(Story Starts Here!)
"So would you like to confirm what a 'Spiritess' is, just so we all give the same answer," Zalgus asked, just as he dropped a plush towel on top of Aislynn's wet hair. She truly did look like a drowned cat. He turned his gaze to his sister, walking to a trolly delivered by a servant. It had a tea set prepared, as well as small foods to tide them over for the night.
"Well..." Raina said slowly, having not thought about it just yet. She looked around the common room of their suite, noting that everything seemed to be purposefully one step below the absolute best. For someone so sure of his importance, the Duke seemed desperate to remind people of their place below him. Not exactly the qualities she trusted in a leader.
"You've gotten distracted," Zalgus said. He pulled his hair back from his face, tying it into a low ponytail. Then he took the tea set and brought it over to the low table between the seats, noting the intricate detailing on the pot that depicted the greatness of the West. Tall towers and spirits blessing the greatest architects - no mention of the backs that they built those towers on.
"I have not," Raina answered, finally taking a seat. "It was something that I decided to do on a gut instinct and now that I have time to collect my thoughts I'd like to do so. Thank you." She stuck her tongue out at her brother when he simply chuckled at her.
Aislynn worked on drying her hair, keeping the towel over her face for now. She still felt rattled from the non-stop trip and rain, so she didn't want either of the siblings seeing her face. They could both read her easier than they went through books. At least the room was warm, a high fire had been made in the heavily carved fireplace, where their soaked clothing had been set out to dry faster. This was the biggest house Aislynn had ever seen - what did one do with all this space?
"I suppose we can always just remind them how we revere the spirits," Raina was saying, her shorter hair turning wavy as it dried. "So any with a communion with one is respected."
"Simple, I suppose it will do."
"Do you have a better idea?"
"It is better to keep it simple." Zalgus was examining his book for water damage. Satisfied it was unharmed, he set it down on a small, round table next to the couch Aislynn was perched on, and poured the tea. "Less pieces to get confused. Try not to elaborate too much on it then, at least not without informing us."
"Do you think your friends will know anything about the ones after me?" Aislynn asked, pulling the towel from her hair finally.
"It is possible, but we will have to be careful about asking." Raina turned to Aislynn, rotating her arm when the ache returned. The joint was still tender from when she stopped her friend from falling off the horse. "How is your leg?"
"It hurts when I move it, but I'll be okay. Better than the alternative."
"Well," Zalgus said with a wry smile, "isn't that a pragmatic view on the situation." He took a seat after handing off cups to his sister, and then Aislynn. He balanced his own cup in one hand, before switching its location with his book.
"I think we can rest easy here," Raina said. "A lot of guards, and a number of shapers."
"I suggest we not become too comfortable." Zalgus shook his head, letting the book fall open to his last page. "Politics might be even more dangerous than Aislynn's stalker."
"Thank you for being the voice of reason," Raina said, sarcasm dripping from her tone.
Monday, November 17, 2014
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Spirit of Aspiration (Dawngate)
(Story Starts Here!)
The rain had gotten worse just as Aislynn, Raina, and Zalgus reached the safety of Duke Anzerani's estate. The massive white stone building loomed above them, as if to remind them of their place, and even in the night it was awe striking for Aislynn. The Duke himself did not deign to greet them at such an uncivilized time, a minor dismissal to show his displeasure at their arrival time. However, two familiar faces did hurry at a reserved hustle to meet them.
"Announcing Lady Raina and her entourage," said a portly guard that stood just inside the great doors.
Aislynn sneezed, a cold tremor racing through her chest. She looked up pitifully at Zalgus as he shrugged his cloak off and wrapped it around her. He gave her a quiet nod, but knew at this rate she was sure to catch a cold or worse.
"Shame for such a cute girl to look so washed up," said the guard who had just arrived. He stood tall with a clean shaven, angular face and an appraising twinkle in sharp eyes. His casual grin vanished when the girl accompanying him drove her heel into his foot.
"The storm is predicted to get worse," she said, stepping forward. Unlike the other women of this land, she wore light trousers and a heavy jacket - the top button was still undone. Mikella had rushed to prepare herself when word reached her of the Northerner's arrival - early, in the middle of the night, with an additional number to their party. She maintained grace and composure, but she was concerned.
"Then it would seem we arrived just in time," Raina replied with a bow.
"Zalgus," Varion greeted, once the pain in his foot had ebbed.
"Varion," Zalgus replied, lifting his head a bit higher.
"Who is this?" Mikella asked, quickly weaving her long, dark hair into a braid. "A younger sister?"
"No." Raina swept her hand toward Aislynn, pausing only a moment to consider how to introduce her. "This is Spiritess Aislynn, forgive her as she is not used to traveling."
"Of course," Mikella said. She began to curtsey, only to realize how awkward the gesture was when one was not wearing a skirt. So she bowed, claiming the declared masculine gesture with confidence.
Zalgus glanced at his sister with a raised eyebrow, only to be ignored. There was no such honorific in their land.
"May I introduce Lady Mikella Anzerani," Raina said to Aislynn, who took the cue and bowed.
Varion stayed back, his gun resting against his shoulder as he observed. The girl was clearly no dignitary, at least not one from the North. She had a quiet confidence, but nothing like the power and presence of the Duchess' daughter. It did not concern him, not for Mikella's or his own sake. He did, however, think her quite lovely, despite her drowned rat first appearance.
"I have already sent servants to prepare your rooms," Mikella was saying, welcoming the group deeper into the estate.
Whatever was to happen, Varion was certain it would be very fun. He already had in mind a few bets he would place tomorrow.
The rain had gotten worse just as Aislynn, Raina, and Zalgus reached the safety of Duke Anzerani's estate. The massive white stone building loomed above them, as if to remind them of their place, and even in the night it was awe striking for Aislynn. The Duke himself did not deign to greet them at such an uncivilized time, a minor dismissal to show his displeasure at their arrival time. However, two familiar faces did hurry at a reserved hustle to meet them.
"Announcing Lady Raina and her entourage," said a portly guard that stood just inside the great doors.
Aislynn sneezed, a cold tremor racing through her chest. She looked up pitifully at Zalgus as he shrugged his cloak off and wrapped it around her. He gave her a quiet nod, but knew at this rate she was sure to catch a cold or worse.
"Shame for such a cute girl to look so washed up," said the guard who had just arrived. He stood tall with a clean shaven, angular face and an appraising twinkle in sharp eyes. His casual grin vanished when the girl accompanying him drove her heel into his foot.
"The storm is predicted to get worse," she said, stepping forward. Unlike the other women of this land, she wore light trousers and a heavy jacket - the top button was still undone. Mikella had rushed to prepare herself when word reached her of the Northerner's arrival - early, in the middle of the night, with an additional number to their party. She maintained grace and composure, but she was concerned.
"Then it would seem we arrived just in time," Raina replied with a bow.
"Zalgus," Varion greeted, once the pain in his foot had ebbed.
"Varion," Zalgus replied, lifting his head a bit higher.
"Who is this?" Mikella asked, quickly weaving her long, dark hair into a braid. "A younger sister?"
"No." Raina swept her hand toward Aislynn, pausing only a moment to consider how to introduce her. "This is Spiritess Aislynn, forgive her as she is not used to traveling."
"Of course," Mikella said. She began to curtsey, only to realize how awkward the gesture was when one was not wearing a skirt. So she bowed, claiming the declared masculine gesture with confidence.
Zalgus glanced at his sister with a raised eyebrow, only to be ignored. There was no such honorific in their land.
"May I introduce Lady Mikella Anzerani," Raina said to Aislynn, who took the cue and bowed.
Varion stayed back, his gun resting against his shoulder as he observed. The girl was clearly no dignitary, at least not one from the North. She had a quiet confidence, but nothing like the power and presence of the Duchess' daughter. It did not concern him, not for Mikella's or his own sake. He did, however, think her quite lovely, despite her drowned rat first appearance.
"I have already sent servants to prepare your rooms," Mikella was saying, welcoming the group deeper into the estate.
Whatever was to happen, Varion was certain it would be very fun. He already had in mind a few bets he would place tomorrow.
Monday, November 10, 2014
Spirit of Aspiration (Dawngate)
(Story Starts Here!)
A high stoked fire was the only source of light in this office carved out of cave rock. Smoke escaped through a series of narrow channels drilled through the ceiling, which twisted and scattered it so it could not be pin-pointed. A thick, expensive rug woven in the South was spread over the smoothed floor, though the rest of the furniture appeared to be pilfered from the North and West.
Xavier played with a red cavalier hat between his hands, one finger twirling the fluffy white feather. His lips were twisted into a rictus smile of malicious intent; his eyebrow gave the occasional twitch as the only sign of his suppressed rage. The hat smelled like a foreign flower, delicate and tempting to crush. Such a fitting scent for his prey.
"Well," he said to the fire, "this proves that at least you are acceptable at tracking."
"Impatient One underestimates the foolish emotion of empathy," mumbled the Hunter, hiding in a shadow near the ceiling. "Moonlit One inspires such, and so Impatient One would do well to assume there will be more meddling ones."
"So it was this eastern tart that foiled your strike?" Xavier asked, annoyed at how many were willing to assist his prize with such little advantage for them.
"Wild One moves as an animal but speaks with the voice of a wise one," the Hunter answered. "Wild One is champion of predator and prey, and understands the experience of both."
A disgusted sigh escaped Xavier as the firelight glittered off his eyes, the reflection tinted blue. Do-gooding crusaders were the most boring, yet infuriating beings to cross his path. If one did not have the power nor will to pull strings, one should be expected to have one's own strings pulled. To flounce around, cutting the strings of others, was just a momentous waste of time and energy.
"She was a shaper?"
"Wild One is dangerous even without her bond," the Hunter hissed. "Her bond empowers ferocity, but did not make Wild One into the predator."
"It will be too much of a hassle to go after her now then, even to get her out of the way," Xavier said, his annoyance now lacing his tone like poison. "Do you think she will follow to continue interfering?"
"This one is not sure."
Another huff, Xavier tossed the hat onto his desk and snatched up a long pipe. He flicked his gloved fingers so a few sparks spilled out over the dried leaves, igniting them to a slow burn. A long drag filled his mouth with the taste of fire and a sweet undertone of some type of sugary sap. Smoke unfurled from his nostrils, lazily curling for the dark ceiling.
"This all could have been avoided had those idiots completed a very simple job," he growled, more smoke escaping from between his teeth. "My graciousness is over. Take her, and kill any who stand in your way, even shapers."
"Of course," the Hunter whispered. "This one understands."
Reaching over, Xavier picked up the red hat once more as the other presence left the room. A gift given to his prey by an unwarranted friend. It elevated her in the eyes of those around her, though her place was anything but that. The spirits seemed awfully lackadaisical in their chosen. He chuckled, tossing the hat toward the fire and turning back to his work.
A flash of presence tugged on the edge of his perception. He spun to face it, but found himself simply fazing a the fire once more.
A fire that suspiciously lacked the traces of newly granted fuel.
A high stoked fire was the only source of light in this office carved out of cave rock. Smoke escaped through a series of narrow channels drilled through the ceiling, which twisted and scattered it so it could not be pin-pointed. A thick, expensive rug woven in the South was spread over the smoothed floor, though the rest of the furniture appeared to be pilfered from the North and West.
Xavier played with a red cavalier hat between his hands, one finger twirling the fluffy white feather. His lips were twisted into a rictus smile of malicious intent; his eyebrow gave the occasional twitch as the only sign of his suppressed rage. The hat smelled like a foreign flower, delicate and tempting to crush. Such a fitting scent for his prey.
"Well," he said to the fire, "this proves that at least you are acceptable at tracking."
"Impatient One underestimates the foolish emotion of empathy," mumbled the Hunter, hiding in a shadow near the ceiling. "Moonlit One inspires such, and so Impatient One would do well to assume there will be more meddling ones."
"So it was this eastern tart that foiled your strike?" Xavier asked, annoyed at how many were willing to assist his prize with such little advantage for them.
"Wild One moves as an animal but speaks with the voice of a wise one," the Hunter answered. "Wild One is champion of predator and prey, and understands the experience of both."
A disgusted sigh escaped Xavier as the firelight glittered off his eyes, the reflection tinted blue. Do-gooding crusaders were the most boring, yet infuriating beings to cross his path. If one did not have the power nor will to pull strings, one should be expected to have one's own strings pulled. To flounce around, cutting the strings of others, was just a momentous waste of time and energy.
"She was a shaper?"
"Wild One is dangerous even without her bond," the Hunter hissed. "Her bond empowers ferocity, but did not make Wild One into the predator."
"It will be too much of a hassle to go after her now then, even to get her out of the way," Xavier said, his annoyance now lacing his tone like poison. "Do you think she will follow to continue interfering?"
"This one is not sure."
Another huff, Xavier tossed the hat onto his desk and snatched up a long pipe. He flicked his gloved fingers so a few sparks spilled out over the dried leaves, igniting them to a slow burn. A long drag filled his mouth with the taste of fire and a sweet undertone of some type of sugary sap. Smoke unfurled from his nostrils, lazily curling for the dark ceiling.
"This all could have been avoided had those idiots completed a very simple job," he growled, more smoke escaping from between his teeth. "My graciousness is over. Take her, and kill any who stand in your way, even shapers."
"Of course," the Hunter whispered. "This one understands."
Reaching over, Xavier picked up the red hat once more as the other presence left the room. A gift given to his prey by an unwarranted friend. It elevated her in the eyes of those around her, though her place was anything but that. The spirits seemed awfully lackadaisical in their chosen. He chuckled, tossing the hat toward the fire and turning back to his work.
A flash of presence tugged on the edge of his perception. He spun to face it, but found himself simply fazing a the fire once more.
A fire that suspiciously lacked the traces of newly granted fuel.
Friday, November 7, 2014
Spirit of Aspiration (Dawngate)
(Story Starts Here!)
A light rain had started once out of the thin cover the three had provided. Vegetation had become low lying shrubs and mostly meadow, and the rain was able to chill one to the bones without proper protection from the elements. Night was oncoming, but with the cloud cover darkness began to rule early.
Raina rode aside her brother now, a heavy shield on her arm and a grim expression of attention on her face. She was going to ensure nothing got by her guard. Aislynn had been moved to Zalgus' horse, seated with both legs to one side in front of him. His arms secured her, holding onto his reigns and surrounding her with his cloak to shield her from the rain. She had lost her hat, so her face was hidden in the material of his cloak against his chest.
"Do you think the rain will help hide the trail?" Raina asked, peering over her shoulder. Everything looked a misty grey, almost blurry.
"If we were being followed by physical tells... I doubt it," Zalgus replied. He could feel Aislynn shivering, but could not tell if it was from cold or fear.
"How else could one track us?" Raina asked, glancing at her brother.
"I am of the opinion our stalker has the ability to tap into more mystical means."
Raina frowned, wondering if that meant they were being tracked by their spirits. They had slowed their pace in order to not over work the horses. They were still a good distance away and couldn't risk having to stop to rest their mounts.
"Zalgus," Raina said, staring forward now, "did you have an idea of this when you took her in? How serious the group looking for her was?"
He remained quiet for a time, sorting his thoughts and forming his words. His sister did not like it when he hid information from her, and her mood was already terse. Aislynn had tensed as she was talked about, her fingers digging into his red jacket under the cloak.
"When I said there was someone with interest in Aislynn," Zalgus explained slowly, "I knew it was someone of some clout and influence."
"Someone from the West?"
"It is possible this person was originally from there, but now is in the shadows." Zalgus shook his head slowly. "As of now I am certain this person is allied with no nation nor tribe. There are so many branches of fate that following one is akin to drawing a single string from a matted mess. Every small decision causes numerous more flows, and as time passes they only multiply, never solidify."
"I'm sorry," Aislynn whispered.
Raina blinked once, before turning her head away from the wind and toward her brother. He also looked a bit caught off his guard. The idea that she was apologizing for someone's actions against her did not sit well with either sibling. They committed to helping, and neither were willing to renege on such an important word.
"You have nothing to apologize for," Raina said, a warm smile appearing on her face despite the chilly air. She considered such a caring, compassionate soul as Aislynn's to be quite rare, most of them never survived in the world.
"Indeed," Zalgus agreed, keeping his gaze off into the misty grey distance. "If I had not intended to help I would not have picked you off the street. If you keep fretting you will give yourself wrinkles, and that is something of which I simply cannot bare the thought. Leave the worrying to my sister."
Raina sighed, but her smile grew when she heard their friend giggle. It was so strange. For the well being of others, Aislynn's confidence knew no bounds, but for her own sake, she was suddenly timid and unsure. In isolation she fended for herself, but perhaps she feared being a burden to those she desperately considered friends.
During Raina's contemplation, Zalgus engaged Aislynn in a very long, convoluted puzzle conversation. He always did enjoy them, though it had been quickly learned when he was younger that the game would last far longer if he was the puzzle master rather than the player. He posed an open situation to Aislynn, and then would inquire as to what she would do or say. This would continue until the player solved the puzzle - be it murder, theft, or scandal. One of Zalgus' favorite themes was intrigue, so the puzzle was for Aislynn to figure out the complicated knots of noble family interactions.
"But did you not say the noble's son had run to the military to try to stake claim to an estate of an exiled Barony?" Aislynn asked, thoroughly distracted from her fear.
"I did," Zalgus replied, quietly pleased that her color had returned and her shaking had settled. She was maintaining eye contact more consistently as well.
"Then he had no interest in marriage for a comfortable, cushy home with the vidame's daughter."
"A very sound theory." Zalgus had a small smile; she certainly made this game far more interactive. "It seems the two gossiping maids have moved on, what do you do next?"
Aislynn's mind swirled as the gears clicked together. She found herself very involved with the game presented to her, comfortable in the puzzle Zalgus spun around her. There was no one out for her in this creation of a brilliant mind, and so she took the opportunity to escape and enjoy the mental exercise.
Even if it was only for a short time.
A light rain had started once out of the thin cover the three had provided. Vegetation had become low lying shrubs and mostly meadow, and the rain was able to chill one to the bones without proper protection from the elements. Night was oncoming, but with the cloud cover darkness began to rule early.
Raina rode aside her brother now, a heavy shield on her arm and a grim expression of attention on her face. She was going to ensure nothing got by her guard. Aislynn had been moved to Zalgus' horse, seated with both legs to one side in front of him. His arms secured her, holding onto his reigns and surrounding her with his cloak to shield her from the rain. She had lost her hat, so her face was hidden in the material of his cloak against his chest.
"Do you think the rain will help hide the trail?" Raina asked, peering over her shoulder. Everything looked a misty grey, almost blurry.
"If we were being followed by physical tells... I doubt it," Zalgus replied. He could feel Aislynn shivering, but could not tell if it was from cold or fear.
"How else could one track us?" Raina asked, glancing at her brother.
"I am of the opinion our stalker has the ability to tap into more mystical means."
Raina frowned, wondering if that meant they were being tracked by their spirits. They had slowed their pace in order to not over work the horses. They were still a good distance away and couldn't risk having to stop to rest their mounts.
"Zalgus," Raina said, staring forward now, "did you have an idea of this when you took her in? How serious the group looking for her was?"
He remained quiet for a time, sorting his thoughts and forming his words. His sister did not like it when he hid information from her, and her mood was already terse. Aislynn had tensed as she was talked about, her fingers digging into his red jacket under the cloak.
"When I said there was someone with interest in Aislynn," Zalgus explained slowly, "I knew it was someone of some clout and influence."
"Someone from the West?"
"It is possible this person was originally from there, but now is in the shadows." Zalgus shook his head slowly. "As of now I am certain this person is allied with no nation nor tribe. There are so many branches of fate that following one is akin to drawing a single string from a matted mess. Every small decision causes numerous more flows, and as time passes they only multiply, never solidify."
"I'm sorry," Aislynn whispered.
Raina blinked once, before turning her head away from the wind and toward her brother. He also looked a bit caught off his guard. The idea that she was apologizing for someone's actions against her did not sit well with either sibling. They committed to helping, and neither were willing to renege on such an important word.
"You have nothing to apologize for," Raina said, a warm smile appearing on her face despite the chilly air. She considered such a caring, compassionate soul as Aislynn's to be quite rare, most of them never survived in the world.
"Indeed," Zalgus agreed, keeping his gaze off into the misty grey distance. "If I had not intended to help I would not have picked you off the street. If you keep fretting you will give yourself wrinkles, and that is something of which I simply cannot bare the thought. Leave the worrying to my sister."
Raina sighed, but her smile grew when she heard their friend giggle. It was so strange. For the well being of others, Aislynn's confidence knew no bounds, but for her own sake, she was suddenly timid and unsure. In isolation she fended for herself, but perhaps she feared being a burden to those she desperately considered friends.
During Raina's contemplation, Zalgus engaged Aislynn in a very long, convoluted puzzle conversation. He always did enjoy them, though it had been quickly learned when he was younger that the game would last far longer if he was the puzzle master rather than the player. He posed an open situation to Aislynn, and then would inquire as to what she would do or say. This would continue until the player solved the puzzle - be it murder, theft, or scandal. One of Zalgus' favorite themes was intrigue, so the puzzle was for Aislynn to figure out the complicated knots of noble family interactions.
"But did you not say the noble's son had run to the military to try to stake claim to an estate of an exiled Barony?" Aislynn asked, thoroughly distracted from her fear.
"I did," Zalgus replied, quietly pleased that her color had returned and her shaking had settled. She was maintaining eye contact more consistently as well.
"Then he had no interest in marriage for a comfortable, cushy home with the vidame's daughter."
"A very sound theory." Zalgus had a small smile; she certainly made this game far more interactive. "It seems the two gossiping maids have moved on, what do you do next?"
Aislynn's mind swirled as the gears clicked together. She found herself very involved with the game presented to her, comfortable in the puzzle Zalgus spun around her. There was no one out for her in this creation of a brilliant mind, and so she took the opportunity to escape and enjoy the mental exercise.
Even if it was only for a short time.
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Spirit of Aspiration (Dawngate)
(Story Starts Here!)
"Nosy One allowed this one's prey an escape," the Hunter growled from behind the mask.
A strong breeze rustled Nissa's hair as Tal'ah scaled his way up her leg and regained his perch on her shoulder. She didn't even flinch as the short, sharp stings of his claws.
"I have said my said," she replied, tightening her grip on the birraga. "Stand down, or I will make you."
"This one was told not to kill Moonlit One, but Nosy One is not protected." The Hunter shifted, and the ruby eyes of the mask started to shine.
Then there were three, coming in at Nissa from all sides. She swung down under the branch, holding on with her left hand as she flung her barriga at the one to her right. It passed through the figure and rounded back to her as if she had hit nothing. The branch snapped without warning, and Nissa had to kick off the trunk to flip and land on her feet. The three figures landed above her, red eyes glowing and tranquil masks belying the intent to kill.
"This one wonders if Nosy One will realize Nosy One's fatal mistake." The figures talked in unison, and each one now had six-inch long needles between their fingers.
"Do not think I will be defeated so easily," Nissa replied as she gripped the Henj-Men's Wing in one hand. Her entire body was wound tight, ready to spring, and she dug her feet into the soft grasses for a more stable foundation.
Brief, dull blinks of light were the only warning that the needles were flying at her. She turned and used the broad body of the Wing to block, hearing soft thumps as the needles buried themselves into the sacred wood. She pulled the great barriga off her back and launched it up into the air with a yell.
It hit all three figures as they jumped at her, yet only the one to the left rebounded. The Hunter slammed back into a tree, shaking it with the force. The other two vanished in puffs of smoke. The remaining one caught a branch and dropped gracefully to the one below, perching.
Nissa caught the Wing and replaced it on her back even as she began to run. Now that she had one target, she sprang into the air and launched two more barrigas. They swept out before scissoring together at their target. Her body moved automatically, spinning to the side and ducking behind another tree.
Needles slammed into her cover, sending a small shower of broken bark over her. There was a tremendous crack, and Nissa tensed as it was followed by en entire chorus of smaller crashes. A trunk smashed down to her right, sending leaves, nuts, and twigs cascading over the ground.
Then silence filled the air, making Nissa's chest feel hollow. She was entirely alone.
Cautiously, she peered around the side of the tree, one hand resting on Tal'ah to keep him still. A few ragged shaped leaves fluttered to the ground, followed by one more nut bouncing off the fallen trunk with a hearty plunk! It was the tree the figure had perched in after Nissa connected with the Henj-Men's Wing. She approached the remaining stump, glancing around and keeping an ear on the quiet that was now around her.
The rings of the tree varied from dark to light, some thicker than others. The stump was not splintered, as if broken, but instead very smooth and even. Resting a thickly gloved hand on the wood, Nissa could come to only one conclusion.
Something had sliced through the tree as easily as a blade to a fresh kill.
"Nosy One allowed this one's prey an escape," the Hunter growled from behind the mask.
A strong breeze rustled Nissa's hair as Tal'ah scaled his way up her leg and regained his perch on her shoulder. She didn't even flinch as the short, sharp stings of his claws.
"I have said my said," she replied, tightening her grip on the birraga. "Stand down, or I will make you."
"This one was told not to kill Moonlit One, but Nosy One is not protected." The Hunter shifted, and the ruby eyes of the mask started to shine.
Then there were three, coming in at Nissa from all sides. She swung down under the branch, holding on with her left hand as she flung her barriga at the one to her right. It passed through the figure and rounded back to her as if she had hit nothing. The branch snapped without warning, and Nissa had to kick off the trunk to flip and land on her feet. The three figures landed above her, red eyes glowing and tranquil masks belying the intent to kill.
"This one wonders if Nosy One will realize Nosy One's fatal mistake." The figures talked in unison, and each one now had six-inch long needles between their fingers.
"Do not think I will be defeated so easily," Nissa replied as she gripped the Henj-Men's Wing in one hand. Her entire body was wound tight, ready to spring, and she dug her feet into the soft grasses for a more stable foundation.
Brief, dull blinks of light were the only warning that the needles were flying at her. She turned and used the broad body of the Wing to block, hearing soft thumps as the needles buried themselves into the sacred wood. She pulled the great barriga off her back and launched it up into the air with a yell.
It hit all three figures as they jumped at her, yet only the one to the left rebounded. The Hunter slammed back into a tree, shaking it with the force. The other two vanished in puffs of smoke. The remaining one caught a branch and dropped gracefully to the one below, perching.
Nissa caught the Wing and replaced it on her back even as she began to run. Now that she had one target, she sprang into the air and launched two more barrigas. They swept out before scissoring together at their target. Her body moved automatically, spinning to the side and ducking behind another tree.
Needles slammed into her cover, sending a small shower of broken bark over her. There was a tremendous crack, and Nissa tensed as it was followed by en entire chorus of smaller crashes. A trunk smashed down to her right, sending leaves, nuts, and twigs cascading over the ground.
Then silence filled the air, making Nissa's chest feel hollow. She was entirely alone.
Cautiously, she peered around the side of the tree, one hand resting on Tal'ah to keep him still. A few ragged shaped leaves fluttered to the ground, followed by one more nut bouncing off the fallen trunk with a hearty plunk! It was the tree the figure had perched in after Nissa connected with the Henj-Men's Wing. She approached the remaining stump, glancing around and keeping an ear on the quiet that was now around her.
The rings of the tree varied from dark to light, some thicker than others. The stump was not splintered, as if broken, but instead very smooth and even. Resting a thickly gloved hand on the wood, Nissa could come to only one conclusion.
Something had sliced through the tree as easily as a blade to a fresh kill.
The Dawngate Will Not Close
In light of news that Dawngate would be shutting down its servers, I took the time to carefully consider the best course of action for my fan work. I wondered if it would hurt too much to continue writing this work for the world that I love, knowing that its life was so short. However, I considered that there are others, you, that read and enjoy my work, and that I would not be able to take away another piece of Dawngate that you all loved. So from now on, this writing will be my way of saving Dawngate for as long as I am able. I will hold open the Dawngate, and I hope you all will help me by continuing to read and support both myself and Waystone.
Monday, November 3, 2014
Spirit of Aspiration (Fan Work)
(Story Starts Here!)
Zalgus saw a female figure block the shadows, a massive, curved object on her back. Another shaper. He was, for now, unsure of the relation, but he did not need his spirit to know she stood against the thing hunting them. Stars raced across his vision, showing a scene of courage, then exile, and then heroism that had been rewarded with violence.
She had a hard journey to this point, and yet she still chose to protect others regardless of the personal consequences. A highly admirable trait, one that Zalgus could not honestly claim he shared at all times. Remaining quiet, he decided to take her kindness for all it was worth, spurring his horse from a canter to a gallop.
His sister did the same, tightening her thighs to her horse's flanks to keep herself stable. With Aislynn clinging on to keep her seat, it was more difficult to move with the motions of the horse. It was an obstacle she was not about to complain about, even if she was sore later.
It had been so long since Raina saw her brother move with any kind of urgency that she was surprised he did not fall off his horse. She was thankful for it though, since she'd trample him. Now was not the time to snark at him though.
Aislynn was in a state just shy of panic. Though the horse's gait was smooth, the speed and her lack of experience made her feel like she would fall at the smallest jostle. Her body felt cold as her fingers ached and muscles shook from stress. She squinted ahead, nervous even as she heard her spirit's excitement at the rush.
Zalgus was in the lead, the wind knocking his hood back again from his features as he focused on keeping them on the path. His cloak and red jacket billowed in the air behind him, creating a dire chiming from his trinkets and chain being disturbed. He nearly lost his seat when his horse vaulted a high arching root, and he saw a flash of Aislynn crashing to the ground from the very same jump.
"Raina!" was the only warning he could shout as his sister's horse took the jump.
Even before she heard the yell, Raina felt Aislynn's weight become dislodged. Everything silenced around her as she half lost her posture, spinning into a precarious perch on her saddle. Her left hand came around as Aislynn slid in that direction. Terror-filled eyes met ones hardened with determination as Aislynn's feathered hat was swept away on the wind.
Aislynn felt like her body was detached from her mind, an intense cold racing through her before the searing heat of shock burned her to her bones. Her voice fled, betraying a thought of crying out in fear. Darkness filled her peripherals, eager to claim her vision and her conscious completely, but even as it tried, a single, sweet chime filled Aislynn's heart. She wasn't alone.
Raina seized hold of her friend's right ankle in a bruising grip, refusing to let her fall an inch more. A pain wrenched through Raina's shoulder, but she grit her teeth and held on as Aislynn's head came scant centimeters from cracking on a protruding rock. With a cry of exertion, Raina pulled Aislynn back up and draped her over the saddle in front of her.
It was a most unceremonious position, but all that mattered was that she was now in a much more stable place.
In the brief moment it took Aislynn to realize she was not abandoned and in pain on the forest floor, her eyes had become hot with tears. She was certain the only reasons she had not passed out was Raina's diamond-strength perseverance buoying her emotional landscape. Still, her heart was beating so hard it hurt, and she sputtered out her gratitude. It was a struggle to wipe the tears away.
Lifting a hand toward his glasses, Zalgus paused to notice his hand was shaking. He clenched it into a fist, bringing it down before either of his companion's saw. A swift scene of the shadow pouncing on an injured Aislynn on the forest floor and dragging her away before they could respond played before him. He could hear her scream. He knocked the stars away with a jerk of his hand and took a deep breath.
The sounds of bird songs and general animal chatter had returned, and Zalgus eased his horse down from the intense pace, and looked around. He removed his glasses to clean them with a handkerchief from his pocket, regaining his full composure and usual smug eloquence.
"Well then," Raina said as she caught her breath. "How much further until our destination?" Her horse seemed to be in a better mood after that lovely jaunt through the woods.
"If we do not stop to rest, day after tomorrow," Zalgus glanced at the sky to determine basic information.
"I vote we do that then." Raina checked on Aislynn, who still looked pale. She could blame the younger girl. Nearly tumbling from a gallop was bad enough, but when it was while something was on the hunt it had to be much worse.
Zalgus saw a female figure block the shadows, a massive, curved object on her back. Another shaper. He was, for now, unsure of the relation, but he did not need his spirit to know she stood against the thing hunting them. Stars raced across his vision, showing a scene of courage, then exile, and then heroism that had been rewarded with violence.
She had a hard journey to this point, and yet she still chose to protect others regardless of the personal consequences. A highly admirable trait, one that Zalgus could not honestly claim he shared at all times. Remaining quiet, he decided to take her kindness for all it was worth, spurring his horse from a canter to a gallop.
His sister did the same, tightening her thighs to her horse's flanks to keep herself stable. With Aislynn clinging on to keep her seat, it was more difficult to move with the motions of the horse. It was an obstacle she was not about to complain about, even if she was sore later.
It had been so long since Raina saw her brother move with any kind of urgency that she was surprised he did not fall off his horse. She was thankful for it though, since she'd trample him. Now was not the time to snark at him though.
Aislynn was in a state just shy of panic. Though the horse's gait was smooth, the speed and her lack of experience made her feel like she would fall at the smallest jostle. Her body felt cold as her fingers ached and muscles shook from stress. She squinted ahead, nervous even as she heard her spirit's excitement at the rush.
Zalgus was in the lead, the wind knocking his hood back again from his features as he focused on keeping them on the path. His cloak and red jacket billowed in the air behind him, creating a dire chiming from his trinkets and chain being disturbed. He nearly lost his seat when his horse vaulted a high arching root, and he saw a flash of Aislynn crashing to the ground from the very same jump.
"Raina!" was the only warning he could shout as his sister's horse took the jump.
Even before she heard the yell, Raina felt Aislynn's weight become dislodged. Everything silenced around her as she half lost her posture, spinning into a precarious perch on her saddle. Her left hand came around as Aislynn slid in that direction. Terror-filled eyes met ones hardened with determination as Aislynn's feathered hat was swept away on the wind.
Aislynn felt like her body was detached from her mind, an intense cold racing through her before the searing heat of shock burned her to her bones. Her voice fled, betraying a thought of crying out in fear. Darkness filled her peripherals, eager to claim her vision and her conscious completely, but even as it tried, a single, sweet chime filled Aislynn's heart. She wasn't alone.
Raina seized hold of her friend's right ankle in a bruising grip, refusing to let her fall an inch more. A pain wrenched through Raina's shoulder, but she grit her teeth and held on as Aislynn's head came scant centimeters from cracking on a protruding rock. With a cry of exertion, Raina pulled Aislynn back up and draped her over the saddle in front of her.
It was a most unceremonious position, but all that mattered was that she was now in a much more stable place.
In the brief moment it took Aislynn to realize she was not abandoned and in pain on the forest floor, her eyes had become hot with tears. She was certain the only reasons she had not passed out was Raina's diamond-strength perseverance buoying her emotional landscape. Still, her heart was beating so hard it hurt, and she sputtered out her gratitude. It was a struggle to wipe the tears away.
Lifting a hand toward his glasses, Zalgus paused to notice his hand was shaking. He clenched it into a fist, bringing it down before either of his companion's saw. A swift scene of the shadow pouncing on an injured Aislynn on the forest floor and dragging her away before they could respond played before him. He could hear her scream. He knocked the stars away with a jerk of his hand and took a deep breath.
The sounds of bird songs and general animal chatter had returned, and Zalgus eased his horse down from the intense pace, and looked around. He removed his glasses to clean them with a handkerchief from his pocket, regaining his full composure and usual smug eloquence.
"Well then," Raina said as she caught her breath. "How much further until our destination?" Her horse seemed to be in a better mood after that lovely jaunt through the woods.
"If we do not stop to rest, day after tomorrow," Zalgus glanced at the sky to determine basic information.
"I vote we do that then." Raina checked on Aislynn, who still looked pale. She could blame the younger girl. Nearly tumbling from a gallop was bad enough, but when it was while something was on the hunt it had to be much worse.
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