Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Growth - Finding love Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ
She had left on a cool morning, the hints of spring making the world bud with colors all around her. The vibrancy of the forest, the sounds of the waterfalls as the rivers cascaded over the cliffs leading down into Matori, all of it was beautiful and yet Kyril felt hollow on the inside. So much had happened the past week when Jhin’s aunt returned and she felt so worn down from all of the fighting, so much bullying, the subtle and not so subtle pushes for her to leave since she was a stranger there. Myra had been upset, but no one had held her back when she packed a bag and started out, not even Jhin. Her daughters didn’t know any better since they were sleeping peacefully together, the twins holding onto each other’s hands as she gave them a final kiss of farewell. Take care. She had promised before heading out into the morning mist. They would be cherished here unlike her….this was surely for the best.
Now it was already summer and Kyril found herself walking lazily down the shore near her family’s home in Matori. The hybrid woman had settled back into crafting, even visiting her old mentor in Sulburi, and had poured herself into her projects while trying to sort out what she wanted for her future. It was comforting to wake up in her old bed in luxury, the silk sheets and faint ocean breeze coming in through the open windows of her room relaxing. She could wake up every morning and walk out onto the balcony to enjoy the sounds and sight of the Matori ocean, the amber sunlight making the waters gleam like crystals. But something just felt like it was missing. She hadn’t even really explained what was going on with her family, just acting like she was taking a break from working so that she could spend more time with them in Matori, but even her mother seemed worried. Kyril simply couldn’t bring herself to tell them, not yet at least. She was still bothered by how Tyka had approached her before she left, assuring her that the girls would be raised well if she didn’t want to live in the forest with them because it wasn’t suitable for an outsider raised in luxury, but rather than feeling comforted by the woman’s words Kyril just felt hurt. But maybe the woman was right. She didn’t belong in a forest when all she had ever known was the city and the ocean. She knew that Giya was there and that Jhin could probably find better companionship with someone who was familiar with their ways, who was strong enough to survive without getting in his way...a sigh left her lips again before a familiar face caught her attention.
“Suli?” She smiled as the Matori girl came towards her. She belonged to a wealthy merchant family who Kyril had interacted with while growing up and the pair had been hanging out here and there whenever she was in the area. “What’s up?”
“Everything!” Suli beamed at Kyril as she grabbed her hands. “So you know how we’ve been hanging out a lot the last few weeks since you came back?” She grinned playfully, “Tahlen has been around and walked with us a few times too. What do you think about that?” Which was true enough. Kyril blinked in confusion as she remembered Suli’s older brother who had hung out with them a few times in the past and recently had been hanging around more. He often made Kyril laugh and they shared a lot of hobbies together, his fascination in art showing as he always questioned her about glasswork. He was nice and admittedly handsome, but Kyril wasn’t certain why Suli was suddenly so interested in her opinion on him.
“He’s always been pleasant. Why?” She finally found herself asking as she studied her friend.
“Perfect!” Suli grinned. “I think he wants to try asking you out~! We could be sisters, Kyril!” Her amber gaze gleamed happily. “You could live here since he wants to stay in the area and take over Papa’s business and I’m sure he’s not that eager for children yet since our sister has grandchildren covered.” She teased lightly with a slight nudge towards Kyril. “I remember how you always said you were apprehensive about having a large family like yours so you could just enjoy having some nieces and nephews for a bit instead.”
“Ah...I don’t know what to say.” Kyril found herself blinking in surprise at the sudden offer. Had she never noticed Tahlen was interested in her? Was she so oblivious to these things? It was an ideal situation that she would have jumped on before if she did find out that Tahlen was suited to her lifestyle. He was handsome, well off and adaptable so he wouldn’t mind if she continued working on her craft and traveling back and forth here and there. She would be in her home village with her family right there instead of being a week’s travel away, even longer if she took the safer travel routes leading into Sauti. Life wouldn’t be so complicated, it would be simple and she could just relax without worry.
“Well just think about it! He’s going to be at the local restaurant tonight with a table for you.” Beamed Suli as she left Kyril with a flurry of confusing thoughts. Tahlen was polite and her family did like him since they had interacted on and off throughout the years….I suppose I have a lot of thinking to do. Her mother would definitely support it since she wanted Kyril to be happy and being close to their home in Matori was a perk. And why wouldn’t she go with Tahlen if she wanted to stay here and not worry about things in some rough area with bandit attacks and the like? He didn’t have any past lovers who would kiss him with Kyril nearby. Just the very thought made her skin crawl. She had told Jhin that she trusted him to make the right decision, but how was she supposed to know? Was he never going to send her any notices? Or was he waiting for her to come back on her own? Maybe I won’t and I’ll just let Tyka and Giya take over everything. Her gaze burned as she thought about it but Kyril shook off the tangled mess of emotions before heading back to prepare for the evening. She had already agreed to dine with Tahlen, so she may as well go ahead with it.
And as expected Tahlen was courteous and Kyril did have an enjoyable evening with him. The pair laughed over some childhood memories before discussing more recent matters and she found herself flustered whenever he slyly complimented her throughout the meal. “We have been spending a lot of time together, Kyril.” Tahlen began thoughtfully as they later walked along the beach since he insisted upon escorting her home. “I think we get along rather well, right? We both enjoy the arts and have similar tastes in everything else.”
“You’re not wrong.” Admitted Kyril with a small smile though she couldn’t find it in herself to meet his gaze just yet. “I don’t think we’ve ever had any fights even with the mischief that we dealt with as teens here in Matori.”
“Right?” Tahlen stopped walking and reached out so that he could tap Kyril’s arm. “Could we maybe consider taking this to a new level? Would that be possible?” He took a step closer and when Kyril didn’t protest he found himself tilting Kyril’s chin so that he could study her. “I really like you, Kyril. I know marriage is a bit fast, but I’m not going to lie that I would be open to the idea of getting engaged if you would have me. We’re not complete strangers after all. I can open a studio here or we can rent an apartment in Sulburi if you want to keep doing business as an artisan because I don’t want to stop you from doing what you enjoy. Both of our families are here so it’s not a problem to travel or stay in the area if you’d like...”
“I….” Kyril’s blood rushed in her ears, her heart was thudding in her chest and her cheeks were flushed as she realized how truly handsome Tahlen could be. He looked dashing tonight and his words were sincere as he moved closer so that he could hold her in his arms. Kyril found herself wanting to at least try, her hands lifting so that she could wrap them around his waist. Would she fit against his body perfectly if she tried? Could she grow accustomed to his wider shoulders and his warm voice? If she could then things really would be easier and she could find some sense of happiness with him. “Tahlen...you’re a great guy and I think a life with you would be wonderful-”
“So yes?” His amber gaze lit up with happiness as he bent his head to kiss her, but Kyril found herself taking a step backwards as soon as his lips met hers. Those amber eyes weren’t the same depth as ocean waters, they didn’t reflect the beauty of a morning sky or a cool pool of spring water like the other pair of eyes that haunted her did. Along with two other innocent gazes...“Kyril?” Tahlen blinked in confusion before letting go of the artisan who was suddenly crying, tears streaking down her cheeks as all of the suppressed sorrow finally started to overwhelm her.
“I’m sorry, Tahlen. I can’t….before maybe but not anymore.” She offered weakly, her trembling lips curving upwards into a small smile. “I wish you the best and thank you so much.” Even if her words were confusing, the woman didn’t pause to consider them as she lifted her skirts and raced back across the sands. What had she been thinking?! She couldn’t do this! She missed them! She loved Jhin, adored her children and she even liked living in the forest! .Please, please don’t be too late. She sobbed as she raced into her room and started gathering her belongings. Tahlen had broken through her stubborn pride and made her realize how much she desperately needed Jhin and their daughters in her life, she loved them too much to let some bullying make her let go! She just prayed to the gods that he felt the same and had stayed true like she so believed. We will figure things out. He had promised that when we first started this journey and I left him. Kyril closed her eyes in frustration before making certain everything was prepared. She would leave in the morning after speaking with her parents. It was time to come clean about where she had been for over a year before coming back to Matori. She was ready to accept her future and knew in her heart that she could live in the forest with Jhin and the girls. Even if she was just some artisan, Kyril would prove that she could hold her own! I have magic for a reason! It was time to fully explore what she could do outside of crafting and to test her limits so that she could stay with those so dear to her. Even if she had to be the one to ask Jhin the question...a thought that brought a chuckle of amusement despite her tears.
1933
Kyril has been uncertain about her future path since meeting Jhin. She always believed she would just simply settle in Oba or Matori being an artisan and even at one point considered Belrea before returning home. She never thought about living an exciting life, nor did she ever imagine she would live in a forest near Tale. After being bullied by his Aunt who does not approve of her Kyril returns home but later realizes that she simply cannot let go of her future with Jhin and their family. This is a turning point in her life as she embraces an unknown path that will test her strengths and realizes that she is ready to fully commit herself to someone else.
