| The Beginning, Maggie Summons and the Chosen Gather.. |
| Maggie Heatherwick And so it Begins.. The voice intrudes again in the midst of my preparation of supper. I mutter in irritation. “Shut up! Can’t an old woman even think straight anymore! I heard you, you jumbled pile of archaic euphemisms!” A moment of silence then the offended withdrawal with a last parting rejoinder, ((OK, don’t get your knickers in a twist Maggie. I’m going, but you have to get those people here as soon as possible)) I mutter and scowl, returning my attention to my soup. A string of curses follow. Damn that prophecy, now I had too much pepper in the broth! “Hall!!” I call out to my apprentice she appears and looks at me calmly wiping green stained palms on her clothing. She had been playing with the herbs again, to my sight I could still see the clinging green aura of living things around her hands.. yup she was shaping up nicely. “Go get Gertie please and get some milk from her.. looks like this will have to be crème soup now.” She nods and leaves the hut. I frown. Well as much as I wanted to irritate the smug prophecy, it was time for me to summon those children to do their job. I would do so tonight. It was a full moon and the grove would be at its height of power. I would have to wait till Hall slept though, she was not ready to learn this sort of power yet. I look up as Hall returns with a pitcher of milk, I dip a finger into the milk whispering softly, a quick shimmer and the milk thickens to the consistency of cream. I pour it into the broth. *** After dinner which consisted of overly peppered soup and bread I lean back and sigh looking out the room to gauge the rising of the moon. “I shall have to go out tonight dearie, this is a perfect night to collect herbs. Why don’t you take the time to yourself here. I won’t need any help this night.” She nods a question in her eyes but smiles. “Coltsfoot for those old bones Maggie?” I humph and turn away. “I aren’t as young as I used to be Hall. Humour me.” She grins lightly but declines to comment. I stand and move to the shelves gathering a silver trowel and a basket, for appearance sake, and tromp from the cottage. Outside I pause and lift my face to the moon, taking in the energy it poured forth. I smile feeling my irritation disappear. I liked nights like these. I look back but there was no sign of Halloran. I move quickly into the surrounding forest as the trees close behind me my guise of an old wisewoman sheds from me, revealing myself in my true state, a tall, younger woman. Seemingly of 40 though in reality 400. This was my true form, the form that had remained unchanged for the all these years. The form at which I had paused when I had discovered my power and heritage as a Guardian of Wyldewood. Reaching the grove I place the trowel and basked on the ground away from a rough stone pillar and walking towards it I bow to it in all four directions. Taking a stick I smile at the trees as they seem to lean over me, shielding me within their own circle. “Hello friends. Lend me your essence tonight, for it begins.” Tracing a circle around me with a stick I draw within the circle a five-pointed star and sit within the centre, cross-legged. I close my eyes and breath deeply, relaxing into a trance in minutes. It doesn’t take much effort to send my conscience outward and meet the prophecy. After all I had had some practice over the years. All trace of its flippancy is gone as the presence shimmers and pauses before me, encasing me and I see within the figures of those who are to come.. Tracing, whispering I send forth the message.. ((Come, the time is nigh companions.. you are needed. Come..)) My mind touches upon them all, seeking and summoning them.. ((Dream my little chicks. Dream of Wyldewood and Come..)) I send forth the thought, feeling the message carried through the consciousness of the trees.. whispered within their leaves.. passage upon the pollen within the air to all the reaches of the kingdoms and the chosen ones. I open my eyes as I feel the last of the message leave me. I glance around, the grove was as before, only now it was just an ordinary clearing. ((There now you insufferable doomsday, happy?)) ((Yup. Not bad Maggie.)) Hmmmph! I gather the basket and pick a few herbs nearby, then head back towards the cottage. It had taken longer than I thought, almost dawn. I quicken my steps as the wafting odour of bacon and eggs reaches me. Ahh! Hall was cooking breakfast! ***************************************************************************** Continue in the RP Transcript #1: The First Meeting between Maggie, Ksheyna Fiona and Halloran ****************************************************************************** Continuing on...after the RP... Halloran "Increase the portion Hall dear, we will have more guests this morning.." Oh, joy. More mouths to feed. More dirty dishes. More laundry. More bedding. More horses in the paddock. Please, let none of em be mares in heat. Kraheera would be impossible to deal with then. Although he's a bit full of himself already. I thinks he thought of the limp all by himself. Hah! Stallions always did have a false sense of their own self worth. Well, it’s a good thing I set an extra batch of porridge to simmer last night. It's been my experience that anyone who comes knocking at Maggie's door inevitably needs large copious amounts of food and drink to restore their flagging energies. Not to mention fortify them for dealing with Milton and his terrible vocabulary. Such words that come out of that beak! Would make a sailor blush. I yawn, not having gotten much sleep last night. cross between the newcomers restlessness and the damn book whispering in my mind. I'm sure Maggie hears it too, Only she can speak back at it and tell it to shush. 'bout the only thing I can do is keep the nearby wolf clan's song down to a manageable pitch. For a large a family unit as they are, one would think they never get lonely.... Wouldn't have been too bad if I could just understand what the damn pile of kindling was saying. Maggie obviously can. *sigh*. She'll tell me when she thinks I'm ready, not when I do. And here I was about to suggest that my Apprenticeship was about over. Not bloody likely now. The latest arrival smells of wolf, though faintly. that, and something else...water?! Hmm. Interesting. No matter, she's probably starving like every other lost soul that wanders in here. ' I begin to ladle heaping bowls of porridge, thanking Providence that Milton decided to behave for once and had not helped himself to fresh bread in the night. He'll get me another way. I know it. He lives for that sort of thing. "So, Maggie.. just how many do you expect? I don't exactly have a bottomless kettle here, ya know. Should I go hunting?" Maggie grins at me….. **** As I watch the rapidly dwindling cauldrons, and the ever-increasing people who show up at our doorstep, I heave a great sigh. Time to supplement dinner. Good thing I had recently re-strung my bow. Wonder if I could prevail upon the Alpha male to let me have one from his herd of deer? Easier to hunt one buck than fifteen rabbits or squirrels. Leaving yet another score of loaves cooling along the hearth, along with a final admonition to Milton to keep his thieving beak away from them (I won't deign to give you his reply, children may be present) I search outward. A quick caress upon the air leads me to the Alpha's resting spot this day. *One asks a bounty of thee* *One may ask* *One requests leave to hunt thy herd for a single buck. The Guardian has need of it* *One is welcome to hunt the oldest Buck, the eight point rack. he has been challenged already.* *One is grateful for the opportunity* *One must be careful. One senses evil coming amongst all who dwell upon the earth* *One is grateful for the warning* Taking my final leave of the magnificent wolf, some of his pups follow me along the well worn path to the free ranging herd of deer. They are full of puppyish exuberance, and I am forced to curb their enthusiasm for fear of startling my intended victim. The buck falls at my first pull. The pups try and help.. lucky me. I remove the heart and lungs quickly and offer them to the pups. *One would be honoured to share the kill* Considering this is a ritual accorded only Pack Adults, they were besides themselves, tumbling over each other in a flurry to get the proper responses out. Finally, the initial dressing of the great beast is done. Dang it. I should have brought one of the horses along to help drag the carcass back. Only horses are terrified of wolves. The two most intelligent species of animal, and they can't get past preconceptions. *sigh*. One of these days, when I am not feeding the multitudes, I am going to sit a pair down and whap some sense into their brains. As I return to the cabin, I notice yet another horse in the paddock. We need to hire a stableboy Yasmin Toshido “Traitor! Death by the sword!” The indictment rolls from the mouth of the imperial herald. I stand to attention, composed. Head held high, eyes fixed firmly upon the bedecked herald. Stepping forward I kneel and draw Oshiro and Yoshido. I present the hilts towards the emperor whom leans forward laying a slender hand upon both hilts. Kneeling poised, I rise and pivot flipping the swords so the hilts sit against my palms “For the honour of the Emperor, for the honour of the Sokudo, justice awaits.” Two swift, horizontal strokes in a cross pattern and Lord Osaku’s head rolls upon the floor to stop at the feet of the assembled lords of the imperial court. They flutter in confusion stepping back from the gory delivery. Looking at these courtiers, they resembled nothing so much as a gaggle of colourful parrots rather than some of the most powerful men and women of the realm. I curl my lip Cowards! The lot of them. Hiding behind fancy robes and an arrogant demeanor. I kneel down and clean my bloodied blades upon the garments of the executed man. I ignore the spreading pool of blood beneath the headless corpse and sheath the blades. Once more I bend my knee before the small, olive skinned man watching the proceedings with hard eyes and a faint line of disgust around his lips. He surveys the court, the gathered lords and the fainting ladies with a sardonic smile. I lower my eyes before the Emperor of Terasi. “Justice is served my liege.” I wait. Suppressing the image of the man’s eyes as they met mine at the instant of his death. Eyes full of confusion and denial. I wondered if he truly were guilty of treason, or if he had only been the pawn of powerful factions requiring a scapegoat for their schemes. Politics! I spit inwardly and grimace. There was not one scrap of honour amongst these parasites of the court. “You once again perform your duties efficiently Captain Toshido. You serve us well. Come.” The emperor rises and proceeds to a small door to one side of the imperial dais. I rise in confusion though none betrays upon my face. It was highly unusual for the emperor to summon a lowly commander of his guard to a private audience. I feel the stirrings of uneasiness within my belly but rise and follow him. I pause within the doorway as it closes behind us and kneel again as he moves towards a cabinet within the room. “I am at your command my liege.” I stay kneeling. “Rise.” He says abruptly. I do so confused. This was not right, he was ignoring all protocol. With a sigh he tossed the heavy gold robe of office carelessly upon the divan and pours himself a drink of saki, disdaining the services of the servant waiting discreetly nearby. With a motion he dismisses the said servant and pours another cup. Offering it to me. I hesitate and take it keeping my eyes respectfully averted. “I am sick of this subservience. You may meet my eyes Captain Toshido, I am not going to bite.” “As you command my Liege. I rise my eyes and see the lifting of his lips in a sarcastic smile. The feeling of unease deepens. This behaviour, it was unusual. “Now we talk.” He pauses and then says abruptly, “How is your father? I miss my general.” “He does well my liege.” I reply cautiously watching him as he moves to a chair and sits studying me. I stand and hold my drink. He waves a hand to have me sit. “Good. Here’s to his health. May he recover from his wounds and once again be by my side.” He lifts the glass of sake and sips. I sip mine barely tasting the bitter liquid and watch him. “I have a mission for you Yasmin.” He had not used my first name since his ascension to the throne. He gives me a brief, sardonic smile. “I am weary of these politics. My brother should be in this chair, in this palace ruling over the schemes of the lords, not me. It was never my role.” He bangs his fist upon the arm of the chair. “Lord Osaku should not have had to die! He was innocent! But my hands were tied. I could do little else!” He falls silent. “I have had dreams Yasmin. You must leave this court and be my agent, my eyes. There are rumours of dark doings. More and more bandits are raiding Terasi lands, and they are like none my people have seen. Not rival clans, nor are they enemies from neighbouring kingdoms. The Sokudo are stretched to their limit. A strange voice rings in my ears telling me you are needed. I stare at him, wondering. Was he mad? He looks at me and laughs shortly, no humour in his eyes. “I know your distaste for magic Yasmin. Ever since the mages conspired to have your mother, father and elder brother assassinated. But I fear, this quest will involve much magic and it calls you to aid it.” I shiver inwardly. He was wrong I didn’t just hate magic, I was terrified of it. “My liege. I do not – “ He holds up his hand forestalling my protest. I look at him. It was common knowledge that if the emperor had not inherited the imperial dragon throne he would have entered into the tutelage of the Mage School. The assassination of his elder brother and heir to the throne by an assassin’s poisoned arrow had thrust the young and unprepared man into the role of emperor and the murk of politics. It was rumoured however that he still took lessons from a mage, hidden and secret. He was an unknown and this is what kept the imperial court from plotting to remove his head from his shoulders. And of course the legendary and fierce prowess of his bodyguards, the imperial elite Sokudo. I bow my head, “I follow where you command my liege.” “Good.” He studies me a moment. Then placing the saki down moves to a cabinet, he extracts a slender gold key from his clothes he unlocks it and shows me an object that glinted with semi precious stones. A pin. He hands it to me and I take it in confusion. I look at it and study the stylized imperial dragon with rubies for eyes and twined around a long sword. What the hell? “This has been passed from emperor to emperor. We are minded to keep it and protect it. It is a key.. to something. My dreams tell me to give this too you on your quest. That it is held over to be used somehow.” I hesitate and nod, tucking it within my uniform in a small pocket designed just for the carriage of papers and other confidential information. It seemed to burn a hole in the fabric. I hated magic! He nods and turns looking out the window at the formal gardens spread out in the morning sun speaking with his back to me, “You leave tomorrow morning. Come to me within an hour so I may give you your instructions and the items you will need for passage in this kingdom. Tell no one where you are going.” It was a dismissal. “As you command my liege.” I back from him till I reach the door and let myself out. I pause then move my eyes to the two guards on either side, automatically scanning their appearance. One had a frayed edge of a buttonhole, slight spot of tarnish and a tiny growth of facial hair upon his face. This I did know about. A new recruit. “Next time I see you in this condition of undress you will face me personally in a training exercise. I am not as merciful as your training master.” His face pales and he snaps to attention. I turn my eyes to his companion, who barely conceals his smirk. I smile at him pleasantly. “You will come to me this afternoon. We will have a little session to test your skills and maybe teach you more control of your emotions.” The smirk disappears. I turn my back to them and exit the hall. And hour later. I kneel before the emperor as he issues instructions.. "Wyldewood Forest Captain Toshido. You must seek one there, a woman. I do not know where.. but there are others gathering. You are ready?" I nod. "Yes my liege." Practiced missions had allowed me to develop myself to be ready in minutes. He hands me a few rolled up parchments.. "writs" is all he said, "commands to those at my outposts to give you all possible aid without the need for identifying yourself. This is a seal." He hands me a small circlet pin with the crest of the imperial house to pin within my lapel, "It represents my authority and your ability to use it. Go now and good luck Sokudo.. My dreams said North, into Wyldewood." I grimace... not much to go on, but I bow my head. "As you command my liege." I rise and back out the door. Swinging on my heels as I exit I proceed quickly to the barracks and change out of my uniform, packing it away neatly in my cupboard. No need to take my uniform with me to this mission, it was incognito besides the black and gold uniform was rather conspicuous. I don instead into a fitted suit of fighting leathers; leather pants and a vest, over the top of a loose linen shirt. I attach my double scabbards to my hips, checking the adjustments of Oshiro and Yoshido. Tucking in a few other weapons within the clothing I pin the crest within the inside of my vest. With practiced fingers I strip my hair down of its intricate whorls and braids, plaiting it plainly and allowing the tail to hang horse-herder fashion to my waist. I now looked a unknown traveller. Moving to a passageway, I press a small gilded leaf set within the wall. A door slides open. Slipping into the revealed passage quickly, I close it behind me and work my way through the labyrinth of tunnels beneath the palace and out into the city. Information my mother had gathered upon the pathways, so little known to those who lived here. Curse the bastards who killed her. I emerge in the basement cellar of a little used alehouse and seeing it clear, slip up the stairs and out the servant entrance. I pause in the shadows a moment then stroll out into the thoroughfare of Terasi and head towards the nearby Northern Gates. I exit beneath the incurious eyes of the guard.. sniffing to myself in disgust, If they were Sokudo... City Guard, lax. I head north towards the ferries that cross the river into Wyldewood. (Ref: Tiernon Blade, in Enter the Villains;, tailing Yasmin into the Forest..) The breeze blowing gently of the Andarin River ruffles the few loose hairs from my tight braid as I look back towards the Terasi City embankment. Something nagged at me, a feeling of being followed, if so.. I would take precautions. With a shout the ferry reaches the Wyldewood dock, the river boatmen throwing a line to a waiting landsman whom deftly loops it to the pier. I jump down from the boat lightly, nodding my thanks to the ferryman before moving to the small waterside town that serviced this debarking point. The streets are quiet but then it was evening.. most of the business is done here in the morning, the junks that travelled up and down the river with commerce. I had travelled most the night and was hungry, but I could see the little settlement, tucked into the beginning vast expanse of Wyldewood. I make my way to a supply station.. no use advertising my presence with the writ from the Emperor, it was all very nice... but he really didn't have much idea about scouting incognito, the last thing I would do is draw attention to myself by waving a signed writ around in a place like this. I would keep those for emergencies. I enter and grimace slightly at the lack of provisions, though I wasn't surprised to find them incredibly expensive. When I returned to Terasi I would approach the emperor's councillor in charge of this region and demand he give better supply stock. Quickly I purchase the equipment I need; some travel rations and few odds and ends and definitely a horse, settling for blood bay gelding of quarter horse stock, easily manoeuvrable and quick on the turn in battle.. I would have to get it used to swinging swords from its back though. I didn't want a battle-shy mount under me when it counted. Finally some few hours later I set out. Taking a hunk of bread from my supplies I break my fast as I decide to continue straight into Wyldewood. Now that I was close it was almost like I knew where to go, but of course that wasn't possible. The forest engulfs me as I head along a path that seems to open before me.. as if the trees led me. I growl to myself but continue only occasionally stopping to refresh my waterbottle and horse at the little streams that ran through this forest fed by the Andarin River. Finally I smell woodsmoke in the air I stop to approach warily.. seeing a figure outside reading a book. She looks up and our eyes meet. Grassfolk/Horse-herders depending on which country named them. A clannish group but with a sense of honour not that different from Terasi, or at least the Sokudo. I nod to her in acknowledgment and approach the small cottage in the middle of a clearing; a gathering of horses in a corral. Something told me this was the place. I approach and hitch "Tigrane" (which I had named the horse) to a post before knocking on the door. It swings open and an elderly lady greets me warmly as if expecting me. I narrow my eyes suspiciously as she beckons me to enter. I do so, my hands lingering on the hilts of my swords, back straight and eyes sharp and black. I stay just within the cottage, back to the wall as she quickly makes introductions and mentions a gathering.. I nod to them all and reply, "I am Yasmin Toshido, Captain of the Imperial Sokudo Guard, Terasi." I turn my attention to the woman, "I understand you require my services Old Mother?" Nighthawk K’Sheyna I scowl at the slimy cockroach that was my employer and slam my hand down on the book shutting it not caring that his hand was still within the pages of the huge volume. I had lived all my young life amongst people who believed omens and prophecies. I didn't. It was nothing more then a bunch of garbage used to keep people in line. I look at Galen with hard slitted eyes. He had promised payment on delivery. He was going to try and wheedle his way out of this one I could feel it. Wizards! You never could trust them. I watch the way his eyes kept sliding beyond me and smile. He had an associate with him. I subtly grab at the elements around me and weave myself some shielding. These people were powerful mages, but they had no finesse when it came to technique. My people were more solidly grounded in their knowledge and practices. "You've seen it Galen. You have verified that it is the genuine article now where is my payment?" I say, losing all patience with the delay. I notice he is holding his hand gingerly. I give him a nasty smile. "Quickly,” I warn him, “Or you'll have more damaged then you hand….. I do not have the patience for this Outlander. It cost me a great deal to get that volume. Now I want my money." "Well you see. There is a slight problem with that." He says hesitantly "A problem? What kind of problem?" I feel myself tense up. I move my wrist loosening the knife strapped there, so it will drop into my hand more easily. Once it is in my hand I bring it up into view, not threatening, at least not yet. I start rolling the hilt around in my hand as I stare at the wizard unblinking. "Well you See my Lady ' I wince at his use of the honorific and his charmingly false smile. I stare and he keeps speaking, not until after he has cast me a suspicious glance though. I think he realises that I'm not buying it cause he switches tact. "Our Master refused to give us an advance on our funds. If you give me the book now I assure you that we will forward the funds too you." I almost burst out laughing at his spiel about the Head Mage not giving them their funds. Did he think I was born yesterday and minus the brains the gods gave a frog? I bring the knife blade to my lips and rest it there as he speaks. After he is finished I gather the book up then place it in the pack strapped under my cloak. "So you decided to make an attempt at stealing it." I hiss. Outlanders were all the same. If they couldn't get what they wanted they cheated and stole to get it. In one smooth motion I drive the knife into the table right to the hilt. "Consider the deal over. I do not deal with people who try to cheat me." Inwardly I was cursing them. I was now stuck with a book that I had stolen from the head mage of the Ashanti order of wizards. Those evil bastards would be trying to find the culprits. And it gave me a weird feeling. It almost tingled in my hands, almost as if it was alive. I shake the feeling off and stride to the door. I look up to see my way blocked by a huge giant of a man. His bulk was filling the doorway, so I could not even see the stairs outside. I raise an eyebrow. He would crush me if he caught me so it meant I had to avoid getting in reach of him. Stepping to the side so that I could keep my attention on the both of them. I look at the young mage silently. " You will hand over the book or you will die." He smiles at me with a superior smirk. I give him a tight smile. Even if I did hand over the book they would kill me in any case. There was no way they could leave me alive. I scan the room for a way out. I didn't want to fight the both of them right now. I tended to value my life. I could take them both on if I had to. But I was pretty sure that there were more of them in amongst the crowd. I am almost opposite a huge glass window. This was going to hurt and I wished that I had the time to go back and teach that shit Galen a lesson for this. I look towards the innkeeper who is standing near by wringing his hands and moaning. I reach underneath my cloak and throw a money pouch at him. Glass was rare and expensive and I didn't need him calling the guard in after me. He looks at me in shock even as I back up. I was going to need a good run up if I didn't want to get killed as I jumped out. I needed the velocity so I could swing onto the tree that was next to the window. Thank the Gods I had had the foresight to leave my horse tethered just underneath the tree. I wince as I impact the glass and close my eyes as I feel it start to shatter around my body. First there is the resistance of the glass and then there is nothing. Suddenly I am free falling I jerk my eyes open and flip myself over in mid air. Hands almost snatching for the tree branch. Lightly I drop myself onto my horses back and quickly pull up the tethers and usher him into a gallop. I ride for the whole night. Not slowing despite the pain of all the scratches and the deep cut on my forehead from the shattering glass.. Not till my poor horse is almost floundering. I dismount in a clearing and water the horse slowly, then looking around, to find myself in the Wyldewood, I tend to myself. Washing the many cuts. I wince as I rub a salve into the cuts before binding them. The one on my forehead needed stitches but the best I could do was make an attempt at quelling the bleeding. I rub my temples my head was hurting and there was like this tiny buzzing in the back of my mind. Almost like whispering. It felt like mind speech but was too low to be heard correctly. I lean back against my horse belly. The poor tired beastie has lain himself down. I reach for the book that was the cause of my troubles. I open it curiously. I might not agree with these Prophecies but I loved reading things like this. I open the cover. Whereby the minions of evil reign over the gentle land in cruel hardship and toil. There shall be gathered those of steel, magic and might to join together, wielded as one, each drawn by the acts of the past to rise up and defend the light of creation Beset by perils, threats of a most unholy nature; prevail they must, else all will be lost and the land be plunged into a maelstrom of death and destruction. The very souls bereft from those whom live amongst the gentle earth. Be wary companions, thoust must heed thy warnings and omens. For there shall come to pass one whom will guide you and lead you to the five icons of power, to be unleashed by the keys of magic, steel and love. The gathering of these icons will spell the destruction of all that is evil. You must not fail in your allotted tasks. Companions, the fate of the land relies upon the steady hand and hearts of those chosen to fight for the light of justice, peace and love Go.. and begin your journeys Again these words hit me like a slap in the face and the buzz in my head gets louder. I slam the cover closed again. The best thing I could do would get rid of this book as soon as possible. I close my eyes trying to sleep despite the head wound. What a load of crap. I feel sorry for any of those people who are told they are one of these chosen. I'd run a mile if it where me. Not my scene, not my problem, unless the Outlanders, whose prophecy it was paid me. But then I fortunately had never come under the eyes of the Gods and I planned to keep it that way. Life was complicated enough without their interference in it. ****************************************************************************** Continued in the RP Transcript #1 The First Meeting between Maggie, Ksheyna Fiona and Halloran ****************************************************************************** Dr Darius Being a doctor that works on mages and magic users can be a challenge, especially when your patient has been turned into something that the opponent has forgotten the counter spell to. At the time of the vision I was standing over my operating table, working on the counter for a spell that turns it's victims to stone. Reading aloud the incantation from the Gorgon infliction spell book I suddenly felt queasy and collapsed in a heap on the floor, the vision came in strong and clear. I see a woman in a field calling out to a number of people, telling us to meet her in a place called Wyldewood, she says her name is Maggie and that the balance of good and evil is in a state of decline, she needs us to help her in a fight against someone quite nasty but doesn’t give specifics. I awaken from the brief but clear vision questioning the need for a doctor like myself to be amongst the number that will be gathering, I decide to find out why. After finishing off the wizardly testing spell, returning the teenager to his normal shape (these students.. honestly..) I sit at my desk and write a letter addressed to the head mage. Dear Sir, I will be unavailable for some time. I suggest you give my task to my understudy whom has been training under me for a number of years. Yours sincerely Dr Darius I send it off with a runner and stand determined to set for Wyldewood and get answers to some questions. I leave early the next morning, having packed a few provisions and sensible clothing for who knows what type of situations may arise. Heading to the stable I saddle up Lepitch, my horse for the last 5 years, one that I had used magic upon to give him slightly better than normal horse characteristics, one of them being he had wings. I mount the saddle and set of at a trot out of the mage school of Carpathia, heading north to Wyldewood. Upon reaching the mountains we take flight, covering distances that would normally take a day at least in riding time. We pass over various creatures that the students of the Great Hall are warned not to go near. In fact the mountain ranges were off limits to most students except when they are accompanied for field training in magic. After two hours of flying I bring my steed to ground to let him rest, feed and water, then continuing on our flight to Wyldewood. I fly my steed across hills and vales travelling even into the night attempting to make it to the place of my destination by before midnight. I cast a trail of light from a spell globe under my horse as we approach Wyldewood and land in a clearing next to an aged cottage with stables and other horses already in the stalls for the night. Taking my horse into a vacant stable, I untack him, groom him down and lead him to a feeding bin filled with Leucine and Bran. He eats with a hungry relish. Removing the face cloth that I wear to keep the errant bugs from becoming a mid-flight snack I approach the door of the cottage and knock upon the door and am greeted by the woman from the vision. "Good evening, I believe I am expected? I am Dr. Richard Darius a physician from the mage college the south." Bowrie Girl Flight into the unknown.. Sitting here in a shaded hollow in Wyldewood, I reflect on the past few days. How could I have been such a fool, to think that Daren would leave his wife and come away with me. Thinking back to that night, lying in his arms, “Lets run away together”, “You don’t need her money, as long as we have each other.” Stupid, stupid, stupid, to think he would give up all that wealth for me. Then came the lies and deceptions. The village marshals had come hammering at my door, I had been summoned before the council. Reluctantly I had gone with them. As I entered the Council chambers, there Daren sat with her, holding her hand, looking rather smug at me. I was told that he’d approached the council elders, accusing me of theft, of stealing two bags of gold from their strongbox. I protested my innocence, but to no avail, placed on house arrest till the matter was investigated further. I slip further into the memory till I seem to live it, I manage to sneak myself out of the house, with a few belongings, saddle my horse and start to ride slowly out of the village, wanting to get as far away from these accursed mountains as I could. Hearing the alarm ring out, knowing my escape has been discovered, I fled. The sound of shouting muffled in the distance. I had only a few minutes head start on them. I look around for a place to hide. There! The Forest! I could easily give them the slip there. Looking behind me, I can just make out shapes moving in my direction, “Well the forest it is then.” I say as I spurn my horse on faster. The sounds of the horses and men behind me grow closer as I reach the forest. Ploughing headlong into the thick trees, my eyes search everywhere for a hiding place. I manage to squeeze through a thicket into what seems to be a small hollow, I jump down from my horse and look through a gap, just as the marshals rush past me, breathing a sigh of relief and looking about me. "Well seems as good a place as any to bed down for the night," I say to my horse. So I find myself here, cold and damp in the middle of this big Forest, not knowing which way to go. Settling down for the night, slipping into a fitful sleep, vividly dreaming of a woman standing calling my name, amongst others, and flashes of this forest and a house enter my mind. I awake earlier, just before sunrise, looking around me, this place seems huge. I wonder just how I'm supposed to find this woman who seems to want me so urgently. I hurriedly pack up my belongings, feed and water my horse, and saddle her. The morning sunrise was just beginning and looking as though it was going to be a fine day. Seeing as I don't have a lot else to do, I set off in search of this mystery woman. Dawdling along through the woods, my eyes warily looking around me, jumping at the slightest noise. My horse, a fine white mare which was a present from Daren, seemed to sense my discomfort "What say we move on a little faster eh? I get the feeling this forest is watching us." Kicking her into a trot, we move steadily along the path, "Just hope this is the right way". Just as night falls, I spot a circling of smoke just above the trees a short distance away, "That's got to be it I think Camisra, Shall we give this old goat a visit then, see what she wants with us?" As I get closer to the cottage the path widens into a small compound, we stroll past a large tree, a young woman sits under it, her nose in a book, she looks up as I pass, I smile and she glares back "OK, That one I'll keep on the right side of methinks" I say to myself in a hushed voice. Moving along past a paddock where another two horses stand tethered, "Hmm, I'll put you in there shall I then Camisra," she snorts her agreement as we move silently into the paddock. Vaulting stealthily off her back, I lead her into one of the empty stalls and pat her neck "I won’t be too long girl, be good." I walk up to the door of the cottage and peek through the window, seeing four women in the room. "Well here goes for a grand entrance". I throw open the door, stand leaning on the doorposts, "So, I say, pointing at the old woman, "Are you gonna tell me why your inside my head" "And what do I have to do to get a decent meal round here?" I retort, grinning widely. Dysanter and Gringo "Do you actually know where you're going?" "As a matter of fact I do smart ass! I was born here you know." Several small animals seeing the enormous creature heading in their direction run for their lives. "So how much longer then flea bag, my unmentionables are getting really sore." Said the figure atop the creature. "Ha! Unmentionables my ass, given your reputation I'd have to say they are all you talk about. Besides if it bothers you that much, Walk. I know I could certainly do with a rest." "Shhh, I hear movement...." "Yes I know deafy, they have been following a little ways off for most of the day. Now just keep quiet." Moving silently through the woods there were about twenty figures of large size were keeping pace the with the pair. "What are they?" At this the gigantic horse the man is riding stops and turns his great head towards his rider..... "Are you really that stupid? I mean really we are in my families territory what do you think they are? Now Lord Braindeath I would like to reach the glade by sunset." for the next ten minutes they ride in silence and suddenly they step into an enormous clearing in the middle of which stands an enormous Black charger, who is some 24 hands tall..... With a start Gringo yells "Father, I thought you were dead!" The other horse chuckles ominously as about 50 other, much smaller horses file into the clearing "Gringlasarian, It was my only hope for getting you here, alas you are like me and will not answer any summons short of a funeral notice...Please introduce your friend to me?" At being addressed Dysanter dismounts and bows to the King. "My Lord Ironhoof, I am Lord Dysanter of Mezria...." Gringo interrupts Dysanter... "Why did you summon me then, we have a lot of important things to be doing" "The Guardian seeks an audience with you" "OH Bollocks! Did she say what it was she wanted to talk about?" "Only that you and your companion should go to her immediately. Fair thee well my son." With that the King and his subjects turned back in to the forest "Hey Gringo, who is this guardian and why are you shaking?" "You'll see, jump on" With that Dysanter saddled up and they rode into the night..... "So who is this guardian?" Asked a voice from the pitch black that had fallen in the wood. "I told you she is the Guardian of the Wyldewood, so be nice." Said another voice from the darkness. "Me be nice, I should have thought such a warning would be of more use in relation to yourself you glorified fluffy toy!" "I sass only those who I consider to be inferior to me bubble brain, she is not such a one, and now quiet I can see a fire up ahead. It is more than likely her cottage so let me do the talking when we get there." "Should I dismount?" "Very shortly I think....." This is followed by a sound which sounds suspiciously like someone’s head hitting a branch, followed by the sound of a body hitting the ground. "Gringo you did that on bloody purpose!" "Not my fault if you're not looking for branches." "Right that does it!" The next few moments are full of noisy activity, the source of which is lost in the darkness. "Ok Dysanter I take the point..." "And so what is it that won't do anymore?" "I won't cause you any bodily harm through use of Vegetation, bribery of mercenaries, cutpurses and muggers. I will not kick you through barn doors and I will not attempt to scare off your women....Okay there you are, so can you please untie me?" "Very well." A few minute later they are travelling again. "Okay here we are, now follow me out and let me do the talking...." With that Gringo steps into the circle of light and addresses the assembled guests. "Greetings I am Lord Gringlasarian of the southern tribes I have travelled far and fast to attend the Guardian with my companion the Lord Dysanter de Reinscourt of Mezria. May I see her please?" There is stunned silence and the almost audible thought of "But horses can't talk, can they?" Willow Whitewolf It was in the Province of Kantara, more specifically with the town of Roque Bluffs, where my story begins… It was at an early age that I first learned my affinity with water. From the age of 9, maybe 10, I would wander down to the beach and spend hours playing in the tidal pools. I would giggle with delight as I watched the water turn and rise at a mere thought from me. I felt at home here. Dolphins, sea horses, crabs and other sea life would make their presence known to me. Soon I began spending more time in the water than on land. With each new visit to my ocean friends I felt myself becoming stronger, able to spend more time under water and able to keep time with the dolphins as we played our ocean games. On my fourteenth birthday something miraculous happened. Well maybe I had had the ability all along I’m not sure but this was the day I was first able to become a mermaid. I use that term for lack of a better one. Mermaids are by nature those who live under water but I somehow had the ability to change from mermaid to human by just wishing it, by thinking. More time passed and as I had known for a long time this family who had loved me and raised me could offer me no insight to who or what I was. So sometime shortly after my seventeenth birthday I struck out to find my blood family, to find the ones who could help me learn the magic inside of me, show me how to develop the talents I had only barely tapped into. It was during this time that I began my search and found the Clan of the Whitewolf and my father, my family. Shaman Screaming Eagle had foreseen my arrival and was waiting for me. We talked for days on end. I learned of my people, learned my true name, of the magic of the earth that flowed within me. It is here that I lived and continued my teachings until that fateful night I heard a soft yet demanding voice in my dreams and I knew the time had come for me to tear myself from this loving family and experience life on my own. With tearful goodbyes I gather Dodger and what belongings I can carry in the small pack, mount my horse WindDancer and make my way towards Wyldewood forest. A hand carved quartz handled dagger strapped to my thigh and my fathers bow at my back my only protection barring the use of my magic. I follow a small stream into the forest, jump down from my horse and step into the cool water. I stand there and close my eyes. I open my senses; call out to the water and to the forest around me. I ask them to impart their knowledge unto me, to help me find the woman from my dreams. Within moments they have shown me the path to the one they call Maggie, their guardian. I smile and send my thanks before mounting WindDancer once more and galloping off to Maggie’s cottage in the middle of Wyldewood. I approach silently; dismount once more and with Dodger at my heels I stand at the door ready to knock. ****************************************************************************** Continue to: Introducing the Villains.... or continue this gathering at: Further Arrivals as the chosen are drawn and gathered... Or you may return to the Library ... |