~~ LUDE START! ~~ >> Time passes as the 'Alent's Light' cuts through the waves on it's homeward journey. Night begins to fall, as the stars are revealed one by one, shining in the heavens. A calm before the storm, broken only by a soft chord floating on the air... * Jalanda stands on the deck of the ship, pale hands plucking the strings of the treasured harp with great care, as her eyes seem glued to some distant heavenly body above. It is that same somber melody from before on the island. * Dylan wanders out from below deck, following the tune, hrmming to himself * Dill is curled up in Jal's hood, snoring quietly in time with the harp. * Jalanda continues the tune, oblivious to other goings on. This time, words begin to form on her lips as she begins singing in a calm, level tone, as if every word is plucked from some far off memory... * Dylan leans (gently) on a railing inside Jal's field of view, listening.. ~...La vita dell'amore, dilette del cor mio... o felice... tu anima mia, canta adaggio...~ * Dylan waits for a pause in the song, before walking up to Jal and waving a hand in front of her face ~Canta per me ne addio, quel dolce suono, de passati giorno...~ * Jalanda pauses mid refrain, continuing to play the melody. Excuse me, Ms. Jalanda, as delightful as the tune is, important matters pend. * Jalanda slows, hanging her head a bit, speaking softly. "I apologize... this... is an old song from my childhood. It calms me to play it... when I think of what is ahead." * Dill turns over in it's sleep, and appears to gnaw contentedly on Jal's hood. No need to apologize, but as you have said, what lies ahead carries danger, so I would have you guidance on some matters.. * Dylan scratches at his horns worriedly.. * Jalanda finishes her impromptu concert, turning to face Dylan with a far-off look in her eyes, though she is quite obviously alert now. "Perhaps that is why I am here today... what do you seek, noble Dylan?" This harp, is dangerous, though powerful.. once we have defeated the angler.. or perhaps if.. what should we do with it? This is true. Emmitt was a example for us all as testament to this... * Dylan nods * Jalanda looks down to the relic. "This is rightfully the legacy of Erellisae, however, is she ready for yet another burden on her journey heavenward? I fear there is a dangerous time fast approaching for her." Perhaps.. but I cannot claim any item from my village as my own just because of blood relation.. Ms. Erellisae is still a child, though circumstance may try to change it soon, and she is a runaway, though she seeks her own people. I'd rather we risk future trials without the item, than be forced to attack the group once more. * Jalanda considers. Perhaps returning it, and hoping enough spinners survive our passing to protect it? * Dylan grins It would seem that you are right about what is to come... it shall serve it's purpose now. After events have passed, we should also consider the island guardian. he is a musician. he knows of its powers far more than we. * Dylan nods. "I thought, in case something happens to you.. I should seek your opinion..." * Jalanda falls silent a moment. "...you are very worried, I see. Try not to let it cloud your mind..." * Dylan shakes his head It's not like that. You'll be fine. I'm sure. * Dill wakes up and sticks a tongue out at Dylan. Perhaps it doesn't believe his tone of voice. * Jalanda turns slightly back to the rail. "It is something I have to face... there's many levels to this battle forthcoming. One way or another, things will not be the same afterwards for me, I feel." Change can make things better too. If there's anything any of use can do to help, remember to ask. Even the stars do not stay up alone. I mean, everyone knows they're stuck up there with glue. * Jalanda's serious face cracks at that, turning her face towards Dylan over her shoulder. "Is that what the wise men tell you?" Nah, that's what my mother told me when I asked. The wise man never disagreed on the other hand. * Dylan grins They never disagreed because there is perhaps no answer. The stars are what you believe them to be. Gems, spirits, the possibilities are limitless. * Jalanda nods. "This is why people like you are as bright stars to ones such as I. You tell your story, what you want to be..." All can tell their story, if they are prepared to speak. And if I have to crack heads until your voice is heard, then so be it. * Dylan cracks his knuckles * Jalanda turns around fully, leaning with her back to the rail. "Do you remember when we first met? What I told the group that day?" I remember meeting, but the precise words slip like tadpoles between children's fingers. * Jalanda smiles vaguely, the expression encouraging. " 'I will make my future by watching the future you make.' " Tell me, was Liete your favourite hero when you heard the tales told? Is it that obvious? You indeed are wise. * Dylan leans on the railing next to Jal * Jalanda straightens a bit. "But it is not as simple as that... it is more a matter of circumstances." I was wondering, for some do not like those similar to themselves. And few things are ever simple. But, if it is your choice, at least from those available, I hope I can do whatever I can to support it. By doing your best, overcoming challenges... this shapes and justifies the decisions I have made so far in this new life... I'll try not to disappoint. It would be ungentlemanly. And would show a bad example for Mitsuo. * Jalanda glances over. "Hearing you speak in such a way, you are sounding more like a parent every passing day." * Dylan sweatdrops H-hey! I'm not *that* old. * Dill crawls out of the cowl, and flies around Dylan's head, apparently laughing. * Dylan pulls down an eyelid and sticks a tongue out at Dill, looking notably younger doing so. * Jalanda watches the two. "I suppose I should be envious of the youth I see around me..." Enjoy your own while you can, Ms Jalanda. The best looking wrinkles come from smiling. I have not been happy in a long time... but you give me hope that one day I might smile from within, as well as without. * Dylan sighs If I could teach you to find joy in a sunrise, and laughter in a bed of flowers, then I would, but you'll just have to learn by watching.. * Dylan stretches his arms, yawning.. * Jalanda shakes her head. "It is not that I do not know how, it is my eyes that have been taken away... this is the source of my sadness." * Dylan blinks What do you mean? If you care to tell.. When you see the world from my side of the coin... one almost becomes lost in even the simplest of experiences. * Jalanda sighs. "I would give anything not to have these new eyes, but I obviously have them for greater reasons." * Dill flaps over and stares deeply into Jal's eyes Puuuuuuuuu * Jalanda blinks once, staring at Dill's eyes in return with her lavender ones. "Almost..." Puff! * Dill backflips merrily I think Dill thinks it won the staring match.. Puff! *nods* * Jalanda folds her arms, raising an eyebrow. * Dylan shrugs He made me remember for a moment. The carefree life... Before Gaia? * Jalanda nods. After.. all this is sorted out. And if our stars still shine, then perhaps.. we should travel and seek out joy for your eyes, or eyes for your joy. * Dylan shakes his head. "But that is a while off yet. Fish first, then we need to stop Ms. Erellisae from sidetracking us from finding Feena and Justin.." * Jalanda lowers her head, taking in his words and not offering any in return, then raises it strongly at the subject change. "...yes. But they are intertwined deeply. We must continue westward..." For you see, I have the answers... but I still do not yet know the proper questions. You think? *shrug* As good as anyway, especially with that lass on the other end of the comm-thingy. * Jalanda wraps her cloak a bit tighter about her. "It is truly amazing such an exchange took place. Liete is the key to solving both mysteries." Heh. Dorlin'll pop his horns again if he hears I met her in person. So it'll probably be worth it just for that. Ah, yes. I have seen his.... many works shown in galleries. Hmm. It's a clear night, and I'm not yet in a mood to sleep. Would you grace me with a song once more, Lady Seer? A Lumian blessing for the day ahead, perhaps.. * Jalanda lowers her eyes, hmmming softly. "If it shall put us both at ease..." * Dylan nods, and stares out at the sea of stars reflected on the sea of water.. * Dill sits on Dylan's head, facing the other direction, staring out over the boat at spirits know what.. * Jalanda takes up the harp, and begins playing the strange and familiar tune again, exactly where she left off. ~Mi..siempre... rammenta...~ * Dylan hums along quietly, apparently lost in thought, oblivious to the happenings to other allies upon the ship. * Jalanda finishes the line, uttering softly afterwards, "...remember what is in your heart, the moment of inspiration... that will be the greatest weapon, come tomorrow..." * Dylan shrugs. "Good memories oft seem to fade too fast. But this one may keep some permanence, and so I bid you goodnight." * Dylan saunters off to a warm bed. * Jalanda nods warmly, staying out a while longer... >> And so the song continues for a while longer, the stars twinkling in harmony, encouraging all to rise to a new challenge along with the sun. ~~ LUDE END ~~