Flowing Blade
By Matthew “Snooglebum” Wasik
The redblooms fell early that year.
The lights of the big city behind her, Salidae strode forward, down a boulevard she didn’t know the name of. Red petals gently drifted down, a few landing on the clean white silk she wore. She didn’t bother to brush them off. A sword hung at her side, stowed in an ornate leather sheath engraved with the language of her homeland. The sheath was decorated with green vines and flowers.
It’s beautiful in Suwen this time of year. said the sword, its girlish voice echoing in Salidae’s head.
Yeah. Salidae thought back, looking around at redbloom petals as gusts of wind swept them through the air. Hey Ellie, remember the Chyras trees at home? How we always used to climb them?
Haha, yeah. laughed Ellie, giggling. You always pushed me off the branches.
Yep. I was a little prick back then. replied Salidae. Still am, really.
Yeah, but you’re my little prick, Sal. said Ellie fondly.
Salidae smiled slightly.
Thanks, El.
Ellie was an Oruja, the spirit of a dead person that had solidified into a sentient weapon. Ellie was Salidae’s companion, and more than companion.
