STORIES
197 - The Slap
2015
Phae Usagi Syrrah Racolo Zyfan
Wednesday afternoon ...
PHAE:
... So you and Syrrah were childhood friends?
USAGI:
That is partially true. When I was younger, I was sent to the Celestial Temple to learn basic healing arts. Syrrah and I had our lessons together.
SYRRAH:
We were quite the mischief makers. Recently, my husband and I were discussing the gray robes we were forced to wear.
Usagi, do you remember them?
USAGI:
How could one forget? Such a drab color to be worn by young maidens.
SYRRAH:
Indeed. Usagi poked holes through hers and filled them in with
flowers. It was quite attractive and the scent was intoxicating.
USAGI:
Haha - yes it was, but the Priestess was not amused. To discipline
me - I was in charge of the dying of the robes for all the
maidens, for many seasons. My fingers were perpetually gray.
SYRRAH:
To think they were dyed that awful color on purpose! The first thing I did when I became High Priestess was destroy those robes. We tossed them into the fires and danced naked in the moonlight. It was a glorious celebration! I wish you had been there.
USAGI:
Ah yes.
PHAE:
I would love to stay and hear more but I must find Shichi.
So, if you'll excuse me?
SYRRAH:
Of course.
USAGI:
So, you have married? Tell me of your husband.
I did not think one man could ever satisfy you.
SYRRAH:
Hahaha – yes that was true once, but my GioVanni is very special.
We have an infant daughter named Pica. She is napping now
but once she awakes, you shall meet her.
USAGI:
How wonderful. I have a little girl too. We call her Yana. She is with her Grandmother for time being. Who would have ever predicted we would become two married ladies with daughters of own?
RACOLO:
Syrrah did you see my … Oh sorry, didn't know you had company.
SYRRAH:
Racolo this is Usagi. She is Washi's wife.
RACOLO:
Oh … hi.
USAGI:
A human! Syrrah, you let their kind walk freely among you?
RACOLO:
Excuse me?
SYRRAH:
Usagi you will need to get accustomed to seeing humans. This is
their realm. There are many among us and we are all very informal.
SYRRAH:
… Racolo is this what you are seeking?
RACOLO:
Yeah thanks.
USAGI:
Runes. You know of magic?
RACOLO
Yeah, what about it?
SYRRAH:
Racolo is a teacher at Magick School. He is quite gifted.
USAGI:
The males of my clan are forbidden to learn magic. It has been proven
that they are unable to control the power due to their weak wills.
RACOLO:
Is that so?
SYRRAH:
Racolo, Usagi is of the Sea Clan. They do things differently there.
USAGI:
I meant no offense.
RACOLO:
Right, and why would I be offended by anything you've said?
ZYFAN:
Syrrah, you sent for me? You know Karanthir needs me.
I am only here because Fin is with him now. What is so important?
SYRRAH:
It is time you met our guest. This is Usagi, the wife of Washi.
He is here too, but is with Shichi.
USAGI:
You are Zyfan, the prince and future One of the United Elvin Nations?
ZYFAN:
I am. Greetings and welcome to our home.
USAGI:
You served with the Telemaitte, in the Battle of the Outlands
with my husband?
ZYFAN:
Yes, I served with Washi.
USAGI:
Whore!
USAGI:
… You dishonored me and yourself by seducing my husband!
SYRRAH:
Usagi!
USAGI:
His actions deserve much more. He acted in a most disrespectful way.
SYRRAH:
You have been misinformed and I warn you - I will drop you to the floor
if you raise your hand to my brother again.
RACOLO:
Are you alright?
USAGI:
Forgive me Syrrah, but he tempted my husband and
refused to wait for my blessing before engaging in the act.
ZYFAN:
That is not …
USAGI:
You, Zyfan are a disgrace to the entire royal line.
RACOLO:
I don't know who you think you are lady but you better watch your mouth.
USAGI:
This is no concern of yours human!
RACOLO:
What are ya gonna do - slap me too?
SYRRAH:
Stop this, both of you.
USAGI:
He has wronged me. How can you defend his actions?.
SYRRAH:
He did not know Washi was married.
USAGI:
That is a lie.
RACOLO:
You got it all wrong lady - it was your husband who disgraced you. He did the pursuing and seducing. Guess he didn't tell you that – huh? Big surprise!
ZYFAN:
Racolo please ...
USAGI:
You know nothing of my husband.
RACOLO:
I met your husband and trust me, he's no prize.
ZYFAN:
Racolo my friend, I appreciate your help, you do not need to concern yourself with this. Please go. All will be well. I promise.
RACOLO:
OK, but if you need me, I won't be far away.
RACOLO:
… It was a real joy to meeting you.
RACOLO:
mumbling
Crazy-ass elves, up on their high horses with their misguided
superiority complexes – don't have a clue what's really goin' on.
USAGI:
That human lacks discipline. I'm surprised you allow him to speak at all.
Never mind him. You will do me the honor of hearing Zyfan's story.
Then, if you still believe he is at fault, I will go with you to the One
to see he is punished.
USAGI:
Agreed.
