|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Sat Jan 16, 2010 5:54 pm
~o~oo~-
Hey! Sabra says that I'm old enough to rite a journal-thingy. I wonder if that makez me a big kid now? So anyway Sabra sayz that I need to work on writing and puttin' thingz down.
So here I am. Jus writing away. More like doodling since the paper is so boring without things to make it pretta! Ooooh - Sabra sayz to write bout what I'm up to. Weeeell......I'z been swimming in the ocean since we live rite next to it and even taking skating lessons from that nice old lady up at the rink. She sayz I'm her favorite student. Heh, I like that.
o(o-o)o o(^o^)o o(-o-)o
Plus other things! Iz been learning my way around the apartments and has found my favorite place in the world! (besidez teh ocean) Guess what itz! Yup a huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuge candey store~! They haz everything that I could eva imagine! Itz amazing!
I made a friend there too. x3 She'z fun! We threw licorice candey at each other and she called it yukky. I dunno, it was ok to me. Ok not too tasty though. Sabra sayz I eat anything though. I don't think so....weeell maybe.
Anywayz! I needz ta go diary cuz of my lessons. Today I learn to jump and stuffz! Fun! Maybeh I can get sista Lizzy to watch! Oooh!
With much luff
~Tally
O (^O^) O
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jan 24, 2010 6:01 am
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 12:16 pm
Journal Entry : Tally's Emotions
Tally was shaking. Uncontrollable sobs were wracking that tiny body as she curled into a ball. It was night and the spawn was trying to be as quiet as possible despite the nightmares. She was terrified of waking Sabra up. Already she could feel the worry that would radiate off of her guardian. It was too much. Tears leaked like crazy as she wobbled to her feet.
She had to get out.
Barefoot like always and in her short pajamas Tally started down the hallway. The only sound that she made was when the door creaked closed behind her. Yet, Sabra heard. Always the light sleeper with a sharp ear, the young woman frowned as she opened her own bedroom door. Who was that? Was it Lissy sneaking outside again?
No, it wasn‘t Lissy. Sabra was surprised to find Tally’s room empty. Really interesting that the child was getting out - but worrisome. Sabra pulled a jacket on and after stepping into her boots went running out of the apartment and through the building. “Tally! Tally!” Oh! Where had she gone?
Natalya screamed. Out here only the ocean waves crashing against the shore could respond to her. Shaking hands ran through her hair as she made a beeline for the ocean. Maybe she could swim off these torrents of feelings - maybe.
The child was already in the shallow waters when another figure crashed into the ocean after her. “Tally! Stop, please!” Sabra swam towards her ‘daughter’ and pulled at the tail which thrashed against her. “It’s just me. Sabra.” A calm aura hit the spawn and in surprise she just blinked up at the young woman. How? All the emotions -
“Sabra. Sabra!” With a cry Tally clung to the soaking jacket and started sobbing as Sabra wadded them both back to shore. Both were shivering - Sabra from the chill and Tally from the strain of foreign emotions. “What’s- what’s wrong wit me?”
“Shh, shh.” Sabra hugged Tally on her lap as she sat down in the sand. “It’s probably your genes, Tally.”
“What do you mean?”
“Pagiel - the patience angel. I think you’re taking on his trait of empathy.”
“What’s empathee?”
“You pick up on other people’s emotions Tally.” Sabra answered her while rocking both of them in a smooth sway. Back and forth, back and forth.
“What ‘bout you?” Tally blinked at looked up at Sabra through watery eyes. “I don’t feel you.”
The young adult smiled faintly, “That’s cuz I have your problem.”
“You patience too?” Tally gasped and looked at her guardian with amazement but frowned when Sabra shook her head.
“No.” Sabra tucked back a crimson bang, “But I feel things too. Weird right?” She cracked a grin, “I passed out in a nursing home. That was the first time it really hit me. Though -” She studied Tally and sighed, “I think you have more of it then me, child.”
“What will I do?” Tally’s eyes were watering again, “I can’t stands it! So much…so much.”
Sabra shushed her and gently poked the child, “Tell ya what. I’ll teach you how to handle them. Though it won’t work perfectly, even after years of working at it. Understand?”
“Yes. As long as you can teach me somethin’!” Tally nodded eagerly.
“Well first…you need to get it all out.” Sabra answered softly and held the child as both of them began to cry. One for everyone, the other just to support one little girl.
Both of them came in the next morning only to wordlessly go to Sabra’s bedroom to sleep off the weariness. This was the first day of Tally’s training under Sabra to control her emotions, that is the emotions of others.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Feb 10, 2010 1:06 pm
Ice Skating? Sweet!
Natalya remembered the first time that Sabra took her to the ice-skating rink. It was chilly, but the spawn didn’t mind the cold much at all due to her gluttony heritage that allowed her time underwater. Rather she was awed by the giant expanse of ice covered by all types of people ranging from the young to the old. “It’s so busy!”
Sabra laughed lightly as she led Tally around the outside of the rink, “Yup. But don’t worry the class rink usually empties out for your class time.”
“My class time?” Tally stopped short and pulled free from her guardian, “Whatcha mean?”
“Well…I thought-”
“Yeah, yeah?”
“That since I’m busy with work that you might want to take a class here. You know there’s more than the beach, and it’s winter-”
“No beach time?” Tally gasped and started walking back the way they came until Sabra tugged at her hand.
“No, no!” Sabra sighed as she drug Tally over to a bench. “This is just gonna be a past time, okay? I thought you might enjoy learning how to skate.”
“So I won’t go flying into pianos like you did that one day?”
“Hey now- that was a one time thing.”
“Celina said that you did it every time you used to go to her house and skate.”
“Well- well that was a long time ago.”
“Just a couple of years ago, ya mean.” Tally grinned at Sabra’s sheepish expression. “So where do we go?”
“Well, first I thought you might like to watch the show that’s supposed to start in the next rink soon. So you know what ice-skating can really be.”
“Mmm’hmm.”
Both went over and Tally hid behind Sabra as they bought tickets and headed into the dark rink. Her antenna glowed a faint purple that lead them to the front seats as the show was already about to begin.
The next two hours were filled with the most exciting thing that Tally had ever watched on ice. First to her they watched a couple of show offs whom she refused to clap for, but even after a couple of minutes she found what they were doing to be amazing. “What was that?” She asked repeatedly after several tricky moves where made.
“Well the girl in pink just did a double axel.”
“So cool.” Tally leaned forward and from there on was lost in the action. She never even paid attention from the shift from show offs to the actual show, a small musical on ice. All the colors, the music, the movements, the jumps! Tally’s eyes shone by the time the show was over.
“What did you think?” As if Sabra needed to ask.
“I want to learn! I really, really want to learn!” Tally’s eyes were gleaming with tears, “It was so beautiful.”
“Alright, don’t’ get all emotional on me now.” Sabra laughed lightly as they both headed from that rink and towards the office of Madame Rosaria.
“Madam?” Sabra left Tally to watch other novices as she went in to talk with the older instructor. Tally was content to wait patiently in the side lines. It was such a difference to watch these kids barely jump compared to all the fancy stuff she had just witnessed.
‘Must take a lot of skill.’ She decided with a firm nod. Could she do it? Her tail swayed lazily behind her, graceful underwater didn’t mean grace on land after all. Tally sighed softly and nearly jumped as two people joined her.
“So dis is ze girl?”
“Yes, Natalya Knight. My daughter of sorts.” Sabra nodded eagerly as the instructor inspected Tally.
“She is very tiny, but I worry about ze tail and wings.”
“Shouldn’t that help balance I mean?”
“Possibly. We shall see.” With that Madam Rosaria tapped Tally’s shoulder, “Come girl, we get you some skates yes? I want to watch you glide on dis ice.”
Natalya grinned happily, “Yes, ma’m!” Sabra watched them with an easy smile as Tally quickly became acquainted with the madam.
And this was how Tally's lessons began.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Feb 18, 2010 9:47 am
It would be on a Saturday that you open your mail box (if you have one) and notice there is a rather thick envelope stuffed in there. There is no postage stamp and a very vague return address. But you recognize the font and the company's name. 'Seven of Seven Inc' scrawled in majestic font across the upper left hand corner. As you open it, you may strangely find yourself drawn to the letter, there is a mass of notes inside. They read as follows:
Letter Congratulations! You have managed to succeed in raising your child. (IE: Not killing him or her or getting killed yourself. Haha we kid of course.) We would like an update from you on the following: Guardians Name: Child's Name: Sin: Virtue: Gender: Current Attitude: Likes: Dislikes: Any abnormal growths: (if any, example: Feathers molting, horns growing larger, scars ) Current hair style: Current clothing preferences: Dominant celestial trait: (The sin or virtue) Please summarize in your own words how difficult or easy it was taking care of your child. Did you manage to care for them in a kindly fashion? Or were you forced to discipline them? As well do not be alarmed if you suddenly find your child achieving a massive growth spurt in the next little while. We are finding that the children from our facility have strange growing patterns and are rather unpredictable. Although please let us know if anything unexpected occurs. Sincerely the technicians from Seven of Seven Inc. Ps. Please just leave your letter back in your mail box one you have completed it our courier will pick it up. Thank you.
You would notice the letter seems overly friendly...strange since the scientist were so ...cold before.
(Just take the from Guardians name to Dominant Celestial trait and pm it to the mule, the summarization doesn't have to be long just have fun with it.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon May 10, 2010 2:44 pm
For the past bit everything was turmoil. Maybe not on the outside, but I could hear those slamming doors. Poor Moose and Lissy. Ever since those hormones kicked in... :<
Well so back to business!
Diary it's been a while since I even bothered to look in at ya and I can't help but to laugh as I read over my child scribbles. Everything seemed to easy back then before I started trying to understand it all. Or be forced feel it all that is. Emotions flood all around me even as I just leave this apartment. Eh, it's better now though since that one night when Sabra helped me through. Just imagine it! To have an empath -and whatever else she is- for a guardian!
Anyway I should probably get back into the swing of things. Skating, Swimming, and Creating. Ever since I had that talk with Dritan at the art class, I've been taking several classes and practicing at home. But after the first several weeks I realized that there's other forms of art too. Including my favorite - designing.
Jewelry, Clothing, Designs on Messenger bags and such - I do it all. My hands itch to create. It kinda relieves the stress and allows me to express all the emotions that build up inside without having to hurt someone. Though I do admit that I have slammed several doors myself lately.
I'm a preteen now, sounds fun right? I guess so. Tee, I get more freedom now since Mom trusts me to know where to kick any perverts at. Though she has teased that since I'm so short she worries if I can kick high enough. Hah. P: I think my height makes things easier anyways. Plus, it's not like anyone can look at me and decide to be my stalker. I'm not a beauty like Lissy after all.
The coral reefs are beautiful this time of year. Fish dart in and out while I twist around the tough formations. It's kinda lonely though, diary, to be underwater with no one else. But who else can swim like me? If there is someone I wish I could met them.
Pfft. I almost thought 'him' instead of 'them'. I really need to get away from these girls and their romance novels. I can live life to the fullest without a guy...right? Sure I have plenty of guy friends, but to rely on one with my heart? Sounds painful. Mom just sighs when I ask about it after all.
Talking about hurting hearts! Key - Kieran- and Roman are on the rampage again. Mostly Roman while Key just kinda stares happily in the background. Jeez. I miss being the baby already. Oh? Did I not tell you, diary? Mom and Moose adopted twins - evil little boys to run around in this once sanctuary of women. Maybe once they stop destroying everything and freaking me out (Key stares a lot) I might....MIGHT....just find the both of them adorable.
Anyways. Off I go! I need to clear up this mess and go swimming before dark. Night, Diary!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon May 10, 2010 4:30 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2010 6:21 am
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 04, 2010 5:44 pm
Natalya was curled up on the couch with a big plastic picture book that had the alphabet inside. Already she had repeatedly held the thing in front of Kieran in an attempt to keep him awake. "Now come on, Key. We have A, B, C, D, E -"
"I dun care." The spawn blinked his creepy patient gaze at his older sister before yawning again, "Waste of time." He mumbled as he tried to weasel his way back against Tally so he could use her as his pillow.
"You can't sleep!" Tally nearly cried out in frustration. How had Sabra managed to teach her this stuff? The preteen bit her bottom lip as she tried to hold onto the patience that had kept her going for the past hour with this. It was more worry on her part - which patience spawn could last the longest at this tug of war teaching method? One second she would be in the lead by wearing Key down so he would listen when he would suddenly back off the next second to stare back at her with that patient look!
This was worse than having to watch someone eating in front of her when she had nothing to eat. Why had Sabra gotten her into this mess in the first place? Oh right - work. Tally sighed, Sabra was working extra to help afford some new things for their house - including paying for the rent itself.
But...as Tally looked at the clock she smiled. Sabra should be home in a little. Surely, she could survive until then. "Now come on, Key. What if I promised you cookies if you just repeated the alphabet with me once?"
Kieran pouted, "Not hungry." His wings fluttered by his side as he curled back into a ball that rested on Tally's hip.
"Please, Key?" Tally frowned, "Can't you understand it? Or am I moving too fast?" Was that it? But Sabra had said that Kieran had learned his numbers just fine. Oh? What if he was one of those math people that only understood numbers and formulas? Tally nearly gasped - that would be awful!
"Pfft." His yellow gaze looked at her as he muttered something under his breath.
"What was that?" Tally pushed against him so she could stand which made the toddler flop to the floor as she dropped the book and scattered other papers. "Oh! Not Sabra's folders." With a groan the preteen started to scoop papers up - except for one that had Kieran's attention.
The purple hand shot out and grabbed the paper. "Tally!" His tone full of command he tugged at her to get back on the couch, "What's this?"
"This?" Tally looked down at the paper, "Oh, music stuff. Mom used to play the flute and piano. Though she's really rusty now."
"Teach me."
"What?" Tally frowned, "You haven't even gotten the normal alphabet down yet!"
"A, B, C, D..." Kieran counted off each letter in order slowly for Tally before shaking the paper again. "Now teach me?"
"You - you knew all along?"
"I hear it once, good 'nough to 'member. Easy."
"Jeez, Key." Tally stood up as the front door opened, "Sabra!" The preteen tackled the young adult in a hug, "Key knows his alphabet now!" A tug at her pant leg made Tally flush, "Oh - he wants you to teach though now."
Sabra frowned, "Well if he already knows the alphabet, Tally what can I -" She looked down at the sheet music with surprise. "Really, Key? It's hard - "
"Teach me?" Suddenly that yellow gaze became quite cute and Sabra nodded. "A'right!" Giggling the toddler jumped onto the couch and patted the empty space for his guardian.
"I'll go make dinner." Tally laughed as she let go of Sabra and headed into the kitchen leaving the two alone. After all she wasn't going to ruin the rare time that Key was sincerely interested in learning something that didn't involved hurting others. Nope! She was definitely not going to ruin this.
((677))
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2010 10:42 am
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2010 2:01 pm
“I’m too tired to go out.” Tally mumbled from beneath the pile of pillows that covered her bed. “Let this cadaver rest here in peace, Sabra.” She begged even when the woman sat on the end of her bed and started to push pillows off.
“Oh come on. Surely you aren’t that bad off, Tally.” Sabra rolled her eyes as she found the tell-tale glow of Tally’s antenna under the mess of blankets and pillows. “If you had enough energy to make a fort like this, then I’m sure you can get up and walk down the street with me.”
“You don’t understand.” Tally’s voice wavered between the fabric, “It’s the only way I feel safe here. Do you know what the twins did last time I left my door open and had no pillows or blankets to hide beneath? Pure terror filled trauma that day it was.”
“I think you’re exaggerating just a wee bit there, Tally.”
“Pah! I wish.” Tally muttered before groaning as Sabra stole the pillow that had been hiding her face. “Hey!”
“Sorry, unlike you I don’t have much patience. If I have to go somewhere I go, so no nap time. It‘s gonna be late anyways.” Sabra gave a grin before ruffling Tally’s hair which was already a mess from her hiding. “I know you’re tired. Ice skating lessons to the extreme plus having to baby-sit most of the day isn’t that enjoyable I get that.”
“Good. Then that means you’ll let me sleep?”
“Nope.”
“Gah.” Tally protested and clung to the sheets, but being four-nine and only around one hundred pounds really didn’t help her stay down. With ease Sabra picked her up and carried her away from the bed. “Mercy please!” Tally begged before Sabra grabbed some of her clothing from the closet. “Hey now! I can pick my own clothing…”
‘I know, but I thought I would help you to move a bit faster.”
“Don’t worry, I’m moving. Since you got me up after all.” With a sigh Tally grabbed a tank top and a pair of capris. “These good?”
“I guess. Though to let you know I was thinking about going out to that nice new buffet place. Preferably one would go to a really, really nice restaurant with my news, but knowing how you love to eat I decided buffet instead which will have good food anyways since it is evening and the weekend.” Sabra smiled. “I got a bonus today after all plus a tip since you know they accepted my short story at the publisher‘s office.”
“Eh?” Tally jumped up, “You didn’t tell me that!” She grinned happily and hugged Sabra, “Congrats! Which one was it?”
“Irene’s Tale. Though they want me to finish the others to add to that but it is gonna get published as a group project.“ Sabra winked, “One of those books full of short stories by all the different authors you know.”
“That’s great!” Tally smiled, “Told you that one was a winner. At least you finally got the guts to try publishing something.” She giggled as Sabra shook her head and headed towards the doorway, “Give me a minute and I’ll get something better on.” Maybe that nice blouse and that cute skirt she had? Mmm she had finished it finally after all. Yup that one would do just fine.
“Alright.” Sabra chuckled, “Now to see if Kieran can get some clothing on and I’ll go see who else wants to go.”
Tally grinned as she heard floating laughter and then some crashes down the hallway. Oh boy. But this was great! If Sabra could succeed at her project then that meant that one day Tally might even be able to do something like that! Of course no story, but maybe clothing or jewelry….something like that. Of course - Tally touched her necklace and smiled. She did just like making and selling her personalized pieces, but having a series that would be amazing.
((Word count: 662))
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jul 21, 2010 10:40 am
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2010 7:31 am
“Just jump over and I’ll help you Tally.”
“Oh, easy for you to say!”
“It’s just a small ledge.”
“If you hadn’t noticed, for small people small things can be gigantic.”
“Pfft. Seriously? I know you can make it.”
“Seriously. Hey, I’m patient enough. You go on and then when you’re done I’ll be here waiting for you.” Tally nodded and closed her eyes. For a few moments it was silent enough with only the dripping water from the ceiling making the softest of noises. Plus, her and Sabra’s breathing which was faint enough as well. And was that a bat that just flew over head? Weird.
Sabra reached over and jerked the preteen over the hole and next to her on the stone ledge. “That so hard?” Tally was too busy shaking in surprise to answer. Sabra - Sabra had just pulled her over! With no warning at all! Swallowing she looked over her shoulder and down. And down. And down some more. Jeesh, what a drop!
“Not funny.” Tally protested as her guardian started to laugh. Pouting her antenna flickered dimly and Sabra had to turn on her flashlight for them to see. “Just wait til we get crawling somewhere, and I leave you behind!”
“Like you can crawl all too easily with your tail, my little gator girl.”
“Hey! I’m working on that.” Tally pouted, “Just give me time and I’ll learn how to get my tail out of the way of all these rocks and stuff.”
“You mean, stalagmites?”
“Those too.” Tally shook her head, “Anyway, how much further to the other side of the cave?”
Sabra peered around the corner with her flashlight before pulling back to look at Tally thoughtfully, “It shouldn’t be too much more. Though I want to tackle some of the crawl spaces before we get out and start on lunch.”
“Mmm’kay. Though I hope you packed lots, I’m starved!”
“Pfft. You just ate enough for the whole family before we came inside - just three hours ago.”
“I was hungry.”
“Jeez, I wonder. Hmm…what is Tally’s vice? Perhaps Gluttony?” Sabra teased even though her preteen daughter gave her a pout, “Though I wish I had your metabolism.” She poked Tally playfully before motioning with her head for them to go forward into the darkness.
Dropping to her stomach, Tally followed Sabra through another tight passageway where she had to repeatedly slam her tail into rough places. “Ouch.” She muttered. That was going to leave a bruise or two. Twisting her body Tally slithered into a more open passage and was relieved to see that she could actually crawl using her arms and knees instead of just her stomach. Up ahead the purple glow of her antenna showed Sabra slithering through another passage.
How did she move so fast through this things? Oh yeah, years of practice.
Tally smiled. It must have been fun to be raised nearby caves where you could go crawling and exploring whenever it was summer and sometimes even during the winter also she heard. Even she was having fun though Sabra had to take lots of time to convince her to go inside at first. Underwater caves were one thing, but a dry cave like this one with deep holes and everything? Not exactly the first place she would choose to hang out with her guardian.
“Hurry up Tally. This is an exit.”
“Kay! Just wait a second.” Tally pushed herself forward and let out a yelp as she started to tumble down hill. But Sabra caught her and both of them ended up laughing as they rolled down the grassy hill. “That wasn’t nice. You should have warned me.”
Sabra grinned and dusted the grass off of her pants, “I know, I know. But it was fun.” She motioned towards where they had left their stuff. “Forgive me so we can go eat?”
Tally nodded, “Of course!”
Couldn’t waste perfectly good food after all. ((Word Count: 659))
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2010 8:12 am
After their lunch break, Tally found herself following Sabra back inside the cave. After crawling back through the narrow passage the spawn was glad for the cavern inside that allowed both of them to stand with plenty of space left over. Actually - had they been in this one before because it was woah. Everything was so sparkly! Tally laughed as her purple glow made the big formations glitter with the same glow. “Why is everything like this?” She asked Sabra who was digging things out of her pack.
“Like what?” Sabra didn’t bother to look up at Tally and was still digging through her backpack.
“All glittery and the like.”
“It’s condensation.” She paused and pulled out some weird ropes with bells on them. “When it’s really wet outside and the cave has plenty of moisture it collects on the formations inside forming droplets. It’s slightly like the dew we see sparkling on the lawn outside our home early in the morning.”
“Oooh. So how do these form anyway though?” Tally walked up towards a giant flowstone that was covered in condensation and about reached out to touch the cool stone before Sabra’s voice stopped her.
“Don’t touch.”
“What? I’m not going to break it.” But she still pulled her hand back anyway.
“It’s not that. But if too many people touch a cave formation, all the oil in your hands would cause it to turn black and stop growing. Yes- they’re still growing even today.” Sabra stood and fixed her short ponytail while explaining, “According to scientist they grow very slowly due to the water flowing through the rock. The deposition of calcium carbonate and other minerals form into these cave formations. Though it takes around a couple thousand years for any serious changes or growths, and even those aren‘t much. Maybe a couple of inches in length or so is added. The dripping that hits the floor allows the stalagmites to form while the ceiling is full of stalactites.”
Tally just blinked at Sabra, who laughed at the preteen’s expression. “Don’t worry I won’t go over board with that stuff. Though I could still tell a thing or two.” She shrugged and held up the ropes, “But for today I decided to help you out with some things instead.”
“Like what?” Tally looked at the rope and frowned. What could they do with bells?
“Like being able to move safely in total dark.”
Tally let out a laugh, “Like I have to worry about that.” She pointed to her antenna which was still obviously glowing and lighting the area around them.
“But what if you’re being chased? Your glow would give you away. So we’re going to practice without it.” Sabra tossed a weird cloth bag with ties to Tally, “If you can’t control it yet, then use this.”
“Eh. I think I’ve got it under control.” Tally rubbed a finger along the bulb which paused in its flickering to give out completely.
“Good that saves me even more time.” Sabra grinned before hanging the bells up in dry areas of the cavern that she knew were safe. “Now look around you and save the picture of the cavern in your mind, especially where the bells are hanging.”
“O-okay.”
“Here I’ll demonstrate what you’re going to learn today.” Sabra looked around the cavern once and stepped into the middle where Tally was standing, “Don’t move. Just picture how everything looks and then listen.” With that she switched off the flashlight that had been lighting up the cavern. Tally jumped but was comforted by Sabra squeezing her hand. “Keep your antenna off. I’m going to ring all the bells.”
“Like this?” Tally gasped. She couldn’t even see her hand in front of her face let alone walk around and find the bells!
“Just like this.” Sabra let go of Tally’s hand and soon enough the preteen was amazed to hear the bells ringing without any sign or sound of her guardian stumbling and falling. Now how did this work? Did Sabra have some sort of funny dark vision that she hadn’t told her about?
She didn’t have much time to ponder because Sabra shone the light in her face, “I’ll give you two minutes and then it’s your turn.”
What?! ((712))
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2010 8:25 am
Sabra repeated the instructions to Tally again while shining the flashlight around the cavern. Though everything was still sparkly and pretty, Tally really was missing the outside world. She had never had to face the dark without her antenna before. So this was going to be a very different experience indeed.
“I don’t think I can do this.”
“Just hold the image in your mind.”
“Easier said than done.”
“Which is why we’re going to be here for the next couple of hours practicing.”
“I still don’t see why this will help me.”
“It’s going to sharpen your other senses not to mention your memory.” Sabra tucked a stray bang behind her ear before pointing around the cavern, “Those are all the spots that I put a bell in. You’ll have four minutes to ring them all at first. Get them finally at four minutes and I‘ll lower the time until you get faster at moving about in the dark with only your hearing and memory leading you. Touch can help, but preferably you shouldn‘t use it more than your other senses. Not just because of the formations, but because of the fact if you are moving somewhere in the dark and are reaching out you may touch something that you shouldn‘t.”
“Like if I’m moving stealthy and I accidentally knocked something over?”
“Precisely. You would be found instantly.”
“Great.” Tally shook her head with a sigh before looking around the huge cavern. The main flowstone was behind her and all the bells were hanging in crevices where it was just plain rock. So she could reach out and fiddle around until she found the ropes. A stalactite dripped on her head and she rolled her eyes. Oh how lovely this was.
Then Sabra turned out the flashlight and everything was a wall of darkness again. Muttering to herself Tally reached out into the empty air and started to move towards the wall that she had tried to memorize. Stumbling over some forgotten stalagmite, Tally found herself thrown against the wall with a light thud. Ouch.
But wait.
Reaching out her fingers connected with something that felt strange compared to the smooth rock walls. Could it be? Tally grinned and closed her fingers around the rope and tugged. The sweet sound of bells ringing filled her ears and she laughed. One down!
Though there were three more to go.
With a sigh, Tally started across and felt her way to another rope. The bells rang again, though something about them made her ears twitch. In the light she had been too busy seeing to really hear things, but now that she was without her sight - did these bells sound different? Tugging again, she listened as the bells rang. They did didn’t they? Huh.
Sabra’s voice interrupted her thoughts, “Can’t ring the same strand twice, I know the difference.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t cheat! I just had to see…err hear something.”
Laughter curled around her in the darkness, “Oh, alright. I believe you.”
“You better.” Mumbled Tally but she was already on the move looking for the next strand of bells. Jeez, how did Sabra manage to do this in under a minute? She had to be running! Tally wasn’t going to risk it and found herself scooting carefully towards where she thought the next strand were. But wait a second. Her hand nearly touched against the cave wall but she pulled back and strained to listen. Something was dripping?
Had she turned back around somehow? Aww, man. Because if she had, then that was the flowstone that she was nearly touching. Backing up Tally thumped into something and groaned. “Sabra!” Her antenna flared to light.
“Give up?”
“Like I haven’t already run out of time.”
“True.” Sabra checked the stopwatch, “Four minutes and ten seconds and only half the bells rang.”
Flopping to the floor, Tally sighed. “This is impossible!”
Sabra patted Tally’s shoulder, “Not impossible, just very tricky.” She smiled, “Plus I think you’re already working out the whole other senses thing.”
Tally blinked, “Well I did give up touching in the end because things sounded different. Oh! So my hearing is improving?”
“Not a lot.” Sabra laughed, “But after a while, yes it will.” She sat down and looked around the cavern. “Ready to go again?”
“Of course!”
Tally was ready this time. And maybe, maybe if she tried hard enough before they left for home this afternoon maybe she would be able to ring all four bells in the dark in a minute instead of four. Maybe. ((760))
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
