Hallows End - Day 47
--Nameless clumsily Signs to the darkness not sure if his companion is still nearby or not "I am trembling, what if I am seen as me?" (translation-im nervous, what if im recognised)"
Trust me, no one here will know. Besides, who cares if you are recognized. People can judge all they want. But that is for small minds to might reduce that maybe you are like this for a reason..." His guide shrugged. Hmm, he heard music. Shriek of kids playing. "Harvest time. This human town celebrates it especially this time of year. I want you to listen and try to find out why without asking."
Nameless nods in agreement. as he thinks to himself, (humans and a blind mute Sidhe... this will be interesting)...Following the sounds He walks allong the edge of the road towards the village No one seemed to pay him mind at first, until a couple of children said something pretty close by. "Hey mister!" The voice of a human child. "RAWR!" Okay....human child making scary monster noises. "Hey mister! You're supposed to give candy!" "Honey, he's blind, he can't see your mask or bag."
An adult's voice. "I'm sorry sir, he won't bother you aga-...." The mother paused and looked at the blind beggar, he could sense this realization in the tension. "You're a....Sid-..." "Mommy! It's an elf! He has gems on his face!" The child exclaimed. "Marvin!!" The mother sounded shocked and appalled, and there was the sound of a good smack on his behind and the child shrieking a moment in shock. "You do NOT treat people like that!"
Nameless kindly waves his hands indicating its ok, he lays his staff on the ground and kneels to allow the child to get a look at him. the signs -- I no talk or see... you no fear me -- (his mind flashes back to the tavern on the day he found Eru a scared and wounded child terrifyd at her first sight of a sidhe)
"What's he doing mum?...." The child blinked and looked to his mother, taking a step back. "He's trying to talk to you honey. He forgives you for being so rude..." His mother sighed. "Now apologize to him..." ".....sorry...." Marvin fidgeted in place, looking at the blind and mute man with some apprehension. "You want some of my candy?"
Nameless Smiles and looked up the childs Mother... and kindly shook his head no and mouthed "no, Thank you" (suddenly distracted as he remembers the stains on his rags and the hideous sound it makes when he tries to talk - he winces as he slowly gets up picking up his staff he turns away slightly with embarrassment)
"Well, welcome to Hollow's End." The mother says. "Enjoy the festivities...." Hollow's End....that was a human town alright. They were only two days walk from Compass Rose...
Nameless bows gracefully, nods and smiles to the child and gently taps the edge of the road as he continues to follow the sound of the festivities. As he walked further into town, the music was louder, and he could feel a lot more people present. Suddenly a hand was on his shoulder, and the sound of a strong man was heard. "Hey drifter, yer not here to cause issues are you?" Must've been a militia.
Nameless Jumps with a start, then faces the man and bows while shaking his head "No". Holding his head low he waits for a response..."You can't join in looking like that...." The guard grumbled and pulled on his arm to what felt like a building. "Take off that dirty cloak, by the God's sake...." Disoriented and surprised Nameless clumsily stumbles along with the man. --(I'm too filthy and ragged for human standards, Gods I am worse off than I thought)-- he thinks to himself" Hurry up! I have to get back on patrol!
You're lucky. Tis the season of giving back." The guard sighed impatiently and shuffled around, it sounded like he was getting something. He Signs to the man "Give Back?" ... The guard looks at him confused "Huh?....oh...yeah I....guess, if you really want it that bad." He sighed and walked over as Rolynd disrobed. AH COLD!! As the guard ran a cold sponge over his face and chest to get most of the dirt and smell off. "Here, clean shirt, pants, and a stick to navigate around. Beg as much as you want, this time of year, you may actually make enough to rent a room."
Nameless is confused and not quite sure what is happening as obviously his attempt to ask about the season of giving back was missed entirely, but he puts on the clothes. Knowing his attempt to ask about the season of giving back was misunderstood Nameless attempts to thank the man for his generosity. "Yeah yeah, just....go. Don't cause trouble or I'l throw you out...." He warned, helping him outside and giving him the long thin stick to navigate with. "Happy Hollow's Harvest." He waved.
Feeling refreshed and renewed wearing clean clothes for the first time in over a month, Nameless could barely contain his smile. (why was this man so kind? he must have been embarrassed to have such a horrible sight in his city...) Nameless study's what he can of his surroundings to try and remember this place so he can return the clothes and collect his staff when it is time to leave. (I must repay this man for his kindness one day he thinks to himself) After a few moments he continues down the street slowly as he gets used to this new walking stick.
He journeyed around town and took a seat to listen in on what was going on. Sounds like the children were running around trying to scare people, and if they successfully startled someone, they would be entitled to give that child candy. Sounds like there were festivities. Bobbing for apples. And the smell of a great feast being laid out and prepared. "Thou must remember that what we receive from the land, we must eventually give back! The Hollow reminds us that with all we have, there is more to be taken away. Do not covet your items. Covet your friends, your family, those that cannot be replaced!" Sounded like some sort of preacher, telling the story of the Hollow. He had heard it before but....maybe not...quite so well as now.
Nameless begins to tear up as he listens carefully he remembers his friends and all those he left behind so long ago. (I would set aside everything I am entitled to by birth to have things back as they were. I would gladly live in poverty to be loved) he wipes the tears from his cheek (but Malaki is dead Fhio is gone to Malius and Eru.. is yet to be sorted.. Valli, Anada and Alarin seem my only allys... Like it or not I will return to a different world than I left) he gently places his face in his hands as he continues to listen to his surroundings
The preacher began to tell a story he had not heard before. Someone who used to live in the village over 300 years ago. Someone named Holly. They also told the story of the Hollow's Tree. That it was from this old black decrepit tree that the Hollow steps out of. The Reason this is Hollow's End, is because it is the first and last place the Hollow visits every year. Nameless Listens Carefully to the story of Holly, It is comforting to hear new knowledge even if it is only folklore. (It is a gift from Sensus to be given new story's I did not have to ask for or seek by my will)I must remember to offer thanks at his alter for this...
"Long ago, there was a young girl with brilliant fiery red hair that was just a normal person of this town, like you and I. But every year, since she could understand what giving was, she didn't just give away half her candy to the Hollow's Tree. She gave all of it. She gave everything she had, and this life kept taking things away. She lost her husband, she lost her unborn baby. She last her farm. But that never stopped her. Every year, she gave everything she owned to the Hollow." "One year, or so the legend goes, she offered herself to the Hollow, to be taken. But she stood before the great spirit and said "You may take me, my life, my soul, and everything I am. But please, spare my village, my friends, my people." "Legend goes, that upon this offer, the Hollow hesitated, for the first time in its existence. The Hollow spoke to her." "You and everything you are, you are now mine. I will spare your village, for now." "And the townsfolk, were so moved by this woman's sacrifice, that they left out offerings for the Hollow, not out of fear.....but of thanks. And so, every year, the children leave half their candy at the Hollow's tree and thanks the Hollow for letting them live. The adults make their offerings as a show of reverence to the Hollow and its kindness. And, as the Hollow promised, no true resident of Hollow's End has ever had anything taken by the Hollow since. But, it is our job to pass on the story of sacrifice. What if we were all like Holly, and show us the meaning of giving to others. Give of ourselves, our talents.....our love, and our hearts. Maybe, if we could learn this tale of unconditional love, maybe there would finally be no need for war. As we would be there.....for each other....no matter how big, no matter how small."
Nameless is moved by the story.. he ponders the things he has and has given... ponders the little he now has and how everything he has was given to him by a stranger. ( I am great-full for this kindness, I wonder if the townsfolk were as generous to Holly as they have been to me) Nameless raises his head to the Sky --"Zet'tallen, I have offered my life to you in remorse and grief yet you have spared me.. I wish to honor you with the life you have allowed me to retain for it is by your grace I have been spared. Bless these kind people for they are generous and good"
"Zet'tallan blesses all his wards." A sudden voice from his right. Oh, it was his guide, sounded like he was biting into an apple. "You know....he's carrying us on his back. He took physical form so he could carry us to where we need to go. He puts his very existence in danger...just to help us." He sounds a bit....sad as he says this. "And all we do is hurt him...." His guide turns to him and places an apple in his hand. "The portal to Death's realm....it released some creatures that feed off the inhabitants with ever reaching tentacles. Then....there is...the old Sidhe Lords." Nameless thinks to himself “He knew about that?” his companion continues "Did you feel the entire world shake a few weeks ago? That was them.....they hurt Zet'tallan....like ripping out his arm and reattaching it wrong. But Zet'tallan doesn't care that he is hurt....well....I mean he cares cause it hurts, but he cares more if his Wards are hurt...."
Nameless turns to him and signs "we hurt him - we don't think - not understand we hurt" The devoted interrupts "I devoted my life to Zet'tallan, at first, just for the journey, to explore and live my life how I wanted. But, as time went on, I discovered, that even as a Sidhe....I could keep the balance....help others....and stop those that want to hurt others...." "Do I miss my fancy house, my servants and my daily scented baths? Heh....oh yes...there are days I really do. But..." He scratched his neck, chuckling. "I don't NEED those things....want yes, but....not need, I guess. I'm not the slave of the Dream anymore...."
Nameless smiles as he remembers the hot baths with rose petals and lavender Eru used to run for him ... In the late spring when the flowers are at their fullest... He nods his head.. "no need, yes want" Nameless nips small bits of the apple chews for a while and tosses his head back to swallow"
Stay here until the Hollow comes, your eyesight and tongue will be given back, then you can walk back for Compass Rose. Here you will learn that it is the actions of others that shape this town. So, you can either isolate yourself out in the wilderness....or contribute to this town in the state you are in..."
Nameless looks puzzled, and signs clumsily "How? I have nothing to give, I can not work, or lead, I have no trade, even children seem afraid of me... Wha..."
The devoted reaches out and stops Nameless in mid gesture "You can work, Anyone can work. Whether it be carrying things, or otherwise. Find something, something you can offer. And you will receive your gifts ten fold."
Nameless Rises to his feet and Bows to his companion... he waits a moment then with all his strength pulls him to his feet and embraces him and kisses each cheek... He pulls him close and whispers in his ear, although barely intelligible whispering with no tongue for enunciation..."Thank you sir...you have saved me from myself.. you have brought me here and I will do as you have asked, as Zet'tallen has asked. I have nothing but I will give what I can to hallows end.,, I give you my word" Nameless takes a step back and bows again
The man nodded, looking a bit taken aback by the embrace, but simply patted his shoulder in return. "I will be close by....if you need help. But...these people are kind. I am sure you will be okay." "Good luck...."
