A moment outside
Night hung thickly over the small clearing that flanked the northern most foothills of the Adershah Mountains. It was a still darkness, a temerarious ink that nothing penetrated, not even the hungry flames of the campfire. Nestled close to the heat, Iris had all the time in the world, it seemed, to analyze her thoughts. She hugged her knees close to her slender body and watched the pieced of forest wood being consumed by fire. In a way she felt similar to the dry pieces of tree limbs and branches. She was caught in a fiery wave of conflicting emotions. Each time she reached a decision, she felt the embers of her old thoughts catch and burst to life. Back and forth she fought off the licking flames of indecision, and fell deeper into confusion. Hers wasn’t a terribly difficult decision, either she use her newfound knowledge to keep her siblings safe, or she use it to gain revenge for Jasper’s death. Although she had eagerly digested all the book in the Great Library, she wasn’t sure what she found there would ultimately help her if she were to fight alone. The Elves were large in number, but the Resistance was not. Only a handful of Elves offered to help her battle those that sought to harm her family, and she was remise to believe that they could make a difference all by themselves. It would take many more to stand up against what was to come, a great number indeed.
The fire hissed angrily and Iris was startled out of her thoughts. Someone was coming. At first she considered slipping back into the shadows and the safety they offered, but she dismissed the idea. Whomever was coming hadn’t made any attempt to hide their approach, and she was close enough to Nettlehelm to call for help if she needed it. The Elves had chosen for the most part to stay neutral, but she was sure they would defend her if she called for their help so close to their city walls. Coming outside the fortifications of the Elven stronghold hadn’t been the wisest decision, she thought, but she needed space to think, and the buildings, though lovely, seemed to press in around her. Now the idea to stay inside seemed much more appealing. The footsteps grew closer, and her body tensed in response.
“Iris!” someone shouted from outside the clearing. It was Brigan. She recognized him immediately as he stepped into the firelight, and her tension evaporated. “Iris, I’ve been looking for you everywhere. Why are you outside the walls?”
Although she had just finished explaining the answers to herself, she chose to keep most of the details to herself. Brigan, she was sure, already knew that she was confused, but her didn’t need to hear her also admit that she was terrified. “Just looking for space,” she responded.
The Elf-man moved pass the fire and settled down next to the young woman. “I have news to share that might help you make up your mind.” He smiled, a kind, understanding expression. Iris liked him, and over the past several days, had learned to trust him. She knew he wanted to help her, and she took faith in this attitude. “What news do you come with?”
“I believe,” he started, then paused. “I know, that we can change the Elder’s mind. I was looking through the oldest books in the Library and I came across a passage about the Coming Darkness.”
Iris waited, assuming that Brigan would continue. When he didn’t she pressed him. “And what of it? I read those passages too. I’m sure it’s nothing that your people do not already know. What did you discover that was so important?”
Brigan reached into his robes and brought out an old leather tome. He quickly opened it and thumbed through the pages until he came to the place he was looking for. “Here,” he pointed to a line. “It says that in Ancient times Nettlehelm was connected to the magic of Nature through a gem called the Mithrandal. It was the one source of power that not even the Darkness could undo. If we can procure the gem, then the Elder would have to side with us in order to protect the city and my people. He knows that the Darkness is coming, he can feel it as well as I do, but he believes that as long as the Elves stay neutral then we won’t have to fight. If we get the Mithrandal....”
Iris held up her hand. “Brigan. I know about the gem. But neither you or I know where it is now. Even if we found it before things got dangerous here, do you really think that alone would sway your leaders?” Iris stiffened, her Secondsight coming alive. Someone else was nearby, listening to them. She put her finger to her lips. “Were you followed?” she whispered. Brigan shook his head.
Again her Secondsight brushed up against the presence outside the clearing. “Someone’s out there,” she said. “And I don’t think they want us to know they are there.”
Suddenly a dark form sprang from the edge of the trees, coming at them with great speed. Iris had just enough time to push Brigan away, before she saw the glint of a steel sword in the firelight.
Posted by Happy Potato @ 11/19/2008 07:46:00 PM
October 08, 2008
Chapter Seventeen - Secrets
The first time a spark of a flame appeared at her fingertip, Iris nearly fell off her chair. The second time it lasted longer and singed her bangs. The third time took about thirty-five tries and flickered out even quicker than the first.
They had begun the lesson at dusk and by the time the moon was setting, Iris could kindle a palm-sized globe of flickering white flames. She knew how to hover it at shoulder-height, and after suffering a painful burn or two, she understood the danger as well as the wonder.
Brigan taught her that Fire was both the easiest element to call, and the hardest to learn to control. It was for those reasons that they taught flame as the first conjuration. The fickle nature of fire made it a perfect learning tool. You may be amazed at the breadth and scope of Magic and its many uses, but you must also respect its power for it is not to be taken lightly. That coda was one of the first rules they taught the Trubor children. Iris took it to heart immediately but she could tell that some of the little ones were much more in awe than frightened. They would soon begin lessons too, but for now, it seemed that the bronze lady and the Elders were content to keep them in the lower levels of their headquarters. Safe and secure and easily defensible.
Each morning brought new worries that no one would explain to her, and it frustrated Iris more than she could say. She had heard her father's name more than once and she was even certain that she had heard him crying out late one night after they had first arrived.
Sometimes she asked Brigan if he knew anything, but she believed him when he said she didn't. Mostly. He had kind eyes and he seemed sincere, but she had lived long enough to realize that many people were not as trustworthy as they seemed or as she wished they were.
She lay abed despite the glowing water-clock which told her that outside, on the surface that she had not seen since arriving, dawn was breaking upon the forest, turning away the gloom and sparkling upon the dew. She sighed heavily and sat up in her cell. Her eyes were closed, the room was dark, but she could see as clearly as day - not the small room she called her own, but the forest floor. A smile played upon her lips as she set out for a morning constitutional without leaving her cot. She watched a squirrel scampering along a branch so thin she was certain it would break, but it didn't. Its little tail bobbed along behind it like it had a life of its own. After a time, she let the images go and climbed from the bed to wash her face at the basin and rebraid her hair neatly. Today was going to be a big day, if Brigan told it true. He said that they were going to work on a new conjuration - something special.
Iris discovered she was excited as she sat on the edge of her bed with a book in hand, not reading it. Too eager to continue learning to sleep and too impatient to study, Iris Trubor again closed her eyes and let her gaze wander throughout the forest. Idly taking in the sights of the early morning and enjoying each illusory step amongst the trees.
Iris had not told anyone about her Secondsight.
If they were so determined to keep their secrets, she would damn well keep some secrets of her own.
Posted by Pheenie @ 10/08/2008 06:53:00 PM
September 29, 2008
Chapter Sixteen - Sisters to Consider
Demetios was not one to wait. Though the trees were awake and the stones were discussing ancient incantations, she was not privy to their great knowledge. It annoyed her that out there in the deeps of the forest were those that could here the nature-language, and furthermore, her sister Helena had betrayed her siblings and had possession of the Trubor children.
"We cannot follow them into the Shadowrealm if Helena has already reached Nettlehelm. The great Library will offer her all she needs to set the Change into motion."
Demetios glanced over at her sister Bathsheba and smiled. "So? We attack Nettlehelm. We bring out the power of BettleHollow and use it to raze that Elven city to the ground."
"Do not be silly sister," Bathsheba replied. "We need the children to unlock what lies deep in the belly of our home. Without them we are left to fight alone."
"No, that isn't exactly true." Demetios motioned to the silent undead Jasper nearby. "We use him to link his siblings together. They are not aware of the power they hold as a collective. We can use that to advantage. Otherwise we will have to follow Helena into the Shadowrealm."
Bathsheba considered what her sister had said for a moment. "As far as we know our sister hasn't informed the children of their powers. Although I'm sure she is working on collecting a fighting force to combat those of us that would use the children against the ancient magics." Bathsheba paused. "You have a point, sister," she went on. "Japser may be more useful then I originally imagined. Gather the rest of our forces."
Demetios nodded. The elder sister had spoken, she had fallen right into her hands. Once BeetleHollow was emptied of it's power, and the magic was granted to her, she would start the fall of this world by assuming control of her sisterkind. She smiled to herself. It was too delicious not to savor. First ultimate power, then Helena would pay.
Posted by Happy Potato @ 9/29/2008 07:11:00 PM
September 28, 2008
Chapter Fifteen - Asteroidea
"So wait - who are you again?" Iris tilted her head. "This is all very confusin' and where'd ya take the little ones?"
Brigan smiled patiently and adjusted his mushroom-like cap again. "My name is Brigan and I'm just an apprentice here in Nettlehelm. We're going to help you, Iris, I promise. And your siblings, such as we can. Really, there's nothing that can harm you at all."
Nodding, the oldest of the Trubor siblings looked around the small, circular room, taking in its details. The walls were not walls at all; from the floorboards to the ceiling (which was nearly 12 feet high) were ancient bookcases made of some richest darkest wood she had ever seen. The places where books had been moved lately were glossy and fine, but mostly they were laced in a powdery layer dust. More books than she had even imagined existed lined each of the shelves. There didn't appear to be any obvious order, tall books next to short ones, red next to blue or green or brown, leather-bound beside those which were just sewn together with thick, heavy thread. Some had printing that shone like gold and silver, others were so faded she couldn't make them out at all. Here and there upon the shelves were curios and small boxes and small statues or carvings. There was a star-shaped creature at eye level, dried out like an old husk, but oddly beautiful with its pattern of ridges and graceful long limbs. It captured her attention so fully, that she heard absolutely nothing of whatever it was the Brigan was explaining to her.
"...so we need to find the maegabairn. Do- do you have any questions, Miss Trubor?"
She blinked. "P-pardon?"
The young man smiled, shaking his head. "You did not hear a word I said, did you?"
Blushing, Iris nodded. "N-no, I'm so sorry Brigan. Its just... " Her eyes drifted back to the strange star-shaped husk and she moved toward it. "What is this? What is it made of?"
Brigan gingerly picked up the object she indicated and held it out toward her. "This is a starfish; well, the dried remains of one. They're sea creatures, they live in the shallows mostly and they-" He turned it over on his palm, showing her the intricate underside. "Have mouths on this side. They actually vomit their stomachs into mussels and clams and oysters and eat them that way."
"That's disgusting," Iris commented, peering down at the starfish in awe. "They sure don't look like any fish I ever saw."
"No, I don't suppose they do. Have you ever seen the sea, Iris?"
She shook her head.
"There are so many wonders in the ocean. These starfish are just one of them. You know, if they are attacked and lose an arm or even more, they can actually regrow the missing limbs?"
"They can do that? Just...grow it back?"
Brigan smiled at her. "Oh yes. There is magic in the sea, the deeper it goes, the stronger the pull. One day, when I am a full Maegabairn, I shall learn to breathe water like a fish and-"
"My Pa says that we are born knowing how to - how to breathe water. He says inside our mamas, even cow- and dog- and horse-babies, we all breathe water inside her."
Brigan was taken aback by her comment, and paused to consider the ramifications. Certainly he had never been told any such thing in the classes, nor read it in any book. But- it made a certain queer sense. He had seen himself in visions, breathing and floating deep in a lagoon, talking to fish and sharks and whatnot.
"Oh. Um, yes, well. I- I-" he stuttered, and then gave her a nervous smile. "I had never thought of that before."
Iris laid her hand atop his, covering the small starfish and letting her fingers brush over his wrist.
"I think, Miss Trubor, that there is a lot we will learn from each other."
Posted by Pheenie @ 9/28/2008 09:08:00 AM
September 23, 2008
Chapter Fourteen - The Elderseer Refuses
"It's true my lord. Just as I told you days ago."
The soft rustle of his long robes indicated his movement, but deep inside the cowl and hood, his eyes never strayed from Helena's direct stare. She was asserting herself again, he mused, much like her younger sisterkind. He expected less of her pious straight-backed preaching, and more self-assured forward thinking. His people were renowned for their cautious planning, for their long addressed observation, but not for entertaining indigenous proclamations. He was well aware of the Awakening happening throughout the earth and sky, trees and stone. He was old enough to remember the last time the magic woke up, terrible and fiery, wicked and untamed...and hungry. Magic was nothing if not famished.
"Lady of Bronze, do not mistake my silence for uncertainty. I am not blind." His voice was controled and soft, his way...his people's way. Soft and delicate they spoke and touched, sang and weaved their own sorcery into the web of design. Centuries had taught him that hard words broached a hard retort, anger befit rage and so on. Softness was lulling, a quick elixir to the stubborn. And Helena was stubborn.
"My Lord you must protect those that can not protect themselves."
His white slender hand lifted out of the dark folds of his robe. "Do not assume that I have taken a side, Lady of Bronze. Sides are for those that do not already know the way of things. They choose to assure themselves of an allegiance, the strong side with those they believe will win. Nothing is certain, even for the strong, but they choose nonetheless. I need not choose, for I intend to keep the sides away from Nettlehollow. I will not involve myself with the wicked things that stir once again."
"But we are already here, my lord. I've taken the children from my sisters and brought them here. You can't tell me that you haven't chosen a side, if those that stand for good are here inside your protective shell."
"You brought them here, Lady of Bronze. You took up the mantle of responsibility when you broke the sisterhood and turned on your kind. I did not choose for you. The events you will face in the path now before you, is not within my power to interfere."
Helena wrestled with a moment of irritation. She had sacrificed so much already to see four of the children to safety, only to discover that the Elves would merely stand aside to allow Bathsheba to find her. Not choosing sides, she thought to herself. It was apparent to her that the Elderseer had already chosen.
"So you will keep your secrets to yourself, and condemn the humankind to battle the darkness themselves?"
"It is their battle."
"No, my lord!" Helena replied definitely. "This is a battle that will find us all. It will ravage the plane of the spirit as much as the world of the physical. It will attack without mercy or definition. You cannot allow your people or mine, or the world of humankind to suffer if you can prevent it."
"And who's to say that I can, Lady of Bronze? You put more faith in me then I deserve. I am merely an observer."
"It seems to me that you are a coward!" she shot back. "If you will not take up arms in the name of the righteous, then you have delivered all of us into the hands of evil."
"Limit perception reaps limited results, Lady of Bronze. Is it not I who you brought this choice to, without allowing me the luxury of decision? My people will not involve themselves in your battle without examining the great perspective. Until then, you are welcome to rest here within our walls, but do not call upon us in need, for our powers are not yours to wield."
Helena reached for the Elderseer's arm, hoping that in her touch her urgency could be felt, but the leader of the Elvenkind shook his head. "Do not attempt to sway me, Lady." His voice was soft, but firm. "Take your argument to those who will hear it. Waste not your time in futility." Without waiting for her response the Elven leader turned and walked away.
Always the enigmatic and often frustrating, Helena realized that she would have to approach this situation differently. Further attempts at changing his mind would have to come from a different direction.
Shaking her head, annoyed at his dismissive behavior, Helena stalked back to the temple entrance.
"Lady of Bronze!" She looked over at an approaching elven woman.
"Great Alundra," she addressed the eleven woman. "What does she who commands the elements seek from me?"
Alundra, red haired and lithe, came very close and whispered delicately tense. "I seek to assist you, Lady of Bronze. My people do not share the quiet neutrality of our leader, at least not all of my people. There are those of us who hear the earth scream out in pain and recognize the shift of power. We can not sit idly by and allow such indignities to be cast upon us. Please come with me, there are some people I want to introduce you to."
Helena was surprised. An elevenkind going against the wishes of the Elderseer? This was indeed worth further investigation. Without replying, the Lady of Bronze followed the lady who commands elements out of the temple and towards a new path.
Posted by Happy Potato @ 9/23/2008 03:34:00 PM
September 19, 2008
Chapter Thirteen - Indigo & Celadon
The stories they had grown-up with, the legends that had been their primary education in all things spiritual and esoteric. He could scarcely believe it was all true - it was all coming true and he was smack in the center of it all.
No, not the center. But nearby, at least. Brigan adjusted his cap, a mushroom-shaped bundle of silk and satin that had cost more than the sum of everything else he owned. Probably, in fact, more than everything his whole family owned or ever had. But it was a benefit of being maegabairn... mageborn. Of being one of an ever-dwindling number of Fey in the world, those who could touch the aether and shape it to their will. One who could draw raw power from the Earth, who could hear the Stone Gods, who could-
Bah! he thought, Its coming true, I know it. I feel it, but why won't they listen to me? Just because I'm only a first-tier apprentice? Brigan sighed, dusting his hands over the front of his smock. It too was finer than anything he had owned before his power was discovered, though unlike the cap it was a plain, bleached cotton. No more nubby, nappy wool. No moldy thread-bare hand-me-down furs, no brittle hemp-weave or laceweed trousers, and no more horsehair either! Only smooth silks, satins, the finest, softest cotton and wool, and garments lined in fresh, clean vair or rabbitfur.
Being an apprentice - even a first-tier - was such an honor. The Bronze lady fawned all about him, the gnomes and even her cousins, they all treated him like some sort of prized doll. They dressed him up, taught him ancient lore and signs that a first-tier had no business knowing just because he was the first they had found in two decades, they let him read anything he cared to, danced with him, fed him choice bits and only required that he work as hard as he could at the spells and lore.
But they didn't respect him or his visions. They all subscribed so completely to the prophesies and legends of the past, but none of them would listen to him when he tried to tell them about the future.
The real future.
Brigan chewed on his lower lip, watching as the Helena ushered two more children into their sanctuary at Nettlehelm. That made four now. The two little ones seemed to have adjusted rapidly. They had been brought in two days ago, bloody and crying. Brigan had made butterfly illusions for the quiet girl and sung a song about the Hero-Pirate Trance Jones that made the little boy's eyes go wide with wonder.
These two were older, several years. The girl appeared to be of an age with Brigan himself, but that wasn't what he noticed first. Not her disheveled hair, a lovely black as glossy as a raven's wing in the sun, not the torn dress and shredded stockings. Not all the blood either.
Because when the girl entered the narrow, circular chamber, she hesitated only a moment before lifting her chin and peering up.
And as their eyes met, intensely-hued indigo meeting an eeriely pale green, electricity sparked across the distance.
...its her.
Posted by Pheenie @ 9/19/2008 11:57:00 AM
September 15, 2008
Chapter Twelve - Trip to NettleHelm
In the Shadowrealm, the in-between place, where light was not exactly light and the darkness was a brownish haze, Helena, Bronze Sister of BeetleHollow waited. She brought herself back from the message of hast and fortitude she had sent to Griegar and considered her plight. She had not expected to be surprised by one of her sisters. Normally there was a physic tie that held them together, an unseen conscious path for communication. Once Helena had decided to protect the children from what lay before them, she had severed the physic tie, but held on to a small thread in order to keep one step ahead of her siblings. Bathsheba had, in some way, caught on, although Helena was sure her sister had not expected such betrayal. What Helena had done was the deepest crime against her family. Even her tenacious golden sister was not that foolish.
Yet, now that the veil had been lifted, there was no turning back. Bathsheba would gather the remaining sisterkind and follow her, and if they caught her again unaware, it would be death for sure.
Helena was roused out of her thoughts by the whimpers and sniffs of fright from the two small children she'd saved.
"Do not cry," she whispered gently. "You both have great work to do. We must be off. You want to see your family again, do you not?"
The two children nodded, but otherwise remained voiceless. Helena could not fault them for their fear and uncertainty. This situation should never be thrust onto the shoulders of those so young. Nothing, however, could be done about that now.
"Please follow me," she inisisted to the small ones. "We will find refuge with the faerie kind of NettleHelm. The Elderseer knows what must be done next."
With a little encouragement, she brought the two children to their feet and lead them into the brownish haze of the Shadowrealm. Hast was imperative, she reminded herself. She was sure that her sisters would only be a few steps behind, and her betrayal would quicken their steps.
Everything lay in the balance. On the shoulders of small children, she thought silently. Yet great things rarely came in form of convenience.
Posted by Happy Potato @ 9/15/2008 04:01:00 PM