|| Stat Page || Updated: Mar/26/18 Experience || 22
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Weapons Simple Bow
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Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 8:20 pm
❋Table of Contents / Rules / Contact Information❋
ToC ❋Staff Post -Cert, Link to Official Uncert & Inventory ❋Table of Contents & Rules ❋News/Updates ❋Basic Info ❋History ❋Familiar(s) ❋RP Log ❋Battle Log ❋Art (Official and Non)
Rules Do not post in this thread unless you are staff, myself, or invited first. By posting this I am agreeing to follow ToS and shop rules, so I would invite the reader to do the same.
Contact Information I am always open for plotting/rps! That being said, some ways you can contact me are listed below;
Nicknames: N/A Race: Elaria Gender: Female Future Class: Undecided Significant Other: N/A Parents: Kou (NPC) x Fassala (NPC) Siblings: Myrcella (NPC) and Pruu Children: None Physical Description: Petite curves, kind of lanky
Personality: Motherly Pyrrha is a very kind and caring young lady. She likes to check in on as many of her sisters as possible, offering to help in whatever tasks she can. Especially with baby sitting. At first it started out as nothing more than wanting to be close to them since they’re ‘cute’ and ‘so tiny’. However, as she grew Pyrrha began to see herself as a sort of big sister to the little ones, even if their mothers weren't so keen with having the weird girl hanging around so much.
Pyrrha is doting to the younger generation, often isolating herself from girls her own age to spend more time with the smaller ones. Often times when talking to those her own age, or even those older, she can come off as condescending, since she’s so used to talking down to the wee ones. It isn’t intentional; Pyrrha doesn’t even realize she’s doing it until called out by the offended party. She simply treats everyone as if they're toddlers, even if they're twice her age.
That being said her people are her 'babies' and she won't hesitate to strike down anyone who actively tries to hurt them. If an earthling were to harm one of her sisters or cousins she'll do whatever she can to help.
Spacey Pyrrha is almost constantly smiling. Unlike a lot of her sisters, she comes across as a more relaxed soul, which can also be called ‘absent minded’. She’s habitually forgetful and can seem inattentive at times. If she isn’t particularly ‘focused’ on something the instructions may have to be repeated several times simply because she was watching a flock of birds nesting overhead instead.
She spends a lot of time on her own just observing nature. Pyrrha can often be found with twigs in her hair, mud caked on her skin, and with the biggest grin on her face, spouting some information regarding a baby limbara she happened to see. That being said she rarely rushes anywhere; instead, she takes her sweet time getting around, more often than not stopping to smell the flowers or chat with passing cousins, even if she needs to be somewhere as quickly as possible.
While Pyrrha knows that it causes unending frustration in others to see the lack of ‘fire’ within her, she doesn’t see much need to change herself. Elzira made her this way, so she must be doing something right. However, this doesn’t mean that Pyrrha is immune to the barely veiled disappointment being directed at her by her peers. Every time she chooses a peaceful walk through Yael’s never ending jungle over weapons training she can feel their scathing glares on her skin.
It’s unnerving, to have that amount of pressure on her shoulders, but instead of crumpling under it she does her best to maneuver around it. Instead, she may spend more time speaking with Elzira or just playing in the woods. It doesn’t solve her problems, if anything they are just delayed, possibly making them worse, but Pyrrha doesn’t seem to mind.
Spiritual Pyrrha believes deeply in her goddess and Elzira's mother, Aisha. She just worships a little differently than most. She shows her love by 'communicating' with the world that Elzira calls home. Pyrrha often speaks with plants and crystals on her walks, as if she were talking to the mother goddess directly, even after being told multiple times that such a thing is not only impossible, but more than a little odd. If anything it's a way of coping with her loneliness; by believing she's speaking with Elzira she's able to stave off the depression that seeps in, and keep living a meaningful life.
Often when she takes out a kill she will say a prayer over the animals corpse. She will take great care to respect it's remains, and will make sure to take as much as she can so that nothing goes to waste.
Pyrrha also performs her own rituals from time to time, on the shore line with the ocean stretching out front of her, in hopes that Aisha can feel her love as well.
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Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 8:29 pm
❋History❋
Fassala loved living on Chibale. She was content to keep to her island with her family and let everyone else go to Jauhar. Unlike some of the others, she had little desire to take over the mainland. As the views of the extremists began to grow in popularity and power, Fassala kept her opinions to herself. She just wanted a peaceful life with her wife, Kou, and their daughter, Myrcella. Though they were more inclined to the extremist mindset, she loved them dearly.
When the war broke, Kou was one of the first to take up arms. She had had enough with uppity earthlings, asking for children from Aisha when they shouldn't have been able to get near her at all! Although Fassala was reluctant to join them, she joined her wife and daughter in Sauti for the battle to come. Bow and arrows in hand, Fassala kept to the rear with Myrcella in her care, focusing her efforts on keeping her little family safe. What enemies Kou could not take down with her spear she brought to their knees with her bare hands. While Kou worried for her mate and daughter, she had also never been more proud of them. She knew Fassala had her reservations, and surely their daughter was too young to see all of this; but to have them both there meant the world to her.
The exile to Yeal was extremely painful for the women. For Fassala, leaving her home for a cause that she hadn't been too enamored with cut deeply. For Kou, the loss of a beloved homeland was also a new beginning. She mourned the departure, of course, but now that they had been separated from their traitorous 'sisters' the extremists could start over. She only wished their daughter felt the same. Myrcella thought of this as the death sentence the earthling's meant it to be. She didn't want to die out on some miserable island! For a time neither woman really knew what to say to calm her, but in time, hope was given to them all.
A new race meant a new chance! Fassala felt that she was clearly part of something bigger than herself, and that made leaving Chibale worth the sacrifice. As the Elaria began to age, the pair decided to take a step into this new life by praying for another daughter. At first they feared Elzira in her youth might not be able to grant their wish, but soon enough they were called to the young goddess' side. Myrcella accompanied them, as the mothers felt it only right to include their eldest, and it was the younger alkidike that noticed what her mothers' minds struggled to comprehend. There was not a single blossom waiting for them; rather, there were two. Kou gave a whooping cheer and scooped Fassala off her feet, kissing her mate with all the passion of a woman in love, much to the embarrassment of Myrcella. Their family was expanding! The war had been so hard on all of them, and losing their home had almost broken their spirits. As a family they weathered the storm and now when all was going well, they were going to welcome two more little souls to the mix.
The elaria born from these blossoms were similar enough in looks, but their spirits could not have been more different. Pyrrha, was light hearted for an Elarian, while Pruu showed herself to be a fighter. With her sister showing herself as a model daughter, Pyrrha was expected to be the same; except, she didn't quite feel like it.
Pyrrha was mocked endlessly as a child for her laise-faire attitude, and her mother, Kou, allowed it. The woman knew of her youngest's troubles, of Pruu defending her sister and being drug into it, but honestly, Kou hoped it would 'straighten Pyrrha up' and give her the backbone she needed. Instead, Pyrrha spent more time in the woods on her own, often returning at odd hours in the night covered in muck with wild tales of swamp creatures. She had no intention of changing; in her eyes, Elzira wouldn't have allowed her to be this way if she didn't like it, and that's all that mattered to Pyrrha. It felt wrong to be so angry all the time. When she was angry she made mistakes and when she was mean she missed out on the little details. But when she was calm she was level headed and able to see the world through clearer eyes. It felt right to be that way, so no matter how much iron her mother tried to put into her, Pyrrha resisted. So, to save her sister the effort of fighting so much on her behalf, she distanced herself.
Tensions rose quickly between Kou and her daughter. In public Kou was proud of all three of her girls, often defending Pyrrha's right to be 'different', but behind closed doors the woman would often harass her daughter. Have you even tried to fall in line? I know you skipped training, where were you? What's wrong with you?
At first Pyrrha would try to defend herself, but in the end she kept hitting a wall with her mother and she gave up on trying. It caused her to avoid the woman as much as possible; usually only coming home when Kou was away and making sure to stay as far away as possible during her waking hours. It wasn't that she was ashamed of what she was; rather, she wanted to avoid conflict, as it tended to upset her sisters and Fassala. It seemed easier just to stay away from it all than to deal with her problems head on.
Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 8:30 pm
❋Familiar(s)❋
Alala happened to attach herself to Pyrrha during her journey to Jauhar, and the elarian couldn't resist her charm. She doesn't mind the creatures clingy nature; she provides Alala with protection and in return she's gained a friend.
Pyrrha spent a considerable amount of free time amid the trees. High above the ground she lounged, legs dangling down from either side, stretched out on her stomach just musing about the world. Her thighs clenched the thick, hardened bark beneath her, toes occasionally brushing up against some sort of leave or insect. The brief foreign sensation would leave a shiver up her spine, occasionally perking enough interest for her to rise up and inspect it with a lazy eye before sprawling back onto her stomach.
She loved being outdoors, and away from her sisters. As determined as they were they were often unkind to her, leaving Pyrrha to seek out the comforts of nature instead. She turned her head to the side, resting her cheek against the bark. Out here she couldn't hear their criticisms, nor could she see the outright disappointment lining their faces.
Pyrrha lifted a hand to place under her cheek while the other was left to dangle freely below her. So many spent so much energy trying to figure out what was wrong with her that none bothered to really talk to her. She would have enjoyed that; having someone to speak to, on a regular basis, that would listen to her and freely communicate with her. A friend who wouldn't deem her 'warped' just because she wasn't as battle ready as her sisters.
Hers was a lonely existence. Pyrrha tried to make friends as best she could, but she was often turned away so quickly that she'd begun to lose hope. These days, instead of trying to make lasting bonds, she had begun to smile at everyone and hope that, even for a moment, that they might remember her fondly. At least for a little while.
When times were at their roughest she would often go deep into the jungle for days at a time, seeking solace among the trees. Pyrrha often slept on the thick, crystallized branches of her homeland, talking to Elzira as if the goddess were right there with her. In those moments, when she was at her loneliest, she always turned to her goddess. Elzira was all around her, and would surely hear her concerns; after all, no one voice was ever more important than another, right? The stones, the bugs, the fish, the elaria...they were all one under her divine eye.
The one time Myrcella had managed to track her down out here, after having been gone for two weeks, and found her speaking to the plants had been rough. Her sister had railed at her the entire way home, then some more after once her mother's joined in.
The only ones who can speak to Elzira are the mystic and the matron, you know that!
They didn't know if she was crazy or disrespectful; possibly even both. Kou had vehemently threatened her should she ever do such a thing again. What if it had been the mystic that brought you home, and not Myrcella? Do you know what they could have done to you? Honestly, no, she hadn't. Pyrrha had assumed it would have been a great blessing to speak personally with the mystic or the matron, but her mother hadn't seen it that way.
"Pretending that you can talk to Elzira when you can't is going to get you killed, and your sisters will be brought down with you. Is that what you want?"
Pyrrha hadn't known what to say to that; even now, several years later, she didn't have a solid answer. She loved her sisters dearly, even if they didn't seem to care much for her these days, and wouldn't have wished any harm to them. Surely the mystic would know that? It wasn't as if she ever expected an answer from Elzira when she spoke; Pyrrha wasn't an idiot, she knew that the only ones who could hear Elzira were the matron and mystic, but that didn't mean she couldn't speak with her.
Often times it felt as if Elzira, who never spoke with her, was the only one who truly had anything good to say. It was comforting to air her concerns, to validate them in some way, even if she never got a response. One day she might make a friend who could give her more; maybe her goddess would see fit to give her one, or possibly even make her one. Maybe her one true friend was still a little one, nestled amid her branches, waiting to bud. What a concept; that the only one who could bring a true smile to Pyrrha would be a child.
Her fits of melancholy would never last long. Even now Pyrrha was beginning to shift; to move into a sitting position so she could better see the world around her.
The antennae closest to her ears twitched a fraction before coiling around her dreads. She reached up, passively twining her fingers around them as she plotted her next move. It had been some hours since she'd last eaten anything, and...how long had she been away from home this time? Was it hours or days? Honestly, Pyrrha had a hard time keeping track of it all. Maybe she should go back then. It would be nice to see her family, even if they didn't feel the same. As much as she loved nature she also loved being around others, and honestly...being on her own wasn't doing Pyrrha's mental state any favors at the moment.
She just needed to go back for a while to get her mind out of this funk. Yes, that was it, it had to be.
Right?
(WC: 935) [3]
Painted Moose
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Posted: Thu Aug 10, 2017 7:07 pm
❋Prentice Solo Two❋
Pyrrha’s soft foot falls carried her from one thick, gnarled branch to the other. She walked high above the toxic soil of Yael with little fear of falling. She had followed the familiar path enough times in her young life to have developed a foolish bravery; one that, mentally, made her feel ‘safe’ at the harrowing height. The relative darkness surrounding her came as a comfort to the young elarian. Even after the incident with the Dretch she knew the lack of light to be a part of life and not a sign of an oncoming attack, like some in the village believed. They had grown paranoid as of late, but Pyrrha knew better. If the Dretch were to come they would come; light or dark, rain or shine. She wasn’t about to stay hidden away in the safety of her home waiting for them to strike.
Much to the chagrin of her eldest sister, Myrcella, who had been tasked with watching over her.
“The matron forbid it! You cannot travel outside Zinris on your own, Pyrrha!”
And yet, she had done just that. She knew it wouldn’t take Myrcella long to find her, but even Pyrrha was surprised when she heard the huffing, breathless grumbling from far below her, signaling the alkidikes arrival. Pyrrha craned her neck, both feet planted firmly on the thick bark of an old tree. From this distance Myrcella seemed far younger than her years; a child, really. Small and innocent, without all the spite that normally latched itself onto her soul.
“Get. Down. Now.” She snapped. Myrcella raised one sharp finger and whipped it towards the ground, as if the action alone would bring her wayward sister to her.
”I’d really rather not.” Pyrrha called out, cupping her hands on either side of her mouth. The act caused her body to lean forward, tipping dangerously in one direction, but by jutting her buttocks out she managed to retain her balance. The teenager rocked on the balls of her feet before straightening, a content look about her.
The exact opposite of the one worn by her sister.
Pyrrha furrowed her brow, leaning forward once more to try and hear what Myrcella was saying. She’d gone dark in the face, and it sounded an awful lot like she was grumbling some foul curse, like the ones in mama Fassala’s stories, except with words only Kou would know.
“IF YOU DON’T GET DOWN HERE RIGHT NOW, I’M COMING UP AFTER YOU.”
Pyrrha was taken aback by the bellowed words. She rocked on her perch, dropping down in a crouch to avoid falling all together. Her heart stuttered in her chest, a sure sign of her actual fright. Myrcella never raised her voice, much less yelled and it was a testament to how irritated she was that she’d bothered to do it at all. Hesitantly, Pyrrha peeked over the edge of her branch, making eye contact with her furious sister before sighing.
She could either remain in her branch, further stoking her sister’s fury or she could peacefully slip down to the ground, where she would no doubt be taken back to Zinris. At first, it was a tempting notion, as Pyrrha detested any form of confrontation but the more she thought about it the less pleasant that option sounded. If she were to return then she would have to listen to a lecture from her elder sister the entire way, be forced into attending at least one training session, only to get yet another earful upon Kou’s return in the evening. Pyrrha scrunched up her face. She didn’t want any of that.
“Come after me, Myrcella, if you can.” When she stood once more, Pyrrha had a strange sense of pride around her. She knew there would be no way the stout alkidike could keep up with her in the trees. She was adept at moving through them, but only in short bursts and never at the speeds that Pyrrha had mastered. It would be easy to avoid her, but she had never actively gone out of her way to ditch one of her sister’s before.
Yet, it seemed as if life was pushing her to do just that.
In an instant her sister had launched herself that the trunk of the tree closest to her, pure willpower propelling her upwards towards the younger elarian. For a moment Pyrrha stood, transfixed, as she watched the muscles in her sister’s arms strain to pull her weight. Why was she trying so hard? Couldn’t she see that Pyrrha didn’t want to go back? Why couldn’t she just leave?
The winds shifted, ripping the fresh blossoms out of her dreads and into the surrounding foliage. Pyrrha watched them go with a desperate sense of loss; as if nature itself were being pulled away from her, further locking her into the box that her family had built. She could run; she should, if she wanted to avoid being caught, but her feet remained static. Myrcella was huffing, blowing sweat laced dreads out of her eyes just to see.
”The definition of insanity is repeating the same act over and over hoping for different results.” Pyrrha called out to her sister, hoping that it would be enough to chase the alkidike away. If anything it just spurned her to keep going.
”Then maybe...I’m just...as crazy...as you…”
Pyrrha crouched once more, canting her head just enough so that her scarlet dreads completely covered one soft, minty eye. She slipped her legs down on either side of the branch, helping to stabilize the younger girl as she watched her sister’s slowing ascent. Myrcella was quickly beginning to tire; as was evident by the amount of louder, more pronounced chuffing and the sweat now covering her seasoned flesh.
“Why are you trying so hard? We both you know you don’t like me.” It seemed counterproductive to her; for Myrcella to try so hard keeping the sister she couldn’t stand safe from harm. What would she have to gain by keeping the Dretch from taking the member of their society that she could easily do without?
She never received a response until Myrcella had dragged herself up onto the branch to join her. The larger, more muscled woman was clearly out of breath and Pyrrha wished she had something to offer her to drink. Unfortunately, all she had on her were a few ‘special’ herbs that Myrcella no doubt wouldn’t care for.
“I can’t stand you, but even the blind can see the mystic values you. If she sees something in you, then I’ll keep you alive, even when you’re so determined to kill yourself.”
“I am not-”
“By walking off on your own, in the middle of the night, with no weapon or any sense of direction, forcing six seasoned warriors to search for you, you have effectively undermined everything the matron asked of you. “
“Six? But I only saw you-?”
“The others are still searching, Pyrrha. I was simply the first to find you.” Ah, so that explained why she was so angry. Surely it would be a public shaming when they returned, for the both of them, since Myrcella would be held somewhat accountable for letting her sister slip away. “If you cared for Nivalis at all, and what she’s trying to do you wouldn’t make her look bad. You’d at least try to follow some rule.”
They must have come out as a unit to find the wayward prentice. If it had been tough to get away before she suspected it would be damn near impossible to do so now. And besides, Pyrrha had always thought that Nivalis saw nothing wrong with her. Perhaps the mystic had been lying? It saddened her, just thinking about it, but she decided quickly that even if it had been a lie it was one she was willing to live with. It was far nicer to hear it than the stark truths her sister presented.
The logistics of running away now, after she had waited so patiently for Myrcella to join her and now, knowing that there were five other warriors looking for her, meant that returning home was inevitable. So, after a suitable silence, in which time her sister had mostly regained function in her lungs, Pyrrha murmured, “I suppose we should go back now?”
“That WOULD be best.
Yes, she supposed it would be. If only it didn’t feel as if stones were being poured into her stomach. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad. Maybe the homecoming would be like old times; where most of her family ignored her, and if they did get upset, it would be short lived.
With the Dretch, however, Pyrrha didn’t see it ending quite so pleasantly.
A girl could hope, though.
(WC: 1502) [5]
Posted: Tue Aug 15, 2017 5:50 pm
❋Prentice Solo Three❋
Pyrrha’s hands slipped down the soft skin of her torso and glided away from herself, ghosting over the floor boards on either side of her prone body. She pressed the flats of her palms against the smooth, well worn wood. She had stayed in her room enough times over the years, locked away from her sisters and mothers, that she knew every groove, knot and scar.
Kou declared her a shameful waste of flesh and potential. She’d said as much that morning, during a ‘family’ meal, when Pyrrha had refused, yet again, to train. She knew her abilities better than anyone else and didn’t see a reason to keep displaying them over and over again for others to nit pick. There had been a point in that pregnant silence that she hoped Kou might overlook her and allow Pyrrha to go out on her own…
...but that hadn’t happened.
The whole event was a blur. She’d been dragged by her dreads up to her room and thrown inside. In the shock of the moments after Pyrrha had been insulted, and screeched at, but all she’d managed to do was smile at her mother, which only seemed to fuel the woman’s anger.
”Aren’t you even the least bit angry?! Scream, fight back, DEFEND YOURSELF!! Do SOMETHING!”
Perhaps she should. Her scalp was still tender, despite the incident happening hours prior. It was the first time in a long time that she’d pushed Kou to laying a hand on her. The last time had been a smack to her jaw; nothing too terrible, just enough to jolt her into awareness. Apparently the lesson hadn’t stuck, since she’d been brave enough to test the much larger woman once again.
Stretched out as she was, taking up the entirety of free space on the floor of her room, she was left with her thoughts. Couldn’t Kou realize that even if she did go to training, something would inevitably distract her and she may very well wander off anyway? It was a futile effort, one that Pyrrha had realized years ago, but it didn’t seem to click with her mother. Fassala was much more understanding; there was encouragement from her at times; a nudging towards doing the ‘right’ thing and finding herself, no matter how long it took.
Kou was much less patient.
She wanted answers now and things at home were getting more toxic by the day. She had known as much, as soon as the decree for all of their kind to stay near Zinris. Pyrrha had almost asked Nivalis if she could stay with her for a while, but had thought better of it. The young mystic had enough on her plate without having to worry about Pyrrha as well.
Taking a deep breath, Pyrrha sat up and exhaled slowly. There was the very real possibility that she would stay locked away in her room all day and mope, but a thought struck her in those moments that was too tempting to pass up. Maybe, just maybe, if she gave Kou what she wanted then she would be able to get away and stay away for good.
Surely if she started to ‘improve’ in a way that pleased the elders they wouldn’t hover over her and when the time was right….
But that was more deceitful than she was used to, and the thought of doing it didn’t sit well with Pyrrha.
Then again, times were changing and Pyrrha was desperate to get away. It was a gamble, but one she was ready to take on. Tomorrow, she would go with her sisters and train; then she would lay out the framework for her master plan.
And hopefully, just hopefully, she could make this work.
(WC: 627) [2]
Painted Moose
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Posted: Wed Aug 16, 2017 10:54 am
❋Prentice Class Choice Solo - Sacred Heart❋
The moment Pyrrha started to actively participate in her sisters' world she became glaringly aware of something. Smiles were rare, but not nearly as impossible as she had imagined. They seemed to enjoy butting heads and being hit with practice blades. Even now she was surrounded by the youth of Zinris, all vying for a chance to become the next great elder, and that...seemed to bring them happiness.
She wasn't making friends in the least, but at least now others were talking to her, instead of talking about her. They marveled at the easy way she held a bow; as if it were simply an extension of herself, rather than the larger than life weapon it truly was. At first her instructors hadn't been sure about giving her a weapon at all; surely she would have to repeat a few lessons, start off small and come back to others of her own age since she had missed so much.
Pyrrha, however, had always been adamant about sitting in with her sister, Pruu, and so she did.
Her ferocity may not have been there, but Pyrrha's aim was true. Every time she drew the bow strings back, eyes narrowing on her target, it took only a few seconds for her to let it loose. In those seconds a few others stopped to see the crazy one make a fool of herself....only to go slack jawed when she hit dead center.
Every.
Single.
Time.
The younger elarian paid little attention when the humming of practice blades died out. She couldn't see her sisters gathering around her through the veil of thick, crimson dreads falling across her cheeks. Instead, Pyrrha simply whistled a little tune to herself as she went about the chore. She took her sweet time gathering up each, individual arrow and by the time she made it back to her post most of the younger, more excitable girls had already grown bored and moved on.
Her instructors, however, had not. "Pyrrha, could you do that again?" "Do what, elder Una?" She used one hand to hold her dreads instead of simply pushing them away. The act reminded the elder alkidike of someone who was trying to hold up a hook in the pouring rain. Una's calculating look took in every aspect of Pyrrha; thin, gangly, all knobs and limbs with far too much hair. Even now, under the direct scrutiny of Zinris' more bitter alkidike she was still smiling as sweetly as if she were talking to a wee babe.
"Hit the target. You have ten arrows, right? If you hit the center again, with all ten, then you can leave for the day."
The alkidike who stood at Una's side sputtered, voicing some form of an objection, but she was quickly cut off.
Pyrrha wasn't entirely sure why Una was being so nice to her today, when the old woman hadn't wanted to any other day. Her head canted to the side, brain furiously working out a reason for this sudden change in heart. Maybe she was finally starting to come around? Maybe it was the butterfly that had landed on her head? It certainly was high up there, with the most lovey blue wings she had ever seen. Perhaps it wasn't native to Yael at all, but instead-
Pyrrha jolted when Una snapped her fingers.
"Focus, girl."
Nodding she took up her position once more. It was easy to forget the women at her back, judging her every breath because it was a sensation Pyrrha had long since grown accustomed to. She took a deep, steadying breath, aimed and fired.
Now that there was an actual end goal in mind Pyrrha's shots were sharper; faster, more precise and even more honed than before, if at all possible. It was enough to make Una's jaw drop, though the younger girl wasn't in a position to see it. One of her arrows even hit a previous arrow, shattering the shaft and causing it to split open. It she managed to do this right then she could get away, and that was far more impressive to Pyrrha than her actual actions.
So, when she turned around to meet her elders blatant stares, she just smiled once more.
"H-how long-?"
"Since I was a girl. Mama let me use her bow and I've had my own with me in the jungle ever since." That was what Pyrrha never seemed to understand; why did they need to measure how experienced the elaria were if they were trying their hardest? Pyrrha did her best every day and made a grand game of it all, which allowed her to relax before she shot instead of being so pent up, waiting for criticism, and ultimately failing like the others. "May I leave now? I feel the call of the clouds. They've been dancing so beautifully all day and I miss them."
"....Yes, I suppose you can go...you have earned it." If Una seemed hesitant to let her leave the act was lost on Pyrrha. The young archer gathered up her materials and left in a hurry, without any clue as to what was to come.
---------------------
When Pyrrha returned late in the night she didn't expect to see so many candles lit. She canted her head to the side, looking through a veil of crimson dreads as shadows moved behind haphazard curtains and the thrum of voices made their way into her ears. Surely...this wasn't going to be good...?
Looking down at herself she noted the way every last ounce of her body was covered in mud. Even her bow, which was no devoid of arrows and a quiver, thanks to a little mishap, had a fine layer of gunk coating it. Crinkling her nose, Pyrrha took a few steps forward and slowly nudged the door open.
Sitting in the family sitting room was her mother, Kou, and elder Una. She suspected that everyone else had long since gone to sleep, considering the late hour, and Pyrrha couldn't say she wouldn't be HAPPY had Kou been slumbering herself.
"Ah, good, you're home." Una stood and motioned for Pyrrha to take the seat she'd just vacated. If she noticed the girls state of disarray she didn't make note of it; unlike the rather disdainful look that seemed a permanent fixture on Kou's face. "I was just speaking with your mother about your talents."
My talents? Frowning, Pyrrha stepped forward, cautiously closing the space between them until she sat across from her mother. The mud between her toes made a squelching sound each time she shifted.
"Elder Una thinks that you have potential." The way her mother said those words betrayed the skepticism in her heart. It was obvious that Kou doubted every bit of it, but to have Una, a respected elder, be the one to tell her about her daughter's growing skills....Her eyes traveled to Pyrrha's bow, which she had laid at her feet on the floor. "Do you...is that moss growing on your bow?"
Pyrrha smiled. "Yes, I find that it adds a certain scent that-"
Una cleared her throat. "Pyrrha, how would you like to train to become a Sacred Heart? You have the ability to go far, with the right tutelage and dedication. And, in your later years, you may be able to train directly with Nivalis herself. I've been told that the two of you are friends?"
It wasn't as if Pyrrha hadn't thought about it herself. The appeal of becoming a Sacred Heart was strong. She would be able to provide a safer world for herself and the little ones she loved to watch, as well as train with some magic when she got older. It was the closest she would ever get to Elzira herself, and to have that deeper bond with nature....just thinking about it was getting her pumped.
"A Sacred Heart, Una? Surely you have a role not so....important in mind for her?" Kou sneered.
The elder shook her head. "Your daughters are very skilled, Kou; all of them."
"I'll do it. I can start tomorrow, if you would like. Surely it's too late to do it now and beyond that, I am rather tired." It may have seemed rude, but Pyrrha stood and stretched with a mighty yawn. Her mind was set on the task before her, as well as it could be, anyway, and now she just wanted to sleep.
Without so much as saying goodbye to either woman, Pyrrha dragged herself upstairs, where she curled up into her bed. The fresh mud slipped off her skin and onto the sheets, staining the crisp, freshly woven linens. Although to her, it just made them that much more appealing. Now they smelled like the outdoors; the very world she liked to call home.
And maybe now that she had a clear path in mind they would finally leave her alone long enough for a grand return into nature. Maybe Pruu would even smile for once? It was enough to bring a grin to her face, even if she didn't think such a thing were possible. Still, it was something pleasant to send her off into dreamland.
(1527) [5]
Posted: Wed Aug 16, 2017 4:04 pm
❋Prentice Growth Solo❋
(Hostilities in Pyrrha's home are at an all time high. She's done her best to appease her parents and follow the examples set by her sisters, but it simply isn't her and she's tired. This solo is meant to show Pyrrha's resolve to stay true to herself; to the version of her that Elzira approves of, even if that means cutting ties to her family. It isn't an easy choice for her to make, and it's one that will ultimately leave her isolated for a while, but the chance at a happier life, with more personal fulfillment is just too great to pass up.)
Many a superstition centered on the full moon. When the silver jewel lit up the sky the world of the living was closer than ever to the world of the dead, and demons were said to roam the world freely. Madness reigned, untapped horrors blossomed into the free world, and tragedy was never far away.
Pyrrha had always been told to remain indoors during the full moon. Her mothers feared for what might happen to their little blooms in a world where earthlings believed in the spiritually dead. As a child she, too, had feared them. What sort of crazed creature with black crystals might snatch her sister away from her, just because they wanted a better look at the sky? Now that she was older Pyrrha wasn't afraid of it anymore, and saw full moon as a chance for an escape.
Many a night she roamed the jungle without weapon, torch or a true purpose; she would simply wander, moving through the trees and following what light the moon gave her. In a way it felt as if Elzira herself were guiding the young elarian on a different sort of path. Tonight, she remained home, sorrow burying deep into her heart as she packed up her things. The night was at it's peek; her mothers and sisters slept, unaware of the shuffles of the 'wayward one'.
Even after choosing a path, after training as many days as she could stand as a Sacred Heart and returning home in daylight hours Kou was still snappy. Tensions at home were at their all time highest and Pyrrha knew that if she bent anymore under her mother's wrath that she was sure to break. There was no place for her here anymore. As much as she loved her family, it just wasn't good for anyone if she remained. She needed to go; they would be much happier without her.
Of course she left behind all the things that were unnecessary to her. Her shoes (how would she connect with the worms if she couldn't feel the dirt?), all but one cloak, and nearly all of her clothing. If she had it her way she would traipse about completely bare, free under the eye of the mother goddess, and that was exactly what she planned on doing. The only reason she had yet to do it was because of her mother's critical eye, but now...Pyrrha was finding that she didn't much care.
Pyrrha snatched up her bag, a lone pack with a blanket strapped to the top, and made her way down to the front door. She moved as quietly as she could, fully knowing that one false move could wake anyone from her family and-
But she needn't worry. For there, standing at the base of the stands, arms crossed over her chest, was Kou herself. Pyrrha's heart stuttered in her chest. The woman was strangely quiet, for all her bluster and rage, so this newest change was especially unsettling.
Kou took a half step back and turned, standing parallel to the staircase before motioning with her index finger for Pyrrha to come closer. She did so, albeit reluctantly, and when she stood toe to toe with her mother, aware for once that the only thing she had inherited from this woman was her height. They were nearly eye to eye, but Kou's muscle mass was more than twice what resided on Pyrrha's lanky frame and that was intimidating. For a moment silence stirred between them, sending a chill up her spine before Kou finally broke through.
"You are determined to ruin this family, aren't you? To undermine us at every turn, and to shame the matron in the process?"
"What? No, no, I just-"
"The matron told us all to remain in Zinris where it was safe, and to stay with someone else at all times. You go where no one else dares, so who will be around to save you when the Dretch see you as an easy target?!" Kou stepped forward, closing the gap between them and leveling her angry, dark gaze at her smoky daughter. "I'm done Pyrrha. I'm done covering for you in the face of our sisters."
"So am I." Her voice was soft, with much less steel in it than her mother's but it was no less firm. When she looked up there was solid resolve in her minty eyes, despite the tears that made them glisten. Her heart was breaking. The weight of finally saying what she wanted to for so long was both daunting and incredibly freeing. Pyrrha knew without a doubt that after this she would be free to live as she'd always wanted, but was the cost more than her heart could bear? "I'm done pretending to be something I'm not. I will continue to train for the sake of my people but it won't do it just to please you. I've tried living under your rules just to make my family happy, but I'm not going to sacrifice myself to do it. Elzira made me this way. There's nothing wrong with the way I am, but there's something wrong with you if you can't see that." By the end Pyrrha was crying, and doing nothing to stem the tide. Kou stood silently, watching her daughter express herself as she had never been able to do so in the past, and for a moment Pyrrha thought she might yell. Might bellow for Fassala to come get their crazed mistake of a child or for Pruu to do something with her twin.
Instead, she walked away from Pyrrha and wrenched the door open. "Get. Out." The words were snarled, brought out through teeth clenched so hard veins had begun to show themselves in her neck. "You're no daughter of mine."
The urge to break down right in the front room was overwhelming, but with her remaining mental strength Pyrrha carried herself out of her home for the last time. She'd barely made it out into the full moon's embrace when Kou slammed the door behind her. She'd known it was going to happen; had known for a while, but when the full weight of it slammed into her Pyrrha could only sob. She was homeless now, without a family to call her own and no safety net to hold her. As much as she wanted to be on her own she had lost so much just to obtain that sense of freedom.
And now, now when she was unable to turn, she just hoped that it would be worth it in the end.
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