Wednesday, December 07, 2005

23. Lesson of the Shells

In every group a leader eventually emerges. Aggressiveness, initiative and a bit of charisma often marked those who took control from those who followed. Often, however, did not mean always. Kyra possessed initiative in spades, but no one would have ever labeled her aggressive nor would the word charisma ever been mentioned with her name. Yet still, the other seven members of Bravo-Four-Zero had unanimously elected Kyra to lead them to a new world, a new life. In essence, they were placing their lives in her hands and doing so without hesitation.

The launch from Metaluna had gone without a hitch. Bravo-Four-Zero quietly proceeded on the coordinates suggested by their magnanimous guests, and for the first time since prior to the massive wolf-like hurricanes devoured their homeworld, everyone onboard appeared somewhat relaxed if not eternally grateful for their good fortune.

Kyra, not one to socialize, spent a lot of time in her cabin. Her mind unable to rest with the burden of seven other souls entrusted to her care, she paced back and forth. She tried to convince herself that what she was doing was walking meditation, but she had long since learned the folly of fooling oneself. Gazing for a book to occupy her mind, her eyes instead came to rest on the one indulgence she allowed herself to bring—her childhood shell collection from the secluded beaches off Valla cove where an old family retreat had stood just off the beach for ages. Generation after generation enjoyed the solitude Valla cove offered. Valla was perhaps Kyra’s favorite place, a place of reflection, a place of peace, a place of and for renewal.

Part of every Hynerian’s childhood involved building a shell collection. In part, because nearly everyone lived near the beach and partly because all primary schooling taught the lesson of the shells. Hynerians prided themselves on cultivating a culture of acceptance based on love from within. Because of the planet’s elliptical orbit, twice a year the sun’s radiation became intense to the point of causing birth defects. One of every seven Hynerian children suffered from some sort of physical deformity. Most were very minor, yet still there.

The sun also caused the same ratio of deformities in shells. Walk any beach and one was sure to find the most beautiful shells and also some quite deformed. In school, each child had to build a shell collection that included some of these deformed shells. Shells were used since even the ones that were deformed were still stunningly gorgeous and in most cases considered more valuable than the perfectly formed one. The lesson was clear. Difference was not to be shunned, but to be embraced. The sight of hundreds of young school children running around with their shell collections, proudly showing off one against the other, remains in every Hynerian’s memory like it was yesterday. Nor was the lesson lost. To be different was to be embraced, cherished and loved.

Kyra stood still, her shell collection in her hands, staring intently, absorbing the peace of the beach while letting the lesson of the shells wash over and cleanse her doubts.

Categories: Kyra, Shells, Hyneria

50 comments:

Anonymous said...

To be different was to be embraced, cherished and loved

Something I wish everyone knew

excellent new turn in the story, like getting to know one of the characters individually.

love love love the fractal, the texture of the sand almost looks like if you touched it you could feel the texture of it.

Very nice Trée, very very nice

getting ready to head off to bed, have a good rest of the night sweetie, and sleep well when you do :0)

Trée said...

Thanks Trace. I felt the time had come to introduce a character and make the story a little personal. Besides, writing about a person is sooooo much more fun. I thought you might like my shell fractal. I'm having issues getting the gradients in UF4 to bend to my will, so these shells come from the Florida Gators beach--lol.

Anonymous said...

I landed on the same sentence that Trace did. I love where the story is going. The shells are so beautiful you can almost pull them out of the fractal. Oh Tree, so lovely.

When you find the leather chair, your tea is there for you.

Trée said...

Sounds wonderful Liz. I could use some warm green tea tonight. I think Kyra is a big tea drinker too. Is it okay if she comes along. I think you would like her very much. :-)

Anonymous said...

I love shells echoing the ocean. Tree, if you have time, I hope you might drop by my blog to read my last post..

Blessings,
Rhi

Anonymous said...

Sure thing. There's as much tea and as many chairs as you need. :)
Sweet dreams.

Trée said...

Rhi, wonderful heartfelt post. I left a shell or two for you to enjoy. :-)

Trée said...

Thanks Liz. I think I will dream of Kyra tonight and wonder who she is and how she is going to lead her friends to safety. :-)

You and Kyra, I think, have much in common. She loves to read and write and has the curiosity of a dozen kittens. Plus, she's as bright as a whip. ;-)

Not really sure how a whip is bright, but it sounds right--lol.

Anonymous said...

In my gradebook, you just went from an 'A' to an 'A+', and if it were possible you'd score even higher! :-)

Wonderful!
(big bellowing round of applause)

Anonymous said...

Forgot to say, extra credit for the choice of name :-)

Anonymous said...

Looks like funky alien blood cells under a microscope! I like!

Anonymous said...

Hey.....That's ME!!!!!!!!!!!!! Did you do that on purpose? Trying to tell me sump'n? :o)

Anonymous said...

If they knew about the reason for the birth defects, perhaps they could avoid conception at those vulnerable times?

Every life is precious, but some birth defects will cause plenty of anguish to parents and children.

Trée said...

"In my gradebook, you just went from an 'A' to an 'A+'"

Sunshine, would you like to share just what warrented this improvement in grade? Story, fractal, female heroine, something else?

Trée said...

LMAO, Stacey, that's what my wife said. Mmm . . . :-)

Trée said...

k, I have to have you in some capacity in my life. ;-)

Just think, now I can get you over that kitchen table whenever I want and there's nothing you can do about it. LOL

Morning BBB!

Trée said...

"Every life is precious, but some birth defects will cause plenty of anguish to parents and children."

Saffron, on earth this is very true. On Hyneria, those that are different are "embraced, cherished and loved." I wouldn't go so far as to say Hynerian parents want their child to have a birth defect (a minor one that is, and most of them are) but I can tell you, in this culture, no one sheds any tears when they learn their child does. The lesson of the shells is part of the very spiritual fabric of Hynerian society--a very different place with a very different view on matters such as this.

;-)

Anonymous said...

Nice colors. They remind me of glass - as in the "sand" a glassblower uses in his mix. So now the story is getting more personal - I like hearing the childhood memories. Your imagination is unbounded. It is like listening to evening radio stories... one chapter at a time, and anticipating the next one. (with pictures :-D)

Anonymous said...

Urgh, just spent ages on answering your question and it got lost!

Will re-write a little later.
Hope you are having a good morning :-)

Anonymous said...

I love the pictures but I'm really liking the story as well. Maybe when you're finished you can collect all the posts together with links so we can read them in order?

Trée said...

That is so nice to hear Terry. I've read your comment ten times now, and like a favorite song, I want to play it again and again. My sweet child from the west who longs to travel to a land of ice and beauty, thank you dear.

Trée said...

Thanks Jack. I think that is an excellent idea. The nature of blogger can confuse a storyline like this since with the lead post you are literally starting at the end of the story rather than the beginning.

What's funny is the original text was just a support vehicle so the images didn't look naked or without context. With each post, I feel more wrapped into the prose, and thoughts of where to go next educate my eye during fractal creation. Creating a fractal to look like what you want is a lot like herding cats. I don't know enough about how to use these programs other than to be at their mercy. Persistence is still my strongest tool. Just click enough, play enough and sooner or later something of interest will appear before you on the screen.

I do appreciate the kind word on the story. I should call it the story that was never meant to be. lol

Trée said...

Sunshine, take your time. I'll go fix another pot of coffee. I'll take a kiss if you have an extra before you start on your post again. That will sustain me till I can read the magic words that pour from your insightful mind via your loving heart. :-)

Anonymous said...

"the magic words that pour from your insightful mind"
Oh, stop, lol, you must have me confused with someone else, Terry, Agnes ;)!
Pressure!

Of the many spectacular fractals created for this series, 'The Healing Planet' is my personal favourite. Each has been amazing though, not least in light of the accompanying story - as a combo they are really something, unique to say the very least.
Though I've enjoyed every singles aspect of the story, even the scary bits, hence the 'A', I really need to go back and read it all again (once we reach the end). I easily recall the story, but the individual turns of phrase and the best choice of word (another of your talents) is less easily remembered. Do recall with ease, however, some have been just beautiful and therein lies my favourite parts.
The '+' comes mainly from the insight into one particular character, and how it followed seamlessly (just as all the posts have) the story thus far. How you were able to in just a few short paragraphs to add significant depth to this character, mainly through the story behind the seashells and how/why she derives comfort from them.
Also, each part builds on the one preceding, only getting better, thereby more than enough reason for that extra plus
...and so on.
:-)
Do I sound at all envious at your story telling abilities? Just a tad, I think, lol.

Anonymous said...

btw, feel I should offer up some praise, rofl
Terry's comment is spot on, always waiting to see what happens next (esp. now with the introduction of Kyra) - which goes to show what a good story-teller you are, forever the suspense.
Ok, that's me done :-)

Anonymous said...

which goes to show what a good story-teller you are, forever the suspense.


(nods head in definite agreement)

the story really is great Trée, I've got the whole thing so far in a word file so I can read back easier when you post a new chapter.

The fractals that go with story aren't to bad either LOL I love the new programs, you get such a great variety combined with your imagination, its just splendid :0)

Anonymous said...

Awe shucks Trée, you are so full of fabulous comments that it is no wonder we all come flocking back here like hummingbirds looking for a sip of sweet nectar... knowing we are certain to find fulfillment at your table.

Anonymous said...

"you are so full of fabulous comments that it is no wonder we all come flocking back here like hummingbirds looking for a sip of sweet nectar... knowing we are certain to find fulfillment at your table."
LOL!!
Abso-*-lutely!
That is now officially on my list of all-time favourite comments :-D

Anonymous said...

LOL Terry, perfect, very well said

:0)

Trée said...

Sunshine, A+ for that comment. I appreciate the feedback as it gives me some sense of where to go next and what is appreciated in the image and the story. I have a feeling we might be spending a little more time developing Kyra. I just need to produce a kitchen table fractal now, or one with some boots in it. I definately see Kyra as a boot wearing woman--no doubt! lol

Trée said...

Trace, why am I not surprised you put these into a word doc--lol. It is nice to go back and read some of the earlier post knowing that when they were written the rest of this saga, to date, did not exist. I said it before and I'll say it again, I'm as anxious to see what happens next as you guys. I would love to tell you there is some master plan or story line, but there isn't. Each image and each little story I would hope could stand somewhat on their own. But I also like the challenge of trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together from one post to the next and making the story at least seem plausible from one post to the next. This has been the most fun I've had blogging. Who would have ever thought that Holly's one little comment would have opened this door. Life is funny, and not always in a ha ha kinda way. :-)

Trée said...

"flocking back here like hummingbirds looking for a sip of sweet nectar"

Terry, that has to be the comment of the month. What an absolute incredible mental image your phrase conveys. I love the idea of my blog attracting the most beautiful, unique and exotic hummingbirds in search of sweet nectar. How I would love to play with that idea--lol.

Thank you very much Terry. Your comment has made my day sweetie and your image will long live in my imagination. Just delightful darlin'.

Anonymous said...

Just re-read your story and I was right - dam' good!!

"Kitchen table", "boots" - makes sense :-)

Anonymous said...

why am I not surprised you put these into a word doc

LOL damn I hate being that predictable :0) ummm because y'all know me :0)

so then my file of fracs that go with it isn't a big secret either huh LOL

Trée said...

I can't tell you guys how important your positive feedback has been for me. This blog has become a sanctuary for me, a place to dewell in a world of hope and love and art and beauty and flirtation, and peace, and joy and bit more flirtation for good measure. Without you guys, none of that exists. I wish I knew the words to express my gratitude. All my love, hugs and kisses. Sweet nectar is on the house today!

Trée said...

Trace, lol, no, can't say that surprises me. I am deeply flattered and touched. Thanks darlin'.

Anonymous said...

That was such a nice message! :-)

Hope, love, art, beauty, peace, joy and flirtation - you just described the essense of your blog perfectly!

Good job its on the house, as much as I've been flocking back here yesterday and today ;)

Anonymous said...

Difference was not to be shunned, but to be embraced.

how I wish

pic kind of reminds me of a slide for a microscope, Very cool.

Anonymous said...

Ah, we have a heroine. I think you've chosen just the right character as well. Pensive, enlightened, caring. I would expect nothing less.

My favorite shell is that one right there...no...over to the left a bit...yeah...right there!

Hugs and much love to you Trée. I am offically caught up and excitedly awaiting Kyra's future endeavors.

Trée said...

Welcome to the cutting edge of the story Aggie. The next image is ready to go along with the general idea but the exact words are escaping me at the moment. Probably need to go grab dinner, forget the story and come back when I have a little more quiet in the house. :-)

Thanks for all the wonderful comments you have left for me today. They mean the world to me and I do appreciate them very much. Thank you my dear sweet sexy original boot wearing woman, and that is woman with a capital W! :-)

Anonymous said...

When am I gonna see you on AIM? Missing you.

Trée said...

k, I was there all afternoon sweetie. Do you ever get on during the day?

Anonymous said...

"Difference was not to be shunned but to be embraced"...like Ciera said "how I wish" also...

Blessings,
Rhi

Trée said...

Ciera and Rhi, ya'll need to visit Aggie to see the Hynerian Wishing Plant she created a couple days ago. Not saying it will help, but you never know. ;-)

Anonymous said...

no, i work during the day and we aren't allowed to use the internet--they disabled it. darn it.

Autumn Storm said...

I really, really want to comment on every chapter anew, it is so tempting. Especially chapters such as this one for example which are like the heart within the body. Beautiful is the heart, mind and soul that writes these words, I know it well, still makes me smile at the wonder of it each time I think of it. :-)

Wamblings said...

Breathtaking! Thank you for pointing me to this post. We need this kind of education in our world. It is tough growing up in a world that only accepts one reality. I know things are some better now but the kids who are "different" for whatever reason still have a tough go of it. Thank you again. *passes the teapot

Trée said...

Wamblings, when I don't find the world I want, I create it here. Your comment humbles me. I bow before your feet as a knight before his queen. How may I serve? ;-)

Wow, I need some more tea.

Wamblings said...

I am perhaps doing the wrong kind of writing. The characters of my novels carry their demons inside them. Still, my hope is that my novels will pave the way for people to be not only accepted but understood and embraced in all their kaleidoscopic beauty.

Trée said...

Wamblings, one day I'd like to see your story. I have a feeling your characters are a very interesting lot. :-)