56th of Summer, 515
The weather was bright and warm in spite of the light shower that had passed the day before. People hustled and bustled their way through the city as always, but they did so with an extra bounce to their step. Maybe it was because of the recreational airs that seemed to stir with Syna's peaking influence. Or maybe it was because of this very same, sometimes stifling influence that people were a little more eager than usual to get to where they needed to be--to where there was shade and coolness. Whatever the reason, it had daily life within those formidable walls bursting with energy.
But one such Syliran was not in the most radiant of moods, in spite of her namesake and famous good cheer.
Instead, she sat against the shade of her wheelbarrow, uncharacteristically silent and alone. A blanket had been spread for her wares as usual, but it was empty. There was none of the typical sounds or sights that normally accompanied Sina's wheelbarrow either. No music, no enthusiastic conversation, no paints and brushes spread haphazardly as she added a new embellishment to one of her instruments.
Those passing by might just assume that the owner of Wildwood Music was merely taking a break. The season was warm, after all, and no one would fault Sina for resting in the shadow of her wheelbarrow while noon blazed merrily overhead.
But then more time would pass, and people began to wonder. Midday heat eventually gave way to evening cool. The rest of the regular merchants at the bazaar were looking to pack their wares once Syna dipped below the horizon from view, and yet one of the best known musicians and storytellers within Syliras remained where she sat. Quiet, forlorn, and staring seemingly at nothing.
A few passerby's would stop to ask if Sina was alright. She would put on a good face, beaming up at them and assuring these kind folk that there was absolutely nothing to worry about. She was merely resting, was all. But the moment they walked away with a nod and smile her face would settle back into that weary, hollow expression of grief. Of confusion and loss. Had anyone who knew Sina well truly took the time to look they would find it utterly unbefitting of her shining personality.
It wasn't until the very last merchants and wanderers had left that the musician allowed herself to weep. She did so silently, but her shoulders shook and her head was bowed in sorrow. Sina was so lost in her pain that she would not have noticed anything, neither heard the sound of footsteps approaching nor felt the presence of another unless touched.
But one such Syliran was not in the most radiant of moods, in spite of her namesake and famous good cheer.
Instead, she sat against the shade of her wheelbarrow, uncharacteristically silent and alone. A blanket had been spread for her wares as usual, but it was empty. There was none of the typical sounds or sights that normally accompanied Sina's wheelbarrow either. No music, no enthusiastic conversation, no paints and brushes spread haphazardly as she added a new embellishment to one of her instruments.
Those passing by might just assume that the owner of Wildwood Music was merely taking a break. The season was warm, after all, and no one would fault Sina for resting in the shadow of her wheelbarrow while noon blazed merrily overhead.
But then more time would pass, and people began to wonder. Midday heat eventually gave way to evening cool. The rest of the regular merchants at the bazaar were looking to pack their wares once Syna dipped below the horizon from view, and yet one of the best known musicians and storytellers within Syliras remained where she sat. Quiet, forlorn, and staring seemingly at nothing.
A few passerby's would stop to ask if Sina was alright. She would put on a good face, beaming up at them and assuring these kind folk that there was absolutely nothing to worry about. She was merely resting, was all. But the moment they walked away with a nod and smile her face would settle back into that weary, hollow expression of grief. Of confusion and loss. Had anyone who knew Sina well truly took the time to look they would find it utterly unbefitting of her shining personality.
It wasn't until the very last merchants and wanderers had left that the musician allowed herself to weep. She did so silently, but her shoulders shook and her head was bowed in sorrow. Sina was so lost in her pain that she would not have noticed anything, neither heard the sound of footsteps approaching nor felt the presence of another unless touched.