h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

No.....I was worried you were going to ask about......other things

What other things?

Just other things...

*she closes her eyes and is immediately barraged by images of her past, the very things she hopes Lumien never asks about; she goes deathly pale and vomits*

Sorry...

*Washes the soiled corner of her robe in the water.*

What brought that on? Have you caught some sort of stomach bug, I wonder?

*Feels her forehead.*

No...I am not ill....

*she pauses for a moment before asking hesitantly*

Do you not have memories that make you physically ill when you think of them?

Not so violently, but I've never been through what you have.

*looks at her askance*

What do you,....how do you?

You told me some of it...

*Holds up her scarred hand, and takes Syian's hand in it.*

...and the rest I can tell.

*gulps*

Is it that obvious?

*she fights back the tears that have been struggling to get out*

*Hugs her.*

It's OK, let it out...

And it's not that obvious to everyone. It just that noticing detail has been more about survival for me.

*a few tears slide down her face but she still refuses to outright cry*

How...how much can you guess?

*she is suddenly terrified that Lumien knows about her secrets...the deep dark areas of her mind*

How about if I talk, and you tell me what's right?

Your mother was a water sprite, and at some point, your father must have been a good man, for those water sprites I know do not associate with evil people. You were born either before the Dark Alliance got ahold of them, or your mother was able to hide you away for the first few years of your life. Your father killed your mother, and forced you to do terrible things. When you stood up to him, you lost your arm, but survived to run away. And here you are.

<>

*lets out a long sigh, she is relieved that Lumien does not know her true colours....she never wants to lose this friend*

Yes...yes all that is true

My mother was actually a servant of the Dark Alliance when she met my father, she was his maid....he recognised the power in her.

A slave, then?

Yes, she was a slave of sorts...I do not know fully, she died when I was very young and my father does not give information willingly

I understand...

How long were you on your own before you came to Imardin? Couldn't have been long, you barely look 18!

I am seventeen. Just. I ran away when I was fifteen; there was an opportunity and I took it

I understand about taking opportunities...

I was on my own for five years before I found the elves. *Smiles at the memory.*

Who was the opportunity?

Kala....I owe her my life in many ways.

*the wind changes direction and clouds obscure the sun, the water ripples*