A Winged Journey: Story of Cara Lyre

By: Chryseas Posted on: May 30, 2009

A story of love I'd heard in my younger years when adventure was around every corner and a romantic beauty filled my spirit as I took my first steps in the this world.

In a music class filled with nervous young Atavians, who have just become of age to interview for Bardic professions based on talent and skill, among the flutter of nervous wings, one radiant confident smile is the first thing any onlooker would see. Many of the aristocracy of Arcadia who wish to are permitted to learn the Bardic Arts by sheer wealth, but for the more modest families, the village interviews for five to sponsor by scholarship to become Master Bards. The competition for such positions are always tough and full of high anxieties, but this year there was one whose inner brilliance shone through undoubtedly in her smile and demeanor.

The young Atavian's blue eyes practically sparkled with anticipation and she smoothed her hair a slight too often as her only gesture of nervousness. Cara Lyre's words echoed back in her mind and she smiled.

"Father, I Can and Will do this. I have trained too hard, too long and I'm sure-footed and quick. I know my weaknesses and have accomodated for them every step of the way."

"Cara, sweetheart, it is not that I doubt you, your talent and skill speak for themself. But, the competition for these things are always full of hopeful candidates and you may just be the youngest to try, having only just turned 18... Some try for years without a crumb of lauds to try again the next year... Just, I don't wish you to get your hopes too high."

Smiling sweetly, shining with confidence and pride in her hardwork, "No, I think I'm hoping just enough."

"Cara Lyre! You're next."

Cara shook her head out of her reverie, loving the feel of her high pony-tailed red hair bouncing lightly on her neck to bring her back to the present. She ruffled her wings quickly before picking up her lyre, lovingly made by her father, and tried desperately not to skip into the interview room.

_________________________________

Cara was eating unusually fast, unconcerned and unaware of her parent's questioning looks at her swiftness. She looked up from her food and realized with a slight start that her mother and father had both been staring at her for some time and she gave them a big secretive smile. Her eyes twinkled with joy and eagerness as she giggled at their expressions.

"The scholarship listing comes out today! I wish to be one of the first to see the chosen few!"

Her mother and father exchanged warm and loving, yet guarded, looks and smiled. They understood their daughter's zeal and were wishing desperately that she wouldn't be disappointed with so much zest in her heart. Her mother said warmly, "Yes, Cara, but you still must CHEW your food lest you make yourself sick!"

She promptly pushed the plate away with a satisfied smile, "Mmm, I don't think I could even eat another bite!! May I start the wash early this morning so that I can see the listing?"

Haelin smiled at her daughter, "It is alright Cara, I'll take the wash for today, so long as you do the next two times to make up. You may be excused now to the school if you wish."

Cara smiled brightly and bounced out of her chair, hugging her father and giving him a peck on the cheek, then hugging her mother. After Cara released her embrace, her mother clasped her own hands around Cara's, giving her support and warmth, "Now, I don't want you to be terribly disappointed if you're not chosen dearest. Those applicants are always the best of their kind. It would not put a shadow on your talent and skill if you're not chosen your first year."

Never losing her confident smile for a moment, Cara gave her mother a peck on the cheek, "But, if they're better, they deserve it and I want to deserve my seat, mother. More than anything, I must know it is mine by right. It would be thanks to your love and support, both of you."

She gave her mother another peck on the cheek and practically ran out of the door to the sounds of her mother and father chuckling to one another.

____________________________________

The line of anxious and eager Atavians to view the listing of sponsored Bard novices was five deep on all sides. Cara bounced on her toes waiting patiently for her turn to see the list. She began whistling a tune to herself when her friend, Lucille, grabbed her by the arm and screamed in happiness.

"You're in Cara!! You made it!!!"

Cara gasped happily and squealed, "Are you sure?? MY name? Who else was chosen???"

"Come, look!" Lucille cried back as she snaked her way through the crowd, Cara in tow, until they stood face to face with the list of sponsored novices.

The following individuals have been

selected as a high honor, due to their

achievements, talents, and skills to be

awarded a full scholarship to learn the

Bardic Arts from our prestigious

Musician's Academy of Arcadia:

- Dirmar Fethan

- Lucille Draethil

- Patrick Kearn

- Sherryl Voces

- Cara Lyre

Congratulations to our five candidates

and welcome to the Academy! For more

information on your upcoming lessons

and schedule, please visit Conductor

Mathis Mannir.

Cara stared wide-eyed, mouth open in awe at her name on the list. She jumped and soared through the air in glee, leaving the world in a flurry of feathers. Lucille followed giggling at her friend as they flew to the Musician's Academy for their schedules.

Cara and Lucille walked into Mr. Mannir's office beside Sherryl, a prim and distinguished blonde-haired, blue-eyed Atavian with bright white feathers. She gave Cara an indignant glance at her youth, despite Sherryl's three years' attempts to be accepted. Cara smiled, too enrapt in her own happiness to notice anything but the excitement surging through her as Mr. Mannir listed the duties, responsibilites and expectations for students in this particular program. Cara and Lucille began speaking in eager whispers about their new lives as true Bards.

"I can't believe I'll be studying with Dirmar Fethan! He's been lauded by the Grounded Ones and Landwalkers alike as the best vocalist and flutist."

"The Grounded Ones say they feel the pull of home when he plays for them. Some have even decided to return home here, to Arcadia."

"Truly? I always thought those who grounded themselves among the landbound stayed below. I've not heard of many returning home."

"They say the Grounded Ones are haunted in their dreams, missing the true flight of being home among the clouds and musical voices. Many landbound say our music is near divine, only rivalling their.... what they call... Sirens?"

Mr. Mannir's voice grew louder suddenly above their heads, "... and you WILL pay attention when spoken to. Your decorum must also befitting that of a true Master Bard at all times. We train you now to fit that role, from your first steps. No fluttering and flying about like children." He coughed softly and turned to gather the schedules for the students.

Sherryl smirked at Cara and Lucille, having seen their little frolic amidst the clouds to get to the Academy. She stood up straighter pretending to await Mr. Mannir's next words, but continued smirking at the two when he did not turn.

Lucille cupped her hand over Cara's ear when Cara looked to her curiously and whispered, "Sherryl's just a stuck up prat. It took her 4 tries to get here, you made it in one year, she's none to happy about it but would rather mock your accomplishments than show herself. She'll be the lead vocalist for our group, she will be working closely with Dirmar. It is said when Arcadia was refounded by a few lost landbound ones, her family greeted them with a welcoming song and the landbound ones told stories about beautiful singing angels. So her family may be of modest means now, but their prestige in history is unparalleled for bringing the landbound to our home and finding some of the Grounded Ones."

Cara's face was still a puzzle, regarding her friend who was two years her senior, as she tried to understand how someone could act one way though they felt another. She replied low, "Then, perhaps her family shouldn't have the prestige? If the landbound hadn't come, we never would have lost so many more of our kind to becoming grounded on the land, to journey and explore it. I can't imagine a place so solid, I love our home with all my heart."

04:08, 21 March 2017 (UTC)04:08, 21 March 2017 (UTC)

Two years later the group of young hopefuls were becoming true Master Bards and were playing concerts at several local functions. The King and Queen even agreed they were the best ensemble to arise in some many years. Their praise given freely once the royal couple noticed it helped soothe their energetic young Princes. After one particularly long concert, they stood taking the applause with good humor. Sherryl was all bright smiles and sparkles at Dirmar, with Cara, Lucille and Patrick, reverently holding their instruments and smiling proudly into the crowd.

Sherryl's hair was styled into a set of cascading curls today that made her look like she was raining gold from her head and walked down to smile at Dirmar, as she locked arms with him. By this time, most had accepted Sherryl and Dirmar's vocalist partnered performances to mean they were courting. They never noticed how Dirmar's clear blue eyes never quite met hers at the end of performances, or how his lean body and translucent light blue wings never returned her touches. He smoothed his light brown, champagne-colored hair and stepped aside from her as he took another bow.

Cara and Lucille smiled brightly at one another, knowing his true nature that none could see or seemed to want to see. Most people could not look past his beautiful voice, wonderful talent, and his handsome good looks. He was prized in the city the Landwalkers call Shallam for his particular style of music. Some praised it as being "Divinity in Motion" or "All the good in the world summed in music."

As the group walked back towards their dressing rooms, Sherryl's lips shaped themselves into a half-pout, half-pucker as she whispered with Dirmar before parting from him. She giggled softly as he shook his head and entered behind Cara and Lucille with a brilliant smile. She began singing softly, "Soon you'll be mine, you'll see, we were made for each other. Like no other, forever in my heart, we're a pair like no other...."

Cara and Lucille exchanged secretive glances and Lucille spoke, "So, how are things with Dirmar?"

Sherryl looked extremely smug and flashed them an all too generous smile, "I expect a proposal any day. Our families have been discussing an arrangement, my parents assure me of an agreement soon. Not that YOU would know anything of such things." She smiled knowingly and sashayed out for more attention from the audience.

Cara and Lucille finished getting ready to leave and joined Dirmar by the exit where the remaining audience members were leaving. The trio always remained behind, letting the others take the glory and attention of the crowds. Lucille smiled warmly at the two, a mischievous twinkle in her eye. Cara remembered Lucille's words, "Oh you two would make quite the pair, I know I know, you said you two are nothing of the sort, but I know you both well enough. Your eyes practically glitter and glow when you're together, away from the crowds, away from the day to day trials."

Cara felt her cheeks get warm as she watched the dying light of the day dance in Dirmar's eyes. He smiled warmly at her, not knowing why she flushed, but Lucille tried with her might to keep down a giggle, failing only in her eyes that sparkled too brightly. Once Cara regained herself she gave Lucille a serious no nonsense look and it quieted her a bit.

Dirmar sensing something between his two friends, coughed softly and raised his voice, "You both played lovely this day, above and beyond our normal measure of excellence."

Lucille chuckled, "Your voice carries the instruments' tune to words and beauty. Surely, you were the most lauded this day."

Dirmar shook his head, light brown hair throw off the light that had settled upon him, "I am but one, the song and music would have no rhythm without our dutiful instrumentalists. Cara, I had need to speak with you this evening as a matter of fact. Something fairly important I believe."

Lucille nodded at Cara with a wink and giggled as she left them together. Dirmar smiled at her passing, wondering what did women get themselves up to that they always seemed to pass silent secrets to one another. He extended a hand towards the road, bidding Cara to join him for a stroll.

"It's something I've been pondering, for some time, and I think it's finally the right moment to approach it. Let's head to the nearby cafe here and we can talk more comfortably."

Cara could feel her face flushing more, which she thanked the setting sun for hiding. She normally would not consider anything out of the ordinary, but Lucille had made such a fuss, Cara was beginning to feel very conscious of his well chosen words. She could nearly feel her wings ready to flutter as she spoke, "What is on your mind, Dirmar? You know I'd help if it is within my power."

"It is in your power, Cara. It will be your choice as well. Aaah, here we are, please sit." He chivalrously held a chair for her to sit and smiled that handsome smile again.

"Thank you..." she said somewhat unsteadily.

"I think Conductor Mathis would approve as well, it would be quite the pairing as the new fashions and interests demand."

In the back of her mind she could not help thinking, 'What could Conductor Mathis have to do with this?' But when she spoke, "Your ideas are always well-founded it isn't a wonder Conductor Mathis would agree."

"I'm flattered you would think so because you will become a new focal point for me. I've heard your voice, though you excel best at the lyre, I think you have much potential in other areas of music as well. Conductor Mathis agrees that a new duet shall be formed from our two talents. The harmonies are just right, not flashy as Sherryl likes to make things, she always tries to out grandeur herself in song." He sneered momentarily at the thought, for he was truly a man of purity in harmonies. He loved music for the sheer joy of it, the purity of how the harmonies blended to create an emotional impact in his listeners. Therein, lied his secret to success as a Master Bard.

Cara let out a breath, she did not know she held, and she visibly relaxed as her wingtips stopped their fluttering. Then, the truth and suggestion of his words hit her which made them dance nervously again at her side. "But, but, truly I am no Sherryl for a voice. Her voice truly is like that of the angels that the landbound speak of so often. I could not possibly replace her, my heart is to my lyre."

Dirmar chuckled good-naturedly and took her hand in both of his larger ones, watching the smoothness and milkyness of her skin, "Nay, our group will be as it is, you will replace no one Cara. What Conductor Mathis and I agree on, is perhaps it is time for me to branch on my own a bit more. I have the skills of a Master Bard and he says he is near to passing me to the status. But, he needs to know how my skills lie away from the group. We were chosen specifically for our talents to harmonize well with one another, but to prove one's self as a true Master Bard, he or she must reach for it, grasp it, and own it. You have the gift Cara, your determination and skill are incomparable. You have the gift of harmonies like none I've encountered and you tame your lyre using this gift. As I said, it is your choice, I will continue with or without you, but I wish for you by my side."

Cara considered and weighed her thoughts before speaking softly, "Dirmar you are the most gifted vocalist within the last few decades, none could compare to your strength and skill in that. You would not need me to boost your way to attaining Master Bard. Your grace and talent will bring you far, with or without my accompaniment."

"You are right, but I would have -you- Cara. Conductor Mathis sees in you what I see, now it is your choice to grasp for it or spend another two years under Sherryl's wings as she will eventually take on lead vocalist completely." He grinned as he patted her hand a moment, half in comfort half knowing how she would react.

Her wings visibly stiffened in a slight of anger, and she grasped his hand firmly, "Alright, agreed, and I shall work hard to learn all you have to teach me to improve and succeed. But, I require One Condition."

"And that is, m'dear...?" He said teasingly as he chuckled.

She chuckled good naturedly, letting her wings flutter in satisfaction, then spoke seriously, watching his eyes intently, "I will give the signal on when and where to perform for our first debut. I do not want to come off unpolished and give anyone reason to doubt your skills nor mine. I will not see us fail."

His eyes watched and grew just as serious. He held her hand and gripped it firmly, now in the stance of a contract and bond being made, "I am not a failure and would not have chosen one to stand by me. We will succeed because it is our right by hard-work and skill."

Cara's eyes alighted brightly and fiercely, and thus was their new future made.

_________________________________________

As the years passed by of their original group Lucille was welcomed and hired by a larger group of bards for performances within Arcadia. Patrick left his craft to pursue a landbound Siren and found himself married to the love of his life. He bore her two Atavian children and a human child. His two winged children now belonged to what Arcadians call the Grounded Ones.

Grounded Ones were feared, rejected and honoured simultaneously in Arcadia's history. Atavians who left the wonderful heights of Arcadia to live among the landbound and Atavians who were born to the land, not of the sky, became Grounded and thus tied to the land, not to their native airy home. Feared by those who did not wish to become one, rejected as outcasts by those who felt they were unworthy, and some were honoured upon victorious return for those who left for nobler causes than a pretty face or some other triviality.

Sherryl was of the second notion and looked down her nose at Patrick and his grounded children henceforth. She seemed the most glad to be rid of their ensemble, thinking she was always much too good for the others. Further prickled by Dirmar's firm rejection of her offers and it infuriated her more to learn of Dirmar and Cara's upcoming vocal and instrumental duet. In her rebellion and fury, she was the first to break from the ensemble and pursued her solo career a bit earlier than anticipated. Her sparkling charm and divine voice gathered her a quick following and many suitors came to pay homage to her talents. She grew into the role and began to enjoy the many suitors to having chased just the one for so long. Rumors had her changing men regularly and taking pleasure in their gifts and praises.

Dirmar and Cara gave their first duet with grandeur and splendor in the royal home of their King and Queen on Arcadia. Their fans said that Dirmar's resonant melodies were only amplified and accentuated by Cara's added harmonies. The pure power of sound from Dirmar's and Sherryl's past performances was completely overshadowed by the purity of joy and emotion in Cara's and Dirmar's new duet. The people of Arcadia were in love and enrapt with them and the duet was requested to perform in wealthy and noble families alike. They were even prized among the landbound and often visited Shallam on such ventures.

It was during one of these returns from Shallam, having already spent their wing strength, they walked with their retinue quietly up the mountains towards the setting sun, that Cara sighed deeply, seeing herself accomplished in her career at only 25 years of age, but something was missing. The emptiness, as she came to call it only grew as their performances took them further from Arcadia for longer periods of time.

"Dirmar, I... I think I need to meditate alone for a time. I miss our airy home so much of late, I thought it might do me well to commune in Vastar's temple."

Dirmar nodded as if awoken from a daydream, "I think the rest would do us both well, dear friend. I... well, if you'll be in Vastar's temple at least you'll be safe. I may spend my days in the Academy myself. Shallam fascinates me of late, they seem in constant battle yet at inner peace with themselves and their gods."

Cara nodded softly, "I can see why you would enjoy them..."

"You do not approve?"

"It isn't for me to approve Dirmar. Who am I to say? In fulfilling my life's dreams of not just becoming a Master Bard but truly living as one, I do not want to lose myself. Ever more we're travelling away from Arcadia, I miss our home."

"Yes, I see it Cara, dear friend. No, you are right, we should rest and take time for ourselves. We've travelled very far and long this past year, I think it's time that I... I mean we... meditate on our lives." He ran his hand through his hair and turned away from her. Then he stopped and looked directly into her eyes, "Your eyes seem to never lose their splendor, even now, in sadness your eyes show your inner fire."

She blushed visibly in the soft dusk light, smoothing her dress, she had grown much more poised and comfortable around his indomitable good looks and soft, chocolatey voice. "An inner fire that yearns for the skies I assure you Dirmar. This grounded lifestyle is not for me, I fear it. So many Grounded Ones never return to the homeland, would I become one? Lured by life among the landbound?"

Lifting her chin as she tried to drop it in her sadness, Dirmar spoke to her soul, "No, you carry Arcadia with you always. Your heart is so wondrous and expansive, it could embrace the world in its arms. Large enough to have taken me under your wing with song and music to set us among the stars."

Cara smiled softly, feeling her cheeks warm at his wonderful words, and Dirmar brushed aside the hair that fell across her face just then. Dirmar allowed his hand to caress her cheek as she tried to hide her shock behind her loose strands of hair, as his free hand beckoned the others in their group to go on ahead without them. Gently, he let out the full span of his wings and took her up into the full light of the moon. Beautifully spinning in the air before her as she hovered watching him in amazement, it was the most fluid and elegant courtship flight she'd ever seen.

At the point where he extended his hand, where it was her turn to accept his hand or spurn him, the anxiety was only visible in his eyes, fear he had never known before in his life. Her tear-filled eyes of joy could not even see his fear as she took his hand for all she was worth and they took flight across the moon in and out of the clouds creating a new song together. Nature's night hummed and echoed his love and joy as he sung his heart's love to her in a new song he had wrote in hope and dream of this day.

Music was my life, it was my dreams become reality,

Little did I know, the music was not my own.

Your love, is my music, it gives me the power

To truly express my heart, and it is radiant

with love for you.

Sweet Cara... be mine...?

Be my love, for all time...?

They celebrated in one another's arms with an inner glow of happiness as the moon's radiance caressed their feathers.

_____________________________________

A week before the wedding had everyone in a bustle, from both Cara's and Dirmar's parents to the planners and caterers to Cara and Dirmar themselves. Despite their upcoming wedding, their presence was requested for a benefit concert in Shallam by the Caliph personally. With a kiss on the cheek for her parents and her future in laws, the two winged away hand in hand eager to be back for the final plans.

The city was in uproar upon their arrival and defense arrangements could be seen along the walls, more defenders than Cara and Dirmar had ever seen before. The two bodyguards sent to accompany them tensed as they entered Shallam's gates, where it had become quite clear that the Shallamese were preparing for war. They passed by forgers handing out weapons and armour as soon as they were forged, tattooists and runists attending on one defender after another inking them with unwavering skill, priests were hailed for blessings at every corner, the whole city was aflutter with their preparations. They quickly made their way to the Caliph's chambers where they were greeted by an aide.

"Your presence is most appreciated in our time of need, Master Bards," said the petite young human. She had an air of efficiency about her that made her lean frame seem grand and important, despite her plain brown eyes and hair.

To a stranger's eye Dirmar held an icy calm expected of his position in the world, but to Cara the calmer Dirmar seemed, with ice in his eyes, the more truly fustrated he actually was. "I thought we would be performing for a benefit, upon the polite and pleading request of your Caliph, we left our wedding plans to attend. Now, what is going on here that we were greeted by so many at your gates who seemed armed for a war?"

The little woman drew herself up, sticking her nose into the air just a fraction before answering, "The Caliph had not expected things to progress so quickly before your arrival. Your performance, among others in the festival we planned, were to boost everyone's spirits against the shadow of evil that had chosen to befall upon us. It was to be inspiring and uplifting, but now, it will have to serve that your songs can give them strength to carry on."

"What shadow? Surely you cannot expect us to stay now amidst this turmoil?" Cara asked cautiously, unsure of what to make of the situation, but watching Dirmar's face, she feared what he might do.

"It is said the music of the Master Bards can give true strength and will in times of need. And that the harmonies can hypnotize the listeners. Dirmar your Voicecraft is reknown and indomitable, while Cara's Harmonics are the best with a Lyre anyone has heard in some time. We have Masters here as well versed mostly in the more offensive arts for your profession, but your unbeatable duo surely can lend small aid to your most devoted fans?"

Dirmar spoke, his voice hard, "This is no way to request aid. When did this fighting begin?"

"On the previous day, the Mhaldorians began assembling small groups to assail our citizens as they came home, they launched a larger attack at night." her voice was calm and smooth, but her eyes betrayed her anger and fustration.

"We need accomodations to freshen up and practice before your concert, if it is still going to happen?" Dirmar asked a bit more firmly than he normally would have.

"Yes, the citizens will enjoy it and will surely gain strength and inspiration from it. Come, this way, we arranged a small sitting room for you and Cara even before this turmoil interrupted our plans." She seemed to glide along through the hallways as she guided them to their room and with a bow of respect she left them to talk.

Cara turned to Dirmar her brow furrowed in worry and concern, "We should go home. This is not our battle or our concern. Let the landbound take care of their own worries, it isn't anything for us to worry over."

She caressed his cheek and lovingly, touched her wingtips to his in an intimate gesture of love. He opened his wings fully, embracing her in his arms and wings, "No, dearest, it isn't our fight. But you cannot deny they are good people. My principles are so akin to theirs, sometimes Shallam is like my second home. The only other city in the world where I can feel comfortable. But, you are right in one thing, you should go home... tend to our wedding plans and be away from the dangers here. I insist on it, my love." He kissed her forehead gently, letting the warmth of his lips show his love and affection for her.

"Home. Wait, -I- should go home?? Love, what of you? How can I plan our wedding without you?"

Lifting her chin gently, he gazed lovingly into her sparkling blue eyes, they never seemed to lose their luster no matter what trials they had faced. "Because you are strong, you have flown in life when no winds would blow in your favor. You are an indomitable woman, my love, my dear Cara. Our love will guide you."

Her sparkling blue eyes began to glitter and glisten with tears, "No, Dirmar! I know what you mean to do... and I can't... I won't... I don't want to see you go. Not with our wedding so close, just... no."

Gently wiping her tears away, "I know your fears, beloved. They do not ask that I join in the battle, but give support and defenses within their own fighters. I will be safe. There is an earnestness to their need that cannot be refused, I... I can finally prove myself as more than a beautiful voice."

"Promise me you'll return. Promise that you'll come home, safe in my arms once more?" Her voice trembled only slightly as she spoke.

He found the most perfect feather amongst his wings and carefully plucked it, placing it into her palm. The feather seemed to glow and hum with a soft blue light as its translucence reflected the rays of the sun caressing it. "I offer you, my heart, the strength of my wings, and all the tenderness of a wind's caress. I pledge myself to you Cara Lyre, as to no other. You are my true mate through time everlasting."

Cara plucked one of her own feathers, a starker white than Dirmar's and glittered like tiny diamonds. She placed it into his hand and finished the ritual words of the wedding ceremony, "I offer you, my heart, the strength of my wings, and all the tenderness of a wind's caress. I pledge myself to you Dirmar Fethan, as to no other. You are my true mate for all time."

She clutched him and cried, locked in an embrace she never wanted to let go of. Cara looked up and noticed a tear streaking down Dirmar's face. Wiping it from his face, she cupped his face in her two slim hands, "Now make sure you come home to me to say them in truth. You're too fascinated and seduced by life amongst the landbound. I... I can't lose you, my love."

Caressing her cheeks gently, he placed his palm to the side of her face, "My wife, Cara, my heart will always return to you. For you are my wife now in truth, whether or not anybody else has witnessed, we are bound together, my love."

Dirmar held his new wife until both their tears were dry enough to carry out their plans. Cara left to go back home to Arcadia, Dirmar wouldn't place her in more danger than she should be in and he himself stayed to fulfill their obligation to the Shallamese. He told Cara he would perform only once more as the Shallamese fighters left the gates to bolster their spirits and return home straight after. Cara stepped foot onto Arcadia reassured knowing Dirmar would not be going into battle at all and held his feather to her heart.

________________________________________

When Cara awoke on the morning of her wedding, her mother was quite frazzled and beside herself.

"What's wrong mother?" Cara asked, still stretching her arms and wings as she sat up.

"Dirmar's parents say he's still not home. I hope everything will be fine." Her mother's hands were twisting and wringing out a rag in anxiety. Watching her daughter's eyes, she stopped her hands and smoothed out her dress carefully, "Well, yes. Yes. Of course everything will be alright. He promised to return and if anything we do know he's dutiful in that at least." She attempted a warm, loving smile for her daughter, but Cara just frowned and looked outside.

"Yes, he did. Let's get ready as planned. He... well... I know he wouldn't miss the wedding. He couldn't."

Haelin fetched Dirmar's mother to assist in dressing Cara. When they were done, Cara looked resplendent in her dazzling white wedding dress, adorned with diamond dust glittering at the hem and on the bust. Her hair was coaxed into bouncing ringlets and gathered up, held together by a trim crown of silver musical notes.

"You look absolutely enchanting, my dear," Haelin said softly, through eyes welling up with happy tears. Dirmar's mother, Suziera, gave her a peck on the cheek and smiled comfortingly at her, though her eyes betrayed a slight sadness and worry in them.

Cara smiled, the beauty and joy of the day helping her spirits just a bit, as she twirled slowly in front of a mirror. Her eyes threatened to tear, but she simply said, "I hope Dirmar loves it half so much." Making Haelin and Suziera giggle softly like girls.

"I don't think men mind the dress so much as the woman before them when they walk that aisle." The two mothers smiled warmly and left Cara to finish.

Cara had Dirmar's feather worked into a necklace, which was thankfully just delivered yesterday. She caressed it gently a soft smile playing about her lips, then placed it about her neck, letting the feather dangle just below her bust. She turned to the mirror and took a deep breath before joining her father outside, while they waited for the groom to arrive at his place.

Hours passed and she held her head high, waiting, more hours passed and her mother came in hushed tones, "We must send home the guests, they are restless, Cara."

Cara's eyes were fiercely bright, but sad, as she turned a soft nod to her mother. "Yes, we mustn't... we mustn't keep them waiting here..." She sat down to stare out on the horizon in the direction of Shallam over the edge of her treasured cloud home. She kept this vigil until morning when her parents woke to force her to eat something.

Food was ash in her mouth but she ate and looked with concerned eyes at them both, her voice was still strong, "I must go to him. I need to know what happened."

Her mother opened her mouth to protest, but her father gave her a look and a sad shake to his head. He took Cara's hand in his own, "We will be here for you, Cara. Always."

She smiled lovingly at each and gave them a peck on the cheek, her mother stopping to hold her face in her hands as if imprinting it in her mind, and her father cupping her cheek gently like when she was young. She loved them dearly, but in her heart, she knew she might never come home. The realization hit her heart like a stone, but she wouldn't waver. Anxious to leave, she packed a small pouch with some clothes and gold, never even bothering to change from her wedding gown and left to discover the fate of the husband of her heart.

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Cara arrived in Shallam as the sun was setting and found herself graciously welcomed into the presence of the Caliph himself. He spoke in a reserved manner, very stoic yet confident in his words, his voice was low, "Ah! Cara Lyre, my dear... it is good to see you. What can I do for you?"

She was too kind to show it on her face, but she wondered how this man could possibly ask such a question after what happened. She corrected him politely with her lyrical voice, "Cara Fethan, sir Caliph. Maybe not on paper, but in my heart and ever more. Where... where is my Dirmar?"

The Caliph took a breath and offered her a comfortable chair which she refused, then let his hand rub his face before answering, "He was lost to us, I'm afraid, Cara. He.. Dirmar had much courage in him you have to know. He sang our way into battle, but we were ambushed. Some of our citizens were lost to us for a time, half of those have returned, injured but well thankfully. Dirmar... Dirmar counts amongst those still unknown." He could see the grief stretching her face taut, her eyes wide and teary. "Not to worry! No, don't worry. We are still searching for them. All of them."

The shocked and saddened look on Cara's face seemed to make the Caliph say more, he felt unequipped to help her in her time of grief. "Dirmar, he did what he could you know. He flew, high above when the fighting began, I thought... we all thought... he would return home. We only found out this morning that he was among the missing. Forgive me. We... we would've told you sooner if we knew."

Cara's eyes filled with tears, droplets falling upon her wedding gown, beading as they cascaded down. She wiped at her eyes, snuffled softly to herself, and a small spark of fiery determination was lit behind her eyes, behind the grief, perhaps by now, consuming the grief to be used in her newfound purpose. She clasped her hand to Dirmar's feather on her necklace and spoke softly, her voice impassioned nonetheless, "I will join the search."

Her words were a statement, not a declaration, question, or entreaty, they were spoken as simple fact. The Caliph tried to dissuade her as he walked by her side as she left the city, but she would not be budged. She turned on him at the gates, "I cannot sit idly by waiting sir. I will join the search on my own terms. I... I do not wish to be grounded... so I will search the skies as far as I can, only touching land to sleep as needed." She turned her eyes to the sky and its horizon, then back to the Caliph with a softer expression, "Love will guide me to his embrace. Fare well."

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A few years later, Cara's search proved fruitless. She searched endlessly at first, flying upon the winds, calling his name, seeking any information. But slowly physical strain soon took its toll and she had to spend more and more time on land, asking residents about the war, any prisoners taken, any hidden refuges Dirmar might have fled to. She found nothing, not a whisper, but the one in her heart belonging to Hope.

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Once a proud resident of Arcadia, Cara has now become "grounded" to the lands below searching for her lost love. Once filled with unflinching confidence and hope, she wanders the land becoming sadder with each passing day. She shivers under her realization, 'I am a Grounded One.' A soft breeze blows, as she says farewell to the sun for one more day... just one more day...

Wrapping a wing about her trying to brace the wind as it stirs her hair, she can almost hear his song, his heart's tale of love, drifting along as a gift from her honored Vastar. Her eyes moisten and she tries to keep them open, always open facing the setting sun, and his voice becomes entwined at the end of its melody as it once was when he bestowed it upon her as a proposal for marriage.