Maryt

Maryt was an exceptionally bright young woman, with dark hair, creamy skin slightly towards tan, and bright blue eyes, unlike her many siblings who all had deep brown eyes.

As much as one would desire to praise her, their compliments would fall upon deaf ears - literally. Maryt was born deaf, yet she manages to get things done regardless. Since women in her house are held in such high esteem, Maryt is free from chores and other responsibilities. Zel and her male cousins took good care of her, and were sure to remember what she didn't like.

Maryt generally slept late, until the sun creeping in her window woke her. No amount of noise would disturb her slumber. Though she was 16, she was still quite spoiled, since everyone else took care of all her needs. However, it was sometimes hard for her to get her point across; everything had to be reduced to simplistic hand symbols.

Life was hard, but Zel obviously cared. He always left her presents, and she always did her best to take care of him too. Hugs were good, and cookies fixed every problem, unless it had to do with a girl Zel had fallen for. Maryt had absolutely no idea how to fix that.

* * *

Maryt ran down the hallway towards the meeting room. There was something happening again, and though she couldn't hear them, sometimes she could pick up the gist of it by watching and looking at their mouths.

Unfortunately, today it was gryphons who'd come, and their mouths didn't move when they talked. Maryt slipped into her chair and did her best to sit still and pay attention. Gryphons had very interesting body language, but feather ruffling and tail twiches didn't exactly convey the same meanings every time.

She took her lucky blue gryphon feather from her pocket and twirled it in her fingers. The quill was smooth, and the barbs of the feather were undamaged. While she fidgeted, the gryphonesses eyes watched her intently.

When the gryphons were done 'talking' Maryt went to the activity room to work on her quilt. She could sew and embroider, and she loved to see the brilliant color combinations in her work. She was glad that she wasn't blind. She would miss out on so much.

It was a while before an abstract thought traipsed through her mind. Zel could be a gryphon rider. He was smart and caring and fun. Maryt resolved to tell him as best she could, as soon as she saw him. Of course, when the time came, Zel didn't really believe it, nor did their older sisters.

When the gryphons took him away, Maryt was both happy and sad. She was proved right, but now Zel was gone. How would she cope with this?

* * *

The night fell, and it snowed as it was apt to do at this time of year. Maryt's window was completely covered, and as a result, it was nearly midday before Maryt was roused from her slumber by a worried cousin.

When she saw her snow-covered window, all she could do was point and cry. How could they forget to clear her window? Zel had only been doing it forever...

Thinking of Zel only made her cry harder. Sannata heard her and came in, chasing the well-meaning cousin out. After she calmed her sister down, Maryt was able to explain to her that she missed Zel because he cleared her window and took care of her.

Sannata nodded in understanding, then pantomimed eating. Maryt got up and put on some day clothes, and they went together to the dining hall.

Sannata left her eating, and went to talk to their mother. She wasn't too worried about Maryt just yet. Zel had only been gone a short while.

Of course, if it wasn't one thing, it was another. Nearly two weeks had passed since Zel left, and Maryt was absolutely miserable. Again Sannata spoke with her mother, and by this time all everyone in the house wanted was to make Maryt happy again.

Jenx had stayed on with his bond Darrle and he came up with the most plausible solution. Take Maryt to Zel.

As a special favor to Jenx, Kace came from the hall to see what she could do. As bondsearcher, she had noted the potential in Maryt, but since the girl was deaf, had thought choosing her as a bonder would be a negative thing to do. She wouldn't have chosen a deaf girl herself - but Lanice was there, and who could ask for a better bond? "If she wants to go, I'll take her to Caelum Aerie. She's more than enough potential." Kace said.

Jenz was pleased, and went to get Darrle to convey the news to Maryt, since she couldn't hear him.

Maryt smiled at her uncle, and he did his best to tell her, pointing at her, then at Kace, and waving goodbye.

Maryt blinked, and pointed at Darrle, then at Jenx, and then at herself and empty air in succession.

"I think she gets it." Jenx said.

"I think so too." Darrle said.

The news spread like wildfire. Maryt was going to Caelum Aerie. Her cousins packed her things, and Darrle showed her how to hold onto Kace's harness. And they were off.

Caelum Aerie was glad to see another bonder, and they were happy to make a few adjustments so Maryt could get along better. Zel was happy to see his sister, and then he could relax, knowing she was well taken care of.