So. Tavaar has added her name to the List-of-Hopefuls. I didn't explain that well yesterday. I forget that so much of Tavaar's backstory assumes knowledge from Book I. Allow me to provide a quick lesson on the family's politics.
With the exception of Kelso's mother, Tura, everyone in the community of 29 villages is decended from one of two sets of twin brothers who founded the original Compound 352 years before Book I begins and 316 years before were we are currently at in Tavaar's life. If you go back two generations from the twins then all the lines merge. If you go back one generation before that, even Tura is included. So everyone in Book I (except Prince Johahnen, who is from the nearby Kingdom of Azua) is part of the same family.
The family has divided itself into functional groups, called Lines, which are based on one's general duty within the family as a whole. Originally, there were eight. By the time of Tavaar's birth there are twelve.
Each of the twelve Lines appoints a Sovereign. The twelve Sovereigns make up The Council. The Council's responsiblity is to oversee matters pertaining specifically to their respective lines, and to act as advisor to the Head-of-Family.
The Head-of-Family is just that: he/she is in charge and has the final say on all matters pertaining to the family as a whole. To be Head-of-Family (also called the Presider, for the Head-of-Family presides over The Council) candidates must pass a series of tests. Each line administers three tests, and all tests must be passed in order to be Head-of-Family. In order to compete in these tests, prospective candidates must have their names added to the List-of-Hopefuls. They do this by applying at the Temple with the Chief Temple Keeper. The Chief Temple Keeper then informs the prospective candidate's sovereign and the candidate is brought before their own line and questioned by the elders. These elders will have the final say on whether the candidate's name will be added.
Yesterday we read how Tavaar took the initial step by applying at the Temple. Today we pick up almost immediately following her meeting with Thayna. Tavaar goes to the Great Hall and requests a meeting with Khaiu. Khaiu meets with her in one of the family rooms reserved for entertaining important guests. It's a fairly lengthy passage, even with some minor editing. In the short time I have been in contact with Evil Editor and his Minions (I visit a lot of their blogs) I have learned enough to see this needs a significant rewrite. However, if you wish to comment on the writing, story, whatever, please feel free to do so.
Formatting: Text notes; Text narrative; Blog notes.
As soon as the door closed they kissed again, with passion. They did not release each other after they broke.
“So, you are a flamesword warrior,” said Khaiu.
“How did you know? I only just found out myself,” she said.
Khaiu smiled. “I know because I was told I was being called on by Lady Tavaar. You really should think about putting your name on the List-of-Hopefuls."
“I already have. I just came from Thayna’s office. Oh, Khaiu, I’m so happy! I think all of my dreams are going to come true.”
“I hope so.”
They kissed again, and then she held him tight, as though to never let him go. He feigned anguish.
“Come, girl! You will crush me in your arms.”
“That would be the way to die, wouldn’t it? We could hold each other tight, and kiss each other hard until we just died from so much joy.”
Khaiu laughed. “I admit it has an appeal. However, I am not quite ready to die. Perhaps we should sit?”
She giggled and they released. She took is arm and they walked to one of the settees.
“So, you couldn’t wait to tell me? I’m glad. I’m so proud of you. I wish I could have been there to watch you test.”
“You were on assignment. You were there in heart, though. I felt it.”
“That I was. I knew you would pass. You are magnificent.”
“Is that for swords alone, or does it include other things as well?”
“It includes everything, Tavaar. You have a destiny about you, as I have said many times.”11 (This note states: This may be the first overt display of one of Khaiu’s hidden abilities. It is repeated in a couple of later passages. While not necessarily knowing why or how, Khaiu does have the ability to sense destiny. It was why he pushed Shello so hard – and himself. It was why he added Klarissa and Tavaar to their private training. It is why he does what he does in this passage.)
She leaned forward and kissed him again. “And you kiss marvelously.”
“Thank you. I try.”
“And you succeed.”
She sat back, preparing to speak her heart. “Do you know what my father gave me for becoming a flamesword warrior?”
“I understand you got a carriage.”
“Not just a carriage, Khaiu. A princess carriage! It’s beautiful.”
“I look forward to seeing it.” (According to earlier text, he already did. Sloppy.)
“I could bring it to the Great Hall, to pick you up at your front door. How does that sound?”
“It sounds good. I assume it seats more than two?”
“Yes,” she said, feeling confused. “What does that matter?”
“Well, with Shello and me you have three, and then there is Sashwa and the others. Is there room for all of us?”
She sat and stared at him in disbelief. “Khaiu, how can you be so dense? I think Shello’s right: you are a chicken brain. But that’s all right. I love you anyway. Don’t you understand what I’m saying?”
Khaiu looked confused. “I thought I did.”
She caressed his face with her fingers. “Khaiu, I would not be coming for you and Shello. I would be coming for you. Understand? I want to court you, Khaiu. Then I want to marry you.”
An avalanche of fear fell upon her in repeating blows as Khaiu stiffened and pulled away. He didn’t look at her. It seemed as though he couldn’t.
“Khaiu, what’s wrong?” she asked, sliding herself close to him and trying to put her arms around him. He resisted.
“What are you talking about Tavaar?” he asked.
“I want to court you,” she said, but now her voice was quiet and fearful. Tears were filling her eyes and her throat felt like she was being strangled. Her heart and stomach felt empty – apart from the fear which welled in both.
Khaiu stood. His hands were shaking. He walked to the fireplace and stared into the cold and flameless grates.
“No, Tavaar. I can’t,” he said.
She dropped her face into her hands to cover her sobs, but she pulled herself together and forced herself to stand. She walked to him. He had his back to her. She had intended to make him turn around. Surely he couldn’t say no if he looked into her eyes? Instead, she wrapped her arms around him and leaned against his back.
“Why?” was all she managed to say.
She felt his hands caressing hers and she wept with convulsing sobs. He turned and allowed her to fall against his chest, holding her protectively while she wept. His hands caressed her hair and her back, but when she thought about it she only cried harder. After a long while she was able to conquer her tears. The pain she felt pierced all parts of her being. Her only comfort was the feel of his arms around her.
“I’m sorry,” she said.
“Sorry? Why?” he asked.
“For assuming you love me, and not asking first. I just thought…”
His arms tightened, pulling her into a fierce embrace. She held him back with equal force, holding her breath and burying her face into his chest. She wished she could die right now. Please, Khaiu, she thought, crush me in your arms and let me die now.
“I do love you,” he said.
She looked at him, and they kissed again, harder and with more passion than she dreamed possible. But it was a painful kiss. It was a last kiss. They broke and she caressed his cheek. His hands were on her shoulders. She took slow breaths, forcing her thoughts into obedience.
“There’s someone else,” she said. “I should have realized. I’m sorry. It’s why you haven’t courted all these years, though you could have. I – I thought you were waiting for me. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have been so arrogant. I didn’t mean to be a fool, Khaiu.”
“You are not a fool, Tavaar. And you have nothing to apologize for. You are wonderful and beautiful – and I do love you.”
“But only like a sister, huh?” she said, wiping her eyes.
“Tavaar, I never kiss Arlae the way I kiss you.”
She laughed, despite the ache in her heart. She took a few steps away, wiping her eyes. “Who is it? Or can’t I know? I suppose it’s Klarissa. That makes the most sense.”
“What makes the most sense?” he asked.
“You and Klarissa. You’re the perfect match. You’re both great warriors. You’re both beautiful. Your children will be – wonderful.”
“That’s probably the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard you say.”
She spun about, her eyes wide. Khaiu was shaking his head.
“I’m not waiting for Klarissa, Tavaar. For one thing, she already has a boy: Kiembah. They have been courting for more than a year.”
“But she’s not limited to one boy. You know that. Or are you so proud that you insist on being the only boy?”
“I am proud, but not that proud. No, Tavaar. I am not waiting for Klarissa, or anyone else – including you. Do not be distressed. It has nothing to do with you.”
“Oh, Khaiu, you fool. It has everything to do with me. I want to court you. I want you for my mate. Doesn’t that mean anything to you?”
“It means a lot. And were I ready to accept courtship I can think of no other than you. But you have a destiny, Tavaar. I sense that. I am unable to fathom its exact nature, but it is significant. That is one of the many reasons I chose to coach you.”
Tavaar shook her head and sighed. “So what about Shello and Klarissa? Do they have destinies, too?”
“Yes.”
“Oh, Khaiu, everyone has a destiny.”
“Perhaps. But our destinies are linked.”
“Linked? What are you talking about?”
“You, Shello, Klarissa – and me. We share a common destiny.”15 (The note here states: This was the first of several foreshadows of Tavaar’s relationship with Khirsha. Khirsha would be the focal point linking their destinies. Shello and Klarissa would be his parents. Khaiu would be the father of his closest friend. And Tavaar – would be his lover, his (deleted by me right now) and Marshall General in his fight against the Warlords.)
“What is it?”
“I do not know.”
She stood and considered his words.
“Has it occurred to you, Khaiu, that our destinies are simply that we are meant for each other? Shello and Klarissa. You – and me. Maybe that’s what you’re sensing. Have you thought of that?”
“I have.”
“And?”
“I dismissed it.”
“Why? Because you’re afraid?”
“Afraid?”
“Yes, afraid. You have always been in charge. You organize the training. You set the schedules. You lead us on to greater and greater skills. Always, you are in the lead. But if you consent to courtship that changes. I will have say. I will be in charge, and that terrifies you, doesn’t it? Are you afraid of me, Khaiu?”
He smiled. “Very much so. But not for the reasons you think. Tavaar, your thoughts are following a well-considered path. Please do not think I am critical of it when I disagree. It is just that I am ahead of you on the path. I have already explored the possibilities of which you speak – and others, which will no doubt also occur to you. But I am not afraid to place myself in submission to a lady. In fact, I look forward to it. It is an ache inside which accepts no other balm.”
She went to him and held him. His arms enveloped her. “Then let me be your salve. I can bring peace to your heart, Khaiu. I will. I promise.”
He pulled away. “It isn’t so simple. I do not believe you are destined for me, Tavaar. Nor I for you.”
“Oh, stop it!” she said. “Don’t talk to me of destiny. Our destiny is the results of our decisions. We choose our own. So if you and I choose each other today, then we are destined for each other tomorrow.”
“True. But there is such a thing as missed destiny.”
“Missed? Missed what? Missed who? You just told me you know of no other lady you would accept over me. Well, I’m telling you I know of no other male I will take ahead of you.”
“What about Shello?”
Shello’s name caught her like a slap across the face. She had not expected that from Khaiu. Perhaps she should have. At the bonfires she actually spent more time with Shello than with Khaiu.
“What about Shello?” she repeated, trying to sound ignorant.
Khaiu made a face. “Come off it, Tavaar. I’ve seen the way you two kiss. You play a lot harder with him than with me. You can’t deny it.”
“I don’t deny it. But that doesn’t mean I don’t love you, or even that I love him more.”
“Tavaar, you need not pretend. You and Shello have something. I was there when it happened, remember? Your two destines are connected. I can feel it. Surely if I can, you do.”
“Don’t be telling me who I love!”
“Then tell me you don’t love him.”
She hesitated. “I don’t love him like I do you.”
“That I accept.”
“Thank you so much. So. You’re saying I should marry Shello?” That puts you back
with Klarissa again, doesn’t it?”
“No, it does not. Klarissa’s destiny is bound with Shello’s.”
“How can that be? We can’t both marry him.”
Khaiu chuckled. “I do not believe he could handle that.”
“If we’re both bound to Shello, who do you get? Is there some third lady for you? Manya, perhaps. She’s a great warrior, and she’s prettier than Klarissa.”
“No, not Manya.”
“Then who is it? I could fight her for you.”
“You think that will sway me?”
“Something has to!” She took him in her arms again. “Kiss me, Khaiu. Kiss me long and hard and then tell me you don’t want me. I can please you, Khaiu. You know that.”17 (This note states: This implies a lot. I left it as an open implication because I had long since abandoned the notion that my heroes were perfect people who never sinned. By now, they had all become real people, with the faults, desires and weaknesses of real people.)
“I do,” he said. “That is why I am not going to kiss you. It is why I turn down your offer of courtship.”
“But why? Khaiu, I didn’t come seeking Shello. I cam seeking you. Please, give yourself to me. You won’t regret it. I promise. I will treat you well. You will be happy.”
“Tavaar – maybe some day. Right now, you would be a distraction.”
Tavaar bristled. “A distraction?”
“I have to concentrate on my skills. And not mine only. I have you, and Shello and Klarissa to consider. To let myself be courted – by anyone – will take from that. I have to make sure our skills are established first. Then I can accept courtship.”
“I see,” said Tavaar. “All that mattes to you is swords and training and being best. You will hold me and kiss me, but only when it doesn’t interfere with what really matters. I always thought Shello was the arrogant one, strutting about with his supreme skill. But it turns out I was wrong. You are the arrogant one, with your precious training and lofty goals and visions of destiny. Well, let me tell you something, Mister High and Mighty Lord of Wisdom and Knowledge, you are wrong! You re so wrong! The love of a lady has value, Khaiu. My love has value. It’s worth having. You have no right to cast it away as though it were worthless.”
“I’m not.”
“Then say yes! Khaiu, I love you. Please.”
Her tears had returned. It was the end, and she knew it. There was nothing left if he said no again. She had reduced herself to a beggar. Yet if he would only agree it would be worth it.
“I love you, Tavaar. But I can’t accept your courtship. Not now. In a few years, maybe.”
She roared in anguish, anger and frustration.
“Khaiu, you are so damned irritating! What? I’m supposed to do nothing while I wait for you to finally get your head on straight? Am I so worthless you think I can be set aside like an old scabbard? Just how many years am I supposed to wait, Khaiu? One? Five? Ten? And what do I do in the meantime? Now that you know how I feel, you aren’t going to kiss me again, are you? You’re just going to wait until you are ready. Well, I’m ready now! What am I supposed to do, Khaiu?”
Khaiu looked helpless and utterly distressed. Were it not for the fact she was so angry with him, she would rush to give him comfort. As things were, it was a relief to see him suffer for a change.
“There’s still Shello,” he offered. “You’ve always liked kissing him.”
She screamed. She couldn’t help it. How could he be so dense? After all she had said, he still didn’t get it. It was over.
“Khaiu, you are such a damned chicken brain. Why do I love you? You are so stupid! Don’t tell me who to love!” She went to the doors and opened them. Voices echoed at from the front hall. “Damn,” she muttered. “Is there another way out?”
“To your left. It leads to the stables. Tavaar? Tavaar? Tavaar!”18 (This note states: Damn, it hurt to write this. I don’t know how well it is written, or if anyone else is touched by it, but it hurt like hell to write it. Even reading it as I transcribe it the pain returns, and I am tempted to bring Tavaar back and have Khaiu apologize and agree to courtship. It would save her so many years of grief. But that’s not how it happened.)
Sadly, I must confess that - this morning, at least - I felt none of anguish I felt when I wrote it and later transcribed it from paper to digital. It's amazing what even a little education can do to one's appreciation of their own work. This could be dramatic, but first it needs some work.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Tavaar - 9th Edition
We last left Tavaar and her friends naked in Fire Lake. Khaiu and Shello had been invited to join them, but proper etiquette won out and the boys left the girls to play alone.
Today we pick up with Tavaar receiving the results of her flamesword test. Somewhere I documented the exact day when this took place. I don't feel like searching for it right now. Suffice to know it had to occur within a week (eight days) of the test. The narrative context suggests it is the following day.
Formatting: Text notes; Text narrative; Blog notes.
This is the final passage in the first of Tavaar’s journals. (The journals were Blank Books I purchased for $2.00 each at Target. I filled six with Tavaar vignettes.) It was written over a period of roughly two weeks and is fairly lengthy as a result. We are introduced to several new characters, some of whom have been referenced. Pulich, who we met briefly when Tavaar lost to Shello the first time, is given a larger part. We meet Parvah, Pulich’s wife, and Tavaar’s driver and coachman are given names. From this passage forward, little in Tavaar’s life works to her joy. It begins shortly after her flamesword test.
Tavaar entered the house feeling tired. She started for the stairs but decided to check the kitchen. Sometimes there were leftover baked goods in a bowl. She entered the kitchen and saw Pulich with Parvah, his lady.1 (This note acknowledges an error on my part. I say Parvah is Pulich's "Lady". Not true. the year is 316. Pulich and Parvah were married in 312. Parvah is Pulich's "Wife" and Tavaar's Wed-Sister.)
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to intrude.”
“No, Tavaar! Do come in,” said Parvah.
Tavaar came forward and greeted Parvah with a kiss. She gave Pulich a look, but neither moved to kiss in greeting.2 (This note states: The animosity between Pulich and Tavaar has grown to the point where good manners are being ignored. For either to withhold the kiss of greeting is a major breech of protocol.)
“Pulich!” said Parvah. “Aren’t you going to greet your sister?”
Pulich's look said he would rather not. However, Pulich dare not refuse his lady. Tavaar watched him rise from his place and come to her. She accepted his kiss. Had the thought not been so distasteful she would have found it amusing.
“We were just talking about you,” said Parvah.
“Oh?” Tavaar asked, looking suspiciously at Pulich, who only shook his head and grinned. Tavaar didn’t like that. If whatever they had been talking about made Pulich grin there was a high probability she was in trouble.
“Yes. We were talking about what you did yesterday,” said Parvah, oblivious to Tavaar’s concerns.
But Pulich wasn’t oblivious. At Parvah’s last words Tavaar’s heart froze. They had been seen, naked in the water with Khaiu and Shello at the shore. That, or someone had broke down and confessed. Not Sashwa. Ahzbah, either. In fact, she was surprised Ahzbah hadn’t stood up. Chahma? Maybe. She hadn’t liked it that the males were there. She had threatened to tell, but Tavaar thought they had convinced her to keep silent. After all, if Khaiu and Shello were brought before the Council – and this was a Council offense – they just might reveal Tavaar, Sashwa and Ahzbah’s temptations. Had Chahma changed her mind? Or, could it have been Khaiu and Shello? Would they turn themselves in?
As her mind raced with these thoughts she noticed Pulich’s face. The knowing look it gave her told her he was aware of her distress. If he knew why she was distressed she was in terrible trouble.
“Father is looking for you. So is mother,” he said.
“Do you know why?” she asked, trying to sound calm. She didn’t think she succeeded. Pulich’s smile told her she was right.
“I do.”
“Well, are you going to tell me?”
Pulich laughed. “I should think you should guess.”
You should just think, thought Tavaar, but she said nothing. Her fear was welling up. She knew Pulich relished her distress, waiting for her to break into sobs so he could report it to their mother – if she didn’t already know – and the truth would spill out like an upturned milk bucket. Parvah’s enthusiasm was Tavaar's life send.
“Oh, Tavaar! The judges have decided.”
Tavaar felt dazed. “What? Are you sure?”
“The scroll was delivered two turns ago.”
“Really? Where is it?”
Her fear was now replaced by excitement. The decision had been made. If it was the one she hoped for then all of her dreams were now open.
“I believe it is in the study,” offered Pulich.
Tavaar bolted from the kitchen and raced to the study. Her father was not there. She searched the desk top, drawers and bookshelves. Nothing. She stood in disappointment as Pulich and Parvah came in. Tavaar felt like crying again. Had Pulich got Parvah to go along with one of his stupid tricks?
“I can’t find it,” she said.
“Try looking on the mantel,” said Pulich.
Parvah elbowed him. “Pulich! I told you your mother and father wanted to be here when she opened it.”
“Oh, that’s right. Well, too late now.”
While Pulich and Parvah debated, Tavaar rushed across the room and retrieved the scroll from the fireplace mantel. It was addressed to her and it was sealed with the signet of each judge – and the Head-of-Family. She broke the seals and unfurled the scroll, reading aloud.
“’To Tavaar, daughter of Odelmaar –‘ I passed!” she screamed. “They called me ‘daughter of Odelmaar’ and not ‘daughter of Taylich’. I passed! I passed!”
Despite her disapproval, Parvah laughed. Even Pulich smiled. Tavaar danced and then returned to the scroll.
“’We are pleased to inform you that it is our judgment you are more than ready to begin training with flameswords. Both the Head-of-Family and the Defense Sovereign have been informed of our decision. The Defense Sovereign will choose a Fire Lord to instruct you. In the meantime, you are free to train with your father, who we know to be a Master Warrior. Train hard. We expect you to do well. You will be retested before mid-year. If you perform as expected, you will be moved to level one. Congratulations.’”
Tavaar danced again. She went to Parvah, who embraced and kissed her. She even kissed Pulich with affection, thanking him for pointing her to the scroll.
“So how does the newest flamesword warrior choose to celebrate her new status?” asked Parvah.
“I shall empty my purse at the inn,” said Tavaar. Then she stopped. A new thought came to her. “But even before that there is something I must do.”
She kissed them both again and then hurried out, still clutching the scroll tightly in her hand. She marched straightway to the carriage house and ordered her carriage to be made ready. Then she ran back to the house where she quickly washed and put on clean clothes. She came out of the house in shiny black boots and pants, not britches. They fit her closely, following the curves of her hips and thighs perfectly. Her top was black silk, tied about the waist with a thick, black belt clasped with a silver buckle. Over this she wore a sparkling silver vest. On her head was a sturdy, wide-brimmed hat with a low top, also black. Several baubles dangled from the brim. The carriage was waiting for her and she primly stepped into it, giving instructions as the splash door closed behind her.
“To the Temple.”
When Tavaar reaches the Temple she requests an audience with Thayna, who was Chief Temple Keeper. Thayna was the father of Jothayn, who was the father of Thiessa, who was Chief Temple Keeper and Temple Sovereign during the time of Books I through IV. Why tell you that? I spent years developing the family trees and maintaining continuity. I like to pat myself on the back when I can. (I'm the only one who can't do it with a knife. [grin] Sorry. Bad joke. But aren't those really the jokes which garner the greatest laughter? Come on. Be honest.)
“So, young Tavaar, what is it that you wish to see me about?” Thayna asked. “I assume it is a matter of importance.”
“It is, Sir. At least, it is to me.”
“Ah! Then let us address the matter quickly.”
Thayna was an older member of the family. He was an unusual member of the Temple Line in that he liked to tease. The sparkle in his eyes was not diminished by age nor hidden by grey hair and wrinkles. He was wearing the robes of his office, purple with gold trim. A small, soft hat was on his head. Tavaar did not see him often, but he had stood as a teacher occasionally in some of her temple classes. She was one of his favorites.
“Here, sir,” she said, presenting her scroll for him to read.
“Ah! You have passed your flamesword test. Congratulations!”
“Thank you, Sir.”
“I must be one of the first you have told?”
“Yes, Sir. You are.”
“How wonderful. With all the friends and family you have, you come to me first. I am honored.”
“Well, actually, Sir, I came to add my name to the List-of-Hopefuls. If it is still open.”
“Oh,” said Thayna, his face falling into mock distress. “And here I had thought you were come to seek courtship.” He sighed. “Ah, well. Life is so full of disappointment.”
Tavaar couldn’t help blushing. “But, Sir. You already have a wife.”
“I do. That is true enough.”
“Then why should you think me come to court? By family law, you are forbidden to me.”
“Perhaps so,” said Thayna with a grin on his mouth and a twinkle in his eyes. "But if you would like to court me, I shall argue for a change in family law.”
Tavaar laughed with him.
“Besides,” he added, “there is no law expressly forbidding it. It just hasn’t been done.4 (The note here actually says more than I want it to before Book I becomes a published work. Suffice to say, this is an important exchange.) Would you care to be the first to change family practice?”
“I believe I would,” said Tavaar.
“Excellent!”
“But that is not why I came.”
“Oh, well. Maybe next time,” said Thayna, not sounding too disappointed. He reached into his desk, pulled out a parchment and lay it on the desk before him. Then he moved his ink well toward her and handed her a pen. “Just identify yourself and your intention,” he said. “Mines has not completed its allotment of candidates, as you know. I must say, too, how pleased I am to have a girl from Mines submit her name. Not many do.” He shook his head, disapprovingly. “There is, of course, the issue that your brother already has his name on the list, but hopefully, that will not make a difference. If it were up to me, it would not.”5 (This note states: Thayna clearly wanted Tavaar to be accepted. He was not alone. Outside of Mines, there were few – if any – who failed to see Tavaar’s worth.)
Tavaar finished writing and Thayna added his notations. She watched him roll it up, seal it with wax and a press of his ring. He got up, taking the scroll. He placed it in a small cubby.
“I shall have this sent to Sovereign Fahrhar today. You will be contacted soon.”
“Thank you, Sir.”
“So,” said Thayna. “Where are you really going and what are you really up to?”
“Sir?”
“Come, come, Tavaar. Warriors do not dress up in finery to place their names on the List-of-Hopefuls. I’ve had them show up quite dirty – and smelly. What are you up to?”
“This is hardly formal wear, Sir,” said Tavaar.
Thayna laughed loudly as he walked around his desk and reseated himself.
“Wonderful evasion!” he said. “You’ll make an excellent Head-of-Family. They never answer questions either. No, you are not dressed formally. However, you are about as close to it as you can be without putting on a gown and slippers. Very well. I see it is a private matter and I shall let it be. Enjoy yourself.”
“Thank you, Sir.”
She turned and opened the door, but before she could exit Thayna made one more comment.
“I expect he will enjoy himself. I know I would.”
Tavaar looked at him but did not speak. Thayna’s knowing smile made her blush. She exited and closed the door.
Today we pick up with Tavaar receiving the results of her flamesword test. Somewhere I documented the exact day when this took place. I don't feel like searching for it right now. Suffice to know it had to occur within a week (eight days) of the test. The narrative context suggests it is the following day.
Formatting: Text notes; Text narrative; Blog notes.
This is the final passage in the first of Tavaar’s journals. (The journals were Blank Books I purchased for $2.00 each at Target. I filled six with Tavaar vignettes.) It was written over a period of roughly two weeks and is fairly lengthy as a result. We are introduced to several new characters, some of whom have been referenced. Pulich, who we met briefly when Tavaar lost to Shello the first time, is given a larger part. We meet Parvah, Pulich’s wife, and Tavaar’s driver and coachman are given names. From this passage forward, little in Tavaar’s life works to her joy. It begins shortly after her flamesword test.
Tavaar entered the house feeling tired. She started for the stairs but decided to check the kitchen. Sometimes there were leftover baked goods in a bowl. She entered the kitchen and saw Pulich with Parvah, his lady.1 (This note acknowledges an error on my part. I say Parvah is Pulich's "Lady". Not true. the year is 316. Pulich and Parvah were married in 312. Parvah is Pulich's "Wife" and Tavaar's Wed-Sister.)
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to intrude.”
“No, Tavaar! Do come in,” said Parvah.
Tavaar came forward and greeted Parvah with a kiss. She gave Pulich a look, but neither moved to kiss in greeting.2 (This note states: The animosity between Pulich and Tavaar has grown to the point where good manners are being ignored. For either to withhold the kiss of greeting is a major breech of protocol.)
“Pulich!” said Parvah. “Aren’t you going to greet your sister?”
Pulich's look said he would rather not. However, Pulich dare not refuse his lady. Tavaar watched him rise from his place and come to her. She accepted his kiss. Had the thought not been so distasteful she would have found it amusing.
“We were just talking about you,” said Parvah.
“Oh?” Tavaar asked, looking suspiciously at Pulich, who only shook his head and grinned. Tavaar didn’t like that. If whatever they had been talking about made Pulich grin there was a high probability she was in trouble.
“Yes. We were talking about what you did yesterday,” said Parvah, oblivious to Tavaar’s concerns.
But Pulich wasn’t oblivious. At Parvah’s last words Tavaar’s heart froze. They had been seen, naked in the water with Khaiu and Shello at the shore. That, or someone had broke down and confessed. Not Sashwa. Ahzbah, either. In fact, she was surprised Ahzbah hadn’t stood up. Chahma? Maybe. She hadn’t liked it that the males were there. She had threatened to tell, but Tavaar thought they had convinced her to keep silent. After all, if Khaiu and Shello were brought before the Council – and this was a Council offense – they just might reveal Tavaar, Sashwa and Ahzbah’s temptations. Had Chahma changed her mind? Or, could it have been Khaiu and Shello? Would they turn themselves in?
As her mind raced with these thoughts she noticed Pulich’s face. The knowing look it gave her told her he was aware of her distress. If he knew why she was distressed she was in terrible trouble.
“Father is looking for you. So is mother,” he said.
“Do you know why?” she asked, trying to sound calm. She didn’t think she succeeded. Pulich’s smile told her she was right.
“I do.”
“Well, are you going to tell me?”
Pulich laughed. “I should think you should guess.”
You should just think, thought Tavaar, but she said nothing. Her fear was welling up. She knew Pulich relished her distress, waiting for her to break into sobs so he could report it to their mother – if she didn’t already know – and the truth would spill out like an upturned milk bucket. Parvah’s enthusiasm was Tavaar's life send.
“Oh, Tavaar! The judges have decided.”
Tavaar felt dazed. “What? Are you sure?”
“The scroll was delivered two turns ago.”
“Really? Where is it?”
Her fear was now replaced by excitement. The decision had been made. If it was the one she hoped for then all of her dreams were now open.
“I believe it is in the study,” offered Pulich.
Tavaar bolted from the kitchen and raced to the study. Her father was not there. She searched the desk top, drawers and bookshelves. Nothing. She stood in disappointment as Pulich and Parvah came in. Tavaar felt like crying again. Had Pulich got Parvah to go along with one of his stupid tricks?
“I can’t find it,” she said.
“Try looking on the mantel,” said Pulich.
Parvah elbowed him. “Pulich! I told you your mother and father wanted to be here when she opened it.”
“Oh, that’s right. Well, too late now.”
While Pulich and Parvah debated, Tavaar rushed across the room and retrieved the scroll from the fireplace mantel. It was addressed to her and it was sealed with the signet of each judge – and the Head-of-Family. She broke the seals and unfurled the scroll, reading aloud.
“’To Tavaar, daughter of Odelmaar –‘ I passed!” she screamed. “They called me ‘daughter of Odelmaar’ and not ‘daughter of Taylich’. I passed! I passed!”
Despite her disapproval, Parvah laughed. Even Pulich smiled. Tavaar danced and then returned to the scroll.
“’We are pleased to inform you that it is our judgment you are more than ready to begin training with flameswords. Both the Head-of-Family and the Defense Sovereign have been informed of our decision. The Defense Sovereign will choose a Fire Lord to instruct you. In the meantime, you are free to train with your father, who we know to be a Master Warrior. Train hard. We expect you to do well. You will be retested before mid-year. If you perform as expected, you will be moved to level one. Congratulations.’”
Tavaar danced again. She went to Parvah, who embraced and kissed her. She even kissed Pulich with affection, thanking him for pointing her to the scroll.
“So how does the newest flamesword warrior choose to celebrate her new status?” asked Parvah.
“I shall empty my purse at the inn,” said Tavaar. Then she stopped. A new thought came to her. “But even before that there is something I must do.”
She kissed them both again and then hurried out, still clutching the scroll tightly in her hand. She marched straightway to the carriage house and ordered her carriage to be made ready. Then she ran back to the house where she quickly washed and put on clean clothes. She came out of the house in shiny black boots and pants, not britches. They fit her closely, following the curves of her hips and thighs perfectly. Her top was black silk, tied about the waist with a thick, black belt clasped with a silver buckle. Over this she wore a sparkling silver vest. On her head was a sturdy, wide-brimmed hat with a low top, also black. Several baubles dangled from the brim. The carriage was waiting for her and she primly stepped into it, giving instructions as the splash door closed behind her.
“To the Temple.”
When Tavaar reaches the Temple she requests an audience with Thayna, who was Chief Temple Keeper. Thayna was the father of Jothayn, who was the father of Thiessa, who was Chief Temple Keeper and Temple Sovereign during the time of Books I through IV. Why tell you that? I spent years developing the family trees and maintaining continuity. I like to pat myself on the back when I can. (I'm the only one who can't do it with a knife. [grin] Sorry. Bad joke. But aren't those really the jokes which garner the greatest laughter? Come on. Be honest.)
“So, young Tavaar, what is it that you wish to see me about?” Thayna asked. “I assume it is a matter of importance.”
“It is, Sir. At least, it is to me.”
“Ah! Then let us address the matter quickly.”
Thayna was an older member of the family. He was an unusual member of the Temple Line in that he liked to tease. The sparkle in his eyes was not diminished by age nor hidden by grey hair and wrinkles. He was wearing the robes of his office, purple with gold trim. A small, soft hat was on his head. Tavaar did not see him often, but he had stood as a teacher occasionally in some of her temple classes. She was one of his favorites.
“Here, sir,” she said, presenting her scroll for him to read.
“Ah! You have passed your flamesword test. Congratulations!”
“Thank you, Sir.”
“I must be one of the first you have told?”
“Yes, Sir. You are.”
“How wonderful. With all the friends and family you have, you come to me first. I am honored.”
“Well, actually, Sir, I came to add my name to the List-of-Hopefuls. If it is still open.”
“Oh,” said Thayna, his face falling into mock distress. “And here I had thought you were come to seek courtship.” He sighed. “Ah, well. Life is so full of disappointment.”
Tavaar couldn’t help blushing. “But, Sir. You already have a wife.”
“I do. That is true enough.”
“Then why should you think me come to court? By family law, you are forbidden to me.”
“Perhaps so,” said Thayna with a grin on his mouth and a twinkle in his eyes. "But if you would like to court me, I shall argue for a change in family law.”
Tavaar laughed with him.
“Besides,” he added, “there is no law expressly forbidding it. It just hasn’t been done.4 (The note here actually says more than I want it to before Book I becomes a published work. Suffice to say, this is an important exchange.) Would you care to be the first to change family practice?”
“I believe I would,” said Tavaar.
“Excellent!”
“But that is not why I came.”
“Oh, well. Maybe next time,” said Thayna, not sounding too disappointed. He reached into his desk, pulled out a parchment and lay it on the desk before him. Then he moved his ink well toward her and handed her a pen. “Just identify yourself and your intention,” he said. “Mines has not completed its allotment of candidates, as you know. I must say, too, how pleased I am to have a girl from Mines submit her name. Not many do.” He shook his head, disapprovingly. “There is, of course, the issue that your brother already has his name on the list, but hopefully, that will not make a difference. If it were up to me, it would not.”5 (This note states: Thayna clearly wanted Tavaar to be accepted. He was not alone. Outside of Mines, there were few – if any – who failed to see Tavaar’s worth.)
Tavaar finished writing and Thayna added his notations. She watched him roll it up, seal it with wax and a press of his ring. He got up, taking the scroll. He placed it in a small cubby.
“I shall have this sent to Sovereign Fahrhar today. You will be contacted soon.”
“Thank you, Sir.”
“So,” said Thayna. “Where are you really going and what are you really up to?”
“Sir?”
“Come, come, Tavaar. Warriors do not dress up in finery to place their names on the List-of-Hopefuls. I’ve had them show up quite dirty – and smelly. What are you up to?”
“This is hardly formal wear, Sir,” said Tavaar.
Thayna laughed loudly as he walked around his desk and reseated himself.
“Wonderful evasion!” he said. “You’ll make an excellent Head-of-Family. They never answer questions either. No, you are not dressed formally. However, you are about as close to it as you can be without putting on a gown and slippers. Very well. I see it is a private matter and I shall let it be. Enjoy yourself.”
“Thank you, Sir.”
She turned and opened the door, but before she could exit Thayna made one more comment.
“I expect he will enjoy himself. I know I would.”
Tavaar looked at him but did not speak. Thayna’s knowing smile made her blush. She exited and closed the door.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Tavaar - 8th Edition
Yesterday was about Tavaar and Klarissa. Today we begin with Tavaar's first - and only - serious mock battle with Khaiu. As with much of Tavaar's backstory, I included notes.
This passage was written in less than two hours, or even an hour. The time is immediately following Tavaar’s interaction with Klarissa. It’s main purpose was to draw Tavaar closer to Khaiu than to Shello. I think it succeeds. It also reflects the first time I really began to realized Sashwa’s role in Tavaar’s life. Not only were they impish, saucy and sassy, but they were also very suggestive with each other. This new dimension would form a strong base from which their love would show.
They stood facing each other, waiting for the signal. Tavaar was nervous. Not only was Khaiu a superior warrior, his eyes told her he was still put out with her over the joke she and Klarissa had played on him and Shello. With anyone else she would have expected the anger to be a distraction. With Khaiu, she did not. It would only give him focus. The signal was given and the fight began. Tavaar began moving to her left. Khaiu turned, but he did not step.
“You have opened yourself up to attack,” he said, coolly.
“I have not.”
His sword snapped forward faster than she expected. She blocked it, but only after it grazed her side. She grimaced, but the pain left quickly.
“Get your mind on the fight,” said Khaiu. “Were my blade steel you would now have a severe wound.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry. Be attentive!”
“No. I mean about what happened earlier.”
His sword flashed again, catching her on her arm. She parried him away, but her arm throbbed.
“Get your mind on the fight! You are now dead in a real fight. Do you understand? This is not about mock battles and championships. It is about staying alive.”
She was angry now, but she didn’t let it be her master. Drawing on the things she had been taught, she channeled her anger. Then, while Khaiu was in the midst of his tirade, she struck. To her disappointment, he not only parried her attack, but he didn’t even pause for breath, finishing his tirade while he fought.
“Good! Make your anger an ally instead of an enemy. It has power. Take the power, but leave the rest. The rest will hamper your thoughts and slow your actions. The power gives you strength and speed.”
“I know!” she said, launching a furious attack.
She was a bit more successful this time. At least he shut up. But he was laughing! It wasn’t mocking or derisive. It was the laughter which comes from joy. But it was still laughter. Yes, she was probably going to get beat, but before she did she was going to take that damned smile off his face.
They continued, and soon Khaiu was issuing warnings to her even as he had Shello the year before. It wasn’t distracting, though. This was Khaiu’s style in their training sessions; constantly barking out commands. Tavaar found it calming. She was able to press, and once she noted a look of surprise in Khaiu’s eyes, which was followed by one of his rare, but charming, smiles. Khaiu’s assaults were frightening. Only his shouting of commands helped her keep focus. She blocked them – but barely. In the end – she lost. His blade came against her cheek and paused just long enough for her to know it. It had felt like a lover’s caress.
She immediately ceased fighting. She sighed and smiled. Then she stepped forward to kiss her vanquisher.
“Why are you smiling? You have just been killed,” said Khaiu.
“Didn’t you know, Khaiu? To die at your hands is every girl’s dream.”2 (the note here says: This was the moment I knew Tavaar loved Khaiu and not Shello.)
“You relaxed your defense again. We are going to have to work on that.”
Tavaar sighed. “You know, you can stop coaching me now, Khaiu. The thing is over. I would like to give you a kiss, but now I’m not so sure.”
“I wouldn’t,” said Chahma, who had arrived with Sashwa and Ahzbah. She turned on Khaiu. “What are you crabbing on her for? She fought you better than anyone, and all you do is criticize.”
“Not exactly your gracious winner, is he?” said Ahzbah.
Khaiu looked embarrassed. He glanced at Tavaar’s friends and then looked at her.
“You’re right,” he said. “I apologize. You fought well, Tavaar.”
It wasn't too many days after her defeat to Khaiu that Tavaar tested for training with a flamesword. This is another short passage.
This was a passage I was going to write earlier. I’m glad I waited. It allowed me to introduce other elements. That Tavaar and her friends are not exactly proper is already known. That Chahma is a reluctant follower is also known. What we find is that Tavaar’s wantonness does have its limits. On a minor note, this is the first appearance of Tavaar’s carriage.
Odelmaar began with a quick strike, catching her on her arm. She blocked part of it, but had been too eager and overreacted. Her father was right: it hurt. When he paused, she launched her own attacks. She had little hope in actually striking her father, but that was not her purpose. She wanted to watch how he defended himself. She had seen blocking moves many times, of course, but watching from a safe distance was one thing. Watching as a warrior engaged in battle was another. On and on they fought. Like Khaiu, Odelmaar constantly barked out commands, mercilessly inflicting pain to emphasize his points. Being hit was not only painful, it was frustrating and humiliating. This increased her anger and her resolve.
There was a subtle move she had seen Khaiu use on occasion. It involved a clear deception of wrist movement. When executed well it was very difficult to defend. Even Shello struggled with it. She thought she knew how it was done. She had practiced it with her mock weapon. She decided to try it.
She didn’t execute it perfectly, but her father was unaware of the move and was caught by surprise. She caught him across his legs and he yelped before recovering and sending a flurry of fire back at her. To prove it had not been an accident, she did it again. Having seen it once, Odelmaar was better prepared, and this time she did not strike home. She hadn’t executed it well anyway. The smile on her father’s face, though, told her he was impressed.
When the testing ended, Odelmaar called for a carriage to bring Tavaar to Fire Lake, where she could enjoy the warm and healing waters. To Tavaar’s delight a beautiful princess carriage came around the corner. It was sparkling white with black leather seats. The larger seat faced forward. A smaller one faced it, allowing for as many as four or five to ride in comfort and elegance. The driver sat high on a bench for two, and the back had places for groomsmen. It was pulled by a magnificent, shiny black mare with no white whatsoever. The thick feather around her feet had been combed. Her main and tail were done up splendidly. Tavaar gasped with joy.
This passage was written in less than two hours, or even an hour. The time is immediately following Tavaar’s interaction with Klarissa. It’s main purpose was to draw Tavaar closer to Khaiu than to Shello. I think it succeeds. It also reflects the first time I really began to realized Sashwa’s role in Tavaar’s life. Not only were they impish, saucy and sassy, but they were also very suggestive with each other. This new dimension would form a strong base from which their love would show.
They stood facing each other, waiting for the signal. Tavaar was nervous. Not only was Khaiu a superior warrior, his eyes told her he was still put out with her over the joke she and Klarissa had played on him and Shello. With anyone else she would have expected the anger to be a distraction. With Khaiu, she did not. It would only give him focus. The signal was given and the fight began. Tavaar began moving to her left. Khaiu turned, but he did not step.
“You have opened yourself up to attack,” he said, coolly.
“I have not.”
His sword snapped forward faster than she expected. She blocked it, but only after it grazed her side. She grimaced, but the pain left quickly.
“Get your mind on the fight,” said Khaiu. “Were my blade steel you would now have a severe wound.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry. Be attentive!”
“No. I mean about what happened earlier.”
His sword flashed again, catching her on her arm. She parried him away, but her arm throbbed.
“Get your mind on the fight! You are now dead in a real fight. Do you understand? This is not about mock battles and championships. It is about staying alive.”
She was angry now, but she didn’t let it be her master. Drawing on the things she had been taught, she channeled her anger. Then, while Khaiu was in the midst of his tirade, she struck. To her disappointment, he not only parried her attack, but he didn’t even pause for breath, finishing his tirade while he fought.
“Good! Make your anger an ally instead of an enemy. It has power. Take the power, but leave the rest. The rest will hamper your thoughts and slow your actions. The power gives you strength and speed.”
“I know!” she said, launching a furious attack.
She was a bit more successful this time. At least he shut up. But he was laughing! It wasn’t mocking or derisive. It was the laughter which comes from joy. But it was still laughter. Yes, she was probably going to get beat, but before she did she was going to take that damned smile off his face.
They continued, and soon Khaiu was issuing warnings to her even as he had Shello the year before. It wasn’t distracting, though. This was Khaiu’s style in their training sessions; constantly barking out commands. Tavaar found it calming. She was able to press, and once she noted a look of surprise in Khaiu’s eyes, which was followed by one of his rare, but charming, smiles. Khaiu’s assaults were frightening. Only his shouting of commands helped her keep focus. She blocked them – but barely. In the end – she lost. His blade came against her cheek and paused just long enough for her to know it. It had felt like a lover’s caress.
She immediately ceased fighting. She sighed and smiled. Then she stepped forward to kiss her vanquisher.
“Why are you smiling? You have just been killed,” said Khaiu.
“Didn’t you know, Khaiu? To die at your hands is every girl’s dream.”2 (the note here says: This was the moment I knew Tavaar loved Khaiu and not Shello.)
“You relaxed your defense again. We are going to have to work on that.”
Tavaar sighed. “You know, you can stop coaching me now, Khaiu. The thing is over. I would like to give you a kiss, but now I’m not so sure.”
“I wouldn’t,” said Chahma, who had arrived with Sashwa and Ahzbah. She turned on Khaiu. “What are you crabbing on her for? She fought you better than anyone, and all you do is criticize.”
“Not exactly your gracious winner, is he?” said Ahzbah.
Khaiu looked embarrassed. He glanced at Tavaar’s friends and then looked at her.
“You’re right,” he said. “I apologize. You fought well, Tavaar.”
It wasn't too many days after her defeat to Khaiu that Tavaar tested for training with a flamesword. This is another short passage.
This was a passage I was going to write earlier. I’m glad I waited. It allowed me to introduce other elements. That Tavaar and her friends are not exactly proper is already known. That Chahma is a reluctant follower is also known. What we find is that Tavaar’s wantonness does have its limits. On a minor note, this is the first appearance of Tavaar’s carriage.
Odelmaar began with a quick strike, catching her on her arm. She blocked part of it, but had been too eager and overreacted. Her father was right: it hurt. When he paused, she launched her own attacks. She had little hope in actually striking her father, but that was not her purpose. She wanted to watch how he defended himself. She had seen blocking moves many times, of course, but watching from a safe distance was one thing. Watching as a warrior engaged in battle was another. On and on they fought. Like Khaiu, Odelmaar constantly barked out commands, mercilessly inflicting pain to emphasize his points. Being hit was not only painful, it was frustrating and humiliating. This increased her anger and her resolve.
There was a subtle move she had seen Khaiu use on occasion. It involved a clear deception of wrist movement. When executed well it was very difficult to defend. Even Shello struggled with it. She thought she knew how it was done. She had practiced it with her mock weapon. She decided to try it.
She didn’t execute it perfectly, but her father was unaware of the move and was caught by surprise. She caught him across his legs and he yelped before recovering and sending a flurry of fire back at her. To prove it had not been an accident, she did it again. Having seen it once, Odelmaar was better prepared, and this time she did not strike home. She hadn’t executed it well anyway. The smile on her father’s face, though, told her he was impressed.
When the testing ended, Odelmaar called for a carriage to bring Tavaar to Fire Lake, where she could enjoy the warm and healing waters. To Tavaar’s delight a beautiful princess carriage came around the corner. It was sparkling white with black leather seats. The larger seat faced forward. A smaller one faced it, allowing for as many as four or five to ride in comfort and elegance. The driver sat high on a bench for two, and the back had places for groomsmen. It was pulled by a magnificent, shiny black mare with no white whatsoever. The thick feather around her feet had been combed. Her main and tail were done up splendidly. Tavaar gasped with joy.
NOTE: I found Tavaar's carriage at Justin Carriage. The pictures have changed since I first found the website, but Tavaar's carriage is still there. It just isn't white anymore.
“A reward. For an excellent effort,” said Odelmaar.
He was smiling broadly at her. Tavaar had no words. She flung herself into his arms, headless of her pain.
“Get you gone to the lake now,” he said, giving her a kiss and a pat.
She started for the carriage, then turned. “Father, may my friends join me?”
“As you wish. The carriage is yours to keep.”
“Thank you, Father!”
Tavaar takes Sashwa, Ahzbah and Chahma with her to Fire Lake. They find a secluded place and go skinny dipping. They aren't there long before Khaiu and Shello arrive.
“This ought to be interesting,” said Ahzbah.
Sashwa laughed. Chahma looked nervous and crouched low in the water. Tavaar, who happened to be sitting in water nearly to her neck remained unflustered.
“Sit down, girls. It looks like we have company.”
The two brothers walked to the water’s edge.
“You’re a bit bold, aren’t you?” asked Tavaar.
“We didn’t mean to be,” said Khaiu. “We had hoped to get her earlier and surprise you.”
“We’re surprised!” said Ahzbah, drawing giggles from Tavaar and Sashwa. Chahma shivered in her arms.
“That’s not what I meant,” said Khaiu. “We weren’t coming with the hope of watching you undress or see you naked or anything like that.”
“No,” said Shello. “We knew Tavaar flamesword tested today and we wanted to give our congratulations.”
“How did you know we were here?” asked Sashwa.
“We saw the carriage pass by the Great Hall, but we were too far away to call. So we hurried cross country,” said Khaiu. “This is a nice, secluded place. Perfect for nude bathing.”
“And you ran all that way just to give Darling a kiss?” asked Sashwa.
“Yes. We did,” said Shello.
“Well, come on then,” said Tavaar, holding out her hands.
“Under the circumstances, I do not believe it would be proper,” said Khaiu.
Tavaar laughed. “What does that matter? Your coming here is hardly proper.”
“It was an accident!” said Shello.
“Yes,” said Tavaar, wryly. “You seem to have a lot of them.”
“I notice you’re not leaving,” said Ahzbah.
“You’re looking at a lot of trouble, if we tell,” said Sashwa.
“What do you mean, if we tell?” said Chahma.
“Don’t mind her. She’s with us,” said Ahzbah.
“So, what are you going to do?” asked Tavaar.
“What do you want us to do?” asked Khaiu.
“You came to give me kisses. I still haven’t got them.”
Khaiu sighed. “Are you serious?”
“We’ll have to tell if you don’t,” said Sashwa.
“And we each want a kiss,” said Ahzbah.
“Ahzbah, no!” hissed Chahma.
“What do you say, Khaiu?” asked Tavaar.
“Before you answer, know this!” cried Ahzbah. “You and Shello must strip down, too.”
Chahma gasped, but Sashwa and Tavaar laughed.
“Now what do you say?” asked Tavaar.
“That the conditions are tempting. However, to be caught would bring serious trouble upon us all. Are you really ready for husbands? There are four of you and two of us. The family has never allowed such marriages to occur.”
“Maybe its time the family changes its thinking,” said Tavaar.4 (I will only give part of the note: It was no accident this comment was given to Tavaar.)
“You play a dangerous game, Tavaar,” said Khaiu. “You are counting on me to refuse and take Shello and leave. But you fail to realize the power of your own allure. You wear the water like shimmering silk, and though it be clear, your form is not. The wind disturbs the surface and shields you from our eyes.”
“Would you like me to stand?” asked Tavaar.
Khaiu paused. “Yes. But don't. There would be no going back.”
Tavaar no longer felt like jesting. Yet neither did she feel ashamed.
“Why did you come to the water, Khaiu? You say you did not wish to see my nudity, yet you could have left. We would never have known you saw us.”
“We didn’t see you,” said Shello. “Not really.”
Khaiu held out his hand and Shello quit speaking. “What Shello says is true enough. There was a point when we saw you in the water, and we could tell you were undressed. But we were still afar and could not – make out all details. At that time we could have left and you would never have known.”
“But we would know,” said Shello.
Khaiu silenced him again. “We would know, but you would not. Somehow, that seemed more unseemly than having you ‘catch us’. So we left the water and came through the trees, calling out as we neared to give you time to cover yourselves with water. Perhaps we were wrong, but the choice cannot be undone.”
“It is an odd way to think,” said Tavaar. “Can you be sure your reasoning was not clouded by desire?”
“No.”
Tavaar smiled. “Then I accept your words as truth and release you. Get you gone. You may kiss me another day.”
“Thank you,” said Khaiu.
“Thank you,” said Shello.
They turned to leave, but Tavaar called after them. “You know, you're always going to wonder what would have happened?”
“Always is a long time,” said Khaiu.
“Are you saying you’ll forget this?” asked Sashwa.
“No. I expect we shall even regret out choice. But it is the right choice.”
The two brothers turned their backs and disappeared into the trees. After they had gone, Sashwa splashed Tavaar.
“Why did you let them go? They would have given in.”
Tavaar remained thoughtful. “I know.”
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Tavaar - 7th Edition
We continue with Tavaar. Sorry for the long posts. You should try reading the entire narrative. Even I have trouble finishing that in a day.
I'm giving up trying to keep these things short. It isn't possible. Not if I'm going to give you any of the actual story. Although it isn't really a story. It's a series of vignettes.
We left off yesterday with Tavaar and Klarissa having tricked Shello and Khaiu into, as Tavaar put it, "A very tender moment." I am including some notes I added about the text. They have to deal with the kissing joke of yesterday, and with Tavaar and Klarissa in particular.
We learn a lot about Klarissa. For one thing, not only was she far more wild in her youth than one suspects (from reading Book I), she is not exactly truthful in her response to Khirsha when he asks how she and Shello came to be married (Klarissa and Shello are Khirsha's parents). This is understandable when we see that despite her playfulness, Klarissa is really unsure of herself as regards males in general, and Shello in particular. We learn why she reacted the way she did when Khirsha asked her if she had kissed Kiembah. They weren’t completely wanton, but they clearly did more than just kiss.
That Tavaar is much more at ease with Shello clearly bothers Klarissa. In time, their roles will reverse and Klarissa will learn just how easy it is for her to ‘control’ Shello, while Tavaar becomes the uncertain one. Still, Klarissa will always remember that at least for a time, Tavaar had control of Shello.
The kissing scene between the two women was an accident. It’s simply the way my humorous mind works. I had not thought of it until Khaiu uttered his fateful words. Then it struck me as funny if the girls used it to prank the guys. I confess to debating how ‘involved’ I was willing to go with Klarissa and Tavaar. Klarissa's hesitancy to talk about Tavaar (in Book I) may, or may not, be solely restricted to Shello. But even Klarissa admits they were "friends - of a kind" (quoted portion taken from Book I). I may (probably will) write more. I think more is warranted. However, not today.
In fact, I did not write anything more about Tavaar and Klarissa's relationship, although I wrote more about Klarissa, and tons more about Tavaar.
What I will add today is part of the interaction between Tavaar and Klarissa after the guys left. Klarissa confesses that she has never kissed Shello. Tavaar asks about tournements and Klarissa points out that she always lost to Khaiu and never had to fight Shello. When asked about congratulating Shello after his victories, Klarissa makes excuses. So Tavaar confronts her.
“Klarissa, are you afraid to kiss him?” she asked.
Klarissa looked like she wanted to deny it, but no words came out.
“You are. Why?”
Klarissa mumbled something inaudible and Tavaar pressed her. She became annoyed.
“Well, weren’t you afraid? The first time?”
Tavaar’s eyes grew wide. “You’ve never kissed a boy before? I mean, for real?”
“Of course I have! I’ve kissed lots of boys. But we’re not talking about lots of boys. We’re not even talking about any boy. We’re talking about – him.”
“So, it’s just Shello who scares you? Why?”
“Well, weren’t you? You never said.”
“Oh. Well, no. To tell the truth, I’d never even thought about it. It just kind of happened.”
“How does a kiss just happen?”
Klarissa’s tone was scornful. Tavaar didn’t begrudge her. She just didn’t understand.
“It wasn’t meant to be a kiss. Not a real one anyway.”
“So Shello and Khaiu go all the way to Gahrem for the bonfire, but they had no intention of kissing you?”
“It didn’t happen at Gahrem. Not the first time.”
“What do you mean? I thought you said they came to Gahrem.”
“They did, but that was after. The kiss happened at the tournament. I had just won and he came up to congratulate me. When he kissed me it was like being struck by lightning. It was quite thrilling, really. But I didn’t have time to be afraid. What is it that scares you? You said you’ve kissed other boys. Did you – you know - enjoy it?”
Klarissa blushed. “Yes! I enjoyed it. Okay? Well, maybe not with every boy. Some are just trouble. They just try to put their hands up your tunic, or undo the laces on your britches. Don’t ever wear a dress when you’re with them.”
“How do you handle them?’
“You slap their hands and threaten to leave.”
“What if they don’t listen?”
“You grab them by the throat and threaten to break their fingers.”
Tavaar laughed. “What’s the next step?”
“Well, I’ve only had one boy force me to the next step.”
“What did you do?”
“I broke his fingers.”
There is more. I'll add this bit because I think it's kind of cute. It also ties in with revealing more of Klarissa's nature, and who it was who contributed to Tavaar learning how to get a reputation.
“So, you let the boys – touch you?”
Klarissa blushed. “Not all of them, but some. For most it isn’t a question of ‘letting’. They just think they can and have to be taught otherwise.”
“By breaking their fingers?”
“If need be. It usually doesn’t take long. Males are very teachable. After getting slapped up a time or two, they fall into line. There are several, who demonstrated some skill, who I see from time to time.”
“Do you grant them any freedom then?”
“No. Not those. They can’t be trusted. But for Kiembah, and those like him, I grant a little bit more. Not all the time. They also have to understand who’s in charge.”
“Wow! I never would have guessed any of this about you.”
Klarissa shrugged. “Well, we are supposed to experiment, try out the various males, so we will know who to court. Once courting starts, that comes to an end and we only get one or two, or maybe three. Then we pick one of them, get married, and we’re locked in for life.”
“You make it sound like imprisonment.”29 (this note says it is interesting that Klarissa’s marriage is filled with joy and happiness while it is Tavaar who feels imprisoned).
Klarissa laughed. “Well, right now it kind of does seem like that. I mean, there are so many males to choose from. But I expect I will pick out one or two over the next year and begin courting.”
After this, Tavaar gives Klarissa the "low down" on both Shello and Khaiu. Klarissa confesses her fear about Shello's manners.
“Is that what you’re worried about?”
“Yes. I can handle most males. I avoid those I can’t, or suspect I can’t. Shello is willful and strong. I like that, but I’m not sure I can control it. I mean, I can’t even beat him at swords. What happens if he undoes my laces?”
“You break his fingers.”
“What if I can’t?”
“Then you’ll be married before you like.”
“Exactly! I don’t want that. Who wants to be married to a brute?”
“He hasn’t given me any trouble. Not really.”
“What do you mean, ‘not really’? What does he do?”
“It only happened once. Khaiu was holding me over his head and threw me for Shello to catch. He did, but one hand grabbed my breast and the other went between my legs.”
“He did that at a bonfire?”
“It was an accident.”
“Yes. Well, maybe it was and maybe it wasn’t”
I'm giving up trying to keep these things short. It isn't possible. Not if I'm going to give you any of the actual story. Although it isn't really a story. It's a series of vignettes.
We left off yesterday with Tavaar and Klarissa having tricked Shello and Khaiu into, as Tavaar put it, "A very tender moment." I am including some notes I added about the text. They have to deal with the kissing joke of yesterday, and with Tavaar and Klarissa in particular.
We learn a lot about Klarissa. For one thing, not only was she far more wild in her youth than one suspects (from reading Book I), she is not exactly truthful in her response to Khirsha when he asks how she and Shello came to be married (Klarissa and Shello are Khirsha's parents). This is understandable when we see that despite her playfulness, Klarissa is really unsure of herself as regards males in general, and Shello in particular. We learn why she reacted the way she did when Khirsha asked her if she had kissed Kiembah. They weren’t completely wanton, but they clearly did more than just kiss.
That Tavaar is much more at ease with Shello clearly bothers Klarissa. In time, their roles will reverse and Klarissa will learn just how easy it is for her to ‘control’ Shello, while Tavaar becomes the uncertain one. Still, Klarissa will always remember that at least for a time, Tavaar had control of Shello.
The kissing scene between the two women was an accident. It’s simply the way my humorous mind works. I had not thought of it until Khaiu uttered his fateful words. Then it struck me as funny if the girls used it to prank the guys. I confess to debating how ‘involved’ I was willing to go with Klarissa and Tavaar. Klarissa's hesitancy to talk about Tavaar (in Book I) may, or may not, be solely restricted to Shello. But even Klarissa admits they were "friends - of a kind" (quoted portion taken from Book I). I may (probably will) write more. I think more is warranted. However, not today.
In fact, I did not write anything more about Tavaar and Klarissa's relationship, although I wrote more about Klarissa, and tons more about Tavaar.
What I will add today is part of the interaction between Tavaar and Klarissa after the guys left. Klarissa confesses that she has never kissed Shello. Tavaar asks about tournements and Klarissa points out that she always lost to Khaiu and never had to fight Shello. When asked about congratulating Shello after his victories, Klarissa makes excuses. So Tavaar confronts her.
“Klarissa, are you afraid to kiss him?” she asked.
Klarissa looked like she wanted to deny it, but no words came out.
“You are. Why?”
Klarissa mumbled something inaudible and Tavaar pressed her. She became annoyed.
“Well, weren’t you afraid? The first time?”
Tavaar’s eyes grew wide. “You’ve never kissed a boy before? I mean, for real?”
“Of course I have! I’ve kissed lots of boys. But we’re not talking about lots of boys. We’re not even talking about any boy. We’re talking about – him.”
“So, it’s just Shello who scares you? Why?”
“Well, weren’t you? You never said.”
“Oh. Well, no. To tell the truth, I’d never even thought about it. It just kind of happened.”
“How does a kiss just happen?”
Klarissa’s tone was scornful. Tavaar didn’t begrudge her. She just didn’t understand.
“It wasn’t meant to be a kiss. Not a real one anyway.”
“So Shello and Khaiu go all the way to Gahrem for the bonfire, but they had no intention of kissing you?”
“It didn’t happen at Gahrem. Not the first time.”
“What do you mean? I thought you said they came to Gahrem.”
“They did, but that was after. The kiss happened at the tournament. I had just won and he came up to congratulate me. When he kissed me it was like being struck by lightning. It was quite thrilling, really. But I didn’t have time to be afraid. What is it that scares you? You said you’ve kissed other boys. Did you – you know - enjoy it?”
Klarissa blushed. “Yes! I enjoyed it. Okay? Well, maybe not with every boy. Some are just trouble. They just try to put their hands up your tunic, or undo the laces on your britches. Don’t ever wear a dress when you’re with them.”
“How do you handle them?’
“You slap their hands and threaten to leave.”
“What if they don’t listen?”
“You grab them by the throat and threaten to break their fingers.”
Tavaar laughed. “What’s the next step?”
“Well, I’ve only had one boy force me to the next step.”
“What did you do?”
“I broke his fingers.”
There is more. I'll add this bit because I think it's kind of cute. It also ties in with revealing more of Klarissa's nature, and who it was who contributed to Tavaar learning how to get a reputation.
“So, you let the boys – touch you?”
Klarissa blushed. “Not all of them, but some. For most it isn’t a question of ‘letting’. They just think they can and have to be taught otherwise.”
“By breaking their fingers?”
“If need be. It usually doesn’t take long. Males are very teachable. After getting slapped up a time or two, they fall into line. There are several, who demonstrated some skill, who I see from time to time.”
“Do you grant them any freedom then?”
“No. Not those. They can’t be trusted. But for Kiembah, and those like him, I grant a little bit more. Not all the time. They also have to understand who’s in charge.”
“Wow! I never would have guessed any of this about you.”
Klarissa shrugged. “Well, we are supposed to experiment, try out the various males, so we will know who to court. Once courting starts, that comes to an end and we only get one or two, or maybe three. Then we pick one of them, get married, and we’re locked in for life.”
“You make it sound like imprisonment.”29 (this note says it is interesting that Klarissa’s marriage is filled with joy and happiness while it is Tavaar who feels imprisoned).
Klarissa laughed. “Well, right now it kind of does seem like that. I mean, there are so many males to choose from. But I expect I will pick out one or two over the next year and begin courting.”
After this, Tavaar gives Klarissa the "low down" on both Shello and Khaiu. Klarissa confesses her fear about Shello's manners.
“Is that what you’re worried about?”
“Yes. I can handle most males. I avoid those I can’t, or suspect I can’t. Shello is willful and strong. I like that, but I’m not sure I can control it. I mean, I can’t even beat him at swords. What happens if he undoes my laces?”
“You break his fingers.”
“What if I can’t?”
“Then you’ll be married before you like.”
“Exactly! I don’t want that. Who wants to be married to a brute?”
“He hasn’t given me any trouble. Not really.”
“What do you mean, ‘not really’? What does he do?”
“It only happened once. Khaiu was holding me over his head and threw me for Shello to catch. He did, but one hand grabbed my breast and the other went between my legs.”
“He did that at a bonfire?”
“It was an accident.”
“Yes. Well, maybe it was and maybe it wasn’t”
Monday, January 5, 2009
Tavaar - 6th Edition
Okay. I failed to come through and write a short post yesterday. But if you had as many words in your mouth as I do in mine you would understand. I have to puke and spit them out or I will choke. I know it's disgusting, but I try to use a tissue. Anyway, we left off with Tavaar agreeing to let Khaiu coach her at sword fighting.
Today we have reached the time of Tavaar's only competitive fight against Khaiu. It took place the following Amaris (spring). This takes place shortly before the actual competition. As always, remember this is just a first draft with minor adjustments.
Now that the final pairings had been determined, the four warriors received their well wishes from family and friends. That done, Khaiu insisted the four of them meet privately. He led them to a secluded place to the east. Although pleased, he did not wear a smile.
“Well, we have all made it – as I expected,” he said.
“You should be congratulated,” said Klarissa.
“I agree,” said Tavaar, moving forward to give Khaiu a kiss.
He held up his hand. “Not me alone,” he said. “If you offer a kiss, then you must give it equally to each.”
Tavaar paused and then looked at Klarissa. At first, Klarissa just stared back. Then, she shrugged.
“Oh, very well,” she said, taking Tavaar in her arms.
Klarissa held the kiss long, and even when Tavaar began to pull away she held fast. At first, Tavaar was alarmed, but then she realized Klarissa was not actually kissing her. In fact, she was fighting to not laugh.13 (This note says we see just how far Klarissa is willing to go for a prank.) Suddenly, Tavaar understood and pretended to throw herself into it. When the two women finally broke and looked at the brothers, even Khaiu’s eyes were wide.
“I believe you said ‘equal’ kisses, Khaiu,” said Klarissa. “Your turn.”
“Your willing servant,” said Shello, moving eagerly toward her.
Klarissa raised her hand. “No. I think you misunderstand.”
Shello looked perplexed. “But – you said it was my turn.”
“Not just your turn, Shello,” said Tavaar. “It’s yours and Khaiu’s turn.”
Shello’s face went blank. Khaiu rolled his eyes.
“What?” Shello asked.
“Khaiu said equal kisses for all,” said Klarissa. “We did the hard one first. I think it only fair you do the same.”
Shello stood with a look of horror on his face.
“Oh, come on,” said Tavaar. “It isn’t like you’ve never kissed before.”
“That’s different,” grumbled Shello.
“Nonsense!” said Klarissa. “Give it a go. You might enjoy it. We had fun, didn’t we, Tavaar?”
“Oh, yes! It was quite fun.”
“Well, of course it was fun for you!” said Shello. “Look who you were kissing. Tavaar’s wonderful. But – Khaiu.”
Klarissa’s face frowned. “How do you know Tavaar kisses wonderfully?” She turned to Khaiu. “You said you wouldn’t allow that.”
“It wasn’t during training,” said Tavaar. “Last year, at the first bonfire, Khaiu and Shello came to Gahrem. They’ve come to a couple others, too. In fact, that’s when Khaiu invited me to join his training program.”
“Really? You weren’t so friendly with me, as I recall. Just a short compliment on my skills with the blade and an admonition to join you.”
“We weren’t at a bonfire,” said Khaiu.
“I’ll keep that in mind for next time.”
“What about now?” asked Shello.
Klarissa’s mood had certainly been tempered, but Tavaar saw the impish glint return to her eyes. “Look, young warrior, I know you’ve been wanting me to kiss you ever since I began training with you four years ago. But unless you give Khaiu an equal kiss, you’re going to have to wait another four years to find out what I’m like.”
It was all Tavaar could do to keep herself from laughing. Shello looked as if he might cry. He turned on his brother in a fury.
“Chicken brain! This is all your fault!”
“My fault, is it? How so?”
“You and your stupid ‘kiss everyone equally’. Why can’t you just have fun like everyone else?”
“I don’t want to be like everyone else! And neither do you!”
“Don’t tell me what I want!”
“I know what you want. But she’s not going to give it to you unless you kiss me first. Neither of them will.”
Shello was beside himself in rage. “You’d better let Tavaar win today, because if you don’t I’m going to beat you to death.”
It was an unfortunate remark.
“So, you just assume you will beat me?” said Klarissa.
Tavaar also flared. “And I can’t beat Khaiu. He has to let me win. Is that it?”
Shello looked disarmed.
“Enough of this!” said Khaiu.
He walked forward, grabbed his brother by his shoulders and kissed him hard on the mouth. Klarissa and Tavaar exchanged giggles. Shello’s hands were clenched in fists. When Khaiu released him he wiped his mouth on his sleeve.
“There!” said Khaiu. “Go ahead. Kiss away!”
Shello looked hopefully at the girls.
“After what you said, I don’t think I want to kiss you,” said Klarissa.
“Nor I,” said Tavaar.
Shello’s face darkened. “You promised equal kisses!”
“We promised nothing,” said Klarissa.
“Khaiu’s the one who said equal kisses,” said Tavaar.
“But you agreed!”
“Did we?” asked Klarissa. “When?”
“When you kissed Tavaar. That’s really the same thing. If you can kiss her, you can certainly kiss me.”
“Oh, thanks a lot!” said Tavaar.
“That’s not what I meant!”
“It doesn’t matter what you meant,” said Klarissa. “I never kissed Tavaar.”
“I saw you!”
“No. You saw Tavaar and me put our mouths together. We never actually kissed.”
“It was hard not to laugh, really,” added Tavaar with a look at Klarissa.
They both began to chuckle.
“But I kissed Khaiu!”
“Actually, it was Khaiu who kissed you,” said Klarissa.
“A very tender moment, I’m sure,” said Tavaar.
Shello stood with his mouth open. Khaiu groaned and turned away, shaking his head. While the girls laughed, Shello’s amazement turned to anger.
“Fine!” he said. Then he walked away.
“Come back, Shello,” said Tavaar. “We’ll kiss you.”
“No!”
“What about you?” Klarissa asked Khaiu.
Khaiu sighed as if weary. “You know, it’s all right to have fun, but I wish you two would understand that the time and place for teasing isn’t any time and any place.”
He started to leave, but Klarissa called to him.
“You don’t think this will distract him, do you? I mean our fight?”
Khaiu glanced after Shello. “No. It may even give him focus.”
“What about you?” asked Tavaar.
“I will be fine. You be ready. I want you fighting your best. Don’t be distracted.”
“I won’t,” she said, but softly.
Khaiu turned and walked away. Klarissa called after him again.
“You never told us what you wanted to tell us!”
Khaiu stopped and turned around. He stared at them a moment and then threw up his arms. “And I guess I never will.” He turned and left.
Today we have reached the time of Tavaar's only competitive fight against Khaiu. It took place the following Amaris (spring). This takes place shortly before the actual competition. As always, remember this is just a first draft with minor adjustments.
Now that the final pairings had been determined, the four warriors received their well wishes from family and friends. That done, Khaiu insisted the four of them meet privately. He led them to a secluded place to the east. Although pleased, he did not wear a smile.
“Well, we have all made it – as I expected,” he said.
“You should be congratulated,” said Klarissa.
“I agree,” said Tavaar, moving forward to give Khaiu a kiss.
He held up his hand. “Not me alone,” he said. “If you offer a kiss, then you must give it equally to each.”
Tavaar paused and then looked at Klarissa. At first, Klarissa just stared back. Then, she shrugged.
“Oh, very well,” she said, taking Tavaar in her arms.
Klarissa held the kiss long, and even when Tavaar began to pull away she held fast. At first, Tavaar was alarmed, but then she realized Klarissa was not actually kissing her. In fact, she was fighting to not laugh.13 (This note says we see just how far Klarissa is willing to go for a prank.) Suddenly, Tavaar understood and pretended to throw herself into it. When the two women finally broke and looked at the brothers, even Khaiu’s eyes were wide.
“I believe you said ‘equal’ kisses, Khaiu,” said Klarissa. “Your turn.”
“Your willing servant,” said Shello, moving eagerly toward her.
Klarissa raised her hand. “No. I think you misunderstand.”
Shello looked perplexed. “But – you said it was my turn.”
“Not just your turn, Shello,” said Tavaar. “It’s yours and Khaiu’s turn.”
Shello’s face went blank. Khaiu rolled his eyes.
“What?” Shello asked.
“Khaiu said equal kisses for all,” said Klarissa. “We did the hard one first. I think it only fair you do the same.”
Shello stood with a look of horror on his face.
“Oh, come on,” said Tavaar. “It isn’t like you’ve never kissed before.”
“That’s different,” grumbled Shello.
“Nonsense!” said Klarissa. “Give it a go. You might enjoy it. We had fun, didn’t we, Tavaar?”
“Oh, yes! It was quite fun.”
“Well, of course it was fun for you!” said Shello. “Look who you were kissing. Tavaar’s wonderful. But – Khaiu.”
Klarissa’s face frowned. “How do you know Tavaar kisses wonderfully?” She turned to Khaiu. “You said you wouldn’t allow that.”
“It wasn’t during training,” said Tavaar. “Last year, at the first bonfire, Khaiu and Shello came to Gahrem. They’ve come to a couple others, too. In fact, that’s when Khaiu invited me to join his training program.”
“Really? You weren’t so friendly with me, as I recall. Just a short compliment on my skills with the blade and an admonition to join you.”
“We weren’t at a bonfire,” said Khaiu.
“I’ll keep that in mind for next time.”
“What about now?” asked Shello.
Klarissa’s mood had certainly been tempered, but Tavaar saw the impish glint return to her eyes. “Look, young warrior, I know you’ve been wanting me to kiss you ever since I began training with you four years ago. But unless you give Khaiu an equal kiss, you’re going to have to wait another four years to find out what I’m like.”
It was all Tavaar could do to keep herself from laughing. Shello looked as if he might cry. He turned on his brother in a fury.
“Chicken brain! This is all your fault!”
“My fault, is it? How so?”
“You and your stupid ‘kiss everyone equally’. Why can’t you just have fun like everyone else?”
“I don’t want to be like everyone else! And neither do you!”
“Don’t tell me what I want!”
“I know what you want. But she’s not going to give it to you unless you kiss me first. Neither of them will.”
Shello was beside himself in rage. “You’d better let Tavaar win today, because if you don’t I’m going to beat you to death.”
It was an unfortunate remark.
“So, you just assume you will beat me?” said Klarissa.
Tavaar also flared. “And I can’t beat Khaiu. He has to let me win. Is that it?”
Shello looked disarmed.
“Enough of this!” said Khaiu.
He walked forward, grabbed his brother by his shoulders and kissed him hard on the mouth. Klarissa and Tavaar exchanged giggles. Shello’s hands were clenched in fists. When Khaiu released him he wiped his mouth on his sleeve.
“There!” said Khaiu. “Go ahead. Kiss away!”
Shello looked hopefully at the girls.
“After what you said, I don’t think I want to kiss you,” said Klarissa.
“Nor I,” said Tavaar.
Shello’s face darkened. “You promised equal kisses!”
“We promised nothing,” said Klarissa.
“Khaiu’s the one who said equal kisses,” said Tavaar.
“But you agreed!”
“Did we?” asked Klarissa. “When?”
“When you kissed Tavaar. That’s really the same thing. If you can kiss her, you can certainly kiss me.”
“Oh, thanks a lot!” said Tavaar.
“That’s not what I meant!”
“It doesn’t matter what you meant,” said Klarissa. “I never kissed Tavaar.”
“I saw you!”
“No. You saw Tavaar and me put our mouths together. We never actually kissed.”
“It was hard not to laugh, really,” added Tavaar with a look at Klarissa.
They both began to chuckle.
“But I kissed Khaiu!”
“Actually, it was Khaiu who kissed you,” said Klarissa.
“A very tender moment, I’m sure,” said Tavaar.
Shello stood with his mouth open. Khaiu groaned and turned away, shaking his head. While the girls laughed, Shello’s amazement turned to anger.
“Fine!” he said. Then he walked away.
“Come back, Shello,” said Tavaar. “We’ll kiss you.”
“No!”
“What about you?” Klarissa asked Khaiu.
Khaiu sighed as if weary. “You know, it’s all right to have fun, but I wish you two would understand that the time and place for teasing isn’t any time and any place.”
He started to leave, but Klarissa called to him.
“You don’t think this will distract him, do you? I mean our fight?”
Khaiu glanced after Shello. “No. It may even give him focus.”
“What about you?” asked Tavaar.
“I will be fine. You be ready. I want you fighting your best. Don’t be distracted.”
“I won’t,” she said, but softly.
Khaiu turned and walked away. Klarissa called after him again.
“You never told us what you wanted to tell us!”
Khaiu stopped and turned around. He stared at them a moment and then threw up his arms. “And I guess I never will.” He turned and left.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Tavaar - 5th Edition
The last post was an over long post which ended with Tavaar inviting Khaiu and Shello to the next Gahrem Village bonfire. I will try to make this one shorter. I was lazy on the last post and merely copied the text without comment. It was late.
Here we have Khaiu offering Tavaar the chance to have him train her. At first she is irreverant, but soon she realizes Khaiu may actually hold the key to her real improvement as a warrior.
Tavaar laughed at him. “Very good. Now, what do you want to talk about? Not kissing, I gather?”
“No. I want to talk to you about your sword training.”
“Sword training? Khaiu, this is a bonfire. We’re supposed to be having fun.”
“We’ve been having fun. Or haven’t you enjoyed it?”
“I have. But that’s all the more reason not to stop.”
“We aren’t stopping. We’re just taking a respite.”
“Why? Because I’m good with a sword?”
“You are more than good, Tavaar. You are great.”
She grinned and snuggled close. “I thought we were going to talk about swords.”
Khaiu finally gets Tavaar to pay attention, at which point she accuses him of not trying his best to beat Shello in their championship match. Khaiu's explaination is that when he fights Shello he wants to fight him at his best, and so he coaches him to be better. He then challenges her on who she has fought best against. Having just won the championship this year, Tavaar considers her final match first.
“I fought very well against Manya this year.”
“Yes, you did. You showed great improvement. So that was when you fought your best?”
“I suppose so.”
“But?”
“Well, I don’t mean to diminish Manya, but I felt like I had more to give.”
“Then has anyone taxed you to your limit?”
Tavaar's smile evaporated. “Yes."
“Who?”
“Shello.”
“Shello? Shello made you fight your best?”
“Yes.”
“And yet you lost? How so, Tavaar? How could you have fought better in defeat than victory? And tell me something else: which fight was the more satisfying?”
“I guess I enjoy my battles with Shello more.”
“Why?”
“Because I know I am fighting as well as I can.”
“Let me ask you something else. Why don’t you fight your best against others if fighting at your best is what pleases you?”
“I want to. Only, I win before I can touch the height of my skill,” she said.
After Khaiu convinces Tavaar to let him train her, he lets her know that he is also training Shello, and Klarissa of Swords. Tavaar is unable to hide her jealousy of Klarissa, but Khaiu coaxes her out of it, at which point Tavaar decides to return to their earlier play. Unfortunately, Khaiu has led them away from the light of the fire, so play is not allowed.
She leaned forward, intent on taking him in her arms, but he was ready for her. His hands took hold of her just below her arms and he held her at bay.
“Not in the dark. We don’t need that kind of trouble,” he said.
“Let go of me and I’ll show you exactly how much trouble you can get in.”
She struggled to free herself, but Khaiu held on. Tavaar was impressed. There weren’t many who could defeat her strength. Still, she wasn’t trying all that hard. She giggled and continued to struggle. Then Khaiu did something which truly impressed her. Without letting go, he took his feet off his thighs and stood with a single, fluid, movement and held her above him at arms’ length. She gave a cry of surprise when he stood, but laughed as he marched back to the light.
“Okay. You’ve got me back here. Now what are you going t do?” she asked.
She regretted her teasing at once. Khaiu’s fingers began moving, poking into her sides just below the arms.9 (There is a note stating that Tavaar being especially ticklish came as an accident, but that it was useful in subsequent tales.)
“Khaiu, no! Don’t, Khaiu! Khaiu, stop!”
She squealed and screamed and struggled to get free, but Khaiu’s tickling was without mercy. They drew a lot of attention, but no one came to her aide. She was helpless. Finally, Sashwa and the others arrived.
“Tavaar, what have you been doing?” asked Sashwa.
“I wondered where she had gone,” said Ahzbah.
“Looks like she’s been enjoying herself,” said Chahma.”10 (There is a note stating that, at this time, Sashwa and Tavaar's relationship was unknown and that the plan was to have a group of four. I think it worked better with just the two of them.)
“Help!” Tavaar screamed.
Shello stepped forward and crossed his arms. “Khaiu, don’t you know how to treat a lady?”
“No. Show me,” said Khaiu.
Tavaar felt Khaiu shift his weight and knew what he was about to do. She screamed again.
“Khaiu, no!”
He didn’t heed her. She knew he wouldn’t. It was all up to Shello now.
With a mighty heft, Khaiu tossed her like a doll. One moment she was looking down into his grinning face, the next she was looking up at the stars, her arms flailing helplessly. Shello caught her. He didn’t do a great job of it, though. She had been waving her arms and legs as she flew, so instead of catching her with one arm behind her back and one under her legs, he caught her with one hand at her shoulder and the other on the thigh of one leg. Tavaar hadn’t ceased flailing, either, and so she knocked him off balance. Shello instinctively tried to better his grip. The result was she was turned with her back to him. He had his left arm around her shoulder and his hand against her breast. His right arm was between her legs and his hand pressed low on her stomach. He fell over backward with her on top. She felt his grip tighten as he hit the ground and winced.
For a short moment they lay without moving while everyone stood over them laughing. Then Shello relaxed and his hands slid away. Tavaar turned so she was looking down at him.
“You okay?” she asked.
“Yeah,” he said. “You? How do you feel?”
“I feel fine.”
“You ought to, considering where he had his hands,” said Ahzbah, drawing a tremendous laugh and making both Shello and Tavaar blush.
Khaiu came and knelt beside them. “So, that’s how you treat a lady, is it?”
“You bet it is,” said Ahzbah. “Would you care to try it on me?”
“You have to be a lady first,” said Tavaar.
Here we have Khaiu offering Tavaar the chance to have him train her. At first she is irreverant, but soon she realizes Khaiu may actually hold the key to her real improvement as a warrior.
Tavaar laughed at him. “Very good. Now, what do you want to talk about? Not kissing, I gather?”
“No. I want to talk to you about your sword training.”
“Sword training? Khaiu, this is a bonfire. We’re supposed to be having fun.”
“We’ve been having fun. Or haven’t you enjoyed it?”
“I have. But that’s all the more reason not to stop.”
“We aren’t stopping. We’re just taking a respite.”
“Why? Because I’m good with a sword?”
“You are more than good, Tavaar. You are great.”
She grinned and snuggled close. “I thought we were going to talk about swords.”
Khaiu finally gets Tavaar to pay attention, at which point she accuses him of not trying his best to beat Shello in their championship match. Khaiu's explaination is that when he fights Shello he wants to fight him at his best, and so he coaches him to be better. He then challenges her on who she has fought best against. Having just won the championship this year, Tavaar considers her final match first.
“I fought very well against Manya this year.”
“Yes, you did. You showed great improvement. So that was when you fought your best?”
“I suppose so.”
“But?”
“Well, I don’t mean to diminish Manya, but I felt like I had more to give.”
“Then has anyone taxed you to your limit?”
Tavaar's smile evaporated. “Yes."
“Who?”
“Shello.”
“Shello? Shello made you fight your best?”
“Yes.”
“And yet you lost? How so, Tavaar? How could you have fought better in defeat than victory? And tell me something else: which fight was the more satisfying?”
“I guess I enjoy my battles with Shello more.”
“Why?”
“Because I know I am fighting as well as I can.”
“Let me ask you something else. Why don’t you fight your best against others if fighting at your best is what pleases you?”
“I want to. Only, I win before I can touch the height of my skill,” she said.
After Khaiu convinces Tavaar to let him train her, he lets her know that he is also training Shello, and Klarissa of Swords. Tavaar is unable to hide her jealousy of Klarissa, but Khaiu coaxes her out of it, at which point Tavaar decides to return to their earlier play. Unfortunately, Khaiu has led them away from the light of the fire, so play is not allowed.
She leaned forward, intent on taking him in her arms, but he was ready for her. His hands took hold of her just below her arms and he held her at bay.
“Not in the dark. We don’t need that kind of trouble,” he said.
“Let go of me and I’ll show you exactly how much trouble you can get in.”
She struggled to free herself, but Khaiu held on. Tavaar was impressed. There weren’t many who could defeat her strength. Still, she wasn’t trying all that hard. She giggled and continued to struggle. Then Khaiu did something which truly impressed her. Without letting go, he took his feet off his thighs and stood with a single, fluid, movement and held her above him at arms’ length. She gave a cry of surprise when he stood, but laughed as he marched back to the light.
“Okay. You’ve got me back here. Now what are you going t do?” she asked.
She regretted her teasing at once. Khaiu’s fingers began moving, poking into her sides just below the arms.9 (There is a note stating that Tavaar being especially ticklish came as an accident, but that it was useful in subsequent tales.)
“Khaiu, no! Don’t, Khaiu! Khaiu, stop!”
She squealed and screamed and struggled to get free, but Khaiu’s tickling was without mercy. They drew a lot of attention, but no one came to her aide. She was helpless. Finally, Sashwa and the others arrived.
“Tavaar, what have you been doing?” asked Sashwa.
“I wondered where she had gone,” said Ahzbah.
“Looks like she’s been enjoying herself,” said Chahma.”10 (There is a note stating that, at this time, Sashwa and Tavaar's relationship was unknown and that the plan was to have a group of four. I think it worked better with just the two of them.)
“Help!” Tavaar screamed.
Shello stepped forward and crossed his arms. “Khaiu, don’t you know how to treat a lady?”
“No. Show me,” said Khaiu.
Tavaar felt Khaiu shift his weight and knew what he was about to do. She screamed again.
“Khaiu, no!”
He didn’t heed her. She knew he wouldn’t. It was all up to Shello now.
With a mighty heft, Khaiu tossed her like a doll. One moment she was looking down into his grinning face, the next she was looking up at the stars, her arms flailing helplessly. Shello caught her. He didn’t do a great job of it, though. She had been waving her arms and legs as she flew, so instead of catching her with one arm behind her back and one under her legs, he caught her with one hand at her shoulder and the other on the thigh of one leg. Tavaar hadn’t ceased flailing, either, and so she knocked him off balance. Shello instinctively tried to better his grip. The result was she was turned with her back to him. He had his left arm around her shoulder and his hand against her breast. His right arm was between her legs and his hand pressed low on her stomach. He fell over backward with her on top. She felt his grip tighten as he hit the ground and winced.
For a short moment they lay without moving while everyone stood over them laughing. Then Shello relaxed and his hands slid away. Tavaar turned so she was looking down at him.
“You okay?” she asked.
“Yeah,” he said. “You? How do you feel?”
“I feel fine.”
“You ought to, considering where he had his hands,” said Ahzbah, drawing a tremendous laugh and making both Shello and Tavaar blush.
Khaiu came and knelt beside them. “So, that’s how you treat a lady, is it?”
“You bet it is,” said Ahzbah. “Would you care to try it on me?”
“You have to be a lady first,” said Tavaar.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Tavaar - 4th Edition
I don't know how much of this I'm going to get in. I'm running out of time. Perhaps you're tired of reading about Tavaar anyway. Well, since Nobody has ever commented on anything on this blog, I'm going to assume Nobody likes it, so I'll keep posting. And if Nobody wants me to stop, Nobody is going to have to tell me. Okay? Good.
I left off when Tavaar was nineteen. Everything up to this point came from the the First Journal, titlted, "The Birth of a Girl". The journal continues to the present time. Then, beginning with the Second Journal, I return to the beginning of First Journal and put in details. For some reason, I want to include the detail portion of Tavaar and her friends before and during Shello's fight with Khaiu. Here it is.
Khaiu gave Tavaar a nod and started away, taking hold of Shello’s arm as he went. “Come along, little brother. You have a fight to prepare for.”
Shello began to leave, but suddenly he pulled away and came back. He kissed her, but this time it was short and sweet.
“You are much better this year,” he said.
“Really? How much better?”
He kissed her again. “You’re the best, Darling.”
“Come along, boy darling,” said Khaiu, taking Shello’s arm and leading him away.
Tavaar watched them. Shello frequently looked back.
“Well that was some congratulations,” said Ahzbah.
“So? How was it?” asked Sashwa.
“What do you mean, ‘how was it’? It was a kiss. Nothing more.”
“Oh, come off!” said Sashwa. “Who do you think you’re talking to? That was not just a kiss. I saw your eyes. His, too. He called you ‘Darling’, Tavaar. You two shared something.”
“It’s a good thing they weren’t alone or they might have shared a lot more,” said Ahzbah.
“Stop it,” said Tavaar.
“I don’t understand,” said Chahma. “How can you kiss Shello when he’s the reason you’re not an undefeated champion?”
The girls all laughed.
“Because he’s a boy, silly,” said Ahzbah.
“So?”
“You’re only fifteen,” said Sashwa. “You’ll understand in a year or two.”
“I know about kissing!” said Chahma.
“They why are you confused?” asked Sashwa.
“Because you don’t just kiss any boy!”
“Well, maybe not,” said Ahzbah. “But the only ones to avoid in my mind are brothers. Everyone else is fair game.”
The girls laughed again, but Chahma was still indignant. “But what about the sword championship?”
Ahzbah placed a consoling hand on Chahma’s shoulder. “Dearie, championships and sword fighting are fine and fun. But nothing compares with capturing a boy and getting him to do whatever you want. That’s fun!”
“That's risky. You could end up with an Unaligned baby.”
“Not if the boy’s under your control,” said Ahzbah.
“What about yourself?” asked Tavaar.
“Well, that’s the hardest part, isn’t it?” said Sashwa. “Controlling the boy is easy.”
“How? We’re not allowed to court until we begin flamesword training,” said Chahma.
“Well,” said Ahzbah with a sly grin. “There’s courting and there’s having fun. There are other ways of controlling a boy besides courting.”
“Look at Tavaar,” said Sashwa. “I bet Shello would stand on his head if she told him to. You should pursue that, Tavaar. It’s never good to waste power.”
“I don’t want him to stand on his head,” said Tavaar.
“You know what I mean. You’ve got him. I think you should keep him – at least for awhile.”
“What do you want him to do?” asked Ahzbah, getting a blush out of Tavaar.
Tavaar had to hurry for her award ceremony. She tried not to be obvious about looking for Shello’s face, but she didn’t see him. In her distraction, she hardly noticed the words of praise directed toward her, or the cheers which followed. Deschone, the current Head-of-Family, came forward to give her the proof of victory. It was a parchment written in his own hand. He gave it to her to examine. She glanced down at it and read: I, Deschone, Head-of-Family and Presider over the Council, herewith declare that Tavaar, daughter of Taylich and Odelmaar, of the line of Mines, in the house of Denya, has defeated all opponents in fair combat in age group fourteen to sixteen, and shall be known as Champion in the year 312. When she finished reading, she handed it back and Deschone rolled it and sealed it, pressing his signet ring to seal it. Then he returned it to her. He embraced and kissed her.
“Congratulations,” he said. “Bring that to your trading post and have them sew another stripe on your sleeve.”
“I will, Sir. Thank you.”
“I must say, you are one of our finest young warriors. We are all very proud of you.”
“Thank you, Sir. But you know I have yet to defeat your great-grandson even once.”
“Oh, I am not so sure about that. If I understood aright what I witnessed after your victory, you have indeed won at least once.” He smiled at her and leaned forward to whisper. “My guess is that there shall be other victories of a similar nature in the not to distant future.”
Tavaar said nothing. Her ears were burning and she was grateful to be free to leave. She found her parents before they left and gave them the scroll. Then she went with her friends to find a good place to watch Shello’s championship match against Khaiu. She was still trying to be discreet about seeing him. Sashwa wasn’t fooled.
“You won’t see him, Darling. Not for a while anyway.”
“Who?”
Sashwa rolled her eyes. “Who do you think? He’s way to the south with Khaiu.”
“How do you know?”
“I asked Wheylin to go find him and send back word. He wasn’t at the ceremony.”
“I know,” said Tavaar.
“Don’t feel bad, Darling. Do you want to know why he wasn’t there?”
“No. Why? Why are you calling me ‘Darling’?”
Sashwa grinned. “It’s what he called you, isn’t it? I like it. That’s my new name for you from now on: Darling.”
It was Tavaar’s turn to roll her eyes. “So why wasn’t her there?”
“Khaiu wouldn’t let him.”
“What? Why not?”
“For the same reason Khaiu’s got him at the south end of the training fields.”
“Why? Sashwa, if you don’t tell me, I’m going to hit you in the face.”
“Oh, ho! Keep your britches on, Darling. You got Shello so worked up with those kisses Khaiu’s got him sparring to get it out of his system. I told you that you made an impression, Darling.”
Tavaar’s friends all laughed, even Chahma. Tavaar didn’t laugh, but she couldn’t stop the smile on her face.
“You may have just made him lose,” said Chahma. “He’s going to be thinking about your kisses and lose.”
“That’s what Khaiu’s thinking,” said Sashwa.
“Poor Shello,” said Ahzbah. “He wants Tavaar to smack him on the lips, but instead it will be Khaiu’s sword on his head.”
“So you win after all,” said Chahma.
“I don’t want him to lose because he’s thinking of me,” said Tavaar.
“Neither does Khaiu,” said Sashwa. “That’s why he’s got Shello working so hard before they even fight.”
“Maybe he’s just taking advantage,” said Chahma.
“I doubt it,” said Tavaar. “Nobody wants to win like that.”
“Why?” asked Chahma. “What difference does it make how you win, if you win?”
Tavaar gave Chahma a condescending smile. “It matters.”
“But what about Shello? Didn’t he win the first time you fought because he tricked you?”
“He did. But he did it as part of his battle strategy. This is not like that. This has nothing to do with battle. I hope Khaiu succeeds.”
Chahma grunted. “It sounds to me as if you’re the one smitten. Have you fallen in love with him?”
Tavaar didn’t answer.
“What if she has?” asked Sashwa. “He’s as good a boy as any. Better than most, in fact. I think you should collect him, Darling. It will be a good experience for you – in more ways than one.”
“I agree,” said Ahzbah, laughing at Sashwa’s inference. “However, don’t stop with Shello. Methinks you could draw any boy you want. So my advice is: want a lot of boys.”
They found a place to watch the upcoming battle. As the time neared, Shello and Khaiu could be seen walking up from the south. Khaiu was still lecturing his brother. Shello looked distracted. Tavaar wondered if perhaps Chahma hadn’t been right after all. Perhaps Khaiu was attempting to steal and advantage from his younger brother. Then Shello’s eyes found her sitting on the grass looking at him and she knew it was not so. She was still taking up his thought. Khaiu saw and slapped his brother’s face.
The signal to begin was given, but the boys did not draw their weapons. Instead, Shello stood silent under Khaiu’s verbal assault, which was growing in its intensity. Every so often, Khaiu would slap Shello’s face and demand his attention. Then, suddenly, with a roar, Shello shoved his brother away. He stepped back and drew his weapon. Khaiu, his face showing more joy and expression than Tavaar had ever seen, drew his. The fight began.
Sashwa and the others called out taunts to Shello, but Tavaar doubted he heard them. He was focused on the task and not her. She sat silent and watched. Although this was not the first time she had seen the brothers fight each other, it was the first time she paid attention. Maybe it was because she could better appreciate their skill, or maybe the brothers were just so much better, but she found herself awed by the spectacle. Or maybe it was the kiss. She felt her arms chill as she watched the dance of death. True, these were only mock weapons and no one was going to die, but never before had she seen two warriors fight with such magnificence. Like the wind they appeared to be everywhere at once, and like the water they found every mistake and poured into it. However, the defenses were equal to the task. Like Fire Mountain itself, they were immovable when required. Like the great and might oaks they bent, but did not break.
After some time, Tavaar glanced at the judges’ table, where the time glasses were being dutifully turned in sequence. There were ten glasses, each holding enough water for one short turn. For most fights this would be enough, as disparity in skill usually meant fights seldom lasted even five short turns. A long fight might go as many as ten, and so a tally board had been added.
Three years ago, Shello and Khaiu had gone more than twelve. Today, they were already at fifteen. With a new thrill she looked back. How could they main this pace for so long? They took no respites. There were no momentary breaks to rest and take new breath. It just went on and on. And what was most amazing of all was that Khaiu was barking out instructions to his brother, warning him of letdowns in his guard and pressing attacks to prove his point. Spectators oohed and gasped as Shello recoiled from these assaults only to shift and retake the offensive. Nothing like this had ever before occurred. They had gone well past twenty short turns.
Then, shortly before thirty short turns, it ended. Tavaar, because she was so focused on them, actually saw the winning blow. Shello managed to slip his weapon past Khaiu’s defense. He brushed Khaiu’s ear ever so gently and let his blade fall onto his shoulder. Khaiu ceased fighting immediately. Tavaar couldn’t help her chuckle, nor its grimness. Shello had never been so gentle when striking her. Last year she had a headache for nearly a full turn. His killing blow to Khaiu had been more like a caress, or a kiss. Well, maybe not like a kiss, but she had kissing on her mind.
She hesitated to get up, waiting for the inevitable onslaught of congratulators to dispense their prayers first. Seventeen-year-olds didn’t often win the championship. To do so they had to best twenty-year-olds. With this victory – especially in the manner it was done – Shello had established himself as the most formidable warrior of their generation; perhaps ever.
When the crowd around Shello began to disburse, Tavaar finally got to her feet. Her friends had waited with her, keeping silent. Now they followed in her wake as she strolled forward. She smiled when she saw him see her. His eyes lit up like stars and he came to her. Their kiss was hardly congratulatory, and whoops and laughter surrounded them as they held it. Finally they broke, but they continued to remain in each other’s arms.
“Congratulations. You won again,” she said.
“Have I? Then why do I feel so wonderfully helpless?” he asked.
“I don’t know. Why do you think?”
“Right now it’s hard to think. All I want to do is kiss you.”
She paused a beat. “Okay.”
They kissed again and then she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him close. His arms were around her waist.
“Well, that did not last long,” said Khaiu, pulling the pair from their embrace.
“What?” asked Shello.
But Khaiu didn’t answer; at least, not directly. Instead, he spoke to Tavaar. “He works harder than anyone has ever worked before in order to prove he is his own master. And what does he do merely moments after achieving it? He surrenders to you without a fight.”
“So you would stand between us?” said Tavaar.
“Perhaps I should, for his sake,” said Khaiu.
Tavaar let go of Shello and sauntered to Khaiu, wrapping her arms around him. She felt his hand slide to her back. “For his sake, or for yours?” she asked.
She kissed him full on the lips and he responded appropriately.
“Hey!” cried Shello.
Khaiu broke the kiss and looked at his brother before speaking.
“See? He’s such a lad.”
Tavaar laughed and let him go. She turned back to Shello, who almost looked ready to fight again. “Don’t be jealous, silly. It was just a kiss.”
“What about us?” asked Shello. “Was that just a kiss, too?”
“No. Khaiu is fun, but you are special.”
He made to kiss her again, but she pressed her fingers against his mouth. “If we take this much further now, we are going to find ourselves in trouble.”
“Why? What’s wrong with kissing?”
“Nothing. But…”
“But what?’
"But neither of you is old enough to court, and you are using courting kisses,” said Khaiu. “Come along, little lover. You have an award ceremony to attend.”
“What about after?” Shello asked.
Tavaar laughed again. “I tell you what. Gahrem Village always has a bonfire at first moon. Why not come to it? The rules governing kisses are relaxed at bonfires.” She couldn’t resist adding, “Bring your brother. He might be fun.”
“We don’t need Khaiu.”
“I was talking to Khaiu.”
Everyone laughed at Shello’s expense.
“Will you come?”
She tried to sound nonchalant.
“We will be there,” said Khaiu. “Let’s go, little brother. Say goodbye to the lady.”
“Goodbye, Darling.”
“Goodbye. Lover.”
I left off when Tavaar was nineteen. Everything up to this point came from the the First Journal, titlted, "The Birth of a Girl". The journal continues to the present time. Then, beginning with the Second Journal, I return to the beginning of First Journal and put in details. For some reason, I want to include the detail portion of Tavaar and her friends before and during Shello's fight with Khaiu. Here it is.
Khaiu gave Tavaar a nod and started away, taking hold of Shello’s arm as he went. “Come along, little brother. You have a fight to prepare for.”
Shello began to leave, but suddenly he pulled away and came back. He kissed her, but this time it was short and sweet.
“You are much better this year,” he said.
“Really? How much better?”
He kissed her again. “You’re the best, Darling.”
“Come along, boy darling,” said Khaiu, taking Shello’s arm and leading him away.
Tavaar watched them. Shello frequently looked back.
“Well that was some congratulations,” said Ahzbah.
“So? How was it?” asked Sashwa.
“What do you mean, ‘how was it’? It was a kiss. Nothing more.”
“Oh, come off!” said Sashwa. “Who do you think you’re talking to? That was not just a kiss. I saw your eyes. His, too. He called you ‘Darling’, Tavaar. You two shared something.”
“It’s a good thing they weren’t alone or they might have shared a lot more,” said Ahzbah.
“Stop it,” said Tavaar.
“I don’t understand,” said Chahma. “How can you kiss Shello when he’s the reason you’re not an undefeated champion?”
The girls all laughed.
“Because he’s a boy, silly,” said Ahzbah.
“So?”
“You’re only fifteen,” said Sashwa. “You’ll understand in a year or two.”
“I know about kissing!” said Chahma.
“They why are you confused?” asked Sashwa.
“Because you don’t just kiss any boy!”
“Well, maybe not,” said Ahzbah. “But the only ones to avoid in my mind are brothers. Everyone else is fair game.”
The girls laughed again, but Chahma was still indignant. “But what about the sword championship?”
Ahzbah placed a consoling hand on Chahma’s shoulder. “Dearie, championships and sword fighting are fine and fun. But nothing compares with capturing a boy and getting him to do whatever you want. That’s fun!”
“That's risky. You could end up with an Unaligned baby.”
“Not if the boy’s under your control,” said Ahzbah.
“What about yourself?” asked Tavaar.
“Well, that’s the hardest part, isn’t it?” said Sashwa. “Controlling the boy is easy.”
“How? We’re not allowed to court until we begin flamesword training,” said Chahma.
“Well,” said Ahzbah with a sly grin. “There’s courting and there’s having fun. There are other ways of controlling a boy besides courting.”
“Look at Tavaar,” said Sashwa. “I bet Shello would stand on his head if she told him to. You should pursue that, Tavaar. It’s never good to waste power.”
“I don’t want him to stand on his head,” said Tavaar.
“You know what I mean. You’ve got him. I think you should keep him – at least for awhile.”
“What do you want him to do?” asked Ahzbah, getting a blush out of Tavaar.
Tavaar had to hurry for her award ceremony. She tried not to be obvious about looking for Shello’s face, but she didn’t see him. In her distraction, she hardly noticed the words of praise directed toward her, or the cheers which followed. Deschone, the current Head-of-Family, came forward to give her the proof of victory. It was a parchment written in his own hand. He gave it to her to examine. She glanced down at it and read: I, Deschone, Head-of-Family and Presider over the Council, herewith declare that Tavaar, daughter of Taylich and Odelmaar, of the line of Mines, in the house of Denya, has defeated all opponents in fair combat in age group fourteen to sixteen, and shall be known as Champion in the year 312. When she finished reading, she handed it back and Deschone rolled it and sealed it, pressing his signet ring to seal it. Then he returned it to her. He embraced and kissed her.
“Congratulations,” he said. “Bring that to your trading post and have them sew another stripe on your sleeve.”
“I will, Sir. Thank you.”
“I must say, you are one of our finest young warriors. We are all very proud of you.”
“Thank you, Sir. But you know I have yet to defeat your great-grandson even once.”
“Oh, I am not so sure about that. If I understood aright what I witnessed after your victory, you have indeed won at least once.” He smiled at her and leaned forward to whisper. “My guess is that there shall be other victories of a similar nature in the not to distant future.”
Tavaar said nothing. Her ears were burning and she was grateful to be free to leave. She found her parents before they left and gave them the scroll. Then she went with her friends to find a good place to watch Shello’s championship match against Khaiu. She was still trying to be discreet about seeing him. Sashwa wasn’t fooled.
“You won’t see him, Darling. Not for a while anyway.”
“Who?”
Sashwa rolled her eyes. “Who do you think? He’s way to the south with Khaiu.”
“How do you know?”
“I asked Wheylin to go find him and send back word. He wasn’t at the ceremony.”
“I know,” said Tavaar.
“Don’t feel bad, Darling. Do you want to know why he wasn’t there?”
“No. Why? Why are you calling me ‘Darling’?”
Sashwa grinned. “It’s what he called you, isn’t it? I like it. That’s my new name for you from now on: Darling.”
It was Tavaar’s turn to roll her eyes. “So why wasn’t her there?”
“Khaiu wouldn’t let him.”
“What? Why not?”
“For the same reason Khaiu’s got him at the south end of the training fields.”
“Why? Sashwa, if you don’t tell me, I’m going to hit you in the face.”
“Oh, ho! Keep your britches on, Darling. You got Shello so worked up with those kisses Khaiu’s got him sparring to get it out of his system. I told you that you made an impression, Darling.”
Tavaar’s friends all laughed, even Chahma. Tavaar didn’t laugh, but she couldn’t stop the smile on her face.
“You may have just made him lose,” said Chahma. “He’s going to be thinking about your kisses and lose.”
“That’s what Khaiu’s thinking,” said Sashwa.
“Poor Shello,” said Ahzbah. “He wants Tavaar to smack him on the lips, but instead it will be Khaiu’s sword on his head.”
“So you win after all,” said Chahma.
“I don’t want him to lose because he’s thinking of me,” said Tavaar.
“Neither does Khaiu,” said Sashwa. “That’s why he’s got Shello working so hard before they even fight.”
“Maybe he’s just taking advantage,” said Chahma.
“I doubt it,” said Tavaar. “Nobody wants to win like that.”
“Why?” asked Chahma. “What difference does it make how you win, if you win?”
Tavaar gave Chahma a condescending smile. “It matters.”
“But what about Shello? Didn’t he win the first time you fought because he tricked you?”
“He did. But he did it as part of his battle strategy. This is not like that. This has nothing to do with battle. I hope Khaiu succeeds.”
Chahma grunted. “It sounds to me as if you’re the one smitten. Have you fallen in love with him?”
Tavaar didn’t answer.
“What if she has?” asked Sashwa. “He’s as good a boy as any. Better than most, in fact. I think you should collect him, Darling. It will be a good experience for you – in more ways than one.”
“I agree,” said Ahzbah, laughing at Sashwa’s inference. “However, don’t stop with Shello. Methinks you could draw any boy you want. So my advice is: want a lot of boys.”
They found a place to watch the upcoming battle. As the time neared, Shello and Khaiu could be seen walking up from the south. Khaiu was still lecturing his brother. Shello looked distracted. Tavaar wondered if perhaps Chahma hadn’t been right after all. Perhaps Khaiu was attempting to steal and advantage from his younger brother. Then Shello’s eyes found her sitting on the grass looking at him and she knew it was not so. She was still taking up his thought. Khaiu saw and slapped his brother’s face.
The signal to begin was given, but the boys did not draw their weapons. Instead, Shello stood silent under Khaiu’s verbal assault, which was growing in its intensity. Every so often, Khaiu would slap Shello’s face and demand his attention. Then, suddenly, with a roar, Shello shoved his brother away. He stepped back and drew his weapon. Khaiu, his face showing more joy and expression than Tavaar had ever seen, drew his. The fight began.
Sashwa and the others called out taunts to Shello, but Tavaar doubted he heard them. He was focused on the task and not her. She sat silent and watched. Although this was not the first time she had seen the brothers fight each other, it was the first time she paid attention. Maybe it was because she could better appreciate their skill, or maybe the brothers were just so much better, but she found herself awed by the spectacle. Or maybe it was the kiss. She felt her arms chill as she watched the dance of death. True, these were only mock weapons and no one was going to die, but never before had she seen two warriors fight with such magnificence. Like the wind they appeared to be everywhere at once, and like the water they found every mistake and poured into it. However, the defenses were equal to the task. Like Fire Mountain itself, they were immovable when required. Like the great and might oaks they bent, but did not break.
After some time, Tavaar glanced at the judges’ table, where the time glasses were being dutifully turned in sequence. There were ten glasses, each holding enough water for one short turn. For most fights this would be enough, as disparity in skill usually meant fights seldom lasted even five short turns. A long fight might go as many as ten, and so a tally board had been added.
Three years ago, Shello and Khaiu had gone more than twelve. Today, they were already at fifteen. With a new thrill she looked back. How could they main this pace for so long? They took no respites. There were no momentary breaks to rest and take new breath. It just went on and on. And what was most amazing of all was that Khaiu was barking out instructions to his brother, warning him of letdowns in his guard and pressing attacks to prove his point. Spectators oohed and gasped as Shello recoiled from these assaults only to shift and retake the offensive. Nothing like this had ever before occurred. They had gone well past twenty short turns.
Then, shortly before thirty short turns, it ended. Tavaar, because she was so focused on them, actually saw the winning blow. Shello managed to slip his weapon past Khaiu’s defense. He brushed Khaiu’s ear ever so gently and let his blade fall onto his shoulder. Khaiu ceased fighting immediately. Tavaar couldn’t help her chuckle, nor its grimness. Shello had never been so gentle when striking her. Last year she had a headache for nearly a full turn. His killing blow to Khaiu had been more like a caress, or a kiss. Well, maybe not like a kiss, but she had kissing on her mind.
She hesitated to get up, waiting for the inevitable onslaught of congratulators to dispense their prayers first. Seventeen-year-olds didn’t often win the championship. To do so they had to best twenty-year-olds. With this victory – especially in the manner it was done – Shello had established himself as the most formidable warrior of their generation; perhaps ever.
When the crowd around Shello began to disburse, Tavaar finally got to her feet. Her friends had waited with her, keeping silent. Now they followed in her wake as she strolled forward. She smiled when she saw him see her. His eyes lit up like stars and he came to her. Their kiss was hardly congratulatory, and whoops and laughter surrounded them as they held it. Finally they broke, but they continued to remain in each other’s arms.
“Congratulations. You won again,” she said.
“Have I? Then why do I feel so wonderfully helpless?” he asked.
“I don’t know. Why do you think?”
“Right now it’s hard to think. All I want to do is kiss you.”
She paused a beat. “Okay.”
They kissed again and then she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him close. His arms were around her waist.
“Well, that did not last long,” said Khaiu, pulling the pair from their embrace.
“What?” asked Shello.
But Khaiu didn’t answer; at least, not directly. Instead, he spoke to Tavaar. “He works harder than anyone has ever worked before in order to prove he is his own master. And what does he do merely moments after achieving it? He surrenders to you without a fight.”
“So you would stand between us?” said Tavaar.
“Perhaps I should, for his sake,” said Khaiu.
Tavaar let go of Shello and sauntered to Khaiu, wrapping her arms around him. She felt his hand slide to her back. “For his sake, or for yours?” she asked.
She kissed him full on the lips and he responded appropriately.
“Hey!” cried Shello.
Khaiu broke the kiss and looked at his brother before speaking.
“See? He’s such a lad.”
Tavaar laughed and let him go. She turned back to Shello, who almost looked ready to fight again. “Don’t be jealous, silly. It was just a kiss.”
“What about us?” asked Shello. “Was that just a kiss, too?”
“No. Khaiu is fun, but you are special.”
He made to kiss her again, but she pressed her fingers against his mouth. “If we take this much further now, we are going to find ourselves in trouble.”
“Why? What’s wrong with kissing?”
“Nothing. But…”
“But what?’
"But neither of you is old enough to court, and you are using courting kisses,” said Khaiu. “Come along, little lover. You have an award ceremony to attend.”
“What about after?” Shello asked.
Tavaar laughed again. “I tell you what. Gahrem Village always has a bonfire at first moon. Why not come to it? The rules governing kisses are relaxed at bonfires.” She couldn’t resist adding, “Bring your brother. He might be fun.”
“We don’t need Khaiu.”
“I was talking to Khaiu.”
Everyone laughed at Shello’s expense.
“Will you come?”
She tried to sound nonchalant.
“We will be there,” said Khaiu. “Let’s go, little brother. Say goodbye to the lady.”
“Goodbye, Darling.”
“Goodbye. Lover.”
Friday, January 2, 2009
A Tool Every Writer Should Own (have access to)
FairyHedgeHog posted a link on her blog to a wonderful writing tool. It's called OneTwoFiver. If you want to write something, but aren't sure what, give it a go. It should prove to be a wonderful starter tool.
Thanks FH.
Thanks FH.
Tavaar - 3rd Edition
I haven't anything to say about worlds today, so I will continue writing about Tavaar. When I last left off, Tavaar had just experienced her first kiss of passion. It was with Shello. (This is significant.) It had been unexpected - for both of them.
Tavaar was sixteen. She had just won the Mock Sword Championship at the family's yearly celebration to kick off the new year. As was customary, spectators would come and kiss the new champion. When Shello took his turn their kiss became much more and Khaiu had to break them apart. But now Tavaar understood she had power beyond her physical strength and prowess.
While waiting for Shello and Khaiu to begin their fight for the seventeen-to-twenty-year-olds championship, Tavaar "hangs out" with her three closest friends: Sashwa and Ahzbah, who were a year older, and Chahma, who was a year younger.
This passage is actually not about Tavaar. It is about what Tavaar witnessed when Shello and Khaiu fought for their championship. Again, this is draft work, written in a hurry in order to make the most of inspiration. I am trying to demonstrate certain character traits in both Shello and Khaiu. Note the frequent use of passive tense. My sloppiness in my draft writing makes editing very difficult.
The girls all hurried to find good places to sit and watch. Sashwa, Ahzbah and Chahma called to Shello, letting him know Tavaar was there. Tavaar said nothing, but her eyes never left him. When he looked at her, she smiled.
Shello was distracted, but not for long. Khaiu began angrily deriding him for losing focus. The signal was given to begin, but Khaiu only continued to lecture and instruct his younger brother. At first Tavaar believed Khaiu was attempting to gain an advantage, but she quickly realized it was the opposite. Shello was already distracted – by her. Khaiu’s derisions were meant to help Shello put her out of his immediate thought. It worked. She saw it happen. The moment came when Shello’s eyes suddenly focused on his brother. Then Khaiu struck.
Tavaar had seen the brothers fight before, also for a championship. It had been three years prior, when Shello was fourteen and Khaiu was sixteen. She had just won the trophy for eleven-to-thirteen-year-olds. She had not given either brother much thought then. Certainly not like now. There was a dramatic fluidity to their motions, with each action blending effortlessly into the next. She watched with chills on her arms as the two brothers engaged in a dance of war.
Most battles lasted for only a few turns. When highly skilled warriors faced off, battles could take ten or more short turns to resolve. Three years ago it had taken Shello more than a dozen short turns to win. This year, they went well past twelve. But what was truly amazing was how 12Khaiu continued to bark out instructions – and everything he said was absolutely correct. Every time Shello’s defenses began to falter Khaiu would warn Shello he was getting sloppy. Yet it wasn’t as if Khaiu wasn’t trying to win. His assaults were incredible, and the spectators cried out each time Shello parried the attack and retook the offensive.
As the fight neared thirty short turns it suddenly ended. One moment the swords were shipping back and forth, and the next Shello had his sword resting on Khaiu’s shoulder. Had Tavaar not been watching with complete focus she would have missed the "killing" blow. But she saw it. Shello had managed to slip past Khaiu’s defense, touch him ever so gently on his ear, and then drop the blade to his shoulder. Tavaar could not help the grim chuckle. Shello had never been so gentle with her. This ‘striking’ of Khaiu had been more like a kiss.
The little green 12 references a footnote which reads: Here we see the first evidence of Khaiu’s real skill and personality. Khaiu’s intent is on forcing Shello to improve, not win himself. Could he have won? That will never be known.
Tavaar invites the brothers to Gahrem Village for the next full moon bonfire. They accept the invitation. When they arrive, Khaiu disappoints Tavaar by telling her the reason he came was actually to offer her the chance to join Shello and Klarissa as a weapons student. Khaiu is not authorized to be training, so the training will have to be done "secretly". The training would be one-on-one and not as a group.
Khaiu allowed the regular instructors to teach coordinated attack. What he taught were subtle maneuvers which required not only tremendous physical skill and stamina, but the capacity for keen observation and quick thinking. The result was Tavaar leaped forward in her sword skills. She eagerly awaited the next Amaris, when she fervently believed she would take Shello’s sword crown.
In the meantime, Tavaar had other interests. She, Sashwa, Ahzbah and Chahma were having fun with the many young males who were fast becoming aware of their beauty. Courtship was not allowed at this young age, but that did not prevent the girls from playing. And they did play. They were young, and they were desirable, and they knew it. Shello was part of Tavaar’s fun. They did not meet as often as Tavaar would have liked, but it was often enough to keep both in a state of wanting more.
Tavaar would not get a chance to fight Shello the following year. That was the year she fought Khaiu.
Tavaar was not able to defeat Shello the following year. In fact, she never faced him. The final two pairs pitted Klarissa against Shello and Tavaar against Khaiu. As he had done with Shello the year before, Khaiu barked out warnings and instructions to her as he launched frightening attacks. These wore on her, and after nearly twenty short turns she felt the side of his blade strike her cheek. Instead of complimenting her on her effort, which everyone else was doing, Khaiu instead pointed out her mistakes and explained why she had lost. Ahzbah and Chahma snapped at Khaiu for this, but Tavaar found Khaiu’s unguarded honesty refreshing. There was nothing political about Khaiu.
At eighteen and nineteen Tavaar would again rematch Shello, losing both times. She did well, but she could sense Shello was widening the gap of skill between them. He began flamesword training at nineteen. Not even Khaiu had done that, although Tavaar suspected he could have had he only desired to.
This text states that Khaiu did not begin flamesword training until age twenty. I just checked the Archive Database. Not true. Khaiu also began flamesword training at age nineteen.
Thus far, the only real disappointments in Tavaar's life have been her defeats to Shello in the Mock Sword Championships. From this point on her disappointments will increase in frequency and severity.
Tavaar was sixteen. She had just won the Mock Sword Championship at the family's yearly celebration to kick off the new year. As was customary, spectators would come and kiss the new champion. When Shello took his turn their kiss became much more and Khaiu had to break them apart. But now Tavaar understood she had power beyond her physical strength and prowess.
While waiting for Shello and Khaiu to begin their fight for the seventeen-to-twenty-year-olds championship, Tavaar "hangs out" with her three closest friends: Sashwa and Ahzbah, who were a year older, and Chahma, who was a year younger.
This passage is actually not about Tavaar. It is about what Tavaar witnessed when Shello and Khaiu fought for their championship. Again, this is draft work, written in a hurry in order to make the most of inspiration. I am trying to demonstrate certain character traits in both Shello and Khaiu. Note the frequent use of passive tense. My sloppiness in my draft writing makes editing very difficult.
The girls all hurried to find good places to sit and watch. Sashwa, Ahzbah and Chahma called to Shello, letting him know Tavaar was there. Tavaar said nothing, but her eyes never left him. When he looked at her, she smiled.
Shello was distracted, but not for long. Khaiu began angrily deriding him for losing focus. The signal was given to begin, but Khaiu only continued to lecture and instruct his younger brother. At first Tavaar believed Khaiu was attempting to gain an advantage, but she quickly realized it was the opposite. Shello was already distracted – by her. Khaiu’s derisions were meant to help Shello put her out of his immediate thought. It worked. She saw it happen. The moment came when Shello’s eyes suddenly focused on his brother. Then Khaiu struck.
Tavaar had seen the brothers fight before, also for a championship. It had been three years prior, when Shello was fourteen and Khaiu was sixteen. She had just won the trophy for eleven-to-thirteen-year-olds. She had not given either brother much thought then. Certainly not like now. There was a dramatic fluidity to their motions, with each action blending effortlessly into the next. She watched with chills on her arms as the two brothers engaged in a dance of war.
Most battles lasted for only a few turns. When highly skilled warriors faced off, battles could take ten or more short turns to resolve. Three years ago it had taken Shello more than a dozen short turns to win. This year, they went well past twelve. But what was truly amazing was how 12Khaiu continued to bark out instructions – and everything he said was absolutely correct. Every time Shello’s defenses began to falter Khaiu would warn Shello he was getting sloppy. Yet it wasn’t as if Khaiu wasn’t trying to win. His assaults were incredible, and the spectators cried out each time Shello parried the attack and retook the offensive.
As the fight neared thirty short turns it suddenly ended. One moment the swords were shipping back and forth, and the next Shello had his sword resting on Khaiu’s shoulder. Had Tavaar not been watching with complete focus she would have missed the "killing" blow. But she saw it. Shello had managed to slip past Khaiu’s defense, touch him ever so gently on his ear, and then drop the blade to his shoulder. Tavaar could not help the grim chuckle. Shello had never been so gentle with her. This ‘striking’ of Khaiu had been more like a kiss.
The little green 12 references a footnote which reads: Here we see the first evidence of Khaiu’s real skill and personality. Khaiu’s intent is on forcing Shello to improve, not win himself. Could he have won? That will never be known.
Tavaar invites the brothers to Gahrem Village for the next full moon bonfire. They accept the invitation. When they arrive, Khaiu disappoints Tavaar by telling her the reason he came was actually to offer her the chance to join Shello and Klarissa as a weapons student. Khaiu is not authorized to be training, so the training will have to be done "secretly". The training would be one-on-one and not as a group.
Khaiu allowed the regular instructors to teach coordinated attack. What he taught were subtle maneuvers which required not only tremendous physical skill and stamina, but the capacity for keen observation and quick thinking. The result was Tavaar leaped forward in her sword skills. She eagerly awaited the next Amaris, when she fervently believed she would take Shello’s sword crown.
In the meantime, Tavaar had other interests. She, Sashwa, Ahzbah and Chahma were having fun with the many young males who were fast becoming aware of their beauty. Courtship was not allowed at this young age, but that did not prevent the girls from playing. And they did play. They were young, and they were desirable, and they knew it. Shello was part of Tavaar’s fun. They did not meet as often as Tavaar would have liked, but it was often enough to keep both in a state of wanting more.
Tavaar would not get a chance to fight Shello the following year. That was the year she fought Khaiu.
Tavaar was not able to defeat Shello the following year. In fact, she never faced him. The final two pairs pitted Klarissa against Shello and Tavaar against Khaiu. As he had done with Shello the year before, Khaiu barked out warnings and instructions to her as he launched frightening attacks. These wore on her, and after nearly twenty short turns she felt the side of his blade strike her cheek. Instead of complimenting her on her effort, which everyone else was doing, Khaiu instead pointed out her mistakes and explained why she had lost. Ahzbah and Chahma snapped at Khaiu for this, but Tavaar found Khaiu’s unguarded honesty refreshing. There was nothing political about Khaiu.
At eighteen and nineteen Tavaar would again rematch Shello, losing both times. She did well, but she could sense Shello was widening the gap of skill between them. He began flamesword training at nineteen. Not even Khaiu had done that, although Tavaar suspected he could have had he only desired to.
This text states that Khaiu did not begin flamesword training until age twenty. I just checked the Archive Database. Not true. Khaiu also began flamesword training at age nineteen.
Thus far, the only real disappointments in Tavaar's life have been her defeats to Shello in the Mock Sword Championships. From this point on her disappointments will increase in frequency and severity.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
A New Mythical Creature
I've just realized there is another mythical creature associated with The Great Sea that I had not considered until now. What it is?
A Computer which doesn't frustrate me continually.
Without the computer it is doubtful I would have been able to do much of the background work for Swords of Fire that I have done. Thousands of names, intertwined family trees, housing assignements, maps, floorplans, lada lada lada. All the same, the computer has added levels of frustration which I would not otherwise have known. Why?
The reason is simple enough. The computer makes promises which it fails to deliver on - regularly. Files become corrupted, and so they cannot be retrieved. Speed is bogged down by hundreds of background tasks which, I suspect, have less to do with keeping the system going for me and more for tracking things or running software which has no meaning or value to me. Despite few moving parts, the hardware still overheats, burns out or just quits working for no reason. Software which used to work just fine suddenly develops quirks, or quits working entirely - despite no changes being made to the system. New technology won't talk to the old. The list goes on and on and on.
Losing some of the things I have lost has been a downer. Studio One. The ZIO card reader. A couple of games I enjoyed playing. But losing music hurts. Music is part of my soul. And now it isn't there at the click of an on-screen button - as was promised.
Who do I complain to? No one. Everyone.
Who can do something about it? No one. People who require money before they will act.
Happy New Year.
A Computer which doesn't frustrate me continually.
Without the computer it is doubtful I would have been able to do much of the background work for Swords of Fire that I have done. Thousands of names, intertwined family trees, housing assignements, maps, floorplans, lada lada lada. All the same, the computer has added levels of frustration which I would not otherwise have known. Why?
The reason is simple enough. The computer makes promises which it fails to deliver on - regularly. Files become corrupted, and so they cannot be retrieved. Speed is bogged down by hundreds of background tasks which, I suspect, have less to do with keeping the system going for me and more for tracking things or running software which has no meaning or value to me. Despite few moving parts, the hardware still overheats, burns out or just quits working for no reason. Software which used to work just fine suddenly develops quirks, or quits working entirely - despite no changes being made to the system. New technology won't talk to the old. The list goes on and on and on.
Losing some of the things I have lost has been a downer. Studio One. The ZIO card reader. A couple of games I enjoyed playing. But losing music hurts. Music is part of my soul. And now it isn't there at the click of an on-screen button - as was promised.
Who do I complain to? No one. Everyone.
Who can do something about it? No one. People who require money before they will act.
Happy New Year.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)