~~ INTERLUDE BEGIN ~~ After the unexpected revelations deep within the ruins, the group slowly retraced their steps, weighted with many more questions than they entered with, back to the alcove where it all began that day. The sun has set, and night approaches, but not everyone can sleep so easily. * Jalanda is not by the main camp, but again in that chamber with the Icarian mural. She seems restless, moving to and fro, which is unusual for her. * Dill is apparently taking a leisurely after dinner flap around, and flies up to Jalanda Puff.. * Dill flaps arund Jalanda, concerned.. * Jalanda 's hood is also completely removed from her head, the blonde tresses holding what little light is in the room. She rotates it slowly to look at the Dill with a distant gaze. ...well, little one, it seems I was the one... who would be happy yet sad this day, wasn't it? * Dill lands on Jal's shoulder, and nuzzles her cheek. Puuufff? * Dill cocks it's head to the side, looking at Jal quizzically.. well, quizzically for a marshmallow with wings. * Jalanda looks down, closing her eyes some. "Your concern is warming..." * Dill seems to perk up and wing-hugs Jal's neck. Puff! * Dylan coughs politely, standing at the end of the corridor, with a steaming kettle and a pair of mugs I hope I'm not interrupting? * Jalanda is surprised by the gesture, losing her rather sad face as she reaches up to see if she can make the fluffy vice grip loosen a bit, then looks in Dylan's direction. * Dill stops hugging and turns to puff quickly at Dylan. Ah, a master is never behind his pet. No... you are not interrupting. * Dylan grins nervously Dill isn't a pet. It's a friend. * Dill nods Puff!! Puff-pu-puuff! I thought that, what with you being away from the fire and all, that you might like some tea? * Jalanda chuckles softly. "I'm sorry then, Dill." She nods slowly. "Yes, I believe I could use some tea... to ease my mind." * Dylan sits down next to Jal, and puts down the kettle and mugs Honey with your tea? * Jalanda crosses her legs very carefully, sitting upon the floor by Dylan. Please. «ooc: So tempted. » * Dylan pours out the tea, stirring some honey into each cup, then offering the spoon to Dill, who licks it clean. * Jalanda raises a pale hand to massage her temples softly. You okay, Jalanda? * Dylan frown worriedly. You do realize... to Divine that which pertains to yourself, is an ominous thing... * Dylan passes Jalanda her mug Be careful, it's hot. I can imagine that, to tell one's own fortune.. is worrying. Maybe you should talk about it? * Jalanda nods her thanks, and takes the cup carefully into her hands. The warmth seems to snap her a bit further out of her thoughts. Mmm... it is not something I generally discuss, you know... Troubles shared are troubles halfed. I don't fear the reading, so much as what it stirs, Dylan. * Jalanda blows onto the tea, cooling it. * Dylan sips his tea, wincing slightly Don't say anything you don't want to.. but I'd like to help. * Jalanda speaks softly, into the mug. "There are things I have experienced... that have often been best left undisturbed. Fear is not an emotion I have felt in a very long time." Fear? Of the future? Or the past? Yes... the fear, the anger, the uncertainty... the disasters of long ago. They have left their mark upon me, yet I have endured... but invariably, a portion of myself still remains in that place... * Jalanda pauses, sipping from the mug slowly. Her eyebrows raise a bit as it's still a bit hot, but she issues no complaint. Ah those. The others are too young to remember them, aren't they? Or from too far away.. I was young then.. I can't remember very well.. the world seemed to turn upside-down, and then we were building a new village. Yes, I made a new life within the walls of Zil Padon. It was reborn before my eyes to a greater granduer than before. It is a blessing for people to live in a time without fear... * Dylan nods slowly * Jalanda looks to the side, back at the mural. "However, even still it is not my home, after these ten and one years." Where were you from before Zil Padon then? * Dill sniffs at Jalanda's mug and wrinkles it's nose * Jalanda returns her eyes to the two. She pauses. "Perhaps on your maps you might recall the coastal towns north of the deserts. The lands of the Rafane..." Rafane.. I've heard of it.. they say it was a pretty land, with kind folk * Jalanda half-smiles. "Our people have always been obsessed with the look of something, yet ignorant of the spirit. Perhaps that's why such a fate came to us." Of course, my Aunt said they were a bit stuck up, didn't like getting their hands dirty.. but she *is* a farmer. ^^ Still, not every city was filled with the novaeu rich, or the famed artisans... some were rather simple folk, like Iris. * Dylan nods Did your parents make it out? * Jalanda flattens her mouth notably at that, her silence perhaps telling him the answer to that question. She has another drink, much larger than before. I'm.. sorry. * Dylan sips at his tea quietly. Do not feel responsible for what you cannot change in the present, Dylan... * Dylan sighs I'm sure they'd be very proud of you. * Jalanda gets a soft look in her eyes. "Perhaps... I shall know when this is done." * Dylan smiles We can hope. What did the Spirits say to you in that chamber? Perhaps an external view can shed light upon their wisdom. About myself? Or... about that which draws near to yourself? About you. You never spoke your own fortune. * Jalanda puts down the mug, speaking evenly, recalling the words. "Torn between worlds, as the dimensions close on you once more... trials from the past arise in the future. You must face the scars of body and mind to find peace and victory." It says you will find peace. I trust in your ability to master the trails before you. ...that was the words of the great Spirits. * Dylan lays a gentle hand on Jalanda's right shoulder Trust in yourself, and we'll make sure you find your peace. * Jalanda looks at him, taking in the words. "Are you certain of these words?" * Dylan grins I promise that I shall foresake seeing the Rainbow Springs again, before foresaking you. * Dill flaps and puffs! See, Dill promises too! * Jalanda looks like she wants to say something, but catches it before she speaks again. "...you certainly are fine companions on this journey. But my fuffilment is only one part of the whole that you are a part of. Don't lose your focus because of me." * Dylan shakes his head Don't worry about me. Dill'll make sure I take care of myself. It has so far. And anyway, this way you get all the fun of making sure Ms. Erellisae and Rion don't run off in the wrong direction. * Dylan sips at his tea again. Bleh.. bad brew.. They are so full of energy. I envy them... * Dylan stirs in a bit more honey. * Jalanda sips the tea again. "They have grand designs awaiting their discovery... but... Dylan. What do you feel about your divination?" I'm sure when they meet Justin and Feena, their carefree hearts will be apt demonstration that they made the right choice, eleven years back. * Dylan looks sad Mine? It worries me.. It is because you are also searching for something, but it is not so tangible as they. A great duality of purpose... * Jalanda sips her tea, looking over the large Lainian. * Dylan drinks at his tea, thinking.. How does one find calm peace when you fight to protect those you love? can you be both the historian and the hero? I don't wish for you to overreach yourself, or it may have an unfortunate conclusion. I know. But it's not a choice I want to make.. * Dylan slumps slightly.. I can't fail to protect those important to me. But I can't deny my selfish desires. * Dill flaps over to Dylan's shoulder, who pets it absent-mindedly.. * Jalanda lowers her voice. "Dylan... I too have selfish desire. It is the nature of people to be that way. You cannot deny them, but you cannot let them deny you as well." * Dylan smiles wryly. I guess. But, I still hope that I might find a way to comprimise the two. * Dylan shrugs, and refills his cup * Jalanda finds a small chuckle again. "Perhaps it is not unlike an arguement between a rafane and an Alqada." Perhaps. But answers can wait for another day, for now how about a toast? To homes left behind, and pasts we hope to resolve? * Jalanda refills her mug a bit more, and raises it. "Yes, a toast then, Dylan..." * Dylan raises his mug, and clinks it against Jalanda's To past, and the future born from it! * Dylan takes a deep drink, and chokes from the heat. * Jalanda adds, "To peace, within and without." She has another drink of the sweet tea, and she gasps a second too. * Dylan grins * Dill looks over the two, and puffs merrily And so the two share a drink in the night, perhaps their toast is heard by the Spirits, who can say. But hopefully it shall come to pass... ~~ INTERLUDE END ~~