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 Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2020 8:38 pm
It had really only been a few days since Ergon had found out about his father's infidelity and the resulting half-sister, but his mind had been dragging that evening's event through the muck over and over again, making it feel like weeks. He was mentally exhausted, but he had yet to allow his father back into the family home. As such, care for Snowelle had fallen onto his shoulder more fully. He needed to keep his focus on her.
After all, he had also made the mistake of allowing his mother's friends to visit her. News traveled fast in their village, and they had felt no shame in asking Snowelle how she felt about the 'new' addition to the family. He had meant to break it to her slowly and gently, if at all, but they had taken that out of his hands. She might have never needed to find out if that Sylvirah just got what she wanted and went back north. They would probably never see her again, surely. Bunch of chattering old hens.... Of course, Snowelle had handled the news poorly.
Needing a break, Ergon had brought Snowelle out to her favorite linen store to do a little shopping. By now, his half-sibling would have gotten what she needed and left, surely. Grashni wouldn't want her lingering around any more than she had seemed to want to. Waiting outside of the shop, he leaned against the store and watched the passing shoppers idly. It was good to let his mind go for a little while, knowing his mother was probably contently picking out the finest silks she could find to put together a nice new outfit.
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Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2020 10:55 am
Gathering supplies was a lot more time consuming than Sylvirah expected.
After that night she'd expected to be expelled from the city within a few days, but as Grashni explained, gathering what she needed took time. Most of which was taken up by his own personal need to process exactly what was happening to his family and the societal repercussions of his misdeeds. The fact that he'd chosen to stay at the same inn as her was completely accidental, but even that became a rumor.
"Grashni chose his love child over his family. What does that say about him?"
The first few nights she stayed at the inn everything was quiet. She hadn't had much money after leaving it all with Grashni so she was content to stay in the stable with Ada. After half the city seemed to find out her identity he'd all but insisted she at least stay in some sort of room. After that her only contact with the man was through notes he would have sent to her room, and any time she tried to knock on his door he hadn't answered.
Conflicted as she was, Sylvirah had chosen to stay in her room for a while, just to avoid people, but she wasn't one to stagnate. She need to move. So, she'd decided to go out for a walk. There wasn't much to see that she hadn't already, but seeing so much in such a short time also meant she'd missed a lot of finer details. It was almost overwhelming; so much so that when she turned the corner she almost missed the fact that Ergon was standing next to a shop front until she'd nearly come upon him.
And when she did see him she didn't know whether to turn around or just keep walking.
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Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2020 3:07 pm
It really did feel good to be out for something more normal than stress training and stress working.. and stress eating... and stress walking... stress breathing..... Getting his mother out of the house and hearing her laugh with the hens in the shop gave him some sorely needed relief. He looked up in order to take a peek inside, but someone else caught his eye.
Instantly, his body tensed up with awkward frustration. A million words popped into his head to say. He should just chase her off immediately before the ladies inside saw; before his mother saw. He even spared a wary glance at the shop window. Instead, what came out was an awkward little, "I figured you would be gone by now. Is father dragging his heels in getting you what you need?"
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Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2020 5:53 pm
Now that she was caught there really wasn't any reason to pretend she wasn't there. Sylvirah took a deep breath like she was going into a hunt, and stepped forward. "From what he's told me it's been difficult arranging transport to my tribe. Not many know of it's location, and the few that do aren't willing to go that far into the mountains." She sighed, looking a little off put by it. "They're afraid. The roads going North are swamped in bandits, I had a few run ins with them myself trying to get here, and the beasts are starved since the herds moved on. Trying to find a crew to go has been difficult."
She didn't know why she was explaining so much to him. Maybe because Ergon, out of anyone, deserved honesty the most? Sylvirah just didn't think that lying to him or withholding information was right. "As soon as he does I'll...leave." Noticing the way he kept looking inside, Sylvirah took a half step forward and looked inside herself. It didn't take her more than a second to see what he was watching out for. "I should go."
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Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2020 6:37 pm
Hearing the frustration in her voice, his gaze shifted away. Unfortunately, Ergon could see her point. Even with all of their connections, finding people to transport goods to certain areas, especially the far north, could pose a problem. While offering extra coin usually solved the problem, he knew it wasn't always enough to convince others on the more dangerous routes.
..How had Sylvirah managed to make the trip by herself? "I am sure he will find enough men for them to be comfortable as a group to travel with," he found himself attempting to reassure. Lips pressing, he started to turn his head and follow her gaze into the shop. "Yes, you should-" A sharp shriek interrupted his words, his face going pale as someone approaching the shop from behind started making a scene.
"You must be this Sylvirah we all keep hearing about!" An elderly woman squealed with morbid delight as she approached the pair. She was wrapped in layers of fine cloth and fur, clearly displaying her status. "Oh, you do look so much like your father. I'm so sorry about your situation, you poor thing!"
Ergon grit his teeth. "Miss. Maybelle, do you need a hand getting into the shop?" he asked firmly, holding his hand out toward the door with a pointed look to the older woman. He practically jumped when someone else took his offered hand, head spinning to see- "Mother.."
Snowelle and the other ladies had hurried to see what the ruckus was about. Eyes locking onto Sylvirah, Snowelle had already begun to walk down the steps of the shop, taking Ergon's hand for support. "Sylvirah..?" she murmured, eyes watering slightly while her mind battled over which way to handle this unexpected confrontation. The other ladies watched with bated breath, eyes darting between the two women eagerly.
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Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2020 6:51 pm
Sylvirah felt a chill up her spine. When she turned her attention to the elderly Zenan she couldn't help comparing her to some sort of predatory beast. A scavenger, maybe, the kind that always picked over the freshest kill so they wouldn't have to dirty their own talons.
"My situation?" Sylvirah curled her nose, and tossed Ergon a look. What situation was she talking about? Sure, Ergon wasn't exactly easy to speak with but they were handling things just fine.
Just when she thought the worst of them was before her Snowelle made her appearance. Sylvirah could honestly say this woman scared her. Ergon's mother was so...confused and so far she'd only heard that she wasn't taking to the news well. Seeing her now, on the street, surrounded by her flock of scavengers Sylvirah couldn't help wishing she still had her spear. "Forgive me, I was just walking by, I had no....I was just leaving."
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Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2020 7:17 pm
'Scavenger' was an accurate title for the ladies gawking, feeding on the drama unfolding before them. This would make for excellent gossip later, and certainly with their share of embellishments and flair. Ergon practically felt like he could pass out from the horror of it all. Right there in front of some of the worst gossips in town, his mother was meeting with her unfaithful husband's child. "Mother, we should let her be," he murmured, eager to escape.
Snowelle's eyes lost focus, and she pulled her hand free of Ergon's gentle hold. "Leaving? But you just got here." She looked back at her son with a warm smile, oblivious to how the young man's face paled even further. Turning back to Sylvirah, she reached out to tenderly cup the younger woman's cheek. "You're just in time to help me with some shopping. I don't know where you got that outfit, but it certainly does not suit someone of our status. Can you imagine how the town will talk! I'm sure your brothers put you up to this, those rascals." Snowelle giggled and let her frail hand drop in search of Sylvirah's. "Come along, and no arguing. I will not allow my own daughter to be dressed like she's about to go on a hunting trip."
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Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2020 7:26 pm
"Leaving? But you just got here."
Sylvirah may have been ignorant to most societal cues, but this sounded dangerous. She took a half step back instinctively, as if Snowelle was approaching to attack. It was ridiculous, to be this on edge around such a frail woman. Yet guilt coiled up in her gut as if weight of this entire mess was her fault. It had been like that since appearing before her that night. Sylvirah felt guilty for showing up, for needing help, and to a another extent, for just existing.
What's wrong with me?
When Snowelle's hand touched her face she flinched, as if preparing for a slap, but when nothing came she was stunned. What was...what was she supposed to do? Over Snowelle's shoulder Sylvirah passed a nervous look to Ergon before looking back at his mother. "Snowelle, I really-" She looked down at their joined hands and found her words catching in her throat. What was happening?!
"I'm not-" Those damn harpies were waiting for any bit of drama, Sylvirah could just feel it. "Snowelle, I don't have any brothers, and I'm not your daughter." She tried to speak calmly, so as not to upset the woman, and truly, she felt bad for even saying anything. "I'll be fine, but I think you should let Ergon take you home now."
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Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2020 8:07 pm
It was an absolute nightmare... Ergon could only watch the train wreck before him, one hand reaching weakly for his mother's arm. The moment she had looked back at him, he had known it was going to be bad. This though... "Mother, she can meet us at home. Let's go, please."
The ladies gasped and cooed with shock and awe as Snowelle spoke. The one outside, Maybelle, gave a click of her tongue. "Young lady, she is welcoming you as her own despite everything. Show some decency!"
Snowelle cocked her head slightly, brow knitting with confusion as her faded gaze took in Sylvirah's expression. Her eyes started to water again, but she puled herself up straight and gave Sylvirah's hand a squeeze. "Sylvi, I don't know what happened to make you say such things, but I won't hear another word of it. If I must go home it will be all of us so we can sort through this." Then she turned to aim a firm glare at those hovering. "Thank you for your concern, Maybelle, ladies, but this is family business. Please return to your own. Ergon, you mind yourself, too. Honestly, your sister is clearly upset!"
Ergon's jaw was clenched tight. He could remember Snowelle's confidence and poise when she had been of a stable mind. To see even this hint in such an opposing circumstance was painful... His gaze shifted to Sylvirah, finding himself lost in the matter. He wasn't sure what to do short of physically carrying his mother away!
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Posted: Fri Jun 26, 2020 7:46 am
Show some decency? How was going along with a lie any kind of decent?! Sylvirah bristled at the comment, shoulders rising just a bit as she was baited, but the squeeze of her hand kept the young iceling in check.
If she's only going to listen to me, then I've got to get us out of this. Sylvirah shifted Snowelle's hand so that it was settled around her elbow instead, simply because she didn't trust this woman to walk two steps on her own. She shot one pointed, almost feral, glare at Maybelle, before turning a softer, albeit more awkward, look to Snowelle. "Come on then, let's get back to the house. We'll all be more comfortable there." Whatever it was this woman had planned for her it would be best to hash it out behind closed doors. At the very least that way it would take the gossip a little longer to spread.
"Ergon, could you lead the way?" It was an innocent enough question, but one she hedged around. Sylvirah had no idea where their home was; she was lucky enough to remember where the inn was in this place.
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Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2020 7:58 pm
The ladies raised their noses a little, very slowly heading back into the shop while still obviously watching the trio.
Snowelle looked Sylvirah over a moment before nodding. "Okay, darling. Let's go back home. Once you are feeling better though, let's come back to get you some proper clothing." Patting Sylvirah's hand gently, she turned to give Ergon a light smile. "You heard her. Lead the way."
Ergon felt a little color return to his cheeks once Sylvirah got his mother headed in the right direction. Sighing, he nodded and turned to lead the way back to the house. It was a silent walk through the crisp air with plenty of curious looks sent their way. All Ergon could think about was that his mother would eventually 'wake up' again, and she would probably remember this meeting... That was going to be a special kind of difficult to deal with.
When the house came into view, he couldn't help wondering how everything had suddenly gone so wrong. It felt like not long ago that he had been feeling on top of the world. Now there was personal and social agony abounding, and the only thing keeping him sane was the continued need to care for his mother. Back to where the world had first taken its unbelievable tumble. He almost didn't want to go back in, but held the door open for the ladies anyway.
Inside, Snowelle looked at Sylvirah happily. "Would you like a glass of milk while we sit? Something to calm the nerves? I know your brothers drink a lot, but I'm sure there is some left for the rest of us."
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Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2020 10:55 am
You should have stayed at the inn. Or at the very least she could have taken Ada for a flight. Anything would have been better than being put out on full display in front of those kinds of women. They looked all too happy to bask in the vulnerable moment which made Sylvirah all the more eager to leave this city.
"No, thank you. I don't like milk." It was a drink that was normally given to the young in the hopes it would strengthen them, but over the years any sort of herd animal that could produce it had fled South. The only 'producers' had been mothers themselves, and that was, understandably, only for their children.
Now that they were settled and away from prying eyes, Sylvirah took on a more 'bold' approach. "Snowelle, I...I'm very sorry for the distress this must case you, but you have to know that I am not your daughter."
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Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2020 7:34 pm
Snowelle sighed softly and clicked her tongue. "But look how thin you have gotten, Sylvi! A lady keeps excess weight off, but you look positively haggard! No wonder the others in town are talking." She would have rambled on more, but the forward approach did make her breath catch. Her eyes shifted slightly, nearly returning to a more focused look.. but they quickly reverted back to being distant and sad. "Well.. I did not realize you disliked being part of this family so much," she replied, lifting her chin in irritation. "I believe I will get myself that cup of milk.. You wait right here, and we will straighten this out.." In her mind, she was marching strongly toward the kitchen and making a point of her hurt feelings, but her actual slow shuffle was less impressive. Once behind the door, there was an immediate though muffled sob.
Ergon pinched the bridge of his nose silently. The interaction was almost too much to watch. He knew where it was going to lead, and he didn't like it. His father should have been there to see the extra pain he had caused...
Grateful that his mother was going for milk rather than tea, he hesitated a moment before glancing to Sylvirah. "There is no reasoning with her in this state. She knows full well that you.." Swallowing a bit of emotion, he looked over to the kitchen door, still swaying slightly with the momentum of Snowelle's passing. "She will eventually be clear again... and she'll remember. For now, she will just keep treating you as her own to keep herself safe from reality. ..It's not a conscious choice as far as we can tell." He pressed his lips to stop himself from going further. Sylvirah didn't need all the details. Just a little longer, and she would be gone. "..Thank you for helping to get her home, but you should just go before she comes back out."
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Posted: Sun Jul 12, 2020 9:15 am
They aren't talking about me for the reasons you think they are. Sylvirah mentally groused. She knew she looked haggard compared to the other women, but that was because she actually did something with her time. What was the point in looking good if you were set to die of starvation by the end of the night?
By the time Snowelle left Sylvirah was exhausted. Keeping up with this woman and her delusions weighed heavy on the teenagers mind. How much longer was she expected to play into this? She should have been gone days ago! And yet...she was the reason all of this was hitting Snowelle and with her already fragile condition...
"...I didn't come here to hurt your family." She said after a time, and turned to look at Ergon. "I'm not here to make excuses for my mother or...Grashni. I never knew her, so I can't say if she knew about your mother or not. I wouldn't have come this far if I had a choice. I know I should have been able to get the help we needed with that gold, but I don't have experience with southern trading and my people don't have the time for me to learn it. Grashni was the only lead I had." Her tone, while softer so that Snowelle wouldn't hear her, was calmer than it had been in days. This whole ordeal had aged her.
"I don't expect you to understand, but I thought you should know the truth." She looked back to the now still kitchen door, gave a slow inhale, and moved towards the front door.
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Posted: Sun Jul 12, 2020 11:29 am
Ergon found himself holding his breath as Sylvirah spoke. Having been taught the trading business since he had been young, the idea of not knowing enough to work the system was truly lost on him. Of course, he wouldn't have the business he did if everyone know what they were doing. He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. Nothing would have been more satisfying than to turn and snarl at this girl who had instigated such chaos... but even he knew she wasn't at fault. Angry still? Of course. What would it accomplish though? He had been raised to keep himself in check, after all.
Letting out a long breath, he shook his head while keeping his eyes closed. "Father hurt this family.. not you," he managed to murmur, barely keeping the venom out of his tone.
"Is it your father you're upset with?" Snowelle asked as she returned, brow furrowed with concern over eyes red from trying to hold back tears. She had a glass in hand, but it was empty and clearly nothing had been inside it, which explained the quick return. Ergon attempted to remind her of the milk to give Sylvirah time to go, but Snowelle waved him off. "I will have some later. Ergon, you should find your father. I don't know what mess he caused, but I will not stand for it. Get your brother to help if you need to." She then looked toward Sylvirah and reached out a hand. "Sylvi, please come sit and tell me what's wrong. I know your father can be a little rough around the edges, but he means well."
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