THE REST OF THE DAY: Coral Sings.

THE REST OF THE DAY: Coral Sings.

Coral was sitting cross-legged in the middle of her holding cell as she had always done. She was calm and serene despite the carnage that had ripped through the city. Countless were dead and the city was all but destroyed and she had no idea why yet her demeanor and countenance was one of grace and hope.

She was singing and humming as she danced around her cell. The only thing different this time was that there was no one that came to stop her. No one came to beat her into silent submission.

Coral was placed into prison instead of being exiled because of her ability to cut through his façade of control. Her songs and writings of truth and love were able to call others to action in such a way that it threatened him and his power structure. It was solitary confinement in silent darkness with no parchment and no plume. He afforded Coral no chance at influencing others with her gifts or the knowledge she had of Iboga. Still she sang.

On a scouting trip back to the city Gaia and Graven heard music coming from underneath the ground near where Iboga had been defeated. Gaia lovingly touched Graven’s left forearm motioning for him to stop so they could both listen closer.
“Graven, Do you hear what I am hearing?”, spoke Gaia softly.

“Yes, Gaia I do, It’s beautiful, but where in the ether is it coming from?” exclaimed Graven.

“I think it is coming from under the ground.” Replied Gaia.

“How could that be? This is near where Iboga was killed. “ Replied Graven.

“Do you remember the conversation we had by the fire a few nights ago about this blasted curse on our people?” asked Gaia.

“Of course I do. We must find a cure.” Spoke Graven.

“Indeed we must. I have dreamed of this moment and have only now remembered it. There is someone very important underground. She is singing of freedom but has been a prisoner for many years. She sings in a very old language. (One that has not been used by the living in many generations). I can hear her she is calling me by my name Graven. How would she know me? Gaia spoke in disbelief.

“Be on guard, it could be that witch Siren. Her games are beyond anything we know as fair or reasonable.” Replied Graven.

“Graven, I understand you distrust of her and her cunning, but I do not believe this to be her presence. This is truly an innocent life that holds and wields a beautiful song. We must locate her and start digging.” Exclaimed Gaia.

“Then dig we must.” Graven agreed.

Graven and Gaia began to dig near where Iboga had been defeated as the songs of Coral began to get louder and louder.

The massive boulders and explosions took most of the day to clear but near dusk Coral’s cell was reached. She never broke from song. Her cadence never changed. Gaia was first to pear into her cage. Coral looked frail but content. There was nothing in the cage but her person. No décor of any kind. Bars surrounded her on all sides. She wore a single piece white gown and as she looked into Gaia’s eyes her song stopped.

Gaia opened the door to the cage Coral ran to her and collapsed into her arms…

Graven gathered the only items in the cell a bowl full of what appeared to be ether itself and a handful a bundled hair that was obviously Corals hair. Near these items lay her writings.

Gaia carried Coral unconscious back to the camp. Graven carried her things…