Past lives - 7th Feb 2017
Rei’ann halts in front of Iridiel Sunglance’s tomb. The afternoon sun is high and bright. Tiny peaceblooms gather around the enchanted coffin. As usual, it is a peaceful afternoon, away from the activity of the household, and especially of the city.
Quietly, she contemplates the beautiful figure in the glass coffin, physically preserved via magic, but not in the way that Sylvarys’ body was preserved - this is not to sustain life, but instead maintain a memory of the person that once was.
For a long time, Rei’ann takes in her would-have-been stepdaughter’s appearance. There is nobody else in the vicinity - she has made sure of that before she came up here.
Quietly, she speaks.
“I empathise.”
There is little more that needs to be said out loud that is not already understood. Rei’ann has kept herself occupied with duties both at home as well as her own official missions. There is no need for her to be there at all.
Perhaps, she thinks, I am becoming sentimental.
Once upon a time, she would have been angry, allowing her rage to internalise and simmer within her chest, too well controlled to allow any of her emotion to show.
But more and more, she has begun to understand the strength in allowing herself to feel. Illethiann has made sure of that. Nivendi’en too, of course, as well as Narindiel, even though she will never admit it to her right hand.
Above all, Sylvarys: the first to change her, to make her understand what it means to grow fond of someone who is not family, but is as good as family.
Rei’ann casts no judgement on Iridiel, for what she did to hide her youngest child. Neither does she - like many others - cast judgement on Sylvarys for his still not interacting with his older twins. She has stopped calling Vellidan out - she has come to realise the elf he is, or at least, she has tried to.
These days, she does not even feel anger at Mor’denath any more - only pity.
“I’ll look after him, as well as I can, but understand that certain things are beyond my own control. Whatever it is, I will not let your effort go to waste.”
Rei’ann gazes at Iridiel. Eventually, she turns around and walks away, leaving the peaceblooms bowing in the breeze of the sea, in the warm glory of the afternoon sun.
An appropriate resting place for a selfless wife, daughter and mother.
