STORIES
154 - A Jackass
2009
Later, the same day ...
SYRRAH:
… Shichi, I thought you had left us?
SHICHI:
I did.
SYRRAH:
You changed your mind and decided to stay?
SHICHI:
I had my mind changed for me and returned.
SYRRAH:
Explain.
SHICHI:
Thyssa, Phae’s godmother, decided I need to be here.
SYRRAH:
I see, and Thyssa is still here?
SHICHI:
I think she’s with Phae in the dining room.
SYRRAH:
Does she plan to remain with us?
SHICHI:
She didn’t say. Hey, do you know where I can find Chinatsu?
SYRRAH:
She is putting Pica down for her nap.
SHICHI:
Pica?
SYRRAH:
My infant. Chinatsu takes great comfort in caring for her.
I am sure she will remain in the nursery for quite some time.
In the meantime, you shall introduce me to Thyssa.
SHICHI:
Sure, but I’ve just come from my bath and ...
SYRRAH:
You are quite presentable to me. Come, make yourself useful.
SHICHI:
It'll only take a minute for me to change and then I'll be ...
SYRRAH:
Shichi, I am not a patient woman. I wish to welcome our
newest arrival into our home. You shall introduce me, now.
SHICHI:
Of course. I’m right behind you.
Meanwhile in the dining room ...
PHAE:
… Isn’t Zyfan just the dreamiest? And did you see – he touched
my hand. He’s just perfect. Don’t you think so Auntie?
THYSSA:
He appears to be acceptable, however I didn’t have a chance to
examine him thoroughly. The one with the blonde hair interrupted me.
PHAE:
You tried to examine him?
THYSSA:
It is necessary. If I were in the marketplace purchasing a pig, I
would give him a proper looking over.
PHAE:
Prince Zyfan is not a - how could you!
THYSSA:
A pig, a man – there is not much difference.
If a flaw exists, it affects his value just the same
PHAE:
Auntie Thyssa - really!
THYSSA:
My child, I am here to look after you. I understand that you
find this prince pleasing – but he must function perfectly as well. If
he is all you think he is, then you have no need to worry. If not ….
SHICHI:
ahem
Sorry to interrupt …
THYSSA:
What do you want?
SHICHI:
This is Syrrah, Daughter of IlluminatA and elder sister to Prince Zyfan.
Syrrah please meet Thyssa, Phae’s godmother and honored aunt.
SYRRAH:
Greetings Thyssa, and welcome to my home.
THYSSA:
Thank you. Your name is known and honored among my kind.
SYRRAH:
Thank you. Shichi told me of your arrival. Do you plan to stay?
THYSSA:
I do, at least for a while.
PHAE:
Auntie Thyssa is my mother’s dearest friend.
THYSSA:
That is true. We met when Phae was born.
THYSSA:
Shichi you may go now.
SHICHI:
I didn't want to be here in the first place.
Shichi leaves.
SYRRAH:
How is it that a Satyr and an elf of the Forest Clan met?
PHAE:
Well you see, mother loved to travel. She went all over the realm
selling father's textiles. It was during one of her journeys
that she met Auntie Thyssa, quite accidentally.
THYSSA:
It was early in winter and a blizzard came upon the
lands unexpectedly. Phae’s mother was with-child and found
herself caught in the storm. I invited her to my dwelling.
She stayed with me until Phae was born.
THYSSA:
... I brought this child into the world and regard her as one of my own.
SYRRAH:
I think it is wonderful that Phae has someone from her family with her. You are welcome to stay as long as wish.
Then …
FIN:
Shichi! Karanthir told me you were here.
SHICHI:
I’ll bet.
FIN:
Well - hello.
SHICHI:
Yes - hello ...
SHICHI:
Fin, I didn’t tell him. I never would’ve said anything
to Karanthir about the night we …
FIN:
I know.
SHICHI:
I don’t know how Thyssa found out. I even tried to get out of here
before you arrived but … it just didn’t go the way I planned.
FIN:
It’s OK.
SHICHI:
You’re sure? Karanthir seemed ...
FIN:
He was - but he got over it.
