Character Backstory: Soleiya, Ch. 4

• Posted by Soleiya November 6, 2011 - 773 views

  Sakirra talked the impulsive Bosmer out of the idea of sneaking away from the manor that very night. Once her choice was made, Soleiya had an overwhelming desire to see it done.  But Sakirra's more placid wisdom prevailed, and the two women made sly preparations for a day or two--gathering travel clothes, supplies and food--then sat back to await an opportunity.

  The hardest part was trying to masquerade as if there had been no change in their relationship.  No one had appeared to mark their prior friendship, but now that there were secret plans afoot, every encounter seemed fraught with peril--eyes watching from behind bushes, ears cocked around hallway corners....did anyone know?  Had they seen?  Were they discovered?

  Thankfully, a golden opportunity came about only a week or two after their first tryst.  The season turned to MidYear, the summoning day of Hircine was approaching, and Maman announced a household hunt and pilgrimage to honor the Daedra's holiday.  Soleiya laid her plans and told Sakirra to be ready.

  The day of the hunt dawned, and the entire household began making preparations to ride out, with the exception of a few of the very old and very young.  Soleiya, however, stayed in her bed, apparently wracked with fever and unable to travel.

  Maman came to visit her young charge, though she stayed in the doorway of the room so as not to catch whatever Soleiya might be ill with.  "Think of it," she said, "all those days we couldn't keep you indoors, and now you'll be missing the biggest hunt of the year!" She clucked her tongue in regret. "Perhaps I ought to stay and make sure you're kept comfortable?"

  Soleiya shook her head, then put on a show of groaning as if the movement had exacerbated a headache. "No, maman, I don't want you to miss out..."

  "And someone needs to tell you everything about it later, eh?"

  Belatedly, Soleiya agreed.  Maman gave her a long, calm look.

  "Maman...." Soleiya suddenly realized that this may very well be the last time she would ever see her beloved grandmother.  The reality of what she had planned struck very close to her heart.  "I just....I...."  Maman waited.  "Thank you for everything you've done for me, Maman.  I love you, and it means so much...."

  Maman sighed in the doorway, and her eyes took on a faraway look of mingled pride and sadness.  "Oh, my dear Soleiya....you're not the only little girl who ever chafed at the narrow idea of being made into a lady...."  She smiled softly to herself, then gazed at her granddaughter.  "You've done your best for me, I know it....but some creatures are made for the wilds."

  Crossing from the doorway to the bedside, she bent and kissed Soleiya on the forehead.  "Be safe and happy, my dear....be free."  As she stood straight again, Soleiya could see tears in her grandmother's eyes before she swiftly turned and left the room.

  Soleiya could do nothing but stare after her.

  She and Sakirra left together that afternoon, slipping out through the back garden gate hours after the household party had departed, and days before they would return to find the girls missing.  They left behind only a couple of elderly aunts and uncles, one toddler, a few loafing servants....and everything they had ever known.