Thread: A story from Lagertha

Liol had been the first to make it to the field, starting where she had left off the day before pulling weed after weed and trying to save the crops that were dying. Ox on the other hand made it after her, having walked slower. She watched Liol for a while. How Liol's face was twisted in a scowl, no doubt mad at her mother for not only taking her grandmother's journal but telling her not to listen to her teacher. For what was the girl to believe anymore? The mother who was strong as a bull and twirled tales around the girl. Or the teacher who seemed to speak books, and knowledge that had been written deep on the pages. Perhaps even the man in the field, who spoke only tales of the plants as Liol helped him. Ox stood watching Liol for a good hour, before sighing and lingering off. The field was large, stretching to the hills in the distance. The clouds scurried around above, some white, some of a darker manner. None of which scared Ox as she walked, tall and mighty. Much of the workers were quick on the smaller tasks like Liol, but Ox was built for much harder labor. Of which she had conditioned herself after being married to Arrion for several years against her will. Her strength, had been the only thing that had given her freedom from Arrion's madness, as well as her two daughters. Of which one was much too stubborn like Ox herself and the other so delicate her fragile nature scarred Ox dearly. Mai. Ox breathed, the horses were in the field, full to the brim with large crates that needed to be pulled to the town over. Ox knew that the horses were weak, and she would likely be dragging the cart herself, but it wasn't where her attention lied. Her daughter Mai sat on a rock by the horses, trees close by her right side. Mai's small hands were pooled up, watching a butterfly flap it's wings. Her gold eyes were curious full of wonder, and Ox did well to not startle her as she came up to her small daughter. Mai was only twelve, of which Liol was much older by several years. Mai's long golden hair had been twisted into a braid on top of her hair, and she wore a sunny yellow dress that covered her pale feet. Her head turned to see her mother approaching, her lips pulling into a smile. She reached out her left hand, reaching for Ox who reached out her own right hand to grip Mai's softly. Mama! Mai laughed, happy to see Ox as normal. Ox snorted, smiling at Mai's bright attitude. Little bug, where is she? Where is Blaume? They should both be watching you. Ox spoke carefully. Mai had made a promise to her long ago, to keep a secrete from Liol. For Liol did not need to know things she could not understand until the time came, but Mai was different. She could see the threads that connected each beings, a special gift, a gift that let her understand why she must keep secretes. Over there. Mai pointed to the woods, glowing purple eyes that disappeared behind the trees. A male's thick laughter broke through the silence, causing birds to fly from their perches in the tree. The shadow walked forward through the trees, his body heavy clad in muscles, much as big as Ox if not greater than hers, and he towered over Ox no problem. The Male stood at a good seven feet tall, he was built like a tower, and had nothing more on then his black pants, boots, belt, and green shirt. His hair was dark like the dirt below, his eyes the same color, his skin an olive color. His rough jaw turned up, and the ground shook as he walked. Blaume. Ox's brows furrowed, tilting her back to look up at the male as he smiled. He bowed before her, as if mocking Ox, but Mai giggled and jumped form the rock. Blaume caught Mai, twirling her around as her small arms locked behind his neck. Her held her carefully as he laughed, his chest rattling before he cradled Mai like an infant. Mai rested her head against his chest, listening to his wild heart beat. Yes, it is I. Were you worried I would leave her unguarded? Blaume smiled. He shook his hair, of which some of the loose strands that refused to stay on top of his head tickled Mai's nose, and made the girl sneeze. Sorry Mai. Blaume rubbed her forehead as Mai rubbed her nose. Where is she Blaume? She is suppose to be watching Mai too. Ox said annoyed, but her eyes looked into the forest, watching the purple hues appear behind the trees. Blaume opened his mouth to speak, but Ox pushed him aside striding to the woods. Come out here! I can see you watching! Ox proclaimed, reaching for the figure that squeaked, curling up to avoid Ox's grasp. Effortlessly Ox plucked the creature up, who was curled into a ball. Her skin was a soft hue of purple, and cloth in many colors contorted around her fragile frame. Her hair was a mixture of blues, purples, like the depths of the sea had once been and her small childlike features turned to look up at Ox. I was watching! The little woman chirped in Ox's grasp as Ox set her down. Her skin shimmered in the sunlight, small scales dancing on her features. One of her ears had been revealed as well, humanlike except for the fines that pulled out at the top, and the woman quickly moved her brightly colored hair to cover her exposed ear. I'm always watching. Her small fingers laced through her hairan she looked at the ground. The little woman was taller than Liol, but still smaller than Ox. Merail.. Ox crossed her arms over her chest, as the little woman looked up. She looked about seventeen, but Ox knew how old Merail really was. Still, this baffled Ox to no degree, how beings like her and Blaume never seemed to age. You have to hide your presence better, you can't go walking around in your normal form..even if Mai sees nothing wrong with it. Ox looked back at her daughter, still in Blaume's masculine arms. Merail nodded her head, gems and jewels were lined in her hair and clanked together as she nodded. Mai wanted to see my true form. Merail said shyly, but she knew better then to show her true form in daylight where others could see her. At least here, Ox was blocking her sight from anyone who might looking. Blaume had been wise enough to not bring his sword or armor, afraid it would startle the villagers. A war is coming Ginger.. Merail looked up at Ox, whose jaw tightened at Merail's soft voice. I know a war is coming Merail! Why do you think I'm worried Liol won't understand this? That she might run frightened when the time comes? That Mai will be left unguarded! Ox had bent forward, her brows furrowed as she spoke strongly to Merail. Merail nodded her head, saddened. You've yet to tell the girl her fate, so she rebels. Merail expressed. Ox straightened herself, her eyes looking at the ground after Merail spoke. You can't hide her fate from her Ginger.. My name is Ox now Merail...How can I explain to Liol anything like this? Tell me how to tell my oldest daughter she is going to have to fight. To fight! To kill! To murder people she once loved to survive! To protect the only family she has left? Ox's hands curled up to fists angry. Liol is only sixteen years. She is only just becoming a woman, trying to find her place in this mad world. Trying to understand why we have to hide from her father, why I won't allow her to read her grandmother's journals..why Mai is always treated different than her! Ox.. Merail turned the name over in her mouth, the name seemed off. For Merail had only ever known Ox by her real name, but that side of her had died long ago. Merail should have known this, but it seemed she had issues clinging onto things that had happened. Liol will run from her fate if it's thrown onto her without warning. By the time she realizes her true fate, understands it... Merail trailed off frowning as she looked up at the woman. I know. Either way. I know. Ox said firmly, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath in. People hide yourself. Remember your name is Nimi here. I can't explain Liol how you still look the same exactly way like the time her grandmother met you. Merail nodded to Ox's words. Merail's hands turned up, palms up to the sky. Energy wrapped around Merail's form, purple smoke that was clear to the eye, it wrapped around Merail like a cocoon, consuming her body and hiding her as it enclosed around her. Nooo! Mai cried, having leap from Blaume's arms to run towards her mother. Ox smoved to stop Mai from running to the purple smoke, but Blaume was quick on his feet. He gripped Mai's dress from behind, pulling her up as he laughed. Sorry! She's getting better at learning how to slip through my grasp! Blaume laughed as he picked up the kicking Mai. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her with her back to the smoke, her face next to his neck. Mai. You can't go near that smoke yet. It will burn you alive. Mai whined, pushing herself backwards to twist to look at the purple smoke. OX sighed, shaking her head at her daughter. Mai was so unlike Liol. Liol would have ran from the very sight of Merail's real form, running and screaming, or screamed for her to change back. Mai was the opposite, not wanting Merail to hide her true beauty, not wanting her to look normal.