all honorable how can it happen? I can see her doing things in her dreams, but that’s not real. Dreams are not just about what we desire, but they also contain our fears. So while she may lay with you in her dreams, can you honestly imaging her laying with you for real? Well, can you?”
“Hush,” said Sashwa. “They’re imagining it.”
Wheylin groaned iand asked for someone to slap her. There was no need. Tavaar and Shello, who sat on either side of her, had already cried out themselves and acted. They slapped Sashwa several times, but only in a playful manner. They stopped and sat back up. Now it was Tavaar’s turn.
Tavaar glanced around. She was happy because here was the core of her life. Only Bolar was missing. Ahzbah meant a lot to her, but Ahzbah was only interested in play. These four knew that sometimes things really were important, and right now they were all bound with a single purpose: break down Gwihnna’s premonition and decide once and for all if it was real or imagined. And if real, what could (should) be done about it?
The first thing Khaiu did was to make sure everyone understood the premonition, so he had Tavaar repeat it. Shello was the only one who had not been previously told. Then, beginning with Sashwa and moving left, he asked each to reveal their first response.
Sashwa conceded that something seemed to ring true about it, but she couldn’t conceive of how it could come about. Shello said it didn’t make any sense whatsoever, but shamefacedly admitted that something about it made him uneasy. Khaiu skipped himself. As unofficial head of this meeting, he felt he should go last. He turned to Wheylin. Wheylin began with a sigh.
“My first reaction was that it was a trick. It would certainly be the kind of fool thing Gwihnna and Kelenbah would do. I know Tavaar can be wild, and she likes to have fun. That was her reputation when we were married. But no one ever claimed to have lay with her. She can often appear to be wild because of her antics and her talk – especially when she is with my sister. But I have always believed – before and since our marriage – that she is honorable and pure. I believe you all see her the same. For that reason, no matter how I may feel, I cannot see how the premonition can be true. The most likely partners would be you two. Yet I believe you both to also be honorable and pure. If you're all honorable how can it happen? I can see her doing things in her dreams, but that’s not real. Dreams are not just about what we desire, but they also contain our fears. So while she may lay with you in her dreams, can you honestly imaging her laying with you for real? Well, can you?”
“Hush,” said Sashwa. “They’re imagining it.”
Wheylin groaned iand asked for someone to slap her. There was no need. Tavaar and Shello, who sat on either side of her, had already cried out themselves and acted. They slapped Sashwa several times, but only in a playful manner. They stopped and sat back up. Now it was Tavaar’s turn.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Tavaar - 70th Edition
All erupted with boisterous laughter. All, that is, except Khaiu. He sat quiet and unmoved while all laughed at his expense. He waited for everyone to settle back down before exacting his revenge.
“I let him tell this tale because I feel sorry for him.”
“Why?” asked Sashwa.
Tavaar looked at Shello. His smile was fading fast.
“It is because of what Tura and I did to him and Klarissa.”
Sashwa leaned forward. “What did you do?”
“We had caught them in the water, but instead of wasting our time watching the inexperienced, we did something far more practical: we took their clothes and brought them back to camp.”
Now everyone was laughing at Shello. Sashwa had to fall back and roll on the ground. It took her awhile to collect herself.
“Oh, I wish I had been there to see you two trying to sneak back to camp to get your clothes,” she said. “I bet you had to use all your skill to get in unnoticed.”
“He did,” said Khaiu, impressed. “They actually might have made it, too – except for one thing: we told everyone they were coming. It was quite amusing, really. There was Klarissa, her arms crossed and trying to hide behind Shello. And there was Shello, with his teeny weenie little oak leaf. They looked so pitiful Tura and I took compassion on them and tossed them their things.”
“But we got even with you on that!” cried Shello.
“Ye – e – s, but I believe Tura and I are still one up.”
“Not for long. Klarissa and I have something special planned.”
“I can hardly wait.”
They talked a while longer. Then everyone began breaking away into the regular evening routines. A few left for some private play time, but mostly it was notepacks and pointcasters. Tavaar led Wheylin, Sashwa, Khaiu, and Shello to a place where they could talk without interruption. They sat in a tight circle. This allowed them to speak in low tones. Sashwa sat to Tavaar’s left. Shello was beside her. Then came Khaiu, Wheylin and Tavaar, who sat so close to Wheylin she was nearly in his lap.
“You needn’t sit on him, Darling. I don’t think he’s planning on going anywhere,” said Sashwa.
Tavaar laughed with the others, but she stayed close to Wheylin.
“I let him tell this tale because I feel sorry for him.”
“Why?” asked Sashwa.
Tavaar looked at Shello. His smile was fading fast.
“It is because of what Tura and I did to him and Klarissa.”
Sashwa leaned forward. “What did you do?”
“We had caught them in the water, but instead of wasting our time watching the inexperienced, we did something far more practical: we took their clothes and brought them back to camp.”
Now everyone was laughing at Shello. Sashwa had to fall back and roll on the ground. It took her awhile to collect herself.
“Oh, I wish I had been there to see you two trying to sneak back to camp to get your clothes,” she said. “I bet you had to use all your skill to get in unnoticed.”
“He did,” said Khaiu, impressed. “They actually might have made it, too – except for one thing: we told everyone they were coming. It was quite amusing, really. There was Klarissa, her arms crossed and trying to hide behind Shello. And there was Shello, with his teeny weenie little oak leaf. They looked so pitiful Tura and I took compassion on them and tossed them their things.”
“But we got even with you on that!” cried Shello.
“Ye – e – s, but I believe Tura and I are still one up.”
“Not for long. Klarissa and I have something special planned.”
“I can hardly wait.”
They talked a while longer. Then everyone began breaking away into the regular evening routines. A few left for some private play time, but mostly it was notepacks and pointcasters. Tavaar led Wheylin, Sashwa, Khaiu, and Shello to a place where they could talk without interruption. They sat in a tight circle. This allowed them to speak in low tones. Sashwa sat to Tavaar’s left. Shello was beside her. Then came Khaiu, Wheylin and Tavaar, who sat so close to Wheylin she was nearly in his lap.
“You needn’t sit on him, Darling. I don’t think he’s planning on going anywhere,” said Sashwa.
Tavaar laughed with the others, but she stayed close to Wheylin.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Tavaar - 69th Edition
So I've been playing around with the blog's layout. Not sure I'm keen on the new colors, but I like the wider column. If you have an opinion to render on the subject I would be pleased to know it. Same with Tavaar's backstory.
I skipped Tavaar's meeting with her husband. That involved some lovemaking which I'm not keen to put in right now. Then Sashwa arrived in a mood. Tavaar made a joke and suggested she leave the twins alone. Of course that did not go well with Sashwa or Wheylin.
This next bit doesn't really offer much in the way of plot or anything. But then there is no real plot to Tavaar's background. It's just background. It's also a bit longer than 500-words. But Shello has a cute story I wanted to include.
Khaiu’s evaluation proved true. Sampka was doing a thorough job of questioning each warrior. This made the entire company uneasy. It was impossible not to whisper and guess what was going on. After lunch, the tension wore heavy. Tavaar decided to give at least some warriors a respite. She sent Nayvahl and Sashwa’s teams out on patrol, although there was no real need. Sashwa’s was given the added instruction of bringing back supper. Shello left with Nayvahl and Khaiu with Sashwa. Tavaar remained in camp.
The High Command had taken an austere attitude. They remained at Kelenbah’s old hut. They took a couple of short breaks before supper. After supper, there were no interviews, but they remained apart, apparently discussing testimony. They had interviewed a little more than half the company. Tavaar was relieved it had been with the warriors most likely to be critical of her. Those that remained were more friendly. During supper, Tavaar had all the squad leaders sit with Khaiu and Shello. The rest of the company sat near, for the two brothers were relating some of their experiences from down south – beyond family lands. They had actually gone as far south as Dark Lake. This put them in a near mythical region under the shadow of the Troll Mountains. The rumors were the region was haunted by an assortment of frightening creatures. Shello, speaking dramatically, gave his feelings about the place.
“Well, as to what can be found in the lake, all I’m ready to say is, there is a reason it was named Dark Lake.”
“Why?” blurted out Hehnfit, who had crept close.
Khaiu gave him a look. “It’s dark,” he said, drawing a wave of laughter at Hehnfit's expense.
“But it’s real dark!” said Shello.
“But what’s in the lake?” Hehnfit asked.
“Water,” said Khaiu.
More laughter. Hehnfit was both embarrassed and put out.
“Yes, but what about the creatures that live in the water?” he asked. “I’ve heard there are monsters in there. Did you see anything? And don’t tell me fish!”
“Well, Klarissa and I saw creatures in the water, and they certainly were not fish,” said Shello, his voice low and alarming. Several of the younger warriors leaned forward, the hair on their arms raised. “We were on our way back to camp. No one else was with us. Then, we saw them. There were two. I think they may have been a mating pair, for they were engaged in some bizarre behavior. Knowing how wild things can be at such times, we moved very cautiously.”
Tavaar found herself glancing at Khaiu, to see if anything about his manner would lend credibility to Shello’s tale. Shello expounded on how the two creatures splashed and chased each other through water probably no deeper than his waist. The male made a horrible call that hurt their ears and echoed into the forest, but the female seemed to like it. They were fairly hairless creatures, although not completely. Amazingly, unlike other wild creatures Shello had seen, the male was not the one with greater beauty. In fact, he was hardly worth noticing at all. The female, on the other hand, was quite beautiful.
“What kind of creatures were they? What are they called?” asked Quehlit.
Shello’s face was intense, as though loth to speak. When he did, it was practically a whisper. “Well, I can only tell you what I call them.”
“What?” several asked at once.
“Khaiu and Tura.”
I skipped Tavaar's meeting with her husband. That involved some lovemaking which I'm not keen to put in right now. Then Sashwa arrived in a mood. Tavaar made a joke and suggested she leave the twins alone. Of course that did not go well with Sashwa or Wheylin.
This next bit doesn't really offer much in the way of plot or anything. But then there is no real plot to Tavaar's background. It's just background. It's also a bit longer than 500-words. But Shello has a cute story I wanted to include.
Khaiu’s evaluation proved true. Sampka was doing a thorough job of questioning each warrior. This made the entire company uneasy. It was impossible not to whisper and guess what was going on. After lunch, the tension wore heavy. Tavaar decided to give at least some warriors a respite. She sent Nayvahl and Sashwa’s teams out on patrol, although there was no real need. Sashwa’s was given the added instruction of bringing back supper. Shello left with Nayvahl and Khaiu with Sashwa. Tavaar remained in camp.
The High Command had taken an austere attitude. They remained at Kelenbah’s old hut. They took a couple of short breaks before supper. After supper, there were no interviews, but they remained apart, apparently discussing testimony. They had interviewed a little more than half the company. Tavaar was relieved it had been with the warriors most likely to be critical of her. Those that remained were more friendly. During supper, Tavaar had all the squad leaders sit with Khaiu and Shello. The rest of the company sat near, for the two brothers were relating some of their experiences from down south – beyond family lands. They had actually gone as far south as Dark Lake. This put them in a near mythical region under the shadow of the Troll Mountains. The rumors were the region was haunted by an assortment of frightening creatures. Shello, speaking dramatically, gave his feelings about the place.
“Well, as to what can be found in the lake, all I’m ready to say is, there is a reason it was named Dark Lake.”
“Why?” blurted out Hehnfit, who had crept close.
Khaiu gave him a look. “It’s dark,” he said, drawing a wave of laughter at Hehnfit's expense.
“But it’s real dark!” said Shello.
“But what’s in the lake?” Hehnfit asked.
“Water,” said Khaiu.
More laughter. Hehnfit was both embarrassed and put out.
“Yes, but what about the creatures that live in the water?” he asked. “I’ve heard there are monsters in there. Did you see anything? And don’t tell me fish!”
“Well, Klarissa and I saw creatures in the water, and they certainly were not fish,” said Shello, his voice low and alarming. Several of the younger warriors leaned forward, the hair on their arms raised. “We were on our way back to camp. No one else was with us. Then, we saw them. There were two. I think they may have been a mating pair, for they were engaged in some bizarre behavior. Knowing how wild things can be at such times, we moved very cautiously.”
Tavaar found herself glancing at Khaiu, to see if anything about his manner would lend credibility to Shello’s tale. Shello expounded on how the two creatures splashed and chased each other through water probably no deeper than his waist. The male made a horrible call that hurt their ears and echoed into the forest, but the female seemed to like it. They were fairly hairless creatures, although not completely. Amazingly, unlike other wild creatures Shello had seen, the male was not the one with greater beauty. In fact, he was hardly worth noticing at all. The female, on the other hand, was quite beautiful.
“What kind of creatures were they? What are they called?” asked Quehlit.
Shello’s face was intense, as though loth to speak. When he did, it was practically a whisper. “Well, I can only tell you what I call them.”
“What?” several asked at once.
“Khaiu and Tura.”
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Tavaar - 68th Edition
This installment of Tavaar's Backstory is going to be especially short. The reason is that it ends a scene and probably should have been part of yesterday's post after all. No matter.
We are soon to learn some important information from Khaiu. In Swords of Fire: Traitor, Khaiu is really just a minor character. In Tavaar's Backstory his role is far more important.
Even when writing Swords of Fire I always suspected there was far more to Khaiu than I really knew. I wasn't able to piece it all together, though, until I wrote Tavaar's Backstory. That included some of Khaiu's backstory. It also allowed me to see how Khaiu is truly a "mover and shaker" of events. He is deliberately enigmatic, like his father. He prefers a role behind, but very near, the visible leaders. This is not because of any lack of confidence on Khaius part. Rather, it is because he is wise enough to understand that those at the front are often distracted by events and so do not see all they should. Therefore, they rely on others to do some of the seeing for them. Understanding he has a great capacity to see these other things, Khaiu has chosen to forgo the front in order to be the best support possible.
Anyway, here is the conclusion of Tavaar's scene with Khaiu.
“Why have you been studying premonitions?”
“To see if there is an overall pattern, or message.”
“Is there?”
“It is especially interesting that your lover in Gwihnna's premonition should remain in shadow when the premonition is repeated. Especially when everything else in the premonition was made more clear. She gave no hint to his identity?”
“No. You say ‘his’. Does that mean you think both children are fathered by the same male?”
“The shadow was the same.”
She looked at him intently. He was drifting away in thought.
“Khaiu? Khaiu! Do you think you know something about this?”
He looked at her with sudden keenness. “You are a warrior of destiny, Tavaar.”
“You’ve told me that before. Khaiu, are you saying my ‘destiny’ is somehow connected with this premonition?”
“I am not saying anything. That is your guess.”
“But it strikes me as a fair guess. I think you know something, Khaiu. Tell me. I can handle it. I promise.”
Instead of a reply, he only gave her an irritating smile.
“Let me think things over through the night and the morrow. We should meet again. Only we should invite Wheylin, Sashwa, and Shello. Judging by how General Sampka is proceeding tonight, I doubt he will be done tomorrow. Okay?”
Tavaar hesitated. “Khaiu, I haven’t told Wheylin everything.”
Khaiu’s look was blank. “Then maybe you should. Come. Let us sit with the others. We have done all we can tonight.”
“Well, not all we can.”
“Do not start, Tavaar.”
We are soon to learn some important information from Khaiu. In Swords of Fire: Traitor, Khaiu is really just a minor character. In Tavaar's Backstory his role is far more important.
Even when writing Swords of Fire I always suspected there was far more to Khaiu than I really knew. I wasn't able to piece it all together, though, until I wrote Tavaar's Backstory. That included some of Khaiu's backstory. It also allowed me to see how Khaiu is truly a "mover and shaker" of events. He is deliberately enigmatic, like his father. He prefers a role behind, but very near, the visible leaders. This is not because of any lack of confidence on Khaius part. Rather, it is because he is wise enough to understand that those at the front are often distracted by events and so do not see all they should. Therefore, they rely on others to do some of the seeing for them. Understanding he has a great capacity to see these other things, Khaiu has chosen to forgo the front in order to be the best support possible.
Anyway, here is the conclusion of Tavaar's scene with Khaiu.
“Why have you been studying premonitions?”
“To see if there is an overall pattern, or message.”
“Is there?”
“It is especially interesting that your lover in Gwihnna's premonition should remain in shadow when the premonition is repeated. Especially when everything else in the premonition was made more clear. She gave no hint to his identity?”
“No. You say ‘his’. Does that mean you think both children are fathered by the same male?”
“The shadow was the same.”
She looked at him intently. He was drifting away in thought.
“Khaiu? Khaiu! Do you think you know something about this?”
He looked at her with sudden keenness. “You are a warrior of destiny, Tavaar.”
“You’ve told me that before. Khaiu, are you saying my ‘destiny’ is somehow connected with this premonition?”
“I am not saying anything. That is your guess.”
“But it strikes me as a fair guess. I think you know something, Khaiu. Tell me. I can handle it. I promise.”
Instead of a reply, he only gave her an irritating smile.
“Let me think things over through the night and the morrow. We should meet again. Only we should invite Wheylin, Sashwa, and Shello. Judging by how General Sampka is proceeding tonight, I doubt he will be done tomorrow. Okay?”
Tavaar hesitated. “Khaiu, I haven’t told Wheylin everything.”
Khaiu’s look was blank. “Then maybe you should. Come. Let us sit with the others. We have done all we can tonight.”
“Well, not all we can.”
“Do not start, Tavaar.”
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Tavaar - 67th Edition
Tavaar gasped. “You want to, too! You want me as much as I want you.”
Khaiu sighed. “Maybe more.”
“Not likely! Now I really feel better. This is wonderful!”
“I am glad you are happy.”
“Why didn’t you tell me this right off?”
“Because then you would want me more than ever.”
“I do.”
“No. I mean when I came to your hut. You would not have come out to me. You would have brought me in to you.”
“You bet I would.”
“Oh, so now it’s funny? A moment ago it was a problem.”
“A moment ago I thought I was alone in this.”
“And you saw yourself a helpless pawn in a premonition? You realize we are not slaves to our desires.”
“Speak for yourself.”
She couldn’t resist teasing. It was as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She wanted to celebrate, but Khaiu had no patience for her lighthearted antics.
“Okay, fine. It seems you have changed your mind. Are you now going to invite me into your hut so we can lay together?”
“You know I’m not.”
“Then stop with this. You feel better – for now – but nothing has been determined or resolved. I cannot vouch for the amount of help I can give. Shello and I will be leaving soon. I would like to clear this up before we go.”
“Shello!” She looked down the hill toward the place where Shello sat with Sashwa and Wheylin. They were laughing and animated. “I bet he feels just like you do,” she said. “Maybe I should invite him to my hut and play with his thoughts. It’s too late to do it to you. What do you think?”
“I think that is risky behavior.”
“You don’t trust me?”
“Right now, this moment? No. You are not thinking clearly. You are drunk with happiness. Happy as I am to see it, I feel I must cast as shadow of rain over your celebration and ask you if it might be possible that this is how Kelenbah got started?”
The mention of Kelenbah sobered her up. Illicit play was the real reason the High Command had come. Any action, especially on her part, would only guarantee an unfavorable decision.
“Okay, Khaiu. You’re right. So, what do you think of all this?”
Khaiu shifted back into his contemplative mode seamlessly. “I find it significant that your premonition lover is in shadow. That is not usual with premonitions, especially when they are had by the young.”
“How do you know?”
“I have studied the history of premonitions within the family – at least, recorded ones – and it appears the younger the person having them the more precise they are. I suspect this is because they aren’t aware so much and tend to ignore more general images.”
Khaiu sighed. “Maybe more.”
“Not likely! Now I really feel better. This is wonderful!”
“I am glad you are happy.”
“Why didn’t you tell me this right off?”
“Because then you would want me more than ever.”
“I do.”
“No. I mean when I came to your hut. You would not have come out to me. You would have brought me in to you.”
“You bet I would.”
“Oh, so now it’s funny? A moment ago it was a problem.”
“A moment ago I thought I was alone in this.”
“And you saw yourself a helpless pawn in a premonition? You realize we are not slaves to our desires.”
“Speak for yourself.”
She couldn’t resist teasing. It was as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She wanted to celebrate, but Khaiu had no patience for her lighthearted antics.
“Okay, fine. It seems you have changed your mind. Are you now going to invite me into your hut so we can lay together?”
“You know I’m not.”
“Then stop with this. You feel better – for now – but nothing has been determined or resolved. I cannot vouch for the amount of help I can give. Shello and I will be leaving soon. I would like to clear this up before we go.”
“Shello!” She looked down the hill toward the place where Shello sat with Sashwa and Wheylin. They were laughing and animated. “I bet he feels just like you do,” she said. “Maybe I should invite him to my hut and play with his thoughts. It’s too late to do it to you. What do you think?”
“I think that is risky behavior.”
“You don’t trust me?”
“Right now, this moment? No. You are not thinking clearly. You are drunk with happiness. Happy as I am to see it, I feel I must cast as shadow of rain over your celebration and ask you if it might be possible that this is how Kelenbah got started?”
The mention of Kelenbah sobered her up. Illicit play was the real reason the High Command had come. Any action, especially on her part, would only guarantee an unfavorable decision.
“Okay, Khaiu. You’re right. So, what do you think of all this?”
Khaiu shifted back into his contemplative mode seamlessly. “I find it significant that your premonition lover is in shadow. That is not usual with premonitions, especially when they are had by the young.”
“How do you know?”
“I have studied the history of premonitions within the family – at least, recorded ones – and it appears the younger the person having them the more precise they are. I suspect this is because they aren’t aware so much and tend to ignore more general images.”
Monday, May 4, 2009
Tavaar - 66th Edition
She related the events over the summer and then came to the time when she deemed Kelenbah ripe to be forced out. When she told of Kelenbah's threat Khaiu’s became angry. Now she came to Gwihnna’s repeat of her premonition; this time with the promise of at least two children. Tavaar’s fear grew as she told how Sashwa finally confessed she believed it. Tavaar was convinced Bolar did, too.
“To that’s why I’m afraid. Especially of you and Shello. It has to be one of you. Or maybe both. Gwihnna said there were two children. I love no one more than you. By the King! Wheylin does not deserve this.”
“You mean you love no one more yet,” said Khaiu.
She looked at him, appalled. “Khaiu! No.”
He quickly raised his hand in a placating gesture. “I did not mean it like that. I meant Wheylin. Your love for him right now is perhaps not so strong as it should be, or you would like. However, though you did not state it plainly in your tale, I gather you love him more now than you did last year.”
“That’s true. I do. So, what are you saying? That my love for Wheylin will continue to grow until it surpasses the love I have for you?”
“It will not end even then, Tavaar. It will continue to grow as long as you exist – providing you take care of it.”
“Then, are you telling me that one day my love for you will end? That everything I have and feel for you will just – go away?”
“No. I hope your love for me – and Shello (I guess) – will continue forever. I know my love for you will. But one day, Wheylin’s place in your heart will be bigger than Shello’s and mine combined. That is the way of love, Tavaar.”
She felt her eyes go misty. She couldn’t help it. Khaiu had just admitted he loved her. He had done it on his own without prompting. She wanted to kiss him, but she did not dare. Khaiu, seeing her tears and her smile, quickly surmised her feelings. He gave her one of his rich, boyish smiles.
“Yes, Tavaar. I am still in love with you.”
“Khaiu?”
He held out his arms and she went to him and they kissed. It wasn’t long, nor was it a kiss of passion. But it was special. Her heart felt peaceful. She tasted his lips and let their tongues dance for moment. Then she sat back, her eyes were still locked with his.
“You see? We do not have to lay together,” he said.
“But now I really want to,” she cooed.
“Yes. Well. Perhaps we should return to the problem at hand.”
“To that’s why I’m afraid. Especially of you and Shello. It has to be one of you. Or maybe both. Gwihnna said there were two children. I love no one more than you. By the King! Wheylin does not deserve this.”
“You mean you love no one more yet,” said Khaiu.
She looked at him, appalled. “Khaiu! No.”
He quickly raised his hand in a placating gesture. “I did not mean it like that. I meant Wheylin. Your love for him right now is perhaps not so strong as it should be, or you would like. However, though you did not state it plainly in your tale, I gather you love him more now than you did last year.”
“That’s true. I do. So, what are you saying? That my love for Wheylin will continue to grow until it surpasses the love I have for you?”
“It will not end even then, Tavaar. It will continue to grow as long as you exist – providing you take care of it.”
“Then, are you telling me that one day my love for you will end? That everything I have and feel for you will just – go away?”
“No. I hope your love for me – and Shello (I guess) – will continue forever. I know my love for you will. But one day, Wheylin’s place in your heart will be bigger than Shello’s and mine combined. That is the way of love, Tavaar.”
She felt her eyes go misty. She couldn’t help it. Khaiu had just admitted he loved her. He had done it on his own without prompting. She wanted to kiss him, but she did not dare. Khaiu, seeing her tears and her smile, quickly surmised her feelings. He gave her one of his rich, boyish smiles.
“Yes, Tavaar. I am still in love with you.”
“Khaiu?”
He held out his arms and she went to him and they kissed. It wasn’t long, nor was it a kiss of passion. But it was special. Her heart felt peaceful. She tasted his lips and let their tongues dance for moment. Then she sat back, her eyes were still locked with his.
“You see? We do not have to lay together,” he said.
“But now I really want to,” she cooed.
“Yes. Well. Perhaps we should return to the problem at hand.”
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Tavaar - 65th Edition
We return to Tavaar. Remember she and Khaiu were sitting together by a tree. He wanted to know why she was afraid to be around him and Shello. She has been confessing her love and desires.
“So, you will tell Tura about tonight? About me offering myself to you?”
“But you haven’t offered yourself. You told me you want me to come in to you, but you have not invited me to do it.”
“There are those who would say the confession is an invitation.”
Damn! The temptation wasn’t gone. Khaiu smiled.
“Except I asked you to be clear. You said no.”
“What if I’m changing my mind?”
“Are you?”
“No.”
“Then let it go, Tavaar. Now, tell me what you will.”
“Where should I begin?”
“Where do you think is most appropriate?”
She considered. Perhaps it went back to her first meeting with Shello, when she was nine. Perhaps the kiss at sixteen. No. Khaiu already knew enough about all of that. It really began when they lost contact with each other. That was the year she and Wheylin married. When Shello was married. When she joined this company. She began there.
She was surprised at how easy the words came. They flowed steady and strong like water sliding off Fire Mountain. She found herself telling him things she had withheld from Wheylin – out of fear. Only Sashwa and Bolar knew this much, and only Sashwa knew it all. She told of how things had been for her after Shello turned her down. She talked about how lonely it was when Sashwa and Ahzbah left for military duty. Then, when Sashwa did not return as expected, she had felt lost and abandoned. So, when she agreed to kiss Wheylin, she was not careful, and they were caught. Her mother insisted they get married, and no amount of arguing would change her course. At this point, Tavaar actually laughed.
“What would she have said and done has she caught me with you? Or Shello? I let you go a lot further than Wheylin.” She hung her head. “I confess to sometimes wishing she had caught us. I hate myself for that. Wheylin deserves better. I love him. I really do. But I still catch myself dreaming of the past.” She sighed and gave Khaiu a weak smile. His general countenance was expressionless, but she had learned to read his eyes. He understood. There was no condemnation. She continued, struggling to explain her relationship with Wheylin, and the days following her joining the company. Then she came to Gwihnna’s premonition.
Khaiu’s manner told her his attentiveness had increased dramatically. Not that he hadn’t been paying attention. But now, that incredible brain of his was analyzing. She spoke more slowly, pausing to give him opportunity to seek clarification. He was very interested in Gwihnna’s premonition and he had her tell it to him several times. He pressed for any clue Gwihnna may have given over who, but Gwihnna had no idea. He was just a smoky shadow. He said nothing as she went over the various means Kelenbah and his companions used to try and break her. Then she came to the moon when she had rushed to Bolar. Khaiu perked up again, eager to hear Bolar’s response. He made her detail her conversation. Blushing, she confessed her offer to Bolar, but Khaiu took it in stride. It was as if he were gathering severed pieces of some definite shape, and trying to assemble them correctly to discover what the shape was. As to the plan they devised, he made no comment.
Tavaar continued. However, she began to stumble when she came to the part where she finally gave herself to Wheylin. She had told Sashwa everything, but she wasn’t sure she wanted to tell Khaiu. He gave her a look, apparently wondering at her discomfort. Then the truth dawned on him.
“I do not need to hear details of everything, Tavaar.”
She chuckled. Embarrassed. “Thank you.”
“So, you will tell Tura about tonight? About me offering myself to you?”
“But you haven’t offered yourself. You told me you want me to come in to you, but you have not invited me to do it.”
“There are those who would say the confession is an invitation.”
Damn! The temptation wasn’t gone. Khaiu smiled.
“Except I asked you to be clear. You said no.”
“What if I’m changing my mind?”
“Are you?”
“No.”
“Then let it go, Tavaar. Now, tell me what you will.”
“Where should I begin?”
“Where do you think is most appropriate?”
She considered. Perhaps it went back to her first meeting with Shello, when she was nine. Perhaps the kiss at sixteen. No. Khaiu already knew enough about all of that. It really began when they lost contact with each other. That was the year she and Wheylin married. When Shello was married. When she joined this company. She began there.
She was surprised at how easy the words came. They flowed steady and strong like water sliding off Fire Mountain. She found herself telling him things she had withheld from Wheylin – out of fear. Only Sashwa and Bolar knew this much, and only Sashwa knew it all. She told of how things had been for her after Shello turned her down. She talked about how lonely it was when Sashwa and Ahzbah left for military duty. Then, when Sashwa did not return as expected, she had felt lost and abandoned. So, when she agreed to kiss Wheylin, she was not careful, and they were caught. Her mother insisted they get married, and no amount of arguing would change her course. At this point, Tavaar actually laughed.
“What would she have said and done has she caught me with you? Or Shello? I let you go a lot further than Wheylin.” She hung her head. “I confess to sometimes wishing she had caught us. I hate myself for that. Wheylin deserves better. I love him. I really do. But I still catch myself dreaming of the past.” She sighed and gave Khaiu a weak smile. His general countenance was expressionless, but she had learned to read his eyes. He understood. There was no condemnation. She continued, struggling to explain her relationship with Wheylin, and the days following her joining the company. Then she came to Gwihnna’s premonition.
Khaiu’s manner told her his attentiveness had increased dramatically. Not that he hadn’t been paying attention. But now, that incredible brain of his was analyzing. She spoke more slowly, pausing to give him opportunity to seek clarification. He was very interested in Gwihnna’s premonition and he had her tell it to him several times. He pressed for any clue Gwihnna may have given over who, but Gwihnna had no idea. He was just a smoky shadow. He said nothing as she went over the various means Kelenbah and his companions used to try and break her. Then she came to the moon when she had rushed to Bolar. Khaiu perked up again, eager to hear Bolar’s response. He made her detail her conversation. Blushing, she confessed her offer to Bolar, but Khaiu took it in stride. It was as if he were gathering severed pieces of some definite shape, and trying to assemble them correctly to discover what the shape was. As to the plan they devised, he made no comment.
Tavaar continued. However, she began to stumble when she came to the part where she finally gave herself to Wheylin. She had told Sashwa everything, but she wasn’t sure she wanted to tell Khaiu. He gave her a look, apparently wondering at her discomfort. Then the truth dawned on him.
“I do not need to hear details of everything, Tavaar.”
She chuckled. Embarrassed. “Thank you.”
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Trying to Put Images to Imagination
I got this ClickArt package about ten or fifteen years ago which contains roughly 200,000 images I can use for various things. After a quick perusal I have come to the conclusion that probably 199,000 of those images aren't worth anything. But I wanted to post some images of what Tavaar, Sashwa, Khaiu, Shello, and some of the other characters might look like.
There were NO images which satisfied my desire, but a few which were all right.
This first image, to the right, is a silhouette of how I imagine Tavaar and Khaiu are feeling at the time of their discussion at the tree.
Memories of how they used to play in each other's arms fill their heads, and desire courses through their veins. Perhaps they are feeling a bit warm?
Tavaar is still very much in love with Khaiu, and from the passage it can be infered Khaiu still bears a great love for Tavaar. But each married to someone else, and play time is over.
But they still dream and desire.
This picture to the left is kind of how I see Sashwa. Sashwa is Tavaar's greatest friend. There is no other.
The picture, while clearly more modern in scope, seems to capture some of Sashwa's independence. Were the hair longer, and more full, I would actually have chosen this picture for Tavaar. There is a beauty and elegance about it which bespeaks Tavaar.
What the picture lacks is Sashwa's playfulness. More, it seems to demonstrate Tavaar's leadership.
It's one of those pictures which could be either Tavaar or Sashwa. They are so in love with each other that perhaps it does not matter.
There were NO images which satisfied my desire, but a few which were all right.
This first image, to the right, is a silhouette of how I imagine Tavaar and Khaiu are feeling at the time of their discussion at the tree. Memories of how they used to play in each other's arms fill their heads, and desire courses through their veins. Perhaps they are feeling a bit warm?
Tavaar is still very much in love with Khaiu, and from the passage it can be infered Khaiu still bears a great love for Tavaar. But each married to someone else, and play time is over.
But they still dream and desire.
This picture to the left is kind of how I see Sashwa. Sashwa is Tavaar's greatest friend. There is no other.
The picture, while clearly more modern in scope, seems to capture some of Sashwa's independence. Were the hair longer, and more full, I would actually have chosen this picture for Tavaar. There is a beauty and elegance about it which bespeaks Tavaar.
What the picture lacks is Sashwa's playfulness. More, it seems to demonstrate Tavaar's leadership.
It's one of those pictures which could be either Tavaar or Sashwa. They are so in love with each other that perhaps it does not matter.
The final picture, below, is again about kissing. The images are more youthful, so it is more like a memory of time past, when Tavaar and Khaiu spent many hours at the edge of firelight exploring the ways of passion and delight. These memories ever haunt Tavaar.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Tavaar - 64th Edition
“Okay. I’m sorry, too. But you don’t know what I’m feeling, Khaiu.”
“I have a pretty good idea. But before we take this any further, I want to ask you a question; a serious question, though it may sound like mockery. Are you going to ask me to lay with you?”
He was looking at her intently. She looked back. Her feelings were swirling, and her thoughts felt muddled. He was putting it on her. She would decide. Could she? Her reply was nearly a whisper.
“I want to. At least, part of me does.”
“No. That does not answer my question. I know what you’re feeling. I know what you would like to do. I’m not asking that. I’m asking, what are you going to do? They’re not the same, Tavaar. At least, they don’t have to be. Decide with your will, not your feelings. You have never been a slave to your feelings before, so I ask you again: are you going to ask me to lay with you?”
Hesitation. “No.”
“Okay. What about Shello? Are you going to ask him to lay with you?”
“No.”
“Then what are you afraid of? You know neither Shello nor I will assault you, whatever we might desire. For one thing, we wouldn’t dare. So if we can’t start anything, and you won’t start anything, how can anything happen? From whence comes the fear?”
She continued to look into his eyes. He always seemed wise beyond his years to her, and he wasn’t afraid to tell the truth. To him, the truth was like the weather. One didn’t control it, one simply learned to function within it. He had successfully diffused the charged air between them by directly going to the cause. How she loved him. But the moment of temptation was gone. She hoped.
“From Gwihnna’s premonition.”
“Gwihnna? Kelenbah’s wife? What has she got to do with this? Are you saying she claims to have had a premonition about us?”
“About me.”
“And you believe it?”
“I – yes, I do.”
“Why?”
“Because of Bolar and Sashwa. They believe it. But it’s more than that, Khaiu. I can’t explain it, but it seems so real. And seeing you two again it has become very real.”
Khaiu took a breath and let it out slowly. “Well, I hadn’t planned on asking you for details, but since you hint it involves me and/or Shello, I guess I had better hear this. That is, assuming you are willing to tell?”
“I think I am. I trust you. And I want you to know.”
“I understand your hesitancy. You made yourself vulnerable to me that day when you offered me the greatest gift you could: your love for all time. I hurt you by not taking it. But I couldn’t, Tavaar. I’m not the one.” Her face must have shown her puzzlement, for he smiled. “Do not worry. I will not hurt you again. I will give you this warning: I tell Tura everything.”
“Everything?”
“Everything I remember.”
“I have a pretty good idea. But before we take this any further, I want to ask you a question; a serious question, though it may sound like mockery. Are you going to ask me to lay with you?”
He was looking at her intently. She looked back. Her feelings were swirling, and her thoughts felt muddled. He was putting it on her. She would decide. Could she? Her reply was nearly a whisper.
“I want to. At least, part of me does.”
“No. That does not answer my question. I know what you’re feeling. I know what you would like to do. I’m not asking that. I’m asking, what are you going to do? They’re not the same, Tavaar. At least, they don’t have to be. Decide with your will, not your feelings. You have never been a slave to your feelings before, so I ask you again: are you going to ask me to lay with you?”
Hesitation. “No.”
“Okay. What about Shello? Are you going to ask him to lay with you?”
“No.”
“Then what are you afraid of? You know neither Shello nor I will assault you, whatever we might desire. For one thing, we wouldn’t dare. So if we can’t start anything, and you won’t start anything, how can anything happen? From whence comes the fear?”
She continued to look into his eyes. He always seemed wise beyond his years to her, and he wasn’t afraid to tell the truth. To him, the truth was like the weather. One didn’t control it, one simply learned to function within it. He had successfully diffused the charged air between them by directly going to the cause. How she loved him. But the moment of temptation was gone. She hoped.
“From Gwihnna’s premonition.”
“Gwihnna? Kelenbah’s wife? What has she got to do with this? Are you saying she claims to have had a premonition about us?”
“About me.”
“And you believe it?”
“I – yes, I do.”
“Why?”
“Because of Bolar and Sashwa. They believe it. But it’s more than that, Khaiu. I can’t explain it, but it seems so real. And seeing you two again it has become very real.”
Khaiu took a breath and let it out slowly. “Well, I hadn’t planned on asking you for details, but since you hint it involves me and/or Shello, I guess I had better hear this. That is, assuming you are willing to tell?”
“I think I am. I trust you. And I want you to know.”
“I understand your hesitancy. You made yourself vulnerable to me that day when you offered me the greatest gift you could: your love for all time. I hurt you by not taking it. But I couldn’t, Tavaar. I’m not the one.” Her face must have shown her puzzlement, for he smiled. “Do not worry. I will not hurt you again. I will give you this warning: I tell Tura everything.”
“Everything?”
“Everything I remember.”
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tavaar - 63rd Edition
She hesitated, but she knew she would tell him. He did, too. It was in his voice.
“I’m afraid of me,” she said, softly.
“That’s not a very clear answer, Tavaar. Tell me.”
He was using her name freely. That was how he had always got her to open up. He knew it gave her strength. Did he also know it put her under his spell?
“I – I still love you, Khaiu. I can’t put you out of my mind. Thoughts of us fill my mind. It’s like when I offered myself to Shello. I just want to lay with you. I – I’m so terrible.”
As was usual in their heartfelt talks, Tavaar had begun by stating the worst. So there it was. He knew what she wanted. All he had to do was say yes and they could make their baby and fulfill Gwihnna’s premonition. She knew it was wrong, but right now that was exactly what she wanted him to do. Khaiu was silent. If he was dismayed, or revolted, he didn’t show it. Neither did he appear aroused. He just continued to toss acorns. Finally, he spoke.
“You’ve offered yourself to Shello? When did you do that? You’ve avoided being with either of us alone until tonight.”
Tavaar rolled her eyes. Khaiu was brilliant, but sometimes he could be so dense.
“Not now, you chicken brain. Before I was married. Before he was married, in fact.”
“Oh! I see. Okay. That makes sense.”
“Do you remember now?”
“Remember? How could I remember? I never knew. This is the first I heard of it.”
Tavaar was startled. “You didn’t know? Shello – never told you?”
“Why would he tell me that?”
“Well, you’re brothers. You’re very close. Sashwa and I tell each other everything, and we’re not even sisters.”
Khaiu smiled. “We’re close. Probably closer than any two I know, save you and Sashwa. We’re not as close as that, though. There have always been things we didn’t tell each other. I didn’t tell him you asked to court me. It does not surprise me he did not tell me of your offer. I expect he has told Klarissa, though.”
“He didn’t have to. She caught us.”
Khaiu’s eyes widened and he started to chuckle.
“It wasn’t funny at the time,” she chided.
“I suppose not. Forgive me.”
She slumped back against the tree and sighed. “So what do we do now?”
“Do? Well, it is obvious, isn’t it? We go to your hut and consummate our desires. We laugh. We play. We do all that comes into our heads. And when we’re done, I bring Shello up and you can have him, as well.”
“Don’t mock me! I don’t think it’s funny.”
“Neither do I.”
“Then stop insulting me. I tell you I’m afraid I want to lay with you, and you make a big joke of it. How do you think that makes me feel?”
“Perhaps the same way I feel about your just assuming I will be unfaithful to Tura at my first chance to be with you.”
Silence.
“I’m afraid of me,” she said, softly.
“That’s not a very clear answer, Tavaar. Tell me.”
He was using her name freely. That was how he had always got her to open up. He knew it gave her strength. Did he also know it put her under his spell?
“I – I still love you, Khaiu. I can’t put you out of my mind. Thoughts of us fill my mind. It’s like when I offered myself to Shello. I just want to lay with you. I – I’m so terrible.”
As was usual in their heartfelt talks, Tavaar had begun by stating the worst. So there it was. He knew what she wanted. All he had to do was say yes and they could make their baby and fulfill Gwihnna’s premonition. She knew it was wrong, but right now that was exactly what she wanted him to do. Khaiu was silent. If he was dismayed, or revolted, he didn’t show it. Neither did he appear aroused. He just continued to toss acorns. Finally, he spoke.
“You’ve offered yourself to Shello? When did you do that? You’ve avoided being with either of us alone until tonight.”
Tavaar rolled her eyes. Khaiu was brilliant, but sometimes he could be so dense.
“Not now, you chicken brain. Before I was married. Before he was married, in fact.”
“Oh! I see. Okay. That makes sense.”
“Do you remember now?”
“Remember? How could I remember? I never knew. This is the first I heard of it.”
Tavaar was startled. “You didn’t know? Shello – never told you?”
“Why would he tell me that?”
“Well, you’re brothers. You’re very close. Sashwa and I tell each other everything, and we’re not even sisters.”
Khaiu smiled. “We’re close. Probably closer than any two I know, save you and Sashwa. We’re not as close as that, though. There have always been things we didn’t tell each other. I didn’t tell him you asked to court me. It does not surprise me he did not tell me of your offer. I expect he has told Klarissa, though.”
“He didn’t have to. She caught us.”
Khaiu’s eyes widened and he started to chuckle.
“It wasn’t funny at the time,” she chided.
“I suppose not. Forgive me.”
She slumped back against the tree and sighed. “So what do we do now?”
“Do? Well, it is obvious, isn’t it? We go to your hut and consummate our desires. We laugh. We play. We do all that comes into our heads. And when we’re done, I bring Shello up and you can have him, as well.”
“Don’t mock me! I don’t think it’s funny.”
“Neither do I.”
“Then stop insulting me. I tell you I’m afraid I want to lay with you, and you make a big joke of it. How do you think that makes me feel?”
“Perhaps the same way I feel about your just assuming I will be unfaithful to Tura at my first chance to be with you.”
Silence.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tavaar - 62nd Edition
It was tempting to quit posting about Tavaar again, but I so like this scene between Tavaar and Khaiu. It's only a draft, but it contains a lot.
“Me?”
“You are not behaving like the Tavaar I know.”
Tavaar shrugged. “I suppose I have changed some. Being placed in command was totally unexpected.”
“I’m not talking about that.”
She felt as though a moment of decision were falling upon her. It was as if she were the prey, and the predator was close. The bait was Khaiu. If she were to find some excuse and leave him now, she would be safe. But his eyes held her. She could not leave him. She hated herself for the thoughts in her head and the feelings in her heart. But she could not leave him.
“What are you talking about?” she asked, timidly.
Khaiu looked sad. “That,” he said. Then, to her unvoiced question, “From whence comes this fear?”
“Fear?”
“Fear. Don’t even try to pretend with me, Tavaar. You have never been a good deceiver anyway, but I know you too well to fall for your evasive tricks.”
“Do you really know me that well?” she asked, and somewhere in her heart she was desperately hoping it was true.
He smiled affectionately. “I know you better than anyone else does – except Sashwa, of course.”
She grinned, warmed by his natural boast. “You have never thought little of yourself, have you?”
“I think the truth, and that is what I speak.”
“I know. I’ve always admired that about you. But what about Wheylin? Do you not credit him with any knowledge?”
“Wheylin knows things about you I will never know, but my overall knowledge still exceeds his. Over time that will change. For now I am confident of my observations.”
She paused, contemplating his words. Part of her very much wanted to increase his knowledge, and that was the problem.
“Okay. I’m afraid, and you want to know of what?”
“No. I think I know what you’re afraid of. What I don’t know is why?”
Looking into his face she knew he had guessed it. How could he not? Even Sashwa called her on it. It wasn't exactly a subtle thing. But she wanted him to say it. She needed to hear it with his voice.
“What is it you think I’m afraid of?”
“Shello and me.”
He did know! And something about him saying it as he did seemed to break away the invisible hedge which enclosed her in a vice grip.
“Can we go sit down now?” he asked. “Patrolling the camp in search of misbehaving warriors is all well and good, but isn’t that the job of your second? Come. We do not need to go inside your hut. We need not even go near it. Look. There is an open place. We can go sit there. Will you?”
She smiled and nodded her head. She followed him up a small incline and they sat under a big oak. From here they could see the center of camp. They were also visible to it. About a dozen warriors were huddled in small groups of twos and threes. Tavaar sat to Khaiu’s right, facing the camp with her back against the tree. Khaiu sat at a slight angle from her.
“So, why afraid of us?” he asked, picking up a handful of acorns and absently tossing them away one by one.
“I never said I was.”
Khaiu groaned, half with amusement and half with disgust. “Come on, Tavaar, stop it! You never denied it either. You’ve been afraid of us since the moment we arrived. What is it that’s frightening you?”
“Me?”
“You are not behaving like the Tavaar I know.”
Tavaar shrugged. “I suppose I have changed some. Being placed in command was totally unexpected.”
“I’m not talking about that.”
She felt as though a moment of decision were falling upon her. It was as if she were the prey, and the predator was close. The bait was Khaiu. If she were to find some excuse and leave him now, she would be safe. But his eyes held her. She could not leave him. She hated herself for the thoughts in her head and the feelings in her heart. But she could not leave him.
“What are you talking about?” she asked, timidly.
Khaiu looked sad. “That,” he said. Then, to her unvoiced question, “From whence comes this fear?”
“Fear?”
“Fear. Don’t even try to pretend with me, Tavaar. You have never been a good deceiver anyway, but I know you too well to fall for your evasive tricks.”
“Do you really know me that well?” she asked, and somewhere in her heart she was desperately hoping it was true.
He smiled affectionately. “I know you better than anyone else does – except Sashwa, of course.”
She grinned, warmed by his natural boast. “You have never thought little of yourself, have you?”
“I think the truth, and that is what I speak.”
“I know. I’ve always admired that about you. But what about Wheylin? Do you not credit him with any knowledge?”
“Wheylin knows things about you I will never know, but my overall knowledge still exceeds his. Over time that will change. For now I am confident of my observations.”
She paused, contemplating his words. Part of her very much wanted to increase his knowledge, and that was the problem.
“Okay. I’m afraid, and you want to know of what?”
“No. I think I know what you’re afraid of. What I don’t know is why?”
Looking into his face she knew he had guessed it. How could he not? Even Sashwa called her on it. It wasn't exactly a subtle thing. But she wanted him to say it. She needed to hear it with his voice.
“What is it you think I’m afraid of?”
“Shello and me.”
He did know! And something about him saying it as he did seemed to break away the invisible hedge which enclosed her in a vice grip.
“Can we go sit down now?” he asked. “Patrolling the camp in search of misbehaving warriors is all well and good, but isn’t that the job of your second? Come. We do not need to go inside your hut. We need not even go near it. Look. There is an open place. We can go sit there. Will you?”
She smiled and nodded her head. She followed him up a small incline and they sat under a big oak. From here they could see the center of camp. They were also visible to it. About a dozen warriors were huddled in small groups of twos and threes. Tavaar sat to Khaiu’s right, facing the camp with her back against the tree. Khaiu sat at a slight angle from her.
“So, why afraid of us?” he asked, picking up a handful of acorns and absently tossing them away one by one.
“I never said I was.”
Khaiu groaned, half with amusement and half with disgust. “Come on, Tavaar, stop it! You never denied it either. You’ve been afraid of us since the moment we arrived. What is it that’s frightening you?”
Monday, April 27, 2009
Tavaar - 61st Edition
Tavaar tried to ignore her worries, but she wasn’t having much success. She had thought five or ten short turns would suffice, but Sampka was taking a full turn with each warrior he questioned. He was definitely probing. The roughhousing which happened earlier probably hadn’t helped. She excused herself from the others and walked to her hut. She lay alone in the dark, not bothering to light a lamp. She wished she could sleep, but her thoughts were too active. The flap opened, letting in the sun's final rays. She expected to see Sashwa or Wheylin. It was Khaiu. She sat up with a start, her heart leaping with expectation.
“May I come in?” he asked.
She hesitated. He had asked the question she hoped he would ask. Insane thoughts of passion filled her head. It could happen. Right now.
“I will come out,” she said.
He held the flap open while she crawled out. A quick look around showed two warriors had seen Khaiu arrive. They were trying to look nonchalant, but it was obvious they were watching to see if she would bring him inside.
“Let’s walk,” she said.
“As you wish. Lead the way.”
They walked along the camp’s main pathways, never straying to a place of seclusion. Occasionally, they came upon couples engaged in play. For the most part, Tavaar said nothing. The singles were with singles and the marrieds were with their own spouses. Tavaar did send one married couple, who’s play was increasing in fervor, to their hut. One pair of singles she pulled out of some shrubs, informing them that whatever play they chose to engage in would be done in full view of the path. She felt like a hypocrite. Her feelings toward Khaiu were not exactly pure.
“You will make a fine captain,” said Khaiu, when they had resumed their walk.
“Sometimes I feel like a village walker, passing through the camp on the alert for wrongdoing.”
Khaiu laughed. “It can be that way sometimes.”
“Especially in this company. You’ve heard the rumors, Khaiu. I don’t need to explain.”
“No, you don’t. I think everyone’s heard them.”
She suddenly stopped and they faced each other. This made her uncomfortable because she had a strong desire to take him in her arms. But she wanted to tell him this to his face.
“Khaiu, a lot of the rumors are true. Probably not the worst. I can imagine what those are. But things were bad here, and most of the company was involved to some degree.”
“I surmised as much. The tales which spread through the family were too incredible to not have some truth associated with them. Beyond that, there is the sudden departure of Kelenbah and his officers. My instincts tell me you played some part in arranging that. But probably the most telling clue is you.”
“May I come in?” he asked.
She hesitated. He had asked the question she hoped he would ask. Insane thoughts of passion filled her head. It could happen. Right now.
“I will come out,” she said.
He held the flap open while she crawled out. A quick look around showed two warriors had seen Khaiu arrive. They were trying to look nonchalant, but it was obvious they were watching to see if she would bring him inside.
“Let’s walk,” she said.
“As you wish. Lead the way.”
They walked along the camp’s main pathways, never straying to a place of seclusion. Occasionally, they came upon couples engaged in play. For the most part, Tavaar said nothing. The singles were with singles and the marrieds were with their own spouses. Tavaar did send one married couple, who’s play was increasing in fervor, to their hut. One pair of singles she pulled out of some shrubs, informing them that whatever play they chose to engage in would be done in full view of the path. She felt like a hypocrite. Her feelings toward Khaiu were not exactly pure.
“You will make a fine captain,” said Khaiu, when they had resumed their walk.
“Sometimes I feel like a village walker, passing through the camp on the alert for wrongdoing.”
Khaiu laughed. “It can be that way sometimes.”
“Especially in this company. You’ve heard the rumors, Khaiu. I don’t need to explain.”
“No, you don’t. I think everyone’s heard them.”
She suddenly stopped and they faced each other. This made her uncomfortable because she had a strong desire to take him in her arms. But she wanted to tell him this to his face.
“Khaiu, a lot of the rumors are true. Probably not the worst. I can imagine what those are. But things were bad here, and most of the company was involved to some degree.”
“I surmised as much. The tales which spread through the family were too incredible to not have some truth associated with them. Beyond that, there is the sudden departure of Kelenbah and his officers. My instincts tell me you played some part in arranging that. But probably the most telling clue is you.”
Friday, April 24, 2009
Tavaar - 60th Edition
I'm waiting for the right place to break. Then I'll leave off from Tavaar for a while.
The authority in her voice made everyone stop. Everyone relaxed and let go of her. The party spirit had left, replaced by reproach. Tavaar sat back up. Part of her regretted it, but it had been necessary. Only Khaiu and Sashwa were able to meet her eyes with their own. She reached out and accepted the patch from Shello's hand.
“Thank you, Shello. I will be honored to wear it. I shall sew it on later.”
Shello nodded.
“No. Let’s go back to the hut. I’ll sew it on for you now,” said Sashwa. Tavaar protested, but Sashwa insisted. “It won’t take long. Everyone’s eager to see it on you.”
It was evident Sashwa would pester until she got her way, so Tavaar relented. It was clear the patch was just an excuse to get her alone. Tavaar suspected Sashwa wanted to complain about her behavior. When the flap dropped, she prepared herself. Only Sashwa was not critical. She was apologetic.
“I’m so sorry, Darling. I don’t know how it happened. I – I guess it just felt like old times again, and I forgot everything else. I broke my word to you. I’m sorry.”
Tavaar gave her a hug and a kiss. “It’s okay. I understand. I was part of it, too.”
“Do you think General Sampka was watching?”
Tavaar sighed. “Yes, I expect he was. But there’s no use fretting about it now. The fire has been drained from that sword.”
“So what do we do?”
Tavaar smiled. “We do the best we can with what we’ve got. Meanwhile, you got to sew this on like you promised.”
“Okay. Take off your tunic. Or should I sew it on while you’re wearing it?”
Tavaar began lifting her tunic up.
“Hands or eyes. One way or another you’re going to grope me, aren’t you?”
Sashwa giggled. “Maybe I should put a patch on your britches.”
Tavaar tossed her tunic into Sashwa’s face.
“Shut up and sew.”
It didn’t take long for Sashwa to sew on the patch, despite making the effort to do a good job. Surprisingly, Sashwa was quite good at many tasks normally regulated to servants, as was Tavaar. They each took pride in not only being able to do these things, but in being good at them. Partly, it was their competitive natures. Neither like being inferior at anything. But there was a practical side, too. Both were hunters, and hunters in the field generally did not have servants to attend them. Tavaar slipped her tunic back on and stared down at the patch, now sewn prominently between her left breast and shoulder. Unconsciously, her hand came up to caress it.
“Now who’s groping you?” asked Sashwa. Tavaar looked up. Sashwa had knowing look in her eyes. “That’s your hand. Not his.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” snapped Tavaar, dropping her hand behind her back.
Sashwa only chuckled. Then she slid forward and gave Tavaar a warm hug and kiss. “It’s okay, Darling. It really is.”
The authority in her voice made everyone stop. Everyone relaxed and let go of her. The party spirit had left, replaced by reproach. Tavaar sat back up. Part of her regretted it, but it had been necessary. Only Khaiu and Sashwa were able to meet her eyes with their own. She reached out and accepted the patch from Shello's hand.
“Thank you, Shello. I will be honored to wear it. I shall sew it on later.”
Shello nodded.
“No. Let’s go back to the hut. I’ll sew it on for you now,” said Sashwa. Tavaar protested, but Sashwa insisted. “It won’t take long. Everyone’s eager to see it on you.”
It was evident Sashwa would pester until she got her way, so Tavaar relented. It was clear the patch was just an excuse to get her alone. Tavaar suspected Sashwa wanted to complain about her behavior. When the flap dropped, she prepared herself. Only Sashwa was not critical. She was apologetic.
“I’m so sorry, Darling. I don’t know how it happened. I – I guess it just felt like old times again, and I forgot everything else. I broke my word to you. I’m sorry.”
Tavaar gave her a hug and a kiss. “It’s okay. I understand. I was part of it, too.”
“Do you think General Sampka was watching?”
Tavaar sighed. “Yes, I expect he was. But there’s no use fretting about it now. The fire has been drained from that sword.”
“So what do we do?”
Tavaar smiled. “We do the best we can with what we’ve got. Meanwhile, you got to sew this on like you promised.”
“Okay. Take off your tunic. Or should I sew it on while you’re wearing it?”
Tavaar began lifting her tunic up.
“Hands or eyes. One way or another you’re going to grope me, aren’t you?”
Sashwa giggled. “Maybe I should put a patch on your britches.”
Tavaar tossed her tunic into Sashwa’s face.
“Shut up and sew.”
It didn’t take long for Sashwa to sew on the patch, despite making the effort to do a good job. Surprisingly, Sashwa was quite good at many tasks normally regulated to servants, as was Tavaar. They each took pride in not only being able to do these things, but in being good at them. Partly, it was their competitive natures. Neither like being inferior at anything. But there was a practical side, too. Both were hunters, and hunters in the field generally did not have servants to attend them. Tavaar slipped her tunic back on and stared down at the patch, now sewn prominently between her left breast and shoulder. Unconsciously, her hand came up to caress it.
“Now who’s groping you?” asked Sashwa. Tavaar looked up. Sashwa had knowing look in her eyes. “That’s your hand. Not his.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” snapped Tavaar, dropping her hand behind her back.
Sashwa only chuckled. Then she slid forward and gave Tavaar a warm hug and kiss. “It’s okay, Darling. It really is.”
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Tavaar - 59th Edition
General Sampka began his interviews with the company after eating, but he only made it through three. He and his commanders kept each warrior far longer than Tavaar expected. Tavaar allowed no one to go near, and Sampka successfully impressed those he had finished questioning with the need to keep silent about what had been discussed, so no one was really sure how things were going.
Tavaar and Sashwa had left their hut after changing clothes. They sat near the camp center and spoke with Wheylin as he finished cooking. When Seratahn finished her interrogation of Khaiu and Shello, the two brothers joined them. Seratahn sat with the other officers.
“So, how does it feel being a first lieutenant?” asked Shello.
Tavaar teased at him. “Don’t you know, ‘Lieutenant’? What’s it like being promoted to first lieutenant twice?”
Everyone laughed. Shello had a playful look about him.
“So, it’s going to be like that, is it? And here I was, all ready to give you a present.”
“Oh, right. Anything I dare accept in public?”
More Oohs and laughter.
“Maybe. Maybe not. Do you want to see it?”
“What have you got?”
“Probably a lot more than you can handle,” said Sashwa, drawing a huge laugh at Tavaar’s expense.
Tavaar let herself have fun and elbowed Sashwa in the ribs. Shello, after watching them tussle for a short while, reached behind and grabbed his pack. He reached inside and produced a first lieutenant’s patch: two silver-blue bars on a green shield. Everyone went quiet as he presented it to her. Tavaar sat and stared at it in amazement. The insignia of her new rank. She looked at Shello and smiled. Her eyes temporarily drifted to his left breast where another patch of identical rank was sewn.
“I cut it from my spare tunic,” said Shello. “I know yours should be a black shield, for mines, but this will do for now, won’t it? Will you take it?”
Tavaar wasn’t sure what to do. Technically, Shello was right: this was a Defense Line patch. Should she take it? She wanted to, and not just because she had earned the rank. But what would people think? What would Wheylin think? She looked at him and he smiled, nodding his head. But before she could take it, Khaiu spoke.
“I think she wants you to sew it on for her, little brother.”
A loud jumble of Oohs and laughter filled the campsite. At first, Shello blushed. Then he saw Tavaar’s red face.
“I do have needle and threat!” he exclaimed.
“Don’t you dare!” cried Tavaar, pointing at him.
“She’s playing coy again. We’re going to have to hold her down, folks,” cried Sashwa, throwing Tavaar onto her back and holding her.
Khaiu, laughing, held her, too, and others came to help. Even Wheylin! Shello, also laughing, and holding the patch in one hand and a needle and thread in the other, knelt over her.
“Now, hold still, Darling, or I might stick you,” he said.
“Oh, she would love to be stuck by you, Shello,” said Ahzbah. Once again, Shello went beet red.
This was just the sort of play they had all engaged in just a few years back at village bonfires. Tavaar had often been the victim of the others. One on one, the males respected her and granted her her due. But in the group, she was the patsy. It had not taken long for everyone to fall into past behavior. Except it wasn’t the past. And this behavior was only a step away from the kind of behavior that had got the company into trouble. Tavaar had two fears. One was for the company. The other was for herself. This had to end.
“Stop!”
Tavaar and Sashwa had left their hut after changing clothes. They sat near the camp center and spoke with Wheylin as he finished cooking. When Seratahn finished her interrogation of Khaiu and Shello, the two brothers joined them. Seratahn sat with the other officers.
“So, how does it feel being a first lieutenant?” asked Shello.
Tavaar teased at him. “Don’t you know, ‘Lieutenant’? What’s it like being promoted to first lieutenant twice?”
Everyone laughed. Shello had a playful look about him.
“So, it’s going to be like that, is it? And here I was, all ready to give you a present.”
“Oh, right. Anything I dare accept in public?”
More Oohs and laughter.
“Maybe. Maybe not. Do you want to see it?”
“What have you got?”
“Probably a lot more than you can handle,” said Sashwa, drawing a huge laugh at Tavaar’s expense.
Tavaar let herself have fun and elbowed Sashwa in the ribs. Shello, after watching them tussle for a short while, reached behind and grabbed his pack. He reached inside and produced a first lieutenant’s patch: two silver-blue bars on a green shield. Everyone went quiet as he presented it to her. Tavaar sat and stared at it in amazement. The insignia of her new rank. She looked at Shello and smiled. Her eyes temporarily drifted to his left breast where another patch of identical rank was sewn.
“I cut it from my spare tunic,” said Shello. “I know yours should be a black shield, for mines, but this will do for now, won’t it? Will you take it?”
Tavaar wasn’t sure what to do. Technically, Shello was right: this was a Defense Line patch. Should she take it? She wanted to, and not just because she had earned the rank. But what would people think? What would Wheylin think? She looked at him and he smiled, nodding his head. But before she could take it, Khaiu spoke.
“I think she wants you to sew it on for her, little brother.”
A loud jumble of Oohs and laughter filled the campsite. At first, Shello blushed. Then he saw Tavaar’s red face.
“I do have needle and threat!” he exclaimed.
“Don’t you dare!” cried Tavaar, pointing at him.
“She’s playing coy again. We’re going to have to hold her down, folks,” cried Sashwa, throwing Tavaar onto her back and holding her.
Khaiu, laughing, held her, too, and others came to help. Even Wheylin! Shello, also laughing, and holding the patch in one hand and a needle and thread in the other, knelt over her.
“Now, hold still, Darling, or I might stick you,” he said.
“Oh, she would love to be stuck by you, Shello,” said Ahzbah. Once again, Shello went beet red.
This was just the sort of play they had all engaged in just a few years back at village bonfires. Tavaar had often been the victim of the others. One on one, the males respected her and granted her her due. But in the group, she was the patsy. It had not taken long for everyone to fall into past behavior. Except it wasn’t the past. And this behavior was only a step away from the kind of behavior that had got the company into trouble. Tavaar had two fears. One was for the company. The other was for herself. This had to end.
“Stop!”
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Tavaar - 58th Edition
Tavaar began to relax. “I suppose you’re right.”
“Of course I’m right.”
“It’s that stupid premonition. But, Sashwa, I believe it. So do you.”
“Yeah, well, so what? It’s only true if you make it true.”
“And I don’t have to, do I?”
“No, silly. You’re not as wanton as you think. Except with me.”
Sashwa was on her in an instant, tickling her sides. Caught off guard, Tavaar was helpless. She thrashed and screamed, but Sashwa was unrelenting. Finally, she gave respite. Tavaar lay back, gasping for breath, her body alert for a repeat assault. Sashwa was over her, looking down with triumphant pleasure.
“I love to hear you laugh. You should do more of it.”
“I haven’t had much to laugh about.”
“I can make you laugh.”
“No, Sashwa, please don’t! We’re probably attracted attention as it is. I don’t want anyone coming to investigate.”
Sashwa’s eyes widened. “Ah! Interested in some ‘private time’ are we?”
She began lowering herself down dramatically. Tavaar was laughing too hard to fully resist. Sashwa pretended to kiss Tavaar’s neck. Tavaar struggled through her laughs, but she only found herself more and more compromised as she did. Then, with one hand just under the hem of Tavaar’s tunic, and the other at the tie to her britches, Sashwa paused. She put her face close above Tavaar.
“So, how about it, girl? What do you want to do?”
Tavaar hesitated. There was a sense of magical expectation in the air. All of time seemed to have stopped, waiting to hear her reply.
“We could read,” she said.
There was a pause, and then they both started laughing. Sashwa brought her hands up to Tavaar’s shoulders and they hugged. Then they kissed.
“You are a tease,” said Sashwa. “I wondered how you would get out of it this time.”
“I don’t know that I have to. You’d die of fright if I said anything else.”
“You think.”
“Yes. You wouldn’t know what to do.”
“It isn’t the knowing that matters, Darling. The fun part is finding out. You know that. But you’d never dare say ‘go ahead’.”
“So what are we going to do?”
Sashwa reached behind Tavaar’s head and began rummaging through her pack.
“I’m not in your way, am I?” asked Tavaar.
“No. You’re fine.”
“Is there anything of mine in particular you’re searching for?”
Sashwa chuckled and sat up, triumphantly holding Tavaar’s set of Notepacks. Tavaar grunted at the shift in weight.
“Feel like gambling?” Sashwa asked.
Tavaar sighed. “I suppose. What are we gambling for?”
Sashwa grinned. “Same stakes as always, Darling.”
“Great. I’m going to lose my tunic after all.”
Sashwa giggled. “I’m looking forward to that.”
“I know you are. Get off me and deal.”
“Of course I’m right.”
“It’s that stupid premonition. But, Sashwa, I believe it. So do you.”
“Yeah, well, so what? It’s only true if you make it true.”
“And I don’t have to, do I?”
“No, silly. You’re not as wanton as you think. Except with me.”
Sashwa was on her in an instant, tickling her sides. Caught off guard, Tavaar was helpless. She thrashed and screamed, but Sashwa was unrelenting. Finally, she gave respite. Tavaar lay back, gasping for breath, her body alert for a repeat assault. Sashwa was over her, looking down with triumphant pleasure.
“I love to hear you laugh. You should do more of it.”
“I haven’t had much to laugh about.”
“I can make you laugh.”
“No, Sashwa, please don’t! We’re probably attracted attention as it is. I don’t want anyone coming to investigate.”
Sashwa’s eyes widened. “Ah! Interested in some ‘private time’ are we?”
She began lowering herself down dramatically. Tavaar was laughing too hard to fully resist. Sashwa pretended to kiss Tavaar’s neck. Tavaar struggled through her laughs, but she only found herself more and more compromised as she did. Then, with one hand just under the hem of Tavaar’s tunic, and the other at the tie to her britches, Sashwa paused. She put her face close above Tavaar.
“So, how about it, girl? What do you want to do?”
Tavaar hesitated. There was a sense of magical expectation in the air. All of time seemed to have stopped, waiting to hear her reply.
“We could read,” she said.
There was a pause, and then they both started laughing. Sashwa brought her hands up to Tavaar’s shoulders and they hugged. Then they kissed.
“You are a tease,” said Sashwa. “I wondered how you would get out of it this time.”
“I don’t know that I have to. You’d die of fright if I said anything else.”
“You think.”
“Yes. You wouldn’t know what to do.”
“It isn’t the knowing that matters, Darling. The fun part is finding out. You know that. But you’d never dare say ‘go ahead’.”
“So what are we going to do?”
Sashwa reached behind Tavaar’s head and began rummaging through her pack.
“I’m not in your way, am I?” asked Tavaar.
“No. You’re fine.”
“Is there anything of mine in particular you’re searching for?”
Sashwa chuckled and sat up, triumphantly holding Tavaar’s set of Notepacks. Tavaar grunted at the shift in weight.
“Feel like gambling?” Sashwa asked.
Tavaar sighed. “I suppose. What are we gambling for?”
Sashwa grinned. “Same stakes as always, Darling.”
“Great. I’m going to lose my tunic after all.”
Sashwa giggled. “I’m looking forward to that.”
“I know you are. Get off me and deal.”
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