Changes

A year…

How distant the days, never so distant my thoughts.

My heart’s pace gallops to the whispers caressing my slender elven ears.  The whisper on the wind, the rustled voice in the leaves, and the message in the song of birds – there is no mistaking it.

My green eyes glisten in the fading daylight.  

A smile quivers upon my lips.

I comfortably sigh.

Unquestionably, the words reach my ears of a returning, an invitation, and a call to arms.  The cocoon of silence surrounding the halls is shattered.  It crackles with renewed life, with renewed fervor.  Darkness is replaced with light.

I breathe in the energy of his presence; he has returned.

The song beckons the dance; my patient partner awaits.

Black Ore earrings, necklace, and rings compliment the white Majestic leather armor.  Braids of a Silver Ranger are clasped by the clan crested broach.  A silver quiver and a White Lily hairpin complete the preparations.

I glance at my partner, bound by the soul, and I smile.  How often have I thought of this?  How eager, yet hesitant, I find myself – the time has approached.  I slide my delicate hand along the inside of the arrow-tipped brace until I firmly grasp the handle.  I gently caress the slender, curved upper limb of my Soul Bow and reminisce about the many dances we shared.

I stand anticipating...

Summon me...

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Change

Change.  As inevitable as it is, by one’s own intentions for purposes advantageous or detrimental, we take her hand to be led in such direction. 

Change.  That which happens as often as the wind, happens within the blink of one’s eye and as life itself as a whole, seems to pass us by unnoticed but yet when looked back upon, has changed us.

Change.  The type that resides within the inner depths of our minds; always present, always keeping itself known by just the slightest amount, but so easy to push aside so as to surprise us when it does happen.  Whether good or bad, reluctance sets the pace.

As I sat, atop the last hill, along the northern shore of what was the original Talking Island, I clutched Isidrel’s letter - tighter after each read and cursed his words - and I reflected upon all three forms of change.  Surprise quickly overtook me upon the realization that if not for change, I would not have been able to call the Council of Light a home.

I sat silent allowing the warm wind, from behind, to wrap its comfort around me - wisps of hair tickled my cheeks and tugged the corners of my lips to a smile.  My heart eased from its burden and provoked a single tear, but not due to sadness.

No, for if it was not for change I would not have meet those that I have.  And perhaps, this home we shared, even for a brief moment in our lives, was meant to be so, because perhaps that is all that was needed to take change by the hand one more time and be led toward another path.

And in this moment, wrapped in the comforting warmth of the wind, in a place filled with the ghosts of generations past, I let change take Isidrel’s letter from my hand and she carried it far and away upon her winds until all I could see was the place where the sea and sky marry to become a single entity.  Excitement filled my being as I looked all around and wondered, from the perspective of this crossroad, and as I raised my hand for her to take, where will change take me?

-- Dendrielle Okkoppii Azures

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A Returning

The nagging feeling that has...well...been a distraction the past few days, months actually, finally garnered enough attention. I look up from my book and glance at the arched wooden door of my room. It is not the door. I deliberately looked at it so I would not look where I should. It is the first wardrobe closet in the corner – the one I have not opened in months.

I sigh and stare blankly in the wardrobes direction, trying not to allow those thoughts to creep and burrow into my mind – but that is futile and I knew it the moment I gave in and looked up.  A part of me begs to ignore it, cover it with a sheet.  Hide it.  Disguise it.

I sip my tea and hesitate to put the cup on the table. I take another sip, somehow feeling better, somehow feeling like it is the right decision. I rejoin the cup to its saucer on the table and unfurl my legs from underneath me until my bare feet touch the cool wood floor.

I push myself out of the cushioned chair and lazily walk to the wardrobe, pausing before it. I place my hand on the door, slowly circling my fingers across the smooth finish of the cherry wood. No, I am not deliberating my decision, just reacquainting myself with an old friend. My hand slides down to the bronze Bordeau lever. A soft push down on the curved handle – I have always liked how effortless the handle and door move – and the door swings open on its own accord as if welcoming me back.

I smile.

There, just as I left it, cleaned and mended, hangs my skirted Leather Incubus armor.  Its matching helmet on the shelf above. The polished high-heeled boots sit at attention on the floor beneath the armor and the Gloves of Incubus folded neatly to their right. Behind it all, leaning to the right, my Soul Bow with its intricate designs pronounced by the sunlight sneaking in behind me.

A tug at the drawstrings and lowering my shoulders, the red satin robe nestles around my ankles. The leather armor is cool on my skin and as I add each additional piece; knee-high boots, elbow length gloves, and finally the matching helmet, their magical enhancements reverberate through me. Oh how I have missed and unknowingly, until now, longed for that feeling.  I sling the Mithril quiver over my shoulder and tighten the strap. Finally, I reach in and grab the bow – which has not graced my hand in too long.  Like taking the hand of a loved one I have been away from, my heart races and my spirit is lifted.  It is lighter than I remember. I have missed her.

I walk back to the table and finish my tea.  I catch my image in the mirror atop the vanity table and I enjoy what I see - female, elf, Ranger. The black leather armor with its grey designs contrast well against my fair skin.  As I reacquaint myself with the bow, I swiftly pull an arrow from the quiver, spin, and plant it in the middle of the door.

I smile.

I leave the arrow and close the door behind me.

I stroll through town until I reach the chamber that houses The Council of Light and stand before the twin heavy wooden doors - decorated and laden with black wrought iron hinges, braces, bolts and lock. I stand silent, lean forward and listen, but I hear nothing. I am both saddened and relieved. Relieved due to the uncertainty of how I would be received after such an absence.  A turn of the skeleton key and a loud clank of the lock allows me to push open the doors revealing the dark interior of the hall.

The lighting stick flares to life as I hold it near the wick of an oil lamp on the central round table of the hall. I walk around the table, pausing at each chair, reminiscing about each member who sat there: Isadrel, Cerridwenn, Janelle, Merithwen, Amaethila, Numil, Aelathamar, and others. Good times, sad times, sitting by the fireplace, singing, laughing, talking, and a lot of eating.

I end my visit with a quick glance at the names written in the journal sitting on the round table, dip the quill in the ink and simply sign my name...

~~ Dendrielle Okoppii Azures

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Once Again, Change Has Taken My Hand

I once again found myself sitting alone on the northern shore of Old Talking Island.  The gradient purples of the eastern horizon were speckled with the evening’s first stars.  The breeze, warm with the ocean’s fragrance, lulled the sounds of the exploration areas.  I sat against a lone Oak atop the hill and the breeze danced my hair around its rough bark entangling individual strands.  My eyes welled with tears and when I would look skyward, an occasional droplet would begin its trek down my cheek only to succumb to the warm breeze before it could escape too far.

Our world is confused.  I beg to ask if Shilen has her hands in this.  Troops of new and young warriors march through Talking Island, Gludio, Dion and every other village, town and city.  They work as if with no emotion, taking over our lands and reducing the need for those of us who rely on the hunt to provide for ourselves.  They are guided by an unseen hand and relentlessly and tirelessly do their bidding for whomever their master is.  Trying to stop their action is met with swift retribution by those unseen to us.  Sadness and frustration is in our time, and with such times, come the loss of those we trust, love, look to and count on.

In my hands I held my latest correspondence from Cerridwenn and Merithwen with their decision to…to pass on to another realm.  It is a bittersweet time.  Bitter due to the loss, and yet, sweet due to their new adventure.

It was not too long ago that my brother and sister met a similar fate, yet in their case it was not of their decision.  None the less, they found themselves where Cerridwenn and Merithwen now travel – Aelae’s Paes or in common tongue, Eva’s Dream.  And I can smile on that thought.

Aelae’s Paes is a world created by Eva during a time of turmoil in her life.  It is a place of peace she uses to escape and a place for all souls that have disconnected with earth.  All of the living beings were created for comfort and companionship.  The wind is her voice as she sings and recites poetry.  Everything that will surround these two was created to offer music to accompany her songs.  As beautiful and grand as the Garden of Eva is, it pales in comparison to Aelae’s Paes which is nothing more than a small and simple globe hidden inside a satchel which Eva carries with her.

Here they will know the brilliance of the sun like they have never seen and cleanliness in the air that is both freeing and exhilarating.  The fields seem like endless waves of green with ripples of colorful flowers.  The towns and cities marry an elfish flair with the surrounding nature.  They will delight in the peace her world offers.

Change.  She once again has taken my hand and once again, as with Isidrel, I let her take Cerridwenn’s and Merithwen’s letter from my hand to guide them on their journey.

I am sure I will see them again whether if be here on earth or when my time has come and I take my leave of earth and travel to Aelae’s Paes and then, I too, can delight in what my family and friends have experienced.

Until then my dear Cerridwenn and Merithwen, be well, take care of each other and safe adventures.

~~Dendrielle Okkoppi Azures