Tis Getting Late

Sentinel Island - Surathi Haven

JP with Lorem and Omni

Gonyaul was trying to catch their words like a young child trying to chase fireflies in the dark. He clumsily would run after syllables and phrases only to be too slow to catch their meaning. In some instances, there was an opportunity to make a connection, but he was too focused on one firefly word to recognize there was an easier one to grasp right next to it which he didn’t pay close enough attention to. In the end, he was just as confused as when he started eavesdropping. He came up empty, but was determined to figure it out in time as he had Helian and the Odsier.

Instead, he had to rely solely on body language and tone. Two of the three seemed to believe in him about something. The third seemed to believe the opposite.

He had to clench his jaws tightly in order to prevent an impolite yawn from escaping. He wasn’t bored, quite the contrary. This conversation had opened up an entirely new perspective to wonder about and altered his previous world view in some significant ways. He was simply tired and no amount of self discipline was going to win in the end against his body’s need for rest. Gonyaul continued to try his best though to stay attentive.

The young girl, Ylja, stifled a yawn of her own. The elder, Ilyra, turned a gentle smile toward her and spoke in old Helian.

"Aye, ‘tis getting late," she agreed. "Off to bed with thee. Thou are to help with morning’s fishing."

Ylja wrinkled her nose in protest. "But I am not weary, Grandmother," she insisted.

Her aunt, Draza, chimed in, her tone firm yet affectionate. "Nonsense, child. Thou hast need of rest. And besides, thou art mightily skilled at fishing. We cannot catch our sustenance without thy aid." Her words held truth, albeit laced with maternal affection.

"I did catche six fish today!" she exclaimed proudly to everyone in the room.

Ilyra smiled indulgently at her granddaughter's enthusiasm, "Thou shalt become the finest fisher in the village, ere long!”

"Grandmother, should we not mark him?" Ylja asked earnestly, her brow furrowing with concern. She looked from Gonyaul to her elders.

Ilyra’s expression quickly turned to one of serious contemplation as Ylja changed the topic.

Draza, ever the voice of caution, stepped forward with a decisive nod. "We should wait, mother. If what thou safest about his ability holds true, he shall not long need one. Let him exercise this muscle of his."

Ilyra hesitated, her gaze distant as she pondered the question. "Aye… I deem that a prudent course, for he is akin us. His folk endure. So too shall he endure.”