Post by kihara on Mar 22, 2006 23:19:06 GMT -5
As she sat looking at her reflection in the water, she recalled upon everything that had gone on in the last few months. She was proud of her accomplishments and happy with how far she had come as a ninja, and a lady. She thought of her love, Trickster and how happy she is with him. She chuckled lightly to herself when the thought of their first time meeting and the odd courtship they shared. Brushing the thoughts aside, she finally came to face what she had been pushing aside for some years. She had wondered what happened to the caretakers that she had the first few years of her life. With the whirlwind romance she found with Trickster, she had been ignoring those thoughts. Finally, she knew she had to see for herself. She needed answers.
Decided and with persistence to act upon these thoughts, she set out to speak with Trickster. She told him of her thoughts of her caregivers and how she always longed to find them. She also told him how scared she was to set out upon this journey. He took her in his arms as they sat on their bed, running his fingers through her hair. He leaned closed, their heads resting upon each other’s. He reached up with his hand, grabbed her by the chin and looked deeply into her eyes. He kissed her softly and told her that no matter what she does that he loves her and wants her to do what she feels would put her at peace inside. He told her he would support her in her decision and be waiting when she returned. With the reassurance from Trickster and knowing what she must do, she kissed him passionately once more, then placed her mask back on. She told Trickster that she loves him, and slipped into the shadows.
Not sure of the lands, let alone the town, in which she was taken care of the first few years of her life, she stood in the moongate in wonder. Thinking back she knew that they did not live in the Lost Lands, Tokuno or in Felluca. She decided she would check the lands of Malas first. She walked through the gate and into Luna. After a few moments of looking around there and even adventuring outside the city and down towards Umbra, she was certain this was not the land that she once lived.
She headed back to a moongate and stared into the lands of Trammel unsure of which gate to step through. She closed her eyes, remembering Tricksters words. She took a deep breath and focused. She entered into Moonglow. She traveled about the land looking for something that would trigger her memories. She found nothing. She went back to the moongate. She decided to check the lands of Jhelmom, Skare Brae, Vesper, and Nu’jelm. Frustrated, and unable to find any familiar ground, she entered into Yew. She searched for many hours before stumbling upon a man.
She came to know him by the name of Grey Ghostbuck. He noticed she was weak and worn from her travels. He spoke to her and realized she had probably over-done herself, ignoring her bodies needs. So he took her to his house nearby. There, he offered up hospitality and offered an ear and any help he could. She told him her story and what she was out to accomplish. He listened intently and told her the place he believed she lived was near Minoc. With hopes he could help, he took her there.
Once there, he led her through the town. It did look familiar to her. So they continued searching. The set out in the woods. The looked around for a while. After about an hour, Ki’Hara walked upon a tree that caught her attention. Unsure of what this tree meant to her, she looked around it for anything to give her a clue. She decided to climb the tree to look out over the lands. As she did she stopped, shocked at what she was looking at. This was the tree, which right before they fled from danger she carved her name into.
She yelled for Grey. She was excited. Grey, pleased that he was able to help and she was making progress, calmed her down enough to get her to think straight.
Once Ki’Hara calmed down, she gathered her senses, and recalled the direction from the tree to the house she once lived in. As she and Grey topped a hill to the house, she was awe-stricken at what she saw. The house was in shambles. The house and surrounding area told a story of power struggle and much war. She entered the house and began looking for anything left. She dug for about 15 minutes, picking up splintered boards, and overturned furniture as Grey helped. Covered in ashes, she was interrupted from her search when Grey walked up to her and looked at her, handing her a note. The note read:
Dear Sir and Madam of this house,
I fear I may be too late as was is going to breakout soon. I’m in search of someone, a young girl, who I believe may be my sister. Her name is Ki’Hara. That is all I know of her. I was given away at the age of eight for adoption. My birth parents never strayed far from me though.
My parents were greatly in love, however, lived in poverty. I kept in touch with them often. When I was eleven years old, I learned that my birth mother was pregnant. Both my parents scared that local authorities would take the child away fled to the northern isle of Tokuno where the snow meets the grounds. I often took them items of fresh clothing and food. They hid there until my sister was born. I was twelve when she was born.
Shortly after she was born, a young couple, who I believe are you, took her to care for her. My parents fell ill and shortly after were slain by the Ladies of the Snow. I was supposed to come after her, but couldn’t due to my living situation. I have since gotten in a better living place. Please! If you can, allow her to come and find me. I will be in Zento waiting.
Sincerely,
Ayrn
Upon reading this note, Ki’Haras’ mind swirled with many thoughts. Unsure of how to take this news, Ki’Hara handed Grey the note and sat down in shock. Grey read the note and smile. After reading it his eyes widen with delight. He made a comment about how funny it was that this world was much smaller than he thought. Ki’Hara, puzzled by his comment asked what that meant. He told her he had met a young lady about eleven to twelve years older than her whose name was Ayrn. He also told Ki’Hara that the name was spelled the same.
Looking at a timepiece, and realizing how late it was they decided to go and look for Ayrn the following day. Grey took Ki’Hara back to his house and offered up the guestroom for her to stay in for the night. Throughout the night she tossed and turned, too excited at what tomorrow held.
After a long night and very little sleep, Ki’Hara got out of the bed and gathered her things to get ready. Then like a child on their birthday, her excitement overcame her. She paced anxiously waiting for Grey to wake up. When Grey finally woke up, Ki’Hara rushed him to get ready. Once ready they set out. The decided that because the letter said Ayrn would be in Zento, that they would start there.
They asked around the town. They asked in the smiths’ shop, the tailors, and the bankers. They even asked a few of the locals on the streets. Grey remembered that Ayrn wore the badge of the Zento Light Calvary Regiment, a guild of Samurais in the armies of Tokuno. So they sought them out. Unable to find anyone among them, they came upon a local mage. This mage knew of the Ayrn they spoke of and told them to seek out another mage named Merlin. He told them they could find Merlin southeast of Luna in Malas just below the last mountain.
Again they went through the moongate. They went to Luna, following all the directions given to them. They worked their way down the mountains. Once to the last mountain they heard the voice of a man casting spells. They followed the sound of the voice and wound up in front of Merlin the Mages house. They had found him.
They cautiously approached the door. Ki’Hara grabbed Grey and told him how nervous she had become. He calmed her some with gentle words reminding her how if all else fails, Trickster was waiting for her back at home. Smiling and remembering Tricksters’ words, she knocked at the door to Merlin’s’ house.
Merlin answered. Ki’Hara and Grey explained what they were there for. Merlin invited them in. They spoke some more of what they had uncovered so far. Without mentioning the name Ayrn to Merlin, she handed Merlin the only thing that was giving her hope.
Merlin read it carefully, and smiled the whole time. After he finished reading it, he looked up with a joyful smile about his face. He stated he could help Ki’Hara and that he felt it best that Grey goes about his way. Grey confused asked him why. Merlin pulled him aside and spoke quietly to him. Without hesitation, Grey smiled, promised Ki’Hara he was confident in Merlin’s help he had to offer, and excused himself.
After he left, Merlin led Ki’Hara upstairs. Nervously she followed. He sat her down in the garden and told her something relevant to her search. He told her he did in fact know Ayrn and that he recognized the handwriting in the letter. This of course gave Ki’Hara a smile.
Comfortable and sure that Merlin was not lying to her, she removed her mask showing him how emotionally draining this journey was for her. Merlin suddenly became very excited and started stammering through his words upon seeing Ki’Haras’ face. Confused by his actions, she asked what was wrong. He then revealed that woman he loves, and who also lives with him, was the same woman Ki’Hara was seeking. Ki’Hara with a bit of reluctance asked how he could be so sure. Merlin led her downstairs, and showed her a painting of Ayrn on the wall. In a moment of joy, Ki’Hara began to cry. She could see that Ayrn and her clearly resembled each other. Merlin hugged Ki’Hara and then rushed downstairs yelling for Ayrn to wake up from her midday nap. Ayrn, who was very uncertain and had long ago given up hope, woke up and dressed. Ayrn feared Merlin was mistaken.
Ki’Hara sat waiting, staring out the window. She heard that of a soft voice coming from down stairs telling Merlin she wasn’t so sure of this. Soundly the voice was followed by footsteps walking up some creaky steps. Suddenly, Ki’Haras body became paralyzed. She slowly turned her head looking up as a soft hand laid upon her shoulder. The woman asked, “Ki’Hara? Is it you?”
Looking up and choking back tears, Ki’Hara swallowed hard and replied with a simple. “Hai, It is me.”
Ayrn walked to the front of Ki’Haras’ chair and helped Ki’Hara to her feet. They were standing eye to eye. No words needed to be spoken at that moment. They knew that they were sisters. Ki’Hara knew that she was with her family, her sister, her blood. After a few moments, they both began to cry.
Merlin brought them some tea and bread. He told them that he felt they needed to be left alone and would be upstairs should they need anything. Ki’Hara and Ayrn sat down and began to speak. Ki’Hara told Ayrn of her life, what little she knew of their parents, her hopes, her dreams, her life. Ayrn spoke of the same to Ki’Hara. They even laughed at the fact that they serve the Tokuno armies and had never passed.
After many hours of talking, they decided to get some rest. The next morning they slept in. Once awake, they found Merlin putting finishing touches on their breakfast. They ate and spoke a little more over breakfast. Ki’Hara thanked Merlin for everything.
As mid-day came up them, Ki’Hara told Ayrn she needed to get back to Trickster. She was missing him so much. Ki’Hara. Promising to keep touch and not loose her sister again, Ayrn helped Ki’Hara to gather her things and head out. They said their good-byes and Ki’Hara made her way back to a moongate. She found Grey’s house, telling him everything and thanking him. She left him then headed home.
Upon arriving home, she found Trickster waiting for her. With a smile on her face, she kissed him. She grabbed his hands and began to tell him everything. Trickster was truly happy for her. He held her and listened to all she had to say. After an hour or two, Trickster told Ki’Hara it was getting late and he found it funny how she was so excited she lost track of all time.
She realized how exhausted she was and started upstairs to their bedroom. Trickster stopped her, and gave her a kiss, and reminded her how much he loves her. She smiled, returning his kiss and told him the same. Then he lifted her up off her feet, cradling her in his arms, and carried her to their bedroom.
Decided and with persistence to act upon these thoughts, she set out to speak with Trickster. She told him of her thoughts of her caregivers and how she always longed to find them. She also told him how scared she was to set out upon this journey. He took her in his arms as they sat on their bed, running his fingers through her hair. He leaned closed, their heads resting upon each other’s. He reached up with his hand, grabbed her by the chin and looked deeply into her eyes. He kissed her softly and told her that no matter what she does that he loves her and wants her to do what she feels would put her at peace inside. He told her he would support her in her decision and be waiting when she returned. With the reassurance from Trickster and knowing what she must do, she kissed him passionately once more, then placed her mask back on. She told Trickster that she loves him, and slipped into the shadows.
Not sure of the lands, let alone the town, in which she was taken care of the first few years of her life, she stood in the moongate in wonder. Thinking back she knew that they did not live in the Lost Lands, Tokuno or in Felluca. She decided she would check the lands of Malas first. She walked through the gate and into Luna. After a few moments of looking around there and even adventuring outside the city and down towards Umbra, she was certain this was not the land that she once lived.
She headed back to a moongate and stared into the lands of Trammel unsure of which gate to step through. She closed her eyes, remembering Tricksters words. She took a deep breath and focused. She entered into Moonglow. She traveled about the land looking for something that would trigger her memories. She found nothing. She went back to the moongate. She decided to check the lands of Jhelmom, Skare Brae, Vesper, and Nu’jelm. Frustrated, and unable to find any familiar ground, she entered into Yew. She searched for many hours before stumbling upon a man.
She came to know him by the name of Grey Ghostbuck. He noticed she was weak and worn from her travels. He spoke to her and realized she had probably over-done herself, ignoring her bodies needs. So he took her to his house nearby. There, he offered up hospitality and offered an ear and any help he could. She told him her story and what she was out to accomplish. He listened intently and told her the place he believed she lived was near Minoc. With hopes he could help, he took her there.
Once there, he led her through the town. It did look familiar to her. So they continued searching. The set out in the woods. The looked around for a while. After about an hour, Ki’Hara walked upon a tree that caught her attention. Unsure of what this tree meant to her, she looked around it for anything to give her a clue. She decided to climb the tree to look out over the lands. As she did she stopped, shocked at what she was looking at. This was the tree, which right before they fled from danger she carved her name into.
She yelled for Grey. She was excited. Grey, pleased that he was able to help and she was making progress, calmed her down enough to get her to think straight.
Once Ki’Hara calmed down, she gathered her senses, and recalled the direction from the tree to the house she once lived in. As she and Grey topped a hill to the house, she was awe-stricken at what she saw. The house was in shambles. The house and surrounding area told a story of power struggle and much war. She entered the house and began looking for anything left. She dug for about 15 minutes, picking up splintered boards, and overturned furniture as Grey helped. Covered in ashes, she was interrupted from her search when Grey walked up to her and looked at her, handing her a note. The note read:
Dear Sir and Madam of this house,
I fear I may be too late as was is going to breakout soon. I’m in search of someone, a young girl, who I believe may be my sister. Her name is Ki’Hara. That is all I know of her. I was given away at the age of eight for adoption. My birth parents never strayed far from me though.
My parents were greatly in love, however, lived in poverty. I kept in touch with them often. When I was eleven years old, I learned that my birth mother was pregnant. Both my parents scared that local authorities would take the child away fled to the northern isle of Tokuno where the snow meets the grounds. I often took them items of fresh clothing and food. They hid there until my sister was born. I was twelve when she was born.
Shortly after she was born, a young couple, who I believe are you, took her to care for her. My parents fell ill and shortly after were slain by the Ladies of the Snow. I was supposed to come after her, but couldn’t due to my living situation. I have since gotten in a better living place. Please! If you can, allow her to come and find me. I will be in Zento waiting.
Sincerely,
Ayrn
Upon reading this note, Ki’Haras’ mind swirled with many thoughts. Unsure of how to take this news, Ki’Hara handed Grey the note and sat down in shock. Grey read the note and smile. After reading it his eyes widen with delight. He made a comment about how funny it was that this world was much smaller than he thought. Ki’Hara, puzzled by his comment asked what that meant. He told her he had met a young lady about eleven to twelve years older than her whose name was Ayrn. He also told Ki’Hara that the name was spelled the same.
Looking at a timepiece, and realizing how late it was they decided to go and look for Ayrn the following day. Grey took Ki’Hara back to his house and offered up the guestroom for her to stay in for the night. Throughout the night she tossed and turned, too excited at what tomorrow held.
After a long night and very little sleep, Ki’Hara got out of the bed and gathered her things to get ready. Then like a child on their birthday, her excitement overcame her. She paced anxiously waiting for Grey to wake up. When Grey finally woke up, Ki’Hara rushed him to get ready. Once ready they set out. The decided that because the letter said Ayrn would be in Zento, that they would start there.
They asked around the town. They asked in the smiths’ shop, the tailors, and the bankers. They even asked a few of the locals on the streets. Grey remembered that Ayrn wore the badge of the Zento Light Calvary Regiment, a guild of Samurais in the armies of Tokuno. So they sought them out. Unable to find anyone among them, they came upon a local mage. This mage knew of the Ayrn they spoke of and told them to seek out another mage named Merlin. He told them they could find Merlin southeast of Luna in Malas just below the last mountain.
Again they went through the moongate. They went to Luna, following all the directions given to them. They worked their way down the mountains. Once to the last mountain they heard the voice of a man casting spells. They followed the sound of the voice and wound up in front of Merlin the Mages house. They had found him.
They cautiously approached the door. Ki’Hara grabbed Grey and told him how nervous she had become. He calmed her some with gentle words reminding her how if all else fails, Trickster was waiting for her back at home. Smiling and remembering Tricksters’ words, she knocked at the door to Merlin’s’ house.
Merlin answered. Ki’Hara and Grey explained what they were there for. Merlin invited them in. They spoke some more of what they had uncovered so far. Without mentioning the name Ayrn to Merlin, she handed Merlin the only thing that was giving her hope.
Merlin read it carefully, and smiled the whole time. After he finished reading it, he looked up with a joyful smile about his face. He stated he could help Ki’Hara and that he felt it best that Grey goes about his way. Grey confused asked him why. Merlin pulled him aside and spoke quietly to him. Without hesitation, Grey smiled, promised Ki’Hara he was confident in Merlin’s help he had to offer, and excused himself.
After he left, Merlin led Ki’Hara upstairs. Nervously she followed. He sat her down in the garden and told her something relevant to her search. He told her he did in fact know Ayrn and that he recognized the handwriting in the letter. This of course gave Ki’Hara a smile.
Comfortable and sure that Merlin was not lying to her, she removed her mask showing him how emotionally draining this journey was for her. Merlin suddenly became very excited and started stammering through his words upon seeing Ki’Haras’ face. Confused by his actions, she asked what was wrong. He then revealed that woman he loves, and who also lives with him, was the same woman Ki’Hara was seeking. Ki’Hara with a bit of reluctance asked how he could be so sure. Merlin led her downstairs, and showed her a painting of Ayrn on the wall. In a moment of joy, Ki’Hara began to cry. She could see that Ayrn and her clearly resembled each other. Merlin hugged Ki’Hara and then rushed downstairs yelling for Ayrn to wake up from her midday nap. Ayrn, who was very uncertain and had long ago given up hope, woke up and dressed. Ayrn feared Merlin was mistaken.
Ki’Hara sat waiting, staring out the window. She heard that of a soft voice coming from down stairs telling Merlin she wasn’t so sure of this. Soundly the voice was followed by footsteps walking up some creaky steps. Suddenly, Ki’Haras body became paralyzed. She slowly turned her head looking up as a soft hand laid upon her shoulder. The woman asked, “Ki’Hara? Is it you?”
Looking up and choking back tears, Ki’Hara swallowed hard and replied with a simple. “Hai, It is me.”
Ayrn walked to the front of Ki’Haras’ chair and helped Ki’Hara to her feet. They were standing eye to eye. No words needed to be spoken at that moment. They knew that they were sisters. Ki’Hara knew that she was with her family, her sister, her blood. After a few moments, they both began to cry.
Merlin brought them some tea and bread. He told them that he felt they needed to be left alone and would be upstairs should they need anything. Ki’Hara and Ayrn sat down and began to speak. Ki’Hara told Ayrn of her life, what little she knew of their parents, her hopes, her dreams, her life. Ayrn spoke of the same to Ki’Hara. They even laughed at the fact that they serve the Tokuno armies and had never passed.
After many hours of talking, they decided to get some rest. The next morning they slept in. Once awake, they found Merlin putting finishing touches on their breakfast. They ate and spoke a little more over breakfast. Ki’Hara thanked Merlin for everything.
As mid-day came up them, Ki’Hara told Ayrn she needed to get back to Trickster. She was missing him so much. Ki’Hara. Promising to keep touch and not loose her sister again, Ayrn helped Ki’Hara to gather her things and head out. They said their good-byes and Ki’Hara made her way back to a moongate. She found Grey’s house, telling him everything and thanking him. She left him then headed home.
Upon arriving home, she found Trickster waiting for her. With a smile on her face, she kissed him. She grabbed his hands and began to tell him everything. Trickster was truly happy for her. He held her and listened to all she had to say. After an hour or two, Trickster told Ki’Hara it was getting late and he found it funny how she was so excited she lost track of all time.
She realized how exhausted she was and started upstairs to their bedroom. Trickster stopped her, and gave her a kiss, and reminded her how much he loves her. She smiled, returning his kiss and told him the same. Then he lifted her up off her feet, cradling her in his arms, and carried her to their bedroom.