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 Posted: Mon Dec 23, 2013 8:44 pm
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Posted: Wed Jan 08, 2014 9:42 pm
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Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2014 4:40 pm
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Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2014 4:41 pm
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Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2014 4:42 pm
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Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2014 4:44 pm
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Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2014 4:45 pm
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Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2014 4:47 pm
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Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2014 4:48 pm
"Mystery has its own mysteries, and there are gods above gods.
We have ours, they have theirs. That is what's known as infinity."
- Jean Cocteau
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Posted: Fri Feb 07, 2014 10:26 pm
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Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2014 8:09 pm
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Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2014 8:10 pm
All Tracks Lead Home
Word Count: 1,001+
What had prompted her to come back here of all places?
She had just had this sudden urge to get up and leave. To go somewhere and just leave everything behind for a while. It had been this incomprehensible feeling that there was somewhere else that she should be at this particular moment. Was this what Tajne felt in all those times he vanished before, leaving her behind? It hadn’t made any sense the moment she walked out the front door with no destination in sight and it still wasn’t clear to her now that she was out in the forest, completely unprepared for anything.
Keme had brought only herself, dressed in light but sturdy gown. No supplies, no weapons of any kind, not even any shoes. Just a feeling, part instinct part curiosity, pulling her along to this unknown destination. Hours of walking brought her to a place that seemed to tug at memories, not ones so distant as to be ancient but still far enough away that they were faded. A ring of great trees surrounded her. Instinctively she knew them to be old. Even before Creation’s return they had been infused with magical energy- enough to allow them to survive the decay, if only barely. Now they thrived again and it delighted her to see it. White blossoms stood opened nestled among the leaves. Perhaps by now they would be considered out of season but it had been an unconventional spring.
Her hand ran over the trunk of the tree and blue eyes closed as she tried to piece together the memory tied to this place. The last time she had laid hands on this tree she had been smaller, much smaller. Tiny hands and trying to find purchase on the smooth bark in an attempt to climb the tree as she had seen the older children do. Her father standing nearby waiting to help her since she would no doubt need it.
Climbing rowans is nigh impossible, Ildir.
Still she kept trying and failing until eventually her father scooped her up and sat her down on one of the lower branches. He had seemed like such a giant back then to her much younger self, to be able to accomplish such a feat so easily. She was not quite as tall as he had been then but maybe she could climb the tree again, just this once, but on her own this time. The tree was a fair bit taller than it had been then but she reasoned it could still be accomplished with some careful climbing. A quick negotiation with her skirt, which involved hiking it up on one side and tucking it in, and a few moments of mapping a path of hand and foot holds in her head was enough for her to be able to start her ascent. Keme carefully picked her way up the tree trunk in a fashion that would probably make her seem like an awkward monkey to any onlookers, animal or otherwise, but she hardly cared. Once she reached the first branch that seemed sturdy enough to hold her weight she sat down, unhitched her skirt and smoothed the fabric back out. That was fun! And it had been a while since she had the chance to climb anything without someone fretting for her safety.
This seemed as good a place as any to rest until she figured out her next move. Her journey could not be over just yet. After all who would come out this far into the forest just to climb a tree? Perhaps a little food and water should be her next course. She could almost hear Kios’ voice in the back of her head gently reminding her that she did still require food and sleep on a somewhat regular basis. Though admittedly she had neglected both on plenty of occasions recently. It was a noise from down below that drew her attention- footsteps, the rustling of underbrush and a few choice words about prickly plants. Obviously this was no hunter, for such a person would have taken more care to be quiet. A second voice joined the first and although it was a language that was not exactly words…somehow she had no problem understanding it.
Very curious.
And it was that curiosity that convinced her to stay where she was for the moment and remain as still as possible until the sources of the voices passed into view. Something that took hardly any time at all. The first voice it seemed was an older woman, though there were still hints of pale blonde in her greying hair. The other source was not as apparent and Keme did not figure it out until a small furry head with long ears poked out of the satchel the woman was carrying. A brown rabbit, with a darker face and ears which seemed rather reminiscent of a Siamese cat.
Up.
All it took was one word from her furry friend and woman inclined her head to take a closer look at the trees. “You can come down now, no use hiding.”
Since it seemed she had been found out Keme jumped down. Her wings might not have been large enough for flight but they could at least slow her fall and allow her to land uninjured. From her new vantage point it was much easier to get a look at the woman. There was some familiarity there, though not directly. She knew some of those features but the eyes weren’t the right color. They were brown unlike her mother’s which were blue.
The staring and studying was mutual it seemed, though the older woman seemed genuinely surprised to see her. The way her lips thinned and she tilted her head said she was questioning the sight before her, as if it were some spirit sending or fae magic crafted to trick her.
“It can’t be.”
Not her, no. But very close.
Keme’s wings fluttered and settled down against her back. Soterios chose that moment to appear, wiggling his way out from beneath her hair and fluffing green feathers to preen them.
“Asedri?” It had to be. She had seen the child born and bonded to an owl with green feather tips, so surely this was no coincidence. The girl, no…woman, was a near perfect mirror of her mother. The wings were new, but her daughter had known her mate was of fae blood when she bedded him. Any child of theirs was bound to have some signs of mixed heritage.
It took more than a moment for the figurative puzzle pieces to click into place. Whole memories of her parents were few and far between and there were even less of this woman. “Baba.” It wasn’t a direct answer to her grandmother’s question but it was the best answer she had.
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Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2014 8:39 pm
Good Omens
Word Count: 1,001+
There was temptation for each of them to ask questions of the other but for now they could wait. Simple joy was enough for this moment. Keme found herself crushed into her grandmother’s surprisingly tight embrace and she leaned her head on the woman’s shoulder. This was the reason her feelings had pulled her here; because if you wished, or hoped, for something hard enough it may come back to you when you need it most. And she was the one thing her grandmother had wished for – family.
It was not a long trek back to the village from the clearing, less than half a day in fact. They spent the first part of it in silence, content to glance at one another occasionally and smile when the other noticed, neither particularly sure what to say. In the end it was Keme’s grandmother who broke the string of curious looks and spoke up. “The last time I saw you, you were little more than a babe. Crying in your mother’s arms while your father fought to win your escape.”
“I can’t say I remember that.” Asedri had indeed been very young when it happened. All the images she had from that time, and the years after with Zrath, were hazy at best.
“Probably for the best.”
“But I do remember other things.” Far better things, at least she thought so.
“Oh?”
“Picking flowers with you.” Tiny Asedri toddling around the garden with her Baba, picking flowers and herbs for potions and salves. The memory made her smile and her grandmother smiled in turn.
“Aye.” Things would have been quite different, if dire circumstances had not rerouted things. There had been a loss of years, in more than one way she suspected, but such things could be made up for now.
“We are almost to the village.”
Keme was stopped by her grandmother’s hand and she was asked to wait while the older woman walked ahead to deal with any sentries before they became a nuisance. It wasn’t long before she reappeared and waved for her to continue.
“Gung ho young men. Eager ta prove themselves. Bunch of troublemakers sometimes.” Despite her tone she laughed a little and shook her head. Keme was able to catch glimpses of some of them through the trees- young men, and some barely old enough to be called men, each with their spirit close by. It was interesting to note that all of those she saw were cunning predators.
Once the sentries were a distance behind them around the bend the village began to come into view. Not much of it at first, just the first few round houses crafted from clay brick by the looks of it. The kind of simple shelters that kept cool in the summer and warm in the winter. They were ancient and sturdy, just like the ground they rested on and the trees that sheltered them. Each had its own little touches to make it unique, some more elaborate than others.
Something else sought the goddess’ attention as she walked, drawing her focus momentarily away from the scenery around her. Keme could feel the mana of the land here even more strongly than she had back in the forest. It licked at her bare feet like a slow tide or a sleeper’s pulse. “Fae dwelt here once?” It felt much like it had the day she had cut her palm and asked the earth for what was needed to be able to help Maddie and Kayan, except this came with no blood price and hopefully never would again. The rhythm was gentle and comforting.
“Aye.” Those of fae blood came and went as they wished, though not in any great number anymore.
Her grandmother’s answer brought Keme’s focus back outward in time to see even more wonderful sights as they got closer to the center of the village. Creation’s touch had reached even here. Flowers, cultivated and wild, were in full bloom. Ivy had found its way up many of the trees and over some of the roundhouses. Gardens were healthy. Even the well in the center of the village was adorned with vines covered in small blossoms. Everything reminded her a bit of the pantheon gardens, except this place had its own kind of peace that hung over it that made it warm and welcoming.
There were others outside tending their gardens or working their crafts. A few children darted about appearing to play hide and seek. Most went about their business as usual but a few stopped to stare at Keme. To those who did not know any better she was simply fae as her appearance suggested, something that was considered to be a good omen for the most part. She smiled and nodded in greeting to the few that made eye contact before they went back to work.
“Donna mind them. Some simply have never seen a fae before.” Her grandmother gave her a pat on the arm and a smile that said she suspected something, but had not quite figured out what it was. “My home is at the end of the row here, near the large herb garden.”
Large was probably an understatement given the amount of plants carefully arranged in the space that was allotted for them. She would have to come and investigate it later since her grandmother seemed keen on heading indoors for the time being and once Mystery past the threshold of the house she understood why. There was a cauldron hanging above the fire pit that a pleasant scent was drifting from. Some kind of stew no doubt. And it was in that moment that her stomach chose to remind her that she had not eaten since the day before.
Her Baba laughed and went to stir the cauldron’s contents. “It should be almost perfect now.” She lifted the spoon out and took a taste, choosing to sprinkle in a few more sprigs of herbs afterward. “Something told me this morning to make more than usual.” And now she was glad that she had heeded that advice. “Make yourself at home and I will tend to serving.”
Keme nodded but curiosity had her looking around the house rather than seating herself right away as a polite guest probably should. Her grandmother hardly seemed to notice or mind though, so there was no reason to worry about propriety. The house was simply built, crafted from earth, wood and stone from the forest around them. The front room was large and mostly open- populated by only sparse furnishings and a few work tables. Drying herbs hung from beams specially built into the roof over the fire pit at the center. There were baskets of vegetables and other foodstuffs arranged on a shelf to one side that served as a pantry.
By the time her grandmother was dishing out the stew she had wandered back to get a closer look at the bead curtains that covered the doorways to the other rooms. The beads themselves were made from the wood of various trees and she was admiring the delicate carving in some of them when a voice broke through her inspection.
“Dinner.”
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Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2014 9:53 pm
All Things Grow
Word Count: 1,001+
It was rather nice when one spent their days occupied by things they enjoyed rather than having to worry about how much time had passed. But time would continue to pass whether one noticed it or not – Keme had been in the village for weeks, if not months now. She had become a part of the community, something that she largely credited to the curious children who approached her to ask questions or get a closer look at her. Children were often brave enough to do things some adults would not. They asked about her wings, about where she had come from, who she was. There was no need to hide the truth in this case, after all she was Secrets Revealed. Though the children did not quite understand at first, in their hearts they believed her and believed in her. That was the important part for now, with time and wisdom they would fashion their own answers for the rest.
The daily sessions of questions eventually gave way to story time instead. She did not think herself anywhere near Kios’ level of tale weaving but the children enjoyed her stories well enough. Nearly every day she came away from the story circle with half braided hair adorned with beads and flowers which was something that amused her endlessly.
The rest of her time spent was spent helping her grandmother with the simpler’s trade, caring for the ill and injured. She even helped to deliver a baby- a healthy little boy, who from the look of him seemed to have a touch of fae blood. That was not something she had ever seen or done before and it got her thinking a little about children with Tajne and Kios. Something that may not even ever be, since her Butterfly would likely be hesitant about consenting to such a thing. Tajne on the other hand would be delighted, there was never enough chaos in the house for him.
It was after a days rounds and she was out in the herb garden tending to the plants and restocking on supplies for medicines when she felt someone watching her rather intently. Since there seemed to be no urgency Keme did not look up until she had finished picking the necessary leaves off the plant in front of her and depositing the in the basket at her side.
“Can I help you with something, Kynna?”
It was one of the older girls from her story circle- dark hair and pale green eyes and still growing into her budding body. Boys made her shy and awkward, but around Keme she was comfortable. “You look different.” Kynna's spirit, which primarily took the shape of a songbird, was perched on her shoulder.
“Do I?” She made a little curious noise when the girl nodded. “All things grow and change just like you do, even gods.” Though gods did not die, under normal circumstances anyway. Mystery waved the girl over. “Come help me and we can talk.”
Every villager knew the basics of gardening, though some were far better at it than others. It was a simple enough task to tend to while they conversed. “So what have you noticed?”
“Your eyes for one.”
“Tell me what you see?” Actually looking would have to wait until they got inside. Her grandmother had a piece of polished metal that served as a mirror for the rare times it was needed.
“They were really pale blue before…like the eggs of robins. Now they’re more like a turquoise stone almost.” Kynna reached up, fiddling with her own necklace before holding it out. “Like this. Except its all over now and not just in the middle. I noticed it this morning but I wasn’t sure I should say anything.”
“I can’t say I noticed.” Her sight had not shifted at all, so she would have had no way of knowing.
Now that it had been mentioned it seemed somewhat prudent to look for other signs of growth. Keme withdrew her hands from the earth, where she had been resettling a plant, and brushed the dirt off of them. The markings that had formed on her fingers while they were in Pandaria had begun to creep their way up the back of her hands and up her arms slowly some time ago but their pace seemed to be advancing as of late – it reached up halfway to her elbows. The similar markings on her feet and legs had done much the same thing.
When she looked back at the girl Kynna’s face showed concern. “Are you going to be okay?”
“It will take some time but I will be fine. Truthfully, it is no worse than you becoming a woman.” Her comment made Kynna blush and she laughed. “It is nothing to be embarrassed over, it is simply a part of life. Boys will see you different and you will be able to have babies when you are ready to, that’s all.” After that the conversation turned mostly to fluff and they were able to get their task finished.
“You might want to head home, your mother will be calling you for supper soon I expect.” It was almost dark and Kynna would likely have to fetch her brothers before going heading home.
Once the girl was gone Keme stood and brushed off her skirt, and picked up the herb basket before heading back inside. “Baba, I got what you asked for.”
Her grandmother was seated at one of the work tables that faced the front doorway. “Kynna is right you know, you have changed…you are changing.” Her expression was a little sad, despite her hopeful tone. She had listened when her granddaughter had first explained what she was to the children. A true blood goddess, Lady Mystery no less. And now she was transforming nearly before her eyes.
“I know.” More correctly she knew that now. “I don’t mean to make you sad, Baba.”
“I know.” Her grandmother echoed her response and set the knife she had been splitting herb stems with down. “It is a fact of life that you are not my little granddaughter anymore.” Had she even really been when she first got here?
Keme set the basket down and crossed the room to the worktable and hugged her grandmother. “I will always be your granddaughter, Baba, no matter what.” Things were changing and would continue to do so but that was another constant she could have in her life.
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Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2014 11:04 pm
All Things Change
Word Count: 1,001+
The physical changes in Keme continued at their own pace. Life went on as it always had this past while with story circles and other day to day things. The biggest difference, in Keme’s mind at least, was she felt the pulsing of the mana in the land here more strongly than before and her heart beat seemed to have slowed to match it. Thus far it had not caused any issues, but it seemed to be a sign of things still to come - the loss of her mortality, if her guess was correct. Not that she knew what to expect from that. It wasn’t a question she had ever taken the time to ask Tajne.
Despite how much she enjoyed being here Keme had begun to miss her lovers dearly. The bed she slept in at her grandmother’s house was really far too large to be alone in. Hopefully they would come looking for her soon, if not she would have to send Soterios to get them. If nothing else Tajne was bound to be curious once he grew bored of whatever else there was to do. Cats would be cats after all, even if they were gods as well.
At present Mystery was busy trying to get a handle on her hair with Kynna’s help before she went on housecall rounds with her grandmother; some of the curl had fallen out and there was suddenly a good deal more of it than there had been. The girl’s deft fingers were hard at work partially braiding it so the goddess’ hair did not drag on the ground.
“Hard to tell without looking close, but it is turning very light green at the roots.”
“Better that than more hair. I’m pretty top heavy as it is.” Keme was still fairly petite, so the added weight from longer hair had taken a little getting used to. Though top heavy had a bit of a double meaning, as her figure had developed a little more too. She could almost imagine her Butterfly’s face over that already, though the real thing would probably be nothing in comparison to the picture in her head. In some ways she and Tajne really had ‘corrupted’ him.
The markings on her hands and feet had reached her elbows and knees respectively some days ago and then suddenly stopped. Perhaps that was the end of that particular change, for now at least. In contrast the marks on the face stayed largely the same except for brightening, almost as if they had been embellished with glitter.
“I think that will do for now, Kynna. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” She was always seemed to be more than happy to help Keme whenever she needed it, which the goddess did not mind at all. In return Keme’s grandmother seemed more than happy to have another pair of hands to help with rounds. Many hands did make for light work.
“Best we get going before Baba comes looking for us.”
Rounds did not take much longer than usual, the only addition had been tending to child’s broken bone from falling while climbing a tree. Once they were done Kynna was dismissed for the day to go help with her own family’s chores and cooking.
Keme excused herself early and went to bed almost directly after dinner. When she woke late in the night her Baba was by her bedside, watching her over her.
“You cried out in your sleep, so I came to check on you.”
It was strange because Mystery could not recall having a nightmare, but that did not exclude it from the realm of possibility. Since she was now awake her grandmother began undoing the rest of her braids since she had manage to pull most of them out at some point during the night.
“You look like a fae queen.”
“Pardon?” Keme was still a little groggy, though it did not feel quite the same as if she had suddenly woken from sleeping.
“Get up and go look.” She sighed and shook her head when Keme started to sit up and move off the bed. “Once I’m done, child.” Better to get all this undone now before it turned into wicked knots.
Once she was free to do so Keme got up and headed to the main room to have a look in the mirror. There were more changes, apparently somewhat big changes, overnight. Her skin had turned teal, barely darker than her eyes and Kynna had been right about her hair the pale green color had bled down from the roots to the tips of it. Now the brightened markings made sense, they stood out against her newly colored skin.
Belatedly she thought of her wings which she had vanished to lay down in bed. Upon reappearance they were fuller and almost a bit fluffier than before. More colors had worked their way out in them as well. They might even be big enough to fly with now if she felt inclined to try someday. It was a little strange since they had not been there before, as in before the Fading; though a bit more camouflaged now, they were purely a gift from Asedri.
“Is it wrong to say I feel a little more comfortable in my own skin now?” Keme was still standing there staring into the mirror but she knew her grandmother was there watching her, having heard footsteps from the bedroom doorway.
“I donna think so.” She smiled. “Though you were pretty before, you are even more so now. This suits you better than the other I think.” Perhaps it was because this was her, whereas the other had been more Asedri. “And just in time for the festival too.”
“Festival?”
“Aye. It is still a few nights of preparation away, but I think you will enjoy it.” Keme being here would give the village something else to celebrate as well. “It is a fire festival for the solstice, but that is all I will say for now.” The rest she could find out on festival night.
“Awh…” Keme was pouting a little. Her grandmother knew her too well, knowing that she would ask for more information. Well, at least it was something to look forward to in the coming days. Perhaps if there had still been so sign of Tajne and Kios by then she would send for them that night?
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