She's Hearing Voices

[elainsie]

OOC:Ok I was not entirely sure where to put this; it's meant to be some random cothold near some non-descript Hold so I am putting it randomly here, sorry! Oh and the song is Bloc Party ^^

It was the type of day only those suffering from insanity, or the very fearless, would dare to venture outside their door to brave the elements. The sky was the murky color that dishwater becomes after leaving dirty dishes to soak, blending into the inky darkness of the ocean that spread out towards the horizon, its depths hidden from view. Big fat droplets feel from the sky, darkening the coarse sand and wiping away the footprints that had been left by the solitary figure that traversed the vast expanse of beach.

Funnily enough the girl was neither brave nor addled of the wits, although if her father's beahviour was anything to go by you would be excused for thinking perhaps the trait was hereditary.

Cerina shivered as the wind bit at her flesh, sending strands of short dark hair into her face which she pushed back behind her ears. The young woman huddled deeper into her coat, not prepared to make her way back home yet, willing herself to forget about the cold to concentrate on putting one foot after the other.

On careful consideration perhaps it was insanity that had had her flee from her cothold, not her own but that of her father. She loved the man so fiercely it was like a dull ache in her chest, and yet there was only so much she could cope with at any given time. Ceri knew that to remain pleasant and calm she needed such a break evey now and then, just to mull over her thoughts and get the tears to subside. It hurt her so much to think what her father may have been like had her mother....**No Ceri, don't think like that. You can't know what he was like before, and even if you did he would not be your father then, would he?** She reasoned with herself, preventing her thoughts from spiralling down. She had to remain positive, upbeat. After all he was not always like this, no he had his moments of lucidity, in fact they could last for almost days now.

Without having realised Cerina's feet had brought her to her desired destination. She stood in the shadow of a large cliff that towered above her, that hung suspended over a small cove that boasted a solitary, barnacle covered rock. Cerina had been coming here for Turns, it was her special spot, her sanctuary when the world become just a bit too hard. After leaving she would feel the calm descend upon her, as if it was a garment tailored particularly for her, come away with her perspective rightened again; after all there were many worse off than her, in the grand scheme of things her tribulations were insignificant.

Cerina reached out a hand to grab a familiar ridge to haul her curvacous body up on the rock, right foot lifted to help her scramble atop. Despite her weight she was rather nimble however it seemed fate was not on her side today. Perhaps it was because of the rain that the large rock had become overly slippery, or perhaps it was the plume of water, a result of a large white capped wave crashing into the rock, that obscured her vision but whatever it was Cerina lost her grip just as she neared the upper most point. She tried to grab a hold on her descent down, only recieving for her efforts a number of cuts as the barnacles cut into her pale flesh and the jagged edges of the rock sliced at her hands and legs.

With a splash she fell into the water that had been slowly ebbing closer to the rock, not having noticed how it crept closer and closer until it embraced the large stone in its cool embrace.

Cerina felt a moments worth of terror, she could not swim, her father had prevented her from ever learning so she would never venture near the ocean. And yet in her folly the lack of this ability would likely be the death of her. No one knew where she had gone, all the boats and fishing craft were safely tied up, no one stupid enough to challenge the seas in such atrocious weather. She was utterly and entirely alone.

Try as she did her clothes were hampering her, resisting her efforts to keep her head above water, and all too soon she was being pulled under, as wave after wave pummeled her. And if anyone was to have looked, where Cerina had been moments ago there was now unbroken water as the girl sank to a watery death.

[Desert]

The weather may have been turbulent at the surface, but far below where the pressures were unfit for any but true marine life, the seas were much more clement. The young siryn Skailaranth, with an escort of two sevrill (whom she knew to be head-over-heels for her), was out on an expedition. It was a Search, technically, but Skaila didn't intent to find much in the way of possible candidates. She had just wanted to get out of the Weyr! So she had convinced two of her fan-club to act as bodyguards and set off to explore around.

The trip had been fairly usual, which in Skai's book meant boring, until the trio of dragons noticed the seas stirring up over their heads, lashed by rising weather. The younger, more high-strung of the sevrill suggested that they turn back, at which both Skai and the older sevrill chuckled. There will be fewer people out now, so it makes us safer. Just relax, Kirth.[/b][/color]

Skai had been drifting closer to the surface so she could frisk in the more turbulent waters, followed by her escorts, when suddenly the older of the sevrill looked up sharply. He informed his two companions that there was a human girl in the water. She looked to be in distress. Humans were clumsy swimmers, but this one looked especially uncoordinated. Skaila fetched the sevrill a rap on the frill, retorting that not all humans floundered about like newborns -- like her rider, especially compared to Gannith's almost hydrophobic Mine -- and that this one might be in trouble, so go easy.

Gannith huffed indignantly, and Skai took that chance to zip from between the two sevrill and approach the half-drowned human girl. Were you never taught to swim, little one?[/b][/color] she inquired of Ceri. The siryn came up underneath Cerina, letting the girl rest on her shoulders in much the same place as her rider sat, and began slowly paddling for the surface. The waters this close were especially violent; Skai cupped her wings as best she could around Ceri, in order to keep her in place and not swept away by the wild current.

Skaila ignored the protests of her two bodyguards and hovered not far from the surface, gathering herself for a quick surge of power. Hold on very tightly, little one![/b][/color] Mightly sweeps of her powerful tail and strokes from her wings sent the dainty siryn arrowing up through the water, and with Cerina still on her back, Skailaranth breached free of the heaving ocean. Her momentum was such that it only took a few quick thrusts from her wings to maintain that trajectory, and the siryn made a smooth transition from water to air. Skai couldn't resist a warble of smug triumph, for being one of the only type of dragon in Atlanopolis with the power of flight.

Her sevrill escorts were beside themselves, of course, for now that she was airborne how could they protect her? I'll be fine, geniuses, i can outfly pretty much anything around here! You know I'm one of the best fliers in the Weyr. I'll meet you back there, I want to take this one back.[/b][/color] Reluctantly, Kirth and Gannith turned back, leaving the siryn to take her candidate back alone.

Ah, it felt so good to stretch her wings! Skai cut her flight short, for the moment, and landed daintily on the clifftop. That was a close call! What is your name, little one? I am Skailaranth, but I prefer Skaila or Skai. My rider is Iryss, and we hail from Atlanopolis Weyr.[/b][/color] The siryn crouched down to help Ceri dismount. She surely looked odd, walking on the knuckles of her wings, since she lacked the proper forelegs that most dragons possessed. Skaila gaped a friendly grin at the girl and blew her warm, sweet breath over Cerina's face. The gills just behind her jaw were hard to see, given how tightly they were closed now that Skai was breathing with her lungs.
[/size]

[elainsie]

Her lungs ached fiercely as she tried, and failed, to reach the surface and the precious air her body so craved. Her head started to feel fuzzy and Cerina could no longer tell which way was up and which way was down, yet she kicked and thrashed in the water, churning it up with her wild movements, not ready to give in yet. From what she could tell there was only her, suspended in this black expanse, almost as if she was caught between, and yet surely if that was the case should she not be able to breath?

Her body tiring from her exhertions, Cerina's efforts to find the surface became more feeble, her mind only just holding onto rational thought, every minute that passed bringing her closer to the edge of unconsciousness. Ceri thought she really must be dead when the vision of Iryss approached her. The girl had never seen anything as remarkable, never seen a dragon, if it in fact it was that for what dragon swam in the depths of the ocean, of such an enchanting indigo. Of course it must be a figment of her imagination, a delusion derived from her delirious state. Or perhaps it was a creature that would take her onto whatever the next stage was. Who knew, for dead men were in no position to inform those they left behind.

Ceri wrapped aching arms around the creature, whatever exactly it was as she was in no position to spurn any help. Too relieved to no longer be fighting the pull of the ocean and her body weight, too tired to be thinking coherantly she replied to the beautiful, musical voice inside her head without a thought to its source. No, I was never taught. My dad thought it best, so I didn't go near the ocean and drown like my mother. She knew how to swim and yet she still drowned, the words babbled from her, a result of the compelling tone the Siryn's mind-voice held. I wish I could swim though. It would be so wonderful to be able to.

The wings folding around her were like a warm embrace, and despite what had passed mere moments before and the incessant burning sensation in her chest, Cerina almost felt safe. Instinctively Cerina did as the Siryn bid her to, tightening her arms around the dragon's neck as they broke the veil of water the girl taking in deep breaths of the frigid air, it burning her trachea as it passed to her lungs. And yet it was the most wonderful feeling, to be able to breath easily once again.

It was only then Cerina realised they were soaring through the air the wind whipping her hair into a frenzy yet again, the beach beneath her. Her eyes widened in astomishment, though it seemed her guess had been confirmed. She really was on a dragon, her first dragon ever. Have I died? She asked in a rather incrdulous tone, unaware that she had voiced the question out loud.

Ceri could nit fight back the pan of disappointment when they came to a landing on the cliff, when the Siryn bent low to allow her to scramble off her back. However she did so, if a little reluctantly, brushing the dragon with her fingertips as if to reassure herself that this was not just a dream.

And then there was the voice again, so rich, so melodious, Ceri had never heard such a wonderful tone before. Thank you...for saving me. Cerina realised from the Siryn's words that she was in fact, miraciously, still alive. I am Cerina, I live in that cothold, she pointed to the dark building in the distance. Her brow creased as she mulled over the dragons words, the name of the Weyr was unfamiliar to her. Why was that? Where is Atlanopolis? She asked, confusion etched all over her face. I have never heard of such a Weyr, never seen a dragon as glorious as yourself before. True, Ceri lived a rather secluded life, however her father made sure, in his moments of sanity, that she was well-read, that she knew of the world she lived in, and that included the Weyrs whose duty it was to protect Pern.

[Desert]

Skaila squinted against the wind that buffeted the two beings standing on the exposed clifftop. She was impervious to the chill that tried to penetrate her hide, as was any dragon, but she saw that her human companion was soaked to the bone and probably cold. The gentle siryn looped one wing around the girl and drew her close, sheltering Ceri from the wind and letting the warmth of her indigo-and-magenta hide start drying the girl's clothes. It would be bad to let this girl catch a chill just getting to the Weyr -- it would be enough of a flight, at a respectable altitude, exposed to the wind, that if her passenger was damp she would surely become very cold.

Well, perhaps you shall get the opportunity to learn to swim,[/b][/color] Skai told Cerina, still smiling at the girl. Iryss had always been willing to help teach new candidates to swim, if they lacked that skill. It was a good one to have when one lived in Atlanopolis.

Skaila chuckled at Ceri's obvious confusion. Of course she wouldn't know about Atlanopolis! Atlanopolis lies to the south of here, near the big island that sits on the southern coast of the continent. If our histories are correct, we split off from the old Ista Weyr many Turns ago. We have been cut off from the rest of Pern for a long time -- as you can obviously see from the way its native dragons look![/b][/color] Skai tossed her head and laughed again, her smile widening into a silly grin. Thank you for the compliment, though. We siryn do tend to consider ourselves particularly beautiful examples of our species.[/b][/color] She winked playfully.

Who are you talking to, love? Iryss called, her mind-voice slightly faint from distance.

Kirth and Gannith will tell all when they get back, but I have found a possible candidate for us. She was about to drown, poor thing. She can't swim,[/b][/color] Skai replied.

Iryss sent to her dragon a wave of approval. If you get her here, I'll teach her. Does she live by the coast? When Skai showed her rider the image of the tiny cothold and passed on what Ceri had told her, she felt a flash of exasperation from Iryss. What fool lives by the sea and doesn't let his daughter learn to swim?

Skaila trilled a fond chuckle at Iryss' irritation. How like her.

If the child almost drowned, dear, then don't make her stand there dripping! She's probably fairly exhausted, Iryss scolded, though her mental tone held nothing but affection.

The siryn tilted her head, as if to roll her eyes, and turned her attention back to the girl cupped in one wing. Mine is so silly,[/b][/color] she commented conspiratorially, gaping another grin. Iryss commented dryly that Skai could be just as silly, to which Skai retorted that silliness made life fun. Then, Skai curled her wing under Cerina, scooping the girl's feet out from under her. In the same moment the siryn folded her hind legs under her, holding her free wing out for balance, and sat Ceri down with the membrane of Skai's wing between the cool, damp ground and her body, still shielding her from the wind's bite.

Sorry if I startled you, Cerina, but this is more comfortable for both of us. We need to wait around a bit for you to dry off. After that, though, I have an offer to make you.[/b][/color] Skai, in her typical mischievous nature, said no more about what her offer was, and left it hanging at that.
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[elainsie]

Cerina nodded her foggy head, her mind starting to wander, and it was with great effort that she reined her thoughts back on to the topic at hand. She was so weary, she just wanted to sleep, her muscles hardly responng to her as she tried to move. The girl crouched down, almost stumbled, into the shelter Skaila provided, legs curled behind her, as she rested her head on the lovely warm hide of the Siryn. Cerina could not think clearly enough, let alone explain, what was so comforting about this mysterious dragon, why she felt as if perhaps something she had been missing was now found.

Rather than analyse this Ceri was content to remain as she was, trying to fight back the violent shivers that wracked her drenched body, her dark, water-soaked hair sending rivulets of water to run down her already soaking back. Her lips trembled too, however the colour was coming back, no longer where they the startling blue they had been when Skaila had first wrenched the drowning girl from the ocean's depths.

She shook her head as the Siryn spoke again, the movement sluggish due to her stiff neck, I wish I could, she repeated, But dad would be so hurt if I went against his wishes. And it's best if I don't set him off. He's so much worse when he thinks I am in danger. Cerina gazed off in the vague direction of the cothold she shared with her father, wondering whether the man would be starting to get anxious as a result of her abscence. She really should leave, make the trek back while the rain was subsided and yet she could not nuster the energy to stand up, let alone walk the distance that spanned between the clifftop and her home.

Who wouldn't think you are beautiful? But why do you keep yourselves away form the rest of the Weyrs? Why don't you attend Gathers and Games with the rest of them? Cerina had never been to a Gather or been a spectator when the dragons of the different Weyrs pitted themselves against one another, but she had heard from those who had been and her father had told her stories form his youth about such events. Do you have riders too? Cerina queried, wonedering if that was perhaps the reason these dragons kept themselves secluded.

The Siryn's movement caused her stomach to lurch dangerously, Cerina afraid that the ground beneath her was slipping from underneath, and she looked around anxiously for a hold to stop herself from sliding away. Instead her fingers met a membranous material, and it was at the Siryn's reassuring words she allowed herself to breath again. An offer? What could this beautiful dragon have to offer to her? This piquing of her interest was enough for Ceri to fight the fatigue for the moment as she awaited the Siryn's next words.

[Desert]

Skai wrapped her other wing around Ceri's shivering body. Poor girl, the icy waters had really taken a toll on her. Skai debated whether to let her return to the warmth and safety of her home and recover from the ordeal before taking her back to the Weyr. It wouldn't do to make the girl turn hypothermic on the way there! The gentle siryn tucked her head into the cocoon she had formed of her wings and rested her muzzle on the girl's head, blowing her warm breath into Ceri's damp hair.

At the girl's curiosity, despite her obvious exhaustion, Skaila had to smile. The reason we stay apart, little one, is because we simply cannot mingle with the other Weyrs, not anymore. You probably haven't gotten the chance to notice, but I am made more for swimming than flying. Siryn are the only dragons native to Atlanopolis who can fly. The rest of them are swimmers and swimmers only. Our Weyr is deep under the ocean, and there are only two ways in and out: by the sea, but that is so deep that it would crush surface-dwellers, and one air-vent that only a siryn can negotiate.[/b][/color] Skaila chuckled. And yes, we all have riders. I told you Mine's name -- she is Iryss.[/b][/color] The siryn showed Ceri an image of a grinning Iryss.

The way the girl perked up at the hint made Skaila smirk. Yes, perhaps this one would come with her after all! What would you say, Cerina, if I told you that you could become a rider at Atlanopolis? You see, we have to get candidates for our Hatchings from the outside, since our own weyrfolk aren't always enough to satisfy the hatchlings.[/b][/color] Skai chuckled, then put on her best siryn persuading tone. Cajolingly, she nosed Ceri's shoulder and gazed into the girl's eyes. Atlanopolis is such a beautiful place, I know you would love it. Everyone we Search from the outside does -- you can ask Mine, she came from the North, just like you. Please, Cerina? We need for people like you to help us keep a strong population. I'm certain that there is an unborn dragon down there, waiting for you. Maybe it will be a siryn like me, and she will be the most beautiful siryn in the Weyr.[/b][/color]

Iryss, half-listening to her dragon's attempts, smiled nostalgically. It reminded her of the siryn that had originally Searched her -- that nigh-irresistible honey-sweet voice, painting idyllic pictures in her mind's eye. How could anyone in their right mind say no, especially to her lovely Skaila?

The siryn in question gaped a smile at Ceri. I won't pressure you to make a decision right now, little Cerina. If you want to sleep on it, reassure your father, that's fine. You are exhausted and cold, and the trip to the Weyr is a long one flying straight. We of Atlanopolis can range far from Ours, but we never between riderless.[/b][/color] Skai watched Ceri's expression avidly, searching for a sign of acquiescence.

ooc; shorter, but Melpomene tires more quickly of fluff than of angst.[/size]

[elainsie]

Her cheeks coloured despite the pallor as a result of her ordeal. Oh you did, didn't you? She shook her head as if by doing so the confusion would dissipate, Sorry, I forogt. I'm not thinking as clearly as I usually do. I promise I'm not as thick-headed as I may seem now. And then as an added thought, Nor am I this talkative. Although I don't think I am making much sense Ceri gave a small smile and then ducked her head in embarassment.

The warm breath of the Siryn against her hair was so wonderful it almost sent her dozing off, Cerina felt so warm and secure, but then the dragon spoke again. There would be time enough for sleeping later, but this she was sure had a limited time span, who knew when she would get such a chance again?

However the Siryn's next words suggested otherwise, and the girl had to prevent her jaw from falling open in astonishment, fearful that she would look like a simpleton. You want me as a Candidate? But I can't swim, how would I live in the ocean? And yet despite her protest she could not fight the pride she felt at the Siryn's words, that such a marvellous creature would even think she was fit to Impress one as herself. It was the highest compliment she had ever received and it brough a beatific smile to her face. You really mean that?

But then her face fell, how could she have forgotten her father? The thrill and excitement had gotten the better of her, but Cerina had to accept the harsh reality that she could never leave her father. He depended on her, she was his whole life, and he hers. Cerina knew implicitly that should she accept this offer, should she choose to live beneath the waves in what could only be the most beautiful of Weyrs, her father would be pushed beyond the brink. His sanity tethered at the best of times, Ceri ever cautious not to upset the balance.

I wish I could say yes, I want to say yes, but I don't think I can. I want nothing more than to join you at Atlanopolis, as she thought the word it sounded so right, Would love to see the other dragons you speak of however I have a responsibility here.

And yet the Siryn's words, while not forceful, were cajoling nonetheless, speaking to her of such wonders that were beyond her imagination. Cerina was torn between duty and desire, trying to find a solution that would suit everyone. After all this indecisiveness was very uncharacteristic, she usually had no problem making up her mind. But then again she had never been faced with such a decision, one that could potentially change her future.

Would you mind if I did return to my father and gave you an answer tomorrow? Perhaps if I talk to him he may understand. He only ever wants what is best for me. Cerina twisted her hands in her lap. Unfortunately what Arven thought was best, and what actually was could often be two quite different things.

[Desert]

Skai rumbled a soft chuckle at the girl's muddle-headed state and exhaled gently into Ceri's hair again. She didn't blame Cerina for being a bit delirious, considering what she'd recently gone through. Humans, though they could do many wonderful things in their own element, were sadly out of place when they ventured into the water. Even ones like HerIryss, who had been born and raised in and around the sea, were still ill-suited to an aquatic life. Especially the mercurial, often savage ocean was dangerous to an unwary human.

The Weyr itself is more like the Weyrs you are used to than you would think. After all, not all of our riders are very good swimmers. Like my friend Gannith, a sevrill -- His won't even go into water that's more than waist-deep! Besides, if you do come, we can teach you. Mine has already agreed to, in fact. Iryss is a good teacher, and she knows water like a farmer knows the earth.[/b][/color]

Skaila's eyes spun with excited shades of blue and green, as she extolled her Weyr to the hesitant girl. Do I mean it, of course I do! Do you think I would have made the offer if I did not mean it? We don't just want you there, Cerina, we need you. Siryn like me are excellent Searchers, and I saw much promise in you from the moment I spotted you. All you have to do is get on my back and hang on, and then you could see just how wonderful Atlanopolis really is.[/b][/color] Skailaranth was very proud of her Weyr. Perhaps her opinion was biased, but it was her opinion that Atlanopolis was the best Weyr ever to grace Pern with its existence.

Skai tried not to be disappointed when Ceri seemed to hesitate, but it still showed in the slowing spin of her eyes and the way the bright colors became muted and dull. The siryn almost seemed to deflate a little. Of course. I do hope you decide to come with me, Cerina. But if you choose not to, that's fine as well. It is your decision, I won't steal you away unwillingly. I will wait in the waters below this cliff until the sun sets tomorrow, but then I will have to go back to my home.[/b][/color] At least it wasn't an outright no, but that didn't stop Skai from saddening slightly. She tilted her slim head to rasp her tongue over Ceri's cheek in a parting caress. The wind has died a bit and you are mostly dry -- you should head back. Remember, Cerina, I shall wait until tomorrow's nightfall. Until then, little one.[/b][/color]

Skai slowly uncurled her wings from around the girl as she stood. She watched Ceri wistfully, then turned and dove into the choppy waters to await the verdict.
[/size]

[elainsie]

Cerina nodded her head wistfully at the Siryn's words, trying to keep the smile on her face from wavering. There was still a chance she could join the lovely Siryn and her rider at Atlanopolis, perhaps her father would be lucid when she returned, able to see reason. She knew they were long odds and yet she had to cling to it.

The problem was deep down, even though she would never admit it, while she craved for freedom a part of her clung to the life she knew, the familiar; her father who for which her life had revolved aound since she could remember. After all even if she did agree to Atlanopolis there was no surety she would Impress, was there?

Thank you for your kind words and for understanding, I do not doubt you speak the truth. I will see you tomorrow then. She started to walk off, giving one more reluctant look behind her at the beautiful dragon.

She made her way, as quickly as her legs would allow in their stiffened state, back to the cothold. As she approached she noticed her father wondering around in the small garden out front, a frown of concern crossing her face. "Dad, what are you doing?" Her voice was calm and controlled as she approached. "Dad?" She said again as she received no response form the once Harper.

"She's gone, she left me. They both did, they were taken by the ocean and now I am all alone." His tone was so forlorn, the tall man huddled in on himself in such a way that it nearly broke Cerina's heart.

Ceri shook her head her words carrying despite the wicked wind which threatened to steal them from her mouth, knowing of who her father spoke of, "I have not gone anywhere dad, see I am here, I just went for a walk," no need to alarm him with all that had happened since she left, "But now I am back. I'll never leave you, you won't eve be alone." She reached an arm out to touch her dad's shoulder gently, her other one holding his own. "See, I am here I won't be going anywhere," she reassured the man, that crazed look in his eye only partially subsiding. "Please dad, come inside, it's too cold to be wandering out here, and I'm hungry. I'll get us something to eat," she ushered the man inside, coaxing him into the hold.

In that instant Cerina knew her decision had been made for her, she could not leave her father, especially considering how he was currently acting. No, she would keep on going as she had been before, and after tomorrow when she informed the Siryn that she would be remaining at the cothold, Cerina would not allow herself to dwell on what may have been, not give another thought to the lovely Skai's generous, yet impossible, offer.

OOC:Ok so maybe she won't go to Atlanopolis....but now the idea is in her head....

[Desert]

The young sevrill Kirth, after much pestering and after slipping out despite Skaila's warning otherwise, had rejoined the siryn in her vigil. She had rolled her eyes at his antics, though secretly pleased at his concern for her welfare, and mock-reluctantly gave in to his persistence. Kirth had accompanied her in a brief excursion into deeper waters to feed, and lingered with Skai in the breakers for Ceri's return. He had at first made several comments that if this girl was so uncertain as to keep her Searcher waiting for an entire night and day, then perhaps she wasn't worth Searching. But Skaila, whose usually unflappable temper had been frayed a bit by a combination of the suspense and exasperation over Kirth's presence and attitude, had sharply reprimanded the young sevrill that he wasn't a Searchdragon and didn't have to hang about if he didn't want to.

Skailaranth clambered onto the very rock off of which Cerina had slipped the day before, spreading her wings to get in a but of sunning, and kept one keen eye on the distant cothold. Her indigo hide was actually more effective than one might have thought at blending in with the dark rock -- from a distance, she was barely visible. Kirth swam in lazy circles around the craggy outcrop, unwilling to surface though his own bluey hide was probably even better camouflage than the siryn's vivid purple.

Around midday, Skai began to get impatient. She had watched the traffic within the cothold and knew Ceri was inside, so she sent a little tendril of thought inside, to seek out the girl. The first mind the encountered was, in fact, Arven: it fascinated the siryn to let her thoughts rest on his and learn about her possible candidate's caretaker. What she learned gave her new perspective: the man was clearly not in his proper mind, which made it no wonder to Skai why his daughter was so hesitant to leave. She crooned sympathetically as she turned her attention back to finding Ceri.

When she did, Skaila touched the girl's mind gently. I cannot linger much longer, little one. Come out and see me -- if you choose not to come to Atlanopolis, I would like to at least bid you a proper good-bye.[/b][/color] Wistful longing accompanied Skai's words, along with an image of the rock on which the siryn was perched, to show Ceri where to go.

Kirth remarked, with no little scathing, that Skai was quite the ham. Skai snorted at the young sevrill's comment, though since it was true that she could be a drama queen at times, she didn't reply. She simply remained on her sea-washed watch-ledge and waited for Cerina to appear, and reveal whether or not she would be bringing home a new candidate.
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[elainsie]

From the darkness that engulfed Cerina's room it was evident that the day had barely began. Ceri knew if she got up now, despite the early hour, she could explain to Skai why she could not become a Candidate at Atlanopolis before her father noticed her disappearance and grew anxious. Ever since her return the previous afternoon, her father had been reluctant to let her out of his sight. She slipped out of her bed silently, unshielding a glow part way, as she made her way to the outer room.

However the light feel upon the forlorn figure of her father, propped up in a chair, as he stared at some image that was only visible to him. Ceri felt her heart sink, it was highly unlikely she could pass her father unnoticed. Instead she crossed over to him, sinking to a crouch in front of him. "Dad, why have you not gone to bed? Have you been here the whole night?" She searched for a sign of sanity in eyes that mirrored her own, but instead she recognised that gleam, that haunted look that bode ill.

"I could not sleep, if I feel asleep they would have come and stole her away. Taken her from me like they took my Ili. Please, help me look after her. Help me ensure they don't lay their hands on her. I can't lose her. Please!" His last cry held such sorrow, such desperation, the plee reverbrating around the silent room. He grabbed Ceri's hand crushing the delicate bones beneath his own. Ceri tried to wriggle her hand free but Arven only held on tighter.

"Dad, you're hurting me. Please let go," she kept her voice measured and controlled, Ceri had learnt this was the best tactic when Arven became crazed, he did not respond well to shouting and crying. "I'm not going anywhere, no one is stealing me away. Mum drowned, no one took her, and I am here. But dad you have to let go." Tears were brimming in her eyes as a result of the pain, Ceri trying to keep her breathing under control, until blessedly Arven relented. "Thank you," she said quietly, as she assessed the damage to her hands.

"Now how about some breakfast?" Her tone was light, bordering on as if the previous incident had not occurred. Not waiting for an answer, Ceri picked herself up of the floor and made her way to the small kitchen to begin the preparation.

The morning dragged on after that, the one time Ceri had ventured outside to get more wood to feed the fire Arven had become so irrational it had taken the better part of an hour to calm the man down. It was with resignation Cerina accepted she would not get the chance to talk ro the Siryn, not get a chance to at least say goodbye and thank her again.

The morning was approaching its end when Arven started raving for no reason Ceri could determine. Not that this was that unusual, but it could be unnerving, even after the number of Turns Cerina had been accustomed to it. She had just been about to ask the man to try and explain himself for the third time when the Siryn's voice brushed her mind.

Please don't wait for me, I can't leave my father alone, he needs me. I am so sorry to have wasted your time, her voice was apologetic and wistful but determined. It was so wonderful to meet you, and I am indebted to you, you saved my life and yet I can't repay you in kind. Take care sweet Skai, and thank you.