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Spotlight: Recovery (Arjuna and Avalon pt12)
General | Posted 4 years agoSuddenly, Arjuna gasped, as an unsettling realization hit him. It wasn’t just that Alder was empathic with their suffering, he understood it, he felt it, he shared it…because he had gone through it. At some point in his young life, he suffered through something painful, something horrible. That was why he was able to be so strong, now. It was why he set his own feelings aside and aided others, because he knew how painful emotions could be and so, he understood it and could be the support they needed, because it must have been the support that he needed at one time, but did not receive.
He glanced at his mother who, like he, was looking at her eldest son. Her expression was of an emotion that he could not describe. The memory of what happened to Alder angered her. When he thought on it, Alder and Avalon were very close. She was devoted and close to all of her children, but with Alder, there was something more. Nothing greater than her love for him and Palm, but something different. What was it?
“Palm!” he thought to himself, realizing that it was very possible that he knew what he had forgotten. Palm tended to remember everything and could recall any moment in time. Surely, he would know what happened. But, now was not the time to speak to him regarding it. For now, he would keep his concerns to himself. They had the entire country to tend to, at the moment. There was no need to add the additional burden of his worries. He would reserve them, at least for now. Still…
He glanced at his mother who, like he, was looking at her eldest son. Her expression was of an emotion that he could not describe. The memory of what happened to Alder angered her. When he thought on it, Alder and Avalon were very close. She was devoted and close to all of her children, but with Alder, there was something more. Nothing greater than her love for him and Palm, but something different. What was it?
“Palm!” he thought to himself, realizing that it was very possible that he knew what he had forgotten. Palm tended to remember everything and could recall any moment in time. Surely, he would know what happened. But, now was not the time to speak to him regarding it. For now, he would keep his concerns to himself. They had the entire country to tend to, at the moment. There was no need to add the additional burden of his worries. He would reserve them, at least for now. Still…
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General | Posted 4 years agoHis mother’s disclosure was not something that he had anticipated and that he did not understand. All that he knew, was that the memory of what happened to his brother, had angered their mother. What was it that happened to his brother that could make her so angry? He wanted to know, especially if whatever Alder had gone through was still affecting him to this day, he wanted to know, so that he could be there for his brother, the way he always looked after him and Palm. But, their mother certainly knew what was best. She knew them better than they knew themselves.
He looked over at his fire-haired sibling as his thoughts drifted. “What happened to you, brother?” he wondered, silently. “I want to help you, if I can. Why can’t I remember? What did I forget?”
The answers to his questions eluded him and their elusiveness disturbed him. He continued to watch his brother, as he interacted with the townsfolk. On appearance, he certainly did not seem as though anything was upsetting him. In fact, he seemed warm and comforting and encouraging to everyone that approached him. He exuded an honest compassion that he, though considered the gentle prince, did not possess. He could empathize well and so easily with the suffering citizens. They took great strength from him and were able to keep going forward when they surely wanted to surrender to their sorrow and retreat within their aching feelings. But, with Alder’s glowing presence, people found the spirit to keep going. He truly was the light and the hope for their people. Why was it that someone so generous could be harboring such a brokenness within him, when he was so good at comforting others?
He looked over at his fire-haired sibling as his thoughts drifted. “What happened to you, brother?” he wondered, silently. “I want to help you, if I can. Why can’t I remember? What did I forget?”
The answers to his questions eluded him and their elusiveness disturbed him. He continued to watch his brother, as he interacted with the townsfolk. On appearance, he certainly did not seem as though anything was upsetting him. In fact, he seemed warm and comforting and encouraging to everyone that approached him. He exuded an honest compassion that he, though considered the gentle prince, did not possess. He could empathize well and so easily with the suffering citizens. They took great strength from him and were able to keep going forward when they surely wanted to surrender to their sorrow and retreat within their aching feelings. But, with Alder’s glowing presence, people found the spirit to keep going. He truly was the light and the hope for their people. Why was it that someone so generous could be harboring such a brokenness within him, when he was so good at comforting others?
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General | Posted 4 years agoFor a brief moment, there was an unsettling look upon the empress’ face, before she banished it away and smiled. “Your older brother, when he was three and four, if he was tired, he would tell me. I never had to coax him to sleep like I did with you and Palm.”
There was an odd specificity to her words and Arjuna did not know why. “Mother, why only when he was three and four? Did something about his mannerisms change at five?”
It was impossible for Avalon to think upon that time in her son’s life, without scowling at the memory and all that happened to her child that brought about such a dramatic change in him. She shook her head and tried to put on a more pleasant demeanor, but it was not a thing that she, a devoted mother, could do. But, it seemed that the child she spoke to now had forgotten those times. She was glad of that. Due to the circumstances that led up to her son’s change were largely due to what happened to the son she spoke to, now. Knowing him, he would blame himself for their father’s error.
“Dearest,” she said, finally, “it is better left forgotten. Don’t think of it and do not bring it up to him. To this day…I know his…his experiences, the ones he was forced to endure, still haunt him. Bringing it up would cause him great anxiety. He is much better now than he was back then and that’s enough for you to know.”
There was an odd specificity to her words and Arjuna did not know why. “Mother, why only when he was three and four? Did something about his mannerisms change at five?”
It was impossible for Avalon to think upon that time in her son’s life, without scowling at the memory and all that happened to her child that brought about such a dramatic change in him. She shook her head and tried to put on a more pleasant demeanor, but it was not a thing that she, a devoted mother, could do. But, it seemed that the child she spoke to now had forgotten those times. She was glad of that. Due to the circumstances that led up to her son’s change were largely due to what happened to the son she spoke to, now. Knowing him, he would blame himself for their father’s error.
“Dearest,” she said, finally, “it is better left forgotten. Don’t think of it and do not bring it up to him. To this day…I know his…his experiences, the ones he was forced to endure, still haunt him. Bringing it up would cause him great anxiety. He is much better now than he was back then and that’s enough for you to know.”
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General | Posted 4 years ago“Dearest?” Avalon called to her son as she approached him.
Startled by his mother’s sudden appearance, Arjuna straightened himself up with formal rigidity. “Mother.” he said, as pleasantly as he could. “Oh, who is this little one?” he asked, upon seeing the girl in his mother’s arms.
“Her name is, Petunia and we are trying to locate her relatives.” the empress explained.
“I see.” he said. “Hello there.” he greeted.
The kitten turned her head to look at the boy that was speaking to her, but said nothing.
“Little one,” Avalon cooed, “this is my son. His name is, Arjuna.”
With her comforter giving her approval of the strange boy before her, Petunia waved at him, but still remained silent.
“She’s just like Palm was when he was her age.” Avalon said. “When he was tired, he was so grumpy. He didn’t want to be around anyone except for you, your brother and me. Even Artemis was unwelcome company.” she said, running her fingers through the girl’s bright hair. “You, on the other hand, when you were tired, you tried to stay awake. You would say, I’m okay, I can stay awake. I would have to hold you and pat your back until you fell asleep, which was almost instantly.”
Arjuna smiled at the memory his mother shared. “What about Alder?”
Startled by his mother’s sudden appearance, Arjuna straightened himself up with formal rigidity. “Mother.” he said, as pleasantly as he could. “Oh, who is this little one?” he asked, upon seeing the girl in his mother’s arms.
“Her name is, Petunia and we are trying to locate her relatives.” the empress explained.
“I see.” he said. “Hello there.” he greeted.
The kitten turned her head to look at the boy that was speaking to her, but said nothing.
“Little one,” Avalon cooed, “this is my son. His name is, Arjuna.”
With her comforter giving her approval of the strange boy before her, Petunia waved at him, but still remained silent.
“She’s just like Palm was when he was her age.” Avalon said. “When he was tired, he was so grumpy. He didn’t want to be around anyone except for you, your brother and me. Even Artemis was unwelcome company.” she said, running her fingers through the girl’s bright hair. “You, on the other hand, when you were tired, you tried to stay awake. You would say, I’m okay, I can stay awake. I would have to hold you and pat your back until you fell asleep, which was almost instantly.”
Arjuna smiled at the memory his mother shared. “What about Alder?”
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General | Posted 4 years ago“Yes, Empress.” he said. “I will try to find someone close to her.”
“Thank you.” Avalon replied. “I will stay right here in case you find anything out. …even if, the news is not favorable.” she said, sadly.
The man nodded and said, “I understand. I will pray that they are still among us.”
Avalon smiled, kindly. The man gave her a curt nod, then hurried off to search for any surviving loved ones that were among the crowd of people hoping to find their missing family and friends. Wearily, Avalon rubbed the girl’s back, anticipating the kitten to be out like a light in just a few moments. Quietly, she strode along, greeting various people that came across her. Just the sight of their country’s empress among them, helping them and getting her hands as dirty as they, was very encouraging. Just like them, their leaders were concerned about their welfare and their presence reaffirmed that notion. They did not hide in the palace, looking down at them from high above. No, the entire royal family had come to help, despite the danger to the monarchy.
As it was, a safety protocol to ensure the blood of the royals stayed in line, the entire family was not permitted to be in one place at the same time. Except for the palace, it was not safe to have them all in the same proximity, for if some unforeseen catastrophe happened to befall them, the whole bloodline would be lost, forever. Still, they all had come and they all were working to restore their town. It was a bold statement that told them, that the royal family cared more for their people than they did for their heritage. The citizens were that important to them. It was one of the reasons why the family was so beloved.
Eventually, the monarch made her way through the crowd and found her hairless son. But, when she came upon him, she could detect a despondency within her child that was not entirely due to the devastation that was all around them. No, the nature of his sadness was something more. But, what? She was unsure and there was only one way to find out.
“Thank you.” Avalon replied. “I will stay right here in case you find anything out. …even if, the news is not favorable.” she said, sadly.
The man nodded and said, “I understand. I will pray that they are still among us.”
Avalon smiled, kindly. The man gave her a curt nod, then hurried off to search for any surviving loved ones that were among the crowd of people hoping to find their missing family and friends. Wearily, Avalon rubbed the girl’s back, anticipating the kitten to be out like a light in just a few moments. Quietly, she strode along, greeting various people that came across her. Just the sight of their country’s empress among them, helping them and getting her hands as dirty as they, was very encouraging. Just like them, their leaders were concerned about their welfare and their presence reaffirmed that notion. They did not hide in the palace, looking down at them from high above. No, the entire royal family had come to help, despite the danger to the monarchy.
As it was, a safety protocol to ensure the blood of the royals stayed in line, the entire family was not permitted to be in one place at the same time. Except for the palace, it was not safe to have them all in the same proximity, for if some unforeseen catastrophe happened to befall them, the whole bloodline would be lost, forever. Still, they all had come and they all were working to restore their town. It was a bold statement that told them, that the royal family cared more for their people than they did for their heritage. The citizens were that important to them. It was one of the reasons why the family was so beloved.
Eventually, the monarch made her way through the crowd and found her hairless son. But, when she came upon him, she could detect a despondency within her child that was not entirely due to the devastation that was all around them. No, the nature of his sadness was something more. But, what? She was unsure and there was only one way to find out.
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General | Posted 4 years ago“Everything is going to be alright.” the empress, Avalon was saying to a little girl who had gotten separated from her family. “We are going to look for your family and see if we can find them. So, don’t worry, we will do our best.” she said, petting the girl’s bright, glistening hair. “Now, in the meantime, why don’t you go to the palace and have something to eat. You must be hungry, right? I’ll have someone bring you there.”
“No!” the girl cried, grabbing the empress’ leg. “I want to stay with you.”
Gracefully, Avalon flowed down to the ground, sitting on her knees to face the child, directly. “My love, I have to stay here and help other people to find their families. I can’t go with you, right now.”
“I want to stay with you.” the tiny child whimpered. “Please?” she sobbed.
Being a mother herself, it was difficult to leave the girl, no more than three or four. But, her job was not done. There were many more people that were lost and searching for their missing kin. Still, as she looked at the girl, she thought about her own sons and how they would have felt if they were lost and alone at her young age. She would hope that someone would comfort them until she arrived, to let them know that they were not alone. Thinking of that, the gentle mother could not leave the child, even within the safety and comfort of the palace. She touched the girl’s cheek and brushed away her salty tears.
“Alright,” she said, softly, “you can stay with me for a little while. But, you must go to the palace for supper when evening falls, okay?”
The girl nodded and said, “Okay.”
Avalon smiled at the girl and encircled the little one in her arms. Instinctively, the kitten rested her head on the empress’ shoulder. She was tired and Avalon could easily tell. Her three boys were just the same when they were kittens. Whenever they had a bout of crying, their distress would wear them out and they would become very sleepy.
With the child in her arms, Avalon rose to her feet with the small girl in tow. She looked around and found one of the workers that were assisting in the search. She told him about the girl’s dilemma and asked him to see if there was anyone missing the child. He gave the little girl a good look, memorizing her appearance to describe to anyone he might come across.
“No!” the girl cried, grabbing the empress’ leg. “I want to stay with you.”
Gracefully, Avalon flowed down to the ground, sitting on her knees to face the child, directly. “My love, I have to stay here and help other people to find their families. I can’t go with you, right now.”
“I want to stay with you.” the tiny child whimpered. “Please?” she sobbed.
Being a mother herself, it was difficult to leave the girl, no more than three or four. But, her job was not done. There were many more people that were lost and searching for their missing kin. Still, as she looked at the girl, she thought about her own sons and how they would have felt if they were lost and alone at her young age. She would hope that someone would comfort them until she arrived, to let them know that they were not alone. Thinking of that, the gentle mother could not leave the child, even within the safety and comfort of the palace. She touched the girl’s cheek and brushed away her salty tears.
“Alright,” she said, softly, “you can stay with me for a little while. But, you must go to the palace for supper when evening falls, okay?”
The girl nodded and said, “Okay.”
Avalon smiled at the girl and encircled the little one in her arms. Instinctively, the kitten rested her head on the empress’ shoulder. She was tired and Avalon could easily tell. Her three boys were just the same when they were kittens. Whenever they had a bout of crying, their distress would wear them out and they would become very sleepy.
With the child in her arms, Avalon rose to her feet with the small girl in tow. She looked around and found one of the workers that were assisting in the search. She told him about the girl’s dilemma and asked him to see if there was anyone missing the child. He gave the little girl a good look, memorizing her appearance to describe to anyone he might come across.
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General | Posted 4 years ago“After that, I stopped looking for her whenever I came into town. I even avoided looking at any women that looked remotely like her. I didn’t want to remember a vision of her loveliness, I earnestly wanted to forget. And yet, even though it has been years since I last gazed upon her, looking at her, now…she is exactly as I remember. Nothing has changed, except that the beauty she formerly held is no more. She is older now and time has matured her. She has shed her youthful loveliness and bartered it for something more, because even in death, as I am blessed to able to see her, once again, she is not an exact image of my recollection.”
As tears fell from his eyes, tears he thought he would never shed for her, again, he whispered, “…you are far more radiant.”
“I separated you from my desires, but I could not sever you from my heart. I still love you and I do not think there will ever come a time when that will be untrue. …because, you can never abandon the memory of your first love. In a cruel twist of irony, that very affection, my undying love for you, is the reason why I cannot go to you, now and pay my respects. It would be inappropriate and perhaps, even disrespectful and I could never be so conceited as to place my sorrow over your honor. All that I am permitted to do, is silently grieve for you from afar and try, once again, to mute my disobedient heart.”
My lovely queen, it seems that once again, you have broken my heart.
It was with the deepest of sorrow, that the second prince raised his head and looked up at the body of his beloved, at the gentle woman who, despite all of his most fervent efforts, refused to be evicted from his heart…for the very last time and whispered, “…farewell.”
As tears fell from his eyes, tears he thought he would never shed for her, again, he whispered, “…you are far more radiant.”
“I separated you from my desires, but I could not sever you from my heart. I still love you and I do not think there will ever come a time when that will be untrue. …because, you can never abandon the memory of your first love. In a cruel twist of irony, that very affection, my undying love for you, is the reason why I cannot go to you, now and pay my respects. It would be inappropriate and perhaps, even disrespectful and I could never be so conceited as to place my sorrow over your honor. All that I am permitted to do, is silently grieve for you from afar and try, once again, to mute my disobedient heart.”
My lovely queen, it seems that once again, you have broken my heart.
It was with the deepest of sorrow, that the second prince raised his head and looked up at the body of his beloved, at the gentle woman who, despite all of his most fervent efforts, refused to be evicted from his heart…for the very last time and whispered, “…farewell.”
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General | Posted 4 years ago“I remember the first time that I ever saw her. I was younger, then, but even as youthful as I was, apart from Mother, I thought that she was the most beautiful queen that I had ever seen. I would always look for her whenever I came into the town. If even I was only afforded a glimpse of her, a glimpse was enough…it was more than enough. I wasn’t always gifted with a sight of her, but the precious few times that I was granted a moment to be in the presence of her enchantment and grace, were absolutely magical to me. I always wanted to tell her as much, to tell her of the whispers of my heart, but I did not, or rather, I could not.
“One day, I learned that she had married to a man who, unlike me, had the courage and the privilege to profess his love to her and whose love she joyously accepted…and reciprocated. My heart broke when I found out. Even though I had always known that we could never wed, I still delighted in imagining that we could. In my dreams, she was my princess and we lived together in the palace, ‘happily ever after’, as they say. But then, fantasies and reality rarely coincide and the reality was; she was in love with someone…who was not me.
“I had to let her go, in my mind and my heart, I had to end our fictitious romance. …she belonged to someone else and even though releasing her from my every being hurt, dreadfully, I still sincerely wished her nothing but all of the joy and happiness she deserved and more. I wanted her to live ‘happily ever after’, to have the storybook romance that I dreamed we shared and that I had deeply longed for…with the man that she truly loved. …how I had wished, that I could have been that man.
“One day, I learned that she had married to a man who, unlike me, had the courage and the privilege to profess his love to her and whose love she joyously accepted…and reciprocated. My heart broke when I found out. Even though I had always known that we could never wed, I still delighted in imagining that we could. In my dreams, she was my princess and we lived together in the palace, ‘happily ever after’, as they say. But then, fantasies and reality rarely coincide and the reality was; she was in love with someone…who was not me.
“I had to let her go, in my mind and my heart, I had to end our fictitious romance. …she belonged to someone else and even though releasing her from my every being hurt, dreadfully, I still sincerely wished her nothing but all of the joy and happiness she deserved and more. I wanted her to live ‘happily ever after’, to have the storybook romance that I dreamed we shared and that I had deeply longed for…with the man that she truly loved. …how I had wished, that I could have been that man.
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General | Posted 4 years agoHe looked on at the couple. Alder had wrapped his arms around her and she wrapped hers around him. She was clinging to him so desperately, as if she was pleading with him to somehow restore the life to the woman that had been lost. Of course, Alder did not have that power, no one did, but how he wished there was someone who could harness such a marvelous gift. …the gift of life.
“Wait…” Arjuna whispered to himself. “She was looking for her friend, a 17 year old girl. She was not searching for anyone else, that girl was the only person whose wellbeing she was concerned about. So then, who,” he said, looking over at the remains of the departed women, “did she see that could make her this distraught? A distant relative, or…” he trailed, as his amber eyes beheld the sight of the woman who was unquestionably the person that the lavender queen had recognized among the dead.
“…her.” he thought, morosely, as he looked at the woman whose death wrought piteous cries of mourning out of a young girl’s heart. “Of course, how could I not have noticed? It is so obvious. She is..."
"...her mother.”
“Wait…” Arjuna whispered to himself. “She was looking for her friend, a 17 year old girl. She was not searching for anyone else, that girl was the only person whose wellbeing she was concerned about. So then, who,” he said, looking over at the remains of the departed women, “did she see that could make her this distraught? A distant relative, or…” he trailed, as his amber eyes beheld the sight of the woman who was unquestionably the person that the lavender queen had recognized among the dead.
“…her.” he thought, morosely, as he looked at the woman whose death wrought piteous cries of mourning out of a young girl’s heart. “Of course, how could I not have noticed? It is so obvious. She is..."
"...her mother.”
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General | Posted 4 years ago“Hmm…” he murmured, as he looked at the lass, who had suddenly stopped running and had come to a complete halt.
She was looking at something that made her eyes grow wide with shock. He followed her gaze and found that it landed in the direction of where the bodies of the women were laid. He returned his eyes to her and realized that it was not only shock that brought her to a standstill, it was agony. Once again, she fell to the ground and even from where he stood, he could hear the misery in her sorrowful cries. He started to go to her, but halted when he noticed that Alder was already on his way.
Like an angel of solace, he watched his brother descend upon the girl and place his warm, crimson hand upon her back. She looked up at him, but as her back was turned to him, Arjuna could not see the expression on her face and truly, he was glad that he could not. Seeing her face wracked with sorrow the first time, when she was searching for her loved one, was hard enough. But, knowing that the person she now grieved for was one of the beautiful women that had been laid to rest, he could only imagine that the expression she wore, presently, was nothing less than utterly devastated.
She was looking at something that made her eyes grow wide with shock. He followed her gaze and found that it landed in the direction of where the bodies of the women were laid. He returned his eyes to her and realized that it was not only shock that brought her to a standstill, it was agony. Once again, she fell to the ground and even from where he stood, he could hear the misery in her sorrowful cries. He started to go to her, but halted when he noticed that Alder was already on his way.
Like an angel of solace, he watched his brother descend upon the girl and place his warm, crimson hand upon her back. She looked up at him, but as her back was turned to him, Arjuna could not see the expression on her face and truly, he was glad that he could not. Seeing her face wracked with sorrow the first time, when she was searching for her loved one, was hard enough. But, knowing that the person she now grieved for was one of the beautiful women that had been laid to rest, he could only imagine that the expression she wore, presently, was nothing less than utterly devastated.
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General | Posted 4 years ago"Sweetheart, female, age 17, golden coat and hair, brown eyes?" he asked, reciting the information from the records he had been given.
The lavender girl gasped and looked up at the hairless boy with a tear stained face and hopeful eyes. Arjuna smiled kindly at her and nodded his head.
"She is alright." he continued. "She sustained heavy injuries, but she is listed as stable. Currently, she, her father, Bellen and younger sister, Amber have been identified and are all at the hospital, all stable as well."
Like water flowing from a fountain, tears streamed down the girl's cheeks, as she smiled with relief and joy. "Thank you!" she cried. "Oh, thank you so much!"
"There is no need to thank me." he said. "I have done nothing more than relay fortuitous news. The doctors and nurses are the ones who rescued her. They are the ones deserving of your gratitude."
The girl nodded her head, tears still spilling from her eyes as she did. The blue tom got up to his feet and extended his hand to her. She accepted it gratefully and allowed him to gently pull her up from the ground. She bowed to him respectfully, then hurried off to race to the hospital to be at her friend's side.
Arjuna watched her leave, a dull ache in his heart. Though she left with joy, so many others had departed with sorrow or uncertainty. He was thankful that she had found who she was looking for and that her beloved love one had not been among the rows of people laid upon the damp, grassy ground, who now rested in a sorrowful, eternal sleep.
The lavender girl gasped and looked up at the hairless boy with a tear stained face and hopeful eyes. Arjuna smiled kindly at her and nodded his head.
"She is alright." he continued. "She sustained heavy injuries, but she is listed as stable. Currently, she, her father, Bellen and younger sister, Amber have been identified and are all at the hospital, all stable as well."
Like water flowing from a fountain, tears streamed down the girl's cheeks, as she smiled with relief and joy. "Thank you!" she cried. "Oh, thank you so much!"
"There is no need to thank me." he said. "I have done nothing more than relay fortuitous news. The doctors and nurses are the ones who rescued her. They are the ones deserving of your gratitude."
The girl nodded her head, tears still spilling from her eyes as she did. The blue tom got up to his feet and extended his hand to her. She accepted it gratefully and allowed him to gently pull her up from the ground. She bowed to him respectfully, then hurried off to race to the hospital to be at her friend's side.
Arjuna watched her leave, a dull ache in his heart. Though she left with joy, so many others had departed with sorrow or uncertainty. He was thankful that she had found who she was looking for and that her beloved love one had not been among the rows of people laid upon the damp, grassy ground, who now rested in a sorrowful, eternal sleep.
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General | Posted 4 years agoWhile it was up to Palm to remedy the cause of the tragedy and Alder to tend to those dead because of it, it was up to Arjuna, the second prince and their mother, Avalon, the Empress of Calico, to take care of the remaining citizens that had lived through it.
"She's a bright, golden girl with long, wavy, gold hair." a young lavender girl was saying to Arjuna. "Her name is, Sweetheart. Her home is gone and I'm afraid to go to...to see if she's..." she sobbed, looking in the direction of where the bodies of the women were amassing. Unable to say more, or think of her dear friend lying with the dead, the girl fell to her knees and cried, miserably.
It had been the scene with so many of the survivors; the living looking for friends, loved ones and others they feared may have been stolen by the sea. They would become overwhelmed with distress, so much that the unbearable weight of their trepidation crushed them and dragged them down to their knees to wade in their despair and their tears. It was heartbreaking, not only for those dilapidated with fear for the safety of people they loved, but also for the gentle, empathetic few that were attempting to calm them and offer them a modicum of comfort.
Arjuna's gentle heart wept for the girl. Quietly, he knelt beside her and touched her shoulder.
"Miss, please be calm." he said, softly. "Tears for loved ones need not be shed if they are still among us. Please, give me a moment and allow me to check the hospital logs." he said.
Alder had gathered the patient intake roster and had delivered the forms to the second prince and their mother to help in assisting survivors to locate their missing loved ones. As more patients were admitted, the records were continually updated the names and conditions of the arriving patients. Lamentably, he also supplied them with updated accounts of those whose lives were confirmed to have been lost, either by the angry sea, or through the peace and comfort of a hospital stretcher. Optimistically, the gentle prince opted to review the list of the departed only after consulting the list of the saved. Fortunately, he only needed to review one in order to find the answer to aid the aggrieved young girl.
"She's a bright, golden girl with long, wavy, gold hair." a young lavender girl was saying to Arjuna. "Her name is, Sweetheart. Her home is gone and I'm afraid to go to...to see if she's..." she sobbed, looking in the direction of where the bodies of the women were amassing. Unable to say more, or think of her dear friend lying with the dead, the girl fell to her knees and cried, miserably.
It had been the scene with so many of the survivors; the living looking for friends, loved ones and others they feared may have been stolen by the sea. They would become overwhelmed with distress, so much that the unbearable weight of their trepidation crushed them and dragged them down to their knees to wade in their despair and their tears. It was heartbreaking, not only for those dilapidated with fear for the safety of people they loved, but also for the gentle, empathetic few that were attempting to calm them and offer them a modicum of comfort.
Arjuna's gentle heart wept for the girl. Quietly, he knelt beside her and touched her shoulder.
"Miss, please be calm." he said, softly. "Tears for loved ones need not be shed if they are still among us. Please, give me a moment and allow me to check the hospital logs." he said.
Alder had gathered the patient intake roster and had delivered the forms to the second prince and their mother to help in assisting survivors to locate their missing loved ones. As more patients were admitted, the records were continually updated the names and conditions of the arriving patients. Lamentably, he also supplied them with updated accounts of those whose lives were confirmed to have been lost, either by the angry sea, or through the peace and comfort of a hospital stretcher. Optimistically, the gentle prince opted to review the list of the departed only after consulting the list of the saved. Fortunately, he only needed to review one in order to find the answer to aid the aggrieved young girl.
✧ PREVIOUS PAGE ✧ FIRST PAGE ✧NEXT PAGE✧Spotlight: Palm (Aftermath p14)
General | Posted 4 years agoAt that moment, Diego’s father, Azul, returned, holding a series of blueprints and notes. “Diego! I apologize, My Prince. My son has not any experience with decorum.” he said. “I hope he has not bothered you.”
“Not at all.” Palm replied, slowly getting to his feet. “On the contrary, I found his company to be quite pleasant.” he added, giving the boy’s head a gentle pat.
“Papa!” Diego exclaimed. “He said that he can’t be my big brother, but he said that he’ll still come to see me a lot.”
“Did he?” Azul asked, beckoning for his son to come to him. Diego was happy to oblige. Cheerfully, he skipped over to his father and threw his arms around his long legs. “I’m sorry, My Prince.” he chuckled. “My son is the only boy among my five children and my brother and his wife have only daughters. He gets…lonely, at times. He’s asked for a big brother repeatedly and refuses to understand how older siblings work. Once you are born, the only older siblings you have are already here. But, if I could give him an older brother, I would. It would be good for him to have someone he could relate to.” he said, ruffling his child’s hair.
“Ah, at any rate,” Azul said, looking up at the dark-haired teenager, “here are the documents you requested.” he said, handing the papers to him.
“Thank you.” Palm replied, accepting the documents. “If it is alright, I would like to take these back to the palace to study them.”
“Of course.” the man replied. “It would be an honor. Please, if they can be of use to you, then feel free to keep them.”
“Keep them? But, are these not a treasured family heirloom of sorts?”
“Yes, but to be honest, I worry about them being damaged or lost or destroyed. We had a fire a few years ago and it very nearly reached the blueprints. We almost lost them. If the fire had spread, we certainly would have. If the documents were with you, I’m sure they would be far safer than keeping them here with us. It would be a relief knowing that they were in your care.”
“Are you certain?” Palm asked.
A solemn nod of his head was all the answer the Siamese cat offered in response.
“Very well. Then, I will have these incorporated into the palace library and accredit your great grandmother with their design and concept. They will be preserved in the archives and you can see them whenever you wish.”
“I…” Azul started to say, but his words failed him. He smiled, a look of pride and gratitude etched upon his features. “Thank you.” he said, at last. “It is a great honor to have my family relic entrusted to your library. I cannot thank you enough.”
Palm shook his head. “No, it is surely I who should be thanking you. With these, perhaps modifications can be made to the homes of our people that can help prevent a catastrophe like this from happening, again. It is with my immense gratitude that I accept these.” he added, bowing briskly before the man and his kitten. His thanks conveyed, Palm turned and started for the exit, taking his leave and the precious potentially lifesaving notes and designs with him.
“Not at all.” Palm replied, slowly getting to his feet. “On the contrary, I found his company to be quite pleasant.” he added, giving the boy’s head a gentle pat.
“Papa!” Diego exclaimed. “He said that he can’t be my big brother, but he said that he’ll still come to see me a lot.”
“Did he?” Azul asked, beckoning for his son to come to him. Diego was happy to oblige. Cheerfully, he skipped over to his father and threw his arms around his long legs. “I’m sorry, My Prince.” he chuckled. “My son is the only boy among my five children and my brother and his wife have only daughters. He gets…lonely, at times. He’s asked for a big brother repeatedly and refuses to understand how older siblings work. Once you are born, the only older siblings you have are already here. But, if I could give him an older brother, I would. It would be good for him to have someone he could relate to.” he said, ruffling his child’s hair.
“Ah, at any rate,” Azul said, looking up at the dark-haired teenager, “here are the documents you requested.” he said, handing the papers to him.
“Thank you.” Palm replied, accepting the documents. “If it is alright, I would like to take these back to the palace to study them.”
“Of course.” the man replied. “It would be an honor. Please, if they can be of use to you, then feel free to keep them.”
“Keep them? But, are these not a treasured family heirloom of sorts?”
“Yes, but to be honest, I worry about them being damaged or lost or destroyed. We had a fire a few years ago and it very nearly reached the blueprints. We almost lost them. If the fire had spread, we certainly would have. If the documents were with you, I’m sure they would be far safer than keeping them here with us. It would be a relief knowing that they were in your care.”
“Are you certain?” Palm asked.
A solemn nod of his head was all the answer the Siamese cat offered in response.
“Very well. Then, I will have these incorporated into the palace library and accredit your great grandmother with their design and concept. They will be preserved in the archives and you can see them whenever you wish.”
“I…” Azul started to say, but his words failed him. He smiled, a look of pride and gratitude etched upon his features. “Thank you.” he said, at last. “It is a great honor to have my family relic entrusted to your library. I cannot thank you enough.”
Palm shook his head. “No, it is surely I who should be thanking you. With these, perhaps modifications can be made to the homes of our people that can help prevent a catastrophe like this from happening, again. It is with my immense gratitude that I accept these.” he added, bowing briskly before the man and his kitten. His thanks conveyed, Palm turned and started for the exit, taking his leave and the precious potentially lifesaving notes and designs with him.
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General | Posted 4 years agoDiego skipped merrily around his prince, then stopped before him, looking up at the older boy, curiously. “Hey, Mister Prince,” the kitten began, “are you going to live with us, now? You can sleep in my room if you want.”
It really was a refreshing change from the dismal apocalypse that was the City of Calico. Palm couldn’t help but to smile at the kitten. Somehow, the youngster reminded him of himself. He, too, was a mischievous kitten…or so he was told. “Thank you.” he said. “But, I have to go back to my home. There’s a lot of work to be done in order to fix the town.”
“I can help!” the boy said, emphatically. “I can help a lot, so you don’t have to go, you can stay here and you can be my big brother! Okay?”
It truly was an escape, this boy’s innocence and gave Palm a sense of relief at his exuberance. Quietly, he knelt down and settled before the orange tabby. “I’m sure you will be a big help. If Alder were here, he would be able to tell you just how much.”
“Who’s Alder?” Diego asked, with confusion.
“Alder is my older brother.”
“Really? You have a big brother?”
Palm nodded his head. “Yes, I have two, actually.”
“Aww, I wish I had a big brother.” the boy pouted. “I only have a lot of sisters.” he grumbled.
Palm smiled. “Well, then you have something that I don’t. I do not have any sisters, neither do I have any younger brothers. It would be nice if I could stay here with you and be your older brother, but I have a home and a family that I must return to.”
“Aww…” Diego whimpered. “Okay. But, can you come back and see me, even if you can’t be my big brother?”
A smile that was warm and kind spread across the youngest prince’s face. He reached out his hand and patted the youngster’s head. “I certainly will. I’m sure I’ll be visiting here quite a bit.”
“Okay. Thank you!” he said, leaping forward and wrapping his arms around him.
It was the second time in the same day that someone had hugged him, but this was different than the first. Ream had been broken and in turmoil and had reached to him for comfort from his despair. Diego, by comparison, embraced the youngest prince with gratitude and good cheer. The emotions behind them were different, yet at once profoundly similar. Palm rubbed his little orange head and smiled. It was a nice feeling, being looked upon as a big brother, even if he was not quite qualified for the role.
It really was a refreshing change from the dismal apocalypse that was the City of Calico. Palm couldn’t help but to smile at the kitten. Somehow, the youngster reminded him of himself. He, too, was a mischievous kitten…or so he was told. “Thank you.” he said. “But, I have to go back to my home. There’s a lot of work to be done in order to fix the town.”
“I can help!” the boy said, emphatically. “I can help a lot, so you don’t have to go, you can stay here and you can be my big brother! Okay?”
It truly was an escape, this boy’s innocence and gave Palm a sense of relief at his exuberance. Quietly, he knelt down and settled before the orange tabby. “I’m sure you will be a big help. If Alder were here, he would be able to tell you just how much.”
“Who’s Alder?” Diego asked, with confusion.
“Alder is my older brother.”
“Really? You have a big brother?”
Palm nodded his head. “Yes, I have two, actually.”
“Aww, I wish I had a big brother.” the boy pouted. “I only have a lot of sisters.” he grumbled.
Palm smiled. “Well, then you have something that I don’t. I do not have any sisters, neither do I have any younger brothers. It would be nice if I could stay here with you and be your older brother, but I have a home and a family that I must return to.”
“Aww…” Diego whimpered. “Okay. But, can you come back and see me, even if you can’t be my big brother?”
A smile that was warm and kind spread across the youngest prince’s face. He reached out his hand and patted the youngster’s head. “I certainly will. I’m sure I’ll be visiting here quite a bit.”
“Okay. Thank you!” he said, leaping forward and wrapping his arms around him.
It was the second time in the same day that someone had hugged him, but this was different than the first. Ream had been broken and in turmoil and had reached to him for comfort from his despair. Diego, by comparison, embraced the youngest prince with gratitude and good cheer. The emotions behind them were different, yet at once profoundly similar. Palm rubbed his little orange head and smiled. It was a nice feeling, being looked upon as a big brother, even if he was not quite qualified for the role.
✧ PREVIOUS PAGE ✧ FIRST PAGE ✧NEXT PAGE✧Spotlight: Palm (Aftermath p12)
General | Posted 4 years ago“Um, a long time ago,” Diego began, “the coops were built on the ground, but whenever a flood would happen, the coops would get broken. They kept falling down and all of the chicks would drown and some of the grownups, too. It was lucky that my great- great- grandmother was really smart.
“A long time ago, my great-great-grandmother said that if the houses were built on stilts, flood water would be able to go right underneath the houses without getting broken. She said that the wooden had to be really strong and really deep inside the ground. She made these houses and built them like a hundred years ago. She made them really strong, too, because they never fell down.” he said, proudly.
“Incredible.” Palm said, mildly awed. “They have not fallen in a century and continue to service you without fail. What about maintenance? What is involved in the upkeep of these buildings?”
“A little bit.” Diego replied. “Sometimes they peck on the bamboo poles and we have to fix them, but that only happens once in a while.”
“I see.” he said, still examining the building. “The designs for these units, do you still possess them?”
“Yep. My papa has them.”
“May I look at them?”
“Okay.” he replied. “Come on!” he said, gesturing for the youngest prince to follow him.
The orange kitten led the dark-haired tom along another stone path that led uphill to the highland where the chicks frolicked about, as well as where the ranchers lived. The farmhouse that housed the modest family of 15 was nestled amidst a forest of trees that grew just behind the nursery pasture where the infant ostriches were raised under the tentative care of their enormous fathers. The ringing chirps of the chicks rang out like a joyful song of renewal and life that gave Palm a pleasant, encouraging feeling. Life would go on and the song of the baby birds was a beautiful reminder of that promise.
“Papa!” Diego shouted, upon entering the house. “Papa! Look who came to see us!”
“Diego, don’t shout.” a tall, elegant, male Siamese cat said, as he stepped out of one of the many rooms of the home. “Oh! My Prince?”
Palm nodded, curtly and said, “How do you do?”
“I…I am honored to have you here.” the man replied. “Is there something that you needed of me?”
“Yes, I am eager to learn about the construction of the ostrich hutches. Your” he started, looking down at the bright-eyed boy that was looking up at him with a mischievous grin on his face, “little one told me that you may be in possession of the designs for them.”
“Yes, my great grandmother made them just over a century ago. They have been handed down in my family from generation to generation. Would you like to see them?”
“I would, if it is not any trouble.”
“Not at all, My Prince. Just a moment, I will fetch them for you.” the man said, hurrying off to retrieve the documents while Palm and Diego waited for his return.
“A long time ago, my great-great-grandmother said that if the houses were built on stilts, flood water would be able to go right underneath the houses without getting broken. She said that the wooden had to be really strong and really deep inside the ground. She made these houses and built them like a hundred years ago. She made them really strong, too, because they never fell down.” he said, proudly.
“Incredible.” Palm said, mildly awed. “They have not fallen in a century and continue to service you without fail. What about maintenance? What is involved in the upkeep of these buildings?”
“A little bit.” Diego replied. “Sometimes they peck on the bamboo poles and we have to fix them, but that only happens once in a while.”
“I see.” he said, still examining the building. “The designs for these units, do you still possess them?”
“Yep. My papa has them.”
“May I look at them?”
“Okay.” he replied. “Come on!” he said, gesturing for the youngest prince to follow him.
The orange kitten led the dark-haired tom along another stone path that led uphill to the highland where the chicks frolicked about, as well as where the ranchers lived. The farmhouse that housed the modest family of 15 was nestled amidst a forest of trees that grew just behind the nursery pasture where the infant ostriches were raised under the tentative care of their enormous fathers. The ringing chirps of the chicks rang out like a joyful song of renewal and life that gave Palm a pleasant, encouraging feeling. Life would go on and the song of the baby birds was a beautiful reminder of that promise.
“Papa!” Diego shouted, upon entering the house. “Papa! Look who came to see us!”
“Diego, don’t shout.” a tall, elegant, male Siamese cat said, as he stepped out of one of the many rooms of the home. “Oh! My Prince?”
Palm nodded, curtly and said, “How do you do?”
“I…I am honored to have you here.” the man replied. “Is there something that you needed of me?”
“Yes, I am eager to learn about the construction of the ostrich hutches. Your” he started, looking down at the bright-eyed boy that was looking up at him with a mischievous grin on his face, “little one told me that you may be in possession of the designs for them.”
“Yes, my great grandmother made them just over a century ago. They have been handed down in my family from generation to generation. Would you like to see them?”
“I would, if it is not any trouble.”
“Not at all, My Prince. Just a moment, I will fetch them for you.” the man said, hurrying off to retrieve the documents while Palm and Diego waited for his return.
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General | Posted 4 years agoPalm smiled at the kitten and said, “It would appear that this farm is doing well. It has endured the flood with minimal loss. I was impressed and wanted to inquire about how this came to be.”
The little boy, an orange striped tabby named, Diego, smiled with pride. “Yep.” he answered. “We lost a bunch of birds, but a lot more didn’t die. Papa said that the ones that were killed will be harvested for their meat, because it’s bad to waste food. But, did you know, all of the chicks are alive? None of them died.”
“Oh?” Palm mused. “And why’s that?”
“They are too little to be let out in the big pasture, so they stay on the highland with a bunch of the cocks.” he said, turning his bright, golden eyes toward a hilly, fenced in area where little grey ostrich chicks followed closely behind their towering black and white adult caregivers.
“Water can’t go that high.” Diego explained. “So, it’s really safe up there. Well, it’s safe until it gets dark, then we gotta bring them into their nighttime houses for them to go to bed.” he said, pointing to a series of nearby ostrich huts. “Papa says that there are lots or reptiles that eat little birds, so they need to go inside their sleeping houses so they can be safe. We bring the grownups inside, too. Lizards don’t eat them when they’re big, but Papa says that they want to be with the babies, so it’s better to bring them in, too.”
Hearing the youthful way in which the kitten spoke brought a smile to Palm’s face. It was nice to be in the presence of someone so undisturbed by the tragic events that had just passed. “I understand.” he said. “Actually, that’s what I wanted to speak to you about. Would you mind showing me the hutches?”
“Okay.” Diego replied, turning and skipping toward the hutches.
The two cats walked along the stone path leading from where they were, down to where the houses that kept the birds at night. Massive bamboo hutches specifically designed to safely contain the gigantic birds dotted the landscape. The sturdy bamboo material allowed the homes to support and sustain a dozen birds at once without collapsing. It was a marvel, especially being that the buildings were elevated on durable wooden stilts. Despite the structures not being on a flat foundation, the hutches were remarkably unmovable.
“This is intriguing.” Palm said, studying the raised structures. “What made you raise the domiciles up in this way?” he asked.
The little boy, an orange striped tabby named, Diego, smiled with pride. “Yep.” he answered. “We lost a bunch of birds, but a lot more didn’t die. Papa said that the ones that were killed will be harvested for their meat, because it’s bad to waste food. But, did you know, all of the chicks are alive? None of them died.”
“Oh?” Palm mused. “And why’s that?”
“They are too little to be let out in the big pasture, so they stay on the highland with a bunch of the cocks.” he said, turning his bright, golden eyes toward a hilly, fenced in area where little grey ostrich chicks followed closely behind their towering black and white adult caregivers.
“Water can’t go that high.” Diego explained. “So, it’s really safe up there. Well, it’s safe until it gets dark, then we gotta bring them into their nighttime houses for them to go to bed.” he said, pointing to a series of nearby ostrich huts. “Papa says that there are lots or reptiles that eat little birds, so they need to go inside their sleeping houses so they can be safe. We bring the grownups inside, too. Lizards don’t eat them when they’re big, but Papa says that they want to be with the babies, so it’s better to bring them in, too.”
Hearing the youthful way in which the kitten spoke brought a smile to Palm’s face. It was nice to be in the presence of someone so undisturbed by the tragic events that had just passed. “I understand.” he said. “Actually, that’s what I wanted to speak to you about. Would you mind showing me the hutches?”
“Okay.” Diego replied, turning and skipping toward the hutches.
The two cats walked along the stone path leading from where they were, down to where the houses that kept the birds at night. Massive bamboo hutches specifically designed to safely contain the gigantic birds dotted the landscape. The sturdy bamboo material allowed the homes to support and sustain a dozen birds at once without collapsing. It was a marvel, especially being that the buildings were elevated on durable wooden stilts. Despite the structures not being on a flat foundation, the hutches were remarkably unmovable.
“This is intriguing.” Palm said, studying the raised structures. “What made you raise the domiciles up in this way?” he asked.
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General | Posted 4 years agoWith the aid of the searchers, Palm was able to make his way to his destination, the livery. The area was a grassy pasture with precisely lain stone paths leading from one area to the next. The first area was a wide field that was once surrounded by wooden fences. The fences were dilapidated and torn down, but prior to the flood, they were durable and sturdy. The grass, on the other hand, was completely undamaged, even with the salty sea water still dampening it. It was a hearty breed of grass that was resistant to damage and could grow in the most hampering conditions.
Sadly, the livestock was not as enduring as the green they once trodden upon, as several ostriches lay dead in the field. The birds that were unable to escape the flood waters and those that were not strong enough to endure the tide were laid to rest by it. Their massive bodies were scattered across the lush green. Breeders and ranchers were moving about the space, assessing the damage.
But, even more than dead were living flightless birds. The meandered about, idly eating grass and grazing on fruit bushes that grew throughout the enclosures. For every fallen fowl, more than half a dozen survived. It was this positive outcome that caught Palm’s attention when he stood atop the watchtower, for when he looked more closely, the reason for their high survival rate was obvious.
“Mister Prince?” a young worker boy that spotted Palm heading toward him called. Quickly, he hurried over to the boy and bowed, politely. “Mister Prince, why did you come out here?”
Sadly, the livestock was not as enduring as the green they once trodden upon, as several ostriches lay dead in the field. The birds that were unable to escape the flood waters and those that were not strong enough to endure the tide were laid to rest by it. Their massive bodies were scattered across the lush green. Breeders and ranchers were moving about the space, assessing the damage.
But, even more than dead were living flightless birds. The meandered about, idly eating grass and grazing on fruit bushes that grew throughout the enclosures. For every fallen fowl, more than half a dozen survived. It was this positive outcome that caught Palm’s attention when he stood atop the watchtower, for when he looked more closely, the reason for their high survival rate was obvious.
“Mister Prince?” a young worker boy that spotted Palm heading toward him called. Quickly, he hurried over to the boy and bowed, politely. “Mister Prince, why did you come out here?”
✧ PREVIOUS PAGE ✧ FIRST PAGE ✧NEXT PAGE✧Spotlight: Alder (Aftermath pt5)
General | Posted 4 years agoTears of gratitude and endurance fell from the eyes of many of the men that had silently accumulated before their prince. Words of thanks, affection and praise fluttered throughout the crowd. When Alder raised his head, he was startled to find himself surrounded by his people. They touched his hands and thanked him for his generous words and encouragement and vowed to continue working to restore their home. If the young prince, the prince who was still just a boy, could endure the pain of looking upon the dead, then so could they. Because of his heartfelt speech, they felt a restoration of strength filling them. It was still a painful task, but one they now felt they could accomplish...together.
Palm watched and listened to his brother while he spoke and felt a quiet awe. He always knew that Alder had a way with words and could comfort the downtrodden, but he never knew just how much until he witnessed him in that shining moment. It was more than words, it was more than speech, it was heart. The words he spoke were pulled straight from the very depths of his own heart. They were like a beacon of light and hope that warmed the spirit of any person that bore witness to them.
Alder was the light and the hope the people desperately sought in this time of darkness and mourning. If they continued to look to him, they would find the way out of the din of despair and would be able to step into the light of faith that tomorrow would be a better day. Even he, after hearing his brother's words, felt that they would pull through this hardship and would, perhaps, be stronger for it. They were going to be alright. They were going to see this through. They would heal after the loss. It would take time, but time was one of the greatest healers.
Until then, they would keep going and they would keep going, together. No one was alone and no one would be left alone. That was the promise made unto them and the promise that they believed would surely come to pass.
Palm watched and listened to his brother while he spoke and felt a quiet awe. He always knew that Alder had a way with words and could comfort the downtrodden, but he never knew just how much until he witnessed him in that shining moment. It was more than words, it was more than speech, it was heart. The words he spoke were pulled straight from the very depths of his own heart. They were like a beacon of light and hope that warmed the spirit of any person that bore witness to them.
Alder was the light and the hope the people desperately sought in this time of darkness and mourning. If they continued to look to him, they would find the way out of the din of despair and would be able to step into the light of faith that tomorrow would be a better day. Even he, after hearing his brother's words, felt that they would pull through this hardship and would, perhaps, be stronger for it. They were going to be alright. They were going to see this through. They would heal after the loss. It would take time, but time was one of the greatest healers.
Until then, they would keep going and they would keep going, together. No one was alone and no one would be left alone. That was the promise made unto them and the promise that they believed would surely come to pass.
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General | Posted 4 years ago"Of course, My Prince." Chet, a gray striped tabby, answered, as the other men voiced similar replies of affirmation.
"Thank you." Alder said. "Evening will be upon us in a few hours. I'll have someone bring your families to the palace to have their evening meal and to rest. I know your homes are still inhabitable, but with the town in disarray, I think it will be best for you all to get away from the sight of our broken city. We will make sure you have a good meal and a sound place to sleep.
"If you are up for it, I will still need your help tomorrow. There is...still so much to be done. This is not an order or a command, but a request. I know this is extraordinarily difficult, so I will completely understand if you wish to stay away. You have done more than enough to help our town, so please do not feel obligated to return."
"My Prince," Hale started, "you have been tirelessly working here with us to collect the bodies of our friends and loved ones from the start. You have not taken a single break and have been offering solace and encouragement to us all. You are still just a boy, but have been carrying out a task that has made men more than twice your age crippled with grief. You have been more dedicated to see this through than anyone else. We could not abandon you when you have need of us. You are our prince and it has been an honor to work at your side."
Alder listened to the words spoken to him and a warm, honest smile painted his visage. His heart swelled with emotion and pride as he looked at his people. "I am so glad to have been born into this world, unto my family." he said. "But also, I am glad that I was born into this land. It fills me with great pride that you are my people. You are the very heart and soul of our country. It is only because of you that I am certain that we will overcome this tragedy. We will get through this.
"Right now, we are broken and pained, but this will not always be so. The sun shines brightest after the rain and so, this storm will surely pass. It will take time and healing, but the sun, not the one that sits above us, but the light that is all of you, will shine again, as you always do...as you always will.
"I am not yet your leader, but when it becomes my turn to sit at the throne, it will be my greatest privilege and honor to serve you. When I look at how you have all risen to this grim challenge, how you all have suffered and grieved, but refused to let this be our end, I am overwhelmed with pride in all of you." he said.
Quietly, he took a step forward and bowed before the residents of Calico City. He continued to stand, bowing before his people as he continued, saying, "Thank you, for not giving up and for having the courage to keep moving forward. We will be alright, because we will overcome this together. No one is alone and no one will be left on their own.
"We will lift each other up and we will see our way through these difficult times. I am counting on all of you to be each other's strength and to persevere. I have no doubt that you will be this and more and so, again, I thank you all, my brave people. ...thank you."
"Thank you." Alder said. "Evening will be upon us in a few hours. I'll have someone bring your families to the palace to have their evening meal and to rest. I know your homes are still inhabitable, but with the town in disarray, I think it will be best for you all to get away from the sight of our broken city. We will make sure you have a good meal and a sound place to sleep.
"If you are up for it, I will still need your help tomorrow. There is...still so much to be done. This is not an order or a command, but a request. I know this is extraordinarily difficult, so I will completely understand if you wish to stay away. You have done more than enough to help our town, so please do not feel obligated to return."
"My Prince," Hale started, "you have been tirelessly working here with us to collect the bodies of our friends and loved ones from the start. You have not taken a single break and have been offering solace and encouragement to us all. You are still just a boy, but have been carrying out a task that has made men more than twice your age crippled with grief. You have been more dedicated to see this through than anyone else. We could not abandon you when you have need of us. You are our prince and it has been an honor to work at your side."
Alder listened to the words spoken to him and a warm, honest smile painted his visage. His heart swelled with emotion and pride as he looked at his people. "I am so glad to have been born into this world, unto my family." he said. "But also, I am glad that I was born into this land. It fills me with great pride that you are my people. You are the very heart and soul of our country. It is only because of you that I am certain that we will overcome this tragedy. We will get through this.
"Right now, we are broken and pained, but this will not always be so. The sun shines brightest after the rain and so, this storm will surely pass. It will take time and healing, but the sun, not the one that sits above us, but the light that is all of you, will shine again, as you always do...as you always will.
"I am not yet your leader, but when it becomes my turn to sit at the throne, it will be my greatest privilege and honor to serve you. When I look at how you have all risen to this grim challenge, how you all have suffered and grieved, but refused to let this be our end, I am overwhelmed with pride in all of you." he said.
Quietly, he took a step forward and bowed before the residents of Calico City. He continued to stand, bowing before his people as he continued, saying, "Thank you, for not giving up and for having the courage to keep moving forward. We will be alright, because we will overcome this together. No one is alone and no one will be left on their own.
"We will lift each other up and we will see our way through these difficult times. I am counting on all of you to be each other's strength and to persevere. I have no doubt that you will be this and more and so, again, I thank you all, my brave people. ...thank you."
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General | Posted 4 years agoPalm looked into the viridian eyes of his brother and attempted to speak, but words failed him. Silently, he laid his head on his brother's shoulder and shut his eyes. A deep, shaky sigh left him. He was tired and wanted to do exactly as his brother suggested, but he would not. He felt Alder wrap his arms around him and took great comfort in his warmth and nearness. Absently, he wondered if Ream had felt the same comfort when he wrapped his arms around him and put his head on his shoulder. He hoped he did.
Finally finding his words, Palm whispered, "I'm okay. I can keep going."
"Are you sure?" Alder asked, gently running his fingers through his brother's dark hair. "I know that I asked you to do this on your own, so if you need to rest, I want you to take a break. Okay?"
"...okay." Palm replied.
The youngest prince took a moment more to rest on his brother's shoulder, then took a deep breath and sat up.
"Alright, I'm going to head to the livery." Palm said, with renewed determination.
Alder smiled warmly at his little brother. "Alright. Go straight to the stables. Chet, Hale, Destin," he said, turning to three of the search men, "please accompany Palm on his way to the livery. Some of our people have been lost along the way, but I have an assignment that I need him to complete. Please, would you mind gathering our departed countrymen?"
Finally finding his words, Palm whispered, "I'm okay. I can keep going."
"Are you sure?" Alder asked, gently running his fingers through his brother's dark hair. "I know that I asked you to do this on your own, so if you need to rest, I want you to take a break. Okay?"
"...okay." Palm replied.
The youngest prince took a moment more to rest on his brother's shoulder, then took a deep breath and sat up.
"Alright, I'm going to head to the livery." Palm said, with renewed determination.
Alder smiled warmly at his little brother. "Alright. Go straight to the stables. Chet, Hale, Destin," he said, turning to three of the search men, "please accompany Palm on his way to the livery. Some of our people have been lost along the way, but I have an assignment that I need him to complete. Please, would you mind gathering our departed countrymen?"
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General | Posted 4 years agoWhen Palm showed up cradling the body of a lifeless woman, Alder approached him with concern.
"Palm? What are you doing?" he asked, relieving his younger brother of a deceased woman with bright, blonde hair.
"I was headed to the stables, when I came across this woman and several others." he answered, handing the body over to him.
"Why were you headed to the stables?" he asked, as they walked toward the area where the women were laid.
"I need to inquire about something." he answered, following behind his brother like a second shadow.
"Something to do with the tidal watch?" Alder asked, laying the beautiful, golden-haired woman down and crossing her arms across her chest. He knelt beside her and offered a silent prayer on her behalf to the Great Spirit.
Palm watched his sibling and waited for him to conclude his benediction, then continued. "I have already determined what went awry at the watch and have begun devising a more adequate system to ensure something of this nature never occurs, again."
He was speaking with rigid formality. It was something the youngest prince did whenever something was upsetting him. Though he was certain he was unaware of it, Alder had noticed his younger brother's unconscious coping mechanism long ago. Quietly, he rose to his feet and placed his hands on his sibling's shoulders.
"Palm, why don't you take a break." Alder suggested.
"Palm? What are you doing?" he asked, relieving his younger brother of a deceased woman with bright, blonde hair.
"I was headed to the stables, when I came across this woman and several others." he answered, handing the body over to him.
"Why were you headed to the stables?" he asked, as they walked toward the area where the women were laid.
"I need to inquire about something." he answered, following behind his brother like a second shadow.
"Something to do with the tidal watch?" Alder asked, laying the beautiful, golden-haired woman down and crossing her arms across her chest. He knelt beside her and offered a silent prayer on her behalf to the Great Spirit.
Palm watched his sibling and waited for him to conclude his benediction, then continued. "I have already determined what went awry at the watch and have begun devising a more adequate system to ensure something of this nature never occurs, again."
He was speaking with rigid formality. It was something the youngest prince did whenever something was upsetting him. Though he was certain he was unaware of it, Alder had noticed his younger brother's unconscious coping mechanism long ago. Quietly, he rose to his feet and placed his hands on his sibling's shoulders.
"Palm, why don't you take a break." Alder suggested.
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General | Posted 4 years agoPalm had long since left the watchtower and was making his way to the livery where the riding birds were stabled and bred. He left a palace guard to temporarily keep watch in the lookout until he could get a crew and a shift rotation setup. With a pair of eyes keeping watch of the sea, Palm was free to depart.
The journey was long and arduous as he stumbled across debris and soulless bodies. To proceed forward while leaving the dead behind was unseemly and disrespectful and something he could never do. Every body he came across, he paused to say a prayer over them, then gently lifted one of the lifeless into his arms and carried them to his brother, Alder.
Alder and some of the village men had been collecting the deceased villagers and were laying them in neat, organized rows according to age and gender. It was the most practical way to sort them for identification. It had been a long and painful task, but the eldest prince diligently performed it.
Not only were the dead collected, but he also needed to comfort and encourage the searchers, some of whom periodically broke down from the agony of seeing and handling so many of their deceased neighbors, friends and at times, relatives. The wails and sobs of the men were quiet, yet at once deafening. It was up to Alder to offer solace and compassion to the grieving searchers. Some found peace in the prince's consolation, but others were too aggrieved to find the strength to continue. To those tortured souls, Alder instructed them to go to the palace to eat and rest. This was not the type of job that one could perform ceaselessly and yet, the young prince had no choice but to do exactly that.
He could not allow himself to retreat from the misery that was all around him and instead forced himself to carry on. If he could not be strong going through the titanic tragedy, how could the people go on with no sustainable support? He had to keep going and he had to keep going without showing a sign if grief. Sadness was not a luxury he could afford himself. He had to be the light in the darkness. He had to be the strength for the weary. He had to be the hope for their future and the promise that they would endure the nightmare that was the Great Flood.
The journey was long and arduous as he stumbled across debris and soulless bodies. To proceed forward while leaving the dead behind was unseemly and disrespectful and something he could never do. Every body he came across, he paused to say a prayer over them, then gently lifted one of the lifeless into his arms and carried them to his brother, Alder.
Alder and some of the village men had been collecting the deceased villagers and were laying them in neat, organized rows according to age and gender. It was the most practical way to sort them for identification. It had been a long and painful task, but the eldest prince diligently performed it.
Not only were the dead collected, but he also needed to comfort and encourage the searchers, some of whom periodically broke down from the agony of seeing and handling so many of their deceased neighbors, friends and at times, relatives. The wails and sobs of the men were quiet, yet at once deafening. It was up to Alder to offer solace and compassion to the grieving searchers. Some found peace in the prince's consolation, but others were too aggrieved to find the strength to continue. To those tortured souls, Alder instructed them to go to the palace to eat and rest. This was not the type of job that one could perform ceaselessly and yet, the young prince had no choice but to do exactly that.
He could not allow himself to retreat from the misery that was all around him and instead forced himself to carry on. If he could not be strong going through the titanic tragedy, how could the people go on with no sustainable support? He had to keep going and he had to keep going without showing a sign if grief. Sadness was not a luxury he could afford himself. He had to be the light in the darkness. He had to be the strength for the weary. He had to be the hope for their future and the promise that they would endure the nightmare that was the Great Flood.
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General | Posted 4 years agoWearily, the youngest prince sighed. It had been a long day and it was still early afternoon. He was surprised to realize that he was emotionally worn. He had always held a tenacious grip on his emotions, so much so that people often thought him emotionless. But, such mental fancies were, of course, untrue. It was simply emotional discipline and at the moment, in order to serve his people, he needed to be of sound, undisturbed mind.
"Ream," Palm said, turning to the boy and patting his head, "before you descend these stairs, I want to make something abundantly clear; none of this was your fault. You are as much a victim of this tragedy, as the other citizens. Do not carry blame regarding this. Have I stated it so that you understand?"
A tremendous, overwhelming weight had been lifted from his being. The young watchman looked up at his prince, as pools of tears welled in his eyes. He began to cry, painfully, yet with relief. Without thinking about whom he was addressing, Ream threw his arms around the older boy and sobbed against his shoulder, pitifully.
Palm blinked his surprise. People throwing their arms around him and crying on HIS shoulder was an experience that was foreign to him. He had cried on many a shoulder when he was still a kitten, but never the other way around. For a commoner to be the first was startling and profound to him.
Unsure of what exactly to do, he thought on what he had seen others do and mimicked them as best he could. Awkwardly, he wrapped one arm around him and the other behind his head, patting him, gently.
"Cormish," Palm said, looking up at the palace messenger, "will you please take him to the palace so that he might rest? Alder has arranged to have some of the rooms set aside to accommodate survivors. The city is pandemonium, at the moment, but please inquire with Ream about family and friends of his, so that we might look out for them."
"Of course, My Prince." the man replied.
"Relay that information to Mother and Arjuna when you return from the palace. ...I say, 'return', because I imagine you have people that you wish to look for as well. Please carry out these tasks, then consider your job done for the day and feel free do as you will. Just let Mother and Arjuna know that I gave you permission to do so."
The messenger flinched and opened his mouth to reply, but choked on the words. Sadness and worry draped his face in their dismal shade. Palm smiled, faintly, at him.
"I am not like Alder and Arjuna." he said. "I am not proficient at comforting, or consoling others, so I apologize that this is all that I can do to assuage your despair."
Cormin shook his his head, adamantly. "No, you are most kind. Your consideration is of great comfort to me. Thank you, so much." he replied, bowing respectfully.
Quietly, he patted Ream's shoulder and detached him from the youngest prince. Patiently, he led the boy down the ladder of the watchtower, then headed to the palace, leaving Palm in their wake.
Palm watched them go, as a strange feeling sat in his chest. He surveyed the city, battered and broken and worse, the plethora of bodies that were strewn haphazardly about. Subconsciously, he began counting the scattered empty vessels of the dead. Even in grief, his mind demanded that it stayed active, always processing something instead of coming to a standstill, overwhelmed with feeling. That was how he thought, that was how his young mind worked.
As he looked on at the mournful devastation, something unusual, yet comically obvious caught his eye.
"Ream," Palm said, turning to the boy and patting his head, "before you descend these stairs, I want to make something abundantly clear; none of this was your fault. You are as much a victim of this tragedy, as the other citizens. Do not carry blame regarding this. Have I stated it so that you understand?"
A tremendous, overwhelming weight had been lifted from his being. The young watchman looked up at his prince, as pools of tears welled in his eyes. He began to cry, painfully, yet with relief. Without thinking about whom he was addressing, Ream threw his arms around the older boy and sobbed against his shoulder, pitifully.
Palm blinked his surprise. People throwing their arms around him and crying on HIS shoulder was an experience that was foreign to him. He had cried on many a shoulder when he was still a kitten, but never the other way around. For a commoner to be the first was startling and profound to him.
Unsure of what exactly to do, he thought on what he had seen others do and mimicked them as best he could. Awkwardly, he wrapped one arm around him and the other behind his head, patting him, gently.
"Cormish," Palm said, looking up at the palace messenger, "will you please take him to the palace so that he might rest? Alder has arranged to have some of the rooms set aside to accommodate survivors. The city is pandemonium, at the moment, but please inquire with Ream about family and friends of his, so that we might look out for them."
"Of course, My Prince." the man replied.
"Relay that information to Mother and Arjuna when you return from the palace. ...I say, 'return', because I imagine you have people that you wish to look for as well. Please carry out these tasks, then consider your job done for the day and feel free do as you will. Just let Mother and Arjuna know that I gave you permission to do so."
The messenger flinched and opened his mouth to reply, but choked on the words. Sadness and worry draped his face in their dismal shade. Palm smiled, faintly, at him.
"I am not like Alder and Arjuna." he said. "I am not proficient at comforting, or consoling others, so I apologize that this is all that I can do to assuage your despair."
Cormin shook his his head, adamantly. "No, you are most kind. Your consideration is of great comfort to me. Thank you, so much." he replied, bowing respectfully.
Quietly, he patted Ream's shoulder and detached him from the youngest prince. Patiently, he led the boy down the ladder of the watchtower, then headed to the palace, leaving Palm in their wake.
Palm watched them go, as a strange feeling sat in his chest. He surveyed the city, battered and broken and worse, the plethora of bodies that were strewn haphazardly about. Subconsciously, he began counting the scattered empty vessels of the dead. Even in grief, his mind demanded that it stayed active, always processing something instead of coming to a standstill, overwhelmed with feeling. That was how he thought, that was how his young mind worked.
As he looked on at the mournful devastation, something unusual, yet comically obvious caught his eye.
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General | Posted 4 years agoThe red cat gasped and looked up at his young prince in disbelief. He was certain that his actions that led to a horror besieging their town, was surely cause for termination, if not imprisonment. But, unless he heard the dark haired prince incorrectly...
"After having endured this painful event" Palm explained, knowing that his statement required some elaborating, "you now understand the dire importance your role plays. Because of this, you are now uniquely qualified to expertly fulfill the demands of your position. I can hardly think that you should ever shirk your duties again and therefore can think of no better person to serve in the managerial position."
Merciful. Charitable. Forgiving. Palm, the youngest prince, qualified for them all. Still on his knees, tears still raining from his eyes, the red cat bowed, pressing his brow to the sturdy wooden planks. "Thank you." he whimpered.
Slowly, he got to his feet and headed to the stairs. He had descended hardly two steps, before looking into the wide, frail eyes of his coworker. His heart plummeted at the sight. How much anguish had the boy suffered at his irresponsibility.
"Ream," he said, "I am so sorry...for everything. I will not ask you to forgive me, I just want you to know that I apologize. None of this should have happened and none of this should have happened to you. I'm sorry you had to go through this because of me."
With nothing more to say, the crimson cat disappeared beneath the watchtower planks. Ream watched him leave, his thoughts about the man his own. He knew that his supervisor made a mistake and that he apologized for it, but would he have done that on his own, or was his apology due to the presence of their prince? He did not know the answer and he was too tired to speculate.
"After having endured this painful event" Palm explained, knowing that his statement required some elaborating, "you now understand the dire importance your role plays. Because of this, you are now uniquely qualified to expertly fulfill the demands of your position. I can hardly think that you should ever shirk your duties again and therefore can think of no better person to serve in the managerial position."
Merciful. Charitable. Forgiving. Palm, the youngest prince, qualified for them all. Still on his knees, tears still raining from his eyes, the red cat bowed, pressing his brow to the sturdy wooden planks. "Thank you." he whimpered.
Slowly, he got to his feet and headed to the stairs. He had descended hardly two steps, before looking into the wide, frail eyes of his coworker. His heart plummeted at the sight. How much anguish had the boy suffered at his irresponsibility.
"Ream," he said, "I am so sorry...for everything. I will not ask you to forgive me, I just want you to know that I apologize. None of this should have happened and none of this should have happened to you. I'm sorry you had to go through this because of me."
With nothing more to say, the crimson cat disappeared beneath the watchtower planks. Ream watched him leave, his thoughts about the man his own. He knew that his supervisor made a mistake and that he apologized for it, but would he have done that on his own, or was his apology due to the presence of their prince? He did not know the answer and he was too tired to speculate.
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General | Posted 4 years agoPalm stared at him, his eyes daggers of disbelief. Surely no reasonable person could force a body to work an entire, literal day without succumbing to extreme fatigue. To say that he was despicable was generous. Even a simpleton could reason that. And yet...
With a glare frigid enough to make ice seem tepid, Palm said quietly, yet tempestuously, "If villagers should ask who was at the watch, you will reply that you do not recall and that the shifts were altered due to an illness suffered among your crew. Because of this, you are unsure of the identity of the watchman.
"If the citizens should ask, then to whom should they assign blame, you are to tell them that the responsibility was mine. I will be the one that is held accountable for this calamity. This job is one of the most important roles to be carried out to ensure the safety of our people. Because of this, the position should have been better regulated. I will accept responsibility for that. Am I clear?"
"Yes, yes, I understand." the man replied, bowing with overwhelming relief. The red cat held his head lowly, as he began to tremble. Suddenly, he fell to his knees and hid his face behind one quivering hand, as tears of regret poured from his eyes.
"I'm sorry." he sobbed. "I didn't mean to be deceitful. True, that I was going to yell at Ream when I climbed the stairs, but even then, I knew that I was the one at fault. I knew this was my fault. And then, when I got to the top, I saw you kneeling there and I panicked. I'm so sorry. I should never have lied to you, but I was...I was..."
"...frightened." Palm supplied. "When one is overcome with fear, the natural response is to evade that which has frightened them. My presence frightened you and so, in order to escape from me, you tried to make me believe that the cause of this disaster was the result of the lackadaisical behavior of one of your crewmen. It is not at all surprising.
"However, now you are able not only to acknowledge your carelessness, but are also remorseful and repentant of it. Your humbleness is your saving grace. You may leave, now. I will speak to you regarding a better layout of the structure for operations, here."
With a glare frigid enough to make ice seem tepid, Palm said quietly, yet tempestuously, "If villagers should ask who was at the watch, you will reply that you do not recall and that the shifts were altered due to an illness suffered among your crew. Because of this, you are unsure of the identity of the watchman.
"If the citizens should ask, then to whom should they assign blame, you are to tell them that the responsibility was mine. I will be the one that is held accountable for this calamity. This job is one of the most important roles to be carried out to ensure the safety of our people. Because of this, the position should have been better regulated. I will accept responsibility for that. Am I clear?"
"Yes, yes, I understand." the man replied, bowing with overwhelming relief. The red cat held his head lowly, as he began to tremble. Suddenly, he fell to his knees and hid his face behind one quivering hand, as tears of regret poured from his eyes.
"I'm sorry." he sobbed. "I didn't mean to be deceitful. True, that I was going to yell at Ream when I climbed the stairs, but even then, I knew that I was the one at fault. I knew this was my fault. And then, when I got to the top, I saw you kneeling there and I panicked. I'm so sorry. I should never have lied to you, but I was...I was..."
"...frightened." Palm supplied. "When one is overcome with fear, the natural response is to evade that which has frightened them. My presence frightened you and so, in order to escape from me, you tried to make me believe that the cause of this disaster was the result of the lackadaisical behavior of one of your crewmen. It is not at all surprising.
"However, now you are able not only to acknowledge your carelessness, but are also remorseful and repentant of it. Your humbleness is your saving grace. You may leave, now. I will speak to you regarding a better layout of the structure for operations, here."
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