|
Naree and Miori-My Submission for Emerald Contest |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Naree had finally sobered up from her drinking bender the other night. It would be her last for a long time-especially if she were to keep up with Sakura and her runic lessons. She had enjoyed the rose quartz girl?s company, along with Naphor. Though he had only stayed briefly.
She laughed at this.
The lone poet of Phantasy was finally coming out of her shell, or rather, her rooms. Taken in by the Reliquiants, discovered first by Lytte, Naree was slowly allowing herself to be drawn more and more into their world. It had started when Lytte left her to be temporary guardian of Bliss and Valentine; and then when Valentine was hurt-Naree had angrily rushed in to her defense. Yet, for all her anger, in the end it proved unnecessary and not needed. So she went back to her rooms and the books within. They had been her companions for so long and she had been pleased with that?but slowly, a small part of her, which grew into a large part of her, missed having someone to talk to.
More and more, Naree traveled down the Reliquiant Center?mainly to talk to Lytte and her two children. And in doing so, she had found the library. In finding the library, she found new books and poems to study. Writers she had never heard of and poets whom she had thought merely to be myth. Gleefully and eagerly, she wandered through the rows and rows of writings. And the most wonderful discovery of all, when Naree spoke of what she wanted?it appeared before her! It had only been a couple of days before, when she had run into Sakura while looking into Nordic runes?a hobby of hers.
?I?ll have to contact her or her guardian soon to arrange another lesson,? she murmured to Woo-cat and herself.
Woo, a fuzzy cat, merely mewed and went back to a light snooze. She was of calico coloring, with tattered wings. A golden halo hovered above her beautiful head. She was a gift from Lytte, one to be most treasured! The two entered the front doors of Phantasy Lodge, returning from the Reliquiant library. Naree had been trying to find more for Lytte?.something more to help Bliss. This time, though, Lytte had come to her and asked her to stop. Not that it was a wasted effort, but Lytte had wanted it to be her effort.
So Naree had stopped?and come back to her home once more.
Stepping through the doors, one of the first things she noticed was how the tavern had grown quiet. Normally, the residence was buzzing with guests of all shapes and sizes. But not today, this day hardly any frequented the dwelling. And it was today that Naree noticed a golden reliquiant sitting off to one side, with an emerald in her lap. The look in the girl?s eyes was one full of sorrow and uncertainty. She sat there, carefully petting the jewel, her lips barely moving. Curious, Naree moved over to where the golden one sat, hoping to get a better view.
As you approach, the girl looks up with sad, leaf green eyes and simply asks "Why have you come?"
Confused, Naree took a step forward. ?Why have I come? I come because I live here. But if you mean, why I have come to you...I wanted to see if you were okay. You look so sad here, holding of your own kind.?
An eyebrow arched, ?You know us then??
Naree dropped down to one knee as it would be easier for the two to hold a conversation. Woo grumbled slightly and jumped down. Walking up to the two stone creatures, the fuzzy feline gave each of them a sniff. Both the poet and the sunstone child watched as the emerald gave a slight glow, right before Woo licked the stone.
?Woo! Shame on you, get out of here. She has such a mind of her own. I barely know what she will do next.? Naree gave the golden teen an apologetic look. Woo tossed her held, before bounding up the stairs. ?Yes, I know of you. You are one of the Reliquiants, just like Bliss and Valentine. I am friends with Lytte, the original discoverer of your kind.?
The miniature guardian nodded at this. ?I know Bliss and Valentine. They have spoken sometimes of you?Aunt Naree.? A slight quirk teased the corners of her mouth. ?I am Miori and this little one here is Mei-Lein. And it seems that she likes your cat.?
?Woo is a hard cat not to like. And I am not too bad to know myself. Yes, I am Naree?the resident poet of Phantasy Lodge and sometimes babysitter of two very strong-minded girls. But tell me this, I did not know that Reliquiants could be guardians to their own kind. I was told that the stone bonded with another; it was for the being locked away to find another to love and take care of it. Is this something new, the emerged ones taken care of their kin??
?It is not. This little one has lost her guardian, along with a close friend of mine. I sit and wait to see what happens next.?
Naree nodded solemnly. ?That is a tragedy indeed. But this is not the best place to sit and wait, at least not by oneself. I think it would be best if I sat and waited with you. That way, if it is something large and unpleasant, at least you will not be harmed.?
Miori moved her head in acknowledge. Looking back out, she continued her rubbing of Mei-Lein. She hoped that when the little stone evolved, that they would be close friends. Naree sat down next to the sunstone and closed her eyes. It definitely was not wise to just let her sit in the front of Phantasy by herself. Sometimes violent ones and evil ones entered this place. Who knows what they would do if they saw the little one and her treasure. To the untrained eye, one would think that the teen was holding a mere emerald. An item to be taken in the moment of greed, then later sold on the markets for fun. Nope, Naree decided that she would stay as long as Miori did. Opening one eye, she looked down.
?So what are we waiting for??
Miori shrugged.
?Do you know when what you are waiting for will arrive??
Again, there came a shrug of golden shoulders. It seemed like Miori was no longer in the mood for conversation. That was okay with Naree?at least for a little bit. The poet was used to long periods of silence, especially when trying to create. Woo had returned to two of them and laid down at their feet. Or rather, Naree?s feet. Miori?s feet dangled over the edge, her toes wiggling every once and awhile. The feli napped contently, neither caring nor concerned that the air was still. Both leaf green and amethyst eyes stared aimlessly across the rooms?neither quite sure rather to share their thoughts or not.
Miori?s mind lay on what to do with Mei-Lein and how she would find a new guardian for the emerald. It was not an easy task, one that had her worried that she would not finish her task. She appreciated both Lizzy?s and Lytte?s trust in her. But she wondered if it was unfounded.
Again, the unique pair sunk into silence. There was not too much to talk about. Neither knew any gossip or had anything personal they wanted to share. Yet, both felt almost a relief to have the other there. It made the wait all the more bearable. Time passed as it always did and Naree began to get a little fidgety. Her mind had been filled with concern for Miori and her emerald keeping.
?You know,? Naree spoke out loud suddenly. ?It would be wise of you to make notes of who would make a good guardian. Those who have caring and protective traits, someone who is note greedy and single-minded. I have noticed that all the guardians have managed to grow and put their children first. No matter what the child is like or how they treat others. I know some of your kind cannot help they way they are?your brother for one. It angers me to see the way he treats others, but I have learned to accept that there are things about him?traits of his that will never change. I do hope that they will be controlled and focused, he could be so much more. I really enjoyed his performance at the play auditions.?
Naree wanted to see if Miori reacted to what she said about Dai, and about noting guardian traits. A flicker of acknowledgement crossed the girl?s eyes. She stopped petting Mei-Lein for a second. ?It is true what you say. My quest is a challenging one.?
Naree continued on. ?Have you spoken to any others yet? Or do you observe the others quietly? It is best to make sure that they are not being false?sometimes their greed to have another under their wings may cause them to do shameful things. You would need someone, however, who is familiar with the Reliquiants. Or least familiar with taking care of others. Though, I have only had Woo for a short time, I would do anything for her. She has become a permanent part of my heart and that?s the most important quality. Unconditional love, for without the love of another, how do you grow stronger??
Woo looked up at her mistress and grinned. ?Mistress, could you have really turned me away??
Naree smiled at them both. ?No, I couldn?t have. And believe me, Miori?you will know when you find the one who will never turn away from Mei-Lein. It angers me that her guardian left. But I suppose she had her reasons?too be abandoned so young.?
Tears moistened her eyes for a moment, threatening to spill over. She glanced down at the emerald and watched it pulsed. And then very quietly, she heard a purr. Looking down at Woo, her kitten shook her head no. Meeting Miori?s eyes, she asked in awe. ?Was that Mei-Lein? Did she just purr??
A quick nod and then back to stroking the stone. An unusual feeling crept into Naree. They had been sitting for an hour now, maybe two?and in between her talks and the silence, there was a tug at Naree?s heart. She wanted to help Mei-Lein; the poet wanted to make sure that she never felt pain or sorrow. An idea squiggled and squirmed in her mind, until at last?.
?Miori, I hope this is not too abrupt or upfront. My heart and soul go out to this child; I want to protect her from future hurts. It saddens me that she may already know pain so early in her life. Will you do me the honor of considering me for Mei-Lein?s guardian. I know that you do not know me well and that I do not know you well enough. But, if you journey to the house of Lytte?she may be willing to vouch for me. Talk to Valentine as well, for Bliss is unwell at the moment, she knows that I am capable of being true.?
The creature born of a thought stood up. She didn?t want to stay and seem like she was imposing herself of the adolescent. Giving a slight bow, Naree said her last peace. ?I shall leave Woo with you, so that none shall bother you and your thoughts. If you have need of me, I will either be in my rooms or in the reliquiant library. Whatever your decision be?make it with your heart first and your mind second. Between the two, you shall know what is best for the young one here.?
Taking her leave, Naree made her way up the stairs to my rooms. It was only right that she go, for the sunstone had much to weigh on her mind. And all those thoughts were best to be done in solitude. Calling out, ? If you need knowledge of where my rooms are?.call out a poem and they shall appear. Be well, Miori.?
 Naree · Mon Apr 18, 2005 @ 06:20am · 0 Comments |
|
|
|
|
|
