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 Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2010 9:39 am
It was a quiet, warm day, the riverbanks teeming with lazy life. Scirocco, tired from a long walk, had settled down against the trunk of a tree far enough from the mud so that he wouldn't get his pants muddy. He hated having to find a place to wash them; if only his gift was with water as well as wind. He laughed a little to himself. How ridiculous. His only love was for music, and wind did that more than sufficiently. Well, not his only love; there were a handful of other things he loved as well, but... none made him so content as a well-orchestrated musical endeavour.
No matter how tired he felt, after having walked for so long, he was still itching to play something. He took out his instrument, a sort of flute or ocarina with a heavy belly. He trilled a few notes, and a little bird chirped in response, somewhere above him. He laughed and looked up: there was a small yellow songbird, perched on the branch above him, regarding him with one dark, glistening eye.
"Well, hello; what's your name, little one?" Scirocco smiled gently and reached one hand up, inviting the songbird to come closer. It chirped at him, and hopped a little closer on the branch, but didn't fly down. He simply nodded and withdrew his hand, smiling still. It was such a beautiful day out, he really couldn't feel bad about anything. "I see, little one. I can't really blame you for being shy. If you'd like to, you can sing along?"
Without further hesitation, Scirocco began to play a sweet melody, but instead of putting the flute to his lips again, he raised one hand and just tugged with his index finger, then turned it in a circle a little. It whipped the gentle breezes up. He directed them towards the reeds in the pond, through the bows of trees, and began a sort of gentle musical murmur. Then he added his flute to the mix again, holding it with his free hand and playing. Apparently, he was very good at multitasking, where music was concerned. He was so engrossed in his music that he wouldn't notice anyone approaching until he was finished the song. It wouldn't be long. A few minutes, maybe.
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Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2010 10:11 am
Shinju had fallen asleep on a rock near the river, though she was supposed to go to the market. By this time, however, she had already forgotten about the long journey to the larger town nearby, and had begun listening to the quiet words under the water's babble. Reeds in the river swayed quietly with the wind, as though they were helping the river know the direction it was supposed to flow. The sun was shining directly on her silky black hair and thick kimono, but the quiet was so nice, she hardly had time to notice the heat. She hummed softly to herself, thinking hard about what it was she was supposed to do. Something was very different about today, that was for sure...
Suddenly, her quiet was disrupted by a constellation, playing a soft melody on a flute. Was it a flute? Shinju couldn't really see from the distance she was at. Mmmm ... whatever it is ... it sounds nice, she thought. The melody stopped for a moment, and Shinju felt as though something was taken from her. Sitting up, she noticed he was now talking to a tiny yellow bird. Well that's strange ... most don't talk to animals ... but I suppose there are stranger ones than him. As she looked up, the sun was almost directly overhead now. She turned back to the river, still quietly flowing as though nothing had changed. Its funny how no matter the turn of events ... the river just keeps flowing.
With that thought, she raised herself slowly, making sure not to spill any mud on her leggings, and began to inch towards the boy. As she got closer, he stopped his melody and raised a hand in the air. She ducked behind a tree, fearing that her presence might have scared him into stopping. But no, he simply shifted his head and began playing again. How odd ... I wish I could play something so pretty. As he picked up the tune again, she inched closer, trying as hard as she could not to interrupt him. Finally, she was sitting on a rock no more than five feet from the constellation, closing her eyes and listening to the sound. It was so ... sweet. But a bit ... sad?
Funny, the boy hadn't even looked up to notice her sitting there. She debated tapping him, or doing something to get his attention, but realized she might be interrupting something very special to him. Shinju listened to the music for another minute, and then finally said in a tiny voice, "U... Um ... Y-your music is very nice sir."
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Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2010 12:18 pm
Scirocco was wrapping up, and he closed his index finger to his thumb, drawing the wind to a soft breeze, like it was before he started manipulating it. He put his flute down, and only then did he full hear the tiny voice. He looked around him, bewildered, and smiled when he saw a dark-haired Twilif. "Ah, thank you," Scirocco answered, his eyes sparkling in the warm sun. "It brings me the most happiness, to play music. Always with hope at the end, no matter how sad I am, and I feel better." Scirocco took a moment to look around him, at the reeds and the creatures that lived around the forest. The yellow song-bird flew down to his shoulder, and he offered it a finger to hop on, bringing it down to his lap. He opened the satchel at his side, revealing many rows of small vials suspended in leather loops attached to the inside of the bag. He placed his flute back inside first, then removed one vial full of pale seeds. He tapped some out into his palm and offered them to his little yellow friend.
Finally, he looked back up at Shinju, "My apologies," he said, "I did not want to keep him waiting while I introduced myself." Scirocco let the bird eat seed from his palm until it was finished, and it hopped down his wrist, looked at Shinju and took flight. "I am Scirocco of the Jade Wind; who, may I ask, might you be?" Scirocco dusted his hand off on his knee, and a little breeze swept the seed husks off his clothing. He replaced the closed vial in his bag, made sure the flute was wrapped in cloth and safely nestled inside, and then closed it once more. He looked up at Shinju expectantly, stood, and bowed for good measure, though he was now significantly taller than the Twilif.
Breezes seemed to keep Scirocco's hair and clothing constantly tugging in a gentle aura of wind, which cooled him down and kept the dirt and dust off him. He smiled at the Twilif, clearly offering his best attempt at undivided attention.
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Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2010 12:58 pm
Shinju had to look up to see the tall man named Scirocco, but something about him made her happy nonetheless. Now that she was close to him, and could see him up close, she began to examine his clothes. He wore a simple pair of pants and shirt, complimented by a scarf around his neck. The color of the scarf reminded Shinju of the fishing poles and nets some of fishermen in her village used to fish with. She examined his small messenger bag as he opened it, and became jealous of all the small, intricate things it contained. At the moment she wanted nothing more than to glance inside and play with all the small vials and instruments. They're so pretty ... I wonder if he would let me hold one...
Startled, she realized he had introduced himself and was standing (now awkwardly, due to the time lapse) while waiting for her response. "Ah! Sorry, I am Shinju, pleased to make your acquaintance," she stammered, as she gave a small curtsy in reply. She glanced at the small bird, still sitting on the constellation's shoulder. The bird seemed completely at ease, not frightened at all by the presence of two spiritkind, as it munched away happily on the seeds he had fed it. Why is he carrying seeds in his bag ... I wonder what else he has in there... She found her self trying not to stare into the bag, her curiosity for the intricate vials burning. The wind picked up a bit, and Shinju realized something was wrong. That's strange ... it's hardly ever windy in our little riverside village... she thought. She glanced around to make sure she hadn't wandered into the wrong place by accident, but no, she was still in her own little crevice of the world. Maybe he knows something about it? Or maybe this traveler was looking for the answer ... or maybe he was even causing it! The possibilities stacked up in Shinju's overactive mind.
She turned back to the constellation, realizing she had said nothing more than an introduction, probably leaving him feeling rather awkward. "Oh ... I'm sorry, I've been told I don't have a very large presence," she laughed awkwardly to let him know she was merely joking. She glanced around to see if anyone was with him. Where is he going? Or is he resting? I'm probably interrupting him... "I'm sorry, was I keeping you from going somewhere?" She stepped out of the way, to give him some room in case he wanted to move towards the small path that lead eastward. It was then she noticed that the constellation had no dirt or sweat on him anywhere, even though he had just been sitting by the river in the sun. Is he really just a normal traveler, I wonder?
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Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2010 11:59 pm
Silence peppered the Twilif's introduction, and Scirocco smiled patiently all the while through. Scirocco nodded his head when she curtsied, adjusting the satchel to sit more comfortably on his hip. He couldn't help but notice her curious glances towards his satchel and its contents. Although he would like to allow her a glimpse, and even to explore it, there were poisons, sedatives and rare powders in there. Perhaps... he could show her a trick, with one of the powders he used in storytelling. Scirocco's gift with wind knew no bounds, so long as his creativity complied. Could he have picked up on his aura, as well? Scirocco wondered idly, but the thought flitted away almost as soon as it arrived. Few noticed the winds which played around his body.
"As far as your curiosity is concerned, Shinju, your presence is notable." Scirocco laughed, a kind sound which rose upwards, like the yellow bird taking flight. He shared that with his brother. "Hmmm? Was I... Oh, I am always on my way somewhere. As a bard and messenger, I am seldom done leaving. However, I just finished lunch, and I don't well desire to move so soon. Perhaps you would deign to sit with me for a while, neighbour?" Scirocco took a deep breath and reached into his bag. He took out a red vial which gleamed in the light. "Ah, and since you are so curious as to the contents of my satchel... Although I am afraid I can not let you see most of its contents, I can show you a few tricks." He uncorked it, walked towards the path a little, letting the red powder trail behind him on the wind. He corked it again, replaced it, and before the red powder had time to escape, he tugged his winds together with his left hand and circled his right hand. The powder gathered into red butterflies, which flew up into the sky and then dissipated in the stronger winds. Scirocco looked over his shoulder and smiled at Shinju, before retuning. "Simple tricks, which seem to amuse others, but cost no effort on my part." The red powder was safe to show her; it was simply a common red sand which had been refined and tinted using a homemade red dye. Lemon was in charge of that process, of course.
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Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2010 5:57 pm
Shinju's face fell when he expressed his inability to show her the rest of his satchel, though she tried to hide her disappointment. "So you're a bard? Does that mean you've traveled to royal courts and played for thousands?" Shinju's mind was already imagining the masses of people, crowded around the strange boy, hanging on his every lyric. The stage would be royally festooned with a plethora of bright plants and colors, and the people would all be laughing merrily and singing along. At this thought, a small smirk crept upon Shinju's face. Then the queen would give a little laugh that sounded like a group of bells jingling together, while the king gave a scowl in obvious disdain. She would bow and exclaim "Oh my! You are such a talented musician! Please join my court and stay fore-"
Her imagination was quickly cut short, as the boy pulled out a small vial of red sand and began twirling it through the air. Shinju's eyes lit up at the sight of the seemingly magical sand, wondering just how he made it float through the air. "I would love to sit with you sir, that is, if only I could find a spot," she said with a giggle, as she glanced around looking for a rock or stump, something to rest herself on, unfortunately to no avail. She instead settled for a seat on the ground, not particularly aware of how unappealing her clothes would look afterward, as she was much too distracted by the swirling powder.
The sun finally begun to drop a bit lower, instead of the bleary direct sun she had sat in earlier, and the small breeze that flowed around the gurgling river actually made the river feel like a private oasis. The wind picked up a little and brushed her hair out of her face, as she pulled a small set of marbles from her bag of treasures and began playing with them. Oh ... maybe he'll think it's rude? No, he looks rather laidback, I think he'll be okay with it ... at least I hope! she thought. After pulling out a shiny blue marble, she put the bag back into her obi and turned her attention back to the boy. After adjusting her position, she asked "So what tricks do you have to show me?" As she spoke, a small grin came onto her face, in anticipation for the "show."
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Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2010 10:13 pm
What a curious Twilif! She certainly had healthy imagination, which made Scirocco smile again. "No, not quite; I don't much like... well, I wouldn't say they're royalty, so much as the wealthier spirit folk. I find it rather unpleasant to play for them; so quiet and without life. Besides, all they care for is tragedy." Scirocco looked up at the sun, stretching. He much preferred to play in the sun, outdoors. His brother had built him constructions of wood and stone which he used to hold outdoor concerts, playing the wind through the large constructions. He could bring music to people for quite some distance that way. In the end, that was what made him content. Every time he played them, he felt like he was close to his brother, again. It made him at ease.
Scirocco leaned back and let the sun seep into him, warming him. He closed his eyes as the Twilif tried to find a place to settle, opened them again with a sigh when he realized the full sunlight was fading a little. He looked over in time to see her play with marbles. It was endearing, though he himself had no desire to play with bits of glass. That was more his brother's area. Still, he didn't want to be unkind to her. "Seems like you collect a lot of treasures?" He said, with another of his soft smiles.
When she asked what tricks he had to show her, he nodded, and sat up, reaching into the satchel again. It was just a simple trick, really. A little more elaborate than the butterflies, but nothing he couldn't handle. Still child's play. He took out the vial of red sand again, and a vial of white sand first, he tapped some of the red sand into his hand, and then re corked the vial. It was a little hard to do both those things, but he managed. He put the red vial in his lap for the time being, and blew the powder off his hand. It turned into a dragon on the wind, blowing its own flames, raging across the sky. Concentrating, he sustained the dragon there. Then, he chose a white powder; this one was the more tricky powder. It was actually a weak kind of explosive. He repeated the palm gesture with the white powder, careful to use his clean palm. Even though his winds usually swept it clean, he had to be very careful to avoid injury.
The dragon raged on while he added the white powder. At first, he blew three short breaths, which gave birth to three small beings who raced beneath the dragon, seemingly in fear. The dragon snatched one up, and it created a burst of pink sparks, the little being disappearing. The dragon snapped his jaws at the second one, but missed; that was when Scirocco exhaled a strong breath, the rest of the white powder turning into a second dragon. The two dragons fought, small and harmless sparks shooting off their jaws as they clashed. And then, finally, the white dragon tore into the red dragon's neck, and they spiraled into the air with colours and sparks. Of course, he made sure none of the sparks ever hit Shinju. When the lights had subsided, he put his vials back in their places.
"Just tricks like that," he said. He was a simple entertainer, at times. When he was not being a musician.
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Posted: Sun Jul 18, 2010 1:53 pm
"But why would they only like tragedy?" Shinju thought it was odd, if not a bit ironic as well, that wealthier spiritkind who had the world at their fingertips, preferred something that made them feel worse inside. The constellation boy stretched, and had a thoughtful look on his face, as though remembering something fondly. Perhaps the wealthy people being sad makes him happy? No ... that can't be right. Otherwise this fellow must be very sadistic! she thought with a smirk.
She noticed the boy looking at her glass marbles, and felt her face turn a bright scarlet color. Well, as scarlet as a blue-colored twilif could get. "Ah ... yes I rather like ... small toys," she said, as she quickly put the glassy blue marble back into her bag. Although the boy smiled at her, she already felt incredibly insecure about her childish habits, so she sat quietly and tried to be as attentive as possible, while he started the show.
But almost immediately, her resolve for attention was dissolved almost immediately. When the boy reached into his satchel to pull out a second vial, (was it white sand now... or some other concoction? Shinju couldn't really tell) she peered in to see if there was anything else of interest. However, the satchel was shut almost as soon as it was open, leaving Shinju a bit disappointed, though she was still excited to see the boy work his magic. He began by unscrewing the vial's cork lid, and then gently applying some to his hand. Thus, the show began.
And what a show it was! Shinju was completely smitten with the boy's ability ... whatever that ability was. At first there was a dragon, red and powerful, blowing flames- flames! into the air. Then very carefully, the boy began to use the white substance, (although he looked a bit more unsure of himself). But the sand only made the show better, adding tiny explosions in midair. Shinju's eyes flicked back and forth, watching every small movement the boy's hands made. She didn't even flinch as one of the tiny sparks of combustion flew towards her, though they never seemed to hit her. Just how is he doing this? I wish I could have a power like this ... it's incredible! Yes, Shinju found herself loving the ability more and more as the show went on, making a tiny, almost inaudible squeal every time one of the sparks flew and snapped.
Suddenly smaller figures appeared on the "screen" made of air. Are they ... people? No ... ah yes they are! Shinju thought. The dragon then swooped down and picked up one of figures, creating sparks as the he flew off. Shinju decided she rather didn't like that part, her mouth turning into a small frown. However, her face quickly lit up once again when the dragon swooped for a second figure and missed. Ha! she though, Take that, you nasty lizard. Suddenly the boy blew rather heavily into the air, and a second dragon appeared! They began to fight rather violently, until the white dragon bit the red dragon's neck, and the fight subdued. Although the red dragon had eaten the figures, she still felt rather bad for it. It was such a tragic ending.
"I thought you said you disliked tragedy..." she said thoughtlessly. She immediately regretted the words, realizing it was a bit of an insult. "Oh but your show was fantastic! All the colors and lights ... oh I do wish I could do something like that, or at least watch more of it," she said dreamily. Shinju turned to the boy with pleading eyes, hoping he would somehow make another show for her. Though that's rather selfish of me ... she thought, what if he doesn't want to deal with a twilif like me? What if he simply lied to me when he said he had no where to go... maybe he was simply being polite? But what if the next show involves something even more fantastic? Oh I simply can't miss that!
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Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2010 9:23 pm
"Why only tragedy? Well, that is a good question. Perhaps because they feel it is a higher state of being, though I do not believe I am on their side. Or if it is a higher state, then I do not wish to accompany them there. I much prefer hope, which my brother teases me about nearly every time he sees me; he somehow fits it into any conversation." Scirocco sighed and shook his head, a small smile across his lips. Again, a thought of his brother. The Twilif looked a little pensive, but he wasn't sure what about. She couldn't know his brother; he was from nowhere near where they were sitting.
Bright red? The Twilif seemed embarassed, maybe? Scirocco didn't quite understand. She was the one who had taken them out in the first place, and he had merely asked about them. What did she have to be ashamed for? She was young, and should enjoy the hobbies she had. Although he couldn't preach the need to be proud of what she was good at, he did feel that she should probably worry less about his opinions.
Again, she peered into his satchel. Scirocco frowned, internally, though his face was calm. She really was persistent. He could never allow anyone to rifle through his bag, however; the vials were all unlabelled, many of them looked like others. If certain vials had their contents mixed, the results could be nauseating, hypnotic or even deadly. It would be irresponsible to allow her curiosity to be sated. However, since he had already told her once, and noted that she did not actually reach out to try and touch the contents of the satchel, he remained silent.
Scirocco had watched remotely, seen her reactions from some distant part of himself as he executed his trick. She seemed upset, by the end, somehow. A tragedy? Scirocco tilted his head to the side, regarding Shinju strangely, though he tried to smile gently. He wanted to understand what she meant by that, but he equally wanted her to understand what he had meant.
"One died, so that two more might live? I'm not sure how that is a tragedy, I must admit. You would do rather poorly on the battlefield if one death affected you so. Although perhaps it is a measure instead of your compassion, Shinju, rather than lack of battle prowess." Scirocco smiled a little more, then rolled his shoulders and stretched. "I am flattered you found the trick so exciting. I am attuned to the wind, which allows me to execute such performances, though they can be quite elaborate at times. The larger the crowd, the more impressive the display has to be, though I seldom play for large crowds. Typically, I only gather an audience of that size if I am playing music. Perhaps you do have a talent like it, or rather... one of similar entertainment, if not as cultivated, or if not wind-based." Scirocco nodded in affirmation of his own statement, leaning back a little. He loved the sun playing across his skin.
"Regrettably, that is all I can show you for now, however curious you are! I have been on the road for quite some time, now, and I am afraid the little tricks took more out of me than I had intended to spend, before my next rest. I will have to sit here for a little while longer now, to rest myself." Scirocco wasn't upset, and he didn't look accusatory or angry in the least. He merely appeared to be a little tired, and content to sunbathe, his winds cooling him as soon as the sun warmed him. A wonderful combination.
"Do you have any favourite talents, Shinju?" Scirocco asked, folding his hands together.
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Posted: Thu Jul 22, 2010 11:15 am
"Oh? You have a brother?" Sizing him up, Shinju thought Scirocco was definitely the "older brother" type. If anything, Shinju thought, His older brother must be very lonely with him traveling all the time. Or perhaps his brother travels as well? I wonder what he's like... I bet he's big and tall like Scirocco, and has pretty brown hair like his brother. Perhaps he plays music as well? I wonder if they've ever played together...
Shinju pondered for a moment on his response, choosing her words carefully. "But wouldn't it have been better if none had died?" She realized this was a bit far-fetched, so she added, "Though I suppose it can't really be helped, the white dragon did save all those people... I just hope the white dragon isn't up to anything!" She giggled a bit with her last comment, knowing she had said one preposterous thing too many. They're just silly sand (powder?) figures, I shouldn't be thinking this hard! She quickly put the thought at rest, and started with a new topic. "Battle prowess?" Shinju thought very hard, (her little forehead even wrinkled!), but she couldn't ever remember a grand battle taking place outside her little river village. Sure, a handful of fishermen might fight from time to time over catching areas, but nothing more than a scuffle usually ever broke out. When she could think no more, she said, "Well I suppose I've never experienced a battle, so perhaps that is why?" Though if they are anything like that dragon's battle, she thought, I think I would rather like it if I never did!
As the constellation explained the extent of his powers and stretched, Shinju began to wonder how exactly he used it. Maybe he uses it just to dry his clothes after washing them? Then again, if he's using the wind to keep them from getting dirty, he must not have to wash them often. Oh, but they must smell bad after a while... She glanced at his clothes a little closer. No, they're definitely clean... what else could he use that power for? Looking upwards, it dawned on her that she was probably being rather inhospitable and ... well creepy.
Shinju realized her imaginative nature was probably wearing the poor constellation out, as he stretched and absorbed the sunlight wearily. Knowing her nature wore out even the people close to her, such as her mother who had told her thousands of times to "keep the thoughts in your head!" (whatever that meant), Shinju decided to give Scirocco a break from performing. Tilting her head slightly to the side, she said, "Talents? Hmm... I suppose I don't have many. But I can listen to the water really well ... and ... well I can sleep for many hours when I want to!" She was very serious as she added the last talent to her sparingly minuscule list, "I've been told my pearls make people feel better..." She held up one of the tiny pearls that were either wrapped around her tail or her hair. Sometimes they up and flew off if Shinju didn't pay attention, but she didn't really mind, as they always came back (most people would find this rather odd, but well ... Shinju was an odd one). "Though as soon as they touch another spiritkind's wounds, they disappear! But you can hold them, they won't bite," she remarked, looking at her pearl beads endearingly. "Would you maybe like to hold one?" she asked politely.
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Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2010 12:45 pm
The sun was seeping into his skin more and more, filling him with a gentle lightness. He felt like his bones were those of a bird: hollow, ready for takeoff. He was almost startled when Shinju's voice broke his daydreaming, "A brother? Yes, I do; a half-brother. His name is Lemon. When I travel, we are apart." Scirocco didn't add how it hurt him to be away from Lemon, how he regretted the quest but felt he had no real room to entertain regrets. They were dead weight, and part of the past. Scirocco craved the future, he craved results for his years of searching.
Once Scirocco realized she was capable of thinking it through and considering the outcome more thoroughly, his smile softened, "Good, you realize why it had to happen the way that it did; although it would be preferable for none to come to harm, it is unrealistic. Better to come to terms with the fact that death is not something to be feared, in my opinion," Scirocco said. He laughed when she voiced concern over the white dragon being mischievious, "True, true; perhaps next time I shall have to ask it, shall I?" He admired that she was so innocent in her musings, and hoped that nothing would crush that from her. That she had never seen a real battle, he suspected, contributed to that. Why would she have fought, if she was in a safe village, where they sheltered such an active young mind and allowed it to conjure up all these musings. He respected a village which could raise Shinju to be so comfortable with herself and her imagination. She seemed to be constantly thinking, constantly dreaming, or spewing out ideas. It was nice, in a sense. Scirocco did not often enjoy rambling, so he appreciated the Twilif's ease with speaking. He was much more comfortable responding when directly addressed than he was with trying to formulate some kind of question or discussion fuel.
"Yes, perhaps that is why," Scirocco began, "But I do not think it is a bad thing, Shinju. I think it is an admirable trait, your optimism." Scirocco nodded and looked up at the trees again, idly. The canopy let light dance across his hair, warming him. He hadn't even noticed her surveying him, trying to figure out what he used his wind for. His clothing was indeed quite clean; he washed whenever possible, but it did help that he didn't sweat nor get dirty due to his constant aura of breezes.
"You can listen to the water, Shinju? That is a fascinating gift. I am quite sure that others would be very envious of your ability to sleep for a long time, as well! I know that my brother sleeps like an infant, but I can not always afford to sleep so soundly." It was impossible for Scirocco to sleep comfortably, most nights. He slept thinly, so that if someone approached him, he was up in a flash. That was how it had to be done, for his safety. Shinju admitted her pearls had healing properties, which fascinated Scirocco. "Essentially, though you are a very vibrant and energetic individual, you have quite calming abilities, do you not?" He proposed, smiling again. "I would be honoured to hold one of your pearls, if that is not disreputable of me," Scirocco added. Did he have anything he could offer in return? Yes, he did. For a healer, what better than one of his vials of smelling salts? Scirocco reached into his satchel and withdrew a lavender bottle with nothing other than a pearl set into the cork. He kept it tightly closed in his fist.
"For your kindness, I will return a kindness of my own," Scirocco finished. He held his empty palm out, unwilling to reach out and touch the pearls, waiting for further permission.
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Posted: Fri Aug 06, 2010 9:20 pm
As the constellation paused and took a moment to soak in the sun, Shinju sat patiently waiting for his next words. Excitement bubbled inside of her, and was undoubtedly showing on her face. It was so thrilling to talk to someone other than the country bumpkins and fishermen in her small village. Truthfully, it was part of the reason Shinju loved going to the larger town situated in the mountains near her home. There were so many sights, smells, and sounds to be had. Most of all though, she loved the different travelers, with their passionate voices and determined purposes. After speaking, the constellation looked a bit hurt, so Shinju innocently said, "But I'm sure your brother misses you as well? Ah... that is ..." She hesistated to find the correct words. Realizing the point was probably null, she instead changed the subject. "What is he like? I assume he's not an actual lemon, right? That would just be absurd," she inquired.
"I suppose I haven't faced the fear of death yet" she looked down, a bit sadly. Scirocco has already experienced so much, yet here I am in a small village. But then, I don't know if I want death to be so close to me. I wonder if he has been through a lot? Maybe he fought a dragon himself! Or maybe he climbed mountains, or lulled an entire crowd to sleep... she was already completely lost in thought. However, the constellation's laugh startled her and brought her attention back to the conversation. "Talk to it? Have you met the dragon before? ... Or can you talk to the sand?" A moment after the words had left her mouth, she realized what the constellation had meant and blushed. Luckily, Scirocco seemed lost in thought, so she prayed that he hadn't noticed.
"Admirable trait? My mother just called it talkative!" She laughed, the previous moment already erased from her memory. "Well Scirocco, I quite like your demeanor as well," she paused as a sunbeam graced his hair and lit his face up. It really was quite scenic, an older, wiser being trading advice and compliments to one another, near a sunlit river bank. Though as soon as we are done with our exchange of words, he will probably leave this small town and never return... she thought. This was devastating, as he really was quite interesting. Still, this simply means I must enjoy every moment! She gave a small nod of determination, momentarily forgetting the boy was even there.
"Well sometimes the water gets very worked up, and it becomes undecipherable and strange. But on nice days like the this, the waves slap the rocks very rudely, making a funny sound" she explained, very seriously. A small pang of sympathy rang through Shinju as she heard about the constellation's sleeping troubles. Timidly, she said, "Have you ever tried wild lettuce? It may sound odd, but when I was very little, I was terrible restless before going to bed. Well maybe that part isn't so strange..." Even the beginning of her story brought her back to her small hut in the village, filled with wonderful smells and clothing hanging from every banister that held the roof up. She looked down and smiled, while continuing, "Ah ... anyways, my mother would always make me eat lettuce before going to bed. Something about calming sensations and ... I don't know, there's not much I remember about her, sadly," she grimaced a bit, but a smile quickly returned to her face as the boy complimented her. "I can't imagine listening to myself talk is very calming. But then, listening to the river always calms me down. Well maybe that's because I'm always laying on a sunny rock when I do so,"
Shinju gazed down at her pearl, resting quietly in her hand. Its glossy, white surface reflected an almost mirror image of herself. As her blueish face gazed back up at her, she smiled a little. There, now both of us are happy, she thought. Looking back toward Scirocco now, she slowly turned over the pearl to his open palm. The surface of the pearl slowly faded from Shinju's smiling face, to Scirocco's peaceful grin. Closing her eyes for a quick second, and she whispered a small phrase, so quietly that even the trees had to lean inwards to hear it. Hak tu ahna donne eraticanna, or "May it always bring you happiness." Shinju had simply made the language up on the spot, but if she knew the meaning of the words, then the way they were spoken didn't matter.
Now reopening her eyes, she saw a small vial of salts waiting for her, with a tiny pearl of its own. The small lavendar bottle cried out, her eyes growing large, but she patiently waited for it to be properly handed to her.
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