001, written

[keyandstar]

[ After having gotten over the shock of... Well, everything, and after having herself a good cry, Lirael examined the journal she'd found next to her neatly folded clothes.

It seemed like it had to be magical, and yet she could feel nothing from it. Was it dangerous? It didn't seem like it. Just strange.

Hence, after having read a few entries and come to the conclusion that this had to be some kind of communication device, she tentatively wrote: ]

Is this Ancelstierre?

Comments

[thebellthatbinds]

Ah...you never knew yours either?

[The resemblance would be easier to see if Sabriel's hair hadn't been burnt and then cut short. Sabriel can't help but feel a pang of guilt when she compares her life in Wyverley to what Lirael has told her of her experience in the Glacier. Sabriel had many friends at school, and more importantly, her Father took the time to visit her in spirit every month since she had first enrolled when she was five. If he had known about Lirael he would have said something, or his visits would have been shorter or later, there would have been some sign but...there wasn't.

Lirael had been on her own, and without a proper parent at all...Sabriel can only imagine how hard that must have been.]

I'm so sorry. If I had known, I...

[But what could she have done, really? Taken care of an infant Lirael herself? She most certainly couldn't have left her at Wyverley and with her role as Abhorsen it would be dangerous taking such a young child around so many Dead. For the first time Sabriel has a strange appreciation of what her Father must have gone through when trying to decide what was best for her.

With a heavy sigh Sabriel shakes her head. She couldn't change Lirael's past even if she wanted to but...perhaps it would be for the best.]

I'm glad they were able to keep you safe.

[keyandstar]

I have a few very vague memories... but that isn't really like knowing someone, or having known them.

[ She looks Sabriel in the eyes now, because she feels that the other girl needs to know how earnest she is. ]

I'm sorry I'm... intruding.

[ On her life. On her family. It isn't enough that she's been a blight on the Clayr bloodline, now she's tainting the Abhorsen one too. Who'd want to deal with her? ]

[thebellthatbinds]

It's good to have something at the very least.

[When Lirael looks up she's a little taken aback. She seemed so nervous, anxious...sure, Sabriel was still a little in shock from it all but ultimately she was happy. Just so happy that she's not alone. Shaking her head earnestly she leans in a little, just as earnest.]

Lirael, you're not intruding at all, you're family. I just...I wish there was some way I could have known in my time so you wouldn't be so alone.

[keyandstar]

[ It's such a shock to her, to be accepted so immediately. Not that she's ever been not accepted among the Clayr either but she hasn't belonged, and everyone's been aware.

She can't help it, her eyes start filling with tears. ]

I wish that too.

[ She wipes at her eyes with her sleeve. ]

Sorry, I just... I wasn't sure you'd feel that way.

[thebellthatbinds]

How could I feel any differently?

[Reaching out to cover what distance there was between their chairs, Sabriel tentatively takes Lirael's hand; the gesture a quiet reassurance that they weren't alone anymore, that Sabriel wasn't going anywhere, nor did she plan to abandon her sister.]

Do you have anywhere to stay?

[keyandstar]

[ She holds that hand, probably too tightly, but she needs the physical connection right now to reassure herself that it's real. Of course the senses can be fooled, but she isn't really being all that rational right now. ]

No, not yet.

[thebellthatbinds]

[It may take a little while for everything to sink in but they'll have time. With a smile she nods, giving Lirael's hand a gentle squeeze.]

We have plenty of rooms available here, and I know Rei and Ami would be happy to have you stay with us. I can show you around the village too if you like.

[keyandstar]

I'd... I'd like that a lot.

[ There is the thought in the back of her mind that she should be more concerned about the fact that she is a captive, that there are things she should be concerned about returning to, that the whole Kingdom is in danger.

The Dog would bite her for sure for being so easily led astray.

But... but she has a sister. A sister who accepts her. It is hard to not get swept away. ]

[thebellthatbinds]

[With a feeling like butterflies in her stomach Sabriel smiles warmly. She had family...family she could protect, and get to know more than one by having a chat just one day a month and the holidays.]

I know this is a lot to take in but we'll help you get settled, and try to explain the strange things that happen around here. First though...are you hungry at all?

[keyandstar]

[ Family who won't see it as a tragedy that she will never have the Sight. ]

Thank you, I'll probably need it. And yes, I am pretty hungry.

[thebellthatbinds]

[From what Sabriel has heard, every Abhorsen seems to have a talent for something separate from their duties to keep watch over the Dead. Perhaps Lirael does too.]

Then lets head back into the village and to the restaurant. They can cook anything you like if you ask for it.

[keyandstar]

[ She would probably be considered an unusually gifted Charter Mage, if nothing else. ]

I'd like that. And maybe you could tell me a little about... our father?

[ That felt so massively strange to say. ]

Would you be okay with us wrapping up the thread here?

[thebellthatbinds]

I would be happy to.

[Giving Lirael's hand one more warm squeeze Sabriel stands, leading the way to the door.]

NO! xD Kidding, of course we can <333

[keyandstar]

[ And everything was adorable sisness. ]