Music

Somewhere in the background someone was playing a reed flute. The tones came over the wind gently, as though they were nothing more than whispers from the fleeting element to Rhoswen’s ears. Only one person in the entire village played the flute like that.

 Cresting the rise of the hills bordering her home, Rhoswen could see the lone figure sitting tucked within the tall thickets, barely noticeable where the grasses dropped sharply away to accomodate a stream. She had come outside merely to check the laundry and been drawn in by those melodic tones as they floated just outside the ring of houses. Of course, it was only proper that she then come to see the musician.

Drace had always had wild brown hair, unruly even when she tried to tame it with water and a bone comb. Now, it danced with the wind and the sounds of the flute, covering downcast eyes one moment before exposing his entire forehead the next. His eyes flickered up momentarily, blue as the water he sat beside, to stare out at the vast expanse of meadows. He was strong of jaw but lithe and lean in body, a swift runner and cunning hunter that made the village men proud. He was outspoken and tended to get himself in trouble by saying more than was appropriate for his age and station, but his words were still cherished. His instrument was better than any bard’s tales… But for all that he was, there was naught that could tame either the man or his hair.

Rhoswen smiled sadly in spite of herself, wanting to settle those unruly locks with her fingers and knowing it was forbidden. Even as the inviting sounds of that music lulled her heart, she knew her duties. She was a priestess, a sworn follower of the Lady…

Abruptly, the sound of the reed broke off and was replaced by low, masculine tones.

“Will you stand up there all day, lass?” Her eyes softened and the smile gentled into only the barest curve of her lips. No. No, she would not…

Grasping the ends of her skirts, Rhoswen carefully picked her way down to the stream.

~ by eeratka on January 22, 2007.