Into the Past (Solo)

[Blythe]

Winter 81, 511 AV

Blythe glided across the bed of white. The blanket of newly fallen snow. It seemed to glisten in the pale sunlight. Whatever made its way past the darkened sky. The thick, grey clouds which hung there ominously, threatening the world with more. Deep tracks left behind, nothing going forward. No one to walk into. No one's steps to walk alongside. The world was quiet. Riverfall was quiet. The Konti supposed that this day, so unlike many of the others she had endured in this place, was this way because of the weather. The way Zulrav loomed overhead, threatening mankind with one of his violent storms. His rage.

As the winter chill nipped at Blythe's nose, she pulled her cloak up over her head, holding its ends against her cool skin, as she tilted her head down towards her feet. She hoped the hood wouldn't be blown away. That she wouldn't be blown away, as Zulrav breathed, over and over, scattering the snow, the fabric of her dress. Her cloak. Sending them billowing out around her, along with the ends of her blonde hair. She could hear them whipping around violently, as they were tossed about, as though they were little more than the god's playthings.

Perhaps I should have stayed in today, Blythe thought, as she eased herself through the elements. But she had been in no mood. Riverfall, even in its current state, was a beautiful place, and she wanted to see it all. Not only that, but she wanted to get away from the inner workings of the place, which oftentimes made her feel somewhat confined, and stuffy. Add to the fact that each moment she spent away was another moment she could spend looking for Kariha, and to her, there seemed no reason to remain inside where she was kept from the fresh air, and fresh faces.

Be that as it may, it was pretty petching cold out, and Blythe was finding more and more as time wore on, that it was getting quite difficult to keep herself warm. Her body began to tremble as she wiggled her toes, trying to make sure that she didn't lose feeling in them completely. Or at the very least, worn another layer of clothing.

[Blythe]

The Konti sighed as she eased herself along, listening to the sound of the wind whipping everything around her, sending flurries of snow through the air. She imagined what it would be like to sit inside, by a fire. Warm. In a dry set of clothes. What it would be like to have a blanket strewn over her lap, and a cup of tea to warm her hands. Her eyes sparkled as she kept on walking. That's what she would do as soon as she got back; make herself a cup of tea, and perhaps read the leaves, just for practice. Although she was in no mood for fortunes. Not after her meeting with V'nessi earlier in the season.

Sighing again, Blythe shuddered. She hated thinking about that day. The warning. The task at hand. How she would more than likely fail. After all, she hadn't so much as managed to find Kariha yet. Or hear word of her on anyone's lips, and she had been within the city's walls for days.

All Blythe had seen was the occasional Nakivak, others of her kind, but never the katana mistress. Akalaks, the occasional drykas. But never whom she needed. But how surprised could she truly be, within the walls of a city quite so grand?

Sighing once more, the Konti kept on walking. Picking up the pace so her bones would be all the less likely to freeze. As she squinted, past the snow that fell on a slant. The snow that dotted her pale lashes, as though they were sprinkled bits of glitter, she could see a group of people off in the distance. As she looked at them, she could pick apart those with darker skin. In shades of blue and green. Those with far paler, like her own. Blonde and brown hair. Local women, and those of her isle.

Maybe one of them knows something about Kariha, Blythe thought, as she hurried towards them, and wove herself into their midst. Waving shyly, as if to welcome herself, and exclaim that she meant no harm. Some of the men smiled to her, as did some of the other women. "It's a bit cold out today. For a gathering especially. What are you all doing out here?" Blythe asked. Most of the members in the group shrugged, as though denoting it were obvious, or perhaps, not so out of place. "Well, do any of you know Kariha? The katana mistress from the suvai pavilion back in Mura?" she asked. "I have been looking for her for days and can't seem to find her anywhere."

A woman in the back smiled. "I do. She stays with me. She said she'd be out soon for a walk, and would find us all here."

Blythe nodded. "Thank you," she whispered, as she huddled with the other masses, in an attempt to lock in a little more heat, now that her teeth were chattering.

[Blythe]

Nearly a full bell later...

Another of Blythe's kind approached the circle. She had fair hair, a shade similar to Blythe's own, tightly swept up into a ponytail. Long flowing, dark robes, and pale skin, which seemed to shimmer in the snow. Her hand rested atop the hilt of a dark katana. "Kariha," Blythe whispered, as she peered around the broad shoulders of one of the nearest Akalak. She could feel her heart fluttering. Pounding in her chest. Finally, the woman she had been looking for was found. She could rest a bit easier now, knowing the woman was still alive and well.

Hardly capable of containing her excitement, Blythe wove through the gathering throng, and lifted her hand to Kariha's shoulder, to get her attention. "Hello Kariha," Blythe whispered, as she dropped her hand, spurring the older Konti to turn and face her.

"Blythe!" Kariha commented with wide eyes. "What are you doing here?" she asked.

"Looking for you actually," Blythe replied.

"Oh?" Kariha asked, as her brow raised.

Blythe nodded. "V'nessi sent me. She said something awful would happen if you hurt anybody here. If you went through with this. I know how much he meant to you, and still does." Blythe paused, and looked down at the ground. "Your lover, but we must go back without him, or we both face exile. The matriarch said she'd try to help us. But we must go back, or forever face the consequences of our actions. My failure, my inability to convince you, and your, rashness as the wise one sees it. We cannot risk that, can we? Not when we both have families? Not when there is still time to think this through, and work with a few more... resources..."

For a long time, Kariha said nothing, as her head fell. The area seemed silent, save for the incessant howl of the wind. Like a lone, pained wolf. "Go... back?" she finally whispered, prompting a nod from Blythe.

"We must," she whispered.