Miles Before I Sleep

[mriswith]

Ishiyo drew up on the other Elf as they continue to walk through the trees in the coming darkness. Xianex had a question of his own, breaking the silence and bidding her to reply freely. She smiled for a moment while reflecting on her response. "Understanding." A simple response that said a lot for her, but probably meant very little to Xianex.

"I left these woods years ago after an unpleasant sequence of events. I have not been back since. Recently, I decided I had remain in seclusion long enough and desired to return," Ishiyo explained, expounding on her original sentiment. Actually, "I wanted to visit a city that felt like we do," Ishiyo observed the man in self-imposed exile, "where 'The Game' holds little sway." Xianex should be able to understand that; perhaps not her motives, as she didn't understand his yet, but that would come in time... if either ever felt comfortable enough to discuss it.

"Have you ever traveled to other woods?" Seemed far to ask a question in turn and Ishiyo was curious how far his nomadic travels had taken him. Most Elves believed those that left their very large forest were tainted and should not be allowed back. Ilirea was probably the only exception to that rule seeing how important learning to control magic could be. Though, now that Ishiyo thought about it... Her red eyes fell to a sleeve of her jacket. Not promising.

[jayo159]

After he left the question in the air, his elven brain started to focus on the sound of the leaves behind him, in front of him, and all around him. The trees’, though more specifically the leaves, spoke to him. He only needed to understand what they had to say.

Though she interrupted his focus, her reply was not unwanted. ‘understanding,’ she had said. He considered for a moment, and decided that he couldn’t determined what she needed to understand, but he definitely understood the idea of what she was looking for. He himself was always searching for the same thing, the same idea that she seemed to so crave.

He looked at the sky briefly for a second. The night sky had not become any darker since he last decided to look. The stars were much more prominent in the sky, and the glow of the sun was much less noticeable. It was incredibly beautiful.

Her next vocalization came at a different angle that Xianex had not expected. He lifted his brows and listened as she expressed more of her past. If he were a little more like a human, his jaw would have dropped when she mentioned the game. Ishiyo was much more perceptive than he had first imagined. His own seclusion had left him completely unaware of how the elves really were.


“I too dislike the political and psychological games that the majority of the elves play. The Game held, and holds no meaning for me, other than a incredibly misguided time killer for the ‘immortal’ ones”. Even though said in the ancient language, the words game out sharp and cynical. He knew he got his point across, even with misplaced anger.

He realized too late that he started his rant as she had asked another question, perhaps a very important question. He looked back and focused, and rejoiced silently as he recalled what she had said. ‘Have you ever travelled to other woods?’ He smiled ‘interesting question…’

“I have wandered far, and have seen much.’ He left it cryptic as a defense against his earlier emotional out lash. He did not like someone seeing his emotions, it had been too long, and his parents’ addiction to ‘The Game’ had taught him to keep his mind to himself. As he finished talking, the two elves approached the destination.

[mriswith]

Ishiyo kept up with her guide, though she turned her eyes toward him in particular as he spoke unfavorably about The Game. Time killer? The still-young Elf retained a small smile on her lips, though her thoughts were far darker about the sport. Time wasn't the only thing it killed. Elves died every day as other Elves wrestled for dominance to appease their 'immortal' selves. It might even be responsible for what befell her sister. How far would you be tempted to go in order to advance in a society plagued with backstabbing, literally and figurative, just to take one more step higher up the social ladder?

She was glad Xianex turned toward her next question then with little hesitation. "Few have," Ishiyo replied absently, equally as vague whether she assumed his reply positive or regarding his breadth of travel. As someone he'd just met she wasn't surprised if he didn't feel like confirming or denying any charge or question she put forward. Following his 'outburst' about The Game she felt he might be holding back intentionally now; his mask had slipped.

Personally, she liked knowing there was still some emotion left in Xianex. Being at peace was a wonderful idea, but all too often she felt people fell into a senseless void within themselves without ever realizing it. As for her own disposition, Ishiyo kept a good reign over her emotions, but never too firm. There was too much in the world for her to miss it, numb to the sensation. Even the pain and suffering of others she didn't let override her good senses, but didn't want to lose the ability to feel sympathy for their plight. Not a simple road to travel, weaving to and fro, but life wasn't easy.

"Losing track of who our friends and enemies are," the dark haired Elf breathed as they drew close to their destination that Xianex would indicate having arrived. It was surprising the Elves still retained as much power in the world as they did with all the in frighting; underneath it all was a common thread willing to bind them all together before a common foe, but would that always be enough? A cracked mirror held together by its frame could be more easily broken.