Sanvri. It may

Chatterbox: Inkwell

Sanvri. It may

Sanvri. It may seem a strange world to you, with many known things being flipped upside down as it would seem. Nevertheless, you live here. Mayhaps you are a human, an elf, a dwarf, a gnome, perhaps a halfling, or one of the dragon-kin. No matter who you are, or where you have come from—you will shape the world.

 

So. Who are you? Are you an elf? The elves are a horse people, and can speak to their horses. The horses live as long as they do—about 300 years. High elves live in cities, raising powerful lines to be the horses of heroes; viri horses. Wood elves live in the wilds as nomads, raising the fleetest, most sturdy horses to walk this earth. However, some high elves speak of splitting: they want to live in mountain halls, as if they were dwarves. They want to breed what they call ‘draft’ horses and smaller, stronger horses. All grown (45 years or older) elves have their own horse, a true friend and partner to them. Chosen from their parents herd, this is how they will start their own line of horses. They tend to live in western wooded Dekita, Tamren, and Hanye.

Could your name be on one of these lists here?

Male names: Dunyin, Fachrin, Favrom, Jakren, Kahron, Lotanu, Menke, Naarven, Opkalan, Pelrindai, Rafen, Takaran, and Vhinyor 

Female names: Epandai, Fyrandi, Hrodi, Kiari, Lafikia, Marwenya, Nofi, Orshina, Pyferni, Rashan, Shonida, Shyandira, Talinda, Uwindal, and Yswana

Surnames: Ystayii, Fatridal, Utarom, Jawkta, Shyrondi, Lotkida, Roshike, Naarshirni, Orstalan, Oprafii, Marlindai, and Rashkia

 

Or might you be a human? There are three major race of humans: You could be from the Eagle Dominion, the Akaribons, and the Island Folk. Those of you from the Eagle Dominion are mostly a military folk, being knights, peasants, and royalty. There are seven duchies, all with one of their members on the council. The knights ride Griffins--a beautiful and powerful animal, much loved by the citizens. They tend to live for 50 years. They are considered to be adults at 15 years.

Might one of these be your name?

Male first names: Aaron, Aidan, Arthur, Cathair, Cian, Conan, Daibhi, Doyle, Edric, Eliakim, Ethan, Faolan, Fearghas, Finnegan, Flaithri, Hoshea, Iomar, Isaac, Kieron, James, John, Joseph, Levi, Lorcan, Luke, Mark, Michael, Muiris, Neil, Orrin, Rian, Rowan, Ruadh, Phillip, Samuel, Seamus, Suibne, Timothy, Tobias, Tomas, and Zechariah

Common female first names: Aileen, Adina, Alina, Alistrona, Bianka, Catrin, Ciara, Debora, Elizabeth, Evelyn, Evi, Fiona, Frauke, Frieda, Gerda, Gisella, Heida, Ingrid, Isa, Ivonne, Jana, Judda, Karin, Kasmira, Krista, Liadan, Liane, Liesa, Maeve, Miriam, Moira, Niamh, Noemi, Ortrun, Riona, Rosalie, Saskia, Seraphina, Sorcha, Taja, Tatiana, Treasa, Una, Uske, Verena, Vreni, Ziska, & Zita

Your surname, if you are a noble or knight will be your duchy. The duchies are as follows: The Unicorn Duchy, Pegasus Duchy, Dragon Duchy, Wyvern Duchy, Archangel Duchy, Falcon Duchy, and the Hydra Duchy. If a peasant, the job that you undertake, such as Baker, Millwright, Carter, etc. They tend to live in Central Dekita, but are considering pioneering prospects.

 

The Akaribons are maintaining an isolationist policy in Zashai, where they live—no one comes in, and if you go out, you probably aren't coming back in. They do a small amount of trading with a few Halfling families who they trust, but this is the extent of diplomatic relations. The shoguns hold most of the power, and obey only the emperor. They tend to live for about 75 years. They are considered adults at 20.

Often used names:

Female: Aimi, Anong, Ayaka, Chika, Chouko, Hua, Jia, Jun, Kasumi, Kiyoko, Lawan, Li, Malai, Mali, Mei, Sukhon, Xiuying, Youko

Male: An, Chang, Fu, Gang, He, Hiroshi, Jiang, Jun'ichi, Kaito, Kiyoshi, Klahan, Ning, Ping, Qiang, Rang, Ryuunosuke, Sakchai, Somsak, Takashi, Takumi, Thaksin 

Surnames: Abe, Chen, Choi, Chung, Du, Fan, Fujita, Fukui, Himura, Hou, Hu, Ikeda, Ito, Jin, Jo, Kato, Kita, Kwan, Li, Lim, Lu, Maeda, Maki, Minami, Mori, Mun, Nakano, Ree, Ruan, Saito, Sato, Shimizu, Takenaka, Ueda, Ueno, Wang, Wen, Xun, Yamauchi, Yang, Yu, Zhang, & Zhu

 

And you Island Folk consist of two subraces: The Ehiku Manawa, and the Ka Moku Moku. The Ehiku Manawa live largely on one island, sailing to another island only seven times, and participating in seven important ceremonies of life: birth, growing up, adulthood, marriage, childbirth, old age, and death. For each of these, they move to a new island, and take part in a new ceremony. The Ka Moku Moku are always on the move, with most of their livelihood in their canoes. They will often go to specific 'family' islands for certain seasons, mayhaps visiting new 'swimming' islands. They tend to live for 40 years, and are considered adults once all their adult teeth have come in.

Here are some names which one of which may be yours:

Female Names: Adorinda, Apikalia, Awihina, Brava, Ciela, Dezirinda, Elikapeka, Esperanza, Fajra, Gaja, Haunani, Hine, Iolana, Jevela, Kahurangi, Kaipo, Kapua, Katida, Keahi, Keanu, Konani, Lehua, Leimomi, Luksa, Makana, Maraja, Marama, Mele, Ngaio, Noelani, Orabela, Pele, Pipra, Pua, Rava, Roimata, Sprita, Tondra, Uilani, Venka, Whetu, and Wikolia

Masculine: Akamu, Anaru, Ekewaka, Ikaika, Hohepa, Kai, Kauri, Kaleo, Kapono, Kaulana, Kealoha, Kekoa, Koa, Lehua, Makana, Mikaere, Nikau, Pika, Piripi, Rangi, Tama, Tange, Tipene, and Wiremu.

Surnames: Aberu, Adebayo, Afolayan, Arando, Cabara, Cadoso, Cota, Dibra, Fereira, Gura, Idowu, Kamau, Lobo, Madira, Maina, Mata, Melo, Moreno, Okeke, Okorie, Olayinka, Parede, Roka, Silva, Temitope, and Watana

 

Or might you be of the Dragon-kin? There are very few of the Strakh (black colored) and the Uur Khilen (red) Dragon-kin left; they are a dying race. However, the Tuhota (blue), Rasan (brass), and Kurushimi (bronze) are still thriving. However, they like to keep to themselves, and are best known for their building and metal-working abilities. They usually live to be about 70-80years of age, and are considered adults at 20. They live in northern Kemesaal. 

A few well-known dragon-kin names are as follows: 

Male: Andile, Boipelo, Bongani, Chifundo, Chikumbutsu, Dankarai, Dumisani, Ganizani, Kabelo, Katleho, Limbikani, Mandlenkosi, Melisizwe, Mphatso, Munashe, Nkosana, Pilirani, Sandile, Sekani, Sitabonga, Takondwa, Tatenda, Thabani, Thulani, Tjaart, Wanangwa, Zephania, Zikomo

Female: Amahle, Ayanda, Bonolo, Chikondi, Chipo, Chrizanne, Fatsani, Hlengiwe, Itumeleng, Kefilwe, Lesedi, Lindiwe, Manyara, Mbalenhle, Mbali, Mudiwa, Nkosazana, Nosizwe, Ntombifuthi, Nyarai, Pemphero, Puleng, Rumbidzai, Sibusisiwe, Sethembile, Taonga, Thandeka, Thandiwe, Tsholofelo, Tumelo, Zodwa

Surnames: Adebayo, Afolayan, Babatunde, Ihejirika, Mwangi, Okafor, Olayinka, Opeyemi, Temitope

 

You could be a Halfling. They live on airships, only coming down to trade. They are short of stature, but brave, bold and hardy. One can't help but admire them. Richer families have begun to pioneer methods of growing crops on their airships. An interesting idea, who knows if it will work. They usually live to be 200 years old, and live a full, rich life. They are considered adults at 50.

Familiar names are as follows: Male Names: Adán, Adrián, Artur, Biel, Brais, Casmir, Cibrán, Corin, Damián, Dante, Dimas, Edur, Eloi, Erwan, Fedele, Felip, Hadrian, Hernán, Hodei, Ibai, Ion, Isai, Jair, Jordi, Kemen, Koldo, Lando, León, Mateu, Melchor, Nando, Nazaret, Oier, Ortzi, Pastor, Petri, Roc, Roi, Sabas, Seve, Teo, Toni, Unai, Valerio, Vasco, Vito, Xabi, Xanti, Ximun, Yair, and Zeru

Female: Alaia, Amaya, Anaïs, Calista, Caeina, Corona, Dalia, Débora, Dorita, Esmeralda, Eulalia, Euria, Febe, Fidela, Florina, Haizea, Hirune, Ileana, Iria, Irune, Jana, Jesenia, Jordana, Katalin, Laia, Lore, Lorea, Mariana, Mayra, Miren, Nahia, Nayara, Nydia, Oihana, Ona, Oriana, Paloma, Pastora, Perla, Remei, Rosa, Rosalina, Ruth, Sabela, Selena, Sonia, Tamara, Tere, Trini, Udane, Valeria, Vera, Viviana, Xiana, Yadira, Yesenia, Zaira, Zoraida

Surnames: Acciai, Bove, Costa, Di Caprio, Emile, Ferriera, Hardy, Innocent, Jaso, Lemaire, Merlo, Nieves, Oliver, Pavone, Quintana, Rayne, Spada, Torres, Uccello, Vega, Zino

 

You could be a dwarf. You know, strong in magical runic abilities, with axes and magic practically spilling out of you ears. Not to mention braids. Living in the mountain halls, each in their own clan. They keep to themselves, and generally look down on all other races because they feel that they are the only ones who should be able to have and use magic. It doesn’t earn them a lot of friends. They usually live to be around 150 years, and are considered adults at 30. They mostly live in Wekran and Jerja.

Commonly used names among the dwarves are as follows: 

Female: Ågot, Alfhild, Anja, Beate, Berit, Bryhild, Cathrine, Christel, Dagny, Dagrun, Dorothea, Ea, Ebba, Erika, Frida, Gerd, Greta, Gry, Hanne, Heidi, Hilda, Inga, Ingrid, Ingvild, Jannike, Judit, Kari, Katja, Kjersti, Laila, Linn, Lucia, Maja, Malin, Marita, Oda, Ragna, Rakel, Runa, Sigrid, Sonja, Sylvi, Thora, Tordis, Tyra, Ursula, Vera, and Ylva.

Male: Albin, Alvar, Brynjar, Caj, Dag, Dieter, Egil, Einar, Eirik, Frode, Gunvald, Gunther, Halvard, Hjalmar, Humbert, Ingvar, Isak, Jakob, Jarl, Kjetil, Reidar, Runar, Steinar, and Vidar. 

Their surnames come from which clan they belong to. And, at marriage, when a woman leaves her clan to join her husband’s clan, she takes on his clan name officially, but many of her friends will refer to her old clan name. Abschuworung, healing magic, Besvarjelse, evocation magic, Verzauberung, enchantment magic, Framkallade, summoning magic, Vostellung, illusions magic, and Verwandlung, transmutation magic.

 

Maybe you’re a Gnome. Who knows, they’re a strange folk, mischievous and keeping to themselves in the woods. They tend to live in trees and prank travelers for the fun of it. In short, mostly a nuisance. They have a small working knowledge of magic, which they use to disrupt travel. The Gnomes usually live to be 100 years old. They have no concept of adulthood. They usually live on Llewyan

Frequently used Gnomish names are as follows. Note: They do not carry surnames. And, the double l is hard to pronounce, but you stick your tongue down at your bottom teeth and make an ‘l’ sound. It’s rather interesting. But enough of this. 

Female: Aderyn, Aeronwy, Arianhod, Blodeuwedd, Branwen, Bryn, Ceinwen, Ceridwen, Deryn, Dylis, Eira, Elain, Enfys, Ffion, Fflur, Gwawr, Gwyneira, Haf, Heulwen, Llinos, Mairwen, Mari, Nerys, Rhosyn, Seren, & Tesni 

Male: Afon, Bleddyn, Bran, Brynmor, Celyn, Culhwch, Dai, Gawain, Glaw, Glyn, Glyndwyr, Haul, Hefin, Islwyn, Llewlyn, Mihangel, Mostyn, Pryderi, Rhydderch, Talfryn, & Yale.

 

You people of this "inkwell" could call this a 'solo write' crossed with a 'simulator'. I will tell you what happens to your people. At times, you will be required to answer a question in order for me to tell more. Otherwise, that person will be stuck in a time loop. And that’s not fair to them.

I will need the following information to be able to find this person you speak of to track them. Please give me as much information as possible. Some of your answers may end up needing to be adjusted in order to find the person, if you have been accidentally misinformed of a piece of culture, etc, etc.

 

What is their name?

Race?

Age? 

Male or Female?

Where are they from?

Where do they live now? 

Who were their parents? (Please, do not be afraid to tell me of half-race heritage.)

What did their parents do for a living?

What relatives of theirs are alive, and which are they in contact with? 

What does this person do for a living? (If applicable.)

Do they enjoy their work? 

What does this person look like?

Are they married?

Do they have children? (If applicable.)

What is the one thing they want most?

How would you describe their personality? (A trifling detail, if you do not answer, their personality may change and you may not recognize the person, even if I do.) 

What skills do they have?

What do they think about magic?

Additional information would be appreciated, but I do not think necessary. 

Once this message appears, I will give you the map of the world, so that you might have a better idea of where everything is located. Please, excuse me for giving almost too much detail. I will begin telling you of the history as soon as the first person fully appears. Additional people will be added until I say that’s enough. The tale, too, ends when it ends.

submitted by Messenger, age Who am I?, Sanvri, Dekita
(January 31, 2019 - 6:07 pm)

@Everyone, I am so very sorry that I have not posted anymore of the story yet. At the moment I am writing down a lot of your information on characters on an off-site location so that I can reference them easily. However, the timeline is being difficult. And I should like to smack it. (This comes of setting up things in the same world but at different times.)

Please continue to check in, I will post a new part of the story once a week at the least. I thank you all for your patience. Keep in mind that I am not only a messenger from a far off (and fictional) world. I surprisingly (and mayhaps sadly) have a life where I have school, chores, and other matters, which I try to tend to before Sanvri. Again, thank you, and you have my most sincere apologies. 

submitted by Messenger, Sanvri, Dekita
(February 5, 2019 - 10:08 pm)

No worries, Messenger! I completely understand about school and such. Also you can pick and choose for my charrie, or make him different. Whatever makes it easier for you! 

submitted by Tuxedo Kitten
(February 7, 2019 - 3:20 pm)

Agh, sorry I haven’t posted my charrie yet, things have been busy (as usual) but I should be able to post it tomorrow.

submitted by The Riddler, age 16, Aquí
(February 7, 2019 - 9:00 pm)

It is understandable, The Riddler. I can only hope that you can make it, but if not, it is forgivable.

submitted by Messenger, Sanvri, Hanye
(February 7, 2019 - 10:41 pm)

Pyferni threw her arms open wide with a laugh. She was being a bit crazy now, and she knew she would be ashamed of herself moments later but for now, the wind snatched at her and she wanted to dance with it. Nofi tripped around her with a trilling whinny, and just as Pyferni was getting a hold of herself, Nofi gently nudged her friend with her head, and Pyferni toppled over.

"What was that for?" Pyferni asked, with a bit of a borrowed horse-speech accent. "You forgot about me," Nofi replied, blinking in an affected manner. Pyferni smiled, but did not laugh. The horse was like a little sister to her-rambunctious and wild, a close friend, who's feelings must never be hurt. 

"I still want some horse friends, you know." Nofi said, rather seriously, her eyes wide. "I know, but you're going to have to wait," Pyferni said with a sigh. "You know not many want to give a horse for money, and I can only gain enough supplies to care for myself and you now. I'm only one elf, Nofi! Besides, I thought that you were happy that I picked you."

Nofi pressed her face up against Pyferni's. "I am," She trilled. "I never thought that you'd pick me out of all of them. But I also want others, who are closer to me, in a sense. I lost my herd-sisters when I left, but I gained a herd-sister in you. You know, it's a strange predicament."

"I know," Pyferni said, hugging the horse around the neck. Nofi gently blew through her nostrils, gently tickling the back of Pyferni's neck. 

And although the pair moved on in search of more digestible wild plants, Pyferni couldn't help but begin to think of the city Yenya. Next week she and Nofi would go there to trade, and purchase what they wanted. She couldn't help but wonder if maybe this time was the right time to find a horse companion for Nofi. What would she end up purchasing and trading for this time?

submitted by Messenger, Sanvri, Dalvan
(February 7, 2019 - 10:40 pm)

Pyferni searched through her belongings as they camped that night. There was nothing she could sell, but still she knew she needed to buy a companion for Nofi. With this realization, she decided to forage wild plants as she walked.

--

I hope this is what you were looking for. If not, I can change or add to what I wrote above. 

submitted by Kitten
(February 8, 2019 - 3:59 pm)

Yes, this is good. Many thanks, Kitten.

submitted by Messenger, Sanvri, Hanye
(February 8, 2019 - 5:49 pm)

Aileen Baker was quiet, keeping her eyes on the bread that she was carefully braiding together. Life was good, technically speaking. She got enough to eat, she could read and write (which was more than could be said of her mother and sister), and her life at home was generally good.

She had dreams, but she pushed them deep down inside, not wanting to look ungrateful. She helped her mother Rosalie as much as she could, writing down recipies, helping clean the front part of the house that acted as their shop as well as helping keep the back tidy, helped back bread, keep accounts, and teach her sister Evelyn what she could. She felt that her help was so appreciated, she shouldn't ever let Rosalie down. And so, she rarely let herself have time to write. She liked to listen to the servants gossip, and write it down as if she were writing for the newspaper.

The owner of one of the local newspapers and printer's shop, James Printer, said he had no need for an apprentice, and especially not a girl. And even if he did want one, the Bakers probably wouldn't have enough gold to pay him. And yet, that was Aileen's dream: to at least work in a printer's shop, if not own one herself, as well as keep her own newspaper. Unfortuantely, at this point, she was also too old to be apprenticed to someone else. They called her work in the bakery an apprenticeship. But Rosalie also spoke of Evelyn being apprenticed to someone else. To learn a different trade. Aye, that's where the sting lay.

But mayhaps if she kept at her writing, something would go well for her. She just had to wait. Never mind that it seemed she had been waiting her whole life. "And what would you think?" A servant girl asked her fellow manservant. They had both happened to come in to place an order for tomorrow's bread and pick up today's. Some of the richer folks of Principium Quo, the capital of the Eagle Dominion chose to order bread from local bakers instead of having it made in their own kitchens. This was only if they were excellent at what they did. People such as Rosalie Baker. ""E says to me, you'd better be going now, or I'll be tellin' Master Archangel now. 'Oo'd ever 'eard of such a thing?" The girl exclaimed. "'An' when it's 'is job, too!"

The man shook his head. "You have it af'lly hard, now miss." The two servants had just come in, and still hadn't given the numbers of their orders. Thus, the bread could not be fetched out, and there were more people coming in after. Some were beginning to look impatient. "Did ye hear that my Lady Isa Archangel --" 

submitted by Messenger, Sanvri, Dekita
(February 8, 2019 - 10:51 pm)

Wow, I love your writing style Messenger. Good job on your pieces!

submitted by Tuxedo Kitten
(February 9, 2019 - 11:26 pm)

Many thanks, Tuxedo Kitten, Esquire of Rohan! It has been a long labor which has not borne much fruit as of yet, but I am still working. May your own writing flourish. (It has improved much, and I am enjoying reading what you have written when I come across your pieces.)

submitted by Messenger
(February 10, 2019 - 9:43 pm)

OMIGOSH

@Messenger, you’re on WorldAnvil, aren’t you!? Ahhhhh sorry, I’m just very excited because I use it too and I didn’t know if anyone else on the CB did! But when you mentioned the timeline I had to wonder, because I’ve used the timelines too, so I searched for Sanvri on the site and there it was! Of course, I’m assuming it was you, unless someone plagiarized you and somehow got a copy of your map. ;) I just recently found about WA, and I’ve been using it for my worldbuilding and I love it. 

submitted by Leeli
(February 10, 2019 - 3:56 pm)

You have found me! I didn't mention that before because I really doubted that anyone used WorldAnvil! Ah, look, there I go out of charcter. *composes self* Yes, I too have recently begun to enjoy WorldAnvil and it's benefits. I hope to see you there. *smiles*

submitted by Messenger
(February 10, 2019 - 7:16 pm)

Also, could you tell me some common occupations for dwarves? I’m working on a half-dwarf character and I’m not sure what to put in the ‘what do they do for a living?’ part.  

submitted by Leeli@Messenger
(February 10, 2019 - 4:36 pm)

A good question. This would depend on the clan that they are in, to a certain extent. I have not really fleshed that out for the dwarves yet, but it would be something related to that clan, or perhaps in the political sphere, but that is highly restricted within dwarven culture, usually only men can be considered part of the 'political sphere'. They often work in smaller family units, and then think of the clan, and then all dwarves as one large community. So, often the women will take care of the house, and learn a bit of their clan's magic on the side. The men will seriously learn their magic, some by studying it for a long time, others putting it into practice. 

Examples: Abschuworung, the healing clan; one might have some sort of herbalist/charm shop which had been in the family, women learning the most basic ways to cure illnesses. Besvarjelse, evocation; would be mayhaps toying with memories, trying to coax some up to the surface, or hide others, lots of wards, the women would especially focus on basic wards. Verzauberung, enchantment; these folks would be much harder to find, as the magic is so very difficult, due to its complexities. Perhaps working the magic into weapons and buildings, things like that. Vostellung, illusion magic would probably not be much in demand on a regular basis, but more seen as a very scholarly magic to learn about. 

submitted by Messenger
(February 10, 2019 - 8:04 pm)
Isa Archangel brushed away a piece of ice. It was awkward when she her eyes watered after sneezing. A drop of water would trickle out, freeze, then slowly begin to melt. Her father had spent the last fourteen years wondering if this was a gift, or something they should keep quiet. He never could make up his mind, so they kept it mostly quiet. Luckily, it wasn’t hard to disguise if Isa wasn’t trying to use the magic. They were little things, like after sneezing, or coughing, or accidentally pricking her finger when she was sewing. It was a bit harder in winter, but then she stayed inside more frequently.
And so she remained isolated. Even though her father hadn’t ‘truly’ made a decision, he had. He just might reverse it at any time. Over the last few years, Isa had given up that hope. She was dying to actually talk to someone, exchange ideas, hopes, and dreams. She had considered running away once or twice, but she didn’t want to hurt her father’s feelings. She loved him so, he was the only one she could talk to. They were friends, or at least, as much of one as she could ever have. Only her father, Uncle Daibhi, and Aunt Alina knew about her strange talent. And, unfortunately, Isa couldn’t get along very well with one or the other. She wasn’t allowed to play with her cousins, as they were younger, and boys. Aunt Alina often said “It is not proper,” or words to that effect. Uncle Daibhi was friendly, and sometimes brought a trifle when visiting, but seemed more concerned about Isa than anything else.
Isa heard her aunt and uncle’s voices downstairs, and began to rush down to meet them when one of the servant girls, Ziska, was coming up. The other girl stopped and shook her head. “You’d be better off not goin’ down tonight, Lady Isa. They’re down there talking business, they are.” Ziska continued up, hoisting the linens up higher so that they wouldn’t knock against her knees. Isa smiled. “Thank you, Ziska.”
“You’re welcome, Miss!” Was the faint answer. Isa continued down anyways; surely she could pop in and say hello. Then the words began to float up. She didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but the words stunned her. 
“Kieron Dragon is wanting to arrange a long-term engagement, lasting seven years, between his eldest boy, Cathair, and my Isa.” She heard her father saying. Her breath was coming in short and quick. “But what are you going to do about her—you call it a gift, but I think it a curse.” Aunt Alina was saying. “It’s to keep you off of his back over his want to expand to Llewyan for no reason, isn’t it?” Uncle Daibhi said in a bitter voice. She could feel her hands growing stiff from the sweat freezing.

“I don’t want to do it, heavens no, but it might give me more influence over him … Kieron is one who is willing to respect such arrangements.” Came her father’s voice. “Eliakim!” Alina said plaintively. “What are you going to do about her? Never mind if the engagement goes through at this point; you’re going to have to face it in the next four years or so. You know that the Archangels don’t pass down their titles to the women! Not really, Eliakim!”
 
~~ 
Mele grinned up at her mother as they were weaving. It was that time of day when she and the aunts would sit, work, and chatter away. Some of the older girls would also be allowed, so long as they spoke among themselves. Her mother smiled back, and nodded in approvement of the basket. Mele’s oldest sister, Tondra, was soon going to be married. This would be Mele’s gift to her, and Mele had a hard time not speaking in order to concentrate. She didn’t want to make any mistakes, and it was a difficult pattern, the 'āpana, or seabird pattern. Adding in beads only made the process more difficult, but it was fun, too.
Tondra sat at the other end with the women, speaking little, but helping weave a net with her friends. She had only come back a year or two ago from her growing up journey. When a girl was growing up, she and her cousins and friends who were also growing up would take a couple boats and would go and live by themselves for a couple of months, go back to the rest of the family, and then go back again for a few more months to be considered grown up. 
Mele liked life as it was then, and didn’t want it to change for any reason. She new that the seven times would come for each person, and with it, a big change, but she wanted to resist just the teeniest bit. She didn’t think she would, as there was a sort of glamor to the future, but she thought that she would likely miss the old, and that saddened her. 
~~~
If you do not mind, Aquamarine, I will only offer a large choice to one of your characters at a time. If you do mind, that is fine and I will attend to that in the future. However, I feel that this is more fair to the others, so that they may have their turns.
submitted by Messenger, Sanvri, Dekita
(February 10, 2019 - 8:07 pm)